Jalaur Dam faces delay?
Transcription
Jalaur Dam faces delay?
y m c k P7.00 y m c k http://www.thedailyguardian.net [emails: [email protected] l [email protected]] Entered as Second Class Mail at Iloilo City Post Office negros ALI to continue dev’t project – Gov City Hall eyes RPT increase vol. xii No. 242 PAGES Western Visayas, Philippines = 24 3 Sections = Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 By Wenceslao E. Mateo Jr. THE Iloilo City government is eyeing to increase Real Property Tax (RPT) next year. The adjustment is contained in a proposed ordinance which was introduced to the City Council last February 4. Councilor Plaridel Nava, committee on ways and means, said the ordinance is based on the recommendations of the City Assessor’s Office (CAO). Local government units have the power to adjust the RPT every three years. The last RPT increase passed by the Council was in 2006 but City Hall /p11 REAL property taxes in Iloilo City might increase next year amid the rapid growth in land development projects by various investors such as Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao district. (Tara Yap) Power plant good for Calajunan recyclers See page 8 Yolanda rehab in Iloilo inadequate By Tara Yap REHABILITATION programs remain inadequate three months after Typhoon Yolanda devastated Iloilo, according to Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. Defensor said that while overflowing help both from foreign and domestic groups was encouraging, the road to longterm recovery is still slow. “We need more help,” Defensor appealed. Defensor said small-scale fishermen have benefited the most from the rehabilitation programs that were implemented through public–private partnership (PPP). But other sectors have yet to avail of necessary aids such as homes for those whose houses were totally destroyed, rehabilitation of agricultural livelihood and reconstructing of damaged infrastructures including schools buildings. Defensor said various Yolanda /p11 Jalaur Dam faces delay? By Wenceslao E. Mateo Jr. A KOREAN firm investing in a waste-to-energy plant inside the dumpsite in Mandurriao, Iloilo City said it will not compete with waste pickers and recyclers. Officials of Dream ENG Company also assured that locals will benefit from the power plant it will jointly operate with the City government in the next 20 years. Youn Pyo Hong, Dream ENG board chairman, signed the joint venture agreement with Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog Thursday, signaling the start of construction works of the plant in a government lot beside the Calajunan dumpsite. The plant is expected to be finished in two years. The firm said they will not dislocate waste pickers and recyclers at Calajunan. Power plant /p11 ENGR. Gerardo Corsiga (standing left), NIA regional manager, gives updates on the Jalaur Dam project before officials and members of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (FAA) By Maricyn A. De los Santos to complete the P11.2-billion Jalaur Multi-Purpose ProjectII before President Benigno Aquino III’s term ends in 2016 NIA-6 regional manager THE National Irrigation Authority (NIA) said it will try C ONLU CUSTOMS BROKERAGE & CARGO HANDLING SERVICES Door No. 3, One Rodolfo Place Corner Montinola & Muelley Loney Sts. Brgy. Pres. Roxas Iloilo City We provide for all your Importation & Exportation needs: l l l l Tariff Consultancy Import/Export Documentation Customs Clearance Exemption processing l l l l Application/Renewal of Accreditation Trucking Services Freight Forwarding Ship Agency Cell No: 0917-623-2100 Telefax:(033) 509-81-82 (033) 336-38-32 (033) 396-43-60 y m c k Email: [email protected] [email protected] y m c k Gerardo Corsiga said they will work overtime to finish one of the legacy projects of the present administration. In a meeting with the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. Thursday, Corsiga said the project will be functional by 2016 despite moving the completion date to 2017. In a separate interview, Corsiga said they will try to complete the project on time. “We will try our best to complete it by 2016. We expect that the detailed engineering and design phase will be completed by August or September this year before we can start the bidding for the procurement of civil works by November and December 2014,” Corsiga said. Korean consortium Dasan Consultants will undertake the detailed engineering and design phase of the project. “By early 2015, we can start the construction of the high dams,” he said. The project involves the construction of three high dams – the Jalaur River reservoir, afterbay and catch dams – aside from Jalaur Dam /p11 ‘Sicogon farmers will get lots’ THE DEPARTMENT of Agrarian Reform 6 (DAR) in Iloilo said beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in a disputed island in Carles town will get their lots as soon as they finish the posting requirement for the notice of coverage. Gideon Umadhay, provincial agrarian reform officer, said the awarding of lots to farmers of Sicogon Island, Carles might happen in the first quarter of this year. Umadhay said most awardees are members of the Federation of Sicogon Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (FESIFFA). “We assured farmers that their lots will be awarded to them soon,” he said. The 259 CARP beneficiaries of Sicogon took their oath before Judge Kim Oliver Enojas of the 1st Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) in the town of Balasan, Iloilo last October 2013. Umadhay said the oath signified that all farmer beneficiaries were aware of their obligation under the department’s existing program. The director said the CARP beneficiaries will avail the 334hectare land in the villages of Alipata, San Fernando and Buaya. The awarding of lots was delayed last year as several members of FESSIFA questioned some fake claimants of the lot grant. But Umadhay said the alleged fake claimants underwent strict screening and verification. Umadhay said their office is now finalizing some documents for the awarding so that the beneficiaries could start cultivating their farms. Portions of lots to be awarded to beneficiaries are being claimed by the Sarrosa clan of the Sicogon Development Corporation (SIDECO). The conflict between SIDECO and the beneficiaries erupted following plans to redevelop the island into a resort. (MGC/PNA) 2 Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 TopNews Guardian the daily Western Visayas Most Read and Respected Region 6 got P8.79B infra projects in 2013 B y T ara Y ap A TOTAL of P8.79 billion worth of infrastructure projects were implemented in Western Visayas last year, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6). Engr. Lea Delfinado, DPWH-6 assistant regional director, said the amount covered 1,463 projects in the six provinces of Western Visayas. Delfinado said total of 1,014 projects were completely finished by end of 2013. A total of 403 ongoing projects are expected to be finished within the first two quarters of 2014 while the remaining 46 projects will undergo bidding this year. The province of Negros Occidental had the biggest share of projects amounting to P1.92 billion. It included P1.704 billion for 397 projects in various localities and the P213.714 million for projects in Bacolod City. The province of Iloilo got P1.55 billion worth of projects. Iloilo province received 333 projects worth P1.215 billion while 33 projects worth P335.67 million were poured in Iloilo City. DPWH-6 also implemented 99 projects worth P501.83 million in Capiz; 107 projects totaling P380.05 million in Aklan; 151 projects worth P282.164 million in Antique; and 27 projects worth P198.64 million in Guimaras. Delfinado said DPWH-6 handled the implementation of 63 projects worth P3.97 billion. These include school building projects funded by Department of Education (DepEd-6) and farm-to-market road projects funded by Department of Agriculture (DA-6). China denounces PNoy over Nazi remark HOLES IN THE ROAD. Road diggings sprout in Luna Street, LaPaz, Iloilo City due to ongoing work widening and rehabilitation works. (Tara Yap) CHINA’S Foreign Ministry denounced the President Benigno Aquino III on Friday for his “outrageous” comments comparing the dispute over the South China Sea with appeasement by the West of Nazi Germany before World War Two. Aquino, interviewed by the New York Times this week, called for more global support for the Philippines over the territorial issue, comparing it to the failure by the West to support Czechoslovakia against Adolf Hitler’s demands in 1938. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei rejected the comparison, saying it was the Philippines that was illegally occupying Chinese islands in the South China Sea. The Philippines refers to parts of the South China Sea as West Philippine Sea. “China is a country which resolutely upholds international justice and made huge sacrifices for victory during the global anti-fascist war and a historical contribution which cannot be obliterated,” Hong told a daily news briefing, referring to World War Two. “Talking about China and the Philippines’ South China Sea dispute in the same breath as World War Two is outrageous and totally unreasonable. China is extremely dissatisfied with what the Philippines’ said.” China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei all have territorial claims across a waterway that provides 10 percent of the global fisheries catch and carries $5 trillion in ship-borne trade. China reacted angrily last week to a report in a Japanese newspaper that Beijing was considering setting up a new air defence identification zone in the South China Sea, similar to one it announced last year for the East China Sea. The report prompted the United States to urge China not to set China denounces /p11 c m y k c m y k c m y k c m y k 4 Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 nation Guardian the daily Western Visayas Most Read and Respected WVisayas focuses on culture-based tourism By Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY – Western Visayas is focused on developing culture-based tourism products. Department of Tourism (DOT-6) regional director Helen Catalbas it’s the people who make the country attractive. “What makes the Philippines more attractive is not its beaches, is not its festivals, is not its trees and forests. It is the Filipino people themselves,” she said in her message during the launch of the Philippine Arts Festival (PAF) recently here. Thousands of students, tourism stakeholders, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) officials and local government officials, among others graced the PAF launch. “Take away the Filipino from the beaches, from the hospitality and tourism industry and our beaches will be nothing but just like any anywhere else,” Catalbas said. Catalbas said Capiz has a potential for culture-based tourism products especially that the place is envisioned as the “Eco-Cultural Tourism Hub in Central Philippines.” She also challenged PAF participants to contribute in making Philippines a more fun country by “putting forth the artist in each of us.” She also said that artworks contribute to the country’s tourism slogan “Its More Fun in the Philippines” especially if these art expressions are cascaded to the grassroots level. Aside from culture-based tourism, the region is also known for the world-renowned beach of Boracay, biggest bell in Asia, sweetest mangoes in the world and country’s top festivals like Dinagyang, Masskara and AtiAtihan, among others. (PIA-Capiz) German cruise chip STEER gives hope cancels Boracay visit to Yolanda survivors BORACAY Island – A German cruise ship cancelled its sojourn to this island due to bad weather. Niven Maquirang, Caticlan jetty port administrator, said a typhoon which hit Taiwan prevented MS Deutschland from proceeding to this island resort. “The MS Deutschland which is supposed to arrive in Boracay February 7 has been cancelled because of the typhoon. There is no definite schedule yet as to when will the trip resume,” Maquirang said. MS Deutschland was supposed to bring 367 German nationals, few Australians and Filipinos together with some 300 crewmembers to Boracay. But other international cruise ships such as MS Europa 2 is scheduled to arrive here Saturday. MS Costa Rica will also visit this island before month’s end. At least six international cruise ships are expected to arrive here this year. (J.N. Aguirre/PNA) By Lilibeth A. French THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is helping typhoon Yolanda survivors in Western Visayas through its Skills Training for Emergency Employment Recovery Program (STEER). TESDA-6 Director Yolanda Porschwitz said their central office released an initial P2 million for the implementation of STEER which provides skills training opportunities to survivors in areas heavily affected by the super typhoon. A total of P500,000 each went to the provinces of Iloilo and Capiz; P400,000 to Negros Occidental; and P300,000 each to Aklan and Antique. In Iloilo, Porschwitz said training on basic carpentry and masonry is ongoing in the towns of Estancia and Concepcion which suffered the brunt of Yolanda. The training covers 165 survivors from the two municipalities. Trainees will also be provided with starter toolkits and will also be allowed to take the competency assessment test after the STEER gives /p11 What are the side effects? There are no documented side effects of milk thistle. Even very high doses do not seem to have any negative effects. However, some people get an upset stomach or have more gas when they start using silymarin. If this happens, cut back on your dosage and then increase it slowly. How do we know it works? Milk thistle has been used over 2,000 years, so a lot has been written about its health effects. There have been over 300 scientific studies of silymarin that document. What is Silymarin? Silymarin refers to the extract from the seeds of the plant Silybum marianum, also called “milk thistle”. It has been used for over 2,000 years. During the Middle Ages, the seed of the milk thistle was commonly used to treat liver diseases. The active ingredients of milk thistle are chemicals called flavonoids in milk thistle are silybin, silydianin and silyhristin. Together, they are called silymarin. What are the benefits of Silymarin? Silymarin protects the liver by acting as an anti-oxidant and by promoting the Growth of new liver cells.Milk thistle can help prevent or reverse liver damage caused by alcohol, recreational drugs, pesticides or hepatitis. What do people with HIV use Silymarin? Some medicines used to fight HIV can damage the liver. People who had hepatitis are more likely to have problems when they take anti-HIV drugs. Milk thistle might help prevent liver damage. How is Silymarin used? Silymarin is an extract of the seeds of the Milk thistle plant. A standardized extract should be 80% silymarin (the active ingredient). The usual dosage of milk Thistle extract is between 300mg and 600mg daily. • Antioxidant effect • Treatment of chronic hepatitis • Helping the liver repair itself • Treatment of cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcoholism. • Treatment of poisoning due to eating wild mushrooms. Livermin is manufactured by Korean Ginseng Research Co., Ltd. and Korean Red Ginseng Sales Center. Available at Iloilo Supermart Medicine Corner and Costco Medicine Shoppe. c m y k c m y k c m y k c m y k c m y k 6 Guardian the daily Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 Opinion Western Visayas Most Read and Respected Guardian the daily Western Visayas Most Read and Respected Manila Office: I S s i o A successful and reliable newspaper the Ilonggos are proud of; highly respected by its readers; and trusted by the community it responsibly serves. Lemuel T. Fernandez Publisher (On leave) Francis Allan L. Angelo Editor-in-Chief jigger s. latoza Editorial Consultant Lyndon b. mitra Sports Editor Justine Christia marie S. Obando Lifestyle Editor JOY A. CAÑON Marketing Consultant Artchil Fernandez Gossip nation atty. Israel ian feliciano Atty. patrick gellada Atty. Leo Monserate Atty. rey Canindo Legal Counsels recommended on the same social platform 3,300 times.” On the other hand, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) report on the Navarro-Cornejo-Lee scandal “amassed some 1,575 retweets, 36,500 shares and 11,000 recommendations on Facebook” at the same time. Mainstream media coverage was heavily tilted in favor of the Navarro-Cornejo-Lee story. Prime time news reports were dominated by the beating of Navarro/alleged rape of Cornejo as well as front stories of tabloids and broadsheets. Social media were burning with the same issue and it was also the hot topic in parties, group chit-chat, even executive meetings. For the vast majority of Filipinos, the momentous breakthrough in the peace talks in Mindanao is a non-issue. That the sexual misadventure of a so-so comedian is more important to most Filipinos than the prospect of peace in a centuries old conflict is a distressing commentary on the state of mind and mentality of many Filipinos. Tattletale is more interesting to them than substantial issues or things that matter most like finding solution to the bloody conflict in the south. Fireworks should have been lit across the archipelago when the last of the four annexes in peace accord, the normalization portion was signed by the peace panels of the government of the Philippines and the MILF. It was a historic breakthrough and the MILF should be given the highest praise and accolade for conceding so much for the sake of peace. Four decades of war brought untold suffering and destruction in Mindanao. The MILF had been waging a war for secession that would have dismembered the country. But in the course of the current peace negotiation, the MILF dropped its secession demand and opted for autonomy. Abandoning its secession struggle entailed a supreme sacrifice on the part of the MILF and for this its leadership should be exceedingly commended for the highest act of statesmanship. What’s more, in the recently signed annex on normalization, the MILF agreed to deactivate its military force and the laying down of its weapons. This is the most significant component of the peace accord. Giving up its weapons is not easy for an armed group like the MILF. It is like the MILF agreed to be stripped naked. For this, the entire MILF, both the rank-and-file and the leadership must Hot & Spicy /p11 View Point LARRY WAYNE SARACHO OIC-Marketing/Circulation Manager ROMYLEEN ‘BEM’ B. MITRA Bureau Chief, Manila Editorial/Business Offices Cell: 0929-9765533 Albert t. mamora Cor. Gen. Leandro Fullon & Bagumbayan Street Brgy., 8, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique angelique l. inocencio Roxas Bureau Chief, McKinley St., Roxas City • Tel. No. (036) 6215-316 DOLLY Y. YASA Negros Bureau Chief, 1722 Phi St., Greenville Subd., Bacolod City, Cell: 09205927958 Email: [email protected] Sherryl Mallorca Kalibo/Boracay Bureau Chief Sitio Lugutan, Manoc Manoc, Boracay, Malay, Aklan 09175511733/09983988913 http://thedailyguardian.net • e-mail: [email protected] Exclusive Marketing Member Partner Juan L. Mercado Riding the whirlwind W an election.” David foresees a “dysfunctional return” of the Thai military. In his second column, he writes: Thailand must “go back to elections sooner or later.” But the “terms of those elections must not be predetermined... Only then can elections be a source of legitimacy.” Set David’s analysis in economic and historical context. We worked in Thailand, as a political exile-turned-United Nations officer, for 17 years. Thailand and the Philippines had, in the 1970s, almost identical demographic and economic profiles. Both were dubbed the” Asean Twins.” Thailand adopted a population policy. We waffled. Today, there are 69.5 million Thais and 98.7 million Filipinos. The difference is about seven Singapores. A bogged down demographic transition carries a stiff human cost. Consider the “Under Age 5 Death Rates.” Here, 29 out of every 1,000 kids die. It is 11 for Thailand. Sunday “here were no winners, only losers” wrote Elliot Brennan of Sweden’s Institute for Security and Development Policy. GDP growth, in 2014 may dwindle from over 5 to less than 2 percent in Southeast Asia’s second biggest economy. Thaksin supporters, in the northern city of Chiang Mai, chant about setting up a “a temporary capital. Along the porous borders are ThaiMyanmar trafficking routes. They’ve funnelled opium and metham- 7 Opinion Focus Modesto P. Sa-onoy n V isi o n HO remembers that Thailand was once marketed as “Land of a Thousand Smiles”? Instead of uniting the country, Sunday’s election – where voters cast ballots in 333 of the country’s 375 constituencies – failed to defuse an increasingly violent stalemate. On one side is Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government. She’s clobbered of fronting for her brother, Thaksin, ousted in 2006. In the other corner is former Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban. His People’s Democratic Reform Committee demands an unelected council to effect “reforms.” Thaksin is corrupt. And from abroad, he foments unrest. His desire to supplant the monarchy, thru manipulation “feeds a visceral hate for Thaksin among well-educated, worldly Thais.” This impasse should interest Filipinos, Inquirer’s Randy David wrote. Twice, we were in the same fix. Edsa 1 and 2 challenged the right of incumbents – Ferdinand Marcos, then Joseph Estrrada – to continue wielding powers of government. That recast “the meaning of legitimacy ...that it does not rest solely, or primarily, on winning Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 Western Visayas Most Read and Respected Main office: To become an independent guardian of truth and justice; socially responsive and un-compromising exponent of positive change and public enlightenment. T the daily Guzman Street, Mandurriao, Iloilo City Tel. Nos. 321-6124 • 508-2692 M HE DISGUSTING state of Philippine society is once more in full display in the last two weeks. Two events again confirmed that the Philippines is a land of small minds. Historic event unfolded last week with the signing of the last of the four annexes on the peace agreement being forged between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MILF). While the annex on the decommissioning of MILF’s fighters, one of the thorniest issues in the peace agreement was being signed in Malaysia, reckless comedian Vhong Navarro was beaten black and blue in the condominium unit of starlet Deniece Cornejo. Guess which issue captured the attention of the nation. No contest here, the Navarro-Cornejo-Lee scandal drowned the GRP-MILF proposed peace deal. The Inquirer reported that its banner story on the signing of the last annex of the peace agreement was “retweeted 65 times, shared on Facebook 1,071 times and Guardian is a publication of Kayo & Partners Co., a SEC-registered company Unit 2417 Cityland Shaw Tower, Shaw Blvd., cor. St. Francis Street, Mandaluyong City, M.M. Tel. (02) 6329859 Hot&Spicy c m y k Lost memories HIS SAYING is attributed to the Chinese: If you want to be immortal, you must do three things in life. First, plant a tree, second, bear a son and third, write a book. The first two are easy enough. Some people plant hundreds of trees while others sire a dozen sons, not necessarily with the same woman. The third is rather difficult. Many want to do it, wish they could do it and others tried but can’t do it. I am reminded of this saying after going over the book lent to me by Bob Lacson. The book “My Lolo Domingo Franco” by Celia Diaz Laurel, wife of the late Vice President Salvador “Doy” Laurel focuses, as the title suggests on Celia’s maternal grandfather, one of the Thirteen Martyrs of Bagumbayan. They were the first Filipino leaders to be arrested for rebellion in 1896 and executed in January the following year by firing squad in Bagumbayan. Though Domingo Franco, son of Juan and Ciriaca Tuazon, was from Mambusao where he was a leading citizen, his family moved to Manila. T He was associated with the reformists, led by Jose Rizal and Apolinario Mabini and became among the leaders. He was imprisoned and despite the torture, he refused to reveal the secrets of the revolution and implicate others. Celia Laurel recorded the lost memories of her grandfather, the information she reveals in this book are bits and pieces, morsels if you will, of our history that do not merit mention in grand writings of historians who look at the wider and higher scopes of national chronicles. However, stories of families like this book by Madame Laurel are important for a deeper and more personal understanding and appreciation of our heroes. Take a look at Jose Rizal. In all his photos, portraits and statues or stories about his life, have you ever seen him smile or laugh and acting playful that would show that he is also a human being with a heart, other than his romantic exploits? What was the paralytic Apolinario Mabini doing while bound to his chair in his house in Nagtahan? Domingo Franco lived in a house across of Mabini and he would often go and visit and talk of political reforms and to a large extent helped shaped their thoughts for the nation. Author Laurel records the narratives of her mother, Concepcion about the two men. She said she would often “see Mabini looking out pensively from his window” and that her grandfather used to carry her mother on his shoulders across the street and “the two men would chat animatedly until dusk descended on them.” And what of Rizal who became Domingo’s friend and corresponded with him while Rizal was in Spain, in exile and in detention in Dapitan? Laurel retells what her mother told him about the “playful” Rizal. “Jose Rizal during his visits to their home would playfully take her by the hands and whirl her about until she screamed with delight.” Imagine how you felt when your father or uncle or elder brother did that to you when you too were a child. Indeed it was a delight and both of you enjoyed and surely remembered the moment. Not only that. “At other times, he (Rizal) would sit her on his lap and tell her enchanting tales.” These are tidbits you don’t find in history books but they make our heroes human and vulnerable as we all are. I remember interviewing the grandmother of Anita Feria some years back in Iloilo. She was then 105 years old and already blind. She told me how Rizal would visit the girls in their dormitory and while waiting, Rizal would talk to them who were still young. She told me of Rizal’s habit of passing his hands through his head and flipping his head backwards. The book on Domingo Franco is rich with human interest information during the early days of the revolution as well as solid history. One does not find these in our history textbook and hardly written about. I always encourage families to write down the memories of their parents regardless of their station in life. Facts that people ordinarily ignore as unimportant or insignificant may be the missing links in explaining or understanding the big picture. We must record the memories of our parents for once they are gone their memories that form part of our history will be lost forever. But how does one write a book and immortalize our memories? That is indeed the most challenging part but it is not really frightening. Ex Scripturis Fr. Czar Emmanuel Alvarez, O.S.A. One and the same vocation for all Christians 5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Gospel Reading: Matthew 5,13-16 E BELIEVE that everything has a purpose (cf. Pr 16:4) and, more so, man, who has been created to God’s “image and likeness” (Gen 1:26-27) and, as such, possesses reason and free will. It is with the same faculties that one must discover meaning and his goal in life. We speak of “vocation” or “calling” in this case. It is not by fortuitous chance that we exist and live at a particular point in time (cf. Qo 3:1.11.17). Our Gospel reading this Sunday conveys this idea through two very ordinary and simple images – those of a salt and a light: “You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world” (vv.13-14). We all know what a salt or a light is for. The former serves to add flavor to food or to preserve it for longer conservation. The latter, on the other hand, serves to dissipate darkness and enable us to see instead of groping our way around. Both the salt and the light, however, can fail to serve the purpose they are made for. Thus, a salt can go flat, while a light can be hidden away or even extinguished (cf. vv.13.15). Applying this to the case of man, the Lord seems to be telling us, at least, two things: first, that like the salt or the light, we too have a W purpose in life; and, second, we too can fail to realize such purpose, for one reason or another. From these two simple messages we can derive some implications or corollaries. First, while we hold that God has a particular purpose in mind when He created us (cf. Is 25:1; 14:24; Rom 8:28; etc.), it is still our task to discover exactly what it is. As we have mentioned earlier, we have been endowed with reason and it is precisely by using it that we can discover meaning in life and the purpose of our existence. The Bible gives us indications that should guide us in our personal search for God’s will (e.g. Col 1:20). The discovery of our end gives us a sense of orientation which, in turn, should guide us as to how to use our time, energy, talents, resources, etc., in the present life. Second, once we have discovered what our purpose in life is, we should stick to it and avoid anything that could distract and prevent us from reaching it. The realization of one’s goal in life takes effort, discipline, sacrifices, patience, courage, constancy, focus, etc. We really should not expect things to be offered us on a silver platter as if we do not have to do anything at all to obtain them. Others may help us in reaching our goals in life, but we remain as the principal actors in the play. In the end, we will be the ones to give an account of it to God and be asked as to how we have spent it. Third, we need to assume full responsibility for our personal lives. If we fail to realize and live up to what we think is the purpose of our existence, then we have no one else to blame but ourselves. We should not blame situations and the people around us as responsible for our personal ineptness, shortcomings and inadequacy. Although the Sacred Scriptures stress interpersonal relationship, personal responsibility is likewise highlighted. The possible negative influences that other people (and even unwanted situations) may have on us are never an excuse for our failure to realize our purpose in life. Everything that we have said so far, of course, need to be read in Christological terms – that is to say, with ultimate reference to Jesus Christ and his teachings in the Gospels. As Christians, it is through God’s revelation in the person and mission of the Lord that we ought to understand and discover our purpose in life (cf. Eph 3:10-11). The Son of God is the paradigm of a perfect man or of what the Creator expects from us (cf. Eph 4:13). He fully reveals to us what being made according to God’s “image and likeness” really means. By imitating Jesus, those who believe in him can realize their purpose in life. Needless to say, being a “Christian” finds various concrete expressions depending on one’s personal calling and state of life. We speak of different “vocations” in this regard. But the invitation to put Christ’s teachings into practice remains the same for everybody. We all share in one and the same vocation – that of becoming good Christians or, to use our Gospel reading’s phrase, “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” Hole of Justice Peter Jimenea A story behind his death phetamine for decades. Next door Myanmar’s still fragile transition to democracy could be savaged. Yangon has conveyed concerns. A coup would be the country’s 19th since 1932. Some fret about threat of civil war. That’d ignite unrest in Muslim separatists in Southern Thailand and rock ASEAN to its roots. Dismounting from the whirlwind will only become harder later on. Bhumibol belongs to the Chakri Dynasty which started to rule Siam in 1782. And what jars about today’s clashes is the almost complete absence of a king who, for 67 years, wielded a moral influence greater than constitutions. The king marked his 86th birthday last Dec. 5. As always, a respectful truce marked the occasion. But there was no masking his fragility as he struggled through a short speech. With Queen Sirikit, 81, he lives in a seaside palace to the south. Both suffer debilitating ailments. But the brawl between Red and Yellow Shirts brings up a rarely discussed issue where lese majeste laws are stiff. “Did he fail to prepare a future for Thailand as a mature democracy after he passes?” asks Paul Handley in “The Royal Meddler.” The absolute throne was overthrown when Bhumibol was five. “He built a traditional, deified Buddhist kingship, at first guided by die-hard View Point /p11 I LOILO CITY could have some similarities in the story of FBI agent Melvin Purvis, the protector of Al Capone in his liquor business. The FBI twice arrested Roger Touhy, the only surviving rival of Capone in beer trade and charged him with kidnapping done by other gangs, thus, Touhy was exonerated. But on the second arrest, Purvis had Touhy convicted of kidnapping Jake Factor, Capone’s underworld business associate. Unknown to the FBI man, he was set-up by Capone to ensure that his business rival Touhy’s would serve a long prison term. This emboldened Capone to sell more alcohol in defiance of the Liquor Ban Law. He is also noted in attending his victims’ funerals pretending in grief and staying unshaved during the mourning period. His only problem is the neophyte but a remorse- less gangster “Bugs” Moran who is a threat to his business. But this war with Moran ended shortly when his loyal gang-men perpetrated the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Disguised as police officers, five Capone men wiped out five Moran toughies, a motor mechanic and an optometrist who just like to hang out with crooks inside an emptied-warehouse. This story transfigures the many tragic stories of murders for money. Take the case of the “Kuratong Baleleng Gang,” the Atimonan ambush believed to be perpetrated by a group of police officers assisted by Army soldiers. The same police brutality was seen in the killing of Jake Segovia at Barangay Ortiz, Iloilo City, years ago. But this one refers to the murder of PO2 Rex de los Reyes in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental. During the stint of PRO-6 Director Isagani Cuevas, Reyes was implicated in a robbery at Kalibo, Aklan. c m y k They were intercepted at a checkpoint in Pandan, Antique on their way-out to this province. The police discovered inside their getaway carjacked van assorted weapons and ammunitions as recorded in the Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO). But his exoneration was something we cannot fathom. Thus, he felt untouchable. As a matter of fact, the shooting of the two radio broadcasters who survived are attributed to him. Worse, his alleged latest victim is a peaceful and non-gossiper radio reporter Jhey-R, a friend of a known peace-maker in the city. This gives a strong warning to neophytes never to insult him or he can give the taste of what it takes if the push comes to shove! No drugs in this story, however, numbers maybe. The shooting of Kapid Gabio can be traced back to the issue of a government project which he made into an exposé. The killing of Guimaras real estate c m y k agent Richard Cezar is widely believed to have rooted from a land problem. The murder of contractor Jimmy Punzalan has no linkage with illegal drugs, but numbers could be. The victim has reportedly earned the ire of another financier of STL “bookies” after their lair was raided by authorities and a big amount of bet was confiscated. They suspect Jimmy as the one who fingered the place to the raiding authorities. Then came the murder of retired P/Supt. Musa Amiyong. There are reports that no illegal activities are involved in his murder but it was a crime of passion. After a careful circling and sniffing to all quarters, I am convinced the cause is – dahil sa isang bulaklak! This story is sending us a strong signal that he who lives by the gun will die by the guns. Here, the tragedy is not to perish but the failure to know that while you kill for money, others kill for nothing. For now, if you want peace, be prepared for war. Negros ALI to continue dev’t project – Gov 8 Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 By Dolly Yasa Bacolod City – Property developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) will continue with its development project in the contested prime property of Negros Occidental, believes Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. The governor said he believes that ALI will continue with the development project for the Capitol-owned 7.7-hectare prime lot here despite its rival’s SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s pronouncement it will seek legal remedies regarding the court’s dismissal of the case the latter filed against the provincial government. The governor said the SMPHI’s attempt to seek more legal remedies to question the bidding of the prime lot is an “exercise in futility.” While it is the right of SMPHI to pursue its suit, it is a delaying tactic that is to the disadvantage of the people of Negros Occidental, Marañon said. He said he believes ALI will proceed with its development of the Capitol property, especially the section set to be leased. The entry of Ayala will be a boost to Bacolod and Negros Occidental economies, and will create thousands of jobs, he said. In his Jan. 23, 2014 decision, Regional Trial Court Branch 50 Judge Estefanio Libutan Jr. denied SMPHI’s petition against Marañon and the members of the Committee Guardian the daily Western Visayas Most Read and Respected on Awards and Disposal of Real Properties of Negros Occidental for lack of merit. SMPHI had asked the court to nullify the resolution of the Committee declaring the July 7, 2011 bidding of the 7.7-hectare property a failure, and to name SMPHI the winning bidder. However the court found no evidence to prove that the respondents gravely abused their discretion in an arbitrary and despotic manner in declaring the bidding a failure. SMPHI legal counsel Atty. Vincent Patrick Bayhon earlier said that “SM will not abandon its cause and it remains confident that its efforts will result to a just and equitable resolution.” COKALIONG SHIPPING LINES, INC. Tel. # (033) 335-8833; 5093333 ILOILO-CEBU CEBU-ILOILO TOURNEY. Guest speaker Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella (3rd from left) during the opening of the St. Joseph School - La Salle Alumni Inter-Class Bowling Tournament hosted by Batch ‘89. Also in photo are (from left) Brgy. Villamonte Kagawad Elmer Libo-on, Alumni Association president Dr. Eduardo Sayson, former school principal Mrs. Lourdes Hiponia and batch ‘89 graduates Lalaine Villalva and Maevin Recto. BFP warns ‘Probe animal abuse in City Pound’ against faulty electrical wires By Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. BACOLOD City – The Bureau of Fire Protection-Bacolod warned the public that faulty electrical wiring and unused but plugged appliances can cause fire. Fire Marshal Major Bartolome Beliran said despite the cold weather, faulty electrical wirings and overloaded electrical connections can still trigger fire. Unused but plugged electrical appliances are also dangerous because electricity still runs in the unit, he said. He urged the public to have houses’ electrical wirings checked and maintained. Rodents and insects can damage the wires, which can trigger sparks, and eventually fire. Beliran also warned against electrical tapping, use of tampered fuses, and octopus connections. He urged households to practice good housekeeping. Dispose garbage properly, rid your surroundings of dry leaves and dispose cigarette butts properly, he said. He also appealed to sugarcane planters not to burn cane fields to clear the lot for replanting. It’s dangerous to neighboring areas, he said. Summer is still months away but as we move towards the dry season, the environment and properties become more prone to fire if the people are not cautious, he concluded. (PIA6) BACOLOD City – A city councilor wants the alleged animal abuse in Bacolod City Pound investigated following calls from netizens to stop killing dogs and have the animals made available for adoption instead. In a resolution, Councilor Jesus Puentevella requested the City Veterinary Office to answer the alleged “cruel, irregular and unethical treatment of stray animals” in the City Pound following a number of complaints and a leaked photo of caged dogs with the label “Stop Killing Dogs in the Bacolod City Pound. Mayor Puentevella, allow us to adopt dogs!” posted in social media site Facebook. The councilor cited City Ordinance No. 184 Series of 1997 which approves rabies eradication, prevention and control program. He also cited City Ordinance No. 544 Series of 2011 that establishes the dog owners’ responsibility and requires pet owners to use enclosures or fenced-in yards to “prevent rabies injury, damage and other hazards”. He said under the two enforced ordinances, caught stray dogs shall be placed at the dog pound in the City Veterinary Office otherwise, it shall be exterminated humanely. “Stray dogs were euthanized by unethical and painful means. There are other humane options of putting to sleep stray animals that were caught and impounded by the Local Government Office,” Kalaw stressed. The resolution was coauthored by co SP Member, Councilor Em Ang. CSC orders CPDO head reinstated By Dolly Yasa Bacolod City – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has ordered Bacolod City mayor Monico Puentevella to reinstate Mary Jean Ramos as City Planning and Development Office head. In a decision promulgated last Jan. 15, 2014 and was released last Feb. 4, 2014, CSC-6 Regional Director Rodolfo Encojado directed the mayor to let Ramos perform her duties and responsibilities as CPDO department head. Ramos filed a constructive dismissal case against Puentevella and the City of Bacolod before the CSC last September 2013. She claimed her transfer not as department head to the Local Economic Enterprise office was illegal, politically motivated and was without due process. The CSC orders the mayor to pay Mary Jean her backwages, representation and travel allowance and other benefits from the time of her dismissal up to her actual reinstatement. The defendants were also ordered to pay Mary Jean P500,000 for moral damages and P500,000 for exemplary damages. Encajonado said the allegation of Mary Jean that her reassignment resulted to reduction of her rank and status was neither denied nor refuted by Puentevella. Instead, the Mayor emphasized that “it is not the number of employees one has to supervise that will entirely assess the efficiency of one’s service. It is the manner on how one manages the office.” But Legal Officer Sarah Villamor said Ramos’ reassignment was valid, lawful and clearly not a demotion in status, rank or salary. Villamor said Ramos’ temporary reassignment was “due to the exigency of service in order to materialize and meet the objective of the city to improve the operational capability of all its offices after an assessment of all executive offices”. A certified public accountant and wife of former Bacolod City Councilor Dindo Ramos, Mary Jean was appointed by former mayor and now Bacolod City Rep. Evelio Leonardia. She was Victorias City accountant for 14 years and is a recipient of various awards. ILOILO-CEBU Wed- Fri- Sun Departure: 7pm Arrival: 7am CEBU-ILOILO Tue- Thu –Sat Departure: 7pm Arrival: 7am One way / Economy Class Prices and promos are subject to changes w/o prior notice. 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For details please call: ILOILO (033) 3373282 / 5098423 / 09228660338 BACOLOD (034) 7090830/ (034) 4339125 Daily Promo Rates ILOILO – CEBU CEBU – ILOILO ILOILO – CEBU Tue-Thu-Sat-Sun Departure: 6 pm Arrival: 7 am CEBU – ILOILO Mon-Wed-Fri-Sat Departure: 6 pm Arrival: 7 am 335-8499;5099909 for details c m y k Nation Guardian the daily c m y k Western Visayas Most Read and Respected Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 9 Tuason reveals more names, wants immunity from lawsuit MANILA – Ruby Tuason, a former aide of ex-president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, is seeking full immunity from the plunder charges involving the pork barrel and Malampaya fund scams. Speaking to reporters, Tuason’s lawyer Dennis Manalo said his client is currently under “conditional immunity” which means that she is not included in the plunder case as far as the Department of Justice is concerned. Manalo said the full immunity from the lawsuit can only be granted by the Office of the Ombdusman. The decision to give Tuason full immunity will be released after the Ombudsman concludes its investigation and forwards the case to the Sandiganbayan. “Conditional means she would not backtrack from her commitment to testify and she complies with all the requirements of being a state witness as provided for by the rules of procedure,” Manalo said. “These cases are under the investigation of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will come up with a resolution that will indict the personalities involved. Together with that indictment will be a ruling for her application of immunity.” Manalo said he is confident his client will be granted full immunity, considering that she was admitted to the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program, even though on a provisional basis. “To me the presence of the heads of these two delicate agencies in government means a lot. It means they give full value to the process as well as to the statement that has been released Tuason /p11 FORMER Erap aide Ruby Chan-Tuason, who is among those implicated in the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam, swears before submitting her affidavit at the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City on Friday, February 7. She has been placed under government protection, her lawyer said. Tuason arrived from San Francisco to testify against those involved in the scam. Also in photo are Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales. (GMA News) Who is Ruby Tuason? MANILA – One of those charged with plunder for alleged involvement in the P10-billion pork barrel scam and the misuse of the Malampaya fund may now turn into a state witness. R u b y Tu a s o n a r r i v e d f r o m t h e United States before dawn Friday and was whisked to the Department of Justice office in Manila under tight security. Tuason, who indicated she will tell all she knows about the pork barrel scam, arrived aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from San Francisco, radio dzBB’s Henry Herdillo reported. She was included in the Justice Department’s witness protection program partly due to threats to her life, her lawyer Dennis Manalo said in a separate radio dzBB interview. BUT WHO IS SHE? Tuason, a former social secretary of former President Joseph Estrada, is facing plunder charges before the Ombudsman for her alleged involvement in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel scam and the alleged misuse of the P900-million Malampaya Fund. Marina Sula, one of the whistleblowers in the multi-billion-peso fund scam, had accused Tuason of collecting kickbacks from PDAF allocations in behalf of Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada. During a Senate probe, Sula said she was ordered by her employer Janet Napoles, the alleged mastermind the pork barrel scam, to bring a bagful of money to Tuason’s house. Tuason is said to be a close friend of trader Napoles, who supposedly shiphoned lawmakers’ PDAF allocations through her bogus non-government organizations. Enrile and Estrada, together with Tuason, were charged with plunder by the Department of Justice. Just last Wednesday, Senator Estrada said he is not threatened by the possible t e s t i m o n y o f Tu a s o n , h i s a l l e g e d “representative” in the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam. In an interview with reporters, Estrada said Tuason “can testify as long as she wants.” “I am very confident she [Tuason] will not say anything against me,” he said. MALAMPAYA FUND But she has a separate plunder charge for allegedly receiving P242.775 million from the Malampaya fund in behalf of a “still unknown principal.” While the recipient of the major share in the kickbacks from the P900-million Malampaya fund scam remains unknown, the Department of Justice is trying to determine the possible involvement of former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo. Tuason, a former employee of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, was married to Mr. Arroyo’s cousin, Carlos “Butch” Tuason. Arroyo’s supposed link to Tuason first appeared in a report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which said the former First Gentleman may have received part of the Malampaya funds. De Lima earlier said the DOJ believes Tuason was just an “agent” of a certain “principal,” who was among the players in the pork barrel scam. On the other hand, Mr. Arroyo’s lawyer has since denied reports that his client may have been the recipient of millions of pesos from the Malampaya Fund. (Amanda Fernandez/GMA News) PNoy unmoved, won’t change mind on Cha-cha MANILA – President Aquino’s position on Charter change remains unchanged. He won’t support moves in Congress to change the Constitution’s economic provisions, urging proponents to show if the benefits of changing the charter would outweigh the disadvantages. “Sana mapakita ang dahilan kung bakit kailangan nating palitan. Dahil nga ito ang Saligang Batas, pinaka-pundasyon, pinaka-bedrock ng ating mga batas. Mababago, short term magkakaroon ng disruption. Sulit ba ‘yung disruption na ‘yan doon sa anticipated benefits?” Aquino told reporters. He again cited China as an example to show that economic progress is not necessarily correlated with land ownership. He pointed out that China managed to keep its economy robust even if it does not allow foreigners to own land. Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez earlier said the President was keeping an open mind on “economic” Charter change, contrary to what Malacañang officials are telling the public. Rodriguez said he informed the President that under the Cha- cha proposal of the House, he would have veto power over any Congress-approved bill that seeks foreign ownership of land or a certain sector of the economy. Under Resolution No. 1, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and his colleagues are seeking the amendment of the economic provisions of the Constitution by inserting the phrase, “unless otherwise provided by law.” This means the present restrictions would remain unless Congress lifts them. A bill would have to be approved for every restriction that would be scrapped. (Willard Cheng/ABS-CBN News) c m y k ‘Tuason asked for money before surfacing’ MANILA – Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Friday said potential state witness Ruby Tuason asked him for financial help months before she surfaced and executed an affidavit linking him to the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam. In a phone interview with Senate reporters, Estrada said Tuason might have held a grudge against him when he refused to give her money back in October. “Humihingi siya ng financial assistance. Sabi ko, Tita Ruby, wala akong pera. Pareho tayong may kaso. Siguro, sumama loob ni Tita Ruby sa akin,” Estrada theorized. Estrada said Tuason did not tell him why she needed the money. “I assumed para sa kaso or para sa maintenance niya sa America,” he said. Estrada also denied using Tuason as a conduit to get kickbacks from the pork barrel anomaly. “It will be a complete surprise if there is anything Tuason can say about my PDAF [Priority Development Assistance Fund]. On the contrary, I never received any money from Tuason,” the senator said. He added that Tuason was never connected to his office, and was never designated as his representative. Estrada, however, admitted that Tuason once served as the social secretary of his father, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, and was “very close” to his mother, former Senator Loi Estrada. Tuason returned to the Philippines from the United States early Friday with the intention of becoming a state witness in the alleged pork barrel scam. She is currently under the government’s Witness Protection Program. (Andreo Calonzo/ GMA News) Department of Education Region VI - Western Visayas Division of Iloilo ILOILO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL La Paz, Iloilo City POSITION 1 Master Teacher II 1 Master Teacher I 2 Teacher III 1 Guidance Counselor III 2 Teacher II 1 Guidance Counselor I 5 Teacher I February 7, 2014 Report on Vacancies SALARY GRADE 19 18 13 13 12 11 11 SALARY/RATE Per Annum P 406,308.00/per annum P 376,212.00/annum P 257,232.00/annum P 257,232.00/annum P 239,280.00/annum P 222,588.00/annum P 222,588.00/annum APPROVED FOR PUBLICATION: NORDY D. SIASON, JR., Ed. D., CESE Principal IV c m y k world 10 Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 Guardian the daily Western Visayas Most Read and Respected Moscow accuses US of fomenting Ukraine coup KIEV – An east-west struggle over Ukraine turned nastier as Moscow accused the United States of fomenting a coup and Washington pointed a finger at Russia for leaking a recording of U.S. diplomats discussing how to shape a new government in Kiev. As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepared to open the Winter Olympics at Sochi, the first Games in Russia since the Soviet Union hosted the 1980 summer edition, the showdown over Ukraine produced chilly Cold War rhetoric, with a Kremlin aide warning Moscow might act to block U.S. “interference” in Kiev. U.S.-Russian relations have long been far from warm and there seems little chance yet of conflict going much beyond verbal sparring, but the ferocity of the exchanges was a mark of the importance of Ukraine, a sprawling former Soviet state of 46 million people that Putin wants to keep in Moscow’s economic orbit. He is likely to meet the Ukrainian president in Sochi, possibly to discuss Viktor Yanukovich’s plans for a new prime minister - plans on which billions in Russian aid depend. He may also raise concerns, voiced by the Kremlin’s point man on Ukraine, that Yanukovich needs to crack down on protesters who have been on the streets for over two months, demanding he quit. The United States, for its part, described as “a new low in Russian tradecraft” the posting on YouTube of a recording of a senior State Department official discussing plans for a new Ukrainian government with the U.S. ambassador in Kiev. The White House spokesman said: “Since the video was first noted and Tweeted out by the Russian government, I think it says something about Russia’s role.” U.S. officials did not challenge the authenticity of what seemed to be a phone call bugged about 12 days ago and which also contained an obscene comment by Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland about the European Union’s efforts to work with Washington in support of the Ukrainian opposition. (Alastair Macdonald/Reuters) Chilling note found alongside severed heads in Mexico MORELIA – A chilling note was found alongside the severed heads and dismembered bodies of four people Thursday in the Mexican state of Michoacan where vigilantes are battling a drug cartel, authorities said. The heads were placed on top of plastic bags on a street in the town of Zacapu, an official in the Michoacan state prosecutor’s office told AFP. The arms and legs were found near a church. A note was left near the body parts, reading: “This is what will happen to those who support the Knights Templar” cartel. The victims have been identified and authorities are trying to determine whether they are linked to organized crime, the official said. In another gruesome discovery, the prosecutor’s office said it had dug up the bones of two humans in the town of Tancitaro. Last weekend, two decapitated heads were left in the town of Antunez. The Knights Templar have been locked in a turf war with the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel. Last year, civilians fed up with the police’s failure to deal with the Knights Templar gang began to form vigilante militias to oust the criminals from the region. The government of President Enrique Pena Nieto has deployed thousands of federal police and troops to Michoacan, seeking to restore security, but violence has continued. Shortly after reinforcements were sent in January, assailants set fire to and looted five shops in the neighboring states of Hidalgo and Mexico State. (Agence France-Presse) Airport riot mars end of New US envoy Baucus seeks trust with China China’s New Year holiday BEIJING – A riot at a major airport in China by passengers angry about delays caused by heavy snow has marred the end of the traditional week-long lunar new year holiday, state media said on Friday, as millions rush to return to work. Passengers at Zhengzhou airport, capital of the populous northern province of Henan, stormed check-in desks and smashed computers and other equipment after the airport closed for more than five hours due to the snow on Thursday, newspapers reported. Pictures on China’s Twitter-like Sina Weibo microblogging service showed police trying to calm angry crowds and broken signs at airline counters. “There were not enough seats and passengers had to sit on their luggage eating instant noodles. The airport staff were indifferent and said ‘I don’t know’ to questions asked of them,” Henan radio said on its microblog. The Global Times, a tabloid published by the official People’s Daily, described the incident as a “riot”. It added that the airport finally reopened late on Thursday. (Reuters) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Region VI, Iloilo City sansong dela paz - Vendor CASE NO. 97-VI-744 gerard l. ibañez - Vendee Applicant/s NOTICE Petitioner request authority for Sale and Transfer of CPC to operate a TAXI service on the line ILOILO CITY TO ANY POINT IN PANAY, made by: sansong dela paz Vendor in favor of gerard l. ibañez - Vendee, with the use of one(1) unit. This application/petition shall be considered by the Board on February 13, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. at its office at LTFRB Building, Quintin Salas, Jaro, Iloilo City, on which date applicant/petitioner shall formally submit all its/his/her evidences. At least five (5) days prior to the date of hearing, applicant/petitioner shall publish this NOTICE once in any newspaper of general circulation in Western Visayas (Region VI. Parties opposed to the granting of this application/petition must file their written opposition supported by the documentary evidence submitted by the parties unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documents and/or oral evidence. WITNESS the Honorable, ROMULO V. BERNARDES, Regional Director, this 7th day of February, 2014. (Sgd.) JOSE MARIE V. LAMPARERO Actg. 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CLEARANCE/POLICE CLEARANCE/NBI • BIRTH CERTIFICATE Submit the following at: WL FOOD PRODUCTS Brgy. Pakiad, Oton, Iloilo Tel. No. 333-3494/ Cell. No. 0932-851-7528 Look for Ms. Sheng (for more details) Work and Earn Rewards!!! WASHINGTON – Incoming US ambassador Max Baucus pledged Thursday to build trust with China as fellow senators confirmed him to the post at a time of high tensions in Asia. The Senate approved Baucus in a rare unanimous show of support for one of President Barack Obama’s high-profile nominees, although four senators including Baucus himself did not vote. “The United States-China relationship, I believe, is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. It will shape global affairs for generations -- we must get it right,” Baucus, a member of Obama’s Democratic Party who has represented Montana since 1978, said on the Senate floor after the vote. On a lighter note, the 72-year-old run- ning buff said he wanted to run the Beijing Marathon, although he admitted -- without mentioning the Chinese capital’s notorious air pollution -- that he may not be able to do so. “I’ve actually got my eye on the Beijing Marathon. But to be more honest, maybe scale down to half-marathon -- something a little shorter,” he said to laughter from his colleagues. Speaking later to reporters, Baucus said that he expected to be busy handling the heated maritime disputes between Beijing and its neighbors in the East China Sea and South China Sea. A top priority is to “sincerely work with China to try to help develop confidence and trust,” he said. Baucus said it was not decided when he would leave for Beijing but indicated that incumbent Gary Locke, a former governor of Washington state who was the first Chinese American in the position, would stay at least until the end of the month. Senator John McCain, a senior member of the rival Republican Party, called on Baucus to mount a strong defense of freedom of navigation amid concerns in Japan, the Philippines and elsewhere over Beijing’s claims. “I think South China Sea is probably the most immediate and pressing issue but trade is obviously (important), and cyber-security is huge,” McCain told AFP. Baucus, whose home state has a major ranching industry, has been a strong advocate for free trade as a senator. (Agence France-Presse) City Hall... from p.1 it was implemented on a staggered basis until it reached full enforcement in 2012. The City government did not hike the RPT in 2009 because of the destruction caused by Typhoon Frank in 2008. Nava said only the assessment levels will be increased, not the fair market value. Still, an increase in the assessment levels will also raise taxes as it is seen to jack up the assessed value of real properties. Under the Real Property Tax Code, the assessment level may be increased up to 30% while the specified tax rate should not be less than 1 percent and not View Point... from p.6 princes of the ancient regime, and later, when he found his own stride, in concert with the military.” Now, his team is crumbling. Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda, 93, is ailing. His grip on the military has slackened. The Buddhist supreme patriarch just died at 100. Both were Bhumibol’s key supporters. Few Thais knew another king. “Bhumibol has been the one constant in their lives. So this looming end portends a frightening shift in their cosmos.” The sole male in the Ckahri line is Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, 61. He has a track record of trou- Hot & Spicy.. from p.6 be highly-praised. Deactivation of its military wing is the clearest sign that the MILF is sincere in its desire to bring peace to strife-torn Mindanao. Each Filipino should be concerned and must give full support to the effort to settle the centuries-old strife. The conclusion of the peace negotiations should have the foremost attention of the nation. Unfortunately, the NavarroCornejo-Lee brouhaha broke out and eclipsed the momentous accord that hopefully would end four decades of bloodshed. Between prospect of peace in Mindanao and Vhong Navarro’s foray into the condominium of an upstart starlet, Filipinos pre- Tuason... from p.9 Manalo said, referring to DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales. “As the counsel of Mrs. Ruby Tuason, I have prayed that the Ombudsman will look favorably on her application and grant her full immunity.” NEW NAMES IN SCAM Tuason arrived in the Philippines on Friday and went straight to the Department of Justice to submit her 15-page sworn statement, which Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said contains “very vital information.” Tuason allegedly served as businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles’ conduit of pork barrel kickbacks to Senator Estrada and Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile. Senators Estrada, Enrile, Bong Revilla and several others are facing plunder charges in connection with P10 billion pork barrel scam. Although he refused to reveal the names of the personalities mentioned by Tuason in her sworn statement, Manalo said the testimonies of the pork HEARING more than 2 percent. The city assessor’s proposal seeks to raise the assessment level for residential properties from a minimum of 6.66 percent to a maximum of 50 percent. A 50 percent increase in assessment level will also be levied on agricultural and mineral properties; 23 percent for commercial and industrial properties; 25 percent for machineries; 15 percent for scientific, cultural and hospital properties; and 10 percent for local water districts, GOCCs (Government Owned and Controlled Corporations) , and those engaged in generation, transmission and distribution of power. Iloilo Business Club executive director Lea Lara said they will refrain from commenting on the proposed tax hike until they have read the proposal. “We first need to be fully knowledgeable and clarified on the proposed ordinance,” she said. Nava has yet to schedule the first public hearing on the proposed increase. Lara said they hope that the increase will be reasonable even as they recognize the mandate of the city government to revise and adjust taxes with current pricing and costs. ble, domestically and internationally. These were hushed up up by the palace. His three successive wives and many other girlfriends raise queries over whether he is suitable for the throne. In an unprecedented interview in the early 80s, Queen Sirikit said: “My son likes his weekends.” The top people around King Bhumibol dislike and distrust the crown prince, a Wikileaked US embassy cable says, adding: “But they have no solution to the danger he poses”. Thailand lacks what constitutional monarchies like Denmark or Britain have rules for succession that ensure against “tragic capriciousness of royal succession.” When Bhumibol passes, as all mortals must, what will likely fall into Vajiralongkorn’s lap is the structure of a throne closely tied to the military, with institutionalized disdain for the parliamentary democracy mapped out in Thai constitutions since 1932. Drastic “change will “be forced on the next generation, Paul Handley wrote in “The King Never Smiles.” Published in 2006 by Yale University, the book is banned in Bangkok. “Ultimately, members of the royal family will have to make use of one of monarchy’s unspoken prerogatives: ability and the right to remake itself,” Handley wrote. “That is the key to its survival.” fer the latter over the former. What does this say about the Filipino mind-set? It is said that great minds talk about ideas, average minds talk about events and small minds talk about people. And when people talk about people, it usual comes in the form of gossip, grapevine and scuttlebutt. Alas, the Navarro-CornejoLee ruckus revealed that the Philippines is a gossip nation and the people are mostly preoccupied with the private lives of people, especially their peccadilloes. The nation is now suffering from an overload of Vhong Navarro affair, suffocating prime time news. Media vigorously fed this voracious appetite for gossip to improve ratings despite its nauseating effect on the mental health of the nation. Life in this country almost grounded to halt with what happened to a careless budding comedian whose lust for stolen affairs led to his run-in with shady characters. This is the most sickening in the country’s obsession with the sordid affair involving three insignificant personalities. It is like the life of the nation hangs in balance if the Navarro-Cornejo-Lee hullabaloo is not resolved soon. Unless Filipinos’ fixation with gossip and cheap talk is cured, it will be difficult for this nation to pull itself out from the quagmire of abject poverty, especially that of the mind. scam whistleblowers and Tuason “corroborate each other on its material points. It may not necessarily dovetail on every single point of fact but only on the substantial portions of the evidence.” “Insofar as the essence of existing evidence on record, the DOJ has already taken a position that everything goes hand in hand.” Manalo also said that aside from those mentioned in previous testimonies, Tuason revealed the names of new personalities with whom she had made transactions with. “Yes, there will be other names,” he said. Former JLN Corporation finance clerk Marina Sula earlier told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that she brought a bag of money to Tuason’s house in 2011. An Anti-Money Laundering Council investigation also revealed that P20 million in credit memo transactions was entered to Tuason’s Union Bank of the Philippines account in 2008. This was supposedly rebates from the pork barrel funds funneled by Senator Enrile to Napoles’ foundations. Aside from the pork scam case, Tuason has also been linked to the Malampaya fund scam. She was charged with plunder along with former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo, former Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, former Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, former Budget Secretary Rolando, and several others for allegedly pocketing the funds obtained as royalties from the natural gas project off the seas of Palawan. The complaint said Tuason pocketed P242.775 million in kickbacks “received through bank withdrawals for a still unidentified principal.” Manalo said his client intends to return the kickback money she made from the transactions. “Isosoli ang halaga na nakuha sa mga transaksyon. That matter will be subject to a separate discussion between Mrs. Tuason and DOJ. There will be no bargaining. It will simply be an arrangement on how the process will take place,” he said. (Dharel Placido/ABSCBNnews.com) Friday, February 7, 2014 Guardian the daily Western Visayas Most Read and Respected Yolanda... from p.1 rehabilitation programs are still in the planning stages and yet to be implemented. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-6) said Iloilo will get P4.446 billion out of the P12.7 billion proposed funding under the Western Visayas Power plant.. from p.1 “We will have no need for bottles, iron materials and similar wastes that are recyclable, which the waste pickers (about 300 of them) can still segregate and sell as they have been doing,” a spokesperson of Dream ENG said. “Since we know the technology, Korean engineers will handle its technical operations, but much of the plant works we will give to the local workers,” he added. Jalaur Dam... from p.1 a 6.6-megawatt hydropower plant and an 81-kilometer highline canal. He said NIA’s Korean counterparts will source out some of the project components to big contractors in the country to beat the deadline. The national government also cannot afford delays in the project as it has to abide with the terms of the $203-million official development assistance denounces... China 11 Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan. Iloilo is also a recipient of a P440-million (US$10) aid from the Republic of South Korea to rehabilitate three towns in northern Iloilo. Yolanda, which made landfall last November 8, 2013, badly affected northern Iloilo as well as other towns in the province. According to the Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Yolanda killed 217 people and displaced 870,846 people. Yolanda has totally damaged 92,345 homes while partially damaging 83,692 homes. The Koreans also proposed a scholarship for workers with potentials. “They will be trained in South Korea and upon completion of their course, they will be returned to work in the plant in jobs requiring more technical skills,” the spokesperson added. Mabilog said the city will benefit via reduced volume of wastes at the dumpsite as the plant will use about 200 of the 300 tons garbage collected in the city daily. “It will also increase the life of the landfill with less garbage dumping,” the mayor added. The mayor stressed that the project will not cost the city a single centavo, as it will only provide the plant site. “It will also give additional employment to our locals and earn the city about $20,000 monthly as its share in the gross earnings of the project,” he added. The project intends to sell electricity at P7.50 per kilowatthour at its initial stage. by the South Korean government through the Export-Import Bank’s Economic Cooperation Fund. One of the loan conditions requires the project to be completed in five years since 2011. The Philippine government will shoulder the P2.2 billion counterpart fund of the project. The mega-structure is expected to provide year-round irrigation to several Iloilo towns like Calinog, Lambunao, Badi- angan, Janiuay, Sta. Barbara, Pavia, Alimodian, Leon, San Miguel, Oton, Tigbauan, Duenas, San Enrique, Anilao, Dingle, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Mina, New Lucena, Pototan, Zarraga, Leganes, Passi City and Iloilo City. The structure is also expected to boost the agriculture sector of Iloilo province, a top rice-producing province in the country, by increasing farm productions. from p.2 the facts and based on rumors,” he said. On Wednesday, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Danny Russel said China’s claims in the South China Sea based on the so-called nine-dash line had no apparent basis in international law. China has fired off a barrage of historical records - known as the nine-dash line - to depict its maritime territorial claims in the South China Sea. The nine-dash line takes in about 90 percent of the 3.5 million sq km (1.35 million sq mi) South China Sea on Chinese maps. Hong said China’s claims had “developed and been formed during a long historical process.” (Reuters) training. “With these free training and toolkits, our survivors could now repair or rebuild their own homes and later help in rebuilding the homes of others in their community. Their acquired skills will further help them to become employable and productive,” said Porschwitz. Due to occurrences of storm surges, some STEER beneficiaries in Negros Occidental opted to train on how to assemble household solar night lights using green technology. Porschwitz said they have already distributed about 60 solar night lights in areas where there is still no electricity. Typhoon survivors in Capiz, Aklan and Antique were also trained on skills for rough carpentry. (PIA) pound... Warriors top Bulls away after Chicago closed to within 78-74. The Bulls (24-25) got no closer than six after that. Golden State shooting guard Klay Thompson snapped a recent slump to drop in 22 points on 8-for-16 shooting. Backups Barnes and guard Jordan Crawford added 11 points apiece. Curry, who made 13 of his 19 shots, also had nine assists, the second of which made him the ninth player in Warriors history to record at least 2,000 for a career. Power forward Taj Gibson, starting in place of Carlos Boozer, who suffered a strained calf before the game, led Chicago with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Point guard Kirk Hinrich had 15 points, guard Jimmy Butler scored 14, backup guard D.J. Augustin added 10 and center Joakim Noah compiled 11 assists, 10 rebounds and seven points for the Bulls, who were playing for the fifth time on their six-game Western trip. (Reuters) up such a zone. Hong said Washington needed to be more responsible and stop spreading rumours put about by “right-wing Japanese forces” about China setting up such a zone in the South China Sea. “It is extremely irresponsible of the relevant US official to make groundless accusations against China without checking STEER Nets gives... from p.4 from p.12 12th time in 16 games since a blowout loss at San Antonio on December 31 (Jan. 1, PHL time). Forward Paul Pierce added 12 points, reserve center Andray Blatche contributed 10 points and starting center Kevin Garnett collected eight points and nine rebounds in 18 minutes. The Spurs rested center Tim Duncan after he played 41 minutes in a double-overtime win at Washington on Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time). Tony Parker (back tightness), Manu Ginobilli (left hamstring tightness), Kawhi Leonard (fractured right hand) and Boris Diaw (food poisoning) also sat out. San Antonio placed five in double figures. Guard Cory Joseph led the Spurs with 18 points, Forward Danny Green added 17 points while reserve guard Patty Mills chipped in 16 as the Spurs shot 39.7 percent (29-of-73) after getting off to a 7-for-13 start. Point guard Stephen Curry poured in 34 points Thursday night (Friday, PHL time) as the Golden State Warriors rallied from a 16-point, first-half deficit to thump the Chicago Bulls 102-87 in a nationally televised game. The Warriors (30-20) won for the third time in four games even though they faced the Bulls without center Andrew Bogut (sore shoulder) and power forward David Lee (sore shoulder and hip). Golden State reached the 50-game mark with 30 wins, matching the record it compiled at the same point last season en route to the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Curry scored 16 of his 34 points in the second quarter, rallying the Warriors into a lead they relinquished only briefly. Reserve forward Harrison Barnes hit two three-pointers and Curry buried his third triple of the night over an 82-second span of the fourth quarter, allowing the Warriors to pull PNP assures safety of WVRAA delegates By Vicente W. Villavert 12 Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 Guardian the daily Western Visayas Most Read and Respected SAN ANTONIO Spurs’ Patty Mills (C) goes for a shot between the Brooklyn Nets’ Alan Anderson (R) and Deron Williams during their NBA game February 6, 2014 (AFP/Don Emmert) Nets pound injury-hit Spurs NEW YORK – Reserve forward Alan Anderson scored 19 of his 22 points in the second half and the Brooklyn Nets ended a sixgame losing streak to the San Antonio Spurs with a 103-89 victory Thursday night (Friday, PHL time) at the Barclays Center. Anderson came into the game 12-for-33 in his previous five games, including 1-for-8 Monday (Tuesday, PHL time) against the Philadelphia 76ers. He started 1-of-4 but wound up shooting 9-of15 and came within four points of his season high set December 20 (Dec. 21, PHL time) at Philadelphia. Point guard Deron Williams shook off a 0-for-4 start and added 16 and eight assists points for the Nets, who won for the Nets pound /p11 Studio Evolution by Erriz “ Erickha” D. Lanceta BEST MAKE UP ARTIST OF MISS DINAGYANG FANTASY MAKE UP CONTEST Champion for 2 consecutive years, 2013 and 2014! Erriz, Jem & Diosan Stylists R&H Bldg., Gen. Luna St., Beside Metro Bank TELEPHONE NOS.: Erriz – 09989827336 09088135339 Jem – 09107639030 Diosan – 09469951923 Landline- 300-11-49 You can sit back and relax after your hectic workday; we’ll take care of everything else for you. At Amigo Terrace Hotel, you may be a business traveler but you’ll feel right at home in any of our luxurious rooms and suites. Our sumptuous furnishing, well-selected amenities, and personalized service all come together to make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Come and experience the difference in our boutique hotel today. Corner Iznart and Delgado Streets, Iloilo City, 5000 Philippines http://amigoterracehotel.com Phone Number (033) 3350908 Fax Number (033) 3350610 Email:[email protected] A boutique hotel property of SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb 7 (PIA) - - The San Jose Municipal Police Station assured the security for all delegations in the 2014 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet (WVRAA) as well as the maintenance of peace and order for the duration of the regional sports event starting February 9 to 13, 2014. “We assure 100 percent police visibility as we deploy our policemen strategically in all game venues as well as to the respective billeting areas of the participating sports delegations coming from the provinces of Aklan, Iloilo, Negros, Guimaras and the host province- Antique,” PSupt. Jose Roy M. Torrechilla said. PSupt Torrechilla said that the Municipality of San Jose is generally peaceful and the police force will exert more efforts to provide efficient and effective services to ensure the success of the event and “we would like to impress our visitors that San Jose is a peaceful and beautiful place in this part of the region, so that we can lure them back to visit our tourist spots and other cultural events.” Turrechilla said that he had already made some coordination with the organizers of the regional sports event, the various local officials and the barangay tanods in order to ensure that the delegates are safe and secured. The five-day sports event will be conducted at the Evelio B. Javier Memorial Sports Complex in San Jose and in other identified game venues, here. According to DepEd Antique Division Sports Coordinator Roger A. Jamolo the Iloilo delegation as well as the Guimaras delegation will be billeted at the Antique National School; Negros delegation at the Sibalom Central School and Sibalom National Schoolin the Municipality of Sibalom, and Aklan at Segundo Moscoso Elementary School in San Pedro, San Jose. And Antique delegation at Atabay Elementary School. The games will include archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, sepak takraw, sipa, football, swimming, table tennis, volleyball, softball, baseball, gymnastics, and for the special events designed for the SPED pupils - the games will include bocce and goalball. (JCM/VWV/PIA6-Antique) y m c k y m c k http://www.thedailyguardian.net [email: [email protected] • [email protected]] DTI warns Antique bizmen: No price hike By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has warned businessmen here not to take advantage of a regional sporting event to hike their prices. DTI Development Specialist Glenn Fernando said they will heighten its price monitoring to ensure prices of basic commodities will not jack up during the five-day Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet here from Feb. 9 to 13, 2014. Fernando said establishments here will be required to display price tags to guide the del- egations from the provinces of Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, and host province Antique. The DTI will also post prices of consumer products in a billboard at the Trade Town in Dalipe, he added. Fernando said the DTI will coordinate with retailers to ensure availability of basic goods. Fernando encouraged agencies like the Department of Agriculture, National Food Authority, and San Jose government to monitor goods and products under their jurisdictions. He said the San Jose LGU must frequently monitor weighing scales, too. (PIA6-Antique) Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 B1 PHL, SG sign new air services agreement MANILA – The Philippines and Singapore inked a new memorandum of understanding on air services, increasing the number of seats on ManilaSingapore route. “The parties signed a new MOU on air services expanding the exchange of traffic rights between the two countries,” Civil Aeronautics Board executive PHL /pB7 MOA for saline tilapia tech in WV inked A memorandum of agreement that will introduce saline tilapia technology in Western Visayas was inked Feb. 5, 2014 in Iloilo City. The MOA was signed between the Department of AgricultureBureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center (NIFTDC), Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF), and Frey-Fil Corporation. NIFTDC Center Chief Dr. We s t l y R . R o s a r i o , I S C O F President Dr. Ramon G. Zarceno and Frey-Fil Corporation President Eric A. Cruz forged the agreement on the establishment of a project to be called Molobicus Satellite MOA /pB7 LMH BOUTIQUE MEDICAL SUPPLY DISTRIBUTOR #40 G/F Capiz Government Business Center Provincial Park, Tiza, Roxas City (036) 620-1009 (From left to right) NIFTDC Center Chief Dr. Westly R. Rosario, Frey-Fil Corporation President Eric A. Cruz, ISCOF President Dr. Ramon G. Zarceno and Pierre Morissens of Cirad, France during the forging of agreement on the establishment of Molobicus Satellite Research and Development Station in Iloilo. y m c k y m c k B2 capiz Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 Guardian the daily Western Visayas Most Read and Respected United Sikhs donate houses in Pontevedra By Felipe V. Celino ROXAS City – The United Sikhs Yolanda Relief Team turned over initial 18 houses to the super typhoon Yolanda survivors in Sitio Lais, Brgy. Binuntucan, Pontevedra town last Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014. Miss Tourism International 2013 Angeli Dione Gomez and Vice Governor Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras joined in the turnover of the houses to the owners. Also present were Pontevedra Mayor Jose Esteban Contreras and the village officials. Contrary to initial plan to build bamboo houses, the group built houses made of concrete and plywood to protect families from more typhoons. “This was an amazing moment for the relief team on this successful completion of the first few homes and a proud day for United Sikhs Haiyan Relief Efforts! We thank all our supporters, donors and volunteers who made this happen,” said Gurvinder Singh, director, United Sikhs Aid. Aside from the shelters, the United Sikhs also selected four female students as college scholars, namely: Marisol Barrogo, Jenidel Deldacan, Ronalin Aguirre and Lorie Romauldo. The group also shouldered the medication of poor patient Cristina Marcelo. The vice governor lauded the efforts of the Indian group. This has never been done by any Non-Governmental Organization here and we are proud to say that only United Sikhs are making proper homes for the village people of Pontevedra,” he said. Singh thanked their donors in behalf of the beneficiaryresidents. “Unanimously, all survivors have conveyed their deepest gratitude to our donors for bringing their lives back together one step at a time. The people affected by the devastating typhoon were happy and felt blessed when houses were handed over. They have been living in temporary shelters since November 8, 2013, when typhoon Yolanda hit the Island,” Singh said. DONATION. Vice Governor Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras (3rd from right) with the beneficiaries and representatives of United Sikhs during the turn-over of houses for typhoon Yolanda survivors in Sitio Lais Brgy. Binuntucan Pontevedra, Capiz, Feb. 6, 2014. (Felipe V. Celino) Man hangs self in Panay By Felipe V. Celino ROXAS City – A man allegedly suffering from depression committed suicide by hanging himself recently. The family of Christopher Bolido of Bago Grande, Panay town was shocked to see the victim hanging inside their house. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead. His family believes that depression caused him to end his life but denied that the victim also attempted to kill himself previously. Last January 29, a 17-year-old high school student from Cuartero town com- Julieta’s “So Nice To Come Home To” Julieta’s Apartelle Hotel Tel. No. (036) 621 2088 / (036) 621 4088 Arnaldo Boulevard, Roxas City, Capiz Philippines, 5800 mitted suicide after learning that someone is courting his 14-year-old girlfriend. But his parents believe their son committed suicide after he was suspended in Maindang National High School in Brgy. Maindang, Cuartero.They also believed their son suffered depression due to the suspension order. HV HOTEL VITA 3rd Flr. Black and White Bldg., Burgos St. Tel. No.: 6210810/6210-290 ACACIA TOURS CORNER OF RIZAL & LOPEZ JAENA STREETS ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ, PHILIPPINES TEL. NOS.: (036) 621-0208 621-2203 621-3376 FAX NO.: (036) 621-1040 email: [email protected] [email protected] TERMINALS ROXAS TO ILOILO KM 1, ROXAS CITY TEL. NOS. (036) 621-2530 / 621 6273 Wanted Capiceño nabbed in Iloilo By Felipe V. Celino ROXAS City – After successfully evading arrest for six years, a wanted person for homicide was arrested Friday in Carles, Iloilo. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)Capiz arrested Alvin Dangcalan at his relative’s house in Sitio Minoro, Brgy. Bancal, Carles last Feb. 7, 2014. Insp. Rito delos Santos, CIDG-Capiz chief, said the suspect’s whereabouts were traced after a series of monitoring and surveillance. The suspect left Brgy. Lantangan, Pontevedra when he learned he will be arrested in 2008, delos Santos said. 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No. 336-3120/396-4034 0926-1159849 ROXAS AVE. KALIBO, AKLAN KRYZ CULINARY ARTS & RESTAURANT SERVICES INSTITUTE 2F, Cischo Bldg., Brgy. Mabolo Delgado, Iloilo City Tel. # 508-6714 l 8570704 Cell # 0908-9289284 SHORT COURSES OFFERED GLASS Buhang Taft North, Mandurriao, Iloilo City l AGRO-VET TRADING CABLE STAR, INC Dra. RIZALINA V. BERNARDO Ave. Brgy San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City Tel # (033) 3213413 Fax No. 508-9069 RJV COSMOPOLITAN BUILDERS, INC. 1. COMMERCIAL COOKING NC 2 (450 hours + 100 hours OJT) Cold Kitchen Operations/ Cooking (140 hrs) Hot Kitchen Operations/ Cooking (200 hrs) Bakery/ Pastry Production (190 hrs) 2. FOOD AND BEVERAGES SERVICES NC 2 (406 hours + 100 hours OJT) 3. NOVELTY ITEMS MAKING NC 1 (104 hours) Iloilo Home Art Furniture Cor. Mabini – Delgado Street, Iloilo City Tel.No. (033) Branches: 338-14-75 15th J. De Leon Street, Iloilo City Salazar Street San Jose, Antique Tel. No. (033) 336-39-28 Tel. No. (036) 540-99-02 (033) 509-30-22 0906-690-0361 Exceptional Home Furnishing Robinson’s Place, Quezon Wing, Iloilo City Iloilo Interior, Diversion Road Mandurriao, Iloilo City Telefax: 321-3801 to 03 Cellular: 09081090939 email: [email protected] Philippine Tel. No. (033) 337-53-97 Mrs. Haydee Aurillo-Bacugan 0939-9111-068 MARIDAN Prudential INDUSTRIES, INC. Life Insurance Company, Inc. Since 1963 G/F SM City, Mandurriao, Iloilo City Te l . N o . 3 2 0 - 4 5 8 1 Diversion Rd. Brgy. Sambag Jaro, Iloilo City Tel#: 509-1126 P ProSpec Prospec Office Systems Products 45 D.B Ledesma Street, Jaro, I.C. Tel Nos. (033) 509-7477 509 -3272 / 320-5106 email: [email protected] RESTAURANT (FINE DINING/FASTFOOD) SUPERMARKET COLLECTION/BILLING SYSTEM DEPARTMENT STORE FOREIGN EXCHANGE SPECIALTY STORE DRUGSTORE WHOLESALE Tel. Nos. (033) 336-7298 l 337-9485 l 337-7493 JGM FINANCE CORPORATION OFFERS: SSS / GSIS PENSIONS LOANS AT ONLY 1.67 % MONTHLY INTEREST WITH NOADVANCE INTEREST!!!! FAST AND EASY TO APPLY!!! CALL US AT OUR BRANCHES IN: JARO, ILOILO TEL NO. (033) 3297918 PASSI CITY, ILOILO TEL NO. (033) 3961325 Q. Abeto St., Mandurriao, Iloilo City Tel. # (033) 321-1735 CORPoration A PRODUCT OF WATER WARE INTL. MULTI-STAGE PURIFICATION PROCESS MULTI-MEDIA SEDIMENT PROCESS ACTIVATED CARBON WATER CONDITIONING & SOFTENING PROCESS 5 MICRON FILTRATION REVERSE OSMOSIS POLISHING PROCESS GRANULATED CARBON ULTRA VIOLENT LIGHT (Senior Manager) Cell. No:0927-504-9705 FOOD WEALTH SIMPLY RELIABLE PURIFIED DRINKING WATER Contact: Ms. Edna Pabicon HOPEWELL FINANCE 8:00am to 5:30pm 39 Lopez Jaena Street, La Granja Lapaz, Iloilo City Tel. No. 508-0365 “Customer Service is our Pride” Wholesaler & Retailer Free delivery in Panay and Guimaras Rm. 19 Capiz Provincial Business Center Front of Capiz high Cp# 09499630496 NORKIS GROUP OF COMPANIES NORKIS 5R SERVICES, INC. EVZ PHARMACY AMERICAN SURPLUS Printworx Offers: • Video & Photo Coverage (Wedding, Birthday, Burial, All Occasion) • Wedding Planner & Coordinator • Risograph • Wedding Invitation • Tarpauline • Panaflex • Calling Cards • Streamers/ Banners • PVC ID, Laminated ID • Stickers • T-shirt Printing • Computer Layout • Sound System Rental • Scan and Edit • Hardbound • Rush ID We’re open at 11:00am - 11:00pm everyday Proprietor Triple C San Yat Sen Bldg., Mapa St., Iloilo City Tel#: (033) 396-7139, 09208775290 [email protected] Come and Enjoy the Pleasure of Relaxation. Main Office @ Q. Abeto St., Mandurriao, Iloilo City Tel No.: (033) 5093362 Telefax: (033) 3211737 La Paz Branch: 329-7015 Mission Branch: 329-3798 Email: [email protected] Mr. RODOLFO L. BORRES monthly subsidy of P20,000, P30,000,P50,000 for 1 year WESTERN -30 to 50 years old -At least two years sales experience, DRIVING SCHOOL with managerial background Urban Inn Bldg., Luna St, -With good communication skills Lapaz I.C -People Oriented -Self Motivated Tel# 033-5086090 -Passion for Success Panay Veterans Security & Investigation Agency Plazuela de Iloilo, Benigno Aquino Ave., Mandurriao, Iloilo City Tel No. (033) 5081242 Diversion Road, Taft North, Mandurriao, Iloilo City Tel. No. 321-1012 Tel # 320-9728 / 0917-3030597 / 0917-3050597 We Also Supply And Deliver: 540-7765 AUTO SALES B 14, L 11 Arguelles St., St. Joseph Subd. Phase 2 Brgy. Cubay Jaro, Iloilo City BANGUS l MANGROVE SNAPPER (Mangagat) SEABASS (Bulgan) l PRAWN, CRABS ETC. Services Offered: PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO & CAFÉ NHOYGLADZ FISH DEALER Dealer of High Quality Fry & Fingerlings and Women Tel# 301-14-00 Cell#. 09216392878 ELEANOR P. BRITO Tel. 5084650 G/F Emmanuel Business Center, B. Aquino Ave., Molo Iloilo City Tel. Nos. (033) 338-8880 to 85, Telefax: (033) 335-0889 Salon For men G/F Marymart Mall Valeria St., Iloilo City Member: Philippine Blind Union Washington St., Brgy. Benedicto Jaro, Iloilo City ILOILO MAIN OFFICE B5 S.P.A AMULAR • Tarpaulin printing • Sticker Printing • Panaflex Sign • Stailess Sign • Neon Sign • Brass Sign • Directional Sign • Billboard Sign • Menu Board Contact 09993961747; 09051407331 “The FIRST and the ORIGINAL TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE in Western Visayas LAPAZ ( 320-8870 SARABIA ( 335-8680 DIVERSION ( 508-7750 PC/Based (Point of Sale Systems) Front-End & Back-End Software (BIR ACCREDITED) STA BARBARA, ILOILO TEL NO. (033) 3964939 GUIMARAS BRANCH TEL NO. (033) 3967768 Y!!! HURORKON MAG TAWAG SA SUN CELLULAR NUMBER 0922-8189389 ) 0922-8946653 J&R Family Digital Studio 2nd Level, Robinson’s Place Iloilo City Tel. No. 338-0655 Cel. No. 0928-5019744 R&L Aircon Repair Shop Brgy. Buhang Taft North, Mandurriao, Iloilo City Tel No. 321-3272 sure-go travel & tours educational services OFFERS: * Ticketing (Domestic & International) * Educational Tours * Lakbay Aral/Exploratory learnings (LGU Officials & Students) Iloilo Lucky Auto Supply, Inc. Ledesma Street Iloilo City Sales: (033) 337-6140 Service: (033) 337-2083 Telefax: (033) 337-0132 E-mail: [email protected] Emerald Finance Corp. Iznart St. IloiloCity Tel. # 336-1840 l 336-9723 For your Financing Needs Accept Real Estate Mortgage Chattel plaza de pelo Salon for men & Women Second Level Plazuela de Iloilo Manduriao, Iloilo City Landline (033) 5016521 MOBILE 0922.837.7868 Services • Manicure 75 • Haircut 100/130 • Make Up 350 • Pedicure 80 • Footspa 250 • Haircolor 680 (Rates may Change without Prior Notice) AMA Computer Learning Center 22 AMA Bldg., Delgado St., Iloilo City Tel. Nos. (033) 5086871 ) 3381229 SAVER’S CHOICE TRAVEL & TOURS For Bookings, Reservations & Inquiries Visit or call: 3/F Sta. Cruz Bldg., Cor. Fuentes-Ledesma Sts.,Iloilo City Email Address: [email protected] Tel. No. 336-1399 Cellphone No: 09217621674 Offers Palawan Tours – Underground River Noel M. Armada Proprietor ILOILO MASTER TRADERS Mabini St., Iloilo City Tel.# 335-1280 We sell: Telefax: (033) 329-5794 * (033) 396-7040 Mobile: 0917-986-9087 * 0932-705-5891 Email: [email protected] Electrical & Construction Materials Seaman Loan Business Loan Doctor’s Loan Prenda-ur-car OR/CR SILVER & U Direct clients only. No agents please! Contact cell no. 09463871937 MAOLENE’S WOODWORKS & ACCENTS St. Joseph Bldg., Sambag Jaro, Iloilo City Tel. no.: (033) 396-6168 Visit us in: maoleneswoodworks&accents Owned & Managed by: Mr. Bonito L. Robiso FASHION LGF SM CITY, ILOILO (Near Toy Kingdom) NEW VISTAMAR (Deck & Engine Officers Review for WALK-IN & WRITTEN EXAMS, Computer PLUS Lecture) G/F Perpetual Succor Business Center, #38 Jalandoni St. (San Agustin), Iloilo City Manila Branch 4th Flr. Don Lorenzo Bldg. 889 P. Paredes St. Sampaloc Manila (In Front of PRC) Pls. Contact: Capt. Nelson C. Villamor 09195607777 (033) 336-0793 Email: [email protected] B6 community Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 Guardian the daily Western Visayas Most Read and Respected 1,312 workers recover benefits thru SEnA A total of 1,312 aggrieved workers recovered their unpaid and underpaid benefits amounting to P10.6 million through the Department of Labor and Employment – Single Entry Approach (SEnA). According to DOLE-6, it has resolved about 90% of total labor disputes in 2013 thru SEnA, an alternative mode of settling labor disputes within the 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation period. It has also facilitated the reinstatement of 14 retrenched or laid off workers to their original jobs. DOLE-6 Director Ponciano Ligutom said of the 572 requests for assistance (RFAs) his office received in 2013, 496 or 86.7 percent were resolved. Ligutom noted that RFAs in 2013 was up by 120 percent compared to 270 RFAs in 2012. “This simply shows that the SEnA has become a popular means in settling labor issues and more and more workers are adopting it,” Ligutom said. The settlement rate also expanded by 6 percent, from 80.7 percent in 2012 to 86.7 percent in 2013, he noted. The average period of settling cases also improved to 7.7 days in 2013 from 12.7 days in 2012. “The vigorous efforts of our SEADOs just paid off thus enabling the region to resolve labor issues filed in a short span of time,” Ligutom said. “This makes SEnA unique and effective; it settles labor issues in a speedy and in a more economical manner. The affected worker need not engage the services of a lawyer, he/she just have to file a request in any DOLE field office and our SEADO will facilitate to resolve the differences with his/her employer until they both reach a settlement,” he added. The recovered monetary benefits included the workers’ unpaid and underpaid wages, overtime pay, commission, separation pay, 13th month pay, holiday premium, cash bonus fund, refund of cash bond, and payment social security benefits like the Social Security System, Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth. Among the field offices, the DOLE-Negros 1,312 workers /pB7 CLAIMS. Ninfa A. Jereos (2nd from right), SEnA Desk Officer in DOLE-Negros Occidental Field Office, facilitates the payment of workers’ claims. DILG to train Antique Rock meets classical music in Muziklaban barangay officials By Vicente W. Villavert SAN JOSE – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will train the newly elected barangay officials in Antique to equip them with skills needed to run their local governments. DILG Antique Director Victorio Pagapulan said the training is on February to March this year. He said the DILG will group the barangay officials of the province’s 590 barangays into cluster and the DILG will form 5 training teams to cover all the 18 towns. The barangay officials will be briefed on their respective functions and on how to make the Barangay Development Plan. After training the barangay officials, the DILG will focus on another demand-driven training for the strengthening of the Barangay-based institutions like the organization of Barangay Nutrition Committee; Barangay Tanods; Lupong Tagamayapa, and many others. “We expect that the barangay officials will imbibe what they will learn from the trainings so that they will be efficient in the implementation of various development programs of the government,” Pagapulan said. (PIA6-Antique) San Miguel Brewery Inc. kicks off the year of the horse with a grand rock event via Red Horse Beer’s Pambansang Muziklaban rock extravaganza at the World Trade Center in Pasay City over the weekend. Now on its 15th year of rock n’ rolling, the Muziklaban is the culmination of the annual amateur band competition that gathers Pinoy rock fans all over the country to bring an event with an extra strong kick only Red Horse Beer can provide. This year’s Muziklaban set a milestone as it puts together a once in a lifetime rock music set composed of Pinoys’ favorite rock numbers rearranged and performed by national rock icons along with a 30-piece orchestra, spearheaded by the Manila String Machine. The orchestra, composed of artists from top music institutions promises a cutting edge, and unique musical experience. This affirms Red Horse’s role, being at the forefront of continuously making ways to enliven the music scene and make it more accessible to a broader audience. By way of weaving in the classic symphonies of an orchestra to the punk metal tones of a rock band, Red Horse merges the old and the new, the classic and the funk, proving that music is truly universal language. Live viewing parties were also mounted in key cities nationwide. Muziklaban followers all around the world did not miss the fun in the country’s biggest, loudest, and meanest rock event as it was also seen through live streaming via www.redhorsebeer.com Unlike previous Muziklaban finals where bands from all over the country compete and share the stage with national band icons and past winners, this year’s rock event will only feature the 2013 Grand Champion. Manila Under Fire of Las Pinas City, composed of Gabbie Gamboa (lead vocals), Nikos Kaziras (bass), Juan Carlo Villasenor (drums), and Gino Tambuatco (guitar) were this year’s champion. The childhood and school friends had the greatest time of their lives when they shared the stage with the country’s top rock bands. South Luzon’s Rigmarole (Batangas City); North Luzon’s We Band (Cabanatuan City); Visayas’ Stellarskin (Cebu City); and Mindanao’s Hubito’s Tribe (Cagayan de Oro City) rocked it off in an undisclosed place prior to today’s Muziklaban rock event. Manila Under Fire did not only earn the bragging rights as 2013’s Muziklaban champions but also won P500,000, tax free, a Band Start-up Support worth P300,000, a music video or album production through MCA, and an RHB endorsement contract with guaranteed gigs worth P200,000. Area champions received P15,000 each. Performing bands for the rock concert included Gracenote, Tanya Markova, Franco, the Oktaves, Razorback, Pepe Smith, Slapshock, and Greyhoundz (Metro Manila); Greyhoundz and Even (North Luzon); Mayonnaise and Hatankaru (South Luzon); Kjwan (Visayas); and, Wilabaliw and David vs Goliath (Mindanao). Red Horse, the No.1 Extra Stong Beer collaborates with Dickies, MCA Music, Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdog, and San Mig Coffee to usher in 2014 with a kick! For more details of the Red Horse 2013 Pambansang Muziklaban Finals , log on to www. redhorsebeer.com. Guardian the daily Western Visayas Most Read and Respected Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 Kim on Xian: ‘Hindi PHL... kumakain, hindi makausap’ MANILA - Kim Chiu has come to the defense of “Bride For Rent” co-star Xian Lim after the latter received flak for poking fun at the actress’ “kalokalike” recently. According to Chiu, Lim has been deeply saddened by the incident last January 31. “Sobra siyang malungkot, hindi mo siya makausap. As in hindi siya kumakain, hindi siya nagpapagupit ng hair, ayaw niya.” “Sobra siyang na-down kasi ang daming bashers sa Instagram,” Chiu told ABS-CBN News. “Actually hindi ko alam paano siya i-chi-cheer up.” During the Chinese New Year countdown of “Banana Nite” last Thursday, Lim referred Chiu’s look-alike Charmae Viking as actress Bea Binene. The actor was also seen to be evasive of interaction with the former “It’s Showtime” contestant. With videos of his performance uploaded online, Lim received negative comments on social media for his “offensive” behavior towards Viking. Chiu said she would have reacted the same way as Lim during his performance, noting that the actor was caught off guard by Viking, who came out on stage as a surprise guest. “Hindi mo alam sa kalagitnaan ng kanta mo may sisingit sa likod. Siyempre kahit ako magugulat ako na parang, ‘Anong nangyari?’ kasi kinakabahan ako,” Chiu said. The “Ikaw Lamang” star added that she has been trying to cheer up Lim. “Pinapatawa ko siya, kumakain kami sa labas. Pero malungkot pa rin talaga siya.” “Sabi ko, ‘Baliktarin mo sila. Mag-post ka ng mga masasaya, ganyan.’ Pero ayaw niya, sobrang malungkot siya,” she said. Lim has already apologized for the incident on the micro-blogging site Twitter, saying it was not his intention to make fun of Viking. Chiu backed Lim’s statement: “Of course, hindi ko naman siya kakaibiganin kung bastos siyang tao.” (ABS-CBNnews.com) 1,312 workers... from p.B1 Occidental has the biggest number of RFAs with 381. Of which, 344 were settled. Cash benefits paid to 996 affected workers reached some P7.53million, with an average duration of 7.8 days for all settled requests. The DOLE-Aklan settled 52 from 76 RFAs handled, with the amount of benefits paid to 84 affected workers totaled P779,408.97. In Antique, the DOLE field office handled 53 RFAs in 2013, 42 were settled and recovered monetary benefits of 76 workers totaling P656,616.05. The DOLE-Capiz handled 37 RFAs, 32 of which were settled at an average duration of 6.6 days for all settled requests. Fantasy and some daydreaming are quite natural today. Your imagination weaves possibilities that can made real later. Excitement flares quickly and easily today. Passion is just below the surface and you are ready for action to seek satisfaction. Personal productivity and efficiency are essential today. You may begin a healthier regimen for your body; don’t be too hard on yourself. Your imagination soars to new heights and takes you beyond old boundaries and limitations. Surround yourself with beauty today--whether you create it, visit an art gallery, a flower show, window shop, watch the sunset, etc. Arguments come easily or people play word games. Exercise your quick wits with a mental challenge or constructive communication. Facts are in focus. You may catch up on tasks, fix up equipment; make needed repairs, do organizing, or make anything useful. Total amount of monetary benefits paid to 99 workers reached P1,030,975.73. On the other hand, the IloiloGuimaras has the lowest average duration in settling such requests at 2.2 days and settled all its 26 RFAs with monetary benefits awarded to 57 affected workers totaling P600,403.75. The DOLE field offices as Free Tutorial- Jose C. Borromeo, CE 09102255940 / (033)508-2692 Complete the given numbers of the game.Using but once the numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and 9 so that EACH NINE small squares of : (1) each big square in thick lines, (2) each horizontal row, and (3) each vertical row CONTAIN THE NUMBERS 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9. 5 TIPS 1. No double entry of any number in a BIG SQUARE or the ROWS. 2. Each of the TRIO ( 1,1,1 or 3,3,3, or 9,9,9, etc.) should be in each of three big squares IN A LINE FORMATION (HORIZONTALLY OR VERTICALLY) and in each three rows within. 3. Exhaust application of Tip 1-2. 4. The MISSING Numbers of a particular square which is in s BIG SQUARE and the intersection of TWO ROWS are determined by assuming all of the nine (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8),(9) as missing, the EXISTING NUMBERS of the BIG SQUARE and INTERSECTING ROWS CANCEL OUT these circled missing numbers. The UNCANCELLED are the MISSING NUMBERS. If the missing number is only one, that is the ANSWER! If two or three or four? JOT them in the particular square for further application of Tip 3 and other techniques you’ll discover. 5. Use logic. 9 8 7 6 5 Warmth, caring and love are essential today. Cherishing someone and being cherished are more important than passion. 4 Over extension could lead to missed dates or being late. Budget your time to meet relationship commitments. 2 Beauty is tied to leisure activities. Choose what suits you--e.g., a make-over, redecorating, visiting an art museum, etc. You and those around you need to be appreciated! Express your love for your family today. Show how much you care. Your mind and tongue are quicker, sharper and livelier than usual. Mental games, sarcasm, irony, or word play can be used for offense or defense. well as the National Labor Relations Commission, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration have designated SEnA desk officers or SEADOs to conciliate-mediate any laborrelated complaint filed in their respective offices. 3 1 1 9 8 7 4 6 3 6 7 9 1 5 8 5 3 7 2 6 9 4 3 5 8 9 7 7 6 1 2 3 4 5 4 2 6 9 8 7 1 5 3 6 7 5 1 6 4 3 8 2 9 7 3 8 9 1 5 2 4 7 6 5 4 2 8 7 6 9 3 1 8 6 9 8 3 2 1 5 4 7 9 1 7 3 4 9 5 6 8 2 8 6 5 2 3 9 7 1 4 2 1 4 7 6 8 3 9 5 9 3 7 5 1 4 2 6 8 from p.B1 director Carmelo Arcilla said. Arcilla said the new agreement increased the number of seats to around 16,800 on the ManilaSingapore route per week for each country. The current number of seats is 13,800 per week for each country. The agreement also expanded the fifth traffic rights, by adding China for Singapore and India for the Philippines. Fifth freedom rights refer to the airline’s right to fly passengers to a third country from a country with which an airline’s resident country has an outstanding air services agreement. MOA... from p.B1 Research and Development Station in Visayas. Zarceno said the SCOF property in Barotac Nuevo in Iloilo can be used as a satellite center in the Visayas to strengthen the instruction, research, extension and production functions of the school. ISCOF will provide available facilities, implements and areas such as the commercial fishpond, brackish water Research Experimental Ponds and adjacent Freshwater Ponds, multi species hatchery, laboratory and demonstration facilities. On the other hand, the NIFTDC will develop and recommend the appropriate technologies in setting up and operating the station in ISCOF. They will also design, facilitate and conduct trainings on the technology of developing saline tilapia (molobicus). The Frey-Fil Corporation will provide financial, manpower and logistic support in the project implementation, construction of the structures and installation of equipment in the laboratories and to provide B7 Arcilla also said that points outside Metro Manila should be unlimited, in line with current Philippine policy and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) multilateral agreements on air liberalization. Among the Philippine carriers that fly to Singapre are Philippine Airlines, Cebu pacific and Tiger Airways Philippines. This is the Philippines’ second successful air talks this year. Last January 16, the Philippines inked a new air agreement with France, which allowed PAL to resume flights to Paris after 16 years. (ABSCBNnews.com) the business development and management services that may be required by the project. “Saline tilapia is the first hybrid fish ever produced in the world and it has high resistant to salinity. With this technology, the Filipinos will be the first one to benefit from this project before introducing it to other countries,” said Rosario. Every year, 40 ISCOF students are trained at the NIFTDC Main Office in Dagupan City. “This first satellite research station here in Iloilo will be a training facility for fisheries students,” added Rosario. (SMHT/ DA 6 IPAS) 2nd Level Ledesma Wing Contact us at: 5140436/09497147137/ 09328724881 HOUSE & APARTMENT FOR RENT Semi furnished and quiet area of Jaro, walking distance to CPU and SM City. Text/call 0949-8585642/ 09152832046 c m y k B8 c m y k Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 JAY Villaruz and CEDRIC Loring with Stephen Ku and Patrick Lapid Dolly Ann Carvajal FLOW SUPERCLUB owners Tata Loring and wife Ia Joy Espinosa and Cedric Loring with star DJ Jay Villaruz JR Bondoc and Katrina Loring RAVI, Your Pagemaker and Petal Roz THE PARTY LOGO JADE Verano and Ian Salazar RACHE dela Torre, Melot Villa, Aimee Tiu, Abby Ankerman D AHLINGS, the most spectacular and awesome nightlife party scene in Cosmo Iloilo during the Dinagyang Festival was when Cosmo Manille’s top nightspot, The Republiq, invaded Iloilo’s signature party haven, The Flow Superclub! Aptly dubbed “Republiq invades Flownation”, the Dinagyang weekend much awaited two-night party climaxed right at the sprawling Flow Superclub’s sprawling parking area which was converted into a sleek al-fresco party place complete with VIP lounge, giant LED Screen, world class laser lights, plus the country’s A-list DJ’s upfront dishing out the best disco music, dahlings! The Dinagyang revelers glitzy hordes danced and chilled out as if tomorrow will never come till the moon dropped and the morning sun rose that signaled the end of the unforgettable feast! Hala Bira!!! PEABO Abordo MATEUS SANDRO Kua, Sandra and Alex Gomez Stummer Jovellanos and Girl Kua DJ Arvin Ong ANN Billones, Gerlindie Scheaffter, Daniel Heinz, Jenny, Wolfgang Scheaffter, Mark Ocampo IA JOY Loring, Your Pagemaker, Dr. Dong Espinosa and Loashi Vorasiriprasert CHINKY Bondoc WOLFGANG Scheaffter and DJ Eric Gella JOHN Albert Sia Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 http://www.thedailyguardian.net By Justine Christiamarie Sedigo Obando Photos courtesy of Rex Features/Everett Collection, theguardian.com and balaysugidanun.com I F FEBRUARY is the month of love, poetry is the language of love. There are a lot of popular love poems, but one Ilonggo decided that this month, he will translate some of these poems to Hiligaynon. Multi-Awarded Ilonggo writer Marcel Lim Milliam decided to use the inspiration of the Valentine’s month to localize famous poetry. “I happen to be loveless and poetry has always been a refuge for me,” he explained. “I was bracing myself for the deluge of sweety-tootie W INES. ROSES. KISSES…. Love is indeed in the air! And there’s no better way to spend the most romantic day of the year than a sweet escape with the love of your life. This Valentine, Days Hotel Iloilo has the loveliest “Sweet Escape” treats for couples, head over heels in love! Romantic Interlude Dinner Buffet at The Promenade Take pleasure in a sumptuous banquet featuring exquisite dishes and premium wines while enjoying the dreamy vibe of the Promenade. Savor the romantic moment while soothing love songs fill the air. This extraordinary dinner buffet is in collaboration with Ferrero Rocher, Toblerone, Cadbury, Delfi and Welch’s. Sweet Escape Valentine Package If you want a longer celebration, Days Hotel’s ultimate Valentine Package Romantic /pC2 posts, so instead of being bitter I chose to channel the emotions into something productive.” He also added that it’s also a tribute to National Arts Month. “It’s a ‘love note’ to my first and biggest love, poetry and Hiligaynon. It’s a labor of love to the two biggest and enduring loves of my life,” he said. Here are some of his translations so far: kadalum, sangkad kag kataason Nga madab-ot sang akon kalag, kung makabatyag ngadili-makit-an Sang katubtuban sang Pagkaiya The Language /pC2 Paano Ko Ikaw Ginahigugma Elizabeth Barret Browning Ginlubad sa Hiligaynon ni Luis Batchoy Paano ko ikaw ginahigugma? Isipon ko ang mga pamaagi. Ginahigugma ko ikaw sa MARCEL MILLIAM C1 C2 The Language.. Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 from p.C1 kag ideyal nga Grasya. Ginahigugma ko ikaw sa lebel sang matag-adlaw Nga pinakahibon nga pagkinahanglan, sa adlaw kag iwag-kandila. Ginahigugma ko ikaw sing hilway, sa panikasog sing tawo sa Kinamatarong Ginahigugma ko ikaw, ulay, sa ila pagbiya sa pagdayaw. Ginahigugma ko ikaw sing kalangkag nga ginpanghimuslan Sa mga kinadan-an nga palanangison, kag sa pagtuo sang akon pagkalamharon Ginahigugma ko ikaw sa paghigugma nga daw sa akon nadula Kaupod sang nadula ko nga mga santos, ginahigugma ko ikaw sa akon panginhawa, Yuhom, luha, sang bug-os ko nga kabuhi! Kag kun piliion sang Dyos, Mahigugma ko ikaw sing mas labi, matapos nga ako mamatay. Ang Tulok Ni Sara Teasdale Ginlubad sa Hiligaynon ni Luis Batchoy Ginhalukan ako ni Strephon sang tigpanalinsing, Si Robin, sang tiglalaya, Apang si Colin nagtulok lang sa akon Kag wa’ay gid maghalok. Ang haluk ni Strephon nadula sa langas, Ang kay Robin, sa paghinampang Apang ang halok sa mga mata ni Colin Nagapahilas sa akon gabi kag aga. Dili Ako Imo Ni SaraTeasdale Ginlubad sa Hiligaynon ni Luis Batchoy Dili ako imo, dili nagindulaan sa imo, Wala madula, apang luyag ko mangin Dula nga daw kandila nga nasindihan sa udto, Dula nga daw sa nyebe sa dagat. Ginahigugma mo ako, kag sa gihapon ikaw sa akon Kalag nga matahuim kag masanaaw, Apang ako Ako, nga nalangkag mangin, Dula nga ang kapawa madula sa kapawa. By Justine Christiamarie Sedigo Obando T HE MONTH of love is both a social and commercial event. As February 14 nears, people try their best to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. And the Valentine’s market never runs out of choices from heart shaped chocolates to pink balloons, couple necklaces and weekend getaways. As we ponder on what to give to our significant others, it’s worth knowing that the gifts we buy were actually painstakingly planned in advance. Gabrielle Marie Moralidad is the manager of The Hive Confections, one of many online and home business that sells especially-made baked goods and desserts that are most often not offered in the market. And like many small time businesses, Valentine’s is a special occasion that Moralidad prepare for. Firstly, they narrow down ideas and list suitable desserts to create a new menu. “As for new products, we try to introduce a product or two for occasions to give a variety to customers that they don’t have to eat the same thing every year,” said Moralidad, “In choosing new products, we also take into consideration what customers suggest and we choose which is best and have a kitchen test to see if it’s good. When everything is done and the results are worthy it goes to the new menu.” Moralidad get ideas from the occasion itself, using the symbols of hearts and other words which could be linked to Valentine’s such as flowers, red, lovers, chocolate and wine. “It’s very crucial to plan ahead because a kitchentest is done; it’s a series of trial and errors until we’re satisfied with the dessert or baked good,” she explained. “The time period depends on the occasion, the longest time period for planning that we have is around 3-4 months, shortest is around a month. I think it depends on a business’ own routine but it’s very crucial to plan ahead, since not only the baked product is involved but also the packaging.” They also look for inspirations from books and the internet. “When I like something that I find, I always try it out. Whether it’s a design, a recipe or whatever, kitchen test or a demo is key. You really don’t want to sell a product that’s a flop and not well thought out,” she said. In cooking or baking, ingredients are crucial and procuring the necessary Oh itum-og ako sing madalum sa gugma - palunga Ang akon palmatyagan, bungula ako kag bulaga, Ginpalid sang bagyo sang imo gugma, Kandila sa nagahagunos nga hangin. ingredients. To execute an idea, they need the right materials and with so many bakers, cooks and enthusiasts, there is a competition when buying new ingredients. Modifying products to fit an occasion helps businesses. “It helps a lot because it lets customers know that you’re not selling fixed products but also new ones that fit for different occasions. It lets them know that you are flexible,” said Moralidad. “I think changes in menu are quite important, products need to move every now and then and some need to be replaced or reinvented. It’s good because it makes your business and menu list quite fresh regardless of the products that are best buys.” With Valentine’s around the corner, you get to see the fruit of months of work, ideas and thinking processes. The feelings you will pour upon your gifts are not only composed of your own personal feelings, but the result of hard workers doing their best to help you celebrate a wonderful occasion. Salakayan of Miagao.. from p.C4 the objects of frequent Moro raids. Many towns in the north and south of Iloilo became easy targets and Miagao was not spared from these raids which resulted to the burning of the original structure of St. Thomas of Villanova Church situated at that time in Sitio Ubos. The people of Miagao celebrate that historical moment, a celebration of their freedom. It stands as an expression of a communal spirit and the joy of a Miagaowanon soul. It represents the dreams, cultures, celebration of the way of life and people of Miagao. The history of the Salakayan Festival began with modest gatherings in the streets around the town center. And throughout the week-long celebration, series of special events to mark Salakayan became potent festival symbols. The iconic Higantes parade is a popular tradition during the festival which started in 1999. People come to see several giants with papier-mâché heads and bodies covered in yards of colorful textiles. The Higantes are crowd-drawers during the tribal dance competition. Miagao is 40.5 kilometers south from Iloilo City. Politically subdivided into 199 barangays over a land area of 13,286 hectares, Miagao is bordered by the towns of Igbaras to its northeast; Guimbal to its east, San Joaquin to its west; and the municipality of Sibalom, Antique Province to its northwest. To get there, one can take a jeepney at the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary Terminal in Barangay Mohon, Oton, Iloilo. Metered taxis are also available at the terminal. Romantic.. from p.C1 offers couples a lovely accommodation on Valentine’s Day, complete with a dreamy and sumptuous dinner for two, bottle of wine, breakfast in bed, an uber relaxing Journey massage, and a dozen roses for the most important person in your life. With well-maintained amenities and chic interiors, coupled with warm staff service, Days Hotel will make your Valentine’s Day a truly memorable moment for you and your loved one. Avail of the Ultimate Valentine’s Day package and a lovely day awaits you at Days Hotel Iloilo. By Justine Christiamarie Sedigo Obando F OR MANY women, the Junior and Senior Promenade, popularly shortened as JS Prom, is the highlight of their high school years. It is a night to dress up, mingle, have fun and take a break from daily school routine. Preparing for the prom is always top priority for students. Memories such as photos during JS Proms always bring nostalgia and smiles, thus it is important to look at your best. Ria Lenz, a makeup artist who is currently studying at QC Academy in Canada shared that when it comes to prom preparation, one should really start early. “Prom is a memory, these are things in your life you cannot cheap out on,” Lenz said. It is always be advisable to have professionals do your overall look. “Remember that 20 years later, you would look at these pictures. Ask yourselves, will you be happy to look at these pictures?” she said. However, if one wants to try and do their their makeup themselves, she has these tips for prom make up that could also be applicable for other occasions. First, decide the look Girls can choose between two options before deciding on their look: the trendy look or the classic look. The trendy look is more on the “in style” use of glitters, colors and big eyebrows, as well as spring/summer getups. The classic look works well on red carpets and uses earth tones with little color. Lenz suggests that if you are doing the makeup yourselves, try to go for the classic look. Check your Make up Kit Look at your make up kit to see what you have and what you need before shopping. Make sure you have the right tools for your make up. Remember, its foundation brush for liquid make up, sponge for mousse or cream make up and kabuki or stippling brush for powder foundation. Prepare your face Two to three days before the prom, drink lots of water to clear the skin and prevent break outs. Avoid soda and do not use whitening soaps during this period. “Whitening soap washes out the top skin, and exposes the white skin underneath, create dryness and unnatural discoloration,” explained Lenz. For more professional advice, she suggests to go to a dermatologist. But if you want to have fair skin, use moisturizing bar soap and sun block with a minimum of SPF 15. Primer vs Moisturizer The next step is to choose a primer or a moisturizer. If you have oily skin or you are prone to perspiration, use primers. Primers create a wall between the skin and the makeup product, allowing the product to stay in the skin longer without the oil on the skin ruining it. For a good primer, Lenz suggests ELF and FX mattefying primer which you can get in sachets at Watsons. If you have dry skin, use water based moisturizer. Lenz suggests Celeteque among local products. If you have no primers, any moisturizer will have to do. Foundation In choosing foundation you have to take in mind the following: coverage, finish, shade and undertone. Coverage pertains to how much of your skin you want to shine through. Sheer coverage gives minimum coverage. It’s great to give yourself a bit of glow. If you have good skin, you might want to go for this since freckles, little discoloration and birthmarks can still be seen. Medium coverage is still natural but it covers redness and minor imperfections. Full coverage, as the name implies covers everything. Finish refers to the texture it gives your skin. The satin or dewy finish gives a dewy glow to your skin. You see this often in catwalks. Natural finish is between shine and matte and is great for everyday wear. Matte finish is for long wear and if you are exposed to an environment that could trigger your sweat glands. Shade is the darkness or lightness of skin. During hotter months you could be a shade darker and cooler months you could be a shade lighter. Your face may be lighter than your neck skin color. Lenz suggests matching your foundation with the skin on your neck. There are two undertones. If you burn or turn black after exposure to the sun, then you are golden olive undertones. If you turn red when, you are most like rosy or pink undertones. If you have golden/yellow undertone stay away from beige or true beige colors. Another thing to consider when choosing foundation is if you will use liquid, mousse or powder foundation. If your skin is oily, try avoiding liquid foundation. But of you have to use liquid, remember to use powder to pat it. Mousse gives a high definition finish, but if you do not know how to lend well, you might not get an even color. Powder foundation is good for oily skin. Fanny Serrano and Cover Girl are good brands for Filipino skin. Stripe test In choosing foundation, do a stripe test. For best results, try on daylight. But if the lighting is not good such as in malls, do a “stripe test” using your phone camera with flash. Apply the foundation on face, and check which color blends well. When testing, do not try it on your hand, the shades are different on the hand compared when applied to the face. C3 C4 Sat.-Sun., February 8-9, 2014 By Bombette T G. Marin HE MUNICIPALITY of Miagao will be transformed into a sea of colors as it marks its 16th Salakayan Festival and 298th Foundation Anniversary from January 31 to February 9. The carnival atmosphere envelopes the entire town as residents proudly celebrate their town’s history. The 10-day celebration will immerse visitor to its rich local culture with special that are beautiful expression of Miagao’s unique character. Music, dancing, plenty of food and drinking, fireworks and daily cultural presentations are the norm during Salakayan. The celebration culminates February with the muchanticipated Salakayan Tribe Contest at 8am; float parade at 3pm; ribbon-cutting of the Hablon Fashion Exhibit by Nono Palmos; and the Tribes Night at 7pm. On February 9, a mass and agape will be held 7:30am at the JRBB Hall; a motorcross starting 8am at the BLISSKirayan Tacas; car show, 2pm, at the Municipal Building Ground; and the Coronation of the Queen of Miagao 2014 at the Miagao town plaza starting 8pm. Salakayan, from the Hiligaynon word “salakay” or “to attack”, is an annual commemoration of the Miagaowanons successful defense of their town when Muslim pirates attacked on May 7, 1754. It is interpreted through a dance-drama competition depicting the historic battle which took place in the town. Coastal settlements in the islands of Panay became Salakayan of Miagao /pC2