Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan is aiming to increase the population of cows and carabaos in the province through artificial insemination.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Gervase Radislao said the goal is even intensified with the loss of hundreds of cows and carabaos in the deep flood that ravaged low-lying municipalities in Aklan brought by Typhoon Frank last June 21.
Besides increasing the population of Aklan's large ruminants, Dr. Radislao said the program also aims to improve the genetics and race of the animals, with the end-result of alleviating or eliminating poverty of farmer-owners.
Presently, 9 municipalities in Aklan have benefited from the artificial insemination program. OPVET aims to reach the rest of the municipalities.
Radislao stressed that the success of the program depends on the cooperation, interest and support of everybody especially the animal owners.
"The program is favorable to the farmer-owners – they have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Every artificial insemination done on their animals costs the government P2,000.00. As counterpart, they only have to take good care of their animals. Their cooperation will be for their own advantage – they will improve the genetics of their animals which would be fast-growing and would fetch a better price in the market, which will help improve their economic situation" Dr. Radislao said.
Since the program's implementation in the province which started in 2005, Dr. Radislao said some 1,500 calf had already been produced.
One remarkable thing about the program, revealed Dr. Radislao, is that it has produced two sets of calf twins, which is a first for Aklan.
Dr. Radislao said twin births could only happen in every 4,000 births, but in Aklan, 2 sets of twin births occurred, which he said is very favorable for the farmers.
The occurrence is also seen to encourage further the animal owners to join the artificial insemination program of the province.
Besides this program, OPVET is also intensifying its campaign on rabies eradication in Aklan. Aklan is envisioned to be rabies-free by 2010. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Aklan vice guv stresses importance of statistics at forum
Kalibo, Aklan -- In doing business and other ventures, one must not rely on gut feel only. Everything must be supported by statistics in order to succeed, according to Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo.
This was the gist of the message she delivered at the Statistical Forum held recently at the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan here to mark the 19th celebration of Statistics Month this year.
This year's theme is "Demand Driven Statistics: Key to Micro,, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development".
Calizo said statistics is very important in practically everything – from doing feasibility studies, opening a business, budget deliberation, etc.
She cited the recent observation in the drop of the number of Korean visitors in Boracay Island as an example where statistics could be applied to know the reasons why the number of Koreans visiting Boracay dwindled.
As for entrepreneurs, Calizo reminded that if they want to compete globally, they should equip themselves with the right figures.
"Lessen the risk, make an in-depth study of the market situation," she reminded members of Aklan's MSME community, who were also invited to attend the forum.
She also acknowledged the help of MSMEs in Aklan in generating business and employment for Aklanons.
"With the MSMEs, this province cannot go wrong," Calizo said. "Let us know your needs, we have to work together, be partners in order to succeed," she added.
At the Statistical Forum attended by provincial officials, government department heads, representatives and employees, speakers coming from the Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines and the Department of Agriculture gave details and information on the various lending programs and assistance they are offering to MSMEs.
Former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo, currently heading the Bangon Aklan Task Force Rehab Program also delivered a message in behalf of Governor Carlito S. Marquez.
Before the forum, a ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted at the lobby of the Provincial Capitol to formally open the Statistical Exhibit, participated in by government offices. The exhibit, formally opened October 21, will run for a week. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This was the gist of the message she delivered at the Statistical Forum held recently at the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan here to mark the 19th celebration of Statistics Month this year.
This year's theme is "Demand Driven Statistics: Key to Micro,, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development".
Calizo said statistics is very important in practically everything – from doing feasibility studies, opening a business, budget deliberation, etc.
She cited the recent observation in the drop of the number of Korean visitors in Boracay Island as an example where statistics could be applied to know the reasons why the number of Koreans visiting Boracay dwindled.
As for entrepreneurs, Calizo reminded that if they want to compete globally, they should equip themselves with the right figures.
"Lessen the risk, make an in-depth study of the market situation," she reminded members of Aklan's MSME community, who were also invited to attend the forum.
She also acknowledged the help of MSMEs in Aklan in generating business and employment for Aklanons.
"With the MSMEs, this province cannot go wrong," Calizo said. "Let us know your needs, we have to work together, be partners in order to succeed," she added.
At the Statistical Forum attended by provincial officials, government department heads, representatives and employees, speakers coming from the Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines and the Department of Agriculture gave details and information on the various lending programs and assistance they are offering to MSMEs.
Former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo, currently heading the Bangon Aklan Task Force Rehab Program also delivered a message in behalf of Governor Carlito S. Marquez.
Before the forum, a ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted at the lobby of the Provincial Capitol to formally open the Statistical Exhibit, participated in by government offices. The exhibit, formally opened October 21, will run for a week. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Fund for shelter of "Frank" victims safe, DSWD assures querying groups
Kalibo, Aklan -- The fund for Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) program and shelter assistance for Kalibonhons and Numanciahanons who lost their homes when Typhoon Frank struck Aklan June 21 is safe and in good hands.
This was the assurance given by Janet T. Calizo, Project Development Officer II of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Lolly Espino, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) of the municipality of Kalibo to the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and Kalipunang Damayan ng Mga Mahihirap (KADAMAY) leaders and followers when they massed recently in front of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) inquiring about the status of the government's program for Aklanons whose houses were totally destroyed by the typhoon, the manner of distribution of the assistance and the amount and the specific beneficiaries of the assistance.
Calizo and Espino assured George Calaor of BAYAN and Nenita Tugna of KADAMAY that the fund for emergency shelter is in good hands and forwarded only to intended beneficiaries whose qualification and eligibility for assistance had been scrutinized well by DSWD 6 before processing.
"The spelling of the names of beneficiaries is scrutinized well. The middle name must be correct, and when the checks are distributed, the signature of the beneficiary that appeared during processing must be the same when the check is received. In return, the beneficiaries must also show proof that they used the money for the purpose – to buy materials for their houses, so they are required to show receipts, even 'factoras'", Calizo explained to Calaor and Tugna during the impromptu dialogue at the PSWDO, which was resorted to and requested by the PSWDO staff so the group would not create much disturbance at the vicinity hosting many national and provincial offices.
The move was welcomed by Calaor, who said he would be echoing to his group clarifications and explanations on the issues raised and discussed in the dialogue.
Espino explained that in Kalibo, calamity victims from 12 barangays under Category A have already received their checks of P10,000.00 each which will be used to purchase housing materials. Typhoon victims classified under Category A are those whose houses were totally damaged and washed out.
"The economic status of the beneficiary is also considered. If he has no source of income and have many children, he will be recommended for assistance," Espino said.
Presently, a total of 442 checks of P10,000 each had been released for Kalibo equivalent to P4,420,000.00. However, Espino said four barangays have yet to receive their share of shelter assistance. She also clarified that beneficiaries under Category B, who will receive P7,500.00 each; and Category C, P5,000.00 each, have yet to receive their share.
At present, only Kalibo and Numancia towns have received shelter assistance for their residents. Barangay Bulwang in Numancia received P1,910,000 shelter assistance for its 191 residents at P10,000.00 each.
"Actually, Kalibo and Numancia are the first two towns which received an aid such as this from the government," Calizo told Calaor and Tugna. "Calamity victims from other towns in Aklan are also waiting for their assistance. And in Western Visayas, let us remember that Aklan was not the only province hit by Typhoon Frank. Capiz, Antique, and Iloilo were also badly hit, and residents from these provinces also need assistance," Calizo added.
Calizo advised beneficiaries who are waiting for releases of their assistance to wait a little longer.
"The shelter assistance has a purpose – to have these people back in their homes. Even President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is awaiting the status report of the government's assistance to the people. The papers are being processed in the regional office of DWSD, only, we cannot tell you of the specific date of the releases. The staff in the region is working non-stop to process the papers," Calizo said.
Roslyn Salazar of PSWDO-Aklan served as the moderator of the dialogue. The dialogue was also witnessed by the local media.
Based on records from the DSWD here, a total of P9,480,450.00 million had been released by the DSWD for assistance to typhoon victims in Kalibo and Numancia. Kalibo received P4,420,000.00 for ESA, P2,150,000.00 at P50,000 each for shelter assistance for 43 beneficiaries and P645,150.00 for cash for work program with 345 beneficiaries for a total of P7,215,150 while Numancia received P1,910,000 for ESA and P355,300 for Cash for Work with 190 beneficiaries for a total of P2,265,300. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This was the assurance given by Janet T. Calizo, Project Development Officer II of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Lolly Espino, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) of the municipality of Kalibo to the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and Kalipunang Damayan ng Mga Mahihirap (KADAMAY) leaders and followers when they massed recently in front of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) inquiring about the status of the government's program for Aklanons whose houses were totally destroyed by the typhoon, the manner of distribution of the assistance and the amount and the specific beneficiaries of the assistance.
Calizo and Espino assured George Calaor of BAYAN and Nenita Tugna of KADAMAY that the fund for emergency shelter is in good hands and forwarded only to intended beneficiaries whose qualification and eligibility for assistance had been scrutinized well by DSWD 6 before processing.
"The spelling of the names of beneficiaries is scrutinized well. The middle name must be correct, and when the checks are distributed, the signature of the beneficiary that appeared during processing must be the same when the check is received. In return, the beneficiaries must also show proof that they used the money for the purpose – to buy materials for their houses, so they are required to show receipts, even 'factoras'", Calizo explained to Calaor and Tugna during the impromptu dialogue at the PSWDO, which was resorted to and requested by the PSWDO staff so the group would not create much disturbance at the vicinity hosting many national and provincial offices.
The move was welcomed by Calaor, who said he would be echoing to his group clarifications and explanations on the issues raised and discussed in the dialogue.
Espino explained that in Kalibo, calamity victims from 12 barangays under Category A have already received their checks of P10,000.00 each which will be used to purchase housing materials. Typhoon victims classified under Category A are those whose houses were totally damaged and washed out.
"The economic status of the beneficiary is also considered. If he has no source of income and have many children, he will be recommended for assistance," Espino said.
Presently, a total of 442 checks of P10,000 each had been released for Kalibo equivalent to P4,420,000.00. However, Espino said four barangays have yet to receive their share of shelter assistance. She also clarified that beneficiaries under Category B, who will receive P7,500.00 each; and Category C, P5,000.00 each, have yet to receive their share.
At present, only Kalibo and Numancia towns have received shelter assistance for their residents. Barangay Bulwang in Numancia received P1,910,000 shelter assistance for its 191 residents at P10,000.00 each.
"Actually, Kalibo and Numancia are the first two towns which received an aid such as this from the government," Calizo told Calaor and Tugna. "Calamity victims from other towns in Aklan are also waiting for their assistance. And in Western Visayas, let us remember that Aklan was not the only province hit by Typhoon Frank. Capiz, Antique, and Iloilo were also badly hit, and residents from these provinces also need assistance," Calizo added.
Calizo advised beneficiaries who are waiting for releases of their assistance to wait a little longer.
"The shelter assistance has a purpose – to have these people back in their homes. Even President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is awaiting the status report of the government's assistance to the people. The papers are being processed in the regional office of DWSD, only, we cannot tell you of the specific date of the releases. The staff in the region is working non-stop to process the papers," Calizo said.
Roslyn Salazar of PSWDO-Aklan served as the moderator of the dialogue. The dialogue was also witnessed by the local media.
Based on records from the DSWD here, a total of P9,480,450.00 million had been released by the DSWD for assistance to typhoon victims in Kalibo and Numancia. Kalibo received P4,420,000.00 for ESA, P2,150,000.00 at P50,000 each for shelter assistance for 43 beneficiaries and P645,150.00 for cash for work program with 345 beneficiaries for a total of P7,215,150 while Numancia received P1,910,000 for ESA and P355,300 for Cash for Work with 190 beneficiaries for a total of P2,265,300. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Aklan to launch l9th Stat Month celebration, to hold exhibit, forum
Kalibo, Aklan -- The provincial government of Aklan will launch the 19th National Statistics Month celebration on October 21 with a data exhibit and a statistical forum at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall in the afternoon.
The province, under Governor Marquez, deemed it appropriate to hold a statistical forum in keeping with this year’s theme “Demand-Driven Statistics: Key to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development).
In a recent meeting to prepare for the observance, Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator who presided over the meeting, emphasized that the holding of a statistical forum focused on MSMEs is timely at this point because there is a need to know how Aklan’s MSMEs are faring and what the government is doing to help these MSMEs succeed or to survive.
“After Typhoon Frank, it is time for us to rise above the ruins, especially the MSMEs. Let us invite the Land Bank and other government financial institutions to know how much loan assistance they have provided to our MSMEs here, and how much they could afford to lend,” Engr. Esto said.
At the forum, some successful MSMEs will also be asked to tell their stories, to inspire others to engage in entrepreneurship.
Government agencies will be displaying their statistical data at the exhibit which will be held for a week at the lobby of the Provincial Capitol Building here.
Meanwhile, the provincial government and the National Statistics Office will jointly sponsor the Philippine Statistics Quiz.
Blas Solidum, Provincial Statistics Officer, said the Provincial Championship of the Philippine Statistics Quiz will be held at the STI College, Kalibo, Aklan. The contest is between first year college students in Aklan. Emerging champion will then compete in the regional, or national championship, according to Solidum. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The province, under Governor Marquez, deemed it appropriate to hold a statistical forum in keeping with this year’s theme “Demand-Driven Statistics: Key to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development).
In a recent meeting to prepare for the observance, Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator who presided over the meeting, emphasized that the holding of a statistical forum focused on MSMEs is timely at this point because there is a need to know how Aklan’s MSMEs are faring and what the government is doing to help these MSMEs succeed or to survive.
“After Typhoon Frank, it is time for us to rise above the ruins, especially the MSMEs. Let us invite the Land Bank and other government financial institutions to know how much loan assistance they have provided to our MSMEs here, and how much they could afford to lend,” Engr. Esto said.
At the forum, some successful MSMEs will also be asked to tell their stories, to inspire others to engage in entrepreneurship.
Government agencies will be displaying their statistical data at the exhibit which will be held for a week at the lobby of the Provincial Capitol Building here.
Meanwhile, the provincial government and the National Statistics Office will jointly sponsor the Philippine Statistics Quiz.
Blas Solidum, Provincial Statistics Officer, said the Provincial Championship of the Philippine Statistics Quiz will be held at the STI College, Kalibo, Aklan. The contest is between first year college students in Aklan. Emerging champion will then compete in the regional, or national championship, according to Solidum. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Sell your palay to NFA and get fertilizer incentive, new PM tells Aklanons
Banga, Aklan -- The National Food Authority is aggressively buying clean and dry palay in Aklan at P17.00 per kilogram. In addition, the farmer-seller gets fertilizer incentive of P1,800.00 for every fifty (50) kilogram or 2,500 equivalent net weight, according to the food agency's new Provincial Manager, Engr. Marianito B. Bejemino.
According to PM Bejemino, farmers with revalidated Farmer's Passbook only can avail of the fertilizer incentive. On the other hand, FOs/Coops with revalidated Master Passbook can avail of same incentive. Farmers can apply for a passbook at the NFA local office in LInabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan. The application form can be secured for free at NFA Aklan office. Authorized signatories in the application form are the Barangay Captain, Brgy. Agrarian Reform Council Chairman, and Agricultural Production Technician.
Farmers who are classified as walk-in such as farm workers and thresher operators can sell palay to the NFA provided they present a certification endorsed by any of the following: NIA, DAR, DA, Brgy. Captain, Municipal Agriculturist Office and local chief executives.
NFA Mobile Procurement Teams are available to serve in-field transaction in palay production areas which are far from the NFA Grains Center Warehouse at Linabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan. The same price of P17.00/kg and P1,800.00 additional cash incentive for every 2,500 equivalent net weight palay produce delivery applies both to individual farmers and FOs/Coops sold eighter in NFA warehouse or through in-field.
NFA-Aklan also offers drying services to farmers at a minimal fee of P12.00 per 50 kg. input for those who would sell the same to the NFA. Payment in kind by those being served by NFA using the facilities will also be accepted.
The program Farmer's Option to Buy-Back (FOBB) which offers various benefits to farmer organizations and farmers cooperatives is also open for qualified FOs/Coops for their participation.
Meanwhile, the local office welcomes participators to NFA Palay Marketing Assistance Programs for Legislators and LGUs (PALLGU) to enable palay farmers to maximize their income and at the same time assist the LGUs and the legislators in sourcing their rice requirements intended for their constituents.
PM Bejemino also assured Aklanons that NFA-Aklan is open to entertain queries as well as about other related programs and operational concerns through visits at their office in Banga or by telephone. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
According to PM Bejemino, farmers with revalidated Farmer's Passbook only can avail of the fertilizer incentive. On the other hand, FOs/Coops with revalidated Master Passbook can avail of same incentive. Farmers can apply for a passbook at the NFA local office in LInabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan. The application form can be secured for free at NFA Aklan office. Authorized signatories in the application form are the Barangay Captain, Brgy. Agrarian Reform Council Chairman, and Agricultural Production Technician.
Farmers who are classified as walk-in such as farm workers and thresher operators can sell palay to the NFA provided they present a certification endorsed by any of the following: NIA, DAR, DA, Brgy. Captain, Municipal Agriculturist Office and local chief executives.
NFA Mobile Procurement Teams are available to serve in-field transaction in palay production areas which are far from the NFA Grains Center Warehouse at Linabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan. The same price of P17.00/kg and P1,800.00 additional cash incentive for every 2,500 equivalent net weight palay produce delivery applies both to individual farmers and FOs/Coops sold eighter in NFA warehouse or through in-field.
NFA-Aklan also offers drying services to farmers at a minimal fee of P12.00 per 50 kg. input for those who would sell the same to the NFA. Payment in kind by those being served by NFA using the facilities will also be accepted.
The program Farmer's Option to Buy-Back (FOBB) which offers various benefits to farmer organizations and farmers cooperatives is also open for qualified FOs/Coops for their participation.
Meanwhile, the local office welcomes participators to NFA Palay Marketing Assistance Programs for Legislators and LGUs (PALLGU) to enable palay farmers to maximize their income and at the same time assist the LGUs and the legislators in sourcing their rice requirements intended for their constituents.
PM Bejemino also assured Aklanons that NFA-Aklan is open to entertain queries as well as about other related programs and operational concerns through visits at their office in Banga or by telephone. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Aklan PNP to tap barangays to help maintain peace and order
Kalibo, Aklan -- The Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) here is planning to tap the assistance and cooperation of barangay leaders and residents to help maintain the province' peaceful condition.
According to Police Supt. Larry L. Decena, Aklan is generally a peaceful province and the Aklanons are peace-loving, but there is a need to sustain this status, and this could be done with the help of barangay officials and residents.
"Presently, we are still coordinating with provincial and municipal officials in our aim to sustain the province' peaceful situation, and as we go along, we plan to go down to barangays to tap their help too," said Police Supt. Decena.
The need for Aklanons' assistance in the maintenance of peace and order especially in the barangays is more pronounced with the shortage of police force in Aklan.
Decena said the standard ratio of the police by population is 1 policeman per 1,000, but in the case of Kalibo, the actual ratio is 1:1,400. In other police stations, Decena said the ratio is even 1:1,800.
Decena recently took over as OIC of Aklan PPO after the stint of Provincial Director Benigno D. Durana.
Even as Decena said the province is peaceful, the PNP is presently up on its toes solving cases of robberies which turned rampant in the towns of Altavas, Balete, Banga, New Washington and Kalibo.
Some suspects, according to him, were already apprehended in connection with the robberies and cases against these suspects were already filed by the PNP.
To discourage robberies, Decena said the Aklan PPO is making moves to have more police visibility at night.
"We will see to it that our police forces will serve the people well, follow the PNP mandate, and render the kind of assistance to Aklanons that is acceptable in the maintenance of peace and order," said Decena. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
According to Police Supt. Larry L. Decena, Aklan is generally a peaceful province and the Aklanons are peace-loving, but there is a need to sustain this status, and this could be done with the help of barangay officials and residents.
"Presently, we are still coordinating with provincial and municipal officials in our aim to sustain the province' peaceful situation, and as we go along, we plan to go down to barangays to tap their help too," said Police Supt. Decena.
The need for Aklanons' assistance in the maintenance of peace and order especially in the barangays is more pronounced with the shortage of police force in Aklan.
Decena said the standard ratio of the police by population is 1 policeman per 1,000, but in the case of Kalibo, the actual ratio is 1:1,400. In other police stations, Decena said the ratio is even 1:1,800.
Decena recently took over as OIC of Aklan PPO after the stint of Provincial Director Benigno D. Durana.
Even as Decena said the province is peaceful, the PNP is presently up on its toes solving cases of robberies which turned rampant in the towns of Altavas, Balete, Banga, New Washington and Kalibo.
Some suspects, according to him, were already apprehended in connection with the robberies and cases against these suspects were already filed by the PNP.
To discourage robberies, Decena said the Aklan PPO is making moves to have more police visibility at night.
"We will see to it that our police forces will serve the people well, follow the PNP mandate, and render the kind of assistance to Aklanons that is acceptable in the maintenance of peace and order," said Decena. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
RDC trains, organizes speakers' bureau on food, energy security
Iloilo City - A capability-building training of Speakers' Bureau on Food and Energy Security was held recently at the Renewal House in Lapaz, Iloilo City by the Regional Development Council (RDC) and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).
According to Hon. Salvacion Z. Perez, Governor of the Province of Antique and Chairperson of RDC 6, the training is necessary to equip the members of the speakers' bureau with an in-depth knowledge on the content of the information that will be disseminated.
The training is one of the specific tasks of the Sub-Committee on Information and Advocacy of RDC 6 Development Administration Committee in undertaking communication activities on food and security, among others.
Participants came from the provinces of Western Visayas – Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Guimaras coming from the offices of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO); Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA); Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); National Food Authority (NFA); Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
"Times are bad and things are expected to be harder with the coming of the American Financial crisis that could affect the Philippines. There are hosts of other problems – high food prices, the changing prices of oil and oil products. There is a need to inform the people why these are happening and to tell them what the government is doing to surpass the crisis," said Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, PIA 6 Regional Director who welcomed the participants and gave the lecturette on Communication Advocacy Plan. Director Mesa also spearheaded the workshop on local communication advocacy plan.
The activity, according to Director Mesa, is expected to have a cascading effect to the provinces, municipalities and barangays upon the participants' return to their respective provinces.
Topics discussed at the training included Current Issues on Food and Energy Security by NEDA VI Regional Director Ro-Ann A. Bacal; Basic Economic Theories and Concepts by Atty. Raul S. Anlocotan, NEDA VI; Food Situation, by Regional Technical Director Remelyn H. Recoter of Department of Agriculture (DA) VI, Robert G. Espinosa of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 6 and Assistant Regional Manager Vilma H. Zarraga of National Food Authority (NFA) VI.
Engr. Generoso P. Jardeleza of NPC 6 also spoke on Energy Situation while Ms. Nona Grace D. Bermejo of DTI VI spoke on Price Act.
According to NEDA 6, workshop outputs from the provinces will serve as the basis of the participants' activities upon their return to their respective areas. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
According to Hon. Salvacion Z. Perez, Governor of the Province of Antique and Chairperson of RDC 6, the training is necessary to equip the members of the speakers' bureau with an in-depth knowledge on the content of the information that will be disseminated.
The training is one of the specific tasks of the Sub-Committee on Information and Advocacy of RDC 6 Development Administration Committee in undertaking communication activities on food and security, among others.
Participants came from the provinces of Western Visayas – Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Guimaras coming from the offices of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO); Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA); Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); National Food Authority (NFA); Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
"Times are bad and things are expected to be harder with the coming of the American Financial crisis that could affect the Philippines. There are hosts of other problems – high food prices, the changing prices of oil and oil products. There is a need to inform the people why these are happening and to tell them what the government is doing to surpass the crisis," said Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, PIA 6 Regional Director who welcomed the participants and gave the lecturette on Communication Advocacy Plan. Director Mesa also spearheaded the workshop on local communication advocacy plan.
The activity, according to Director Mesa, is expected to have a cascading effect to the provinces, municipalities and barangays upon the participants' return to their respective provinces.
Topics discussed at the training included Current Issues on Food and Energy Security by NEDA VI Regional Director Ro-Ann A. Bacal; Basic Economic Theories and Concepts by Atty. Raul S. Anlocotan, NEDA VI; Food Situation, by Regional Technical Director Remelyn H. Recoter of Department of Agriculture (DA) VI, Robert G. Espinosa of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 6 and Assistant Regional Manager Vilma H. Zarraga of National Food Authority (NFA) VI.
Engr. Generoso P. Jardeleza of NPC 6 also spoke on Energy Situation while Ms. Nona Grace D. Bermejo of DTI VI spoke on Price Act.
According to NEDA 6, workshop outputs from the provinces will serve as the basis of the participants' activities upon their return to their respective areas. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Monday, October 13, 2008
DPWH, CAAP PGMA infra projects in Aklan reach P221,375 M
Kalibo, Aklan -- The combined PGMA infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Aklan, ongoing and completed for 2007-2008 has reached a total of P221,375,000.00.
CAAP is formerly known as the Air Transportation Office (ATO). CAAP operates the Kalibo International Airport.
The report from the DPWH here revealed that presently, it has completed and on-going projects in Aklan with a total cost of P167,200,000.00. These projects include construction of seawall in Songcolan, Batan to protect the Songcolan Elementary School; construction of Altavas Diversion Road, construction of Diversion/Bypass road along Kalibo-Iloilo Highway, construction of Boracay Roads, repair/rehab/improvement of Caticlan Road Section, rehabilitation of Multi-Purpose Pavement in Pastrana Park, rehabilitation of Nabas Road- Caticlan Road Section, construction of Boracay Road (Lapus-Lapus-Fairways Section), Altavas East Road (intermittent sections/road reblocking), Altavas-Jamindan Road (intermittent sections) and Caticlan-Malay-Libertad Road (intermittent sections).
Infrastructure projects with big budgets which are ongoing are the construction of Boracay Road and Altavas-Jamindan Road, both costing P30,000,000.00 while the Altavas East Road and Caticlan-Malay-Libertad Road both cost P20,000,000.00. The construction of Altavas Diversion Road cost the government P17,200,000.00. The rest of the projects had a budget of P5,000,000.00 each.
The CAAP, on the other hand, had a total o P54,175,000.00 projects both ongoing and completed. In a report released by Kalibo International Airport Manager Percy Malonesio, 2 activities are ongoing while 3 construction activities are already completed.
Ongoing activities include site acquisition and site development for the installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) costing P20,768,500.00 and P11,869,000.00 respectively while completed projects include the rehabilitation and installation of ILS equipment, construction of equipment shelter and installation of runway edge and taxiway edge lights.
Projects implemented and ongoing in the province by the DPWH and the CAAP were contained in President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s SONA promises. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
CAAP is formerly known as the Air Transportation Office (ATO). CAAP operates the Kalibo International Airport.
The report from the DPWH here revealed that presently, it has completed and on-going projects in Aklan with a total cost of P167,200,000.00. These projects include construction of seawall in Songcolan, Batan to protect the Songcolan Elementary School; construction of Altavas Diversion Road, construction of Diversion/Bypass road along Kalibo-Iloilo Highway, construction of Boracay Roads, repair/rehab/improvement of Caticlan Road Section, rehabilitation of Multi-Purpose Pavement in Pastrana Park, rehabilitation of Nabas Road- Caticlan Road Section, construction of Boracay Road (Lapus-Lapus-Fairways Section), Altavas East Road (intermittent sections/road reblocking), Altavas-Jamindan Road (intermittent sections) and Caticlan-Malay-Libertad Road (intermittent sections).
Infrastructure projects with big budgets which are ongoing are the construction of Boracay Road and Altavas-Jamindan Road, both costing P30,000,000.00 while the Altavas East Road and Caticlan-Malay-Libertad Road both cost P20,000,000.00. The construction of Altavas Diversion Road cost the government P17,200,000.00. The rest of the projects had a budget of P5,000,000.00 each.
The CAAP, on the other hand, had a total o P54,175,000.00 projects both ongoing and completed. In a report released by Kalibo International Airport Manager Percy Malonesio, 2 activities are ongoing while 3 construction activities are already completed.
Ongoing activities include site acquisition and site development for the installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) costing P20,768,500.00 and P11,869,000.00 respectively while completed projects include the rehabilitation and installation of ILS equipment, construction of equipment shelter and installation of runway edge and taxiway edge lights.
Projects implemented and ongoing in the province by the DPWH and the CAAP were contained in President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s SONA promises. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
NSO-Aklan to resume CRS service soon
Kalibo, Aklan – The Civil Registration System (CRS) service extended by the National Statistics Office (NSO) here for several years already but was stopped when Typhoon Frank brought destruction to Aklan will resume before year-end.
This assurance was given by Provincial Statistics Officer Blas Solidum who said that the office has already sent the cost estimate of the contractor to the central office so equipments needed for the service could be provided soon.
"All our office equipments, documents including tables were destroyed by the floodwater which left knee-high mud inside our office when Typhoon Frank struck Aklan on June 21. Presently, we have resumed our usual services, conducting surveys and other functions except the CRS Serbilis service," Solidum said.
Solidum said that for the meantime, they advise people who go to their new office seeking copies of birth, death, marriage and other certificates to just avail of the door-to-door system of the CRS. To avail of this, Solidum said a person just need to call telephone no. 02-731111, follow instruction of the operator, and after three days, the needed document will be delivered at the doorstep of the client after paying a fee of P330 through Metrobank.
"Sometimes when we go to Iloilo for official business, we also bring the requests of some people who come to our office for processing of their request in Iloilo. But it is much better when we have our own Serbilis center here in Aklan, because people will only pay a minimal fee, and they can get their copy the same day. Also, residents from other provinces, like Capiz and Antique, can also avail of the service here, because Aklan is nearer to their provinces.
Solidum said that operation of the CRS service in vital parts of the country has enabled NSO to be placed among the 10 top earning government agencies of the country.
Presently, NSO-Aklan is focusing on activities in celebration of Statistics Month this October. One of their important activities is spearheading the Philippine Statistics Quiz, a contest among first year college students to test their knowledge in statistics. The office is also currently coordinating with various government agencies here on other meaningful activities for the celebration.
This year's theme of the celebration is "Demand-Driven Statistics: Key to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This assurance was given by Provincial Statistics Officer Blas Solidum who said that the office has already sent the cost estimate of the contractor to the central office so equipments needed for the service could be provided soon.
"All our office equipments, documents including tables were destroyed by the floodwater which left knee-high mud inside our office when Typhoon Frank struck Aklan on June 21. Presently, we have resumed our usual services, conducting surveys and other functions except the CRS Serbilis service," Solidum said.
Solidum said that for the meantime, they advise people who go to their new office seeking copies of birth, death, marriage and other certificates to just avail of the door-to-door system of the CRS. To avail of this, Solidum said a person just need to call telephone no. 02-731111, follow instruction of the operator, and after three days, the needed document will be delivered at the doorstep of the client after paying a fee of P330 through Metrobank.
"Sometimes when we go to Iloilo for official business, we also bring the requests of some people who come to our office for processing of their request in Iloilo. But it is much better when we have our own Serbilis center here in Aklan, because people will only pay a minimal fee, and they can get their copy the same day. Also, residents from other provinces, like Capiz and Antique, can also avail of the service here, because Aklan is nearer to their provinces.
Solidum said that operation of the CRS service in vital parts of the country has enabled NSO to be placed among the 10 top earning government agencies of the country.
Presently, NSO-Aklan is focusing on activities in celebration of Statistics Month this October. One of their important activities is spearheading the Philippine Statistics Quiz, a contest among first year college students to test their knowledge in statistics. The office is also currently coordinating with various government agencies here on other meaningful activities for the celebration.
This year's theme of the celebration is "Demand-Driven Statistics: Key to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Kalibo to organize, strengthen farming sector
Kalibo, Aklan -- Rice farmers in Kalibo are set to be organized here based on the programs of the Department of Agriculture.
This was revealed by Primo Ibesate, Officer-In-Charge of the Municipal Agricultural Services Division of Kalibo.
According to Ibesate, the organization or clustering of rice farmers is one way of bringing easily the benefits and services extended by the national government to the sector and at the same time to observe programs on agriculture to assess the capacity of the country in farming and storing rice for food security.
Ibesate stressed farmers will benefit much through this scheme because it would be easier to monitor the progress in knowledge and technology extended to farmers while agricultural technologists are continuously gathering data for faster program implementation. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This was revealed by Primo Ibesate, Officer-In-Charge of the Municipal Agricultural Services Division of Kalibo.
According to Ibesate, the organization or clustering of rice farmers is one way of bringing easily the benefits and services extended by the national government to the sector and at the same time to observe programs on agriculture to assess the capacity of the country in farming and storing rice for food security.
Ibesate stressed farmers will benefit much through this scheme because it would be easier to monitor the progress in knowledge and technology extended to farmers while agricultural technologists are continuously gathering data for faster program implementation. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Statistics Month observance seen to benefit Aklan’s MSMEs
Kalibo, Aklan -- This year’s celebration of National Statistics Month is seen to benefit Aklan’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator here, in an initial meeting held to plan out activities together with other heads and representatives of national and provincial government offices for the celebration said that the theme inspires the province to hold a special activity for the benefit of Aklan’s MSMEs.
The 19th National Statistics Month Celebration, held every October, has for its overall theme “Demand-Driven Statistics: Key to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development.
Though simple, Engr. Esto said the Statistics Month celebration could have an impact if Aklan’s MSMEs will gather together, have somebody from their group tell of the achievements as well as success of his enterprise or business to inspire others or to venture into business, and at the same time listen to invited representatives from government financial institutions who could tell them how to avail of loans or financial assistance to help expand their business and develop more products.
“It is high time or Aklan to rise after the typhoon. MSMEs need to know how they could avail of financial assistance or loans from government financial institutions – how much they have lent already, and how much they could afford or extend to local businessmen and entrepreneurs,” Esto explained.
The province will also hold a Statistical Exhibit for one week at the Provincial Capitol lobby participated in by government agencies who will display or exhibit important data essential for planning of government programs. Initially, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Bureau o Agricultural Statistics, the National Statistics Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform,Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Department of Labor have committed to put their statistical data and other materials on display.
“The government has many laudable programs and projects for the people yet it is still castigated in all corners. With the different data to be shown, the people will know what the government, through various government agencies, is doing for them. It would be much better if we accompany the data with pictures,” Esto said.
The exhibit is proposed to be held on October 20-24 at the lobby of the Provincial Capitol Building here.
Besides the exhibit and the forum for MSMEs, another activitiy which will be held include the Philippine Statistics Quiz, which will be spearheaded by the NSO. It is a contest between first year college students dealing with statistics, and host school for this year, according to Blas Solidum, Provincial Statistics Officer of NSO-Aklan, is STI.
Solidum said that some winners of the Statistics Quiz in Aklan years before had even competed in the regional and national level alongside the best students from prestigious schools in the country. For this year, the NSO will hold the quiz on October 28 and is currently soliciting prizes for winners.
Engr. Esto assured Solidum that the provincial government will assist the NSO in the activity. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator here, in an initial meeting held to plan out activities together with other heads and representatives of national and provincial government offices for the celebration said that the theme inspires the province to hold a special activity for the benefit of Aklan’s MSMEs.
The 19th National Statistics Month Celebration, held every October, has for its overall theme “Demand-Driven Statistics: Key to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development.
Though simple, Engr. Esto said the Statistics Month celebration could have an impact if Aklan’s MSMEs will gather together, have somebody from their group tell of the achievements as well as success of his enterprise or business to inspire others or to venture into business, and at the same time listen to invited representatives from government financial institutions who could tell them how to avail of loans or financial assistance to help expand their business and develop more products.
“It is high time or Aklan to rise after the typhoon. MSMEs need to know how they could avail of financial assistance or loans from government financial institutions – how much they have lent already, and how much they could afford or extend to local businessmen and entrepreneurs,” Esto explained.
The province will also hold a Statistical Exhibit for one week at the Provincial Capitol lobby participated in by government agencies who will display or exhibit important data essential for planning of government programs. Initially, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Bureau o Agricultural Statistics, the National Statistics Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform,Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Department of Labor have committed to put their statistical data and other materials on display.
“The government has many laudable programs and projects for the people yet it is still castigated in all corners. With the different data to be shown, the people will know what the government, through various government agencies, is doing for them. It would be much better if we accompany the data with pictures,” Esto said.
The exhibit is proposed to be held on October 20-24 at the lobby of the Provincial Capitol Building here.
Besides the exhibit and the forum for MSMEs, another activitiy which will be held include the Philippine Statistics Quiz, which will be spearheaded by the NSO. It is a contest between first year college students dealing with statistics, and host school for this year, according to Blas Solidum, Provincial Statistics Officer of NSO-Aklan, is STI.
Solidum said that some winners of the Statistics Quiz in Aklan years before had even competed in the regional and national level alongside the best students from prestigious schools in the country. For this year, the NSO will hold the quiz on October 28 and is currently soliciting prizes for winners.
Engr. Esto assured Solidum that the provincial government will assist the NSO in the activity. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Kalibo to launch ecological solid waste management program
Kalibo, Aklan -- The municipality of Kalibo will launch its program on ecological solid waste management (RA 9003) in time with its 3rd foundation day anniversary on November 3.
The launching is in consonance with the local government code which stipulates the correct way of garbage segregation and disposal, according to the office of Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo.
The law has specific penalties for violators and aims to help solve the town's problem on garbage.
The municipality is conducting a sustained campaign to educate and discipline constituents on waste segregation including segregation depending on schedule of pick up by garbage trucks.
According to the Office of the Mayor, proper waste disposal will help prevent health problems caused by a dirty environment.
Proper segregation and disposal of garbage, according to Kalibo's municipal officials should start in the home, for the good of the next generation. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The launching is in consonance with the local government code which stipulates the correct way of garbage segregation and disposal, according to the office of Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo.
The law has specific penalties for violators and aims to help solve the town's problem on garbage.
The municipality is conducting a sustained campaign to educate and discipline constituents on waste segregation including segregation depending on schedule of pick up by garbage trucks.
According to the Office of the Mayor, proper waste disposal will help prevent health problems caused by a dirty environment.
Proper segregation and disposal of garbage, according to Kalibo's municipal officials should start in the home, for the good of the next generation. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
PHO advice to Aklanons: Don't buy unlabeled repacked milk; infant formula from China
Kalibo, Aklan –The Provincial Health Office (PHO) here has called on all Aklanons to refrain from buying unlabeled repacked milk as well as infant formula coming from China in the wake of melamine contamination crisis which had caused sickness and deaths in babies in China who consumed melamine-laced milk.
Melamine, according to Dr. Emma T. Cortes, Provincial Health Officer II, is a toxic substance which when ingested or drank through milk can cause kidney stones.
"When kidney stones grew big, it will obstruct the flow of urine. Urine contains toxic substances eliminated by the body through the kidney which should go out of the body. Anything toxic that can't be eliminated by the body will affect the kidney, which will cause kidney failure," Dr. Cortes explained.
Presently, Dr. Cortes, along with other PHO staff, are going around grocery stores and supermarkets in Aklan to see if there are existing stocks of milk formulas from China for the meantime that the Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD) is yet to come out with its findings on the milk products it is currently testing.
Dr. Cortes called on the public to be vigilant and report to her office and the BFAD of the presence in stores of infant formulas from China, should they find any. Along with her call, she also advised mothers to breastfeed their babies, saying breast milk is the best, the safest, the most nutritious and the most complete food.
In a recent advisory, BFAD directed all licensed importers and/or distributors of registered milk products sourced from China to immediately stop temporarily from further importing, distributing, selling and offering for sale Chinese milk products due to the melamine contamination crisis. The ban on the importation and sale would be in effect until the bureau issues a notice assuring the public of the products' safety and fitness for human consumption.
The BFAD advisory, likewise called on local officials to conduct investigation on the unauthorized importation of infant formula and milk products manufactured in China.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita ordered the Health and Trade departments and the Bureau of Customs to intensify their watch against the entry of melamine-contaminated milk from China into the country. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Melamine, according to Dr. Emma T. Cortes, Provincial Health Officer II, is a toxic substance which when ingested or drank through milk can cause kidney stones.
"When kidney stones grew big, it will obstruct the flow of urine. Urine contains toxic substances eliminated by the body through the kidney which should go out of the body. Anything toxic that can't be eliminated by the body will affect the kidney, which will cause kidney failure," Dr. Cortes explained.
Presently, Dr. Cortes, along with other PHO staff, are going around grocery stores and supermarkets in Aklan to see if there are existing stocks of milk formulas from China for the meantime that the Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD) is yet to come out with its findings on the milk products it is currently testing.
Dr. Cortes called on the public to be vigilant and report to her office and the BFAD of the presence in stores of infant formulas from China, should they find any. Along with her call, she also advised mothers to breastfeed their babies, saying breast milk is the best, the safest, the most nutritious and the most complete food.
In a recent advisory, BFAD directed all licensed importers and/or distributors of registered milk products sourced from China to immediately stop temporarily from further importing, distributing, selling and offering for sale Chinese milk products due to the melamine contamination crisis. The ban on the importation and sale would be in effect until the bureau issues a notice assuring the public of the products' safety and fitness for human consumption.
The BFAD advisory, likewise called on local officials to conduct investigation on the unauthorized importation of infant formula and milk products manufactured in China.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita ordered the Health and Trade departments and the Bureau of Customs to intensify their watch against the entry of melamine-contaminated milk from China into the country. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Veteran broadcaster cites role of VAT in propping up RP economy
Kalibo, Aklan – The economy of the Philippines is still strong despite global upheaval caused by the collapse in the U.S. of an investment firm because of Value-Added Tax (VAT).
Augusto C. Tolentino, Station Manager of IBC-DYRG here, the Philippine economy is strong because of VAT which helped the country get on with its programs like food-for-school, power subsidy, microfinance, scholarships and college loans and fuel discounts to name a few.
Tolentino is also the current IBC Regional Officer-in-Charge for Western Visayas and Mindanao and Station Manager of TV 12 Iloilo.
Prior to his current positions, he also served as Station Manager of RMN-DYKR, a pioneer radio station in Aklan.
According to him, VAT served as the buffer of the country's economy.
"Many opposed VAT, but now its gains can be felt through subsidies given by the government to members of various disadvantaged sectors in our society, which somehow alleviate their condition," Tolentino said.
The challenge, according to him, now that prices of fuel have decreased in the world market, is for dealers and transportation groups to lower their fares.
"We Filipinos have strong survival instincts. Despite the financial crisis experienced in the United States, the country can move on, through the country's effective tax system which helps finance various government programs and projects. However, we must also help ourselves and not just depend on the government most of the time," Tolentino said.
Meanwhile, PGMA expressed confidence that the government's fiscal reforms will allow the country to withstand the effects of the financial crisis. She said this during the government's mid-year economic briefing.
The global economy has hit the Philippines hard and had painful impact on every Filipino through higher prices of food, fuel and rice.
The Philippines was not the only one in Asia affected by the turmoil in the U.S. market, citing the dismal growth in the economies of Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea.
The country has remained resilient because of the government's reform in the tax system. The funds raised by the government through the value-added tax (VAT) will help cushion the country from the global hike in food and oil prices as well as the effects of the meltdown of the US financial system. It has given the country the funds to invest in targeted reliefs to the most poor through programs aimed at relieving the high price of energy and food. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Augusto C. Tolentino, Station Manager of IBC-DYRG here, the Philippine economy is strong because of VAT which helped the country get on with its programs like food-for-school, power subsidy, microfinance, scholarships and college loans and fuel discounts to name a few.
Tolentino is also the current IBC Regional Officer-in-Charge for Western Visayas and Mindanao and Station Manager of TV 12 Iloilo.
Prior to his current positions, he also served as Station Manager of RMN-DYKR, a pioneer radio station in Aklan.
According to him, VAT served as the buffer of the country's economy.
"Many opposed VAT, but now its gains can be felt through subsidies given by the government to members of various disadvantaged sectors in our society, which somehow alleviate their condition," Tolentino said.
The challenge, according to him, now that prices of fuel have decreased in the world market, is for dealers and transportation groups to lower their fares.
"We Filipinos have strong survival instincts. Despite the financial crisis experienced in the United States, the country can move on, through the country's effective tax system which helps finance various government programs and projects. However, we must also help ourselves and not just depend on the government most of the time," Tolentino said.
Meanwhile, PGMA expressed confidence that the government's fiscal reforms will allow the country to withstand the effects of the financial crisis. She said this during the government's mid-year economic briefing.
The global economy has hit the Philippines hard and had painful impact on every Filipino through higher prices of food, fuel and rice.
The Philippines was not the only one in Asia affected by the turmoil in the U.S. market, citing the dismal growth in the economies of Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea.
The country has remained resilient because of the government's reform in the tax system. The funds raised by the government through the value-added tax (VAT) will help cushion the country from the global hike in food and oil prices as well as the effects of the meltdown of the US financial system. It has given the country the funds to invest in targeted reliefs to the most poor through programs aimed at relieving the high price of energy and food. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Friday, September 19, 2008
Shelter, cash assistance from DSWD for Aklan typhoon victims now more than P10 M
Kalibo, Aklan -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development's shelter and cash assistance extended to victims of Typhoon Frank in Aklan has reached P10,218,200.00 as of September.
According to Janet T. Calizo, Project Development Officer II of DSWD-Aklan, the assistance from the office is broken down as follows: Shelter Assistance for Kalibo for 43 beneficiaries at P50,000 each, P2,150,000; Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) for 455 beneficiaries from Kalibo's 13 barangays at P10,000 each, P4,550,000; ESA for 191 beneficiaries of Bubog, Numancia at P10,000 each, P1,910,000; and Cash for Work Program in Kalibo with 480 beneficiaries, P1,252,900; and Numancia, 190 beneficiaries amounting to P355,300.00.
Calizo said the releases made by the DSWD for emergency shelter assistance were only for Category A beneficiaries. She said however, that DSWD Field Office 6 is trying very hard to come up with cash releases for more victims whose houses were totally damaged.
ESA has three categories – A, B and C. For Category A, beneficiaries will receive P10,000.00; B, P7,500 and C, P5,000.00.
Based on the final report of the PDCC here, there were 11,210 houses which were totally destroyed in Aklan, with Kalibo listing the highest with 3,395, followed by Numancia, 1,827 and New Washington, 1,706.
After validation made by social workers from Regions 10 and 11, however, Calizo said that the number of damaged houses reduced.
Soon, Calizo said the DSWD will be implementing the Food for Work Program in Aklan, another scheme of the department to help Aklan's typhoon victims.
In this program, beneficiaries hired by the barangays will receive a food pack everyday worth P140.00 consisting of canned goods and coffee. The program will be implemented in all Aklan municipalities except Malay.
The workers will be hired for five days.
"The goods are still part of donations for typhoon victims, but instead of giving these out as relief goods, these will be used as payment for workers in the barangays hired to do certain jobs like cleaning streets and roads, etc.," Calizo said.
The DSWD will implement this program in coordination with municipalities through their barangays captains. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
According to Janet T. Calizo, Project Development Officer II of DSWD-Aklan, the assistance from the office is broken down as follows: Shelter Assistance for Kalibo for 43 beneficiaries at P50,000 each, P2,150,000; Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) for 455 beneficiaries from Kalibo's 13 barangays at P10,000 each, P4,550,000; ESA for 191 beneficiaries of Bubog, Numancia at P10,000 each, P1,910,000; and Cash for Work Program in Kalibo with 480 beneficiaries, P1,252,900; and Numancia, 190 beneficiaries amounting to P355,300.00.
Calizo said the releases made by the DSWD for emergency shelter assistance were only for Category A beneficiaries. She said however, that DSWD Field Office 6 is trying very hard to come up with cash releases for more victims whose houses were totally damaged.
ESA has three categories – A, B and C. For Category A, beneficiaries will receive P10,000.00; B, P7,500 and C, P5,000.00.
Based on the final report of the PDCC here, there were 11,210 houses which were totally destroyed in Aklan, with Kalibo listing the highest with 3,395, followed by Numancia, 1,827 and New Washington, 1,706.
After validation made by social workers from Regions 10 and 11, however, Calizo said that the number of damaged houses reduced.
Soon, Calizo said the DSWD will be implementing the Food for Work Program in Aklan, another scheme of the department to help Aklan's typhoon victims.
In this program, beneficiaries hired by the barangays will receive a food pack everyday worth P140.00 consisting of canned goods and coffee. The program will be implemented in all Aklan municipalities except Malay.
The workers will be hired for five days.
"The goods are still part of donations for typhoon victims, but instead of giving these out as relief goods, these will be used as payment for workers in the barangays hired to do certain jobs like cleaning streets and roads, etc.," Calizo said.
The DSWD will implement this program in coordination with municipalities through their barangays captains. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Aklan's lady mayors form beeline for DBPs forest program
Kalibo, Aklan - Three lady mayors from Aklan have expressed their interest to join the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Forest Program.
These lady mayors – Maria Lourdes M. Miraflores of Ibajay, Kathryne B. Refol of Altavas and Elverita Templonuevo of Numancia happened to know of this program during the recently-held Conference-Workshop on the Environmental Security on Tourism (TEST) in Kalibo with the DBP Forest Program as one of the topics, given by Jessica E. Eucogcan, Bank Executive Officer I, Regional Marketing Center.
The point that apparently captured the attention of the three lady mayors, as well as those of the participants from the government and non-government sectors and other stakeholders of the tourism industry in Aklan was when Ms. Eucogcan said that "the program is not a loan but an assistance".
According to DBP-Aklan Branch Manager Basilia Fajardo, Mayor Miraflores of Ibajay showed how eager she was to make her municipality a beneficiary of the program by submitting her letter of intent just days after the presentation.
Manager Fajardo said Mayor Miraflores intends to rehabilitate the coastlines of the two barangays of her town – Naisud and Bugtong Bato and turn this into a Mangrove Reserve and Eco-Tourism Zone.
Mayors Refol and Templonuevo have also related projects for their municipalities in mind, according to Manager Fajardo.
The DBP Forest Program, according to the presentation of Ms. Eucogcan, is an initiative of the DBP to protect the country's watershed areas. Its long term vision is to develop downstream industries in the rural areas by supporting and encouraging the forestation of open areas through the planting of high value fruit trees and other useful species like bamboo and ilang-ilang.
Other similar undertakings include coastal rehabilitation through planting of mangroves. Secondary considerations resulting from the tree planting projects are improvement in spawning grounds for terrestrial and marine grounds.
The forest program, started by the DBP in 2005 is in answer to the woes suffered by the people in calamity-prone areas caused by environmental degradation through erosion, landslides and flooding.
"The program will also help address the country's problem on global warming," Fajardo said.
In Western Visayas, two DBP-assisted forest programs are already in place – located in Guimaras and Lambunao.
Besides LGUs, other entities qualified to join the program are State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), People's Organizations that have been awarded Community Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) by DENR, and other government agencies which have large forest areas under their management..
Specific project sites must consider the following: areas with slope of 18% and above; not to be subjected to land-use change; areas proven to be compatible with certain high value fruit trees and accessible to allow easy bringing in of planting stocks and facilitate monitoring and bringing o produce to the market, and high poverty incidence.
Planting stocks will be sourced from BPI-accredited commercial nurseries nationwide, state universities and colleges, DA-Bureau of Plant Industry and DENR Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau.
DBP will assist the partners by shouldering the cost of planting stocks, allowance for mortality up to 10% of cost of planting stocks and 1st year support for operating expenses up to 40% of cost of planting stocks.
When the project is already yielding in the case of high-value fruit trees, sharing of harvest will be based on net yield – 70% for the Partner and 30% for DBP.
"This way, the program will rollover to other beneficiaries or partners", Fajardo said. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
These lady mayors – Maria Lourdes M. Miraflores of Ibajay, Kathryne B. Refol of Altavas and Elverita Templonuevo of Numancia happened to know of this program during the recently-held Conference-Workshop on the Environmental Security on Tourism (TEST) in Kalibo with the DBP Forest Program as one of the topics, given by Jessica E. Eucogcan, Bank Executive Officer I, Regional Marketing Center.
The point that apparently captured the attention of the three lady mayors, as well as those of the participants from the government and non-government sectors and other stakeholders of the tourism industry in Aklan was when Ms. Eucogcan said that "the program is not a loan but an assistance".
According to DBP-Aklan Branch Manager Basilia Fajardo, Mayor Miraflores of Ibajay showed how eager she was to make her municipality a beneficiary of the program by submitting her letter of intent just days after the presentation.
Manager Fajardo said Mayor Miraflores intends to rehabilitate the coastlines of the two barangays of her town – Naisud and Bugtong Bato and turn this into a Mangrove Reserve and Eco-Tourism Zone.
Mayors Refol and Templonuevo have also related projects for their municipalities in mind, according to Manager Fajardo.
The DBP Forest Program, according to the presentation of Ms. Eucogcan, is an initiative of the DBP to protect the country's watershed areas. Its long term vision is to develop downstream industries in the rural areas by supporting and encouraging the forestation of open areas through the planting of high value fruit trees and other useful species like bamboo and ilang-ilang.
Other similar undertakings include coastal rehabilitation through planting of mangroves. Secondary considerations resulting from the tree planting projects are improvement in spawning grounds for terrestrial and marine grounds.
The forest program, started by the DBP in 2005 is in answer to the woes suffered by the people in calamity-prone areas caused by environmental degradation through erosion, landslides and flooding.
"The program will also help address the country's problem on global warming," Fajardo said.
In Western Visayas, two DBP-assisted forest programs are already in place – located in Guimaras and Lambunao.
Besides LGUs, other entities qualified to join the program are State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), People's Organizations that have been awarded Community Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) by DENR, and other government agencies which have large forest areas under their management..
Specific project sites must consider the following: areas with slope of 18% and above; not to be subjected to land-use change; areas proven to be compatible with certain high value fruit trees and accessible to allow easy bringing in of planting stocks and facilitate monitoring and bringing o produce to the market, and high poverty incidence.
Planting stocks will be sourced from BPI-accredited commercial nurseries nationwide, state universities and colleges, DA-Bureau of Plant Industry and DENR Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau.
DBP will assist the partners by shouldering the cost of planting stocks, allowance for mortality up to 10% of cost of planting stocks and 1st year support for operating expenses up to 40% of cost of planting stocks.
When the project is already yielding in the case of high-value fruit trees, sharing of harvest will be based on net yield – 70% for the Partner and 30% for DBP.
"This way, the program will rollover to other beneficiaries or partners", Fajardo said. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
RP tourism campaign the best in Southeast Asia – DOT
Kalibo, Aklan -- The Philippine tourism campaign is the best in Southeast Asia, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).
DOT Undersecretary Salvador D. Sarabia, Jr. said that based on the UN World Tourism Organization, the Philippines' tourism campaign came out with 14% annual growth rate, the highest in Southeast Asia, surpassing the 7 % increase of tourist traffic in the Asia Pacific last year.
USEC Sarabia, was in Kalibo recently to conduct the Conference-Workshop on the Environmental Security on Tourism (TEST) which was attended by Aklan's local chief executives and provincial officials, tourism stakeholders in the province and representatives from national/provincial government offices and non-government organizations.
"Last year 2007 was a year of breakthroughs for Philippine tourism as visitor traffic and tourist spending soared to unprecedented levels – 3.9 million tourists pumping in $4.885 billion U.S. dollars. For 2008 January to July, tourist arrivals rose to 6.1 %, with 1.92 million bringing at least 2.17 billion dollars to our coffers, " Sarabia told the participants.
Sarabia further revealed that the months of January, March and July registered the highest visitor volume surpassing the previous records in the last 3 years. Korea remains the top source market, according to him.
"While the current economic slowdown in the market affected the growth rate of tourist arrivals, the number of visitors from China remains robust. We believe that this breakthrough is due to the Department's creativity for bigger tourism drive," Sarabia said.
He said the DOT formulated marketing campaigns that heightened foreign travelers' interest in the Philippines.
Sarabia added that with the broad opportunity and heightened interest in the global market of Philippine tourism, the DOT has been consistent in maintaining its focus on ensuring the safety and security of tourists, the preservation, protection and sustainability of destinations as well as the stake or interest of investors in the country.
In Aklan where the world-famous Boracay Island is, national, provincial and municipal government offices are leaving no stones unturned to maintain peace and order and cleanliness in the island so tourists will be enticed to return again and again, and to tell their compatriots of the island's beauty and peacefulness when they go back to their respective countries.
Based on records from the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) here, Koreans have the biggest number in tourist arrivals in the island, followed by the Americans.
With the landing of international flights at Kalibo Airport direct from Taiwan, the PTO revealed that the number of Chinese tourists going to Boracay have grown bigger.
From January to July of this year, PTO records showed that 400,037 tourists arrived in Boracay, generating a total o P7,354,040,185.80 in tourism receipts.
Aklan aims for a 1 million tourist arrivals in Boracay in 2010. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DOT Undersecretary Salvador D. Sarabia, Jr. said that based on the UN World Tourism Organization, the Philippines' tourism campaign came out with 14% annual growth rate, the highest in Southeast Asia, surpassing the 7 % increase of tourist traffic in the Asia Pacific last year.
USEC Sarabia, was in Kalibo recently to conduct the Conference-Workshop on the Environmental Security on Tourism (TEST) which was attended by Aklan's local chief executives and provincial officials, tourism stakeholders in the province and representatives from national/provincial government offices and non-government organizations.
"Last year 2007 was a year of breakthroughs for Philippine tourism as visitor traffic and tourist spending soared to unprecedented levels – 3.9 million tourists pumping in $4.885 billion U.S. dollars. For 2008 January to July, tourist arrivals rose to 6.1 %, with 1.92 million bringing at least 2.17 billion dollars to our coffers, " Sarabia told the participants.
Sarabia further revealed that the months of January, March and July registered the highest visitor volume surpassing the previous records in the last 3 years. Korea remains the top source market, according to him.
"While the current economic slowdown in the market affected the growth rate of tourist arrivals, the number of visitors from China remains robust. We believe that this breakthrough is due to the Department's creativity for bigger tourism drive," Sarabia said.
He said the DOT formulated marketing campaigns that heightened foreign travelers' interest in the Philippines.
Sarabia added that with the broad opportunity and heightened interest in the global market of Philippine tourism, the DOT has been consistent in maintaining its focus on ensuring the safety and security of tourists, the preservation, protection and sustainability of destinations as well as the stake or interest of investors in the country.
In Aklan where the world-famous Boracay Island is, national, provincial and municipal government offices are leaving no stones unturned to maintain peace and order and cleanliness in the island so tourists will be enticed to return again and again, and to tell their compatriots of the island's beauty and peacefulness when they go back to their respective countries.
Based on records from the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) here, Koreans have the biggest number in tourist arrivals in the island, followed by the Americans.
With the landing of international flights at Kalibo Airport direct from Taiwan, the PTO revealed that the number of Chinese tourists going to Boracay have grown bigger.
From January to July of this year, PTO records showed that 400,037 tourists arrived in Boracay, generating a total o P7,354,040,185.80 in tourism receipts.
Aklan aims for a 1 million tourist arrivals in Boracay in 2010. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
PGMA vow to energize Aklan barangay realized
Ibajay, Aklan – When President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visited Ibajay June 2 of this year to inaugurate the town’s newest bridge, one very urgent request she got from the barangay folks is the electrification of Barangay Aparicio, an upland barangay of the municipality.
Nine days after June 2, Barangay Aparicio folks got their wish. This good news, however, was not immediately know throughout the province, especially when Typhoon Frank struck Aklan on June 21, 2008, as all attention of Aklan leaders and the whole population focused on rehabilitation efforts and rising from the ruins brought by the calamity.
Barangay Aparicio has 140 households. On June 18, 2008, 50 of these households were energized by the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO), the province’ power distributor, after line construction was effected at the request of PGMA to the electric cooperative’s General Manager, Chito Peralta, who committed to light up the barangay at the soonest possible time.
Barangay Aparicio, together with neighboring barangays Monlaque and Malindog, are beneficiaries of the country’s peace agreement with the RPA-RPM.
During her talk at the bridge’ inauguration, PGMA said that in the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan 2004-2010, the peace process consists of peacemaking and peacekeeping, which includes full implementation of existing final peace agreements, such as with the RPA-RPM.
The President said then that she wanted the country’s peace agreement with the RPA to bring a new era of economic development to areas like Aparicio.
To uplift the economic situation of the people of Aparicio, one very important need identified was electricity.
With the electrification of the barangays, the likes of Luzminda Domingo, abaca loom weaver, and other housewives who are into nito crafting, abaca rope twining and other home-based industries interviewed earlier when the barangay was still “in darkness” could work even at night.
“This way”, Luzminda Domingo said then, “we can increase our productivity.”
Now that Aparicio is already energized, this goal of Domingo and the rest of Aparicio folks could be achieved.
Barangay Aparicio, according to AKELCO,was selected as beneficiary of “Barangay Subsidy” of the National Electrification Administration for this year.
Presently, 98% of barangays at AKELCO’s coverage areas is already energized. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Nine days after June 2, Barangay Aparicio folks got their wish. This good news, however, was not immediately know throughout the province, especially when Typhoon Frank struck Aklan on June 21, 2008, as all attention of Aklan leaders and the whole population focused on rehabilitation efforts and rising from the ruins brought by the calamity.
Barangay Aparicio has 140 households. On June 18, 2008, 50 of these households were energized by the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO), the province’ power distributor, after line construction was effected at the request of PGMA to the electric cooperative’s General Manager, Chito Peralta, who committed to light up the barangay at the soonest possible time.
Barangay Aparicio, together with neighboring barangays Monlaque and Malindog, are beneficiaries of the country’s peace agreement with the RPA-RPM.
During her talk at the bridge’ inauguration, PGMA said that in the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan 2004-2010, the peace process consists of peacemaking and peacekeeping, which includes full implementation of existing final peace agreements, such as with the RPA-RPM.
The President said then that she wanted the country’s peace agreement with the RPA to bring a new era of economic development to areas like Aparicio.
To uplift the economic situation of the people of Aparicio, one very important need identified was electricity.
With the electrification of the barangays, the likes of Luzminda Domingo, abaca loom weaver, and other housewives who are into nito crafting, abaca rope twining and other home-based industries interviewed earlier when the barangay was still “in darkness” could work even at night.
“This way”, Luzminda Domingo said then, “we can increase our productivity.”
Now that Aparicio is already energized, this goal of Domingo and the rest of Aparicio folks could be achieved.
Barangay Aparicio, according to AKELCO,was selected as beneficiary of “Barangay Subsidy” of the National Electrification Administration for this year.
Presently, 98% of barangays at AKELCO’s coverage areas is already energized. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DOH, RHUs warn against hazards caused by uncollected garbage
Kalibo, Aklan -- The Department of Health (DOH) and Rural Health Units (RHUs) in Aklan are currently intensely campaigning for proper collection and disposal of garbage brought by floods, as well as those from households.
Recently, provinces in Panay, especially Aklan and Iloilo which were badly hit by Typhoon Frank became a repository of garbage brought by floodwaters carrying tons of mud from the mountains.
During the flood's height in Kalibo, drainages were clogged with garbage, which prevented floodwaters to recede faster. After the typhoon, various types of garbage were piled everywhere in the streets.
In a health advisory, the DOH said many health hazards can be caused by uncollected/undisposed solid waste materials and improper disposal, brought by the flash flood.
Uncollected garbage, according to the DOH, can cause proliferation of insects that might contaminate food and drinking water; contamination of drinking water that can cause water and food borne disease; obstruction of drainage system that can create more flood and that might cause Leptospirosis; and harmful odor that can endanger the health of the general public, especially children and the elderly.
Uncollected garbage can also cause stagnant water that can be a breeding place of mosquitoes that might cause Dengue Fever, and different injuries to passersby and motorists.
To prevent these health hazards, the DOH advises the public to immediately collect and dispose solid waste materials through Bayanihan System of clean up operation. The community should create a Barangay Brigade or Barangay Linis Task Force, involving the community, to conduct speedy elimination of these health hazards in the environment.
On the part of RHUs specifically in Kalibo, Dr. Jocelyn Garcia, Rural Health Physician, called on the community to regularly clean their houses and surroundings not only during rainy days. Empty cans and cartons should be properly disposed so this won't be made a breeding place of mosquitoes, according to Dr. Garcia.
Dr. Garcia also said floods could be avoided if garbage are collected and disposed properly so these would not clog the drainage system and could easily be collected by sanitary workers of the Municipal General Services Office. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Recently, provinces in Panay, especially Aklan and Iloilo which were badly hit by Typhoon Frank became a repository of garbage brought by floodwaters carrying tons of mud from the mountains.
During the flood's height in Kalibo, drainages were clogged with garbage, which prevented floodwaters to recede faster. After the typhoon, various types of garbage were piled everywhere in the streets.
In a health advisory, the DOH said many health hazards can be caused by uncollected/undisposed solid waste materials and improper disposal, brought by the flash flood.
Uncollected garbage, according to the DOH, can cause proliferation of insects that might contaminate food and drinking water; contamination of drinking water that can cause water and food borne disease; obstruction of drainage system that can create more flood and that might cause Leptospirosis; and harmful odor that can endanger the health of the general public, especially children and the elderly.
Uncollected garbage can also cause stagnant water that can be a breeding place of mosquitoes that might cause Dengue Fever, and different injuries to passersby and motorists.
To prevent these health hazards, the DOH advises the public to immediately collect and dispose solid waste materials through Bayanihan System of clean up operation. The community should create a Barangay Brigade or Barangay Linis Task Force, involving the community, to conduct speedy elimination of these health hazards in the environment.
On the part of RHUs specifically in Kalibo, Dr. Jocelyn Garcia, Rural Health Physician, called on the community to regularly clean their houses and surroundings not only during rainy days. Empty cans and cartons should be properly disposed so this won't be made a breeding place of mosquitoes, according to Dr. Garcia.
Dr. Garcia also said floods could be avoided if garbage are collected and disposed properly so these would not clog the drainage system and could easily be collected by sanitary workers of the Municipal General Services Office. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DPWH implementing infra projects in Kalibo
Kalibo, Aklan -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here is currently implementing several infrastructure projects in Kalibo, the province's capital town.
A list of infrastructure projects was recently submitted by DPWH District Engineer Roberto Cabigas to the office of Mayor Raymar Rebaldo to let him know of the various projects the department is implementing, funded by the government.
Some o these projects were already started before Typhoon Frank struck Aklan on June 21.
Based on the list, two of these projects are already finished – the rehabilitation of multi-purpose pavement at Pastrana Park, and construction of Andagao Box Culvert which was proposed by Aklan Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores. Three of the projects are on-going – the construction of a multi-purpose building in New Buswang costing P1 million pesos started on May 28, 2008 implemented by LGU-Kalibo under a Memorandum of Agreement; construction of a classroom of Aklan National High School of Arts and Trades (ANHSAT) costing P512,000.00 and construction of a multi-purpose pavement in Barangay Caano.
Other projects set to be implemented include the repair and rehabilitation of the DPWH edifice in Kalibo set or bidding on September 12 with the cost of P150,000.00; repair of Goding Ramos Hall of Justice, P150,000:00; repair of DepEd-Aklan office, P150,000:00 and repair of DOST edifice, P1 million.
Most of the buildings set for repair were damaged by Typhoon rank. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
A list of infrastructure projects was recently submitted by DPWH District Engineer Roberto Cabigas to the office of Mayor Raymar Rebaldo to let him know of the various projects the department is implementing, funded by the government.
Some o these projects were already started before Typhoon Frank struck Aklan on June 21.
Based on the list, two of these projects are already finished – the rehabilitation of multi-purpose pavement at Pastrana Park, and construction of Andagao Box Culvert which was proposed by Aklan Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores. Three of the projects are on-going – the construction of a multi-purpose building in New Buswang costing P1 million pesos started on May 28, 2008 implemented by LGU-Kalibo under a Memorandum of Agreement; construction of a classroom of Aklan National High School of Arts and Trades (ANHSAT) costing P512,000.00 and construction of a multi-purpose pavement in Barangay Caano.
Other projects set to be implemented include the repair and rehabilitation of the DPWH edifice in Kalibo set or bidding on September 12 with the cost of P150,000.00; repair of Goding Ramos Hall of Justice, P150,000:00; repair of DepEd-Aklan office, P150,000:00 and repair of DOST edifice, P1 million.
Most of the buildings set for repair were damaged by Typhoon rank. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
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