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BLOCKS OF HOPE

Giving inmates a new lease on life

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Maayon church undergoes facelift, installs new priest

The Use of Force

SAF in Capiz to augment gov’t forces

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Aug. 20 - 26, 2012 Issue

LOSING BIG

Capiz execs mourn Robredo’s demise

By Felipe Celino and Edalyn Acta

ROXAS City—Over the weekend, government officials in Capiz province and Roxas City had their share of grief over the death of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo.

Robredo, who, with two others, went missing after the private plane carrying them crashed off Masbate on Saturday, was found in the cabin of the plane in the morning of August 21. He was 54.

Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. said he was very saddened when it was relayed to him that Robredo, former mayor of Naga City, had died.

“We have lost a champion of good governance and an advocate of transparency, accountability and people’s participation, a great loss to the administration of President Aquino,” Tanco said in a text message.

Robredo served as one of the guests during Capiz’s 111th founding anniversary celebration on April 13–15.

For his part, Mayor Angel Alan Celino said the DILG secretary was instrumental in the development of modern police stations here and in the province. Celino said he is a great loss for the Filipino people, a sentiment shared by businessman Emmanuel Billones, Sr.

Robredo’s body was located and retrieved after three days of intensive search and rescue operations off the coast of Masbate City.

Robredo was one of the seven Cabinet secretaries who joined the Capiceños in celebrating the province’s 111th anniversary.

In his visit to this city, Robredo called for a responsible mining in Capiz, among others. According to Robredo, while mining is both an opportunity and a vehicle for jobs generation, the government continues to advocate for responsible mining. Responsible mining considers a variety of factors including the environmental impact of the activity and the danger it poses to the people, Robredo said.

Helen Mestidio, DILG Capiz chief, describes Robredo as simple, quiet and hardworking. The DILG chief’s projects in the province includes, among others, the Sagana Ligtas na Tubig, one worth 7 million awarded to the pilot town of President Roxas. But during his April visit this year, Robredo included five more towns--namely: Tapaz, Sigma, Sapian, Dumarao and Jamindan--as recipients of the said project with P7 million each, and also facilitated a rural health project to Cuartero worth P1M. Fifty percent of the household in the said towns have no access to potable water.

To share the country’s grief and loss of the said official, the DILG Capiz Provincial Office sponsored a Mass on August 28 at the Our Lady Of Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral in downtown Roxas City, attended by government employees, local chief executives and the general public.



GSIS opens emergency loan window in 5 Vis-Min towns

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara announced the opening of the Emergency Loan window to members residing or working in five more municipalities in Visayas and Mindanao that were affected by the inclement weather in recent weeks.

“Government workers residing or working in Banaybayan, Banaybayan, Davao Oriental; Culasi, Antique; Lawa-an, Antique; Talisay City, Cebu; and Valladolid, Negros Occidental may now apply for the loan until September 17,” Vergara said.

These areas, according to Vergara, have been placed under a state of calamity following the heavy rains and flash floods brought about by typhoon Gener, Ferdie and the Southwest monsoon in the past three weeks.

Close to 3,000 GSIS members in the five municipalities are set to avail of the loan program. The GSIS has set aside a budget of Php 54.6 million for the program.

Interested individuals may apply for the loan through the nearest GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks. The proceeds will be electronically credited to the GSIS members’ account through their UMID cards. Members who do not have UMID cards may apply over-the-counter in any GSIS office.

The loan facility is available to members who work or reside in the calamity areas; not on leave of absence without pay; have no pending or administrative charge; have no arrears in premium payment; and have no loan that remain unpaid for six months or longer.

The agency of the member-applicant must not also be suspended because of non-payment and non-remittance of premiums and loans.



Kiwanis hosts summit in Roxas


By Boy Ryan Zabal

ROXAS City—Kiwanians across Visayas and Mindanao will gather in this city for their 37th Annual District Convention on September 13–15. More than 400 members of Kiwanis International Philippines are expected to attend the convention at the San Antonio Resort and the Kapis Mansions.

The organization’s Division 2B (Panay), led by District Governor Kenneth Alovera and Convention Chairman Alfonso “Bo” Bediones, Jr., will host the south district convention.

Aside from business and educational events and recognition of the club and individual members, the convention will host and feature excellent guest speakers, fun activities and fellowships.

Highlights of the convention include a grand opening ceremony and the election of district governor. During the convention, Dr. Steve Rood, country representative of The Asia Foundation, and Efren Balajadia of the Books for Asia Program, will also turn over books to their beneficiary schools.

Delegates will also celebrate the 25 years of women in Kiwanis, and the Asia Foundations’ Storyline in Asia, in partnership with the Kiwanis Book Bank Program and in observance of the International Literacy Day.

Kiwanis International supports the Eliminate Project, a worldwide initiative with the United Nations Children’s Fund that aims to eliminate neonatal tetanus around the world to save about 129 million mothers and their future babies from the disease by 2015.



Mayor Alan’s Blue Ladies


By Maria Elena Deocampo

Women are the pillars of the society. They juggle work with family tasks like watching over their kids. Creating a group for these women strengthens their role towards change.

Mayor Angel Alan B. Celino believes in the power of women. In recognition of their vital role in society, the mayor effected the formation of the so-called Blue Ladies.

He would call them his Palangga Ladies, a group of women with chapters in 11 barangays which has fostered camaraderie and fellowship. Given benefits from the city government for their active participation in the community, the Blue Ladies assist in projects being implemented in their areas, like the mobile feeding program, clean-up drive and the Caravan ni Alan sa Barangay, among others.

Blue Ladies is one way of protecting the rights of woman through information dissemination and providing support system to other members. This program is a reminder to women that they are not alone and helpless… that they have sisters to watch over them.

A group livelihood project is given to them to augment their monthly income and create a means of uniting them with other members in the barangays.

The City Government, through the Blue Ladies, plans to go further in preserving the environment through waste recycling by involving students of all schools in Roxas City in the collection of trash. Involved in the undertaking are the City Mayor’s Office, the Department of Education and the City Waste management Office.

They will be the ones who will operate the Mobile Tiangge in schools. Students will redeem their equivalent points from the tiangge depending on the amount of the recyclable materials they turn over.

Plans are set for holding the Farmer’s Market Day at the Roxas City Plaza every weekend starting this first week of September this year where organic produce and homemade products will be put on display to generate income for women and their families.
 

Aug. 13 - 19, 2012 Issue

‘Libelous’

Celino cries libel vs radio manager, block-timer

By Edalyn Acta

ROXAS CITY – City Mayor Angel Alan Celino has filed a criminal case for libel against Salvador A. Capulot, Jr., anchor of a blocktime program “Bistado” and also known as “Mr. Bistado” and Mr. Elizer Abarra, station manager of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN)-DYVR here.

According to the complaint filed by Celino at the City Prosecutor’s Office dated Aug. 14, 2012, at about 8:30 a.m. of July 29th, the complainant was surprised when he noticed that he is the one being referred by Mr. Bistado during the latter’s program “Bistado.”

In his interview with The Capiz Times, he recalled that Mr. Bistado accused him with the following statements:

“Madamo nga mga tricycle driver kag pumuluyo sang Roxas City ang naakig subong kay Mayor Celino tungod indi na makita ang alkalde sang syudad sa City Hall kon Hwebes kag Byernes; tungod ato na ini sa syudad sang Iloilo kag nagasulod sa mga beerhouse kag gay bar.”

(Many tricycle drivers and residents of Roxas city are angry with Mayor Celino because he could no longer be seen on Thursdays and Fridays because he would be in Iloilo City visiting beer houses and gay bars).

“Sang vice-mayor pa si Mayor Celino, gindakop ini sa Iloilo sa violation sang jaywalking” (When Mayor Celino was still vice-mayor, he was arrested in Iloilo for jaywalking)

Si Mayor Celino ang isa sa mga protector ni Cong. Tony Del Rosario sa iya tumbu-an sa kilid sang Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) building” (Mayor Celino was one of the protectors of Cong. Tony Del Rosario for his tumbu-an beside BIR building).

“Nagabaton si Mayor Celino sang P5,000 kag ang Roxas City PNP kag Capiz Police Provincial Office sang kasubong man nga kantidad bilang patong sang nasambit nga pasugal. (Mayor Celino, the Roxas City PNP and the Capiz Police Provincial Office are receiving P5,000 each as bribe money for the said gambling activity).

Then, while driving his car at about 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 5, Celino heard over the car radio more of Mr. Bistado’s statements against him, as follows:

“Gindala ni Mayor Celino ang salakyan sang gobyerno sa syudad sang Iloilo kaupod si City Councilor Matty Viterbo kag gindala sa isa ka gay bar nga ang pangalan Paraiso”( Mayor Celino, together with city councilor Matty Viterbo, brought the government vehicle to a gay bar named Paraiso). “Galuhod-luhod gid si Mayor Celino pang-os sang tubo.”

Celino said that the statements made by the block-timer were aired over RMN-DYVR, a radio station with a province-wide coverage.

According to Celino, the declaration and statements of Mr. Bistado were libelous because he made “public and malicious imputations of a crime, vice or defect upon him which tend to cause dishonor, discredit or put him in contempt personally as mayor of the City of Roxas.”

In this paper’s interview with Mr. Bistado on Aug. 15, he said that the libel case filed against him was a form of harassment for the part of the media practitioners and for the freedom of speech and he believed that he did not violate the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) rules because he said he has proof to justify and attest to his statements.

Capulot said that his program seeks to shed light to the people of Roxas City on the situation that since the Liberal Party’s leadership, under the leadership of Manuel Roxas II and Judy Araneta Roxas, there have been no improvements in the city, citing further that “they have only used the city for their bread and butter.” According to Capulot, Roxas City is also under martial law. Capulot started airing his blocktime program “Bistado” on July 22, 2012.

On Aug. 13, 2012, the Roxas City government, through City Legal Counsel Ador Ramos, issued a show cause order to RMN-DYVR’s station manager, stating that the city government has issued them a business permit provided that the station engage in “fair, lawful, and responsible broadcasting.”

According to the city government, for three-consecutive weeks, particularly on July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5, RMN-DYVR permitted and tolerated Capulot to air his program “with no relevance to imparting new ideas, social reform, culture and self-enhancement.”

Further, the station rather only promoted “enmity, disgust, pornography and embarrassment to the leaders of the city and provincial government or even a cabinet member of the national government.”

RMN-DYVR was given the show-cause order by the city government to explain in writing within 72 hours or so upon receipt—or else it will revoke their business permit for a clear of violation of law.

Mr. Elizer Abarra, station manager of RMN-DYVR, said that he doesn’t fail to remind Capulot concerning his program. He said he would even advise him on some guidelines before the latter would begin his program.

With radio as the premium means of the communication, they allow anybody—individual or party—to buy airtime, Abarra said. “Besides, we air a disclaimer before and after the block-time program.”

According to Abarra, Capulot has signed a paper complying to the provisions in the code related to broadcasting in the Philippines as amended in 2011. On Aug. 7, 2012, Abarra sent a memorandum to Capulot stating that as per policy of their station, there has to be no use of indecent word or words in any of the programs. Abarra said that Capulot was the program director of their station in 2005–2006.

Abarra added that he will face the consequences even as this is only a challenge in his profession.

The complainant is demanding two million pesos from Mr. Jun Capulot and two million pesos from Mr. Elizer Abarra for damages.



459 WV soldiers promoted

By Jemin Guillermo

Jamindan, Capiz–More army officers are given higher responsibility to better serve, defend and protect the public.

This comes after some 459 soldiers at the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division were recently promoted to the next higher position.

According to 3ID Public Affairs Office head Enrico Gil Ileto, a total 308 private first class, 79 corporals, 65 sergeants, six staff sergeants, and one technical sergeant were promoted after they have satisfactorily satisfied the requirements set by the Philippine Army’s Promotion System.

Ileto explained that the promotion of each candidate was based on the individual evaluation record that looks into the soldier’s competency and reputation in the service, required minimum number of years in one’s current rank, passing grade on a competitive promotional examination, completion of a career military occupational specialty course, physical and neurological-psychological examination and physical fitness test.

He added that the promotion of soldiers was based largely on character, competence, and capacity to perform assigned mission and task.

Ileto revealed 3ID Chief of Staff Wilson Leyva earlier led the pinning of ranks to the promoted personnel who are within Camp Peralta while the same activity is being scheduled in other field units under the Division.

On the other hand, 3ID Commanding General Jose Mabanta Jr. pointed out that promotion comes with more responsibility.

Mabanta said that the additional stripes in the ranks of chevrons of the newly promoted soldiers is a strengthening symbol for further protecting the rights of the Filipino people whom said officers vowed to protect, defend, safeguard and shield.



Fire razes house in President Roxas

By Adam San Andres

President Roxas, Capiz–A housed owned by one Jesus Sarria, 51, located at Brgy. Poblacion, Campo in President Roxas town was burned around 8 p.m. on Aug. 16.

According to Fire Officer 2 Marlon Garbo, chief of fire arson investigator, house owner Jesus Sarria just finished dinner in his house when he noticed something sparking inside their bedroom. Entering their room, he was surprised to see that the ceiling was already on fire.

When he failed trying to put out the fire by himself, Sarria shouted to his neighbors for help. After some 15 minutes, fire trucks came to respond all the way from the Capiz Sugar Central, and the fire stations of President Roxas, Pontevedra, Pilar and even Roxas City.

According to Garbo, it was caused by an “overheat of the substandard electrical wire installed in the house’s bedroom, which melted the plastic insulator and created a short circuit.” Aside from estimated damages of some P180,000, no other casualty or injury were reported.



Woman nabbed for shabu possession

ROXAS City – Illegal drug charges were filed against a woman who was earlier arrested for attempting to shoot her mother and son.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) was filed last week before the City Prosecutor’s Office against Marie Beth Patricio Portes of Picazo corner Rizal Streets here, Supt. Salvador Dagoon Jr., city police chief said.

Crystalline substances taken from the suspect’s room were methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), as per examination by the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory, Dagoon said.

Portes, 42, was collared on August 9 for attempting to shoot her mother, 75-year-old Merceditas Patricio, and son, Castrenzo, in their house.

The suspect was believed to be high on illegal drugs at the time, Dagoon said.

Her son called the police when the suspect—armed with a caliber .38 pistol—took her mother hostage.

Portes threw the gun away when members of the Special Weapons and Tactics team of the Roxas City Police Station arrived.

Police recovered from the suspect’s room six transparent plastic sachets of shabu; a plastic sachet of suspected dried marijuana leaves and seeds; disposable lighters; and other drug paraphernalia. They also recovered the firearm that Portes was holding earlier. Portes is under the police watch list of suspected drug personalities in Capiz, Dagoon said.


Sunday, August 26, 2012

Aug. 6 - 12, 2012 Issue

‘CHOOSE LIFE’

Church, anti-RH Bill groups stage prayer rally

By Ralph John Mijares

To stage their advocacy and concern for life and gather more support against the Reproductive Health Act, the Archdiocese of Capiz’s Commission on Family and Life led the Prayer Rally for Life: Choose Life—Reject RH Bill” on August 6 at the Roxas City Plaza in Roxas City.

Staged in opposition of the controversial RH Bill, the rally was led by local officials and civic leaders including City Councilor Powell del Rosario, Atty. Antonio Ortiz, Mrs. Cora Ortiz, students, seminarians, Catholic Church groups, and even people from Cagayan de Oro.

During the rally, letters and position papers from several officials and church leaders were read to the public—including those by Arch. Jose S. Palma, O.P.D.D., archbishop of Cebu and Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president; First District Cong. Antonio del Rosario, Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. and Mayor Angel Alan Celino.

Some 1,500 sympathizers, some of whom dressed in red shirts as sign of opposition sat for three hours around the Roxas City Plaza during which prayers and speeches were led and read. Red ribbons and banners also adorned he plaza's lamplights to show the resistance to the controversial legislation.

The rally also featured Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, director of Human Life International Philippines. Bullecer cited that the Church has five contentions against the Bill—legal, economic, demographic, medical, and moral and spiritual.

Citing the Preamble of the Philippine Constitution, Bullecer claimed that Philippines is a pro-God country, and therefore, “kung gagawa ka ng batas, dapat hindi salungat sa mga batas ng Diyos” (When you make laws, they shouldn’t be contrary to the laws of God).

For Bullecer, big countries like the United States, Canada and countries in Europe and Asia are collapsing because they lack young people while countries like the Philippines and Indonesia are stable despite the recession because of the abundance of youth.

Bullecer slammed President Aquino on his claims of the economy’s growth through his efforts. He said that the remittances of the Overseas Filipino Workers the one boosting the economy of the country.

He also said that the country is not overpopulated. When a country is in that state, it would mean that people would be in literally tight conditions. He also provided statistics on population growth rates. In 1955, the highest percentage in the country was recorded at 3.1 percent; but now, it’s down to 1.6 percent. In 1960, families had an average of 8 kids while now it’s only 3.

Stressing that contraceptive pills would only endanger the life of the mother and her unborn, not to mention that they cause hypertension, diabetes and breast cancer, among others, the human rights advocate urged midwives, barangay health workers, city health office, and provincial health office, and the department of health to confess their sins for he believes that they have committed a crime through their promotion of those pills and other products with similar purpose.

Announcing to the crowd about the abrupt decision of the solons after their lunch with President Aquino, he said that once RH bill is passed “Hindi na kita maka-rally (We cannot rally anymore) because we will all be put in jail.” According to him, by the time, individuals vocal in their disapproval of the bill will be locked up for six months with a P50,000 bail.

After the rally, a Holy Mass was celebrated led by Msgr. Vicente F. Hilata, vicar general and rector emeritus of the Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion.




Panitan councilor questions mayor’s “productivity”

By Edalyn Acta and Ralph John Mijares 

PANITAN, CAPIZ—“I am dismayed by our mayor who, despite having had no accomplishments since her last election, is still idolized by the constituents,” Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member Rosauro del Castillo said in his privilege speech on August 3.

The chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, budget and Finance and Appointment, Del Castillo is questioning Mayor Katherine Dequiña-Belo’s accomplishments on her term, saying: “Si Mayor wala man sang namasnga-an sang nagakatabo sa iya banwa bangud kay wala siya kabalo nga may sinumpaan siya nga obligasyon sa banwa nga wala niya gintuman.” (She has had no accomplishments because she does not know what role she has to fulfill for her municipality.)

It all started when Belo was interviewed in “Bistado,” an A.M. radio blocktime program on July 29 which Del Castillo called as the former’s “State of Municipal Address”.

Belo expressed her gratitude for the road repair in the barangays of Bahit, Tincupon, Qui-os, Ambilay, Cala-an, and Pasugue by Engr. Leodegario Labao, said to be a business associate of SB Member Rex Dorado.

On August 7, during the turnover ceremonies of a health care program in Malubog-lubog Elementary School, Belo denied these allegations made by Del Castillo and said she works hard to fulfill her obligations to her constituents.

Belo claimed that since the time she ran for her current position in 2004, she had won unopposed.

Belo also claimed that she was just “telling the truth” faithfully answering whatever “Mr. Bistado” asked her. Belo also thanked Labao because even though he is a private individual, he provides for projects that can benefit the people. She added that del Castillo is already grateful for the projects of the Liberal Party’s upcoming projects.

Del Castillo claims that Belo violated the Local Government Code which requires every local chief executive “to submit an annual report to the Sanggunian concerned on the socioeconomic, political, and peace and order conditions, and other matters concerning the local government unit, which shall cover the immediately preceding calendar year.”

“A copy of the report shall be forwarded to the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Component cities and municipalities shall likewise provide the Sangguniang Panlalawigan copies of their respective annual reports.”

Del Castillo also called Belo a stranger in her own town claiming that she is unaware of crime rate in her municipality, the cases of dengue and a potential Food and Mouth Disease case. Del Castillo also complained of the rampant gambling of tricycle drivers in former health center and the alleged loitering of some of the municipal employees at the bulangan (cockpit) during office hours.

Del Castillo cited the projects of Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Sec. Mar Roxas who spent P4 million in 2012 alone for the roofing of covered court in Cogon; the construction of a multipurpose building in Concencia and the school stages in Cadio and Tincupon.

Del Castillo said that Cong. Antonio del Rosario provided for the construction and rehabilitation of roads, buildings, and drainage system; the making of farm-to-market roads; and the provision of hand tractor and rice threshers.

Gov. Victor Tanco also helped facilitate the construction of the two-sectioned retaining wall at Banga-an-Cadio road, the concreting of one road in Balcutan; the establishment of water system in Timpas; and the repair of roads in eleven barangays in their town.

Del Castillo wished that Belo, who will be ending her term in 11 months, would think of programs that would best work for the welfare of their constituents.




‘Foul play in Capiceña’s death in Jordan’

By  Felipe Celino

People close to an overseas worker from Capiz who allegedly committed suicide in Amman, Jordan believe that there was foul play in her death.

Marcena Gabayaran Gilbaliga, 28, died due to alleged drug overdose and hemorrhage.

But Nilda Galicto, a fellow Capiceña and overseas worker in Jordan, does not believe that Gilbaliga killed herself. Her lip had hematoma and her wrist was slashed, said Galicto, a native of Nawayan, Tapaz town. “It’s impossible (that Gilbaliga committed suicide),” she stressed.

Gilbaliga’s elder sister, Elizabeth Castro, won’t believe that her sibling committed suicide either. Castro said her sister does not have an ulcer, which appeared in the autopsy report of Jordan authorities or any ailment for that matter. She believed that Gilbaliga was beaten and forced to take drugs. “[Our] family wants justice for the death of my sister,” Castro said over a radio interview Monday.

Prior to her death, Gilbaliga was reprimanded by her employer for using the latter’s mobile phone to call her cousin who is also in Jordan. Gilbaliga died while being treated in a hospital in Amman.

It was also reported that the Gilbaliga was wearing only an underwear when she was brought to the hospital. She has been working for her present employer for two weeks. She has been missing her son, Castro said. Her body arrived in the Philippines last week and will be buried in Manila due to financial constraints.




Frenzied crowd stops celebrity basket match

By Ralph John Mijares

What was supposed to be some 40 minutes of hoops action on August 5 at the Capiz Gymnasium was cut short after a number of spectators—mostly teenage girls—swarmed into the basketball court to get close to their favorite stars.

Scoring 65–50 heading into the final quarter, the Team Celebrity was leading against Roxas City’s Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairmen when the game was stopped by the organizers.

Kriza Fernando, Banica SK chair and Roxas City SK Federation president, said that the manager of Daniel Padilla decided to stop the game due to the rowdy crowd. Fans came to the court and swarmed to the sidelines numerous times.

Though no one was reported hurt during the rush of the crowd, SK Legislative Researcher Gilbert Fernando said that they chose to stop the game not only to protect the players but also the people watching because they considered “the possible dangers that might occur.”

Throughout the game, especially on out-of-bounds plays, they approached Team Celebrity members to hug, kiss, shoot pictures with and get autographs.

Daniel Padilla, known for his role as Gino in the ABS-CBN’s primetime show “Princess and I;” Diego Loyzaga, son of actor Cesar Montano; and Capiznon David Corro were among the members of the visiting team.

While police and SK officials were deployed to control the crowd, some fans proved to be “uncontrollable.”

After videos and photos spread on the internet, the incident gained varied reactions from users nationwide.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

July 30 - Aug. 5, 2012 Issue

IT'S GONNA BE MORE FUN

Business sector, DPWH, tourism to enhance local tourism

By Ralph John Mijares

Perhaps one day, tourists will be happier to visit the province of Capiz and its scenic spots.

This will be possible, according to the collaborative plans of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Capiz’s first district, the Capiz Provincial Tourism Office and the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, all of Roxas City.

According to Engr. Julius Abela, Construction Division officer-in-charge and chief construction engineer of DPWH Capiz’s first district, the new tourism plans of these three offices for the province of Capiz seeks to provide better access to seven identified tourism spots through upgraded roads which will see completion around 2013. Foremost, the purpose to give tourists an easier access and mobility, Abela said.

Said identified tourism spots are Balisong Cave and Hinulugan Falls in Pilar; the Basiao Beach, in Brgy. Basiao, Ivisan; the Suhoton Cave in Jamindan; the Capiz Paradise in Sigma; the Kipot Cave in Mambusao; and the Palina Greenbelt Ecopark in Cagay, Roxas City. Abela said that its implementation will help generate and increase employment opportunities in those areas and benefit the locales.

The Roxas City Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry plans to establish a structure that will symbolize the province of the province just like the Merlin Lion of Singapore and Sydney Opera House of Australia.

According to Abela, there are also plans on the enhancement of the Roxas City Airport facilities. The terminal building, runway, and sanitation facilities of the Roxas City airport will be upgraded even as it is being prepared to offer night flights in the future. For these, Abela said that the funds will come from the business sector. At this writing, however, the DPWH official has not identified any amount regarding the same.

Recently a franchising seminar was conducted for potential investors in a mall chain franchise being constructed in the city. An orientation by advertising executive managers was also hosted on July 9 during the Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Week.




Language commission tackles Capiznon orthography

By Alex Lumaque

ROXAS CITY—A round table discussion was facilitated by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) July 30th at the Provincial Capitol here to jumpstart the establishment of an orthography of the Capiz language.

KWF Commissioner Jose Laderas Santos led the discussion aimed at preserving and promoting Capiznon.

According to Santos, “A dialect is very important in the learning process especially among the pupils to easily understand the subject matter.”

The orthography will be very useful for the schools now that K to 12 education program which kick off this school year requires mother-tongue based instruction for the new program’s lessons from kindergarten to Grade 3 in both public and private schools.

Said roundtable was attended by representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd) and private schools in the city.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Alphonsus Tesoro said that the push for Capiznon orthography is aligned with the provincial government’s thrust of preserving Capiceño culture and tradition.

Tesoro added that a series of discussions will follow as a core group for the making of the Capiznon language alphabet.

Capiznon is a member of the Visayan language family and is often confused with Hiligaynon though it has its own peculiarities and vocabulary.
It was also learned from the forum that a number of academicians are in the process of writing a Capiznon dictionary.



DTI fast-tracks issuance of helmet stickers

By Jemin Guillermo
 
Motorcycle drivers, distributors and retailers are flocking to the office of the Department of Trade and Industry to secure an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) or Philippine Standard (PS) mark for their helmets.
 
This, after the DTI Capiz, in partnership with the Land Transportation Office and Philippine Information Agency, conducted last July 18, an information and education campaign on the implementation of Republic Act 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.
 
The information campaign was by motorcycle and helmet dealers, distributors and retailers, riders and representatives from the academe, government agencies and other sectors.
 
Capiz DTI Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes said that Republic Act 10054 requires the wearing of standard protective motorcycle helmets by all motorcycle drivers and back riders while driving in any type of road and highway.
 
Pollentes stressed that helmets are designed to reduce the chances of serious head, brain, and facial injuries and even deaths from motorcycle crashes but are not designed to prevent injuries to other parts of the body.
 
“We are thankful to our media partners in Capiz for helping us reach the concerned people before the strict enforcement of the Helmet Law,” she said.
 
As of July 24, they have already issued some 1,098 stickers, averaging about 300 stickers being issued per day. Pollentes said that DTI has already waived the payment of P101.25 for the processing fee and sticker.
 
As of July 23, there are already 60 brands of helmets and visors approved by the agency’s Bureau of Product Standards, 59 of which were issued with ICC and one with PS certification.
 
Pollentes said they are also fast-tracking the processing and issuance of the required ICC or PS mark to the helmets that have passed the standards for the stakeholders to avoid penalties for violation of the law.
 
Earlier, LTO Roxas City head Jose Degollado, Jr. said that they have already conducted an orientation with the LTO-deputized officers such as members of the Philippine National Police in all the police stations before the RA 10054 implementation starts on August 1.
 
Degollado hopes that with the strict enforcement of the law, deaths caused by vehicular accidents involving motorcycle drivers and back riders wearing no standard protective helmets will be prevented.
 
He also warns that motorists driving without wearing the standard protective motorcycle helmet or failing to require back riders to wear the standard protective motorcycle helmet will be penalized - P1,500 for the first offense; P3,000, second; P5,000, third and P10,000 plus confiscation of driver’s license, for the succeeding offenses.
 
 
 

DSWD to release P277M to feed day-care kids

By May Rago-Castillo

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will release a total of P277 million for the implementation of Supplementary Feeding Program which will benefit a total of 185,198 children in 5,557 day care centers across Western Visayas.

The biggest chunk will go to Negros Occidental with P101 million; followed by Iloilo with P71.8 million; Antique, P30.6 million; Capiz, P21.9 million; Aklan, P20.3 million; Iloilo City, P14.8 million; Bacolod City, P6.9 million; Guimaras, P6.3 million; and Roxas City, P3.6 million. Releasing of funds will be done by municipal or city government, who are tasked to implement the program.

The Supplementary Feeding Program is the provision of food to currently enrolled day care center children, to serve as addition to their regular meals. As recommended by Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), hot meals will be provided and served during break time to 3-year-old and 4-year-old children who are enlisted in day care centers.

Aimed at improving the knowledge, attitude and practices of day care children and their parents and caregivers through intensified nutrition and health education, the program already benefited some 171,089 children enrolled in 5,448 day care centers in 2011.

According to Rebecca Geamala, Social Welfare Officer V of DSWD, the supplementary feeding program also aims to develop responsible parents. “Parents of preschoolers should finish the nine sessions under the Parent Effectiveness Service (PES).”

This program has been implemented in response to the 2006 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) conducted by the National Statistics Office which showed that 11 percent of Filipino families had income that cannot buy the food needed by family members for nutritional health and well-being.



Army considers giving 3ID lots to IPs

By Jemin Guillermo

The Philippine Army (PA) is willing to give portions of the military reservation area in Jamindan, Capiz for peace and development.

In a press statement, 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) Commanding Gen. Jose Mabanta, Jr. said that the Division is more than willing to release portions of the nation’s third largest military camp for the indigenous peoples in the area.

“For the sake of peace, we are willing to vacate portions of the military reservation area, subject, however, to the requirements of the law,” Mabanta said.

It is important that there must be a talk with the National Commission on the Indigenous People (NCIP) to reach a collective effort to facilitate and resolve the concerns for the IPs in Jamindan and Tapaz towns in Capiz, Mabanta added.

The Army’s commitment came after National Democratic Front (NDF)-Panay Spokesperson Edmund Vencer challenged the Philippine Army to take the first step of returning the Tumandok land and implementing land reform to achieve “real peace.”

“While everything is being planned out and finalized, the camp will continue to protect the people against those who attempt to take the peace we treasure today in Panay, with the 3ID as its occupant as mandated under Presidential Proclamation 67,” the general said, adding that the camp will continue fighting “for what those ahead of us, our forefathers, have fought for, so that we can continue to win the peace here in Panay.”

In a recent meeting of members of the Capiz Provincial Peace and Order Council, Gov. Victor Tanco welcomed the plan of the PA’s 3ID to distribute portions of the said land within military reservation area to the IPs living in the area.

According to Tanco, this is a welcome development that could also prove the government’s commitment and sincerity to attain peace for the development and progress in the countryside.

“To provide the Council about its current status, a representative from the NCIP will be invited during the next PPOC meeting,” Tanco said.



Dumalag woman kills 3; self

By Edalyn Acta

DUMALAG CAPIZ—Four dead bodies were found inside the house owned by Ramona Fuerte Gafate in barangay Poblacion Ilaya, Dumalag, Capiz, around 3:00 p.m. of July 31st.

The bodies were identified as Wilma Fetalino Catalan, 37, married and her two daughters Suwie and Catherine Jurie Faith, all of Brgy. Sto. Angel, Dumalag; and 86-year-old widow Ramona Fuerte Gafate.

P/Insp. Niño Leonard F. Amar, Dumalag police chief identified the suspect as Wilma Catalan, Gafate’s caretaker and distant relative.

According to Dumalag police’s spot report, Wilma had been taking care of Gafate in the latter’s house together with her children for almost a year.

Amar ruled out foul play. Based on their Scene of the Crime Operative (SOCO) investigation, they found the lifeless bodies of Wilma tightly clasping a knife in her right hand.

Amar said that Catalan killed her daughters and her ward, Gafete, as stated on his suicide letter.

At about 3:40 p.m. of July 31st, 60-year-old Martin Frac, Gafete’s nephew, went to the police station to report that there were dead bodies inside the house of his aunt, Ramona Gafete on St. Martin Street in Brgy. Poblacion Ilaya.

The police recovered a bolo, an axe and a knife from the residence.