ILOILO
the first business newspaper in metro iloilo
metropolitan VOL. I ISSUE NO. 34 32
developmental news | critical views
times September 22 - 28, 2013 Php 12.00
www.iloilometropolitantimes.com
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATE Weekly MIDPOINT Rates - Sep 13 - 19, 2013
USD/PHP
43.8500
43.8024
43.8000
43.7678
43.7500 43.7298
43.7685
43.7000 43.6500
43.6020
43.6000 43.5500
43.5297
43.5000 43.4500 Sep 13, 2013
43.4846 Sep 15, 2013
Sep 17, 2013
Sep 19, 2013
DTI PRICE MONITORING Prime Commodities (6 Sep 2013) Prime Commodities (6 Sep 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 (6 Sep 2013) Processed and Manufactured Commodities (6 Sep 2013)
Commercial Rice Regular Milled Well Milled Premium Special (Fancy) Sugar Refined Washed Brown Sugar Cooking Oil Lapad (bottle)
Current Price 33.00/kg 37.00/kg 42.00/kg 45.00/kg 45.00/kg 42.00/kg 38.00/kg
20.00
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
Current Price 120.00/kg
PPA REVIVES ‘USELESS’ PORTS
Fruit lovers awaits the season of Rambutans during September. It is said to be rich in sugar, Vitamin C, anti-cancer and good for healthy digestion. PHOTO BY: MARY PAULIME BALMES/IMT
BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN
The Philippine Ports Authority 6 (PPA-6) is optimistic that the three underutilized seaports in Panay Island could be utilized and served its purpose soon. This after the Commission on Audit (COA) has released its latest report that around P142 million worth of seaports in Panay Island remained underutilized after its completion five years ago. As a result, COA said these ports had not earned enough money to enable the government to recover the cost of construction.
The COA report is referring to ports of Guimbal and Concepcion, all in Iloilo and Sibunag in Guimaras Island. PPA-6 public information officer Rodel Lagmay said, the reason why these ports were not utilized because those projected traffic or ship calls, which were based on its feasibility studies prior to the ports’completion, failed to be materialized. Lagmay said like the case of Sibunag port wherein the PPA spent almost 101 million for its construction but did not push through due to unsuccessful roll-on, roll- off (Ro-Ro)
operation. Supposedly, the Sibunag port will cater ro-ro vessels bound for Negros Occidental and Panay area from the said island. Lagmay however, said they are looking for some alternative ways that the port could be used. In fact, he stressed that they already issued a space availability certificate for Montenegro shipping line after they applied for its berthing use. Once their papers will be approved by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the public PPA revives /p9
IMT Special: Best Practices in the Community
Buenavista, Guimaras: ANTI-SMOKING Hall of Famer
The Municipality of Buenavista in the Province of Guimaras has taken a different approach in maintaining their Best Practice in Health Care through the implementation of the Tobacco Smoke-Free Buenavista. It enlisted the help of the Adventist Community Service and eventually all other religious organization within its area. Dr. Grace Ferrer Cortez the Municipal Health Officer
Mila’s Hill
of Buenavista said that the move produced them the Red Orchid Award for Tobacco Smoke-Free MunicipalityLGU Level on 2011, 2012 and eventually on 2013 which elevated them to the Hall of Fame in the recognition given by the Department of Health. Then Mayor and now Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin started the anti-smoking campaign on December 2010. Mini Hotel
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Dr. Cortez explained that while the religious groups have created a milestone in promoting the advocacy against tobacco smoking, the Department of Education, Task Force Tilad and the Philippine National Police have each done their share in tightening the implementation of the program. She added that their campaign against anti-smoking is not more Buenavista, Guimaras /p9
Iloilo Dinagyang 2014 launched BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) has officially launched its 46th Iloilo Dinagyang Festival celebration at the Penthouse of the new Iloilo City Hall building Wednesday last week in preparation for upcoming festivity on January 24-26, 2014. The Dinagyang 2014’s tagline is “Bringing “More Fun” to the World!” The launching started right after the solemn mass at the San Jose Parish Church and followed by signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the IDFI represented by President Ramon Cua Locsin, Iloilo City Government through Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and San Jose Parish Church lead by Parish Priest Raymundo Edzel Alcayaga. Iloilo City Tourism Officer Benito Jimena said this early launching will help probable candidates to prepare earlier for the event as well as for them to invite more visitors to come in Iloilo. Jimena said Iloilo Dinagyang has been known as Best Tourism Event in the country and this will
remain as the Ilonggo’s pride. To be more convenient, the tourism chief added that the foundation will still follow the old set-up or the carousel type where the final performing area for competing tribes of the Dinagyang Festival will be at the Freedom Grandstand. As carousel type, Jimena said performing tribes will simultaneously perform in each of the four judging areas like Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, QuezonLedesma Streets, Iloilo Provincial Capitol and Ma. Clara Street, all within the city proper area. Meanwhile, three Ati-ati tribes that were champions in previous years are expected to come back. Jimena named them as Tribu Bola Bola of the Iloilo National High School (INHS), Tribu Panay of the Fort San Pedro National High School and Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School. “This is more fun because these champions will be performing again”, he said. Jinema said they are expecting 13 tribes to perform for the Kasadyahan competition while 12 tribes for the Ati-ati contest. IMT
METRO NEWS
2
METRO
on the road
DENR DENR leads Ozone Month celebration The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau-6 (DENREMB 6) is gearing up for the national celebration of the Ozone Month this September, stepping up the campaign for the protection of the ozone layer. Ms. Amelita Guillergan, Chief of the Environmental Education and Information Section (EEIS) of EMB6, said that they have lined-up various activities in support of the Ozone Month with the theme “A Healthy Atmosphere, the Future We Want”. Leonard T. Pineda I-PIA6
NSO NSO taps 580 WV establishments as respondents The National Statistics Office has identified about 580 establishments in Western Visayas out of the 15,000 nationwide as respondents of the 2012 Input-Output Survey of Philippine Business and Industry. The said establishments are engaged in economic activities such as agriculture, forestry, and fishing; mining and quarrying; manufacturing; electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply; water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities; construction; wholesale and retail trade; transport and storage; and accommodation and food service activities. Lilibeth A. French-PIA6
NIA
NIA, IAs working closely for better service management The National Irrigation Administration here said it can perform its job better with the Irrigators’ Associations (IAs) actively doing their tasks. NIA-6 spokesperson Engr. Ricardo Penaso said the problems on management of irrigation canals, their rehabilitation and upkeep are actually in the hands of the IAs under the Irrigation Management Transfer program.Elsa S. Subong-PIA6
CSC
5 WV agencies bag CSC seal of excellence Western Visayas has the most number of government service agencies accorded with the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for 2013. The following agencies in Western Visayas received the CSC Seal of Excellence award: Department of Tourism (DOT) Boracay Field Office which obtained a rating of 93.64 percent; Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Bacolod City Branch with 92.54 percent; National Statistics Office (NSO) Aklan Provinical Office with 92.43 percent; Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Bacolod City Branch with 91.57 percent; and Land Transportation Office (LTO) Roxas City District Office with a rating of 90.38 percent. Leonard T. Pineda I-PIA6
DepEd
DepEd 6 directs schools to create committee in protecting children DepEd-6 has mandated all schools in the region to create a Child Protection Committee in support of the ChildFriendly School System in order to promote the basic rights of children in schools such as survival, development, participation and safety and protection. DepEd strictly prohibits schools and teachers abusing children such as corporal punishment, sexual abuse, oral defamation, and acts of bullying. PIA6
September 22 - 28, 2013
Traffic experiment begins
BY REYMAR LATOZA
The one-month traffic experimentation along Gen. Luna St. in the city proper had begun last week,
September 18. According to Chief Engr. Jose Tengco of Transportation Management and Traffic Regulation
NIA-6 revives 5 irrigation canals BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN Five irrigation canals in Iloilo are now up for rehabilitation by the National Irrigation Administration 6 (NIA-6) in preparation for the P11.2 billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project -Stage II (JRMP- Stage II) in Calinog town that will be completed by 2016. NIA-6 director Geraldo Corsiga said these irrigation canals are located in towns of Sta. Barbara, Mina, Dingle, Leon and San Miguel. Corsiga stressed their office with the assistance of their Central Office in Manila has allocated a total of P 450 million for the said rehabilitation which includes equipment, materials, facility and repair. In fact, he said some of these irrigation canals are about to finish before this year ends. Once the Jalaur project is completed, Corsiga said these irrigation canals will irrigate 25 towns and other neighboring towns in the province such as Calinog, Passi City, Lambunao, Badiangan, Janiuay, Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara, Pavia, Alimodian, Leon, San
Miguel, Oton, Tigbauan, Duenas, San Enrique, Anilao, Dingle, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Mina, New Lucena, Pototan, Zarraga, and Leganes. He also said the irrigated areas of Iloilo will expand from 22,340 to 31,840 hectares and will also benefit 783, 000 farm workers and improve rice yield of farmers from 3.25 to 5.20 metric tons per hectare every cropping season. Corsiga also said the project will also employ 17, 000 workers during actual construction which equivalent to approximately P 1. 3 billion in basic wages per year as well as provide livelihood opportunities on fishery and tourism industries. Aside from increasing the rice production and fishery livelihood, the director added Jaluar River is one of the major rivers in Panay Island that could provide required water resources for multi-purpose utilization such as water resources for irrigation, hydro –electric power, domestic/industrial water supply, and other related water resources development. IMT
FDA warns the use of unregistered insecticides BY MARY PAULINE BALMES The Food and Drug Administration warns the public to check labels of insecticides bought for home use, for some are not registered with the agencies records. At least 17 household insecticides were identified which are mostly manufacture in China. FDA said these insecticides are ‘dangerous to health since the active ingredients is unknown and may cause harm to consumers’. “There are insecticides that are banned in the Philippines, and these toxic products are being smuggled and dumped in the country,” the agency warned. These products are namely Tianshi Insect Killer 750 ml Aerosol Can (Spray), HangZhou Huayi Aerosol Co. Ltd.; Big Bie Pai Extra Power Flying Insect Killer 750 ml Aerosol Can (Spray) HangZhou Huayi Aerosol Co. Ltd.; General Toad Aerosol Insecticide 750 mL Aerosol Can (Spray), Beijing Chuyan Industry and Trade Centre; Wawang Frogking Insecticide Aerosol 750 mlL (Rose) Aerosol Can (Spray) Wawang (Fujian) Daily Chemical Ind. Co. Ltd.; Sun Universe Frogking Insecticide Aerosol Lemon 750 ml Aerosol Can (Spray) Wawang (Fujian) Daily Chemical Ind. Co. Ltd.; Read a Dream Insecticide Spray 600 ml, Aerosol Can (Spray) Yuanlong (Fujian) Commodity Co. Ltd., Jinjiang City, Fujian Province; Baolilai Aerosol Insecticide 750 ml Aerosol Can (Spray) Huangzhu Huayi Aerosol Co. Ltd-Huanzhou City; Big Bie Pai Aerosol Insecticide 750 ml
Aerosol Can (Spray) Huangzhu Huayi Aerosol Co. Ltd-Huanzhou City; BaoMa Black Mosquito Repellent Incense Coil, Fujian Jinjiang Benna Mosquito Repellent Incense Co., Ltd.; Juzhongwang Black Mosquito Repellent Coil, Juzhongwang, China; Kingba Mini-Smoke Mosquito Repeller Coil, Kingba, China; Tianshi Black Mosquito Repellent Incense Coil, HangZhou Aerosol Co. Ltd.; Read A Dream Black Mosquito Repellant Incense Coil and Green Leaf Powder Cockroach Killing Bait 5g Powder (Sachet) Beijing Greenleaf Century Daily Use Chemical Co. Ltd., all from China. In a Philippine Star report, tthe only locally-produced insecticeds are said to be a Natural Insect Repellent 50 ml Solution, which is distributed by Vitamin World Corp., Philippines and Butiki Water-based Multi-Insect Killer – Jasmine 750 ml Aerosol Can (Spray). The Wawang Mosquito Coil is of unknown sources but it’s package has foreign characters. The FDA warned that the products in aerosol cans, mosquito coils and body sprays may be “harmful, toxic and imminently dangerous to human and animal health.” PhilStar/IMT
Office (TMTRO), they will closely monitor the traffic in the said portion until October 17. The rerouting of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) affected the city’s school belt area from the University of San Agustin, Iloilo Central Elementary School, Assumption College and St. Paul’s University. Private vehicles are allowed in all two-way city streets from Arroyo Fountain where heavy traffic is usually experienced. Left turns of PUJs are allowed at Gen. Luna from the Infante flyover to the capitol area but are not allowed to make a U-turn at the capitol. The routes of public utility jeepneys cover the Villa PUJs passing Gen. Luna to turn right at Quezon St. and back at Valeria St. passing Delgado St. up to Mabini St. and out
to the flyover. Baluarte and SM city proper jeepneys may pass Gen. Luna up to JM Basa St. but cannot make a right turn in any of the streets. Jaro Liko Tagbak PUJs from Bonifacio Drive may take Gen. Luna but turn right at Mabini St. to Robinsons Place, while La Paz and Jaro Liko NFA PUJs can pass through Bonifacio Drive to Gen. Luna and turn right at Jalandoni St. and Rizal St. to JM Basa back to Bonifacio Drive. Lapuz PUJs will have to pass in front of the capitol and turn right at the Arroyo Fountain to JM Basa St. and back to Valeria St. turning right at Solis St. to the Muelle Loney to Lapuz area. The said experimentation is part of the City Government’s effort to decongest traffic at the Gen. Luna portion. PNA/ IMT
Heritage building in Jaro up for rehabilitation BY MARY PAULINE BALMES With the aim towards preserving the rich history of the noble city, the Iloilo City government and the Department of Tourism through its Tourism Infrastructure Enhancement Zone Authority (TIEZA) have completed its plan for the renovation and improvement of the heritage building fronting Jaro Plaza and Cathedral. Iloilo City Mayor said the PNP jaro station will be transferred to the nearby Jaro Puericulture Center which is only adjacent to the old structure to pave way for the conversion of the structure into a museum. Mabilog added that the barangay hall of Benedicto, Jaro will dwell at the nearby Timpuyog Amnian building. Likewise, the structure behind the heritage site will house the expanded Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC) Jaro campus to cater technical
and vocational courses offered to students in Jaro and La Paz areas. Mabilog said the projects under the TIEZA are expected to take off before 2015 as TIEZA is currently funding ongoing heritage renovation of seven heritage sites in the city. Other heritage sites included are Plaza Libertad, Jaro Plaza and Jaro Cathedral, Molo Plaza and Molo Cathedral, Port San Pedro and the central business district in the city proper. PNA/IMT
PDEA-6 monitors 12 high profile drug personalities BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6 (PDEA-6) has placed 12 drug personalities under their tight watch as they focus more on high-value and high-impact targets in Western Visayas. Newly reinstalled PDEA director Paul Ledesma said this was the directed by PDEA director General Arturo Cacdac Jr. as all operating units were given instructions to go after drug syndicates and personalities in their priority target list. “High-value and high-impact targets are personalities that if neutralized will have an effect in the distribution or trafficking of illegal drugs”, he said. Ledesma also said part of the instruction is to dismantle clandestine laboratories and chemical warehouses; control chemical diversion; and confiscate significant volume of dangerous
drugs and, or controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs). He said this is in compliance to the operational directive of President Benigno Aquino III for the agency to make significant dents against the illegal drug trade. In Iloilo, Mayor Geefre Alonsabe of Alimodian will be tapping PDEA to help him eliminate if not totally eradicate illegal drugs in his town. This after the mayor has been receiving death threats since he started campaigning against all forms of illegal activities in his town particularly on illegal drugs which he considered very alarming. “I stand firm to my advocacy. I take this threat very seriously not because I am afraid of them (drug pushers) but because I already started eliminating them”, he said. Alonsabe has already requested two security personnel from the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO). IMT
September 22 - 28, 2013
METRO BUSINESS
3
Iloilo state-owned hospitals ensures availability of medicine
BY MARY PAULINE BALMES
An ordinance institutionalizing hospital consignment is now in effect among 12 government hospitals in the city and province. Iloilo Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias said the ordinance enacted last year “will finally be implemented and consigned medicines will be delivered within the month.” The Provincial Ordinance Resolution No. 2012-095 includes the shipment of medicines, other goods that can be consigned such as assorted medical supplies, laboratory equipment, reagents and other items needed by the hospitals. The consigned items are subject to random sampling, rigid assessment, and testing by the consignee and pertinent agencies to ensure the quality of the products. The ordinance authored by former Provincial Board Member now Miagao Mayor Macario Napulan is among the legislative priorities of Governor Arthur
Defensor Sr. In a report of the Philippine News Agency, Defensor said he agreed to have a consignment system in order to ensure the a va i l a b i l i t y of medicines and other vital drugs in hospitals on a 24/7 basis. He added that the consignment system will also prevent the delay in the transport a n d shipment of hospital supplies due to rigid p ro c u re m e n t process as examined by the Bids and Awards Committee. “Selling price of consignments
should not be higher than the prevailing price of the same items in Western Visayas Medical
Center”, Defensor said. For PhilHealth beneficiaries, the selling price of the consigned items should not be higher than the current price of the same items in local private pharmacies and outlets. T h e generated income from the consigned items will be utilized to pay its capital while the net profit will be directly be allocated to the general fund of the respective hospitals. Photo coutresy of PCIJ PNA/IMT
BIR collection up by 22% in August BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA
Acquisition of Plantersbank approved BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA Acquisition of Planters Development Bank by Henry Syled China Banking Corp. (China Bank) was finally approved on Wednesday. The possession targets to enhance Sy’s small-and mediumenterprise (SME) lending business. China Bank said its plan to take over the smaller bank is through gaining two-thirds of its shares. The deal combines the resources of Plantersbank, the country’s leading bank for SMEs, with China Bank, the 93-years old universal bank with a “history of supporting entrepreneurs in the country and a solid track record of financial strength and stability”. Following the announcement, shares of China Bank went up by 4.35 percent and the company’s
stock outperformed the main index. “The Plantersbank deal bolsters China Bank’s current strategy in two areas—growing its middle market/SME portfolio and its network expansion program. China Bank is in the midst of the most rapid expansion in its history,” China Bank noted. As of June 2013, China Bank had total assets of P345.6 billion, gross loans of P189.9 billion, and stockholders’ equity of P44.6 billion while Plantersbank, chaired by former Ambassador Jesus Tambunting, has total assets of more than P52.7 billion as of May 2013, total loan portfolio of P33 billion, deposits of P43.6 billion and nationwide network of 78 branches.
OFW protection fund sought
BY MARY PAULINE BALMES A bill seeking for additional protection and assistance among the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) was filed due to the rising number of OFWs in trouble. Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Villar filed the The lawmaker filed House Bill 2820, which seeks to create a P1- billion Special Assistance Fund for OFWs in distress. The bill allocated 30 percent of the total fund to a series of livelihood training program or retraining of returning OFWs to develop new skills and start a new life back in the country. The remainder of the fund shall
be utilized for various contingencies including repatriation; medical expenses, hospitalization and purchase of medicines in the form of vouchers for six months from arrival; migration fees; legal assistance including litigation expenses; translation fees; payment of blood money; and basic necessities of OFWs caught in emergencies or when detained. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has identified 2,283 OFWs (including their children) being repatriated from the Syria and Egypt due to conflict of both countries. PhilStar/ IMT
The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) collection for the month of August marked 20 percent increase than last year of the same month, yet fall short of the goal for the month. Through strict audits implemented by the agency, an annual increase in collection was noted, along with the continuous detection of tax evasion cases and under declarations of income. The Department of Finance, parent agency of BIR, said that tax collection of the agency went up to P118.11-billion last month, 22 percent higher from P96.76billion of the same month in 2012. However, the goal for August was set at P118.48-billion. The performance showed by
BIR from January to August of 2013 record a 16 percent rise from P701.44-billion of the same period last year to P811.92-billion this year. The bureau is beleaguered to achieve its goal in order to finance the state’s expenditure program. In 2012, the tax agency breached the P1-trillion mark and this year’s revenue target is almost 18 percent higher than the actual collection of P1.066-trillion last year. Although the eight-month collection was 3 percent short of the goal, BIR said that its fullyear collection target of P1.253trillion remains achievable. BIR commissioner Kim Henares said that the agency continues to execute its anti-tax evasion programs in order to meet the collection target.
City sets to auction obsolete heavy equipment BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN The Iloilo City Government will auction million-worth of unusable and obsolete heavy equipment at the Iloilo City Motorpool here. City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has announced earlier that they are looking for interested buyers to buy those scraps so that obsolete equipment from the Motorpool will be disposed already. Mabilog added any proceeds from the auction will go to the general fund which will be used to sustain other existing programs of the city government. The mayor said his executive assistant former city councilor Perla Zulueta has discovered two brand new but unused bulldozers at the motorpool which were kept there over 15 years ago. Mabilog said the two heavy equipment worth almost P40 million each were been traced that have been purchased during the time of former city mayor Mansueto Malabor through the help of a high ranking government official. “I believed there are still more unused equipment there. So unless their spare and other parts of the equipment are still intact we will see what we could do for it”, he said. The city mayor has already instructed his personnel to inventory all the city-owned equipment that could be up for auction. IMT
STATE OF CALAMITY DECLARED: LGU launches intensive campaign against dengue
With the alarming increase in the number of dengue cases in the Municipality of Miagao, the local government, through a resolution filed by the Sangguniang Bayan, placed the entire municipality under the State of Calamity on September 9, 2013. The declaration allowed the use of the Quick Response Fund for dengue related programs and activities. Dengue suspected patients will enjoy free full medical and laboratory expenses - to include CBC, platelet and NS1 examinations with free medicines (IV fluids and paracetamol). Once confirmed with dengue, the patient will be immediately referred to hospitals for confinement. As this developed, the Municipal Health Office continues the conduct of intensive pulong-pulong (health education campaign) with priorities given to the top 10 barangays positive with dengue. During the pulongpulong, the barangay folks are given and taught the administration of the kiti-kiti X - a formula that could
kill mosquito larva. They are also encouraged to continuously implement the Operation Kaya-Kulob in their community and religiously follow the 4S Kontra Dengue Campaign. At the First Aid Clinic, the education campaign is also active. Health information on dengue is given to patients while waiting for their turn to be consulted by the doctors. As of September 9, 2013, the MHO has recorded 186 cases of dengue, with 2 deaths, in the Municipality. The figure placed the Municipality in the number 10th spot with the highest number of dengue victims in the entire Iloilo Province. With the intensified campaign against the dreaded disease, M a y o r Macario N. Napulan hopes for the
situation to be normalized as quickly as possible.
METRO TOURISM This September, the Municipality of Dueñas celebrates abundance as they celebrate the 11th Anihan Festival. Usually opened with a grand parade, street dancing and Anihan group presentation, the local government is expecting more tribes to participate this year. Another two will be added from the official six from the previous year. The Anihan Group presentation, which is one of the highlights of the annual festivity, is participated in by groups from barangays and schools of the town and showcases the history, tradition, practices and customs during and after the harvest season in their performances. In a report of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Susan Pacheo, Tourism Officer of Duenas, the awareness of the constituents particularly the barangay-based initiatives to commemorate their own distinct way of thanksgiving has paved way to the rise of the number of visitors in the preceding years. “The community based festivals became trendy bringing a remarkable increase of 416% in tourist and visitor influx between the last two years. These community based festivals are moving to the next level by participating in the municipal level,” said Pacheo in a press report. The local government of Duenas held a Festival Management Workshop last August 5 and a 3-day Tour Guiding Training Workshop on August 6-8 as part of the preparation and to further improve the presentations and performances of the tribes this year. The new tribes to join the Anihan group presentation are Tribu Dayawon
The 11th Anihan Festival
of Brgy. Batuan and Tribu Kamote of Brgy Bagongbong. They will compete with Tribu Aruripay of Duenas Central Elementary School, Tribu Mamumugon of Cabudian National High School, Tribu Mangarani of Duenas General Comprehensive High School, Tribu Manuggarab of Sto. Nino Integrated School, Tribu Manuglinas of Maribuyong National High School and Tribu Panurongsurong of Malusgod National High School for this year. Duenas celebrates its Anihan Festival every last week of September in gratitude for the bountiful harvests each year brings. The festival culminates in the town’s fiesta on September 30 in honor of their patron saint, St. Jerome.
Other activities lined up this year are: Agro-Industrial Fair on September 22-29; Legislators’ Night on September 23; Duenas Tourism and Cultural Night on September 24; Farmers’ Forum and Women’s Night on September 25; DepEd’s Night on September 26; Walk for a Cause/Marathon and LGU Night on September 27; PNP/BFD/SAF Night on September 28; Mayor Mamerto Pelopero’s Family Night onSeptember 29. A Pilgrimage of St. Jerome has also started throughout the barangays since August 1 until September 30, the fiesta day which will be highlighted by a procession and a solemn concelebrated mass with Very Rev. Msgr Felipe
Palomo as the main celebrant. Mary Noeme Pelopero, the daughter of Mayor Pelopero will be crowned as the Fiesta Queen during the coronation night on September 30 to culminate this year’s festivities guided by the theme “Pinasi sang Hu m a y s a n g Duenas Amligan, Masanag k a g Mabakud n g a Kauswagan s a n g
Tanan”, in consonance with the Anihan (harvest) concept, the mandate of the local government unit and the “Year of the Rice”. It will be recalled that President Benigno Aquino declared 2013 as ‘National Year of the Rice” as part of the intensified efforts of his government to attain self-sufficiency before the year ends. Anihan festival is an expression of gratefulness of the people of Dumangas for a bountiful harvest and being triumphant against hardships and trials during the critical times. It is the start of the season for ample harvest of agricultural crops. The Anihan Festival, coinciding with the feast of Iloilo patron saint, Saint Jerome, is a celebration for Dueñas people and Dueñas itself, being a rich agricultural area where agriculture is the main source of livelihood. Infact, about 86% of the total land area of Dueñas is devoted to agriculture. This puts Dueñas on the top ten list of municipalities that largely produce agricultural crops, particularly rice.PIA6/IMT
METRO ENTREPRENEUR
September 22 - 28, 2013
5
Ilonggo inventor revolutionizes tricycle sidecar An innovation of an Ilonggo inventor may revolutionize the design of the tricycle’s sidecar. The design of 32-year-old Elmer Vincent Abella of Arevalo district here was adjudged regional winner in the Industrial Design category of the recent 2013 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE). A sidecar attached to a motorcycle forms a tricycle, a popular means of transportation in the Philippines. Abella’s sidecar, an attraction during the contest here, is made of mixed and composite materials and automotive finishings to mimic the sleek and elegant look even of the latest automobile design. Some of the materials used are chopped matt fiberglass, resins, woven rovings, galvanized steels and others. The sidecar is molded to accommodate comfortably four passengers and is lighter and economical as weight has been reduced by 50 percent, and blends all in one with the motorcycle. It also meets standards and engineering parameters to ensure safety and road worthiness. Abella said it was his dream to revolutionize the design of the tricycle’s sidecar as designs for
motorcycles, automobiles and even houses keep on innovating but not on tricycles. “I came to a point of designing
a sidecar for tricycle to match with motorcycles, not only for the comfort of the passengers but also how to make it more profitable
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and convenient on the part of the owner and driver as their means of livelihood,” said Abella, an Aviation Electronics technician by profession. Abella has already sold a number of units at P35,000 financed out of his personal and family funds. With his recognition from RICE, Abella is confident he will have the opportunity to gain access to developmental and technical assistance programs of the government through the Department of Science and Technology such as for commercialization, marketing and production of his product. Abella knew of the invention contest when he was informed by the patent office about it after he applied for a patent for the commercialization
of his product. He first joined the RICE in 2011 with the same entry in the Creative Research Open Category and came in second among the more than 70 entries. With his patent released, he decided to join the Industrial Design Category of this year’s invention contest wherein one of the requirement was that entries must have patents and industrial registrations. “Before, I didn’t know where to go, I thought there was no agency who nurtures inventors but this time, through this activity, I am hoping more investors will be assisted and ideas will be translated into more sophisticated products to help our country move forward,” said Abella. As regional winner, Abella received P20,000 cash prize, certificate of recognition, trophy and a chance to showcase and compete his design in the national level as representative of Region 6 in the National Invention Contest and Exhibits next year. Lilibeth A. French-PIA6
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METRO OPINION Perfect Time
EDITORIAL
FOI Bill Now!
P
ractically in life, one effective way to move forward is for us not to dwell in the past but to focus on what’s here and now and prepare for the future. However, our life as citizens of the country is an exemption to this especially if it involves our right to know. One must know the truth even it means unravelling the history and remembering what needs to be forgotten. Amidst the controversies in the public government, one surfacing solution remains to be unnoticed. It has been overshadowed by shortterm solutions that produce the same mistakes all over again. Little did we know, we did not actually learned from our mistakes. Section 7 of Article 3 Bill of Rights of the Philippine Constitution states that ‘The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law’. The right to information is enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. The desire for more transparency and accountability, the recognition of the power of information and the valued participation of citizens in public affairs are well justified by the experience with dictatorship (1972-1986) when the press was used an instrument of official deception (Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility). Twenty one years now since it was first filed in 1992, The Congress has yet to pass a Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) Act for some oddly reasons. It has not been a priority neither of the past presidents within the period nor of the current leader of the country for a minimal mention of it is heard in his year State of the Nation Address (SONA). The failure to pass a Philippine FOI law is in contrast with the global surge in FOI laws. It reflects long embedded contradictions in Philippine society, including laws that are at crosspurposes with democratic values (CMFR). It was not until Wednesday of last week when the Senate has finally decided to conduct a hearing for the development of the passage of the bill. Through the Senate on Public Information and Mass Media under the chairmanship of Sen. Grace Poe-Lamansares has approved the proposed FOI bill leaving the controversial right to reply provision being laid on the table for the time being. Under the proposed bill, all government agencies shall make available to the public for copying, reproduction and scrutiny all information pertaining to official acts, transactions or decisions, as well as government research data used as basis for policy development. They shall create and maintain complete documentation of records. With the current issues on ‘pork barrel’ scams and spending of government money on bogus negotiations, there is no sense for us not to support the passage of the bill. If only this was given more attention in the past, perhaps things could have been better.
September 22 - 28, 2013
Earlier last week, I came across an old friend who, for the longest time around, had not communicated with me. During that accidental meeting, we exchanged numbers hoping to have a cup of coffee the soonest time possible before she leaves the country for her Masteral Degree in London. Just two days after that encounter, Gayle (her name) beeped to meet her in a nearby coffee shop from our house. Since that day fell in a weekend, without second thoughts I agreed
to meet her. I immediately closed the book that I was reading and prepared myself for our second meeting, this time not just in a flash but over a cup of coffee until we ran out of topic. When I arrived in the cafe, there she was in the corner reading a book probably on her last few pages already. I also noticed that she had already ordered me a drink so I just decided to settle myself and began the conversation. Well, I had hard time thinking on what to ask her or what words to utter to make her completely feel comfortable with me. But I tried, at least, by asking her how’s the book she’s reading. “Oh, this?”, she asked me while holding the book. “It’s good. In fact, it’s been an enlightening experience as I read its pages everyday. Every page reveals something about life and happiness”. “Why? Aren’t you happy with your life now?” I asked her. “Well, it’s not that I’m not happy. Maybe I just need something to guide me to be a little bit happier than ever. And this book helps me a lot.”, she defended herself. Of course, we’ve talked about how she was, what her plans in life
are, and she has also shared her personal life and career. But from time to time, we shifted back our topic to that very dominant word in our conversation- Happiness. She shared how many times she was rejected in a job, how many times she attempted to reach her dreams, and how many little things made her realize she’s not going to reach them. She had also been in different kind of jobs only to find dissatisfaction on her part. She also revealed the times she cursed life and felt like she was just wasting it. She really thought she’s not going to be happy anymore until one incident changed her life. When her parents died, her life began again. Being an only child, she has to stand on her own and began a new chapter of her life independently. She thought the loss of her parents is a sign for her to finally find her own happiness. For many years she attempted to chase after her dreams, but she always had failed to reach them because for her, running after them would mean leaving her parents. And she opted to delay her ambitions to spend her time with her loved ones. Many times, she asked herself why she has to
choose between the two, why she has to be in this situation and things remained unanswered not until this point. What amazed me about her is when she said she has not regretted anything in her life. Delaying her dreams and slowing down her own race has helped her understand life. It has given her the chance to spend more time with her parents, and to atleast pay them back everything they have done to her through her mere presence until they’ve gotten old. For her, that is pure happiness. Gayle is about 5 years ahead of me. She’s a friend from a peer group during my adolescent years. And from that short conversation of ours, I can say she has gone through a lot in life before she finally came to this point. From failures to second chances; frustrations to motivations, she has turned her doubts to patience and her patience to endless possibilities. Now, she’s happy with what life is offering her. Indeed, true happiness is sacrificial. Sometimes, it’s not all about you alone. We may not understand life for now but it will eventually reveal itself on its perfect time.
share, percentage, kickbacks or any other form of pecuniary benefit from any person and/or entity in connection with any government contract or project or by reason of the office or position of the public officer concerned.” In other words, what makes the wealth ill-gotten must be ascribed to how the public funds were spent. A “public officer,” as defined by the law, is a person holding public office in government by virtue of election, appointment or contract, while a “person” refers to either natural or juridical person, like the non-government organizations registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the case of juridical persons, it is not the entity that is being charged in a criminal case, rather, it is the officers of the corporation responsible for its operations. Section 3 of the law provides that the Sandiganbayan has original jurisdiction for the crime of plunder, which means that the Sandiganbayan has the power to hear and decide the case. Section 4 defines the rule of evidence to establish the crime of plunder. It says: “For purposes of establishing the crime of plunder, it shall not be necessary to prove each and every criminal act done by the accused in furtherance of the scheme or conspiracy to amass, accumulate or acquire ill-gotten wealth, it being sufficient to establish beyond reasonable doubt a pattern of overt or criminal acts indicative of the overall unlawful scheme or conspiracy.” While Section 5 speaks of indefinite suspension of the accused public officer while the case is pending in the Sandiganbayan, his or her right in case the verdict is acquittal, and loss of benefits if convicted. It states: “Any public officer against whom any criminal prosecution under a valid information under this Act in whatever stage of
execution and mode of participation, is pending in court, shall be suspended from office. Should he be convicted by final judgment, he shall lose all retirement or gratuity benefits under any law, but if he is acquitted, he shall be entitled to reinstatement and to the salaries and other benefits which he failed to receive during suspension, unless in the meantime, administrative proceedings have been filed against him.” The “information” referred to is the written accusation for the crime of plunder filed with the Sandiganbayan. If there is such “information” filed with the Sandiganbayan, the suspension of the accused from holding public office is mandatory, meaning, obligatory and must be imposed without further exercise of judgment or discretion. This is so because the suspension is not a penalty, but a mandatory provision of law for the purpose of avoiding any further accusation or perception of abuse in holding public office, while the case is pending in court. And such suspension can be effected even if the Sandiganbayan is yet to issue the warrant of arrest of the accused. The good thing for the accused about this suspension is when he or she is acquitted and no administrative case has been filed or is pending against him or her; in such a case, the salaries and benefits that the accused did not work for during the period of suspension must be given to him or her. But this is only true to the accused who is a public officer, not to the one who is employed in a private entity. With this knowledge of the law, our judgment or assessment of the issue or case of plunder becomes better, as the issue or case develops. And our action can now be of help in the direction to recover for ourselves some “milk and honey” wasted, or prevent some from being wasted in a bathtub.#
PLUNDER W
henever a criminal case is filed in court, there must always be a law that defines the crime charged, otherwise it will not hold water in court. And the elements c o n t a i n e d therein must be proven beyond reasonable doubt – the quantum of evidence required for conviction in a criminal case. Now that the crime of plunder has been charged against several lawmakers and the lady who bathed in milk - with no “honey”, but, more than that, with full of money in her bathtub - it is worth knowing the law on the crime of plunder. Republic Act No. 7080 is “An Act Defining and Penalizing the Crime of Plunder”. This law was approved and took effect in 1991. Its Section 2 was amended by Republic Act No. 7659 to read as follows: “Sec. 2.Definition of the Crime of Plunder; Penalties. - Any public officer who, by
himself or in connivance with members of his family, relatives by affinity or consanguinity, business associates, subordinates or other persons, amasses, accumulates or acquires ill-gotten wealth through a combination or series of overt criminal acts as described in Section 1 (d) hereof in the aggregate amount or total value of at least Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00) shall be guilty of the crime of plunder and shall be punished by reclusion perpetua to death. Any person who participated with the said public officer in the commission of an offense contributing to the crime of plunder shall likewise be punished for such offense. In the imposition of penalties, the degree of participation and the attendance of mitigating and extenuating circumstances, as provided by the Revised Penal Code, shall be considered by the court. The court shall declare any and all illgotten wealth and their interests and other incomes and assets including the properties and shares of stocks derived from the deposit or investment thereof forfeited in favor of the State.” However, Republic Act No. 9346, prohibited the imposition of death penalty. For this reason, the maximum penalty to be imposed for the crime of plunder is no longer death but reclusion perpetua. Under the Revised Penal Code (Act No. 3815, as amended), the penalty of reclusion perpetua is between twenty years and one day to forty years imprisonment – the penalty range far away from the constitutional privileged from arrest of the members of Congress. Section 1(d) referred to above defines “ill-gotten wealth” and provides for the means or schemes of its acquisition. The means or schemes include the following: “1) Through misappropriation, conversion, misuse, or malversation of public funds or raids on the public treasury; and 2) By receiving, directly or indirectly, any commission, gift,
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September 22 - 28, 2013
Maestra C
louded; the best definition of the kind of mind I have right now. I have to think of the best topic to discuss and write. I was thinking of the PDAF scam and the recent crisis in Zamboanga but I have enough of it. I guess I’ll talk about teachers since it’s teacher’s month we are celebrating. Teacher is one of the molders of our individuality. They started out as students too and learned everything about the subject they are about to teach. As I was told to look for a story about a teacher, I was then glad for I just recently saw that one of my teacher in high school was awarded as Most Outstanding Teacher in the Division of Iloilo. Opportunity, I told myself. Just in time, I murmured. How can a teacher be outstanding? It was the first question that entered my mind. As
METRO OPINION
our discussion was going along, I found out why she was chosen. She was an incredible teacher indeed. I remembered how she told me about how a teacher should be. She said, a teacher must know the background of her student. I then remembered a story of one teacher whom I really had never forgotten. It was 5 years ago, a student had an argument with a fellow classmate. It was a childish argument that went too far when the other started to tease the other about her crush. The other started crying until their next class. She kept on crying until the teacher saw her and ask about what happened. Honestly, not all understood much of what she was saying because she was “allegedly” having an asthma attack but everyone knows she was referring to the other girl. Instead of asking the other girl of the reason of the argument, the teacher immediately said to the class to unfriend the girl for she was, in the teacher’s opinion, a TRAITOR. The girl was
Cyber Zone D
i g i t a l world is a borderless world. The emergence of new technology had compressed the world, making distances short, and connecting all races. The age of internet created an unbounded communication, which is favorable to a country with democratic government. It gave way to a more profound citizen engagement in all issues concerning them. Several topics had become viral this week, gaining most numbers of likes, tweets, shares, and posts in social networks such as facebook and twitter, as well searches in yahoo and google. Now let’s have a #throwback on the most talkedabout topics online last week. *********** #prayerforzamboanga. Sporadic gunfire heard, houses and establishments burned, classes suspended, businesses closed, many were hurt, and died. The National Liberation Front (MILF) attacked Zamboanga City. The entire country was saddened by the aggression of rebel forces. Many lives were affected and disturbed by the spread of violence. The
situation of evacuees in Baliwasan Grandstand, Zamboanga is becoming worse. Aside from enduring fear and grief, they are also suffering lack of potable water, insufficient food and unpleasant living condition. Based on the record of the department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as of September 18, the number of evacuees had increased to 110,000. It was September 9, when MNLF attacked parts of Zamboanga city, specifically in Barangay Sta. Barbara, and Barangay Talon-Talon, after MNFL founding chairman Nur Misuari declared independence in a gathering in Talipao, Sulu, but the action is largely ignored by the government. *********** #Porkbarrelprobe. “Sexy” and “bathtub” became an online buzz after the “happiest” Whistleblower #BenHurLuy made his statement during the third hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the alleged pork barrel scam. Luy detailed all the activities he made under his “boss” Janet Lim Napoles who is detained now at Fort Sto. Domingo in Laguna after she surrendered to
Truth T
he abuse of the Priority Development Fund or more popularly known as the pork barrel fund by the esteemed legislators of this republic has extended to two things: silent indignation and condemnation in the hearts of the suffering Filipinos and an almost certain disinterest in public service of the so called leaders of this country. Much has been said though about how the Filipinos, citizens and politicians alike have responded. The discussion to date is leading to nowhere as the latest buzz showed the chief advocate of good and transparent governance in the person of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III in a candid pictorial with the primary
suspect in the murder of the Filipino people and their hardearned taxes-Janet Lim-Napoles . The debate ends there. On hindsight however, the pork barrel controversy has shown us how fickle our leaders are. After the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on the release of the fourth quarter PDAF allocation the whole country leaders from the smallest town to the confines of the Philippine Senate immediately lamented that the development programs of the country will be harshly affected. Iloilo City Lone Representative Jerry Treńas claimed that his more than 4000 Uswag scholars are directly affected. Senate President Franklin Drilon before
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hurt, embarassed and furious at same time. It was, for her, a childish fight because they were both teasing each other. It was nothing serious but the girl suddenly had a bad record to her classmates. The incident happened way back years ago but it left a scar to the young girl’s heart. She was expecting for the teacher to mediate and settle the matter but instead, she was judged. While my interview continues, I realized how deserving my teacher was of her award. She said a teacher should not just master the subject matter but should be able to touch her students’ lives. She does not believe in teaching using power and anger, she said that a teacher must know her student and think like the way her students think. She added that if you can’t beat them, join them. She makes it a point to talk to her students when they are in trouble for it is where a teacher understands the student. She admits she was able to encounter
students who have lost their way by going with bad peers but all of them have their own story to tell. How many teachers do you meet everyday who asks about your problem instead of punishing you for your wrong doing? It was never easy being a teacher. You get to deal with different kinds of students along the way. Some may give you heartaches and cause the loss of your voice but there are some who will teach you about life. Some take their teachers for granted because they seem to be strict for them or they do not get to learn anything from them. Well, it really is a rare moment to find a teacher who will really leave a mark on your heart. Most of the teachers that were able to carve their names into my heart were way back in college. I have a teacher who was like a mother. She teaches us patiently but teaches us more important things than books and handouts can do. Another was a bit strict; everyone
has their knees shaking when she is inside the room. Nevertheless, she taught us about being strong, not only physically but mentally. She said there will come a time in our lives where we have to handle situations that require us to be “makapal ang mukha” and go on with our lives. And there is this one teacher, whose faith was stronger than any one of us. She taught us about character and how to live life according to God. She introduced us methods of honesty and hard work. There are only a few of them you’ll meet all your school life. Sometimes, they don’t get the appreciation they deserve, and that is sad. Also, they deserve a compensation that is far more expensive than some of those in power. This teacher’s month, let us all remember the teachers that was once gave their life in order to create ours. Let us thank them for teaching us and made us who we are now.
President Benigno Aquino. Luy said he was a personal assistant of the Napoles for how many years. “Mr. Sexy” became a mystery to many as Luy refused to name or reveal who among the senators he was referring with the said tag. “Noong una po mataba po siya tapos bigla po pumayat kaya po sexy na,” Luy said during the hearing. Few days after the said hearing, reports identified Senator Jinggoy Estrada as “Mr. Sexy”. Othey code names were also revealed “Tanda” – Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, and “Pogi” – Senator Bong Revilla. The Three senators are now facing charges. On the Other hand, “Bathtub” also stirred netizens. “Hindi kasya ang pera sa vault ni Ms. Napoles, ilalagay na namin sa bed niya, minsan sa bath tub,” he said. ************ #FOIbill. Finally, the proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) bill was approved in the senate after two hearings (September 4 and 18). The said bill aims to give the public access to government records. Senator Grace Poe, head of the committee on public information confirmed in a press conference after the second
hearing that #FOIbill was already approved by the committee. Philippines with democratic setting, people’s participation is greatly important. #FOIbill will empower every Filipino, as they exercise their freedom and right. If signed and implemented, each one of us can monitor how our leaders spend public’s money. In a report of Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), dated September 17, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said the freedom of information bill would be put to a vote in the 16th congress, especially after President Aquino certified it as urgent. *********** #SKpostponement. Last week, the senate has approved the bill postponing SK election next month, October 28. Senate Bill 1186 was approved with 19 votes from senators. The bill also seeks to extend the terms of incumbent SK members by three more years which is contrary to the congress version of the bill. In a report of PDI, congress version of the bill said that there will be no hold over for incumbent SK officers, whose term of office expires on Nov. 30. Meanwhile, one of the sponsors
of the bill, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the postponement of the polls would allow Congress to review the SK law to introduce reforms to the SK structure. It is believed the President Aquino will be certifying as urgent a bill seeking to postpone the SK Polls to speed up the legislative process in the congress. As of September 19, the bill postponing SK elections was approved on second reading. *********** #UnstoppablePH. Despite of #zambocrisis and #porkbarrelScam, Netizens are still looking on the positive side, recognizing the progress of the country. Philippines is now on the 21st spot among the 60 countries ranked in the Grant Thornton Global Dynamism Index (GDI) 2013. It went up 25 notches, posting the biggest climb in the said ranking released recently by Punongbayan & Araullo (P&A) .According to Marivic Españo, chair and CEO of Punongbayan & Araullo (P&A), the Grant Thornton member firm in the Philippines,the fastpaced growth of the Philippine economy certainly underlined our substantial rise in this year’s GDI.
declaring that the construction of the Iloilo City Convention Center will continue as planned mentioned that the outright demolition of PDAF will affect all his projects in Iloilo City. Several local government leaders echoed the sentiments. It’s already the end of the world or maybe just their world. If you are to listen to Rep. Treńas talk, it would sound like indeed he is paying for the tuition fees of the students. The truth however is the exact opposite. Uswag scholars are merely receiving P2500.00 allowance. The amount maybe a big help for the students but it is never enough to make them scholars in the correct sense of the word. Taking away the PDAF of the congressman will never
make the students of Iloilo receiving a cash aid from his fund less of a student or for his satisfaction an Uswag scholar. In the same way that the construction of the Iloilo City Convention Center was initially declared as one of the collateral damages of the suspension of PDAF and its last quarter release. It is as if that the beall and end-all of governance and development program implementation is the pork barrel fund. Leadership and the art of governance in this country has been equated with how much of the tax payers money is entrusted to the discretion of its leaders who have never initiated a bottom’s up approach. This country’s leaders have become bearers of hope
anchored on the money of the people. Such is not a problem if the more enlightened-minds did not interpret the power of the purse of Congress that is enshrined in the Constitution to include the discretionary power of disbursement over its people’s money. The truth is simple. Consider the agricultural producers’ plight. They toil the soil hard and sell their products at the market cheap. The komisyonistas facilitate their products to the wholesalers at a higher price and the wholesalers to the retailers and to the consumers. PDAF is a product of the people’s hardships. It’s the tax-payer’s money. Congress has become the opportunists’ and komisyonistas. They are also the wholesalers and its retailers.
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September 22 - 28, 2013
METRO AGRICULTURE
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Alcala turns over rice complex, tractor BY MONTESA CAOYONAN
GRINO-
As part of the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to help farmers on its production, DA Sec. Proceso Alcala led the turning over of P 7 million- worth Rice Processing Complex 1 and four-wheel tractor to PALACATI-AN Irrigator’s Association during the Rice Harvest Festival in Brgy. Cabugao Norte, Pavia, Iloilo Tuesday last week. Alcala has personally turned over the grants to the association led by its president Eduardo Alcasaren. The association is composed of 452 registered members that have been working in 810 hectares of rice land. Alacala said the association has been chosen as the DA’s beneficiary citing its good performance in rice production. With this, the DA has funded the modern processing complex that soon to be constructed in Brgy. Cabugao Norte to help reduce post-harvest losses of the association’s members especially every cropping season by providing access to efficient drying and milling facilities. Once completed, the processing complex will be equipped with
Multi-Pass Rice Mill has a minimum output capacity of 1ton per hour milled rice. It has also 300 squaremeter warehouse with complete drainage and electrical system, portable moisture meter for rice and corn, and weighing scale with one ton capacity. The association’s good performance has also contributed a big impact to Iloilo as it ranks third in the 2012 rice production nationwide. In fact the first semester of 2013, the province produced 226, 812 MT of palay with an average yield of 2.95metric ton per hectare in the 76, 919-hectare area harvested. The projected area harvested for the second semester of this year are 17, 615 hectares for the months of July to August and 64, 954 hectares for the month of September. Also on the same day, there were other programs related to the said
limitations in the adoption of generated technologies, to foster interaction among technology generators and end users and to facilitate speedy transfer, promotion, utilization, application and adoption of generated technologies.
DA expands aromatic white rice plantation in WV BY MONTESA CAOYONAN festival like field day and farmers’ forum at the compound of Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC) based in Sitio Hamungaya, Brgy. Buntatala, Jaro District here. The activity aim to showcase different high yielding rice varieties and farm machinery, to identify the location specific adaptability of the generated technologies, to trash out possible problems, issues and
This is it...the Gulayan sa Paaralan that really works BY RAY G. MERCOLINO, HEAD TEACHER I, DGNHS The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region VI, Department of Education (DepEd) in cooperation with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and the Guimaras Provincial Government through the Provincial Office for Agricultural Services (POAS) are presently implementing the “Gulayan sa Paaralan” program in all public schools in the Province of Guimaras. The program aims to address problem of malnutrition among school children and this can be addressed by the Gulayan sa Paaralan project which serves as the main source of commodities to sustain supplementary feeding. All secondary and elementary schools are participating in this program to which a Provincial Search for Most functional Gulayan sa Paaralan was recently held. The DA through its provincial counterpart the POAS, helps in providing planting materials as well as encouraging the organic gardening technologies. Organic gardening is emphasized as a technique in planting vegetables without the use of any chemicals or synthetics. The objective is to produce crops which have the highest nutritional values with least impact on nature. It’s so heart-warming to note that the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program is long been implemented in the Municipality of Sibunag, Guimaras
particularly by the Desiderio Gange National High School in Maabay, Sibunag. The program started as SIGA in 2002 or the School inside the Garden strongly imposed by its former school Principal II Ms. Maria T. Tabion supported by the Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) department. With SIGA, different vegetables were planted in many vacant areas of the school premises. Even then that the program was not given emphasis on its later part of implementation, the DGNHS continuous to stood by itself even widening the scope of the program by reviving it into “Barangay SIGA” wherein areas for vegetable production have increased and were added with banana plantation with beautiful landscape providing enough area for each variety of vegetable to grow. Seeds produced were utilized by planting it again and part was distributed among students for home gardening. In 2009, the Barangay SIGA took another step of development when it was transformed into Agri-Silvi-Poultry and Industrial Area (ASPIA) with its new P. With this, vegetable gardening was then added with the propagation of ornamental, forest and fruit trees integrated with the raising of poultry and livestock and the learning on the fabrication of native and hand made handicraft out from the indigenous materials found in the local areas such conversion of recyclable materials into usable and income augmentation
on the penalty aspect of those caught smoking in public places in violation of the municipal ordinance but on the encouragement and education of the violator to stop the bad habit and the ill effects of smoking cigarettes. The Red Orchid Award on 2011
among student entrepreneurs. With its great reap from SIGA to ASPIA, not only teaching students on how to properly plant the seeds and even gain profit out of it, how to raise poultry animals, moulding students to become young entrepreneurs but also multiplying the good effect to the community. More barangay folks are already having vegetable garden within their backyard from the seeds distributed to students in school out from their produce. Former Guimaras Schools Division Superintendent Nerio Osano in 2004 declared the Desiderio Gange National High School as an Agro Indutrial Training Area in the whole Division of Guimaras as again Mr. Rey Merculino as the school coordinator. In Calendar Year 2011-2012, the school rank number one in the Search for the Most Functional Gulayan sa Paaralan in Guimaras high school category. TLE coordinator Mr. Merculino, said the project raises public awareness that the schools are also the best venue to disseminate information to children on the importance of producing and eating vegetable. He also emphasized the significance of establishing vegetable school gardens or “Gulayan sa Paaralan” in public elementary schools to address malnutrition problem which affects some children in public schools thus, the program continue to go on through the years.
Western Visayas is now expanding its plantation of aromatic white rice variety to export market abroad, revealed by Department of Agriculture -6 director Larry Nacionales. Nacionales said their try out export last year in Hong Kong simply indicated that this variety has a big market potential to other countries, too. Nacionales said this rice variety was taken originally from India but later developed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) of which, Region 6 is one of the beneficiaries of this variety. The director added the one sack of rice which was given to them was planted in three-hectare land owned by Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (Westviarch) in Sitio Hamungaya, Brgy. Buntatala, Jaro, here. The variety was later distributed to other farmer beneficiaries particularly in town of Calinog, Iloilo for reproduction purposes.
Apart from several producers in Calinog town, the director said that there are also other producers of the same variety in provinces of Aklan, Antique and Negros Occidental. “This is good news to us that Region 6 is now producing this quality aromatic white rice which we want to export market in this cropping period”, he said. Nacionales said one-kilo of this rice is cost P 160.00 from direct suppliers however, the price is much higher to markets. DA Sec. Proceso Alcala also wanted to promote this rice to other countries like Korea. Proceso stressed aromatic white rice could be buyable to other countries because of its aroma and nutritious level compared to other rice varieties. He added this variety will be included among other quality rice varieties in the country to export to selected markets abroad. Among to export are special rice varieties such as colored rice (black, red, pink, brown and purple) and long grain white rice. IMT
Technolympics’ Champion……….. is from Guimaras! BY RAY G. MERCOLINO, HEAD TEACHER I, DCGNHS
and 2012 has a corresponding prize of PhP100,000.00 worth of medicine for non-communicable diseases. Mayor Eugene Reyes, the new leader of Buenavista has yet to convene his health officials on how to spend the Hall of Fame prize worth
PhP500,000.00. Dr. Reyes is proposing a giant LED screen to be erected at the municipal wharf where a 24/7 advocacy campaign for health-related concerns could be seen by all the people.
For the first time…The Desiderio C. Gange National High School in Sibunag, Guimaras participated in the Regional and National Technolympics and have able to make it to the top. The Desiderio C. Gange National High School – Technology and Livelihood Economics student had participated in the 2nd Regional Technolympics held at Sagay National High School, Sagay City, Negros Occidental on March 14-16, 2013 with a theme “Showcasing a Tapestry of Responsible Stewardship”. The event was participated by John Kenneth Fernandez, fourth year student and a Guimaras Division Champion for Experimental Cooking; Ms. Lilibeth Galanza, Teacher/Coach and Mr. Ray Mercolino, the Technology and Livelihood Economics Head. John Kenneth Fernandez competed on Experimental Cooking with menu “Native Chicken with Guimaras Best” and has beaten all other contenders for the contest. As a regional winner for experimental cooking, Mr. Fernandez was another the regional representative
Lagmay said purposely, the facility was constructed because of the far distance from the next port of San Jose, Antique. Lagmay however, said they had already allowed the Seaoil to construct its berthing area along the port after the company started using the facility for its operation few months ago.
In the case of Concepcion port, Lagmay said the port was constructed with the budget of P 23 million to cater vessels of proposed coal-fired power plant at the said town however, since the construction has not yet started, the port remain unutilized. But, Lagmay said there is already an applicant who wished to operate
the port for their cargo handling services. He stressed they are still reviewing the application and some pertinent papers for the company’s operation. “As you could see, not all ports are underutilized although, ports are not regularly use but there are still unprogram activities thereat”, he
Buenavista Guimaras...from page 1
The activity was also attended by Under Sec. Dante Delima, Pavia Mayor Michael Gorriceta , 2nd District Rep. Arcadio Gorriceta, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. and mayors of 2nd District. Also, around 800 farmers coming from the Irrigator’s Associations and those farmers identified by WESVIARC also joined the said activity. IMT
to the National Technolympics held at the DepEd Regional Office 8 in Tacloban, Leyte on April 7-11, 2013. Mr. Fernandez again was accompanied by its Coach Ms. Lilibeth Galanza, TLE Department Head Mr. Ray Mercolino and Mr. Arnold Manzan, the Guimaras Schools Division Education Program Supervisor in TLE. Mr. Fernandez again was able to make it to the top when he defeated all other contestants from different regions of the country with his experimental cooking specialty “Hot and Spicy Chicken with Guimaras best”. The term ‘Guimaras best’ is the combination of cashew nuts and ripe mangoes cooked with native chicken. This specialty was also the result of combined brainstorming of all TLE teachers and headed by its school principal Ms. Lourdes T. Salcedo. All expenses of the delegation both in the regional and national event were sponsored by the Sibunag Municipal Government through the able leadership of its Municipal Mayor Hon. Luben G. Vilches. Mayor Vilches is very supportive to the DepEd and school activities in the Municipality of Sibunag.
said. Lagmay said the PPA primary task is to stimulate and regulate growth of ports and they are more inclined to render services rather than to aims more profit. Presently, the PPA-6 is managing 16 local seaports while supervising 40 private ports in Western Visayas. IMT
PPA Revives...from page 1 information officer said this shipping line will use the port twice a day. In Guimbal, Lagmay said the port was built to cater commercial vessels for massive transfer of resources. He said the PPA spent almost P 18 million to further improve the existing facility at the area.
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IBL
Iloilo Basketball Leauge
METRO SPORTS
September 22 - 28, 2013
FORECAST: CPU, Westbridge face off in all-out clash BY REYMAR LATOZA Leading Central Philippine University will meet Westbridge again inside the hard-court area in game two of Iloilo Basket League (IBL) finals. The second match of the said teams will be more intense, as Westbridge is expected to take revenge from a loss in game one against CPU and end the game on a high note. CPU had recorded one win, and yearning to sweep the finals. CPU scored 67 in game
one, six points higher than Westbridge. Westbridge’s hell-bent desire to bounce back is believed to be a factor to fuel their performance inside the court. Total-team effort is needed to break the stellar feat of CPU in their first game. On the other hand, CPU should maintain their focus, and keep their hungrier side up. Although CPU nailed Westbridge over from the start until the end of the game,
We s t b r i d g e had able to make their scores close and almost tying. The said tournament aims to discover and d e v e l o p potential I l o n g g o Basketball players.IMT
CPU XI nips JBLFMU in Men’s Football Championship Match WRITTEN BY EDWIN C. LARU-AN, EDITED BY REYMAR LATOZA
Imperious lions ruthlessly trampled dolphins. Central Philippine University (CPU) Golden Lions seized the championship title after defeating John B Lacson Maritime University Dolphins in Men’s Football Championship game recently at La Paz football pitch. The said game was part of the Iloilo school sports Association Meet (ISSA) which was participated by various schools in Iloilo City. CPU took the driver set early on the 7th minute after winger Joshua Supeña scored
the 48th by the winning the referee for goal of the an attempt to match, he punch a CPU used his speed player. on the right T h e wing and dolphins defeated the went for defenders of quick counter the opposing attacks but team, the the defense of ball was CPU was just deflected by too strong for the defender them, CPU of the John B Joshua Supeña was hugged by his teammates after scoring the winning and lone capitalized the which directly Goal of the Match. PHOTO COURTESY OF EDWIN C. LARU-AN weakness of went to the the dolphins back of the net for a Dolphins struggled on their playing 10 men the pitch. 1-nil score. offense and defense when Jose On the 90th minute John On the second half the Esmilla was given a Red card on Paul Caro was fouled inside
the penalty area by Dolphins defender Ivan Supeña. Christian Theodor de Juan took the penalty kick but it went directly to the hands of Dolphins Keeper John Sumagpao. Bob Clarence Javellana, CPU head coach said that he good defense of his team made them win in the said match. “They improved a lot and they really worked hard on this,” Javellana added. He also thanked the CPU Administration for their support, especially to Dr. Eun Hyung Pee head coach of the CPU international football team for the training he spent with their team. IMT
September 8 - 14, 2013
MetroMisc
11
The man behind Armix
BY MARY JANE UBAY “It’s easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top”. This inspiring quote motivates Arman Padernal to venture in his present business, the ARMIX Copier Rentals, Services and Sales. Arman, was once a simple copier technician. He is a successful entrepreneur in the field of Printing Services and Selling of Printing Machines. He served as an employee for 12 years. In 2005, Arman decided to quit from his job. For some reason, he fined his work stressful and full pressures. He opted to venture in a small restaurant business, but it seems that bistro is not for him. A year of losses led his wife to encourage Arman to shift into another business. She told
Arman Padernal him that “if you want to run a business, you must not take so much effort learning the talents and skills you have
Noble act of kindness
BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA Teaching is the noblest job that requires selflessness, patience, strong determination and a bunch of motivation to survive. It’s often the job that is taken for granted by many. Only a few realize that it takes a very special teacher to change the lives of a student and mold him into a person he is meant to be. “Teach everyday as if it your last”. This is what Mrs. Jel LagoFernandez, 2013 Division of Iloilo Most Outstanding Teacher believes in. Teacher Jel considers herself an average student when she was still in school. She was top 7 during her elementary days, 3rd honorable mention and topnotcher in English during high school while she is a parangal awardee silver medalist on academics on her college years.
Teaching was only one of teacher Jel’s options after graduating in college. She really dreamed of being on the radio and newscast. She was a DJ for two years but decided to pursue a career in teaching for she wants to communicate and influence people. “Teacher’s influence is never ending. Like when someone considers me as his icon right now he then decides to become a teacher someday, he will also inspire others and that is like a never ending cycle”, Teacher Jel added. Teacher Jel has been married, with a 2-year old baby boy yet she admits that her routines were the same when she was still single. When asked about how she managed her time for her family and her students, she said “it’s all a matter of setting your priorities”. Resourceful is one of the
not yet acquired. You must make use of the gifts you have at hand”. Arman is adept in operating copier machines more than anything else. He ventures in printing services in February of 2006. It was a tough beginning, but he believes that indeed in the middle of difficulties lays opportunities. After seven tough years of in the business, Armix never stops reinventing and innovating what they can offer to the market. From a simple copy center, Armix is now offering an array of products and services. Armix offers Photocopier Rentals within City limit; Printing Services like: Riso Printing; Receipt Printing; Office/School Forms Reproduction; Padded Forms; Magazine Printing; Souvenir Program; Bookbinding (Hardbound/Softbound); Ring Binding and many more; It is also engaged in manufacturing file boxes, arch files folders, storage boxes
and corrugated boxes. Armix also sells brand new or remanufactured Printing Machines like; Photocopier; R i s o g r a p h M a c h i n e s ; Laminating Machines and the like. What makes its services different is that they guarantee its customers an after-sales-service support, thus, offer Lifetime FREE service to all machines they deliver. Arman has a good tandem with his wife, Jen, who was an HRD Officer and a Business Administration teacher at the same time of an Academe. Jen gave up her career to help his husband run their business.
your thinking according to your students. You don’t expect too much. I research on how to get the attention of the students during my class. So, everytime I go to class, I make sure that I prepare tongue twisters, seating activities and energizers. It is Mrs. Jel Lago-Fernandez really effective”, she 2013 Division of Iloilo Most Outstanding Teacher further declared. characteristic a teacher must have She believes that being a teacher is according to teacher Jel. She is not just mastering your subject matter currently handling both SSC and but it is how you touch the lives of regular students at Pavia National your student. She remembered having High School and she knows it’s harder a student who was really quiet and to teach regular students. aloof to others. When an opportunity “As a teacher, you have to level arises, she tried to talk to the girl. It
They are both holding on to their 4P’s perseverance, patience, persistence and prayerful attitude which steer them to what ARMIX is right now. Arman said, “After all, Life’s battle does not always favor the fastest and the strongest. In the end, those who win are those who say… With God, I can!” Everything else is secondary. IMT was then they found out that she was being sexually abused by her own uncle. Without thinking of the danger she might get into, she went to the police immediately, together with the principal of the school, and asked for help. Now, the student is in an orphanage in Capiz and her uncle is in prison. It was just a simple act of kindness that led to a life changing matter. In her 7 years of teaching, teacher Jel’s career rose to its peak when she was hailed as the number one Most Outstanding Teacher in the Division of Iloilo this year. She said being on the top 10 was an achievement, but being the number one among others is a bonus. “In the future I am really hoping for a Metrobank Award, scary cause you get to compete with college professors but after receiving this award, I believe nothing is impossible”, she disclosed. IMT
Activities for Patronal Fiesta 2013 Municipality of Miagao, Iloilo
Theme: “SANTO TOMAS DE VILLANUEVA HUWARAN SA PAGTU-O NGA ATON IKABUHI KAG IPAAMBIT PADULONG SA PAGPANIBAG-O” Aug.8-Sept. 11, 2013
Pilgrimage of the image of St. Thomas of Villanova
Sept. 8, 2013
Parish Medical Mission
By:DMI JRBB HALL
Sept. 13-21, 2013
Novena Masses
Sept. 13, 2013
Sept. 13, 2013
6:00PMBy: UP 12:00MN HUBLAG ICONOPOP Dance TroupeJRBB Hall
Sept. 14, 2013
Fun run for Faith
Sept. 18, 2013
8:30 AM By:DMI-JRBB Reception for Hall the Poor
Sept. 19, 2013
Sept. 21, 2013
6:30AM Fun-ride
NB
1. Open to all with bicycle 2.Assembly-in front of the Municipal Hall 3. Registration-P50.00 for bottled water, snacks after the ride and raffles 4. Route-around the town UPV, Mat-y, Bagumbayan, Ubos, Baybay 1:00PM to 3:00 PM Sound Show
Incharge: Parish Youth Ministry
7:00 PM DISCO
By: DES Marketing JRBB Hall
7:00PM Celebrity Show (Boy George)
By: Miagao Teen Models in cooperation with Miagao Salakayan, Inc.JRBB Hall
5:00 PM Incharge: Nicolas Unveiling of Moragas the tarpaulinPlan for the improvement of the town plaza
By: Miagao Bikers Club in cooperation of Miagao LGU
Happy Fiesta to the People of Miagao!
Incharge: Jo Napalinga
3:00PM Procession around poblacion and mass NB
7:30PM Habyug 2013 (Dance Showdown and Disco)
By: TMKK (Taga Miagao Ikaw Kon) in cooperation with Miagao Salakayan, Inc.
1. Open to all Dance Groups-Boys/Girls or mixed groups (Tumandok or pangayaw) 2. Cash Prizes to winners 1st Place-P6,000.00 2nd Place-P4,000.00 3rd Place-P2,000.00 Consolation Prize-P500.00 Sept. 22, 2013
Fiesta Celebration in honor of St. Thomas of Villanova 1:00 PM BAKUNAWA Film Screening
By: Sangguniang Kabataan-JRBB Hall
7:00PM DISCO
By: Samahang MagdaloJRBB Hall
Please pay your taxes PROMPTLY!!!
Mayor Mac Napulan Municipality of Miagao, Iloilo