Kalibo, Aklan -- The national government, together with the provincial government of Aklan will be assisting hard-pressed Aklan farmers who lost their rice harvests to “tungro” and rats this cropping season through subsidized certified seeds.
William Castillo, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) OIC said the provincial government is sourcing some 4,000 bags of certified rice seeds to be provided to farmers this next cropping season in June.
Castillo said each bag of certified rice seeds costs P1,200.00, half of which will be subsidized by the national government and the other half to be availed by the farmer through a loan assistance from the Provincial Cooperative Office (PCO).
Castillo said after harvest, farmers could opt to pay the PCO through cash, or through palay. Paying in palay form is acceptable, according to Castillo, because the PCO also engages in offering rice loans to Provincial Capitol employees here.
OPA is pushing for synchronized rice planting this next cropping season to eradicate “tungro” in the rice farms.
OPA is also pushing for sustained vegetable production in the province so farmers will have other food as well as income sources. It has on-going programs on abaca production and fisheries fully assisted by the Provincial Government under Governor Carlito Marquez.
Currently, the office is also focusing on inland fish production in Brgy. Nalook in Kalibo and in Dalipdip, Altavas. Castillo also revealed that an “ulang” hatchery has been installed in the municipality of Malinao – the only hatchery of its kind put up in Western Visayas. The “ulang” fries for the project were sourced from Nueva Ecija, according to him.
Castillo said the interventions in agricultural production in the province are intended to ensure food security for Aklanons as well as to help farmers overcome the global financial crisis. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Friday, May 15, 2009
DA Sec tells Aklan farmers to use effective management against tungro, rat infestation
Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan farmers should make use of effective pest management against tungro and rat infestation in the province which has ravaged Aklan rice farms this cropping season, according to Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap.
Sec. Yap’s advice was aired over a local radio station here in the wake of reports of agricultural workers and farmers in the province that their harvest this cropping season suffered due to tungro and rat infestation, putting in peril the people’s food security.
According to agriculture officials, the whole of Western Visayas is affected by this problem. The proliferation of tungro, which is caused by a virus, was due to incessant rains that made rice plants unable to produce their plant food, making them vulnerable to the virus. The proliferation of rats in rice farms, on the other hand, was blamed on Typhoon Frank, which destroyed their natural habitat, making them look for other sources for food in the lowlands and ricelands.
In Aklan, William Castillo, OIC of the Provincial Agriculturist Office said his office has identified one way of eradicating “tungo”, which is the implementation of synchronized farming.
“Through synchronized farming, we let the farms rest for two months so “tungro” will be eradicated. It is hard to eliminate this plant virus if rice planting is not synchronized, because the virus just transfers from one rice field to another,” Castillo said.
To eradicate rats, Castillo said some local government units in the province are already using acute rodenticides in the rice farms.
“Land preparation is also essential in rat eradication. Once the rice fields are filled with water, rats will come out from their holes and leave the farms”, said Castillo.
Castillo assured that the province, with the help of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) here, is conducting year-round trainings on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Sec. Yap’s advice was aired over a local radio station here in the wake of reports of agricultural workers and farmers in the province that their harvest this cropping season suffered due to tungro and rat infestation, putting in peril the people’s food security.
According to agriculture officials, the whole of Western Visayas is affected by this problem. The proliferation of tungro, which is caused by a virus, was due to incessant rains that made rice plants unable to produce their plant food, making them vulnerable to the virus. The proliferation of rats in rice farms, on the other hand, was blamed on Typhoon Frank, which destroyed their natural habitat, making them look for other sources for food in the lowlands and ricelands.
In Aklan, William Castillo, OIC of the Provincial Agriculturist Office said his office has identified one way of eradicating “tungo”, which is the implementation of synchronized farming.
“Through synchronized farming, we let the farms rest for two months so “tungro” will be eradicated. It is hard to eliminate this plant virus if rice planting is not synchronized, because the virus just transfers from one rice field to another,” Castillo said.
To eradicate rats, Castillo said some local government units in the province are already using acute rodenticides in the rice farms.
“Land preparation is also essential in rat eradication. Once the rice fields are filled with water, rats will come out from their holes and leave the farms”, said Castillo.
Castillo assured that the province, with the help of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) here, is conducting year-round trainings on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
ARISE is our response to CLEEP, says DTI
Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan -- ARISE (A Responsive and Innovative Strategy on Entrepreneurship ) is the DTI’s response to the President’s Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Program (CLEEP), according to DTI Secretary Peter Favila.
Sec. Favila was in Boracay Island this week to attend the Cabinet meeting together with other department secretaries< President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro.
“ARISE can help encourage entrepreneurships among Aklanons and Boracay Island is a good venue for entrepreneurship with the vibrant tourism industry”, said Sec. Favila.
Sec. Favila expressed his elation when told by DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena that the office regularly holds ARISE briefings in Kalibo weekly to brief entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs in opening or managing a small business, saying the activity is very good.
Director Cadena said that besides having a weekly briefing at the DTI office in Kalibo, he and his staff also go to different municipalities to conduct the same briefing.
“This is to ensure that those who are unable to go to Kalibo due to financial concerns like fares will be able to know about our program, which might encourage them to start a business in their areas that will help them improve their lives,” said Cadena.
Cadena said DTI targets to reach all municipalities and prospective entrepreneurs July of this month. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Sec. Favila was in Boracay Island this week to attend the Cabinet meeting together with other department secretaries< President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro.
“ARISE can help encourage entrepreneurships among Aklanons and Boracay Island is a good venue for entrepreneurship with the vibrant tourism industry”, said Sec. Favila.
Sec. Favila expressed his elation when told by DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena that the office regularly holds ARISE briefings in Kalibo weekly to brief entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs in opening or managing a small business, saying the activity is very good.
Director Cadena said that besides having a weekly briefing at the DTI office in Kalibo, he and his staff also go to different municipalities to conduct the same briefing.
“This is to ensure that those who are unable to go to Kalibo due to financial concerns like fares will be able to know about our program, which might encourage them to start a business in their areas that will help them improve their lives,” said Cadena.
Cadena said DTI targets to reach all municipalities and prospective entrepreneurs July of this month. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Boracay not only a paradise for vacationers but for jobseekers too
“Welcome to Paradise”. This was the first line in a streamer hung by a national government agency to welcome President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when she visited Boracay Island this week to convene a Cabinet meeting at the Boracay Terraces Resort Convention Center and to deliver a message at the Shangri-la Resort and Spa on developing Central Visayas as the country’s tourism beltway.
“Welcome to Paradise” was also the welcoming statement of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ace Durano for PGMA, Vice President Noli de Castro, members of the Cabinet, provincial and local officials of Aklan and national and local media when he gave his briefing on the status of tourist-related infrastructure projects in the country to formally open the Cabinet meeting.
Boracay, with its sugar-fine white sand, pristine blue waters and swaying palms indeed impresses first-time visitors arriving in the island that he has discovered a paradise - and those who keep coming back, unable to refuse the lure of the island’s charms.
But Boracay is also viewed now as a paradise for those seeking jobs too, especially in this time of global financial crisis.
In her speech at the Shangri-la Resort and Spa before the Cabinet meeting, President Arroyo hailed the role of tourism in providing jobs to the people.
PGMA said Boracay is the country’s showcase tourism destination and is going well and strong. “Our people from the different provinces also come here for their rest and recreation,” the President said.
The President also said that there are still many things to be accomplished but the government will continue to promote Boracay as well as other destinations to ensure that tourism continues to be a flag bearer in economic progress and development --10.6 percent annual average growth for the past four years, the best performance in 20 years of tourism history.
“This has prompted investors to put up almost 7,000 new hotel and resort rooms of international classification with investments worth P550 billion. Two thousand of those rooms will open this year, employing 3,000 Filipinos”, PGMA said.
Here in Aklan, the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) reported that for 2008, it facilitated the employment of 435 Aklanons to Boracay resorts and other establishments. These employees are currently working as front desk officers, Food and Beverages staff, Finance/Accounting clerks, Engineering-Maintenance staff, Housekeeping staff, fast food crews, telephone operators, guest coordinators, security officers, etc.
Seen from the outside, this figure is a mere speck, because when one actually observes the activities in the island, there is a sustained taking in of workers – be they in construction, in managerial and other technical positions; transport, security services – the list goes on.
The construction boom never seems to stop in Boracay. Early morning, workers are ferried to their worksite, and when the dark sets in, they are ferried back to their homes or staff houses.
The tourism boom encourages entrepreneurships in the island too. From the mainland, people cross to the island to deliver their fish catch, their fruits, handicrafts, and other novel items which could catch the attention of tourists. Along the path, people can be seen vending items – (souvenir, food, even services –like body tattooing, or boating). With this scenario – Boracay fulfills the needs of the people both ways – to enjoy, and to earn to be able overcome the global crisis. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
“Welcome to Paradise” was also the welcoming statement of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ace Durano for PGMA, Vice President Noli de Castro, members of the Cabinet, provincial and local officials of Aklan and national and local media when he gave his briefing on the status of tourist-related infrastructure projects in the country to formally open the Cabinet meeting.
Boracay, with its sugar-fine white sand, pristine blue waters and swaying palms indeed impresses first-time visitors arriving in the island that he has discovered a paradise - and those who keep coming back, unable to refuse the lure of the island’s charms.
But Boracay is also viewed now as a paradise for those seeking jobs too, especially in this time of global financial crisis.
In her speech at the Shangri-la Resort and Spa before the Cabinet meeting, President Arroyo hailed the role of tourism in providing jobs to the people.
PGMA said Boracay is the country’s showcase tourism destination and is going well and strong. “Our people from the different provinces also come here for their rest and recreation,” the President said.
The President also said that there are still many things to be accomplished but the government will continue to promote Boracay as well as other destinations to ensure that tourism continues to be a flag bearer in economic progress and development --10.6 percent annual average growth for the past four years, the best performance in 20 years of tourism history.
“This has prompted investors to put up almost 7,000 new hotel and resort rooms of international classification with investments worth P550 billion. Two thousand of those rooms will open this year, employing 3,000 Filipinos”, PGMA said.
Here in Aklan, the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) reported that for 2008, it facilitated the employment of 435 Aklanons to Boracay resorts and other establishments. These employees are currently working as front desk officers, Food and Beverages staff, Finance/Accounting clerks, Engineering-Maintenance staff, Housekeeping staff, fast food crews, telephone operators, guest coordinators, security officers, etc.
Seen from the outside, this figure is a mere speck, because when one actually observes the activities in the island, there is a sustained taking in of workers – be they in construction, in managerial and other technical positions; transport, security services – the list goes on.
The construction boom never seems to stop in Boracay. Early morning, workers are ferried to their worksite, and when the dark sets in, they are ferried back to their homes or staff houses.
The tourism boom encourages entrepreneurships in the island too. From the mainland, people cross to the island to deliver their fish catch, their fruits, handicrafts, and other novel items which could catch the attention of tourists. Along the path, people can be seen vending items – (souvenir, food, even services –like body tattooing, or boating). With this scenario – Boracay fulfills the needs of the people both ways – to enjoy, and to earn to be able overcome the global crisis. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan farmers mulling to stop planting rice for a cropping season to arrest “tungro”
Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan farmers are mulling to stop planting rice for a cropping season to eradicate “tungro” infestation which has affected the crops of the farmers, rendering low palay harvest.
Rene Enriquez, a farmer-leader in the province said the “tungro” infestation was too much, coupled by rat attacks, that some farmers only harvested at most five cavans from a hectare of riceland this season compared with a hundred they harvested during normal cropping seasons.
Continuous rains experienced for the past months also contributed to the poor harvest of the farmers and the proliferation of “tungron”.
Enriquez said the problem is not only being felt by farmers from Aklan but also by farmers in the entire Panay Island.
Agricultural leaders as well as farmers here believe that the big population of rats that swooped down the ricefields in the province was caused by their displacement when Typhoon Frank struck Aklan which destroyed their habitat.
To arrest “tungro”, farmer-leaders here are suggesting the planting of corn, mongo and “pakwan” this coming cropping season. It was also suggested that the NIA stop for the meantime the delivery of water to ricefields so farmers in irrigated areas would not plant. There were reservations, however about this option as subsistent farmers relying on their harvest for their household consumption in rainfed areas would continue planting out of necessity.
This issue was tackled during the meeting of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC). It was suggested by the members that the Provincial Development Council (PDC) should be convened to take up this matter and plan solutions as well as measures to cushion the impact of this latest concern.
In the wake of this prevailing concern, the National Food Authority (NFA) gave the assurance that the food agency has enough rice supply to last for more than two months. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Rene Enriquez, a farmer-leader in the province said the “tungro” infestation was too much, coupled by rat attacks, that some farmers only harvested at most five cavans from a hectare of riceland this season compared with a hundred they harvested during normal cropping seasons.
Continuous rains experienced for the past months also contributed to the poor harvest of the farmers and the proliferation of “tungron”.
Enriquez said the problem is not only being felt by farmers from Aklan but also by farmers in the entire Panay Island.
Agricultural leaders as well as farmers here believe that the big population of rats that swooped down the ricefields in the province was caused by their displacement when Typhoon Frank struck Aklan which destroyed their habitat.
To arrest “tungro”, farmer-leaders here are suggesting the planting of corn, mongo and “pakwan” this coming cropping season. It was also suggested that the NIA stop for the meantime the delivery of water to ricefields so farmers in irrigated areas would not plant. There were reservations, however about this option as subsistent farmers relying on their harvest for their household consumption in rainfed areas would continue planting out of necessity.
This issue was tackled during the meeting of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC). It was suggested by the members that the Provincial Development Council (PDC) should be convened to take up this matter and plan solutions as well as measures to cushion the impact of this latest concern.
In the wake of this prevailing concern, the National Food Authority (NFA) gave the assurance that the food agency has enough rice supply to last for more than two months. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DTI, PNP tasked to monitor prices and supply of LPG in Aklan
Kalibo, Aklan --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here has been tasked to monitor the prices and supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena said the request to monitor the prices and supply of LPG was made by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Also tasked to monitor LPG supply and prices here is the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Cadena said the DTI and the PNP will conduct individual monitoring and just compare their lists later.
Cadena said there is no problem with the supply of LPG in the province and households can still buy it at reasonable prices.
The DTI Provincial Director stressed that the task of his office is just to monitor.
“If there are violations, apprehension will be conducted by the DOE with the help of the PNP”, Cadena said. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena said the request to monitor the prices and supply of LPG was made by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Also tasked to monitor LPG supply and prices here is the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Cadena said the DTI and the PNP will conduct individual monitoring and just compare their lists later.
Cadena said there is no problem with the supply of LPG in the province and households can still buy it at reasonable prices.
The DTI Provincial Director stressed that the task of his office is just to monitor.
“If there are violations, apprehension will be conducted by the DOE with the help of the PNP”, Cadena said. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DENR to open CENRO office in Boracay
Kalibo, Aklan -- In order to be readily at hand when environmental concerns crop up in the island of Boracay and nearby municipalities in the western part of Aklan, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be setting up a Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in the island March of this year.
The CENRO office in Boracay will be manned by half of the personnel currently assigned at DENR-CENRO Kalibo.
Derlito Rico, Environment Management Specialist of DENR-Aklan said in a radio interview that the other half of the personnel will be retained in CENRO-Kalibo to serve the residents of the rest of Aklan towns. CENRO-Kalibo is headed by Baltazar Gerardo, while DENR-Aklan is headed by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Raul Lorilla.
Joel Diaz will be serving as CENRO in Boracay. He was formerly the CENRO head in Sara, Iloilo, according to Rico.
CENRO-Boracay will hold its office at the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) office while looking for a lot to put up a permanent office.
The office will be catering to the environmental concerns and other environmental related needs of the residents of Buruanga, Malay (where Boracay Island is located), Nabas, Ibajay and Tangalan.
The order to open a CENRO office in Boracay Island came directly from DENR Secretary Lito Atienza. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The CENRO office in Boracay will be manned by half of the personnel currently assigned at DENR-CENRO Kalibo.
Derlito Rico, Environment Management Specialist of DENR-Aklan said in a radio interview that the other half of the personnel will be retained in CENRO-Kalibo to serve the residents of the rest of Aklan towns. CENRO-Kalibo is headed by Baltazar Gerardo, while DENR-Aklan is headed by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Raul Lorilla.
Joel Diaz will be serving as CENRO in Boracay. He was formerly the CENRO head in Sara, Iloilo, according to Rico.
CENRO-Boracay will hold its office at the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) office while looking for a lot to put up a permanent office.
The office will be catering to the environmental concerns and other environmental related needs of the residents of Buruanga, Malay (where Boracay Island is located), Nabas, Ibajay and Tangalan.
The order to open a CENRO office in Boracay Island came directly from DENR Secretary Lito Atienza. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan has 2 first class municipalities
Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan has 2 municipalities classified as first class now – Kalibo, the capital town, and the latest addition - Malay, which was recently re-classified from 3rd class to first class.
Malay is where the world-famous Boracay Island is.
Malay's re-classification is contained in Memorandum Circular No. 01-M(4)-08 issued by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) of the Department of Finance dated November 19, 2008 re-classifying municipalities of the Province of Aklan effective July 29, 2008.
Malay's re-classification was based on Section 2 of Department Order No. 23-08 that states that the income classification of municipalities shall be based on the income brackets as follows: P55 M or more – 1st class; P45M or more but less than 55M – 2nd class; P35M or more but less than 45M – 3rd class; P25M or more but less than P35M- 4th class; P15M or more but less P25M – 5th class; and below P15M – 6th class.
According to LGU-Malay, its average annual income (in million pesos) for CYs 2004-2007 has reached P56.545, which is the reason for its re-classification as a first class municipality – now joining Kalibo.
Too, records of the BLGF showed that Malay placed 2nd in the entire Philippines in the CY 2006 Top Ten Municipalities based on collection from Locally Sourced Income (3rd Income Class category).
LGU-Malay, headed by Mayor Ciceron Cawaling, attributed the achievement of the municipality to investors and tourists who flock Boracay Island year-round, and to the entire Malaynon community. (LGU-Malay/PIA)
Malay is where the world-famous Boracay Island is.
Malay's re-classification is contained in Memorandum Circular No. 01-M(4)-08 issued by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) of the Department of Finance dated November 19, 2008 re-classifying municipalities of the Province of Aklan effective July 29, 2008.
Malay's re-classification was based on Section 2 of Department Order No. 23-08 that states that the income classification of municipalities shall be based on the income brackets as follows: P55 M or more – 1st class; P45M or more but less than 55M – 2nd class; P35M or more but less than 45M – 3rd class; P25M or more but less than P35M- 4th class; P15M or more but less P25M – 5th class; and below P15M – 6th class.
According to LGU-Malay, its average annual income (in million pesos) for CYs 2004-2007 has reached P56.545, which is the reason for its re-classification as a first class municipality – now joining Kalibo.
Too, records of the BLGF showed that Malay placed 2nd in the entire Philippines in the CY 2006 Top Ten Municipalities based on collection from Locally Sourced Income (3rd Income Class category).
LGU-Malay, headed by Mayor Ciceron Cawaling, attributed the achievement of the municipality to investors and tourists who flock Boracay Island year-round, and to the entire Malaynon community. (LGU-Malay/PIA)
TESDA needs more trainees for carpentry, plumbing
Kalibo, Aklan -- Slots are still available for Aklanons who wish to train on carpentry and plumbing provided for free by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) here.
TESDA is currently providing free training programs for carpentry, welding and plumbing here in coordination with the Congressional District Office (CDO) of Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, who provided counterpart funds for the trainings.
Congressman Miraflores said the free skills training is TESDA's and the government's response to the economic crisis the country is currently experiencing.
According to Ely Arensol, Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist of TESDA-Aklan, slots are still available for trainees on plumbing and carpentry while those for welding are already filled up. TESDA, however, encourages others interested to train on welding, which is emerging as one of the most in-demand jobs abroad to register, so slots will be reserved for them when another batch is scheduled.
Arensol said trainees are not required to bring anything, as tools, materials and equipment will be provided by TESDA.
"This time, trainees will also receive daily allowances. For carpentry and plumbing, trainees will get P60.00 each daily, while welding trainees will get P100.00 each daily," said Arensol.
In a report provided by TESDA to the provincial government here, it revealed that for 2008, it has allocated about P4.4 million for its various scholarship programs with a total of 565 scholars. These programs include Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA), the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Training for Work Scholarship (PGMA-TWSP) and Ladderized Education Program (LEP).
On PGMA-TWSP program, a total of 155 were granted scholarship on the following trade areas: Galing Mekaniko (Automotive); Galing Masahista (Massage Therapy); dressmaking, plumbing and shielded metal arc welding.
Free tool kits were distributed to the graduates of Galing Mekaniko Training. Graduates of Galing Masahista and dressmaking also received starter tool kits that they can use in their entrepreneurial activities to make them economically active members of the community.
Meanwhile, the PGMA LEP has a total of 98 scholars enrolled in the food and beverage program. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
TESDA is currently providing free training programs for carpentry, welding and plumbing here in coordination with the Congressional District Office (CDO) of Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, who provided counterpart funds for the trainings.
Congressman Miraflores said the free skills training is TESDA's and the government's response to the economic crisis the country is currently experiencing.
According to Ely Arensol, Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist of TESDA-Aklan, slots are still available for trainees on plumbing and carpentry while those for welding are already filled up. TESDA, however, encourages others interested to train on welding, which is emerging as one of the most in-demand jobs abroad to register, so slots will be reserved for them when another batch is scheduled.
Arensol said trainees are not required to bring anything, as tools, materials and equipment will be provided by TESDA.
"This time, trainees will also receive daily allowances. For carpentry and plumbing, trainees will get P60.00 each daily, while welding trainees will get P100.00 each daily," said Arensol.
In a report provided by TESDA to the provincial government here, it revealed that for 2008, it has allocated about P4.4 million for its various scholarship programs with a total of 565 scholars. These programs include Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA), the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Training for Work Scholarship (PGMA-TWSP) and Ladderized Education Program (LEP).
On PGMA-TWSP program, a total of 155 were granted scholarship on the following trade areas: Galing Mekaniko (Automotive); Galing Masahista (Massage Therapy); dressmaking, plumbing and shielded metal arc welding.
Free tool kits were distributed to the graduates of Galing Mekaniko Training. Graduates of Galing Masahista and dressmaking also received starter tool kits that they can use in their entrepreneurial activities to make them economically active members of the community.
Meanwhile, the PGMA LEP has a total of 98 scholars enrolled in the food and beverage program. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DAR overshoots target in land acquisition, distribution
Kalibo, Aklan –The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) here was able to accomplish 112% of its targets in Land Acquisition and Distribution and was able to distribute 475 hectares of lands to 421 agrarian reform beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
The gains of contribution of DAR-Aklan were cited by Governor Carlito Marquez when he delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) recently.
DAR-Aklan, according to the governor, effectively complemented the priority objective of the province in alleviating poverty particularly in the agrarian sector.
Under DAR’s rural infrastructure program, it was able to rehabilitate and concretize eleven kilometers of farm-to-market roads in the amount of Php 25 million.
“After typhoon Frank in June, DAR-Aklan was one of the national agencies that participated and conducted distribution of relief goods and conducted medical and dental missions in coordination with other agencies and civic organizations,” the governor said.
He also acknowledged the efficiency and the sustainable partnerships forged by the DAR and the local government through Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino, the Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer. (DAR/PIA)
The gains of contribution of DAR-Aklan were cited by Governor Carlito Marquez when he delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) recently.
DAR-Aklan, according to the governor, effectively complemented the priority objective of the province in alleviating poverty particularly in the agrarian sector.
Under DAR’s rural infrastructure program, it was able to rehabilitate and concretize eleven kilometers of farm-to-market roads in the amount of Php 25 million.
“After typhoon Frank in June, DAR-Aklan was one of the national agencies that participated and conducted distribution of relief goods and conducted medical and dental missions in coordination with other agencies and civic organizations,” the governor said.
He also acknowledged the efficiency and the sustainable partnerships forged by the DAR and the local government through Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino, the Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer. (DAR/PIA)
Aklan prepares for Women’s Month celebration
Kalibo, Aklan - This province is bracing for this year’s celebration of Women’s Month in March and is initiating a meeting of its Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC) to plan out activities for the observation.
This year’s celebration, according to Governor Carlito S. Marquez, AGADC Chair, is anchored on the theme “Babae, Yaman Ka Ng Bayan”, which highlights the critical role of women in nation-building and recognizes that women are an important resource who can contribute to the reduction of poverty.
“Considering the present global financial crisis, it is timely to tap half of the country’s resource – the women, and create a gender-responsive environment to encourage and support them to venture into high-value and more meaningful economic activities and enterprise development,” Marquez said in his letter to GAD Focal Persons of various offices and organizations here serving as AGADC members.
Presidential Proclamation No. 224 declares the first week of March of every year as Women’s Week, and March 8, 1988 and every year thereafter as women’s Rights and International Peace Day.
For years now, Aklan is regularly observing Women’s Month by conducting motorcade, Holy Mass and a program attended by Aklan leaders, key women officials in the province and local government units, and women’s group’s/organizations ably supported by the National Council for the Welfare of Women. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This year’s celebration, according to Governor Carlito S. Marquez, AGADC Chair, is anchored on the theme “Babae, Yaman Ka Ng Bayan”, which highlights the critical role of women in nation-building and recognizes that women are an important resource who can contribute to the reduction of poverty.
“Considering the present global financial crisis, it is timely to tap half of the country’s resource – the women, and create a gender-responsive environment to encourage and support them to venture into high-value and more meaningful economic activities and enterprise development,” Marquez said in his letter to GAD Focal Persons of various offices and organizations here serving as AGADC members.
Presidential Proclamation No. 224 declares the first week of March of every year as Women’s Week, and March 8, 1988 and every year thereafter as women’s Rights and International Peace Day.
For years now, Aklan is regularly observing Women’s Month by conducting motorcade, Holy Mass and a program attended by Aklan leaders, key women officials in the province and local government units, and women’s group’s/organizations ably supported by the National Council for the Welfare of Women. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DOLE initiates CLEEP in Aklan
Kalibo, Aklan – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is initiating moves to implement the Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP), a component of the government’s Economic Resiliency Plan.
The Economic Resiliency Plan is the government’s stimulus program.
Joselito dela Banda, Provincial Head of DOLE-Aklan said specific projects for Aklan under CLEEP include Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD), and Integrated Service for Livelihood Advancement of Fisherfolks (ISLA).
Three municipalities in the province – Madalag, Libacao and Balete have been identified initially to benefit from TUPAD, while the town of ibajay was identified for ISLA, being a coastal town.
The towns were selected as first beneficiaries of the TUPAD program based on the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) 6’ assessment.
Under the program, fifty residents each from the three towns will be identified for one month (22 days) employment in their municipalities and will be paid based on rates prevailing in the areas.
DOLE, De la Banda said, is allocating P176,00 for Madalag; P198,000 for Libacao, and P176,000 for Balete.
Based on the program guidelines, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will assist respective local government units in identifying beneficiaries of the program. The local government units, for their program counterpart, will shoulder 50% of the social protection benefit of the beneficiaries while Philhealth will shoulder the other 50%. The LGUs will also be required to shoulder one month SSS premium of the beneficiaries.
For its part, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will be providing the skills upgrading component of the program.
“This will be, hopefully, after the beneficiaries had one their one-month emergency employment for further productivity,” said De La Banda.
The work assignments of the beneficiaries will depend on the needs identified by the LGUs.
For faster implementation of the program so needy Aklanons will get the much-needed economic interventions from the government, DOLE-Aklan said the three municipalities must expedite submission of requirements.
According to DOLE, displaced workers or their immediate family members are the target priorities of the program. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The Economic Resiliency Plan is the government’s stimulus program.
Joselito dela Banda, Provincial Head of DOLE-Aklan said specific projects for Aklan under CLEEP include Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD), and Integrated Service for Livelihood Advancement of Fisherfolks (ISLA).
Three municipalities in the province – Madalag, Libacao and Balete have been identified initially to benefit from TUPAD, while the town of ibajay was identified for ISLA, being a coastal town.
The towns were selected as first beneficiaries of the TUPAD program based on the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) 6’ assessment.
Under the program, fifty residents each from the three towns will be identified for one month (22 days) employment in their municipalities and will be paid based on rates prevailing in the areas.
DOLE, De la Banda said, is allocating P176,00 for Madalag; P198,000 for Libacao, and P176,000 for Balete.
Based on the program guidelines, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will assist respective local government units in identifying beneficiaries of the program. The local government units, for their program counterpart, will shoulder 50% of the social protection benefit of the beneficiaries while Philhealth will shoulder the other 50%. The LGUs will also be required to shoulder one month SSS premium of the beneficiaries.
For its part, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will be providing the skills upgrading component of the program.
“This will be, hopefully, after the beneficiaries had one their one-month emergency employment for further productivity,” said De La Banda.
The work assignments of the beneficiaries will depend on the needs identified by the LGUs.
For faster implementation of the program so needy Aklanons will get the much-needed economic interventions from the government, DOLE-Aklan said the three municipalities must expedite submission of requirements.
According to DOLE, displaced workers or their immediate family members are the target priorities of the program. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DOLE monitoring effects of global financial crisis in local firms
Kalibo, Aklan – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here is currently monitoring firms and establishments which might be affected already by the global financial crisis.
Joselito De la Banda, DOLE – Aklan Provincial Head said this is necessary to avert retrenchment of employees or closure of establishments.
De La Banda said DOLE has a Quick Response Team (QRT ) ready to assist employees and employers who are apprehensive on the state of their establishments and working status.
Through the QRT, De La Banda said employers may get solutions to prevent closure or retrenchment of employees, such as reduction of work days, flexible working time, and utilization of leave credits, until such time when the company is stable enough to operate normally.
The national government, on the other hand, is readying various measures to help and assist displaced/retrenched workers as well as companies affected by the global economic meltdown.
These measures, enumerated by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her speech during the Multi-Sectoral Jobs Summit in Malacanang recently, include the condonation of SSS on penalties and surcharges on loans of affected workers; establishment of stand-by fund by DOLE and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for displaced OFWs, implementation of training programs, reduction of cost of doing business by providing fuel subsidy to firms operating in the export business; having the government financial institutions provide loan facilities such as working capital, etc,
Just recently, the government also announced that it is going to spend P7 billion to hire 180,000 contractual employees.
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya said these government vacancies have already been allocated funds for the purpose of hiring personnel, and these are in addition to the plans of Malacanang to order government agencies to set aside 1.5 percent of their maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOEs), estimated at P7 billion to hire 180,000 casual employees for six months. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Joselito De la Banda, DOLE – Aklan Provincial Head said this is necessary to avert retrenchment of employees or closure of establishments.
De La Banda said DOLE has a Quick Response Team (QRT ) ready to assist employees and employers who are apprehensive on the state of their establishments and working status.
Through the QRT, De La Banda said employers may get solutions to prevent closure or retrenchment of employees, such as reduction of work days, flexible working time, and utilization of leave credits, until such time when the company is stable enough to operate normally.
The national government, on the other hand, is readying various measures to help and assist displaced/retrenched workers as well as companies affected by the global economic meltdown.
These measures, enumerated by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her speech during the Multi-Sectoral Jobs Summit in Malacanang recently, include the condonation of SSS on penalties and surcharges on loans of affected workers; establishment of stand-by fund by DOLE and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for displaced OFWs, implementation of training programs, reduction of cost of doing business by providing fuel subsidy to firms operating in the export business; having the government financial institutions provide loan facilities such as working capital, etc,
Just recently, the government also announced that it is going to spend P7 billion to hire 180,000 contractual employees.
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya said these government vacancies have already been allocated funds for the purpose of hiring personnel, and these are in addition to the plans of Malacanang to order government agencies to set aside 1.5 percent of their maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOEs), estimated at P7 billion to hire 180,000 casual employees for six months. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DOLE sees no current employment-related problems in Boracay
Kalibo, Aklan -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sees no brewing employment-related problems in Boracay Island caused by the current global economic meltdown.
DOLE-Aklan Provincial Head Joselito De La Banda said the tourism industry in the province is least affected by the global financial crisis, and proof of this is the sustained construction activities of resorts and establishments in the island providing employment to the people.
De La Banda said DOLE is continuously monitoring the situation in the island for any labor-related problems with the assistance of Boracay Industry Tripartite Council.
This council, said De La Banda, is composed of employers and employees group from the formal and informal sectors in the island together with government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the local government unit of Malay, Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) here, meanwhile, has not noted any alarming surge of complaints coming from displaced or dismissed workers owing to the global financial crisis.
Virgilio Bautista, Labor Arbitration Associate of the NLRC here said there are cases brought to the attention of his office but these were not due to the current financial crisis but caused by other factors.
Bautista said the most common reason why workers file complaints against their employers here is the non-payment of the minimum wage rate. Others complain of illegal dismissal. However, with the resolution of some cases involving prominent personalities in Aklan favorable to workers - employers, especially in Boracay Island now give the minimum wage rate to workers as stipulated by the government.
Bautista said Western Visayas has only 3 NLRC offices – in Iloilo, Negros Occidental and in Aklan.
Bautista said besides Aklanons, workers from nearby provinces like Capiz and Antique also file their cases in Aklan, who are readily accommodated in the NLRC office located at the ground floor of the Provincial Capitol Building here.
Once a month, NLRC’s roving judge goes to Aklan to conduct hearings, if initial steps taken by the office like conciliation become unsuccessful.
Workers who wish to file complaints, according to Bautista, should bring with them their residence certificates and P50 pesos filing fee at the fiscal’s office.
NLRC started operating in Aklan in 1988. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DOLE-Aklan Provincial Head Joselito De La Banda said the tourism industry in the province is least affected by the global financial crisis, and proof of this is the sustained construction activities of resorts and establishments in the island providing employment to the people.
De La Banda said DOLE is continuously monitoring the situation in the island for any labor-related problems with the assistance of Boracay Industry Tripartite Council.
This council, said De La Banda, is composed of employers and employees group from the formal and informal sectors in the island together with government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the local government unit of Malay, Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) here, meanwhile, has not noted any alarming surge of complaints coming from displaced or dismissed workers owing to the global financial crisis.
Virgilio Bautista, Labor Arbitration Associate of the NLRC here said there are cases brought to the attention of his office but these were not due to the current financial crisis but caused by other factors.
Bautista said the most common reason why workers file complaints against their employers here is the non-payment of the minimum wage rate. Others complain of illegal dismissal. However, with the resolution of some cases involving prominent personalities in Aklan favorable to workers - employers, especially in Boracay Island now give the minimum wage rate to workers as stipulated by the government.
Bautista said Western Visayas has only 3 NLRC offices – in Iloilo, Negros Occidental and in Aklan.
Bautista said besides Aklanons, workers from nearby provinces like Capiz and Antique also file their cases in Aklan, who are readily accommodated in the NLRC office located at the ground floor of the Provincial Capitol Building here.
Once a month, NLRC’s roving judge goes to Aklan to conduct hearings, if initial steps taken by the office like conciliation become unsuccessful.
Workers who wish to file complaints, according to Bautista, should bring with them their residence certificates and P50 pesos filing fee at the fiscal’s office.
NLRC started operating in Aklan in 1988. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Major infra projects seen to provide employment to Aklanons
Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan’s three infrastructure projects here had been identified by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here as major providers of employment to jobless Aklanons in the coming months.
DPWH-Aklan District Engineer Roberto Cabigas said in a radio interview that this will be through the “Programang Pangtrabaho ni PGMA” which will kick-off through a job fair launching in the Regional Office of DPWH 6 on Monday, February 23.
Under the program, jobseekers will file their job applications with the DPWH, who in turn, if qualified, will be absorbed by winning contractors handling infrastructure projects in their localities.
In Aklan, Cabigas said projects lined up include construction of Altavas-Jamindan road network, Kalibo Airport and the Jetty Port in Malay including the continuation of Malay-Buruanga road concreting.
Cabigas said absorbing job seekers in the construction of the government’s infrastructure projects is part of the country’s pump priming activities to help address economic problems brought by the global financial crisis.
The program has job openings for civil engineers, foremen, surveyors, masons, painters, steelmen, operators, of heavy equipment, drivers, carpenters, and other positions.
Cabigas said the launching in Iloilo City will be joined by other agencies and organizations like the Department of Labor and Employment, the National Constructors Association of the Philippines (NACAP) and the Philippine Construction Association (PCA) which will enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the job generation program.
The program stipulates that at least 50% of the workforce of a certain project should come from the immediate locality as well as neighboring towns to spare the workers from spending for their transportation expenses.
Cabigas said job applicants are required to bring with them their new residence certificates, NBI clearance, biodata, certificate from TESDA (if any), medical certificate and 2 pcs. ID.
DPWH-Aklan will be bringing to Iloilo on February 23 at least 20 job applicants for the launching. The launching will be held simultaneously throughout the country which will be hooked up with Malacanang, with a possible teleconference with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, according to Cabigas. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DPWH-Aklan District Engineer Roberto Cabigas said in a radio interview that this will be through the “Programang Pangtrabaho ni PGMA” which will kick-off through a job fair launching in the Regional Office of DPWH 6 on Monday, February 23.
Under the program, jobseekers will file their job applications with the DPWH, who in turn, if qualified, will be absorbed by winning contractors handling infrastructure projects in their localities.
In Aklan, Cabigas said projects lined up include construction of Altavas-Jamindan road network, Kalibo Airport and the Jetty Port in Malay including the continuation of Malay-Buruanga road concreting.
Cabigas said absorbing job seekers in the construction of the government’s infrastructure projects is part of the country’s pump priming activities to help address economic problems brought by the global financial crisis.
The program has job openings for civil engineers, foremen, surveyors, masons, painters, steelmen, operators, of heavy equipment, drivers, carpenters, and other positions.
Cabigas said the launching in Iloilo City will be joined by other agencies and organizations like the Department of Labor and Employment, the National Constructors Association of the Philippines (NACAP) and the Philippine Construction Association (PCA) which will enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the job generation program.
The program stipulates that at least 50% of the workforce of a certain project should come from the immediate locality as well as neighboring towns to spare the workers from spending for their transportation expenses.
Cabigas said job applicants are required to bring with them their new residence certificates, NBI clearance, biodata, certificate from TESDA (if any), medical certificate and 2 pcs. ID.
DPWH-Aklan will be bringing to Iloilo on February 23 at least 20 job applicants for the launching. The launching will be held simultaneously throughout the country which will be hooked up with Malacanang, with a possible teleconference with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, according to Cabigas. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Climate change caused by abuses to environment – DENR
Kalibo, Aklan -- The change in climate is caused by the people’s abuses done to the environment, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here.
Derlito Rico, Environment Management Specialist of DENR-Aklan some of these abuses include improper disposal/burning of garbage, deforestation, air pollution due to smokes emitted by vehicles and factories, etc., which causes global warming and disturbance to plant and animal life.
“Global warming causes the melting of ice in the north and south poles of the earth, bringing floods and submerging low-lying areas. This might be one of the reasons why dolphins stray in shallow waters. Global warming might have caused the ocean to change its water temperature, driving sea creatures from their original habitat”, Rico said in a recent radio interview.
Rico also said global warming affects the country’s economy, food production, and the people’s health, threatened with deadly diseases due to unclean surroundings.
“Environmental laws, like the Clean Air Act, should be taken seriously by the people. Many government agencies are involved in the implementation of the law, not just the DENR”, Rico said.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo recently took over the chairmanship of the Presidential Task Force on Climate Change in a move to strengthen government’s efforts to respond to the far-reaching effects of climate change to the nation’s food security, human health, water supply, and economic development.
The President also wanted to consolidate all government efforts to move in one direction so the country will have a cohesive and integrated action framework against climate change.
Experts said just like anywhere in the world, the Philippines had been experiencing temperature spikes brought about by climate change. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Derlito Rico, Environment Management Specialist of DENR-Aklan some of these abuses include improper disposal/burning of garbage, deforestation, air pollution due to smokes emitted by vehicles and factories, etc., which causes global warming and disturbance to plant and animal life.
“Global warming causes the melting of ice in the north and south poles of the earth, bringing floods and submerging low-lying areas. This might be one of the reasons why dolphins stray in shallow waters. Global warming might have caused the ocean to change its water temperature, driving sea creatures from their original habitat”, Rico said in a recent radio interview.
Rico also said global warming affects the country’s economy, food production, and the people’s health, threatened with deadly diseases due to unclean surroundings.
“Environmental laws, like the Clean Air Act, should be taken seriously by the people. Many government agencies are involved in the implementation of the law, not just the DENR”, Rico said.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo recently took over the chairmanship of the Presidential Task Force on Climate Change in a move to strengthen government’s efforts to respond to the far-reaching effects of climate change to the nation’s food security, human health, water supply, and economic development.
The President also wanted to consolidate all government efforts to move in one direction so the country will have a cohesive and integrated action framework against climate change.
Experts said just like anywhere in the world, the Philippines had been experiencing temperature spikes brought about by climate change. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan has 57 VAWC cases in less than 2 months
Kalibo, Aklan -- In less than 2 months from January 2009 to date, the Philippine National Police’ Women and Children Protection Section (WCPS) reported that there are 57 crimes committed against women in Aklan.
SPO4 Profetiza I, Morato, Chief of the WCPS, PNP-Aklan, also reported that for the same period, 17 crimes were committed against children, while there are 16 crimes committed by youth offenders.
Morato bared this report during the meeting of the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC) which was held recently to plan out activities to celebrate Women’s Month in March.
Crimes committed against women during the period include acts of lasciviousness, alarm and scandal, concubinage, oral defamation, physical injury, rape, threat, trespass to dwelling, unjust vexation, and violation of RA 9262.
Crimes committed against women under RA 9262 had the highest number, with 38 cases.
Crimes committed against children include seduction, acts of lasciviousness, physical injury, rape, stoning, threat, unjust vexation, RA 7610 and RA 9208.
Crimes committed by youth offenders include malicious mischief, physical injury, robbery, theft, threat, and unjust vexation.
Of the figures, 4 cases were filed on crimes committed against women, 5, crimes against children and 1 case for a crime committed by a youth offender.
SP04 Morato said that the province of Aklan has a total of 36 policewomen deployed in the different municipalities of Aklan, tasked to enforce all penal laws related to the protection of women and children from abuse.
Morato appealed to the community to help the PNP mitigate crimes committed against women, and specifically requested the presence of social workers during operations. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
SPO4 Profetiza I, Morato, Chief of the WCPS, PNP-Aklan, also reported that for the same period, 17 crimes were committed against children, while there are 16 crimes committed by youth offenders.
Morato bared this report during the meeting of the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC) which was held recently to plan out activities to celebrate Women’s Month in March.
Crimes committed against women during the period include acts of lasciviousness, alarm and scandal, concubinage, oral defamation, physical injury, rape, threat, trespass to dwelling, unjust vexation, and violation of RA 9262.
Crimes committed against women under RA 9262 had the highest number, with 38 cases.
Crimes committed against children include seduction, acts of lasciviousness, physical injury, rape, stoning, threat, unjust vexation, RA 7610 and RA 9208.
Crimes committed by youth offenders include malicious mischief, physical injury, robbery, theft, threat, and unjust vexation.
Of the figures, 4 cases were filed on crimes committed against women, 5, crimes against children and 1 case for a crime committed by a youth offender.
SP04 Morato said that the province of Aklan has a total of 36 policewomen deployed in the different municipalities of Aklan, tasked to enforce all penal laws related to the protection of women and children from abuse.
Morato appealed to the community to help the PNP mitigate crimes committed against women, and specifically requested the presence of social workers during operations. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan’s lady entrepreneurs to “star” in Women’s Month celebration
Kalibo, Aklan -- Recognizing that women are an important resource who can contribute to the reduction of poverty, the province of Aklan will be paying homage to its priceless wealth – the Aklanon women – when it celebrates this year’s Women’s Month next month.
March is observed as Women’s Month, and this year’s theme is “Babae, Yaman Ka Ng Bayan!” (Woman, You Are Nation’s Wealth).
According to the 2009 Women’s Month concept paper, it is timely to tap half of the country’s resource, the women, and create a gender-responsive environment to encourage and support them to venture into high-value and more meaningful economic activities and enterprise development.
The theme also supports the fulfillment of the country’s international treaty obligations, particularly Convention of on the elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Millennium Declaration, and International Labor Organizations (ILO) conventions.
It is also in cognizant of the Arroyo Administration’s Ten-Point Agenda and the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) 2004-2010 which identifies the creation of three million enterprises and ten million jobs, with women as the main target of micro-finance initiatives.
Invited as guest speaker at the launching program of this year’s celebration on March 11 at the Daeangpan it Mga Kababayenhan it Akean” as the unanimous choice of the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC) is Ibajay Mayor Ma. Lourdes Miraflores.
AGADC, created to oversee and plan programs and projects in the province to benefit women especially the disadvantaged ones, is chaired by Aklan Governor Carlito s. Marquez
Mayor Miraflores, besides being the wife of lone Aklan Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores, is a banker-entrepreneur in Ibajay, Aklan and a mother of three.
Another lady entrepreneur invited to deliver an inspiring story aimed to further spur Aklanon women to be entrepreneurs is Roselita “Rose” Sauza of Rosa Foods, who started her meat-processing business with P200.00 capital in the late “80s.
More than 20 years later, Rosa Foods is now a by-word in the food-processing sector of the province, with outlets located in big markets, in Boracay Island and malls in Panay Island. Its products even reaches the farthest parts of the country, brought by impressed buyers and food lovers who buy and bring the products as “pasalubong” or consumption.
Other activities which will be held during the launching program are the motorcade, Holy Mass at the Kalibo Cathedral, ARISE business forum for wives of OFWs which will be spearheaded by PESO-Aklan, and DTI, and free pap smear for indigent women. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
March is observed as Women’s Month, and this year’s theme is “Babae, Yaman Ka Ng Bayan!” (Woman, You Are Nation’s Wealth).
According to the 2009 Women’s Month concept paper, it is timely to tap half of the country’s resource, the women, and create a gender-responsive environment to encourage and support them to venture into high-value and more meaningful economic activities and enterprise development.
The theme also supports the fulfillment of the country’s international treaty obligations, particularly Convention of on the elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Millennium Declaration, and International Labor Organizations (ILO) conventions.
It is also in cognizant of the Arroyo Administration’s Ten-Point Agenda and the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) 2004-2010 which identifies the creation of three million enterprises and ten million jobs, with women as the main target of micro-finance initiatives.
Invited as guest speaker at the launching program of this year’s celebration on March 11 at the Daeangpan it Mga Kababayenhan it Akean” as the unanimous choice of the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC) is Ibajay Mayor Ma. Lourdes Miraflores.
AGADC, created to oversee and plan programs and projects in the province to benefit women especially the disadvantaged ones, is chaired by Aklan Governor Carlito s. Marquez
Mayor Miraflores, besides being the wife of lone Aklan Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores, is a banker-entrepreneur in Ibajay, Aklan and a mother of three.
Another lady entrepreneur invited to deliver an inspiring story aimed to further spur Aklanon women to be entrepreneurs is Roselita “Rose” Sauza of Rosa Foods, who started her meat-processing business with P200.00 capital in the late “80s.
More than 20 years later, Rosa Foods is now a by-word in the food-processing sector of the province, with outlets located in big markets, in Boracay Island and malls in Panay Island. Its products even reaches the farthest parts of the country, brought by impressed buyers and food lovers who buy and bring the products as “pasalubong” or consumption.
Other activities which will be held during the launching program are the motorcade, Holy Mass at the Kalibo Cathedral, ARISE business forum for wives of OFWs which will be spearheaded by PESO-Aklan, and DTI, and free pap smear for indigent women. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Boracay tourist arrivals up despite financial crisis
Kalibo, Aklan –Despite the long-felt down turn in the world economy worsened by the financial crisis, tourist arrivals in Boracay registered an increase of 6%, from 596,748 in 2007 to 638,263 in 2008.
Aklan governor Carlito Marquez said one indication of the uptrend is the unprecedented increase in flights in Aklan’s two airports – Kalibo Airport in the capital town and Caticlan Airport in Malay, Aklan.
Caticlan had 24,658 flights in 2008 against 2007’s 10,473.
Kalibo Airport listed 4,642 flights in 2008 compared to 2, 541 in 2007, including regional flights from Incheon, Korea.
For 2008, foreign tourist receipts registered P6.9 billion while revenues from local tourists reached 5.8 billion or a total of P12,7 billion.
Governor Marquez said Aklan continues to look to tourism as one springboard to economic development, bringing revenues to government and livelihood sources to Aklanons. (PIA).
Aklan governor Carlito Marquez said one indication of the uptrend is the unprecedented increase in flights in Aklan’s two airports – Kalibo Airport in the capital town and Caticlan Airport in Malay, Aklan.
Caticlan had 24,658 flights in 2008 against 2007’s 10,473.
Kalibo Airport listed 4,642 flights in 2008 compared to 2, 541 in 2007, including regional flights from Incheon, Korea.
For 2008, foreign tourist receipts registered P6.9 billion while revenues from local tourists reached 5.8 billion or a total of P12,7 billion.
Governor Marquez said Aklan continues to look to tourism as one springboard to economic development, bringing revenues to government and livelihood sources to Aklanons. (PIA).
Aklan to re-create Caticlan Jetty Port as tourist center
Kalibo, Aklan -- Aside from Boracay, the province of Aklan is embarking on a program to promote other tourist attractions abounding in Aklan’s 17 municipalities.
Aklan governor Carlito S. Marquez said the province is initiating the catchword “Explore Aklan…Tara Na” and is re-creating the jetty port facilities at Caticlan as a tourist center.
Provincial Tourism Operations Officer Roselle Q. Ruiz said this program intends to promote various tourism attractions of five municipalities nearest the Caticlan Jetty Port – Malay, Nabas, Buruanga, Ibajay and Tangalan – dubbed Northwest Aklan Estinations - which will involve arranging and marketing packaged tours depending on the needs and choices of foreign and local tourists.
Ruiz said this will just be the first phase of the program with the end-view of showcasing other tourist attractions of Aklan’s other municipalities.
Recently, the province launched its Re-Greening and Beautification Project, which involves the planting of ornamental and flowering plants along the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) spanning Caticlan, Malay to Cabangila, Altavas, boundary of Aklan and Capiz.
Governor Marquez said the project is two-pronged – it is for the environment, in line with the program to plant and rehabilitate the roadside plants and trees destroyed by Typhoon Frank and make Aklan forever green, and to transform the areas into a tourist attraction for visitors and guests going to Boracay Island and those passing the SNRH.
The program is being implemented through a contest with 167 barangays in the eastern and western part of Aklan participating. There is a separate category for residential areas along the routes.
Winners will be awarded with big cash prizes on April 25, 2009, Aklan’s 53rd anniversary as a separate province from Capiz. (PIA)
Aklan governor Carlito S. Marquez said the province is initiating the catchword “Explore Aklan…Tara Na” and is re-creating the jetty port facilities at Caticlan as a tourist center.
Provincial Tourism Operations Officer Roselle Q. Ruiz said this program intends to promote various tourism attractions of five municipalities nearest the Caticlan Jetty Port – Malay, Nabas, Buruanga, Ibajay and Tangalan – dubbed Northwest Aklan Estinations - which will involve arranging and marketing packaged tours depending on the needs and choices of foreign and local tourists.
Ruiz said this will just be the first phase of the program with the end-view of showcasing other tourist attractions of Aklan’s other municipalities.
Recently, the province launched its Re-Greening and Beautification Project, which involves the planting of ornamental and flowering plants along the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) spanning Caticlan, Malay to Cabangila, Altavas, boundary of Aklan and Capiz.
Governor Marquez said the project is two-pronged – it is for the environment, in line with the program to plant and rehabilitate the roadside plants and trees destroyed by Typhoon Frank and make Aklan forever green, and to transform the areas into a tourist attraction for visitors and guests going to Boracay Island and those passing the SNRH.
The program is being implemented through a contest with 167 barangays in the eastern and western part of Aklan participating. There is a separate category for residential areas along the routes.
Winners will be awarded with big cash prizes on April 25, 2009, Aklan’s 53rd anniversary as a separate province from Capiz. (PIA)
Kalibo: luring tourists through its “Manggad”
“Manggad” means wealth in the Aklanon and Hiligaynon dialect, and Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan, is counting much on this to lure tourists, both foreign and local to discover the “Manggad It Kalibo”.
By counting on its “manggad” to lure tourists, Kalibo not only focuses its tourism programs and activities on the yearly Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival but on other attractions the municipality has to offer to people who want to discover more of Kalibo – its people, its culture and its place in history
In the words of Kalibo mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, “the Ati-atihan town of Kalibo, a fast-becoming first rate urbanized municipality, showcases prime attractions like the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival – the Mother of all Philippine Festivals, the intricate weaving of Pina cloth – the Queen of Philippine Fabrics, and the Manggad it Kalibo for the distinct pleasures and adventure of our visitors.”
The Manggad It Kalibo offers three components: the Bakhawan Eco Park, the Pina Village and the Ati-atihan Village in New Buswang.
The Bakhawan Eco Park was conceptualized by the municipality of Kalibo for people who fancy a walk with nature. The multi-awarded and recipient of the Golden Eagle Award mangrove reforestation project boasts of an exceptional nature thrill for eco-tourists and visitors. The 80+hectare eco-park, according to a visitors’ brochure furnished by the Office of the Mayor, features a small park and recreation area and a 15-minute eco-walk built from bamboos stretching through the mangroves and out to a beach where one can enjoy a picnic with nature.
With the Pina Village, one can witness the painstaking process of transforming a native pineapple leaf into an intricately woven pina cloth – the Queen of Philippine Fabrics. Costing a fortune abroad, the Pina Cloth and other Pina products are actually works of art.
At the Ati-atihan Village, one can experience the unique Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival year-round, as there is a ready group to showcase the “sadsad’ complete with painted faces, costumes and drums anytime of the year. At the village, one can also witness the transformation of an Ati from costume design to its creation. One can also get to wear the costume, dance like an Ati and have a souvenir photo taken.
Other tourist attractions in Kalibo include the Museo It Akean which serves as a repository of the province’ cultural heritage and exhibits artifacts that attests to the rich history of Aklan and the masterpieces of Aklanon artists; the Kalibo Cathedral, originally built in 1581 and stands as the oldest edifice of the province; the Aklan Freedom Shrine – a tribute to Aklanon forebears, the first Katipunan movement outside Luzon with its 19 steps adorning the monument containing the mortal remains of the l9 Martyrs of Aklan and atop the statue of Gen. Francisco del Castillo, the leader of Katipunan revolutionaries in Aklan; the Tigayon Hill and Caves, the highest point of Kalibo and the former secret sanctuary of the province’s freedom fighters; and the Kalibo Food Festival Sa Kalye, a delectable celebration in commemoration of the Feast of St. John the Baptist every June where a street at the town plaza is closed and various kiosks serve a variety of local and foreign dishes in the true tradition of a fiesta, Kalibonhon style.
Kalibo now home to 69,700 residents as of 2007 National Statistics Office (NSO) Census of Population, has 16 barangays.
It is the center of political, social, economic and religious activities and is linked to the region and the country as a whole. It is classified as a first class municipality by the Department of Finance (DOF). (PIA)
By counting on its “manggad” to lure tourists, Kalibo not only focuses its tourism programs and activities on the yearly Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival but on other attractions the municipality has to offer to people who want to discover more of Kalibo – its people, its culture and its place in history
In the words of Kalibo mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, “the Ati-atihan town of Kalibo, a fast-becoming first rate urbanized municipality, showcases prime attractions like the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival – the Mother of all Philippine Festivals, the intricate weaving of Pina cloth – the Queen of Philippine Fabrics, and the Manggad it Kalibo for the distinct pleasures and adventure of our visitors.”
The Manggad It Kalibo offers three components: the Bakhawan Eco Park, the Pina Village and the Ati-atihan Village in New Buswang.
The Bakhawan Eco Park was conceptualized by the municipality of Kalibo for people who fancy a walk with nature. The multi-awarded and recipient of the Golden Eagle Award mangrove reforestation project boasts of an exceptional nature thrill for eco-tourists and visitors. The 80+hectare eco-park, according to a visitors’ brochure furnished by the Office of the Mayor, features a small park and recreation area and a 15-minute eco-walk built from bamboos stretching through the mangroves and out to a beach where one can enjoy a picnic with nature.
With the Pina Village, one can witness the painstaking process of transforming a native pineapple leaf into an intricately woven pina cloth – the Queen of Philippine Fabrics. Costing a fortune abroad, the Pina Cloth and other Pina products are actually works of art.
At the Ati-atihan Village, one can experience the unique Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival year-round, as there is a ready group to showcase the “sadsad’ complete with painted faces, costumes and drums anytime of the year. At the village, one can also witness the transformation of an Ati from costume design to its creation. One can also get to wear the costume, dance like an Ati and have a souvenir photo taken.
Other tourist attractions in Kalibo include the Museo It Akean which serves as a repository of the province’ cultural heritage and exhibits artifacts that attests to the rich history of Aklan and the masterpieces of Aklanon artists; the Kalibo Cathedral, originally built in 1581 and stands as the oldest edifice of the province; the Aklan Freedom Shrine – a tribute to Aklanon forebears, the first Katipunan movement outside Luzon with its 19 steps adorning the monument containing the mortal remains of the l9 Martyrs of Aklan and atop the statue of Gen. Francisco del Castillo, the leader of Katipunan revolutionaries in Aklan; the Tigayon Hill and Caves, the highest point of Kalibo and the former secret sanctuary of the province’s freedom fighters; and the Kalibo Food Festival Sa Kalye, a delectable celebration in commemoration of the Feast of St. John the Baptist every June where a street at the town plaza is closed and various kiosks serve a variety of local and foreign dishes in the true tradition of a fiesta, Kalibonhon style.
Kalibo now home to 69,700 residents as of 2007 National Statistics Office (NSO) Census of Population, has 16 barangays.
It is the center of political, social, economic and religious activities and is linked to the region and the country as a whole. It is classified as a first class municipality by the Department of Finance (DOF). (PIA)
Aklan to stage first-ever "Concert at the Park"
The province of Aklan will be staging its first-ever "Concert at the Park" here at the Goding Ramos Park on Saturday, February 14, Valentines Day.
Conceptualized by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez himself, the concert, dubbed - Aklan: I Can't Stop Loving You is a free Valentine show of songs and dances to be participated by civic organizations, schools, provincial officials, provincial government departments and the local media.
Manolita "Baby" Acevedo, one of the prime movers of the activity tasked by the governor for the staging, said the concert will have a "barrio fiesta" theme and will have Valentine messages from the provincial officials – Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo, Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores - and presentations from schools and other groups for the first part - and dancing in the second part.
Governor Marquez said the concert is being conceptualized as another tourist attraction of the province where the Aklanons and visitors could go for wholesome entertainment and enjoyment.
"Aklan has undergone much devastation when Typhoon Frank struck more than six months ago, and the holding of the concert is one way of showing everyone that Aklan is again up on its feet. The concert is one way of showing our love to our province – that despite everything – we cannot stop loving Aklan, because this is our only province, our home," said Gov. Marquez during one of the meetings of the group organized to plan for the concert, in justifying the launching of the activity.
The concert launching on February 14 also aims to encourage other local government units to sustain or sponsor the activity which is hoped to be staged at least once a month in the venue.
Organizers are encouraging couples to spend their Valentine celebration watching the concert. According to them the first 200 couples to register will get a free surprise Valentine gift. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Conceptualized by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez himself, the concert, dubbed - Aklan: I Can't Stop Loving You is a free Valentine show of songs and dances to be participated by civic organizations, schools, provincial officials, provincial government departments and the local media.
Manolita "Baby" Acevedo, one of the prime movers of the activity tasked by the governor for the staging, said the concert will have a "barrio fiesta" theme and will have Valentine messages from the provincial officials – Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo, Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores - and presentations from schools and other groups for the first part - and dancing in the second part.
Governor Marquez said the concert is being conceptualized as another tourist attraction of the province where the Aklanons and visitors could go for wholesome entertainment and enjoyment.
"Aklan has undergone much devastation when Typhoon Frank struck more than six months ago, and the holding of the concert is one way of showing everyone that Aklan is again up on its feet. The concert is one way of showing our love to our province – that despite everything – we cannot stop loving Aklan, because this is our only province, our home," said Gov. Marquez during one of the meetings of the group organized to plan for the concert, in justifying the launching of the activity.
The concert launching on February 14 also aims to encourage other local government units to sustain or sponsor the activity which is hoped to be staged at least once a month in the venue.
Organizers are encouraging couples to spend their Valentine celebration watching the concert. According to them the first 200 couples to register will get a free surprise Valentine gift. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
More funds to improve Kalibo Intl airport means more flights, tourists
Kalibo, Aklan -- More funds allocated by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for further improvement of the improvement of Kalibo International Airport (KIA) means more regional flights and more tourist arrivals, according to Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez.
The governor aired this expectation recently in his SOPA as he recognized the programs of the Department of Transportation and Communications through Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). CAAP is presently implementing the Kalibo International Airport Development Project.
The 48 million terminal building is now 38.27% completed, based on records furnished by CAAP-Aklan, headed by Airport Manager Engr. Percy Malonesio.
The project for the installation of the instrument landing system including runway edge and taxi edge lights with a funding of P54,175 million has the following completion percentage, according to the report: site acquisition, 82%; site development, 86.80% installation of ILS equipment, 96.67; construction of equipment shelter, 100% and installation of runway edge and taxi edge lights, 100%.
In 2007, direct flights from South Korea were accommodated by the Kalibo airport. Presently, sustained flights come from Taiwan, ferrying in tourists to Aklan specifically Boracay Island.
Besides Kalibo International Airport, there is also another airport in Caticlan, Malay, ferrying in smaller planes with tourists mostly going directly to Boracay.
The airport in Caticlan is considered one of the busiest airports in the country now. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The governor aired this expectation recently in his SOPA as he recognized the programs of the Department of Transportation and Communications through Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). CAAP is presently implementing the Kalibo International Airport Development Project.
The 48 million terminal building is now 38.27% completed, based on records furnished by CAAP-Aklan, headed by Airport Manager Engr. Percy Malonesio.
The project for the installation of the instrument landing system including runway edge and taxi edge lights with a funding of P54,175 million has the following completion percentage, according to the report: site acquisition, 82%; site development, 86.80% installation of ILS equipment, 96.67; construction of equipment shelter, 100% and installation of runway edge and taxi edge lights, 100%.
In 2007, direct flights from South Korea were accommodated by the Kalibo airport. Presently, sustained flights come from Taiwan, ferrying in tourists to Aklan specifically Boracay Island.
Besides Kalibo International Airport, there is also another airport in Caticlan, Malay, ferrying in smaller planes with tourists mostly going directly to Boracay.
The airport in Caticlan is considered one of the busiest airports in the country now. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Philhealth-covered Aklanons reach 102,392
Kalibo, Aklan -- The total number of Aklanons covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation has reached 102,392 as of 2008.
This figure was revealed by Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez when he delivered his State of the Province Address recently at the SP Session Hall here.
The governor said the provincial government is continuing the implementation of the universal coverage program with Philhealth in line with the province's health care services.
"Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores and I have each allocated P5 million for a total of P10 million. Under this category, we have more than 26,000 beneficiaries while in the LGU-sponsored program with provincial counterpart, we have more than 29,000 beneficiaries," Governor Marquez said.
The total number of Philhealth-covered Aklanons include individually-paying members, government and private employees, non-paying members and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This figure was revealed by Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez when he delivered his State of the Province Address recently at the SP Session Hall here.
The governor said the provincial government is continuing the implementation of the universal coverage program with Philhealth in line with the province's health care services.
"Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores and I have each allocated P5 million for a total of P10 million. Under this category, we have more than 26,000 beneficiaries while in the LGU-sponsored program with provincial counterpart, we have more than 29,000 beneficiaries," Governor Marquez said.
The total number of Philhealth-covered Aklanons include individually-paying members, government and private employees, non-paying members and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Aklan PESO report: more females deployed overseas than males in 2008
Kalibo, Aklan -- More women from Aklan were deployed for work overseas last year than men, according to a report of the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) here.
The 2008 PESO Accomplishment Report, which was released by Manager Vivian Ruiz Solano, listed a total of 84 females who were deployed starting January 1 to December 15 last year to various countries to work as domestic helpers, factory workers and caretakers. On the other hand, only 3 males managed to find work abroad last year, as recorded by PESO.
The figures only include those who were assisted by PESO-Aklan to get employment abroad through different legal recruitment agencies which sought the coordination/assistance of the Provincial Government of Aklan through the PESO.
These recruitment agencies which regularly seek Aklanons for work abroad include Active Works Inc., which sent 15 females to work as domestic helpers/household service providers in Hongkong; Greenfields Int'l Manpower Services, Inc., 5 domestic helpers to Singapore, Hongkong and Malaysia; Hongkong Fil Company, 12 domestic helpers to Hongkong; JS Contractor, Inc. 15 factory workers and caretakers to Taiwan; Morthy Int'l Recruitment Services, 15 domestic workers, Hongkong; R.V. Personnels, Inc., 2 male welders to Saudi Arabia; STD Overseas Manpower Services, Inc. 4 female and 1 male domestic helpers, Hongkong; and Zontar Manpower Services, Inc., 7 domestic helpers to Kuwait and Singapore.
In 2008, a total of 5,287 clients were served by PESO-Aklan for various services like job applications for local and overseas deployment, complaints to OWWA on OFW matters, SPES payments, immigration and visa inquiries.
The PESO report also showed that more females in the province were able to find employment than males. Last year, 495 males were able to find employment in various business/service establishments here, while females numbered 530. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The 2008 PESO Accomplishment Report, which was released by Manager Vivian Ruiz Solano, listed a total of 84 females who were deployed starting January 1 to December 15 last year to various countries to work as domestic helpers, factory workers and caretakers. On the other hand, only 3 males managed to find work abroad last year, as recorded by PESO.
The figures only include those who were assisted by PESO-Aklan to get employment abroad through different legal recruitment agencies which sought the coordination/assistance of the Provincial Government of Aklan through the PESO.
These recruitment agencies which regularly seek Aklanons for work abroad include Active Works Inc., which sent 15 females to work as domestic helpers/household service providers in Hongkong; Greenfields Int'l Manpower Services, Inc., 5 domestic helpers to Singapore, Hongkong and Malaysia; Hongkong Fil Company, 12 domestic helpers to Hongkong; JS Contractor, Inc. 15 factory workers and caretakers to Taiwan; Morthy Int'l Recruitment Services, 15 domestic workers, Hongkong; R.V. Personnels, Inc., 2 male welders to Saudi Arabia; STD Overseas Manpower Services, Inc. 4 female and 1 male domestic helpers, Hongkong; and Zontar Manpower Services, Inc., 7 domestic helpers to Kuwait and Singapore.
In 2008, a total of 5,287 clients were served by PESO-Aklan for various services like job applications for local and overseas deployment, complaints to OWWA on OFW matters, SPES payments, immigration and visa inquiries.
The PESO report also showed that more females in the province were able to find employment than males. Last year, 495 males were able to find employment in various business/service establishments here, while females numbered 530. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
DSWD turns over P7 million ESA "Frank" victims of 3 Aklan towns
Kalibo, Aklan – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently turned over a total of P7,530,000 to 753 beneficiaries under the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) program of the government for families who totally lost their homes to Typhoon Frank last year.
DSWD Regional Director Teresita Rosales came all the way from Iloilo to distribute the checks to beneficiaries at P10,000.00 each. She and her staff also came to Madalag, Aklan to launch the town's Food For School program.
The assistance given was under Category A. Beneficiaries under Category B and C are yet to receive their assistance at P7,500.00 and P5,000 respectively.
Recipients of the latest ESA are from the towns of Banga, New Washington and Madalag.
Typhoon victims of Banga coming from 17 barangays numbered 200. New Washington had 263 beneficiaries coming from 3 barangays while Madalag had 290 from 25 barangays.
Rosales said that the DSWD has assisted a total of 1,870 typhoon victims from Aklan under the ESA program amounting to P18,700,000.
She said that the DSWD is still processing the papers of other beneficiaries, and expressed the hope that the Paglaum Fund for Panay will be released soon.
Director Rosales also thanked Governor Marquez and Aklan's local chief executives for working together with the DSWD as partners in helping the people. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DSWD Regional Director Teresita Rosales came all the way from Iloilo to distribute the checks to beneficiaries at P10,000.00 each. She and her staff also came to Madalag, Aklan to launch the town's Food For School program.
The assistance given was under Category A. Beneficiaries under Category B and C are yet to receive their assistance at P7,500.00 and P5,000 respectively.
Recipients of the latest ESA are from the towns of Banga, New Washington and Madalag.
Typhoon victims of Banga coming from 17 barangays numbered 200. New Washington had 263 beneficiaries coming from 3 barangays while Madalag had 290 from 25 barangays.
Rosales said that the DSWD has assisted a total of 1,870 typhoon victims from Aklan under the ESA program amounting to P18,700,000.
She said that the DSWD is still processing the papers of other beneficiaries, and expressed the hope that the Paglaum Fund for Panay will be released soon.
Director Rosales also thanked Governor Marquez and Aklan's local chief executives for working together with the DSWD as partners in helping the people. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DSWD distributes P.7 M to 5 Aklan SKAs
Kalibo, Aklan -- Five Self Employment Assistance (SEA) Kaunlaran associations in Aklan recently received a total of P700,000.00 in checks from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at a turn-over ceremony at the guest house of the Provincial Capitol here.
The checks were brought to Aklan by DSWD 6 Regional Director Teresita Rosales and her staff. The turn-over, held at the conference room of the Provincial Guest House, was spearheaded by Director Rosales and Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez.
Beneficiaries came from the towns of Buruanga, Malay and Ibajay. Mayors Lulu Miraflores of Ibajay and Quezon Labindao of Buruanga came with their beneficiaries, while Mayor Ciceron Cawaling of Malay sent a representative.
Buruanga has two groups of beneficiaries – the Alegria Port SKA, which received P100,000 and Buruanga SKA, P150,000. Ibajay has two groups too – the Colong-Colong SKA which received P150,000.00; and Polo Vendors SKA, with P150,000.00.
Manoc-manoc Batch III of Malay, Aklan, on the other hand, received P150,000.00.
Director Rosales said the fund is still a part of DSWD's augmentation/assistance to victims of typhoon Senyang which destroyed the livelihood of the people in the three municipalities more than two years ago.
Rosales said economic development is the provincial and municipal leaders' priority and they took part in identifying groups that should benefit from the seed fund.
"Aklan's SEA-K associations are very successful because majority of them paid back their borrowed capital," Rosales said.
The SEA-K seed fund is payable for two years with no interest to be paid to the DSWD.
The fund distributed to Aklan beneficiaries, according to Rosales, no longer came from the national government but part of the payments made by associations and made as a revolving fund of the department.
She enjoined the SKAs to use the fund well, saying the scheme will aid them in becoming entrepreneurs where they can source their livelihood.
For his part, Gov. Marquez welcomed the assistance of the DSWD to the SKAs.
"Even if the fund is part of the government's augmentation for victims of Typhoon Senyang which struck Aklan more than two years ago, the release of the checks only shows that the government has not forgotten us. We know that the DSWD not only takes care of our concerns here in Aklan but those of the whole country. The DSWD also takes care of evacuees in Mindanao due to the MILF conflict with the government, and there are more evacuees there now than the victims of Typhoon Frank in Aklan," Marquez said.
Mayor Lulu Miraflores of Ibajay assured the DSWD that her office will monitor how the SKAs in her municipality used the fund for their livelihood venture, while Mayor Labindao of Buruanga vouched for the prompt payment of his town's SKAs to the DSWD.
Dir. Rosales' party also came to distribute Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) checks in Madalag and launch the Food For School program in the municipality. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The checks were brought to Aklan by DSWD 6 Regional Director Teresita Rosales and her staff. The turn-over, held at the conference room of the Provincial Guest House, was spearheaded by Director Rosales and Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez.
Beneficiaries came from the towns of Buruanga, Malay and Ibajay. Mayors Lulu Miraflores of Ibajay and Quezon Labindao of Buruanga came with their beneficiaries, while Mayor Ciceron Cawaling of Malay sent a representative.
Buruanga has two groups of beneficiaries – the Alegria Port SKA, which received P100,000 and Buruanga SKA, P150,000. Ibajay has two groups too – the Colong-Colong SKA which received P150,000.00; and Polo Vendors SKA, with P150,000.00.
Manoc-manoc Batch III of Malay, Aklan, on the other hand, received P150,000.00.
Director Rosales said the fund is still a part of DSWD's augmentation/assistance to victims of typhoon Senyang which destroyed the livelihood of the people in the three municipalities more than two years ago.
Rosales said economic development is the provincial and municipal leaders' priority and they took part in identifying groups that should benefit from the seed fund.
"Aklan's SEA-K associations are very successful because majority of them paid back their borrowed capital," Rosales said.
The SEA-K seed fund is payable for two years with no interest to be paid to the DSWD.
The fund distributed to Aklan beneficiaries, according to Rosales, no longer came from the national government but part of the payments made by associations and made as a revolving fund of the department.
She enjoined the SKAs to use the fund well, saying the scheme will aid them in becoming entrepreneurs where they can source their livelihood.
For his part, Gov. Marquez welcomed the assistance of the DSWD to the SKAs.
"Even if the fund is part of the government's augmentation for victims of Typhoon Senyang which struck Aklan more than two years ago, the release of the checks only shows that the government has not forgotten us. We know that the DSWD not only takes care of our concerns here in Aklan but those of the whole country. The DSWD also takes care of evacuees in Mindanao due to the MILF conflict with the government, and there are more evacuees there now than the victims of Typhoon Frank in Aklan," Marquez said.
Mayor Lulu Miraflores of Ibajay assured the DSWD that her office will monitor how the SKAs in her municipality used the fund for their livelihood venture, while Mayor Labindao of Buruanga vouched for the prompt payment of his town's SKAs to the DSWD.
Dir. Rosales' party also came to distribute Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) checks in Madalag and launch the Food For School program in the municipality. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
NFA still buying palay with additional fertilizer incentive from Aklan farmers
Linabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan -- Aklan farmers can still sell their palay produce to the National Food Authority (NFA) here at P17 per kilogram. And, if these farmers would be able to sell 50 bags to the NFA with 2,500 equivalent net weight in one transaction, these farmers will still be able to get P1,800.00 fertilizer incentive.
These farmers, however, have only until January 31 of this year to sell their clean and dry palay under the scheme, according to Judith Tindog, Information Officer II of NFA-Aklan, at the radio program over IBC-DYRG here hosted by the Philippine Information Agency.
Tindog also reminded Aklan farmers that the food agency is regularly going around the province to buy the farmers' palay produce to save their time and effort, instead of bringing their palay to the NFA warehouse in Banga.
"Those who will be able to sell palay with 2,500 equivalent net weight in their respective areas will get their P1,800.00 fertilizer incentive right away, besides their palay sales," Tindog said.
For his part, NFA-Aklan Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino reminded that only farmers holding farmer's passbook/master passbook could avail of additional incentive of P1,800.00. He also reminded farmers to revalidate their farmer's/master passbook each cropping season. For those who have no passbooks still, they could go to NFA-Aklan office so they will be given application forms.
NFA-Aklan assures that processing of the passbooks will be fast and easy.
Meanwhile, NFA Administrator Jessup P. Navarro said the NFA performed well last year both in domestic palay procurement and rice distribution that benefited its major stakeholders particularly palay farmers and consumers notably the poor.
Under the NFA's palay procurement scheme with fertilizer incentive, the NFA was able to pay farmers nationwide the amount of about P12 billion which the government has ploughed back to the agricultural sector to help spur the economy.
Navarro said that as of the end of the year, the volume of rice distributed by the food agency reached 39.8 million bags or 87 percent of the 45 million bags targeted in 2008. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
These farmers, however, have only until January 31 of this year to sell their clean and dry palay under the scheme, according to Judith Tindog, Information Officer II of NFA-Aklan, at the radio program over IBC-DYRG here hosted by the Philippine Information Agency.
Tindog also reminded Aklan farmers that the food agency is regularly going around the province to buy the farmers' palay produce to save their time and effort, instead of bringing their palay to the NFA warehouse in Banga.
"Those who will be able to sell palay with 2,500 equivalent net weight in their respective areas will get their P1,800.00 fertilizer incentive right away, besides their palay sales," Tindog said.
For his part, NFA-Aklan Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino reminded that only farmers holding farmer's passbook/master passbook could avail of additional incentive of P1,800.00. He also reminded farmers to revalidate their farmer's/master passbook each cropping season. For those who have no passbooks still, they could go to NFA-Aklan office so they will be given application forms.
NFA-Aklan assures that processing of the passbooks will be fast and easy.
Meanwhile, NFA Administrator Jessup P. Navarro said the NFA performed well last year both in domestic palay procurement and rice distribution that benefited its major stakeholders particularly palay farmers and consumers notably the poor.
Under the NFA's palay procurement scheme with fertilizer incentive, the NFA was able to pay farmers nationwide the amount of about P12 billion which the government has ploughed back to the agricultural sector to help spur the economy.
Navarro said that as of the end of the year, the volume of rice distributed by the food agency reached 39.8 million bags or 87 percent of the 45 million bags targeted in 2008. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Ladderized program to give jobs to students – TESDA
Kalibo, Aklan -- The Ladderized Education Program (LEP) of the government under the supervision of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will be to the students' advantage if they take tech-voc (technical-vocational) courses before pursuing college education.
This belief was expressed by TESDA Director-General Augusto Syjuco, who said that ladderized program is designed to help students, particularly the self-supporting ones to pursue and finished college education without going the full circle.
Syjuco also said that a tech-voc graduate has a better chance of landing a job either in the country on in the international job market as skilled workers compared to those who finish four or five-year college course.
According to him, tech-voc graduates are issued certificate of expertise which can be credited to the curriculum corresponding to level of one expertise should they pursue a college education.
In Aklan, Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist Ely Arensol of TESDA-Aklan said that currently, 159 students in the province are enrolled under the LEP of the government.
These students, according to him, are enrolled at Panay Technological College (PTC), the lone school in Aklan registered at TESDA offering the LEP.
Under the scheme, these students will obtain qualifications and required to undergo an assessment from TESDA. If the students pass the assessment, they will be issued a National Certificate (NC) Level II, which will already qualify them to apply for employment inside and outside the country.
Students availing of LEP in Aklan are enrolled in the Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) course with the aim of filling tourism-related jobs in Boracay, other parts of the country and abroad.
Besides the Panay Technological College, there are 14 other schools in Aklan registered under TESDA, according to Arensol. These schools are also offering tourism-related courses and household services, among others and have their students undergo the mandatory assessment of their qualifications under TESDA. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This belief was expressed by TESDA Director-General Augusto Syjuco, who said that ladderized program is designed to help students, particularly the self-supporting ones to pursue and finished college education without going the full circle.
Syjuco also said that a tech-voc graduate has a better chance of landing a job either in the country on in the international job market as skilled workers compared to those who finish four or five-year college course.
According to him, tech-voc graduates are issued certificate of expertise which can be credited to the curriculum corresponding to level of one expertise should they pursue a college education.
In Aklan, Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist Ely Arensol of TESDA-Aklan said that currently, 159 students in the province are enrolled under the LEP of the government.
These students, according to him, are enrolled at Panay Technological College (PTC), the lone school in Aklan registered at TESDA offering the LEP.
Under the scheme, these students will obtain qualifications and required to undergo an assessment from TESDA. If the students pass the assessment, they will be issued a National Certificate (NC) Level II, which will already qualify them to apply for employment inside and outside the country.
Students availing of LEP in Aklan are enrolled in the Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) course with the aim of filling tourism-related jobs in Boracay, other parts of the country and abroad.
Besides the Panay Technological College, there are 14 other schools in Aklan registered under TESDA, according to Arensol. These schools are also offering tourism-related courses and household services, among others and have their students undergo the mandatory assessment of their qualifications under TESDA. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
PESO accomplishment in '08 – thousands of Aklanons assisted, deployed for local, overseas jobs
Kalibo, Aklan -- Thousands of Aklanons were served by the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) here with its various employment related services in Aklan.
In her 2008 PESO Accomplishment Report submitted to Governor Carlito Marquez, Manager Vivian R. Solano said that her office was able to assist 5,287 Aklanons who sought assistance of PESO primarily for employment, scholarship, new passports, NBI clearances, Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) payments, verifications, complaints, inquiries, free medical-dental mission and others.
Solano said the services were extended in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), other government line agencies and the different local government units in the province.
The assistance was also handy because Aklan was adversely affected by Typhoon Frank in June 2008 and the help of the Provincial Government and other government agencies to job seekers was vital to for the Aklanonons' eventual economic recovery.
Of the number assisted, 1,025 Aklanons were hired for local employment while 87 were deployed as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in HongKong, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as domestic helpers, factory workers, welders and other categories.
Those assisted for local employment were mostly hired by Boracay resorts and establishments like the Boracay Gold Crown, Shakey's Boracay, Yellow Cab Boracay, Boracay Regency, Discovery Shores, DMCI Alta vista, Hotel Seraph and Shangri-La Boracay, while in Kalibo, job recruits were hired by Gaisano Kalibo, Greenwich Kalibo, Jollibee, Red Ribbon, Chowking, Taytay Sa Kauswagan, World of Fun-Gaisano, Cyber City Teleservices (Phils.) Inc., and many others.
They were hired as General Manager, Shift Head, OIC Manager, Branch Manager Representative, Account Management Supervisor, Service Crew, Service Technician, Cashiers, Call Center agents, front desk officer, engineer, project worker, program worker, bookkeeper, program assistant, finance teller, etc.
Besides job-seekers, others served by the PESO were those applying for passports and other matters.
Of the figure, females outnumbered the males seeking jobs or other assistance from PESO. For overseas deployment for instance, only 3 males were listed while 84 females from Aklan managed to work outside the country last year.
Just recently, the Department of Labor and Employment debunked claims that unemployment rate in the country could balloon to 11 million even as it revived employment assistance package for the workers to be displaced due to the global economic meltdown.
DOLE Secretary Marianito Roque did not give an exact figure as to how many workers will lose their jobs but "DOLE has already revived our assistance package" to ease the possible effect of the world financial crisis.
The DOLE chief said the employment assistance package also covers the OFWs who will also be affected by the global economic recession. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
In her 2008 PESO Accomplishment Report submitted to Governor Carlito Marquez, Manager Vivian R. Solano said that her office was able to assist 5,287 Aklanons who sought assistance of PESO primarily for employment, scholarship, new passports, NBI clearances, Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) payments, verifications, complaints, inquiries, free medical-dental mission and others.
Solano said the services were extended in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), other government line agencies and the different local government units in the province.
The assistance was also handy because Aklan was adversely affected by Typhoon Frank in June 2008 and the help of the Provincial Government and other government agencies to job seekers was vital to for the Aklanonons' eventual economic recovery.
Of the number assisted, 1,025 Aklanons were hired for local employment while 87 were deployed as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in HongKong, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as domestic helpers, factory workers, welders and other categories.
Those assisted for local employment were mostly hired by Boracay resorts and establishments like the Boracay Gold Crown, Shakey's Boracay, Yellow Cab Boracay, Boracay Regency, Discovery Shores, DMCI Alta vista, Hotel Seraph and Shangri-La Boracay, while in Kalibo, job recruits were hired by Gaisano Kalibo, Greenwich Kalibo, Jollibee, Red Ribbon, Chowking, Taytay Sa Kauswagan, World of Fun-Gaisano, Cyber City Teleservices (Phils.) Inc., and many others.
They were hired as General Manager, Shift Head, OIC Manager, Branch Manager Representative, Account Management Supervisor, Service Crew, Service Technician, Cashiers, Call Center agents, front desk officer, engineer, project worker, program worker, bookkeeper, program assistant, finance teller, etc.
Besides job-seekers, others served by the PESO were those applying for passports and other matters.
Of the figure, females outnumbered the males seeking jobs or other assistance from PESO. For overseas deployment for instance, only 3 males were listed while 84 females from Aklan managed to work outside the country last year.
Just recently, the Department of Labor and Employment debunked claims that unemployment rate in the country could balloon to 11 million even as it revived employment assistance package for the workers to be displaced due to the global economic meltdown.
DOLE Secretary Marianito Roque did not give an exact figure as to how many workers will lose their jobs but "DOLE has already revived our assistance package" to ease the possible effect of the world financial crisis.
The DOLE chief said the employment assistance package also covers the OFWs who will also be affected by the global economic recession. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DOH warns against dengue, typhoid and other water-borne diseases
Kalibo, Aklan -- This early in 2009, the Department of Health (DOH) is warning Aklanons against dengue, typhoid and water-borne diseases.
Dr. Myrtle Pelayo, Medical Specialist and Provincial DOH Representative here said these diseases are more likely to strike this early because of continuous rains in the province triggering floods, and stagnant and unsafe drinking water.
Dr. Pelayo said people should watch out for dengue because of continuous rains which could accumulate in upturned cans, coconuts shells and other containers that could be made breeding places of dengue-causing mosquitoes.
Floods and murky stagnant water, on the other hand, may cause leptospirosis, especially if people wading in these areas have open wounds.
DOH is also warning against typhoid which is chiefly caused by unsafe drinking water. Typhoid could also be caused, according to Dr. Pelayo, by unsanitary food preparation and unsafe eating habits.
Dr. Pelayo also warned against diseases brought by the cold climate. She reminded parents to properly care for their children, especially the babies and the younger ones.
"Feed them well with nutritious and well-prepared food, and give them warm clothing to protect them from the cold temperature, to avoid sickness," she said. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Dr. Myrtle Pelayo, Medical Specialist and Provincial DOH Representative here said these diseases are more likely to strike this early because of continuous rains in the province triggering floods, and stagnant and unsafe drinking water.
Dr. Pelayo said people should watch out for dengue because of continuous rains which could accumulate in upturned cans, coconuts shells and other containers that could be made breeding places of dengue-causing mosquitoes.
Floods and murky stagnant water, on the other hand, may cause leptospirosis, especially if people wading in these areas have open wounds.
DOH is also warning against typhoid which is chiefly caused by unsafe drinking water. Typhoid could also be caused, according to Dr. Pelayo, by unsanitary food preparation and unsafe eating habits.
Dr. Pelayo also warned against diseases brought by the cold climate. She reminded parents to properly care for their children, especially the babies and the younger ones.
"Feed them well with nutritious and well-prepared food, and give them warm clothing to protect them from the cold temperature, to avoid sickness," she said. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Kalibo slates '09 Ati-atihan Products Showcase
Kalibo, Aklan -- Forty (40) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) representing sectors such as crafts, food and garden will be joining this year's Kalibo Ati-atihan Product Showcase 2009, which will open on January 12 at the Kalibo Pastrana Park.
According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena, Aklan's unique indigenous fibers such as abaca, pina, and raffia cloths and crafts, gifts and house wares, furnishings as well as the newly developed products and labeling designs on processed food will be showcased in the yearly activity.
Started since 1989, the yearly activity is one of the attractions of the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival.
The product showcase is organized and coordinated by the Municipal Government of Kalibo, through the Kalibo Ati-atihan Management Board, the Provincial Government of Aklan, Department of Trade and Industry, and Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. (DTI/PIA)
According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena, Aklan's unique indigenous fibers such as abaca, pina, and raffia cloths and crafts, gifts and house wares, furnishings as well as the newly developed products and labeling designs on processed food will be showcased in the yearly activity.
Started since 1989, the yearly activity is one of the attractions of the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival.
The product showcase is organized and coordinated by the Municipal Government of Kalibo, through the Kalibo Ati-atihan Management Board, the Provincial Government of Aklan, Department of Trade and Industry, and Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. (DTI/PIA)
Friday, October 24, 2008
OPVET aiming for bigger cattle, carabao population in Aklan thru artificial insemination
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)
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)
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)
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