COMELEC’s Calendar of Activities for 2010 elections out

Kalibo, Aklan -- Local voters have until October 31 only to file applications for registration, transfer of registration records, etc.,November 20, 2009 to November 30, 2009 is the period for the filing of certificates of candidacy for all elective positions, and the filing of manifestation of intent to participate in the party-list system of representation.

These activities with corresponding dates are just some of the items contained in the Calendar of Activities and Periods of Prohibited Acts in connection with the May 10, 2010 national elections, recently released by the Provincial Office of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) here.

The Calendar of Activities was released through Resolution No. 8946 promulgated July 14, 2009.

Most of the dates specified last day of activities, such as Aug. 17, 2009, which is the last day for filing petitions for registration of political parties; Aug. 31 – last day for overseas absentee voters to file application for registration/certifications as overseas absentee voter and application to vote in absentia; or January 8, 2009 – last day to appoint members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs), subject to changes on account of shortage of teachers and disqualifications due to relationships to candidates.

Election period starts on June 10, 2010, Sunday, to June 9, Wednesday, as specified by the resolution.

Within this period, acts of bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, buildings, streets, parks, private vehicles, even if licensed to possess the same, are prohibited, unless authorized in writing by the Commission.

Suspension of elective local officials as well as transfer of officers and employees in the civil service is also prohibited during the election period.

Also prohibited are the organization of maintenance of reaction forces or other similar forces, and the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, whether or not such bodyguards are regular members of the AFP or other law enforcement agency.

Campaign period for candidates for President, Vice President, and Senators will start Feb. 9, 2010 to May 8, 2010. This is also the designated period for party-list groups participating in the party-list system of representation to campaign.

Campaign period for candidates for Memmer, House of Representatives and elective provincial, city and municipal officials, on the other hand, will start from March 26, 2010 to May 8, 2010.

During the period March 26 to May 10, 2010, prohibited acts include appointment or hiring of new employees, creation or filling up of new positions, promotion or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privilege.

Other prohibited acts during this period include the construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works, and issuance of treasury warrants or similar devices for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds.

On May 9, 2010, campaigning is prohibited, including selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving or taking intoxicating liquor and giving, accepting free transportation, food, drinks and things of value. The same activities are prohibited on May 10, election day.

Soliciting votes or undertaking any propaganda for or against any candidate of any political party within the polling place or within thirty meters thereof is prohibited; so is voting more than once or in substitution of another; holding of fairs, cockfights, boxing or any other similar sports.

On May 10 too, the Municipal/City/District and Provincial Boards of Canvassers will convene. June 9, 2010 is the last day to file sworn statements of election contributions and espenditures.

The resolution was promulgated by Jose A. Ar. Melo, COMELEC Chairman; and Rene V. Sarmiento, Nicodemo T. Ferrer, Lucenito M. Tagle, and Armando C. Velasco, Commissioners. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

POEA reiterates its no-deployment policy in 4 countries

    New Washington, Aklan -- The Philippine Oversease Employment Administration (POEA) reiterated here the government's no-deployment policy in four countries – Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Jordan.

    This is in the wake of wars and unstable peace and order condition in these countries which could put in danger the lives of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), according to Atty. John Rio Bautista, Chief, Workers Education Division of POEA.

    Just recently, 10 OFWs were reported killed in a chopper crash in Afghanistan.

    According to Atty. Bautista, if these workers were documented by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) their relatives could avail of government assistance. If they were undocumented, the agency which could assist is the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Bautista said the POEA takes care of workers' concerns and welfare while in the country.

    The POEA was here in Aklan July 21 to conduct a 2-day seminar on Anti-Illegal Recruitment (AIR), held at the Sampaguita Gardens in New Washington. Participants included local chief executives, the Philippine National Police, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers of Aklan's 17 towns, representatives from the academe, non-government organizations and the local media.

    The seminar was also graced by POEA Administrator Atty. Jennifer Jardin-Manalili, who spearheaded the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between the Provincial Government here headed by Governor Carlito Marquez, and some mayors of Aklan's 17 towns.

    At the Sampaguita Gardens Convention Center, 3 mayors – Mayor Gene Fuentes of Tangalan, Mayor Rex Gubatina of Madalag and Mayor Antonio Maming of Banga signed an MOU with the POEA for an Illegal Recruitment-Free LGU respectively.

    The MOU signing is part of the "IR-Free LGU Program" of the POEA.

    This program, according to the POEA, aims to strengthen and expand the local network of agencies and stakeholders to aid in stopping illegal recruitment at the local level. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

This outstanding entrepreneur has strong faith in govt and its assistance to MSMEs

    Being a visual artist seems miles away from being an entrepreneur indulging in Piña Weaving business, but Anna India De la Cruz-Legaspi of Kalibo, Aklan proved this is possible – and that one can excel both in these extreme fields.

    Too, when she came home for good in Kalibo after years of living in Manila, she had no plans of landing in the Piña loom-weaving business, she was aiming to open a pastry shop, having also learned the skills of baking cakes.

    Her being a visual artist, however, was instrumental in catapulting her in her current thriving business, because she used piña cloth as canvass for her artwork, and the "right" people took notice of this.

    She recalls that on one occasion, her artworks (paintings done on Piña cloth canvass) were borrowed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here to be displayed during Aklan's holding of a trade fair. During the trade fair, a representative from Rustan's came and was impressed with her work. She was told to develop other personal products – placemats, doilies and table runners made of piña cloth. She made samples – and Rustan's ordered P150,000 worth of piña cloth products.

    "As I cannot deliver to Rustan's without permits and business name, I came to DTI and at that moment, I became an entrepreneur," Mrs. Legaspi (Nang India to her circle of friends, workers and colleagues) related to participants of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) roadshow held recently in Aklan where she shared her story.

    With the business she found herself in, Nang India started with one loom and a 64 year-old weaver. Later however, she came up with 250 weavers.

    "The DTI was always there, encouraging us, providing trainings," she recalls.

    When there was a revival of Piña weaving in Aklan, Nang India became the Point Person of First Lady Ming Ramos' Filipino Katutubo Foundation.

    When her business grew into a bigger company, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) also came in with its many assistance. This was the time when Nang India and her husband Javier felt they have to borrow funds because they needed to buy more looms, and additional capital to buy materials.

    "I used to borrow from my parents, and when I got married, from my in-laws. I also used my earnings from sales of my artworks. Later, we felt we had to go on a "higher level" of borrowing, especially when we started exporting after five years. We needed to upgrade our looms as our business progressed. My husband scrutinized banks which could best assist our needs, and it was the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

    All the while, the DTI and the DOST were there to help their business. The Provincial Government of Aklan also helped in marketing and promoting her products through trade fairs and exhibits.

    The life of an entrepreneur, however, is not a bed roses, according to Nang India. She experienced this herself when Typhoon Frank struck Aklan on June 21, 2008, and her factory went under 7 feet of water and later 2 feet of mud, submerging all their stocks, equipment, looms, materials – everything.

    "But as an entrepreneur, we could only persevere, and I told myself, this typhoon will not stop my business," she said.

    Days after Typhoon Frank, she and her workers were cleaning the factory when visitors came. She thought the visitors were there to assess or survey the typhoon's damage to her business, instead, they were from Rustan's who came to order from her P350,000 worth of Piña cloth products.

    "So it happened that our first beginning was with Rustan's, and our second beginning was Rustan's again, after exactly 20 years," she related.

With her looms totally destroyed, everything needed to be done was done with the help of the DTI and the DOST which assisted her with 10 upgraded and wider looms – so she was able to deliver the orders of Rustan's on time.

"I believe that even in calamities and good times in business, our needs are provided – because we cannot do everything," Nang India said of the assisitance she received from said government agencies. "If you think that God is the defender of life and business, meron talagang force to lift you up and make it easy. There is no need for self-pity," she continued.

Rustan's was not the only surprise visitor that came to her place while she and her workers were continuously cleaning. One day, they were amazed to see five cars arriving in her factory. The visitors were from the Land Bank of the Philippines, led by President Gilda Pico, another was the Executive Vice President of Visayas Group, and the three were branch managers of Kalibo, Roxas and Antique LBP branches –who came to assess the typhoon damage to her factory.

Nang India said she was so touched with the gesture of the LBP. "It's like – they were not only concerned of earning, they also have much concern for borrowers. I felt there was a common force to help one another," she said.

In concluding her colorful tale as an entrepreneur, Nang India said people should not be closed to assistance and trainings from the government.

"Hindi masama ang gobyerno. We hear and see so many things in television about corruption – but the bottom line is – what it is (the government) doing for the rural people to uplift our livelihood and our income. It should not be muddied by other people because of politics. We are really striving hard to make our economy grow, to provide a peaceful and conducive environment for the progress of our nation," Nang India said.

Nang India and her husband manage the Heritage Arts and Crafts in Kalibo and in Boracay. In 2004, she was awarded by the Land Bank of the Philippines as Outstanding Regional Entrepreneur Winner. She was also featured in books Profiles of Courage and Couples in Business. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

DTI-ASEC: No hunger, no recession in Aklan with OTOPs

Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklanons have what it takes to do business or be entrepreneurs.

In Aklan, there is no recession and there is no hunger despite typhoons.

This strong belief in the ability of Aklanons was expressed sincerely by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ASEC Ma. Theresa "Angel" Pelayo Ty, guest speaker during the province' first-ever One Town, One Product (OTOP) Congress here held recently at the Gov. Corazon Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center.

ASEC Pelayo-Ty was all praises of the Aklanons' craftmanships, ingenuity and patience in coming up with world-class products like the loom-woven Piña cloth, nitocrafts and other items uniquely produded in the province.

"I visited one piña cloth and nito factory here and I was surprised to see a very old woman still adept at weaving piña cloth. I saw how intricate and difficult it is to weave the piña. Nakakahiyang tumawad, kaya bumili ako na hindi tumawad," Pelayo Ty said.

Loom-woven products, like the world-class Piña cloth, abaca and raffia is Kalibo's identified OTOP, and is also the Regional Model OTOP for Region 6.

Pelayo-Ty said that the OTOP, pushed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2005 and patterned after Japan's One Village, One Product (OVOP) program, is a very effective tool in job generation.

"The reason why we are here is we are united to give OTOP a chance," Pelayo-Ty told the participants, composed of mayors and other representatives of various local government units in Aklan, business community/entrepreneurs, officers and members of the Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PMSMEDC) and the local media.

Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez also graced the activity.

Pelayo-Ty cited the commitment of local leaders who are running their respective municipalities like corporations, and the local businessmen who opened themselves to risks.

"The risks are as big as rewards, when it is very sweet," Pelayo-Ty said, apparently speaking of her own experiences as an entrepreneur before joining the government through DTI.

"When OTOP was launched by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2005, many criticized it as just a copy, and very backward. Today, however, 99% of businesses registered are either micro or small enterprises, and it is time to recognize them and thank them for their effort," Pelayo-Ty said.

According to her, 312,000 new jobs were created through OTOP which gave the country an additional revenue of P12 billion and another revenue from trade fairs worth P3.7 billion, excluding export sales.

In Aklan, at least 140 new OTOP MSMEs were established while domestic and export sales from 2005 to present reached P319.7 million and $469,600 respectively.

With the activity's theme "Negosyo… Kaya Mo!, Pelayo-Ty said "kayang-kaya ng mga Aklanon magnegosyo".

She said that with what she has seen in the province, there is big hope in Aklan – there will be no recession or hunger, with typhoons even.

Aklan, gushed Pelayo-Ty, is very lucky because it has Boracay Island, the world-class Piña cloth, abaca, nito products, and lately, organically-produced fruits and vegetables.

Incidentally, the town of Numancia, which produces organically-produced fruits and vegetables here through Vermicast, the municipality's OTOP, garnered all the top awards in the OTOP Congress as Best OTOP LGU Implementer, Outstanding OTOP MSME, and Most Supportive OTOP Partner through its cooperative.

Pelayo-Ty said the OTOP program is very close to PGMA's heart, and she urged Aklan leaders to look into the state of entrepreneurs.

The DTI ASEC, daughter of Candaba, Pampanga Mayor Jerry Pelayo who traces her roots in Aklan, expressed her willingness to be an Ambassador of Aklan – being proud of the province' loom-woven products, good food and beautiful sceneries.

"With your support, OTOP will be very successful", she said.

Aklan towns' OTOPs range from swine/livestock, organic fruits and vegetables, grouper culture, eco-tourism, coco-based products, Indigenous fiber-based loom-woven products, potteries, abaca fibers, seafoods, bariw crafts, abaca slippers, deboned bangus and vermicast organic fertilizer. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan’s top OTOPs awarded

Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan's best performing One Town One Product (OTOP) and partners were honored here today during the province' first-even OTOP Congress held at the Gov. Corazon Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center.

The OTOP Congress/Awarding, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here, was graced by DTI-RODG Assistant Secretary Ma. Theresa "Angel" L. Pelayo-Ty , Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, Numancia Mayor Elverita Templonuevo and Tangalan Mayor Gene Fuentes.

The OTOP Awards 2009 had three categories – Most Supportive OTOP LGU, Outstanding OTOP MSME Partner, and Most Supportive OTOP Partner Organizations.

Honored as Aklan's first-ever OTOP awardees as the Best OTOP LGU Implementer were Ibajay, 2nd runner up; Tangalan, 1^st runner-up; and Numancia, the top award. As awardees, these LGUs received Certificates of Recognition and gift certificates.

Ibajay's OTOP is coco-based products; Tangalan has Eco-Tourism while Numancia has Vermicast.

For Outstanding OTOP MSMEs Partners, awarded the plum prize for Agri-Aqua was the EI Earthworm Farm of former Numancia Mayor Ernesto I. Templonuevo, while for the Crafts sector, adjudged as the best was the La Herminia Pina Weaving. These awardees also received Certificates of Recognition and Gift certificates.

On the other hand, the Pot Makers Association of Lezo was adjudged first runner up under the Most Supportive OTOP Partner category while Numancia Vermicast got the top prize. These groups also received Certificates of Recognition and gift certificates.

Keynote Speaker ASEC Angel Ty, who traces her roots in Aklan, said that OTOP, patterned after Japan's program on village enterprise, is a very effective tool on job generation in the country.

"It is about time for OTOPs to be recognized and to be thanked for their effort," ASEC Pelayo-Ty said of the Aklanon honorees.

"Negosyo…Kaya Mo!. Is the theme of the 1^st OTOP Congress in Aklan. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan has 801 Pangulong Gloria scholars thru TESDA

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here has listed a total of 801 Aklanons who availed of the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship (PGS) program from April to June of this year.

Records provided by TESDA –Aklan show that some 100 Aklanons enrolled at "Tek Bok" schools here in April; 150 in May; and 551 in June.

"Tek Bok" schools are schools offering various courses/classifications which are accredited by TESDA.

Courses/qualifications include Household Service Worker NC II, Commercial Cooking NC II, Food and Beverage NV II; and Housekeeping NC II. Tek Bok schools in Aklan, on the other hand, include the NVC Kalibo Campus, New OFW Vocational and Technical School, Aklan Sampaguita Gardens Academy, Verde Grande Culinary School, Joselito Alba Vocational and Technical School, Central Panay College of Science and Technology, Boracay Island Global Academy, San Lorenzo College and NVC Boracay Campus.

As PGS scholars, these students enjoy free tuition for the duration of their studies/skills trainings and a minimum daily training support fund of P60.00.

After their schooling, these students will undergo assessment by TESDA, and if they pass, they will be given NC II certificates which they could use to apply for work in the country or abroad.

Some of the students who availed of the scholarship program were already graduates of other courses.

Raul Doromal, a scholar, is already a graduate of BS Radiology and has worked abroad, but he considers that being a PGS beneficiary is a big opportunity for him to get a better job and a better pay when he decides again to work outside the country, because of the National Certificate (NC II) that he will be given if he passes assessment.

Erlinda Belayro, registrar of "Tek Bok" school Central Panay College of Science and Technology, many interested students have made reservations in their school to avail of the next batch of PGS scholars, which they consider a God-send and their ticket to a better life. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

More infra in Boracay means more revenues, says DOF Sec

Kalibo, Aklan -- Boracay can even contribute more to the Philippine economy if its existing infrastructures and facilities are further improved, according to DOF Secretary Gary Teves, who was in the island recently to attend an activity.

"Boracay is in the mind of tourists from all over the world. If infrastructure, like the airport in Caticlan, gets improved through runway extension, more commercial flights will be accommodated and there will be a need for more hotel facilities," Sec. Teves told Ralph Maypa of RMN-DYKR in an interview.

More investors will then be coming, according to Teves.

"We have better beaches here, we can increase our revenues from tourism," Teves stressed.

Teves also said the health situation in the island should always be considered.

Based on records from BIR-Aklan, tax collections in Boracay for 2008 registered a 40.71 increase, despite the onslaught of Typhoon Frank that hit the province of Aklan.

Boracay came second to Balete, a town in mainland Aklan, which registered the biggest increase in tax collection for 2008 in the province, with 63.25 % (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

“OPLAN KANDADO” a message to taxpayers that BIR means business

Kalibo, Aklan -- "OPLAN KANDADO" is a message to erring taxpayers that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) means business, according to Ricardo J. Osorio, BIR-Aklan's new Revenue District Officer.

OPLAN KANDADO, which deals with the closure of business establishments that failed to comply with their tax obligation, was recently conducted in Boracay Island by the BIR, with three establishments padlocked.

Osorio said taxpayers should be aware of their obligations, so as not to face closure of their establishments as well as to pay penalties.

According to Osorio, two of these establishments had since complied with their obligations and are operating, while one is still closed.

The BIR, according to Osorio, has current programs to penalized erring taxpayers like the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE). He clarified, however, that the BIR has no RATE case in Aklan as of this time.

"We at BIR-Aklan are trying our best to have effective tax collection. We campaign to make taxpayers feel that BIR is just around. We hold seminars every Wednesday to new business registrants about their obligation as taxpayers," Osorio said.

Osorio also said that they are seeking the help of local government officials in their campaign for effective tax collection, because 40% of the tax collected goes back to the LGUs as their IRA.

Osorio also called on business establishments to issue receipts always.

"I am also thankful to Aklanons that for the month of June, BIR-Aklan was able to overshoot its target, collecting P41 million for the month, from its target collection of P35 million," Osorio said. This is despite the fact that classes opened in June and most business establishment owners are also parents – and despite the current global financial crisis everyone is experiencing, according to him.

Assigned only in Aklan March of this year, Osorio is expressing optimism that with the help of his team in Aklan and the Aklanons, BIR-Aklan would be able to attain its target collection for this year of P562 million. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

“Fear factor” needed to run after tax evaders, smugglers – Teves

Kalibo, Aklan – An element of "fear factor" is needed in the country's campaign to run after tax evaders and smugglers in order to have an effective and improved tax collection, according to Department of Finance (DOF) Sec. Gary Teves.

Sec. Teves was in Boracay Island recently to attend the Annual General Assembly of the Regional Association of Treasurers and Assessors (REGATA) of Region 7.

In an interview here over RMN-DYKR anchored by Program Director Ralph Maypa, Sec. Teves said that by "fear factor", he means the country must set an example just like what the United States did to Al Capone, who was convicted on tax evasion charges.

    Teves said the country is enforcing its Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) and Run After Smugglers (RAS) programs to improve collection efficiency, and if someone gets caught, this should be converted to conviction.

    "If a big fish is convicted, this will give 'fear factor' to tax payers, so they will pay their taxes," Teves said.

    Teves said also said that even as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is improving its collection efficiency through improved performance, the DOF is seeking the help of Congress through Revenue Enhancement Measures – so there would be more to give back to the people through government projects.

    Teves noted that with the country's population of 9 million, "we should have already a data base of 9 million registered taxpayers".

    "The more tax payers, the better for BIR collections", Teves said.

    One thing Teves seeks from Congress is to create a simplified form of collecting excise tax from so-called 'sin taxes' like alcohol and tobacco.

    Under RA 9334, the current excise tax structure of alcohol and tobacco products is of the specific form and is a multi-tiered system. The tax tiers are according to net retail price. The law distinguishes old brands of alcohol and tobacco from the new ones. Old brands are those taxed on the basis of their tax classification determined according to their October 1, l996 net retail prices. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

TEVES on RP economy: “We’re not doing too bad”

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Philippines' economy is doing better compared with other countries in Asia, according to Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Gary Teves.

In a recent radio interview here by RMN-DYKR Program Director Ralph Maypa, Sec. Teves said there is still economic growth in the Philippines, even if the country is affected by the current global financial crisis..

Sec. Teves was recently in Boracay on the invitation of the Regional Association of Treasurers and Assessors (REGATA) of Region 7 on their Annual General Assembly.

"We're not doing bad because there is still economic growth in the Philippines, compared with other countries in Asia whose economies are dependent on exporting goods and services," Sec. Teves said.

Sec. Teves attributed RP's edge over other countries to its domestic market.

"The country has 90 million population which is its market base. Hopefully before the end of this year, we will see signs of recovery, and by next year, we will be slightly better," Teves said.

According to Teves, other countries in Asia with big domestic market due to their bigger population are China, India and Indonesia, while those which are dependent on export are Taiwan, Malaysia, Hongkong and Thailand.

For a much brighter future, Teves said the country should further strengthen the domestic market and raise the people's purchasing power so more manufacturers could sell their products.

Teves also said the government should continuously improve its agricultural sector and increase infrastructure facilities so people will have more jobs and more income. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

 

DOH seeks NDCC member agencies in campaign against A H1N1)

Kalibo, Aklan -- Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III said the health department has requested the help of of National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) member-agencies in their nationwide campaign against A(H1N1).

Duque specifically mentioned these agencies as the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

"This is to make sure that our information and education activities reach all schools, barangays and provinces in the country," Duque said.

Sec. Duque recently reported that the DOH is further bolstering its mitigation efforts against A(H1N1) in light of the anticipated case in the country.

With the shift toward the mitigation strategy, the DOH is ensuring that all government hospitals, both at the national and local government levels have the capacity to administer care to high-risk patients where the severe manifestations of the A (H1N1) virus are frequently seen. This is in accordance with the directives of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last week to prepare well-equipped isolation wards in all state-run hospitals throughout the country, according to Sec. Duque.

High-risk patients include patients with preexisting medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, immunosuppression, HIV/AIDS, TB, pregnant women and the every young and the elderly.

In Aklan, health workers are vigilantly sustaining the campaign against A(H1N1) by conducting information campaigns in the province' 17 municipalities.

According to DOH Representatives deployed in the different health zones here, conduct of information campaigns and briefings to prevent A(H1N1) in schools and barangays is being sustained in the province.

Dr. Myrtle Pelayo, who heads the Provincial Health Team office here, also advocates observance of proper hygiene, good nutrition and enough rest for everybody to strengthen the body's immune system to keep away from diseases like flu and the dreaded A(H1N1) infection.

Meanwhile, at the recent meeting of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) here, Dr. Victor Santamaria, Provincial Health Officer I clarified that there is no specific vaccine yet for A(H1N1) virus although there are supplies for regular flu.

This was in answer to queries from council members who are planning to have themselves and their employees vaccinated and protected against the flu. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

More and more Filipinos are self-employed, labor force survey says

Kalibo, Aklan -- More and more Filipinos are self-employed, according to the 2009 Labor Force Survey.

The survey said that 12.1 million Filipinos are either employers or self-employed workers.

And, with the development of micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs, more and more people are turning to microfinance programs for their alternative means of livelihood, according to the survey.

Nationwide, the total microfinance loans reached P140.53 billion released to borrowers, generating 2.46 million new jobs from 2004 to October 2008.

The survey also said that the unemployment rate dropped to 7.5% in April 2009 from 8% last year.

With the active part the MSMEs play in job generation, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo gave high praises to the entrepreneurs.

"There is great patriotism in setting up businesses that give jobs and feed the stomachs and spirit of our countrymen and their families. Filipino entrepreneurs are patriots, patriots who believe in our country and people who invest in our nation's future," PGMA said.

In Aklan, the weekly conduct of briefings and trainings for prospective entrepreneurs by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here for almost 6 months has borne fruit, with the creation of 518 jobs for Aklanons, who embarked on self-employment after getting much needed information, skills and pointers in starting a business.

The conduct of weekly briefings at the DTI Provincial Office and in several municipalities in the province is the DTI's answer to the government's challenge for job creation through the Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP).

Due to the briefings, 3 entrepreneurs were able to avail of microfinance assistance from Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) here amounting to P240,000.00, according to DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr.

Cadena also said that together with the equity fund provided by the entrepreneurs, the amount of investments totaled P3.19 million.

Cadena said that the DTI will continue conducting trainings in their office as part of their current projects. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

OPLAN RED PLATE TF reports initial apprehensions in Region 6

Kalibo, Aklan -- The initial operation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on OPLAN Red Plate spearheaded by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas netted a total of 110 apprehensions in Region 6 and was deemed a success.

The initial operation was held April 4 of this year with 7 teams coming from different provinces, five of which conducted checkpoints in Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo Province and Iloilo City, while two teams were on mobile patrol.

The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas was here in Aklan recently to lead in the conduct of the Caravan on Government Services in the province and revealed this information during its radio-hopping stints and at a press conference with the local media here.

The OPLAN RED PLATE Task Force is composed per province of a representative from the offices of the Land Transportation Office (LTO); the Philippine National Police (PNP), Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Commission on Audit (COA), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Office of the Ombudsman.

The OPLAN RED PLATE Project is in line with the issuance of Administrative Order No. 239 of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the TF OPlan Red Plate by Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez and involves monitoring of government vehicles to ensure that such are used prudently, judiciously and efficiently, so as not to produce wastage in government resources.

During the initial operation of the Task Force, Team Aklan apprehended/recorded a total of 16 government vehicles; Team Antique, 7; Team Capiz, 19; Team Guimaras, 10; Team Iloilo City, 13; Team Iloilo Province, 15; and Team Negros Occidental, 30.

A number of reports were also received through the Ombudsman Text Hotline during the Holy Week.

According to the Office of the Ombudsman, their intensified campaign made a remarkable impact not only to government officials concerned but to the general public as well.

"Strict compliance by all national agencies and local government units in the proper use of government vehicles would mean great government savings for the benefit of the Filipino people", the Ombudsman Office report emphasized. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Enough supply of facial masks, other health care supplies noted in Kalibo

Kalibo, Aklan – Supplies of surgical/facial masks, disposable gloves and alcohol are sufficient in Kalibo, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here in a meeting today of the province' Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) held at the Conference Room of the Provincial Guest House.

According to DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr., supply of surgical/facial masks in Kalibo is sufficient with prevailing price of P5/per piece; but there is limited supply in Banga with prevailing price of P8/pc. Supply of the item in Numancia is all sold out.

On the other hand, disposable gloves, which are sufficient in Kalibo, has a prevailing price of P15/pc; while there is limited supply in Banga with prevailing price pf P20/pc. Numancia has no supply, as there is no demand for such item in the town.

On alcohol, there is sufficient supply in Kalibo of 150ml, 250ml and 500ml, with prevailing prices between P22.25,P31.70 & P55, respectively. Supply is limited for Banga, with 150ml having a prevailing price of P25 per bottle. Supply of the same item is limited in Numancia, Bottles of 150ml and 250ml have prevailing prices of P24-P35.75 respectively.

There is no supply of hand sanitizers in the three municipalities monitored. Banga and Numancia are two of the nearest municipalities of Kalibo. Kalibo is the capital town of the province.

The price and supply monitoring by the DTI in Aklan of health care products was conducted in support of the Department of Health (DOH) in the wake of increasing cases of AH1N1 infection in the country, which might trigger great demand in the market for such items.

Director Cadena said the DTI monitored 17 major drugstores in Aklan – 11 in Kalibo, 3 in Numancia and 3 in Banga.

Grocery stores will be included in the future monitoring of said healthcare products. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

DTI’s CLEEP creates 518 jobs in Aklan

Kalibo, Aklan –The Department of Trade and Industry's weekly conduct of trainings and fora for almost 6 months enabled 518 Aklanons to get jobs or embark on self-employment after availing much-needed information and skills offered by the agency.

DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. said the conduct of weekly briefings and trainings in their office and in 9 municipalities here is their agency's response to the national government's directive on job creation under the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP).

Since the latter part of January this year, Cadena said DTI-Aklan has conducted 38 trainings under CLEEP in the province. Twenty-eight (28) of these are trainings on entrepreneurship conducted every Tuesday at DTI-Aklan office, while 9 were conducted in municipalities. The other 8, on the other hand, were skills trainings on food processing, bag making and other trainings requested by participants, while 2 were trainings on management, to help MSMEs manage their business better.

The DTI's CLEEP, Cadena said, helps promote entrepreneurship and provide support to businessmen in starting or expanding their business. It also initiates self-employment for entrepreneurs, which is a good alternative for employment.

"As of now, we have briefed 816 individuals while 169 availed of skills trainings. Twenty-two others availed trainings on management," Cadena said.

Because they have attended trainings, Cadena said 3 entrepreneurs have availed of financial assistance from Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) amounting to P240,000.

"With the equity fund provided by the entrepreneurs, the amount of investments totaled P3.19 million. Based on our monitoring of their sales, some P4.5 million was generated by MSMEs, particularly those who have attended trainings", Cadena said.

Cadena also said that the DTI will continue conducting trainings in their office as part of their CLEEP version.

The DTI Provincial Director also noted that the trainings and fora in municipalities attract many participants who may be prospective entrepreneurs. Trainings/briefings in Kalibo are open to Aklanons from all parts of the province, according to Cadena. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan governor strengthens MSMEs, creates enterprise dev’t council

Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan's thriving Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will be strengthened further with Governor Carlito S. Marquez' recent creation of the Aklan Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (PMSMED) Council in the province.

Governor Marquez created the Aklan PMSMED Council through Executive Order No. 16 pursuant to Section 21 of RA 9501 which calls for the promotion of Entrepreneurship by Strengthening Development and Assistance Programs to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

"MSMEs have the potential for more employment generation and economic growth and therefore can help provide a self-sufficient industrial foundation for the country in general, and for the province in particular", Governor Marquez said in justifying the official creation of the council.

The executive order calls for a coordinated government effort to achieve the desired objectives, thus appropriate member-agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry, Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Environment and Natural Resources, Labor and Employment, Science and Technology, Interior and Local Government as well as the Philippine Information Agency, Fiber Industry Dev't Authority, Technical Education and Skills Dev't Authority, Land Bank of the Philippines, ASU-Business Assistance Center, Agricultural Training Institute, Quedancor, Prov'l Planning and Dev't Office, and non-government organizations such as Aklan Food Processors Development Cooperative, Aklan Pina Manufacturers and Traders Association, Inc. , Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc., PCCI-Aklan, and USWAG Dev't Foundation shall coordinate with the local government units and provide the necessary support and assistance to MSMEs.

The council is composed of the Provincial Governor of Aklan as the Honorary Chair, the Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry-Aklan as Chair, and the Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. as Vice Chair.

As its functions, the PMSMED Council shall promote entrepreneurship, facilitate an enabling environment and opportunities conducive to the growth and development of MSMEs, facilitate/conduct consultation/dialogue on existing government policies and issues concerning the growth and development of MSMEs and advocate programs and principles of RA 9501.

For its part, the provincial government of Aklan shall continuosly support the Aklan PMSMED Center to ensure that all member agencies and other agencies concerned in the implementation of the program shall have a venue to convene, plan and ensure smooth delivery of services as well as monitor and evaluate programs of the council.

Prior to the issuance of E.O. No. 16 officially creating the council, the Aklan Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council was already organized in 1996. It was the 1^st MSMED Council to be organized in Western Visayas through the efforts of DTI-Aklan Provincial Office and the Provincial Government of Aklan. It holds office at the 2^nd Floor of the Provincial Capitol Bldg. here and serves as a venue to showcase and display Aklan's local products, maintains a briefing room with facilities for meeting and trainings; and is a cource of industry and investment related information materials. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

DTI, PMSMEDC to honor Aklan’s outstanding OTOP, partners

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here is setting everything in place for the holding of the province' first-ever One Town One Product (OTOP) Congress here, slated July 14.

The Congress will be an opportunity for the DTI and the Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PMSMEDC) to recognize Aklan's outstanding OTOP and OTOP partners.

The Provincial OTOP Awards 2009, according to DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr., will be the main feature of the Congress. The OTOP Awards have three categories: Most Supportive OTOP Municipal LGU, Outstanding OTOP MSME Partner, and Most Supportive OTOP Partner Organizations.

The awardees will be selected through table and field validations and final evaluation. Besides public citation, the awardees will also receive cash prizes.

According to DTI-Aklan, the adjudged first and second Most Supportive OTOP Municipal LGU will receive P5,000 and P3,000 cash prize respectively; while first placers Outstanding OTOP MSME Partners classified as craft, tourism/service and Agri Aqua will receive P5,000 each. On the other hand, the adjudged first and second Most Supportive OTOP Partner Organizations will get P5,000 and P3,000 respectively.

The OTOP Congress here and at the same time PMSMEDC Information, Education and Communications (IEC) Campaign, will be held at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center at Old Buswang, Kalibo. More than a hundred participants are expected to attend the one-day activity.

Also expected to grace the activity, along with Aklan's provincial and municipal officials, is DTI Undersecretary Merly Cruz, who is from Lezo, Aklan, according to the DTI.

Aklan's MSMEs, delving on various industries like food processing, loom-weaving, gifts and housewares, pottery, furniture and other crafts have provided and continue to provide employment to Aklanons and at the same time propel further the province' economy.

Just recently, Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez issued Executive Order No. 16 creating Aklan PMSMEDC and its working committees in recognition of the MSMEs' various economic potentials. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

 

Aklan’s health workers sustaining information campaign on A (H1N1)

Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan's health workers are vigilantly sustaining the campaign against the much-feared A (H1N1) virus, cases of which are rising daily in the country.

According to Aklan"s Provincial DOH Representatives of the Provincial Health Team Office here deployed in the province's 17 municipalities, sustained information campaigns on the prevention and control of A (H1N1) virus are being conducted in their respective areas to emphasize to the constituents the health hazard brought by the virus.

The DOH has recently conducted in the province a briefing/orientation on the A (H1N1) virus with Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) as participants.

According to the DOH Representatives, briefings on A (H1N1) are now conducted in the municipalities in schools in the barangays. Local government units also initiate briefings attended by the Local Health Board, government and non-government agencies, Sangguniang Bayan members, school heads and barangay officials.

Dr. Myrtle Pelayo, who heads the Provincial Health Team Office here, continuously advocates proper hygiene by frequent handwashing, good nutrition, enough rest and sleep to strengthen the body's immune system to prevent flu and other diseases.

According to the DOH, the Influenza A (H1N1) is caused by a novel virus that resulted from the reassortment of 4 viruses from pigs, human and birds, which causes illness in people that may lead to death.

The DOH advises that to prevent the disease, one must cover his/her mouth while sneezing, and coughing, avoid close contact with sick people and increase the body's resistance.

At the recent briefing, the DOH, through Dr. Glen Alonsabe, called on people who have flu not to self-medicate but must consult a doctor right away.

Health workers here also stressed during briefings that Influenza A (H1N1) is not transmitted by eating thoroughly cooked pork. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

Aklanons’ appeal to PGMA: Please keep lights on for Aklan

Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklanons from all walks of life have issued an urgent appeal to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and National Power Corporation (NPC) President Froilan A. Tampico "to keep the lights on for the province of Aklan."

The appeal, signed by concerned Aklanons, is in the wake of recent reports that the NPC has notified the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO), supplier of electric energy to the province of Aklan and some parts of Antique, of the non-renewal of the Transition Supply Contract/Contract for the Supply of Electric Energy (TSC/CSEE) by the NPC. Due to this, by June 26, 2009, the whole 30MW electric energy covered by the contract to supply electricity to the province of Aklan will end and power shortage is inevitable.

In the urgent appeal, Aklanons said the untimely termination of the TSC/CSEE will keep the AKELCO from meeting its target to serve its member-consumers and stakeholders.

"Surely, it would also hurt both households and business establishments already struggling to survive the current economic crisis. Most importantly, we fear that the business operations in the world-famous tourist destination, the Island of Boracay, will be crippled", the Aklanons stressed in their appeal.

The appeal revealed that AKELCO can alternately source out the electric power energy definciency from the SALCON Company, an IPP which expressed its willingness to sell to AKELCO part of its generated electric energy coming from the Panay diesel Power Plant 11 in Iloilo.

However, by doing so, the appellants said there will be an increase in the cost of power that will be passed on to member-consumers and stakeholders of AKELCO.

"At present, with the existing TSC/CSEE and the electric energy generated by Global Business Power Corporation, the inclusive blended rate being charged by AKELCO is only P8.8131 per kWh. In the event that the TSC/CSEE ceases to effect and on the premise that AKELCO accepts the offer of SALCON, the power rate would shoot up to P14.00 per kWh, excluding the increase in system loss charges due to higher generation cost of SALCON Company," said the appeal.

AKELCO, according to the appeal, refuses to pass on such a prohibitive burden to its stakeholders, and will not let go of the situation without seeking a fair and just remedy in defense of its hundred thousands member-consumers and stakeholders.

"It is on this premise that we anchor our appeal to Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, to help convey our urgent message and common stand to the hierarchy of the NPC to reconsider its decision and opt for the continuity of the contract for the supply of Electric Energy entered into by AKELCO and the NPC. We hope that this appeal will merit your honorable attention and pave the way for the continuous and sustainable supply of electricity to Aklan so that Boracay, households, businesses and other establishments will continue to flourish", the appeal finally read.

The impending power supply problem in Aklan had been the subject of daily discussions in the media here for days. Provincial officials, as well as those from AKELCO, are hopeful solutions to the problem would be found soon. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

Kalibo to hold first “Larolympics”

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Municipality of Kalibo, in cooperation with the Anak TV Foundation will be holding the very first Larolympics on June 20-21 at the Magsaysay Park here.

According to Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, the Larolympics will be featuring "our children who will participate in the Chikiting Division (Age 7-10) and Bagets Division (Age 11-14) in games like Patintero (in Aklan – known as Ins, played by boys and girls); Piko (Step Not, played by girls); and Tumbang Prso (Tumba Patis, played by boys).

The Larolympics will be covered by national media and be given importance by celebrities that will be brought by Anak TV Foundation Officers.

"Kalibo is hosting the "Larolympics" as a pilot area, the municipality being a forerunner of child-friendly programs and projects," said Mayor Rabaldo.

Mayor Rebaldo added that Kalibo, in partnership with the Anak TV Foundation, fully supports Larolympics as based on recent data, the new generation is now hooked on television and computers and spend most of the time just sitting with no physical and interactive activities that will help them grow into healthy, nationalistic, and socially active citizens of the future.

In the same opportunity, Kalibo will also host for the second time the Anak TV seal screening in the municipality's thrust to help recognize and promote deserving television programs that are wholesome and family-oriented,. The Anak TV Screening will be held June 20 at the Municipal Social Hall at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Mag Cruz Hatol of Anak TV Foundation. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Thanksgiving mass, medical mission and gift-giving to mark Aklan’s “triumph over Frank”

Kalibo, Aklan -- The province of Aklan will be holding a Thanksgiving Mass on top of other meaningful activities in marking the Aklanons' "triumph" over Typhoon Frank that ravaged the province June 21 last year.

Typhoon Frank, according to Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, is the worst disaster that Aklan ever suffered, and because of this, June 21, 2009 has been designated as Thanksgiving Day "for the miracle of our recovery".

Besides the Thanksgiving Mass which will be held at the ABL Sports Complex here June 21, the Provincial Government, with the support of the Congresional District Office of Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores, will also hold a Medical/Dental Mission, Gift-Giving, Supplemental Feeding for Children in the same venue and in the evening, will entertain Aklanons through a "Concert at the Park", a regular entertainment activity of the province.

The activities after the mass will be held simultaneously inside the ABL Sports Complex. According to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) here headed by Elma Malbas, the province has prepared some 2,500 gift packs for identified and walk-in recipients from the municipalities of Kalibo, Numancia, New Washington and Banga.

Some 500 children will be benefiting from the Supplemental Feeding in the activity, through the Diyos Mabalos Foundation. The Medical Mission, on the other hand, will be spearheaded by the Aklan Medical Society. Besides free consultation, medicines will also be provided during the medical mission. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Four Aklan towns to benefit from 4Ps program

Kalibo, Aklan -- Four municipalities in Aklan were identified as beneficiaries for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The 4Ps program is a poverty reduction program, through the provision of conditional cash assistance to the poorest households.

Initially, according to Aklan Governor S. Marquez in his report over local radio stations here, the first two municipalities, Libacao and Madalag, had a ceremonial MOA signing in Landbank-Manila in May 2009 attended by DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral, and local officials from Aklan, along with other provinces from all over the country.

For Aklan, present were Governor Carlito s. Marquez, Mayor Charito Navarosa of Libacao, Mayor Rex Gubatina of Madalag, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Elma S. Malbas, and Municipal Social and Development Officers of Libacao and Madalag.

Under the program, conditional cash grants will be given to the identified households provided they comply with the following conditions: 1) Pregnant women must undergo pre-natal and post natal care; 2) Parents should attend sessions on Responsible Parenthood, mother's class; 3) Children 0-5 years old must receive regular preventive health check ups and vaccines; 4) Children 3-5 years old must attend Day Care or pre-school classes at least 85% of the time; 5) Children 6-14 years old must enroll in elementary or high school and attended at least 85% of the time; and 6) Children 6-14 years old must avail of deworming pills every five months.

Cash assistance, according to the DSWD, will be released through Landbank ATM. Beneficiaries will receive the cash grants for the period of five years.

The 4Ps program provides P6,000 a year or P500 per household for health and nutrition expenses and P3,000 for one school year (ten months) or P300 per month per child. A maximum of 3 children per household is allowed.

A household with three qualified children shall have a subsidy of P1,400 per month of P15,000 annually as long as they comply with the conditions.

For the entire country, 4Ps targets 321,000 poorest households over a period of 5 years (2009-2013) with a budget of 5 billion pesos per year.

The selection of beneficiaries is based on the 2006 Family Income and Expenditure Survey, which was conducted by the DSWD in provinces/municipalities. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

10th Aklan Piña and Fiber Fest nets P6 million in sales

Kalibo, Aklan -- The recent holding of the 10^th Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival here in time with the province' celebration of its 53^rd anniversary as a separate province netted a total of P6.057 million in sales.

According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr., the total sales at the end of the fair is 38% higher than the previous year's performance of P4.3920 million.

"It is the highest recorded sales in the ten years of holding the annual fiber festival," Director Cadena told Aklan Governor Carlito s. Marquez, who was sent a copy of the post-activity report.

Sectors which participated in the trade fair included Indigenous Fibers and Crafts, which generated total sales of P2.1093 M; Gifts, housewares and Furnishings, P2.5439 M; Processed Food, 0.3062 M; Garden/Cutflower, 0.109 M; LGUs/GOs/NGOs, 0.2555 M; and Tsibugan, 0.5313 M.

Fair participants included Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (90), LGUs, GOs and NGOs. The total sales included cash, booked orders and under negotiation.

Dir. Cadena said sales negotiation and product development are ongoing between the buyers and the MSMEs.

"We hope additional sales will be realized as soon as all parties agreed on price, payment terms, delivery schedules and products specs as suggested by the buyers", Cadena said.

The holding of the fiber festival yearly in Aklan by the Department of Trade and Industry with the help of the Provincial Government is aimed at positioning Aklan as the Piña capital of the country and the premier source of quality natural fiber loomwoven cloths/crafts; bolster promotion of local industries, investment and tourism in the province; and to showcase the One Town, One Product (OTOP) of Aklan's 17 towns.

During the Fiber Festival, 11 serious buyers came and placed booked orders. Of the buyers, two were importers (U.S. – based) and 7 were exporters. The group of Ms. Bea Zobel Sr. of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines also came.

The DTI revealed that top sellers were indigenous fibers/crafts; gifts, houseware and furnishings; furniture; processed food and garden.

Buyers were also impressed by the variety of products at the show, and consistent standouts were the loomwoven fabrics and crafts as well as furniture pieces, the DTI revealed. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

Mega Job Fair gives instant jobs to 67 Aklanons

Kalibo, Aklan -- Sixty-seven Aklanons got hired on the spot during last month's Mega Job Fair here held by the Provincial Government of Aklan through the Public Employment Service Office, the Congressional District Office, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and the Department of Labor and Employment.

In his report aired over a local radio station here, Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez said a total of 67 qualified Aklanons were hired on the spot. Of this figure, 35 were hired for local jobs, while 32 were hired for overseas jobs.

The job fair was attended by 21 employers or representatives of agencies offering overseas jobs. On the other hand, 28 employers came to offer local jobs to Aklanons.

Ten thousand (10,000) job vacancies for both local and overseas jobs were up for applicants during the job fair.

A total of 1,202 applicants registered during the job fair, with 1,048 qualifying.

Those who were not hired on the spot, but found qualified, were told to be contacted later by the agencies. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Thousands of Aklanons benefit from Ombudsman Caravan of Government Services

Kalibo, Aklan -- The recent Caravan of Government Social Services in Aklan brought by the Office of the Ombudsman Regional Office, Iloilo City in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan and 35 national government agencies served a total of 2,721 Aklanons.

Records provided by the Office of the Ombudsman showed that 1,192 Aklanons benefited from the free medical check up offered in the caravan. These people also availed of free medicines provided by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

The Caravan also gave free dental services to 305 Aklanons, while 1,019 clients were served by partner- agencies.

During the Caravan too, eighty-six (86) persons were able to avail of free Shiatsu massage from the Philippine Army, while 119 availed of free haircut.

Young boys, some about to start school, and adult males availed of the free haircut given by personnel from the Philippine Army.

"Now my son will look very neat when he goes to school", a mother said, looking at her son while being given a haircut by a soldier. Parents welcomed the free haircut, especially those with two or more sons, because they could save money, and buy school things for their children instead.

The Ombudsman Caravan in Aklan, held for two days on May 28 and 29, consisted of courtesy calls by the Ombudsman Office on Aklan's provincial office, press conference with the local media, meeting with Aklan's 17 mayors, and Public Accountability Seminars on the first day and Caravan of Government Services on the second day.

The Ombudsman Caravan in Aklan was the third conducted by the office in Western Visayas, after San Jose in Antique and Pototan in Iloilo. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

DOH briefs Aklanon BHWs on Influenza A (H1N1); launches regional dengue awareness

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Department of Health (DOH) recently held a briefing on Influenza A H1N1 for Aklan's Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) at the ABL Sports Complex here. The BHWs came from the province's 17 towns.

The briefing also became an opportunity for the DOH to launch the Regional Dengue Awareness in Aklan, and for the participants to be updated on other health issues.

The briefing was graced by DOH USEC David Lozada, Jr. DOH CHD WV OIC Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia and other regional health officials.

Dr. Glen Alonsabe, who gave the briefing on A H1N1 emphasized to the participants vital health measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

"Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when coughing, wash your hands regularly with soap and water when you cough or sneeze, and avoid close contact with sick people," Dr. Alonsabe told the participants.

Dr. Alonsabe also stressed the need to consult the doctor immediately if signs and symptoms of flu persist.

"Don't self-medicate, and don't mix with people when you are sick. Stay home, don't go to school or work for the time being," Dr. Alonsabe said.

Aklan is seen by DOH as a sensitive area for A H1N1 because of the presence of Kalibo Internationa Airport ferrying in passengers from other countries.

Governor Carlito S. Marquez also graced the briefing, happily announcing that the DOH gave Aklan a financial assistance for the repair of the CT scan which was damaged during Typhoon Frank last year.

The DOH also distributed boxes of medicines to 5 barangays in Aklan for the Botika ng Barangay (Bnb) project. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

TESDA to distribute PGS vouchers on Independence Day

Kalibo, Aklan -- To make the country's celebration of its 111^th Independence Day more significant and meaningful especially to those who hope to be free from the bondage of poverty through skills trainings and education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will be distributing scholarship vouchers to student-beneficiaries of Aklan.

The vouchers, according to Ely Arensol, Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist (TESDS)/Information Officer Designate of TESDA-Aklan, are under the Pangulong Gloria Scholarship (PGS) program, with 150 beneficiaries set to receive these June 12 at the Kalibo Pastrana Park during the commemorative program sponsored by the Municipality of Kalibo led by Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo.

The beneficiaries are currently enrolled at Aklan's schools, mostly located in Kalibo, like San Lorenzo College, with 25 beneficiaries taking Food and Beverages Services (FBS NC II); Central Panay Technological College, 25 beneficiaries, FBS NC II; Verde Grande Culinary School, 25, Commercial Cooking; Jose Alba Vocational and Technical School, 25, FBS NC II; Northwestern Visayan Colleges, 25, Household Services Worker NC II; and New OFW School, FBS NC II.

TESDA-Aklan Provincial Director Edwin Villanueva will personally hand the scholarship vouchers to beneficiaries.

Kalibo's celebration of the country's 111^th Independence Day will have simple rites starting with a Holy Mass at the St. John the Baptist Cathedral here. After the mass, a short program will be held at the Kalibo Pastrana Park through a flag ceremony, messages from Kalibo officials led by Mayor Rebaldo, wreath-laying/floral offerings at the foot of the heroes' statues, and distribution of scholarship vouchers by TESDA-Aklan. (PIA/Venues G. Villanueva)

Let us help label your products, DOST tells Aklanon entrepreneurs

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) called on Aklan entrepreneurs who are producing various products to make them more competent, marketable and attractive by availing of labeling and packaging assistance offered by the government agency.

Jairus Lachica, Provincial Head of the DOST here said interested entrepreneurs could just go directly to their office for labeling or packaging assistance.

"The DOST will design a label or packaging for free, and once the entrepreneur has selected what he/she likes, the agency will provide him or her P5,000.00 for the printing of the label or packaging," Lachica said.

Lachica further said that if the label or packaging makes the product click in the market, then the next batch of label/packaging production could be managed already by the entrepreneur.

Besides labeling and packaging design services, DOST also offers various trainings to interested parties.

This month, Lachica said the DOST will conduct a training on mushroom spawn making. He said this only the first phase of the training, and called on those interested to register early, as they will only accept ten participants. The training will be held at the DOST Provincial Office.

Lachica also reiterated the DOST's program on innovative system assistance, which involves the provision of financial assistance to entrepreneurs and businessmen who wish to improve their products or increase their production. Under this program, entrepreneurs/businessmen could be given financial assistance by the DOST to purchase equipment and other needs of their business, which they will pay in a given time with no interest.

"Just apply at the DOST," Lachica said. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Five Aklan towns to benefit from DOST’s CLEEP

Kalibo, Aklan –Five Aklan towns are set to benefit from the Department of Science and Technology's financial assistance under its Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), according to Jairus Lachica, Provincial Head of the DOST here.

Under the program, recipient municipalities could avail of assistance from the DOST. The DOST is implementing the program in coordination with the Aklan State University (ASU), which will provide the needed trainings and skills depending on the livelihood project each municipality is embarking on.

The role of the municipalities, on the other hand, is to provide the venue for the project – a technology based processing center, which will house specific equipment and utensils needed based on the venture identified in a given town.

"We also need to have the full commitment of the mayors and the constituents for the project, to make it sustainable and successful", Lachica said.

Lachica said this is essential as the program is aimed to help alleviate poverty, and generate income and employment in the countryside in the face of the current global financial crisis everyone is experiencing.

Lachica said the DOST has earmarked P500,000 for this program in Aklan, coursed through ASU, the DOST's program partner, which has competent people to train and monitor the implementation of the program.

Beneficiaries for the program in the municipalities could either be individual or cooperatives.

"The program will be beneficial for Aklanons. We have vast resources here, mostly agriculture products. People might just lack skills, knowledge, initiatives and capital to start a business or a livelihood project. With this assistance, the people will have opportunity to make their lives better," Lachica said.

The DOST is just one of the country's major government agencies which has devised strategies to help generate income and employment through CLEEP. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Let us help label your products, DOST tells Aklanon entrepreneurs

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) called on Aklan entrepreneurs who are producing various products to make them more competent, marketable and attractive by availing of labeling and packaging assistance offered by the government agency.

Jairus Lachica, Provincial Head of the DOST here said interested entrepreneurs could just go directly to their office for labeling or packaging assistance.

"The DOST will design a label or packaging for free, and once the entrepreneur has selected what he/she likes, the agency will provide him or her P5,000.00 for the printing of the label or packaging," Lachica said.

Lachica further said that if the label or packaging makes the product click in the market, then the next batch of label/packaging production could be managed already by the entrepreneur.

Besides labeling and packaging design services, DOST also offers various trainings to interested parties.

This month, Lachica said the DOST will conduct a training on mushroom spawn making. He said this only the first phase of the training, and called on those interested to register early, as they will only accept ten participants. The training will be held at the DOST Provincial Office.

Lachica also reiterated the DOST's program on innovative system assistance, which involves the provision of financial assistance to entrepreneurs and businessmen who wish to improve their products or increase their production. Under this program, entrepreneurs/businessmen could be given financial assistance by the DOST to purchase equipment and other needs of their business, which they will pay in a given time with no interest.

"Just apply at the DOST," Lachica said. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Five Aklan towns to benefit from DOST’s CLEEP

Kalibo, Aklan –Five Aklan towns are set to benefit from the Department of Science and Technology's financial assistance under its Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), according to Jairus Lachica, Provincial Head of the DOST here.

Under the program, recipient municipalities could avail of assistance from the DOST. The DOST is implementing the program in coordination with the Aklan State University (ASU), which will provide the needed trainings and skills depending on the livelihood project each municipality is embarking on.

The role of the municipalities, on the other hand, is to provide the venue for the project – a technology based processing center, which will house specific equipment and utensils needed based on the venture identified in a given town.

"We also need to have the full commitment of the mayors and the constituents for the project, to make it sustainable and successful", Lachica said.

Lachica said this is essential as the program is aimed to help alleviate poverty, and generate income and employment in the countryside in the face of the current global financial crisis everyone is experiencing.

Lachica said the DOST has earmarked P500,000 for this program in Aklan, coursed through ASU, the DOST's program partner, which has competent people to train and monitor the implementation of the program.

Beneficiaries for the program in the municipalities could either be individual or cooperatives.

"The program will be beneficial for Aklanons. We have vast resources here, mostly agriculture products. People might just lack skills, knowledge, initiatives and capital to start a business or a livelihood project. With this assistance, the people will have opportunity to make their lives better," Lachica said.

The DOST is just one of the country's major government agencies which has devised strategies to help generate income and employment through CLEEP. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan’s 10 towns, 2 NGOs avail of POPCOM’S direct funding scheme

Kalibo, Aklan -- Ten (10) Aklan towns and two (2) Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) here were recent recipients of direct funding assistance from the Commission on Population (POPCOM).

According to Arturo P. Teodosio Jr., head of Aklan Provincial Population Office (AKPPO) here, the funding assistance is for the program on Responsible Parenting Movement (RPM) and Natural Family Planning (NFP) which was coursed through POPCOM's Regional Office 6.

Teodosio said the funding support is an offshoot of Aklan's good performance on RPM and NFP due to the strong support of Governor Carlito s. Marquez and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan.

First batch of the LGUs which received direct funding from POPCOM were Altavas, which received P175,000.00; Balete, P187,500.00; and Libacao, 424,200 (initial release). Director Vicente N. Molejona of the Regional Population Office personally turned over the checks to municipal mayors in their respective towns last Feb. 28 and May 14.

The other 7 towns which recently got their checks from POPCOM 6, also personally distributed by Director Molejona during a simple turnover ceremony at the Office of Governor Marquez here, were Tangalan, which received P225,000.00 (initial release); Batan, P50,000.00; Malinao, P125,000.00; Nabas, P125,000.00; Buruanga, P125,000.00; and Ibajay, P125,000.00. Also present at tge turnover was Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo.

On the other hand, the two NGOs – the Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes Memorial Foundation, Inc. and the Medical Mission Group Hospital and Health Services Cooperative of Aklan received P630,000.00 and P15,250.00 respectively.

According to AKPPO, Aklan is continuosly receiving RPM and NFP funds from POPCOM.

The recent funding assistance from POPCOM given to Aklan amounted to a total of P3,443,750.00. (PIA/AKPPO)

 

Aklan to hold first OTOP Congress

Kalibo, Aklan -- The province of Aklan will hold its first-ever One Town, One Product (OTOP) Congress cum Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (PMSEDC) Information, Education and Communication campaign here July 14.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. said the activity, which will be momentous being the first of its kind to be held here since OTOP Philippines started in 2005, is a joint undertaking of the DTI and PSMEDC.

Cadena said the event will give formal recognition to various stakeholders' exemplary efforts or projects under the OTOP Philippines Program which is under the Regional Operations Group of DTI.

Main feature of the Congress will be the Provincial OTOP Awards 2009 in the following categories: a) Most Supporting OTOP Municipal LGU; b) Outstanding OTOP MSME Partner; and c) Most Supportive OTOP Partner Organization.

The Congress will also be a venue for participants to learn of selected LGUs' best practices. A workshop will also be facilitated to discuss OTOP-related issues and concerns and come up with a Resolution for adoption by the Local Government Executives (LGEs).

Aklan's l7 municipalities have already identified their respective OTOP, ranging from piña cloth, vermicast, organic rice, bariw products, abaca products, etc.

The OTOP Congress here will be a whole-day affair, according to DTI-Aklan. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

        

 

Boracay’s tourist arrivals now more than .3 M, generate P6 B tourism receipts

    Kalibo, Aklan -- Boracay Island's tourist arrivals as of May this year reached 337,664.

    The update, as reported by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez over RGMA DYRU, a local station here, also revealed that the biggest number of visitors who came to the island during the 5-month period from January to May were the domestic tourists, numbering 238,125 while foreign tourists arrivals reached 85,687. On the other hand, Overseas Filipinos who came to the island during the period recorded a total of 14,032.

    Compared with last year's record for the same period, the figures this year is slightly higher, registering a growth of 5 percent.. Last year, tourist arrivals during the same period reached 320,994.

    The visitor arrivals this year for the 5-month period generated a total of P6,207,412,377.60 in tourism receipts.

    Visitor arrivals in Boracay were highest during the month of April at 92,813.

    Just recently, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Tourism Act of 2009 which declares tourism as an engine of investment, employment, growth and national development.

    The signing of the Tourism Act of 2009 or RA 9593 further bolstered Boracay's position in the country's tourism industry as it was included in the government's list of tourism enterprise zone, along with Iloilo and Cebu in the Visayas, all from Central Philippines.

    The Central Philippines, since 2004, had been visited by more than 6 million tourists, generating jobs and earning revenues for the country.

    Travel has also been made easy with the development of 13 airports, 7 roads, and 19 RoRo ports in Central Philippines.

    According to a study by McKinsey & Co. for the Department of tourism, every additional tourist arrival creates 1.22 new jobs. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)