ILOILO
the first business newspaper in metro iloilo
metropolitan VOL. I ISSUE NO. 40
times
developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com
November 3 - 9, 2013 Php 12.00
Colossians 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATE Weekly MIDPOINT Rates - Oct 25 - 31, 2013
USD/PHP
43.1600
43.1539
43.1400 43.1200
43.1146
43.1000 43.0955 43.0800 43.0600 Oct 25, 2013
43.0624
43.0729
Oct 27, 2013
43.0706 43.0622 Oct 29, 2013
Oct 31, 2013
DTI PRICE MONITORING Prime Commodities (25 Oct 2013) Prime Commodities (25 Oct 2013)
CANNED SARDINES Current Price INSTANT NOODLES Current Price
Paradiso (155g) Young’s Town Bonus (155g) Lucky 7 (155g)
12.15 Lucky Me! (55g) 13.00 Payless (50g) 13.25
PROCESSED MILK Current Price
7.10 6.30 Current Price
BREAD
Alaska Sweetened Filled 49.50 Milk - Condensed 300 mL Pinoy Tasty (400g) Alaska Filled Milk 34.50 Pinoy Pandesal Evaporated 370 mL Angel Filled Milk Evaporated 410 mL
35.75
37.00
(pack of 10 pieces) 22.50
DA PRICE MONITORING Processed and Manufactured Commodities (25 Oct 2013) Processed and Manufactured Commodities (25 Oct 2013)
Commercial Rice Regular Milled Well Milled Premium Special (Fancy) Sugar Refined Washed Brown Sugar Cooking Oil Lapad (bottle)
Current Price 35.00/kg 38.00/kg 42.00/kg 45.00/kg 45.00/kg 42.00/kg 38.00/kg
Meat & Poultry Pork Liempo Pigue (Ham) Beef Rump Brisket Chicken Fully Dressed Egg (Medium) Fish Bangus
Current Price
190.00/kg 180.00/kg
260.00/kg 200.00/kg 120.00/kg 4.50/pc
Current Price
Sicogon tension 20.00
120.00/kg
The Town of New Lucena, Iloilo celebrated its 115th “Cry of Jelicuon”, October 25, 2013. Four groups re-enacted the First Cry of Revolution. (Photo by Reymar Latoza)
BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN
The Commission on Human Rights 6 (CHR-6) has recorded more than 20 cases of human rights violations filed by members of the Federation of Sicogon Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (FESIFFA) against personnel of Sicogon Development Corporation (SIDECO) since the land-dispute started in Sicogon Island five years ago. With this, the CHR-6 set a dialogue between the two parties involved on November 6 at the Carles Municipal Hall to ease the longstanding land dispute at the said island. CHR-6 investigator Leo Sapana said they have contacted Carles Mayor Arnold Betita to help them facilitate the dialogue so that they could comeup with a win-win solution very beneficial to both parties involved.
Sapana stressed they initiated the dialogue after knowing that the tension at the island has not yet resolved. “The objective of the dialogue is to find workable solution to the problem and do away the occurrence of what had happened previously. The conflict and filing of charges continue so we initiated this dialogue because we believe that each of them should be given a chance to be heard”, he said. Sapana stressed the dialogue will be attended by FESIFFA president Raul Ramos and those 30 displaced residents who recently held a protest rally across the office of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-6) in Brgy. Duran, Iloilo City last October 14 to 19. Also, invited are some government offices like Department of Environment and Natural Resources 6
(DENR-6), Department of Agrarian Reform 6 (DAR-6), Department of Interior and Local Government 6 (DILG-6), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA) and Iloilo Provincial government to act as witnesses to any comprise agreement. Sapana said the land owner which is the Sarrosa twins Edmund and Edgar will only send their representatives Atty. Alain Ross Sumile and SIDECO gen. manager Gerry Sarrosa. It could be recalled that the land dispute arise again after the start of the multi-million redevelopment project in the island this June which displaced residents living in three affected villages of San Fernando, Alipata and Buaya. The conflict also triggered when several members of FESSIFA questioned the lot grant by the Sicogon /p5
LGUs to be competitive and to serve better,” he also said. He added that this innovation is also part of the government thrust to attain inclusive growth. Panadero also acknowledged the efforts of the Local Governance Resource Council (WVLGRC) Region 6 for coming up with its own website (http://wvlgrc.org) to provide public access to the different programs, projects and campaigns of the agency. The website was formally launched recently during the 22nd Local Government Code Anniversary at Hotel del Rio. WVLGRC is a creation of the Local Governance Regional Resource Center VI (LGRRC VI) that aims to strengthen capacities of national
and local government agencies for environment and sustainable rural development. As a consortium, the local governance resource council is a conception of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and DILG that provides continuity in the delivery of training and other capacity development programs for LGUs. JCM/ LeonardTPinedaI/PIA-Iloilo/IMT
DILG urges LGUs to make use of social media
by mary pauline balmes
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) encourages all local government units (LGUs) to take advantage of the powerful impact of the social media in terms of providing up-todate information to the public. With the tremendous opportunities that the social media is offering, DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero said that social media technology is already the name of the game at present when it comes to knowledge and information and for LGUs to be on the cutting edge in local governance. In a report of the Philippine Informaton Agency (PIA) 6, Panadero said that LGUs should maximize the use of technology, invest on it in order to take advantage of the flow of information it allows and for them to make timely and sound decisions. “Making sound decisions allow
Mabilog’s allies capture barangays
BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN
Incumbent candidates for punong barangay who are associated with City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog garnered majority votes during the October 28 barangay elections. Among the 180 villages in the city, Liga ng mga Barangay incumbent president Carlos Guarin said there were 165 incumbent punong barangays who remain on their posts after 64 of them have no opponent while 15 punong barangays were newly-elected. Guarin, a punong barangay of Brgy. Aguinaldo in La Paz district here said this will make a total of 176 punong barangay who were identified to be under the present administration while only four punong barangays belong to the opposition. Mabilog, who was challenged by defeated businessman Rommel Ynion last May 13 elections was very impressed of the election outcome. He welcomed all punong barangays including barangay officials for the new challenges ahead of them regardless their political affiliation.
He said the election is over and all elected officials should do their responsibility as good leaders and public servants. Based on the record of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Iloilo City, a total of 3,934 candidates running for the position of punong barangay and barangay kagawad had filed their Certificates of Candidacy (CoCs). Of the said number, 353 candidates filed for the position of punong barangay while 3,481 for barangay kagawad. A thanksgiving mass for barangay winners was held at the Iloilo City Hall building last October 31. IMT
Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog
METRO NEWS
2
METRO
on the road
DENR-MGB
MGB urges local gov’t to check geohazard areas
Iloilo gears up for Paraw Regatta DTI turns over PHP.8 million for BuB
Mines and Geosciences Bureau-6 Director Leo Van Juguan said that it is very important that each local chief executive is knowledgeable about the geohazard areas within and around his community. He said that they need not to panic when disaster strikes if we are prepared and had planned mitigation measures. PIA6
SSS SSS available during Saturdays The SSS has announced that all its 132 branches will be open on Saturdays which started last October 26, as part of its thrust to make SSS more accessible to its members. Aside from SSS branches it can also transact with SSS Service Offices in various malls, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 6pm.PIA6
DPWH
“Lakbay Alalay” to assist motorists The Department of Public Works and Highways will again be on the road to assist motorists as they observe All Saints and All Souls Day. DPWH-6 Information Officer Vivian Tan said the agency here is reactivating the “Lakbay Alalay” Program to ensure smooth travel for motorists including visitors and tourists, from October 30 at 5:00 p.m. until November 4, 12 noon. Elsa Subong/PIA6
BFP
BFP launches text casting and information system The Bureau of Fire Protection launched its text blasting project recently to upgrade innovations on fire-related informations. Dubbed as BFP-TCIS or Text Casting and Information System, the program aimed to facilitate the immediate and easy information dissemination and sharing with the community of latest news and updates from the BFP. PIA6/IMT
Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog signs Memorandum Agreement (MOA) for the management of the 2014 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival together with the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. (IPRFI) headed by its chairman, Manuel Villa Jr.. BY MARY PAULINE BALMES Aside from 2013 Dinagyang Festival preparations, Iloilo is also busy grooming the city as colourful regattas will once again dot the shorelines of Villa beach, Arevalo. Paraw Regatta Festival, a half-day sailboat race which has transformed into a multi-event celebration, has also been considered as Asia’s oldest sailing event. Recently, the City Government headed by Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog, and the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc. (IPRFI) chaired by Manuel Villa Jr., signed the memorandum of agreement for the management of the festival next year.
“We are one with IPRFI in ensuring a successful staging of the festival as we strengthen our promotion of sports tourism in our city,” Mayor Jed said. Paraw Regatta is a thirty-kilometer race course of vibrant paraws in the Iloilo Strait running up from the coast of Panay to the coast of Guimaras. The Paraw race course is a thirtykilometer distance in the Iloilo Strait, running up the coast of Panay and then down the coast of Guimaras. Now on its 42nd year, the festival promises to bring more excitement, sights and spectacle to Ilonggos and visitors alike. The 42nd Paraw Regatta will be on Feb. 16 to 23, 2014. Iloilo PIO/IMT
WV tourism industry also for farmers, fisher folks Local farmers and fisherfolks should gain maximum benefits from the fast growing tourism industry of Western Visayas. Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas said that growth and development in tourism should be felt by small, medium, and large scale farmers in the region. “If we are serious about our direction towards inclusive growth through tourism, the agricultural sector should be in sync with the tourism industry,” said Catalbas. In 2012, around 3.1 million tourists visited Western Visayas resulting to tourist expenditures
amounting to P70 billion. The DOT official said that local farmers and fisherfolks would feel the economic impact of these tourist arrivals and expenditures only when the food consumed by tourists are produced in the region. She said that Western Visayas should produce food with its countryside benefitting more as suppliers of the food requirements of the tourism sector. She also said that farmers and fisherfolks can easily transport their products in tourist destination areas if there is improved connectivity within and to Western Visayas. Leonard T. Pineda I/PIA6
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 turns over to the Local Government Unit of Libacao the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) project funds amounting to PHP 783,750 for the implementation of the BuB projects. DTI Regional Director Dominic P. Abad said that 240 farmerbeneficiaries (FBs) from 12 barangays will benefit from the project. Abad said that the BuB project funds will support the Product and Market Development for Crafts using indigenous raw materials that are abundant in Libacao such as nito, tayok-tayok and bamboo. He added that aside from developing and promoting the indigenous craft industry of Libacao, the
project will also provide employment and income opportunities to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Farmer-Beneficiaries (FBs) in the identified barangays. To fully utilize the available resources in the municipality, skills trainings, product development clinics and marketing assistance will be facilitated for the farmer-beneficiaries. The project will be implemented by LGU-Libacao in coordination with DTI – Aklan through its Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Project (CARP) and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Aklan provincial offices in accordance with the DBM-DILG-DSWD-NAPC Joint Memorandum Circular Nos. 1 & 2, Series of 2012. R. Melliza/DTI6
Brgy. Elections ‘generally peaceful and successful’ by reymar latoza The October 28, 2013 barangay election is over. The people have spoken. The new history had made. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) declared the recent barangay elections in the country generally peaceful and successful, despite of the reported numbers of election- related violence and violations. In Western Visayas (WV), lawyer Dennis Ausan, Comelec 6 regional director disclosed the barangay elections in the region generally successful. He explained that there is no failure of elections in any areas in WV. Out of 13, 531 clustered precincts functioned in the region, only few encountered problems, but all were immediately resolved by the election officers assigned. “It doesn’t mean that if there were few minor incidents, we cannot consider the over-all conduct of elections as peaceful and successful,” he said. He further said that they estimated a turnout of up to 80 percent of the 4.2 million registered voters in WV. It is higher than the 77 percent voter turnout last May 13, 2013 midterm elections.
The expected higher turn-out showed that voters are now aware of their rights and have the willingness to take part in the democratic electoral process, said Ausan in a report of Philippine News Agency (PNA). The Police Regional Office 6 also gave a ‘generally peaceful’ assessment on the conduct of barangay elections in the region. In Iloilo, Senior Superintendent Cornelio Salinas, provincial director of Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) said in a radio interview that the barangay elections was generally wellconducted. ‘It is orderly and peaceful’. As of press time, the Comelec had already proclaimed winners in 30,790 barangays out of over 42,000 barangays in the country. On the other hand, two former mayors in the province of Iloilo won as punong barangays. Ronaldo Golez, former mayor of the town of Dumangas won in Barangay Ilaya 3 in the said town. Golez lost his reelection bid for mayor in the May 2013 elections. Romulo Cabana, former mayor of Leon, was unopposed in the town’s Barangay Talacuan. Cabana became a sure winner after seven candidates withdrew from the race after he filed his certificate of candidacy. PNA/IMT
War vs. Drugs
DENR-EMB
EMB 6 conducts public consultation on water mgt DENR-EMB-6 initiated a public consultation as part of the procedure in the designation and management of a Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulation of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. The consultation with various stakeholders was conducted to ensure that issues and concerns were considered as to review and finalize proposed designation of the Jalaur Watershed WQMA.PIA6
November 3 - 9, 2013
TRAFFICKING IN PERSON HERO, DOJ Prosecutor Darlene Parito gives an overview of the Inter-Agency Council against Human Trafficking that ensures recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficked persons into the mainstream society through various services during the SeminarWorkshop on Anti-Trafficking Law, Magna Carta of Women, Related Laws and Gender-Sensitive Reporting of Trafficking Cases attended by media practitioners, bloggers and advocates and held in Iloilo City from October 23-24, 2013. (LAF/PIA)
The City Government is strengthening its stance to eradicate the drug menace in the metropolis. Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog called for a meeting of the Iloilo Mayor Jed Patrick mabilod discusses ways to City Anti-Drug Abuse strengthen campaign against illegal drugs with the Council (ICADAC) Iloilo City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ICADAC). recently to remind each member of their responsibility in the anti-illegal plan of action in the next three years of drugs campaign and to map out the Mabilog administration. plans to further improve the current Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Police programs and advocacy. Office assured the mayor the overall “We have never let-up in our drug situation here is “manageable.” Except for City Proper district, the campaign as operations in supplyreduction, prevention, advocacies and rest of the districts have controllable other activities are on-going,” Mayor drug situation. “We are better off compared to Jed, ICADAC chairperson, said. A workshop is in the offing in other cities,” ICPO director Sr. Supt. November to map out the Council’s Ruperto Floro Jr. said.Iloilo PIO
METRO BUSINESS No electric cooperative privatization
3
November 3 - 9, 2013
by khariza joy sofia
The employment sustainability and privatization of electric cooperatives were tackled during the discussion of Workers’ unions from the region’s primary electric cooperatives and private distributors at the University of Philippines Visayas – Iloilo City
campus. The workers’ also formed the ‘Regional Power Workers’ Alliance’ in Western Visayas, which seeks reforms within the National Electrification Administration (NEA). The alliance targets to oppose the plans of huge industry players to privatize electric cooperatives. They
PH real estate market stands out in Asia Pacific
by Reymar Latoza Philippines is considered as among the countries with the most profitable real estate market in the Asia Pacific. Philippine market has the same projection with markets in Australia, and Japan, which are giving off “not even equally good,” but fairly “decent yields.” According to Melo Porciuncula, KMC MAG Group Head of Capital Markets and Investments, ‘investing in real estate in the Philippines, in [an investor makes] about 7.9% on an average yield, which has 4% spread over investing in treasury bonds. The 7.6% economic growth of the Philippines in the first half of 2013 helped improve positive investor sentiment in the country,
KMC MAG managing director Michael McCullough said. “Key economic figures signal brighter future for real estate,” McCullough said. He cited the following key factors: an ever-active construction industry, the continued expansion of the KPO and BPO (knowledge and business process outsourcing) sectors, the country’s achievement of investment grade from 3 global credit rating firms, a very stable political climate, and the increasing flow of overseas Filipino remittances. He added that a growing economy coupled with affordable and highly-skilled labor pool attract international investors, especially those engaged in KPO and BPO activities. IMT
BPO to become a bigger source of foreign exchange
By Reymar Latoza
The business process outsourcing (BPO) is projected to grow by about 20% within five years and soon be a bigger source of foreign exchange, according to an economist. With this, the said industry is expected to dislodge remittances as the country’s biggest source of foreign exchange inflows, outside merchandise export, Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), reported. The said sector will continuously prosper and generate double-digit growth in dollar revenue, said economist Felipe Medalla, a member of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. More new players are coming and existing BPO firms are putting up more facilities. However, he said that the growth of remittances will remain by only five
percent. “BPO revenues likely to continue growing by around 20 percent and with remittances growing by only 5 percent” This year, BPO sector is expected to earn 16 billion dollars, it is higher from 11 billion dollars last year. It will also open more opportunities, employing about 926,000 Filipinos before the end of 2013. It is higher than last year with about 777,000. According to PDI, BPO industry used to be composed mainly of call centers. The industry, however, has evolved over the years, expanding its coverage to include knowledge process outsourcing operations in the areas of accounting, animation, software development, and either legal and medical services. PDI/ IMT
believe that the said privatization will surely impact the employees in the power sector as well as the electric consumer. Allen Aquino, Regional Coordinator of the Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro), a partner of the alliance, said that it is a martial law period institution vested with dictatorial powers. “Once there is a change of
ownership by private entities, workers will be reclassified as contractual”, Aquino said. Aquino added that it would lead to more ‘sweetheart deals’ between power generators and distributors, resulting to increase on electricity rates. Sentro’s regional director pointed out that there is no need to cancel Republic Act 10531 or the NEA Reform Act of 2013, which impose that NEA should be restricted to
research and support only and not took control over electric cooperatives. The alliance is composed of workers from Capiz Electric Cooperative, Aklan Electric Cooperative, Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Supervisors’ Union), Victorias Rural Electric Cooperative, Guimaras Electric Cooperative and Panay Electric Company (PECO). IMT
Winners of the various contests conducted for the 24th National Statistics Month celebration in Western Visayas received their prizes during the closing ceremony held October 29. The five major contests are Statistics Quiz, Statistical Analysis Contest, Statistical Exhibits, Statistical Bulletin Boards and Best 24thNSM Agency. Winners for the Statistics Quiz are the following: Negros Occidental High School, first with P5,000 cash prize; Cabatuan National High School, second with P4,000; and Toboso National High School, third with P3,000. They all received trophies and certificates of recognition. The Statistics Quiz was spearheaded by the National Economic Development Authority 6. For the Statistical Analysis Contest, winning schools are: Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas, 1st; West Visayas State University, Lapaz, Iloilo City, 2nd; and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology, Lapaz, Iloilo City, third. The Commission on Higher Education conducted the contest which was participated in by 11 public and private colleges and universities. The Statistical Exhibit was won by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, followed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation 6 and third, NEDA 6. The exhibit was hosted by the champion last year, the National Statistics Office 6. On the other hand, declared winners for the Statistical Bulletin Boards are Philippine Health
Insurance Corporation 6, first; Iloilo Provincial Population Office, second; and Department of Agrarian Reform 6, third. The Department of the Interior and Local Government 6 and the Department of Public Works and Highways 6 were tasked to spearhead the activity. All the top three winners in the Statistical Analysis Contest, Statistical Exhibits, and Statistical Board Bulletins took home cash prizes of P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000. Each also received trophies and certificates of recognition from the Regional Statistical Coordination Committee 6. For this year, PhilHealth 6 was named as the Best NSM Agency for their active participation in NSM activities, in-house activities initiated in line with the celebration, and being the co-host and chairman of the opening
ceremonies. Also considered were the results of the statistical contests that the agency has participated in. Cash prizes, trophies and certificates were handed to the winners by BSP Iloilo Branch Acting Deputy Director Mario Macam, National Statistical Coordination Board 6 Regional Coordinator NelidaLosare, National Statistics Office 6 Director Norman Julag-ay and PhilHealth 6 Vice-President Dr. Dennis Mas who gave the keynote message. The contests are held every October to help attain the objective of the celebration which is to promote, enhance and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance of statistics to the different sectors of society throughout the country. (JCM/Lilibeth A. French/PIA6)
24th NSM Winners honored
Philippines tops gender equality in Asia-Pacific
by khariza joy sofia Philippines is the best performer within the Asia-Pacific region according to gender equality. The country ranked fifth in the 2013 Global Gender Gap Report, an annual gender-equalityfocused report of the World Economic Forum (WEF), ranking 136 countries on their ability to close the gender gap in four key areas: economic equality, political participation, health and survival, and educational attainment. According to a report released by WEF, Philippines remains the most advanced country in the region, which ranks fifth on the global index. The improvement is attributed to the advances in economic participation and opportunity, a subindex of the report, along with the strong score in terms of political participation. Asia-Pacific region had closed 67 percent of its gender gap but is still left behind every region in the world except Middle East and North Africa in terms of economic equality between the sexes.
Photo courtesy of UN For five consecutive years, Iceland sustained its place as the closest to equality, which closed over 80 percent of its gender gap, followed by Finlad, Norway, and Sweden. At the global level, it was found out that 96 percent of the health and survival gender gap has been closed. It is the only pillar that widened since the report was first compiled in 2006. Education records a 93 percent
global gender gap, with 25 countries having closed their gaps completely, while economic equality and political participation marked 60 percent and 21 percent closed respectively.IMT
ILOILO METROPOLITAN TIMES The 115th Cry of Jelicuon A reset of time back to a year of pain and victory by Reymar Latoza
The town of New Lucena in the province of Iloilo reset the time back to 1898, a painful and momentous year for Ilonggos. They endured pain in the hands of Spaniards, until the heroism reigned in their hearts and decide to revolt against the Spanish Government. They gave up their lives for our independence. The 115th anniversary celebration of Cry of Jelicuon in the said town became successful, meaningful and colorful as four competing groups representing the New Lucena National Comprehensive High School, New Lucena National High School, Bololacao National High School and Jelicuon-Cabugao National High School showcased the rich history of their town through a reenactment of the First Cry of Revolution happened more than a century ago. Each group flabbergasted the hundreds of people who witnessed the Re-Enactment Contest at the municipal auditorium of the said town. Every 25th of October, New Lucena commemorates the heroic acts of General Martin Delgado who led the battle for independence against the Spanish forces. The week-long celebration paved way for all not just the people of New Lucena to know the most significant events in the said town. Mayor Liecel Mondejar-Seville said that the celebration is mainly to the young people of today’s generation for them to understand and appreciate the historic chapters of their town. “We want to inculcate in the minds, and instill in their hearts the essence of knowing their past. How we were freed from the bandage of Spaniards. And how Filipinos fought, especially here in Barrio Jelicuon, New Lucena where the first cry of revolution happened. The celebration is very educational,” Seville said. Based on history, unknown to Spanish authorities, a secret group of voluntaries coming from the different towns was preparing to revolt. Tan Martin, popularly known as Martin Teofilo Delgado, a native of Sta. Barbara, was the leader of this Revolutionary Movement. Months after General Emilio Aguinaldo, leader of the Philippine Revolutionary Movement, declared war against Spain, General Martin Delgado along with his voluntaries headed to Barrio Hilicuon situated at the boundary of the towns of Santa Barbara, Cabatuan and Lucena, where they gathered in an open field and with intense emotion, thundered, “Long live independence!” (Sonza, Philippine Free Press, 1953). Based on the official website of New Lucena, the town is in the central portion of the Province of Iloilo. It is approximately 28 kilometres (17 mi) away from Iloilo City. It is bounded on the northeast by the Municipality
of Pototan, on the southeast by the Municipality of Zarraga, on the southwest by the Municipality of Sta. Barbara and on the northwest by the Municipality of Cabatuan and a little portion of Mina. The Municipality of New Lucena was formerly known as Jimanban, a very small barrio organized sometime in 1800, which was a part of the Municipality of Cabatuan. In 1886 the boundary line separating the jurisdiction of Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan was defined and Jimanban was made part of Sta. Barbara. Intermerriage among the people increased the area’s population It is not recorded when Jimanban was changed to New Lucena but Lucena reportedly comes from dialect Lu (Ulo) which means “head”and “cena” which is the short version for the flower azucena, which means pure and peaceful. Thus, Lucena means pure and peaceful leader. IMT
METRO ENTREPRENEUR
November 3 - 9, 2013
5
Micro Insurance for Everyone BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA In celebration of the Cooperative Month 2013, MicroEnsure Philippines held a ‘Symposium: Innovations and Sustainability’ last October 29, 2013 at Hotel Del Rio. The said symposium aims to introduce the innovations in microinsurance and brought the idea that insurance actually pays. William Martirez, Country Manager of MicroEnsure Philippines, introduces two new insurance products: HospiCash and Triple 10 – the most affordable family health care and comprehensive yet affordable insurance protection for calamity, accident, burial and medical expenses, respectively. Triple 10 calamity insurance covers eight perils such as fire and lightning, flood, typhoon,
t s u n a m i , l a n d s l i d e , earthquake and volcanic eruption. The said insurance product can cover just the individual or add cover that includes family members or increase units anytime. For as low as 250 From left to right: Atty. Arnel Agrasada, CSEE Director II Cooperative Development Authority; William Martirez, pesos a year, the President MicroEnsure Philippines; Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog individual is covered from any risks exposed he has also an option to add dependents or to. increase the coverage. For family cover, one The principal member for the can include three dependents, which will Triple 10 product is covered with receive the same benefit. accidental death, burial assistance, The period of coverage is one year and fire, and calamity assistance. Each additional covers can be purchased in units. insurance assistance has a base While Triple 10 is primarily for cover of 10,000 pesos each but individual, HospiCash on the other hand covers the family. It provides the whole family a daily hospitalization income benefit, bantay allowance, transportation allowance, supplementary cash assistance and medical reimbursement. What sets apart HospiCash from others is thatit complements PhilHealth and supplements other insurances, at the same time, gives out-of-the-pocket expense, covers pre-existing illness up to the age of 80, with an option to add medical reimbursement package for the family. Another distinct feature of this product is that no medical examination required upon enrolment. Martirez said that microinsurance’s goal is to uplift the lives of everybody and is one of the contributing factors in poverty
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reduction. It deviates to the commercial insurance and break fort the assistance when it is needed. “ M i c r o E n s u r e ’s product is for the poor. It is protecting what we have now and letting those who are materially poor receive abundant life”, Martirez disclosed.
MicroEnsure Philippines is a licensed broker and subsidiary of MicroEnsure Holdings, UK, which is dedicated to serve the poor households and the rural market with an affordable and suitable range of insurance products. Its other innovative products include Triple Care, BahayAsenso and Weather Index Based Agricultural Insurance. IMT
Sicogon...from page 1 DAR-6 to alleged fake claimants. Only two weeks ago, 259 CARP beneficiaries of Sicogon Island conducted their oath taking ceremony before Judge Kim Oliver Enojas of 1st Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) in town of Balasan, Iloilo. DAR-6 assistant regional director Gideon Umadhay said the oath signified that all farmer beneficiaries were aware of
their obligation under the department’s existing program. Umadhay said the 259 CARP beneficiaries will avail the 334-hectare land in three affected villages of Alipata, San Fernando and Buaya. Contrary to alleged fake claimants, assistant director stressed those awardees had undergone strict screening to make sure that the program will go to the deserving beneficiaries. He said their office is now finalizing the land survey and once finished, they will award the land to respective beneficiaries so they could start cultivating their own farm. IMT
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METRO OPINION
EDITORIAL
Social Equilibrium E
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ll through life there were distinctions toilets for men, toilets for women; clothes for men, clothes for women - then, at the end, the graves are identical.” --- Leila Aboulela, Minaret From eight last year, the Philippines jumped three notches up among the top nations in the world with the best equality between genders in the Global Gender Gap Report 2013 during the World Economic Forum. Ranking fifth and the highest-ranked country in Asia today, the Philippines was able to address inequalities between men and women than last year in a comprehensive manner. The small improvements in the Economic Participation and Opportunity subindexes, its inclusion to the Top Ten in Political empowerment subindex has helped the country made this leap as the only country in Asia that has fully closed the gender gap in health and education. The framework of this study is measured thru the Global Gender Gap Index 1. The Global Gender Gap Index 1 introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2006, is a measuring outline for capturing the magnitude and scope of gender-based disparities and tracking their progress. Its benchmarks are categorized according to national gender gaps on economic, political, education and health criteria, and provide country rankings that allow for effective comparisons across regions and income groups, and over time. Gender roles, being defined as a set of social and behavioural norms of either man or woman generally based on it appropriateness in a social class and involvement in an interpersonal relationship, also differ according to cultural and historical context. According to the report, there were three underlying concepts which the study was based on – (1) focuses on measuring gaps rather than levels, (2) captures gaps in outcome variables rather than gaps in means or input variables (3) it ranks countries according to gender equality rather than women’s empowerment. Gender gaps, economic performance and policy implications have something to do with these results because the most important determinant of a country’s competitiveness is its human talent—the skills, education and productivity of its workforce. The achievement is not only a reward for all the efforts of the government all throughout the years but also a challenge for them to strengthen their advocacies in combating gender inequality and addressing its effects in the society.
Days of Our Lives
ach of us has stories to tell about how the past days of our lives were responsible in shaping or influencing our current selves. Some people are not cool about reminiscing their childhood years especially when they had horrible experiences like having been abused physically, socially, and mentally or else taken advantage of by parents, siblings, close-knit relatives, peers, or mentors. Some who were deprived of material comfort or who grew up in a deplorable environment have, with sheer determination, eventually swept the unpleasant past into the dustbin of their mind. For tunately for this writer, his childhood was analogous to a roller coaster ride
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thank Maasin N a t i o n a l Comprehensive High School through Ms. Rita M. Bertomo, with its Principal II, Ms. Rosario S. Maderse, for having invited me to be its resource person on child policy, particularly on “Anti-Bullying Act of 2013”, on October 30, 2013. Last time, on this column, I wrote on anti-bullying law, and I was fortunate to share my said article with the teachers present. Some came from Dagami National High School, others from Layog National High School, all of Maasin, Iloilo. I know my said article was not sufficient, but I made it a point that in adopting anti-bullying policies and in formulating mechanisms to address bullying, some other laws with provisions that necessarily relate to the rights and responsibilities of children must be taken into consideration. I am referring in particular not to the Convention on the Rights of the Child which the United Nations General
November 3 - 9, 2013
characterized by ups and downs with sudden, adrenaline-drawing twisting turns yet mostly pleasant and thrilling all the way. When I had an arranged rendezvous quite recently with a childhood friend whom I have not seen for an unbelievably long while, all memories of the cherished past suddenly rushed in and it was like strolling down memory lane once again. We grew up in a very remote yet tantalizingly unspoiled, laid back village with electricity supplied by a diesel-fed generator only from dusk until dawn of the following day. Entertainment at night was mainly through the radio. One of our favorite pastimes was listening to Tyay Evelyn whom I learned had already passed away not so long ago. Her voice and rhythm enthralled and mesmerized all of us kids and we dreamed of becoming a good storyteller like her in the future. Another top spot was the popular radyoserye called “Mundo Mistico”. My younger brother would often tell me how he hated 8 o’clock in the evening because that signaled the start of the drama with a scary introduction complete with unnerving sound effects. Yet he remained, like all of us glued to our seats, listening to the episode and not leaving the safe confine of the house way after the drama extro had ended for fear of accidentally bumping into vampires and other weirdos of the night. The natural swimming pool was the unpolluted river close to our elementary school. Sadly, the incremental population pressure, unmitigated practice of chemical
agriculture, and the rapid denudation of the upstream watershed have combined to turn that once beautiful river into an ugly monstrosity. Gone are the abundant freshwater species such as native catfish, mud fish, tilapia, freshwater shrimp, and eel that we used to catch quite easily even with improvised fishing gears. Our village sits between hills, a good reason why the folks there presently refer to the place as Rosario Hills. You want organic fruits? Go the to the hills and choose your preferred fruit freely by yourself. Just keep an eye on some snakes known for their lethal venoms. On the hills, you can find guava, banana, santol, tamarind, lomboy, star apple, even tino-tino or maria-maria, and wild berries like anagas. Not anymore. The lower portions of the hills are now dotted with hundreds of houses. I would often wonder why with anagas, the miniature version of the cashew, you should religiously stick to the ritual of exchanging your name with the fruit before biting on the ripe, reddish exocarp. Unmindful of the rule, I ate a handful of the fruit at one time and ended up with swollen lips. It was only when I took a course on plant physiology that I learned the wisdom of having to exchange names. That, of course, is just incidental. The real explanation lies with the liberated acid after the fruit is plucked out from the ancillary stem and the external seed is excised. By slightly delaying the biting of the fruit, the acid somehow volatilizes and renders the fruit relatively safe for eating.
We would often contrive traps for the quails, tikling, pacuro, togtog, tokmo, punay, and other edible birds. For the field rats, we had trained dogs to catch them. After removing the skin and entrails and cutting off the heads and tails and cleaning the carcass, the oil fried star (reverse of rats) meat tastes deliciously like chicken. No issue anent leptospirosis back then. Without the distraction from today’s modern tech and entertainment gadgets, we invented our own. Toy trucks with tambuyog or rubber sandals for wheels, bamboo cannons fueled by kerosene, bamboo guns with compressed young kapok fruits for bullets, sleds running on engine bearings, hand-towed contraption for thrill rides, white cloth as projection screen for home made shadow movies - all these, we ingeniously tried and succeeded. Necessity is indeed the mother of all inventions. Games involved shut bong (variant of hide and seek), pityaw, enter-enter, tumba patis, hole-in, piko, sungka, baseball, soccer, spider fight, and many other native ones. We boys would graze our own carabaos and would egg the buffaloes at sundown to gallop for a race towards the nearest water hole for the animals to drink. At night time, when the moon was full, we would go to the rooftop for star gazing and to watch for the shooting star so we could silently recite our wish when we see one coming by. Up there on the roof, we would share hilarious anecdotes to our hearts content, unmindful of what the future would hold for us all. Thanks, Belle, for the mutual rekindling of the happy days of our lives.
Assembly passed in November 1989 but to the Child and Youth Welfare Code embodied in Presidential Decree No. 603 of Ferdinand Marcos. This Code provides, among others: “Art. 3. Rights of the Child. - All children shall be entitled to the rights herein set forth without distinction as to legitimacy or illegitimacy, sex, social status, religion, political antecedents, and other factors. “(1) Every child is endowed with the dignity and worth of a human being from the moment of his conception, as generally accepted in medical parlance, and has, therefore, the right to be born well. (2) Every child has the right to a wholesome family life that will provide him with love, care and understanding, guidance and counseling, and moral and material security…. “(3) Every child has the right to a well-rounded development of his personality to the end that he may become a happy, useful and active member of society. The gifted child shall be given opportunity and encouragement to develop his special talents. The emotionally disturbed or socially maladjusted child shall be treated with sympathy and understanding, and shall be entitled to treatment and competent care. The physically or mentally handicapped child shall be given the treatment, education and care required by his particular condition. “(4) Every child has the right to a balanced diet, adequate clothing, sufficient shelter, proper medical attention, and all the basic physical requirements of a healthy and vigorous life. “(5) Every child has the right to be brought up in an atmosphere of morality and rectitude for the enrichment and the strengthening of his character. “(6) Every child has the right to an education commensurate with his abilities and to the development of his skills for the improvement of his capacity for service to himself and to his fellowmen. (7) Every child has the
right to full opportunities for safe and wholesome recreation and activities, individual as well as social, for the wholesome use of his leisure hours. “(8) Every child has the right to protection against exploitation, improper influences, hazards, and other conditions or circumstances prejudicial to his physical, mental, emotional, social and moral development. “(9) Every child has the right to live in a community and a society that can offer him an environment free from pernicious influences and conducive to the promotion of his health and the cultivation of his desirable traits and attributes. “(10) Every child has the right to the care, assistance, and protection of the State, particularly when his parents or guardians fail or are unable to provide him with his fundamental needs for growth, development, and improvement. “(11) Every child has the right to an efficient and honest government that will deepen his faith in democracy and inspire him with the morality of the constituted authorities both in their public and private lives. “(12) Every child has the right to grow up as a free individual, in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, tolerance, and universal brotherhood, and with the determination to contribute his share in the building of a better world. “Art. 4. Responsibilities of the Child. - Every child, regardless of the circumstances of his birth, sex, religion, social status, political antecedents and other factors shall: “(1) Strive to lead an upright and virtuous life in accordance with the tenets of his religion, the teachings of his elders and mentors, and the biddings of a clean conscience; “(2) Love, respect and obey his parents, and cooperate with them in the strengthening of the family; “(3) Extend to his brothers and sisters his love, thoughtfulness, and helpfulness, and endeavor with them to
keep the family harmonious and united; “(4) Exert his utmost to develop his potentialities for service, particularly by undergoing a formal education suited to his abilities, in order that he may become an asset to himself and to society; “(5) Respect not only his elders but also the customs and traditions of our people, the memory of our heroes, the duly constituted authorities, the laws of our country, and the principles and institutions of democracy; “(6) Participate actively in civic affairs and in the promotion of the general welfare, always bearing in mind that it is the youth who will eventually be called upon to discharge the responsibility of leadership in shaping the nation’s future; and “(7) Help in the observance of individual human rights, the strengthening of freedom everywhere, the fostering of cooperation among nations in the pursuit of their common aspirations for programs and prosperity, and the furtherance of world peace.” The aforesaid provisions of the Child and Youth Welfare Code are intertwined, in such a way that the rights of children cannot be separated from their responsibilities, and their responsibilities cannot be separated from their rights. So that when school children claim for their rights, they cannot isolate them from their responsibilities. With the anti-bullying law, it is more meaningful than ever to inculcate with dedication and commitment to children their rights as much as their responsibilities. In this way, school children will find their lives more valuable, more valuable to themselves, to their respective families, to their school, to their government, to their communities. In this way, cases of bullying can be mitigated, if not totally prevented. If we don’t care for the rights and responsibilities of children, who else will?# Send feedback to: arnoldcares@ yahoo.com
Rights and Responsibilites of Children
November 3 - 9, 2013
METRO OPINION
Gov’t Firefighters Dabble In Text Blasting
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your businesses or buildings once you apply for permits. The Bureau of Fire Protection in Region 6 has embarked on another venue to elevate its level of service. With the help of Globe Telecom and its text blasting package, BFP 6 has enrolled 500 of its key personnel, media entities, allied government information offices and even rescue groups to the project dubbed as the Bureau of Fire Protection 6 Text Casting and Information System or BFP 6 – TCIS. BFP 6 TCIS is a text blasting platform similar to those used by media entities and networkers. It can send messages in real time to hundreds of recipients and can
target certain groups for specific messages or instructions. Globe Telecom has allocated 18,000 SMS every month for BFP 6 and the use of its portal with security features. Although at present, the system is just for one-way broadcasting, BFP 6 is hoping that soon it can activate the two-way feature to allow BFP personnel and the civilian population to interact, report and submit feedback which will be very useful as a yardstick for the quality of service these firefighters are delivering to the people. After their successful first-inhistory Modified Fire Olympics last March 2013 which showcased the firefighters’ capabilities in
firefighting and rescue in an amazing race-style event and their consistent social media programs which penetrates the internet and social media, BFP 6 with its Public Information Section once again delves on another first for the whole BFP organization. BFP 6 – TCIS is the first and only text blasting platform in the BFP nationwide; even the BFP National Headquarters has yet to include it in their IEC programs. Not resting on their laurels, the Public Information Section of BFP Region 6 will also be launching the BFP 6 Review, their semi-annual magazine’s digital edition and will now be published monthly. It is
attached to their website at www. bfp6.com.ph. Going digital, giving emphasis on the internet with its social media programs and dabbling on the text blasting technology, we could say that our government firefighters are becoming tech savvy, indeed. For more info on BFP 6’s programs, follow, add and like them on these social media accounts. BFP 6 social media: Facebook: PIS BFP VI/BFP Region VI Like their Facebook Page: Public Information Section, BFP 6 Follow on Twitter: @bfp6_pis Follow on Instagram: @ pisbfp6
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and municipal personality awards. We all know that I have tried to do more than most, and my track record is there to prove it.
and give the language dignity. But regarding this Artist award, I want to win it because writers are not really thought of as artists. Painters and comics illustrators are called visual and graphic artists. You even have tattoo and graffiti artists, or digital artists. But have you ever heard of “writing artist”? Even “literary artist” sounds wrong. So, for me, the greatest victory is to see in me that a writer is an artist, and an Ilonggo is a Filipino. I want to be “The Portrait of a Hiligaynon Writer as a Filipino Artist.”
me because now, people can actually hear me when I say that it’s not just about Hiligaynon, but it’s really about indigenous cultures and languages. It’s about being a true Filipino without denying my ethnic origins. And that is exactly why I should win the artist award at the national level because I embrace my rich artistic Ilonggo heritage, and add to the vastness and diversity of Philippine art and culture.
Foundation for Hiligaynon Literature and the Arts, Inc. which aims to promote, preserve, and propagate Hiligaynon literature and Ilonggo arts through literary contests, films, and lectures. And get this, so far, all the funding for the projects of the Foundation is coming from my personal savings, not from any pork barrel!
t is a sad fact that despite the information and education campaigns of the Bureau of Fire Protection, most of us still think their job is just to put out fires. The stats would be better today than say five years ago when people of that kind of belief had a higher percentage than now. The saturation of their education campaign would be higher today, thanks mostly to internet penetration of their social media programs. People may have the knowledge that aside from responding to fires, the BFP enforces the Fire Code and most likely you will receive them on
ongratulations on being a finalist at the Do More Awards. How do you feel about that? First, there is that pride to be the only Ilonggo in the top three of the Artist category; and when you come to think of it, to be in the line up of the 24 national finalists in all categories. I want to make the Ilonggos proud, but they have to help me by voting for me. I’ve already cooperated with the contest organizers to make my materials and profiles available, but people have to come out and show a force by voting. Of course, I also feel grateful to Prince Couen Golez, who had the thoughtfulness to nominate me. You see, often times, I feel neglected and unappreciated because nobody nominates me for awards that I have the qualifications to win. There are writers’ groups awards, or alumni awards, even outstanding provincial
Why is this award important to you? The award per se is nothing to me. I have received plenty of awards based on merit since I was six years old. In whatever field that I wish to conquer, I get some awards and recognition. Those awards feed the legend of Peter Solis Nery. That’s why I am the living Ilonggo icon! Awards are important for me because the more awards and attention I get, the more that I can draw attention to my causes. Right now, my big passion is making people realize that Hiligaynon literature and Ilonggo culture are part of the Philippine art scene, and that they are as good as any in the country and the world. I think that in the last ten years, I have done more to elevate the quality of Hiligaynon literature,
Do you think you can win a national artist award by being explicitly an Ilonggo artist and Hiligaynon writer? Obviously, I cannot win it all alone by myself. Ilonggos have to get on their computers and other digital devices, and vote, if they want an Ilonggo to win. But being in the top three is already a triumph for
The award is called Do More Awards. What does it mean to “do more” for you? I’ve always done more in everything that I do. Let’s see: poet-playwright-fictionist-nurseteacher-missionary-social workercolumnist-filmmaker-actor-mentorenvironmentalist-life coach. How many people do you know that can do that multi-hyphenation? Isn’t that doing more for one frail body like mine? From the comforts of my books and literary awards, I have also established The Peter Solis Nery
So, how do we vote for you? 1. Open the link: http://www.rappler.com/moveph/domoreawards/finalists/41958profile-peter-nery 2. Towards the bottom, after my profile article, vote by clicking my CIRCULAR PICTURE, the one wearing a PINK SUIT, the one WITHOUT the eyeglasses. 3. Click it AGAIN until you get the message “Peter Nery is my Artist for the Rappler Do More Awards” Thank you very much! Please don’t just vote, but VOTE and CAMPAIGN for me!
“An Arm Stretch of Sky” and “Sunlight on Broken Stones” in the “Great Philippine Jungle Energy Café” (1 of 2) M
odified a n d updated version of a paper read during the Asia, Africa and Latin America (AALA) Literary Conference on “Globalization and Literature,” October 29-31, 2009, Incheon City, South Korea. “An Arm Stretch of Sky” is Cirilo F. Bautista’s translation of Amado V. Hernandez’s “Isang Dipang Langit” while “Sunlight on Broken Stones” is the last in the Trilogy of Saint Lazarus, a rewriting of our country’s history in an epic form by Cirilo F. Bautista, and “Great Philippine Jungle Energy Café” is the title of the award-winning novel by Alfred ‘Krip’ Yuson. This is how I understand globalization: the rush of multinational companies and startup ventures to The Philippines for our world-famous hospitality and cheap labour that continuously lead to our “forced migration” and “intellectual hemorrhage.” Our mountains and beaches are now marked No Trespassing, Private Property, the white sands of Boracay impoverishes our Aetas, and our fluency in American English champions call-centers as workplace for our graduates. Globalization is a climate where the dictates of profit is the dominant designer of local and national communities as “customized cottages” that are “locally produced” and “globally distributed.” We – as individual and member of communities (onsite and online) – are condemned to prolifically and profitably write
ourselves as status update and/ or tweet, visually or otherwise, in limited spaces and word count customized by different social media. The internet as platform is open to mother tongues and literary forms that seem to defy erasure and homogenization. We are made to believe that this is “flattening the world.” Thus, its seduction, and eventually our addiction, to the glory of the likes of Mark Zuckerberg. “Global,” really, is a propaganda; an anomaly, a diplomatic term - a site of balancing and negotiation, but only to those who have capital: intellectual, creative, social, financial. The rest remain to be captive subjects to increase profit. Filipino writers, to assert our existence and relevance, subscribe to postcolonial theorizing, that is “resistance” and “fighting back” of the former-neo colonized subjects. There’s one slogan, or tag line if you will, that have informed critical and creative productions in the country: “pag-aakda ng bansa/ writing the nation”, brainchild of National Artist for Literature and beloved mentor Bienvenido Lumbera. The promise of the Philippine nation have long preoccupied literary and cultural scholars, especially so since the last two decades of the 20th century after many of our leading writers and critics earned their postgraduate degrees in the halls of American universities. There is playwright and critic Isagani R. Cruz in his “The Other Other: Towards a Post-Colonial
Poetics” (1989). Here, Cruz declares that developments in Western literary and cultural criticism are impoverished because they have continued to neglect distant and recent discoveries of Asian ideas. He argues that Filipino critics have read everything American critics have read, but American critics have not read half of what Filipino critics have read. Thus, he calls for the decolonization project in volumes of essays on language, literature, and popular culture and underscores what he believes to be the key term: subversion. This subversion is embodied in the historical-materialist approach in theorizing the nation grounded in the knowledge - and recognition – of the multilingual, multigeneric, multisubcultural Philippine literature in both oral and printed forms and in what Americabased Filipino critic Epifanio San Juan, Jr. characterizes as the uneven development caused by transnational neo-colonial/local oligarchic hegemony. In short, the materiality of Philippine nation is in Philippine literature (supported/validated by Philippine studies in history, anthropology, archaeology, among others) in its specificity and historicity. There is Lumbera who advances that the Philippine nation is a work-in-progress. In a review of his works by critic David Jonathan Bayot, Lumbera conceives the nation as “the process towards social change for the Filipino people through writing and rewriting (meant literally
and in the participatory sense) in literature and history.” This is found in three imperatives: 1) the assertion of the presence of a native culture before and after the advent of colonialism that is the basis of defiance against colonial impositions by obliterations; 2) challenge any measures of appropriation and containment on the definition of the national culture that, by implication, silences the native voice of assertion, and 3) foreground the element of struggle against, specifically, colonial impositions in the culture in order to highlight the agon with a persistent “status quo.” Thoughts of Cruz and Lumbera differ from Benedict Anderson’s widely-quoted “imagined community.” A noted South East Asian scholar inspired and influenced by Jose Rizal to the point that he calls him as “The First Filipino” in his book The Spectre of Comparisons: Nationalism, Southeast Asia, and the World (2004), Anderson in his monumental book Imagined Community: The Rise and Spread of Nationalism (1987, 1991) proclaims the nation as an “imagined political community—and imagined both inherently limited and sovereign.” This is because “even the smallest of nation never know most of their fellow members, meet them, or even hear them, yet in the minds of each lives the image of their communion.” Clearly, Anderson’s nation is not as old as that of Filipinos. The birth of Anderson’s
nation is attributed to what he identifies as the role of “Creole pioneers”– they who had the same ancestries, languages and traditions who fought for national independence in the 18th and 19th centuries against European colonialism. It is constructed from and through popular processes, like the publication of books and newspapers brought by standardization of calendars, clocks (“homogeneous, empty time”) and language (English, in that sense) at the boom of “print capitalism” in what Walter Benjamin (whom Anderson is indebted to) calls as “the age of mechanical reproduction” generated by mass communication and mass migration that eventually replaced monarchies in Europe in eighteenth century. Timothy Brennan in “The National Longing for Form” echoes Anderson and it is The Novel that he privileges, alongside newspaper, which played a decisive role in the rise of European nationalism and nation. This contributes to the explanation as to why we must write novels, in its different forms (to my mind: as graphic novel, as television series, as radio drama) if we have to build and strengthen our nation. Yes, in different Philippine languages, and in a national language that is Filipino, to further cultivate shared imagination and lived experiences. In the succeeding weeks, I hope to write about Hiligaynon novelists Ramon Muzones and Angel Magahum, and my novel Lumbay ng Dila.
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November 3 - 9, 2013
METRO AGRICULTURE
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DA promotes globally competitive corn production by Reymar Latoza The Department of Agriculture (DA) is promoting globally competitive corn production in the country. Proceso Alcala, DA Secretary
encouraged all corn farmers in the country to plant high-yielding, pestresistant seeds and to use modern farm to produce a better quality of corn. He said during the 9th Philippine
The Department of Agriculture assured that damage brought about by typhoons and destroyed palay farms is not enough to significantly affect the country’s rice stock. Dante Delima, DA undersecretary said that though the country lost around 300,000 metric tons (MT), it is only half of what the government has prepared for this year. Nevertheless, Delima added that the country may miss its target of being self-sufficient in rice by the end of 2013. The undersecretary foresee that Philippines will would only be 98 percent self-sufficient, still, a huge development from the officially accepted 87 percent. “By self-sufficiency, we mean covering domestic demand plus a buffer stock that should last at least 90 days,” Delima explained. He further added that they are
expecting a 2.4 million MT stock good for 74 days by the end of 2013. Filipinos all over the country consume 34,000 MT of rice everyday, resulting to a buffer stock of 3.06 million MT. Delima also said that the National Food Authority (NFA) Council is scheduled to check the domestic supply situation in January. “By considering the ending inventory and the production outlook for the first semester of 2014, the NFA Council will decide on whether we need to import rice and, if yes, by how much,” he declared. National Economic and Development Authority, which previously recommended to President Aquino the immediate importation of 500,000 MT of rice, admits that no new rice purchase would be made this year, Delima disclosed.
PH may miss rice sufficiency in 2013
National Corn Congress that continuous strong cooperation and coordination should be maintained among the DA, local government units, farmers’ groups, private sector and other industry stakeholders to further boost the country’s corn industry. DA targets to harvest 8.2 million metric tons (MMT) this year for a 105-percent sufficiency. The Philippine Maize Federation Inc. (PhilMaize) had already asked the National Food Authority (NFA) to allow them from exporting at least 100,000
metric tons (MT) of corn grains. The National Food Authority (NFA) Council has yet to issue its approval on PhilMaize’s request. Alcala also said corn output was boosted by the reduction in postharvest losses to 12.7 percent in 2012, from 15 percent in 2011. Through the DA’s National Corn Program, postharvest losses is expected to lower at least 9 percent next year by pushing farmers to adopt postharvest technologies, and make use of modern drying equipment and storage facilities. PhilMaize President Roger
Navarro also encouraged everyone to develop a “positive mindset” toward farming and agriculture in general. “Everyone should aspire for growth, innovation, and efficiency to further enhance the corn industry’s productivity and competitiveness,” he said. Meanwhile, PhilMaize Chairman Emeritus Roderico Bioco stressed that legislators should continue crafting “appropriate” policies to make the country competitive and on a par with its counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region. Business Mirror/IMT
Robust coconut export for PH in 2013 by khariza joy sofia Coconut products exports increased 45.8 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2013 to around 1.6 million metric tons (MT) in copra terms as coconut oil shipments boost by almost half. According to the preliminary data from the United Coconut Association of the Philippines (UCAP), most coco products maintained its twodigit development in volume. Copra meal, one of the country’s primary agricultural exports, surge
Lagaw ta upud ang Lagaw sa Isla!
Traveling - it leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller. To travel is to marvel and appreciate what the world has to offer and share it to the people close to you for them to experience it too. It aims to soothe the soul, help the individual find himself and give himself a break after long hours and days spent at work. But traveling requires the right formula of courage, money, time and a travel tour, which will create the vacation that you’ve always dreamed of. Lagaw sa Isla (LSI) Travel and Tours Inc. is a Heritage Agency that accommodates both local and national tourists and provide a must-experience-tour, the first-of-its-kind interactive tourism that gives a moment of a lifetime experience that will surely fill every page of your travel journal. LSI offers tourists a tour that sees places with fresh eyes and perspective, feel and be involved with what it has to offer while determining one’s self on the process. It’s about being there and living the moment as it happens. “It’s an extraordinary experience for everyone for it is not just about the sights and the sounds but being there and does things that the place has to offer. You can cook food and bring home the satisfaction of having the actual touch by the end of the tour”, said LSI Travel and Tours Inc. general manager Rhoderick Tecson.
to 66.5 percent to 652, 890 MT between January and September this year. Copra meal is the residue left after oil is squeezed out of copra and is consumed to make livestock and fishery feeds. Best farm export coconut oil showed a 48.6 percent increase, oleo chemicals jumped 20 percent while desiccated coconut rose by 27 percent. In September alone, combined volume of export products rose by 4.1 percent or 137,786 MT in
copra terms but volume of copra meal and oleochemicals decreased by 34.3 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively. Coconut oil, copra oil cake and desiccated coconut are among the country’s top agricultural export earners. Though data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) showed that coconut oil was the top earner during the first semester, BAS said that it also records the least growth during the period.IMT
by Khariza Joy Sofia
Tecson explained that SLI’s aim is to guarantee that in tourism, both the investor and the community profit from each other. The investor gain, at the same time the community themselves earn and attain sustainability. Tourism is about the people and culture, thus LSI believes that the best method is through active interaction among tourists and culture. LSI’s menu includes the real preparation and demonstration of making the famous tablea and tinuom in Cabatuan, Iloilo; actual molding and demonstration of the Miag-ao clay and pot product; actual crushing and grinding of the corns and other ingredients in making indigenous baye-baye and actual weaving of the hablon, all in Miag-ao; actual making of Iloilo’s finest batchoy in La Paz, Iloilo; and the actual game fishing in Oton waters. What’s more is that if the weather is fine, tourists experiencing the Oton escapade gets to cook and eat their own catch. Apart from the fixed itineraries, LSI also brings their clients to some side trips to the mostvisited sites within the city of Iloilo. “The best part of the trip is that the tourists can eat and bring home everything that they have prepared and molded during the tour”, Tecson added. LSI is the only tour that offers the said experience and products. Ready for a one-in-a-lifetime experience, mates? Visit LSI Travel and Tours Inc. at Suite II, 2/F Cristina Colonnade Building, Corner Huervana-Rizal Sts., La Paz, Iloilo City.
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METRO SPORTS
IBL
Iloilo Basketball Leauge
November 3 - 9, 2013
Mandurriao Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament kicks off Reymar Latoza The Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament ‘17-under’ kicked off recently at Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Twelve teams from Mandurriao district are slugging it out in the said tournament. The following are from bracket A: Tabucan, Airport, Guzman, Abeto, Dungon- C, and Oñate de Leon. While the following are from bracket B: San Rafael, Navais, Pali, Calahunan, Housing, and Oñate de Leon -A. In game 1, October 20, 2013, Housing defeated Navais, 74 – 83. In game 2, Oñate de Leon-A won over Dungon-C, 59-44. In game 3, Pali trampled Calahunan, 62-30. In game 4, October 21, 2013, Airport out-powered Tebucan, 61-50. In game 5, San Rafael crushed Oñate de Leon-A, 47-29.
In game 6, October 22, Guzman upset Abeto, 59-47. In game 7, Navais trounced Pali, 66-58. In game 8, Tabucan earned its second win after defeating Dungon-C, 59-43. In game 9, Oñate de Leon-A emerged as winner against Abeto, 63-53. In bracket A, Oñate de Leon occupied the top spot win two wins and no loss. Tabucan, Airport, and Guzman have one win each. Abeto and Dungon-C remained winless. On the other hand, in bracket B, San Rafael, Pali and Housing tied in the top spot with one win each and no loss record. Navais has one win and one loss record. Calahunan and Oñate de Leon-B have winless record each. The said tournament is organized by Iloilo Basketball League (IBL) headed by Mr. Alfie Lagman, president IBL. IMT
Iloilo Basketball League Mandurriao Inter-Barangay Basketball League Bracket A (as of October 24, 2013)
TEAM
WIN
TABUCAN AIRPORT GUZMAN ABETO DUNGON-C ONATE DE LEON
I I I II
Four teams to slug it out when the IBL quarterfinals begin this week. All games are expected to be more exciting and more physical as they meet inside the court. The Ramon Avancena National High School (RANHS) and the Iloilo National High School
PEI
WIN
LOSS
IIIII
I
INHS
IIIIII
USA
IIII
II
ISAT-U
II
III
TEXTUS
IIII
I
AVENGERS
II
IIII
WVSU
IIIII
I
TEAM
WIN
LOSS
SAN RAFAEL NAVAIS PALI CALAHUNAN HOUSING ONATE DE LEON-B
I I I
I
LOSS
II II
(INHS) nabbed the twice-to-beat advantage against Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) and La Paz National high School (LNHS) respectively. Winning teams will be facing Iloilo City National High School (ICNHS) and Bario Obrero National High School.IMT
I
I I
Iloilo Basketball League
DEVELOPMENTAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT QUALIFYING ROUND (RANKING)
TEAMS Iloilo City National High School (ICNHS) Barrio Obrero National High School (BONHS) Ramon Avanceña National High School (RANHS) Iloilo National High School (INHS) La Paz National High School (LNHS) Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U)
WVSU beats USA
Women’s Basketball Tournament
TEAM
Bracket B (as of October 24, 2013)
IBL Quarterfinals begin
by Reymar Latoza
Iloilo Basketball League (as of October 25, 2013)
Iloilo Basketball League Mandurriao Inter-Barangay Basketball League
by Reymar Latoza Tug of war game pulled down University of San Agustine (USA), kept West Visayas State University (WVSU) standing strong. The 32-51 win of WVSU against USA on Saturday, October 25 secured their standing in the top spot together with the Philippine Electronics Institute (PEI). WVSU and PEI have five wins and one loss record each. In the first quarter, WVSU earned 15-13 lead against USA. However, USA managed to catch up its 2-point shy, overtaking WVSU in the end of the first half,
22-23. The neck to neck battle between WVSU and USA made the third quarter more exciting and exhilarating. Both teams were determined to win as they tried to pull down each other. In the fourth quarter, the close scores started to loose. WVSU forcefully made a distance to USA. Setting the momentum in the last five minutes of the game, WVSU didn’t allow USA to recover. WVSU ended the game victorious, 51-32. Meanwhile, Textus has foue
wins and one loss record, USA has three wins and two losses record, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) has two wins and three losses record, Avengers has two wins and four losses, and Iloilo National High School (INHS) remained winless. The said tournament was organized by Iloilo Basketball (IBL) League, headed by Alfie Lagman as President of the said league. It aims to promote and flourish the field of sports in Iloilo by developing and discovering potential Ilonggo basketball players. IMT
November 3 - 9, 2013
B iyo
MetroMisc V erde
A Way to Relax and Unwind During Holidays by mary jane ubay
Holidays are coming. Everyone is thinking of bonding with friends, and loved ones on a table of food and a place for recreation. Many want to experience the cool breeze, peaceful environment, and solitude - the perfect culmination of relaxation. Biyo Verde Resort and Putt Putt Golf has set a new blend of services and amenities that are suitable for your needs. They are now offering their latest amenity to further accommodate you while staying at the resort. A newly built cottage designed to cater what you have requested. It was built at the pool side for you to enjoy the meadow-like view of the surroundings to refresh your tired mind and body. All rates of their cottages are consumable. A cottage with a rate of Php500 can already accommodate 10 persons, and a rate of Php1,000.00 can accommodate 20 persons. Biyo Verde also sets an array of services that
Putt - Putt Golf Mouthwatering Foods
Capiz and Guimaras Coco Shell Craft Goes International As more and more tourists land on the shores of Boracay Island by air, land and sea, the Department of Tourism Region VI has turned to the use of coconut shell craft pendant for its official welcome lei at the Kalibo International and Caticlan airports and Boracay (Cagban) port. These coco shellcraft pendants are made in Capiz and Guimaras provinces. “There is only one Boracay Island and not all provinces in Western Visayas can have it in them but all provinces can benefit from the blessings of tourism this flagship destination can bring to our region,” said Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, Regional Director of Department of Tourism Region VI. “Come November 4, 2013, the maiden voyage of Start Cruises’ MS Super Star Aquarius with around 2,000 international
tourists and crew is scheduled to arrive in Boracay Island for 6-8 hours shore excursion activities. They will go shopping, swimming, eating and drinking, sightseeing and some even get to expeirence the island’s numerous seaport activities,” Catalbas said. MS Super Star Aquarius is the 5th cruise ship to arrive in Boracay Island within the 12 months that Catalbas has been head of DOT Region VI. “There are already eight (8) cruise ships scheduled to arrive Boracay Island in 2014 starting with the first one on January 17. These arrivals should keep our coconut shell craftsmen in Capiz and Guimaras busy supplying the welcome lei pendants requirements for port receptions,” Catalbas concluded.DOT6
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can make your relaxation time more meaningful and enjoyable. Restaurant services offer delectable meals and lessen your load to make you feel carefree while inside the resort. There is a function room for special events like birthday parties wedding, baptism, and convention. Biyo Verde entitles all event’s guests and participants for a free use of amenities like swimming pool for adult and children, putt putt golf, and videoke. For other concern like availing Biyo Verde’s food service, here’s a good news for you! Biyo Verde is now offering food service outside the resort. Their catering team is now open to accept all reservations for your event needs. For more details and information, you can call Biyo Verde @ 0929-6713787, 0926-6321801, 033-301-0898. You can also visit Biyo Verde’s website @ www.biyoverde.com. You can also view and like Biyo Verde’s account on Facebook.
Swimming Pool Function Room