PIA-AKLAN BALITA

Aklan towns to get P22,050M projects through KALAHI

2011-09-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, September 19 (PIA) -- People of the municipalities of Libacao and Madalag are set to benefit P22,050,000.00 worth of various projects under the Kapit-Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS).

In a press conference today held by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 6 in Kalibo, Leo Quintilla, Deputy Regional Manager said Libacao, which has 24 barangays, will get a total of P10,800,000.00 worth of projects while Madalag, with 25 barangays, will get P11,250,000.00.

Under the program, each barangay is granted P450,000 from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), funder of the program in Aklan.

According to Quintilla, the two municipalities are currently undergoing Social Preparation, done through a series of barangay assemblies and trainings participated in by barangay folks to determine what projects need to be priotized and implemented in their communities which could benefit the biggest number of constituents.

The social preparation is set to last for 6 months after which implementation of the people’s chosen projects will follow.

In Libacao, road improvements and Farm to Market Roads were listed as the top project much needed by 15 barangays, according to Reynante Lasay, Area Coordinator.

“Other barangays chose Day Care centers, potable water systems, reconstruction of storm-damaged irrigation facilities and a hanging bridge,” Lasay said.

Mary Grace Centino, Area Coordination of Madalag, also reported on the activities related to the social preparation for the program for Madalag.

Other DSWD 6 personnel who joined the press conference were Elizabeth Ferraris, Community Development Specialist and Manuel Reyes III, Regional Financial Analyst.

Besides Madalag and Libacao, future MMC areas in Aklan set for the KALAHI program implementation in 2012, are New Washington, with 16 barangays, Ibajay, 35 barangays, Tangalan, 15 barangays, Makato, 18 barangays and Batan, 20 barangays. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Planning workshop to further spur Aklan’s MSMEs

2011-09-16T01:28:00.000-07:00

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, May 11 (PIA) -- A workshop to plan and set directions for Aklan’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) here has been slated on May 19-20 at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center (GLCTTC) in Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan.

Participants in the 2-day planning workshop will include members of the Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (PMSMEDC) and key business persons and representatives in Aklan’s major priority sectors like tourism, indigenous fibers and crafts, agri-aqua and processed foods and furnishings including the bamboo industry sector, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr.

The workshop is necessary, according to Cadena, in order to localize Aklan’s plans at the provincial level since the framework for the plan had already been determined at the national level.

It will also be a venue for Aklanons to know the economic direction the province is taking as well as its priority sectors, through a message Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez will be giving at the opening program of the workshop on May 19.

Governor Marquez is the Chairperson of the Provincial MSMED Council.

Once formulated and updated, the plan will be in use from 2011 to 2016.

The planning activity in Aklan, spearheaded by DTI, will be conducted in coordination with the German International Agency (GIZ).

Some 40 to 60 participants are expected to attend the workshop. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Kalibo elderly gear up for Senior Citizens’ Week

2011-09-12T02:17:00.001-07:00

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, September 12 (PIA) – Kalibo’s senior citizens are more than ready to celebrate Senior Citizens Week by announcing that this early, they already have lined up activities for the observation, slated on October 1-7.

In a recent meeting held recently at the Office of Senior Citizens Association (OSCA) here, Aurelia Ignacio, OSCA Head, revealed that together with presidents of senior citizens of Kalibo barangays, they have already finalized the activities to be held to celebrate Senior Citizens Week.

These include a Thanksgiving Mass on October 3 at the St. Jude Thaddeus Church followed by a walk for a cause, dubbed “Alay Sa Nakatatanda” from the church to the Federation of Senior Citizens Center.

The senior citizens will also join in the “Baligya-Baligya Sa Senior Citizens Center” for those who have farm produce like vegetables, fruits and many others from their respective barangays which will involve displaying and selling their goods to their fellow senior citizens and the public.

On the same day, the winner in the search for “Señora 2011”, a fund-raising activity of their group will be proclaimed.

The activity will be graced by Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachica.

The senior citizens will also avail of free medical services on October 4 from Dr. Jocelyn Garcia and Dr. Melanie Tolentino, Kalibo Rural Health Physicians (RHUs), who will provide free consultations and free medicines and vitamins.

Ignacio clarified however, that only 10 senior citizens from each of the 16 barangay of Kalibo could avail of the free medical services as agreed during the meeting. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Wine-making seminar to make use of Aklan’s excess seasonal fruits

2011-09-12T02:15:00.002-07:00

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, September 12 (PIA) -- Aklan’s oversupply of seasonal fruits like rambutan, santol, duhat, bugnay and many others will soon be put to good use with the seminar scheduled here by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which will teach Aklanons to turn these fruits into wine.

Jairus Lachica, DOST-Aklan Provincial Director also said that besides wine-making, Aklanons will also be taught on how to turn coconut water into vinegar during the 2-day training-seminar slated on September 14-15 at the DOST PST Center in Kalibo.

“Aklan has abundant fruits during certain seasons, like rambutans and santols which are only left to rot on trees during oversupply or sold at give-away prices in the market. These could be made into wine with the right technology and procedures,” Lachica said.

Lachica also said that coconut water, which is only thrown away, could also be turned or produced into vinegar.

Food processors, private individuals and entrepreneurs interested to produce wine and vinegar have been invited by DOST-Aklan.

The DOST will conduct the seminar in coordination with the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) and Aklan Food Processors Development Cooperative (AFPDC).

The resource person will come from the DOST-ITDI. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

OWWA scholarship to benefit Aklanon students

2011-09-12T02:15:00.001-07:00

by Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 11 (PIA) -- Five Aklanon students will be benefitting from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) next semester through its OFW Dependent Scholarship Program.

Under the program, each of the five students will avail of P10,000 financial assistance every semester, according to Vivian Solano, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager.

Solano also said four (4) other students are set to take the qualifying examinations for the Education for Development Scholarship Program this November, also offered by OWWA.

The program is offered by OWWA to children or siblings of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are graduating from High School.

Those who get qualified for scholarship will receive P30,000 assistance from OWWA per semester, Solano said.

Meanwhile, Solano revealed that from January to August of this year, PESO-Aklan was able to help deploy 82 Aklanons to various jobs abroad.

Solano revealed that deployed Aklanons include nurses, machine operators, masons, carpenters and household workers to countries like Kuwait, Hongkong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“In August alone, 15 Aklanon nurses were deployed to the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia,” Solano reported.

In his regular report aired over the radio, Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez also shared this good news to the listening public.

Besides workers deployed abroad, PESO-Aklan also facilitated the employment of 96 Aklanons at partner establishments in Kalibo and in Boracay Island.

Solano said these Aklanons were either hired as management trainees, marketing representatives, cashiers, cooks, room attendants, sales assistants and others. (JSC/VGV-PIA 6 Aklan)

Poverty not always the root cause of crimes, says Kalibo VM

2011-09-11T19:22:00.001-07:00

by Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 10 (PIA) -- Poverty is not always the main reason why children commit crimes, sometimes it is also due to the way parents take care of their children, according to Kalibo Vice Mayor Madeline Regalado.

Speaking before school children, teachers, parents and Aklan policemen at the recent launching of the “Pulis Ko, Titser Ko” program at New Buswang Elementary School, Regalado said parents have the biggest slice in the role of bringing up their children to be good citizens.

Regalado issued this call based on the observation that in Kalibo, young children often figure in police reports committing offenses in the community.

“Parents, it is your responsibility to take care of your children. At their young age, you must instill the goodness in them. The school, the teachers and the police are your partners in bringing up your children, but the responsibility of taking care of them and disciplining them belongs to you,” Ragalado told the parents in the crowd who attended the program.

Regalado also called on the police to be strategic partners in curtailing criminal acts committed by children through effective preventive campaigns, stressing that when children get reformed or are kept from committing crimes, this will cause a domino effect where children and students benefit down to the community and as a whole, the nation.

Regalado related that the municipality tried its best to help child offenders in the municipality, but the effort was not successful due to non-cooperation of parents and in some cases, the children.

“A year ago, the local government, together with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) met with child offenders and their parents. We told them we will help them send their children to school by shouldering their school uniforms and school materials. Sad to note, some parents refused, as they said they have no money to buy food for their children as well as tricycle fare in going to school,” Regalado said.

Other children, on the other hand, whose mothers were already begging them to go back to school refused, saying they already want to work and earn money.

With the attitude of the parents and the children, Regalado said the program never took off.

She expressed optimism, however, that the launching of the “Pulis Ko, Titser Ko” program this year will be a new beginning of working and helping together in the successful raising of responsible and law-abiding children.

“We salute the PNP in coming up with this program and we also commend the Department of Education (DepEd) for partnering this program, which only affirms that education is everybody’s business,” Regalado said.

The “Pulis Ko, Titser Ko” program of PNP Region 6 is a strategic school-based crime awareness program wherein policemen who were former teachers or graduates of BSED teach pupils in 30 - 60-minute lectures about crime prevention and awareness, child safety, welfare and development, patriotism and nationalism. (JSC/VGV-PIA 6 Aklan)

DOST to provide Mosquito OL traps to 4 Aklan barangays

2011-09-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

By Venus G. Villanueva
KALIBO, Aklan, September 9 (PIA) -- Four barangays in the province of Aklan will each be given Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal (OL) trap system by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) October of this year to help curb the incidence of dengue.

The Mosquito OL trap system, according to Jairus Lachica, Provincial Director of the DOST here, is a simple device that helps reduce the number of the female Aedes aegypti, the dengue virus carrying mosquito, by killing its eggs trapped in the lawanit strip of the trap.

Lachica said the four barangays that will receive the OL trap from the DOST are Estancia, Old and New Buswang in Kalibo, and Manoc-Manoc in Boracay, Malay, Aklan.

Earlier, two barangays each from the provinces of Negros Occidental and Capiz also got theirs from the DOST.

“The Mosquito OL trap is one of DOST’s finest invention in 2011, conceptualized to benefit most Filipinos,” Lachica said.

The invention underwent a successful laboratory and field tests in the cities of Marikina and Quezon City and subsequently rolled out by the DOST in Tacloban February of this year.

During the Leyte launching, 2,800 kits were distributed to household participants for use for six months.

The DOST also allocated 2,800 kits for each of the 17 regions including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

NCR, on the other hand, were provided 5,200 kits due to the high volume of dengue cases, according to the DOST.

Meanwhile, based on the latest records provided by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) here, the cases of dengue from January to August of this year dropped by 78% compared to the cases last year.

For the 8-month period this year, Aklan registered a total of 156 dengue cases while last year for the same period, there were 714 cases. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

CSC to civil servants: “Thank the people you serve”

2011-09-08T18:38:00.001-07:00

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, September 8 (PIA) -- As the country celebrates the 111th year of Philippine Civil Service this month, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Field Office here called on government employees to thank their clients who come to their office “for they are the reason why we are here.”

“When people continue to go to our government offices, this means government employees are still needed by these people, so they should be served with courtesy and respect,” said Evelyn Ejar, Director II of CSC-Aklan Field Office.

Ejar added that clients must be made to feel 100% satisfied with the service they obtained from the government office upon leaving.However, in instances where they cannot obtain the service they need, they should not also feel put out, because they were entertained with courtesy.

The CSC also revealed that service in government offices is continuous during the day.

“There is already a “No Noonbreak” policy in government offices, to make sure that anyone who comes during lunchtime or minutes before lunchbreaks gets entertained or served,” Ejar said.

For this to be possible, employees should take turns in taking lunch so there will always be someone left in the office to serve clients.

Ejar said offices must remain open during this period.

She also called on clients that should there be violation committed by government employees, they (clients) should not hesitate to file cases against these employees.

The country has the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) and other laws to discipline employees, according to Ejar, assuring at the same time that due process will also be observed should there be instances of complaints or cases.

This year, with the theme “Championing R.A.C.E.: Public Excellence at Full Speed, the CSC will be holding during the month Honor Awards, Fun Run, and Trade Fair.

In Aklan, personnel officers will be conducting Mangrove Tree Planting to observe the 111th year of Philippine Civil Service. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Aklan’s CCT grantees get P10.77 million

2011-09-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

By Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, September 6 (PIA) -- A total of P10.77 million was distributed recently to beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program from the province’ 6 towns by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The Conditional Cash Transfer program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is also known as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to extremely-poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education.

In his recent report of the past month’s activities of the province aired over a local radio station here, Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez revealed that a total of 8,705 beneficiaries of the program received their cash grants from the towns of Libacao, Nabas, Balete, Altavas, Makato, and Tangalan.

Libacao, according to Governor Marquez, has 2,083 beneficiaries which received a total of P2.83 million in cash grants; Nabas, 1,303 beneficiaries, P1.5 million; Balete, 1,54l beneficiaries, P2.4 million; Altavas, 1,231, P1.3 million, Mkato, with 1,348 beneficiaries and a cash grant of P1.38 million and Tangalan, with 1,199 beneficiaries - P1.59 million.

Meanwhile, the governor also reported that the DSWD has released a total of P5.15 million to 3 Aklan municipalities under its Cash for Training/Work Program.

These towns include Kalibo, with 182 beneficiaries which received a total of P446,466.00; Malinao, 926 beneficiaries, which received P2.37 million and New Washington, 911 beneficiaries, P2.33 million.

The program involves provision of temporary employment to small-scale farmers/fishermen and their families who need assistance during the lean months.

In August too, some 288 Senior Citizens social pensioners received P1,500 each from the DSWD for April-June 2011 totaling in the amount of P432,000.

These senior citizens came from Batan, Kalibo, Tangalan, Makato and Numancia, according to the governor. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

DOLE tries new way of resolving labor conflicts

2011-09-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

by Venus G. Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here is employing a new way of resolving labor-related problems through a faster, peaceful and cheaper means.

This is via the Single Entry Approach (SENA), which facilitates the meeting/dialogue between the aggrieved/wronged employee and the employer right at the DOLE Provincial Office-designated desks manned by trained personnel.

According to Joeuella Casimero, DOLE-Aklan Information Officer, the new program is an inexpensive and faster way of resolving labor conflicts.

“The service requires that both parties appear in office, with the goal of solving the conflict within 30 days,” Casimero said.

Since its implementation in December 2010, DOLE-Aklan said 12 cases have been filed with the office, with 50 % of these resolved peacefully, while the rest were referred to other appropriate offices.

Casimero said most of the problems brought to their attention involved termination, suspension, unclaimed salary/wages differentials, not adhering to minimum wage law, closure, and non-remittance of social benefits like SSS and Pag-IBIG.

Most of the labor-related conflicts brought to their attention come from Boracay Island.

DOLE-Aklan said it has three desk officers to entertain clients seeking help under the program.

Meanwhile, DOLE-Aklan announced that minimum wage earners, since July 15, had been entitled to receive P12.00 daily Emergency Cost of Living Allowance (ECOLA) as approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

DOLE-Aklan clarified however, that this is not a kind of wage increase, and would only be received up to October 16. (JSC/VGV-PIA 6 Aklan)

Aklan PPO holds simultaneous launching of 2nd “Pulis Ko, Titser Ko” program

2011-09-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

By Venus G. Villanueva
KALIBO, Aklan, September 5 (PIA) -- Police personnel from Aklan’s provincial and municipal police stations will once again turn classroom teachers after the provincewide launching today, September 5 of the 2nd “Pulis Ko, Titser Ko” program.

The “Pulis Ko, Titser Ko” program is a school-based crime awareness project of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) wherein policemen or policewomen who were former teachers or graduates of BSED teach 30 to 60 minutes lectures to pupils at selected public elementary schools on subjects about crime prevention and awareness, child safety, welfare and development, lectures on patriotism, nationalism and other subjects.
Teaching of these subjects is seen by the PNP to enhance the moral foundation of young students and strengthen their resistance to crime so that they will become productive, responsible, and law abiding citizens in the future.
These lessons will be taught particularly to Grade IV pupils by police personnel in their respective areas.
For its part, the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO), as with last year, has chosen New Buswang Elementary School as its launching site.
Starting today also and every Monday from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m., some 60 Grade IV pupils will listen to lectures given by the assigned PNP personnel - teacher, PO2 Cutie Tomagtang.
PO2 Tomagtang will also be assisted by other police personnel from the APPO in giving lectures for the Grade IV pupils.
The conduct of classes under the program, according to APPO Provincial Director Cornelio T. Defensor, will last up to the end of the school year.
The implementation of this program aims to minimize crime incidents involving children.
According to PNP data, in Western Visayas, Children in Conflict with the Law have increased in alarming rate.
The PNP citing violence involving children and minors with cases recorded in 2008 as only 8 cases but in 2009, it rose to 172 cases.
The 1st Trimester of 2010 also showed there was no letup, with 104 cases. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Boracay posts 628,243 visitor arrivals in 7 months, generates P13.2 B tourism receipts

2011-09-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

KALIBO, Aklan, Sept. 3, 2011 – Boracay Island posted a total of 628,243 tourist arrivals from January to August of this year.
This seven-month span in local and foreign tourist arrivals, according to Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, generated a total of P13.2 billion in tourism receipts.
Marquez shared this information with the Aklanon public through his monthly report aired over a local radio station here.
The governor said this seven-month figure in tourist arrivals this year is 12% higher than what was reached last year - 561,405 for the same period.
The tourist arrivals this month – 64,070 - is also way higher than last year, according to the governor.
Last year’s August arrival recorded a total of 58,202.
Marquez noted that the upswing in tourist arrivals in the island shows that low seasons are no longer observed in Boracay.
“Even if it is raining, visitors still flock to the island,” Marquez told radio listeners.
The governor also observed that currently, most foreign visitors coming to the island are from China and Korea.
Meanwhile, in the same program, Governor Marquez aired his optimism over the appointment by President Benigno S. Aquino III of Ramon Jimenez as the new Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Marquez said Seretary Jimenez’ latest statements manifest his positive outlook for the country’s tourism industry.
As a former advertising man responsible for successful commercial campaigns of well-known brands, Marquez said Secretary Jimenez knows well how to market the Philippines. (JSC/VGV-PIA 6 Aklan)

Aklan inducts new set of PIOs

2011-09-08T18:27:00.001-07:00

By Venus G. Villanueva
KALIBO, Aklan, September 2 (PIA) – A brand-new set of officers of the Aklan Public Information Officers Association (APIOA) will be leading the way in communicating government programs – national, provincial and municipal – with their induction September 1 in the municipality of Nabas.
The APIOA officers, led by Jessica Ignacio of Nabas Human Resource and Development Office (HRMO) also functioning as the LGU’s information officer, were inducted into office by Nabas Mayor Romeo Dalisay.
The induction was also graced by Nabas Vice Mayor James Solanoy, Nabas Sangguniang Bayan Members, Odon Bandiola, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary and APIOA Past President, and Bong Tirol, manager of Transaire Holdings Corporation, a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation currently operating the Caticlan Airport.
Mayor Dalisay, in his message after inducting into office the new set of APIOA officers, expressed his happiness as well as of his constituents for the opportunity of hosting the induction of the APIOA.
In the same opportunity, he aired his challenge to the association’s officers and members coming from national, provincial and municipal offices of the province to continue doing their work as government communicators and be committed in their role.
“If we have an obligation but no dedication, we will not achieve anything. Please give more importance in disseminating information on the right things happening around us,” Mayor Dalisay called on the government information officers.
“Let’s work hand in hand, let’s exercise unity. Let’s not focus on our personal interest. If we work for the good of everyone, we can reach our dreams,” the mayor added.
For her part, Jessica Ignacio, in her inaugural address as 2011-2013 APIOA President, called on her fellow information officers to be a partner of one another in disseminating information of their respective agencies.
Nabas Sangguniang Bayan Member Stephen Bolivar, who represented induction guest Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Jose Enrique Miraflores and Bong Tirol also delivered messages in the program.
Along with Ignacio, inducted were Othella Igcasenza, Vice President, from the DENR; Sally Villasis, Secretary, from Aklan State University-Banga; Judith Tindog, Treasurer, NFA; PO2 Nida Gregas, Auditor, Aklan Police Provincial Office, Julfe Rabe, Secretary-Treasurer, Provincial Governor’s Office; Engr. Raquel Reontoy, Business Manager, NIA, and Prof. Angeline Regalado, P.R.O, Aklan State University- Kalibo.
Also inducted were the Board of Directors coming from Philhealth, Parole and Probation, Philippine Coconut Authority, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agrarian Reform. (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

DA to release P40 million for repair of Aklan irrigation system

2011-09-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

By Venus G. Villanueva
KALIBO, Aklan, September 1 (PIA) -- The long-awaited repair and rehabilitation of the Panakuyan River Irrigation System (RIS) in Ibajay, Aklan will soon be realized with the release this year of P40 million for the project from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
With the rehabilitation of this irrigation system, Aklan Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores said some 700 additional hectares of rice fields in Ibajay and Nabas, all in the western side of Aklan, will be irrigated.
Miraflores, who revealed this information in an interview over a local radio station here, said that the P40 million is separate from the fund to be allocated for the province for 2012 by the DA.
With the repair of canals, irrigation water from Ibajay River to Panakuyan River will flow better and stronger, from Ibajay all the way to the next town, Nabas.
The rehabilitation of the irrigation system, resulting to the expansion of irrigated ricelands is seen to increase Aklan’s palay production.
Aklan is a rice-surplus province and according to the latest data from the National Food authority (NFA) as of August 18, the province has a total rice supply of 289,038 bags of rice, counted to last for more than two months.
Palay harvesting provincewide, meanwhile, is seen to start by September up to October, as estimated by the NFA and the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS). (JCM/VGV PIA 6 Aklan)

Appeal for registration of Aklanons with no birth certificates aired

2010-09-28T01:46:00.001-07:00

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Department of Education (DepEd) here and other concerned agencies recently aired their appeal to local government units to help in the registration of their constituents so these people will be issued birth certificates.

Amelia Lim, Alternative Learning System (ALS) Coordinator in Aklan revealed during a recent meeting here that there are still many Aklanons who have no birth certificates.

Some of these people, according to her, are already old, others are just babies and children and the rest belong to indigenous groups.

Lim said people who avail of tests given by the ALS to assess their learning level need birth certificates badly.

For his part, Blas Solidum, Provincial Statistics Officer of NSO- Aklan said he will try to find means to have these Aklanons registered by their respective Municipal Civil Registrar offices.

According to him, municipalities with many unregistered Aklanons include Libacao, Madalag and Malay.

Libacao and Madalag are highland and interior municipalities in Aklan while Malay, where Boracay Island belongs, has Aeta communities.

"Birth certificates are very important. Presently, Grade I pupils are required already to submit authenticated copies of their birth certificates upon enrollment. Parents should exert efforts to have their children registered. Municipal Civil Registrars should also bring their services to the people", Solidum said.

He added availing late registrations is also expensive. He reminded parents too, and other informants to ensure that the entries in the birth registration forms are correct to avoid going to court if there are corrections needed.

The issue on birth registration came up in the meeting held recently to plan out activities for this year's celebration of National Statistics Month in October where it was suggested that one of the activities is to conduct registration of those who have never registered before regardless of age.

It was also suggested if penalty fees could be waived for registering late. However, the privilege would only for those who cannot afford to pay the penalties, the NSO and the DepEd emphasized.

Aklan's celebration of Statistics Month will be launched on October 19 through the opening of the Statistical Exhibit. This year, the DPWH and the National Statistics Association spearhead the event. The theme of the celebration, now on its 21^st year, is "Towards a Philippine Statistical System Responsive to Emerging National and Global Challenges." (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan slates activities for Statistics Month

2010-09-27T01:58:00.001-07:00

Kalibo, Aklan -- A meeting for this year's National Statistics Month celebration was recently held at the Conference Room of the GRQC Building here to plan out activities for the month-long observance.

The meeting, presided by Engr. Roger M. Esto of the the Provincial Planning and Development Office here, was attended by heads and representatives of national and provincial government offices.

This is the 21^st year of celebrating National Statistics Month, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647 signed by the late President Corazon C. Aquino on September 20, 1990.

Theme of this year's celebration is "Towards a Philippine Statistical System Responsive to Emerging National and Global Challenges."

As with the previous celebrations, the province will undertake this yeat a statistical exhibit of programs, projects and services of government offices at the Provincial Trade Hall, Capitol Grounds.

Other activities to be undertaken to generate awareness and make the celebration more significant include hanging of streamers, kapihan/radio program guestings, Statistical Quiz and an opportunity for Aklanons who were never registered in their Municipal Local Registrar's Offices to avail of late registration privilege, which will be arranged by the National Statistics Office here.

The Department of Public Works and Highways and the National Statistics Association will be leading this year's celebration. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Media indispensable for successful tax collection – BIR

2010-09-23T18:50:00.001-07:00

Kalibo, Aklan - Media is indispensable in the campaign of the Bureau of Internal Revenue's successful tax collection, according to OIC Revenue District Officer Ricardo J. Osorio of BIR-Aklan.

Osorio issued this statement before the Aklan media here at a press conference with the BIR held September 23 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall.

Osorio said the media helps the BIR a lot in monitoring compliance of business establishments and government units and other sectors in its tax collection activities.

"We appeal to the media in Aklan to help us reach out to taxpayers so they will pay their taxes because when they pay their taxes, they help support the expenses of the government," Osorio said.

At the press conference, Osorio shared with the media BIR-aAklan's tax collection accomplishment, specifically in the month of August 2010, which he said exceeded the target for the month.

BIR-Aklan was able to collect P55,983,627.28 August of this year, while in the same month last year, the agency collected P40,769,424.81, which registered an increase of P15,214,201.47 or 37.32%.

As to its actual collection from January to August this year, the bureau was able to collect P467,382,115.50. Last year during the same period, the BIR collected P364,69,151.08, which registered an increase of P102,690,964.42, or 28.16%.

In their actual collection vs. goal, the collection as of August which is P467,382,115.50 if brought side by side with their cumulative goal showed an increase pf P52,231,115.50 or 12.58%.

Some of the questions that arised during the press conference which were ably answered by BIR-Aklan focused on the campaign against tax evaders, tax collection implementation in boracay Island, taxing professionals, Oplan Kandado, Premyo Sa Resibo, issuance of receipts, Expanded Senior Citizens law and BIR's role, dummies in businesses, IRA from taxes given to local government units and problems on fixers.

Prompted by the big attendance of the local media in the press conference, Osorio said he would be glad to sit down again with the media in a regular basis once every two months or quarterly.

The press conference, facilitated by the Philippine Information Agency was conducted with the aim of assisting the BIR in providing them maximum communication support in their year-round Public Assistance Awareness Campaign (PAAC) so people will be encouraged to pay their taxes promptly and correctly. (PIA/Villanueva)

DOLE releasing checks for Aklan’s SPES beneficiaries

2010-09-20T02:03:00.001-07:00

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here has started releasing checks to beneficiaries of Special Program for Employment of Students Program (SPES) in the province who rendered services in their respective municipalities and in school during summer.

Joselito de la Banda, DOLE-Aklan Provincial Director said a total of 760 students benefited from the program who will get 40% of their pay from DOLE. The other 60% comes from the the local government units where they rendered their services.

Nine local government units directly employed for 22 days students residing in their respective municipalities while the Provincial Government covered the hiring of students from 8 municipalities. Six public and private colleges in Aklan also joined the program.

These students, according to DOLE-Aklan, were tasked to update their respective municipalities' skills registry, so that when job opportunities arise, it will be easier to know how many are available for employment in their localities and the kind of skills residents possess. Students hired by schools rendered duties in the educational establishments.

De la Banda said total amount given by the DOLE representing 40% of the pay for students under the program reached P1,255,880.00.

Meanwhile, DOLE-Aklan has extended more than P3,000,000.00 as livelihood fund to various municipalities in the province since 2009.

These municipalities, according to De la Banda, include the municipalities of Banga which received P500,000.00 for 110 beneficiaries; Tangalan, P500,000.00, 100 beneficiaries; Ibajay, P500,000.00, with 213 beneficiaries; Makato, P500,000.00 with 50 beneficiaries and Kalibo, P533,819.20 with 124 beneficiaries.

The municipality of Batan, on the other hand, received P400,000.00 on April 15, 2010 for 129 beneficiaries while the municipality of Malay received tools starter kits for 9 beneficiaries amounting to P95,753.00.

DOLE-Aklan said before the releases, the local government units first submitted project proposals. The implementation of the various livelihood projects are also monitored by DOLE. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan has peaceful employment climate, says DOLE

2010-09-17T01:46:00.001-07:00

Kalibo, Aklan -- The province of Aklan has a peaceful employment climate, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here.

Joselito dela Banda, DOLE-Aklan Provincial Director, said that the office has not received any notice of lay-offs in Boracay, one of the outcomes anticipated in the island as an aftermath of the bloody hostage-taking in Quirino Grandstand that killed 8 Hongkong tourists.

"The incident happened in time with the off-season in Boracay Island, when workers rest or take their vacation. This is a normal set-up in the island, because during busy months, these workers are also unable to go home or take their vacation with the big number of tourists arriving in Boracay," De la Banda said.

Aklan, according to De la Banda, is currently enjoying a normal labor situation.

Meanwhile, DOLE-Aklan announced that there is already a new wage order to be observed in Western Visayas.

According to De la Banda, the wage board released for publication the implementing rules and regulations of the wage order on September 15. However, the order was released August 12, so it will take effect retroactively.

Under the new wage order, workers in non-agricultural establishments with more than 10 employees will receive P265 daily wage while those with 10 or less workers will receive P223 daily.

For agricultural workers in plantations, each will receive P233 daily wage while those in non-plantation will receive P223 daily.

DOLE however said there are also instances when establishments are exempted to implement the order, such as when an establishment is distressed, or just newly-put up.

These establishments could be given a one-year reprieve, provided they file their request for exemption within 75 days after the release of the wage order.

Some establishments in Aklan, according to DOLE, have applied for this reprieve. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

BIR-Aklan exceeds August target

2010-09-16T00:18:00.001-07:00

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here exceeded its tax collection target for August 2010.

According to BIR-Aklan OIC Revenue District Officer Ricardo J. Osorio, a total of P55,983,627.28 was collected for August 2010.

Compared with the same month last year which had P40,769,424.81 collections, an increase of P15,214,202.47 was realized by BIR-Aklanthis year, or 37.32%.

Osorio said that from January to August of this year, BIR-Aklan was able to collect a total of P467,382,115.50. Last year, the province was able to collect during the same period a total of P364,691,151.08. The current period's collection posted an increase of P102,690,964.42.

This year, BIR-Aklan is targeting to collect P641,000,000.00.

"With P467,382,115.50 already collected, we need to look for P173,651,884.50 to achieve our 2010 collection target," RDO Osorio said.

Osorio said Boracay Island contributed much to the increase in tax collection of BIR-Aklan.

"Thirty percent of BIR's collections come from Boracay Island. The increase in tourist arrivals, new businesses put up in Boracay Island, and the awareness of Aklanon taxpayers in performing their patriotic duties by paying the right taxes helped much in the BIR's tax collections this period", Osorio said.

Meanwhile, a total of 5 establishments had been closed by BIR-Aklan under its "Oplan-Kandado" program this year. However, these establishments were also allowed to open after paying their tax obligations, according to BIR-Aklan. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan governor optimistic on tourism industry recovery

2010-09-14T02:10:00.001-07:00

Kalibo, Aklan -- By showing the tourists who flock to Boracay Island that they are safe and secure while in the province, Aklan governor Carlito S. Marquez said he believes the tourism industry in Aklan and in the country in general will regain its strength and liveliness.

Governor Marquez relayed this optimism recently over his regular report over a radio station here in sharing his views regarding the botched hostage-taking in Quirino Grandstand recently that took the life of 8 tourists from Hongkong.

Marquez said he was saddened with the hostage-taking incident in Manila and was alarmed with its grave effect on the economy.

"We in Aklan are one of the most affected, particularly our tourism industry. So we called an emergency meeting recently with our PNP, Coast Guard, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and other security-related agencies to strengthen our Technical Working Group through the creation of a Crisis Management Team. And this is in order to show our constituents and tourists our preparedness in times of this kind of emergency," Marquez told radio listeners.

The governor also assured Aklanons that he and other provincial officials are committed to secure everything, particularly the airports, tourist buses, and highway.

He also vowed to strengthen police visibility.

Meanwhile, Governor Marquez revealed that from August 1-24, a total of 46,917 tourists visited Boracay. More than 22,000 of these, according to him, are foreigners.

From January to August, the island was visited by 550,120 tourists – 181,000 of these foreigners; 349,000 domestic and 20,000 overseas Filipinos.

These visitors enabled the province to realize P10,113,076,008.00 total tourism receipts. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan households’ rice stocks up to September – BAS

2010-08-25T01:48:00.001-07:00

Kalibo, Aklan -- Rice stocks of Aklanon households are up to September 2010 only, but according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) here, farmers will also start harvesting rice in September, peaking in October.

BAS-Aklan Provincial Officer Manuelito Deligencia said rice planting in Aklan was delayed due to the El Niño Phenomenon that struck Aklan last year until the early part of 2010.

"Farmers in rainfed areas were not able to plant rice in June due to insufficient water, while planting in irrigated fields was also delayed because irrigation canals had no water yet in the early part of planting season, being dependent only on the availability of water from the Aklan River," Delegencia said.

Delegencia said farmers from Balete and Libacao were also able to harvest upland rice last July but this was only for their own consumption.

Just recently, the National Food Authority (NFA) here through Provincial Manager Marianito Bejemino assured the public of enough rice up to the harvest period in October.

The NFA also revealed that monthly, some 20,000 bags of rice each month is sent to Aklan from NFA-Iloilo to augment the supply of rice in the province.

Commercial rice also enters Aklan daily from Mindoro and other provinces through the RORO, and from Antique, Capiz and Iloilo to add to the supply of the private traders in the province.

Meanwhile, BAS revealed that Aklan enjoyed a good harvest of vegetables and fruits from the months of April to June.

"Our bananas have recovered from Typhoon Frank already," Delegencia said.

Marine, aquaculture and commercial fishery products also increased during the same period, however, harvests in rootcrops like camote, cassava and gabi decreased due to the El Niño.

Ginger crops also suffered, according to BAS, because of the heavy rains these recent months. Ginger, Delegencia said, takes a year to be harvested.

BAS-Aklan is currently updating data of farmers in the province and performing their other routinary activities. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Blood coordinating council passes 4 resolutions to gain support

2010-08-24T02:10:00.001-07:00

Kalibo, Aklan -- The Aklan Blood Coordinating Council (ABCC), which was re-organized recently in response to the call for a stable source of blood and blood products due to the rising dengue cases in the province has formulated four resolutions to strengthen the council and gain support from Aklan officials, legislators and other stakeholders.

The ABCC is headed by Dr. Cynthia dela Cruz who was elected President in the organizational meeting held recently at the Provincial Guest House.

The first two resolutions were formulated during the organizational meeting and the other two, during the Special Executive Board Meeting at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) Function Hall.

The first resolution – Res. 2010-001 requests financial assistance for the ABCC from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Provincial Health Board, all LGUs in the province, and other agencies concerned, while the second one requests Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez to provide a Secretariat Office with a Secretary to serve as custodian of files and to run errands for the ABCC and other needs of the council.

The third resolution, on the other hand, is requesting all the 17 municipalities of Aklan to support the National Voluntary Blood Program through the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Health; and the fourth is a resolution requesting Governor Carlito Marquez to immediately provide the following equipments: 1 refrigerated centrifuge, 1 plasma freezer, 1 platelet agitator and 1 plasma separator needed by the Philippine National Red Cross Aklan Chapter.

The equipments are badly needed to immediately answer the needs of dengue and other sick Aklanons needing blood transfusion.

Currently, blood samples are being sent to PNRC-Capiz for testing before being transfused to patients here, which is a risky practice as too much time is wasted, endangering the life of patients.

Earlier during a press conference called by Governor Marquez, he told the Aklan media and health officials present that purchase of the needed equipments will be included in the provincial budget the province is preparing for 2011. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklanons get P3.1 M 4Ps cash grants, other assistance

2010-08-24T02:09:00.001-07:00

Kalibo, Aklan -- Beneficiaries of 4Ps in the municipalities of Buruanga and Balete recently received a total of P3.1 million cash grants under the Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) here .

Beneficiaries from these towns numbered 1,364, according to Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez in his monthly report aired over DYRU-Kalibo.

The 4Ps is a poverty reduction strategy that provides grants ro extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education particularly children aged 0-14.

Aside from the cash grant, 4,187 sacks of rice were also distributed to residents of Balete, Buruanga, Madalag and Libacao. As its counterpart, the province also distributed 413 sacks of rice there.

The Provincial Government also extended a capital assistance of P75,321 to 16 Out Of School Youths of Tibiao, Altavas who are members of Timgas Ka PYAP Association or Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines, Inc.

The province is also planning to establish social welfare desks at the Caticlan Jetty Port to protect the people especially the women and children. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan coconuts less affected by El Niño

2010-08-23T02:29:00.001-07:00

Kalibo, Aklan -- Aklan's coconut cover was not affected too much by the El Niño Phenomenon which mildly strucked Aklan last year up to the early part of this year.

According to Plevy Raco, Provincial Coconut Development Manager of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) here, the salt fertilizer which the office distributed to coconut farmers helped a lot in minimizing the effect of El Niño to the coconuts.

Raco said all municipalities in Aklan had access to the salt fertilizer from the PCA. The salt fertilizer causes retention of water in the bases of coconut trunks, minimizing the effect of the dry spell on the coconuts.

Presently, Raco said coconut farmers are enjoying good prices for their copra.

"The copra price is dictated by the world market, and currently, there is a big demand for coconut oil", Raco said.

Raco also revealed that the Participatory Coconut Project introduced by the PCA to encourage farmers to plant coconuts had been successful.

Many farmers in Aklan participated in the program, according to Raco. Under the program, farmers who successfully grew seednuts which were planted on their own farms were paid in phases. They will also be the ones who would benefit when the coconuts start bearing fruits.

Meanwhile, the province of Aklan will be hosting this week the 14^th Regional Coconut Celebration particularly on August 25-27. Aklan was chosen as the venue, according to the PCA, for having the biggest coconut cover in Western Visayas.

The month of August had been declared by the late President Corazon Aquino as Coconut Celebration Month.

Raco said this is the first time for a province to host the celebration as all previous celebrations were held in the regional office.

A motorcade, diorama presentation, coconut quiz bee, clinic and sports competition among PCA provincial provinces will highlight the celebration here.

PCA Administrator Oscar Garin, DA RED Larry Nacionales of RFU 6, PCA Regional Manager Jose Cruz, Aklan Congressman Miraflores. Governor Carlito Marquez and other officials are expected to attend the celebration on August 26 at the Provincial Trade Hall.

"Niyog, Yaman Ng Pinoy" is the theme of this year's celebration. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)