Sangka Police Assistance Center (PAC), igatukod it Kalibo PNP!

Kalibo, Aklan - Isaeang ka Police Assistance Center (PAC) ro igapatindog ku mga katapo it kapulisan iya sa banwa it kalibo. Sa padayon nga review and critiquing it annual investment plan para sa dag-on 2012 ku munisipyo it kalibo, ginpahayag ni PSUPT Aden Lagradante, Chief of Police it Kalibo Police Station, nga magapatindog sanda it PAC sa masunod nga dominggo sa prente it RC Supermart partikular sa crossing it Roxas Avenue ag Toting Reyes St. sa pagpahayag ni Lagradante, katuyuan ku rondayang pagbutang it Police Assistance Center hay para nga mabuhinan ro numero it krimen, mapataas rong police visibility sa area ag madasig nga pag-responde it mga pulis.

Dugang pa kara, maka-asister pa ro naka-duty nga pulis sa pag-mintina it trapiko sa nasambit nga lugar bilang bulig sa naka-duty nga Kalibo Auxiliary Police nga naga-duty it hasta sa alas sais kun sa siin ro mga pulis ngara ro maga-asister ku daeagan it trapiko hasta it alas otso sa gabii. Ro police assistance center hay planong butangan it telepono, may daywang ka PNP personnel nga iga-assign ag tatlo ka mga Kalibo Auxiliary Police sa daywang ka shifting umpisa it alas singko sa hapon hasta it alas diyes sa gabii. Samtang, maga-establisar pa it dugang nga police assistance center sa crossing Banga – New Washington.

Sa pihak nga parte, pagapadayunon gihapon it Kalibo Police Station ro andang kampanya angot sa Crime Prevention para sa masunod nga dag-on maghalin it Enero 2012 hasta it Disyembre 2012. Raya hay sarang nanda maubra paagi sa pag-establisar it Police Assistance Center, pagpabaskug it brgy. intelligence network ag iba pa. Magiging maid-id man ro pag-implementar kung anti-drug campaign (R.A. 9165), Anti-Illegal Gambling Operations, Anti-Carnapping Operation R.A. 6539), re-orientation it R.A. 9262 (Violence Against Women and their Children) ag rong pagpatupad it mga Special Laws ag Municipal Ordinances kaparehas it Solid Waste Management, Anti-Smoking in public places ag iba pa./TE

Editorial

A House Full of Chickens

There was a woman who had staying in her house a number of relatives. The house had become so crowded that finally in desperation she went to see a wise man who lived on the hill.

“What I can do?” she implored of the wise man. “The house is so full that I have no room.”

“Go back to your house” said the wise man, “and put a dozen chickens in it too. Come back in a week to tell me how things are.”

She did not understand his advice, but because he was a wise man she did what he had told her to do and came back to see him the following week.

“How are things in your house now?” Enquired the wise man.

“Things are a lot worse” replied the woman. “Not only are the relatives staying there but the house is also full of chickens.”

“Then go home” the wise man said, “and put a dozen pigs in the house too. Come back after a week to tell me how things are.”

Once more she failed to understand his advice, but since he was a wise man she returned home to do his bidding, only to return a week later as he had instructed.

“Well?” enquired the wise man.
“It is worse than ever” the woman replied. “Not only do I have relatives staying in my house but there are also chickens everywhere, and I can not move because of the pigs.”

“Then go home” said the wise man, “and put a dozen cows in your house too. Come back in a week to tell me how things are.”

Again she failed to understand his advise, but since he was a wise man she did what he said. She returned a week later completely distraught.

“How is it? Asked the wise man once more.

“It is truly dreadful” replied the woman. “Not only do I have relatives staying in my house but but there are also chickens everywhere, together with the pigs and the cows. I simply cannot move.”

“Then go home” came the wise man’s reply, “and remove the chickens, remove the pigs, and remove the cows. Then come back and see me to let me know if things have improved.”

The woman returned just two days later with a smile upon her face.
“How is it now? enquired the wise man.

“Oh it is truly wonderful “came her reply. “It is only me and the relatives who are staying there now!”

A Promenade in the Park

Reverend Jose Corazon T. Tala-oc, D.D. enjoys his brief walk in Pastrana Park in the company of the Hon. Mayor William S. Lachica on their way to The KASAFI Office to bless the replica image of the Sto. Niño de Kalibo.

By Chita de la Cruz-Heap

Kalibo Aklan - A colourful procession was witnessed by the locals who were promenading in Pastrana Park on August 11, 2011 at 4 p.m. The group of Officers and members of KASAFI emerged from the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral after the courtesy call they paid to the new Bishop of Kalibo. The brief parade from Kalibo Cathedral was led by Bishop Rev Jose Corazon T. Tala-oc, D.D., on their way to the KASAFI Office in Jose Gil Mijares Building to bless the replica image of the Sto. Niño de Kalibo.

The Kalibo Municipal Officials were led by none other than Mayor William S. Lachica. Ms. Lilibeth Goboy also presented the plans of KASAFI for Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival 2012. Ms. Goboy reported that the KASAFI have identified four major areas which will serve as the venue for the festivities with regards to the marketing and promotion.

1. Magsaysay Park- for food stall exhibits with bands and entertainment for the duration of the festival which will start on January 9-15, 2011.

2. Pastrana Park- venue for Aklanon product showcase such as piña fiber products, raffia, abaca, nito, processed foods and more.

3. The Flea Market at the Veterans Avenue - an organized location for bussinessmen and vendors.

4. The streets all around Kalibo - a place to dance, to party, and for merrymaking./TE

Malay to explain closure order on West Cove Resort

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan - The Court of Appeals (CA) has ordered the local government of Malay, Aklan to comment on the appeal of businessman Crisostomo Aquino to have a temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or Writ of Preliminary Injunction (WTP) to the West Cove Resort.

It could be recalled that Malay Mayor John Yap has ordered the closure of West Cove owned by Aquino for allegedly operating without local permit. The West Cove management has filed the appeal at the CA.

In a three-page resolution dated August 11 signed by Associate Justice Jane Aurora Lantion of the CA First Division, it ordered the local government of Malay, Aklan to answer within 10 days, after which Aquino was asked to comment in five days to the paper to be submitted by the local government of Malay.

The management of the West Cove Resort is confident that the CA will approve the TRO and/or the WTP they have requested.(PNA)/TE

PESO warns Aklanons against Guam job offers

KALIBO, Aklan — There are no job orders for Guam yet, so Aklanons should refrain from applying at recruitment agencies promising to direct them to this US territory.

They should also refrain from giving money to these recruitment agencies, warned the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) because they will only be wasting their money.

According to Vivian R. Solano, PESO-Aklan Manager, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has no job orders yet for Guam for construction workers, even as there are claims that a recruitment agency is accepting applicants for Guam.

Upon verification by PESO-Aklan, it was learned that the recruitment agency has no job order for Guam although it has job orders for domestic helpers for Malaysia.

Solano said that in order to avoid being victimized by illegal recruiters, job applicants should inquire first and look for valid job orders, licensed and accredited by the recruitment agency from the POEA.

“Do not give any money if you are not sure that the documents of the recruitment agency are incomplete. Never be taken in by their promise that your application will be prioritized once you give them money,” Solano warned.

Solano also reminded Aklanons that should they pay, they should demand receipts and pay directly to the office of the recruitment agency, and not to the recruiter.

For proper guidance, Solano also called upon Aklanon applicants to visit PESO-Aklan so that they will be guided regarding the correct way to applying in order to avoid being victimized by illegal recruiters.(PIA)/TE

Republic Act No. 9512

A DepEd Order No.52,s.2011 was sent to the following: the Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Bureau Directors, Directors of Services, Centers and Heads of Units, Regional Directors, Schools Division/ City Superintendents, Heads, Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools and Others Concerned, on July 5th 2011 in order to strengthen the environmental education in Public and Private Schools.

In view of the pressing global concerns and issues on the environment, the Department of Education (DepED) urges all public and private schools to lead the role on environmental awareness by enhancing environmental education and by pursuing effective school-based activities that seek to preserve and protect the environment. This is in pursuant to Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9512, entitled ‘An Act to Promote Environmental Education and for Other Purposes’.

Towards this end, all public and private schools shall undertake the following activities:

a. Intensifying lessons regarding environment on all science subjects. Environmental concerns shall also be used s tools for classroom drills, discussions and activities and shall be taught and be integrated in the related learning areas;

b. Encouraging the school administrators, officials and teachers to use various instructional materials such as books, visual aids, teaching guides and materials in making the students aware of the concerns and issues on the environment, which shall promote students’ participation in environmental activities and advocacies ,and instill in their minds the need to preserve and protect the environment;

c. Encouraging the teachers to attend lectures/seminars, workshops, conferences and other forums relating to environmental education which may be considered in their application for promotion;

d. Establishing the Youth for Environment in School Organizations (YES-O) pursuant to DepED Order No 72, s. 2003 by all public elementary (Grades 1V –V1 and secondary schools; and

e. Establishing, registering, monitoring and evaluating the YES -O and other organization, which shall be under the administration and supervision and Co-Curricular affairs (CSCA). Hence, regular reports shall be submitted by the CSCA to the Undersecretary for Programs and Projects, Undersecretary for Regional Operations and Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs.

The Guidelines in the Establishment and Organization of Youth for Environment in Schools- Organizations (YES-O) was enclosed.

The Bureau of Elementary Education (BEE) Bureau of Secondary Education (BSE) and Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS) shall integrate environmental education including issues and concerns in their review of existing curricula.

This DepEd Order shall take effect immediately upon issuance.

Immediate dissemination of and compliance with this Order is directed.

Signed by: BR.Armin A. Luistro FSC, Secretary

Guidelines in the Establishments and Organization of Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O)

1. All public secondary and elementary schools (for grade IV-VI) shall establish their own YES-O and register the same with the Division Office (DO) through its Division Coordinator (as per depEd Order no. 222, s. 2009). Likewise, private schools are encouraged to establish and register their YES-Os in the same manner.

2. The CSCA shall formulate, design and develop forms for registration. Accomplishments, monitoring, evaluation reports shall be provided to all division offices.

3. The YES-O shall help and lead the environmental activities and advocacies of their schools.

4. Students’ membership shall be voluntary. No membership fee shall be collected from the students. Voluntary contributions of student-members shall be regulated to ensure that these are not excessive.

5. Subject to the rules and regulations of the schools, the YES-O may be allowed to conduct fund raising activities within the school premises, and the same shall be made only for the purpose of supporting its programs, projects and activities.

6. Parent-teacher associations may donate in cash or in kind to YES-O and/or join their activities without interfering with or distributing their affairs.

7. For monitoring purposes, schools shall register their respective Yes-O’s at the Division Office where their school is situated on or before the 30th of June. This registration shall start on or before September 30, 2011 but not later than on October 30, 2011./TE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

by: Chita Heap

Culture of Fear

It occurred to me recently that we are living in a society which is largely based on fear. It seems that we are living in a society in which people are all too often reluctant to express their ideas, to make their own decisions, or to act upon their own initiative, either through fear of losing their job or else through fear of displeasing someone in authority.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the area of local government, where employees are often told what to say, told what to do, told what to think, and in some instances are also told how to vote.

It is a known fact that as Filipinos so many of us simply wait to be told what to do, regrettably to our detriment, for a society in which people feel unable to act on their own initiative is a society which will be slow to progress. Perhaps this is why Filipinos make such good domestic servants, because we are so good at doing what other people tell us to do.

Personally I feel that we are better than this, and that as Filipinos we have an enormous potential, if only we have the courage to think for ourselves!

Perhaps our reluctance to make decisions or to use our initiative is a legacy left over from the years of occupation and brutality at the hands of foreign invaders.

Perhaps we still carry within us the genetic imprint of these events. Or perhaps during those four hundred years of occupation by the Spanish we also learned their ways and have now learned how to apply them to our own people.

In his book ‘Animal Farm’ George Orwell described how the animals in the farmyard became sick of the way that their human masters treated them, and finally drove them off. With their new found freedom all seemed well, until one night they noticed that the lights were on in the farm house. Creeping up to the window and peeping in they saw that the pigs had broken into the house and were now dressed in the humans’ clothes. The pigs were now in control!

Many western countries underwent a social revolution in the early 1960’s, the essence of this movement being powerfully expressed by the legendary folk singer Bob Dylan who I quoted in a recent article, in his famous song ‘The Times They Are a Changing.’ The words of this song I consider to be so poignant that I feel compelled to record them here.

‘Oh come all you people wherever you roam
And admit that the waters around you have grown
And accept it that soon you’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth saving
And you’d better start swimming or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a changing.’

‘Come writers and critics who prophecy with your pen
And keep your eyes wide the chance wont come again
And don’t speak too loud ‘cause the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no telling who it is naming.
The looser now will be later to win
For the times they are a changing.’

‘Come senators, congressmen, please hear the call
Don’t stand in the doorway, don’t block up the hall
For he who gets hurt is he who has stalled
The battle that outside is raging
Will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls
For the times they are a changing.’

‘Come mothers and fathers throughout the land
And don’t criticize what you can’t understand
Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command
Your old road is rapidly aging
Please get out of the new one if you can’t lend a hand
For the times they are a changing.’
‘The line it is drawn, the curse it is cast
The slow one now will later be fast
As the present now will later be past
The order is rapidly fading
And the first one now will later be last
For the times they are a changing.’

The social transformation that took place in the west has yet to happen here in the Philippines, and in the meanwhile many of our people continue to endure their subservience, which leaves our social development some fifty years behind that of most western countries.

Please do not misunderstand me. I am not advocating revolution. What I do feel our country needs though is social change, together with a much needed change in our attitude.
Hopefully this will come about through education and a corresponding rise in awareness, together with a rise in our standard of living. Change is needed. Change is a rejuvenating force, and as such is a natural part of nature. Change is something that we should not fear. But for change to come about we must be prepared to embrace it, which we cannot do if we continue to cling to the past.

Without change we will never become empowered as a people. Without change our politicians will continue to remain unaccountable as is so often the case. And without change corruption and bad practice will continue to proliferate. Just as a snake must shed its skin in order to grow and develop, so it is that we too need to discard our old ways so that we can flourish and thrive as a nation. /TE

Special feature

by Chita Heap

Filipinos Abroad


Caption: pik1 Michael in the back, Roger center and Emil, right relaxing after a hard days work and after they have eaten the meal that Emil prepared for them Pik2: Emil, cooking for his friends

A few days before I left Kalibo, a number of media practitioners were discussing the situation of some Filipinos working in foreign countries as illegal recruits. These Filipinos played a game of Russian Roulette when they trusted some of our greedy country men with their lives by going abroad without any reassurance of their security. Some of them who escaped the claws of these greedy and inhuman Filipinos and foreign employers live to tell their tales. The gory details I heard about the way these people were treated preyed upon my mind. They were being treated like dogs; some had to use sea water to brush their teeth. Some were fed stale or left over food. Some were forced to work for 18 hours continuously. I asked myself how our country men, who are supposed to be intelligent human beings could expose their own country men to the abuse of unscrupulous foreigners. How could they recruit their own people illegally and expose them to danger? The main reason is greed.
Whilst I was travelling in United Kingdom, I met three young men who were happy and contented with their lives and lucky too. Why lucky? Because they secured their employment through legal agencies, and therefore their safety from their employers was not at risk.

Emiliano Rogel, ‘Emil’ to his friends is 49 years old and comes from Mulanay Quezon (Bicol region). Emil worked in Ireland from 2003 and moved to the United Kingdom in 2007. He told me that when he applied for a job abroad, there were 400 applicants and only 17 of them were lucky to be chosen.Emil is married with three children.

Ronnie de los Santos is 38 years old. He came from San Carlos, Pangasinan. Michael Haynes, 36 years old and comes from Tayabas, Quezon (Bicol region). He is also married with two children. These three young men are working as line men under the employment of a company called ‘Enterprise’.

They told me that the time they had spent away from their families is only a small sacrifice as they do not just help their own family but other people too. Aside from missing their families they also miss Filipino camaraderie, Filipino food and our Filipino tradition. Winter time is most difficult for these young men when they are missing their families so much. In summer it is different because they spend their working hours in the open air. But in winter when the day light hours are short, this is the most difficult time for them but they persevere with a feeling of gratitude in their hearts. They are luckier than most, and their families are well fed, and well educated but in the Philippines. So as they say, what is a little sacrifice for the sake of a deserving family?

Yes, these three men are lucky compared to the ones illegally recruited and who trusted those greedy individuals that lured them to take such a risk. But this is Filipino way, is it not? We love to gamble. But as the saying goes, ‘Regret does not come at the beginning’./TE

The Road to Better Health

by: Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz

CANCER

When you cut yourself, new cells are produced to replace those lost or eliminated. The reproduction of cells stops when the proper amount has been created. When the cells in a certain part of the body continue reproducing new cells uncontrollably and without reason, they produce a hard tumor. This is what we call cancer. These cells often move to other parts of other parts of the body where they begin to reproduce again.

The DNA that is found in the nucleus of the cell is responsible for keeping the genetic code of cell growth and reproduction. When this code is influenced negatively by some external agent such as smog, pollution, excessive sunlight, etc., or internal agents like toxins nervous problems, etc., it can cause a loss of control in the reproduction of cells. This is the results in excessive growth of the cells.

The symptoms depend on the location of the development of the growth. However, most frequently they are: swelling in the form of lumps, whether external or internal that later produce pain and discomfort.

This lump or tumor will affect and/or obstruct the passage of air if it is in the lungs, urine on, if it is in the urinary track. It will obstruct gastrointestinal functions if it is in the intestine, stomach or colon, etc.

Cancer occurs most of the following:
The breast
The urterus
The ovaries
The prostate gland and the testicles
The liver
The bones
The throat
The lungs
The intestine
The colon
The skin
The bladder
The pancreas

If cancer is caught in time there is a very good chance that it can be cured. For this reason, it is vital that you have regular checkups with your physicians.
(more info. on cancer nextweek.)/TE

THE GOOD LIFE

Do you like your vocation?

by: Megs S. Lunn


A vocation is synonymous to a career, profession, job, work, trade and or occupation. From Wikipedia dictionary, vocation is a term for an occupation to which a person is specially drawn or for which they are suited, trained or qualified. Though now often used in non-religious contexts, the meaning of the term originated in Christianity. So, there are Christian values in the term itself. Therefore, once you are a Christian, you have a social responsibility as your brother’s keeper.

Just recently, when my sister was hospitalized in Bacolod City, she was admitted twice for medically related concerns. One thing that I can remember and appreciate, were that the nurses that took good care of her. Comparable to the other nurses here in town, when my Aunt was hospitalized in one of the private hospitals in Aklan, where the treatment that she received was awful. . The nurses in Bacolod Doctors Hospital were so friendly and caring. They even introduced themselves by saying, “Good morning mam, I am Ping, your nurse for the day!” That, you will never hear in any of our hospitals in Kalibo. When my aunt was in the hospital in Kalibo, which claims to be ‘globally competitive’, they even forgot to change her dextrose and administer her antibiotics on time. We, the folks, had to go and see them at their station and remind them that it is time for the patient’s dextrose and medicine. Ridiculous, is it not? Now, can you blame me if I compare them to the city nurses? How on Earth will they be able to take care of patients in foreign lands, when they cannot take good care of their fellow men here in their own country? What kind of vocation do they have? Do they really care for their jobs? Do they really understood their chosen vocation? Or is it just for the sake of money? One important thing, the hospitals in Bacolod does not smell, their employees smell good and they are always smiling. I wish we had the same hospital environment here in Aklan. ./TE

KOOL EARTH CORNER

DIBI Kalibo is the first private school in Kalibo to respond to DepEd’s order No. 52, s.2011, entitled ‘Strengthening Environmental Education in Public and Private Schools.’

The order was sent out on 5th July 2011 “in view of the pressing global concerns and issues on the environment.

DepEd urges all the public and private schools to lead the role on the environmental awareness by enhancing environmental education and by pursuing effective school based activities that seek to preserve and protect the environment.

This is in pursuant to Republic Act (R.A.) No.9512, entitled ‘An Act to Promote Environmental Education and for other purposes.’

As DIBI received the request from the DepED, students and teachers, together with the headmistress of DIBI, the Hon. Celia Carpio de la Cruz, a group was organized. On August 10, 2011, Kool Earth, Inc. the Environmental Arm of Aklan was invited to induct the newly form YES-O as junior members of Kool Earth./TE

Republict Act No. 9512

The YES-O officers are as follows:

President:Ma. Dhea Militar
Vice President:Karlo Villanueva
Secretary: Aiza Joy Samson
Treasurer:Angelina Inohalis
Asst. Sec. Treas.: Jinky Cayupan
Auditor: Cindy Medialdea
P.I.O’s:
1. Jessie Turnino
2. Jorry Braulio
3. Chris Ceazar Pinaflorida Business Mgrs:
1. Von Jovi Paderes
2.Lyca Joy Bartolo

Representatives:
1.Herwin dela Cruz
2. Jason de la Cruz 3.Avillo de la Cruz
4.Christian Ubas 5.Junick Zonio
6. Lito Zaballero 7.Arbe Rota
8.Kelvin Iraula 9.Jessa Turnino
10.Edgar Silagan
11. Angelito Quirao
12 .Aaron Clyde Gonzales

Muse: Angelica Rivas
Escort: Jason Lara
Adviser: Ms. Ciela T.Mesina-Adams

Editorial: Pebble stew

Two men were walking down the road and both were feeling extremely hungry. Neither of them had even a single centavo with which to buy food, so one of the men reached into his pocket and pulled out a pebble.

“Then we shall prepare some pebble stew” he said.

“Pebble stew” the other replied. “What is that?”

“Have you never had pebble stew before?” enquired the first man.

“No” replied the other.

“Then I shall show you how to prepare it. You get off and fetch some water” he said, handing him a pan, “and I will stay here to make a fire on which to cook it.”

The second man went off to fetch water and returned a short time later with the pan.

“Now let us sit down and wait” he said.

As the two of them sat there watching the water boil, a passing stranger stopped to enquire what they were coocking.

“Pebble stew” came the reply.

“Pebble stew?” enquired the stranger. “What is that?”

“Have you never had pebble stew before?” the first man ask the stranger.

“No” said the stranger.

“Well if you have some ingredients that you would like to add to the pan you would be most welcome to join us and share the stew when it is ready.”

“I have some carrots” said the stranger.

“That will do” came the reply. “Add them to the pan and sit down with us until the meal is cooked.”

The stranger did as he was told and sat down besides the other two. A short time later another stranger happened by.

“What are you cooking?” he ask.

“Pebble stew” was once more the reply.

“Pebble stew?” Said the man. “What is that?”

Once more it was explained to him that if he had ingredients which he would like to add then he was more than welcome to share the stew. As it happened he had with him some potatoes, so he too put these into the pan and sat down to wait.

And so it continued with each passer-by stoping to enquire, adding ingredients to the pot, and then sitting down to wait, until there were at least a dozen people gathered around the fire. When the stew was finally cooked it was not only delicious, but there was more than enough to feed them all.

Try this recipe. Start with good idea, add to this your energy and enthusiasm, and just see where it leads. You might just find that what you end up with is pebble stew!/TE

The Journey is the Destination

By Chita dela Cruz-Heap


‘The paths of glory lead but to the grave’.

‘Billy’ as known to his colleagues in the media circle was given a touching send off to his journey to a place where only the chosen ones can come in their own time. On August 6th 2011 the Aklan Press Club Inc. officers and members, joined the relatives and friends of William ‘Billy’ Arguelles to show their respect and appreciation for the services that he rendered in his time with APCI, through a two hour necrological service held at the St. Jude Thaddeus Parish Church.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Aklan Press Club Inc., Mr. Odon Bandiola, who is also the secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, delivered the opening words in tribute to Billy.

The eulogy from his colleagues in the Aklan media community was led by the Chairman of KBP-Aklan Chapter, station manager of RMN-DYKR, Hon. Jerome T. Vega. Engr. Winston H. Carillo, Aklan United Media Association President was represented by Mr. Jujet Reyes, one of AUMA’s board of directors. Megs Lunn, the current APCI President, also shared her brief appreciation, together with Mr. Allan T. Sison, President of the Federation of Provincial Press Clubs in the Philippines, Inc.

His elders from the Aklan Media who paid their respects were the Past President of APCI, Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, former vice governor of Aklan and Past President of APCI, Mr. Juan P. Dayang, President of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI), and Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, former Aklan Congressman and Director of the Aklan Media Forum.

Billy’s family also shared their thoughts on Billy’s life and death. His passing left us a very clear message, that we too will one day journey to our destination the way that he did. It is evident that we are not in control of our lives. No matter how successful we are, no matter how much money we have in our bank account, no matter how popular we are, we must live this life with discernment from moment to moment. Because whatever we hold dear in this life we cannot take with us on this particular journey./TE

Blood-releasing at Red Cross now 24/7

KALIBO, Aklan, August 4 (PIA) – Aklanons badly in need of blood transfusion will now have a bigger chance to survive with the 24-hour operation of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) here.

Arcely Pelayo, PRC-Aklan Administrator said this was made possible with the assignment of four nurses who will render duty in shifts so blood-releasing could be made anytime any day and night.

The Provincial Government of Aklan, according to Pelayo, will be paying for the salaries of these nurses.

Pelayo clarified however that the nurses’ task is only to release blood and not to extract.

Presently, PRC-Aklan has a substantial blood supply with the observance last month of Blood Donors Month.

“Many groups responded to our call to donate blood. We had plenty of blood-letting activities in schools, local government units and in Boracay Island,” Pelayo said.

Despite this, Pelayo called on Aklanons to make it a commitment to donate blood regularly, saying this has health benefits too on the blood donor.

“Let us help each other. Let us not wait for the time to come when we ourselves are in need of blood, and we have nothing to use,” Pelayo said.

Pelayo also called on those who left their identification cards (IDs) at the PRC when they withdrew blood for their relatives during an emergency to replace the units of blood they “borrowed” from the Red Cross to sustain or stabilize the supply in the province.

The PRC is now holding some 80 IDs, and according to Pelayo, if each of this represent a bag or a unit of blood, the Red Cross could have 80 additional bags on top of the more or less 50 bags they are now storing in their blood refrigerators.(PIA)/TE

ASU celebrates Nutrition Month

Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian Josephine R. Pajo, briefs the participants on the Nutritional Guidelines for People with Lifestyle Diseases.)


By Sally R. Villasis

Banga Aklan - The Aklan State University (ASU) joined the nation in the celebration of the 37th Nutrition Month with the theme ‘Isulong ang Breastfeeding: Tama, Sapat at Ekslusibo’ on July 28-29, 2011 at the ASU Amphitheater, Banga, Aklan.

Dr. Alma I. Irader, Bachelor of Science in Home Technology (BSHT) Chair, in her opening remarks, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to everyone who shared their expertise and support which made the celebration possible.

Ms. Cresini S. Roxas, Nutritionist-Dietitian II of Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital and Provincial Nutrition Coordinator of the Province of Aklan enlightened some 200 faculty members and students on the Importance of Breastfeeding.

She said that breastfeeding must at all times be promoted, protected and supported. She emphasized on the advantages of breast-feeding, that a mother who exclusively breastfeeds her baby can save much as P2,000.00 per month.

Breast feeding also keeps the baby from getting sick, and will prevent the family from spending money to pay for check-ups or hospitalization and medicines, she added.

”Exclusive breast feeding means a baby does not need any other food except breast milk for the first six months. Breast milk is already complete with nutrients needed by the baby. A mother doesn’t even need to make her baby drink water, because her milk already contains water,” Roxas said.

Besides saving money and keeping the baby from getting sick, Roxas said exclusive breastfeeding also promotes child spacing, prevents the mother from suffering from post partum hemorrhages and reduces risks of breast cancer.

”Breastfeeding also promotes emotional attachment between the mother and baby and proper jaw development in the baby. Breast feeding is also convenient, especially at night. A mother need not get up in the late hours of the night to prepare her baby’s feeding bottle. Instead, she just needs a comfortable position and area to breast-feed her baby,” Roxas added.

As for working mothers, they could still give their babies breastmilk, by expressing their milk for their babies’ consumption while they are at work, Roxas said.

The two-day celebration was spearheaded by the BSHT faculty members and students under the Home Technology Department of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences.

The activities include Food Exhibits on fruits and vegetables, organic cakes and other herb-flour-based products,such as pizza and other pie products, preserved and processed products; quiz bee; operation timbang; determination of nutritional status through Body Mass Index, waist-to-hip ratio and circumference, among others.

On the second day, topics on Ten Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos and Nutritional Guidelines for People with Lifestyle Diseases were discussed by Prof. Nenette B. Santiago and Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian Josephine R. Pajo, respectively.

During the closing ceremonies, Dr. Anna Mae C. Relingo, Officer-In-Charge of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension appreciated CAFES, particularly the Home Technology Department for celebrating Nutrition Month with the ASU community. As health and wellness becoming a by-word these days, she believes that it is attached to proper nutrition. Dr. Relingo quoted her favorite spiritual writer and preacher, Bo Sanchez on how to be happy. She said “we should have something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to.” /TE