New Boracay Travel Guide targets China, South Korea

The Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) is currently finalizing the third version of the Boracay Travel Guide for 2017.

Raffy Cooper, marketing officer of the BFI, said the travel guide is the contribution of the Boracay business community to the flourishing tourism industry of this resort island.

The first version in 2015 was widely circulated in an international travel mart in Europe. The second version in 2016, on the other hand, was circulated in Australia.

“For the third version, we are planning to circulate this, especially in China and in South Korea,” he said.

Both the China and South Korea markets are the top 2 sources of foreign tourists who visited Boracay since the 1990s.

“In our previous promotional ventures in Australia and Europe, we learned that many potential tourists in there are not yet aware of Boracay Island. There are still huge potentials for Boracay in terms of foreign tourist arrivals. We wanted to lure more tourists through our travel guide book,” Cooper said.

In 2016 around 1.7 million tourists visited Boracay. Almost half of them are foreign visitors.

“We also wanted to target in our future promotional ventures the United States. It is still being untapped in terms of promotional efforts for Boracay. Our problem for now is that America seems not keen on holding international conferences on tourism,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism-Boracay is eyeing strict accreditation of tourism-related establishments both in Kalibo town and in this resort island.

Kristoffer Leo Vellete, acting officer of the DOT-Boracay, said he is currently in talks with the councilors of both Malay and Kalibo towns to enact their respective ordinance.

“We are telling local legislators of Kalibo and Malay that our model for this ordinance was that of Bohol. We all know that Bohol has been targeted by terrorism. However, their tourism industry immediately bounced back because tourists know that Bohol follows national standards in tourism,” he said.

However, he clarified that the implementation of the tourism accreditation law once enacted would still give leeway to tourism-related establishments.

“Upon enactment of the municipal ordinance, the business establishments would be given one year to avail themselves of accreditation. If they still fail to do so, the local government has the power not to renew their licenses unless they comply,” he said.

He added that the tourism lure of Boracay could be enhanced once the stakeholders are all accredited by the DOT.

Legarda Wants Boracay to be Model for Eco Solid Waste Mgmt, Renews Call for Stronger Law Implementation

Senator Loren Legarda today urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to make Boracay Island in Aklan province a model for ecological solid waste management (ESWM) and renewed her call for stronger implementation of Republic Act 9003.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, made the statement during the hearing for the proposed 2018 budget of the DENR after confirming with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) that 12 commercial establishments in Boracay Island illegally used the storm drain canals to discharge wastewater.

The Senator urged the DENR to exercise utmost vigilance especially in monitoring compliance to or violation of environmental laws such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and the Clean Water Act (RA 9275), even as the EMB has already plugged the pipes from the establishments leading to the storm drain canals and has issued notices of violation.

“Let us make Boracay a model green island that exercises the elements of a blue economy, respecting and protecting the water around it. Let us do the same in Puerto Galera, Pasig River, Laguna de Bay, Manila Bay, and in other areas that are tourist havens and heavily populated,” said Legarda.

She also renewed her call to ensure full compliance to RA 9003 by all local government units (LGUs) including all barangays in the country.

According to the DENR, there are still 420 LGUs with open dumpsites, which are prohibited under the ESWM Law.

“I urge the DENR to strengthen implementation of the ESWM Law and ensure that all barangays in the country are compliant. I know it is a herculean task, but if one barangay can do it, there is no reason for the 42,000 other barangays not to do it,” said Legarda.

The Senator cited several barangays and LGUs that have been successful in implementing the law, such as, Barangay Potrero in Malabon; Barangay Neogan in Tagaytay; Barangay Sicat in Alfonso, Cavite; Las Piñas City; Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City; Barangay Fort in Taguig City; and San Fernando City in Pampanga.

Legarda also cited a report from the Commission on Audit (COA) that the Makati City government saved P108.72 million in its 2016 environment/sanitary services expenses, or 24.35% lower than its 2015 expenses for the same category, due to intensive pro-environment programs, particularly the enforcement of the ESWM Law.

Moreover, Legarda said that the DENR, particularly the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), should spend its budget for the implementation of ESWM Law worth P500 million in 2016 and P800 million in 2017, which will both expire by the end of the year. The budget can be used for capacity building programs and for the purchase of composters and shredders.

“We need to speed up the procurement process and the implementation of budget allocations in accordance with our laws. But I would also like to stress that, with or without the machines, all LGUs should be able to implement the law. The materials recovery facility (MRF) in communities need not be expensive. These should be made only from recycled and indigenous materials,” she explained.

“I do not have machines but I practice waste segregation in my office and in my home, and I do my own compost from food waste. I want to prove to people that even if they are not granted a machine, they can implement the law and live in a clean and healthy environment if every household is involved,” said Legarda.

Boracay to ban ‘visual pollution’

There is a move to ban “visual pollution” in Boracay.

“The town council has been deliberating this as we are receiving complaints from tourists,” said Jimmy Maming, executive assistant to Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling. The island of Boracay is part of Malay.

Tourists are being turned off by unregulated outdoor clotheslines that can be seen along Boracay’s main roads and the beachfronts.

Tourists are also annoyed by unregulated outdoor advertisements and even advocacy tarpaulins.

Aside from Boracay, the town council also eyes to implement the ban in mainland Malay.

PCCI-Aklan urges govt to bolster policies to lure investors in food, trade terminals

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Aklan is urging both Sen. Bam A. Aquino and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to strengthen policy measures to lure investors in engaging in both food and trade terminals.

Guidon de la Cruz, secretary of PCCI-Aklan, said he met with Aquino recently in Metro Manila to discuss the need of food terminals, especially in the province of Aklan.

“Both our food and trade supply in Boracay came from the different provinces in the country. Our local farmers could not cope with the demand since the tourism industry in Boracay requires huge volumes. Food terminals are needed so that the production of farmers could be gathered and cope with the increasing demand in Boracay,” he said.

He recommended to Aquino that the policy on food terminals could be integrated with the Go Negosyo centers of the DTI. Aquino is considered the father of GoNegosyo centers in the country.

Earlier, Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores said the province is bent on looking for possible investors for the operation of both food and trade terminals in the province.

Maricar Ituralde, chief of DTI-Aklan, said that, aside from the food, trade inputs being produced by local small and medium entrepreneurs  in the province also need to have a terminal.

“We are also currently promoting among the resorts in Boracay the use of the green products among the stakeholders in Boracay. There is a lot of potential, but we could not cope with the demand due to the absence of a terminal for trade and food,” she said.

‘Isang’ delays Miss World-Philippines Aklan flight

Plane flight schedules were delayed due to Typhoon Isang, including that of Miss World-Philippines candidates.

The 35 pageant candidates were supposed to arrive at the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport , or the Caticlan Airport, in Aklan at 2:35 p.m. from Manila.

Their flight was five hours delayed.

This was attributed to heavy rains and strong winds brought by the typhoon.

The candidates boarded the plane around 6 p.m. and landed at the Kalibo International Airport around 7:15 p.m.

The candidates will have a photo shoot, pool party and a bikini parade at the Savoy Beach Resort at Boracay Newcoast.

Juris Sucro, one of the event organizers in Boracay, said the candidates will enjoy their three-day stay in the island resort.

“They are looking forward to having memorable experience,” Sucro added./

Air-monitoring station eyed in Boracay Island

 A researcher of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) is eyeing to personally establish an air-monitoring station at the world-class tourist destination of Boracay Island in Malay town, Aklan province.

Raymond Sucgang was in Boracay recently to scout for a location for his proposed project that could precisely measure the level of air pollution.

Sucgang said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) “still uses the total suspended particulate as an index of air quality.”

His proposed project aims is to accurately detect the level of air pollution that can cause damages to human health.

An Aklanon, Sucgang is also eyeing to establish an air-monitoring station in his hometown of Batan.

But Sucgang discovered that Batan lacked the meteorological equipment that is necessary for monitoring air pollution.

“From my talks with local officials, I learned that Batan is in dire need of rain gauges,” he noted.

DOTr allocates P6 billion to develop Kalibo Airport

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has allocated around P6 billion for the improvement and expansion of the Kalibo International Airport (KIA).

The budget is intended to make the KIA the premier gateway of Northern Panay and neighboring areas. Among those to be funded are the construction of the new full-service terminal, construction of new apron and taxiways, among other developments.

Aklan Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores said he hopes the acquisition of the land surrounding the KIA will be fast-tracked so the massive development could commence.

“The government is already offering P600 per square meter of farm lands to the tenants. The amount is enough for them. I wonder why the affected farmers are asking as high as P5,000 per sq m for a mere farm land,” he said.

Earlier, the DOTr said around 90 percent of the overall land acquisition has been already paid.

German Baltazar, one of the affected farmers, said their group is asking for a higher amount since the government will not only take their land for airport improvement; the government is also taking away their means of livelihood.

“If ever we accept the P600-per-sq-m amount for the sale of our farmlands, how can we use the amount to survive? We are not opposing the airport development. We only want to paid fairly,” he said.

Baltazar added farmers tilling the land at the proposed KIA development has filed a case at the Ombudsman-Visayas against the chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap)-Kalibo for its failure to craft a resettlement plan for the affected farmers.

In a document, Evangeline Nunal, officer in charge of the Ombudsman-Western Visayas, said respondent Efren Nagrama, chief of Caap-Kalibo, should answer the farmers’ allegations.

Nagrama has refused to comment on the issue.

DPWH sets P1.6B for Aklan infrastructure projects in 2018

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Aklan Engineering District expect to implement P1.6 billion worth of various infrastructure projects in the province for the year 2018.

In a document obtained by the BusinessMirror, some projects to be funded include the construction and/or improvement of access roads leading to trade, industries and economic zones, including tourism.

Among them was the improvement of Numancia-Lezo provincial road with an appropriation of P80 million. Another is the Poblacion Batan-Mandong-Napti-Camanci-Sapian, Capiz, boundary in support of the coconut-processing facility in Batan costing P80 million.

Earlier, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Aklan endorsed the Numancia-Lezo project in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Aklan.

Officials of the DTI-Aklan last weekend visited the pottery-making project in Lezo, being considered as the main beneficiary for the improvement of the Numancia-Lezo road project.

Ramel Buncalan, PCCI-Aklan president, said the Numancia-Lezo road-improvement project would boost the pottery industry in the town of Lezo.

Other DPWH infrastructures set for next year are the construction of multipurpose buildings, construction of flood-control structure and the concreting of farm-to-market roads from the 17 municipalities of the province.

Boracay continues to 'energize' PH tourism industry

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has expressed satisfaction over the continued positive performance of this resort island, which is described as "energetic" destination.

 Acting  officer of the DoT-Boracay Kristoffer Leo Vellete, in an interview on Thursday afternoon,  said that Boracay has registered more than 1.2 million tourists from January to July this year.

"This showed that Boracay remains unaffected with the ongoing martial law declaration in the South. We remain positive of the Boracay tourism for this year," he said.

The DoT is currently preparing for September, the month when the so -called "super peak season " starts. The "super peak season" for Boracay usually ends June of the succeeding year.

Vellete was in Kalibo on Thursday afternoon as guest of the Sangguniang Bayan in its regular weekly session.

He said that while they are promoting Boracay as an energetic destination because of its rich night life activities. The town of Kalibo can serve as a relaxing destination for both foreign and local tourists

BSP: Visayas moderately recovering from Supertyphoon Yolanda

Businesses in the Visayas region are now recovering economically from Supertyphoon Yolanda, which devastated the area in November 2013, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

Fernando Silvoza, deputy director of the BSP’s Department of Economic Statistics, said of the four regions in the Visayas, only the Cebu region has, so far, begun economically progressing.

This was the gist of Silvoza’s message during the 2017 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for BSP Stakeholders held at the Amigo Terrace Hotel on Wednesday noon. This year’s theme was “Transforming Shared Visions into Dynamic Partnership”.

Millions of pesos worth of investments and livelihoods was adversely affected during the onslaught of Yolanda.

Juan De Zuniga Jr., a member of the Monetary Board, was keynote speaker.

Silvoza said the other three regions, particularly Eastern Visayas, are still much affected, while Western Visayas and Negros Island are moderately recovering from the onslaught.

The economic indicators were generated from a survey the BSP conducted in the different stakeholders in the Visayas. Part of the presentation made by Silvoza was generated from Philippine Statistics Authority data and from the BSP.

Silvoza added the Visayas regions still posted an 8.5-percent increase in 2016. The Western Visayas economy expanded by 6.1 percent in 2016.

“Financial resources continue to expand—more banks and more loans granted by banks in the first quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, compared to a year ago across all regions of the Visayas,” he said.

The inflation in Western Visayas, however, was low, and within the government target at the first half of this year.

Business confidence is less favorable for Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas, while more upbeat in Central Visayas region.

Positive employment prospects was noted in Western Visayas and Central Visayas but negative for Eastern Visayas.

“Overall, increasing financial resources and stable inflation support sustained economic growth in [the] Visayas for 2017, but focus on job creation and provision of more loans could help accelerate economic growth and improve living conditions of the jobless and small businesses”, he said.

Meanwhile, among those who were given awards were: the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Aklan chapter; ABS-CBN Iloilo; Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Aklan for best Outstanding Regional Partner for Demonitization Program; and the Department of Education regional office for Outstanding Partner for Child Education among others.

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS 2017

BY GOV. FLORENCIO “JOEBEN” T. MIRAFLORES


FOR GOOD REASON, I AM GIVING THIS ADDRESS HALFWAY THROUGH THE YEAR AND NOT ON THE USUAL YEAR-OPENING SCHEDULE.

SIMPLY BECAUSE THERE WAS SO MUCH WORK TO BE DONE AND SO WE ATTENDED TO OUR PRIMARY DUTIES FIRST.

BUT TODAY, FOR EVERYBODY’S APPRECIATION, I WILL REPORT ON LAST YEAR’S PUBLIC SERVICE JOURNEY.

SENATOR CYNTHIA VILLAR,
VICE GOVERNOR REYNALDO “BOY” M. QUIMPO,
MEMBERS OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN,
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, FELLOW SERVANTS OF THE PEOPLE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

FOR A PUBLIC SERVANT, IT’S AN UNWRITTEN RULE TO ASPIRE FOR SOMETHING BETTER FOR THE PEOPLE THAT YOU SERVE.

ONE THING I LEARNED FROM ALL MY 35 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE IS THAT THERE IS ALWAYS THAT GOOD REASON TO DREAM.

WHEN I ASSUMED THE GOVERNORSHIP IN 1995, I DID NOT LINGER ON THE IDEA THAT WHAT OUR PROVINCE IS CAPABLE OF, OR DESERVES, IS JUST SOMETHING PROPORTIONATE TO OUR SMALL GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE.

I FIRMLY BELIEVED THEN AND CONTINUED TO BELIEVE STILL, THAT OUR AKLAN CAN ACHIEVE BIG THINGS FOR ITS PEOPLE.

TRUE ENOUGH, WITH OUR HARD WORK THROUGH THE YEARS, OUR DREAMS THEN ARE TANGIBLE NOW, AND OUR SMALL PROVINCE IS NOW AMONGST THOSE THAT MODEL THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS.

HARA NGA ESTADO MADASIG NATONG NAABOT DAHIL SA MAABTIK NGA SUPORTA IT SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN.

A GOVERNOR CAN ONLY HOPE FOR FATE TO INTERVENE TO BE PARTNERED WITH A SANGGUNIAN THAT IS SUPPORTIVE, COOPERATIVE, AND PROACTIVE.

AKLANONS WILL NEVER FEEL SHORTCHANGED WITH THE 2016 LEGISLATIVE PERFORMANCE OF 309 RESOLUTIONS, 9 GENERAL ORDINANCES, 8 SPECIAL ORDINANCES, AND 12 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCES. INDEED, A WORKING SANGGUNIAN.

THROUGH THE DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP OF VICE GOVERNOR BILLIE CALIZO-QUIMPO THEN AND NOW WITH VICE GOVERNOR BOY QUIMPO, THE SP IS NOW ISO CERTIFIED. OUR LEGISLATIVE OFFICE’S COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONALLY- ACCEPTED STANDARDS MEANS A HIGH LEVEL OF COMMITMENT LEADING TO A HIGHER LEVEL OF TRUST AND CREDIBILITY FROM OUR CONSTITUENTS.

ALL THESE CANNOT ESCAPE OUR ATTENTION AND IT IS BUT FITTING, THAT OUR SANGGUNIAN BE HOUSED IN THIS NEW EDIFICE WHOSE GRANDEUR IS REFLECTIVE OF AKLAN’S ASPIRATION AND OF WHAT IT HAS BECOME.

KUNG TAN-AWON NATON DU BAG-O AG MAYAD-AYAD NGA BUILDING IT ATONG SANGUNIAN, KITA TANAN MAKAPAINO-INO NGA MAEAYO EON DU HAABOT IT ATONG PROBINSIYA PAG-ABOT SA PROGRESO.

TAKING INSPIRATION, WE WILL ALSO IMPROVE AND BEAUTIFY THE REST OF THE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL COMPLEX. WE CAN ALL EXPECT THAT IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THE GODOFREDO RAMOS PARK WILL BE A TOURIST ATTRACTION IN ITSELF, AN IDEAL PLACE FOR FAMILY RECREATION AND RELAXATION, A CONVENIENT VENUE FOR EVENTS, AND A CENTER FOR SPECIAL TRADE ACTIVITIES.

BEFORE SHARING FURTHER WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED AND WHAT WE CAN EXPECT, LET ME ELUCIDATE FIRST ON THE STATUS OF OUR COFFERS.

WE ARE IN A VERY GOOD PLACE RIGHT NOW AS FAR AS OUR LOCALLY SOURCED TAX REVENUE IS CONCERNED.

I WILL BREAK IT TO YOU IN THREE STATEMENTS:

FIRSTLY, THE PROVINCIAL TREASURER'S OFFICE MANAGED TO COLLECT 100.3 MILLION PESOS IN TAXES FROM JANUARY-DECEMBER 2016, A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE FROM OUR 2015 COLLECTION OF 95.9 MILLION PESOS.

 SECONDLY, BASED ON OUR 2017 FIRST SEMESTER PERFORMANCE, OUR REAL PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS INCREASED BY 10.2 MILLION PESOS AS COMPARED TO THAT OF 2016. THIS MEANS A COLLECTION EFFICIENCY OF 51%.

LASTLY, THE RPT COLLECTIONS FOR THE WHOLE CALENDAR YEAR OF 2016 IN THE AMOUNT OF 28.9 MILLION PESOS HAS ALREADY BEEN SURPASSED WITH JUST THE PRESENT YEAR’S  JANUARY TO JUNE PERFORMANCE OF 30.4 MILLION PESOS.

THESE FIGURES WOULD NOT HAVE MATERIALIZED IF NOT FOR EFFICIENT CONDUCT OF APPRAISAL ACTIVITIES, TIMELY PROCESSING OF REAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENT TRANSACTIONS AND AGGRESSIVE COLLECTION.

A MAJOR PART OF OUR COLLECTION WAS ALSO THE PRODUCT OF A GOOD NUMBER OF REMINDER AND DEMAND LETTERS TO OUR TAXABLE INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES.

SOME MAY HAVE BEEN STRESSED ABOUT IT AND PAID IN PROTEST, BUT LET ME APPEAL TO ALL, THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT IS JUST DOING ITS JOB AND THAT TAXPAYERS ARE OUR INDISPENSABLE PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS.

 MERE MENTION OF TAXES, IN WHATEVER FORM OR NAME, ALREADY SOUNDS BURDENSOME FOR MOST OF YOU.

A TAX, NO MATTER HOW NEGATIVE SOMETIMES IT IS PERCEIVED, IS THAT ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN NATION BUILDING.

BUT WE DON’T PASS ALL THE BURDEN OF FUNDING PROGRESS TO OUR TAX PAYERS.

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT IS IN CONSTANT PURSUIT OF THAT STATUS OF LESS-DEPENDENCY ON THE INTERNAL REVENUE ALLOTMENT, OR IRA.

WE HAVE ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE TO INNOVATE IN CREATING ENTERPRISES TO GAIN ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO SUPPORT OUR MANDATED SERVICES.

OUR TAX COLLECTION ONLY REPRESENTS HALF OF THE EQUATION, SO LET US TURN OUR EYES ON THE OTHER HALF.

OUR ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT REPORTED A REVENUE GENERATION OF 534.8 MILLION PESOS FOR THE WHOLE OF 2016. I AM GLAD TO REPORT THAT COMPARING THE JANUARY TO JUNE REVENUE OF THIS YEAR AND THAT OF 2016, WE ALREADY SURPASSED IT BY 2.5 MILLION.

WITH NOTHING VENTURED, THERE WILL BE NOTHING GAINED.

IF WE DO NOT TAKE CALCULATED RISKS, WE WON’T IMPROVE OUR SITUATION.

HAD WE NOT LEASED OUT AN IDLE PROPERTY OF THE PROVINCE LAST AUGUST 2014 TO ATTY. DANILO PADILLA, A JOLLIBEE FRANCHISEE, WE WOULD NOT HAVE GAINED 3 MILLION PESOS IN RENTAL INCOME.

HAD WE NOT INVESTED IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE GOV. CORAZON L. CABAGNOT TOURISM AND TRAINING CENTER, THE PROVINCIAL PROPERTY WOULD HAVE REMAINED DILAPIDATED.  NOW, AKLANONS CAN AVAIL OF A VERY PRESENTABLE AND REASONABLY PRICED VENUE WITH HOMEY ACCOMMODATIONS FOR SEMINARS, TRAININGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS. COMPARING THE 2015 AND 2016 INCOME OF HALL RENTALS AND ACCOMMODATIONS, THE CENTER WAS ABLE TO GROW THE 1.5 MILLION PESOS INCOME IN 2015 TO 2.7 MILLION PESOS IN 2016.

HAD WE BEEN SOFT IN OUR RESOLVE TO TAKE ON THAT WIND OF CHANGE BY CONSTRUCTING AND CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING THE CATICLAN AND CAGBAN JETTY PORT AND PASSENGER TERMINAL, AKLAN WOULD NOT HAVE A CASH COW THAT PRODUCED 329.2 MILLION PESOS FOR 2015 AND 382.5 MILLION PESOS FOR 2016.

HAD WE LACKED UNDERSTANDING AND FORESIGHT, WE WOULD NOT HAVE IN THE WORKS THE TRANSFORMATION OF AN INACTIVE PIECE OF PROPERTY INTO THE PASEO DE AKLAN COMMERCIAL CENTER. FAMOUS INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS ARE EXPECTED TO LOCATE IN THE AREA.

THIS WILL ADD VIBRANCE TO THE ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE OF KALIBO. APART FROM MAKING THE AREA INTO A COMMERCIAL STRIP WITH VERY PROMISING REVENUE GENERATION POTENTIAL, IT WILL ALSO OPEN UP EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN SYNC WITH THE JOB GENERATION INITIATIVES OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN.

WE SHOULD ALL BE THRILLED WITH THESE FIGURES AND THE PROMISE THAT IT BRINGS.

SO WHY DO WE INNOVATE? WHY IS IT THAT THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT SLACKEN IN THIS ASPECT? AND WHY ACT ON ALL THESE WITH VIGOR AND COMMITMENT?

SIMPLY BECAUSE FORESIGHT IS BETTER THAN HINDSIGHT.

IT IS BETTER TO ANTICIPATE AND PREVENT THE FUTURE PROBLEMS OUR PROVICE WILL ENCOUNTER THAN TO REALIZE HOW THEY COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED AFTER THE FACT.

WITH GROWTH AND PROGRESS, COMES BIGGER RESPONSIBILITIES.

OUR TOURISM REPORT INDICATES 1.7 MILLION TOURIST ARRIVALS LAST 2016 AND 1.1 MILLION ARRIVALS ALREADY FOR JUST THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2017. WE WOULD HAVE TO FURTHER IMPROVE OUR SUPPORT FACILITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE LIKE, TO COPE WITH THE STEADY INCREASE IN ARRIVALS.

WITH 75 TO 80 INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS PER WEEK AND 155 TO 160 DOMESTIC FLIGHTS PER WEEK, OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLEMENT THE UPGRADING EFFORTS OF THE CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED THAT KALIBO WILL NOT BE AT THE LOSING END WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF CATICLAN AIRPORT. STATISTICS WOULD SHOW THAT THE NUMBER OF PASSENGER ARRIVAL IN 2016 AT KALIBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS 1,343,683 COMPARED TO CATICLAN AIRPORT WITH ONLY 368,143.

SA HARA MAN NGA BAGAY, KINAHANGEAN NATON PABASKUGON RU IBA PA GID NATON NGA MGA DESTINASYON EOWAS SA ISLA IT BORACAY.

WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN KALIBO AND ITS TOURISM POTENTIAL.

THE PROVINCE RECEIVED AN UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL FOR JOINT VENTURE ARRANGEMENT WITH MABUHAY MARITIME EXPRESS TRANSPORT, INC. FOR THE KALIBO RECLAMATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.  THE COMPANY, WHICH IS MAJORITY OWNED BY PHILIPPINE AIRLINES, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JAN DE NUL GROUP OF BELGIUM HAS SIGNIFIED ITS INTENT TO UNDERTAKE A RECLAMATION PROJECT FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING A FERRY TERMINAL WITH MIXED-USE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS ALONG THE COASTAL AREA OF KALIBO, PARTICULARLY IN THE COASTAL AREA OF BRGY. POOK, KALIBO, AKLAN. THE RECLAMATION WILL PROVIDE WATERWAYS AND RIVER CHANNELS, WHICH WILL DIRECT THE INFLOW AND OUTFLOW OF WATER IN THE RIVER SYSTEM THAT DRAINS THE FLOODWATER OF KALIBO.

THE RECLAMATION AREA WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO A TOURIST TAKE-OFF POINT FROM KALIBO AIRPORT TO THE ISLAND OF BORACAY.

THE MASTER PLAN IS A PICTURE OF A MODERN COMMUNITY, A BUSINESS HUB AND RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX ALONG THE KALIBO COASTLINE. THIS WILL RESHAPE KALIBO FROM BEING A MERE GATEWAY BUT A DESIRABLE TOURIST DESTINATION ITSELF.

SA PAREHAS NGA ISTORYA IT PARTNERSHIP,  SA OPISYAL NGA PAG-AGTO NAKON SA FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, SA AMERICA PARA MAGING ISAEA SA DELEGASYON IT PILIPINAS SA SEATRADE CRUISE CONFERENCE KARANG BUEAN IT MARSO KAIBAHAN SI TOURISM UNDERSECRETARY BENITO BENGZON, JR., AG RO VICE PRESIDENT IT ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LTD. FOR NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT NGA SI JOHN TERCEK, NAGKASUGOT NGA MAGHIMO IT PORT IYA SA AKLAN DAHIL GAPATI SI VICE PRESIDENT TERCEK NGA RO ATONG LUGAR HAY MABAHOE RO POTENSYAL NGA MANGING CRUISE HUB.

GINKASUGTANAN IT DOT, PROBINSYA IT AKEAN AG ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LTD. CRUISE COMPANY NGA PAGATAW-AN IT KINAHANGEANON NGA TECHNICAL AG PINANSYAL NGA SUPPORTA PARA SA PAGHIMO IT TERMINAL NGA MAGING HOMEPORT SA CATICLAN O SA BORACAY.

WE RECIEVED 16 CRUISE SHIP ARRIVALS LAST 2016 AND EXPECTING 27 ARRIVALS FOR 2017.

WITH THE ENTRANCE OF BIG INVESTORS, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO SUSTAIN THIS MOMENTUM AND CAPITALIZE ON THE POTENTIAL OF OUR PROVINCE. FOR THIS PURPOSE, WE CREATED THE AKLAN INVESTMENT AND PROMOTION CENTER THROUGH THE LOCAL ECONOMIC AND INVESTMENT PROMOTIONS OFFICER WITH MS. GABRIELLE CALIZO-QUIMPO AS CONSULTANT ON TRADE AND TOURISM. THE PRIMARY TASK OF THE AIPC IS TO SERVE AS THE FULL SERVICE OFFICE WHO WILL CATER TO THE INQUIRIES, FACILITATION, HANDLING OF PROSPECT INVESTORS, AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ICT SUCH AS TECH4ED.

GINADAYAW KO MAN DU PAGPABASKOG IT MGA NEGOSYO KU ATONG DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY. MAY ATON EON NGA SIYAM KA NEGOSYO CENTERS SA AKLAN NGA KUNG SIIN HAUM MAN MAG-ALALAY SA ATON NGA MGA MAISOT NGA NEGOSYANTE.

SA UMAN, HARA NGA MGA DAEAGKO NGA INVESTMENTS SA AKLAN AG MGA SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES HAY MAGABUKAS IT MAABO NGA OPPORTUNIDAD IT TRABAHO PARA SA ATONG MGA PUMUEOYO.

WITH A POPULATION OF AROUND 600 THOUSAND AND GROWING, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO CONTINUOUSLY STRENGTHEN OUR HEALTHCARE SERVICE.

SO IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE ONLY WAY WE CAN FACE THESE POSSIBILITIES HEAD ON, IS IF OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT REMAIN FINANCIALLY SOUND TO FUND OUR SERVICES AND FURTHER IMPROVE OUR FACILITIES.

LET ME FURTHER SHARE IN DETAIL A CONCRETE EXAMPLE OF THE EFFECT OF ENGAGING IN ENTERPRISE TO OUR GOVERNANCE.

FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS, THE OPERATIONS OF THE CATICLAN AND CAGBAN JETTY PORTS HAS PROVEN TO BE AN UNSWERVING SOURCE OF REVENUE FOR THE PROVINCE AS A TOTAL OF 861 MILLION PESOS WAS GENERATED FROM TOLL AND TERMINAL FEES, CARGO FEES AND OTHER PORT CHARGES.

THE COST OF OPERATING THE 2 PORTS FROM 2014-2016 AMOUNTED TO 171 MILLION PESOS. IT FOLLOWS THEN THAT ON THAT SAME PERIOD, THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ATTAINED A NET INCOME OF 690 MILLION PESOS FROM PORT OPERATIONS.

WITH THIS AMOUNT AT OUR DISPOSAL, WE MANAGED TO BANKROLL THE OPERATIONS OF THE OTHER EEDD UNITS, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT ENGAGE IN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, OUR HOSPITALS.

IF WE LOOK AT THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF OUR DR. RAFAEL S. TUMBUKON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, IBAJAY DISTRICT HOSPITAL AND ALTAVAS DISTRICT HOSPITAL FROM 2014-2016, IT WOULD INDICATE THAT THE THREE EEDD HOSPITALS INCURRED OPERATIONAL EXPENSES OF 1.1 BILLION PESOS WHILE EARNING REVENUES OF 592 MILLION PESOS.

WITH EASE, WE MANAGED TO COPE WITH THE BALANCE OF 486 MILLION PESOS TO SUSTAIN HOSPITAL OPERATIONS FROM THE NET INCOME OF THE CATICLAN AND CAGBAN JETTY PORTS.

WE NEED TO HAVE THAT FINANCIAL LEVERAGE FOR OUR HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND WE NEED TO REINFORCE IT FURTHER.

IN MY SECOND TERM BEING YOUR GOVERNOR, I HEARD YOUR CALL TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH SYSTEM OF OUR PROVINCE.  PROOF OF OUR EARNEST DESIRE TO PRODUCE A VERY SIGNIFICANT OUTCOME IN THIS NEED IS OUR TAKING PART IN THE PROVINCIAL LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE PROGRAM OR PLGP.

THIS IS AN 18 MONTH PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REGIONAL OFFICE AND THE ZUELLIG FAMILY FOUNDATION THAT AIMS TO DEVELOP THE BRIDGING LEADERSHIP OF OUR KEY PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS  TO BE ABLE TO IMPROVE OUR HEALTH SYSTEM WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO CLOSING THE HEALTH EQUITY GAP.

PARA MA-EXPERIENSYAHAN NAKON RU MINATUOD-TUOD NGA SITWASYON IT ATONG MGA KASIMANWA EABI GID RU MGA KUBOS.NAGBISITA AKO SA ISAEANG KA MAEAYO NGA BARANGAY SA BURUANGA.HAISTURYA NAKON RU PAMILYA IT SANG KA NANAY NGA NAMATAY SA ANANG PAGUNGA.  ACCORDING TO HER HUSBAND, SHE DELIVERED THEIR 7TH CHILD AT HOME WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOCAL HILOT BECAUSE SHE WAS AFRAID AND“NAHUYA” TO BE REPRIMANDED BY THE HEALTH WORKERS FOR GETTING PREGNANT AGAIN, NGANI UWA IMAW NAG-ADTO SA HEALTH CENTER. IT TOOK THEM 5 HOURS TO REACH THE HOSPITAL.  HOWEVER ON TRANSIT, THE MOTHER ALREADY BLED TO DEATH.  THIS IS A CLEAR PICTURE THAT OUR SERVICE DELIVERY NETWORK IS NOT WORKING FOR US, MOST ESPECIALLY FOR OUR POOR KASIMANWAS.

DURING THIS VISIT, I ALSO HAD A PRIVILEGE TO HAVE A DIALOGUE WITH OUR SENIOR CITIZENS, BHWS AND SOME PREGNANT MOTHERS.  WHEN I ASKED THEM REGARDING THEIR EXPERIENCES IN SEEKING HEALTH SERVICES, THEIR COMMON ANSWER WAS“GOV, KUNG HIKITA ABI NGA EOTAYUN AMONG SIKI HAY WA MAN KAMI NASAPAKA.”

THIS IS A PAINFUL TRUTH FROM OUR CONSTITUENTS. EAIN RO PAGTRATO SA ATONG MGA POBRE NGA KASIMANWA KUMPARA SA ATONG MGA MAY KAPASIDAD SA PAGPANGABUHI.  THAT’S WHY I REALIZED THAT OUR HEALTH SYSTEM SHOULD BE EQUITABLE AND RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OUR PEOPLE ESPECIALLY THE POOR.

WE HAVE A TOTAL OF 149,670 INDIGENTS TO DATE ACCORDING TO PHILHEALTH.  THESE PEOPLE SHOULD RECEIVE PRIORITY ESPECIALLY IN THE ACCESS OF OUR HEALTH SERVICES FROM THE BARANGAY LEVEL UP TO THE PROVINCIAL LEVEL.

ANOTHER REALIZATION FOR ME IS THAT AS A GOVERNOR I SHOULD LOOK AT OUR HEALTH SYSTEM IN A MORE HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE, ENCOMPASSING NOT ONLY THE CURATIVE SIDE BUT ALSO THE PREVENTIVE SIDE.  CASE IN POINT OUR PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL.  BEING A REFERRAL HOSPITAL, THEY SHOULD CATER TO MORE COMPLICATED CASES, HOWEVER OUR HEALTH STATISTICS SHOW THAT 86% OF THE DELIVERIES IN OUR PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL ARE NORMAL DELIVERIES.  IN ORDER TO DECONGEST OUR HOSPITAL, WE NEED COLLABORATION WITH OUR MUNICIPALITIES.  AS OF NOW, WE ONLY HAVE 9 MUNICIPALITIES THAT HAVE BIRTHING FACILITIES THAT ARE ACCREDITED BY PHILHEALTH.  TO ADDRESS THIS PRESSING NEED TOGETHER WITH THE MAYORS, WE AIMED TO ACHIEVE A 100% FUNCTIONAL AND ACCREDITED BIRTHING FACILITIES IN EVERY TOWN BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

 FURTHER, ON THE CURATIVE SIDE, WE ALSO NEED TO STRENGTHEN OUR HOSPITALS.  WE WANTED TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, MANPOWER AND FACILITY TO ADDRESS THE HEALTH NEEDS OF OUR PEOPLE.  THROUGH 2016 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET NO. 4, THE PROVINCIAL BUDGET OFFICE WAS ABLE TO SOURCE THE AMOUNT OF 15.1 MILLION PESOS WHICH WE INVESTED IN HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES FOR OUR 5 PERIPHERAL HOSPITALS.  IN 2017, WE ALSO INVESTED 19.4 MILLION PESOS.

ALSO, THEDEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COMPLEMENTED OUR FUNDING REQUIREMENTS TO VARIOUS UPGRADING PROJECTS FOR OUR HOSPITALS AND OUR COMBINED EFFORTS TO DATE AMOUNT TO: 169 MILLION PESOS FOR DR. RAFAEL S. TUMBUKON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL;

• 94.9 MILLION PESOS FOR CIRIACO S. TIROL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL;
• 42.4 MILLION PESOS FOR IBAJAY DISTRICT HOSPITAL;
• 20 MILLION PESOS FOR ALTAVAS DISTRICT HOSPITAL;
• 14.4 MILLION PESOS FOR DON LEOVIGILDO DIAPO SR. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL;
• 6.3 MILLION PESOS FOR LIBACAO MUNICIPAL INFIRMARY
• 6.2 MILLION PESOS FOR MALAY MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL
• 12.5 MILLION PESOS FOR BURUANGA MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL; AND

WE ALSO HAVE HIRED ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL IN ALL OUR HOSPITALS THROUGH OUR PROVINCIAL HUMAN RESOURCE AND MANAGEMENT OFFICE. THE ASTOUNDING INCREASE IN PERCENTAGE MOST ESPECIALLY TO OUR MUNICIPAL HOSPITALS SIGNIFIES OUR COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE OUR HEALTH SYSTEM.

WE ALSO HAVE INVESTED IN INSTITUTIONALIZING A FUNCTIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEM IN ALL OUR HOSPITALS SO THAT WE WILL HAVE TIMELY, RELEVANT AND RELIABLE HEALTH DATA.  IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS DIVISION AND HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS OF THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICE, WE HAVE STARTED THE IHOMIS IMPLEMENTATION IN OUR MUNICIPAL AND DISTRICT HOSPITALS.

ALL OF THESE PROVED TO BE NECESSARY INVESTMENTS BECAUSE NOW, ALL THE 8 PROVINCIAL OWNED HOSPITALS SUCCESSFULLY RENEWED THEIR LICENSE TO OPERATE FOR 2017. SIGNIFICANT TO MENTION IS THAT THE LIBACAO MUNICIPAL INFIRMARY WHICH HAS BEEN OFFERING OUTPATIENT SERVICES ONLY FOR 7 YEARS, IS NOW FINALLY LICENSED AS AN INFIRMARY. THE CIRIACO S. TIROL HOSPITAL ALSO GOT THEIR LICENSE TO OPERATE AS AN INFIRMARY AFTER TWO YEARS OF OFFERING OPD SERVICES ONLY DUE TO CONSTRUCTION OF HOSPITAL FACILITY.

THERE IS ALSO A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE UTILIZATION OF HEALTH SERVICES OF OUR HOSPITALS ESPECIALLY THE MUNICIPAL HOSPITALS AS SHOWN BY THE INCREASING NUMBER OF OPD CONSULTS AND ADMISSIONS.

ABO NGA SAEAMAT SA ATON NGA MGA CHIEF OF HOSPITALS AG MUNICIPAL HEALTH OFFICERS. PADAYUN NATONG SADYAON RUNG PAGDUMAEA IT ATONG MGA HOSPITAL AG RHUS NGA MAY PAGKABAEAKA SA BAEATYAGON IT ATONG MGA PASYENTE EABI GID DU MGA POBRE.

ABO MAN NGA SAEAMAT SA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SA KAABO NGA BULIG SA AKLAN PAAGI SA MGA SUPORTA SA MGA FACILIDAD AG SA MGA PROGRAMA NGA GINA-IMPLEMENTAR IT PROBINSIYA PAAGI SA PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICE.

AS THEY SAY, HEALTH REQUIRES HEALTHY FOOD. HEALTHY FOOD THEN REQUIRES A HEALTHY AGRICULTURE SECTOR.

WE HAVE APPROPRIATED 95 MILLION PESOS FOR AGRICULTURE LAST 2016.

 WHEN FARMERS SUCCEED, WE SUCCEED. TRULY IT IS OUR FARMERS THAT FEED, CLOTHE AND FUEL OUR SOCIETY.

ANALYSIS BY OUR PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURE OFFICE WOULD SHOW THAT WHILE OUR RICE SUFFICIENCY INDEX FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS INDICATES AN INCREASING TREND, ITS SUFFICIENCY LEVEL IS STILL BELOW 100%. THIS MEANS THAT WE ARE PRODUCING LESS THAN WE NEED, THAT OUR PRODUCTION VOLUME DOES NOT KEEP UP WITH OUR POPULATION GROWTH.

SO WE NEED TO INNOVATE TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN OUR RICE PRODUCTIVITY.

WE IMPLEMENTED THE 10 MILLION PESO CERTIFIED SEEDS AND FERTILIZER SUBSIDY PROGRAM TO COMPLEMENT THE EXISTING HYBRID RICE COMMERCIALIZATION PROGRAM.

WE MADE CERTIFIED SEEDS THAT ARE HIGH IN GENETIC PURITY, HIGH IN GERMINATION AND VIGOUR, AND OF GOOD QUALITY AVAILABLE TO FARMERS AT SUBSIDIZED PRICE. IT ENSURES THE ATTAINMENT OF A MAXIMUM YIELD OF 6 TO 10 METRIC TONNES PER HECTARE OR 143 TO 238 CAVANS PER HECTARE.

THE SUBSIDY ALSO COVERS FERTILIZER, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INPUTS IN RICE PRODUCTION, IN VIEW OF CONSIDERABLE FERTILIZER PRICE INCREASE ALONG WITH SIGNIFICANT FERTILITY LOSS IN MOST RICE LAND.

BY DESIGN, THE PROGRAM CATERS TO ORGANIZED GROUP OF RICE FARMERS ACROSS THE PROVINCE AND UTILIZES THE 50:50 SCHEME OF FINANCIAL SUBSIDY. AS OF DATE, THE AREA PLANTED IS AT 3,196 HECTARES AND BENEFITED 3,159 FARMERS OR 95 FARMERS’ ASSOCIATIONS ACROSS THE PROVINCE.

IN PLACE ALSO IS OUR FARM MECHANIZATION PROGRAM & SUPPORT TO SMALL SCALE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS. IT PROVIDES AGRICULTURAL MACHINERIES AND FACILITIES TO FARMER ORGANIZATIONS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE PRODUCTION, MINIMIZE LABOR REQUIREMENT AND IMPROVE FARM EFFICIENCY OPERATIONS.

LAST  2015, THE PROVINCE ALLOCATED 1 MILLION AS COUNTERPART TO THE RICE MECHANIZATION PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BENEFITTING 7 FARMER ORGANIZATIONS EACH WITH ONE FARMING EQUIPMENT. THIS YEAR, THE PROVINCE ALLOCATED 10 MILLION PESOS TO DISTRIBUTE 25 HAND TRACTORS, 25 RICE THRESHERS, 10 TILLERS, 5 REAPERS AND KNAPSACK SPRAYERS TO ACTIVE AND DESERVING RICE FARMING ORGANIZATIONS IN AKLAN.

WE INTEND TO DELIVER THESE EQUIPMENT TO AT LEAST 100 ORGANIZATIONS BEFORE END OF THIS CROPPING SEASON.

TO COMPLEMENT THE EFFORTS OF THE NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION THE PROVINCE HAS ALSO ALLOCATED THIS YEAR P900,000.00 FOR SUPPORT TO SMALL SCALE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS BY PROVIDING WATER PUMPS AND ENGINES AS WELL AS IMPROVEMENT OF SMALL IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.

WE INTEND TO CONTINUE AND SUPPORT THIS PROJECT AS WE PROPOSE TO INCREASE THIS ALLOCATION BY THREE TIMES FOR 2018.

OUR PHILIPPINE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT-INVESTMENT FOR RURAL ENTERPRISES FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERY PRODUCTIVITY OR PRDP-IREAP PROJECTS HAS BEEN FINALLY IMPLEMENTED AFTER THREE YEARS OF COMPLYING WITH VARIOUS DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS THE STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORLD BANK.

THE 1ST TRANCHE RELEASE OF THE FINANCIAL GRANT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE – PHILIPPINE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AMOUNTING TO P 2, 030,650.00 WORTH OF LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE WAS ALREADY RECEIVED BY THE BAY-ANG FISHERFOLKS ASSOCIATION OF BRGY. BAY-ANG, BATAN, AKLAN FOR THEIR “OYSTER AND MUSSEL PRODUCTION AND MARKETING” AND THE MAN-UP MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE OF SITIO DINAUT, MAN-UP, ALTAVAS FOR THEIR“REHABILITATION OF COCONUT MINI OIL MILL FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SMALL-SCALE COCO-BASED CRUDE OIL AND COPRA CAKES”.

LET ME REITERATE MY CHALLENGE TO THE BENEFICIARIES TO TAKE CARE OF THE PROJECTS. LET US SHOW OUR BENEFACTORS THAT WE ARE DESERVING OF SUCH ASSISTANCE.

OUR ABACA PRODUCTION SHOWS PROMISE AS WELL. THE PHILIPPINE FIBER INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REPORTED THAT AKLAN RANKS NUMBER 9 IN THE WHOLE COUNTRY FOR ABACA PRODUCTION. OUR 2016 PRODUCTION IS AT 2,400 METRIC TONS AS COMPARED TO THE 1,450 METRIC TONS OF 2015.

THE PHILIPPINE COCONUT INDUSTRY REPORTED THAT WITH ITS PARTICIPATORY COCONUT PLANTING PROJECT, 187,000 COCONUT SEEDLINGS WERE PLANTED COVERING AN AREA OF 1,870 HECTARES. FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, THE PROJECT WAS PARTICIPATED BY 1,752 FARMERS.

AKLAN IS THANKFUL TO OUR DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM FOR THE CONTINUED EXTENSION OF SERVICES TO OUR AGRARIAN REFORM BENEFICIARIES ESPECIALLY IN MAKING THEIR LANDS MORE PRODUCTIVE. THE DAR FUNDED POST-HARVEST FACILITY IN NAZARETH, BURUANGA IS INDEED A WELCOME SUPPORT FACILITY.

THE NFA PERFORMANCE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED IN TERMSOF PROCUREMENT OF PALAY FROM 4679 BAGS IN 2015 TO 10581 BAGS IN 2016.FURTHERMORE, THEY WERE ABLE TO DISTRIBUTE 61.31% OF BAGS TO NFA ACCREDITED RETAILERS, LGUS, AND CHARITABLE/PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS

IN AS MUCH AS WE TOIL THE LAND, WE ALSO ENSURE THAT WE TAKE CARE OF IT. LAST 2015, THE AKLAN ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICE FACILITATED THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE SANGGUNIANG BARANGAY OF DALAGSAAN, LIBACAO AND THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT RELATIVE TO THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT GREENING PROGRAM INITIATIVE.

I AM HAPPY TO SHARE THAT OUR BENEFICIARIES IN THE UPLANDS OF LIBACAO HAS ALREADY STARTED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NURSERY. AN  INITIAL POTTING PRODUCTION AND INITIAL SEEDLING PRODUCTION OF MORE THAN 5,000 INDIGENOUS AND FRUIT TREE SEEDLINGS WERE RAISED IN THE NURSERY STARTING FROM JUNE 2016 ONWARDS WITH THE ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT OF OUR AKLANON INDIGENOUS PEOPLE.

MY COMMENDATIONS TO OUR DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES-PENRO AKLAN FOR COVERING 100% OF THE TARGETED 1,414 HECTARES FOR OUR NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM. YOU HAVE MANAGED TO SURPASS THE TARGET OF 2,356,000 THOUSAND SEEDLINGS BY PRODUCING 2,597,023 SEEDLINGS.

AS FOR OUR VETERINARY INITIATIVES, THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL VETERINARIAN REPORTED THAT THE BANNER PROGRAMS OF GENETIC IMPROVEMENT THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION COVERED 105 BARANGAYS IN 2016 TO 2017.  A TOTAL OF 848 CATTLE AND CARABAO OFFSPRINGS OR CALF DROP WERE PRODUCED, 1,877 ANIMALS INSEMINATED WHILE 2, 166 CLIENTS AVAILED FREE ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION SERVICES. THE PROVINCE MAINTAINED ITS STATUS AS A TOP PRODUCING PROVINCE IN WESTERN VISAYAS IN TERMS OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION PRODUCED BEEF CATTLE.

I HAVE INSTRUCTED OUR VETERINARIANS TO INTENSIFY OUR RABIES PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAM. ANIMAL BITE IS THE THIRD HIGHEST CAUSE OF MORBIDITY IN THE PROVINCE.

TO SUCCEED IN AGRICULTURE, WE HAVE TO BUILD THE ROADS. INADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE WILL LIMIT THE CONNECTIVITY TO THE MARKETS. IF OUR RURAL AREAS HAVE ROAD NETWORKS CONNECTING THEM TO THE ECONOMIC CENTERS, IT RAISES AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY, WHICH IN TURN INDUCES GROWTH. THE RISE IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY WILL RESULT IN REDUCED PRICE OF FOOD AND THUS, REDUCES POVERTY.

THIS IS THE PREMISE WHY WE EMBARKED ON OUR PRDP-IBUILD JOURNEY.

I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT THIS FLAGSHIP PROJECT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND AKLAN PROVINCE IS ABOUT TO BE FINISHED.

TO OUR CONSTITUENTS FROM BANGA-MADALAG-LIBACAO, YOU ARE LIVING WITNESSES TO OUR REALIZATION OF THE 10 KILOMETER BANGA-LIBACAO FARM-TO-MARKET ROAD WITH 5 BRIDGES. THE PROJECT AMOUNTING TO 149 MILLION PESOS WITH 14.9 MILLION COUNTERPART FROM THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT IS ALREADY 65%ACCOMPLISHED AND EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER;

WE HAVE ALSO FINISHED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BRIDGE APPROACH TO COMPLEMENT THE PHASE 2 OF THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR THE MADALAG BRIDGE. WE HAVE EXPENDED AROUND 20 MILLION PESOS TO COMPLETE THIS PROJECT FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR CONSTITUENCY IN MADALAG.

KUNG KAMO NAKAPAMASYAR SA BANWA IT MADALAG KU NAGTALIWAN NGA MGA DOMINGGO, MAAGYAN NINYO RUNG MAAYAD-AYAD NATON NGA KARSADA. MADALI EON AG MATAWHAY RUNG PAGBYAHE BISAN PA MATAAS RUNG TUBI SA ATONG AKEAN.  

OUR CONSTITUENTS FROM BATAN CAN ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO THE:
• 3.493 KILOMETERS LALAB-BAY-ANG-MAGPAG-ONG BATAN FARM-TO-MARKET ROAD AMOUNTING TO 34 MILLION PESOS AND NOW WAITING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NO OBJECTION LETTER;
• THE 7 KILOMETERS CABANGILA-ANGAS-PALAY-CAMANCI-NAPTI FARM-TO-MARKET ROAD AMOUNTING TO 95.4 MILLION PESOS AND IS PROPOSED FOR 2018;
• AND THE MAGPAG-ONG FISH PORT WHICH IS PROPOSED FOR 2018 FOR FUNDING.
IT HAS BEEN A BUSY YEAR FOR OUR BUILDERS, THE PROVINCIAL ENGINEER’S OFFICE. ASIDE FROM OUR PRDP-IBUILD PROJECT, WE HAVE ALSO EMBARKED ON VARIOUS MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES COMPLEMENTING THE VARIOUS PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS.

OUR BANNER PROJECTS INCLUDE THE:

• 125.7 MILLION PESOS DILG-KALSADA PROGRAM PROJECT: REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF COLONG-COLONG-TUL-ANG-RIZAL-NALIGUSAN-NAILE-SAN JOSE-MONLAQUE PROVINCIAL ROAD. IT HAS AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OF AROUND 50%. THE PROJECT WILL DIRECTLY BENEFIT THE CONSTITUENCY FROM THE 7 BARANGAYS OF IBAJAY.

• THE 131.7 MILLION DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FUNDED CONSTRUCTION, EXPANSION, REPAIR, RENOVATION, AND UPGRADING OF INFRASTRUCTURES OF THE DR. RAFAEL S. TUMBUKON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IS 60% COMPLETED AND EXPECTED TO BE FULLY COMPLETED BY END OF THE YEAR.

• OUR 2016 COMPLETED PROJECTS FOR ROADS & BRIDGES FUNDED BY THE 20% IRA DEVELOPMENT FUND AMOUNT TO 55.1 MILLION PESOS.

• FOR OUR PROJECTS USING THE 5% LOCAL DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT & REDUCTION FUND, WE HAVE COMPLETED A TOTAL AMOUNT OF 14.2 MILLION PESOS.

• OUR PROJECTS FUNDED UNDER CAPITAL OUTLAY 2016 AMOUNT TO 17.9 MILLION AND THE ROAD MAINTENANCE PROJECTS COMPLETED LAST 2016 UNDER THE GENERAL FUND AMOUNT TO 3.9 MILLION PESOS.

WE HAVE ALSO MAINTAINED SUCCESS IN OUR BEST PRACTICE, THE AKLAN COMMUNITY-BASED MAINTENANCE CONTRACTINGORACBMC PROJECT. THIS PILOT PROJECT OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PROMOTES COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT PROCESSES SPECIFIC TO THE LABOR COMPONENT OF OUR PROVINCIAL ROAD MAINTENANCE PROJECTS.

AS OF DATE, I AM ELATED TO REPORT THAT FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS WE HAVE A INCREASED OUR EMPLOYMENT OF LOCAL WORKERS, THE NUMBER OF PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED, INCOME OF LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS AND WORKERS, AND THE LENGTH OF PROVINCIAL ROADS COVERED.

WE ARE ALSO PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT THIS JULY, AFTER A THOROUGH PROCESS OF SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS, WE WILL NOW COMMENCE WITH THE DILG-CONDITIONAL MATCHING GRANT TO PROVINCES OR CMGP PROJECT, THE MALINAO-MADALAG ROAD IN THE AMOUNT OF 147 MILLION PESOS.

WE HAVE BEEN MAINTAINING THIS ROAD FOR SO MANY YEARS WITH THE MEAGER RESOURCES OF THE PROVINCE THEN. NOW, OUR CONSTITUENTS FROM MALINAO AND MADALAG CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A CONCRETE ROAD PROVIDING EASE TO THEIR DAILY COMMUTE OR TRANSPORT OF PRODUCTS.

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT OUR MAJOR PROJECTS ARE ASSISTANCE AVAILED BY THE PROVINCE FROM OUR NATIONAL DEPARTMENTS. THEY PROVIDE THE BULK AND WE PROVIDE THE COUNTERPART. BUT THERE IS ALWAYS THAT CONDITION THAT OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT MEET A SET OF REQUIREMENTS, AND THESE ALMOST ALWAYS GO BACK TO HOW WE PERFORM OUR GOVERNANCE.

BILANG GOBERNADOR, AKON MAN NASALIGAN DU MGA HEPE IT MGA OPISINA SA KAPITOLYO AG SA MGA NASYONAL NGA AHENSYA IT GOBYERNO SA MAAYAD-AYAD MAN NGA PAGPADAEAGAN IT ANDANG MGA DEPARTAMENTO.

OUR PERENNIAL SECRETARIAT, THE PROVINCIAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS ALWAYS ON THEIR TOES WITH THE MONITORING AND DOCUMENTATION OF ALL OUR PROJECTS AND GRANTS. WE HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED OUR GOOD RELATIONS WITH OUR PARTNERS DUE TO YOUR CLOSE COORDINATION.

WE WOULD HAVE BEEN OFF-SCHEDULE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OUR PROGRAMS IF NOT FOR THE TIMELY ACTION BY OUR PROVINCIAL GENERAL SERVICES OFFICE IN THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS. THE PGSO AND THE PROVINCIAL BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE WAS ABLE TO PROCURE AND INSPECT 150 MILLION PESOS WORTH OF OUR MUCH NEEDED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES LAST 2016.

THE PROVINCE REMAINS TRUSTWORTHY FOR BEING CONSISTENT IN THE EFFICIENT PRESENTATION AND REPORTING OF OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BY THE PROVINCIAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE. WITH REGULAR MONITORING OF NATIONAL AGENCY PROGRAMS, TIMELY REMITTANCE AND SUBMISSION OF REPORTS AS WELL AS THE FISCAL INNOVATIONS INTRODUCED ARE ESSENTIAL IN OUR CONTINUING QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE IN HANDLING OUR FINANCES.

THRU THE AKLAN PROVINCIAL INTERNAL AUDIT OFFICEWE CONTINUE TO REVIEW,  ASSESS AND EVALUATE OUR INTERNAL CONTROLS IF THEY ARE IN PLACE AND IS SERVING ITS PURPOSE. THIS WAY WE ENSURE THAT SERVICES,  PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS ARE DELIVERED EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY.

I AM PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN THE PROSPECT OF OUR COMPUTERIZED TAX SYSTEM THRU THE ETRACS LEADING TO EFFICIENT SERVICE AND AGGRESSIVE COLLECTION.  THE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS DIVISION WILL SEE TO IT THAT THIS TOOL WILL BE MAXIMIZED AS A WELCOME UPGRADE IN OUR GOVERNANCE AND THAT OF OUR MUNICIPALITIES.

IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO INVEST IN THE OTHER ASPECTS OF LIFE OF OUR PEOPLE.

WE WANT OUR PEOPLE TO FEEL SAFE THAT IS WHY WE DO NOT FAIL IN PROVIDING SUPPORT TO THE FINANCIAL LOGISTICAL OPERATION OF THE AKLAN POLICE PROVINCIAL OFFICE. WE HAVE EXTENDED 2.3 MILLION PESOS FOR THE ERADICATION OF ILLEGAL DRUGS AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATION AND ACTIVITIES. THIS SUPPORTS THE COVENANT ENTERED BY THE PROVINCE WITH STAKEHOLDERS, PNP AND AFP TO EXPEDITE THE EFFORT AND RELENTLESS FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM AND ILLEGAL DRUGS.

OUR PROVINCIAL SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE MANAGED TO COVER 2,496 OF OUR INDIGENTS AMOUNTING TO 60.3 MILLION PESOS WORTH OF EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL, TRANSPORTATION, SHELTER AND BURIAL ASSISTANCE. WE CATERED MOSTLY OUR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY AND OUR SENIOR CITIZENS. OUR EFFORTS COMPLEMENTED THE ASSISTANCE DOWNLOADED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL OFFICE.

WE MANAGED TO REACH OUT AND EDUCATE 4,248 COUPLES ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD WHICH IS 212% HIGHER COMPARED WITH THE 2,000 TARGET FOR 2016.

THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HAS BEEN A PARTNER OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT IN PROVIDING A HOLISTIC APPROACH IN THE GROWTH OF OUR PUPILS THROUGH THE SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF 23 MILLION IN 2016. WE USED THIS FUND FOR THE PAYMENT OF SCHOOL BOARD TEACHERS, REPAIR OF FACILITIES AS WELL AS OUR IN-SCHOOL SPORTS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2017, WE HAVE EXPENDED ALREADY 34 MILLION FOR THIS PURPOSE.

WE CONTINUE TO BOOST UP OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AS WELL.  FOR THE 2ND SEMESTER OF ACADEMIC YEAR 2016 TO 2017, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOLARS AND GRANTEES IS 1,311. OF THIS NUMBER, 293 STUDENTS GRADUATED BY THE END OF THE SEMESTER. THIS ACADEMIC YEAR 2017 – 2018, FOR THE 1ST SEMESTER, THERE IS A TOTAL OF 1, 460 STUDENTS UNDER THE PROGRAM. 31 OF WHICH ARE FULL SCHOLARS AND 1, 429 ARE EDUCATIONAL GRANTEES.I SHARE THE PRIDE OF THE PARENTS OF OUR 2 MAGNA CUM LAUDE AND 20 CUM LAUDE GRADUATES.

KAIBAHAN MAN NATON RUNG TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SA PAGPABASKOG IT KAPASIDAD PARA SA MGA TINUTUYO NGA TRABAHO.

OUR EFFORTS IN EDUCATION IS PREPARATION FOR FUTURE OCCUPATIONS.

FROM 2016 TO JUNE 2017, THE PROVINCIAL PESO CONDUCTED SEVEN JOB FAIRS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR DOLE WHERE 2,925 APPLICANTS REGISTERED BOTH FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT. 116 EMPLOYERS (92 LOCAL AND 24 OVERSEAS) PARTICIPATED WHICH EVENTUALLY RESULTED TO THE EMPLOYMENT OR DEPLOYMENT OF 194 AKLANONS.

ALLOW ME TO SHARE THE AWARDS THAT WE HAVE REAPED FOR THE PAST YEAR. I DON’T INTEND TO BOAST, I AM JUST STATING OUR PRESENT REALITY THAT OUR OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES STRIVE FOR PRIDE AND HONOR IN PUBLIC SERVICE WORK.

LAST MARCH 3, 2016, THE SPANISH AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION (AECID) AND PHILIPPINE COMMISSION ON WOMEN AWARDED TO THE PROVINCE A PLAQUE OF RECOGNITION FOR THE INVALUABLE SUPPORT AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENT PROJECT PARTNER OF THE PCW-AECID PROJECT: INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNANCE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT WITH GENDER FOCUS: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MAGNA CARTA OF WOMEN.

SPECIAL COMMENDATION WAS ALSO CONFERRED TO THE PROVINCE IN APPRECIATION OF ITS EFFORT AND INITIATIVES IN STRENGTHENING CONVERGENCE OF SUPPORT AND SERVICES ON THE MANAGEMENT OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN CASES IN AKLAN, THEREBY ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY AND FULFILMENT OF WOMEN’S HUMAN RIGHTS.

THE YEAR ROUND STRENGTHENING OF OUR EXISTING DRRM PROGRAMS BY THE PROVINCIAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION OFFICE EARNED FOR THE PROVINCE THE 3RD BEST PROVINCIAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT COUNCIL IN THE 2016 GAWAD KALASAG AWARDS LAST DECEMBER 2016.

I WAS MADE AWARE THAT FOR THIS YEAR’S AWARDS, WE WON AS THE 2ND BEST PROVINCIAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT COUNCIL IN THE WHOLE REGION.

OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS WILL NEVER BE BLEAK WITH THE EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE OF OUR TREASURY OFFICES.  AND SUCH DID NOT GO UNNOTICED BY THE BUREAU OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE AS THEY CONFERRED TO OUR PROVINCIAL TREASURER’S OFFICE:

• A PLAQUE OF RECOGNITION FOR 2ND OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE COLLECTION OF REAL PROPERTY TAX HAVING OBTAINED A PERFORMANCE RATING OF 91.48%
• PLAQUE OF RECOGNITION FOR 2ND OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE COLLECTION OF ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE WITH PERFORMANCE RATING OF 139.54% AND
• CERTIFICATE OF CITATION FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE COLLECTION FEES AND CHARGES HAVING OBTAINED A PERFORMANCE RATING OF 91.46%.

THE BUREAU OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE AWARDED TO OUR PROVINCIAL ASSESSOR’S OFFICE THE:

• 2ND OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE VALUATION OF REAL PROPERTIES IN THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN WHICH FACILITATED THE COLLECTION OF REAL PROPERTY TAX FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2015, HAVING OBTAINED THE 2ND HIGHEST PERFORMANCE RATING OF 91.48% UNDER THE CATEGORY OF PROVINCES OF REGION VI AND
• CERTIFICATE OF CITATION FOR ENHANCING REAL PROPERTY VALUATION AND LOCAL REVENUE GENERATION THROUGH BEST PRACTICE.

SA GIHAPON, PARA SA DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, 2016 SEAL OF GOOD LOCAL GOVERNANCE AWARDEE GIHAPON RONG AKLAN NGA KUNG SIIN MAKABUOE KITA SA PERFORMANCE CHALLENGE FUND IT 4 MILLION PESOS PARA SA PAG-IMPROBAR IT ATONG KARSADAHON.

AWARDEE MAN KITA SA 2016 SEACH FOR EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE (EXCELL AWARDS) IT DILG. 2ND RUNNER-UP SA ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNANCE, 2ND RUNNER-UP SA SOCIAL GOVERNANCE, 1ST RUNNER-UP SA ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE AND 2ND RUNNER-UP BEST PERFORMING LGU SA BILOG NGA REGION 6.

THESE AWARDS MIRROR THE REALITY THAT OUR PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS CONTINUE TO DO ORDINARY THINGS EXTRAORDINARILY WELL.

WHILE WE TREASURE ALL THE AWARDS AND THE PRAISES THAT WE RECEIVED, LET US NOT DO WORK FOR RECOGNITION BUT INSTEAD, TAKE ON OUR WORK OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND MAKE IT WORTHY OF RECOGNITION.

LET US FIND JOY IN OURSELVES THROUGH THE IMPACT THAT WE MAKE ON THE CLIENTS THAT WE SERVE.

IT IS INNATE IN A PERSON’S HUMANITY TO BE OF SERVICE TO OTHERS. IT IS A JOURNEY OF CONTINUOUSLY FINDING THAT FEELING OF SELF WORTH.

THIS IS WHAT FUELS ME TO LEAVE IBAJAY EARLY TO REPORT FOR WORK IN THE CAPITOL AND THANKFULLY AN ACCEPTABLE REASON FOR MY FAMILY WHENEVER I AM COMING HOME LATE.

ABO GID NGA SAEAMAT.

GOD BLESS THE PROVINCE AND THE PEOPLE OF AKLAN!

Aklan needs P1 billion for infrastructure to survive climate change

The province of Aklan needs billions of pesos worth of infrastructure projects to survive the continued onslaught of climate change.

Leo Bionat, assistant district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Aklan, said they are already using a P50-million road concreting project at the boundary of the diversion road of Barangays Jawili, Tangalan and Bugtong Bato in Ibajay.

“The incidents of falling rocks and scouring has been a perennial problem every time there is a heavy downpour of rain [brought about by climate change] in the area. We had initially allocated P50 million to fix the area, but the problem continues to worsen,”  he added.

Bionat said they also asked the DPWH to increase its budget for the province to stabilize the highway. The diversion road is being used by tourists bound to Boracay from Kalibo, especially those who have private cars.

“The diversion road is currently only partially open for transport. We hope to open the diversion road fully by September,” he said.

Earlier, the local government of Kalibo sought the help of the DPWH to provide funds for the full operation of a municipal-wide drainage system to fix the flooding problem of Kalibo.

In a report of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the towns of Kalibo, Banga, Madalag, Balete, New Washington, Libacao, Lezo and Altavas were the most prone to flooding in the province.

“In the past few decades, because of climate change, our storm drains as big as 10 to 15 inches in diameter, which have been replaced with box-culvert types of 4 to 6 feet deep, are still not enough to prevent two months worth of rain with a worst-case scenario of 100 years worth of rain,” said Terence Toriano of the Kalibo Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office.

“Prevention is impossible, as we do not have the type of budget needed amounting to billions of pesos, while mitigation like the regular drainage declogging is not enough with the amount of rain similar to the ones we frequently experience during heavy rains,” he added.

The town is located in an average of high to very high flood-susceptibility tract of land, while only parts of Barangay Tigayon and most of Barangay Linabuan Norte are located in a low flood-susceptibity area.

In Boracay, the local government of Malay,  Aklan, also needs billions of pesos to mitigate the problem of flooding in the  main road.

Complaints on Boracay’s slow Internet prompt governor to write telcos

Foreigners visiting the world’s best beach on this island have complained so much about slow Internet speeds that its governor is taking matters into his own hands.

No, he’s not putting up his own telecommunications company. But he won’t exactly be putting up with poor service either.

Aklan governor Florencio Miraflores said that the province will be “sending letters” to both Globe Telecom and Smart Communications, requesting faster Internet access after tourists have complained about Web connections slowing to a crawl.

“Our tourists who have been complaining that they need faster Internet while in Boracay both for leisure and business. This should be properly addressed if we need to maintain Boracay as a premier tourism destination,” he told Newsbytes.PH in an interview.

From January to June this year, the island has already attracted 1.1 million tourists, meeting a little more than half of Aklan province’s two million visitor target for 2017.

“Previously, we have been asking local and regional telecom managers [to do something about] slow Internet speed but they could not do anything. It is now the time that we will elevate this concerns to their national management,” he said.

In an earlier interview, Dennis Villorente an undersecretary of the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT) said the government is planning to have a national summit soon. To be held in Metro Manila, the summit is expected to discuss the mandate of the Duterte administration to speed up the Internet service in the country.