Iloilo Metropolitan Times Volume II • Issue 60

METROPOLITAN

ILOILO

the first business newspaper in metro iloilo

TIMES

VOL. II ISSUE NO. 60

developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com

April 6 - 12, 2014 Php 12.00

Colossians 2:6-7

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATE Weekly MIDPOINT Rates - March 28 - April 3, 2014

USD/PHP

45.0000 44.9500

44.9551

44.9000

44.8713 44.8535

44.8500 44.8000

44.7750

44.7500 Mar 28, 2014

44.7802 Mar 30, 2014

44.8003 44.7579 Apr 3, 2014

Apr 1, 2014

DTI PRICE MONITORING Prime Commodities (25 Oct 2013) Prime Commodities (25 Oct 2013)

CANNED SARDINES Current Price INSTANT NOODLES Current Price

Paradiso (155g) Young’s Town Bonus (155g) Lucky 7 (155g)

12.15 Lucky Me! (55g) 13.00 Payless (50g) 13.25

PROCESSED MILK Current Price

7.10 6.30 Current Price

BREAD

Alaska Sweetened Filled 49.50 Milk - Condensed 300 mL Pinoy Tasty (400g) Alaska Filled Milk 34.50 Pinoy Pandesal Evaporated 370 mL Angel Filled Milk Evaporated 410 mL

35.75

37.00

(pack of 10 pieces) 22.50

DA PRICE MONITORING Processed and Manufactured Commodities (25 Oct 2013) Processed and Manufactured Commodities (25 Oct 2013)

Commercial Rice Regular Milled Well Milled Premium Special (Fancy) Sugar Refined Washed Brown Sugar Cooking Oil Lapad (bottle)

Current Price 35.00/kg 38.00/kg 42.00/kg 45.00/kg 45.00/kg 42.00/kg 38.00/kg

Meat & Poultry Pork Liempo Pigue (Ham) Beef Rump Brisket Chicken Fully Dressed Egg (Medium) Fish Bangus

Current Price

190.00/kg 180.00/kg

260.00/kg 200.00/kg 120.00/kg 4.50/pc

PCPC RATES, LOWEST 20.00

SWEET MANGOES. The Province of Guimaras launches its first ‘Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan’ formerly known as Manggahan Festival on April 1- May 22, 2014. Photo by Reymar Latoza/IMT

BIR to tax payers: ‘Don’t wait deadline’

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES

As the deadline of tax payment approaches, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is appealing to the taxpayers to pay their taxes correctly before the deadline on April 15.

BIR Regional Director Romulo Aguila said this would avoid taxpayers the long line and they may still be assisted by their people.

“Unlike during deadlines that even if we want to assist them, if they are so many we just can’t,” he added.

Aguila also warned those who are not paying the correct taxes because BIR can detect tax leakages.

“With the advent of technology, we can easily determine who pays, BIR to /p11

The Palm Concepcion Power Corp.’s (PCPC) power rate is one of the lowest approved rates of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

This was after its Capital Recovery Fee (CRF) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) rates was validated on the calculations of the ERC following the application for the approval of the Electric Power Purchase Agreement (EPPA).

Aside from PCPC, Negros Oriental I Electric Cooperative’ rates was also approved the lowest.

The decision was based on the accounts of both parties that were

presented during the jurisdictional hearing, expository presentation, pre-trial conference and evidentiary hearing on December 4, 2013.

The approved CRF of Php 2.55/kWh in the EPPA is actually lower by Php0.0133/kWh than the calculated CRF by the Commission hence, this was deemed as being more advantageous to the electric consumers of NORECO I. NORECO I signed a 10-year EPPA with PCPC for the supply of 2 MW capacity of electricity from the coal-fired power plant being constructed now in Barangay Nipa, Concepcion, Iloilo.IMT

Fund for scenic elevator still pending

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The additional five million budget for the Scenic Express, a glass elevator to be constructed outside the Iloilo City Hall Building is still being considered for approval, according to lawyer Helen Catalbas, Regional

Director, Department of Tourism (DOT) 6.

“The P10 million budget was already approved. However, the design given by the architect is amounted to P15 million,” Catlbas said.

Fund for /p11

Current Price 120.00/kg

‘Strong quality service is attraction itself’

BY REYMAR LATOZA

Lawyer Helen Catalbas, Regional Director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) 6 underscored the importance of ‘quality service’ in tourism promotion and development.

“If we have strong quality service in this region, it becomes not only a support to tourism, but it becomes an attraction itself,” Catalbas said at the official signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the different sectors in the region for the Port to Pier (P2P) project.

P2P project aims to improve and strengthen quality services received by the tourists visiting the region by conducting free trainings to the key players in tourism industry like pumpboat, pedicab and van operators, port personnel and tourist guides.

“Labor component is a very important factor. No matter how attractive the tourist destination

maybe, I believe that it is still the human factor that counts a lot,” Catalbas said She added that the Western Visayas tourism rises and falls on the basis of the strengths and weaknesses of its frontline. “This time around, not only the frontline but the entire labor force.”

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 6, the Department of Health (DOH) 6, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 6, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) 6, and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 6 are among the government agencies involved in MOA signing for the promotion of P2P. “If the government agencies will just do their respective functions, this is really a big boost to the quality of tourism in Guimaras and all provinces in WV,” Catalbas disclosed.IMT

‘All boils down to profit’

BY REYMAR LATOZA

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EMAIL ADDRESS

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Gazebo

Seven in 10 business operators are not in favor to extend the ‘pedestrianization’ program of the Iloilo City Government, according to a survey conducted by the IloIlo Metropolitan Times.

Respondents who were randomly selected, asserted that their businesses along JM Basa Street are affected by the closure of Calle Real every Sunday.

The main reason, based on the result, why majority are not keen to continue the program is the drop of their income during the three-month implementation.

They claimed that the profitability of their businesses has weakened even if the program takes effect only every Sunday.

According to Adhor Piad, co-owner of Remie Watch Repair Shop, while it has benefits to our tourism industry, they also have to protect their businesses and the income should be always on top.

Rajan Sujan of Sambo Bazar said the program is a disadvantage on their part because it creates discomfort to the customers.

“Most of our customers are from the provinces. They come here to shop and not mainly to see the heritage buildings,” Sujan said.

All boils /p11

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the first business newspaper in metro iloilo

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April 6 - 12, 2014

Western Visayas developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com

2014 Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan kicks off

Prices of construction materials stable, stocks sufficient

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The country’s top producer of the sweetest mangoes in the world Guimaras launched on Tuesday, April1 2014, its first ever province-wide tourist event dubbed as ‘Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan’.

Participated in by the local officials of the province and municipalities of Guimaras, a grand caravan was conducted to kick off the April 1 to May 22 festival with the theme ‘Maximizing Involvement: Spreading Socio-Cultural and Economic Gains’.

The month-long Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan (formerly known as Manggahan Festival) will be an annual economic and tourism event of the Province of Guimaras , said Governor Samuel Gumarin during the press conference held at the GTIC Function Hall, Guimaras.

“This event involves not only the provincial government but also the local government units (LGUs) of the five municipalities of Guimaras namely Buenvista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo, and Sibunag,” Gumarin said.

Thousands of sweet mangoes will be displayed for sale during the festival in the Province of Guimaras. Photo credits to Junjun Mendoza Jr. “There are lots of exciting activities Gymnasium), National Shooting Fest lined up for the 2014 Manggahan sa – 1st Governor’s Cup (Provincial Police Kabanwahanan,” Gumarin added.

Office Firing Range), Sikaran sa Jordan, The 3rd Manggahan Mango Man a bike competition and Bakbakan Triathlon (Sibunag, Jordan), 8K and sa Jordan –Airsoft Competition ( 16K Mango Run (Jordan), Color Guimaras Advenure Park) are among Fun Run (Provincial Capitol), Balsa the sports events prepared for the 2014 and Banca Race (Sibunag Wharf ), Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan.

Motorcross Competition (Buenavista), Other major events are: Mango Arnis Competition (Provincial Eat All You (five municipalities), Manggahan Festival Cultural competition (in front of Museo de Guimaras), Food Festivals, Agri-Trade and tourism Fair, Balsahan Cultural Palabas (Sibunag), Manggahan to five age group-19 cases; 11-15 age Culinary Arts Competition group at 18 cases; 16-20 age group- 16 (Buenavista), concerts, Search for cases; 6 to 10 age group- 9 cases; Mutya ng Guimaras and Search for Abella said that blood samples Mr. Guimaras. were taken from the patients and Manggahan sa Guimaras Festival sent to the Research Institute for began in 1993 showcasing various Tropical Medicine (RITM Manila) for activities depicting the cultural heritage confirmation. of Guimaras while giving emphasis on Abella added that measles is a the promotion of Guimaras Mango. highly contagious disease which can Guimaras is an Island Province be fatal. It is spread by coughing and located Southeast of Panay and sneezing, and close personal contact. Northwest of Negros in Western Immunity against measles is developed Visayas. IMT following vaccination.

The EPI coordinator said that activities to fight measles is on-going at the various health centers, up even conducting door to door vaccination.

They also get the patients history of travel or contract tracing “so that our health stations will be properly guided as to where the patients may have contracted the disease.”

The annual trade fair of the Immunization against measles is free and available in all health centers. province of Guimaras dubbed According to the World Health Guimaras EcoBazaar held in this city Organization (WHO) the symptoms is aiming to improve last year’s sales of measles include high fever, runny after it made a strong opening on nose, red and watery eyes, and several Monday.

Caryl Noquez, Trade and days later, a rash develops, starting on Industry Specialist of the Department the face and upper neck.

Parents are encouraged to seek of Trade and Industry – Guimaras medical consultations if they observe Provincial Office said the trade fair measles symptoms on their children. was able to generate P72,000 sales, seven hours after it was opened on (JCM/VWV/PIA 6-Antique) Monday, March 31, at the Lower Ground of SM City Iloilo. It will run until April 6.

Noquez said the 2013 trade fair was participated in by 12 Micro, Small other businesses. and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) With this DTI has conducted from the province and generated Mobile BN registration in the town P400,000 sales. of Valderrama in partnership with the “We are hoping to surpass last Municipal Officials. This is in response year’s sales,” said Noquez. to the LGU’s request since DTI BN Around 18 MSMEs joined certificate is being required in the the fair this year, of which four are issuance of mayor’s permit to operate. into gifts and souvenir products, A total of 38 existing businesses in the handwoven bags, purses and mats, barangays filed their applications. housewares and cocoshell products; For the first quarter of this year three are into fresh fruits such as DTI Antique has registered a total mangoes and babana; and 11 into of 524 businesses while in 2013 BN processed foods such as dried mango registration summed up to 1,507. and mango ketchup, cashew nuts, Payment for BN registration fruit-based pies, jams and pickles, depends on its territorial coverage. A banana and camote chips, ginger tea, business operating in a barangay needs and delicacies. to pay P200, Municipality –P 500, Noquez said among the bestsellers Regional – P1,000 and National – in the trade fair are the fresh mangoes P2,000. (JCM/PSM/PIA6Antique) and cashew nuts.

Antique records 126 measles for 1st quarter

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported that some 126 suspect-cases of measles were recorded in the province of Antique from January to early part of March this year.

Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Coordinator Veronica Abella said that of the said figure two cases were confirmed positive, while the other 124 are still pending at the Regional Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM-Manila).

The two positive cases confirmed

by RITM are from the Municipality of San Jose, with twenty-two (22) cases still pending at the RITM Laboratory.

Abella said that the other suspectmeasles cases and are still at the RITM are identified in the following Municipalities: Caluya- 24; Sibalom21; Sebaste – 12; Pandan- 9; Hamtic8; Tibiao- 6; Culasi- 5; Patnongon- 5; T. Fornier- 4; Anini-y- 3; Barbaza- 1; Belison- 1; Bugasong- 1; Laua-an- 1; San Remigio- 1.

The PHO record also shows that 46 suspect-measles cases were recorded in January, 69 cases in February and, 11 this March, affecting 59 males and some 67 females.

The age group with the highest number of cases were the 21 years old recorded at 42 cases, followed by the one-year old age group at 22 cases; one

Guimaras EcoBazaar targets increased sales

The Department of Trade and Industry has assured of sufficient supply of construction materials.

Capiz Trade and Industry Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes said there is no problem with the supply of construction materials at source in line with the reconstruction effort across the province.

Pollentes said that manufacturers of construction materials have increased their production to meet the demand especially in Yolandadevastated areas.

She said that the demand for cement, plywood, steel bars and nails is way above the normal consumption in the province prior to super typhoon Yolanda.

Pollentes likewise assured the public that there will also be no unreasonable increase in the price of construction materials.

“Local retailers forecast that the consumption of cement for the months of April, May and June alone will reach 915,000 bags,” she said, adding that she has already sought the assistance

of DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya to make representation with manufacturers of cement to meet the volume requirement here of said commodity.

Pollentes said that she has likewise requested Maglaya to help in negotiating with operators of Roll On, Roll Off (RORO) buses and Moreta Shipping Lines to allocate a portion of their cargo area for construction and hardware materials in order not to derail the reconstruction momentum.

Earlier, a consultative meeting was initiated by DTI Capiz with major retailers of construction supplies in Roxas City to monitor the demand and supply movement of construction materials.

Pollentes said that the effort was in anticipation of possible choke points or bottlenecks in the supply chain of construction supplies this summer.

She also revealed that they are closely monitoring the prices and supply of said commodities to ensure stability and price here. (DTI/JCM/ JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

902 IP households receive WFP’s rice Each of the 902 Indigenous People (IP) households in seven barangays in Jamindan town received a sack of rice from the World Food Program (WFP) last March 20 as part of the international organization’s rice distribution to supertyphoon Yolanda victims in the province.

The recipients are IP households not enrolled in the national government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) because WFP has also provided financial assistance to all 4Ps enrollees in the municipality, said Jamindan Public Information Officer Norma Chavez.

The town has about 1,500 IP households spread out in the barangays of Jaena Norte, Jaena Sur, Agloloway , Agbun od, San Juan, Pasol-o and Ganzon.

Chavez explained that the rice assistance will mitigate scarcity of food especially among IP communities in the upcoming lean months.

In behalf of the Jamindan

Bukidnon Tribes Association (JABTA), Jamindan mayor Ethel R. Jinon has conveyed her appreciation to Fiona Lithgow of WFP for the truckloads of rice for the IPs whose livelihoods were severely battered by the supertyphoon.

It was learned that the idea to request help from WFP was suggested

by Samaritan House Foundation (SHF) head Guia Gulden during the during the finalization of the municipal government’s identified programs and projects for year 2015.

SHF is a town-based civil society organization.

Aside from the WFP, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, University of Cebu and Red Cross have also provided food packs for the IP members while the International Organization for Migration and Community and Family Service Iinternational have also distributed shelter kits to identified beneficiaries in the IP communities.

(JCM/AAL/PIA6 Capiz)

DTI steps up Business Name registration campaign

The Department of Trade and Industry enjoined all business establishments to have their business name registered in compliance with Republic Act 3883 or the Business Name Law. Information Officer Lynna Joy B. Cardinal of DTI Antique said small businesses like sari-sari stores should register their business name to legalize their businesses.

It has been noted, Cardinal said that most sari-sari stores are not registered due to its small business size. However, she said stores are not exempted and owners should comply with Republic Act 3883.

BN registration gives the owner of the business the assurance that their BN is protected and cannot be used by

GUIMARAS ECOBAZAAR. Shoppers view the various products including the famous sweet mangoes of Guimaras which are displayed in the ongoing Guimaras EcoBazaar at the Lower Ground of SM City Iloilo until April 6, 2014. (LAF/PIA6) In fact, one of the suppliers of the mall is already in negotiation with one venue for Guimaras’ MSMEs to show of the MSMEs for possible supply of and sell their products outside the fresh mangoes. province.

The trade fair, now on its fifth It was dubbed ‘EcoBazaar’ as the year, is organized by the DTI and the MSMEs use biogradable materials in provincial government to provide a the packaging of their products. PIA

April 6 - 12, 2014

METRO BUSINESS

3

Bus and Van companies support phase out of old vehicles

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The bus and van companies in Iloilo hold no bitterness towards the new measure of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ordering to phase out all their PUVs that have

been in use for 13 years and above.

Calinog Bus Liner (CBL) is gradually phasing out some of their old units and replacing them with the new ones.

“Actually, we have already phased out five of our units. It is useless

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is relaunching Thursday the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) program among employers and workers at Sarabia Manor Hotel here.

DOLE Regional Dir. Ponciano M. Ligutom said that the ECC is an attached agency of their department that ensures the implementation of the Labor Code and penalizes employers who fail to comply with the legal provisions.

He also said that the re-launching of the ECC program is intended to strengthen awareness among the employers and workers so they would know how to avail of it.

Atty. Jonathan T. Villasoto, OICDeputy Executive Director of ECC, said that their commission provides additional benefits to work-related injuries or deaths. He said that part of the governing board of ECC is the Social Service System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). The SSS provides benefits for the private company workers while the GSIS for the public employees. If these

two agencies deny claims of workers then the workers could contest with the ECC provided they have proof that their accidents are work related and they have employer-employee relationships.

The ECC program include disability benefits for temporary total disability and permanent total disability, death benefits, monthly pensions, accessory benefits, and entrepreneurial or vocational benefits if workers could not return to work.

He said that the benefits depend on the degree of disability incurred and the salaries of workers.

Government agencies make monthly mandatory contributions taken from the General Appropriations Act while the private companies do the contribution for their workers with the idea that they face liability with their failure.

Villasoto said ECC is having problem with the compliance of private companies that is why they are re-launching the program here to raise awareness. (PNA) LAM/ AJPETINGLAY/VLO

DOLE Iloilo to re-launch ECC program

to have those old ones because the LTFRB will not issue its registration.

Well, it’s an advantage to our drivers because they will use new units,” Henry Calaor, area manager of CBL told Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Calaor added that it is also for the safety of their passengers.

A bus driver, who refused to be named, said that in his case he is not still certain that he will be provided of new unit because their company is

struggling financially to replace their phased out units “If not, I’ll go home and start farming again,” he said On the other hand, a 13-year van driver under CAVODA, a transport company that operates vans in Calinog, Iloilo, said that his unit is set to be replaced next month with a new one.

“It is favorable on our part because we will drive new

units. But if it happens that the company can’t provide us, probably, I’ll stay home and find new work, “Delfin Martinez said.

According to lawyer Winston Ginez, LTFRB chairman, they are now focusing on their modernization program strictly phasing out 15-yearold buses and 13-year-old public utility vehicles (PUVs) to ply on the roads to curb road accidents. (Researcher: Tiffany Baltazar, CPU intern) IMT

The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) orders to phase out all their PUVs that have been in use for 13 years and above to give way for their modernization program. Photo by Flicker.com

P2P project to generate more jobs in WV

BY REYMAR LATOZA

Aside from spearheading job fairs, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 6 also upholds employment generation support programs to cut back the number of unemployed in the Republic of the Philippines Province of Antique region.

Municipality of San Remigio The DOLEOFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL TREASURER 6 with other g o v e r n m ent NOTICE OF DELINQUENCY IN THE PAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAX IN THE MUNICIPALITYOF agencies, local SAN REMIGIO PROVINCE OF ANTIQUE government units NOTICE is hereby served pursuant to the provisions of Section 254, Republic Act No. 7160 (The Local (LGUs) and private Government Code of 1991) that the Real Property Tax due for the Calendar Year 2014 and previous years, has sectors inked a become delinquent with respect to the following: Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) 1.The first installment thereof become delinquent as of April 1, 2014 for the Port to 2.The second on July 1, 2014 Pier (P2P) project 3.The third on October 1, 2014 in the Province 4.The fourth and after December 1, 2014 of Guimaras just Under the Code, upon the real property tax or installment thereof becoming delinquent, the undersigned is recently. charged to enforce collection of delinquent taxes and for this purpose empowered to resort to any of the following D O L E - 6 remedies to satisfy taxes, penalties and cost.

1.Seizure of personal property of the taxpayer and sale thereof at public auction.

2.File civil suit with proper court; 3.Levy on real property and sale of delinquent property or a usable portion thereof at public auction.

However, if at any time before any of the above stated remedies is instituted, payment of the delinquent tax or installment thereof and corresponding penalty hereunder provided is made, it shall free the taxpayer his property from liability to such auction.

Penalty for delinquency: Failure to pay the real property tax during the period of payment without penalty of the quarterly installment thereof shall subject the taxpayer to the payment of interest at rate of two (2%) per month of the unpaid amount of a fraction thereof, until the delinquent tax shall have been fully paid.

Further, unless the tax, surcharges and penalties are paid before the expiration of the year for which the taxes due except when the notice of assessment levy is contested administratively or judiciary pursuant to the provisions of Sec 226 of RA 7160, delinquent real property will be sold at public auction, and the title to/ the property will be vested in the purchaser, subject, however, to the right of the delinquent owner of the property or any person having legal interest therein to redeem the property within one (1) year from the date of sale, and/ or delinquent owners will be filed judicial action in the court of appropriate jurisdiction. These remedies are cumulative, simultaneous and unconditional, that is, any or all of the remedies or combination thereof may be resorted to and the use or non-use of the remedy shall not be a bar against the institution of the others. Formal demand for the payment of the delinquent taxes and penalties due is not a prerequisite to such remedies; the notice of delinquency shall be sufficient for the purpose.

DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS are therefore, requested to pay their delinquent tax or installment thereof to forestall the inclusion of their property in the list of delinquent properties to be sold at public auction.

THIS NOTICE is given for the purpose of the sale at public auction of delinquent properties scheduled on November 18, 2014.

By virtue of the provisions of Section 260 of Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, you are hereby given NOTICE that the undersigned will sell at public auction sale on November 18, 2014 at the Municipal Hall of San Remigio, Antique the real property or usable portion thereof which are hereby certified to be delinquent in the payment of real property tax, to satisfy all delinquent real property taxes penalties and cost due thereon as of sale.

Prepared by: TESSIE J. GUARRA Municipal Treasurer SHERLITA B. MAHANDOG Provincial Treasurer

Regional Director Ponciano Ligutom said that the project aims to improve and strengthen quality services received by the tourists visiting the region.

They will conduct free trainings to the pumpboat operators, port personnel, tourist guides and others all throughout the year.

“I believe that this will boost tourist arrivals in the region. If many tourists are coming in, investments will increase and it will generate additional jobs,” Ligutom said.

This summer, DOLE-6 is expecting the spike of unemployment rate in the region given the number of college graduates this year.

“Definitely the number of job seekers will go up because about 40,000 students will graduate from college this year. It is normal” Ligutom stressed.

Despite of this, Ligutom said

that they are still upbeat to raise employment in WV. As of January 2014, 2.9 Filipinos are jobless, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

The said figure is higher by two million compare to the previous year on the same period.

The government said those who are not working and looking for job are classified as unemployed.

The annual “Asian Development Outlook” for 2014 released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) says that joblessness will weaken the country’s economic growth this year and in 2015.

“The key challenge is to find ways to turn this strong performance into employment that will help to further reduce poverty and support inclusive growth,” ADB deputy chief economist Juzhong Zhuang said. IMT

Insurance Commission advocates least cost in microinsurance disputes Over a hundred stakeholders and institutional partners in Western Visayas were educated on alternative dispute resolution on microinsurance (ADReM) through a seminar held recently at the Smallville21 Hotel here.

In a media release, Insurance Commission (IC) Deputy Commissioner for Financial Services Ferdinand George Florendo said that they have been going around the country presenting the latest circulars by the IC with respect to consumer protection for microinsurance clients particularly

the low-income Filipinos.

“The objective of the seminar was to reach out to stakeholders and institutional partners to get feedback, get information, and learn what work and what problems to be addressed,” he said.

The ADReM is a mechanism devised by the Department of Finance – National Credit Council (DOF-NCC) and the IC, together with the Technical Working Group from representatives of insurance associations, stakeholders, including the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), to protect the poor.

During the seminar, participants and partners from the microinsurance industry in Western Visayas were educated on the circulars issued to encourage various insurance providers to develop insurance products for the poor and expand their coverage.

The seminar also emphasized the operational elements of making redress mechanism for microinsurance claims disputes through the Leastcost, Accessible, Practical, Effectively and Timely resolution of disputes (LAPET).

The ADReM circulars are

initiatives of the Insurance Commission and the Technical Working Group of ADReM to provide an enabling policy and regulatory environment for microinsurance, primarily for consumer protection.

According to Florendo, the Philippines is being looked at as good practice for microinsurance in Asia. At present, almost 20 million Filipinos out of the 97 million populations are covered by microinsurance.

Meanwhile, Dr. Antonis Malagardis, Regulatory Framework Promotion of Pro-poor Insurance Markets (RFPI-Asia) program director, said they have been working in the country for the last five years to support and facilitate the process of developing inclusive insurance with the Philippines as a priority.

Malagardis also highlighted the Philippines’ achievement in the last four years with 20 percent of Filipinos covered through microinsurance compared to only three percent in 2008.

“The challenge is not only to increase the coverage further but to make it sustainable in the years to come,” he added. (JCM/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

METRO NEWS

4

METRO

on the road

LTFRB issues special permits for Holy Week

DepEd

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN

DepEd-6 will ask the Iloilo City government to be more exacting and precise in enforcing its ordinance forbidding business structures within the 100-meter radius distance of schools which include internet shops. This is in the wake of city-based primary and secondary schools’ performance in the recent National Achievement Test (NAT). PIA6

The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) started its Oplan Lakbay Alalay by accepting application from bus companies for special permits that will allow them to ply popular province-bound routes during the Holy Week on April 17-18, 2014.

Annually, thousands of passengers are expected to flock to bus terminals all over the region onset of summer vacation and upcoming Holy Week

NIA The NIA and its stakeholders in the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project will be formulating a Memorandum of Understanding to put in place possible security measures and strategies when bigger activities will be undertaken. PIA6

DOLE The Employees’ Compensation Commission has set up a Regional Extension Unit here in Western Visayas to bring its programs & services closer to the regions. The new ECC REU is located at the DOLE 6 Regional Office in Jaro, Iloilo City. PIA6

PRO The PNP PRO6 Regional Advisory Council for Police Transformation and Development is meeting this morning at PRO6 headquarters in Iloilo City to take up updates on certification and performance governance reporting and proposed council projects and their corresponding committees.

PIA6

celebration.

LTFRB chairman Atty. Winston Ginez said bus companies will have only until April 4 to submit their applications.

Ginez said special permit issued is valid only from April 14 to 21.

In Region 6, there are more or less 1, 000 registered bus units that were confirmed by the LTFRB yearly.

Most of these units are bound to most renowned Island of Boracay in Aklan province where most of the

More informal settlers face ejectment

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN More illegal settlers are facing ejectment cases in this city and could be displaced anytime from now, said City Urban Poor Affairs Office (Icupao).

Icupao chief Wilfredo Jurilla said there are more than 500 families in villages of Ingore and Baldoza, all in La Paz district and Bolilao in Mandurriao district here could be displaced as court orders for their ejectment case may be served to them.

Jurilla admitted there is no available relocation site for them as the city government lack of land banking to cater those to be displaced illegal settlers due to several development programs in the city.

Although, the Icupao chief said that the city government has already acquired several property in Jaro

district but this could not cope up the numbers of all the illegal settlers to be displaced soon.

“The Commission on Audit (COA) only allowed the city government to buy lot at P 400 per square meter but nobody is interested to sell their lot at very low price”, he said.

Meanwhile, Jurilla said around 417 families will have their house assignment at the Iloilo River Plains Subdivision Phase 1 in Brgy, CamaligLanit, Jaro district on Friday.

He said these 417 families are apart from 441 families whose houses were already awarded to them recently.

Jurilla stressed those lot awardees were affected by the ongoing development projects at the Iloilo River and road widening at Diversion road in Mandurriao district. IMT

Women with disability urge strict implementation of PWD laws

DOH Dr. Elvie Villalobos, DOH-6 Head for Infectious Disease Cluster, said that people should do away with traditional home remedies for sore eyes including malunggay, mangosteen, and even human urine for these do not have scientific explanations/basis for cure. He said using these remedies will just worsen a person’s condition. PIA6

DSWD DSWD 6 is calling for volunteers to assist in the repacking of goods at Juan Tong Building in Rizal, Lapuz, Iloilo City for its third & last trance of distribution for Yolanda survivors. A total of 515,071 families in the region are expected to receive the relief goods amounting to P887 million. PIA6

DA

Farmers hope to make it easier, faster and less costly to market their produce and to hike their income with the use of a P2.9 million agricultural tramline system put up by DA in Brgy San Antonio, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. PIA6

April 6 - 12, 2014

Photo by Iloilo City Government Women with disability in the Iloilo have called on the government for a stricter implementation of the laws that empower and protect their rights as persons with disabilities (PWD).

In a focus group discussion conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-6 held recently, Sharon Pudadera, social worker for the Association of Disabled Persons in Iloilo (ADPI), said that there are number of laws that provide opportunities for PWDs and protect them from discrimination but these are not strictly and effectively implemented.

This includes Republic Act No. 7277, an act providing for the rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of disabled persons, and Batas Pambansa 344, otherwise known as Accessibility Law. Pudadera said that concerned agencies should strictly monitor public and private buildings and related structures for public use if these facilities follow the specifications mandated by the law.

“It is expensive to include accessibility in these structures

especially if it is not part of the plan,” she said.

Meanwhile, Blessilda Mabilog, team leader of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), said that PWDs should be given more opportunities to exercise responsibilities in the community.

She said that PWDs should be allowed to take part in more community endeavors because we have something to contribute.

She also said that there is still a need to raise correct awareness on PWDs and more programs for livelihood support.

On one hand, Kristine Sinoro, an Education graduate from West Visayas State University, said more provisions for instructional and resource materials are needed in schools to address the needs of PWDs. According to PDAO, there are around 213 women with disabilities recorded in Iloilo City alone.

Proclamation No. 744 declares the last Monday of March of every year as Women with Disability Day. This year’s theme was “Isulong: Pantay na Karapatan Para Kay Juanang May Kapansanan”. (JSC/LTP-PIA6 Iloilo)

local and foreign tourists flock every summer season to swim at the island’s white sand and enjoy other recreational activities.

Ginez said through the strict implementation of LTFRB-6 director director Romulo Bernardes, all these bus companies could already secure their special permits before the

deadline ends.

He warned to arrest those erring bus companies who will be failed to secure their permits and encouraged the public to report violators at the nearby LTFRB office.

The LTFRB also inspect the road worthy of all the bus units before the issuance of the special permits. IMT

Seaports under tight monitoring for illegal drugs

Photo by ilongo.weebly.com

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN Seaports are still the major entry points of illegal drugs in Western Visayas, confirmed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6 (PDEA6).

Currently, the PDEA-6 is monitoring all seaports in the region particularly those with Roll-on/Rolloff (roro) vessels as summer season starts.

There are 17 major seaports in the region.

Among these ports are two international ports in Loboc, La Paz, Iloilo City and BREDCO port in Bacolod City.

The Muelley port plying IloiloBacolod vice versa and Fort San Pedro are also target of routine monthly monitoring of the agency.

Also, the ports in San Jose and Lipata in Culasi, both in Antique and Culasi port in Roxas City, Dumaguete and Caticlan ports in Aklan.

In Iloilo, PDEA-6 is monitoring ports of Estancia, Dumangas and Culasi in Ajuy and several ports in Negros Occidental including Banago Wafts, San Carlos in San Carlos City, Danao ports in Escalante City, and ports of Pulupandan, and Victoria City.

PDEA-6 director Paul Ledesma said they will start their strict monitoring in Caticlan port in Aklan where big roro vessels are plying in Luzon and Mindanao vice versa.

“Not necessary that Caticlan port where Boracay Island is located has been identified to be the shipment point of drugs but because of more roro vessels are entering the area going to other provinces in the region”, he said.

Starting on Saturday, Ledesma said that they will start deploying K-9 or sniffing dogs at the area to deter possible entry of illegal drugs.

The director said that they will be coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard 6 (PCG-6) for doing the preemptive measures.

The PCG-6 has 10 K9 or bomb sniffing dogs being scattered regionwide.

There are three standby K9 dogs in areas of Muelle Loney and Fort San Pedro, all in Iloilo City, another three in Boracay, two each for Bacolod City and Dumangas, Iloilo , respectively.

The PCG-6 is tasked to conduct regular inspections, paneling and sanitation of all port facilities, vessels, baggage and cargoes prior to departure.

IMT

PDEA-6 monitors new ‘female’ drug personalities

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6 (PDEA-6) is currently monitoring new female personalities engaged in illegal drug trade in Western Visayas.

PDEA-6 director Paul Ledesma said these women are into drug pushing and using while some were being used as front of illegal drug trade based on the report they gathered from the Barangay Anti- Drugs Abuse Council (BADAC) all throughout the region.

Ledesma said they already have the list of these new female personalities but he refused to elaborate more on the issue so not to jeopardize their ongoing operation.

In previously years, the PDEA-6 identified and monitors 23 drug dens in the region which majority were

already neutralized before year 2009.

Ledesma said his men are also intensifying their monitoring of rollon, roll-off (ro-ro) ports to prevent the entry of illegal drugs in the region.

“Those into drug trafficking are taking advantage of the ro-ro to transport prohibited substances”, he said.

To preempt the possible entry of drugs especially this summer season, the PDEA-6 together with the Philippine Coast Guard 6 (PCG-6) are doing preemptive measures.

In fact, the PCG has deployed K9 dogs at seaport areas to help detect possible entry of illegal drugs and explosives.

The PCG-6 has 10 K9 or bomb sniffing dogs being scattered regionwide. IMT

April 6 - 12, 2014

METRO HEALTH

5

DOH-6 warns public against six summer diseases

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN

The Department of Health 6 (DOH-6) has reiterated its public warning against six common diseases (6S) this summer season.

“The 6S are sore eyes, sun burn, sipon at ubo (cough and colds), suka at tae (vomiting and diarrhea), sakit sa balat (skin disease) and sakmal ng aso (dog bites),” DOH-6 infectious disease cluster head Dr. Elvie Villalobos said during the press conference held at the Amigo Terrace Hotel, Iloilo City on Wednesday.

Villalobos added that the public should be aware of these diseases so

that they could prepare to protect their skin and bodies.

Here are the tips on how to address the 6S, according to DOH-6: 1. Sore eyes or conjunctivitis, when mistreated, can lead to blindness.

More than just eye irritation, it can easily be due to harmful bacteria, or viruses that easily spread to other people. Hand washing can limit its spread. Health experts advise not to use eye drops without consulting doctor.

2. Sunburn can be prevented if you time your outdoor activities.

Outdoor activities must be done in

the early morning or late afternoon.

Avoid the sun between 10 am to 2 pm.

Hide in the shade or seek cool places to prevent ill-effects of too much sun exposure.

Use sunscreen appropriately like choosing a product that retard against both UVA and UVB rays, with at least an SPF30, applying them in 30 minutes before actual sun exposure and not sparingly at best, and also replying if exposure will be extended and not sparing the ears and nape areas nor the feet.

Drink 8-12 glasses of water a day to avoid heat stroke. Remember not

MELANOMA: A DEADLY SKIN CANCER

An ugly-looking mole that suddenly appears on your skin might be a sign of this deadly skin cancer.

Melanoma, according to experts, is a skin condition which affects the cells called melanocytes, the producers of skin pigment, or melanin.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), over 200,000 cases of melanoma are being diagnosed globally every year.

The DOH also added that around 65,000 of them die.

The ‘ABCDE’ symptoms

Melanin is responsible for skin and hair color. It can appear on normal skin, or it may begin as a mole or other area that has changed in appearance. Some moles that are present at birth may develop into melanomas.

Having moles and other spots on the skin is completely normal, however, if you notice any changes on these moles and spots, then you have to be cautious.

The NIH comes up with an ‘ABCDE’ system for the people to remember possible symptoms of melanoma.

‘ABCDE’ stands for asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolution.

Asymmetry refers to the shape of the mole. It is considered assymetrical when one half does not match the other.

Border refers to the edges that are ragged, blurred or irregular Color may include shades of black, brown and tan on the skin.

Diameter is for the change in size, usually an increase.

Lastly, the evolution of the mole has changed over the past few weeks or months.

Treatment

Just like with other kinds of cancer, early diagnosis is a must for melanoma.

If the condition has been diagnosed early, the cancerous mole or spot can be removed immediately through minor surgery.

Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiation, biologic, and targeted therapies.

A report from ABS-CBN News stated that aspirin is tied to lower risks of melanoma.

Citing a study, the report said that the use of aspirin for five years or longer was linked to a 30% reduction in skin cancer risk.

If symptoms persist, consulting a doctor is advised. The NIH explained that researchers continue to study new treatments for melanoma.

Pamilyaonguard. PamilyaOnGuard

to stay under the sun too long. Holy week penitents can also benefit from these tips.

3. Sipon at ubo easily spreads even during the summer months as erratic weather bring sudden downpour from time to time. Senior citizens are advised to get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season begins in June.

The DOH is also monitoring suspect cases infected with the new coronavirus, the World Health Organization already reported 16 cases with nine deaths.

The new corona virus infection is characterized by respiratory symptoms with progressive respiratory difficulty.

Remember to wash your hands frequently and to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.

Better still, stay at home when you are sick. Our airports will continue to screen travelers as a routine precaution to prevent the spread of the diseases that may spread internationally.

4. Suka at tae follows consumptions of contaminated food

or drinks. This summer, be cautious of street foods and even with those prepared for out-of-town trips.

Remember that food spoils easily during hot summer months. Always have oral rehydration salt solution at hand just in case you get bad diarrhea.

5. Sakit sa balat is another common summer diseases in areas where water becomes scarce so that daily bathing is compromised. Inmates in crowded prison can easily spread infection from boils.

Skin diseases abound when one swims in dirty water or unmaintained public swimming pools. Remember to take a bath before and after plunging into the pool and please do not urinate in the pool. However, the real danger in swimming is drowning. Children should not be left alone in the pool or beach.

6. Sakmal ng Aso can lead to rabies if wound are not washed and cared for.

Make sure dogs are vaccinated against rabies. If you sustain dog bites, visit the animal bite center to get rabies vaccination. IMT

Photo by webmd.com

T E C H N O L O G Y

Samsung Galaxy S5 hands-on: the phone you’ve been waiting for?

The Galaxy S5 smartphone isn’t the stunner that we expected, there’s nothing fresh about the way it looks nor is there one key feature that screams innovation but through the sum of its new parts it still positions itself as smartphone that many users will want in 2014 MANILA, Philippines - Once upon a time Samsung’s Galaxy S3 was THE Android smartphone of choice.

With its fresh new look, unrivaled spec sheet and excellent camera, the S3 came at a time when scales were tipping in favor Google’s smartphone operating system. The phone sold over 50 million units, more than even the the iPhone, making it most popular smartphone of 2012.

One year later however, the global smartphone landscape was completely different with the likes of Apple, LG, Nokia and Sony releasing smartphones that were as good if not better than Samsung’s new flagship, the S4.

Thankfully in the world of smartphones, every year is a chance to start over and do better. With rivals breathing down its neck, Samsung bolts first out of the gate this year with a brand spanking new flagship smartphone.

The Galaxy S5 smartphone isn’t the stunner that we expected, there’s nothing fresh about the way it looks nor is there one key feature that screams innovation but through the sum of its new parts it still positions itself as smartphone that many users will want in 2014.

DESIGN Hard to miss is the striking resemblance of the S5’s front face to

its predecessors the S3 and S4. The S5 is neither thinner, nor lighter. Its front face is in fact a bit chunkier with an aluminum frame that protrudes slightly around the sides of the display – removing any illusion of a screen that tapers off onto the sides of the phone.

Button placements are the same – volume rocker on the left, power button on the right, and on the front of the phone below the display, the same capsule-shaped home button that now functions as a fingerprint scanner.

Samsung’s 3 year-old rounded corners design is very much alive, and plastic is still the name of the game although the S5’s faux leather back gives it a different feel, almost premium but not quite.

While faux leather is fast becoming a standard on all Galaxy devices since the Note 3, the perforated texture on the S5’s removable back plate looks different, feels better, and doesn’t have the heavily criticized stitching of the Note 3 and Tab Pro. CAMERA One of the standout features of the Galaxy S5 is its camera.

The S5 is the first smartphone camera in the world with phase detection autofocus. A feature only available on a few premium mirrorless cameras and on DSLRs, phase detection gives the S5 super fast and accurate autofocus and makes it easier to focus on subjects in low light.

It’s smart of Samsung to address autofocus speeds. As smartphone cameras get better and better, everyday users begin looking at other differentiating factors, like the speed at which they can take photos. With

phase detect on the S5, the time it takes for the camera to focus on its subject jumps from 1 second on the S4 to about 0.3 of a second.

The S5 also sports a larger 1/2.6inch sensor and more megapixels (16MP vs 13MP on the S4). Sensor size is a key factor in being able to take better photos, with better low light performance and depth of field. The S5’s image sensor is larger than the sensors on the iPhone 5s (1/3.0”) and LG G2 (1/3.06”) and but smaller than the sensor on the Xperia Z1 (1/2.3”) and the Lumia 1020 (1/1.5”).

The S5’s camera app has been simplified and is more reminiscent of the stock camera app on the Nexus 5 - simple, just the way Google intended it to be. On its left hand-side 1 new feature is given top billing. When turned on, “Focus Select” mode allows you to adjust which portion of the photo is in focus after you’ve taken the photo. Pick between front focus, rear focus, and pan focus to either create an image with creamy depth of field, or one with hardly any.

FINGERPRINT SCANNER Like Apple’s iPhone 5S, the S5

comes with a built-in fingerprint scanner. You can use your finger print to unlock the phone, sign-in to your Samsung account, turn on/off Private Mode and make authenticate purchases using PayPal. Setting up the finger print scanner takes 8 readings. To use, quickly swipe your finger from the middle-bottom part of the display onto the S5’s physical home button. In the limited time that we had with the S5, we found that readings were pretty accurate but required that your finger was centered on the home button - veering either to the left or right of the button will result in an read- error.

WATERPROOF Like Sony’s line of Xperia devices, Samsung is making weather proof functionality a standard - and not an option like it did with the S4 which was offered in a water-resistant variant the S4 Active. The S5 has one port cover on the bottom of the device to cover the micro USB port, its headphone jack contains a protective membrane that prevents water from seeping through.

The device has an IP67 rating and is certified water resistant and dust proof.

SPECS Specs-wise, the S5 receives minor improvements overall. A slightly larger 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display (vs the 4.9-inch display on the S4), a 2.5GHz quad-core processor (vs 1.9GHz quad-core on the S4), the same 2GB of RAM, and a slightly better 2800 mAh battery (vs the 2600 mAh battery on the S4).

Despite the minor bump in specs the S5 outperforms the S4 35731 to 26147 on benchmarking app Antutu.

Playing videos and watching games was pretty bump-free.

We’ll probably need more time with the S5 to say for sure whether or not it would be a phone that we’d want to switch to, or as I said in a recent piece, one I’d want to settled down with. The saying first impressions last however holds true - and while we are left disappointed by the lack of a long-overdue makeover its superior camera, fingerprint scanner and water resistance are features that will make us want to spend more time getting to know the device. — Rappler.com

6

METRO OPINION

EDITORIAL

Rough Road

Reknowned urban planning expert Luis Rodriguez said Pedestrian-oriented shopping streets can be key to making communities more livable, particularly when they are well designed, managed and strategically connected to networks of public transit, pedestrian paths and bike routes.

Pedestrian-only shopping streets (POSS) have been very popular for many years in many European cities, but they also exist elsewhere. They usually consist of one single street, or two or more streets that interconnect with each other, often through a square, to form a continuous and longer lineal street (planetizen.com).

According to Wikipedia, the term “pedestrianised zone” is used in British English, and most European countries use a similar term.

The first purpose-built pedestrian street in Europe is the Lijnbaan in Rotterdam, opened in 1953. The first pedestrianised shopping centre in the United Kingdom was in Stevenage in 1959.

In Copenhagen, the auto-free zone is a great tourist attraction - and offers plentiful of restaurants - outdoor sidewalk cafes - fast food - specialty shops – art galleries - gift stores - department stores - street entertainment - theatres - museums and much more. Day and night there’s always something to see and do on “Strøget” (copenhagenet.dk).

In Iloilo, ‘Pedestrianization’ is referred to converting the whole stretch of Calle Real in the downtown proper walkable for pedestrians. The place was utilized every Sunday for three months where presentations and cultural programs were held along the beautiful and scenic views of century-old heritage buildings. It lasted on a threemonth experiment.

Authored by Councilor Jason Gonzales, the ‘Pedestrianization’ aims to promote the heritage structures dotted in one of the most significant places in Iloilo City – Calle Real. There the 18 of 25 heritage structures declared by the city council are situated in the Calle Real.

While the businesses in a pedestrianized city in other countries have shown good local economy in terms of profit and customers, Ilonggos tend to repel from a shortterm torment in exchange for a much better opportunity in the future.

In a survey conducted by our team, seven in 10 business operators in Calle Real are not in favor to extend the ‘pedestrianization’ program justifying that the move will only weaken their business.

Respondents, who were randomly selected, asserted that their businesses along JM Basa Street are affected by the closure of Calle Real every Sunday.

The main reason, based on the result, why majority are not keen to continue the program is the drop of their income during the 3-month implementation.

While it is true that tourists don’t just come in Calle Real to take pictures but to buy something for them, it is also true that tourists visits the place to buy something but not the slippers and shoes around there.

The point here is: Why can’t we allow ourselves to suffer a little when we know that the goal of this produces a long-term result. And while we are embracing the change in this aspect, we could might as well take advantage of improving our products and businesses.

With these, both parties are growing up together, feeding each others’ needs.

Pacquiao versus Bradley

(Obviously, not Manny Pa c q u i a o versus the Bureau of Internal Revenue.)

Immediately after Manny Pacquiao lost his fight against Timothy Bradley for a WBO welterweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on June 9, 2012 by split controversial decision, Manny Pacquiao said that he don’t want to finish the whole 12 rounds in the rematch.

After almost two years – almost, because to make it two years, it is short of two months – that rematch is coming on April 12 (April 13 in the country), 2014 in the same Arena.

It is the time for those who lost in bets in the previous match to take their revenge in the ring, and it is also time for those who win to prove their victory once more. Those who like to bet in boxing has a great opportunity now, and likely it is, that the stakes will be high

as some reasons to increase their bets are likely being formulated to motivate them.

This is apparently an event to watch for the avid fans of Manny Pacquiao, some of whom are preparing and pushing for their idols bid for the Senate post in 2016.

But regardless of the political plans of Manny, the scheduled boxing bout is something that peoples around the world would like to watch.

It is an event that will satisfy or frustrate the hunger of his fans for revenge or prove his worth, or answer the longing of many who between the two is the man for the title.

Pacquiao versus Bradley Part Two, who is not going to watch this rematch?

But even if others will fail to watch this rematch, their curiousity will still be there to find out the winner. And I am one of them. **** 2016 ELECTIONS: Will the alliance of the Liberal Party

Heroes

T

here is a saying that goes: ‘Save one life, you are a hero. Save a hundred lives, you are a firefighter’. Firefighters are known to be real life heroes who are willing and ready to save lives in any situation to the extent of giving their own lives so that others may live. They leave their families to save yours.

But firefighters are not the only real life heroes. In fact, there are heroes all around us, doing their sacrifices in silence and dedication for the betterment of his fellow human being and humanity. The armed forces of our country, the police, the honest worker, the dedicated OFW, the conscientious commuter who never threw trash outside the jeepney’s window, and even the trafficobedient driver, all are real life heroes who contributed to the greater good of humanity. To me, they are heroes all.

Araw ng Kagitingan or Heroes Day is commemorated every April 9th of the year, remembering the heroism of our nation’s fallen heroes in defending the motherland against foreign invaders.

Despite enormous odds our heroes rose up to fight for our freedom, the very freedom we enjoy today, and sometimes abuse, too. To fully emphasize the significance of the acts of bravery and heroism of our nation’s heroes, the 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army conceptualized a laudable activity that would focus on the real life heroes of today.

This year’s Araw ng Kagitingan Theme: “DAGAYAW SA KALINAW” (Convergence for Peace) bespeaks the best intention of this activity which will happen on April 8 thru 10 at SM City Iloilo. The 3rd CMO Battalion, PA aims to converge all the peacekeepers and first

and the Nacionalista Party break for the 2016 Presidential Elections? This is a question that is worth answering. But who knows?

Senator Cynthia Villar of the NP was quoted to have said: “We don’t have any problems with the LP now but 2016 is a different matter.”

Does her statement mean to suggest that the alliance will, or may, break? **** CHESS TOURNAMENT. I am sorry to say that I cannot push for the scheduled chess tournament this April 8-9, 2014 to coincide with the Semana sang Iloilo celebration because of some problems that have been left unsettled as of this writing.

The situation is actually discouraging, but I am committed to chess development always, for the rest of my life. Meantime, please bear with us – Iloilo Lawyers and Professionals Chess Club, Inc..

**** LUCKIEST GUY IN MAASIN POLITICS. I chanced to meet the seasoned politician Mayor Mar Malones in the Maasin Catholic Church last Saturday and told him that he is the luckiest guy in Maasin politics.

He was declared Mayor with 5 votes over his opponent. He said that it was God’s will that he won because he already conceded by telling his supporters that he lost the 2013 election, before all the election returns were counted.

But I also told him that I abstained my vote for Mayor of Maasin. He confided that he wants a new name to become Mayor of the town, but still he cannot find one.

I just kneeled and prayed beside him that his luck will do good for the people of Maasin.# **** Send feedback to: arnoldcares@yahoo.com

line of defence agencies and showcase their wares, their works, their missions and their uniforms in a variety of static displays, photo exhibit, blood letting and ramp show featuring the different models from the armed forces, PNP, BFP, PDEA, NBI, ICER, Red Cross, and the rest of the allied agencies under the public safety nomenclature.

Outside of the mall, all the equipment, wares, arms and munitions, firetrucks, patrol cars, rescue equipment and vehicles can be viewed, touched and discussed with the very personnel using them by the practically anyone who wants to visit the static display.

These will be displayed for three whole days. Inside the mall, booths with flyers and pertinent information of agencies can be found. The photo exhibit will represent the participating agencies in fulfilling their mission, captured in in action. The highlight of the activity is the two-day ramp show featuring

the uniforms of the different participating agencies. As we know, our uniformed organizations have different uniforms for the different units and mission. The BFP has 8 kinds of uniform, the PNP has 12, and for sure the armed forces will showcase more. Each apparel will be worn on stage and showcased by personnel of the agency who will do their best to conquer the stage and their stage fright just to show to us what they wear when they protect the nation. These people never feel fear in front of fires and adversaries but the stage is supposed to give them a different fear that they need to formulate an Operations Plan (OPLAN) to finish the mission and conquer the stage. The first ramp show will happen in the afternoon of April 8 and the final judgement will be in the afternoon of April 9. Be sure to visit and witness the showcase of our men in uniform, our real life heroes.

The Need to Belong

T

h e family is the basic unit of the society. To belong to a family that cares about you and loves you is the greatest feeling of all. The family is always equated with comfort, love and support. The need to belong or to be affiliated with a group is one of our basic psychological needs.

In her book, “The Seven Basic Psychological Needs” Dr. Honey Carandang talks about our basic human need to connect with others, at least with another human being, to not feel isolated.

We need to belong to a group, a family, peers, friends, a church or civic or sports group. We need to be supported and to know that we are not alone in this

world, especially when we are facing trials in our lives.

To be accompanied on one’s life journey is almost a necessity. It is always a blessing to have people who are “on call” no matter what time and season we are in. I have been blessed to have a few but significant people which is my support group.

These people are those i can count to be there when the going gets tough. My family is ultimately the most important.

They are my comfort and my strength. Just the thought of them makes me look at life in an entirely different way. It is because of them that life is so much fun and worth living.

Having friends who are sincerely caring and understanding is another

April 6 - 12, 2014

feather on one’s cap.

Friends sometimes see in us what our family can’t. They are sisters and brothers in disguise who are always ready to help us. I have been gifted with a few of this kind of friends. We may not see each other often but when we do, it seems like we haven’t really been away from each other.

Amidst all the suitors, courtship, boyfriends, getting married, having babies and eventually raising up children we have been there for each other.

These are the people i know who will take my phone call in the middle of the night and listen to my rant and sobs.

Having work friends is another aspect that makes our life more exciting. In a

workplace where situations are not always at their best, it helps to have people who will listen to you and share the same sentiments as yours. We spend a lot of time at work that it is important to have people who understand us, share laughters and tears with us and of course share the lunch table with us.

Life is always an adventure. What makes it exciting and fun are the people who journey with us. May we find people who are willing to share this adventure with us and stay in our lives for keeps.

Have a fun adventure ahead! Next week, read about the need for selfexpression.

Send your comments and reactions to sha_rose18@yahoo.com.

April 6 - 12, 2014

METRO OPINION

Energy Disintegration

T

he problem of energy security is not something that is being confronted by the Philippines alone but also by member nations to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN. Formed in 1967, the ASEAN is a political and economic grouping formed by Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

The membership to ASEAN has since expanded to include Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam and the concerns being discussed at the ASEAN level covers economic growth, cultural development, social progress, peace and stability and it provides the venue to discuss peaceful solutions on issues of conflicts.

In July 2003, the ASEAN Ministers on Energy met in Langkawi and called for intensified cooperation in the development and exploitation of the energy resource potentials in the ASEAN region, as well as in

attracting private sector participation and investment in the ASEAN energy sector.

The Ministers agreed to work collectively on two major projects: the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline and the ASEAN Power Grid Projects which will provide greater stability and security of energy supply in the ASEAN region.

These projects is illustrated in what the ASEAN refer as the Interconnection Master Plan Study, a reference document to guide the implementation of the electricity interconnection projects which indicates that there are 11 potential power interconnection projects for implementation up to 2020.

The project is expected to generate potential savings of about US$ 662 million (referenced in year 2000 prices) in new investment and operating costs resulting from such interconnections. There are currently eight interconnection projects at various stages of implementation in

ASEAN. The Interconnection Master Plan is a document which is not being discussed in the Philippines to power stakeholders by the Department of Energy. With all the problems besetting the Philippine power sector, one would be curious to know if the Philippines is included in the master plan or where it is located among the 11 potential power interconnection project.

Around 6-years ago, when the concept of ASEAN energy interconnection was discussed by one of the Filipino energy expert that served as its consultant, he presented the circumstances why the Philippines’ connection to the “One ASEAN Power Grid System” seemed impossible to undertake.

First, the Philippines is faroff from mainland Asia hence it is considered at the tail-end of the power grid system. The challenges being presented by the distance alone is enormous both in terms of engineering

or a woman and a horse. The judges of Peter’s Prize are rather progressive thinkers who want to push Hiligaynon literature forward. 2] It must be at least 2,500 but not more than 4,000 words. I’m rigid about the word count requirement, and as the first reader of all entries, I will just disqualify those entries that do not conform to the rules. 3] It must have at least an 80% Hiligaynon vocabulary, if mixed with other languages and dialects. 4] It must be submitted in the format: a] Title of the story, b] Author’s real name, c] Author’s email address, and d] the complete Story. 5] It must be sent to either: a] my personal Facebook account: Peter Solis Nery, with the pink suit in the profile photo, as a private message; b] the Facebook page of The Peter Solis Nery Foundation, as a message, not as a public-seen post; or c] as an email to: 500tinaga@gmail.com. Facebook

submission is preferred, and has a quick acknowledgment mechanism.

7

and financial resources.

The consultant, in fact, expressed some apprehension if at the end the Philippines will be able to make it into integrating its power systems to the ASEAN Power Grid.

Domestically, the Philippines alone is confronting its own set of problems concerning its power systems. The entire archipelago, he emphasized, is not connected by one transmission system operated by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines. Its island groupings like Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, has transmissions which is not looped.

This alone makes the dispatch of power through the transmission line inefficient and costly.

He likewise expressed apprehension if the entire ASEAN will be able to invest the huge financial requirement of connecting the Philippines to the ASEAN Grid or how will the Philippines be able to generate the financial resources for its connection considering its immense debt and the demand of annual debt payment.

Our country is also facing

continuous power shortages in such short period of time in spite of the fact that the DoE has maintained issuance of permits for the construction of coalfired power plants all over the country.

In the 20th Meeting of the Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/ Authorities or HAPUA in Siem Reap, Cambodia in May 2004, it reviewed the progress of implementation of its projects in the areas of renewable energy, power interconnection, research, development and engineering, human resources management and development, geothermal energy, rural and urban electrification, Electric Power Information Centre, use of combined cycle power plants, deregulation and reform of power utilities.

All of these concerns are geared towards how these systems can be optimized through integration by member nations to the ASEAN. The Philippines remains isolated from these projects and can be considered disconnected from the ASEAN power systems while majority of the nations to the ASEAN will end up connected and will enjoy the benefits of energy security through integration. ###

Nery Foundation for a fiscal year starting November 2014. As in all the other Peter’s Prize categories, all literary pieces entered to the contest are guaranteed publication, subject to editing, under the Peter’s Prize Best of Hiligaynon Literature book series that will be launched at this year’s awards night. Diinkapa?

comedy is very, very difficult, but most people know a sob story or two.

THE SADDEST LOVE STORY EVER TOLD – Redux

H

ow’s your move to Maryland?

I’m still dizzy, and I’m yet to set up my internet connection, so I’m not really in the mood to write a new column.

But it’s April already, and by the end of the month, a Peter’s Prize 2014 contest ends, so I thought that this would be a good time to remind prospective participants.

It’s The Saddest Love Story Ever Told, right?

Yes, Peter’s Prize 2014 is currently accepting entries for the category called Ang Pinakamasubo nga Sugilanon sang Paghigugma nga Nasaysay [The Saddest Love Story Ever Told]. The requirements are: 1] It must be a sad love story. It doesn’t matter if it is a love story of a cat and a dog, or a man and another man,

What’s the deadline? What’s the prize?

The Saddest Love Story Ever Told contest actually started on Facebook on Valentine’s Day, February 14. Deadline is set on April 30, 2014, midnight, Philippine standard time. P5,000 in cash for the first prize; P3,000 for the second prize; and P2,000 for the third prize. For increased chances of winning, contestants can send as many entries as they want. All winners will be awarded certificates of merit. In addition, the first prize winner will be awarded a beautifully crafted, specially made, 3-inch diameter Peter’s Prize medallion during the awards night in early September, and he/she will be commissioned as a literary ambassador of The Peter Solis

Francisco Balagtas sa panahon ng FB

BY VIM NADERA

Mas maiintindihan ng bagong henerasyon na na-Napoles ang pondo ng bayan sa Kongreso at hindi na si Adolfo ang tauhan kundi sina ‘Tanda, si Pogi at si Seksi’ batay sa ‘social media’ Nitong Abril 2, 226 na taong gulang na si Francisco Balagtas.

At, mas malamang kaysa hindi, agad tayong puputaktihin ng katawatawa’t kakatwang reaksiyon sa panahong ito ng Facebook at iba pang social media.

Mula sa inosenteng: “Balagtas who?” hanggang ignoranteng: “Weno ngayon?”

Si Francisco Balagtas lamang naman po ay ang ating Pambansang Makatang pantapat natin kay William Shakespeare ng Inglatera!

Mula nang magkaroon ng Proklamasyon Blg 926, ipinagdiwang na ang Araw ni Balagtas tuwing ikalawang araw ng Abril. Para sa 2014, iniayon ang selebrasyon sa paksang Bayan, Bayani, at si Balagtas.

Muling dinakila natin si Balagtas sa 3 lunang mahalaga sa kanya.

Una, inuna pa rin sa Pandacan, Maynilà. Doon siya tumira noong 1835. Doon niya nakilala si María Asunción Rivera o ang kanyang Musang itinago niya bilang Selya na matatagpuan sa pasakalye ng Florante at Laura. Pero, ayon sa mga anak, ang M.A.R. talaga ay si Maria Ana Ramos.

Ano’t ano man, naipakulong pa rin si

Balagtas ng maykaya niyang karibal kay Rivera na si Mariano Capule.

Pinaahit daw niya ang buhok ng kanyang kasambahay. Sa bilangguan, naisulat ang kanyang obra maestra sa Tagalog samantalang ang panitikang naghahari noon ay Espanyol!

Minsan pa, nag-aalay ng bulaklak ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, National Book Development Board, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, at National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Nagtanghal ng sipi mula sa Florante at Laura ang piling mag-aaral ng Maynilà, bago ang susing pananalita ng bagong “Ama ng Maynila” na si Kagalang-galang Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

Ikalawa, isinunod ang Bulacan.

Ang Bigaa ang kasalukuyang tinatawag na Balagtas, Bulacan. Sa baryo ng Panginay, siya ang naging supling ni Juan Baltazar na isang panday at ni Juana de la Cruz na isang maybahay.

Si Felipe ang kanyang kuya at sina Concha at Nicolasa ang kanyang mga ate. Nag-aral siya sa isang paaralang pamparokya. Namasukan siya bilang boy sa pamilyang Trinidad sa Tondo.

Pinag-aral siya ng teknolohiya, pilosopiya, at batas sa Colegio de San Juan de Letran kung saan niya naging guro sina Mariano Pilapil at José de la Cruz o Huseng Sisiw na naghasa sa kaniyang pagtula.

Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, lumabas sa Pandacan ang KWF, Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas, at

Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo sa pagpupugay kay Balagtas. Ngayon lamang nagkaroon ng “Biyaheng Balagtas.”

Tatlong bus ang tumulak sa Balagtas, Bulacan. Nag-alay ng bulaklak sina Kagalang-galang Romeo Castro at ng pamahalaang bayan ng Balagtas. Pinamunuan ni Kagalanggalang Roberto Añonuevo, Direktor Heneral ng KWF, ang paggagawad ng Dangal ni Balagtas kay Teodoro Antonio. Doon hindi si Teo ang nagputong kundi siya ang pinutungan!

Tayo ang naatasan, o nautusan, na bumasa ng in-email na tugon ng naturang kasalukuyang “Hari ng Balagtasan”: “Inilarawan ni Balagtas ang kanyang lipunan na “isang madilim gubat na mapanglaw” na “sa loob at labas ng bayan kong sawi/ kaliluha’y siyang nangyayaring hari./ Kagalingan bait ay nalulugami/ininis sa hukay ng dusa’t pighati.”

Kung iuugnay ito sa nangyayaring “pork barel scam” ay di na ito maiintidihan ng bagong henerasyon.

Mas maiintindihan nilang na-Napoles ang pondo ng bayan sa Kongreso at hindi na si Adolfo ang tauhan kundi sina “Tanda, si Pogi at si Seksi” batay sa “social media” o talastasang pangmandla.”

Ikatlo, inihuli ang Bataan.

Tumuloy siya sa Balanga noong 1840, dalawang taon matapos niyang ipalathala ang Florante at Laura, upang maging tagasalin sa hukuman at

How did you decide on the category?

I always believed that people, both readers and writers, love love stories, so I thought that love stories would be easier for the judges to read, and for the contestants to write. But I don’t want to be cheap and easy about it [because there is nothing cheap and easy in Peter’s Prize, now poised as a most prestigious Hiligaynon literary contest], so to complicate, I wanted to challenge people to write tragedies.

I know from experience that writing

Are you excited about the contest?

You bet I am. I am always excited about the Peter’s Prize contests, especially because I am the first reader of the entries. It gives me so much of a natural high to see new works, and especially from new voices, in Hiligaynon literature. Of course, I get nervous, too, when we don’t receive a lot of entries, or when I believe that the submitted entries are substandard; but so far, we are doing pretty well. A Peter’s Prize medallion was for grabs early this year for Children’s Poetry, and nobody won it. So you see, we do not compromise, and we want to keep it that way. Anyway, I’m hopeful about the response to The Saddest Love Story Ever Told contest. We still have three weeks before the April 30 deadline.

tagasulat din ng mga komedya sa mga pista ng bayan. Pagkuwan, nagtrabaho siya sa Udyóng̃, o Orion ngayon, bilang Juez Mayor de Sementera at Teniente Mayor, nagpakasal kay Juana Tiambeng noong ika-22 ng Hulyo 1842, nagkaanak ng 11, at namatay noong ika-20 ng Pebrero 1862 sa edad na 73.

Kaya pagka-pananghalian, tumungo ang caravan sa Bataan. Hindi lamang ito pag-aalay ng bulaklak sa pamumuno ng alkaldeng si Kagalanggalang Antonio Raymundo Jr ng Orion at gobernador na si Kagalanggalang Albert Garcia ng Bataan.

Dumalo, sa puntong ito, ang mga kaanak ni Balagtas sa Bataan na lahat nagbaliktanaw!

Bukod dito, isa pa sa pinakahihintay ng lahat ay ang pagaanunsyo ng mga nanalo sa Talaang Ginto 2014.

Ang itinanghal na Makata ng Taon ay si Ezzard Gilbang. Pumangalawa sa kanya si Mark Angeles at pumangatlo si John Torralba.

Kinatampukan din ito ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining na si Virgilio Almario, ang kasalukuyang tagapangulo ng KWF, na nagbalita ng mga gawaing maka-Balagtas.

Nariyan ang pagbubunsod ng Kaalamang Bayan ng Cordillera sa Baguio; ang Sulong: Dangal ng Filipino 2014 sa Sagada sa Abril 1317 at sa Pili, Camarines Sur sa Abril 20–23; at ang kumperensyang Kur-it ken Kurditan sa Vigan sa Abril 25–27.

Sa darating na Mayo, nakatakdang

magkaroon pa ng Seminar sa E.O. 335, Kapihang Wika, at Retooling ng mga Guro sa Filipino sa Tersyarya subali’t ang pinaghahandaan ng karamihan sa mga alagad ni Balagtas ay ang Pandiwa: Lathalaan para sa Literatura at Araling Kultural na nangangalap ng mga sumusunod: (1) natatanging saliksik sa literatura at araling pangkultura (2) reprint ng makabuluhang pagaaral sa naturang larang (3) teoretikal na pag-aaral hinggil sa literatura at kultura na may kalakip na pagpapaliwanag sa layunin at metodong ginamit (4) interbyu sa mga kinikilálang iskolar o tagapagtaguyod ng kulturang Filipino (5) ribyu ng mga aklat at kaugnay na literatura.

Kung baga, Pandiwa ang hakbang upang itaguyod ang wika at kulturang Filipino at iangat ang paggamit ng Filipino – “bilang isang wikang ginagamit sa mga seryoso, pormal, at mabibigat na usaping akademiko sa magkakaibang mga larang at disiplina.”

Wala pong iniwan ito sa bisyon at misyon ng Wikapedia! – Rappler.com Vim Nadera is a performance art therapist who has served cancer survivors, persons with AIDS, drug patients, “comfort women,” street kids, sexually abused children, and men and women caught in the crossfire, humanmade, and natural calamities.

(No copyright infrigement intended for publishing the article on IMT )

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April 6 - 12, 2014

METRO AGRICULTURE

9

Iloilo farmers’ associations to go organic farming

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN The Iloilo Provincial government through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) is encouraging farmers’ associations to shift into organic farming to help address the effects of climate change caused by global warming.

PAO provincial head Dr. Ildefonso Toledo said organic farming is a little bit expensive because of labor intensive capital but the return is more environmental friendly.

He said eating organic products make our body more healthy, strong and safe.

“That’s why we are encouraging our farmers’ associations to do this organic farming rather than using commercial fertilizers on their crops”, he said during the Farmers’ Congress held at Pavia, Iloilo on Thursday last week.

The event participated by 556 farmers from 719 farmers’ associations in the province.

Toledo said the yearly congress will help farmers update on the latest technologies and meet with other

farmers to exchange ideas.

“They are also brief of new and relevant ways in agriculture”, he said.

Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. assured farmers that through PAO they will help them on its agricultural program by providing technical assistance.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture 6 (DA-6) is also into the process of convincing other farmers to go organic farming to save a lot of expenses especially in buying commercial fertilizers.

DA-6 information officer Juvy Gaton said more benefits could be received in eating organic products apart from patronizing the local farmer’s products.

She added the birth of organic farming has started in Negros Occidental because there are some farmers who already practicing organic farming even before the approval of Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 or Republic Act 10068 to decrease its cost production.

Under the Organic Agriculture Act, Local Government Units (LGUs) are encouraged to pass provincial/

FARMERS’ CONGRESS: More than 500 farmers in Iloilo attended the annual farmers’ congress in Pavia, Iloilo on Thursday. The Iloilo provincial government is encouraging them to shift into organic farming to mitigate the effects of climate change municipal ordinances or resolutions specifying the participatory and bottom-up approach to grassroots organic agricultural programs.

The DA shall provide technical assistance to the local technical BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN working committees; work closely with the region is stable but during summer the stakeholders and monitor organic The Department of Agriculture 6 or drought season, farmers should also agriculture project implementation.

(DA-6) is encouraging farmers to plant look for alternative crops.

Gaton said the DA is also root crops or those drought-resistant The director said seeds are extending fund support to LGUs that varieties during this summer period. available in the market while farmers are planning to implement projects DA-6 director Larry Nacionales who are interested to grow this kind that are supportive of the Organic said among these root crops are of crops may also avail the seeds from Agriculture Act. IMT camote, banana, corn and watermelon, their office. among others that do not need much The director also said that his water and could resist long periods office has allocated fund for mitigating with no rain yet produce high yields. measures on the effects drought in the Nacionales said rice production in region. IMT

Root crops viable substitute to rice

Barbaza declares first critical habitat for Rafflesia Speciosa in WV

‘GMO corn is a farmer’s choice’

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN

The town of Barbaza in Antique declared the first critical habitat (CH) area for Uroy (Rafflesia speciosa) through Municipal Resolution No. 91, series of 2013 and was launched during the town’s municipal fiesta on March 20, 2014.

Barbaza, Antique declared and launched the first Critical Habitat of one of the world’s biggest flower, the Rafflesia speciosa, locally called “Uroy” by the natives. This is the first area declared as critical habitat in the region as initiated by the local government of Barbaza.

It could be recalled that on March 2012, the Rafflesia speciosa was discovered in Barbaza town and created quite a buzz in the community.

In order to confirm the extent of the species distribution, an exploration was recommended by Rene Galang, a biologist of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who provided technical assistance to the local government unit. A similar species of speciosa was recently found in Brgys. Osorio and Alojipan, Culasi, Antique.

The LGU’s initiative to declare the Critical Habitat for Rafflesia speciosa, in coordination with CENRO Culasi, is necessary to provide such endangered species local protection and funding for its preservation and conservation. TheRafflesia speciosa was declared a critically endangered species by virtue of DENR DAO No. 2007-01.

Under DENR Memo Circular

No. 2007-02, “critical habitats refer to areas outside protected areas under Republic Act No. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas Act of 1992) that are known habitats of threatened species and designated as such based on scientific data, taking into consideration species’ endemicity and/or richness, presence of manmade pressures/threats to the survival of wildlife living in the area, among others.”

FORCLIM Panay (Forest and Climate Protection Project in Panay Island) in collaboration with Haribon Foundation had extensively spearheaded the conduct of area delineation for the Rafflesia speciosa species. The results of their scientific study became the basis of the LGU to declare Barbaza as a Critical Habitat for Rafflesia speciosa.

Thus, by virtue of the Municipal Resolution No. 91, series of 2013, the LGU declared as Critical Habitat (CH) an area of 44.30 hectares. The area spans the three barangays of San Ramon (15.99 has.), Marigne (8.63 has.), and Cadiao (19.68 has.). The said barangays do not only protect Rafflesia speciosa but also other important flora and fauna species found near the area of the declared sites.

The LGU of Barbaza, Antique through the support of the German International Cooperation (GIZ) – FORCLIM Panay, has trained and organized a community based forest protection team as B a n t a y Gubat/Wildlife Enforcement Officers (WEOs) to intensify law enforcement and implement pertinent laws and the governing Acts prohibited by RA 9147.

A Critical H a b i t a t Management Plan (CHMP) for the Rafflesia speciosa is being formulated by the LGU in collaboration with the DENR and GIZ, as mandated under Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 25 series of 1992./ ( D E N R / R PA O / CENRO Culasi)

The Department of Agriculture 6 (DA-6) is not advocating for the production of genetically modified organism (GMO) corn.

GMO is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques DA-6 Larry Nacionales said GMO corn was planted by farmers as their own choice to plant.

“The DA 6 is strongly promoting for the production of open pollinated varieties of corn seeds. The planting of white corn varieties is also encourage as part of the alternative food staple under the Food Staple Sufficiency program”, he said.

Nacionales said white corn is best substitute to rice since it is a drought-resistant crop.

Presently, he stressed all research outreach stations of DA-6 is now producing white corn as part of the white corn seed exchange program wherein white corn produce will be given to farmers in the neighboring municipalities.

As agreement, farmer b­eneficiaries will return the same amount of seeds to their office so that other farmers could also avail the said program.

During this dry season, the AgriPinoy corn program’s intervention on farm mechanization are as follows: provision of corn shellers, hammer mills, corn mills, cassava granulators, tractors, villagetype corn dryers and cassava dryers.

Nacionales said these are given to active and in good standing farmers organization and cooperatives under the 85 – 15 scheme.

“These post harvest facilities will surely reduce post harvest losses in corn”, he said.

Other intervention include training on production technology to capacitate our farmers technically and financially and focus on sustainable corn production in sloping areas, pest and diseases on corn, marketing, and value adding of corn by-products. IMT

10

METRO SPORTS

April 6 - 12, 2014

Spurs embarrass Pacers to win club record 18th straight

Tony Parker scored 22 points as San Antonio won their franchise record 18th consecutive game by routing the struggling Indiana Pacers 103-77 on Monday night.

Kawhi Leonard tallied 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Boris Diaw came off the bench to score 14 points for the Spurs who used a 12-4 fourth quarter surge to help seal the victory and keep their streak alive.

“We don’t think about it. We just

want to play well,” said Parker of the streak. “Hopefully we are not peaking too soon. We just want to win each game.”

San Antonio won 17 in a row during the 1995-96 National Basketball Association regular season.

Now they have improved to 58 wins and 16 losses and are 3 1/2 games ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Western Conference’s best record.

“They are the best team in the

league,” said Indiana’s Paul George. “It wasn’t like it was a fluke loss, but we’re better than that.”

While the Spurs are soaring, George’s Pacers are headed in the opposite direction.

Indiana suffered their sixth loss in eight games and lost its grip atop the Eastern Conference standings.

They are now tied with the defending champions Miami Heat, who beat the Toronto Raptors on Monday, for the

PH boys off to mixed start in Street Child World Cup

Photo by PinoyFootbal.com The Philippine boys team kicked off their campaign in the 2014 Street Child World Cup on a mixed note, winning against Nicaragua in their first contest but bowing to Burundi in their second game in Rio de Janeiro.

They began the day with a solid 1-0 win over Nicaragua, with Kenneth from Gawad Kalinga scoring the lone goal of the match by rebounding a shot off Joseph of FC Leveriza.

Goal-keeper Benjamin, also from FC Leveriza, was awarded Man of the Match honors after making several good stops.

Benjamin was also awarded the Man of the Match in the second game,

but it was Burundi who took the victory, 4-0.

Burundi deserved the win, but the Philippine boys were able to carve out several good chances of their own.

Burundi, a very tall and physical team, powered their way through some of the smaller boys at times, and took the lead very early in the game.

The Philippines almost equalized in the first half as they strung together a series of good passes to work through their taller and stronger opponents, but their striker couldn’t quite reach the final cross to the back post.

In the second half, Burundi continued winning all the aerial balls

but a long range shot deflected cruelly off a Philippine defender to give them a two-goal lead.

The Philippines had chances on the counter attack but again couldn’t find the finish, and Burundi scored twice more as the Philippines pushed high to get back into the game.

“It was a mixed start to the group stage for us, but still one to be proud of,” said team leader and head coach Roy Moore.

“We have our first three points of the campaign, and it puts our destiny in our own hands, as despite the loss to Burundi, who will most likely win the group, Tanzania and Argentina will be close but winnable games,” he added.

The boys still have a good chance of reaching the quarter-finals with games against Tanzania and Argentina.

While the boys were playing, the Philippine girls team visited the favelas during the day.

The girls will play their final group against El Salvador, with a win putting them through the quarter finals as the group winners.ABS-CBNNews.com

top spot.

“I think everyone needs to play better – the starters and the bench. The issue is rhythm and timing,” said Indiana coach Frank Vogel. “The number one seed is the last thing on our minds right now. We need to get back on track.”

L a n c e Stephenson finished with 15 points for the Pacers, who haven’t shot more than 40 percent from the floor in six games.

“We have to regroup,” said Pacers forward David West. “We have to have a short memory because we have another game in a couple nights.”

The Pacers trailed by double digits for most of the game, but a Rasual Butler three pointer pulled them within 69-62 early in the fourth quarter in front of a crowd of 18,100 at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse arena.

San Antonio then went on a 12-4 run to restore their double digit lead.

Leonard’s dunk capped the surge and staked the Spurs to an 85-69 halfway

Photo by Rappler through the final quarter. They cruised to victory from there.

Earlier, San Antonio roared out to a 13-5 start and led 25-15 going into the second quarter. They held a double-figure lead throughout the second quarter and took a 48-35 lead into halftime.

San Antonio also led 69-59 at the end of three quarters. Rappler.com

IMT Fun Time

ARIES:

You’re an activator, an instigator, maybe even an agitator on Monday. Get stuff started! And — thank your lucky stars — you’re better than usual about following through around Tuesday and Wednesday. Add nice little details to your plans and convince a certain someone that your way’s the best way. Talk about lucky — if you’ve got love on your mind around Thursday (and you probably do), you’ve got a way with compliments and general wooing right on time. Just keep it sweet and light, and save the big questions and answers for later. This weekend brings pertinent emotional developments.

TAURUS:

LIBRA:

Your usual diplomacy may go right out the window on Monday — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If saying what you mean and meaning what you say causes a ruckus, you can smooth it over around Tuesday and Wednesday. The benefits of laying it on the line can be long lasting. Around Thursday, here comes Cupid, and he isn’t stupid — expect (or create!) new developments in your love life now. How about sharing a deep feeling to get things going? When the weekend comes, though, you may want to keep to yourself. You’re cute when you’re shy.

You’re a bit accident-prone on Monday, so go slowly, be methodical, back your work up and keep track of your keys. You’re a force to be reckoned with around Tuesday and Wednesday — but can you acknowledge your sensitive side along with your strength? Forcefulness is fine if you can also see when to relent and when to be gentle. And while going out on a romantic limb may seem like the normal thing to do around Thursday, don’t get carried away. You’re far from normal (in a good way!), and your own timing and understanding of matters of the heart will be much better when the weekend comes.

GEMINI:

SAGITTARIUS:

You’re thinking so fast on Monday that you might really benefit from bouncing your ideas off somebody. Then, if information’s en route or a secret’s circulating around Tuesday and Wednesday, don’t get so caught up that you fail to look at things critically. Does it all add up? Is it worth getting all wound up about? Love’s in the air around Thursday. You can thank the stars later, as you ought to be busy making the most of your love interest through Friday (you’re still extra hot, and they know it). When the weekend comes, though, are you clinging to something or someone?

Getting into a great groove ought to be easy on Monday, especially if you’re stretching your imagination’s wings. Find time to follow your nose to a discovery now. You’re all about drilling down, reading the fine print and finding out more around Tuesday and Wednesday. This detail-oriented side of you is unusual, so use it before you lose it! If you’re sending any romantic messages around Thursday, be sure you’re not overstating your case. The response may surprise you. This weekend, things are in flux. Can you go with the flow?

What happens when you’re even more emotional than usual? Find an outlet for it all, or you’ll find out the hard way on Monday. Kick your traditional side to the curb around Tuesday and Wednesday. Why? Because the more original you are in your thinking — and in what you choose to do — the better. Bonus: People will love it — and you. Around Thursday, be warned: Your efforts in the love department may go awry. The stars say to be very clear in conveying your feelings — or reschedule the romantic stuff for the weekend, when you’re hot stuff.

Anything out of your comfort zone or out of the blue is liable to throw you for a loop on Monday, but don’t freak out.

Rather than sounding off, hit ‘save’ instead of ‘send,’ keep your head down and sleep on it. Tuesday and Wednesday bring some much-needed perspective and a way for you to push on through — and maybe even a little romantic action! Hand out the love notes and flowers — you’re hot right now.

Around Thursday, you’ll still be warm; just keep it sweet and simple. With the weekend comes some ups and downs. Can you handle it? Yes, you can.

LEO:

AQUARIUS:

Fit in a little fun on Monday to get your week off to a good start — try lunch with a friend, a movie or an impromptu outing to somewhere new. Over the next couple of days, you’re likely to be entangled in work, and you may feel somewhat inflexible. Doing something to loosen up physically (yoga, anyone?) helps your whole being. And guess what?

Your hopes and desires come into play around Thursday — and the stars favor a risk. Take a romantic idea and run with it! This weekend, if at first you don’t succeed, don’t just blindly try again: Heed your intuition about what to do next.

VIRGO:

Those around you may drive you nuts on Monday, but could it be that you’re expecting too much of them? Around Tuesday and Wednesday, the stars send an opportunity your way, but you’ll need to do your part, too. Seek out inspiration, make your world an interesting place and embrace existence. If you’ve got love on your mind around Thursday, you’ll already have the good karma going to take advantage. Just choose your words (or your flowers) with your customary care. When the weekend comes, you’re the one to organize something that everyone loves. Put it together and get mad props!

KU

SCORPIO:

Approaching an issue with creativity gets much better results than going with the default option on Monday — it’s time well spent, not wasted. And while your best days for romance this week may be Tuesday and Wednesday (aren’t you sexy!), your energy around Thursday isn’t too shabby either. Hint: Share how you’re feeling, but keep the plans short term. Let the heavy stuff take care of itself rather than getting ahead of yourself — all in good time! When the weekend comes, you just might have a revelation about how to handle a certain situation.

Call it a gift from the stars.

CANCER:

S U DO

MEDIUM

Answer for March 23-29, 2014

The rule of the game are simple: You simply fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares contains all the digits from 1 to 9 without repeats or omissions.

CAPRICORN:

You have an urge to be free on Monday, but make sure you cancel plans instead of leaving people hanging — it’s only polite. Then past, present and future intersect in interesting ways on Tuesday and Wednesday. Where’s your head? How about your heart? It’s definitely time to live in the moment, to seize the day and embrace possibilities around Thursday — and the stars say the romantic sparks can really set things afire now. Your beauty plus your brains equals an awesome combination. When the weekend comes, though, get into a groove instead of going out on a limb.

PISCES:

Allow for changeable moods and evolving relationships on Monday. Letting go of an illusion and seeing things as they are makes room for some reality-based greatness. You’ll have energy to get it going, too, around Tuesday and Wednesday. Your romantic (not to mention work) instincts are amazing right now, so listen to them and just go with it. When Thursday comes, it’s inadvisable to have too many expectations or get too specific — just relax and you won’t be disappointed. You’re burning hot this weekend. Have your own celebration of love!

Answer for March 23-29, 2014

April 6 - 12, 2014

METRO SPORTS

11

8 Ilonggo players join Azkals

BY REYMAR LATOZA The best of eight Ilonggo football players will see action in the Clear Dream Match on June 7.

They will join the Filipino-British brothers James and Phil Younghusband

for the said football event.

Of more than 100 participants during the tryout at the Iloilo Sports Complex just recently, only eight were chosen to join 24 other players from Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao.

Canteen, Loading Station and Loading Store, Beauty and Nails Nailtex said ‘Ok lang’ (It’s okay).

They found ‘pedestrianization’ insignificant to their business but they recognize the positive impact to the city’s tourism sector.

Authored by Councilor Jason Gonzales, the ‘Pedestrianization’ aims to promote the heritage structures dotted in one of the most significant places in Iloilo City – Calle Real.

They are Alvin Eranaya, Andrew Supena, Frenzel Laroza, Gabriel Daniel Alcantara, Harunori Aoki, Joshua Supena, Lester John Sendenillo, and Lord Irvin Jimen.

Participants underwent rigorous training with the following coaches: Pachanga Diliman FC’s Alvin Ocampo, Green Archers United FC’s Hans Smit, Lolong Valencia Loyola Meralco Sparks FC’s Gil Talavera, Stallion FC’s Marjo Allado, and Manila Jeepney FC’s Jayr Judal.

The Ilonggo players will go to Manila for another round of training.

According to Drew Capuyoc, brand manager of Clear, the tryout gives them a once in a lifetime opportunity to train under world-class coasches and play alongside the best professional football players in the country.

Photo credits to CLEAR The 18 of IMT 25 heritage Republic of the Philippines structures Province of Iloilo declared by the Municipality of Dumangas city council OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR are situated in the Calle Real.

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION ( Re s e a rc h e r s : Angelie Icamina In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served and Abigail to the public that EUGENE D. CELIZ has filled with this Office a petition Villamor, CPU for change of first name from DENNIS to EUGENE in his birth certificate of interns) IMT

glimpse of the Iloilo city, the Iloilo River, and the island of Guimaras.

“We hope this year before the onset of typhoon months it will be already in place,” Catalbas said.

Sec. Jimenez had already ordered the funding agency, Tourism

Infrastructure and Enterprise Z o n e Authority (TIEZA) to speed up the project. IMT

BIR to...from page 1 who do not pay and who do not pay correctly. Our computers have system that can easily compare businesses and establishments’ record. Therefore, we can easily pinpoint without the regular auditing”, he said.

Aguila emphasized that paying our taxes on time and correctly contributes to the local economic growth of the city, the province and the region.

“I also encourage our taxpayers to think about paying taxes not only

all boils

as an obligation or burden but an investment because if you can see the developments in the region, these are all possible becaue of paying taxes,” he ended.

BIR’s assigned target for 2014 is P8.8B, that is 22.11 % over last years’ collection which was P7.2 B. BIR is asked to collect 1.6 B more over last year.

Last January and February, the region met their assigned target.IMT

...from page 1

The manager and operator of AMS Merchandising who refused to be named told IMT that they received mostly negative feedbacks from their costumers regarding the program.

The four others who disapproved are operators of the following establishments: Sunsmart Marketing, Otani Bazar, Little Way Take Home Counter and JC’s Fab Surpluss Boom.

On the other hand, the three business operators of ACSI College

Fund for...from page 1 The said project, according to Catalbas, is a commitment of the DOT-6 through DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez.

The said elevator will give tourists the opportunity to experience a 360 degrees scenic

DENNIS DIASNES CELIZ who was born on 01 JULY 1968 at DUMANGAS, ILOILO and whose parents are DANILO D. CELIZ and RAYMUNDA D. DIASNES. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than _______.

April 6 - 12, 2014

12

METRO SPORTS

April 6 - 12, 2014

Azkals gears up for the challenge cup

Pacquiao vs Bradley II: Joel Diaz says if you make Manny think, he can’t fight

Phil and James Younghusband actively answer questions from the press on their preparation for their Clear Dream Match III as well as their preparations for the challenge cup.

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES Azkal football princes Phil and James Younghusband targets victory on their upcoming friendly games these coming weeks as groundwork for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup. “We are looking forward to the games. The goal is to win a challenge cup.

We have friendly games to make sure that we are best prepared,” James said during their visit in Iloilo for a promotion of the installation of his dream match with her brother.

The football national team is set for a three friendly matches this month with Nepal and Al Ahli on April 11 and April 14 in Doha respectively.

On april 27, they are scheduled to meet Malaysia on a home game after the Philippine Football Federation has decided to move game in Cebu City because the Rizal Memorial Stadium construction was not yet finished.

Meanwhile, the Younghusbands are all praises for their new coach - Thomas Dooley- who replaced former coach Michael Weiss few months ago.

“He’s great. The freshness he’s given has added more competence to the team,” said Phil.

James said they are still

trying to adapt to the system of play that is being implemented by their new coach.

However, the two brothers still acknowledged the knowledge, skills, and the positive influences that the former coach has shared with them.

“We have so much respect on him,” said James.

The Younghusbands were her in Iloilo to promote the third leg of their Dream Match on June 2014 at a venue to be announced.

Football enthusiasts in the country were gathered together to play for both teams. Players were selected from tryouts held in Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and Manila.

A well-deserved selection of eight Iloilo football aficionados will go to next round of competition at the CLEAR

Timothy Bradley’s trainer Joel Diaz is a confident man heading into his fighter’s April 12 rematch with Manny Pacquiao, and tells RING Magazine in their Will Timothy Bradley be able to out-think and thus beat latest issue that Pacquiao simply can’t fight if you make Manny Pacquiao on April 12? That’s what Joel Diaz seems to have him think.

“Manny, if you make him think, he doesn’t know in mind. how to fight,” Diaz told the magazine. “But if you just come straight to him, he’s going to demolish you. When he fought Margarito, Margarito was just coming forward.

When he fought Cotto, Cotto was just coming forward.

When he fought Joshua Clottey, Clottey was just coming forward. When he fought Ricky Hatton, Hatton was just coming forward. But when you make him think, and you’ve got footwork, he gets lost every time.”

Diaz may have a point. Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KO) has really only struggled in the last 10 years or so with two guys: Erik Morales in their first fight in 2005, and Juan Manuel Marquez in their 2004, 2008, 2011, and 2012 bouts, from featherweight to welterweight.

Bradley (31-0, 12 KO) is the only other fighter to beat Manny in that time frame, though many would argue that Pacquiao didn’t even have real trouble in that fight, let alone lose.

And at any rate, of course Pacquiao doesn’t do as well with guys who can box and use the ring as he does against flat-footed brawlers like Margarito or Hatton, or statues like Clottey, or even the Cotto he fought in late 2009. That probably goes without saying. Most fighters, no matter how good they are, don’t look as good against good boxers as they do against good brawlers.

Can Bradley and Diaz beat Pacquiao by outthinking him?. (Scott Christ) Manchester United Football Camp on April 25-27, 2014.

They are Alvin Eranaya, Andrew Supena, Frenzel Laroza, Gabriel Daniel Alcantara, Harunori Aoki, Joshua Supena, Lester John Sendenillo, and Lord Irvin Jimen.IMT