Aklan governor strengthens MSMEs, creates enterprise dev’t council

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Kalibo to hold first “Larolympics”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Four Aklan towns to benefit from 4Ps program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Mega Job Fair gives instant jobs to 67 Aklanons

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thousands of Aklanons benefit from Ombudsman Caravan of Government Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TESDA to distribute PGS vouchers on Independence Day

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

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

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

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

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

Let us help label your products, DOST tells Aklanon entrepreneurs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five Aklan towns to benefit from DOST’s CLEEP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let us help label your products, DOST tells Aklanon entrepreneurs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five Aklan towns to benefit from DOST’s CLEEP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Aklan to hold first OTOP Congress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

        

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Dr. Anthony Palomar, Acting Medical Quarantine Officer (with michrophone) based at the Kalibo International Airport, Kalibo, Aklan said that in the absence of a Thermal Scanner in the airport, thermal strips are instead used in monitoring the body temperature of passengers especially from direct international flights landing in Kalibo. Thermal strips are placed on the forehead of passengers who looked having colds or fever. If the strip changes color indicating that the passenger has a fever, he will be escorted down from the plane and be brought to KIA's medical holding lounge for a thorough medical check up. KIA, though not well equipped with medical facilities to check on cases like this, is very well prepared in case anything goes wrong. Also inthe picture are CAAP-KIA Manager, Engr. Percy Malonesio and Dr. Ronald Lorenzo of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian-Aklan. (JERRamos/PIA)