GMA Network Inks Deal To Air Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference

GMA Network Inks Deal To Air Shakey’s 

V-League Season 12 Open Conference

GMA Network once again brings the latest on-court action in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference to volleyball enthusiasts across the globe.

In a contract signing held recently (March 30) at GMA Network Center, GMA partnered with Sports Vision Management Group to air the games locally on GMA News TV and internationally through GMA’s second international channel GMA Life TV beginning this April.

Present at the contract signing were GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Sports Vision Management Group Chairman Moying Martelino, and Sports Vision Management Group President Ricky Palou.

Some of the league’s most prominent players include collegiate volleyball aces Alyssa Valdez, Denden Lazaro, Jaja Santiago, Abigail Maraño, Ma. Angeli Tabaquero, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Fille Sainte Cainglet-Cayetano, Rossan Fajardo, Sarah Jane Espelita, Pauline May Genido, and Hezzymie Acuña. 

Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference will see PLDT, Navy, Meralco, Fourbees, Baguio, Philippine Coast Guard, Cagayan Valley, and the defending champion from the Philippine Army team vie for the Championship this season.

In light of the management’s decision to air the League’s games, Gozon highlights the sport’s popularity as evidenced by audience turnout during finals games. “Every year kinukuha natin ito para ipalabas sa GMA News TV. And as you know, nagiging popular itong volleyball, particularly sa women’s division.”

“We can expect a better tournament [this season],” he adds.

On behalf of Sports Vision, Palou says, “We expect the games to have better coverage as far as airtime is concerned and we’re very happy with the relationship. We’re looking forward to a longer-term relationship.”

GMA News TV has been the league’s official television partner since 2013, while GMA International has been airing select matches through the Network’s international channels since 2011.

Locally, matches will be shown on GMA News TV Channel 11 from Monday to Thursday at 1:00 PM, and from Saturday to Sunday at 12:45 PM, after Balitanghali Weekend. All Sunday matches will be aired live while the matches from Monday to Saturday will be shown on a delayed telecast basis.

For the airing schedule of the games on GMA Life TV, visit www.gmanetwork.com/international/programguide. /MP

Is This River Conversion Into A Road?

Is This River Conversion Into A Road?

Dr. Vicente S. Quimpo from Kalibo and Dumga, Makato, Aklan has written Ms. Marlene Aborka, Office In-Charge, CENRO, Kalibo. The letter with picture enclosed, states Dr. Quimpo’s opinion on the quarrying for gravel and sand at Dumga river, Makato.

Dr. Quimpo’s letter is printed below:

February 16, 2015

Forester Marlene Aborka

Office in Charge

Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)

Dear Ms. Aborka,

I became aware of your commendable efforts to lessen the suffering of our people with the launching of Advocacy and Social Mobilization Campaign on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PIA. It is a very relevant activity as disasters had been experienced by many of our people causing thousands of deaths, sufferings and broken lives among the survivors. Many of the solutions to prevent climate change is very difficult to achieve that we merely have to adapt to mitigate the disastrous effects of climate change.

But a very effective solution and readily attainable is to protect the environment that naturally acts as protection to the severe effects of extreme weather. I am talking about protecting our rivers that act as spillage network of massive rainfall preventing severe and sudden flooding. 

This has happened in Dumga river upstream from the Dumga bridge passing through our very economically and tourism important highway to Boracay Is. A construction company in the process of quarrying for gravel and sand has dumped tons of these materials ON THE RIVER GROUND MAKING A ROAD OUT OF THE RIVER. This is a very gross act river destruction which will definitely cause severe flooding in the area when the typhoon season begin which has become almost year-round.

Please look into this matter immediately before any disaster to happen for innocent lives are at stake here. Enclosed are pictures to show the present state of the river.

Sincerely,

Dr. Vicente S. Quimpo

Dumga Resident

IM-IDS

The Medical City /MP

SWS SURVEY SHOWS BINAY STILL THE TOP CHOICE IN 2016

SWS SURVEY SHOWS BINAY 

STILL THE TOP CHOICE IN 2016

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay continues to lead potential candidates in the 2016 presidential elections according to a survey released by the Social Weather Stations.

In the First Quarter 2015 Social Weather Stations Survey conducted March 20-23, Binay remained the top choice for voters, getting a voter preference of 36 percent.

Vice Presidential spokesperson for political affairs Atty. Rico Paolo Quicho welcomed the results of the survey and said that the Vice President will continue working for the benefit of the Filipino people.

“The Vice President is truly grateful for the trust and recognition as shown by the results of the latest SWS presidential survey. This is defined by the competence and compassion of the Vice President as manifested in his programs in Makati especially in health and education and assisting OFWs as Presidential Adviser on OFW concerns and the gains achieved by the Pag-IBIG Fund,” Quicho said.

“The Vice President is focused on the task at hand and would continue to provide his kind of leadership and performance whoever will be the other presidential aspirants,” he added.

The survey used face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide and had sampling error margins of plus and minus 3 points for national percentages, and plus and minus 6 points each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Respondents were not given a list to choose from. They were instead asked to give names of up to three persons whom they thought should succeed President Benigno S. Aquino III when he steps down on June 30, 2016. /MP

CHIZ WANTS LINE-ITEM BUDGETING OF P70-B BBL FUNDS

CHIZ WANTS LINE-ITEM 

BUDGETING OF P70-B BBL FUNDS

The proposed Bangsamoro government stands to receive at least P70 billion during its first fiscal year alone, but Senator Chiz Escudero wants a line-item budgeting of this allocation just like the appropriation of every local government unit in the Philippines.

Escudero, whose Senate Committee on Finance has come out with a breakdown of the total funding under the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) proposal, said the spending package could still go up.

“This is just a ballpark figure. They can impose taxes and fees and charges on their own. They can explore and exploit natural resources and these have not yet been factored in,” Escudero explained.

Based on the computation of the finance committee, P25.2 billion of the P70 billion will come from the Annual Block Grant; P7 billion from the Special Development Fund; P1 billion from the Transition Fund; P12.6 billion from the National Government Subsidy; P19.9 billion from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA); P1.7 billion from the ARMM/Bangsamoro collections; and a one-time P2.6 billion Normalization Fund.

These allocations, Escudero said, do not include revenue-generating measures that the Bangsamoro government is empowered to impose such as taxes and fees.

He said he will push for the line-item budgeting of this amount during the deliberation of the proposal in the Senate.

“I don’t question the amount per se. I have always said that Mindanao should get its fair share from the government. But we want to know how, where, when and who will spend this. Will it be beneficial to all Bangsamoro people? Will it go to where it should go?” Escudero pointed out.

He added: “Let’s face it. The government is providing P70 billion in one swoop, and every Filipino contributed his or her hard earned money there. We want to know if this will be spent fairly and judiciously to all Bangsamoro people, whether they belong with the MILF or not.”

Itemizing the budget, he further said, will also show redundancy of funding as already shown in the lump sum proposal.

“The current ARMM-IRA share for 2015 is at P18 billion. In the additional LGU (local government unit) under the BBL proposal, there is an additional P1.80 billion share, which makes the IRA share at P19.8 billion. BBL still wants a continuous IRA share coming from different parts of the Philippines even after the law is passed, but the national government will not have a single centavo share from their IRA,” Escudero explained.

He also debunked the position of the government peace negotiators that the BBL does not have a high price tag in terms of budget. He said the Annual Block Grant alone, which is by far the biggest amount among the breakdown, seems to have been left out in terms of numbers in the proposal.

“The proposal did not specify the exact amount of this fund. But take note that under Article XII, Section 15 of the BBL proposal, the block grant cannot be lower than the last budget received by the ARMM. For 2015, ARMM received P25.22 billion,” he said.

“We are pouring in so much money in the region. What are we, our people, getting out of it? That’s why we have to study it carefully, specify all items carefully, fairly and judiciously,” Escudero said. /MP

Citizen Duty To File ITR And Pay Corresponding Taxes

Citizen Duty To File ITR 

And Pay Corresponding Taxes

Photo above shows Mr. Edwin Ramos - PIA, Eralen B. De Oro - Chief Revenue Office, Ms. Ma. Elaine M. Tirazona - Chief, DPS, and Ms. Gisella Rose L. Robillo - Chief, TSS of the BIR, Kalibo during the recent Kapihan sa Aklan held at NVC Carmen Hotel, Kalibo. The topic discussed was the implementation of tax laws and the urgency to file income tax return. /MP

MAN: GREATEST OF ALL RESOURCES*

MAN: GREATEST OF ALL RESOURCES*

*Commencement Speech of Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, president of Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo, Aklan delivered on the occasion, the 14th  Commencement Exercises Of The Aklan State University, main campus, Banga, Aklan on March 31, 2015.

The Members of the Board of Regents; the Administration headed by President Danilo Abayon, Vice President for Academics Dr. Ana Mae Relingo, and Vice President for Administration Dr. Steven Fuentes; the University Academic Council, the Faculty and Staff;

The Alumni represented by your President, Mr. Rey Villaruel; the members of the graduating class of 2015, students, parents, other guests, ladies and gentlemen. 

Thank you Aklan State University (ASU) for these double honors of being your commencement speaker and being bestowed upon me the title Doctor of Humanities, (Honoris Causa). Actually four honors, if I include being your guest of honor yesterday on the occasion of your 14th Anniversary and your substitute coronation speaker at Ibajay campus.

I receive these honors with sincere humility and gratitude to the ASU academic community, the Board of Regents and the Commission on Higher Education for their efforts in recognizing my life’s mission to contribute in making the world a better place than when I received it and to make a difference not so much by doing extraordinary things but by doing ordinary things in an extra ordinary manner. Think Globally, Act Locally.

I receive this in trust for very special people, our youths, young generations and the marginalized sectors who constantly remain the focus and reference of my Philosophy, Advocacy and Action. These advocacies are in various fields such as good governance, and the importance of good leaders, quality education, protection of the environment, responsible stewardships, abiding faith in the beauty and richness of our country and the sense of pride to our glorious past, the nobility of our early ancestors, who lived our lands in abundance, tranquility, peaceful co-existence and well ordered social norms and relationships. These are some of my life’s mission and by these honors, a confirmation that service to humanity is the best work of life and that life is to be lived instead of being wasted.

Now, we are facing our life’s greatest challenges. First, on a personal level, we are faced with daily choices on how to achieve quality life. 

When I authored RA 9085 creating the ASU, some congressmen setting in the education committee asked me why I had to create competition as my family owns a private college. My answer was, I am the representative of my people first. 

My advocacies include poverty alleviation, access to quality education, and the right to happiness and harmony. Programs include discovering our noble past, learning from our indigenous people, and changing our mindset to take responsibility for our actions.

Second, on a national level, we now face the challenge of ASEAN Integration and the need to be globally competitive. My advocacies include building the faith that the Philippines is our only country, very rich, beautiful, and inhabited by majority of people who are in many respects and given the equal opportunities are better, socially responsible and good persons. 

When I thought of planting the first mangrove, there were strong opposition, even threats. Our first shed was burnt and DENR employee threatened with a bolo. We persevered and we triumphed. Programs include maximizing our comparative and competitive advantage, like our country’s tourism, coastal resources, a big literate and young population which give us advantage in manpower force. 

One example of comparative advantage is our coastal resources. The Philippines is the 5th country in the world with the longest coastline. Imagine if we can maximize its resources, like the nipa plant which gives the highest bio ethanol content or even just the talisay tree which people call the sea almond or simply as a defense against tsunamis and typhoon surge.

Thirdly, on the Global Level, we now face the challenge of climate reality and climate change. What used to be a theory is now a proven scientific fact that climate change has made Mother Earth less livable place, threatening her very existence. My advocacies include massive information dissimination and awareness activity, programs include massive and rapid reforestation, restoring mangroves and beach forest, shifting to renewable energy, prohibiting population in any form, and sanctioning countries which pollute our world.

What ASUs can do is continue to be the Academic Leader: in extension, instruction, research, and production. Since I pledge to receive these honors in trust for our youth, today, being your graduation day, allow me to pose my question for clarity sake. How many of you plan to leave our country, work abroad and earn to be rich? I guess for all practical reasons many would like to do that, after all many thinks there is very limited opportunity here. However, consider this. Be weary not to make this plan your mission in life. It is selfish, unpatriotic and a breach of contract. Selfish because you forgot all the values that are true and good. Unpatriotic because you with your talents and knowledge increase the productivity and wealth of other countries, more than your share in the value of the good you make. And unfair because you were educated at the expense of the Filipino people. You are all Scholar ng Bayan and your tuition were shouldered by your people. Now, equipped with better capacities they expect you to use these to pay forward to improve our country. If you have to go, go but use this to learn some more and come back to better serve your people as good models. Believe me you will find meaning and purpose to your lives.

To ASU you are the repository of the greatest of all resources, the human resources. From your graduates and Alumni – make a thousand flowers bloom – in the values and lives of your graduates.

While I can never repay you in material wealth, I will remain your faithful advocate, always believing in your sacred role as the great equalizer of our people’s socio economic condition. Remember, I will be with you.

Thank you and good speed. /MP

Reason and Concern

Not Smooth Sailing For K-to-12

by Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Republic Act No. 10533 entitled “An Act Enhancing the Philippine Basic Education System by Strengthening its Curriculum and Increasing the Number of Years for Basic Education Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes” was approved on May 15, 2013 and took effect on June 8, 2013. 

Republic Act No.10533, otherwise known as the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013” had its Implementing Rules and Regulations jointly issued on September 4, 2013 by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).  

R.A. No. 10533, also known as the K-to-12   program “calls for a year of kindergarten, six years of elementary school, four years of junior high school and two years of senior high school.

Thus, this year’s fourth year high school or Grade 10 students would still undergo two years of senior high school instead of proceeding to college in the coming 2015-2016 school year.

The K-to-12 program appears  to have smooth sailing in Congress until studies were made by certain sectors on the  problems that shall arise should the K-to12 be initially implemented by the beginning of school year 2016-217.

Problems mentioned, among others, are “extra classrooms, restrooms, teachers, textbooks”. This also includes on “what to do with teachers on their payroll and classrooms and facilities left unused with their drastic drop in enrollment.  This does not even count the possibility of more teachers losing their jobs as subjects are consolidated or  dropped outright under the new curriculum”.

Certain coalition  surfaced recently protesting the  K-to-12 implementation. A group named “Broad Alliance to Suspend K-to-12” has reportedly filed a petition with the Supreme Court to suspend full implementation of the program next year.

National newspapers have earlier reported a national coordinated protest action against the program. 

Rule IX of the  Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 provides for a Mandatory Evaluation and Review in  Section 34 thereof, thus : “ By the end of School Year 2014-2015, the DepEd shall conduct a mandatory review and report to Congress as to the status of the Enhance Basic Education Program in terms of closing the following current shortages: (a) teachers; (b) classrooms; (c) textbooks; (d) seats     (e) toilets; (f) other shortages that should be addressed.

“ The DepEd shall include among others, in this midterm report, the following key  metrics of access to quality and basic education: (a) participation rate; (b) retention rate; (c) National Achievement Test results; (d) completion rate; (e) teachers’ welfare and training profiles; (f) adequacy of funding requirements; and (g) other learning facilities including, but not limited to, computer and science laboratories, libraries and  library hubs; sports, music and arts.

School Year 2014-2015 has just ended. Hopefully, the DepEd can comply with its midterm report to Congress which is still burdened  with the investigation on the Mamasapano incident and deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law bill. 

***

Correct me if  I have not counted it right. But, at no instance in the history of this country has eight  separate investigations been made akin to Mamasapano incident. And it is not over yet with the House of Representatives continuing its investigation after the Holy Week.

It would seem that the Mamasapano  incident had affected President Aquino’s popular and trust ratings starting from the arrival honors   for the Fallen 44 which he eschewed from attending.

***

What can be expected of the Philippines hosting APEC 2015? Permit this columnist to quote Guillermo M. Luz’s column which appeared in the February 28, 2015 issue of  the Philippine Daily Inquirer, thus: “ For APEC 2015 - with the theme “Building  Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World - what can be expected? Research shows that while the global economy has grown over the years, so has inequality. The gap between the haves and the have-nots has grown. Expect discussion across most APEC economies to discuss to these theme when they discuss their deliverables. Whether one is talking about small and medium-scale enterprises, urbanization, services, food security, education and human capital development, or anything else in the broad agenda of APEC, expect discussion to circle back to this central theme of building inclusive growth.

“APEC 2015 brings different kinds of opportunity to the Phiippines. Wisely, the government has chosen to hold the meetings in various parts of the country. While logistically difficult, the plus is that it spreads out opportunities to other areas. Thus, aside from Manila, APEC meetings have been scheduled in Clark, Subic, Legaspi, Tagaytay, Bataan, Boracay, Iloilo, Bacolod and Cebu. Private businessmen and local governments will get the chance to showcase their   commmunities and culture. Hopefully, this will provide a more wholistic view of the Philippines’ progress and potential.” /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Manogtukad it Bukid (Mountain Climber)

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Abo rong ma ila-on magtukad it bukid. Isaea nga pag-ayat kanda kon andang matukad ag makaabot sa alipungto it bukid. Ro iba hay naga tagdok it bandera ag mag pakodak agod may madugang sa iba nandang na-abot nga kadungganan. Ro pagtukad it bukid hasta makaabot sa alipungto hay gina kabig nga dungog.

Si Brent hay isaea sa mga manogtukad  it bukid. Rondaya ro anang hilig halin pa ko maisot imaw. Tanan rong bukid sa andang lugar hay hasaka eon nana ngani bo-ot nana nga mag adto sa ibang lugar agod magpadayon sa anang nailaan. Nagpaha-om imaw it mabuhay. Nag abot rong adlaw nga haum eon imaw. 

Daea ro tanan nga gamit, sumakay imaw sa eroplano ag nagpadueong sa lugar nga anang tukaron nga bukid. Bangod sa malisod rong pagsaka it bukid, may tiyempo nga nagdupilas ro anang siki sa mga bato. 

Samtang naga init man rong silak it adlaw, naga dugang man rong kabudlay sa pagtukad. Matsa naga baga ro anang eawas ag guina kueang it hangin ro anang dughan. Ko ulihi, tinak-an imaw ag nagdesisyon nga magpundo. 

Guin tagdok nana ro anang bandera sa lugar nga anang guin tindugan, ag dali dali nga nana-og paadto sa hotel nga anang guina teneran. Pag-abot sa hotel guin tan-aw nana sa teleskopyo ro anang guin tagdukan it bandera. Abo guid ro anang kakibot kat hakita nana nga pila eon lang nga eak-ang ag idto eon imaw sa alipungto. Olihi guid ro anang pagno-oe. 

Kon guin dugangan nana ro anang pasensya ag pagtinguha, natuman kunta nana ro anang handum. Nadugangan eon man kunta ro mga hatukad nga bukid nga nagta-o kana it kadungganan. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Is Money Root Of All Evil?

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

“The love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things.” This is supported by many people who said, “Money is the root of all evils.”

According to the bible, “The love of money”, not money itself causes “injurious things.” Rich King Solomon identified three kinds of injurious things that often happen to people who love money.

First, he worries. The people with too much money had difficulty in sleeping. They could hardly sleep thinking of their money and how they can multiply it million times more. They also worry for it might get lost.

Second, he is dissatisfied. “A lover of silver will never be satisfied with silver, nor a lover of wealth with income.

Third, he is often tempted to break the law. See what is happening to Napoles. She keeps a huge amount of money, but she is in jail. Is she happy? No!

A man hastening to become wealthy will not remain innocent.

On the other hand, many people believe, money is a protection. Money makes one secure and happy. Money helps people take care of one’s family. Money answers every need as money can buy the things man needs.

Okey, agreed. But money must only be acquired through legal, and honest means. It must be well earned and spent according to the family needs such as for food, water, shelter, clothes, health, education, and recreation. Money must never be used for deceptive power of richness.

It is wise to use money responsibly and honestly. A man must avoid the burden of living of life beyond his means. 

Nobody condemns debt, however, a borrower becomes the slave of the lender. A debtor is a man who spends more money than the amount he earns. Impulse buying will surely lead one to poverty.

A government employee related to me, “My salary is P23,500 monthly, but my take home pay is only P3,000 plus. To make both ends meet, I renew my loans. I’ve never been free from loaning.”

I advised him to minimize incurring loans. Gradually pay your outstanding loan balance and likewise gradually refrain from buying things on installment basis. Buying things like car, television set on installment mode of payment will more than double the price after full payment of it.

Many people says, “it is better to give than to receive.” Can you give what you do not have? Naturally, a person who can give is one who has worked, earned, and saved. Savings are surplus which could be shared with others.

But are we, Aklanons capable to work honestly, earn, and save? Of course yes, except those people with disability. 

Aklan is endowed by God with all the resources to be developed. We have fertile lands both lowland and highland. Aklan has wide sea area where fishes are abundant. Those resources are for the industrious people to develop and profit from it.

There are industrious, honest, and thrifty people who earn more, save more and give more. There are people who love to receive.

Where do you belong? To the receiver? To the giver? A giver is highly respected that is why many requests him to give. A receiver is looked down, that is why he is given.

Public Library

Do you have public library in your town? In Numancia, Aklan there is but I can not remember anyone reading books inside. There municipal library in Kalibo, Aklan. However, it is located in isolated area. It is not attractive to visit and read there for prospective readers.

But for many, public library is an indispensable institution that serves many functions in a community. It is an adjunct to the public schools, a place where pupils can do their homework. It serves as a care center where small children gather for story hour. It is a safe haven where senior citizens may pass the time in company with others, where the unemployed can look for works. It is a place where the lonely can be less lonely, the bored less bored, the dejected less dejected and the ignorant can be enlightened.

Library can provide space for teenagers and prevent them from going somewhere and possibly get into serious troubles.

The time spent in the library is time not spent in front of a television. This in itself makes the public library the most valuable institution a society could possibly imagine.

Library is both aspirational  and inspirational. I encourage all LGU Aklan to establish public library and develop the habit of reading. /MP

Editorial

Online Payment Of Taxes: 

More Convenient & Practical

by Ernesto T. Solidum

The Weekly Kapihan this Saturday discussed the topic, “Updates on BIR Rules and Services.” Guests at NVC Carmen Hotel are BIR agents namely: Ms. Eralen B. de Aro, Chief Revenue Officer IV, Ms. Elaine M. Tirazona, and Ms. Giselle Rose L. Rodillo, staff members.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) through a power point presentation gave a briefing on Revenue Regulation No. 2-2014 that prescribes new BIR forms for use for Income Tax Returns (ITR) and electronic filing covering the taxable year ending December 31, 2014. The ITR is due on or before April 15, 2015.

Ms. De Aro underscored that there are two (2) modes of payment under the electronic system depending upon taxpayer classification namely: e-EFPS (Electronic Filing and Payment System) and e-BIR form. Included in the first category are: Taxpayer Account Management Program (TAMP). Those required to secure the BIR-ICC and BIR-BCC, National gotvernment  agencies, licensed local contractors, corporations with paid up capital stock of P10 million and above, corporation with completes computerized accounting system, procuring government agencies withholding VAT and percentage taxes, government bidders, large taxpayers, top 20,000 private corporations and insurance companies and stockholders.

Those under 3-BIR forms are accredited tax agents/practitioners and their clients, accredited printers of principal and supplementary receipts and invoices, one time transaction (ONETT) taxpaters, those filing a “No Payment” return, government owned and controlled corporations, local government units except barangays and cooperatives registered with National electrification Administration and Local Water Utilities Administration.

Ms. Tirazona said that taxpayers excluded to file under e-EPPS or e-BIR scheme shall manually use the available printed forms, i.e. BIR Form 1700 known as Annual Tax Return for self-employed individuals, estates and trusts, BIR form 1702-RT as Annual Income Tax Return for corporation, partnerships and other non-individual taxpayers exempt under the tax code as amended (Sec. 30 and those exempted in Sec. 27 (c) and other special laws with no other taxable income, and BIR Form 1702-MX – Annual Income Tax Return for corporations, partnerships and other non-individuals with mixed income subject to multiple income tax rates or with income subject to special preferential rate.

All the above info can be sourced from their website at www.bir.gov.ph including steps on how to go online business transaction. Rationale behind the electronic filing and payment of ITR’s is taxpayers convenience and elimination of too much paperworks. However, Ms. Rodillo appealed to taxpayers to be honest and credible since taxes are essential tools for socio-economic development. Tax evaders may be fined P1,000 plus 25 percent of tax collectibles by the BIR Regional Investigation Division.

“Angat Ka Pinas” a BIR logo emphasizes united call of all Filipinos to participate constructively in nation building. The province of Aklan has a target collection goal of P1.5 billion this year.

BIR Commissioner Kim Henares has tangled with self employed professionals particularly doctors who while earning millions of pesos per year pay paupers’ tax of P35,000. Teachers on the other hand pay the above sum per year but on a salary of P21,500 a month. This is because doctors, engineers and architect do not issue official receipts in their practice of profession. The lady Chief Executive believes self employed professionals should pay P100,000 in annual taxes. Furthermore, BIR requires them to submit income tax returns when renewing their licenses.

Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III lamented that members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and industry pay only 8 percent instead of the right amount of taxes due the government. Undoubtedly, there must be more transparency and “moto propio” to render the most accurate filing and payment. It should be remembered the BIR slapped Manny Pacquiao with P2.2 billion tax evasion case in 2012 and disgraced CJ Corona and his kin P150 million in 2013.

The Philippines has a record 40 billionaires with combined assets of $44.7 billion in 2012. Sadly, billionaires have shrewed accountants and lawyers who tend to execute fraudulent financial statements. The result is incredibly low tax payments. Here, the action must be strict law enforcement and more funding by BIR in intel operation.

Since BIR subscribes to information technology as key to better services, all business transactions whether hotels, bars, beach resorts, fastfood restaurants, supermarkets, hardware stores,  gas stations, transport operators and others must register their official receipts online to BIR. This will ensure transparency and accountability especially VAT.

St. Matthew in the gospels was a filthy rich tax collector because of his corrupt practices. His ability to show remorse and respect later on is what elevated him to be one of 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. The Philippines need more Saint Matthews who are immune to greed and lavish lifestyle. Biblical principle is that those who have more in life are expected to be more responsible for the welfare of others.

Indeed taxes are the lifeblood of the nation. It can be harsh and unforgiving but taken positively can be a source of blessings and a better life and future. This is a privilege granted only to all law abiding citizens. /MP

Alcala To Grace 8th Farmers, Fisherfolk Day In Capiz

Alcala To Grace 8th Farmers,

Fisherfolk Day In Capiz

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala will grace the 8th Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Day celebration, part of the annual CAPIZtahan, at Villareal Stadium, Roxas City on April 14. 

The farmers’ day theme is “Agrikultura: Pasanyugon Para sa Bugana nga Pagkaon,” It will be attended by around 2,500 farmers, fisherfolk, members of registered cooperatives and associations, agricultural extension workers, and local government officials. This is in support to the Food Staple Sufficiency Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA). 

An interesting highlight is the conduct of the Farmer’s Market Day wherein various agri-fishery products from the different municipalities in Capiz will be showcased. 

Sec. Alcala will lead the distribution and granting of 50 bags of certified seeds, 15 bags of open-pollinated variety of corn seeds, three units of handtractors, two units of floating tillers, four units of rice threshers, five units of pumps and engine sets, two units of corn shellers, assorted vegetable seeds, two packets of goats, veterinary drugs and biologics. 

Moreover, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will also give 20 units of pumps and engines for fisheries. The offices of the provincial agriculturist and veterinarian will provide 32 knapsack sprayers and four piglets to the farmer-participants. 

Two representatives from Calitan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Tapaz Farmers Association will be sharing their agricutural experiences and best practices on that day. 

To recall, Sec. Alcala last year spearheaded the inauguration of several agri-fishery projects in Capiz including the P200 million Communal Irrigation Project in Maayon, P10 million worth of “AA” slaughterhouse in President Roxas, and AHON project in Pilar. 

Aside from the production supports, the DA Regional Field Office 6 had already established market linkages for APAMI products of Capiz through promotion in the local and international trade fairs. Value chain analyses on special rice such as red, black and white aromatic rice as well as benchmarking studies on selected commodities were already conducted as preparation for the ASEAN Economic integration. Two enterprise development projects—the Shellfish and the Live Grouper Production and Marketing—are already approved under the Philippine Rural Development Project. /MP

Celebrate Numancia Municipal and Religious Fiesta

Celebrate Numancia 

Municipal and Religious Fiesta

Livestock like this cattle will participate in the parade on April 28.

Numancia Mayor Jozyl Isidore T. Templonuevo announced the holding of the Municipal and Religious Fiesta on April 8, until May 1, 2015 in honor of its Patron Saint, Saint Joseph the Worker.

As agreed by the Numancia Festival Advisory Council during its recent meeting, the highlights of the festival are the following: 1) Mayor’s Cup which has started on April 8; 2) Search for Miss Numancia on Sunday, April 26; 3) DepEd Night on Monday, April 27; 

Mass Church Wedding on April 28 at 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon, followed by “Liga” night in the evening, and cultural presentation; 4) On Thursday, April 30, Grand Binayle and Balikbayan Night; 5) The Agro-Idustrial Trade Fair will feature adorned Lechon and adorned farm animals, the beast of burden during the parade on Tuesday morning, April 28. The fair will be until April 30 that will exhibit and sell the best products of Numancia.

The festival will culminate with holy masses at Numancia Catholic Church on Friday, May 1. Holy Mass over, Laro ng Lahi at the Numancia Minucipal Plaza will follow.

The Numancia Festivals Advisory Council is being chaired by Dr. Reinalda I. Magdaluyo. /MP 

Burning Ricefield In Aklan

Burning Ricefield In Aklan

Photo above shows one of the duly harvested ricefields in Aklan. This burning adds to global warming. Moreover, the farmers are destroying one of their valuable resources. Burning the straw destroys plant nutrients, organic matters, and makes the soil barren. It also kills useful insects which are effective biological control of insect pests. /MP

CHIZ ASKS SENATE TO SUMMON DFA FOR IQBAL’S REAL IDENTITY

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ENJOY JUNGLE MANILA CIRCUIT PARTY

ENJOY JUNGLE MANILA 

CIRCUIT PARTY

Jungle Manila Circuit Party will be the most anticipated summer event in Kalibo, Aklan! This will introduce Brazil’s hottest DJ, Romeo Cavalcante, Philippines most sought after DJ, Travis Monsod and Circuit party veterans, world class Filipino DJs Issa Ramos, Patty Tui, Jay Santos, Brian Cua and Toy Armada to our Filipino legal age partygoers. 

The production will feature a parade of dance floor hits to be performed live by Martin Buen and Kokoi Baldo, and MCs Roda King and Dino Imperial.

This coming April 17, 2015 at 10PM, Manila party scene will invade Kalibo, the home of Ati-atihan Festival! Experience the festive atmosphere of party in Abregana Restobar! 

Ticket is now available for only P130 with free Smart/Talk ‘N Text sim card at Kalibo Cable, Radyo Todo, Koks Kalibo, Basa Hotel, and Abregana Restobar! 

This summer party fever is brought to you by Morriz Events Plus, Kris Nuevo Events, Abregana Events Group, Koks De Kalibo, Inc S107, Premier Condos, EZ Lubricating Jelly, and Basa Hotel, together with Kalibo Cable, The Tim Yap Show, Love Radio, Panay News, Radyo Todo, PinasEvents.com, Boracayupdate.blogspot.com as media partners. /MP

Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Is Pallada

Metrobank Outstanding 

Teacher Is Pallada

by Marivic Tulio Botilo

Congratulations! Mr. Mel T. Pallada, Master Teacher II of Kalibo Pilot Elementary School for being awarded – Metrobank Outstanding Teacher this year. The Province of Aklan is proud of your achievements! Mabuhay Metrobank Foundation, Inc.

Metrobank Outstanding Teachers have dedicated their lives teaching our young learners and empowering the communities in which they serve. They represent the best during the worst of time – not only during the extra ordinary moments but in the daily engagement with pupils.

A total of 312 teachers were nominated to this year’s Search. They were trimmed down to 146 provincial finalists who underwent interviews and teaching demonstrations. Some 20 of the regional finalists were then selected to become the national finalists and from 20, it was reduced to eight (8). Luckily, Mr. Mel T. Pallada from Kalibo Pilot Elementary School was one among the chosen eight (8).

Mr. Pallada never gave up the quest in the field of teaching despite of tremendous challenges he encountered in his life. He is a Master Teacher II and had a straight 22 years of selfless service to his fellow mentors, pupils and fellowmen. His teaching competence is incontestable. He has served as demonstration teacher in the school, the district, division, region up to the national level.

He has produced winners in Mathematics Super Quiz Bee and in Step contests. His skills in making artistic crafts are being down handed to his students turning garbage to usable things. He is without doubt a holistically talented person. What is good to note about his multi-intelligence is that, he unselfishly shares them with others. He is a person his family can truly be proud of. His exemplary leadership radiates cooperation and brings commitment and accountability. His passion and unifying energy transform dreams into reality.

Furthermore, the Department of Education (DepEd) lauded the exemplary service and commitment to deliver quality education to Filipino learners 2014 Metrobank Foundations, Search for Outstanding Teachers awardees. /MP

GARIN URGES CONGRESS TO PROBE “INCORRECT” IMPLEMENTATION OF TAX LAWS

GARIN URGES CONGRESS TO PROBE 

“INCORRECT” IMPLEMENTATION OF TAX LAWS

Alarmed that investors might pull-out investments from the country because of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s “flawed” implementation of the tax laws, AAMBIS-Owa Partylist Representative Sharon S. Garin filed House Resolution 1645 urging fellow lawmakers to investigate judicial setback of regulations the BIR issued.

Since 2010, the Supreme Court has successively issued Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the BIR and Department of Finance issuance of regulations in the implementation of tax laws on the grounds of unconstitutionality.

On March 3, 2014, the BIR issued Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 4-2014 requiring self-employed professionals’ to submit an affidavit indicating their rates, as well as registration of official appointment books containing the names of clients and the date and time of meetings. 

The high court blocked the implementation of the regulation stating that such issuance was not within the scope of BIR’s rule-making power under the National Internal Revenue Code.

In abs-cbnnews.com’s May 5, 2014 news article, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares was quoted defending the regulation saying that it “promotes transparency and eradicate tax evasion among self-employed.”

Rep. Garin, a taxation lawyer, thinks otherwise: “The BIR’s intrusion to the Congress’ power to enact taxation measures cannot be ignored as it causes chilling effect with the tax payers, stockholders, and investors which may lead to crippling effect to the economy and capital flight.”

In HR 1645, Garin cited BIR RR No. 1-2014 dated December 17, 2013 mandating for the submission of alphabetical list of employees/payees of income payments as one of BIR regulations halted by the Supreme Court on the alleged violation with the policies of due process, the Tax Code, the Securities Regulation Code and the Data Privacy Act.

In 2012, the BIR Memo Circular 65-2012 dated October 31 clarifying the taxability of association dues, membership fees, and other charges collected by condominium corporations also suffered judicial set back issued by Makati Regional Trial Court on the ground that the BIR failed to conduct public hearings before the new tax imposition was promulgated.

Other moves by the Commission that were denied by the High Court are the requirement to post P3.2 billion cash bond or P4.9 billion surety bond of Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee in connection with the P3.2 billion tax evasion case filed against them and the issuance of RR No. 2-2014 and RMC No. 9-2014 prescribing for the new BIR forms requiring supplemental information on individual and corporate income taxpayers.  /MP

SEN. GUINGONA PUSHES FOR THE CREATION OF TRUTH COMMISSION

SEN. GUINGONA PUSHES FOR THE CREATION OF TRUTH COMMISSION

Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona, Chair of the Senate Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, heard the proposed bill that seeks to create a Mamasapano Truth Commission to shed light on the incident in Mamasapano on January 25, 2015. Sen. Guingona hopes the bill would gather support, adding that nothing but the whole truth would give justice to those who died in the police raid in Mamasapano, also known as ‘Oplan Exodus.’

“Two months after the incident, emotions still is running high,” said Sen. Guingona. “The Senate hearings we’ve had regarding the incident at Mamasapano has raised more questions than answers. Until we have uncovered meticulously the intricate layers of said incident, these emotions may lead us to decide and act adversely.”

Peace-maker organizations led by the Institute for International Dialogue and the Al Qalam Institute of Ateneo de Davao met with Sen. Guingona regarding the proposed bill. They asserted their case for continuing a process in which they said, ‘they have invested almost all of their professional lives.’

The organizations include Friends of Bangsamoro, Women’s Peace Table, Lanao Peace Partners, Mindanao Peaceweavers, and the Intercultural Organizations’ Network for Solidarity and Peace. 

“There is a voice, buried within the din of voices, that must be heard; and these are the voices of those who know what war is like from the ground,” adds Sen. Guingona, who hails from Mindanao. “I would be remiss in my duties as a duly elected representative of Mindanao if I don’t give them a voice in the plenary.”

Aside from the peace-maker organizations, other groups have also called for the creation of an independent truth commission such as the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), and the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP).

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said during the Senate hearings that aside from their own investigation, they were pushing for an independent probe. Likewise, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Pio Catapang also stated that he is pushing for a higher independent body that will probe the incident, including the operational gaps, responsibility and accountability of those involved in the unfortunate tragedy.

“Let the work of uncovering the truth begin so that we can move forward towards giving justice and accountability to all those involved in this unfortunate incident. When there is  justice and accountability, only then that we can have mutual trust that leads to reconciliation. Reconciliation is a vital ingredient that would help us achieve just and lasting peace in this country,” said Sen. Guingona. /MP

15 Aklan Sample Barangays In Labor Force Survey

15 Aklan Sample Barangays 

In Labor Force Survey

Some 15 barangays in Aklan are taken as samples for the 2nd quarter of Labor Force Survey conducted by Philippine Statistics Authority-Aklan.

The Labor Force Survey (LFS) is a nationwide quarterly survey of households, which aims to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population for the formulation of plans and policies affecting the labor market.

These 15 barangays are: Brgy. Paningayan, Madalag; Brgy. Dingle, Banga; Brgy Tigayon, Kalibo; Brgy. Poblacion, Altavas; Brgy. Morales, Balete; Brgy. Bay ang, Mambuquiao, Magpag-ong and Mandong, Batan; Brgy Badio and Albasan, Numancia; Brgy Afga, Tangalan; Brgy Nagustan and Magallanes, Nabas; and Brgy. Fatima, New Washington.

According to Mrs. Rodelyn R. Panadero, Statistician II/OIC of PSA-Aklan, about 243 households are taken as samples for this survey. 

LFS covers employment characteristics of the population based on a “past week” reference period.

“The data generated from LFS provide the basis for the creation and generation of gainful employment and livelihood opportunities, reduction of unemployment and underemployment, and enhancement of the welfare of the working person,” Panadero pointed out.

She appeals to all respondents to support and cooperate in this data gathering. She assured them that all information furnished to PSA will be held “strictly confidential” and cannot be used for taxation, investigation or law enforcement purposes. /MP

Bicam Approves Amendments To IP Law

Bicam Approves Amendments To IP Law

The bicameral conference committee approved recently the reconciled version of the bill amending the Intellectual Property (IP) Code.

In a meeting held at Traders Hotel, the conferees from the Senate and the House of Representatives succeeded to reconcile the disagreeing provisions on Senate Bill 2842 and House Bill 3841.

The chairman of the Committee on Trade and Commerce, said there is a need to update RA 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code to better equip the country against intellectual theft and protect copyrighted works.

Among the approved amendments is the provision exempting the blind or visually-impaired persons from securing permission for the non-commercial reproduction of copyrighted works for their use.

The committee also amended the law to include a provision that will strengthen the protection of audio-visual performances of Filipino artists.

An updated IP law is needed to boost copyright-based industries and further promote its competitive advantage especially because CBIs contribute almost 5 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. /MP

WV’s Unemployment Rate Drops To 6 Percent In January

WV’s Unemployment Rate Drops

 To 6 Percent In January

Unemployment rate in Western Visayas went down to 6.0 percent in January 2015 from 6.6 percent a year ago. Our report is based on the result of the Labor Force Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The labor force participation rate (LFPR) in the said month was estimated at 62.8 percent. It was down from the LFPR in January 2014 which was estimated at 63.4 percent. The labor force consists of the employed and the unemployed.

Meanwhile, underemployment rate in January 2015 dropped to 21.4 percent which is lower compared to 22.9 percent a year ago. Underemployment rate is the percentage of the underemployed to the total employed.

According to Mrs. Rodelyn R. Panadero, Statistician II/OIC of PSA-Aklan, the underemployed persons are those who are employed but express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job, wanted to have additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours.

As a result of the decline, employment rate in the region edges up to 94.0 percent in January 2015 from 93.4 percent in the previous year.

The Labor Force Survey (LFS) is a nationwide quarterly survey of households, It aims to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population for use as basis for the formulation of plans and policies affecting the labor market. /MP

THE GOOD LIFE

PARENTING THE PARENT

by Megs S. Lunn

Megs S. Lunn

I had a great week this week as I gave myself time to read more of the books of my favorite author who did Parenting Talk around. I was moved and touched by the stories she shared from real experience. I thought it is an inspiration to share this to you so we all learn together. Whether you are a parent, a future parent or a student, perhaps there are two learning opportunities here that you can have. As author John Dewey once said, “We need to learn, unlearn and re-learn, in order to be called literate.” We are not to pretend that we know everything, for life is a learning laboratory, it is unending.

Let me share this thought from author Tita Carrie Bernardo-Reyes, “Fathering and mothering are noble tasks and a great challenge. The family, as the best setting for excellence, will fail if the best channel, the parents, are not united and are worst, if they are not available. They will surely lose their children by default. As they failed to give time, give hope, give love, and give peace. The family, best made up of a father, a mother and children of varying ages, is society’s main channel of transmitting excellence to the next generation: the values and patterns of behavior that lead to success.”

Another researcher pointed out that, “Without strong families, school is reduced to trying to load vessels that are not yet formed.”

In today’s society, it is tragic to learn children learning values easily from mass media. According to Tita Carrie, parents have to safeguard and uphold what the family stands for in the midst of today’s confusion. 

The Youth For Christ (YFC) motto: “Being and bringing Jesus to the community”, is what we need to do. Bring Christ in the center of our family and learn how to live with Christ and for Christ. It is easier said than done, but, it can be done. 

I may be bias to share that I really appreciate the Infant Jesus Academy’s Core Value: Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence and Disciplined (IRED). For this is what we really need in today’s society. As I go around, I see the reality of the world in the faces of the children that we serve, especially the handicapped kids. Let us believe in each other’s capacity to form each other and our children to do good in the world. Keep the love in you! 

“Family, hold on together, no matter what happen and you will never be defeated. Bear each other’s fault and burden and be loyal, then this nation will truly be great again!” /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Agimat o  Anting- Anting?

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Kon paea abuton ngani rong Semana Santa, ro mga guinatago nga Anting-Anting hay naga tukad sa bukid it Banahao agod mag padugang kong kusog ko andang guina buytan nga agimat.

Isaea eon si Viring nga kilaea sa andang lugar nga naga pamueong paagi sa anang anting-anting. Rondaya hay ana pa nga guin iridar sa anang  lolo parabil mamatay. Halin pa kato, guina pangayao imaw it mga may baeati-an, eabi guid rong guin kulam, guin patapunan, guina kaila-an it maeain nga espiritu ag iba pa nga mga masakit nga indi mabu-eong it mga doctor.

Ko isaeang adlaw, agahon pa, nagpahaum eon si Viring. Nagdaea imaw it pagkaon, banig ag tolda nga tueogan kon imaw maaeang-aeangan. Pag abot nana sa bukid it Banahaw hay hitsura it isaeang ka karnabal do lugar. Sari-saring mga de-kolor nga tolda rong nakatagdok. Abo ro nagabaligya it kandila ag mga pagkaon. Ro bukid hay guin obrang pamasyaran it mga kabataan. 

Sa pihak nga lugar it bukid hay may guinpatindog man nga entablado nga paga hiwatan it konsyerto.

Nageoya rong buot ni Viring. Abo eon ro pag bag-o kong lugar. Katong nagtaliwan nga mga dinag-on, malinong rong bukid. Kaabuan ko mga naga adto hay may mga masakit. Ro naga pangayao hay mga deboto eakip man ro may guina huptan nga anting-anting. Kaabuan ko mga tawo hay naga-usoy it milagro nga pisikal o materyal nga bagay.

Samtang naga tueok si Viring sa kabilugan kong bukid, hadumduman nana rong isaeang ka pelikula ni Nora Aunor hanungod sa milagro. Suno sa pelikula, owa kuno it milagro. Ro milagro hay una sa tawo. Kon imaw hay nagbag-o it guina tikangan nga daean. Kon imaw hay natawo it uman, guina eobong sa tubi ro anang eawas agod malimpyuhan ag sa anang pagtunga sa tubi, iba eon ro anang pagkatawo. Owa eon rong dati nga tinuga nga puno it kasae-anan kundi tawo nga may pagtu-o sa Diyos, royon rong pinaka mabahoe nga milagro.

Ro agimat o anting-anting hay sarang ika usar nga instrumento it dyablo agod mapata-eang rong tawo ag talikuran rong nagtuga kana. Paagi sa anting-anting guina buyo nana kita nga may gahum ro anting-anting ag sa ulihi mangin ulipon nana kita. Ro milagro it Diyos hay owa maki-ta sa guwa. Bukon it sa mga makangawa-ngawa ag tumaeagsahon nga makikita.

 Ro milagro it Diyos hay naga tuga ag naga kabuhi sa tagipusu-on it tawo. Owa naga hupot it dumot, naga handum nga mabuhi mo rong tawo sa pag obra it kamaeayran. Ag eabaw sa tanan ro pagkilaea KANA nga imaw rong aton nga manunubos ag nagtuga katon./MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Sand And Gravel At P5 Per Cubic Meter

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

For an Aklanon, to quarry sand and gravel from the river like the Aklan river, he  must apply for a permit to quarry. The process starts from the Barangay like the Barangay Clearance issue where the quarry site is located.

The application passes to the municipal LGU where the quarry site is located and then to the LGU Aklan for approval. Other necessary papers are secured from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources regarding the compliance of all laws on environment.

After all the requirements are secured, the application to quarry may be approved. The permittee begins its quarry operation. He pays the required fees to the Barangay, Municipality, province (Aklan) and the DENR. The applicant must have spent a considerable amount of money, time, and effort before his permit to quarry is approved and issued.

In order to recover his expenses in securing permit, operational expenses plus reasonable profit, he sells sand and gravel. 

The last time, about one month ago, I bought a small truck of gravel of three (3) cubic meters, I paid P1,200 or P400 per cubic meter.

With this P400 per cubic meter of  gravel from the Aklan river, I can not stop wondering why STL Panay will be charged sand and gravel from Aklan at P5.00 only per cubic meter. STL Panay will dredge 15,000,000 cubic meters from the Aklan river. Aklan will charge Singapore P5.00 only per cubic meter.

The 15,000,000 cubic meters if sold to the Aklanons at P400 per cubic meter means P6 billion. On the other hand, Singapore will only pay P75 million for the same quantity of gravel and sand. This shows Aklan pays 8,000 percent higher than what Singapore will pay. What is happening to our beloved province?

Moreover, Mr. Edgar Isada has filed the opposition of the Metro Kalibo Water District against the dredging for fear of salt water intrusion in the upland where water for domestic consumption in Kalibo, Banga, New Washington, and other towns of Aklan is being sourced.

Students Listen To FM Radio Stations

In a study conducted by Ronalyn R. Laurei, Liezlyn P. Manocan, and Erlo Z. Zonio, among the 55 AB Mass Communication students of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo, they found the following:

1. The respondents’ age ranges from 18 to 25 years old; 42 are females while 13 are males.

2. Majority of them prefers to listen to FM radio. Those who listen to AM radio tune in to Bombo radyo while those who listen to FM radio prefer Love radio.

3. The respondents had listen to many radio programs. Some listen to newscast for information, some listen to musical drama program for entertainment.

The study concluded that the listening pleasure of the respondents is influenced by entertainment values, the credibility of the radio programs, and the family influence.

Love radyo got the highest listening preference of the respondents because the whole family listens for entertainment, life style, and credibility of the program.

Respondents did not listen to educational radio program which information might have added to their knowledge. To them, most educational news program are irrelevant.

This study recommends that: 1. Radio Station should include timely and relevant educational news in radio programming, highly credible information, entertaining and will uplift their mental ability.

Hello… ED!

Hello… ED! Is this the usual greeting to a person who will nearly pass his prime? For what is ED?

In the medical world, ED means Erectile Dysfunction. This is another term for impotence; ED is the persistent inability to achieve and to maintain erection enough for satisfactory sexual activity. As high blood pressure is a “silent killer” disease, ED is a silent killer of the male esteem.

According to DR. Cesar S. Yap, Jr., “male sexual conquest measures the highest for manliness. Many ED patients suffer in silence-feeling embarrassed, fearful, and depressed.”

“ED can also endanger marital relationship; the wife feels she’s no longer attractive or desirable; she fears her husband is having an affair”, Dr. Yap added.

On the other hand, the ED man, in turn, fears that it is his big failure not to sexually satisfy his wife, hence marital break-up may happen.

ED AT 40

Is ED common? The Massachusetts Male Aging Study shows, according to Dr. Yap, that in men aged 40-70 years, 52 percent of these suffer from ED. Once they reached 40, they have 39 percent chance of having ED, and at 70 years old, 69 percent have ED.

My friend, Mr. Bell Stone from Connecticut joked:At age 20, a man can do it thrice in one setting,At 30: thrice daily,At 40: thrice weekly,At 50: thrice monthly,At 60: tries weakly,At 70: tries anything, and

At 80: tries to remember./MP

Editorial

FILIPINOS WANT PEACE FOR MINDANAO

Senator Chiz Escudero said the present form and shape of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) may seal the peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) but this would not necessarily translate to peace in the entire Mindanao region.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the government should take a hard and close look into the leadership composition of the MILF who sits in the negotiating table for the BBL following the bloodbath in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.

“The BBL will be hard pressed to get the Senate and Congress’ nod after this fatal incident which gave away the leadership or lack thereof of the MILF over the area,” the senator said.

Putting a time frame to pass the proposed legislation is unlikely at this point after many questions cropped up as a result of bloody clashes between the elite Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police and the MILF, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups operating in Mamasapano.

“Are we talking to the right people for dealing with the entire community of the BBL area and its residents?” Escudero said. “I once said that I have doubts if the MILF can truly represent the BBL area and its residents, including the indigenous peoples, the Christians and other groups also endemic to the area.”

He added: “Now more than ever we should press for the scrutiny of the MILF’s capability to supervise and control their ranks after the Mamasapano massacre. Do they have influence over the entire MILF, the BIFF and other private armed groups?”

According to Escudero, if the BBL is passed, the MILF will be given at least P75 billion aside from the annual Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and the Bottom-up budget (BuB).

“Sa totoo lang, ang galing ng panig at panel ng MILF. Nakuha nila lahat ng pwede at gusto nilang makuha sa BBL at sa mga kasunduan. Ang tanong ko: Anong mapapala ng pamahalaan at ng nakararaming Pilipino?” the senator asked.

The fund is even larger than the P70 billion budget of the PNP and is close to the P90 billion allocation for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). According to Escudero, if taxes and other fees and charges will be added, the MILF will have a spending  package bigger than that of the country’s military.

Escudero explained that the Mamasapano clash, which resulted in the deaths of 44 SAF troopers, served as an eye-opener for lawmakers to further scrutinize the provisions of the BBL.

“I believe we should be grateful to the SAF 44 who gave up their lives for the country and pave the way for us to look into the details of the peace process because if this incident did not happen, the BBL could have been passed effortlessly and we will be bombarded with this problem one day,” Escudero pointed out.

He cited a provision in the BBL that the Shari’a High Court’s decision is final and executory, which the senator said is totally in violation of the Constitution which provides that the country’s Supreme Court (SC) has the final say and has the sole right to review all cases.

Escudero also scored a provision that says that the Judicial Bar Council created under the BBL has the authority to discipline a Shari’a judge. “The rule of judicial procedure solely lies within the power of SC, as provided by the Constitution. Not even Congress can pass a law to interfere with the Constitution.”

 However, Escudero still expressed support for the peace process while highlighting the importance of setting the bars high in crafting the provisions of the BBL and seeking justice for the slain SAF troopers – a move that is beneficial to parties involved in the peace agreement.

 “Wala namang may ayaw na matuloy ang peace process, wala namang may ayaw ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao. Wala namang may gusto ng giyera at kaguluhan sa Mindanao. Subalit ang tanong, paano natin makakamit ang kapayapaang iyan? Ano ang paraan para marating natin ang kapayapaang yan? At dapat timplahin at sabayan ng hustisya ang kapayapaang isinusulong ng gobyerno at hinahangad natin sa Mindanao. Hindi maaaring puro kapayapaan na lamang, maski papaano makamit yan at maski ano at sino masagasaan. May halaga na kailangan nating pagbayaran nito,” Escudero stressed./MP

NVC Graduates 358 Students

NVC Graduates 358 Students

Picture shows portion of the graduating students of
Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo, Aklan of 2015.

Some 18 (Cum Laude candidates for graduation in baccalaureate degrees led in the graduation ceremony of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges held this week, March 28, on Saturday afternoon. The graduation program is held at NVC CSQ Gymnasium, Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan.

Mr. Ramon “Ike” V. Seneres is the Commencement Speaker. Seneres is the Department Manager, Information Technology Service Department of the Philippines Charity Sweepstakes Office, Manila.

Manager Seneres spoke about the environment and climate change and ways and means to reduce its negative effects. He also talked about ASEAN Economic Integration, its benefits to the Philippines. Seneres also spoke on globalization. He gave suggestions on the ways our graduates can participate actively and gainfully on it.

The NVC graduates with College degrees this year total 358 which are as follows: MPA – 15; MAED – 22; BS Criminology – 90; BEED – 49; BSED – 58; BSCS – 40; BSBA – 40; and AB Mass Communication – 16.

There were 83 who graduated Basic Education; 28 in Grade VI; and 19 Preparatory.

Those who graduated cum laude are Sarlyn Joy Baladjay Maloloy-on - AB MassCom; Rustom Llamas Llanera, Clarisse Jayme, Geralyn Zacarias Arevalo and Abbygail Ubani Romero – BSED; Maelody Gumban Hibek – BEED; Chiqui Rose Ann Romulo Donato, Disimie Mesina Padalhin, Christine Labarosa Castillo, Rolajane Bautista Fuentes, Annabelle Salazar Dela Cruz, Pamela Bernal Malicse, and Iza Mae Ureta Alcos – BSBA. Catherine Capuno Laurente, Glendy Baylon Pesado, and John Mark Seraspi Dela Cruz – BSCS; and Angelica Obatay and Joan Rentino Alano – BSHRM.

As a tradition NVC recognized four (4) aluminae who excelled in their respective jobs. They are Mr. Micheal T. Rapiz, Chief Education Supervisor, DepEd, Aklan; Mrs. Ma. Fe A. Marasigan – Public Schools District Supervisor, DepEd, Aklan; Mrs. Arlyn L. Regalado – Public Schools District Supervisor, DepEd, Aklan; Mrs. Fidela N. Cipriano – Special Education Teacher, and P/Insp. Reenan T. Ruiz – Chief Intelligence & Investigation Officer, PNP.

Atty. Allen S. Quimpo introduced the commencement speaker, Dr. Reinalda I. Magdaluyo presented the candidates for graduation who were confirmed by Atty. Quimpo - NVC president. He also distributed diplomas to the graduates assisted by Hon. Lillian Q. Tirol and Mrs. Maida M. Macahilas - Registrar. Mrs. Melrose Q. Martelino – Chairman of the Board and Executive Dean awarded medals to the graduates with honors.

Miss Catherine C. Laurente delivered the message of thanks, while Sarlyn Joy B. Maloloy-on led in the Pledge of Loyalty. Hon. Jay E. Tejada was the master of ceremony. /MP