Iloilo Metropolitan Times Volume 1 • Issue No 36

ILOILO

the first business newspaper in metro iloilo

metropolitan VOL. I ISSUE NO. 36

times

developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com

October 6 - 12, 2013 Php 12.00

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATE Weekly MIDPOINT Rates - Sep 29 - Oct 3, 2013

USD/PHP

43.5000

43.4939

43.4500

43.4000 43.3612 43.3500

43.3542

43.3353 43.3282

43.3000 Sep 27, 2013

43.3220

Sep 29, 2013

43.3220 Oct 1, 2013

Oct 3, 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

World’s Most Beautiful is Filipina Megan Lynn Young. She made history after winning the Miss World title and brought home the elusive blue-beaded crown 62 years after.

Photo Courtesy of Noli Berioso.

NGCP TO DEMOCRATIZE PECO RATES

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is insisting of its acquisition plan of the transmission lines of independent power sources particularly that of the Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) to Panay Electric Company (PECO).

This was after PEDC, PECO, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Congressman Jerry P. Treñas and the Iloilo Business Club (IBC) slammed the idea of the acquisition.

In a table discussion sponsore by the Iloilo Metropolitan Times, NGCP spokesperson Atty. Cynthia Prez-Alabanza said it is clearly stated in the Republic Act 9163 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 that NGCP is mandated

to be solely responsible for the operation, improvement, expansion and/or maintenance of the nation’s transmission assets.

“While Section 9 of the EPIRA allows a generator to own, operate and maintain a dedicated point-topoint limited transmission facility, this is only on the condition that said facility is solely used by the generator to connect to the grid and that it will not be used to connect other users.

Distribution utilities and/or other generators and large customers are not allowed to connect to the facility,” Alabanza said.

Alabanza said that the interconnection of any local power distributor including PECO to NGCP’s grid will democratize access to lower electricity rates.

“The most important consequence of NGCP’s acquisition of these transmission assets is for PECO to have the option of sourcing electricity supply with lower generation charge from other sources around the country including the wholesale electricity spot market (WESM),” Alabanza added.

PECO for its part has maintained a hard line stand not to connect with NGCP citing an increase of .63-.65 centavos per kilowaat hour in the consumption of the consumers.

“If only we get to think of the long-term benefits of this move, 60 centavos will take us too long if we get to have chances of buying to other sources connected to the grid,” he said.

According to sources the general NGCP to /p9

IMT launches android app

BY REYMAR LATOZA

After invading the World Wide Web and social media, Iloilo Metropolitan Times (IMT) is now opening its new portal, allowing all Android users to get IMT stories through IMT app.

IMT app will run in Android smartphones after downloading from

Mila’s Hill

the Google Play Store.

This mobile invasion is part of the Iloilo Metropolitan Times’ undertaking to provide multiplatform news.

The increasing demand of smartphones in the country indicates that there is a growing population of smarthpone users in the Philippines.

Iloilo Metropolitan Times is the Mini Hotel

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first and only business newspaper in Iloilo that practicing developmental and objective journalism.

To catch IMT stories online just visit www.iloilometropolitantimes. com, and to get updated news, realtime stories and up-to-date events you can add and like IMT on facebook or follow us on twitter and Google+.IMT

IMT holds 1st Energy Discussion Table Series

The officers of the Western Visayas Energy Press Corps together with Atty. Cynthia Perez-Alabanza, Spokesperson/Adviser for External Affairs of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) during the first Discussion Table Series at Smallville 21 Hotel.

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES Iloilo Metropolitan Times spearheaded the first Discussion Table Series focus on Power Industry after the election of officers of the Western Visayas Press Corps headed by the newly-elected president, Mr. Remegio Castor of the News Express.

An open table discussion was conducted with Atty. Mutya PerezAlabanza, Spokesperson/Adviser for External Affairs of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

Other officers are the following: Vice President- Henry Lumawag (Bombo Radyo); Secretary- Bing Pabiona (Radyo ng Bayan); Treasurer- Mary Pauline Balmes (Iloilo Metropolitan Times); AuditorJun Jun Sornito (Aksyon Radyo); and Business Manager- Regan Arlos (RMN Iloilo).

The members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) are Jonathan Cabrera (Western Visayas Informer), Novie Guazo (RMN Iloilo/ Iloilo IMT holds /p9

METRO NEWS

2

METRO

on the road

DOLE DOLE’s OJT Manual for College Students launched The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 6 launched on September 17 during the Regional Career Advocacy Congress held at Mambukal Resort, Murcia, Negros Occidental the manual that will govern the on-the-job training (OJT) of students in the tertiary level.

The manual aims to guide schools and institutions in the conduct of OJT of students. It specifically aims to make OJT relevant to students by providing them the necessary actual workplace experiences and work values.DOLE6

PDEA Barangays, first line of defense against drugs For the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency in Western Visayas, conscientious barangay officials play vital roles against the proliferation of illegal drugs.

PDEA-6 Regional Director Paul Ledesma said drug traffickers find the barangays easy targets especially if the village chiefs choose to cooperate with them.

Ledesma said that in Iloilo, illegal drugs have permeated almost all barangays.

“I call on the communities to make the coming barangay elections a venue to vote for responsible officials, those who will keep your barangays away from the menace of illegal drugs,” Ledesma said in a radio interview. PIA6- Elsa S. Subong

DOT

DOT strengthens tourism programs The Department of Tourism is spearheading the Cruise and Drive Tour in Western Visayas using the roll-on-roll-off ships to carry tourists and vehicles in pursuit of its program “Experience Western Visayas.”

Also, Western Visayas has its first Tourism Song “Lagaw Ta” (Experiencing Western Visayas) combining English and Hiligaynon lyrics, conveying inspiring message for local tourists and visitors alike to promote local tourism.PIA6

NSCB

WV to celebrate Stat Month with various activities The 24th National Statistics Month celebration this October in Western Visayas will be marked by various statistical activities aimed at promoting, enhancing, and instilling awareness and appreciation of statistics.

National Statistical Coordination Board 6 Regional Head Nelida Lozare said some agencies have also come up with their own in house activities to further raise the level of awareness on statistics of their employees and clients such the ENR Quiz of the DENR, Stat Q and A of PhilHealth, and Round Table Discussion with the Media of NEDA 6.

Lozare said this year’s celebration focuses on the important roles of data and statistical information in the everyday lives of Filipinos.

“This year’s theme “Statistics that Matter to Every Filipino” embodies the commitment of the Philippine Statistical Sytem and NSCB which is spearheading the event to be continuously relevant to the lives of Filipinos especially in these changing times,” said Lozare in a radio interview which was part of the publicity activities for the month-long celebration.PIA6Lilibeth A. French

October 6 - 12, 2013

Hall of Justice 75% completed

BY REYMAR LATOZA The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6) said that the repair and retrofitting of the Iloilo Hall of justice is almost 75% completed.

Edilberto Tayao, DPWH regional director said they are now on the second phase of the project, the seismic retrofitting or strengthening works to make the building more resistant to earthquakes was already completed.

Tayao added they are assuring

that the building is safe and sound. It is compliant with the 2010 National Building Code.

“When the building was first constructed, it was following the existing building code. But over the years, the building code has also been revised. It means the work that is being done is also in compliance with the new standard and not the old standard.

Once it is completely finished, it can be considered as brand new,” Tayao said.

Meanwhile, Engr. Al Fruto, DPWH-

6 chief for planning division assured that the building is intact contrary and safe for occupation.

Fruto also added that an excavation was done to ensure the structural integrity of the building.

According to Pert Consult building’s column and post were intact. The columns were wrapped

with carbon fibers to strengthen them from temblors.

Pert Consult International had recommended to DPWH that the more that the Hall of justice can be repaired and there’s no need to construct a new structure after major cracks were found in the aftermath of a strong earthquake last February 2012. IMT

Mabilog assures senior citizens’ funds replenishment

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA The Senior Citizens’ Office need not to worry according to city mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, for the local government will replenish their funds.

The Sangguniang Panglusod just recently approved a P14.7-million supplemental budget and P4.5-million of this are support funds from the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Program.

Councilor Armand Parcon, chair of the committee on senior citizens, said that Mabilog assured him the Senior Citizens’ Office will receive funds from the next supplemental budget he’ll be asking from the City Council.

Earlier, Parcon opposed the realignment of senior citizens’ funds to the P14.7 supplemental budget.

Recently, he declared Mabilog’s pension fund for the city’s elderly.

“The funds will be distributed every month to the “poorest of the poor” senior citizens just like what Department of Social Welfare and Development is doing, Parcon said.

The councilor added that the total numbers of beneficiaries are not yet determined but he will leave it for the mayor to decide.

The head of the Senior Citizens’ Office, Gerardo Cañonero, was pleased by the mayor’s plan.

Cañonero said only 384 senior citizens in the city are presently receiving monthly pension of P500.

IMT

House sets another public hearing on radio station’s assault

BY MONTESA CAOYONAN The House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Order and Safety will have its second public hearing next month or before year ends to know more if there were inappropriate actions on the procedure conducted by members of the Iloilo City Police Office’s Special Weapon and PHOTO BY MAY DELA CRUZ-ORTEGA Tactics (SWAT) team when they response to an emergency action will take. call at the station of Aksyon RadyoPresent during the hearing were Iloilo in Mandurriao distrist here. seven police officers who were recently On Monday last week, the first charged administratively by the congressional hearing led by 2nd complainants. They were PO1 Michael District Cong. Fredenil Castro of Binobo, PO1 Ravelo Acosta, PO1 Capiz, who authored the House Christopher Castañeda, PO1 Rene Resolution No. 237, was conducted at Diane, PO1 Melvin Deypalubos, PO1 the Iloilo Provincial Capitol building.

El Abastillas and PO1 Johven Mark.

House Resolution No. 237 Other invited guests were Aksyon entitled, “A resolution is urging the Radyo-Iloilo station manager John Committee on Public Order and Paul Tia, Police Director Carmelo Safety to conduct an inquiry, in aid Valmoria, commander of PNP’s Special of legislation, on the alleged excessive Action Force based in Manila, Police force and unreasonable assault Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director employed by the SWAT against the Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Iloilo City radio station.

Police Office (ICPO) director Senior After the hearing, Negros Supt. Ruperto Floro Jr., Iloilo 1st Occidental 4th District Cong. Jeffrey District Cong. Richard Garin Jr, Lone Ferrer, chairman of the Committee on District Cong. Jerry Trenas and Gov. Public Order and Safety said all the Arthur Defensor, Sr. committee members will determine if The incident happened last August there was mistake on the procedures 25 when SWAT team raided the station conducted by the responding team. and harassing seven personnel of the He said they have already requested radio station right after they received the PNP to furnish them the copy of information on a group of armed men rules of agreement in the conduct of reportedly entered the said station. operation.

These men were reportedly “We have to know if there was involved in a commotion at the nearby mistake or none”, he said. night bar along Smallville area that left Ferrer said whatever the outcome five wounded youngsters. Later, these of the investigation, his committee wounded youngsters were turned out could conduct consultation and to be the victims who sought help from recommendation of what disciplinary the said station. IMT

Guv set to appoint new MIWD board

BY REYMAR LATOZA The long time problem of water supply in the city and the province of Iloilo is half way solved as the court released its decision giving the authority to the Iloilo Provincial Governor to appoint the new Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) board of directors.

Iloilo Provincial Governor Arthur considered this new development as an essential step towards news steps in solving the water woes in the province as well as in the city.

Defensor added that in respect to the city government, he will be gearing up with Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog to determine the new set of MIWD board of directors to take over the seats of the interim board appointed by the Local Waterworks Utilities Administration.

Mabilog is also open to work with the governor regarding the said appointment. He said he is ready to abide with the court ruling.

Regional Trial Court Branch 24 Judge Danilo Galvez issued a court ruling affirmed the findings of a commission created by Defensor to look into the number of active concessionaires of MIWD to determine who has the power to appoint the members of the MIWD board of directors (BOD).

Regional Trial Court Judge Danilo Galvez explained that his ruling was based on the Presidential Decree 198 or the Local Water District Law, which

provides that if more than 75 percent of the total concessionaires are found in the city, the appointing authority shall be the city mayor. But if the total number of concessionaires in the city is below 75 percent, the appointing authority shall be the governor.

In a report submitted by the FactFinding Commission, dated June 13, 2013, said that the total number of concessionaires in Iloilo City as of April 30 was only 21,130, or 66.14 percent of the total number of concessionaires in the entire MIWD coverage area of 31,948.

While the combined number of concessionaires from towns of Cabatuan, Leganes, Maasin, Oton, Pavia, San Miguel and Santa Barbara reached 10,818 or 33.86 percent of the grand total.

Meanwhile, MIWD failed to deliver potable water supply to 39 barangays out of the total 180 barangays with 17 villages without MIWD pipeline and 22 with pipeline but without water.

Also, 65 barangays suffered water rotation service every other day and three are partially served. Only 73 barangays in the three city districts are fully served with MIWD water supply.

The commission comprised Ventilacion as chairperson, and former city legal officer Jose Junio Jacela, RTC Branch 24 legal researcher Nida Gavan, Local Water Utilities Administration representative Rosemarie Marquez and reporter Jay Balnig as members. PNA/ IMT

PDEA-6 campaigns against narco-politics

BY MONTESA GRINO-CAOYONAN The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6 (PDEA-6) here warned voters against narco-politics who will be seeking reelection in this coming barangay election on October 28.

PDEA-6 director Paul Ledesma said his office has been intensifying campaign against ‘narco-politicians’, or ‘local officials’ directly or indirectly involved in any illegal drug activities in the region.

Ledesma, without naming names, said some of these reelectionist politicians were closed friends and relatives of known drug personalities which are under their drug watchlist.

“We have been monitoring them.

That’s why we asked the support of the public not to vote these politicians

whom they have been identified into drug trade”, he said, adding that if these candidates will win again, big possibility that illegal drugs will continue circulating the region.

Ledesma, however, assured the public that PDEA-6 is zeroing in on these drug personalities and politicians.

The regional director also appealed to the public to coordinate with them if they have information showing any politicians or candidates into illegal drugs activities. He also assured the security and confidentiality of those informants.

“We are starting to win the war against illegal drugs. We have the public’s cooperation. We don’t want narco-politics,” he ended. IMT

October 6 - 12, 2013

METRO BUSINESS

3

BSP halts raise on ATM fees

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) had released an order stopping banks with their plans to increase interbank ATM transaction fees.

The resolution issued by BSP said they still have to do a further study to determine whether banks are justified from raising ATM fees. According to Nestor Espenilla Jr., BSP Deputy

Governor, they are instructing banks to maintain status quo in terms of services fee.

Recently, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank), Security bank, and BDO planned to raise interbank ATM withdrawal fess up to P15 starting October 1, 2013 to cover higher operating costs.

In a report of Rappler, a social

news network, the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) is set to conduct several meetings to come up with uniform consensus on the said matter.

According to Lorenzo Tan, BAP president, each bank member will have its own particular justification in pricing of ATM services.IMT

Google Maps innovates Iloilo-Guimaras promotion

Philippine Economy: Forward or Backward?

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recently held a symposium on Philippine Economy at Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo. The event was conducted to increase awareness on the country’s and the region’s economy during the past four decades and their future direction.

Speakers of the said symposium were former Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning and Director General of NEDA in 1990’s as well as

a member of the Cabinet of President Fidel V. Ramos, now professor at Ateneo de Manila University Dr. Cielito F Habito; Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education Dr. Cynthia Rose Bautista; and Iloilo Business Club Vice Chairperson Engr.

Te rence Uygongco.

An overview of the country’s economy was discussed with the aid of graphs and comparison data prepared

by Dr. Habito. He showed a disturbing comparison between the Philippines and two of its Asian country neighbors,

Dakasi food poisoning update:

City health orders inspection of all milk tea serving establishments

BY MONTESA GRINO-CAOYONAN The Iloilo City Government through its City Health Office (CHO) has intensified its inspection of all the establishments serving milk tea products here following the food poisoning that killed one FilipinoChinese and hospitalized 57 persons after drinking milk tea with egg pudding at Dakasi restaurant along Boardwalk area in Mandurriao district here.

CHO officer Dr. Urminico Baronda Jr. said his team led by Dr. Marigold Calsas is in closed coordination with Dr. Jessie Glen Alonsabe of the Department of Health 6 (DOH-6) which they started getting information on the whereabouts of those confined victims.

Baronda said even there is no case yet filed against the management but their investigation will continue to know exactly what transpired and caused the food poisoning.

Baronda said he already ordered the closure of the establishment on September 27 – a day after the incident. He confirmed that Dakasi under the Tee Star Corporation and being managed by John John Uy has no sanitary permit – one of the requirements in getting a business permit before operating.

Reportedly, the establishment has started operating illegally since February this year. Baronda, however, refused to have an idea in the operation nor knowing personally the manager.

The city health chief said despite it was already closed, they will not stop the investigation so that the incident will not happen again as well as to protect the business industry of the city.

Meanwhile, Calsas identified the tsinoy casualty as Ben Jason Chang, 27 of Brgy. Dulunan, Arevalo here who died in Doctor’s Hospital after suffering dehydration.

Other victims were identified as two Taiwanese national, two British national, three are from Iloilo province while the rests are from this city.

Calsas said the three victims from the province were hospitalized in provincial hospitals of Lambunao and Pototan.

Out of 57 hospitalized, Calsas said some of them were already discharged since Monday last week.

Based on its initial investigation, Calsas said the food poisoning may trigger on the raw materials used in the food preparation especially those in powdered form ingredients.

“All their mixed materials are in powdered form. They don’t cook”, she said.

Although, Calsas said the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has already taken the sample of milk tea which caused the food poisoning.

He said the specimen sample was already sent to FDA Central Office for laboratory test and hoping the result will be released next week.

“We will just wait the result”, she ended. IMT

in terms of industry, agriculture and service.

Philippines, as seen on the report, has higher points on the said indicators during 1970 but fall further behind Thailand and Indonesia on the same indicators 40 years after.

Habito said that the country’s trade with ASEAN is purely intra-industry in nature, which means the country trades products belonging to the same industry. Also, the link between poverty reduction and economic growth has been stronger in Asia than elsewhere in the world, except Philippines.

There are three essential yardsticks, “Pitik Test” as Habito name it, which helps determine the status of the economy: Price (Presyo), Jobs (Trabaho) and Incomes (Kita).

On the second quarter of 2013, price and incomes showed better results; however, unemployment rose to 7.5 percent from 6.9 percent in 2012.

The former chief of economic planner laid on the table the answers on the challenge of how to achieve inclusive growth; widening the economic base, dispersing economic activity and economic gains and enhancing the agriculture industry.

Habito finally disclosed that Filipinos have the power to change the direction of the economy by demanding good governance; stabilize and strengthen the economy by paying taxes, buy locally-made products and invest in poor family. IMT

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES Tourism promotion in Iloilo has reached another milestone on online accessibility through the technologybased web mapping service application Google Maps.

Dumangas municipal councilor Lakan-Asa Bautista, who happens to be an information technology expert, said during the “MapUp IloiloGuimaras” seminar-workshop as one of the speakers, that there is a need to innovate because all our maps are not dynamic and contain only the streets.

“What we would like to happen is that when you have mobile devices such as iPads, iPhones, Androids and Windows Mobile, you could easily see where you want to go in Iloilo or Guimaras. Tourism destinations, businesses and other important information are available,” he said.

Organized by Google Business Group (GBG), Iloilo Teletech and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s committee on science and technology, the event aims to provide the local and provincial government the knowledge on heritage and tourism mapping using Google Maps.

Bautista also added that the technology is not only applicable to tourism but can be extended to

businesses purposes.

“We only started with the heritage and tourism sites because these are the basic things in attracting tourists and investors in our place,” he said.

Bautista said not all cities have been properly mapped and they are hoping that with the activity, people will become more conscious of correcting maps and plotting the proper places for each.

During the workshop, GBGIloilo’s Bernie Arellano discussed the importance of the application and taught participants how to use the Google Maps application.

More than 60 participants, mainly tourism officers and IT staff from various districts of Iloilo and Guimaras, attended the seminar.

Apart from the updated IloiloGuimaras update, the participants are also expected to re-echo the knowledge they’ve got from the training to their hometown for treatment.

Google Maps is a web mapping service application and technology provided by Google that powers many map-based services, including the Google Maps website, Google Ride Finder, Google Transit, and maps embedded on third-party websites via the Google Maps API. PIA6/IMT

GIS Laboratory launched in Iloilo City

BY REYMAR LATOZA The first ever Geographical Information System (GIS) Laboratory in Western Visayas was formally launched in Iloilo City recently.

It was donated by the international group, GIZ of Frankfurt, Germany through the Environment Resource Development Program (EnRD) to the College of Management, University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV).

Professor Mary Ann TupazGumban, Dean of the College of Management said the laboratory will further public service in the area of local government land use planning and tax governance. It will also serve as a conduit for enhanced learning for the Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning, and it will enhance the research government and planning capability of the college as well as the university.

GIS is a system of hardware and software used for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying data which are spatially referenced.

Presented as well are laboratory facilities, and the GIS training program to the executives, and planners of the different Local Government Units in the city and province of Iloilo who attended the said event.

Gumban added that aside from the laboratory facilities, GIZ also sent a GIS expert to help them in

their new program, Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning.

Also part of the said launching was the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Hon. Jed Patrick Mabilog, Iloilo City mayor and the GIZ headed

by Dr. Wolfgang Mollers, deputy regional director in the Asia Pacific for the scholarship grant given to five Iloilo City planners whose enrollment in the ladderized Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning program is funded by GIZ. Mabilog acknowledged the economic and strategic value of the GIS to the Iloilo City government.

H e said the project will greatly help strengthen the city’s best practices especially that Iloilo City is now in the

threshold of national and international dominance.

“The project will provide our governance in terms of cost saving and increase sufficiency, especially better decision making, better communication, better record keeping, and better geographical managing,” Mabilog added.IMT

METRO TOURISM Enjoying the Journey as much as the Destination

BY: MARY PAULINE BALMES When asked about the remarkable places in our place, we Ilonggos can hardly give new names. Familiar destinations would usually emerge from our bucket lists giving us a cliché of ideas.

Last August 17th, the students of Humanities 1 (Art, Individual and the Society) from the University of the Philippines Visayas went on Panay Tour as part of the course’s requirements.

The excursion aimed at providing the students with total sensory experience about heritage architecture (old churches in Panay), historical landmarks and emblems, local traditions and practices, and people and culture in Panay.

The tour literally covered the island of Panay as these students traversed 12 towns covering all four provinces.

Thet students were also given the task to serve as tour guides in their assigned town and must provide with on-bus tour guiding activities that made the travel truly informative & fun.

The towns they covered on our first day were Zarraga, Pototan, Dumarao, Kalibo & Ibajay.

The group also spent a night in the world-famous Boracay Island, introducing the majestic beaches to first-timers among our students.

On their second day, they toured Tibiao, San Jose de Buenavista, San Joaquin, Miagao, Tigbauan, Oton and finally, Villa Arevalo.

Afterwhich, these students have collected their photos and displayed them on SM City Iloilo for public viewing.

The photo exhibit showcases the images of the towns they have visited as a collection of the memorable trip they have undertaken.(with excerpts from UP students’ article)

“We hope that this exhibit also serves as a reminder of the rich history & unique tourism potentials that these towns can be proud of. As they say, take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints – thus this photo exhibit. In this Panay tour, we truly enjoyed the journey as much as the destination.”

October 6 - 12, 2013

METRO ENTREPRENEUR

5

The Bests of Aklan

Considered as the oldest province in the country, Aklan has indeed gone a long way in promoting its rich history and culture to the rest of the world.

Aside from the world-class Boracay, this province boasts the variety of good quality products made by the locals which was displayed during the Aklan Product Expo at SM City Iloilo, last week.

This year’s activity is dedicated specially to the elderly in line with the celebration of the elderly Filipino Week of October.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan Director Diosdado Cadena said some of the products displayed in the area like furnitures, antiques, and collectible items are provided are those that will cater to the needs of the elderly and make their retirement more comfortable and enjoyable.

Vice Governor Gabrielle CalizoQuimpo recognized the efforts producers and the business people of Aklan for participating and for putting their best in coming up with quality products that can be showcased to the rest of the world.

“It is or dream to further strengthen micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). You make our province proud, you are the heroes behind the flourishing economy of the province,” said Quimpo.

Calizo also added that the market in their province has given them the reason not to take the lion’s share of the ready market due to the booming tourism industry.

Calizo also acknowledged the support they have received in the neighboring provinces and the city of Iloilo as well emphasizing that “we can really cross sell with Iloilo and Aklan and other provinces in Panay Island”.

Participated by 28 MSMEs from municipalities of Kalibo, Numancia, Lezo, Libacao and Malay of which 15 of them are into indigenous fibers and crafts, nine into food business, one into furniture and furnishings, and three into wealth and wellness products; the product expo aims at sustaining the competitiveness of Aklan MSMEs in the local market and provide them opportunities to increase their product visibility, generate market leads and increase sales.

Calizo said they are targeting a 4.5-million mark this year from the 1-million last year but is also aiming for more in the coming years.

The activity was organized by DTI, Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. and the provincial government of Aklan. PIA6/IMT

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6

METRO OPINION

“THE FRIENDLIEST CITY”

EDITORIAL

Energy and Economy T

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n Physics, we have learned the importance of Work, Power, and Energy. They play an important role in the mobility and progress of a certain thing. These are factors that contribute to the development of many facts of our daily lives.

Like the three, Energy and Economy also go hand in hand in the development of the country, the city and the community.

One of the pressing issues that hamper the economy to grow is the high-cost energy rates from the power distributors in the country.

According to the International Energy Consultants (IEC), the Philippines belongs to the Top 10 among 44 countries with the highest rate of electricity rate in the world, and surprisingly Iloilo City ranked 1st among the cities in Southeast Asia.

In a Rappler report, John C. Morris of IEC said the main reason prices are likely to stay high is the Philippines can’t afford to subsidize its electricity as other countries in the region do, explained Morris, who pointed out that the practice in itself is unsustainable and unadvisable.

According to him, it is also hard to produce energy in the Philippines due to the challenging geography, ineffective plants and we are now reliant on high-cost international fuel.

Aside from high-cost power energy, the linkage to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is also one of the issues arising between power distributors in Iloilo City.

Recently, the local government unit of Iloilo City opposed the idea of NGCP’s acquisition plan of the Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC). For them, the move would require consumers to pay more for the added 60 centavos in the distribution rate.

However, NGCP’s insisted its right to solely operate transmission assets pursuant as they are legally authorized pursuant to Republic Act 9136 or known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

NGCP said the PEDC acquisition would be beneficial in achieving long-term goals allowing PECO to be connected to the grid and would permit them to purchase energy to neighboring power distributors in other parts of the country should there be a sudden increase in power energy cost in the future.

In a sense, could it also be said that the unwillingness of the local government, the PEDC and PECO to be affiliated with the grid is a tantamount to their unwillingness to let the power consumers pay lower electricity rates?

Power demand is very relative to economy.

The growth of the gross domestic product (GDP) depends on investments and businesses. Power energy sustains these investments. Without electricity, progress won’t occur.

October 6 - 12, 2013

here is no doubt that Iloilo is convenient to businessmen. Hey, being convenient to businessmen is not necessarily being convenient for doing business.

Goeographically, being at the heart of booming region puts us in a situation where investing here is paramount.

In the early 2000, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed the Tax Incentives O r d i n a n c e with retroactive application.

It was one of the worst episodes in the Iloilo City leadership when the then Mayor Mansueto Malabor and Vice Mayor Guillermo De la Llana were on the opposing sides. It

was also the best showcase of the City Councilors’ intellectual calibers starred by then City Councilors Perla Zulueta and Jose Junio Jacela. The ordinance then went controversial because of suspicions that it was an SM City-drafted ordinance purposely made to cater to its need for tax relief, and was also consented by then Mayor Malabor and his SP allies headed by Jacela considering the anticipated peripheral economic bazooka in the Mandurriao District. As years unfold, we have been witnesses on how we saw SM City had an in-house transport terminal and some of major city-endorsed events in their activity center. Other than the privileges granted to this giant mall, there have been food establishments and building constructions that went on to do business without first securing the basic permit requirements. We can also see how on-road parking in calle real from vehicles owned by businessmen remain untouched. Our peace and order situation is only pestered by street crimes but is way better than the persistent threats of bombing and other extreme happenings in other cities. But what thrills me more is the fact that while other cities have been fully explored and made use of, Iloilo has not yet been squeezed to the limit. If you do business in the

Ilonggo republic, your imagination of profit still borders to infinity. Just roam around the city and you will see postings of “ THIS PROPERTY IS FOR SALE ” . Search engines will also link you to the viral reality of property selling either for business or for residential purposes. In the tourism market, there is no doubt that we are close to perfect. But there is one thing that for decades have pulled us down to the cellar -- the electricity cost. We remain to be monopolized by nothing but one power producer and one power distributor. Not even the essence of EPIRA law can motivate PECO from passing through the national electricoty highway which is hosted by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). There is truth to the news that an increase of 60 centavos per kwh may add up to the general rates per kwh but the greater picture is, it will give the power distribution line and eventually its power consumers fair access to other power producers attached to the grid or the transmission line. Relying for power supply to only one or two companies like PEDC and PPC destroys the essence of competition and exposes the Iloilo power consumers to monopoly. And since electricity has become a necessity, regardless of how costly the charges are we have no

choice but to submit to their arbitrary computation. It is a surprise that despite the abundance of supply from the two power plants in Iloilo City, the cheapest electricity rates in the region are found in Aklan, Antique and Guimaras. Even the Leyte rate is at all time low of 4 pesos. The rest in the Western Visayan region ranges only from 5 to 6 pesos, the most is at 7 pesos. That is despite the fact that they all connect via NGCP where there is a 60-centavo transmission charge. But in Iloilo City, PECO is at 8 pesos and from all indications, the rate won’t get lower than that. The moment PECO yields to the call to attach to the grid like the rest of the power producers in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the opportunity to shop for affordable power producers become unlimited.

Now, who says that Iloilo City is totally business-friendly? This Dinagyang city is friendly only to selected businessmen. This is the problem with vote-buying because our judgment is sometimes clouded with biases. Some government officials tend to view things not on the basis of facts but on the basis of indebtedness.

Look at how we prioritize the drive to stabilize the water supply in Mandurriao because of Megaworld but we fail to address the basic concerns in our relocation sites.

The World, The Voice, The Deaf, The Able, The Saints, and The Sinner I

n just a span of one week, there is so much that has happened.

On the World: Miss Megan Young, Miss Philippines is Miss World 2013!

Her victory in the recent Miss World has given honor and recognition to our country, besting other contenders around the world!

With her victory, we can move around the world without feeling intimidated, with pride and sense of achievement.

With her victory, the inordinate superiority of other countries over us is tempered. No special mention from her of the Philippine government, which is beset by one scandal after another, but of the Filipino people immediately after the announcement of her victory.

On the Voice: Mitoy of Team Leah is the winner of The Voice of the Philippines 2013, a live world-class singing competition program adopted by television network ABS-CBN.

This timely conclusion of The Voice of the Philippines, makes us even more confident that our voice – the voice of the Filipino - can be heard around the world.

This can be a reminder to the administration of P-Noy that it should not take for granted the voice of the Filipino people who marched again against the pork barrel.

On the Deaf: September 29, the last Sunday of September, was the International Deaf Day. I was surprised to know of this, but the World Federation of the Deaf celebrated this day with thrust for “Equality of Deaf People.” I first learned of this celebration from the Association of Deaf Persons in Iloilo, who celebrated the day at Jaro covered gym, Iloilo City.

Unfortunately, I know not how to communicate with the deaf, I have no skill of sign language.

Anyway, I think, the world should give emphasis in celebrating this day, to emphasize that we have ears to hear the “voice” of the deaf, the voice of persons in need. As Desiderata speaks, “Listen to others.

Even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.”

On being Able: I was able to attend the 23rd founding anniversary of the Association of Disabled Persons – Iloilo, Inc. (ADPI), last September 28, Saturday, and I happened to meet its guest speaker Kagawad Love Love Baronda. One thing that she pointed out in her speech was the fact that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are differently abled persons.

She was passionate to say that she is supportive of the cause of PWDs. I did not expect that I had a place in the program. I was given a chance to say my piece, by ADPI Social Worker Sharon Pudadera. And later, I was given a Service Award by Mr. Nemesio Israel “Bob” V. Flores, Jr., ADPI President.

As long as I can, even if I will no longer be president of the Iloilo Lawyers and Professionals Chess, Club, Inc. (ILPCCI), I will continue to help ADPI with its chess program.

I believe in the ability of PWDs to become strong chess players. It bears stressing what Mr. Joe Maroma said to me that during his prime time, one of the strong chess players in Iloilo was a deaf.

On the following day, Sunday, the ILPCCI celebrated its own second anniversary, and held its own election for the Board of Trustees. Those elected to the BOT are: Atty. Arnold L. Molina, President; MCTC Judge Rodolfo Convocar, Vice President; Atty. Christopher Espera, Secretary; Atty. David M. Bermudo, Treasurer; Mr. Leo Garachico, P.I.O., Dr. Alexander Guillergan, MD, Auditor; Mr. Jesus Maria Arsenio Salvilla and Atty. George Palmares, Trustees. Except for the positions of Secretary and P.I.O., the rest of the officers have been re-elected to their current positions.

On Saints and Sinner: Blessed Popes John Paul II and John XXIII have been announced for canonization on April 27, 2014.

Their canonization certifies to the fact that they are now enjoying their life with God, and they are now trusted intercessors. To canonize means to officially install and publicly declare them as saints. It is Pope Francis who not long ago described himself as a sinner - who will canonize them.

It is worthy to note that Pope Francis got his name from St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is celebrated by the Catholic Church on October 4.

Like Pope Francis, St. Francis of Assisi described himself as a sinner.

In the Little Flowers of St. Francis that incorporates the acts of St. Francis and his companions, one can read: “Saint Francis, in the early days

of the Order, was in a small village with Brother Leo where they had no books. One night, when they had risen for matins, St. Francis said to his colleague: ‘Dearest man, we have no breviary from which to recite matins, but that we may spend our time in the praise of God, so speak as I bid you, and be careful not to alter the words in any way. I shall speak as follows: ‘Brother Francis, you have committed so many sins in the world that you deserve hell.’

And you Brother Leo reply: ‘True it is that you have deserved hell.’ Brother Leo, that most blameless man, with the simplicity of a dove, replied: ‘Gladly, Father. Begin in the name of the Lord.’

And St. Francis began to say, as he had said he would, ‘O Brother Francis, you have committed so many sins that you deserve hell.’ And Brother Leo replied: ‘God will do so much good through you that you will go to paradise.’”

One prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi runs this way: “Most gracious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart; instill in me: a faith that is unerring, a hope that is certain, a love that is perfect, a sensitivity and a knowledge that I will accomplish your holy and true command. ” With one exposé after another, with one rebel attack after another, I think it would be better now for our nation to hold a nationwide prayer rally, to thank God for all the blessings that we have received – like Miss Megan Young and Mitoy - regardless of how sinful we are, and to ask for enlightenment, a national enlightenment - especially for our government leaders and politicians who are now busy in justifying themselves, not much, for now, of amassing themselves of public funds – because, whether we like it or not, there is darkness that hovers around the world of our politicians and government leaders.# Send feedback to: arnoldcares@ yahoo.com

October 6 - 12, 2013

METRO OPINION

Forced Shutdown

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National Defense, Department of State, Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, Postal Service, USAID, and Bureau of Fiscal Service.

The forced shutdown of the US Federal Government is a classic case of check and balance at play. The protagonists are the Republicans (mostly from the tea party stalwarts) on one side and the Democrats on the other side. At the heart of the acrimonious exchanges is the Affordable Care Act (dubbed as Obamacare) which the Democrat-led Senate supports but the Republican-led House wants to overhaul or outrightly repealed before funding the government through congressional passing of the budget.

The Republicans want to rein in the perceived overspending of the present administration but President Obama sees this as a wacky idea of depriving health insurance to 15% of the U.S. population without coverage.

Economists predict that if the shutdown continues for a month, the economic costs could easily reach $55 billion, adding more blows to the still struggling U.S. economy. President Obama’s scheduled visit to Philippines this month has already been cancelled so he will have more time to attend to the unfolding events in Washington.

Some blame Sen. Ted Cruz as the lawmaker who authored the shutdown after his lengthy speech on the Senate floor unravelling the insidiousness of Obamacare. Now it’s a given that Republican Rep. Mark Meadows from

North Carolina’s 11th congressional district started the snowballing effect when he suggested to the Republican leaders that the dismantling of Obamacare should be tied to the bill that will fund the government for the next fiscal year. Meadows told the Press that “Our intent has never been to shut down the government. It’s to stop the [health care] law.”

Looming ahead, however, is the more dreadful possibility that the United States will default on its public finances after October 17. This can lead to global financial meltdown unless the executive and legislative leaders are able to synchronize their acts together at the most opportune time.

While the majority of the Americans (51%) blame Republicans for the federal shutdown according to a recent CNN/Opinion Research Corp survey, the United States will continue to move on because the real drivers of growth are the high-quality human resources scattered across the well-funded 51 states, each with autonomous executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

As what always happens, the U.S. economy is so resilient that in spite of its current $17 trillion debt, the government will continue to defy odds and maintain its global leadership.

Since 1977, the government has shut down 17 times but these have not undermined its overall well-being.

The problem confronting the Federal Government is only temporary

and its opening soon is inevitable.

Unless someone needs a loan from the government for small business or for house purchase, that individual has to wait depending on how long will the shutdown last.

Meanwhile, those living in Washington, D.C. have to manage their own trash because there is no money for the city until its budget is approved

by Congress. The garbage pile up, if untouched, can be staggering since the households and business establishments reportedly produce as much as 500 tons of solid wastes every week.

The shutdown will needlessly make a stronger United States as the politicians come to their senses, set aside their squabbles, and eventually find common solution to the mess.

Even President Obama, for that matter, needs to reduce his fiery rhetoric and let America and the rest of the world know that he is not a hostage to the will of his party or ideology but a leader to all his constituents.

The Philippine economy is so umbilically connected to that of the United States that it does not make sense for our financial leaders to assert that we will emerge relatively unscathed from the federal shutdown. Pundits euphemistically agree that whenever Uncle Sam sneezes, we Filipinos get the flu.

Let us wish and pray for a stronger, gentler, caring, and more responsive United States of America - the land of the free and the home of the brave!

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beautiful barong suit that I wore to the Palanca awards night. The big change this year is that instead of bringing in Filipino movies on DVD, I brought in a lot of OPM. My favorite is the disco music CD called “Bonggang Bongga: 42 Biggest OPM Retro Hits.” And there’s “Martin Nievera 3D: Tatlong Dekada,” and I’m not even a fan of Martin.

and just got my 2013 flu shot.

What’s the biggest project at the back of your mind right now?

I’m not the pasalubong guy, but my sister and my nieces in L.A. have a soft spot in my heart so my suitcases were full of Del Monte Italian Style Spaghetti Sauce, Kraft Eden Filled Cheese, and Argentina Corned Beef for them. For friends at work, I brought tons of those individually packed sachets of 3-in-1 instant coffee.

post it on Facebook. The photo had hundreds of “likers” in a matter of hours. I’m still getting compliments for my new look everywhere I go.

If people are to be believed, they say that the new hairdo took away at least ten years off my calendar age. I tend to agree. Now, that’s what I miss most on the immediate, tactile way. But if I go deeper, I know that as immediately as I left Iloilo, I also began to miss the company of students who inspired me everywhere I went. How can I not be inspired by people who confess that I am their inspiration? If I am an inspiration to young people, how can I not be inspired to be even more inspirational? Sure, there is no money in the Philippines, but the Filipino youth give me so much happiness. I tell you, my Nursing job satisfaction is being challenged. I might just retire from Nursing soon!

What did you begin to miss after you arrived in Los Angeles?

Who were the first people you saw when you got back to L.A.?

My long hair that went to Locks of Love for wigs for children with cancer. My haircut was so dramatic that I just had to take a photo and

Nurses! Haha. I went to our hospital-wide competency 12 hours after I touched down. Haha. There was no time for jetlag. Then, I went ahead

ince last week, I have been faithfully monitoring the imminent shutdown of the US Federal Government because of its attendant impacts on domestic and global economic fronts. The last shutdown happened 17 years ago under the Clinton administration when the stalemate lasted for 21 days.

When the shutdown happened last October 1 (start of fiscal year), the financial markets worldwide started to get jittery. At the home front, the Philippine Stock Exchange recorded very tame gains but is seen to slide downward within the next few days.

Already the US dollar has started to depreciate vis-a-vis the Asian currencies while the Euro and Australian dollars have edged upward slightly.

Except for the 800,000 nonessential federal workers who have been furloughed and not sure whether they could get reinstated and their pay checks restored in the immediate term, it’s still business as usual for most Americans.

The national museums and parks, however are no longer accessible for leisure activities. Even the Statue of Liberty, symbol of hard-won freedoms, is now off limit to tourists. In all, 39 offices and agencies are closed, 24 on partial shutdown mode, while 44 continue to function including, to name a few, the Department of h a t ’ s the first thing that you did when you got back to Los Angeles?

Write last week’s column.

Actually, more like rewrite. I finished it way before time, but I only tried to send it on the day that I left Iloilo, and because I’m not a techie, and I was in a rush, and I was in an unfamiliar internet café working on a flash drive, I inadvertently deleted the file. I was so mad at myself because I didn’t want to miss a week pleasuring my readers.

Fortunately, the editors gave me time, so as soon as I laid down my luggage, I opened my computer, and tried to remember what I wrote in the deleted file.

What’s the most important thing that you brought back with you to L.A.?

That has to be my 6th Palanca gold medal so she can join her brother medals. You see, I keep all my golds in one place. Haha. Then, there’s the

What did you bring your friends and colleagues at the hospital?

DAKASI: Forget and Forgive T

he most recent case of food poisoning that hit Iloilo City involved the famous Dakasi Tea Drink Enterprise which was founded in Taiwan during the 1990s and eventually has found its way in other parts of Asia including the Philippines.

The incident allegedly claimed the life of a 27 year old Ilonggo in the person of Ben Jason Chang and 34 others were brought to the hospital for immediate treatment due to vomiting, diarrhea, fever and renal malfunction.

The victims all claimed to have consumed the famous milk tea and egg pudding being served inside the food establishment.

Eventually a day after the reported massive influx of patients, the City Health Office temporarily ordered the closure of Dakasi pending investigation results.

However, the incident showed how vulnerabe and flawed the contingency responses of the local government and even the national health agencies in cases of food poisoning.

In a radio interview, Dr. Urminico Baronda the Iloilo City Health Office Head explained that his office is on top of the whole situation. He said that he was able to talk to the local owner of the establishment through the phone.

When asked of the name of the owner of the food house the health head of the city declared that he was not able to ask the name of the person on the other line.

Talk of a crisis and whom to hold accountable, Dr. Baronda was simply negligent. Or perhaps, the name of the owner of the establishment is more important than the lives of the victims that are at stake.

The regional office of the

Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) immediately acted in principle and only physically entered the premises of DAKASI after more than 36-hours have lapsed.

Without imputing malice on the management of the restaurant, 6-hours after the incident went public is already long enough to clean its premises of possible contaminants generallyspeaking. It is only basic to say that any businessman or establishment will make sure that its name is not tarnished because of negligence most especially in the food business industry.

Four days after the incident happened, the most that FDA has done is to assure the public that they have already sent the food samples from the establishment. Worst, they kept on saying that they have requested the national office to prioritize the Iloilo

The anthology of poems and stories from the 2013 Peter’s Prize competition. I promised a book or two to come out of the contest, and I intend to make good on that promise.

I’ll start working on the manuscript in October, and that’s in a few days.

Meanwhile, there are a few other things that I need to take care of. I haven’t even unpacked all my luggage!

I haven’t even looked at my hospital work schedule for October.

What do you want to do right now, but cannot?

Read a book! Like a novel, or something. I just want to curl up in bed with a good book for about 48 hours. There is no doubt that I was happy with, and enriched by, my vacation, but as one friend observed, I take on so much charity and mission work when I go to the Philippines. At work, they call me the nurse who goes on a vacation so that he cannot have a vacation. There’s truth to that! case.

Such does not imply urgency.

Accountability in the case of Dakasi is not exclusive. As a food provider, they rely their operations with their own suppliers. What if the cause of poisoning is not in the food handling of the establishment? What if the contamination is from its water or the eggs or the milk or any other ingridients provided by its third party suppliers?

The very delayed and slow response of the health authorities from the local up to the national level could compromise the health of the Ilonggos.

Disaster looms once the delayed result of the bilogical investigation will yield that the contaminated food part came from Dakasi’s external suppliers.

In several cases, the delayed result of the investigation and laboratory procedures will led to the most common cancer of accountability, that is forget and forget. Afterall, this is Iloilo and we are in the Philippines.

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SCHADENFREUDE S

c h a d e n f re u d e is a loan word from the German language.

It is a noun and defined by Collins Dictionary as “taking delight from the misfortune of others”. It is derived from the German word “schaden”, meaning ‘harm, damage or injury’ and “freude” in Middle High German meaning ‘joy or delight’. Going deeper into the shades of the word ‘schadenfreude’, it can be noted that it is required to feel a joy, a delight that is ‘malicious’ in the misfortune of others or failure of another. The darker shade of the word requires that a person does not only feel joy at the misfortune of another but that delightfulness should be in a malicious manner, whether outwardly shown or inwardly kept. A distinction exist between ‘private schadenfreude’ (a private feeling and inwardly kept) and ‘open schadenfreude’ (outwardly shown with outright public derision).

Let me give some situations and you be the judge if it is schadenfreude or not. Here goes:  Benhur Luy, when Janet Lim Napoles was arrested.  Sen. Miriam DefensorSantiago, when Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile was included in the pork barrel scam.  Augusto ‘Buboy’ Syjuco, when Sen. Franklin Drilon’s name was dragged into the pork barrel scandal.  Former Enrile Chief of Staff Atty. ‘Gigi’ Reyes, when the plunder case was filed days after she fled the country.  Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, after the ‘bombshell’ of a speech by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.  Imelda Marcos, when Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino was assassinated on August 21, 1983.  Former Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos, when news of Marcos hastily leaving the country broke out.  Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather, when Manny Pacquiao got knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez.  Tyler Hamilton, when Lance Armstrong finally admitted at Oprah that he used Performance Enhancing Drugs.  Former President Joseph Estrada, when Former Mayor Alfredo Lim lost the Manila mayoralty.  DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, when Vice President Jejomar Binay was labelled as ‘epal’ for his presence at the Zamboanga siege.  Apple, Samsung, Google, Microsoft and Nokia, when Blackberry announced their closure as a public company after losing a billion dollar in just three months.  Timothy Bradley, when Manny Pacquiao was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez.  Sen. Loren Legarda, when her name was not included in the plunder case filed against fellow senators.  Senators Enrile, Estrada and Revilla, when Sen. Legarda was found to also contribute millions to a fake Napoles NGO.  Actress Carmina Villaruel, when former husband Rustom Padilla admitted he was gay.  Wally Bayola, when the first video scandal of Chito Miranda was publicized.  Chito Miranda, when Wally Bayola’s own video scandal got publicized.  Wally Bayola, when Chito Miranda’s second video scandal got publicized.

There are so many situations in our lives and society when schadenfreude is applicable. With the above examples you may want to know how others feel about your own misfortune.

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October 6 - 12, 2013

ILOILO METROPOLITAN TIMES

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DA maintains no import outside MAV in 2014

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA The Department of Agriculture (DA) remains strong on its no rice importation outside its international trade commitments for next year.

On its commitment with the World Trade Organization (WTO), the country permits entry of 350,000 metric tons (MT) of rice under the minimum access volume (MAV) at 40 percent duty while

imports outside MAV are charged 50 percent duty.

DA undersecretary for field operations Dante Delima said there will be no more importation outside of the MAV next year.

This year, Philippines allocate 163,000 MT for the MAV-countryspecific quota (CSQ) including 98,000 MT for Thailand, 25,000 MT for China, 25,000MT for India, and

15,000 MT for Australia.

Around 187,000 metric tons of the country’s buffer stock requirements from Vietnam were also imported, under a government-to-government tender with its state-run Southern Food Corp.

USec. Delima, being the National Rice Program Coordinator at the same time, declared that only 205,000 MT had been imported under the MAV

this year.

The underutilization of the importation window is attributed to the steep in-quota duty.

Philippines is currently asking support from its trading partners for

the extension of its special restriction on rice imports until 2017 to prepare the local rice industry for the strong competition when the economic integration within the ASEAN region commence in 2015.IMT

PR Congress makes waves

WV faces lots of agricultural challenges

BY REYMAR LATOZA The local governments in Western Visayas (WV) should focus on Agriculture and address the existing challenges in the said sector to improve more the region’s competitiveness in terms of its economic performance, according the Vice President of Trade Feeds of the Philippines Foremost Milling Corporation.

During the Symposium on the Philippine Economy: Trends and Prospects conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-6) and the Regional Development Council (RDC), Engineer Terence S. Uygongco who is also the Vice Chairperson of Iloilo Business Club (IBC), and the

President of Capiz Sugar Central, Inc. said that Local government Units (LGUs) strong effort in strengthening the agri-industrial business enterprises is among the key drivers to increase the economic growth rate of WV. He added that WV has a great potential to become the country’s largest regional economy by addressing the following challenges in Agriculture sector: little or no land preparation, non-investment in quality high yielding varieties seed such as yellow corn, high post harvest losses caused by natural calamities, no value adding, economies of scale and access to credit.

WV is among the top five fastest growing regions and largest regional economies in the country, based on the

recent data on gross domestic product (GDP) and gross regional domestic product (GDRP) growth rates WV ranked fourth fastest growing region with 5.5 percent growth in 2011 which contributed 4.01 percent to the country’s GDP. The Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery sectors grew by 13.82 percent and accounted for 26.66 percent to the GDRP. Meanwhile, WV is considered as the top producer of sugarcane, and carabao in the country. Third rice, hog , and commercial fish producing region . And number five cattle producer.

WV is also among country’s top exporters of sugar, crab meat, cane molasses, masco vado, banana chips, and dried mango.IMT

‘Per pulse billing’ in mobile phones pushed

BY REYMAR LATOZA The National telecommunications Commission (NTC) defended its stand on the memorandum circular they issued to the telecommunications companies (Telcos) ordering them to bill voice calls by the second or perpulse.

During the senate budget hearing, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said that call charges should be in per six-second pulse.

Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, and Digitel

Telecommunications Philippines however, disagreed and insisted on retaining the existing per-minute arrangement.

Cordova explained that the disagreement between them and the telcos had reached to the Supreme Court (SC) and the case is still pending. But he believed that the high court will support the Court of Appeal’s favorable decision.

Meanwhile, Senator Chiz Escudero, finance sub-committee head, approved the NTC’s 2014 proposed budget of P244.8 million.

A report of Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) said in 2009, the NTC issued Memorandum Circular 05-072009, mandating that the “maximum unit of billing for the cellular mobile telephone service (CMTS) whether postpaid or prepaid shall be six (6) seconds per pulse.”

In early 2012, the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the NTC, prompting the telecommunications operators to raise the issue to the SC. At present, the standard call rate for Globe and Smart is P6.50 to P7.50 per minute.PDI/IMT

PH education system needs reform

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA The education system in the country is not yet conformed to the international standard, admits Commissioner of Commission on Higher Education Dr. Cynthia Rose Bautista. Bautista talked about the level of education in the country as well as the reforms needed in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Integration by 2015.

Commissioner Bautista said that the country is falling further behind other countries like Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam in terms of top performing schools in Asia.

The quality of higher education is deteriorating and one factor seen is a mismatch between the needed qualification and the competence of the Filipinos.

“Philippines’ basic education is market-oriented.

There is lack of access to quality higher education and mismatch between needed qualification and competence of Filipinos”, Bautista added.

Being one of the country’s leading social scientist, she has lead several multidisciplinary, inter-institutional and international research teams and she expressed that the country does not invest on genome pooling.

“Research has not been seen as useful but as an obstruction”, she further declared.

She added that Filipinos have the

quality of mind but do not follow the rules.

“What’s good about Filipinos is that they are skeptical, which means they see through things; however, it has a drawbacks because they do not strategize”, she noted.

Bautista said that they are seeking to establish develop PH as center for analytics in ASEAN and slowly get out of the old paradigm.IMT

NGCP Pushes...from page 1 rates of PECO as of May 2012 runs to Php 8.2637/kWh while Bohol Light Company, Inc. (BLCI), which sources it supply from WESM and PSALM

which are both connected to the grid) costs only Php 4.6059/kWh, just about half that of PECO. Other distribution utilities like

ILECO I, GUIMELC, AKELCO, ILECO II, ANTECO, MECO, CENECO, ILECO III, BLCI have also lower rates compared to PECO.IMT

Tara Yap (The Daily Guardian/ Manila Bulletin), Jhay R Villalva (Aksyon Radyo), Karen Bermejo (Western Visayas Informer), Nenita Hobilla (GMA 6), Arniel Lumbo (DYSI Super Radyo) and Rhod Tecson (RMN

Iloilo).

The formation of the press group will help build linkages to the different energy sectors to discuss and clarify power-related topics with the members of the media to be disseminated to the public. IMT

IMT Holds...from page 1 Metropolitan Times), Tonette Toledo (Talking Point), Francis Allan Angelo (The Daily Guardian), Glenda Sologastoa (Panay News), Nony Basco (ABS-CBN) Carl Sardua (News Express), Jun Tillaflor (News Express),

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES Beyond image building and reputation management, Public Relations can also be an agent of sustainable change.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) spearheaded the 20th National Public Relations (PR) Congress with the theme “From Ripples to Waves”.

PRSP President Yoly Crisanto said “This year’s PR Congress will walk the talk”.

Plenary discussion talked about PR-related topics such as RIPPLES TO WAVES, a Rediscovering of the forgotten role of Public Relations creating meaningful brand impact in human lives; CREATING LONGTERM VALUE-The top criterion for today’s brands; THE BIG SHIFTEffective story-telling using today’s innovative tools and solutions; PROGRAM MONITORING AND

EVALUATION- Vox Populi, the more telling side of any PR story; 360 DEGREES- Forget linear thinking; BEYOND CSR- A very public affair.

Plenary speakers invited were Merlee Jayme (Head of DM9 JaymeSayfu), Jonathan Yabut (Winner of the First Apprentice Asia), Gail Tan (Country Communications Manager of Google), Gary Chin (Asia Pacific Head of CBS), Alvin Chan (Cofounder & Chief Technology Officer of iSentia Brandtology), Lourd de Veyra (Journalist/TV5), Stephen Reilly (COO of Resorts World), Micheal French (COO of Solaire Resort & Casino), Clint Navales (External Relations Country Manager of P&G), USEC Mario Deriquito (DepEd), Marilou Erni (Executive Director of Petron Foundation), and Weena Mendoza (Executive Director of Waterhope Foundation).IMT

The importance of family meals Eating meals together is one of the most important things you can do as a family.

Family meals are an opportunity to nurture appreciation of food and a deeper sense of connection between the members of the family aside from fulfilling the basics of healthy nutrition.

In celebration of the National Family Week from September 20 to 27, 2013, one of the major activities organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)6 was the conduct of the “Happy Famealy Day” in Pavia town here.

In the “Happy Famealy Day” activity, a total of 30 families from various barangays in the municipality of Pavia were treated to a free lunch.

These families are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and those living in flood-prone areas in the town.

DSWD-6 Regional Information Officer May Rago-Castillo said that the activity aimed to strengthen the bond of the families by emphasizing the importance and value of having meals together.

She also said that eating together has several positive benefits including solid family ties and nurtured values.

Meanwhile, Abiline Alicante, 28, a housewife, said that family meals are a chance for the members to share what each of them went through during the day.

“Masaku man bal-an ang tanan sa bilog nga adlaw kag amo na ang tsansa sang bilog nga pamilya nga magtipon kag magstoryahanay. (Everyone is busy during the day so it is the chance for the whole family to be together and tell stories)”, said Alicante.IMT

She also said that during mealtime, family members can share problems and can ask advice from the rest of the family.

In a study conducted by the Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, it clearly indicates that children who regularly dine with their parents tend to become healthier, happier and better students.

The study also said that the sense of security and togetherness provided by family meals helps nurture children into healthy, well-rounded adults.

The communication that occurs over the course of a meal is critical in building a relationship between the parents and the children and helps the parents understand the challenges their children face, according to the study.

On one hand, Deogracias Baylen, 45, a trisikad driver, said that eating together as a family gives the opportunity for parents to impart positive values to their children such as respect and obedience.

“Ang ululupod nga pagkaon sang pamilya makabulig pabaskug sang pagsalig sa isa kag isa, (Eating together as a family helps in strengthening the trust for each member” said Baylen who serves as the head of the family.

Presidential Proclamation No. 60 declared the annual observance of the National Family Week on the last week of September.

This year’s theme “Unity Across Generations: A Strong Family, A Strong Society” highlighted intergenerational solidarity which relates to reciprocal care, support and exchange of resources in families.(JCM/Leonard T. Pineda ILTP/PIA-Iloilo)

10

IBL

Iloilo Basketball Leauge

METRO SPORTS

October 6 - 12, 2013

Iloilo city schools battle for crown in basketball tournament

BY REYMAR LATOZA The fire has been ignited inside the hard-court as the six basketball teams from different schools in Iloilo City started to battle for the crown in the ‘17-under’ category of Developmental Basketball Tournament.

Six teams were representing the following schools: Bario Obrero National High School (BONHS), Iloilo City National High School (ICNHS), Ramon Avanceńa National High School (RANHS), Lapaz National High School (LNHS), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), and Iloilo National High

School (INHS).

BONHS and ICNHS showed blazing actions in the first game.

ICNHS cagers trampled BONHS team, 69-49.

The second game was between RANHS against LNHS. RAHNS upset LNHS after finishing the game with 24 –point margin, 67-43.

The game three was postponed due to the bad weather.

The management decided to reschedule the game of WVSCT and INHS within this week.

Meanwhile, others games are

scheduled on October 12 and 13, 3 p.m. at Mandurriao Covered Court.

T h e Developmental Basketball tournament was organized by Iloilo Basketball League (IBL).

It aims to discover and develop potential Ilonggo Basketball players.IMT

Women’s Basketball tournament kicks off

BY REYMAR LATOZA The Women’s Basketball Tournament kicked off recently at Mandurriao covered court.

Seven teams from West Visayas State University (WVSU), PEI, University of Agustine (USA), Iloilo National High School, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) as well as two others teams namely, Avengers, and Textus will battle it out for the championship title.

In the first game, USA waylaid INHS, 69-27.

In the second game, ISAT-U defeated the Avengers team, 48-38.

The third game between WVSU and PEI became exciting as both teams

showed burning actions inside the court.

PEI scored 44, five points higher than WVST with 39 total score.

PEI maintained its lead from the first until the end of the game, 12-9, 21-26, 35-28, respectively.

The Women’s Basketball Tournament is organized by Iloilo Basketball League (IBL) headed

by Mr. Alfie Lagman.

It aims to discover and develop potential Ilonggo Basketball players.

The Women’s basketball began in the winter of 1892 at Smith College. It was organized by Senda Berenson at Smith College, adapting Naismith’s rules to emphasize cooperation, with three zones and six players on each team. The first women’s college basketball game played at Smith College; no men were admitted to the game, March 21, 1893.Womenhistory.com/IMT

October 6 - 12, 2013

MetroMisc

11

Precious Moments: 35 Years of Loving, Caring, Sharing

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES (With excerpts from the article of Ana Marie Tiangco of PM) With their cute teardropshaped eyes, who couldn’t resist their innocence? Their sweet and reserved smiles, distinctive characters and pastel-colored features have captured the hearts of many for over 35 years.

From celebrating a couple’s wedding, a child’s birth and baptism, anniversaries, to Christmas Days and New Years, Precious Moments has indeed translated each of these milestone into a unique work of art that evoke celebrations of joy and beautiful memories.

It was in the early 70s when Samuel John Buthcher decided to put up a small company named Jonathan and David with his friend Bill Biel to produce PM’s art in the forms of posters and cards. Inscribed in these posters and cards are unique and heartfelt inspirational messages of Samuel and Bill’s reflection of faith.

It was their artistry and faith that

brought PM to where it is now.

The success of the cards and poster business had pushed Sam to develop a three-dimensional figurine “Love One Another”. Though having second thoughts at first, Sam was deeply overwhelmed that he fell to his knees and cried when he saw and touched the first porcelain sample. And that gave birth to the figurines that changed the lives of many collectors today.

Aside from figurines, PM has also engaged into doll and stuffed toysmaking, and other souvenir items but has not loosen the company’s core values of conveying the spirit loving, caring, and sharing.

Today, Precious Moments has touched not only the hearts of the young consumers but also of mature individuals who are willing to give love, share what they have and show the care that everyone deserves to receive.

Indeed the Precious Moments’ journey to what it is today was never easy. But it’s all worth it.IMT

“Precious Moments are conceived in the heart, not on the drawing board. I use children as the subject matter because I feel they are the purest expression of innocence.”

-Sam Butcher

Paw prints in the sand “A dog is not a thing. A thing is replaceable. A dog is not. A thing is disposable. A dog is not. A thing doesn’t have a heart. A dog’s heart is bigger than any “thing” you can ever own.”

--Elizabeth Parker, Paw Prints in the Sand Rabies is 100% fatal but is 100% preventable.

Responsible pet ownsership is one of the keys to achieve a rabies-free community. Thus, the Local Government of Malay, Aklan, together with the Rotary Club of Boracay, Shoreline Veterinary Clinic, Rebadulla Animal Clinic, and Furfect Veterinary Clinic conducted a community dog walk to raise awareness on pet owners to prevent rabies.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Rabies is a zoonosis (a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans) that is caused by a virus. It is known to be present in more than 150 countries and territories of all continents except Antarctica. About 60 000 people die of rabies every year, mostly in Asia and Africa.

The virus infects domestic and wild animals and is spread to people through close contact with infected animals’ saliva via bites or scratches. The main route of rabies transmission to humans is the bite of rabid dogs. Nearly half of those bitten by suspect rabid animals are children aged under 15 years.WHO Declaration of Guimaras and Boracay as Rabies-Free Zone The world-famous Boracay island and the island province of Guimaras were recently declared rabiesfree zone by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The two destinations join nine other provinces in this status- Siquijor, batanes, Biliran, Camiguin, Marinduque, Island Municipality of Limasawa, Camotes Island, Malapascua Island and Apo Island.

Present during the declaration were (DOH) Assistant Secretary Dr. Enrique Tayag, Malay Mayor John Yap, DOH Director IV Dr. Jovencio Ordona and Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Davinio Catbagan and Mayor Emmanuel Galla of Nueva Valencia Guimaras, Dr. Maria Nerissa Dominguez, national professional officer for emerging diseases surveillance and response of the World Health Organization (WHO); Dr. Felicito Lozarita, provincial health officer of Guimaras; Dr. Victor Santamaria, provincial health officer of Aklan; and Maricel Beychayda of the Department of Interior and Local Government– Aklan.IMT