Kalibo, Aklan -- Six Aklanon athletes were honored here by the Provincial Government for winning gold and silver medals in the Palarong Pambansa held from April 27 to May 3, 2009 in Tacloban Leyte.
Of the athletes, two are elementary pupils while four are high school students.
The athletes were feted through a motorcade around Kalibo, then came for a courtesy call to the Governor’s Office. A press conference was also held at the Conference Hall of the Guest House, followed by an awarding program.
A cash incentive of P10,000 each was awarded to athletes who won gold medals while P5,000 each was awarded to those who won silver medals, according to Mary Ann Lopez, Division PESS Supervisor, DepEd-Aklan.
Gold medal winners include Macky Delfin of Ibajay Academy for boxing and Jeselle Panado of Christ the King School for Badminton Elementary.
Two athletes from the Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) – Ramon Leonardo Lomibao and Melquisedec Navejas, were also part of the Volleyball Team of Western Visayas which emerged as overall team champion.
The silver medalists who were also honored include Noriel Pelio of Solido National High School, a boxing athlete; and Mira Mirano, of Banga Elementary School, for chess.
Coaches and trainers of the athletes were also honored and given cash incentives. They include Jacinto Gonzalo, coach, boxing; Jun Montessa, trainer, boxing; and John Panaligan, trainer, badminton Elementary.
No less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo officially opened the Palarong Pambansa in Leyte. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Friday, May 15, 2009
COMELEC urges ’07 SK voters to register for 2010 elections
Kalibo, Aklan -- Young voters who registered for and voted during the 2007 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections should register again with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to become regular voters.
Lorena Tumbagahan, COMELEC-Kalibo Election Officer, said the previous registration of those who voted during SK elections in 2007 will not be applicable for the 2010 elections, so there is a need for them to avail of the continuing registration now being offered by the COMELEC up to October 31 of this year.
“Students should take advantage of the summer vacation and apply for registration in their respective municipalities so they would be able to vote in the 2010 elections,” Tubagahan said.
Tumbagahan also said those who would be turning 18 on the day of the May 2010 elections are also qualified to register.
COMELEC is urging those who have not yet registered to do so now in order to avoid crowding and long lines during the last day of registration.
After the continuing registration, the COMELEC will be doing other activities in preparation for the 2010 elections, like conducting symposia and trainings for the first-ever automated elections in the country.
COMELEC offices throughout the province are also in the process of “cleansing” their respective voters’ list of those who already died, failed to vote twice and who transferred to other places.
“Cleansing” of the voters’ list of dead persons, however, could only be possible if local civil registrars submit regular lists to COMELEC offices, according to Tumbagahan. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Lorena Tumbagahan, COMELEC-Kalibo Election Officer, said the previous registration of those who voted during SK elections in 2007 will not be applicable for the 2010 elections, so there is a need for them to avail of the continuing registration now being offered by the COMELEC up to October 31 of this year.
“Students should take advantage of the summer vacation and apply for registration in their respective municipalities so they would be able to vote in the 2010 elections,” Tubagahan said.
Tumbagahan also said those who would be turning 18 on the day of the May 2010 elections are also qualified to register.
COMELEC is urging those who have not yet registered to do so now in order to avoid crowding and long lines during the last day of registration.
After the continuing registration, the COMELEC will be doing other activities in preparation for the 2010 elections, like conducting symposia and trainings for the first-ever automated elections in the country.
COMELEC offices throughout the province are also in the process of “cleansing” their respective voters’ list of those who already died, failed to vote twice and who transferred to other places.
“Cleansing” of the voters’ list of dead persons, however, could only be possible if local civil registrars submit regular lists to COMELEC offices, according to Tumbagahan. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan slates mega job fair
Kalibo, Aklan --Job opportunities and job vacancies will be literally brought to the Aklanons’ doorsteps with the holding here May 10 of a Mega Job Fair at the ABL Sports Complex.
The Mega Job Fair, according to Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Vivian Ruiz-Solano, is the result of Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores and Governor Carlito S. Marquez’ tandem to help Aklanons find or avail of jobs locally or abroad.
The job fair is also in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), PESO Office and JobFinder.
Many employers, recruiters and interviewers will be coming here May 10 bringring with them various job orders and vacancies, according to Solano.
Presently, the PESO office has listed 9 establishments/offices which will be accepting applicants for various positions that includes Teledevelopmental Call Center that needs 500 call center agents and 100 technical support representatives; Theorem Global Business Outsourcing Corp. which needs accounting graduates, I.T. graduates, administrative clerks, and office clerks; RSI Philippines, Inc – general accountants, accounting specialists, junior application specialists, account executives, account supervisor, call center agents, systems administrators, IT Manager; Drugcheck Philippines – 10 medical technologists and account executives.
Corporate Workforce Provider Inc. also needs auto mechanic, drivers, delivery salesman, account executives, editors, accounting clerks, baristas, waitress, accounting supervisors and auditors, while Strategy Plus Inc. needs assistant store manager, management trainees, web developers, programmers, auditors and accounting staff. Weekend Review Inc. needs web developers, programmers, auditors, accounting staffs, account executives and editors, while Corporate Medical Check up Specialists, Inc. needs nurses, medical technologists, X-ray technicians and nursing aides.
Telan Law Office needs account executives, collectors, tele-collectors, legal secretary and skip tracers.
More employers and agencies from Metro Manila with job openings are expected to come for the Mega Job Fair.
DOLE, PESO-Aklan and the offices of Rep. Miraflores and Governor Marquez are jointly advising applicants to bring with them plenty of copies of their resumes, pictures, transcript of records and other employment credentials so they could apply with various establishments in the job fair. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The Mega Job Fair, according to Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Vivian Ruiz-Solano, is the result of Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores and Governor Carlito S. Marquez’ tandem to help Aklanons find or avail of jobs locally or abroad.
The job fair is also in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), PESO Office and JobFinder.
Many employers, recruiters and interviewers will be coming here May 10 bringring with them various job orders and vacancies, according to Solano.
Presently, the PESO office has listed 9 establishments/offices which will be accepting applicants for various positions that includes Teledevelopmental Call Center that needs 500 call center agents and 100 technical support representatives; Theorem Global Business Outsourcing Corp. which needs accounting graduates, I.T. graduates, administrative clerks, and office clerks; RSI Philippines, Inc – general accountants, accounting specialists, junior application specialists, account executives, account supervisor, call center agents, systems administrators, IT Manager; Drugcheck Philippines – 10 medical technologists and account executives.
Corporate Workforce Provider Inc. also needs auto mechanic, drivers, delivery salesman, account executives, editors, accounting clerks, baristas, waitress, accounting supervisors and auditors, while Strategy Plus Inc. needs assistant store manager, management trainees, web developers, programmers, auditors and accounting staff. Weekend Review Inc. needs web developers, programmers, auditors, accounting staffs, account executives and editors, while Corporate Medical Check up Specialists, Inc. needs nurses, medical technologists, X-ray technicians and nursing aides.
Telan Law Office needs account executives, collectors, tele-collectors, legal secretary and skip tracers.
More employers and agencies from Metro Manila with job openings are expected to come for the Mega Job Fair.
DOLE, PESO-Aklan and the offices of Rep. Miraflores and Governor Marquez are jointly advising applicants to bring with them plenty of copies of their resumes, pictures, transcript of records and other employment credentials so they could apply with various establishments in the job fair. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklanon students avail of summer jobs from DOLE, provincial government
Kalibo, Aklan -- Two hundred-fifty (250) Aklanon students had been given jobs this summer by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Provincial Government of Aklan under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).
According to Vivian Ruiz-Solano, Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager, the program, also known as Summer Job is jointly financed by the Provincial Government of Aklan and DOLE.
For 22 working days this summer which started April 27 and will end May 27, the “summer jobbers” will be maintaining the province’ Regreening and Beautification Project and will perform other chores in the respective Municipal Public Employment Service Offices.
For years, the provincial government, now under Governor Carlito Marquez, and the municipal mayors of Aklan’s 17 towns, through their designated Municipal PESO managers have been employing poor but deserving students provincewide. This is to give them an opportunity to earn some amount to augment their budget for the opening of classes.
As the program implementer/employer, the Provincial Government pays the students in cash 60% based on the minimum wage while the remaining 40% counterpart will come from the DOLE in the form of a voucher check.
Solano said since its implementation, thousands of Aklanons had been aided by this government program. (PIA/PESO)
According to Vivian Ruiz-Solano, Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager, the program, also known as Summer Job is jointly financed by the Provincial Government of Aklan and DOLE.
For 22 working days this summer which started April 27 and will end May 27, the “summer jobbers” will be maintaining the province’ Regreening and Beautification Project and will perform other chores in the respective Municipal Public Employment Service Offices.
For years, the provincial government, now under Governor Carlito Marquez, and the municipal mayors of Aklan’s 17 towns, through their designated Municipal PESO managers have been employing poor but deserving students provincewide. This is to give them an opportunity to earn some amount to augment their budget for the opening of classes.
As the program implementer/employer, the Provincial Government pays the students in cash 60% based on the minimum wage while the remaining 40% counterpart will come from the DOLE in the form of a voucher check.
Solano said since its implementation, thousands of Aklanons had been aided by this government program. (PIA/PESO)
Need for municipal vets further felt with emergence of flu, other swine diseases
Kalibo, Aklan -- The emergence of swine flu in Mexico, US and Canada and other parts of the world which has caused deaths in humans all the more emphasized the need for Aklan to have its municipalities its respective appointed Municipal Veterinarian.
Even as Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Gervase Radislao stressed that the Philippines is swine-flu – free and the national government is doing its best to prevent the entry of the disease in the country, he said there is a need for a sustained monitoring of animal diseases in the farms in barangays and municipalities and the most qualified person who can do it is a licensed veterinarian.
“Even before swine flu, many diseases had been attacking hogs, like foot and mouth disease, rentovirus, cholera and other maladies that also affect the economy of the country, and the livelihood of the people,”
Radislao said most rural folks in rural areas tend hogs in their backyards which literally serve as their “piggy bank”.
He also said that due to the mutation of viruses that attack pigs, it becomes harder and harder to come up with the proper medicines to stop the animals’ diseases.
“Here in the province, people only come to our office to ask our help when their animals are already sick, and not before when diseases could be prevented,” Radislao said.
According to him, if there are municipal veterinarians in municipalities, farmers from far towns need not spend much money to report cases of illnesses of their animals in the the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office.
Radislao called on Aklanons to be vigilant against this new swine disease that emerged in western countries, saying that Aklan, as a leading tourist destination, is vulnerable with the landing of international flights, the presence of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) and other seaports in the province.
Although he emphasized that swine flu could not be transmitted by eating meat especially if well-cooked, he called on everyone to refrain from bringing in food or “baon” when going around the province for safe measures.
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) assured that the swine influenza that has affected Mexico, the U.S. and Canada has not broken through the country.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap reiterated that there is no swine influenza outbreak in the Philippines, and eating pork is safe. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Even as Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Gervase Radislao stressed that the Philippines is swine-flu – free and the national government is doing its best to prevent the entry of the disease in the country, he said there is a need for a sustained monitoring of animal diseases in the farms in barangays and municipalities and the most qualified person who can do it is a licensed veterinarian.
“Even before swine flu, many diseases had been attacking hogs, like foot and mouth disease, rentovirus, cholera and other maladies that also affect the economy of the country, and the livelihood of the people,”
Radislao said most rural folks in rural areas tend hogs in their backyards which literally serve as their “piggy bank”.
He also said that due to the mutation of viruses that attack pigs, it becomes harder and harder to come up with the proper medicines to stop the animals’ diseases.
“Here in the province, people only come to our office to ask our help when their animals are already sick, and not before when diseases could be prevented,” Radislao said.
According to him, if there are municipal veterinarians in municipalities, farmers from far towns need not spend much money to report cases of illnesses of their animals in the the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office.
Radislao called on Aklanons to be vigilant against this new swine disease that emerged in western countries, saying that Aklan, as a leading tourist destination, is vulnerable with the landing of international flights, the presence of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) and other seaports in the province.
Although he emphasized that swine flu could not be transmitted by eating meat especially if well-cooked, he called on everyone to refrain from bringing in food or “baon” when going around the province for safe measures.
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) assured that the swine influenza that has affected Mexico, the U.S. and Canada has not broken through the country.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap reiterated that there is no swine influenza outbreak in the Philippines, and eating pork is safe. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan signs MOA with foundation to pump-prime province’ economy
Kalibo, Aklan -- The provincial government of Aklan, through Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with AYN Foundation involving P500 million worth of tourism-related projects in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan.
In a radio interview over station DYRU here, Governor Marquez said the move was part of the province’s pump-priming activities to provide jobs and livelihood opportunities to Aklanons.
Based on the master plan, Governor Marquez said the project involves the reclamation of some 2.6 hectares of land in Caticlan, Malay where facilities like a wellness center, a hospital and a commercial complex will be constructed upon.
“The commercial complex will contain offices of airlines, travel agencies and banks, which will be for lease,” Governor Marquez said.
The operation of cable cars is also seen as a possibility that will complement the project.
The project will be implemented through bond flotation.
In his January 2009 State of the Province Address (SOPA), Govenor Marquez described the Health and Wellness Center is a welcome complement to the government’s thrust in attracting 700,000 foreign and medical clients annually which hopes to achieve P1 billion revenues.
“This is a new market apart from the recreational tourists who visit Boracay on a regular basis. With this development, the province will be attracting two distinct markets of equal number and value in the same location,” Marquez said then in his SOPA.
Other plans Marquez revealed to further boost Aklan’s tourism industry include the development of shorelines along Malay and Buruanga, putting up an Oceanarium in Boracay and the improvement of the hospital in the island.
The hospital will have a P10 million budget, according to Marquez. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
In a radio interview over station DYRU here, Governor Marquez said the move was part of the province’s pump-priming activities to provide jobs and livelihood opportunities to Aklanons.
Based on the master plan, Governor Marquez said the project involves the reclamation of some 2.6 hectares of land in Caticlan, Malay where facilities like a wellness center, a hospital and a commercial complex will be constructed upon.
“The commercial complex will contain offices of airlines, travel agencies and banks, which will be for lease,” Governor Marquez said.
The operation of cable cars is also seen as a possibility that will complement the project.
The project will be implemented through bond flotation.
In his January 2009 State of the Province Address (SOPA), Govenor Marquez described the Health and Wellness Center is a welcome complement to the government’s thrust in attracting 700,000 foreign and medical clients annually which hopes to achieve P1 billion revenues.
“This is a new market apart from the recreational tourists who visit Boracay on a regular basis. With this development, the province will be attracting two distinct markets of equal number and value in the same location,” Marquez said then in his SOPA.
Other plans Marquez revealed to further boost Aklan’s tourism industry include the development of shorelines along Malay and Buruanga, putting up an Oceanarium in Boracay and the improvement of the hospital in the island.
The hospital will have a P10 million budget, according to Marquez. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan enforces strong quarantine measures to prevent swine flu entry
Kalibo, Aklan -- Strict quarantine measures are being enforced by the Provincial Government of Aklan through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVET) here to prevent the entry and spread of the dreaded swine flu which has gripped Mexico and the US.
Dr. Gervase Radislao, Provincial Veterinarian, said the province’ quarantine sections, located at the Kalibo Airport, Caticlan Jetty Port, Dumaguit Port and other points of entry are now strictly monitoring livestock brought to the province and ensuring that these come with complete papers.
“We are being extra careful with the entry of livestock, poultry or meat products in Aklan, considering that Aklan, because of Boracay, is a prime tourist destination and is already served by international flights,” Dr. Radislao said.
Dr. Radislao said his office has already received a phoned directive from the Department of Agriculture Regional Office 6 that there is now a total ban of livestock, poultry and other meat products from the US, Mexico and New Zealand.
Although the Philippines is still free from the swine flu, Dr. Radislao advised Aklanons to cook their pork meat well before eating, and in the case of hog raisers – to use strict bio-security measures, regulate entry of people visiting their piggeries as well as those coming from other piggeries.
Properly cooking pork meat before eating was also advised by Governor Marquez over a radio station here to Aklanons to avoid swine flu.
The national government is taking all necessary precautions against swine flu. At the same time, it has assured consumers that swine flu is not transferred to humans by means of eating pork.
Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde said in a radio interview that Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap has already mobilized the Bureau of Animal Industry to closely monitor all animal and animal product importations from these countries.
The DA, Remonde said, is stocking up vaccines and whatever is necessary for ready use just in case swine flu finds its ways into the Philippines. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Dr. Gervase Radislao, Provincial Veterinarian, said the province’ quarantine sections, located at the Kalibo Airport, Caticlan Jetty Port, Dumaguit Port and other points of entry are now strictly monitoring livestock brought to the province and ensuring that these come with complete papers.
“We are being extra careful with the entry of livestock, poultry or meat products in Aklan, considering that Aklan, because of Boracay, is a prime tourist destination and is already served by international flights,” Dr. Radislao said.
Dr. Radislao said his office has already received a phoned directive from the Department of Agriculture Regional Office 6 that there is now a total ban of livestock, poultry and other meat products from the US, Mexico and New Zealand.
Although the Philippines is still free from the swine flu, Dr. Radislao advised Aklanons to cook their pork meat well before eating, and in the case of hog raisers – to use strict bio-security measures, regulate entry of people visiting their piggeries as well as those coming from other piggeries.
Properly cooking pork meat before eating was also advised by Governor Marquez over a radio station here to Aklanons to avoid swine flu.
The national government is taking all necessary precautions against swine flu. At the same time, it has assured consumers that swine flu is not transferred to humans by means of eating pork.
Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde said in a radio interview that Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap has already mobilized the Bureau of Animal Industry to closely monitor all animal and animal product importations from these countries.
The DA, Remonde said, is stocking up vaccines and whatever is necessary for ready use just in case swine flu finds its ways into the Philippines. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan gives out more than P1.2 M in cash prizes for re-greening, beautification project
Kalibo, Aklan -- A total of P1,225,000 in cash prizes was given out by the Provincial Government of Aklan to winners of its Re-Greening and Beautification Project.
The awarding of prizes to winners was one of the highlights of Aklan’s 53rd anniversary celebration as a separate province from Capiz during its commemorative program April 25 held at the ABL Sports Complex.
Barangays which were adjudged big winners in the contest include Linayasan in Altavas (Eastern Side) and Tagas, Tangalan (Western Side) which both won first prize, getting P100,000 each; Barangays Calizo, Balete (Eastern Side) and Sta. Cruz, Bigaa (Western Side); second prize, P75,000 each; and Fulgencio, Balete (Eastern) and Dongon West, Numancia (Western), third prize,P50,000 each.
For Residential entries, winners in the Eastern Side were Mateo Soncuya Jr. of Libas, Banga, first prize, P30,000; Clarita C. Fernandez, Pook, Kalibo, second, P20,000; and Remedios C. Gammad, Pook, Kalibo, third, P10,000.
For the Western Side, residential entry winners were Leaflor C. Pingoy of Buenasuerte, Nabas, first prize, P30,000; Zenaida C. Cesar, Gibon, Nabas, P20,000; and Gerry A. Revestir of Sta. Cruz, Lezo, third, P10,000.00.
Special awards were also given to some best performing barangays. From the Western side, awardees include Poblacion Malinao, adjudged Best Rock Artworks Landscape; Jawili, Tangalan, Best in Brgy. Mobilization and People’s Participation; Panayakan, Tangalan, Best in Thematic Design; Laguinbanua East, Numancia, Most Diversified Plant Landscape; and Bagongbayan, buruanga, Best in Indigenous landscape. These awardees received P10,000 each.
For Residential Category Western Side, awardees who received P5,000 each were Godelyn A. Lambito of Toledo, Nabas, Best in Artisitic Design; Bobby Tauna, Sambiray, Malay, Best in Variety of Plants, Iris Joligon, Tabangka, Numancia, Best in Ecological Landscape, and Blas Amacio of Poblacion Nabas, Best in Aesthetic Design.
For the Eastern Side, the only barangay with a special award was Polo, New Washington which was adjudged Best in Innovative Partnership Concept which received P10,000.
On the other hand, residential category winners were John Kenneth Traje of Tambak, New Washington, Most Promising Landscape Entrepreneur; Henry Panado of Cabugao, Altavas,, Best In Integrated Gardening Approach; Piedad M. Castillo of Tabayon, Banga, Best in Ecological Landscape, and Guillermo Mamay of Feliciano, Balete, Best in Aestheic Design. These special awardees received P5,000 each.
Municipal Awardees were also chosen. For the Eastern Side, Balete was adjudged Best In Barangay Mobilization and Award Performance while the Municipality of Tangalan for the Western Side was Best in Barangay Mobilization and Performance. These 2 municipalities got P50,000 each.
Aklan’s remaining 15 municipalities which joined the contest were also awarded P30,000 each.
The contest was launched by the Provincial Government of Aklan headed by Governor Carlito Marquez November of last year to rehabilitate and re-green the roadsides with flowering and ornamental plants along the road network of the province composing the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) which was destroyed by Typhoon Frank. The project was also aimed to be another tourist attraction in the province for tourist and visitors passing the SRNH.
The awards were handed.out to winners by Governor Marquez, Presidental Assistant for the Visayas Raul Banias who was the commemorative program’s guest speaker, and Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The awarding of prizes to winners was one of the highlights of Aklan’s 53rd anniversary celebration as a separate province from Capiz during its commemorative program April 25 held at the ABL Sports Complex.
Barangays which were adjudged big winners in the contest include Linayasan in Altavas (Eastern Side) and Tagas, Tangalan (Western Side) which both won first prize, getting P100,000 each; Barangays Calizo, Balete (Eastern Side) and Sta. Cruz, Bigaa (Western Side); second prize, P75,000 each; and Fulgencio, Balete (Eastern) and Dongon West, Numancia (Western), third prize,P50,000 each.
For Residential entries, winners in the Eastern Side were Mateo Soncuya Jr. of Libas, Banga, first prize, P30,000; Clarita C. Fernandez, Pook, Kalibo, second, P20,000; and Remedios C. Gammad, Pook, Kalibo, third, P10,000.
For the Western Side, residential entry winners were Leaflor C. Pingoy of Buenasuerte, Nabas, first prize, P30,000; Zenaida C. Cesar, Gibon, Nabas, P20,000; and Gerry A. Revestir of Sta. Cruz, Lezo, third, P10,000.00.
Special awards were also given to some best performing barangays. From the Western side, awardees include Poblacion Malinao, adjudged Best Rock Artworks Landscape; Jawili, Tangalan, Best in Brgy. Mobilization and People’s Participation; Panayakan, Tangalan, Best in Thematic Design; Laguinbanua East, Numancia, Most Diversified Plant Landscape; and Bagongbayan, buruanga, Best in Indigenous landscape. These awardees received P10,000 each.
For Residential Category Western Side, awardees who received P5,000 each were Godelyn A. Lambito of Toledo, Nabas, Best in Artisitic Design; Bobby Tauna, Sambiray, Malay, Best in Variety of Plants, Iris Joligon, Tabangka, Numancia, Best in Ecological Landscape, and Blas Amacio of Poblacion Nabas, Best in Aesthetic Design.
For the Eastern Side, the only barangay with a special award was Polo, New Washington which was adjudged Best in Innovative Partnership Concept which received P10,000.
On the other hand, residential category winners were John Kenneth Traje of Tambak, New Washington, Most Promising Landscape Entrepreneur; Henry Panado of Cabugao, Altavas,, Best In Integrated Gardening Approach; Piedad M. Castillo of Tabayon, Banga, Best in Ecological Landscape, and Guillermo Mamay of Feliciano, Balete, Best in Aestheic Design. These special awardees received P5,000 each.
Municipal Awardees were also chosen. For the Eastern Side, Balete was adjudged Best In Barangay Mobilization and Award Performance while the Municipality of Tangalan for the Western Side was Best in Barangay Mobilization and Performance. These 2 municipalities got P50,000 each.
Aklan’s remaining 15 municipalities which joined the contest were also awarded P30,000 each.
The contest was launched by the Provincial Government of Aklan headed by Governor Carlito Marquez November of last year to rehabilitate and re-green the roadsides with flowering and ornamental plants along the road network of the province composing the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) which was destroyed by Typhoon Frank. The project was also aimed to be another tourist attraction in the province for tourist and visitors passing the SRNH.
The awards were handed.out to winners by Governor Marquez, Presidental Assistant for the Visayas Raul Banias who was the commemorative program’s guest speaker, and Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Be vigilant against fixers, CSC tells public
Kalibo, Aklan -- The public should exercise vigilance against fixers and must report at once to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Civil Service Commission if there are cases of fixing that they know of in government offices.
Evelyn Ejar, Director II of the CSC Field Office here gave this advice to the public with the government’s aggressive implementation of the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA).
Ejar said offices should post ‘warning to fixers’ sign, and called on the public to call the hotlines provided in the warning in instances of fixers’ presence in government offices.
“In this time of financial crisis, fixing should be eradicated. Government employees should refrain from doing this practice as we have salaries and it is our job to serve the public”, Ejar said.
Ejar said however, that ‘fixing’ is not totally confined to government employees but to private individuals as well.
Ejar said to better serve the public and for the smooth implementation of ARTA, signatories in business transactions should be lessened to save time, employees should not act slow in their transactions with clients, and requirements should be minimal so as not to delay documents.
Ejar also said offices should display list of frontline services so the public will know what services the offices are offering.
The setting up of one-stop shops in offices is also advised by the CSC so people will take shorter time to process their papers.
In Aklan, Ejar said the only municipality with a One Stop Shop is Kalibo. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Evelyn Ejar, Director II of the CSC Field Office here gave this advice to the public with the government’s aggressive implementation of the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA).
Ejar said offices should post ‘warning to fixers’ sign, and called on the public to call the hotlines provided in the warning in instances of fixers’ presence in government offices.
“In this time of financial crisis, fixing should be eradicated. Government employees should refrain from doing this practice as we have salaries and it is our job to serve the public”, Ejar said.
Ejar said however, that ‘fixing’ is not totally confined to government employees but to private individuals as well.
Ejar said to better serve the public and for the smooth implementation of ARTA, signatories in business transactions should be lessened to save time, employees should not act slow in their transactions with clients, and requirements should be minimal so as not to delay documents.
Ejar also said offices should display list of frontline services so the public will know what services the offices are offering.
The setting up of one-stop shops in offices is also advised by the CSC so people will take shorter time to process their papers.
In Aklan, Ejar said the only municipality with a One Stop Shop is Kalibo. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
ASU, provincial gov’t of Aklan sign MOA for sports complex construction
Kalibo, Aklan -- A Memorandum of Agreement was recently signed between the Provincial Government of Aklan and Aklan State University (ASU) for the construction, development and operation of Aklan Sports Complex located in Calangcang, Makato, Aklan.
Under the MOA, ASU will be providing the 6.5 hectares of land in Calangcang while the province will be sourcing the funds for the construction of the sports complex.
According to Engr. Victory Fernandez, Provincial Engineer and Chairperson of the Technical Working Group of the project, a track and field oval, an Olympic size swimming pool and other sports facilities will be constructed on the lot.
The MOA was signed by Governor Carlito Marquez representing the province while Dr. Benny Palma, ASU President represented ASU in the signing with Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo and Dr. Eleanor T. Mationg as witnesses.
Governor Carlito Marquez said the MOA-signing was a very historic occasion because it has far-reaching implications for the Aklanon youth. He thanked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan for providing legislative support to the project, allowing him to enter into a MOA with ASU. He also thanked ASU for providing the site for the project.
“Let us now roll up our sleeves and start the construction”, Governor Marquez said, and enjoined Engr. Fernandez to beat the December 2009 deadline, “because the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet flag had already been turned-over to Aklan.
Gov. Marquez was referring to Aklan’s hosting of the WVRAA Meet in 2010, its turn to host after 15 years.
For his part, ASU President Benny Palma expressed his gratitude to Gov. Marquez, to Vice Governor Calizo, the SP and the officers of ASU for hammering out the MOA “so our dream to have Aklan Sports Complex is born today”.
“The Sports Complex is not only for the development of a physically-sound mind and body but the development of the youth academically and the the development of athletes,” Dr. Palma said.
Also present during the MOA signing were Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, department heads and the local media. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Under the MOA, ASU will be providing the 6.5 hectares of land in Calangcang while the province will be sourcing the funds for the construction of the sports complex.
According to Engr. Victory Fernandez, Provincial Engineer and Chairperson of the Technical Working Group of the project, a track and field oval, an Olympic size swimming pool and other sports facilities will be constructed on the lot.
The MOA was signed by Governor Carlito Marquez representing the province while Dr. Benny Palma, ASU President represented ASU in the signing with Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo and Dr. Eleanor T. Mationg as witnesses.
Governor Carlito Marquez said the MOA-signing was a very historic occasion because it has far-reaching implications for the Aklanon youth. He thanked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan for providing legislative support to the project, allowing him to enter into a MOA with ASU. He also thanked ASU for providing the site for the project.
“Let us now roll up our sleeves and start the construction”, Governor Marquez said, and enjoined Engr. Fernandez to beat the December 2009 deadline, “because the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet flag had already been turned-over to Aklan.
Gov. Marquez was referring to Aklan’s hosting of the WVRAA Meet in 2010, its turn to host after 15 years.
For his part, ASU President Benny Palma expressed his gratitude to Gov. Marquez, to Vice Governor Calizo, the SP and the officers of ASU for hammering out the MOA “so our dream to have Aklan Sports Complex is born today”.
“The Sports Complex is not only for the development of a physically-sound mind and body but the development of the youth academically and the the development of athletes,” Dr. Palma said.
Also present during the MOA signing were Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, department heads and the local media. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
CAFGUs, Army personnel donated blood to PNRC
Kalibo, Aklan –Forty-two enlisted personnel and Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Axillaries (CAAs) of 12th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Camp Jizmundo, Libas, Banga, Aklan recently donated some 18,000 ml of assorted blood types to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) here.
The bloodletting activity, dubbed “Let Us Save Lives …Donate Blood”, according to 1Lt. Claire R. Aure of the Philippine Army, was held at the Battalion Headquarters.
The activity was held in cooperation with PNRC-Aklan, 601st Community Defense Center, 6th Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command and 3rd Civil Military Unit, Civil Military Operation Group, Philippine Army.
LTC Nicolas V. Pasion, the Philippine Army Commander of the 12th Infantry Battalion (CAFGU) spearheaded the activity, telling his men that “the most priceless gift we could share to our fellow is our clean blood thus, every drop of our blood could save lives, that is why I encourage you to donate your precious blood especially to the needy”.
The activity was supported by reservist doctors, MSg Beatriz Y. Diel and MSg Emily S. Zonio of the 601st CDC.
The PNRC-Aklan Chapter, on the other hand, was led by Melanie Rojo, who, together with her six companions, lauded the Philippine Army for the gesture.
Rojo said the donated blood at this time will be very precious because the present supply at the PNRC is very limited especially during summer, since most blood donors, are students from the university and colleges here. (PIA/PA)
The bloodletting activity, dubbed “Let Us Save Lives …Donate Blood”, according to 1Lt. Claire R. Aure of the Philippine Army, was held at the Battalion Headquarters.
The activity was held in cooperation with PNRC-Aklan, 601st Community Defense Center, 6th Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command and 3rd Civil Military Unit, Civil Military Operation Group, Philippine Army.
LTC Nicolas V. Pasion, the Philippine Army Commander of the 12th Infantry Battalion (CAFGU) spearheaded the activity, telling his men that “the most priceless gift we could share to our fellow is our clean blood thus, every drop of our blood could save lives, that is why I encourage you to donate your precious blood especially to the needy”.
The activity was supported by reservist doctors, MSg Beatriz Y. Diel and MSg Emily S. Zonio of the 601st CDC.
The PNRC-Aklan Chapter, on the other hand, was led by Melanie Rojo, who, together with her six companions, lauded the Philippine Army for the gesture.
Rojo said the donated blood at this time will be very precious because the present supply at the PNRC is very limited especially during summer, since most blood donors, are students from the university and colleges here. (PIA/PA)
Aklan COMELEC offices start “cleansing” of voters’ list
Kalibo, Aklan -- All municipal offices of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Aklan are now in the process of “cleansing” their respective voters’ list.
According to Carlito Dionela, Election Registrar of COMELEC-Batan, through “cleansing”, deceased persons, those who failed to vote twice, and those who have transferred to other towns, cities or provinces, are removed from the list.
“In 2007 elections alone when two elections were held in a year, many could be removed from the list – if they were unable to vote in the two consecutive elections,” Dionela said
The “cleansing” of voters’ list, according to Dionela, will affect the number of voters in a certain area.
“The number of voters would either increase or decrease”, Dionela said.
In Aklan, municipalities with big number of voters include Kalibo, Ibajay, New Washington, Banga, Malay and Batan.
Relatedly, Kalibo’s Election Officer Lorena Tumbagahan corrected her office’ earlier pronouncement on the last day of filing applications for registration for the May 2010 elections.
According to her, the continuing registration of voters will actually end October 31 of this year and not October 15 as announced earlier. She reminded those who are planning to register to file their applications early, so there would be no long lines during the last day of registration at COMELEC offices.
Dionela also once served as Kalibo’s Election Registrar before his assignment in Batan.
Just recently, Malacanang emphasized that it is now focusing on three areas – jobs creation, economic meltdown mitigation and preparation for peaceful and credible elections in May 2010. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
According to Carlito Dionela, Election Registrar of COMELEC-Batan, through “cleansing”, deceased persons, those who failed to vote twice, and those who have transferred to other towns, cities or provinces, are removed from the list.
“In 2007 elections alone when two elections were held in a year, many could be removed from the list – if they were unable to vote in the two consecutive elections,” Dionela said
The “cleansing” of voters’ list, according to Dionela, will affect the number of voters in a certain area.
“The number of voters would either increase or decrease”, Dionela said.
In Aklan, municipalities with big number of voters include Kalibo, Ibajay, New Washington, Banga, Malay and Batan.
Relatedly, Kalibo’s Election Officer Lorena Tumbagahan corrected her office’ earlier pronouncement on the last day of filing applications for registration for the May 2010 elections.
According to her, the continuing registration of voters will actually end October 31 of this year and not October 15 as announced earlier. She reminded those who are planning to register to file their applications early, so there would be no long lines during the last day of registration at COMELEC offices.
Dionela also once served as Kalibo’s Election Registrar before his assignment in Batan.
Just recently, Malacanang emphasized that it is now focusing on three areas – jobs creation, economic meltdown mitigation and preparation for peaceful and credible elections in May 2010. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DTI strengthens price monitoring activities through CLEEP
Kalibo, Aklan -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here is further strengthening its price monitoring activities through the implementation of Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP).
DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. said, that under this scheme, the DTI will deploy to various parts of the province job hirees of the agency to conduct monitoring of prices of basic and prime commodities under its jurisdiction.
“They will conduct price monitoring for 3 to 6 months to augment DTI’s price monitoring force. At the same time, the agency will be providing employment opportunities to Aklanons”, Director Cadena said.
PD Cadena said this program will be implemented nationwide, with Western Visayas getting 30 slots. Aklan will have 4 temporary job hirees while the rest of the slots will be shared by Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Antique and Guimaras.
The price monitoring activity will be a way to know the real situation as far the the price of basic goods and commodities is concerned, especially in this period of global financial crisis, according to the DTI Provincial Director.
The result of the price monitoring activity, which will have a weekly consolidated result, will be open to the public, Cadena assured.
Recently when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visited Aklan, she stressed that the government is focusing more on job creation and ensuring low price of goods to help address the global financial crisis affecting the Filipinos. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. said, that under this scheme, the DTI will deploy to various parts of the province job hirees of the agency to conduct monitoring of prices of basic and prime commodities under its jurisdiction.
“They will conduct price monitoring for 3 to 6 months to augment DTI’s price monitoring force. At the same time, the agency will be providing employment opportunities to Aklanons”, Director Cadena said.
PD Cadena said this program will be implemented nationwide, with Western Visayas getting 30 slots. Aklan will have 4 temporary job hirees while the rest of the slots will be shared by Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Antique and Guimaras.
The price monitoring activity will be a way to know the real situation as far the the price of basic goods and commodities is concerned, especially in this period of global financial crisis, according to the DTI Provincial Director.
The result of the price monitoring activity, which will have a weekly consolidated result, will be open to the public, Cadena assured.
Recently when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visited Aklan, she stressed that the government is focusing more on job creation and ensuring low price of goods to help address the global financial crisis affecting the Filipinos. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
“Project NARS’ benefits 72 Aklanons
Kalibo, Aklan -- Seventy-two (72) Aklanon nurses had been selected for the government’s “Project NARS” program here.
NARS, which means Nurse Assigned in Rural Areas, involves the hiring of nurses who are currently unemployed by the national government. Under the program, the hired nurses will be assigned in rural health units and provincial and district hospitals in their areas.
DOLE-Aklan Provincial Head Joselito De La Banda said that these nurses will receive a stipend of P8,000.00 a month from DOLE. The program is open, however, for local government units which may contribute a monthly stipend counterpart for these nurses serving in their areas.
Earlier, the proposed counterpart amount was announced at P2,000 to make the total stipend of these nurses reach P10,000 a month.
De La Banda said that currently, commitments from local chief executives are still being awaited for this arrangement, if they are willing.
The DOLE Provincial Head said that these nurses have already gone to their respective assignments. One half of the figure will be serving rural health units in the province, while the other half will be serving 3 hospitals here – the Dr. Rafael s. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH), Ibajay District Hospital and Altavas District Hospital.
After 6 months of rendering their services, these nurses will be issued Certificates of Competencies, which they could use to apply for work locally or abroad, according to De La Banda.
De La Banda also revealed that most of these nurses are young or in their twenties, even as the age limit was placed at 34.
DOLE-Aklan expressed optimism that the “NARS” project will have another batch, to benefit more Aklanon nurses. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
NARS, which means Nurse Assigned in Rural Areas, involves the hiring of nurses who are currently unemployed by the national government. Under the program, the hired nurses will be assigned in rural health units and provincial and district hospitals in their areas.
DOLE-Aklan Provincial Head Joselito De La Banda said that these nurses will receive a stipend of P8,000.00 a month from DOLE. The program is open, however, for local government units which may contribute a monthly stipend counterpart for these nurses serving in their areas.
Earlier, the proposed counterpart amount was announced at P2,000 to make the total stipend of these nurses reach P10,000 a month.
De La Banda said that currently, commitments from local chief executives are still being awaited for this arrangement, if they are willing.
The DOLE Provincial Head said that these nurses have already gone to their respective assignments. One half of the figure will be serving rural health units in the province, while the other half will be serving 3 hospitals here – the Dr. Rafael s. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH), Ibajay District Hospital and Altavas District Hospital.
After 6 months of rendering their services, these nurses will be issued Certificates of Competencies, which they could use to apply for work locally or abroad, according to De La Banda.
De La Banda also revealed that most of these nurses are young or in their twenties, even as the age limit was placed at 34.
DOLE-Aklan expressed optimism that the “NARS” project will have another batch, to benefit more Aklanon nurses. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
DOLE starts fund releases for Project “TUPAD”
Kalibo, Aklan – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here has started releasing funds to municipalities which are beneficiaries of Project “TUPAD” in Aklan.
“TUPAD”, according to DOLE-Aklan Provincial Head Joselito Dela Banda, means Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers. Under this program, 3 identified towns in Aklan – Madalag, Balete and Libacao will get funds from DOLE which will be paid to workers hired by the towns in their localities to do certain identified and much-needed jobs in their areas.
De La Banda said Madalag will receive P176,000; Balete, P176,000; and Libacao, P198,000.
Fifty beneficiaries each from these towns will be selected for the program.
The selection of the three towns as beneficiaries of the program was based on the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) 6’ assessment.
DOLE is currently implementing various programs to help generate employment as well as to assist Filipinos who have lost jobs due to the global financial crisis in the country and abroad.
Just recently, DOLE announced that it has found jobs for some of the 137 Filipino bus drivers recruited by a legitimately licensed local placement agency for allegedly high paying but non-existent jobs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In a radio interview, Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde said Labor Secretary Marianito Roque informed him that DOLE has found jobs in Qatar for many of the stranded bus drivers.
President Arroyo earlier directed Roque to attend to the problems of the duped drivers stranded in Dubai, including their accommodations and sustenance, as well as their return to Manila if they can find no jobs in the Middle East. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
“TUPAD”, according to DOLE-Aklan Provincial Head Joselito Dela Banda, means Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers. Under this program, 3 identified towns in Aklan – Madalag, Balete and Libacao will get funds from DOLE which will be paid to workers hired by the towns in their localities to do certain identified and much-needed jobs in their areas.
De La Banda said Madalag will receive P176,000; Balete, P176,000; and Libacao, P198,000.
Fifty beneficiaries each from these towns will be selected for the program.
The selection of the three towns as beneficiaries of the program was based on the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) 6’ assessment.
DOLE is currently implementing various programs to help generate employment as well as to assist Filipinos who have lost jobs due to the global financial crisis in the country and abroad.
Just recently, DOLE announced that it has found jobs for some of the 137 Filipino bus drivers recruited by a legitimately licensed local placement agency for allegedly high paying but non-existent jobs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In a radio interview, Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde said Labor Secretary Marianito Roque informed him that DOLE has found jobs in Qatar for many of the stranded bus drivers.
President Arroyo earlier directed Roque to attend to the problems of the duped drivers stranded in Dubai, including their accommodations and sustenance, as well as their return to Manila if they can find no jobs in the Middle East. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Awarding of outstanding Aklanons, re-greening and vegetable productivity contest to highlight Aklan Day
Kalibo, Aklan -- The 53rd anniversary celebration of Aklan as a separate province from Capiz this April 25 will be highlighted with awarding of outstanding Aklanons who have excelled in their various fields of endeavor.
According to Dr. Reinalda Magdaluyo, chairperson of the selection committee, there are 11 awardees this year – with two as posthumous. To be given posthumous awards are Lolito Sta. Maria Tumbokon and Atty. Amelia A. Zafra. The other awardees are Manuel Arac, Government Service; Ellen b. Dioso, Nursing; Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. – Business; Alberto R. Quimpo, Public Service; Remo T. Alindato, Labor Law Practice; Pedro Ike I. Inserto, Military, Edsel T. Custodio, Foreign Service, Jonathan R. Salvador, Science and Technology; and Nilda B. Tambong, Doctor of Medicine.
Winners of the province’ first-ever Re-greening and Beautification Contest will also be awarded. To be awarded too during the Commemorative Program are the winners of the 2008 Vegetable Productivity Contest.
Other activities to be held to give more color to the province’ anniversary celebration include the concert of Matt Monroe Jr. at the ABL Sports Complex on April 18, 10th Aklan Pina & Fiber Festival, Garden and Agro-Industrial Trade Fair & Tsibugan Sa Kapitolyo, Aninag Fashion Show, Dog Show and Civic and Military Parade, among others.
The celebration will have nightly entertainment activities at the Goding Ramos Park from April 20-26.
As of this time, Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez said the province is still scouting for guest speaker during the commemorative program. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
According to Dr. Reinalda Magdaluyo, chairperson of the selection committee, there are 11 awardees this year – with two as posthumous. To be given posthumous awards are Lolito Sta. Maria Tumbokon and Atty. Amelia A. Zafra. The other awardees are Manuel Arac, Government Service; Ellen b. Dioso, Nursing; Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. – Business; Alberto R. Quimpo, Public Service; Remo T. Alindato, Labor Law Practice; Pedro Ike I. Inserto, Military, Edsel T. Custodio, Foreign Service, Jonathan R. Salvador, Science and Technology; and Nilda B. Tambong, Doctor of Medicine.
Winners of the province’ first-ever Re-greening and Beautification Contest will also be awarded. To be awarded too during the Commemorative Program are the winners of the 2008 Vegetable Productivity Contest.
Other activities to be held to give more color to the province’ anniversary celebration include the concert of Matt Monroe Jr. at the ABL Sports Complex on April 18, 10th Aklan Pina & Fiber Festival, Garden and Agro-Industrial Trade Fair & Tsibugan Sa Kapitolyo, Aninag Fashion Show, Dog Show and Civic and Military Parade, among others.
The celebration will have nightly entertainment activities at the Goding Ramos Park from April 20-26.
As of this time, Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez said the province is still scouting for guest speaker during the commemorative program. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan’s re-greening, beautification project beneficial to environment, people
Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan’s re-greening and beautification project not only became beneficial to the environment but also to the people, according to one of the evaluators tasked to assess the progress of the program in the municipalities.
The Re-greening and Beautification project was launched here last year by Governor Carlito Marquez with the aim of rehabilitating and beautifying the roadsides of the province which were destroyed by Typhoon Frank, which felled trees and ornamental plants along the national highway from Caticlan, Malay to Aklan’s provincial boundary in Cabangila, Altavas, and at interior municipalities like Lezo, Malinao, Madalag, Libacao and Buruanga.
Derlito Rico of DENR-Aklan, team leader of the group evaluating the progress of the project said the re-greening/beautification program is benefiting the environment because the plants now thriving along the roadsides help arrest carbon dioxide and purify the air.
“The aesthetic value of the project has emerged too. The flowering plants help direct traffic. People also thought of planting vegetables along the roadsides together with flowering plants, so the solution to food security is also being addressed by the program,” Rico said.
In the course of their project assessment and judging, the evaluators also marveled at the creativity of some town residents. In Malinao town, according to Rico, residents fashioned their roadsides into rock gardens, prompting the evaluators to encourage them to sustain the strategy so their municipality could become the “rock garden” capital of Aklan and become another tourist attraction of the province.
Providing pleasant roadside sceneries to tourists and visitors was one of the main goals of the project, which was conceived by the provincial government.
Now on its final stage of evaluation, awarding of winners of the contest will be held on Aklan Day, April 25.
Winners in the barangay level for the eastern and western part of Aklan will get P100,000 each as first prize, P75,000, second price, and P50,000 for 3rd prize. Residential winners (those who entered their residences in the contest) from the eastern and western side will each get P30,000 for 1st prize; P20,000 for second prize and P10,000 for 3rd prize.
The contest evaluators as well as the local leaders and residents expressed optimism that the program will be sustained as it has brought positive changes in the countryside as well as in the attitudes of the Aklanons who now take greening and beautifying the environment seriously. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The Re-greening and Beautification project was launched here last year by Governor Carlito Marquez with the aim of rehabilitating and beautifying the roadsides of the province which were destroyed by Typhoon Frank, which felled trees and ornamental plants along the national highway from Caticlan, Malay to Aklan’s provincial boundary in Cabangila, Altavas, and at interior municipalities like Lezo, Malinao, Madalag, Libacao and Buruanga.
Derlito Rico of DENR-Aklan, team leader of the group evaluating the progress of the project said the re-greening/beautification program is benefiting the environment because the plants now thriving along the roadsides help arrest carbon dioxide and purify the air.
“The aesthetic value of the project has emerged too. The flowering plants help direct traffic. People also thought of planting vegetables along the roadsides together with flowering plants, so the solution to food security is also being addressed by the program,” Rico said.
In the course of their project assessment and judging, the evaluators also marveled at the creativity of some town residents. In Malinao town, according to Rico, residents fashioned their roadsides into rock gardens, prompting the evaluators to encourage them to sustain the strategy so their municipality could become the “rock garden” capital of Aklan and become another tourist attraction of the province.
Providing pleasant roadside sceneries to tourists and visitors was one of the main goals of the project, which was conceived by the provincial government.
Now on its final stage of evaluation, awarding of winners of the contest will be held on Aklan Day, April 25.
Winners in the barangay level for the eastern and western part of Aklan will get P100,000 each as first prize, P75,000, second price, and P50,000 for 3rd prize. Residential winners (those who entered their residences in the contest) from the eastern and western side will each get P30,000 for 1st prize; P20,000 for second prize and P10,000 for 3rd prize.
The contest evaluators as well as the local leaders and residents expressed optimism that the program will be sustained as it has brought positive changes in the countryside as well as in the attitudes of the Aklanons who now take greening and beautifying the environment seriously. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Aklan yields 29 passers of DOST-SEI scholarship
Kalibo, Aklan -- Twenty-nine young Aklanons form part of the country’s lucky passers of this year’s Science and Technology Undergraduate scholarships offered by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).
These graduating high school students came from various schools in the province and from the Philippine Science High School. Most passers are products of public high schools.
Based on the examination report released by the DOST here, 10 passers came from the Regional Science High School for Region 6; 5 from Philippine Science High School; 3 from Fr. Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School; 2 came from Buruanga Vocational School; 2 from Tangalan National High School; and 1 each from Melchor Memorial School in Ibajay, Maloco National High School in Ibajay, St. Gabriel College, Aklan National School, Bay-ang Magpag-ong National High School, Daja Sur National High School and Aklan Valley High School.
The passers from RSHS are Ryan M. Bantillo, Bobby Fragata, Jr.,, Froilan Ibadlit, Briar Rose Iquina, Jio Isturis, Justine Marie Lagunday, Christian Rey Lao, Rex Salvador Tenazas, Rea Verone Tolentino and Rachel Ann Yaris; PSHS – Luarence Ray Arceno, Roy Menez, Mel Vincent Oliva, Maja Safra Peralta and Ma. Zarina Mae Yamog; Fr. Julian c Rago Memorial National High School – Realyn De Juan, Cynthia Mano and Arjay Villanueva; Buruanga VS – Joy Alexis Albao and Patrick Earl Prado; Tangalan NHS – Rizel Benavidez and Sarah Mae Suajico; Melchor Memorial School – Edwin John bongabong; Maloco NHS- John Virgel Maglunob; SGC- Rushelle Rigodon; Altavas NS- Sarah Jane Siscar; Bay-ang Magpag-ong NHS – Stephen Joy Sauza; Daja Sur NHS- Myla Rocio, and Aklan Valley HS – Mareenette Patdu.
As DOST-SEI scholars, these young Aklanons shall enroll in any of the state universities and colleges or tertiary institutions identified as CHED Centers of Excellence/Centers of Development.
Their privileges include tuition and other school fees not to exceed P6,000 per semester; allowance for prescribed textbooks and essential school supplies at P5,000/academic year; outright grant for prescribed Military Science/Physical Education Uniform of P500.00 for first semester of first year only; free transportation for one economy class round trip fare between permanent residence and place of study on reimbursement basis for those studying outside of home province; monthly living allowance for a 10-11 month duration (for those seeking Physics, Physics Teaching courses , a monthly living allowance of P4,000; for those who will pursue other DOST-SEI priority courses – P3,000 monthly); group health accident insurance, additional privileges during summer if required in the curriculum such as monthly living allowance during the period, tuition and other school fees not to exceed P1,500; actual purchase of textbooks and school supplies not to exceed P500.00 and post graduation clothing allowance of P1,800.00.
Under the scholarship, these passers, who have high aptitude in science and mathematics, will be enrolling in BS degree programs like Agriculture, Agricultural Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemistry Teaching; Computer Engineering and many other specialized science courses. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
These graduating high school students came from various schools in the province and from the Philippine Science High School. Most passers are products of public high schools.
Based on the examination report released by the DOST here, 10 passers came from the Regional Science High School for Region 6; 5 from Philippine Science High School; 3 from Fr. Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School; 2 came from Buruanga Vocational School; 2 from Tangalan National High School; and 1 each from Melchor Memorial School in Ibajay, Maloco National High School in Ibajay, St. Gabriel College, Aklan National School, Bay-ang Magpag-ong National High School, Daja Sur National High School and Aklan Valley High School.
The passers from RSHS are Ryan M. Bantillo, Bobby Fragata, Jr.,, Froilan Ibadlit, Briar Rose Iquina, Jio Isturis, Justine Marie Lagunday, Christian Rey Lao, Rex Salvador Tenazas, Rea Verone Tolentino and Rachel Ann Yaris; PSHS – Luarence Ray Arceno, Roy Menez, Mel Vincent Oliva, Maja Safra Peralta and Ma. Zarina Mae Yamog; Fr. Julian c Rago Memorial National High School – Realyn De Juan, Cynthia Mano and Arjay Villanueva; Buruanga VS – Joy Alexis Albao and Patrick Earl Prado; Tangalan NHS – Rizel Benavidez and Sarah Mae Suajico; Melchor Memorial School – Edwin John bongabong; Maloco NHS- John Virgel Maglunob; SGC- Rushelle Rigodon; Altavas NS- Sarah Jane Siscar; Bay-ang Magpag-ong NHS – Stephen Joy Sauza; Daja Sur NHS- Myla Rocio, and Aklan Valley HS – Mareenette Patdu.
As DOST-SEI scholars, these young Aklanons shall enroll in any of the state universities and colleges or tertiary institutions identified as CHED Centers of Excellence/Centers of Development.
Their privileges include tuition and other school fees not to exceed P6,000 per semester; allowance for prescribed textbooks and essential school supplies at P5,000/academic year; outright grant for prescribed Military Science/Physical Education Uniform of P500.00 for first semester of first year only; free transportation for one economy class round trip fare between permanent residence and place of study on reimbursement basis for those studying outside of home province; monthly living allowance for a 10-11 month duration (for those seeking Physics, Physics Teaching courses , a monthly living allowance of P4,000; for those who will pursue other DOST-SEI priority courses – P3,000 monthly); group health accident insurance, additional privileges during summer if required in the curriculum such as monthly living allowance during the period, tuition and other school fees not to exceed P1,500; actual purchase of textbooks and school supplies not to exceed P500.00 and post graduation clothing allowance of P1,800.00.
Under the scholarship, these passers, who have high aptitude in science and mathematics, will be enrolling in BS degree programs like Agriculture, Agricultural Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemistry Teaching; Computer Engineering and many other specialized science courses. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
Job creation, ensuring low price of goods main focus of government to address global financial crisis, says PGMA
Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan -- The government is focusing more on job creation and ensuring low prices of goods in the wake of the global financial crisis that has caused loss of jobs among Filipinos within the country and abroad.
During a one on one interview with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo by Gus KBP-Aklan President and Station Manager of IBC-DYRG-Kalibo March 30 at the Shangrila Resort and Spa in Boracay Island, the President said that to realize this, the government should give the private sector incentives so they could create more jobs.
PGMA also acknowledged the importance of tourism in job creation, comparing it into a tent which enables openings from the most-skilled jobs to the least skilled jobs.
“Tourism is a very labor intensive job, especially in luxury resorts like in Boracay. According to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, the ratio in ordinary resorts is 1 is to 1, meaning one worker per room. In Boracay, the ratio of employment is 4 workers per room, this includes the maintenance, but that’s the ratio. Kapag luxury hotels, that’s labor-intensive, and that’s what we are pushing,” PGMA told Tolentino.
For those who lost jobs, PGMA said the government is trying to ensure low prices of goods and subsidies for food, fuel for the transport sector, for rice, kaya tuloy-tuloy ang NFA subsidy ni Secretary Yap na kasama rin natin ngayon, at ako naman ay natutuwa na itong ating formula about subsidizing food, fuel and rice and creating jobs, kasi kahit na meron tayong world economic crisis, we were able to create half a million jobs. So ito ay nakapababa ng ating hunger rate very drastically. Tumaas ang ating employment rate, bumaba ang ating hunger rate at kailangan nating ituloy yon.
The President said this could be done by government by tightening its belt during this time just like an average Filipino household.
“So I’ve done a series of steps para tanggalin na itong wasteful spending. Isa ditto ay ang aking executive order na sinasabing bawat ahensya ng pamahalaan ay ibaba ang kanyang Maintenance Overhead and Operation Expenses (MOOE) by one and a half percent at ang savings na ito ay gamitin para sa emergency employment,” the President said.
PGMA cited that one possible emergency employment in Boracay is the DOT’s hiring of “seaweeds” removers among the locals along the stretch of the white sand beach of the island.
“This is an emergency employment related to the region and also related to the primary economic activity of the area,” PGMA said.
The President was in Boracay from March 28-30 to receive Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare who arrived in the country for a state visit. (PIA 6)
During a one on one interview with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo by Gus KBP-Aklan President and Station Manager of IBC-DYRG-Kalibo March 30 at the Shangrila Resort and Spa in Boracay Island, the President said that to realize this, the government should give the private sector incentives so they could create more jobs.
PGMA also acknowledged the importance of tourism in job creation, comparing it into a tent which enables openings from the most-skilled jobs to the least skilled jobs.
“Tourism is a very labor intensive job, especially in luxury resorts like in Boracay. According to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, the ratio in ordinary resorts is 1 is to 1, meaning one worker per room. In Boracay, the ratio of employment is 4 workers per room, this includes the maintenance, but that’s the ratio. Kapag luxury hotels, that’s labor-intensive, and that’s what we are pushing,” PGMA told Tolentino.
For those who lost jobs, PGMA said the government is trying to ensure low prices of goods and subsidies for food, fuel for the transport sector, for rice, kaya tuloy-tuloy ang NFA subsidy ni Secretary Yap na kasama rin natin ngayon, at ako naman ay natutuwa na itong ating formula about subsidizing food, fuel and rice and creating jobs, kasi kahit na meron tayong world economic crisis, we were able to create half a million jobs. So ito ay nakapababa ng ating hunger rate very drastically. Tumaas ang ating employment rate, bumaba ang ating hunger rate at kailangan nating ituloy yon.
The President said this could be done by government by tightening its belt during this time just like an average Filipino household.
“So I’ve done a series of steps para tanggalin na itong wasteful spending. Isa ditto ay ang aking executive order na sinasabing bawat ahensya ng pamahalaan ay ibaba ang kanyang Maintenance Overhead and Operation Expenses (MOOE) by one and a half percent at ang savings na ito ay gamitin para sa emergency employment,” the President said.
PGMA cited that one possible emergency employment in Boracay is the DOT’s hiring of “seaweeds” removers among the locals along the stretch of the white sand beach of the island.
“This is an emergency employment related to the region and also related to the primary economic activity of the area,” PGMA said.
The President was in Boracay from March 28-30 to receive Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare who arrived in the country for a state visit. (PIA 6)
RP, Papua New Guinea sign MOU for Fisheries Cooperation
Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan -- The Philippines and Papua New Guinea signed March 30 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Fisheries Cooperation.
The signing, held at the Sagana C Function Room of Shangrila-Boracay Resort and Spa in Boracay Island, was between the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Fisheries Authority of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
The signing was witnessed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.
Sir Michael Somare, the longest-serving Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea arrived in the country March 28 for a state visit. On March 29, he arrived in Aklan and was given arrival honors at Caticlan Airport upon his and his party’s landing. He also paid a courtesy call to PGMA at the Boracay Shangrila Resort and Spa, and in the evening, the President hosted a state dinner at the beach area of the resort in his honor.
The signatories in the MOA were Hon. Secretary Arthur C. Yap representing the country and Hon. Ben Semri MP, Minister of Fisheries of PNG.
The MOU seeks to secure a productive and sustainable future for the two countries’ respective fishing industries through joint exploration, development and implementation of priority developmental undertakings.
The document reflects the consensus of both countries to give emphasis to projects and activities that facilitate technology transfer, especially in the area of aquaculture development; promotion of fishing ventures; infusion of investments, technical training, joint research; and strategic complementation of each country’s plans and programs in response to the challenges and opportunities presented by the Coral Triangle Initiative.
In a joint press statement between the Republic of the Philippines and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, both leaders agreed that the signing of the MOU on Fisheries Cooperation will further enhance their bilateral relations. They also agreed that the future conclusion of various cooperative arrangements including the Technical and Development Cooperation Agreement, the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, and Air Services Agreement between the two countries that will provide a catalyst and pave the way for increased bilateral cooperation.
The Right Honorable Sir Michael T. Somare, besides the Minister of Agriculture, was accompanied by Hon. Gabriel Kapris, MP, Minister for Commerce and Industry, H.E. Christian Vihruri, Papua New Guinea Ambassador to the Philippines, Hon. Michael Sapau, MP, Governor of Manus Province, Hon. John Kekeno, MP, Member of Koroba Kopiago, Mr. Michael Pepson, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Frank Aisi, Director-General for International Relations, Department of the Prime Minister and NEC, Mr. Henry Kil, OBE, Managing Director of the South Pacific Insurance Advisor Limited, President of Papua New Guinea Business Council, and Mr. Sylvester Pokajam, Managing Director of National Fisheries Authority.
The Papua New Guinea PM and his party left Aklan via Caticlan Airport on board a chartered flight in the afternoon on March 30. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The signing, held at the Sagana C Function Room of Shangrila-Boracay Resort and Spa in Boracay Island, was between the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Fisheries Authority of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
The signing was witnessed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.
Sir Michael Somare, the longest-serving Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea arrived in the country March 28 for a state visit. On March 29, he arrived in Aklan and was given arrival honors at Caticlan Airport upon his and his party’s landing. He also paid a courtesy call to PGMA at the Boracay Shangrila Resort and Spa, and in the evening, the President hosted a state dinner at the beach area of the resort in his honor.
The signatories in the MOA were Hon. Secretary Arthur C. Yap representing the country and Hon. Ben Semri MP, Minister of Fisheries of PNG.
The MOU seeks to secure a productive and sustainable future for the two countries’ respective fishing industries through joint exploration, development and implementation of priority developmental undertakings.
The document reflects the consensus of both countries to give emphasis to projects and activities that facilitate technology transfer, especially in the area of aquaculture development; promotion of fishing ventures; infusion of investments, technical training, joint research; and strategic complementation of each country’s plans and programs in response to the challenges and opportunities presented by the Coral Triangle Initiative.
In a joint press statement between the Republic of the Philippines and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, both leaders agreed that the signing of the MOU on Fisheries Cooperation will further enhance their bilateral relations. They also agreed that the future conclusion of various cooperative arrangements including the Technical and Development Cooperation Agreement, the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, and Air Services Agreement between the two countries that will provide a catalyst and pave the way for increased bilateral cooperation.
The Right Honorable Sir Michael T. Somare, besides the Minister of Agriculture, was accompanied by Hon. Gabriel Kapris, MP, Minister for Commerce and Industry, H.E. Christian Vihruri, Papua New Guinea Ambassador to the Philippines, Hon. Michael Sapau, MP, Governor of Manus Province, Hon. John Kekeno, MP, Member of Koroba Kopiago, Mr. Michael Pepson, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Frank Aisi, Director-General for International Relations, Department of the Prime Minister and NEC, Mr. Henry Kil, OBE, Managing Director of the South Pacific Insurance Advisor Limited, President of Papua New Guinea Business Council, and Mr. Sylvester Pokajam, Managing Director of National Fisheries Authority.
The Papua New Guinea PM and his party left Aklan via Caticlan Airport on board a chartered flight in the afternoon on March 30. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
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