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Thursday, March 15, 2007

Aklan towns making headways for a Green Philippines

Kalibo, Aklan – Some Aklan towns have long started making headways to promote a green Philippines by coming up with pro-environment measures.

Promoting a green Philippines is one of PGMA’s Eight in 2008 anchor programs for 2008, her way of delivering her promise of social payback as a result of a strong economy.

In Aklan, the Green Philippine Highways project is being sustained by local government units and other involved agencies. The Green Philippine Highway in Aklan is a stretch of national highway from Caticlan, Malay, the jump-off point to Boracay Island and port of entry of RORO boats that ply the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) to Cabangila, Altavas, the boundary of the province. The highway is planted along its sides with flowering and ornamental plants and various tree species.

One municipality which had come up with a novel idea of implementing its pro-environment approach is the town of Tangalan.

Tangalan, a town in the western part of Aklan, according to the Depatment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office here has come up with a declaration of its rivers, tributaries, water shed and forest reserve as protected areas.

This LGU initiative is in coordination with the DENR and the DILG.

According to the DENR, the main proponent of this initiative is Tangalan mayor Jed Tirol himself, because of his strong conviction that protecting the watershed means sustaining the Coastal Eco-Tourism Program of the municipality, one of the flagship industries and attractions of the town.

Tangalan also has a Marine Sanctuary and Coral Garden which will benefit much from the protective declaration. The sanctuary, established in 2003, hosts numerous species of hard and soft corals, sponges, shells, sea stars cucumbers and oysters, while the coral garden, a 10-hectare area located within the Marine Sanctuary, aims to rehabilitate an area previously decimated by dynamite and cyanide fishing.

Tangalan has a Municipal Environment Code already, according to DENR and so is Balete, a town in the eastern side of Aklan, while Kalibo, the capital town which also boasts of its successful Mangrove Reforestation Project is working for its own.

Aklan is also initiating moves to formulate its own provincial environment code, according to the DENR, and conduct of writeshops is now being set. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

Palay, other agri products register increase/decrease in prices at Aklan markets

Kalibo, Aklan -- From farm gate prices of P10.00 to 11:20 January of this year, the price of clean, dried palay is now placed at P12.00 per kilo.

This is according to the monthly price monitoring report on agricultural based commodities/products for the month of February released by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

The price of some vegetables decreased to about 5% while others remained the same as last month, while marine fishes had price increases, the report revealed. The prices of small sizes pelagic fishes however, decreased in price to about 5-10% compared to last month’s.

The decreasing trend is expected to continue, according to the OPA report.

Prices of mussels, oysters, livestock and dressed poultry remain the same as last month.

Provincial Agriculturist Delano T. Tefora, in this report, gave the assurance that supplies of agricultural-based commodities at Aklan public markets are stable at all times.

Just recently, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) here revealed Aklan’s agriculture sector grew by 4.80 percent in 2006 despite the damage wrought by Typhoon Seniang, and the insufficiency of water in rice farms. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Be a millionaire, text your receipt to BIR

Kalibo, Aklan -- Now is the chance of everybody to be a millionaire – through the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) “Premyo Sa Resibo” raffle promo.

For a chance to be a millionaire, everytime you make a purchase from grocery stores, drug stores, malls and other commercial establishment, ask for an official receipt. Then join the promo by texting PSR TINRECEIPT NUMBERRECEIPT AMOUNT and send to 9777 for single entry and 9778 for multiple entries in a single text.

A receipt amounting to P100.00 entitles the texter to one raffle entry.

According to BIR-Aklan, the raffle promo is a partnership now with PAGCOR. Based on its released materials on the raffle promo, there will be a P1 million winner every week. Deadline for sending text entries to a draw is 12:00 midnight of the day before the draw. All raffle draws shall be televised at ABC 5, between 10:30-11:00 P.M.

All the text entries that meet the requirements shall be issued a confirmation message with the raffle entry number sent back to the texter.

Local draws are now available in five cities that include Iloilo, Cebu, Baguio, Lucena and Davao.

The “Premyo Sa Resibo” raffle promo aims to help the government improve its revenue collection through the conduct of a nationwide raffle system which uses receipts issued by establishments and professionals as raffle entries. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Get ready for La Niña, Aklanons told

Kalibo, Aklan – Despite the scorching heat these days, La Niña might hit the country in the coming months, according to PAGASA.

That’s why this early, drainage systems, canals and other natural waterways should be declogged now to avoid heavy floods when the rain comes, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office here.

“Every Aklanon should brace for La Nina,” Derlito Rico, Environment Management Specialist of DENR-Aklan stressed.

Nationwide now, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is already conducting checks on bridges and roads to ensure the safety of the public while local government units are mobilizing to prepare against disasters caused by heavy rains.

“The coming elections in May this year might also contribute to a worst La Niña,” Rico warned.

“Campaign posters being distributed by candidates are now mostly made of tarpaulin and other non-biodegradable materials. When these posters get dislodged from where they are placed by rain or wind during La Niña, these will be carried to canals, drainage systems and waterways together with the garbage and then clog the waterways and cause flooding,” Rico explained.

Rico also said candidates should be responsible enough in displaying their posters. They should not even nail their posters on trees as this act is not appropriate.

“We should instead plant more trees to develop our forest cover and support the Green Philippines program of the government. This program will help mitigate effects of La Niña, because if our forest cover is intact, the surge of water to lowlands will be controlled and flooding will be minimized,” Rico stressed.

The Green Philippines program is being sustained in Aklan by the DENR, the DPWH and local government units and other concerned agencies. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

Friday, March 9, 2007

First men’s movement in WV opposing VAW launched in Aklan on Women’s Day

Kalibo, Aklan –The first-ever movement in Aklan and in Western Visayas composed of men opposing Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) was launched here during the province’ March 8 celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s Month.

Called the Aklan MOVE (Men Opposed to Violence Against Women and Children Everywhere), the organization will be the core group of gender-sensitive men who are anti-VAW advocates from both the public and private sectors.

The group will take on the challenge to lead other men and women in the advocacy to end VAWC.

It is seen that involving men in the advocacy is a crucial response to end VAWC as studies show that men are mostly the perpetrators of violence and abuses against women and children.

Installed by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez as one of the highlights of the celebration of Women’s Month of the province, Aklan MOVE’s AD HOC Committee is chaired by Hon. Franklin Quimpo, Aklan SP member and president of the Aklan League of Philippine Councilors (PCL), with Engr. Lucio Sta. Maria from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) as Co-Chairman.

Members who also made their commitment to Aklan MOVE include Aklan SP members Ananias Solina, Ramon S. Gelito and Santiago Regalado; Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) Provincial Director Benigno Durana and heads and representatives of government agencies, non-government oroganizations, student leaders and the academe.

Before Governor Marquez who installed them and major Aklan officials like Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores and Guest Speaker, Judge Marietta Homena Valencia of the Regional Trial Court, local government officials, members of the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC) and women’s groups from various municipalities, the Aklan MOVE officers and members committed themselves to speak out against VAWC, encourage other men not to commit or condone VAWC and never to be silent on VAWC, encourage other men to join the advocacy against VAWC and establish a resource network on it.

In leading Aklan MOVE, SP member Franklin Quimpo said they hope that their united voice in Aklan is more than enough to stop VAWC.

“We will work with all men of all ages to stop VAWC, Quimpo vowed. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

Women’s Month celebration in Aklan to empower women, and men too

Kalibo, Aklan –This year’s celebration of Women’s Month in Aklan this March focuses not only on empowering women but men too.

For the women, in keeping with the theme CEDAW ng Bayan: “Kabuhayan Para Sa Kababaihan”, the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC) here, headed by Honorary Chairperson Governor Carlito S. Marquez, has prepared several activities to enable them to augment their income and protect their health.

For income augmentation, scheduled activities for women throughout the month of March include skills training on cosmetology (make up and hair culture) and food processing through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on March 5; jobs fair at the ABL Sports Complex on March 29-30 initiated by the provincial government through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA); and Demo on Livelihood Training through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

To protect Aklanon women’s health, there will be free PAP Smears for them every Thursday at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH); forum on Diabetes as well as free testing for blood sugar through the Aklanon GID on March 15; and free Bilateral Tubal Ligation (BTL) in various health offices, district hospitals and rural health units in the province.

Just recently, 140 bags containing hair kits were distributed equally to three municipalities here to GAD focal persons for women in their respective areas who are interested to learn hair cutting skills, which would be useful in practicing their new-found skills.

The rest still with AGADC numbering 160 will be distributed to those who would undergo hairculture skills training under TESDA.

On the other hand, a group of Aklanon men will also take center stage during the Women’s Month here, as the Men Opposed to Violence Against Women and Children Everywhere (MOVE) – Aklan Chapter which was already organized, will be launched on March 8. According to prime movers of this organization, empowering these men means having them protect women and respect their rights.

MOVE-Aklan is an attached organization of AGADC under the Violence Against Women (VAW) Committee.

In Aklan, MOVE is envisioned to be the core group of gender-sensitive men who are anti-VAW advocates from both the public and private sectors. They shall take on the challenge to lead other men and women in the advocacy to end VAW.

The Ad Hoc Committee of MOVE-Aklan is chaired by Hon. Franklin Quimpo, a Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, with members also from Aklan SP, national and provincial government agencies, non-government organizations, the media and student leaders. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

May elections beneficial to Aklan’s economy

Kalibo, Aklan –This coming May 2007 elections can be beneficial to Aklan’s economy too.

This is according to DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes, when interviewed if the May 14 electoral exercise would be beneficial to Aklan’s economy, and whether the political noise ensuing in the country could affect the country’s economy as a whole.

Pollentes said Aklan’s products and services would be in demand during campaign sorties of national and local candidates in the province.

“During the campaign period, Aklan’s food products and souvenir items would be in demand, our hotels in Kalibo and nearby municipalities will be occupied,” said Pollentes.

This is seen to bring added income to Aklan’s Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) here producing export quality processed foods, loom-woven products like piña, abbaca and raffia and gifts and housewares that make ideal “pasalubongs” when these campaigning candidates go back to their respective areas.

These candidates might also visit Boracay Island, stay in resorts and contribute to Aklan’s tourist receipts.

Pollentes also said the positive effects brought by the coming elections to Aklan could be felt in the months of April and May in the height of the campaign period, when both local and national candidates will go around the province to campaign.

In a way, according to Pollentes, the ensuing political noise will affect the country’s economy but only to an extent, because the country’s economy is in place and the fiscal house is in order.

Coincidentally, Pollentes’ sentiment is in consonance with statements of the national government which, time and again, has emphasized that the economy has a rosy outlook – the peso is strong, there are more investments, broader economic diplomacy and trade, jobs and infrastructure, peace and security.

The national government also calls on Filipinos to bury past complaints, move forward and join the bandwagon of economy. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

COMELEC-Aklan starts posting names of registered voters

Kalibo, Aklan – Aklanons who are eager to know if their names are on the list of registered voters for the May 14, 2007 national and local elections can now start at bulletin boards in their municipalities.

COMELEC – Aklan OIC Lorena Tumbagahan said election officers in various Aklan municipalities have started posting copies of registered voters so there would be more time for corrections or to entertain arising complaints.

Voters’ inability to locate their names in their assigned polling places and being listed in other barangays without due notice are some of the usual complaints received by the COMELEC during election days.

Tumbagahan revealed that no local candidate yet has filed her or his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) at the Provincial COMELEC Office as of this time.

For the gun ban exemption, Tumbagahan said a considerable number of Aklanons have applied already but approval of the applications is through the COMELEC central office.

Currently, thirteen of Aklan election officers, including Tumbagahan, are bracing for reassignments to other nearby Western Visayas provinces as COMELEC’s usual routine, the officers having served their respectived posts for four years already.

Tumbagahan said the Philippine National Police here has already established checkpoints in strategic parts of the province.

Just recently, PNP Director-General Oscar Calderon reminded policemen manning these checkpoints to be in proper uniform; the checkpoints should have proper signs from the COMELEC and the PNP and should be in well-lit areas.

According to Calderon, this is in order for travelers to avoid being victimized by kidnap-for-ransom gangs composed of rogue cops and civilians who flag down would be victims, present credentials as law enforcers and “arrest” the victims on the pretext there were warrants for their arrest.

If one has doubts about a checkpoint, Calderon said the public should seek assistance at the nearest police station. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

Direct South Korea-Kalibo flights to give better opportunities for SMEs – DTI

Kalibo, Aklan – The direct flights from South Korea to Kalibo seen to start March 16 will spell better business opportunities for Aklan’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), according to DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes.

This is so because these direct flights will be bringing in to Aklan more Korean tourists, who are potential buyers of Aklan’s processed foods, loom-woven products and gifts and housewares, main products of Aklan’s SMEs.

“When these tourists buy our products from Aklan, there will be greater demand for more supplies which will trigger bigger sales, and more people will be given employment,” Pollentes said.

The direct flights will also benefit the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program of the government. OTOP showcases the potentially strong product of all towns. Each of Aklan’s 17 towns has identified its own product for the OTOP program.

Asked on the prospect of Aklan entrepreneurs bringing their products direct to South Korea because of these direct flights, Pollentes said the import/export restrictions of South Korea’s market should be studied first.

“If Aklan’s SMEs plan to bring their products direct to South Korea, we have to do a market study first. Initially, the SMEs should just count on these tourists to buy their products, and let this tourists bring them (the products) home to Korea for the others to see,” Pollentes said.

Presently, the Kalibo Airport is being readied for these direct flights. This latest development is seen to motivate other airlines to have their own direct flights to Kalibo from other various Asian countries.

Airlines initially identified to have direct flights from South Korea this month are the Asian Spirit and Pacific Pearl. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

Despite Seniang and insufficient water, BAS-Aklan says Aklan agri performed well

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) here said Aklan’s agriculture sector exceeded its 2005 level by growing 4.80 % in 2006 despite Seniang’s disastrous effects in the fourth quarter of last year and insufficiency of water in rice farms.

BAS-Aklan also reported that output benefits were sustained in the livestock, poultry and fishery subsectors. The crop subsector however recorded a small decline in output.

“At current prices, the gross value of agricultural production summed up to P4.83 billion or 1.64 percent higher than the 2005 level,” the BAS report revealed.

The BAS report also bared that the livestock subsector grossed P987.47 million at current prices and displayed remarkable 16.43 percent earnings. With both production and prices going up, cattle grossed 27.70 percent more.

The gross value of hog production was higher by 14.32 percent, while that of goat production expanded by 29.06 due to higher production and bigger price increases.

On the other hand, the poultry subsector grossed P389.45 million at current prices of 2.37 percent higher than the previous year’s record. Chicken production went up by 1.83 percent while that of duck soared by 6.79 percent.

In the fishery subsector, gross value of production added up to P1.06 billion, showing a 28.03 percent growth from last year’s earnings. The biggest gain was posted by municipal fisheries which grossed 31.31 percent more because of higher products and prices obtained during the year.

Asked on the possibility of Aklanons having insufficient supply of food this year, BAS-Aklan OIC Manuelito Delegencia said the province has currently enough food supply to last for months.

Just recently, the national government through President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo zeroed in on new economic directions of “8 by ‘08” or achieving the eight blessings of a strong economy by 2008.

Of these eight blessings, food sufficiency is seen by concerned government agencies here to be enjoyed by Aklanons, with the province’ hybrid rice program and other agricultural ventures like seaweeds propagation, vegetable and fiber production, etc.

Other blessings PGMA has identified which are already being enjoyed or practiced in Aklan include job creation (because of the presence of Boracay Island, the anchor of Aklan’s tourism industry in Aklan and the region if not the country); better cost of living, a strong peso, more investments (because of Boracay Island and the scheduled international direct flights from Korea to Kalibo, Aklan), pro-poor education; pro-poor health care (the province under Governor Carlito S. Marquez presently targets to give Aklan indigents 100% Philhealth coverage); housing, green Philippines (Aklan joined this government greening project by planting ornamental trees and flowering plants from Caticlan, Malay to Cabangila, Altavas, the route of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway) and anti-terrorism (one measure implemented by the provincial government here is the One Entry, One Exit Policy in Boracay Island to check incoming and outgoing visitors). (PIA/VGVillanueva)

Aklan rural women’s group get empowered on Women’s Day celebration

Kalibo, Aklan – A recognized barangay women’s association in Aklan was further empowered when it received financial assistance from the Provincial government of Aklan on the celebration of International Women’s Day here.

The financial assistance came in the form of P50,000.00 pesos given to the Talon Women GAD Rural Improvement Club (RIC). Talon is one of the barangays of Altavas, Aklan, the municipality bordering the province of Capiz.

Last year, this women’s association was awarded first place as the most promising Agri- Business Entrepreneur.

Currently, the women’s association indulges in vegetable production, rice production, hog production and nito craft in Talon. Their produce are bought by traders to be sold in Boracay and Kalibo; and in Altavas, they have a Bagsakan Center for their products in a restaurant owned by Altavas Sangguniang Bayan member Medialyn Barcelona, herself awarded last year as the National GAD Rural Woman Achiever of the country.

Her restaurant is also a stopover point of RORO buses plying the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) and so their produce have big chances of being promoted and bought by tourists, foreign and local.

Nelsie Villas, the association president, in her response upon receiving the financial assistance in behalf of her group, thanked the local government of Aklan and the Aklan Gender and Development Commission for recognizing their group.

“The Talon GAD Rural Improvement Club is a women’s association with a woman president-but with many men as members, clearly showing that men and women are partners for progress, Villas said in her reponse. “We will use the financial assistance with care through a rolling scheme and we will try to replicate the success of our association in other barangays of our municipality.

The gesture of the provincial government of Aklan in recognizing the potential of the women’s group in Altavas in uplifting their situation coincidentally answered the call of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to concerned agencies to work with cooperatives and NGOs to provide wider access to microfinance funds for women.

At a gathering in Manila for the Womens’ Day celebration, PGMA recognized the role of women in nation building and said the government should provide them with livelihood.

“Women who earn their keep are empowered. I want to make women successful businesswomen,” GMA said. With the strong peso and vibrant stock market, Arroyo said interest rates from loans were lower and more funds for microfinance could now be accessed.

She reiterated that she would remain focused on the economy to maintain political stability, create jobs, generate more investments, and provide the people with social services (PIA/VGVillanueva)

Aklan has 5 ‘07 IWAG Awardees

Kalibo, Aklan – Five high school graduating students here, all products of government schools, qualified in this years’ search for IWAG Awardees.

The IWAG Award is an incentive scheme designed by the Philippine Information Agency in Region 6, Iloilo City, to give recognition to campus paper writers who excel in development communication.

Since 1977, the PIA has cited students for promoting national development through the campus publications.

This year’s Aklanon IWAG awardees include Paul Dexter T. Tibar of Calimbajan Tina National High School, Jubelle M. Arboleda and Bryan John J. Subong of Regional Science High School, Fatima Grace R. Reyes of Linabuan National High School; and Jonathan Ordon Tapispisan of Aklan State University Banga Campus.

The awards in the form of citations and medals will be given to these graduating students during their Recognition Day.

Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Philippinje Information Agency Assistant-Director General for the Visayas and the Regional Director of PIA 6, in her congratulatory letters to principals and school heads of the awardees, also thanked them for their patronage of the PIA’s yearly Basic Journalism Seminar Workshops for school paper writers and advisers.

“It is our pleasure to award your student for his journalistic achievement as we also recognize your school under your leadership, as our indispensable partner in development communication,” Atty. Mesa wrote. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Anti-terror law signing to benefit Aklan’s tourism industry

Kalibo, Aklan – Boracay Island will never be a safe haven for terrorists, thanks to the Anti-Terror bill recently signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo into law, and the full implementation of the “One Entry, One Exit” policy in the island through Provincial Ordinance No. 05-052.

Known as “An Ordinance for the Preservation, Protection and Safety of the Provincial Tourism Assets and Resources,” the policy was fully implemented February 15 of this year by the provincial government through Task Force Bantay Boracay.

The Task Force was reactivated by PNP Provincial Director Police Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. upon the directive of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez.

“If we believe that Boracay Island is the crown jewel of our tourism industry, change in the present system shall be reinforced”, Marquez said.

Marquez added that the security of tourists and residents is at stake and there is a need to establish a more systematic, orderly, safe and comfortable mode of transport from Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay Island and vice versa.

Under the One Entry, One Exit scheme, Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Jetty Port Administrator said that any seacraft is prohibited to embark or disembark passengers anywhere around the island of Boracay except at the Cagban Port in Barangay Manoc-Manoc, “so passengers can be closely monitored for security purposes and the lone beach and its swimming areas, the main attraction on the island, shall be off limits to seacrafts thereby providing serene, safe and ideal swimming areas for the tourists and guests of Boracay.”

Meanwhile, in signing the anti-terror bill into law now known as Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007, PGMA assured that law-abiding Filipinos have nothing to fear in this law for it is a weapon that shall be wielded against bombers and not protesters.

“We will keep bombers at bay as we drive up confidence in the Philippines, grow jobs, increase incomes and lift the people from poverty. Our message to the world is to have no safe haven for terror in our country, and to have a strong democratic society driven by freedom under the rule of law,” PGMA stressed.

It is seen that with the Anti-Terror law, potential tourists will no longer fear to visit Boracay Island and other tourist destinations, or invest in business in the country. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

PGMA signs into Law Human Security Act of 2007

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law today the landmark anti-terrorism bill, giving legal muscle to the government’s war against terrorism.
In ceremonies held at the Heroes Hall of Malacanang this afternoon and attended by the diplomatic corps, Cabinet secretaries and legislators, the President signed Republic Act No.9372 or the "Human Security Act of 2007," described as "An Act to Secure the State and Protect our People from Terrorism."
The new law, considered by the President as an "institutional landmark of the 13th Congress" as it comes at a time when the "world looks upon the Philippines as a strong global player in the fight against terror," was the result of the consolidation of House Bill 4839 and Senate Bill 2137.
Principal authors of the law were Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and Rep. Simeon Datumanong, chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights and House Committee on Public Order and Human Rights, respectively.
The President had said earlier that an anti-terror law would give the government’s all-out war against terror "legal teeth" as terrorism would now be a crime.
"Now that we have more legal teeth in this fight, we shall continue to sharpen the intelligence and operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and Police, modernize and further professionalize them, and broaden the domestic and international alliance that will give us the edge to win and prevail," the President said when the Senate ratified the anti-terror bill before Congress went on recess last February.
The law’s Declaration of Policy states that: "It is the policy of the State to protect life, liberty, and property from acts of terrorism as inimical and dangerous to the national security of the country and welfare of the people, and to make terrorism a crime against the Filipino people, against humanity, and against the law of nations."
The President said with an anti-terror law in place, the inevitable defeat of the homegrown terror group Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and Al Qaeda terror cells would happen in the very near future.
Under the law, the crime of terrorism includes piracy in general or mutiny in high seas; rebellion or insurrection; coup d’etat, including acts committed by private persons; murder; kidnapping and serious illegal detention; and, crimes involving destruction such as arson.
The crime of terrorism is punishable by 40 years of imprisonment without the benefit of parole.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Counter-Terrorism Task Force Chair Benjamin Defensor , in an interview, described the (anti-terror) law as "very concerned on human rights, in totality, compared to other countries’ anti-terror laws."
"It has protection clauses not found in other countries (laws)," he said, adding that the international community is "concerned on what help (the anti-terror law) is to the regional and international fight against terrorism."
President Arroyo has placed the fight against terrorists and terror acts on top of her agenda as she believes that national security is an essential factor in further growing the economy. (pia6)

Direct South Korea-Kalibo flights to give better opportunities for SMEs – DTI

Kalibo, Aklan – The direct flights from South Korea to Kalibo seen to start March 16 will spell better business opportunities for Aklan’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), according to DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes.

This is so because these direct flights will be bringing in to Aklan more Korean tourists, who are potential buyers of Aklan’s processed foods, loom-woven products and gifts and housewares, main products of Aklan’s SMEs.

“When these tourists buy our products from Aklan, there will be greater demand for more supplies which will trigger bigger sales, and more people will be given employment,” Pollentes said.

The direct flights will also benefit the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program of the government. OTOP showcases the potentially strong product of all towns. Each of Aklan’s 17 towns has identified its own product for the OTOP program.

Asked on the prospect of Aklan entrepreneurs bringing their products direct to South Korea because of these direct flights, Pollentes said the import/export restrictions of South Korea’s market should be studied first.

“If Aklan’s SMEs plan to bring their products direct to South Korea, we have to do a market study first. Initially, the SMEs should just count on these tourists to buy their products, and let this tourists bring them (the products) home to Korea for the others to see,” Pollentes said.

Presently, the Kalibo Airport is being readied for these direct flights. This latest development is seen to motivate other airlines to have their own direct flights to Kalibo from other various Asian countries.

Airlines initially identified to have direct flights from South Korea this month are the Asian Spirit and Pacific Pearl. (PIA/VGVillanueva)