Kalibo, Aklan – There are no rice holders in Aklan.
This is according to National Food Authority-Aklan Information Officer Judith T. Tindog over a radio interview at a local radio station here.
"Aklan has no rice hoarders. We only have grains businessmen who operate for service with social concern. If farmers keep their palay produce for now, it is for food security, or maybe reserving their stocks so come enrollment time, they have something to sell for their children's schooling," Tindog said, in answer to the query if there are rice hoarders in Aklan, and if there were apprehensions already.
Tindog said that the NFA is now buying palay from individual farmers and farmers' cooperatives for P17 per kilo – composed of the government price of P11.00/Kg. and additional special procurement incentive of P6.00/kg. for clean and dry rice with 14% moisture content.
At the NFA warehouse as of April 30, Tindog said there are 4,857 bags of palay and 14,052 bags of imported rice of good quality.
"Based on an average 398 bags/day NFA rice consumption, the stocks at the warehouse could last for 43.2 days," Tindog said.
Tindog said NFA rice is readily available at Bigasang Bayan in public markets and Tindahan Natin outlets in barangays.
NFA is now encouraging local government units to operate Bigasang Bayans in their municipal markets. Tindahan Natin outlets' rice allocation is regulated. This, according to Tindog, is for outlets to provide the average need of households in the area only for a given period, and not to give the impression of stocking on supply, so other outlets could also be given their share for the consumption of other households.
The NFA is also calling on households to conserve rice, and for consumers to buy the staple food in kilograms and not by the gantas.
Buying by the gantas is still practiced in barangays here, but the NFA said this practice is already punishable.
"Buy rice in kilograms. If you have a limited amount of money, you can buy a kilo of NFA rice or a variety of your choice, and still manage to buy fish to go with the meal. If you buy in gantas, you will only be able to buy rice and nothing else to go with it because a ganta of rice costs higher than a kilo," was Tindog's appeal to Aklanons. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
SSS-Aklan now receiving payments
Kalibo, Aklan -- The Social Security System (SSS) here in Aklan has now opened its tellering service – which means it can now receive payments for loans and contributions of members in the province.
SSS-Aklan Branch Head Isaias C. Leyson said that with this latest offering, members need not line up for long hours at banks receiving payments, as this service is available already in the office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
"Aklan has now more or less 30,000 self-employed SSS members while those who have employers number more or less 20,000, so the implementation of the tellering system is very timely," Leyson said in an interview over a radio station here.
The SSS here, according to Leyson, is already "on-line", meaning a member who works in Manila or any part of the country can look into his records in Aklan through the computer, and could avail of services offered by the system.
In Aklan, people flock to the office everyday to file different claims like retirement, disability and death claims, as well as to apply for membership and loans.
"The SSS serves its members from cradle to grave – starting from giving maternity benefits to mothers, helping members and their dependents when sick, giving pensions when retired, and burial benefits when the member dies. The surviving spouse and minor children below 21 years old also get pensions," Leyson said.
Leyson also said that before, people are not so interested to apply for SSS membership. Now that people are aware of the many benefits the system offers to private employees and their dependents, he said many are now eager to apply for become members.
Acknowledging too, that Boracay Island in Malay Aklan is a big source of potential members, SSS has started to send a staff there every Tuesday at D' Mall in the island to accept membership applications as well as to answer various queries concerning benefits and services to members.
In Malacanang, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo recently ordered the SSS to extend the condonation period for its various loan programs to lighten the load of personnel employed by the private sector as the world reels from a world-wide rice and oil price crises during the tripartite labor conference she presided.
SSS assistant vice president Luz Generoso of the loans Program Division had vowed to the President for the SSS to study the President's proposal, as SSS president Cora dela Paz was not able to attend the conference.
The SSS' present Penalty Condonation on Member Loans includes both long-term (housing) loans, and the following short-term loans: salary, calamity, emergency, educational, study-now-pay-later plan, VocTechStudent, Y2K, Stock investment, and privatization fund.
The SSS had extended a total of P34 billion in short-term loans to 6.6 million members, with a total of 6.2 million members having "delinquent" accounts." (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
SSS-Aklan Branch Head Isaias C. Leyson said that with this latest offering, members need not line up for long hours at banks receiving payments, as this service is available already in the office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
"Aklan has now more or less 30,000 self-employed SSS members while those who have employers number more or less 20,000, so the implementation of the tellering system is very timely," Leyson said in an interview over a radio station here.
The SSS here, according to Leyson, is already "on-line", meaning a member who works in Manila or any part of the country can look into his records in Aklan through the computer, and could avail of services offered by the system.
In Aklan, people flock to the office everyday to file different claims like retirement, disability and death claims, as well as to apply for membership and loans.
"The SSS serves its members from cradle to grave – starting from giving maternity benefits to mothers, helping members and their dependents when sick, giving pensions when retired, and burial benefits when the member dies. The surviving spouse and minor children below 21 years old also get pensions," Leyson said.
Leyson also said that before, people are not so interested to apply for SSS membership. Now that people are aware of the many benefits the system offers to private employees and their dependents, he said many are now eager to apply for become members.
Acknowledging too, that Boracay Island in Malay Aklan is a big source of potential members, SSS has started to send a staff there every Tuesday at D' Mall in the island to accept membership applications as well as to answer various queries concerning benefits and services to members.
In Malacanang, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo recently ordered the SSS to extend the condonation period for its various loan programs to lighten the load of personnel employed by the private sector as the world reels from a world-wide rice and oil price crises during the tripartite labor conference she presided.
SSS assistant vice president Luz Generoso of the loans Program Division had vowed to the President for the SSS to study the President's proposal, as SSS president Cora dela Paz was not able to attend the conference.
The SSS' present Penalty Condonation on Member Loans includes both long-term (housing) loans, and the following short-term loans: salary, calamity, emergency, educational, study-now-pay-later plan, VocTechStudent, Y2K, Stock investment, and privatization fund.
The SSS had extended a total of P34 billion in short-term loans to 6.6 million members, with a total of 6.2 million members having "delinquent" accounts." (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan's camote production enough – BAS
Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan produces enough camote and other root crops to help stave off hunger and as rice substitute, according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) here.
BAS-Aklan Provincial Agricultural Statistics Officer Manuelito Delegencia said in a radio interview here that besides camote, Aklan is also a surplus producer of cassava, which is in demand in the market as main component of cassava cakes, cassava pudding and other food delicacies.
"Aklan's camote produce increased by 2% for this period, but this supply is more than enough for the province' needs, and will be augmented by subsequent produce in the next quarter," Delegencia said.
Delegencia said Aklan's camote and cassava producing municipalities include Numancia, Balete and Altavas.
Last month, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo advocated the consumption of camote and other rootcrops to Filipinos as rice substitute in the wake of rising prices of rice, even as the government has assured that there is enough rice supply in the country.
The province of Aklan is a rice surplus producer, as assured by provincial officials here led by Gov. Carlito S. Marquez.
As the official statistics arm of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Delegencia revealed that for the period January to March of this year, Aklan has an estimated 38,583 metric tons harvested from 13,462 hectares of rice fields. Of this area, 6,786 hectares are irrigated while 6,676 are rainfed.
In households, Delegencia said farmers all over Aklan, as of April 1, have a total of 27,270 metric tons in rice form.
"If there is no rice movement out of Aklan, our rice stocks here will last until Sept. 15. By that time, there will already be ongoing harvest, as some farmers have started planting rice in the second week of April in 2,500 hectares of rice fields – 1,000 of which are irrigated, and 1,500 rainfed. Also, based on our interviews, some farmers are also planning to plant rice for the period April to July in 12,600 hectares of rice fields", Delegencia said.
Very recently, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo urged Filipino households to practice eating root crops like "camote" as a substitute for rice.
Inspired by the "Saksak" or "Sinanduloy" ( mix of rice and camote) campaign, the President said it's time for Filipinos living in urbanized communities like Metro Manila, to eat camote and other root crops, to reduce the burden of the global rise in the price of rice.
The President said that if the current rice situation continues, the country will most likely concentrate on producing more rice rather than importing it for our needs.
The president said this is the government's long-term solution to the rice supply problem. In the short term, the Arroyo administration hopes to put food on the table of every Filipino through rice importation by the National Food Authority (NFA). (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
BAS-Aklan Provincial Agricultural Statistics Officer Manuelito Delegencia said in a radio interview here that besides camote, Aklan is also a surplus producer of cassava, which is in demand in the market as main component of cassava cakes, cassava pudding and other food delicacies.
"Aklan's camote produce increased by 2% for this period, but this supply is more than enough for the province' needs, and will be augmented by subsequent produce in the next quarter," Delegencia said.
Delegencia said Aklan's camote and cassava producing municipalities include Numancia, Balete and Altavas.
Last month, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo advocated the consumption of camote and other rootcrops to Filipinos as rice substitute in the wake of rising prices of rice, even as the government has assured that there is enough rice supply in the country.
The province of Aklan is a rice surplus producer, as assured by provincial officials here led by Gov. Carlito S. Marquez.
As the official statistics arm of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Delegencia revealed that for the period January to March of this year, Aklan has an estimated 38,583 metric tons harvested from 13,462 hectares of rice fields. Of this area, 6,786 hectares are irrigated while 6,676 are rainfed.
In households, Delegencia said farmers all over Aklan, as of April 1, have a total of 27,270 metric tons in rice form.
"If there is no rice movement out of Aklan, our rice stocks here will last until Sept. 15. By that time, there will already be ongoing harvest, as some farmers have started planting rice in the second week of April in 2,500 hectares of rice fields – 1,000 of which are irrigated, and 1,500 rainfed. Also, based on our interviews, some farmers are also planning to plant rice for the period April to July in 12,600 hectares of rice fields", Delegencia said.
Very recently, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo urged Filipino households to practice eating root crops like "camote" as a substitute for rice.
Inspired by the "Saksak" or "Sinanduloy" ( mix of rice and camote) campaign, the President said it's time for Filipinos living in urbanized communities like Metro Manila, to eat camote and other root crops, to reduce the burden of the global rise in the price of rice.
The President said that if the current rice situation continues, the country will most likely concentrate on producing more rice rather than importing it for our needs.
The president said this is the government's long-term solution to the rice supply problem. In the short term, the Arroyo administration hopes to put food on the table of every Filipino through rice importation by the National Food Authority (NFA). (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
NFA ups palay buying price
Kalibo, Aklan -- The National Food Authority (NFA) here is now buying palay from individual farmers and cooperatives at P17.00 per kilo this Summer Season Crop.
NFA-Aklan Provincial Manager Pablito Gemarino said the new palay price offer will be up to December 31, 0f this year.
Gemarino also said the P17.00 buying price per kilo of palay is composed of government support price of P11.00 per kilogram and the additional special procurement incentive of P6.00.
The approved price is for clean and dry palay with 14% moisture content.
The NFA also enjoins Aklan farmers to use the food agency's palay drying facilities. Farmers and farmers' groups who opt to used the mechanical dryers and sell their palay to the NFA will only pay P12.00/bag of 50 kilogram input with maximum moisture content of 26%, while the full cost of P89/bag of 50 Kg. input of the same moisture content will be charged to farmers who will not sell their palay to the NFA.
The NFA also said that farmers who will use the NFA drying facilities and who sold their palay to the NFA under the Farmers Option to Buy Back (FOBB) program will pay the difference of approved drying fee of P89.00/bag and initial mechanical drying fee of P12.00/bag if they withdraw their palay from the NFA warehouse.
Businessmen who use the NFA Mechanical Dryers will pay the full cost and will be the last priority to use the dryers.
This time, the NFA will be accepting 'payment in kind' from farmers for using the mechanical dryers, like palay.
The local food agency's mobile procurement team is also prepared to go to production areas in Aklan to buy palay from farmers.
NFA Information Officer Judith T. Tindog said farmers who want to sell their palay to the NFA could inform their office that there is enough volume of palay for procurement in their area.
Tindog said NFA's procurement truck has a capacity to load 80 bags of palay. Payment to farmers will be in cash or in check depending on the nature of transaction of the farmers.
Presently, NFA is reminding Aklan farmers to visit the office so they could revalidate their farmers' and master passbook. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
NFA-Aklan Provincial Manager Pablito Gemarino said the new palay price offer will be up to December 31, 0f this year.
Gemarino also said the P17.00 buying price per kilo of palay is composed of government support price of P11.00 per kilogram and the additional special procurement incentive of P6.00.
The approved price is for clean and dry palay with 14% moisture content.
The NFA also enjoins Aklan farmers to use the food agency's palay drying facilities. Farmers and farmers' groups who opt to used the mechanical dryers and sell their palay to the NFA will only pay P12.00/bag of 50 kilogram input with maximum moisture content of 26%, while the full cost of P89/bag of 50 Kg. input of the same moisture content will be charged to farmers who will not sell their palay to the NFA.
The NFA also said that farmers who will use the NFA drying facilities and who sold their palay to the NFA under the Farmers Option to Buy Back (FOBB) program will pay the difference of approved drying fee of P89.00/bag and initial mechanical drying fee of P12.00/bag if they withdraw their palay from the NFA warehouse.
Businessmen who use the NFA Mechanical Dryers will pay the full cost and will be the last priority to use the dryers.
This time, the NFA will be accepting 'payment in kind' from farmers for using the mechanical dryers, like palay.
The local food agency's mobile procurement team is also prepared to go to production areas in Aklan to buy palay from farmers.
NFA Information Officer Judith T. Tindog said farmers who want to sell their palay to the NFA could inform their office that there is enough volume of palay for procurement in their area.
Tindog said NFA's procurement truck has a capacity to load 80 bags of palay. Payment to farmers will be in cash or in check depending on the nature of transaction of the farmers.
Presently, NFA is reminding Aklan farmers to visit the office so they could revalidate their farmers' and master passbook. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This big Philippine flag is now prominently displayed in front of the Provincial Capitol Building in Kalibo, Aklan to mark the launching of the “Paggalang Sa Watawat” campaign which kicked off May 28 and will be observed until June 12 of this year as mandated under Republic Act 8491 - the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines. In Aklan, the launching was held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds through a flag-raising ceremony led by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo and joined by hundreds of provincial and national government employees holding offices in the Provincial Capitol Grounds. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tax amnesty contributed to Aklan's tax collection – BIR
Kalibo, Aklan -- The implementation of the tax amnesty law contributed to the increase in tax collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Aklan, according to OIC Revenue District Officer Nelia Demalata.
Demalata disclosed that so far, 91 taxpayers have availed of the program, increasing the collections of the BIR in Aklan. She also said that the increase in tax collections here due to the tax amnesty law enabled Aklan to place second to Iloilo in terms of revenues.
Demalata said that the implementation of the tax amnesty law was supposed to have ended March 6 yet, but she, as head of BIR-Aklan, welcomes the moves of some lawmakers to extend the tax amnesty.
"More taxpayers in Aklan could avail of the amnesty if the implementation is extended. If the extension gets approved by Congress, the BIR will have more time to campaign and more taxpayers would be encouraged to avail of the amnesty, " Demalata said.
In her recent statement, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expressed her support to a proposal to extend the implementation of the tax amnesty law until May 7 this year "as long as it is within the bounds of law."
The proposal to extend the tax amnesty law was announced by Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez as he explained that this is now being studied by the business community.
Suarez said that because of some raised questions as to the actual date of the effectivity of the law or Republic Act 9480, "there is room for extension."
Suarez said the implementation of the law has raised some P4.7 billion, or P1.7 billion over the P3 billion target. It has also increased the tax base with some 16,000 new taxpayers who availed themselves of the amnesty.
With the possible extension until May 7, Suarez said an additional P1 billion in revenues could be expected.
The tax amnesty law was one of the reform agenda pushed by the Arroyo administration to put its fiscal house in order. It gives qualified taxpayers immunity from suit involving tax deficiencies up to 2005 upon payment of the tax amnesty fee.(PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Demalata disclosed that so far, 91 taxpayers have availed of the program, increasing the collections of the BIR in Aklan. She also said that the increase in tax collections here due to the tax amnesty law enabled Aklan to place second to Iloilo in terms of revenues.
Demalata said that the implementation of the tax amnesty law was supposed to have ended March 6 yet, but she, as head of BIR-Aklan, welcomes the moves of some lawmakers to extend the tax amnesty.
"More taxpayers in Aklan could avail of the amnesty if the implementation is extended. If the extension gets approved by Congress, the BIR will have more time to campaign and more taxpayers would be encouraged to avail of the amnesty, " Demalata said.
In her recent statement, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expressed her support to a proposal to extend the implementation of the tax amnesty law until May 7 this year "as long as it is within the bounds of law."
The proposal to extend the tax amnesty law was announced by Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez as he explained that this is now being studied by the business community.
Suarez said that because of some raised questions as to the actual date of the effectivity of the law or Republic Act 9480, "there is room for extension."
Suarez said the implementation of the law has raised some P4.7 billion, or P1.7 billion over the P3 billion target. It has also increased the tax base with some 16,000 new taxpayers who availed themselves of the amnesty.
With the possible extension until May 7, Suarez said an additional P1 billion in revenues could be expected.
The tax amnesty law was one of the reform agenda pushed by the Arroyo administration to put its fiscal house in order. It gives qualified taxpayers immunity from suit involving tax deficiencies up to 2005 upon payment of the tax amnesty fee.(PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Boracay visitor arrivals surpass half-million mark, generates P10 B tourism receipts
Kalibo, Aklan – Tourists arrivals in Boracay Island have surpassed the half-million mark a month before the year ends, records from the Provincial Tourism Office here show.
From January to November of this year, a total of 547,305 tourists, domestic and foreign, visited the island. Their arrival in the island generated a total of P10,062,326,737.00 in tourism receipts, with the foreign tourists contributing P6,535,377,089 and the locals adding P4,770,800,330.
Of the more than half a million arrivals in the island within the eleven month period, 189,005 were foreigners; 300,955 domestic and 57,345 were Overseas Filipinos.
Foreign tourists registered the highest arrival during the month of August numbering 19,023, while domestic tourists crowded the island during the month of April with 75,739. They also came in droves in the month of March with 35,330; May, 51,464 and June, 29,832.
With still a month to go before the year ends, more tourists, foreign and local, are still expected to visit Boracay especially during this holiday season.
Last year, total tourist arrivals in Boracay reached 558,084. Translated to tourism receipts, their arrival generated P10.2 Billion. By 2010, Aklan anticipates that arrivals will reach the one million mark.
Tourism is one of the anchor industries of the province of Aklan, along with agriculture. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
From January to November of this year, a total of 547,305 tourists, domestic and foreign, visited the island. Their arrival in the island generated a total of P10,062,326,737.00 in tourism receipts, with the foreign tourists contributing P6,535,377,089 and the locals adding P4,770,800,330.
Of the more than half a million arrivals in the island within the eleven month period, 189,005 were foreigners; 300,955 domestic and 57,345 were Overseas Filipinos.
Foreign tourists registered the highest arrival during the month of August numbering 19,023, while domestic tourists crowded the island during the month of April with 75,739. They also came in droves in the month of March with 35,330; May, 51,464 and June, 29,832.
With still a month to go before the year ends, more tourists, foreign and local, are still expected to visit Boracay especially during this holiday season.
Last year, total tourist arrivals in Boracay reached 558,084. Translated to tourism receipts, their arrival generated P10.2 Billion. By 2010, Aklan anticipates that arrivals will reach the one million mark.
Tourism is one of the anchor industries of the province of Aklan, along with agriculture. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan solon assures passage of Cheaper Medicines bill soon
Kalibo, Aklan – The Cheaper Medicines Bill is to be passed soon, because its passage is very important and will benefit Filipinos needing medicines.
This was the assurance given by Aklan Congressman Florencio Miraflores recently, conveyed to his constituents in a radio interview on the current activities of the Congress as far as passage of important bills are concerned.
Miraflores said the Cheaper Medicines Bill will be passed as soon as some amendments get cleared.
“Amendments to the bill being introduced by some congressmen must be studied and clarified so that objectives of the bill may not be circumvented,” Miraflores said.
The Aklan solon also said the bill has the full support of lawmakers from Western Visayas, singling out Congressman Ferj Biron who himself owns a chain of pharmacies in Iloilo.
Just this week, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo asked lawmakers to work on the passage of the proposed 2008 budget, the Cheaper Medicines Bill, and the amendment to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
Aside from these priority bills, Congress leaders likewise assured the passage of six more bills in the last six session days and these are the establishment of a credit information bureau; amendments to the University of the Philippines charter, magna carta for small and medium enterprises, personal equity retirement fund, agriculture competitiveness enhancement fund, and civil aviation.
President Arroyo also reiterated her instructions to her Cabinet to ensure a steady supply of affordable rice and cheap medicines, especially during this Christmas season. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This was the assurance given by Aklan Congressman Florencio Miraflores recently, conveyed to his constituents in a radio interview on the current activities of the Congress as far as passage of important bills are concerned.
Miraflores said the Cheaper Medicines Bill will be passed as soon as some amendments get cleared.
“Amendments to the bill being introduced by some congressmen must be studied and clarified so that objectives of the bill may not be circumvented,” Miraflores said.
The Aklan solon also said the bill has the full support of lawmakers from Western Visayas, singling out Congressman Ferj Biron who himself owns a chain of pharmacies in Iloilo.
Just this week, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo asked lawmakers to work on the passage of the proposed 2008 budget, the Cheaper Medicines Bill, and the amendment to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
Aside from these priority bills, Congress leaders likewise assured the passage of six more bills in the last six session days and these are the establishment of a credit information bureau; amendments to the University of the Philippines charter, magna carta for small and medium enterprises, personal equity retirement fund, agriculture competitiveness enhancement fund, and civil aviation.
President Arroyo also reiterated her instructions to her Cabinet to ensure a steady supply of affordable rice and cheap medicines, especially during this Christmas season. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Dengue claims 3 in Aklan, cases decreasing
Kalibo, Aklan -- Three young lives had been claimed by dengue in Aklan since its outbreak here, but health officials assure cases are now declining.
According to Dr. Maria Magpusao, Chief of the Technical Services Division of the Provincial Health Office here said based on their records, the month of August had the highest number of dengue cases with 198 while from September 1 to 22, there were 145 cases. In June, there were 23 cases of dengue in the province, while July registered 125 cases.
Dr. Magpusao said the figures have not gone beyong outbreak level compared with the past years’ record of the province, however, she advised that patients suspected of having dengue must seek medical attention right away.
“If laboratory findings reveal that the patient’s platelets have gone down, the patient must be admitted in a hospital. If after 6 hours of supportive management, the platelets keep on going down, the patient should be transported to Iloilo City for plasma transfusion,” Dr. Magpusao said.
Dr. Magpusao said a dengue patient could not be transfused with whole blood because he might experience a volume overload. Some patients who need plasma transfusions needed to be brought to Iloilo City because Aklan has no plasma freezer, nor has it the machine to separate plasma from other blood components.
Magpusao said patients who died of dengue in Aklan include a 10-year old boy child Altavas, a 17-year old student from Numancia and a baby from Malay. When inspected by provincial health officials, Dr. Magpusao said all areas where there were dengue deaths had the presence of the dengue mosquito vector, aedes aegypti. The households also stored water in uncovered containers which was used as breeding areas by the deadly mosquitoes.
“Mosquitoes also breed in plants like bromeliads. We already advised households and schools to get rid of their bromeliads, because the pineapple-like plant stores rainwater in its center, which is used as breeding ground of mosquitoes,” Dr. Magpusao revealed.
Dr. Magpusao revealed that during her team’s visits to barangays, they discovered that whole bamboos used as post for fences of houses, when filled with rain water, are also used as breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes. She advised house owners to fill the hollowed posts with soil or sand so mosquitoes could not breed there.
The Department of health (DOH) has issued a nationwide dengue fever alert and has asked hospitals to designate fast lanes for dengue patients. According to a DOH report, Region 6, where Aklan belongs, has the most number of dengue victims, followed by Region 7 and NCR. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
According to Dr. Maria Magpusao, Chief of the Technical Services Division of the Provincial Health Office here said based on their records, the month of August had the highest number of dengue cases with 198 while from September 1 to 22, there were 145 cases. In June, there were 23 cases of dengue in the province, while July registered 125 cases.
Dr. Magpusao said the figures have not gone beyong outbreak level compared with the past years’ record of the province, however, she advised that patients suspected of having dengue must seek medical attention right away.
“If laboratory findings reveal that the patient’s platelets have gone down, the patient must be admitted in a hospital. If after 6 hours of supportive management, the platelets keep on going down, the patient should be transported to Iloilo City for plasma transfusion,” Dr. Magpusao said.
Dr. Magpusao said a dengue patient could not be transfused with whole blood because he might experience a volume overload. Some patients who need plasma transfusions needed to be brought to Iloilo City because Aklan has no plasma freezer, nor has it the machine to separate plasma from other blood components.
Magpusao said patients who died of dengue in Aklan include a 10-year old boy child Altavas, a 17-year old student from Numancia and a baby from Malay. When inspected by provincial health officials, Dr. Magpusao said all areas where there were dengue deaths had the presence of the dengue mosquito vector, aedes aegypti. The households also stored water in uncovered containers which was used as breeding areas by the deadly mosquitoes.
“Mosquitoes also breed in plants like bromeliads. We already advised households and schools to get rid of their bromeliads, because the pineapple-like plant stores rainwater in its center, which is used as breeding ground of mosquitoes,” Dr. Magpusao revealed.
Dr. Magpusao revealed that during her team’s visits to barangays, they discovered that whole bamboos used as post for fences of houses, when filled with rain water, are also used as breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes. She advised house owners to fill the hollowed posts with soil or sand so mosquitoes could not breed there.
The Department of health (DOH) has issued a nationwide dengue fever alert and has asked hospitals to designate fast lanes for dengue patients. According to a DOH report, Region 6, where Aklan belongs, has the most number of dengue victims, followed by Region 7 and NCR. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Aklan town is region’s most outstanding municipality
Kalibo, Aklan – For implementing innovative projects and services in support of the nutrition programs of the government, the town of Nabas, located in the western part of Aklan was adjudged as Region 6’S Outstanding Municipality during the 18th Nutrition Congress held recently at the Grand Hotel in Iloilo City.
As the region’s most outstanding municipality for three consecutive years, Nabas town is a Consistent Regional Winner on Nutrition (CROWN) awardee and is to maintain this status for three years. If it maintains this status, Nabas will be awarded the National Honor Award, the highest award given to municipalities and provinces with outstanding performance in implementing nutrition programs. Kalibo, the province’ capital town, and Aklan itself, had been recipients of this awards already, according to Crescini Roxas, ND II of the Provincial Health Office here.
Roxas said Nabas edged out its rivals from other provinces in Region 6 because its nutrition program has the full support of the local leaders and it has instituted innovative projects for nutrition to improve the health of its constituents especially the children.
Roxas said Nabas is the only municipality in Aklan which has a salt iodizing machine to ensure that Nabasnons have ample supply of iodized salt to prevent iodine-deficiency among its constituents. It also produces insumix, a nutritious but affordable mix of food for young children. All barangays in Nabas have assigned midwives, with their salaries paid by the local government.
Roxas also said that residents of the municipalities are holders of green passports – another innovative program introduced by the Department of Interior and Local Government. Under the program, a green card is given to a family if it has met the health requirements stipulated in the program -the children are all fully-immunized; the household has a sanitary toilet, the family cooperates with government’s other programs, and maintains a backyard vegetable garden for their daily supply of fresh vegetables and at the same time to augment family income.
Practicing backyard gardening or farming is now being pushed by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture to support households’ daily needs in vegetables.
BPI Officer-In-Charge Joel Rudinas said 766,863 households in the country have tapped the Programnag Gulayan Para sa Masa, located in the 30 priority provinces that were assessed by the DA’s Hunger Mitigation Task Force.
Under the program, DA Regional Field Units are providing seeds, training and services to all interested households, he added.
In Region 6, only the province of Antique is included in this program, according to Aklan Provincial Agriculturist Delano T. Tefora.
“However, if local governments here opt to spend for the institutionalization or practice of backyard gardening to help mitigate hunger, it would be much better,” according to Tefora.
Tefora said backyard gardening in Aklan households will also help lower prices of vegetable in Aklan public markets now. Prices of some vegetables, based on OPA’s latest report, have gone up here.
Aklan leaders here hope the Nabas experience will be replicated in all municipalities here, especially the backyard gardening practice. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
As the region’s most outstanding municipality for three consecutive years, Nabas town is a Consistent Regional Winner on Nutrition (CROWN) awardee and is to maintain this status for three years. If it maintains this status, Nabas will be awarded the National Honor Award, the highest award given to municipalities and provinces with outstanding performance in implementing nutrition programs. Kalibo, the province’ capital town, and Aklan itself, had been recipients of this awards already, according to Crescini Roxas, ND II of the Provincial Health Office here.
Roxas said Nabas edged out its rivals from other provinces in Region 6 because its nutrition program has the full support of the local leaders and it has instituted innovative projects for nutrition to improve the health of its constituents especially the children.
Roxas said Nabas is the only municipality in Aklan which has a salt iodizing machine to ensure that Nabasnons have ample supply of iodized salt to prevent iodine-deficiency among its constituents. It also produces insumix, a nutritious but affordable mix of food for young children. All barangays in Nabas have assigned midwives, with their salaries paid by the local government.
Roxas also said that residents of the municipalities are holders of green passports – another innovative program introduced by the Department of Interior and Local Government. Under the program, a green card is given to a family if it has met the health requirements stipulated in the program -the children are all fully-immunized; the household has a sanitary toilet, the family cooperates with government’s other programs, and maintains a backyard vegetable garden for their daily supply of fresh vegetables and at the same time to augment family income.
Practicing backyard gardening or farming is now being pushed by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture to support households’ daily needs in vegetables.
BPI Officer-In-Charge Joel Rudinas said 766,863 households in the country have tapped the Programnag Gulayan Para sa Masa, located in the 30 priority provinces that were assessed by the DA’s Hunger Mitigation Task Force.
Under the program, DA Regional Field Units are providing seeds, training and services to all interested households, he added.
In Region 6, only the province of Antique is included in this program, according to Aklan Provincial Agriculturist Delano T. Tefora.
“However, if local governments here opt to spend for the institutionalization or practice of backyard gardening to help mitigate hunger, it would be much better,” according to Tefora.
Tefora said backyard gardening in Aklan households will also help lower prices of vegetable in Aklan public markets now. Prices of some vegetables, based on OPA’s latest report, have gone up here.
Aklan leaders here hope the Nabas experience will be replicated in all municipalities here, especially the backyard gardening practice. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Friday, October 5, 2007
ATO needs trainees for air navigation, basic air traffic service courses
Kalibo, Aklan -- The Air Transportation Office (ATO) will be conducting a competitive examination to select trainees for the 13th Basic Air Traffic Service Course to be held in Manila Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC), Merville Road, Pasay City. Graduate of this course shall qualify for the position of Air Traffic Controller and/or Airways Communicator.
According to Engr. Percy Malonesio, Airport Manager of ATO at the Kalibo Airport here, qualified and selected Aklanon applicants who will pass the competitive examination, interview and medical/physical examination shall be trained by ATO at no cost; however, Maloneio emphasized that there will be no allowance or other form of compensation during the training period.
Examination is on October 27, 2007 in Manila, Mactan, Laoag, Puerto Prinsesa, Legaspi, Iloilo, Kalibo, Roxas, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.
To qualify, applicants should not be more than 26 years old on the day of the examination, must be in good health, and a holder of a Baccalaureate degree and must be computer literate.
Application forms may be secured from the Personnel Section, ATO, MIA Road for Manila applicants. For Aklan applicants, forms could be obtained from ATO, Kalibo Airport, Pook.
Applicants must submit a copy of College Diploma/Transcript of Records, Birth Certificate, Police Clearance, Barangay Clearance, and NBI Clearance together with the duly-filled-up application form not later that 5:00 PM, October 24 to the Airport Manager, Kalibo Airport.
On the other hand, ATO also needs trainees for its 35th Air Navigation Systems Specialist Course. ATO will also hold a competitive examination to select trainees for this course to be held at the CATC.
According to Malonesio, graduates of this training course shall qualify for the position of Air Navigation Systems Specialist I. Just like the other training, qualified applicants will have no allowance for the duration of the training.
The examination date is November 14, 2007, with the tests to be held in Manila, Mactan, Laoag, Puerto Prinsesa, Legaspi, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and Zamboanga Airports.
Applicants should be at least 21 years old but not more than 29 years old on the day of the examination, must be physically and mentally fit, must be single, natural born citizen of the Philippines and of good moral character; must be a graduate of any of the following course: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics and Communications, Mechanical or Computer Engineering and must be a Career Service Professional or RA 1080.
Application forms can be secured from the Airport Manager, ATO. Applicants must submit a copy of College Diploma, Transcript of Records, NBI clearance, Police Clearance, and other required documents together with the application form to the Airport Manager for Aklan applicants not later than October 19, 2007.
Malonesio said the training for successful applicants could last for more or less six to eight months. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
According to Engr. Percy Malonesio, Airport Manager of ATO at the Kalibo Airport here, qualified and selected Aklanon applicants who will pass the competitive examination, interview and medical/physical examination shall be trained by ATO at no cost; however, Maloneio emphasized that there will be no allowance or other form of compensation during the training period.
Examination is on October 27, 2007 in Manila, Mactan, Laoag, Puerto Prinsesa, Legaspi, Iloilo, Kalibo, Roxas, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.
To qualify, applicants should not be more than 26 years old on the day of the examination, must be in good health, and a holder of a Baccalaureate degree and must be computer literate.
Application forms may be secured from the Personnel Section, ATO, MIA Road for Manila applicants. For Aklan applicants, forms could be obtained from ATO, Kalibo Airport, Pook.
Applicants must submit a copy of College Diploma/Transcript of Records, Birth Certificate, Police Clearance, Barangay Clearance, and NBI Clearance together with the duly-filled-up application form not later that 5:00 PM, October 24 to the Airport Manager, Kalibo Airport.
On the other hand, ATO also needs trainees for its 35th Air Navigation Systems Specialist Course. ATO will also hold a competitive examination to select trainees for this course to be held at the CATC.
According to Malonesio, graduates of this training course shall qualify for the position of Air Navigation Systems Specialist I. Just like the other training, qualified applicants will have no allowance for the duration of the training.
The examination date is November 14, 2007, with the tests to be held in Manila, Mactan, Laoag, Puerto Prinsesa, Legaspi, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and Zamboanga Airports.
Applicants should be at least 21 years old but not more than 29 years old on the day of the examination, must be physically and mentally fit, must be single, natural born citizen of the Philippines and of good moral character; must be a graduate of any of the following course: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronics and Communications, Mechanical or Computer Engineering and must be a Career Service Professional or RA 1080.
Application forms can be secured from the Airport Manager, ATO. Applicants must submit a copy of College Diploma, Transcript of Records, NBI clearance, Police Clearance, and other required documents together with the application form to the Airport Manager for Aklan applicants not later than October 19, 2007.
Malonesio said the training for successful applicants could last for more or less six to eight months. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
New airport terminal at Kalibo airport rushed with more tourists brought by intl flights
Kalibo, Aklan – By 2008, there will be a new airport terminal at Kalibo Airport to accommodate arriving passengers in the province brought by international flights from Incheon, South Korea and China by plane companies like the Asian Spirit, Philippine Airlines, Pacific Pearl and very soon, China Eastern.
This is according to Engr. Percy Malonesio, Airport Manager of the Air Transportation Office here at Kalibo Airport.
Engr. Malonesio revealed that currently, Asian Spirit directly lands from Incheon, South Korea at the Kalibo Airport on a daily basis except Thursdays, bringing in some 150 Korean tourists each flight. Asian Spirit’s international flight from South Korea to Aklan started May 11 of this year.
The Phiippine Airlines, on the other hand, just started ferrying in tourists from Pudong, Shanghai, China last October 1 and 2. The first flight brought in 93 passengers while the second flight had 101 passengers. Malonesio also said that Pacific Pearl and China Eastern airlines will soon have their own flight landings at the Kalibo Airport.
The new airport terminal, according to Malonesio, has already a budget of P84 million, released as promised by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and announced here by Congressman Ignacio Arroyo and Presidential Management Staff Chief Cerge Remonde during their visits to the province.
“The bidding process for the new airport terminal building will be held November of this year, and hopefully, by next year, the building will be finished,” Malonesio revealed.
Malonesio also said the 100 meters expansion of the airport runway will also be underway, so domestic and international flights could land easily in the airport.
With the daily international flights coming in through Asian Spirit and with more brought in by other airlines in the days to come, Malonesio said the Air Transportation Office in Aklan is being extra-careful and vigilant in implementing anti-terroristic measures to protect leaving and arriving domestic and foreign passengers at the Kalibo Airport. He said ATO holds regular meetings with the PNP, the transport groups, the Aviation Security Group and other stakeholders to take up anti-terror preventive measures.
The international flights also caused the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation, the Bureau of Customs, and the Quarantine to establish regular desks and staff in the airport. Quarantine has four divisions to take care of specific concerns: plants, fisheries, animals and people. The quarantine division is on alert here, according to Malonesio, with the threat of bird flu, and the problem affecting ornamental palms and coconuts here, which might be brought to mainland Aklan through entry at the Kalibo Airport. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This is according to Engr. Percy Malonesio, Airport Manager of the Air Transportation Office here at Kalibo Airport.
Engr. Malonesio revealed that currently, Asian Spirit directly lands from Incheon, South Korea at the Kalibo Airport on a daily basis except Thursdays, bringing in some 150 Korean tourists each flight. Asian Spirit’s international flight from South Korea to Aklan started May 11 of this year.
The Phiippine Airlines, on the other hand, just started ferrying in tourists from Pudong, Shanghai, China last October 1 and 2. The first flight brought in 93 passengers while the second flight had 101 passengers. Malonesio also said that Pacific Pearl and China Eastern airlines will soon have their own flight landings at the Kalibo Airport.
The new airport terminal, according to Malonesio, has already a budget of P84 million, released as promised by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and announced here by Congressman Ignacio Arroyo and Presidential Management Staff Chief Cerge Remonde during their visits to the province.
“The bidding process for the new airport terminal building will be held November of this year, and hopefully, by next year, the building will be finished,” Malonesio revealed.
Malonesio also said the 100 meters expansion of the airport runway will also be underway, so domestic and international flights could land easily in the airport.
With the daily international flights coming in through Asian Spirit and with more brought in by other airlines in the days to come, Malonesio said the Air Transportation Office in Aklan is being extra-careful and vigilant in implementing anti-terroristic measures to protect leaving and arriving domestic and foreign passengers at the Kalibo Airport. He said ATO holds regular meetings with the PNP, the transport groups, the Aviation Security Group and other stakeholders to take up anti-terror preventive measures.
The international flights also caused the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation, the Bureau of Customs, and the Quarantine to establish regular desks and staff in the airport. Quarantine has four divisions to take care of specific concerns: plants, fisheries, animals and people. The quarantine division is on alert here, according to Malonesio, with the threat of bird flu, and the problem affecting ornamental palms and coconuts here, which might be brought to mainland Aklan through entry at the Kalibo Airport. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
PCA, Aklan local officials join hands against Brontispa
Kalibo, Aklan -- The infestation of Brontispa on ornamental palms and coconut trees in the world-famous resort island of Boracay Island has made Aklan’s local government officials, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and other government agencies pool their resources and efforts together to eradicate this dreaded pest which has started its destruction spree in the island.
According to Plevy Raco, PCA-Aklan Provincial Head, 80% of ornamental palms and coconut trees in Barangay Balabag in Boracay Island is already affected while in Manoc-Manoc, another barangay, the infestation is at 50%. Along the beachfront, however, she said 100% of the coconut trees are already infested.
Barangay Yapak is not affected yet, but Raco said they are already implementing preventive measures to keep the Brostispa pest from infesting the coconut trees in the area.
Based on information materials furnished by the PCA, Brostispa feeds on young coconut leaves. Young leaves appear burned or scorched resulting from the feeding damage of the coconut leaf beetle. It is a new malady of coconut in the country, presumably brought here through importation of ornamental palms. It causes great damage to seedlings and mature coconut trees and ornamental palms thereby killing the young spears and eventually the whole tree.
One method the PCA is using now to eradicate the pest is by trunk injection, according to Raco, using Actara emulsifiable granules, which is done by boring holes in the coconut trunks.
“The provincial government through Governor Carlito Marquez extended assistance by shouldering the wages of laborers who are boring coconut trunks for injection. For his part, Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling has already issued an order banning ornamental palms from entering and exiting the island of Boracay. Barangay councils in the island also issued certifications so that PCA personnel can enter resort establishments to inspect ornamental palms and implement treatment, if the palms in the areas show signs of infestation, while the Bureau of Plant Industry is implementing strict quarantine measures to regulate entries of ornamental plants in the island,” Raco revealed.
Another method the PCA is employing to eradicate Brontispa is the propagation of earwigs, an insect that eats the larva of Brontispa. However, Raco said the PCA is short in number of this insect, and is planning to seek the assistance of Aklan State University (ASU) here to study the fast propagation or culture of these insects to counter Brontispa. The PCA is also planning to seek the assistance of the stakeholders in Boracay to help the agency in purchasing Actara so all palms and coconuts in the island will be injected.
Presently, Boracay Island has more or less 15,000 coconut trees, according to PCA records. The PCA, the provincial government and the local government in Malay and other agencies like the Department of Agriculture here are in a rush to prevent Brontispa from reaching mainland Aklan.
“The pest must not enter mainland Aklan, because once this happens, the great losers will be the small coconut farmers, who tend the trees for copra. Thre thriving virgin coconut oil industry will also be affected, including other coco-based business,” Raco said.
Aklan, according to Raco, is number one in coconut density in Western Visayas, and the biggest copra-producer in the region. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
According to Plevy Raco, PCA-Aklan Provincial Head, 80% of ornamental palms and coconut trees in Barangay Balabag in Boracay Island is already affected while in Manoc-Manoc, another barangay, the infestation is at 50%. Along the beachfront, however, she said 100% of the coconut trees are already infested.
Barangay Yapak is not affected yet, but Raco said they are already implementing preventive measures to keep the Brostispa pest from infesting the coconut trees in the area.
Based on information materials furnished by the PCA, Brostispa feeds on young coconut leaves. Young leaves appear burned or scorched resulting from the feeding damage of the coconut leaf beetle. It is a new malady of coconut in the country, presumably brought here through importation of ornamental palms. It causes great damage to seedlings and mature coconut trees and ornamental palms thereby killing the young spears and eventually the whole tree.
One method the PCA is using now to eradicate the pest is by trunk injection, according to Raco, using Actara emulsifiable granules, which is done by boring holes in the coconut trunks.
“The provincial government through Governor Carlito Marquez extended assistance by shouldering the wages of laborers who are boring coconut trunks for injection. For his part, Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling has already issued an order banning ornamental palms from entering and exiting the island of Boracay. Barangay councils in the island also issued certifications so that PCA personnel can enter resort establishments to inspect ornamental palms and implement treatment, if the palms in the areas show signs of infestation, while the Bureau of Plant Industry is implementing strict quarantine measures to regulate entries of ornamental plants in the island,” Raco revealed.
Another method the PCA is employing to eradicate Brontispa is the propagation of earwigs, an insect that eats the larva of Brontispa. However, Raco said the PCA is short in number of this insect, and is planning to seek the assistance of Aklan State University (ASU) here to study the fast propagation or culture of these insects to counter Brontispa. The PCA is also planning to seek the assistance of the stakeholders in Boracay to help the agency in purchasing Actara so all palms and coconuts in the island will be injected.
Presently, Boracay Island has more or less 15,000 coconut trees, according to PCA records. The PCA, the provincial government and the local government in Malay and other agencies like the Department of Agriculture here are in a rush to prevent Brontispa from reaching mainland Aklan.
“The pest must not enter mainland Aklan, because once this happens, the great losers will be the small coconut farmers, who tend the trees for copra. Thre thriving virgin coconut oil industry will also be affected, including other coco-based business,” Raco said.
Aklan, according to Raco, is number one in coconut density in Western Visayas, and the biggest copra-producer in the region. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan governor says statistics important in eradication of poverty, hunger
Kalibo, Aklan -- Having Aklan’s accurate data on the province’ poverty threshold, employment and unemployment rate, population, agricultural produce and other information that involves the use of statistics is vital for poverty and hunger eradication in the province.
This is according to Aklan governor Carlito S. Marquez who recently led the initial meeting as part of the province’ celebration of National Statistics Month observed nationwide this month of October. The meeting was held at the Conference Room of the Provincial Guest House here.
The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of national government agencies and provincial offices who were invited by the provincial government to plan out activities for the month-long celebration.
Gov. Marquez said it is important to know the accurate number of the province’ poor families so the provincial government can formulate the right programs and services for these people to bring down incidence of poverty and hunger.
Theme of this year’s Statistics Month celebration is “Statistics and Actions: A Road to a Better Life Through the Millennium Development Goals”. Poverty and hunger eradication is one of the six MDG priority areas of concern.
Other MDG concerns include the achievement of universal primary education, promotion of gender equality, reduction of child mortality, improvement of women’s reproductive health, and combat HIV/AIDs, malaria and other diseases.
In the province, some activities that will be held for the 18th Statistics Month celebration include hanging of streamers, a Thanksgiving Mass, motorcade by all participating agencies around Kalibo, Statistical Exhibit, Progress Report Forum on the Millenium Development Goals, Statistical Quiz and radio and cable television guestings by representatives of participating agencies.
Most of the activities will be held October 16, while the closing activity, a Statistical Forum, will be held on October 25, according to Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator who presided in the initial meeting together with Gov. Marquez.
For this year’s celebration of Statistics Month, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno is urging all local chief executives to conduct simple but meaningful activities, citing the importance and value of statistics in the development efforts of the national and local governments.
“In order to assess our progress and the effectiveness of our programs on poverty eradication in achieving this goal, we need hard data and statistics,” the DILG Chief explained.
The observance of National Statistics Month each year is aimed to promote, enhance and instill awareness and appreciation on the importance of statistics in the formulation of policies for growth and development as well as elicit the cooperation and support of the general public in upgrading the quality of standards of statistics in the country. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This is according to Aklan governor Carlito S. Marquez who recently led the initial meeting as part of the province’ celebration of National Statistics Month observed nationwide this month of October. The meeting was held at the Conference Room of the Provincial Guest House here.
The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of national government agencies and provincial offices who were invited by the provincial government to plan out activities for the month-long celebration.
Gov. Marquez said it is important to know the accurate number of the province’ poor families so the provincial government can formulate the right programs and services for these people to bring down incidence of poverty and hunger.
Theme of this year’s Statistics Month celebration is “Statistics and Actions: A Road to a Better Life Through the Millennium Development Goals”. Poverty and hunger eradication is one of the six MDG priority areas of concern.
Other MDG concerns include the achievement of universal primary education, promotion of gender equality, reduction of child mortality, improvement of women’s reproductive health, and combat HIV/AIDs, malaria and other diseases.
In the province, some activities that will be held for the 18th Statistics Month celebration include hanging of streamers, a Thanksgiving Mass, motorcade by all participating agencies around Kalibo, Statistical Exhibit, Progress Report Forum on the Millenium Development Goals, Statistical Quiz and radio and cable television guestings by representatives of participating agencies.
Most of the activities will be held October 16, while the closing activity, a Statistical Forum, will be held on October 25, according to Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator who presided in the initial meeting together with Gov. Marquez.
For this year’s celebration of Statistics Month, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno is urging all local chief executives to conduct simple but meaningful activities, citing the importance and value of statistics in the development efforts of the national and local governments.
“In order to assess our progress and the effectiveness of our programs on poverty eradication in achieving this goal, we need hard data and statistics,” the DILG Chief explained.
The observance of National Statistics Month each year is aimed to promote, enhance and instill awareness and appreciation on the importance of statistics in the formulation of policies for growth and development as well as elicit the cooperation and support of the general public in upgrading the quality of standards of statistics in the country. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Wanted: earwig catchers for Aklan’s battle with brontispa
Kalibo, Aklan – Aklan’s battle with Brontispa, a coconut leaf beetle now destroying ornamental palms and coconut trees in Boracay Island continues with the Philippine Coconut Authority here planning to fight the coconut pest with another insect – the earwig.
The earwig, according to the PCA, also known as “sipit-sipit” in the island, is a friendly insect which feeds on the larva of Brontispa. Great hope is pinned on this insect by concerned agencies like the PCA, the Department of Agriculture and the local government units here to totally eradicate Brontispa, which has destroyed 80% or ornamental palms in Barangay Balabag in Boracay; 50% of palms in Manoc-manoc, another Boracay barangay, and 100% of coconuts in the beach front.
These agencies are racing against time to prevent the dreaded pest from reaching mainland Aklan, because once this happens, the province’ copra industry and other coconut-based enterprises could be destroyed.
Propagation of the earwig in Aklan, however, according to PCA Provincial Head Plevy Raco, has a snag – the short supply of the insects here, which dwell in coconut trees which are seldom harvested or cleaned.
Raco said that in four months’ time, they hope to turn in earwigs to battle with Brontispa and stop the latter’s infestation of palms and coconuts in the island. However, the scarcity of the insects for propagation is a problem, so the PCA is contemplating to look for expert earwig catchers in the province.
To propagate the insects, PCA is now planning to seek the assistance and expertise of the Aklan State University here.
Currently, the PCA’s Brontispa-eradication methods include trunk injection, spraying of chemicals to kill the larva of brontispa, and pruning and burning of infested plant parts.
For her part, fearing that Brontispa could wipe out the P40-billion coconut industry of the country, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently issued Executive Order No. 664 ordering the Department of Agriculture to “undertake emergency measures” to prevent the coconut leaf beetle from spreading in 68-coconut producing provinces.
In response to PGMA’s EO, DA Secretary Yap and other officials are having meetings with local chief executives and police officers to draw up the mechanics of enforcing emergency measures ordered by the President to contain the invasive coconut pest.
The DA has put under quarantine Metro Manila and 26 provinces infested with the coconut leaf beetle as part of these emergency steps to save the Philippine coconut industry.
Under Special Quarantine Order No. 1 issued by the DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the department has likewise banned imports of palm seed nuts and seedlings from over two dozen countries with known or reported Brontispa infestations.
The provinces placed under quarantine are Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Aurora, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Quezon, Rizal, Southern Palawan, Albay, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Aklan, Guimaras, Bohol, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Zamboanga, Bukidnon and Davao.
Movement of palm seedlings, plants and germinated seed nuts from these provinces to non-infected areas is prohibited by the new BPI order, unless such planting materials are covered by a transport permit issued by the BPI attesting that these have gone through strict quarantine measures.
In the wake of the Brontispa infestation in Boracay Island, Malay mayor Ciceron Cawaling has ordered the no entry, no exit policy of ornamental palms to and from the island. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The earwig, according to the PCA, also known as “sipit-sipit” in the island, is a friendly insect which feeds on the larva of Brontispa. Great hope is pinned on this insect by concerned agencies like the PCA, the Department of Agriculture and the local government units here to totally eradicate Brontispa, which has destroyed 80% or ornamental palms in Barangay Balabag in Boracay; 50% of palms in Manoc-manoc, another Boracay barangay, and 100% of coconuts in the beach front.
These agencies are racing against time to prevent the dreaded pest from reaching mainland Aklan, because once this happens, the province’ copra industry and other coconut-based enterprises could be destroyed.
Propagation of the earwig in Aklan, however, according to PCA Provincial Head Plevy Raco, has a snag – the short supply of the insects here, which dwell in coconut trees which are seldom harvested or cleaned.
Raco said that in four months’ time, they hope to turn in earwigs to battle with Brontispa and stop the latter’s infestation of palms and coconuts in the island. However, the scarcity of the insects for propagation is a problem, so the PCA is contemplating to look for expert earwig catchers in the province.
To propagate the insects, PCA is now planning to seek the assistance and expertise of the Aklan State University here.
Currently, the PCA’s Brontispa-eradication methods include trunk injection, spraying of chemicals to kill the larva of brontispa, and pruning and burning of infested plant parts.
For her part, fearing that Brontispa could wipe out the P40-billion coconut industry of the country, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently issued Executive Order No. 664 ordering the Department of Agriculture to “undertake emergency measures” to prevent the coconut leaf beetle from spreading in 68-coconut producing provinces.
In response to PGMA’s EO, DA Secretary Yap and other officials are having meetings with local chief executives and police officers to draw up the mechanics of enforcing emergency measures ordered by the President to contain the invasive coconut pest.
The DA has put under quarantine Metro Manila and 26 provinces infested with the coconut leaf beetle as part of these emergency steps to save the Philippine coconut industry.
Under Special Quarantine Order No. 1 issued by the DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the department has likewise banned imports of palm seed nuts and seedlings from over two dozen countries with known or reported Brontispa infestations.
The provinces placed under quarantine are Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Aurora, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Quezon, Rizal, Southern Palawan, Albay, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Aklan, Guimaras, Bohol, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Zamboanga, Bukidnon and Davao.
Movement of palm seedlings, plants and germinated seed nuts from these provinces to non-infected areas is prohibited by the new BPI order, unless such planting materials are covered by a transport permit issued by the BPI attesting that these have gone through strict quarantine measures.
In the wake of the Brontispa infestation in Boracay Island, Malay mayor Ciceron Cawaling has ordered the no entry, no exit policy of ornamental palms to and from the island. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan governor to info officers: provide correct, true information to constituents
Kalibo, Aklan -- It is up for duly designated public information officers to provide correct and true information to constituencies.
This was Aklan governor Carlito Marquez’ challenge to officers and members of the Aklan Public Information Officers Association (APIOA) here he inducted recently at the Gov. Corazon Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center in his keynote message.
Governor Marquez said the felt need for an effective information dissemination program, especially in the government, takes greater significance today in the light of the very rapid advancements in information technology.
“The speed by which information is carried by different media into our very homes is also the speed by which misinformation, disinformation, and all forms of deception are fed to the credible,” Governor Marquez stressed to the information officers.
According to him, it has become an accepted fact that information dissemination is a most important, critical component of any undertaking, especially of a government which puts a high premium on the approval of the constituency it seeks to serve, which he referred to as “approval rating”.
Governor Marquez cited the one-entry, one exit policy in Boracay Island as a test on the effectivity of information dissemination. He said the policy was greeted with loud protests from certain sectors, but after the province’ effective information dissemination efforts, the protesters saw the light, saw the need for security to ensure the safety of tourists and saw the need for a beach clear of pump boats and their oil and other wastes so tourists can enjoy swimming.
“One act of terrorism, one small bomb exploding in the island and tourists will stop coming. And that will be the end of our tourism industry, the goose that lays the golden eggs. This illustrates how important information dissemination is, which in fact, is in line with our policy of transparency. The people must know so they will understand and thereby appreciate what we are doing and extend cooperation, even assistance, towards the successful implementation of government programs.
Gov. Marquez also commended the APIOA for conducting a forum on Good Governance on the very day of their induction.
“That’s the catchword of the day. Good governance - the yardstick by which our constitutencies measure the capabilities of local as well as national leaders. But good governance is not the sole responsibility of our leaders, whether elected, appointed, or designated. It is as much the responsibility of the rank and file, the bureaucracy, the so-called civil servants who operate the government machinery,” the Aklan governor said.
The forum on Good Governance was held prior to the induction program, which had Max Zurbito Jr., former APIOA President and currenty SP-Aklan Secretary Odon Bandiola and former Vice Governor Roquillo C. Tolentino as speakers.
Inducted APIOA Officers for 2007-2009 were Maribel S. Tolentino of Pag-IBIG-Aklan, President; Sally Villasis of Aklan State University, Vice President; Deana G. Ruiz of the Department of Trade and Industry, Secretary; Judith T. Tindog of National Food Authority, Treasurer; Ulysses V. Espartero, Prov’l Governor’s Office, Asst. Secretary-Treasurer; PO1 Nida L. Gregas, Aklan Police Provincial Office, Auditor; Ferdinand R. Macogue, Civil Service Commission, Business Manager; and Leopoldo C. Sanchez Jr. of LGU-Numancia, Press Relations Officer. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This was Aklan governor Carlito Marquez’ challenge to officers and members of the Aklan Public Information Officers Association (APIOA) here he inducted recently at the Gov. Corazon Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center in his keynote message.
Governor Marquez said the felt need for an effective information dissemination program, especially in the government, takes greater significance today in the light of the very rapid advancements in information technology.
“The speed by which information is carried by different media into our very homes is also the speed by which misinformation, disinformation, and all forms of deception are fed to the credible,” Governor Marquez stressed to the information officers.
According to him, it has become an accepted fact that information dissemination is a most important, critical component of any undertaking, especially of a government which puts a high premium on the approval of the constituency it seeks to serve, which he referred to as “approval rating”.
Governor Marquez cited the one-entry, one exit policy in Boracay Island as a test on the effectivity of information dissemination. He said the policy was greeted with loud protests from certain sectors, but after the province’ effective information dissemination efforts, the protesters saw the light, saw the need for security to ensure the safety of tourists and saw the need for a beach clear of pump boats and their oil and other wastes so tourists can enjoy swimming.
“One act of terrorism, one small bomb exploding in the island and tourists will stop coming. And that will be the end of our tourism industry, the goose that lays the golden eggs. This illustrates how important information dissemination is, which in fact, is in line with our policy of transparency. The people must know so they will understand and thereby appreciate what we are doing and extend cooperation, even assistance, towards the successful implementation of government programs.
Gov. Marquez also commended the APIOA for conducting a forum on Good Governance on the very day of their induction.
“That’s the catchword of the day. Good governance - the yardstick by which our constitutencies measure the capabilities of local as well as national leaders. But good governance is not the sole responsibility of our leaders, whether elected, appointed, or designated. It is as much the responsibility of the rank and file, the bureaucracy, the so-called civil servants who operate the government machinery,” the Aklan governor said.
The forum on Good Governance was held prior to the induction program, which had Max Zurbito Jr., former APIOA President and currenty SP-Aklan Secretary Odon Bandiola and former Vice Governor Roquillo C. Tolentino as speakers.
Inducted APIOA Officers for 2007-2009 were Maribel S. Tolentino of Pag-IBIG-Aklan, President; Sally Villasis of Aklan State University, Vice President; Deana G. Ruiz of the Department of Trade and Industry, Secretary; Judith T. Tindog of National Food Authority, Treasurer; Ulysses V. Espartero, Prov’l Governor’s Office, Asst. Secretary-Treasurer; PO1 Nida L. Gregas, Aklan Police Provincial Office, Auditor; Ferdinand R. Macogue, Civil Service Commission, Business Manager; and Leopoldo C. Sanchez Jr. of LGU-Numancia, Press Relations Officer. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Don’t just produce, market your products too, DA Sec tells Aklan farmers
Numancia, Aklan – For Aklan farmers to earn more, they should not only focus on production. They must also use post harvest and storage facilities to preserve and protect their produce, and market these themselves – for the money is in the markets.
This was Department of Agriculture Sec. Arthur Yap’s message to Aklan farmers and fishermen in a dialogue facilitated by the Agricultural Training Institute during his recent visit to Aklan held at Numancia Agri-Aqua Techno-Demo Farm.
Sec. Yap said the government is now focusing more on preservation of farmers’ produce through the National Post Harvest Program so they could earn more.
“If your rice or corn is dried well, then it is of good quality and instead of earning just P7.00 per kilo, you could sell a kilo in the market for P11.00 or P12.00 pesos”, Yap told the farmers.
Yap also invited the farmers that if they would like to market their farm products in Manila, there are now 9 Bagsakan Centers open for their produce.
“If you have products in Aklan you wish to sell in Manila, tell us. We will give you a free space in our Bagsakan Centers. You bring your produce through the RORO, we will provide you food link stickers so your truck carrying your goods goes straight to the market,” Yap said.
“The way I see it however, you don’t have to market your products to Manila. Here in the Visayas alone, your produce will already be consumed. Boracay, for instance, gets its lettuce supply from Baguio. Green peppers come from other provinces. Why can’t you plant these in Aklan?” Yap challenged the farmers, urging them instead to supply the needs of their own region.
Yap also said that as Aklan has a small area for farming, farmers should focus more on high-value crops. He said there is money in cut flowers and vegetables if the right markets are found.
“Seafoods in Aklan are also of good quality. Your prawns and crabs are bigger, and you have special shells here not found in other provinces, and you can find markets for these in Bohol and Cebu,” Yap told the fisherfolks present.
“Let’s do business, not just production,” Yap emphasized.
Sec. Yap ended his dialogue by awarding Quick Turn-Around (QTA) seeds and drum seeder to the different farmers’ groups in the province, and personally handing the Certificate of Recognition Award to Nadya Patricia Sauza, an Aklanon student who made an exceptional investigatory project on the viability of producing biodiesel fuel from animal fats.
Aside from meeting Aklan farmers and fishermen, Sec. Yap visited Aklan to witness the unveiling of Cardinal Jaime L. Sin’s statue in new Washington, Aklan. Sec. Yap said Cardinal Sin was his Father Confessor during his school days at Xavier School. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
This was Department of Agriculture Sec. Arthur Yap’s message to Aklan farmers and fishermen in a dialogue facilitated by the Agricultural Training Institute during his recent visit to Aklan held at Numancia Agri-Aqua Techno-Demo Farm.
Sec. Yap said the government is now focusing more on preservation of farmers’ produce through the National Post Harvest Program so they could earn more.
“If your rice or corn is dried well, then it is of good quality and instead of earning just P7.00 per kilo, you could sell a kilo in the market for P11.00 or P12.00 pesos”, Yap told the farmers.
Yap also invited the farmers that if they would like to market their farm products in Manila, there are now 9 Bagsakan Centers open for their produce.
“If you have products in Aklan you wish to sell in Manila, tell us. We will give you a free space in our Bagsakan Centers. You bring your produce through the RORO, we will provide you food link stickers so your truck carrying your goods goes straight to the market,” Yap said.
“The way I see it however, you don’t have to market your products to Manila. Here in the Visayas alone, your produce will already be consumed. Boracay, for instance, gets its lettuce supply from Baguio. Green peppers come from other provinces. Why can’t you plant these in Aklan?” Yap challenged the farmers, urging them instead to supply the needs of their own region.
Yap also said that as Aklan has a small area for farming, farmers should focus more on high-value crops. He said there is money in cut flowers and vegetables if the right markets are found.
“Seafoods in Aklan are also of good quality. Your prawns and crabs are bigger, and you have special shells here not found in other provinces, and you can find markets for these in Bohol and Cebu,” Yap told the fisherfolks present.
“Let’s do business, not just production,” Yap emphasized.
Sec. Yap ended his dialogue by awarding Quick Turn-Around (QTA) seeds and drum seeder to the different farmers’ groups in the province, and personally handing the Certificate of Recognition Award to Nadya Patricia Sauza, an Aklanon student who made an exceptional investigatory project on the viability of producing biodiesel fuel from animal fats.
Aside from meeting Aklan farmers and fishermen, Sec. Yap visited Aklan to witness the unveiling of Cardinal Jaime L. Sin’s statue in new Washington, Aklan. Sec. Yap said Cardinal Sin was his Father Confessor during his school days at Xavier School. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Monday, September 3, 2007
AFP Inspector General inaugurates new army barracks in Aklan
Banga, Aklan- Three new buildings to be used as barracks of officers, women personnel and enlisted personnel of the 47th Infantry Battalion based at Camp Jizmundo, Libas, Banga here were recently inaugurated with BGen. Samuel D. Narcise, Inspector General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
He was assisted by LTC Earl D. Baliao, Commanding Officer of the 47th IB, 3ID, Philippine Army.
The three buildings were built with a project cost of P480,000 obtained from troop hutment funds and savings of the 47th IB, said Captain Antonio Tumnog, Civil Military Officer of the infantry battalion in Libas.
Captain Tumnog said the army men themselves built the buildings, the reason why the cost of the three buildings was very minimal, labor being free.
The officers’ quarter has three rooms, the women’s quarter two, while the enlisted personnel’s quarter can accommodate 100 persons, according to Captain Tumnog.
In the same occasion, Maj. General Jovenal Narcise, Commanding General of 3ID Philippine Army was also present. He officiated the unveiling of the marker of the barracks, assisted by LTC Earl D. Baliao.
Rev. Fr. Roberto Sitjar, Parish Priest of Batan, Aklan, blessed the buildings.
The coming of Brigadier Gen. Narcise to Aklan to inaugurate the 47th IB barracks coincided with his annual general inspection of the camp and other units in Panay under the 3ID, according to Captain Tumnog.
Meanwhile, Captain Tumnog said that the 47th IB here is prepared at all times to protect the people or for any action directed agains them (army) by lawless elements.
This is in the wake of statements issued by the CPP-NPA in reaction to the apprehension by the Dutch government of Jose Maria Sison, threatening retaliation against the military and the PNP nationwide.
Captain Tumnog said the Philippine Army, besides being on red alert, is continuously conducting its routinary activities. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
He was assisted by LTC Earl D. Baliao, Commanding Officer of the 47th IB, 3ID, Philippine Army.
The three buildings were built with a project cost of P480,000 obtained from troop hutment funds and savings of the 47th IB, said Captain Antonio Tumnog, Civil Military Officer of the infantry battalion in Libas.
Captain Tumnog said the army men themselves built the buildings, the reason why the cost of the three buildings was very minimal, labor being free.
The officers’ quarter has three rooms, the women’s quarter two, while the enlisted personnel’s quarter can accommodate 100 persons, according to Captain Tumnog.
In the same occasion, Maj. General Jovenal Narcise, Commanding General of 3ID Philippine Army was also present. He officiated the unveiling of the marker of the barracks, assisted by LTC Earl D. Baliao.
Rev. Fr. Roberto Sitjar, Parish Priest of Batan, Aklan, blessed the buildings.
The coming of Brigadier Gen. Narcise to Aklan to inaugurate the 47th IB barracks coincided with his annual general inspection of the camp and other units in Panay under the 3ID, according to Captain Tumnog.
Meanwhile, Captain Tumnog said that the 47th IB here is prepared at all times to protect the people or for any action directed agains them (army) by lawless elements.
This is in the wake of statements issued by the CPP-NPA in reaction to the apprehension by the Dutch government of Jose Maria Sison, threatening retaliation against the military and the PNP nationwide.
Captain Tumnog said the Philippine Army, besides being on red alert, is continuously conducting its routinary activities. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Green Philippines program expanded; Aklan launch slates planting thousands of trees
Kalibo, Aklan –Some 23,280 tree seedlings are set to be planted August 30 in the municipality of Tangalan in the western part of Aklan as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here, together with the local government unit of Tangalan, the Department of Education and the community launch the expanded Green Philippines program that targets to plant some 20 million seedlings nationwide.
According to Raul Lorilla, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, the launching sites in Tangalan are at Barangay Panayakan and at the Tangalan watershed. Seven groups will take part in the tree planting, composed of schools, fishery and agriculture councils, municipal officials and employees of Tangalan, multi-purpose cooperative, barangay officials and DENR employees. Each group will plant specific tree specie – for instance, the Tangalan National High School will plant Golden Shower tree seedlings numbering 1,000; Panayakan National High School, Acacia auri, 12,132; Tangalan FARMC, Mount Agoho, 3,000; Tangalan officials and employees, Bagras; Panayakan Lanipga MPC, Mahogany; barangay officials, Narra; and DENR employees, Narra and Molave; 328 seedlings.
The GPP launching in Tangalan, according to the DENR, is aiming to plant trees in some 20 hectares of land.
For this year, however, in sustaining and fully supporting the Green Philippines program, DENR, along with its partners in the province, aims to plant a total of 111,054 seedlings in some 73.86 hectares.
To realize this, PENRO Lorilla recently released a special order assigning DENR personnel as project focal persons/coordinators for thematic protected areas, critical watersheds and open lands.
For this year, DENR has set the planting of trees at protected areas, critical watersheds and open areas in the months of July and August; Agroforestry-Community-Based Forest Management Areas in September; Urban Parks, school campus, military camps and housing subdivisions in October; and mangrove and coastal areas in November.
This month of August, Lorillla said other GPP sites with mass planting include the Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve at Brgy. Galicia, Madalag; Panakuyan River Watershed Project at Brgy. San Jose, Ibajay; Nabaoy River Watershed/Malay Refo. Project at Brgy. Nabaoy, Malay; and Open Forest Land Areas in Brgys. Castillo and Calangcang in Makato.
The Green Philippines Project is an offshoot of the Green Philippine Highways Project (GPHP) launched a year ago to green national highways that serves the route of the PGMA Strong Republic Nautical Highway. In Aklan this covers the national highway where buses using the RORO boats traversed – from Barangay Caticlan in Malay to Barangay Cabangila in Altavas, Aklan, the boundary of Aklan and Capiz.
With its expansion into GPP, the government hopes to arrest air pollution, flooding as well as water depletion and other environmental hazards. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
According to Raul Lorilla, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, the launching sites in Tangalan are at Barangay Panayakan and at the Tangalan watershed. Seven groups will take part in the tree planting, composed of schools, fishery and agriculture councils, municipal officials and employees of Tangalan, multi-purpose cooperative, barangay officials and DENR employees. Each group will plant specific tree specie – for instance, the Tangalan National High School will plant Golden Shower tree seedlings numbering 1,000; Panayakan National High School, Acacia auri, 12,132; Tangalan FARMC, Mount Agoho, 3,000; Tangalan officials and employees, Bagras; Panayakan Lanipga MPC, Mahogany; barangay officials, Narra; and DENR employees, Narra and Molave; 328 seedlings.
The GPP launching in Tangalan, according to the DENR, is aiming to plant trees in some 20 hectares of land.
For this year, however, in sustaining and fully supporting the Green Philippines program, DENR, along with its partners in the province, aims to plant a total of 111,054 seedlings in some 73.86 hectares.
To realize this, PENRO Lorilla recently released a special order assigning DENR personnel as project focal persons/coordinators for thematic protected areas, critical watersheds and open lands.
For this year, DENR has set the planting of trees at protected areas, critical watersheds and open areas in the months of July and August; Agroforestry-Community-Based Forest Management Areas in September; Urban Parks, school campus, military camps and housing subdivisions in October; and mangrove and coastal areas in November.
This month of August, Lorillla said other GPP sites with mass planting include the Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve at Brgy. Galicia, Madalag; Panakuyan River Watershed Project at Brgy. San Jose, Ibajay; Nabaoy River Watershed/Malay Refo. Project at Brgy. Nabaoy, Malay; and Open Forest Land Areas in Brgys. Castillo and Calangcang in Makato.
The Green Philippines Project is an offshoot of the Green Philippine Highways Project (GPHP) launched a year ago to green national highways that serves the route of the PGMA Strong Republic Nautical Highway. In Aklan this covers the national highway where buses using the RORO boats traversed – from Barangay Caticlan in Malay to Barangay Cabangila in Altavas, Aklan, the boundary of Aklan and Capiz.
With its expansion into GPP, the government hopes to arrest air pollution, flooding as well as water depletion and other environmental hazards. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
OFWs, family members to benefit from OWWA
Kalibo, Aklan – Are you a son or a daughter of an Overseas Filipino Worker? If so, you can be a scholar, courtesy of the government through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
According to Vivian Ruiz Solano, manager of the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) here, OWWA is currently opening its doors to OFWs through its various beneficial programs.
These programs, said Solano, include Education for Development Scholarship Programs, Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program, and Search for “Model OFW Family of the Year Award” or MOFYA.
The scholarship programs target the children of OFWs, land-based or sea-based who are currently enrolled as 4th year high school students and belonging to the upper 20% of the graduating class for Academic Year 2007-2008.
Interested and qualified 4th year high school students have until October 31 of this year to file their application. Solano said they should coordinate with their principal or with the PESO for assistance with the requirements.
This year, OWWA is also conducting a search for the “Model OFW of the Year” award.
“This is an award given by the OWWA to OFWs and members of their families in recognition of their sacrifices and contribution in strengthening the country’s economy and their families in particular”, Solano explained.
Major winner of the award will be chosen based on his struggle to succeed in life – for instance, as an OFW, he was able to send his children to school- finishing college and landing jobs; he has established a thriving business through his earnings, he has savings, is respected in the community because he has no bad records, has a harmonious family life and has done other good deeds.
Big prizes await those who would win in the search for MOFYA like P200,000 cash, vacation trip packages, laptop units, P25,000 for regional winners, P20,000 G-cash and cellphones.
Aklanon OFWs who are interested to join the search could go to PESO-Aklan here for more information, according to Solano. They could also inquire directly from OWWA in Iloilo or Manila. Deadline set for the contest is on September 30 of this year. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
According to Vivian Ruiz Solano, manager of the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) here, OWWA is currently opening its doors to OFWs through its various beneficial programs.
These programs, said Solano, include Education for Development Scholarship Programs, Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program, and Search for “Model OFW Family of the Year Award” or MOFYA.
The scholarship programs target the children of OFWs, land-based or sea-based who are currently enrolled as 4th year high school students and belonging to the upper 20% of the graduating class for Academic Year 2007-2008.
Interested and qualified 4th year high school students have until October 31 of this year to file their application. Solano said they should coordinate with their principal or with the PESO for assistance with the requirements.
This year, OWWA is also conducting a search for the “Model OFW of the Year” award.
“This is an award given by the OWWA to OFWs and members of their families in recognition of their sacrifices and contribution in strengthening the country’s economy and their families in particular”, Solano explained.
Major winner of the award will be chosen based on his struggle to succeed in life – for instance, as an OFW, he was able to send his children to school- finishing college and landing jobs; he has established a thriving business through his earnings, he has savings, is respected in the community because he has no bad records, has a harmonious family life and has done other good deeds.
Big prizes await those who would win in the search for MOFYA like P200,000 cash, vacation trip packages, laptop units, P25,000 for regional winners, P20,000 G-cash and cellphones.
Aklanon OFWs who are interested to join the search could go to PESO-Aklan here for more information, according to Solano. They could also inquire directly from OWWA in Iloilo or Manila. Deadline set for the contest is on September 30 of this year. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
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