Aklan schools ready for school opening

    Kalibo, Aklan -- All public elementary and secondary schools in Aklan are now ready for the opening of this school year on June 15, 2010.

    Aklan Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Victorina Laroza said a major factor that contributed to the preparedness of Aklan public schools in opening their doors to new and combacking pupils and students was the "Brigada Eskwela".

    The "Brigada Eskwela" which involves the cleaning up of class rooms and school premises by teachers, parents, students and other well-meaning sectors has been practiced for years in public schools throughout the country weeks before school opening.

    Dr. Laroza said that in practicing the "Brigada" in Aklan, some principals and school heads were innovative in enjoining the help of other sectors to help in the clean-up of classrooms and premises and in the repair of chairs, tables and other classroom fixtures.

    The "Brigada" was even made more successful here with the adoption by some organizations of schools or classrooms.

    "We have long started this "adopt a school or adopt a room scheme to improve our school facilities or premises," Dr. Laroza said. She also added that this scheme also extended to other adoption, like the "Adopt a Team" scheme, with members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Aklan adopting the swimming team of DepEd-Aklan, so they will have better chances in sports competition like the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA).

In March 2010 when Aklan hosted the 2010 WVRAA, the province of Aklan placed third in the overall standing.

Meanwhile, Dr. Laroza assured that there are enough classrooms and teachers for this school year's surge of students.

Dr. Laroza said that although there are classrooms with big number of students, there are also classes with a ratio of 1:20.

"Classes with bigger number of students coded black or red with a ratio of 1:60 and 1:50 respectively are prioritized by the DepEd for provision of new teacher-items," Laroza said.

Laroza said Aklan gets only as much as 21 teacher-items per school year.

Laroza also said provincial and municipal school boards are very supportive of DepEd-Aklan, by providing salaries of teachers hired under the program. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

    Kalibo, Aklan -- All public elementary and secondary schools in Aklan are now ready for the opening of this school year on June 15, 2010.

    Aklan Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Victorina Laroza said a major factor that contributed to the preparedness of Aklan public schools in opening their doors to new and combacking pupils and students was the "Brigada Eskwela".

    The "Brigada Eskwela" which involves the cleaning up of class rooms and school premises by teachers, parents, students and other well-meaning sectors has been practiced for years in public schools throughout the country weeks before school opening.

    Dr. Laroza said that in practicing the "Brigada" in Aklan, some principals and school heads were innovative in enjoining the help of other sectors to help in the clean-up of classrooms and premises and in the repair of chairs, tables and other classroom fixtures.

    The "Brigada" was even made more successful here with the adoption by some organizations of schools or classrooms.

    "We have long started this "adopt a school or adopt a room scheme to improve our school facilities or premises," Dr. Laroza said. She also added that this scheme also extended to other adoption, like the "Adopt a Team" scheme, with members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Aklan adopting the swimming team of DepEd-Aklan, so they will have better chances in sports competition like the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA).

In March 2010 when Aklan hosted the 2010 WVRAA, the province of Aklan placed third in the overall standing.

Meanwhile, Dr. Laroza assured that there are enough classrooms and teachers for this school year's surge of students.

Dr. Laroza said that although there are classrooms with big number of students, there are also classes with a ratio of 1:20.

"Classes with bigger number of students coded black or red with a ratio of 1:60 and 1:50 respectively are prioritized by the DepEd for provision of new teacher-items," Laroza said.

Laroza said Aklan gets only as much as 21 teacher-items per school year.

Laroza also said provincial and municipal school boards are very supportive of DepEd-Aklan, by providing salaries of teachers hired under the program. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Army helps in “Brigada Eskwela”

    Kalibo, Aklan – Clean-up and repair works in schools to prepare for this year's school opening became faster and lighter with the help of army men from the 12^th IB here who joined "Brigada Eskwela" in various schools in Aklan.

    According to Capt. Ricardo Villaruel, Civil Military Officer of 12^th IB, a platoon from their camp worked handin-hand with teachers, parents and pupils in the conduct of Brigada Eskwela from May 17-21 in different public elementary schools here.

    Capt. Villaruel said the group frm the 12^th IB who joined the "Brigada" was composed of regular army men and CAFGUs.

    The Philippine Army joined in the clean-up drive by painting and repairing chairs in Urquiola Elementary School and Tabayon and Agbanawan Primary schools in Banga, Aklan, Cabugao Elementary School in Altavas, Aklan and Navitas Elementary School in Malinao, Aklan.

    This week, the Philippine Army will also do the Brigada in Aranas Elementary School in Balete, Aklan.

    Capt. Villaruel said school officials, parents, teachers and pupils eagerly welcomed the assistance of the Philppine Army in the clean-up activity.

    "School officials and parents we have talked to told us that clean-up and repair works that were usually accomplished in a week were done in a day with our help," Capt. Villaruel said. (PIA/Venus g. Villanueva)

Provincial Capitol initiates improvement of security measures

    Kalibo, Aklan - Vehicles, including motorcycles entering the Provincial Capitol compound here shall soon be subjected to inspection by provincial security guards.

    This is in order to improve security measures in the compound, according to Governor Carlito S. Marquez, who appealed to everybody to bear with the new measure for the sake of security and order in the area.

    The governor said security guards shall require drivers of vehicles to identify themselves, their passengers, and provide other information required in the logbook to be maintained by the former.

    Government officials and personnel and other persons frequently transacting business with offices located in the compound will be issued car passes.

    Applications for said passes shall be made available at the Office of the Provincial Civil Security Group at the the ABL Sports Complex.

    The Provincial Capitol Grounds had a recent makeover with the installation of concrete walls and gates at both sides of the area, while the main building is also undergoing repair/further improvement.

    Besides hosting provincial department offices, the main Capitol Building also hosts national government offices like the Department of Health (DOH), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). (Venus G. Villanueva/PIA)

NSO warns against “census pretenders”

Kalibo, Aklan – The National Statistics Office (NSO) here is warning Aklanons about people pretending to be part of the team conducting census as they are out to fleece the households of their money, doing their undesirable activities in time for the conduct of the 2010 Census of Population and Housing.

    Blas Solidum, Provincial Statistics Officer of NSO-Aklan said enumerators hired by the office to conduct the census complained that residents in a municipality no longer like to entertain them and answer their survey questions.

    "These residents said people from the NSO have already gone to them, have asked them questions and offered them certain merchandise. They were also asked to give down payments and were promised to return with the goods but they never came back. So residents have lost their trust, to the disadvantage of the bonafide census enumerators, and the smooth conduct of the activity.," said Solidum.

    These persons pretending to be conducting the census allegedly offer gadgets that could help reduce power consumption in the households, according to Solidum.

    Solidum emphasized that the enumerators composed of public school teachers and other professionals hired by the NSO sport proper identification cards, T-shirt/uniforms and umbrellas when they go to their places of assignments.

    As in other parts of the country, the census started May 17, a week after the automated national and local elections, and will be over by June 11.

    "Our enumerators are only out to get data and not to offer any merchandise to household interviewees," Solidum said.

    Complaints of the same kind also plagued the provinces of Capiz and Iloilo, according to NSO-Aklan.

    The outcome of the 2010 Census of Population and Housing which the NSO tags as its flagship project, is widely anticipated in Aklan, as this would determine if the province would finally be divided into two districts.

    A more progressive Aklan is foreseen if the province will have two districts with two Congress representatives working for further development of Aklan and its people. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

DAR groundbreaks P18.8 M projects in Aklan

Malay, Aklan -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) here recently spearheaded the groundbreaking of three projects which are part of the P51.9 million infrastructure projects identified for Malaya Agrarian Reform Community in Malay, aklan.

The projects are under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Program (ARISP) III.

The projects involved the construction of Nabaoy-Sitio Embaroto farm-to-market road spanning 0.80 kilometers worth P4.2 M; construction of of the Napaan-Sitio Kipot farm-to-market road with 1.6 kilometer length costing P7.9 M and the Dumlog Communal Irrigation Project servicing 27 hectares of farmlands worth P6.7M.

Launched in Aklan last year, ARISP III has assistied three agrarian reform communities – the Malaya ARC in Malay; BENTCH ARC in Buruanga and Pacto de Sangre in New Washington, Aklan.

According to DAR-Aklan, ARISP III projects in Malay alone covers the improvement of Argao-Napaan Road with bridge worth P24.8 miullion; construction of Dumlog Sitio Aganaga Road worth P6.7 million; Post-harvest facility costing P1.5 million and the Dumlog CIP launched in time for the groundbreaking.

Key regional and provincial DAR officials, together with Malay's local government officials spearheaded the groundbreaking. (DAR/PIA)

 

Seminar to improve Aklan’s festivals, fiestas slated

    Kalibo, Aklan -- A seminar to assist Aklan's 17 municipalities to improve and preserve their festivities and fiestas, as well as to start ones that conform to their culture and tradition will be held here on May 28 and 29.

    The seminar was conceptualized by the provincial government together with the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council and Aklan Provincial Tourism Office.

    Municipalities will also be aided in conceptualizing other events in their areas depending on the richness of their imaginations, according to Alex Meñez, Committee on Special Events Board Member of the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council.

Roselle Q. Ruiz, Aklan Provincial Tourism Operations Officer, said the first day of the seminar will be held at Café Latte in Andagao, Kalibo while the second day will be held at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center in Old Buswang, Kalibo.

Participants include Sangguniang Bayan members, Tourism Committees and Tourism Officers and designates of the 17 municipalities.

Invited resource speaker of the seminar is Alphonsus Tesoro, a multi-awarded Aklanon currently the Acting Provincial Tourism Officer in Capiz. He will be discussing topics on Performing Arts Management, Festival Management, Theatre Arts, Cultural Planning, Team Building and Capability Building for cultural communities.

Ruiz said the regional office of the Department of Tourism 6 also extended funding support so the seminar could push through. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklanons affected by El Niño to avail of rice subsidy

Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklanon farmers, who had been affected by El Niño will be availing of rice subsidies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

    The rice subsidies will be distributed to Aklan recipients coming from 4 Aklan towns – Balete, Buruanga, Libacao and Madalag through the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).

    PNRC Provincial Administrator Arcely Pelayo said a total of 4,187 Aklanons will be benefiting from the rice subsidies of the government.

    Pelayo said the DSWD national office had already identified recipients, who are also beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

    The rice subsidies for Buruanga recipients will be distributed on June 9 while that of Baleten-ons will be on June 11.

    The distribution will be held to coincide with the distribution of the 4Ps cash grants of beneficiaries.

    The PNRC is yet to hold a meeting for beneficiaries of Libacao and Madalag for the final date of rice distribution in the areas, favorably to coincide with the distribution of 4Ps cash grants too.

    A farmer/household is set to receive a sack of rice one time. The rice is also iron-fortified.

    According to the DSWD, Aklan has the biggest number of recipients with 4,187. Iloilo has 1,749; Capiz has 1,039 and Negros Occidental - 919 farmers-households. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)    

DTI initiates “Balik-Eskwela” discount scheme

    Kalibo, Aklan -- New school entrants as well as come-backing pupils and students will find it easier and cheaper to shop for their school supplies this school year opening with the holding of a "Balik-Eskwela Diskwento" project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

    DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena said the "Balik-Eskwela Diskwento" project is a scheme where retailers of school supplies will gather in one place so students will have easy access to affordable and quality school supplies at lower than Suggested Retail Prices (SRP), or discounted prices. It will be held at the Provincial Trade Hall at the Capitol Grounds, with more or less 5 major dealers of school supplies joining.

    Director Cadena said the project generated a positive response from retailers, who expressed their willingness to bring their merchandise to the venue for the project.

    The school supplies discount project will be held from June 9-10. Director Cadena said this practice is also being held by the DTI Central Office, and revealed that Sec. Lesli Lapuz had expressed the hope the practice will be replicated in provinces.

    Director Cadena said the DTI will be conducting this project with the help of the Department of Education through school officials and teachers who will inform pupils and students in their respective areas about this "Balik-Eswkwela" project.

The DTI expects that besides Kalibonhons, other residents – parents and pupils, would also flock to the area to avail of the opportunity. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

PHO to mothers: beat economic crisis, practice exclusive breastfeeding

    Kalibo, Aklan -- The Provincial Health Office (PHO) here is strongly advocating the practice of exclusive breastfeeding to beat the economic crisis.

    Cecilia De Lemos, PHO Breasfeeding Coordinator, also said that besides beating the prevailing economic crisis by shunning high-priced infant formula, exclusive breastfeeding has other remarkable advantages.

    "Breastmilk is free, accessible, clean and nutritious," De Lemos said.

    De Lemos also said the importance of breastfeeding was further emphasized when Typhoon Frank struck Aklan June 2008 and bottle-fed babies faced life-threatening problems.

    "There was no clean water. Some parents had no money. And even if they had money, stores were damaged and closed, so they cannot buy infant formula and distilled water to bottle-feed their babies," De Lemos said.

    Such problem, according to De Lemos, was not felt by breastfeeding mothers at the time. Breastmilk, she also said, undergoes no spoilage or contamination.

    To provide enough milk for the baby, a mother should practice proper breastfeeding position. She must eat nutritious foods to generate milk production. She should also make sure her baby avails of the first milk that comes out of her breast – called colustrom, which serves as the first immunization for the baby.

    De Lemos stressed that exclusive breastfeeding, however means the baby should only be fed with breastmilk for the first six months – no water and no vitamins, because breastmilk is a complete food for the baby.

    In August when the entire country celebrates Breastfeeding Month, De Lemos said that as Coordinator, she will again conduct the search for a breastfeeding champion, one who practices exclusive breastfeeding.

    Just recently, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's policies and programs were cited for increasing the exclusive breastfeeding rate almost four times, ushering a new direction for breastfeeding as an important part of public healthcare and national development.

    Dra. Elvira Henares-Esguerra, founding president of Children for Breastfeeding Inc. (CfB) said the President's compassion and political will saved breastfeeding from the brink of extinction, reversing 20 years of frustration among its advocates.

    The Chief Executive received a copy of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) promoting the importance of breastfeeding between the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of the DOST and the CfB.

    Esguerra said the MOU further promotes researches in breastfeeding that include the intake of virgin coconut oil for breastfeeding mothers to increase the anti-microbial properties of human breast milk. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan stores found selling lower than SRP school supplies

    Kalibo, Aklan -- Some groceries, supermarkets and a wet market store here in Aklan were found by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to be selling certain school supplies whose prices are even lower than the Suggested Retail Price (SRP).

     Rene Retiro, Trade and Industry Development Specialist (TIDS) of DTI-Aklan who is in charge of monitoring school supplies in time for the opening of classes June 7 said these supplies include pencils, crayons, notebooks and pad papers.

    Based on the data released by DTI-Aklan, supermarkets in Aklan sell TPencil brand at P4.75 while its Suggested Retail Price is P5.25. On the other hand, a Mongol pencil is sold at a wet market store in Kalibo for P5.00 while the same costs P5.50 at the supermarkets and grocery stores. Its SRP is P5.50.

    A box of 8 colors Crayola brand crayons has an SRP of 17.00 but it is sold for P16:00 in the wetmarket and P15.00 at supermarkets. A box of 16 colors of the same brand has an SRP of P30.75, but both the wet market and the supermarkets and groceries here sell it for P27.00.

    For 24 colors Crayola per box, it is sold at P44.00 in the wet market and P42.00 in the supermarkets. The SRP is P45.75.

    As for composition notebooks, an 80-leaves Advance brand costs P10.00 pesos in supermarkets here, however, its SRP is P12.75. Spiral Advance and CPPI 80 leaves also costs P10.00 each in supermarkets, although the SRP for both brands is P12.75. Another brand, Topline, is sold at P10.00 per piece, but its SRP is P11.75.

    For intermediate pads, Easywrite pads 80 leaves costs P20.00 at supermarkets/groceries although its SRP is P24.00.

    The DTI said that it has gone to 7 supermarkets/groceries and 1 wet market store to monitor school supplies.

    Just recently, the DTI released a guide in buying school supplies.containing brands/designs of supplies, number of leaves in the case of notebooks and pad papers, type of paper and the respective SRP.

    When buying notebooks, the DTI suggests one should know the types of paper used, its number of leaves, its paper size, brand name or trade mark, and address of manufacturer, converter or importer. When buying pad papers, one must count the number of leaves, know types of paper used, brand name or trade mark, address of manufacturer, converter or importer.

    For crayons, its brand name, number of crayons per box, name and address of manufacturer or distributor, the words "non-toxic" declaring that this has passed in the "allowed toxicity level" set by the FDA, and country where product was produced should be scrutinized.

    For pencils, one must look at the brand name or trade mark, hardness symbol (1,2,3) and country where it was produced. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

 

Energy conservation is like having a power plant, says Energy Audit chair

    Iloilo City -- Conserving energy is like building a virtual power plant. It also helps the government save dollars by not importing fuel, according to Undersecretary Waldo Flores, Energy Audit Team Chairman from the Office of the President (OP).

    Hon. Flores was in Iloilo City to join the group of the Department of Energy (DOE) that recently conducted a briefing on the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).

    The GEMP is a government program that aims to reduce the monthly consumption on electricity (in kilowatt hours) and monthly petroleum products (liters) by at least 10% in all government agencies.

    The implementation of the GEMP entails the conduct of Spot Check of government buildings that will determine the rating of grades pertinent to their level of compliance to Administratiive Orders 110, 126 and 183.

    AO 110, which directs the institutionalization of the GEMP, was signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2004.

    Flores said that by saving energy, the people keep the government from importing fuel.

    "By not importing fuel, the government can use the dollars for other industries," Flores told participants of the briefing held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel composed of representatives from national government agencies in the region.

    Flores said he is glad to promote a program that is already a winner.

    "You are helping the government build a virtual power plant. We reduce consumption while looking into other sources of energy. There are many industries trying to come in but power is scarce. We are trying to reduce consumption so other industries will have power," Flores explained.

    Presently, the DOE said the country is still 43% dependent on oil imports, and is aiming to reduce dependence by 25%.

    Besides the conduct of the briefing on GEMP, the group was also in Iloilo City to hold spot checks on national government agencies.

    According to the DOE, it has already conducted spot checks in Capiz.

    USEC Flores, as Energy Audit Team chair, heads the spot checks. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Make energy conservation a way of life – DOE

    Iloilo City -- The Department of Energy (DOE) is appealing to everyone to make energy conservation a way of life.

    The call was issued by Director Evelyn N. Reyes, Energy Utilization Manager, DOE to participants coming from various government agencies who attended the seminar on Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel on May 19.

    "Everyone should be advocates of energy conservation," Director Reyes said.

    The GEMP is one of the programs of the government that aims to reduce the monthly consumption of electricity (kwh) and monthly petroleum products (liters) by at least ten percent (10%) in all government entities.

    The implementation of GEMP entails the conduct of Spot Check of government buildings that will determine the rating of grades pertinent to their level of compliance to Administrative Orders 110, 126 1ne 183.

    Administrative Order 110 was issued in 2004 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to institutionalize the GEMP.

    Director Reyes said that since 2005, a yearly average of P350 million had been saved by the government through energy conservation, which was enhanced through vigilance and the commitment to practice energy conservation as a daily routine.

    Since 2005, some 656 government institutions had been audited or spot-checked by the Department of Energy.

    Reyes said the DOE aims to cover more regions to see if the program goal has been attained.

    Government agencies in Capiz had been audited by the Energy Audit Team (EAT) already. The DOE said it will be auditing offices in Iloilo during their stay.

    Baseline of audit is the 2004 average monthly consumption of electricity and petroleum of offices.

    She emphasized that the program will help cushion the impact of the power situation in Iloilo and the whole country.

    Topics discussed in the seminar were on GEMP, discussed by Crizaldo G. Santos, Science Research Specialist II, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Division, DOE; and Alternative Fuels Program, by Mrs. Elma Karunungan, Division Chief, Alternative Fuels.

    The activity was also graced by Hon. Waldo Q. Flores, Chairman, Energy Audit Team from the Office of the President (OP).

    The seminar was conducted in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Help prevent grass fires, DENR tells Aklanons

    Kalibo, Aklan -- With almost everything around parched and dry, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here called on all Aklanons to help prevent grass fires.

    DENR-Aklan Information Officer Otella Igcasenza said with the unrelenting onslaught of El Niño drying up cogonal lands, ricefields and forested areas, it is very easy for grassfires to start and spread.

    "A single cigarette butt thrown indiscriminately, a bottle or glass shards could create fires in grasslands and other dry areas," Igcasenza said.

    Glass shards, according to her, could ignite fire, and when other factors like a strong wind and dry areas are present, the fire could spread easily.

    Presently, the DENR is doing all means to prevent fires in its reforestation projects spread all over the province. One of these is the deployment of forest rangers to closely monitor vulnerable areas.

    While grass fires had been occurring in some parts of Aklan, Igcasenza said these were on alienable and disposable lands and not on government-owned properties like reforestation sites.

    DENR is also appealing to people in mountainous areas practicing slash and burn or "kaingin farming", as this is against the law.

    Igcasenza said that although efforts are continuously made by the environment office to stop this practice or apprehend wrong-doers, nobody comes out in the open to serve as witnesses, so nobody gets punished and the illegal practice continues.

    Earlier, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here also called on Aklanons to help prevent grass fires by being careful with their cigarette butts and ensuring that fires built during picnics and outings are extinguished before leaving the area. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Water District in Aklan bats for water conservation

    Kalibo, Aklan -- The Metro Kalibo Water District (MKWD), major water provider in Kalibo and some adjoining towns in the province, is calling on all concessionaires to conserve water, and has come up with tips to avoid water wastage in order to cut down on water bills.

    "We can do well in reducing our water bills by conserving or wisely using water, thus we could be spared of some pesos which we can use instead for our daily requirements," said the MKWD in a brochure it has circulated to its thousands of concessionaires.

    The MKWD brochure gave water-saving tips when one is washing clothes and dishes, when cooking, when taking showers and flushing the toilet, washing hands, face and hair, brushing teeth and shaving, cleaning and watering plants.

    The MKWD advised that when washing clothes, one must soak heavily-soiled clothes to remove dirt easily and save the rinse water for flushing the toilet or cleaning the yard. When using the washing machine, the individual must utilize the economy cycle instead of the normal cycle as it requires less water. In washing dishes, one should wash lightly greased dishes, glasses, cups, saucers first before the greasy ones like plates, bowls, pots, pans and utensils.

    When one is cooking, he or she must use a basin when washing vegetables, fruits and other food, and not wash them under a running faucet.

    One should not stay under the shower longer than necessary, shutting off the tap while soaping up. Unnecessary flushing should also be avoided, and the toilet bowl should not be used as an ashtray or wastebasket.

    "Every cigarette butt or tissue flushed into the toilet bowl use 5 to 7 gallons of water," the brochure stated.

    One must also turn the faucet off while brushing the teeth and shaving, and should use a glass instead when brushing or rinsing off the razor.

    When cleaning, one must use a broom instead of a hose to clean the driveway or sidewalk. Using a hose wastes 50 gallons of water in five minutes. A bucket and mop should be used instead. When washing a car, using the running hose should be avoided. A pail should be used when rinsing.

    Using a watering can or sprinkler, watering plants in the morning or in the evening are the tips when watering plants. Plants should not be watered at noon because water dries up easily during noontime.

    The MKWD also suggested to Aklanons to save the wash or rinse water for flushing the toilet, watering the plants or cleaning driveways; and turning off a running tap when not in use.

    "Don't allow a tap to run unattended", was its final reminder.

    The MKWD has assured its concessionaires in Kalibo and other adjoining towns that it has enough water to supply them despite the onslaught of the El Niño that has affected water sources in some parts of the province. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

Water District in Aklan has adequate supply despite El Niño

    Kalibo, Aklan –The Metro Kalibo Water District (MKWD) here is assuring households it covers in four towns that it has adequate water for their daily needs despite the onslaught of El Niño here that has already dried up wells and other water sources; and scorched farmlands in almost all parts of the province.

    According to Gildane Briones, MKWD Information Officer, there is no danger of water supply running out among households here, especially in the towns of Kalibo, New Washington, Banga and Balete, and in three barangays of Batan.

    "The MKWD has even a reserved supply of water stored in the elevated water reservoir at 19 Martyrs Street", Briones said.

    Presently, MKWD concessionaires number 17,500. There are also proposals to annex the town of Numancia just across the Kalibo Bridge and be served by the MKWD.

    The three barangays of Batan – Caiyang, Camaligan and Magubahay are located in between the towns of Banga and Balete, thereby availing of the service from the MKWD, while Lalab, another Batan barangay, is making moves to be served by the water system, being an adjoining barangay of Balete's last barangay along the national highway, Aranas.

    The MKWD sources its water supply through pumping stations in various parts of Kalibo.

    Presently, the MKWD is upgrading its services by changing old pipes with new ones. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

PNP thanks Aklanons for peaceful elections

    Kalibo, Aklan -- The Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) here, headed by Provincial Director Sr. Police Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, Jr. thanked the Aklanons for the conduct of a peaceful and orderly elections on May 10, 2010.

    Bragais aired his "thank you" to Aklanons over a radio station here, saying no single untoward incident was reported in the province in the course of the conduct of the May 10 automated elections.

    Days prior to the elections, the PNP deployed personnel to all polling centers in the province with a ratio of 1:1.

    The provincial personnel of the PNP in Aklan, numbering 655, were also augmented by the regional office, which sent 104 personnel.

    Besides guarding polling centers, the PNP also helped the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the delivery of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines before Election Day, and the delivery of official ballots on Election Day itself. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

246,000 Aklanons join history by voting in first auto elections

    Kalibo, Aklan -- 246,002 Aklanons became part of history by participating in the country's first-ever automated elections on May 10, 2010.

    Aklan has a total of 316,040 registered voters for the May 10 elections, distributed in the province' 17 towns.

    From the eastern part of Aklan composed of Altavas, Balete, Banga, Batan, Libacao, Madalag, New Washington and Kalibo, registered voters numbered 171,158. Of this number, 128,983 voters actually voted. On the other hand, the western side of the province is composed of the towns of Numancia, Lezo, Makato, Malinao, Ibajay, Nabas, Tangalan, Malay and Buruanga. This cluster had a total of 144,882 registered voters, with 117,019 who actually voted.

    Aklan's elected officials also go down in history, along with their counterparts in various areas in the country, as the province' first-ever officials who were voted automatedly, like Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores, who got a total of 171,190 votes counted through automation; Governor Carlito Marquez, who got 166,099 votes, and Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo, who got 126,981; the 10 Sangguniang Panlalawigan members; the 17 sets of mayors and vice mayors in Aklan's 17 municicipalities and the 17 sets of Sangguniang Bayan members composed of 8 each. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

COMELEC proclaims Aklan’s election winners

    Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan's election winners for various provincial positions were proclaimed here May 13 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Session Hall, Provincial Capitol grounds.

    The winners, led by incumbents Rep. for the Lone District of Aklan Florencio T. Miraflores, Governor Carlito Marquez and Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo were proclaimed by the Provincial Board of Canvassers composed of COMELEC Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria as Chairman, Rizalde P. Dizon, State Auditor V Supervising Auditor, Vice Chairman, and Dr. Victorina Laroza, Schools Division Superintendent, DepEd-Aklan, as Member.

    Ten Sangguniang Panlalawigan members from the eastern and western part of Aklan were also proclaimed.

    Rep. Miraflores, now on his third term, ran unopposed and garnered a total of 178,190 votes. On the other hand, Marquez, also on his term, got a total of 166,099 votes against opponents Leovigildo T. Mationg, who got 40,895 and Anthony Acevedo, who got 5,140.

    Re-elected Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo got a total of 126,981 votes while her opponent, former Ibajay mayor Roberto Q. Garcia, Jr. got 66,776.

    Elected Sangguniang Panlalawigan members in the western side of Aklan include Jose Enrique Miraflores who garnered 58,355 votes; Selwyn Ibarreta, 55,781; Phoebe Clarice L. Cabagnot, 48,136; Gerick M. Templonuevo, 46,029 and Victor Manuel M. Garcia, 37,897.

    Jose Enrique is the son of Rep. Florencio Miraflores while Phoebe Clarice is the daughter of former Aklan governor Corazon Legaspi Cabagnot. Victor Manuel is also the son of another former Aklan governor, Roberto Q. Garcia.

    Ibarreta and Templonuevo are relectionists.

    For the eastern part, SP winners include Nemesio Neron, who garnered 57,411 votes; Daisy S. Briones, 54,425; Raymar Rebaldo, 52,795; Jean Rodriguez, 49,092 and Rodson Mayor, 47,659.

    Neron, Briones, Rodriguez and Mayor are reelectionists while Rebaldo is the only new member for the eastern group.

    Rebaldo is a three-termer mayor of Kalibo, whose mayoral stint ends June 30 of this year, and then will sit at noontime of the same day as SP member.

    For the May 10, 2010 elections, 246,002 Aklanons became part of history by casting their votes in the first-ever automated elections held in the country.

    Aklan has a total of 316,040 registered voters. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan holds peaceful elections, yields 12 LAKAS mayors

    Kalibo, Aklan -- Despite the heat, long lines and defective PCOS machines in some towns, the province of Aklan had a peaceful and "historical" election on May 10 owing to its participation in the first-ever automated polls in the country.

    Being automated, people in most towns knew their new local executives and lawmakers before midnight of the same day, which showed 12 LAKAS-CMD candidates from the different towns in Aklan landing in mayoralty positions. Ten of them are incumbents while two are new. On the other hand, there are 8 winning vice mayors belonging to the LAKAS-CMD party.

    The ten re-elected incumbents include Delfina Ramos of Batan, Quezon Labindao of Buruanga, Ma. Lourdes Miraflores of Ibajay; Victor Fernandez of Lezo; Charito Navarosa of Libacao; Rex Gubatina of Madalag; Ramon Legaspi of Makato; Romeo Dalisay of Nabas, Edgar Peralta of New Washington and Gene Fuentes of Tangalan.

    The two newly elected executives include John Yap of Malay and Wilbert Igoy of Malinao.

    Of the newly-elected local officials, 2 are lady mayors, while there are five lady vice mayors.

    One vice mayoralty candidate from the town of Lezo, Philip John Buenaflor, won as Vice Mayor, the only one who won in the race without a party.

    In Kalibo, the capital town, no candidate ran under the LAKAS CMD party. Recently COMELEC-proclaimed mayoralty winner, William Lachica, along with vice mayoralty winner Madeline Regalado, ran under Bigkis-Pinoy Party.

    Other elected mayors and their respective parties are incoming Balete Mayor Teodoro Calizo, Nacionalista Party, Denny Refol of Altavas, Lapiang Manggagawa Workers; Antonio Maming of Banga, Lapiang Manggagawa Workers, and Adolfo Iligan of Numancia, Partido ng Masang Pilipino.

    Calizo and Refol are comebacking mayors of their respective towns after several years of respite. Maming is an incumbent while Adolfo Iligan will be a first-time mayor.

    Meanwhile, incumbent Rep. of the Lone District of Aklan Florencio T. Miraflores was reelected congressman of Aklan, while incumbent Governor Carlito s. Marquez and incumbent Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo were reelected overwhelmingly to their respective positions. As of latest count minus 2 municipalities, Miraflores got 171,805 votes, Marquez, 139,516 and Calizo-Quimpo, 109,704.

    Presently, the Provincial Board of Canvassers is still awaiting transmission of complete results from the towns of Libacao and Madalag, which encountered PCOS machine-related problems.

    Provincial Election Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria disclosed earlier that ten PCOS machines in Aklan had problems during the May 10 elections. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

PNP-Aklan is ready for May 10 polls

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) is all set for the conduct of the country's first-ever automated elections on May 10, 2010.

Sr. Police Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, APPO Provincial Director said that the province has now a total of 655 personnel, and 104 augmentation force from the regional office.

The APPO will also deploy police officers in polling centers throughout the province.

"Our police ratio to polling centers is 1:1, so we are deploying 329 police officers to 329 polling centers, even to the farthest barangays," Director Bragais said.

The APPO will also have four (4) maneuver teams dedicated to problematic areas which have potential and intense political rivalry to prevent untoward things from happening, according to Bragais.

For the past days, Aklan's PNP personnel also performed security functions for the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines to be used in the province from the main hub to the sub hub.

"We provided security detail and convoy together with the AFP in the delivery of the PCOS machines until the time they reached the polling centers or the towns where they would be used", Bragais said.

For the May 10 polls, the APPO is setting up its Provincial Election Monitoring Assistance Center to accept reports from municipal action monitoring centers.

This way, updates could be relayed to national headquarters regarding significant incidents happening in different areas in the province.

The PNP will also be aiding COMELEC in the delivery of official ballots on electionday to the different areas in the province by providing security.

Patrol cars and hired vans will be used to transport the ballots, according to PD Bragais. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan’s share of PCOS machines for May 10 polls: 492

Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan's share of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines for the May 10 polls is 492 – equal to to the same number of clustered precincts in the province.

The province will also have 43 spare or contingency back-ups, according to the latest update from Megs Lunn, Smartmatic Provincial Coordinator – Capiz, who is presently in Aklan to oversee deployment of the machines to the 17 municipalities, which started May 7 and will be up to May 8 only.

Aklan has 327 barangays and 2,115 established precincts, clustered into 492.

The province has a total of 316,040 registered voters for the May 10, 2010 first-ever automated polls in the country.

Region 6, composed of 6 provinces – Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental – has an estimated 3,936,654 registered voters, according to the COMELEC.

The region has 16 cities and 117 municipalities, 4,051 barangays, 26,002 established precincts and 6,406 clustered precincts.

Of the 6 provinces, Negros Occidental has the highest number of registered voters with 1,550,850, followed by Iloilo with 1,257,661; Capiz, 429,886; Aklan, 316,040; Antique, 288,338 and Guimaras, 93,789.

In Aklan, Kalibo, the capital town, has the biggest number of voters with46,530, followed by Ibajay, with 25,481 and New Washington, with 23,858. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

COMELEC PES, most election officers staying put in Aklan

Kalibo, Aklan -- COMELEC-Aklan's Provincial Election Supervisor, Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, as well as most of the province's municipal election officers in Aklan are staying put here for the May 10, 2010 automated polls.

Atty. Ananoria said he welcomes this development, as it would be hard for them already to be deployed to other provinces, with the elections just days away.

"Most municipalities here have the same election officers, except for Balete and Malay, which had new officers from the province of Antique, and Tangalan and Malinao, who exchanged assignments, as they have relatives running for elective positions in their respective areas", Atty. Ananoria said.

Starting today, May 7 up to Saturday, Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines will be delivered to various municipalities in Aklan.

Aklan will have 492 PCOS machines, which is equal to the number of precincts in Aklan. Atty. Ananoria assured however, that there will be 30 spare machines for the province.

Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) composed of public school teachers will be on hand to receive the machines upon delivery, according to the COMELEC, which will be tested and sealed upon receipt of the reconfigured compact flask disk.

Mock elections participated in by 10 voters will also be conducted upon delivery of the machines to test the machines. Ananoria said this is open for everybody in the barangays or polling places to witness.

Ananoria said election results for municipal and provincial officials will be known 48 hours under the automated elections system. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

PNP to Aklanons: Inform brgy officials, PNP on armed group’s presence

Kalibo, Aklan -- Senior Police Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, Jr., Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) Provincial Director called on Aklanons to immediately report to their respective barangay captains and to the PNP if there are armed groups in their areas.

Bragais aired this call over a local radio station here over reports on the presence of armed men in a municipality here out to harass registered voters to support their candidates.

"If you experience threats from these armed men, identify these persons with guns, and the kind of guns they are carrying. Inform your barangay captains about this, so the APPO will can also act on this," Bragais said.

Meanwhile, Bragais mentioned that Aklan has three towns in the COMELEC's Election Watchlist of Areas (EWAS). These are the towns of Kalibo, New Washington and Lezo. Kalibo and New Washington had election-related violent incidents in the past elections while Lezo was included in the list after a grenade-throwing incident involving the residence of a councilor for Sangguniang Bayan in the town transpired two months ago.

As to gun ban violators, the APPO has since confiscated 11 firearms, nine deadly weapons and arrested 21 persons since the implementation of COMELEC Resolution No. 8714 prohibiting the carrying of firearms and deadly weapons was implemented in checkpoints in vantage areas in Aklan by the PNP. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan rice supply to last 102 days, says NFA

Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan's rice supply, as inventoried by the National Food Authority (NFA) here, will last for 102 days.

Judith Tindog, NFA-Aklan's Sr. Grains Operations Officer, said that as of their latest inventory, the province has 493,594 bags of rice. These bags are with private and government warehouses, commercial rice traders and wholesalers and with households.

The bulk of the supply is with households, with 385,940 bags, estimated to last for 80 days, while the NFA has 84,631 bags, seen to last 13 days.

The rest is with traders, wholesalers and private warehouses.

Rice from the NFA is distributed or sold through the Institutionalized Bigasan Sa Palengke, sold at P25.00 per kilo, Tindahan Natin (TN) outlets, sold at P18.25 per kilo, and at Bigasan Sa Barangay outlets.

There are 52 TN and 22 Bigasan Sa Barangay outlets in Aklan.

Meanwhile, to aid Aklanons affected by the El Niño Phenomenon, the NFA has started deploying two rolling stores in various municipalities in the province.

"Although Aklan is moderately affected by the El Niño, there could be farmers who had poor rice harvest or no harvest at all, so rolling stores are being deployed in their areas, for them to avail affordable rice," Tindog said.

The rolling stores are deployed daily to coastal and other areas which have no ricelands.

With the forthcoming start of the new school year, NFA-Aklan also revealed that it is ready to deliver rice anytime for the "Food-For-School Program" of the government, once instructed.

"Our rice for the program is foritified with iron, so besides availing for free a kilo of rice each day if they are present, the pupils will also get nourished," Tindog said. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Army starts troop deployment for May 10 polls

Kalibo, Aklan - The 12^th IB Philippine Army based in Camp Jizmundo, Libas, Banga, Aklan, has started deployment of its troops to various municipalities in Aklan to help maintain peace and order for the May 10, 2010 automated elections here.

The troops, according to Capt. Ricardo Villaruel, Civil Military Officer of the 12^th IB, will be deployed in teams to the municipalities of Libacao, Madalag, Ibajay, Nabas and Tangalan.

The deployment is in response to the request of the Philippine National Police here for the augmentation of their forces in the said areas.

The municipality of Libacao, which is a hinterland municipality, will have 3 teams while Madalag will have 2 teams. Ibajay, in the western part of the province, will have 2 teams, Nabas, 2; and Tangalan, 2.

"Each team is composed of 9 personnel," Capt. Villaruel said.

The teams are composed of Army regulars and CAFGU members.

For its part, the Aklan Police Provincial Office will be deploying one police officer each in the areas, according to PO2 Nida Gregas, APPO Public Information Officer.

The army deployment, according to Villaruel, starts 5 days before the May 10 elections and the teams will be back to base 5 days after the electoral activity.

The 12^th IB, headed by Lt. Col. Henry G. Dar, INF (GSC) Commanding Officer, will also be providing Election Monitoring Area Commanders in the northern and southern parts of Aklan. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan to advance fight against TB

    Kalibo, Aklan -- The Provincial Government, together with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) will be putting advances in the campaign against tuberculosis.

    One of the lined-up activities in advancing this fight is a consultative meeting May 5 at the GCLC Tourism and Training Center for members of the Aklan TB Council and the Provincial Health Office to orient them on the project.

    Aklan Governor Carlito s. Marquez said TB remains to be one of the burdens of society.

    Joining the fight against TB in Aklan is the Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. (PTSI).

    Marquez said this is a non-stock, non-profit, non government organization advocating for the prevention, treatment, and control of tuberculosis in the Philippines.

    "They are one with the government in the provision of efficient and effective delivery of quality services towards achieving a TB-free country," Marquez said.

    To work for the eradication of TB in Aklan, the governor said the PTSI will be working with TB LINC to provide technical assistance for the enhancement of private sector participation in TB Control.

    The objective is to expand and improve the delivery of DOTS services in the private sector, improve the policy, financing and regulatory environment for private sector participation in DOTS, strengthen the policy and institutional governance for private sector involvement; and increase acceptance and practice of DOTS among private sector providers.

    TB is the 6^th leading cause of sickness and death in the Philippines. Everyday, 75 Filipinos die of TB, according to the PHO here in its most recent health update. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan’s Piña & Fiber Festival getting better, buyers say

    Kalibo, Aklan -- The Aklan Piña & Fiber Festival is getting better and better through the years, according to buyers who regularly come to Aklan to witness the event.

    This is one of the feedbacks received by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on the recent trade event in Aklan, held simultaneously with the province's week-long celebration of its separation from Capiz.

    Aklan became a separate province 54 years ago on April 25, 1956.

    Now on its 11^th year, the Piña & Fiber Festival had a lot of improvements and a lot of much better things seen by the visitors, according to Engr. Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr., DTI-Aklan Provincial Director.

    "There are new designs, there are new products, and higher sales in the recent Fiber Festival", Director Cadena said.

    Cadena said that this year, the festival exceeded its target sales of P6+ million.

    "Our figure is not yet complete, but as of Tuesday, April 27, closing of the festival, there is already around P6.3 million in sales,' he said.

    The sales were generated through booked orders and cash sales. The reported festival sales include only those transacted inside the trade hall. Cadena said that if the sales report of the garden, the OTOP booths of the LGUs and other booths get included, the total and final sales will be bigger.

    The bulk of booked orders came from twelve buyers who came to the festival, worth almost P4 million. Getting most booked orders were Piña Fiber producers, furnitures and furnishing sector, crafts and gift items and the Fruit of Life, selling coconut-based products.

    Meanwhile, Director Cadena said the hot weather condition or El Niño which could affect the supply of raw materials for Aklan's unique products made of Piña and abaca cloth and nito is not yet felt by Aklanon producers.

    "Even then, this potential problem is being addressed already. Realizing not only the effect of El Niño but Typhoon Frank on abaca, the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) has already conducted a forum among farmer-growers, traders and manufacturers to ensure the source of raw materials," Cadena said.

Cadena said it takes 3 years for an abaca plant to produce quality fiber. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Hundreds of Aklanon students to benefit from SPES

    Kalibo, Aklan – Some 760 poor but deserving students from Aklan's 17 municipalities will benefit from this year's Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), better known as Summer Job.

    This program is implemented yearly by the provincial government of Aklan and the 17 local government units together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for students who belong to the "low income bracket" but with passing marks in school.

    Under the program, the students will work for 22 days in their respective municipalities according to the tasks assigned them – like continuing the Aklan Regreening and Beautification Project, clean-up activities in their municipalities, assisting in office jobs, skills mapping and many others.

    According to Norma Janabon of DOLE-Aklan, the students will be paid based on the existing wage rates in their respective municipalities through the 60-40 scheme, with the local government unit paying 60 percent of the daily rate and DOLE, 40%.

    Besides the provincial government, the DOLE and the LGUs, majority of Aklan's schools are also joining the program, serving as employers under the same payment scheme.

    Almay Iyo, 17 years old of Caiyang, Batan and incoming second year college student of Aklan State University (ASU) here said the salary she will receive from the program will be a big help to her this coming school year, as her father is already dead and her mother working as an all-around maid. Assigned to conduct office tours around Kalibo's government offices to gather names of agency heads and to obtain respective functions of different agencies to produce an official directory, Iyo said she now knows where to go or to direct people where to go when planning to avail of government services.

    Elizabeth Sonajo, 19, of Ortega Libacao and Elvie S. Perucho, 18 of Guinbaliwan, New Washington, Aklan, also agreed that the SPES will be a big help to them in paying their school fees this coming school year.

    Vivian Solano, Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO    ) Manager, said that this year, 9 towns have their own budget for the program, while 8 towns will be assisted by the Provincial Government in paying the students.

    The students have already started to render services in their respective municipalities April 19. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Circulate your coins, BSP calls on Aklanons

    Kalibo, Aklan -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) – Kalibo Branch is appealing to Aklanons to use their coins for their daily cash transactions and keep them circulating to address the artificial/perceived "shortage in the lower-denominated coins such as 1 peso, 25 centavo, 10 centavo and 01 centavo coins.

    According to Leonora S. Templonuevo, Deputy Director of BSP – Aklan, as of 2009, the BSP has circulated 15.6 billion coins worth P16.9 billion.

    These coins, however, slowly disappear from circulation, according to Templonuevo, as they are either kept in piggy banks/containers left at home or some find it inconvenient to bring coins for their regular shopping. Coins then become scarce that results to inexact change received from transport facilities or candies given in lieu of coins from groceries, pharmacies and stores. If the prices of all items are rounded off, people could be found paying more for the basic commodities usually priced with centavos like fuel, groceries and medicines.

    "We are not discouraging the public from saving coins. Rather, we encourage depositing accumulated coins with any bank. We also welcome your donationof coins to the "Tulong-Barya Para Sa Eskwela," Templonuevo told Aklanons.

    The "Tulong-Barya Para Sa Eskwela" is a coin circulation project of BSP and DepEd for the benefit of school children. The coins gathered for this project, however, should be regularly retrieved and deposited to the TBPSE account with any bank which will form part of the bank's resources in servicing their client's needs for coins.

    Aklanons should now make a habit of having adequate coins in their purses for payment of daily expenses to facilitate the regular circulation of coins nationwide, according to Templonuevo.

    "If successful, we will reap the benefit of receiving exact change or "sukli" for our transactions; the business sector, particularly retail outlets, will have sufficient coin suppy to serve their customers; and the government will generate substantial savings in terms of lower coin production", she emphasized.

    To further drive home the message, BSP-Aklan is conducting a Consultative Dialogue on Coin Circulation April 23 at the Hernani's Mix and Match here.

    The presentation on Coin Recirculation will be given by Pedro T. Todilla, Jr., Managing Director, Regional Monetary Affairs Sub-Sector. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan to honor 2010 Outstanding Aklanons

    Kalibo, Aklan -- Seven Aklanons who excelled in their chosen careers and fields of endeavor will be honored as Aklan celebrates its 54^th anniversary as a separate province from Capiz on April 25.

    This year's outstanding Aklanons were selected by the Committee on Outstanding Aklanons and will be feted through an Awarding Ceremony in the evening of April 25 at ABL Sports and Cultural Center here.

    The awardees for this year are Mr. Rufino C. Leyson in the field of Banking and Finance; Geronimo D. Ortega, Public Service; Dr. Oseni Maribojo-Millamena, Science and Technology (Researh); Stella Mijares Tejada Dy, Business and Industry; Cecille Laserna Motus, Community Service; Germa "Jim" Cortes Palmani, Broadcast Journalism; and Rev. Fr. Regino O. Cortes, O.P., PH.L.,S.T.L., S.S.L., Posthumous Awardee in the field of Religion.

    Leyson graduated Cum Laude from NVC with a BS Commerce degree, becoming one of the four pioneer employees of BPI in 1972, and through the years, became an officer and a member of various socio-civic and religious organizations like the Akln Bankers Association, the Kiwanis Club and Diocesan Finance Council of Kalibo, making waves.

    Geronimo, on the other hand, worked his way to college, getting employed while studying, and rising from the ranks – from clerk-typist of the Rehabilitation Finance Corporation now Development Bank of the Philippines, he rose as Clerk Stemnographer, Collection Clerk Senior Bookkeepper, Senior Credit Investigator, Teller QuedanBranch Accountant, Asst. Branch Manager and and Branch Manager. He also caused the positive turn-around of other businesses he handled.

    Dr. Millamena is a recipient of numerous awards and honors to her researches and works, while Mrs. Dy is a silent and anonymous donor of various church and community projects not only in Metro Manila but in aklan province.

    Cecile Motus is currently an Assistant Director at the Scretariat of Cultural Diversity of the U.S. Conference of the Catholic Bishops. She is part owner and used to manage the Associated Resources for Management and Development (ARMDEV) a consulting company which plans and implements community development, microfinance, environmental protection, and peace projects funded by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, as well as the Philippine government departments in various parts of the country.

    Palmani is a pioneer radioman of Aklan and one of the founding fathers of the broadcast industry in Aklan. Father Cortes is a Filipino Biblical Expeprt at the forefront of the Catholic Church. He is an appointee of the late Pope John Paul II at the Vatican's Pontifical Biblical Commission, and has written a book entitled "The Story of La Naval" and various articles.

    The awarding of Outstanding Aklanons is one of the major and permanent highlights of the Aklan Day celebration.

    Aklan became a separate province from Capiz on april 25, 1956. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Creative, versatile Aklanons to figure in 11th Piña fiberfest

    Kalibo, Aklan -- Creative and versatile Aklanons, who would be showcasing products made from the world-class Piña cloth will once more take center stage as the Aklan Piña & Fiber Festival opens April 21 at the Trade Hall, Capitol Site here.

    The Fiber Festival will run from April 21-27.

    The Piña & Fiber Festival, now on its 11^th year, has long been one of the major highlights of Aklan's celebration of its anniversary as a separate province from Capiz.

    The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here, prime mover of the Fiber Festival together with the Aklan Piña Manufacturers and Traders Association, Hugod Aklanon, the Provincial Government of Aklan and the Fiber Industry Development Authority said the Fiber Fest will be featuring Aklan's creativity and versatility in producing premium quality products like piña, abaca, and raffia loomwoven fabrics and fashion accessories; gifts, furnishings, and decorative crafts; processed meat and fish products, bakery, and confectionery products; and ornamental plants and cutflowers.

    Other exhibits will include Contemporary Lifestyle Setting of Living Spaces, One Town-One Product (OTOP) booths of all 17 municipalities of Aklan and Agri-Aqua products of community-based organizations and agencies.

    Other partners of the Fiberfest include the Congressional District Office and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, making the activity a showcase of Public and Private Partnership (PPP).

    This year's VIP guest, according to the DTI, is Ms. Patis Tesoro, President of the Katutubong Filipino Foundation Incorporated.

    Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores and Governor Marquez will lead provincial officials and the people of Aklan in the celebration.

This year, Aklan will be commemorating its 54^th year as a province, made possible through Republic Act 1414 signed by then President Ramon Magsaysay on April 25, 1956.

    Instrumental for the bill which "weaned" Aklan from Capiz was Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos, best loved and well-remembered as the Father of Aklan. (PIA/Venus g. Villanueva)

Aklan to hold 4th Dog Show

    Kalibo, Aklan -- The province of Aklan will be holding its 4^th Dog show on April 23.

    The Dog Show is one of the major highlights of the province's celebration of its 54^th year as a separate one from Capiz.

    Dr. Ronald Lorenzo, Agriculturist II from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVET) here said the holding of the Dog Show aims to showcase responsible dog ownership.

    "If a person is a responsible dog owner, he should not let his dog roam around. This way, we could limit the transmission of rabies," Dr. Lorenzo said.

    Dogs should be regularly vaccinated too, according to Dr. Lorenzo.

    Presently, Dr. Lorenzo said Aklan has an estimated dog population of 56,064. However, through information dissemination campaign, the province is aiming to control the population of stray dogs to prevent the spread of rabies.

    Aklan, according to Dr. Lorenzo, is fortunate to be one of the beneficiaries of the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation, which is a five-year program aiming to eradicate rabies in 2015. The rest of the provinces of Western Visayas will also benefit from this program.

    Besides the Philippines, other countries in Africa will also benefit from this program.

    Aklan will be implementing this program full blast after the May 10, 2010 Automated Elections, according to Lorenzo, in charge of Aklan's Provincial Rabies Control Program. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan’s livestock sector to get P2.7 M for El Niño mitigation

    Kalibo, Aklan -- The province of Aklan will be availing a total of P2,702,500.00 from the Department of Agriculture for its El Niño mitigation activities involving the livestock sector here.

    The fund, according to Glen Mariano, Agriculturist II of DA-6 Regional Office, will be used for information/education and training, information advocacy campaign and production of leaflets.

    Mariano was in Aklan recently as invited resource person of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVET), month-long sponsor of the province's flag-raising ceremonies at the Provincial Capitol.

    Some 500 heads of piglets will also be dispersed to farmers affected by the El Niño here.

    Part of the fund will also be used to buy vaccines for livestock disease prevention, which will be given free to farmers.

    Presently, Mariano said the DA is conducting close monitoring of the extent of El Niño damage in Western Visayas. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

BIR’s ‘Premyo Sa Resibo’ now institutionalized

    Kalibo, Aklan-- The Premyo Sa Resibo (PSR) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is now institutionalized.

    This means this BIR promo is continuing, so everbody could keep on texting their receipts to the BIR year-round, according BIR-Aklan's Revenue District Officer, Ricardo J. Osorio.

    In the process, these receipts texters will have a chance to win cash prizes and other items from the BIR.

    Osorio said the promo helps the government a lot in collecting taxes. Shoppers are encouraged to ask for receipts so they could join the promo, while business establishments are obliged to print and issue official receipts or face complaints from the buying public.

    According to the BIR, the Premyo sa Resibo is one way of its mechanics to determine whether establishments from where purchases are made are duly registered or not.

    Currently, prizes range from P30 prepaid load, P5,000 cash, brand new cars and P1 million cash.

    In recent years, Aklanons have had its share of PSR winners.

    Osorio said that presently, BIR is undertaking many on-going tax collection programs – taxes, being the lifeblood of the government.

    Besides these, BIR is also accommodating walk-in requests, such as processing certificates of non-filing of income tax returns which are needed by parents whose children are applying for scholarships for the coming school year. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan’s rice supply to last 4 months

    Kalibo, Aklan- Aklan's rice supply, as inventoried by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) as of April 1, will last up to four months and 6 days, if Aklanons refrain from selling their stored palay to traders.

    BAS-Aklan Provincial Head Manuelito Delegencia said that currently, Aklan households have 21,467 MT of stored palay and basing on the daily consumption of Aklanons of 170 MT, Aklan's rice supply will last up to August 6 of this year.

    The rice stocks inventoried by BAS do not include government rice from the National Food Authority and those kept by private traders and millers, Delegencia emphasized.

    Meanwhile, Delegencia revealed that some 2,900 hectares of rainfed and irrigated ricelands in Aklan were partially damaged by El Niño.

    BAS was recently tasked by the DA to validate El Niño damages to crops reported by the Aklan farmers here.

    Delegencia said El Niño brought decreased yields in rice harvest as well as totally parching some rice farms.

    "The town of Balete suffered the most, with some 78 hectares rainfed rice fields damaged," Delegencia said. Other towns had damages too, like Altavas, Madalag, Malinao, Nabas, Kalibo, Ibajay and Makato.

    Ricefields planted to certified and hybrid seeds also suffered losses.

    Converted to cash, the losses could reach from P18 million to 20 million, according to Delegencia.

    Despite the onslaught of El Niño in Aklan, which was assessed by PAGASA to be moderate in the province, farmers gave their assurance that as soon as water is available through rains or irrigation, they will start planting.

    Just recently, the NFA revealed that its rice inventory is cocntinuosly increasing due to the arrival of imported rice and the on-going intensive palay procurement.

    As of first week of April, the agency has some 30 millionbags rice inventopry sufficient for 42 days food security requirement based on the country's daily rice consumption rate of 726,000 bags. Present inventory will even be enough for 509 days based on the agency's average daily sales of 58,811 bags. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

 

Aklan banks to accommodate BIR tax filers

    Kalibo, Aklan – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here is deploying examiners in three banks in Kalibo to accept payments from income tax filers expected to come in big numbers on April 15, the deadline of filing.

    BIR-Aklan's Revenue District Officer Ricardo J. Osorio said that these banks include Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) and Metrobank.

    RDO Osorio also assured that BIR-Aklan will be accommodating income tax filers the whole day on April 15.

    "For as long as there are filers in the office, we will accommodate them even after five o'clock," Osorio said.

    BIR-Aklan also held offices two Saturdays before the deadline – on April 3 and 10 – to accommodate those who could not leave their offices during weekdays.

    Income tax filers in Boracay Island need not come anymore to BIR-Aklan to file, as there is already a satellite office there.

    "We have two examiners and two collection officers in Boracay Island, so there is no need for filers there to go to Kalibo on April 15," Osorio revealed.

    Osorio also said that the manner of substituted filing practiced by government agencies and private offices whose employees have fixed income has helped a lot in avoiding big crowds in BIR offices on the last day of filing during the past years.

    BIR offices in the municipalities will also be opened the whole day on April 15.

    Besides income tax filers, BIR-Aklan also expects a big number of business tax filers to come to their office during the deadline.

    Osorio also revealed that for the first three months of the year, BIR-Aklan has exceeded its monthly collection targets, attributing this favorable development to people's awareness of paying their taxes promptly, on the information campaign waged by BIR in the media, and an improving economy.

    He also said that 30% of tax collected by the BIR here comes from the island of Boracay. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Give the right data during census, NSO urges Aklanons

    Kalibo, Aklan -- The National Statistics Office (NSO), which is embarking on its biggest project this year nationwide, is urging Aklanons to give correct and accurate data to field enumerators when they come knocking on their doors.

    This project, which the NSO calls "flagship" is the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, which will be undertaken a week after the national and local automated elections in May 2010.

     Blas Solidum, Provincial Statistics Officer of NSO-Aklan, said the census will be held from May 17 to June 11.

    "Please welcome enumerators in your homes when they come to visit you for the Census and ask about things. The information you are going to give is important in preparing government plans as well as those of private sectors to improve the quality of life of the Filipinos," Solidum called on Aklanons over RMN-DYKR, a local radio station here.

    According to the NSO, a total of 526 teachers and hired enumerators will conduct the house – to house census.

    Rodelyn Panadero, Statistician II of NSO-Aklan said the teachers will be receiving honorariums for doing the job and their days of services will also be added to their leave credits, while the hired enumerators will be paid on a daily basis.

    Panadero said the 2010 Census of Population and Housing differs from the one conducted in 2007 because it involved population and demographic profile.

    "Questions such as the status of the lot, the date of construction of the house, the size of the lot, fuel used and source of water will be asked from the respondents in the 2010 Census," Panadero said.

    Panadero appealed to Aklanons to be responsible interviewees. Although household heads are preferred, 15 year-old interviewees are qualified to answer, provided he or she knows important data like the birthdays of household members.

    To ensure a smooth conduct of the Census, the NSO has enlisted the assistance of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Department of Education and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

    The DILG will provide police assistance while the DepEd will help through a MOA to provide its teachers, and the DPWH will help transport materials for the census.

    Babies born on May 1, 2010, will already be counted in the census. Those staying in institutions like hospitals, jails, convents, army and police camps will also be counted, provide they have stayed in the institution for at least 6 months. Workers in Boracay Island who have stayed in the island will also be counted, even the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are on contracts and is out of the country at the time of the interview. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)