1ST GRAND REUNION OF ZABAL FAMILY

The Best of Aklan Showcase

By: Chita de la Cruz – Heap

ONCE again, the hard working, innovative, caring, artistic and skilful co-chairman of the Provincial Tourism Council, Ms. Anita Victoria Ramos –Antonino proved her point that so long as Aklanons are willing to participate and to work harder, there is always money to be found in all aspects of Tourism in this province.

Although the commencement of the Blessing and Launching of the Stalls for the Best of Aklan was delayed, it was worth the wait. It also gave the invited guests the opportunity to browse the beautiful displays of various handicrafts prior to the event.

Just under sixty guests managed to gain access as CAAP ran out of the identification stickers to be worn by guests, in order for them to be identified and for them to gain access.

Gov. Marquez came early with the hope of seeing the displays in place, but was disappointed that the stalls were not ready. He had to leave early for another commitment.

The four associates who were in charge with the afternoon’s event and displays were:
Baligyaan, composed of Aklan Visual Artist Association, The Aklan Kamera Organization, Literary Group represented by Ms. Ninia Candelario;Aklan Piña Manufacturers and Traders Associations of Piña Weavers, headed by Ms. India dela Cruz Legaspi; Hugod Aklanon Association represented by Ms. Rose Nepumoceno; Aklan Food Processors headed by Rose Sauza. Not only the foreign guests but also local visitors showed their appreciation of the beautiful things they viewed on the second floor.

It was a very hopeful omen for all of the booth owners with many of them selling out of some items on their first day. They could see the potentials of their efforts. With the success on the first run, there are still more improvements that are needed: On Administration, Transportation, Facilities (ie toilets) and Cultural (ie) photos of various tourism destinations in Aklan not only in Boracay to be displayed on the walls.

Note from the Editor: I believed that the suggestions for these situations I listed here were made many years ago but the people to whom these concerns were addressed were unreceptive, hence these suggestions made remained as suggestions only. It could be that some provincial officials are reluctant to make changes as a consequence of their lack of foresight and of their own limited imagination. Some believed that as these practices were already in place before their time they do not want to rock the boat by introducing innovations and developing the scope of the existing facilities. I would like to remind these people that the Age of the Dinosaurs is long gone and that if they are unable to think constructively, they should give way to younger and more energetic counterparts who have the required vision.

How could Aklan lose with such an energetic and dynamic woman like Vicky Ramos at the helm?/TE

Editorial, May 18-14, 2011

Inevitable Consequences

I can sympathize with tricycle drivers wanting to go on strike in protest at rising fuel prices. Indeed rising prices is an issue which concerns us all, since the increasing cost of gasoline will in due course be passed on to us, and it is we the consumers who will ultimately have to pay. Since food also needs to be transported, the cost of food is also likely to rise.

This situation is currently affecting the whole world, and is largely due to the collapse of the oil industry in Libya, and the uncertainty that this has created in other oil producing countries in the Middle East.

In Russia the situation is also grim. Although a major oil producer itself, Russian oil companies have chosen to export their oil rather than use it to supply local filling stations since oil which is exported invariably commands a higher price. Motorists now have to queue at those gasoline stations which still have a supply, to the great frustration of all.

Nor is our situation likely to improve any time soon, since the discontent and unrest which have arisen as a consequence have only made the situation worse. When people go on strike the economy inevitably suffers, which simply gives rise to a further increase in prices. And so the unending spiral continues.

Take an extreme case such as Libya where people who struggled to make a living became so angry that they took up arms against Gadafi and his government. Food prices and poverty were not the only issues but they did play a major part.

I personally feel great sympathy for the people of Libya, but what has been achieved so far? Oil production has stopped, the country’s refineries and infrastructure have been destroyed, the tourists have disappeared, and the migrant workers on whom the country is so dependent have all gone home. This leaves the country with virtually no income at all. As a consequence, the very same people who wanted desperately to improve their situation and lift themselves out of poverty have fallen into an economic abyss.

The trouble in the Middle East looks set to continue, and this will have repercussions all around the world. The most likely outcome is that food and fuel prices will continue to rise, and regrettably there is very little that we can do about it. It all comes down to market forces which are beyond our control.

Where it will all end is anybody’s guess. America is struggling with high unemployment and a financial crisis, Europe is under the threat of a financial meltdown as first Greece, then Ireland and now Portugal turn to the IMF for money to cover their debt. Japan is struggling to cope with the devastation caused by the recent tsunami, and the list goes on.

The world is now so interconnected such that whatever happens in one country will have a knock on effect elsewhere, and we need to be prepared. If the price of food is going to rise then what we should be doing right now is planting vegetables on whatever spare piece of land we can find. What we should be doing right now is tightening our belts in preparation for what I fear will be the inevitable consequences of the discontent that is gripping the World today./TE

Libacao wants miners to consult residents on proposed mineral exploration

KALIBO, Aklan- Libacao mayor Charito Navarosa has urged miners interested to conduct an exploration in the hinterlands of Libacao and nearby Madalag to consult residents first before engaging in mining.

Navarosa said the Kuai Chok Development Limited Corporation, a Chinese firm, has a pending application for an exploration permit before the regional office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) covering 9,519 hectares for possible copper, gold and silver.

The application was filed in 2009, but the firm is yet to comply with the requirements of the MGB to determine whether or not to grant the request.

Part of the requirement is for the company to ‘conduct a project presentation to the concerned local government unit (LGU’, information from the MGB regional office disclosed.

“I do favor responsible mining but residents will have a final say on the decision that we will be making in future undertakings,” Navarosa said.

Part of the proposed area for exploration covers the hinterland barangays of Panipiason, Medina, Dit-Ana, Mamba, San Jose, Alas-as, Pang-itan, Talangban, Alaminos, Talimagao, Catabana, Cabiawan, Singay and Balactasan in the town of Madalag.

For Libacao town, the exploration wants to cover barangays of Manika, Rosal, Bato-Bato, Canawan, Agma-ilig, Mag-ugba and Calacabian. (PNA)/TE

DTI to distribute 1,078 computers to 98 public high schools in W. Visayas

ILOILO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here is set to release 1,078 computers complete with accessories to 98 public secondary schools in Western Visayas under its Personal Computer for Public High Schools (PCPS) Phase 4 Project.

DTI regional director Dominic P. Abad said the recipient -schools will each receive 11 computers in June.The recipients include eight in Aklan; 12 in Antique; 10 in Capiz; three in Guimaras; 27 in Iloilo and 38 in Negros Occidental.

Western Visayas was a recipient of 512 packages since the project took off in 2001.

The units were given to 391 public high schools and 121 of which have been revisited or reconsidered under the PCPS Phase 4.
Information officer Ruby Melliza said that most of the recipient schools were beneficiaries of the PCPS project Phases 1 and 2, after they passed the criteria set by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Schools that were considered for the project include those that have not been recipients of other computerization projects or have not availed of any PC grant from other donors; newly established schools that are still without computers; big schools with large populations, schools that meet the counterpart requirements such as stable supply of electricity and availability of computer laboratory and counterpart facilities like tables and chairs and Information Technology/Laboratory teacher provision.

The PCPS project which started in 2001, has completed four batches of computerization programs benefiting a total of 4, 914 public high schools nationwide.
It is the DTI’s response to the growing challenges brought about by the fast-emerging knowledge economy.

The goal is to develop the information technology skills of Filipino youth as the country’s future knowledge workers by providing computer laboratory packages to public high schools.

The project is funded by the government of Japan through its Non-Project Grant Assistance Counter Value Fund.(PNA)/TE

Giving Emphasis on Service Excellence

by: Megs S. Lunn

Center for Industrial Competitiveness, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) sponsored a Multi sectoral Training on Pro-Active Programs for Competitiveness last May 16, 2011 at Hernani’s Mix and Match, L. Barrios St., Kalibo, Aklan.

DTI and CIC believed that ‘Excellence is enjoying giving people a little more than they expect.’ Mr. Noel Millares, Trade and Industry Development Analyst (TIDA), DTI-CIC started the seminar with an Orientation on the Proactive Programs and Competitiveness.

Provincial Director of DTI-Aklan - Engr. Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr. –said that, “excellent service is profitable; therefore, we have to strive for the service industry to become competitive as the industry is growing.” During his welcome remarks, he shared with the delegates that “Service excellence is not just about skills, it’s a matter of attitude.” In today’s not-so-optimistic news on television and radio, he also offered unsolicited advice and encouragement for the tri-media and delegates present, “to spread the good news of what they are doing in DTI so as to start the day feeling good.”

In the program, Ms. Edna Ella Lachica, Acting Chief of DTI-CIC presented the Service Excellence Module. She made sure that the similar tag-line of ‘Mamamayan Muna,’ ‘Di Mamaya Na’ is given emphasis during the training. The event is part of their Total Quality Management program to help business owners in their alignment of customer service approach in any service industry. Ms. Lachica emphasized in the module the Customer Focus attitude. Understanding ourselves and the customers in this global age is of utmost importance. For whatever a customer wants today may not be what he or she wants tomorrow. He or she may want more of it. Also, we need to level up our service standards for customer satisfaction. Importance of service excellence is how you are towards the customer of which influences your behavior, and essentially, the level of satisfaction will always be dependent on how grateful you are. Moreover, Skills on Handling Customers was also given importance in the module.

In the afternoon, Ms. Alice Fernandez, Senior Trade & Industry Development Specialist (STIDS), DTI-CIC presented Effective Communication Module. The science and practice of transmitting information depends on not the way you say it but how you say it. ‘Conditions Which Hinder Effective Communication’ was presented. She gave emphasis on negative attitude and behavior that are not ideal when doing business. Some tips on ‘Critical Steps for Effective Written Communication,’ specifically on polishing our writing style and choosing the right words in communication which is essential to our everyday business dealings, and the 7 C’s of ‘Communication’ as part of the modules were also shared by Ms. Fernandez.

Participants in this one-day seminar were given a certificate of attendance./TE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The Three Brothers

Following the death of their father three brothers got together to decide what they should do and how they were to survive. Their father had left them no money for he had always been very poor, and often they did not have food to eat. Neither did they have a trade or profession which they could follow.

The three brothers decided that they would go to the nearby hills to look for gold in the streams and rivers that flowed through them, in the hope that they might become rich in the process. As it happened they were very fortunate, for after a few months of hard work they found a large quantity of gold, following which they decided to return home.

The first brother was very religious and so he decided to use his share of the gold to make an altar in front of which he prayed each day for God to provide him with food. Although he remained hungry, his faith was strong and he remained convinced that one day God would hear his prayer and provide him with food.

The second brother was more educated, and he built an altar made out of wood upon which he placed his share of the gold, and every day he would write poems about the gold and compose songs about it, and about how one day he would have plenty of food to eat. In the meanwhile he too went hungry.

The third brother had wisdom and sold his share of the gold. With the money he received he bought a farm on which he planted rice and vegetables. On one corner of his land he constructed a fish pond. This brother was truly content with his life for he always had food to eat.

It is very much the same with religion and with God. We can pray all we like for God to improve our situation and to lift us out of poverty, but although our faith may help us to endure our hardships, God is not a farmer. It is He who makes the rice grow, but it is we who must plant the rice.

It is all very well to believe in Heaven and that we shall all go there when we die, but what about now? Would it not be better to feel that contentment now, or even to experience Heaven whilst we are alive? Could this be possible? According to Jesus it is very possible, for as he pointed out ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is within’.

What he took pains to point out is that the Kingdom of Heaven is within us- not up in the sky as some of us are inclined to believe. Whoever came up with that idea? And if the Kingdom of Heaven is within us then it must also be possible for us to go there, not after we die but now, within this life time. If we wait until we die then we have already left it too late. Perhaps we will still go to Heaven but with our eyes closed and unable to experience the glory. Personally I would prefer to go to Heaven with my eyes open, which I can only do within this life time.

Imagine putting all your money in a bank account with a very high interest rate and being told that your original investment together with all of the interest accrued would be paid to you after you die, provided that you collected the money in person. Would you fall for that? How could you possibly benefit from the money after you die?

It is the same too with faith and religion. There is nothing wrong with being religious or with having faith in God, and I admire those who have the strength and sincerity to believe. But having faith that a glass of water will quench your thirst is not the same as drinking the water. Nor will writing poems and singing songs about water take away your thirst. To do this you must drink. This is a simple matter of practicality.
The Kingdom of Heaven is within and it is possible to go there. Jesus made this very clear. How to go there? Again Jesus made this very clear, for did he not also say, ‘Knock and the door will open. Seek and ye shall find.’

So the question now becomes ’Where is the door on which we must knock, and how will we find this door?’ This is a simple enough question to answer, because the door in fact lies within our hearts. How should we knock? Again Jesus gave us a clue when he told us ‘Seek and ye shall find’.

It is not through blindly following some religion that we are likely to find the way. We have to be awake, we have to question, we have to be sincere in our desire to discover that priceless treasure that resides within. Life is not simply about survival, although I grant you that the process of survival takes up so much of our time. But why is it that we want to survive? Simply so that we can die at the end of it all and leave this life like beggars, empty handed with confusion and remorse?

Would it not be better to leave this life with our hearts filled with gratitude, having discovered that treasure which lies within? Would it not be better to leave this life with our hearts filled to over flowing, grateful for the opportunity that our life represented, and glad that we had made the most of the opportunity with which we had been presented?

Remember that we have only one life. Isang buhay lang! And this opportunity will not come again. This is not a practice run. It is the real thing, and as such there are some serious questions that each of us needs to ask. The key to getting the right answers is to ask the right questions, and asking the right questions will be part of a natural process if we have a sincere desire to know.

An onion has many layers, and the same is true of this life too, just as water lies just below the surface of the soil. You cannot see it, but if you dig a well then you will find it, and there you may drink. So too God dwells within us, and there he waits to be discovered.

The choice is ours. It is for each of us to decide./TE

Feature:

My Mother, My Mentor, My Best Friend
By: Clouds S. Lunn

Q: What motivated you to accept the position as President of Aklan Press Club Incorporated (APCI)?

A: I believed that when you are called to serve, you are meant to serve. I did not hesitate, nor did I say yes or no. I had terms and conditions when one day, someone from the board approached me. I said, “No Smoking” during Kapihan and APCI meeting.” They all laughed and left the hall. Joking aside, to be fair, we opened the table for nomination and there was nobody who was willing to take up the challenge. When the group unanimously voted for me, I said,” Yes.” What motivated me? The challenge of bringing back the integrity of Aklan Press Club, Inc. to where it was before.

Q: How are you going to make it better?

A: By making what matters really matter. Our focus should be on the Vision and Mission of the organization. Our Vision - To be the catalyst of change in the execution of our profession. Our Mission – To become productive and trusted members of the 4TH estate by establishing integrity, quality,and balanced reporting to the general public; specifically and ideally. To improve the quality life of the APCI members and its immediate family, we are working to provide them with a Welfare and Privileges program.

To raise the level of integrity of the APCI members we are going to pursue the dreams of the APCI pillars – The Aklan Press Club Inc. Building; and

To make ourselves productive – is to lead the Provincial Journalism Seminar for our young and promising journalists in the province of Aklan.
….and many more.

Q: How do you find the courage to lead an almost “All Men” club?

A: Because women have better memories. Women always worry about the things that men forget; men always worry about the things women remember. Most of the time, men get irritated when women keep reminding them of their assigned task. But, seriously, we have women members, too. I find courage in the Lord, who first and foremost leads us to something worthwhile to lead. But of course, seeing its worth, that remains to be seen.Not until I see results from the members, will I see my reward.

Q: What have you learnd so far from your other leadership experiences?(You are also the 1st woman (past) president of Rotary Club of Kalibo,a Rotary District officer with a phenomenal position and the perpetual Area Governor of Toastmasters International Division D in Panay Island, and many more NGO’s…)

A:With Rotary, I learned to remain humble. I fell in love with the community and the people around me and life couldn’t be better without Rotary. With Toastmasters, I learned to communicate well and with conviction, compassion, and care. All of these prestigious international organizations taught me to become a master communicator and leader. It is worth all my investments of time, talent and a little treasure. These learning opportunities I hope to share with Aklan Press Club, Inc. and I pray that God will continue to use me as his instrument of peace, love and unity, in this organization.

Q: How do you deal with difficult relationships?

A: During our meeting, we suggested that the key words are : flexibility and adpatability Fear-based relationships are unhealthy. Therefore, we need to accept each other’s different personalities, characters and attitudes so that we can understand each other. We need to learn from each other and not back fight. We need to adopt certain guidelines such that we will not allow a “crab-mentality” attitude and we need to always do the best we can for the common good and not for any other personal interest - for the success of the organization is determined by one’s attitude and skill in dealing with others.

Q: Do you have a desire to run for a public office?

A:”No.” It is not in my blood either. One of my principles in life is that you can make a difference without being in politics and without chasing any promotions and rewards with any government positions. They said you become more powerful when you have a political party, but for those who have not realized it, your good intentions can become distorted once you are up there. You never suspect that it can simply be a trap which ultimately leads to corruption and to a betrayal of the principles that you hold so dear. So, am better off without that power.

Q: What for you is a good leader?

A: A good leader must serve and not to expect to be serve. As the saying goes, “Being a leader is based on what you do today and also on what you will do tomorrow, and not what is printed on your business card.” With leadership comes a great deal of power and authority – and with the APCI officers and members, this we will use to strive to serve others.

Q: How will you make a difference with APCI?

A: By helping members to make a difference, because the ultimate responsibility of a leadership position is to help the organization./TE

17 Towns participated in the two days PLEB Programs

Vice Mayor Madeline A. Regalado, representing the Mayor of Kalibo, Mayor William Lachica, together with Atty. Diego Luces, representing Governor Carlito Marquez and Police Senior Superintendent Cornelio Defensor, welcomed the entourage of the NAPOLCOM Regional Director Honey Paredes. With Director Paredes were Atty. Jerome Isuga, Atty. Wilfredo Serilo, Atty. Jose Niego, Ms. Lorelei Poli and the 17 towns of Aklan who participated in the two day seminar on People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB).

The seminar was held at the Corazon Cabagnot Training Center from May 11 to May 12 2011. According to t Vice Mayor Regalado in her welcoming remarks, the orientation on PLEB is a government program that plays a major role in strengthening the awareness of victims and also the would be victims of erring uniformed members of the Philippine National Police. She also said that this will encourage such individuals to come out to seek justice if ever they become victims of atrocities by the Law Enforcers especially by the PNP.

She also added;”Ang seminar na ito ay maghahatid ng malawak na kaalaman sa ating mga kapatid, lalong lalo na sa mga biktima ng katiwalian na ang may gawa ay mga tauhan ng PNP. Mapapanatagan gating mga mamamayan na sila ay hindi pinababayaan n gating pamahalaan. Na sila ay may mapupuntahang mga makakatulong sa kanila pagdating ng panahon na sila ay makaranas ng hindi kaaya ayang karanasan na gawa n gating mga taga PNP.

That this will enhance the upliftment of the good moral values of our men in uniform. Not all men in uniform are crooks. Only a few, and I believe that there are many who are loyal to the service, and we salute you for being so. Keep up the good work.” /TE

Reason and Concern

ATTY. KEL TOLENTINO

Man Down

There is a general awareness that the month of March is a month long celebration in the Philippines and throughout the world, in honor of women and their contribution to culture, business and politics. As such, and as a matter of retrospect, Kapihan sa Aklan had women leaders and women’s organizations as guests in its Saturday program for well over three Saturdays of March 2011.

I remember that on March 5, 2011 at the Smokehaus restaurant, I had occasion to note and emphasize that a new book about women had been announced in certain book stores in the United States of America. I quoted the book which is authored by NBC News chief legal analyst Dan Abrams, and which beats the title ‘Man Down-Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt’.

The book suggests that women are better cops, drivers, gamblers, spies, world leaders, beer tasters, hedge fund managers, and just about everything els.

It was not until May l4, 2011 Kapihan as Aklan that Melrose “Megs” S. Lunn, the new president and the first woman president of the Aklan Press Club presented me with a copy of the book fo to read. I borrowed it on condition that I would read it read fast and within the next Kapihan. I shall return it soon as there are other journalists who would like to read or borrow.

It surprised me to note that the book has several topics on women, namely:

Women Are Cooler, Women Handle Failed Relationships Better, Women Tolerate Pain Better (and Men Bitch About it More), Women are Better Beer (and Wine) Tasters, Women Are Better Spies, Women Are Better Competitive Eaters, Women Are Better with Hammers, Women Are Better Video Gamers, Women Appreciate a Good Joke Better, Women are Better Gamblers, Women Get Ready Faster Than Men, Women Are Smarter, Women Have Better Memories, Women Are Better Investors, Women Are Better at Faking Attraction, Women Are Better at Avoiding Internet Fraud, Women Are Better Students, Women Are Better at Social Media, Women Are Better Citizens, Women Are Better Drivers, Women in Politics Are Less Corrupt, Women Have Better Bathroom Manners, Women are Better at Giving and Following Directions, Women Vote More, Women Are Healthier, Women Have Better Muscular Endurance, Women Live Longer, Women Are Less Likely to Struck by Lightning, Women Are Better Sleepers, Women Have Strong Immune Systems, Women Are Getting Better Looking Faster Than Men, Women Have a Better Sense of Smell, Women Are Better Professionals, Women Are Better Cops, Women Are Better World Leaders, Women Are Better Hedge Fund Managers, Women are Better Doctors, Women Are Better Newscasters, Women Are Better Loan Officers, Women Are Better at Navigating a Tough Economy, Women Are Better at Gathering Mushrooms in a Remote Part of Mexico.

I would not add more to Dan Abrams topics. I remember the Harry Belafonte 1960 song which became too popular world-wide” “Man Smart. Woman Smarter “
that Melrose “Megs” S. Lunn/TE

THE GOOD LIFE

by: Megs S. Lunn

Taking Pride

(continuation from the last issue Mr. Hizon at Toastmasters event....)

EDUCATION

During my time, English was the medium of instruction.

When I graduated from Grade School in 1980, High School in 1984 and University in 1988, the majority of students could carry on a very decent English conversation, because during my generation we had very good teachers who encouraged us to speak the language fluently.

We either spoke in English or else we spoke in Tagalog. Mixing them up into Taglish was unacceptable.

Even earlier, during my parents’ and grandparents’ time, the country had citizens who were very good in English regardless of their educational attainment because English was widely and strictly used.

Today when I look around me and speak with the youth, I suspect we are a dwindling race. English as a second language of Filipinos is fast deteriorating.

In fact, it has become a third language after Filipino and the more widely spoken Taglish. Not many can speak at least two or three sentences of straight English.

Worse still is that the diction is twisted to favor a twang often taken as a sign of being ‘sosyal’ or wealthy.

And believe me, nothing could be further from the truth/TE

CLASSIC ALBUMS

Jethro Tull

“This Was”
Jethro Tull started out as a blues based rock band and recorded this their first album in the late sixties. Their style is quite unique, due largely to the inspirational and innovative flute playing of Ian Anderson, the band’s leader, who was also famed for assuming the unusual posture of standing on one leg whenever he played flute.
The album ‘This Was’ is well put together and includes some excellent drum work by drummer Clive Bunker, with Mick Abrahams on nine string guitar and Glenn Cornick on base.

The album kicks off with ‘My Sunday Feeling’, a haunting account of the morning after the night before. I guess that most of us have probably been there! This definitive number sets the pace for the tracks which follow, each of which is exceptional in its own way.

These tracks include songs such as ‘Some Day the Sun Won’t Shine For You’, ‘Move On Alone’, ‘Dharma for One’, and others. This is a truly enjoyable album with a most definitive style, and as such an album which can be played over and over again. /TE

HEALTH CORNER by: Dr. Cynthia C. Dela Cruz

The Road to Better Health

MEDICAL FACTS: Heat Stroke

Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes.

However, some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning. Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heatstroke. But common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include: high body temperature, the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure, and/or Coma

Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage. First and foremost, cool the victim.

1.Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for example you may spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, and place ice packs under armpits and groin.

2. Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101 to 102 F (38.3 to 38.8 C).

3. Always notify emergency services immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can give you further instructions for treatment of the victim.

The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.

If you have to perform physical activities in hot weather, drink plenty of fluids (such as water and sports drinks), but avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tea which may lead to dehydration.

Your body will need replenishment of electrolytes (such as sodium) as well as fluids if you sweat excessively or perform vigorous activity in the sunlight for prolonged periods.

Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. Wear hats and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes./TE

Wit and wisdom

If a June could talk, it would probably boast that it invented romance. Bern Williams
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dreams only by night. Edgar Allan Poe

‘Love is above all, the gift of oneself.’ Jean Anouilh

‘A fool and his money are soon parted. What I want to know is how they got together in the first place.’ Cyril Fletcher

‘No doubt alcohol, tobacco, and so forth are the things that a saint must avoid, but sainthood is also a thing that human beings must avoid. George Orwell

‘Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.’ Helen Keller

‘Life is full of infinite absurdities, which, strangely enough, do not even need to appear plausible, since they are true’. Luigi Pirandello

‘There is no reality except the one contained within us- that is why so many people live in an unreal life. They take the images outside them for reality and never allow the world within to assert itself’. Herman Hesse

‘The highest result of education is tolerance.’
HelenKeller

‘Eternity is a terrible thought. I mean where is it going to end?’ Tom Stoppard

‘A thin woman will get wrinkles sooner than a fat one. So the choice is, “Shall I choose face or figure?” My advice has always been- have a lovely face and sit down.” Barbara Cartland

‘The cry of equality pulls every one down.’ Iris Murdoch


Children and their innocent comments:

My six year old daughter was watching me dressed up for an evening out and I commented that the flab on my stomach is really bad. My daughter looked at me with a shock expression and said, “Oh no mummy, you look flabulous.”
Slogan Slants

Slogan for a muffler- repair shop: “No appointments necessary-we’ll hear you coming.”

On a landscaping truck: “Call us. We’d like to get to mow you!”
Sign on a phone store: “We have ways of making you talk.”
Ad for automobile air bags: “Inflation we can all live with.”

Powerful Strategies for Staying Safe/ Planning and Setting Boundaries

Staying alert and mentally prepared helps you handle threats. When you are confronted by a threat you may panic, feel fearful, or become angry. None of these emotions will help you to decide what you will do next. Clearing your mind will help you focus on doing what needs to be done.

• Stop whatever else you are doing and focus on the threat.
• Take a deep breath and push all unproductive thoughts, fear, anger, and doubt, out of your mind.
• Assess the situation and decide what needs to be done.
• Look at the attacker’s eyes while deciding your best option of escape or attack if necessary.
• Clearing your mind also requires steering clear of alcohol or drugs. You cannot make good decision if your thinking is not clear.

Advisory: In every day stressful situation, take a moment to clear your mind of fear, doubt and anger. Take a deep breath and focus your attention on the situation at hand. By taking deep breaths you are not only clearing your mind, it will help you to be mentally prepared when you face a serious threat./TE

Kool Earth Corner

Barangay Report - Tinigao

This month of May, thirteen participants joined the Livelihood Training Program instigated by the Kool Earth, Inc., in cooperation with the Bread and Butter Company. For many years now Bread and Butter has been an establishment that was always interested in promoting the skills of people who have talent but who are lacking in financial support.

This is the second livelihood training that Kool Earth, Inc. had given to women who are interested to learn new skills and be able to earn money in a short span of time.. The first was sponsored by Kool Earth with the help of an Australian donor, Ms. Ninia Benadictos and Dr. Cynthia de la Cruz. The sessions were held once a week for six weeks at the Material Recovery Facilities of Kool Earth located in Barangay Pook.
Now the sessions for the second group is held in Tinigao./TE

KALIBO

ORDINANSANG NAGABAWAE SA TANAN NGA DRUGS OUTLET NGA MAG TA-O IT ANTI-TB DRUG NGA UWA IT PRESKRIPTION, GIN-ISTORYAHAN SA COMMITTEE MEETING!

By: Doniel Aguirre

Nagpa-abot it kalipay si Hon. Nilda Tambong sa mga miyembro it Kalibo Pharmaceuticals Association tungod nga nagatuman gid sanda sa laye nga gina-implementr it gobyerno angot sa pagbawae sa pagtao it mga bueong sa mga tawo nga nagabakae it over the counter nga mga drugs nga uwa it nagakaigo nga preskripsyon halin sa mga doctor. Sa ginpatigayon nga committee hearing on health and rules, laws and ordinances sa sangguniang bayan, gin-istoryahan rong draft ordinance ni Hon. Tambong nga ro ordinance requiring all drug outlets to strictly implemented the “No prescription, No dispensing of Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs” sa tanan nga mga drug outlets sa banwa.

Ginpabutyag ku representante it Pharmaceutical Association nga pabor ag ginasuportahan gid nanda rondayang kasuguan tungod nga pwede man sanda makabaligya it iba pang mga bueong mag-eowas sa Anti-Tb drugs. Nagpa-abot man it pagpasaeamat si Atty. Iledan, tag-iya it sang ka botika iya sa Kalibo, tungod nga sarang nga hipabaskog pa rong implementasyon it laye nga foods, drugs and cosmetics act nga nagamando nga indi pwedeng makabaligya sa tawo kun uwa it nagakaigo nga prescription. Sa rondayang kabangdanan, mataw-an gid it ligwa nga maipatupad rong pag-establisar it mga tuberculosis directly observe treatment system (TB-DOTS) iya sa banwa it Kalibo.

Ro planong ordinansa ni Tambong hay para kunta nga pungan ro mga pasyente nga mag bakae it mga Anti-Tb drugs sa mga botika para bue-ngon to TB bangud nga indi man ra nanada maipatuman hasta gid nga magmayad tungod man sa kamahaeun it rayang bueong. Rong pag-pondo sa pag-inom it bu-eong sa TB hay nagaresulta ku paglala it masakit bangud nga nangin drug resistant eun ro TB nga mabudlay eon boe-ngon it ordinaryong bu-eong. Samtang, rong mga bueong sa TB hay abo sa Rural Health Unit it Kalibo ag libre pa sa pagbulig man it USAID ag Tuberculosis Society Incorporated nga responsible sa pagtukod it TB DOTS sa bilog nga Pilipinas. Sa rondayang kabangdanan, ginpanawagan gid nanday Hon. Tambong, Dr. Melanie Tolentino ag Kalibo Pharmaceutical Association nga likawan rong self medication ag pondohon ro pagbakae it anti TB drugs nga uwa it nagakaigo nga prescription.

Rong draft ordinance ni Hon. Tambong hay paga-rebisahon eon lang ag paga-islan it resolusyon nga naga- suporta sa nasyonal nga laye it nasyon may kaangtanan sa pag-dispense it mga bueong./TE

Editorial, May 11-17, 2011

Cycle of Violence

Osama Bin laden was recently slain by American forces during an engagement in a compound near Islamabad, capital of Afghanistan. Some have claimed that the world has become a safer place as a consequence of this. I very much doubt it.

It was Bin Laden who masterminded the attack upon the World Trade Center on 9/11 in 2001, an atrocity carried out now almost ten years ago, and the most significant attack upon America since Pearl Harbor. Bin Laden has been a wanted man ever since and has remained high on the US target list.

Reports indicate that in recent years his health had deteriorated, probably owing to wounds that he received during the conflict that followed 9/11. Being as he was a fugitive his movements were restricted, despite which he has continued to be a powerful figurehead for the Al-Quaeda movement. As such he has remained a source of inspiration for those who have vowed to oppose what they describe as the injustice of the west.

Bin Laden was trained and financed by the CIA during the war in Afghanistan when Afghanis sought to repel an invasion by the Russian army. He was also supplied with arms by the USA. His subsequent turning against the west has become another classic example of US policy gone badly wrong.

George Bush described his death as a ‘momentous achievement’ after previously having vowed that no matter how long it took, justice would be done. President Barack Obama described the incident as ‘the most significant event in the effort to defeat Al Quaeda.’ People throughout took to the streets after hearing the news in order to celebrate Bin Laden’s death.

What impact this event will have upon national security in the mid to long term is unclear, but threats of reprisals have already been made against the leaders of Pakistan, the Pakistan army, and the US. Pakistan troops having already been put on high alert.

History has taught us that violence simply begets violence, and regardless of how justified the killing of Bin Laden might appear to be, this incident will undoubtedly provide additional fuel for the violence and hatred which so afflicts our planet. The sight of so many Americans dancing in the street to celebrate his death, will I suspect, only serve to harden the resolve of those avowed to bring havoc and destruction to the west. Only the coming weeks and months will tell if this will be so.

One thing is for sure however, and that is that this seemingly unending cycle of violence which besets our world today is unlikely to end any time soon./TE

Gender and Development Program

By: Chita de la Cruz - Heap

KALIBO, Aklan - The three day Orientation and Action Planning Workshop on Gender and Development Program was held on the third floor of the Mayor Emeliano M. Acevedo function hall. The event started on May 10th and culminated on May 12th, 2011. Vice Mayor Madeline Regalado, GAD Focal Point Chairperson, welcomed the participants from the LGU’s and various sectors. Ms. Grace Quimpo, member of Aklan Gender Commission was also present. The resource speaker, for the three day event was Ms. Irene F. Daguno, GAD consultant.

Vice Mayor Regalado stressed in her message the importance of GAD’ formulation in the municipality of Kalibo.

She explained that it strengthens our ability to grow, to reduce poverty and to govern effectively;

She went on to say that promoting gender equality is an important part of a development strategy that seeks to enable our people, women and men, alike to escape poverty and improve the quality of their lives.

She continued that Gender Equality has both quantitative and qualitative aspects. Quantitative in the sense that implies an equal distribution of women and men in all areas of society such as education, work, recreation and positions of power.

Qualitative aspect implies that the knowledge, experience and values of both men and women are given equal weight and are use to enrich and direct endeavor in all social areas.

The topics discussed on the first day were ‘GAD’s Concepts and Principles,’ and ‘How Does Gender Mainstreaming Work.’ It was a lively interaction between speaker and participants.

After the lunch break, SP03 Luzbella U. Isada discussed the Police Community Relationship with the PNCO, followed by Mr. Terence June T. Toriano, Community Affairs Officer II, on the issue of Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE).

The following day started with the reflection on the previous day’s activity. Ms. Maricel M. Bechayda, MLGOO VI of the DILG Kalibo, discussed the Local GAD and Budgeting Guidelines,followedby MsDaguno on Gender Analysis.

The afternoon session was devoted to the discussion of Prioritization and Planning.

The final day began with a discussion on what was achieved the previous day.This wasfollowed by more weigthy issues such as the Presentation and Validation of the Draft of Strategic GAD Plan. Localizing GADand the values, responsibilities and skills of GAD Focal Points. The three day event culminated with the distribution of Certificates to the various attendees and resource speakers.

Editors Note: Hopefully all the time and resources used on this three day seminar will yield a result so that we do not waste our time in talking and planning without arriving at any solution to the chronic problems of this town./TE

Aklan ready for “Ehersisyong Pangkalusugan”

KALIBO, Aklan, - The province of Aklan is ready to participate in the “Ehersisyong Pangkalusugan Para Sa Lahat”, according to Dr. Emma T. Cortes, Provincial Health Officer II here.

The fitness event is a National Healthy Mobilization Campaign which will be launched nationwide on May 15 at various convergence areas, with no less than H.E. President Benigno S. Aquino III spearheading the exercises at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Leading the activity is the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

According to DOH Secretary Enrique T. Ona, the activity aims to convey the message that exercise is for everyone and people of all ages, shapes, sizes and walks of life can and should engage in regular physical activities such as walking, jogging, running, biking, volleyball, sipa, arnis, futsal, wall climbing, badminton, basketball, aerobics for kids, and Tai Chi/Pilates/Yoga.

Ona said the DOH is constantly working in partnership with stakeholders to prevent, control and reduce the risk of non-communicable disease through advocacy and promotion of healthy lifestyle practices.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Ona emphasized, represent a leading threat to human health and development.

In Aklan as in all parts of the country, national government agencies and local government units will be participating in the activity, which will be held at the Goding Ramos Park, Provincial Capitol Grounds at 6:a.m.

Provincial officials, led by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, are seen to participate in the fitness activity.

Meanwhile, after the “Ehersisyo”, Dr. Cortes said some 15 nurses hired under the Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Services (RNHeals) will conduct Blood Pressure (BP) monitoring on the exercise participants at the Provincial Trade Hall, adjacent to the Goding Ramos Park.(PIA)/TE

NLRC says labor peaceful in Aklan

KALIBO, Aklan, — The province of Aklan has a peaceful labor climate, according to the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) here.

This is evident with the decline in the number of filed cases by Aklan workers against their employers for the period January to April of this year which only reached 36, compared to the number of cases filed last year for the same period which reached 40-50 cases, according to Labor Arbitration Associate Virgilio Bautista.

Bautista also said employers in Aklan are now more aware of labor laws and the rights of workers, so they are very careful in dismissing their employees.

There are instances, according to Bautista, when wrongdoings by workers only deserve reprimand or suspension and not dismissal.

“When an employer dismisses a worker, this will entail unease and hardships on both parties. A worker will have no source of income, so he and his family will suffer. When he wins the case, his employer will suffer financially because he or she will pay a big amount constituting moral and actual damages and back wages,” Bautista said.

Bautista said the information activities conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the province especially in Boracay Island was also a big factor in the compliance of employers to various labor standards and provision of employees’ benefits.

The NLRC is also strict in enforcing labor decisions which had been observed by employers in Boracay which make them careful and compliant.

Presently, DOLE and the NLRC here are awaiting the latest wage board decision seen to increase the daily wage of workers not only in Aklan but in the whole of Western Visayas.

Bautista assured that wage board hearings will be conducted in all provinces of Western Visayas, including Boracay Island, because it has the biggest bulk of workers in the province.

The NLRC shared that currently, the minimum wage for establishments with less than 11 employees is P223.00, while those with more than 11 get P265.00 per day.(PIA)/TE

DTI, “Balik-Eskwela Diskwento” sa Aklan

KALIBO, Aklan, - Ro mga ginikanan nga nagausoy it baeakean it baratong mga gamit sa eskuylahan hay makasalig eon man it uman sa bulig it Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) paagi sa “Balik-Eskwela Diskwento” nga pagadaehon sa Aklan sa pagbukas it klase.

Ro “Balik-Eskwela Diskwento” nga proyekto, suno kay DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr. hay pagahiwaton makaron nga dag-on sa Provincial Trade Hall, Capitol Grounds sa Mayo 25-hasta 28 sa pag koordinar sa Gobyerno Probinsyal it Aklan, Department of Educatioon ag mga nagabaligya it mga gaeamiton sa eskuylahan.

Magahalin man mismo rayang mga magabaligya sa Kalibo. Magabaligya sanda it mga gamit nga mas barato ukon may diskwento sa publiko sa ikaywang kahigayunan.

Nag-umpisa ro DTI nga maghiwat it rayang proyekto ku nagtaliwan nga dag-on sa tuyo nga taw-an it tsansa ro mga ginikanan, mga maestro ag maestra ag mga estudyante nga makabakae it mga notebook, pad paper, krayola, ballpen, lapis, bag ag mga uniporme nga mas barato kon ikumparar sa ginabaligya sa ibang baeakean.

Euwas sa barato nga gamit sa eskuylahan, ro lugar hay mangin konbenyente man sa manugbakae tungod raya hay maligwa ag mahangin.

Kaeabanan sa mga eskuylahan sa Aklan hay gintaeana ro pagbukas it klase sa Hunyo 6.(PIA)/TE

WV to have unified tourism zone

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan, - The Regional Tourism Council is planning to establish a unified tourism zone in Western Visayas so that all of its provinces would benefit from the tourism allure of this resort island.

Vicky Ramos-Antonino, chair of the tourism council, said she is now visiting different provinces in the region to assess the tourism strength and weaknesses in the different areas.

“We are eyeing Aklan to be the center of tourism, Iloilo and Negros Occidental provinces will highlight cultural heritage, Antique and Guimaras provinces for eco-tourism and Capiz will cater for culinary experience as the seafood capital of the country,” Antonino said.

The plan for a unified tourism zone is expected to boost the planned revival of the Panay Railway System and the open sky policy for both the Kalibo International Airport and the Iloilo Airport.

“We are doing this unified tourism zone so that provinces in the region will not be competing with each other but instead complement one another,” she added.

Once the unified tourism zone is in place, the tourism council will then be drafting tour packages to encourage tourists to explore other tourism potentials in the region.(PNA)/TE

Save the Children

Health of Filipino mothers, not worse but not better either

Philippine Government urged to invest more in healthcare workers

Manila, Philippines (May 7, 2011)—Filipino mothers’ lives are not getting sufficiently better even if conditions in the country may have improved, Save the Children’s latest State of the World’s Mothers report finds. The Philippines ranked 49th among 79 less developed countries in the Mothers’ Index lagging behind its Asian neighbors China, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. Save the Children’s Mothers’ Index compares the well-being of mothers and children in 164 countries.

In the Philippines, one in 320 females aged 15 will die due to preventable complications of pregnancy and child birth; this has improved from one in 140 in 2005. Filipino women’s life expectancy is now 75 years, which is also an improvement from 74 in 2009. However, only six out of 10 births are assisted by a doctor, midwife or a nurse, and only four out of 10 Filipino women are able to use modern contraception.

“The situation for mothers, especially those living in poor and marginalized communities in the Philippines, is extremely difficult,” says Save the Children’s Country Director Steve Ashby, “But solutions do exist. Women, trained as midwives or community health workers, can support women during pregnancy and birth, help prevent common health problems and keep children alive. Save the Children is supporting the work of midwives and community health workers in indigenous, urban and rural poor communities in the Philippines.”

With four years left, the Philippines may be unlikely to achieve the Millennium Development target of reducing maternal deaths by 75 percent given the current rate. The country has managed to bring down the ratio of maternal deaths to 162 for every 100,000 live births from 209 in 2000 when the UN Millennium Declaration was signed.

For every 1,000 live births, 33 Filipino newborn babies and young children die before their 5th birthday. Most of these deaths occur in areas where basic health care is often unavailable, too far away, or of very low quality. These deaths could be prevented if skilled and well-equipped health workers are available.

Health workers can provide a solution for mothers and children in the Philippines. With the right support and equipment, health workers can save the lives of many mothers and children. Yet 50 percent of poor children in the Philippines do not get healthcare when they need it.

In the Philippines, Save the Children urges the government to put more investment in the training, equitable deployment and support of health workers, so that more Filipino mothers and children have access to comprehensive, cost-effective and life-saving services.

To commemorate Mother’s Day, Save the Children published its twelfth annual State of the World’s Mothers report. The report can be downloaded from www.savethechildren.org/TE

Save the Children

Health of Filipino mothers, not worse but not better either

Philippine Government urged to invest more in healthcare workers

Manila, Philippines (May 7, 2011)—Filipino mothers’ lives are not getting sufficiently better even if conditions in the country may have improved, Save the Children’s latest State of the World’s Mothers report finds. The Philippines ranked 49th among 79 less developed countries in the Mothers’ Index lagging behind its Asian neighbors China, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. Save the Children’s Mothers’ Index compares the well-being of mothers and children in 164 countries.

In the Philippines, one in 320 females aged 15 will die due to preventable complications of pregnancy and child birth; this has improved from one in 140 in 2005. Filipino women’s life expectancy is now 75 years, which is also an improvement from 74 in 2009. However, only six out of 10 births are assisted by a doctor, midwife or a nurse, and only four out of 10 Filipino women are able to use modern contraception.

“The situation for mothers, especially those living in poor and marginalized communities in the Philippines, is extremely difficult,” says Save the Children’s Country Director Steve Ashby, “But solutions do exist. Women, trained as midwives or community health workers, can support women during pregnancy and birth, help prevent common health problems and keep children alive. Save the Children is supporting the work of midwives and community health workers in indigenous, urban and rural poor communities in the Philippines.”

With four years left, the Philippines may be unlikely to achieve the Millennium Development target of reducing maternal deaths by 75 percent given the current rate. The country has managed to bring down the ratio of maternal deaths to 162 for every 100,000 live births from 209 in 2000 when the UN Millennium Declaration was signed.

For every 1,000 live births, 33 Filipino newborn babies and young children die before their 5th birthday. Most of these deaths occur in areas where basic health care is often unavailable, too far away, or of very low quality. These deaths could be prevented if skilled and well-equipped health workers are available.

Health workers can provide a solution for mothers and children in the Philippines. With the right support and equipment, health workers can save the lives of many mothers and children. Yet 50 percent of poor children in the Philippines do not get healthcare when they need it.

In the Philippines, Save the Children urges the government to put more investment in the training, equitable deployment and support of health workers, so that more Filipino mothers and children have access to comprehensive, cost-effective and life-saving services.

To commemorate Mother’s Day, Save the Children published its twelfth annual State of the World’s Mothers report. The report can be downloaded from www.savethechildren.org/TE

BREAD & BUTTER BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Bread & Butter, a bakery company which originated in the province of Aklan and can now be found in 52 locations all over Panay and Mindoro Oriental.

Bread & Butter offers its prospective franchisees with a chance to be in the bakeshop business using a successfully proven formula which reduces business failure. Franchising has been a trend in the business industry since it has a 97% success rate compared to the 37% of a new business start up thus allowing businessmen to be in the business while working part time.

Bread & Butter has a growing number of customers that consists of the yo

ung population and household as well.

The company will help you choose the location, conduct training for future personnel and provide a continuing support both in personnel and operations, marketing and advertising, and product development.

The franchise agreement grants would-be franchisees with the right to operate a Bread & Butter store at a single address for a period of five (5) years, renewable at the franchisor’s discretion. The agreement includes the use of Bread & Butter trade name and trademarks which was duly registered with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), propriety products, store design, signage and the use of Bread & Butter methods of operation.

The bakeshop profitability is dependent on several factors such as sales, market potential, investment and the ability of the franchisee to control and manage the franchise store operating expenses. When these factors are being managed wisely, the return of investment will be generated within 18-24 at months the most.

For inquiries, you may visit or contact Bakersdream Franchise Corporation, R.A. Bldg., 19 Martyrs St., Kalibo, Aklan with telephone numbers (036) 500 8989, 500 8567 and 268 5160. You may also e-mail at bakersdream.franchise@gmail.com .

Bread & Butter, the franchise Business Just for you!/TE