IMPLEMENTATION OF CURFEW ORDINANCE,TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED ; COUN SICAD URGES RESORT OWNERS IN BAYBAY BEACH TO FORM LIFEGUARD TEAMS

CITY CURFEW ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTATION TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED…The implementation of the Roxas City Curfew Ordinance have been “temporarily suspended “ by Mayor Angel Alan Celino, effective immediately.

The purpose of the “indefinite suspension” of the Curfew Ordinance according to City Legal Officer Joseph Ador Ramos,  is for him to “analyze, conduct a study and find out whether the basic rights of a minor is being protected by the ordinance,”  and its provisions  “ will not contradict pertinent laws promulgated by the Congress, specifically the RA 9344. ”

Atty. Ramos said that Mayor Celino instructed him to prepare an executive order and formulate the implementing rules and guidelines of the  curfew ordinance  so that its implementation “ will be clear and in order.”

He also reiterated that the office of the City Mayor is not “re-evaluating” the Curfew Ordinance since  it was duly approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod being the local legislative body  of the city.

Atty. Ramos presumes  that the passage and approval of the  Curfew Ordinance  was “based on law and  a comprehensive study was done ” by the Sanggunian Panlungsod, noting that its members are “competent and capable” and the "welfare of the minors will always be at the back of their minds."

The Presiding Officer of the City Council is VM Ronnie Dadivas, a lawyer while the main author of the curfew Ordinance, Coun. Powell del Rosario recently passed the 2010 Bar Exams.

Another member of the SP Roxas is Atty. Julius Abela, a former City Fiscal and a Trial Court Judge.

Since the City Mayor’s office, the PNP and the Brgy. Officials will implement the Curfew Ordinance, it is just proper according to Atty. Ramos that Mayor Celino will have to ensure that the implementation is “regular “ and “ lawful.”

Ramos assured the public that the move of Mayor Celino “ is not to create a conflict with the legislative branch of the city government“ but  to “reconcile everything” for the effective implementation of the said ordinance.

The Roxas City Curfew Ordinance toke effect on April 5, 2011. It prohibit minors, 18 years old and younger from loitering or stay in the streets and in public places within the city from 10pm until 4am, the next morning.

Corresponding penalties with imprisonment is meted out to the parent or guardian of a minor apprehended violating the curfew ordinance,  implemented by the CSWD, PNP and the barangay officials.

BK News contacted  Coun. Del Rosario for his comments and reaction with regards to the “temporary suspension” of the Curfew Ordinance but as of press time, he was not able to gave his side.

Coun. Julius Abela meantime said, he is not aware of any "suspension order" handed down by Mayor Celino on the implementation of the Curfew Ordinance.

Meanwhile in a text message sent to BK News, Former City Administrator Rey Cordenillo said that during the time of Mayor Vicente Bermejo, the previous Curfew Ordinance(0492-2009) authored by Atty. Albert Potato was repealed for “being contrary to national law” and was declared “unconstitutional” by the Sanggunian Panlalawigan.

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COUN. NONOY SICAD WANTS A SAFER BAYBAY BEACH...A day after Coun. Erwin Sicad delivered his privilege speech concerning the series of drowning incidents in Brgy Baybay,  a 21 year old woman  was rescued after she drowned while swimming with her friends off  Baybay Beach on Wednesday. 

The victim,"Mimi" was with her boyfriend and 3 female friends enjoying the cold waters of  the beach when  suddenly, big waves engulfed them.

Her "swimming buddies" were able to swam towards the shallow part of the beach but  unfortunately, the victim was pulled-away  by the ocean current and swallowed by the cold water.

After hearing the scream of the  victim's companion, concerned citizens in the area immediately responded     and the woman was successfully pulled off  from the waters and rushed to the RMPH.

The victim is now safe but still admitted in the hospital for further medication.

Prior to Wednesday's incident, 2 children drowned off Baybay Beach last week, 1 died the other brought to hospital and later recovered.

The 9-year old victim, a pupil from Plaridel Elem School died despite numerous attempts by his relatives, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel and Brgy CVOs  to rescue him failed.

Worried by the numerous drowning incidents, Coun. Sicad is appealing to resort operators in Brgy. Baybay to take immediate action  and make Baybay Beach a more safer place for beach-goers.

Sicad added that "it's the obligation of resort operators to be an active participant in keeping the Baybay Beach safe for its costumers because their business depend on them."

Resort owners in Baybay Beach were encouraged by Sicad to organize a team of Lifeguards to handle emergency situations such as drowning.

Sicad urges resort owners to send their representatives in the forthcoming seminar  for Basic Life Saving Techniques and Search and Water Rescue  to be conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard Regional Office since most victims of drowning incidents are their patrons.

To soften the negative image of Baybay Beach brought by series of drowning incidents,  there are suggestions that the city government should form and finance a “well-trained and well-equipped” team of lifeguards to watch over beach-goers.

Well-trained and versatile Beach Lifeguard’s primary job is to promote and maintain a safe beach through presence and direct action.

Lifeguards also execute proactive and reactive situational responses, perform ocean rescues, provide first aid and CPR,  help locate and reunite missing or lost children to their families and maintain a degree of order in the beach.

According to the PCG, at least four people have already died from drowning  off  Baybay Beach, specifically in the area fronting  People’s Park all the way to Barbasa Resort , since January of this  year.

PCG Commander Dela Pena emphasized that they can only respond to drowning emergencies  in the Baybay beach area once they are immediately informed of the incident , since they are stationed at the Culasi Port.

Coast Guard personnel and CVO members of Brgy. Baybay are also concerned over the frequent occurrence of  rip currents off the beach.

These currents are formed by a low point on the beach bottom which in turn causes a rapid outward flow of water.

This occurs when variable wave conditions create unevenness in the ocean bottom. Rip currents may pull continuously or suddenly appear after set of waves.

Typically, a victim will not realize he or she is near a rip currents until he or she is in a predicament and panics.

Through the years, Baybay Beach has been the premier destination for family gatherings, peer outings and picnics, not only of the city residents but as well as of people in the nearby municipalities and other provinces in Panay Island.

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TIDBITS...It will be a special non-working holiday in Roxas City and the entire province of Capiz on Friday, April 15, in commemoration of the death anniversary of former Pres. Manuel A. Roxas as declared under RA 9217.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has extended the deadline of filing of Income Tax Returns (ITR) in Capiz to April 18, Monday following the declaration of a non-working holiday in Capiz on April 15.

LIQUIDATE THE 2011 WVRAA FUNDS ; DEP ED'S LIQUIDATION REPORT FOR WVRAA PARTICIPATION

LIQUIDATE THE 2011 WVRAA FUNDS…Board Member Jonathan “ Sonny” Besa demanded for the immediate submission of the liquidation report of the fund given by the  Capiz provincial government to the Department of Education-Capiz Division, in its participation to the 2011 WVRAA meet in Iloilo City. 

In his privilege speech during the SP Capiz session held recently, Board Member Besa insisted that DepEd should provide the Sanggunian Panlalawigan the “list of expenditures “  for them “to know where and how the fund was spent.”

“ Since the principle of checks and balance is a sacrosanct doctrine of our democracy, it is our right and responsibility as legislators of this province to exercise our oversight function, to legally insist on knowing the events taking place in other agencies especially in this situation of financial concern where apathy is and would be an option,” Besa emphasized.

Besa added that the “list of expenditures shall be the avenue which would lead us to the means on how we would be able to fill in what we lacked and we would be conferred the awareness of other ways whereby we could further extend our help in order to enhance the performance of Capiz in future athletic events.”

According to Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr., the provincial government thru the Local School Board , contributed   P 3M to the DepEd for the WVRAA meet participation.

Despite of the "lamentable" results of the athletic delegation  in the 2011 WVRAA meet in which Capiz just landed  4th place in the Secondary level and 5th placer in the elementary level, BM Besa still commended and thanked the winners, trainers, organizer, participants and athletes “ who have firmly rendered their full support to our provincial delegation” during the regional meet.

“ This is not the time to point fingers, but rather the moment to review our actions, specifically to re-evaluate the sports development program in Capiz and sort-out ineffective  measures and replace them with new yet effective ones,” Besa said.

He is also pushing for the “updating of the level of competence of the DepEd  and the government in improving and upholding the sports program.”

BM Besa meanwhile commended “the courage“  of the Dep Ed Capiz division headed by Dr. Eveleth Gamboa in  “confronting its mistakes“  regarding the luck luster performance of the Capiz delegation in the WVRAA meet this year.

Likewise, Besa is hoping that the planned overhauling of Dep Ed of its sports program would be “concretized so as to prevent the re-occurrence of unfortunate events for Capiz on the succeeding WVRAA  meet."

In an exclusive interview of BK News with Dr. Gamboa, which was quoted by BM Besa in his privilege speech, the Capiz Schools Division Superintendent accepted the responsibility of the lamentable performance of Capiz delegation in the WVRAA.

Gamboa said that she is not passing  the responsibility to someone else, be it to the city or the provincial governments, with regards to the lackluster performance of Capiz in the WVRAA , but the Dep Ed - Capiz Division since they are on the front line.

Gamboa also clarified that she did not blamed City Mayor Alan Celino for the “poor” outcome of Team Capiz  following the city government’s failure to contribute some amount  as  financial help for the delegation’s WVRAA participation .

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DEP ED CAPIZ DIVISION SUBMITS LIQUIDATION REPORT.....At least P 3.455M was spent by the Capiz delegation in the 2011 WVRAA meet held in Iloilo City.

The liquidation document submitted by Capiz Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Eveleth Gamboa to Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr, a copy of which was obtained by BK News, summarizes the expenses of the delegation's 10-day training in the Villareal Stadium and the meet proper in Iloilo City.

On Wednesday, during the SP Capiz regular session, BM Jonathan Besa "demanded" that the Department of Education-Capiz Division submits its liquidation report of the funds used in the WVRA meet.

The liquidation report was prepared by Marian V. Recio, Disbursing officer ; verified by Benjie Doce, the Accountant of DepEd and was approved by Dr. Eveleth Gamboa.

In the interest of transparency and accountability, below are the list of expenses incurred by the Capiz delegation in the 2011 WVRAA meet.

Source of Funds :

      Prov'l Gov't                                  P      3,000,000.00

      SK Capiz                                                  20,000.00

      Capiz Sports Council Savings               50,000.00

      Mambusao LGU                                       10,000.00

      Panay                                                          5,000.00

      Tapaz                                                        10,000.00

      Dumarao                                                   10,000.00

      Pontevedra                                                10,000.00

      Pilar                                                           10,000.00

      Panitan                                                        5,000.00

     Jamindan                                                    10,000.00

     Maayon                                                        10,000.00 

     RC Division                                                 50,000.00

     F/A from NHS                                           168,472.50

     F/A District teachers                                159,750.00

     Solicitation                                                    9,000.00

                 Total                                         3,537,222,50 

EXPENSES :

     Training Expenses ( March 8-17, 2011) 

           Meals ( 10 days )                       P         688,208.97

           Training Allowance                                  55,400.00

           Toiletries                                                   21,300.00

           Ground facilities                                      10,000.00

           Sanitation                                                  5,000.00

           Travel for NAT Takers                              6,876.00

           Hired sanitation Helpers                        15,000.00

           Hired Kitchen Helpers                              7,500.00

           Petty cash fund                                          7,500.00

           Playgium Courts Rental                         20,950.00

           Transpo to & from Playgium                    1,745.00

           Communication/Cell cards                      4,800.00

           Transpo for Screening & Secretariat     20,808.00

           Other expenses                                       67,712.03 ( ????? ) 

                               Sub Total                          932,800.00 

     

       WVRAA Meet proper ( March 18-24, 2011 ) 

           Meals                                        P      586,775.89

           Transportation                                  278,761.00

           Allowances                                       291,500.00 

           Comm/Cell cards                                  4,800.00  

           Hired Kitchen Helpers                          5,500.00

           Hired sanitation Helpers                    10,500.00

           Sanitation Expenses                            5,056.00

           Petty Cash fund                                     8,500.00

           Ground facilities                                  20,000.00

           Cultural Expenses                               85,400.00

           Contingencies :

              Uniform Augmentation                     26,000.00

              Other Expenses                             110,506.68  (?????)

          Insurance                                               13,920.00                     

       Uniforms                                                446,700.00

       Athletic Equipment & supplies           317,679.00

       Parade shoes & socks                       129,300.00

       Medicines & Vitamins                           99,978.62  (??????)

       Office Supplies                                       81,329.00 ( ????? ) 

                              Sub Total              P    2,522,206.19 

 Total expense:Training &  Meet proper P  3,455,006.19

 Balance(surplus)                                            82,216.31

In a text message to BK News, SP Secretary Zoe Herrera, Jr clarified that the P 20 thousand contribution  of the SK Federation to the DepEd was funded from the Other Maintenance and Operating Expenses (OMOE) of SK President Migo Herrera.

WANTED : BAYBAY BEACH LIFEGUARDS ; SAPIAN, "MOST PREPARED" TOWN FOR DISASTER RESPONSE

WANTED : BAYBAY BEACH LIFEGUARDS ….Two children drowned off Baybay Beach last week, 1 died the other hospitalized.

One of the victim, a 9-year old pupil from Plaridel Elem School died despite numerous attempts by his relatives ,Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel and Brgy CVOs  to rescue him failed.

According to authorities, the victim with his parents joined a family outing in one of the resorts in Baybay . But without the knowledge and consent  of his father and mother , the victim together with four other companions went swimming off the water . Later on, the boy was engulfed by big waves and vanished. 

Two days after the drowning incident ,  the boy’s dead body was retrieved at Brgy Cogon.

Prior to the drowning  of the 9 year old boy, a 10 year old boy also drowned in the same area, over-looking the Baywatch-Lifeguard outpost manned by the CVO members of  Brgy.  Baybay.

Fortunately, the Brgy CVO's  have been alerted of the incident and the victim was rescued immediately, brought to the hospital and was able to recover.

According to the PCG, at least four people already died from drowning  off  Baybay Beach, specifically in the area fronting  People’s Park all the way to Barbasa Resort , since January of this  year.

Coast Guard personnel and CVO members of Brgy. Baybay told BK News that they are very concerned on the occurrence of  rip currents off the beach.

These currents are formed by a low point on the beach bottom which in turn causes a rapid outward flow of water.

This occurs when variable wave conditions create unevenness in the ocean bottom. Rip currents may pull continuously or suddenly appear after set of waves.

Typically, a victim will not realize he or she is near a rip currents until he or she is in a predicament and panics.

Coast Guard District Commander Lt JG Dela Pena say that this figure is already “alarming” and the local government unit and resort owners should act immediately, according to him, to avoid more drowning casualties.

Dela Pena emphasized that they can only respond to drowning emergencies  in the Baybay beach area once they are immediately informed of the incident , since they are stationed at the Culasi Port.

Through the years, Baybay Beach has been the premier destination for family gatherings, peer outings and picnics, not only of the city residents but as well as of people in the nearby municipalities and other provinces in Panay Island.
 

The development along Baybay Beach is obviously unstoppable noting the presence of new and old resorts, commercial and residential structures that attract visitors and local tourists.

However, it is sad to hear that there are  people now, calling the Baybay Beach as “killer beach” because of many casualties due to drowning .

Beach-goers are now worried that swimming  off the waters of Baybay is not safe anymore especially for children and even for the adults.

Unfair statements but we must take it seriously.

To soften the negative image of Baybay Beach brought by series of drowning incidents,  there are suggestions that the city government should form and finance a “well-trained and well-equipped” team of lifeguards to watch over beach-goers.

Well-trained and versatile Beach Lifeguard’s primary job is to promote and maintain a safe beach through presence and direct action.

Lifeguards also execute proactive and reactive situational responses, perform ocean rescues, provide first aid and CPR,  help locate and reunite missing or lost children to their families and maintain a degree of order in the beach.

Beach Resorts along Baybay should also maintain their own lifeguards  since majority of the drowning victims are their patrons.

If possible, prohibit swimmers when wave condition is very dangerous and  depth markers should also be placed in the area to tell swimmers how deep the water is at that point.

Summer is fast approaching and beach lovers are now eager to take a dip off the cool waters of Baybay, therefore the government must act fast.

Parents and guardians should also be reminded to make sure that a close eye is kept on their children when they are swimming on the beach. Do not let them wander off on their own or be without the supervision of a responsible adult.

For adults, do not use alcohol or drugs when swimming.

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SAPIAN, "MOST PREPARED" TOWN FOR DISASTER RESPONSE…The province of Capiz is one of the many provinces in the country that is frequently  visited by typhoons, floods and other natural calamities.

The peaceful town of Sapian is not exempted when we speak of towns in  Capiz having been hit by landslides and flash floods since some of their barangays are situated  on the mountainside.

Sapian was also hammered in the past  by countless typhoons because of its  geographical location, North of Panay Island, facing the famous Sapian Bay.

This is the very reason why the administration of Mayor Arturo “Turic” Orosco, Sr, with the help of concerned Sapianons  created its own 40-member Disaster Response Group.

The Disaster Response Group of Sapian is responsible for a quick response on natural or man-made disasters and other cases of emergencies, including fires.

According to former Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Action Officer Ret. Supt.  Jose Daradar, Sapian is the only municipality in the province having  a  “well-trained and well-equipped” disaster and emergency response team.

Under the leadership of Mayor Turic, the LGU of Sapain provided its Fire Emergency  Team with proper equipment such as fire suits, breathing apparatus, telescopic ladders,  bolt-cutters, chainsaw, a fire truck with a 900-meter fire hose, use for any fire incidents within the municipalities or its neighboring town.

An ambulance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is also on stand-by  24-hours to provide emergency medical assistance, including victims of  highway accidents.

For water and sea rescue, Sapian’s Disaster Response Team has a 20-setter motorized-fiber glass boat, life jackets and yes, complete scuba diving gears for its two professional scuba divers who are residents of the municipality.

As matter of fact, the municipality of Sapian is the only LGU in Capiz recognized by no less than the Office of the Civil Defense and the RDRRMC for having the “most-equipped and well-trained” rescue group in Western Visayas.

Mr. Arnz Caberte, the Executive Assistant of Mayor Turic said that Sapian have  dump trucks and a generator set that can produce DC-power and light-up a wide area during long period of power interruption.
Caberte also revealed that they will soon acquire a rubberized boat.

This summer, a team from the Philippine Air Force based in Cebu will conduct a “Sea Rescue” training for the members of Sapian’s Rescue Group, a first in the region.

No wonder, Sapian is an envy for other municipalities frequently visited by floods and other natural calamities, when disaster preparedness is concerned.

PRIVATE-PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP FOR 2011 CAPIZTAHAN , UNITED CAPIZENOS FOUNDATION OFFICERS

PRIVATE-PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP FOR 2011 CAPIZTAHAN…The partnership of the United Capizenos Foundation, Incorporated, a.k.a ONE Capiz, the provincial government of Capiz, the Roxas City government and the office of Rep. Tony del Rosario is on and their first official act is the collaboration for the staging of the yearly Capiztahan on April 14-17, 2011.

In a media conference last Wednesday, ONE Capiz was formally introduced as the “lead partner” for the holding of different activities of the 2011 Capiztahan, while Capitol and City Hall will provide  the “technical, personnel and additional financial support.”

Speaking of financial support, the provincial government will “contribute “ P 1M to the coffer  of the United Capizenos Foundation, the people of Roxas City will also give  P 1M and the Congressional office of Rep. Tony del Rosario, an additional P 1M.

On the other hand, ONE Capiz will have its financial counterpart to the partnership with another P 1M.

Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. emphasized that the management of One Capiz for the 2011 Capiztahan, “ is an attempt to answer the public’s clamor that local festivals should be handled by a private foundation, just like in Kalibo and Iloilo.”

“ This attempt will not be the first and last for a private-public partnership” according to Gov. Tanco since his administration will also partner with private groups “not only for festivals but for other development projects of the province.”

Tanco also clarified that the “seed money” of P 4M,  “ is not for the Capiztahan alone but already a private-partnership budget  and the income generated from the Capiztahan will go to the foundation.”

The Governor also stated , “ whatever is not spent ( from the P 4M ) for Capiztahan will be use for other projects which will also reflect the private-public partnership.”

Acting Provincial Tourism Officer and co-festival Director Al Tesoro meanwhile said that the partnership with One Capiz is a “manifestation of participatory governance and their is a pooling of the resources both on the government and the private sectors.”

Considering that the 2011 Capiztahan coincides with the 110th foundation day of Capiz as a civil government, Tesoro said that the Capitol will handle the preparation for Farmer’s Day, project inauguration, Photo Exhibit, medical mission and the hosting of the RDC meeting on April 16.

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THE CAPIZTAHAN FESTIVAL…The 110th foundation of the civil government of Capiz will be marked with the celebration of the CAPIZtahan 2011 Festival.

According to Festival Directress Cheche del Rosario, Capiztahan 2011 is a “spectacular three-day affair to be hosted by the Prov’l Gov’t of Capiz, the City Gov’t of Roxas and ONE Capiz, the coordinating body of the United Capizenos Foundation Incorporated.”

The festival is also a “determined and unified effort of both the private and the public sector to establish Roxas City and Capiz as the seafood trip and a premiere tourist destination of the country,” del Rosario added.

ONE Capiz Exec Director Melanie Arancillo meanwhile promised that the festival will have “numerous colorful activities, unparalleled seafood offerings and rich cultural extravaganza.”

The Capiztahan 2011 theme is, “Public-Private Partnership: Foundation of Good Governance.”

“Kapamilya” stars Jericho Rosales, Angeline Quinto and Beauty Queen Venus Raj will also provide additional attraction for the three-day festival.

Other Capiztahan activities are ; National Cock Fighting Derby, Chef Margarita Fores Cooking Demo, Seafood Fair, Electric Parade, Fireworks Display, Concert for Capiz’ Centennial Celeb, Horticulture Fair, Centennial Photo Exhibit, Banca Race, Battle of the Bands & Dance Showdown and Wreath Laying for the death anniversary of Pres. Manuel Roxas.

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UNITED CAPIZENOS FOUNDATION INC…The United Capizenos Foundation, known as ONE Capiz “grew out of a dream for a truly collaborative, participatory and consultative approach to governance and public service.”

ONE Capiz Exec. Director Melanie Aracillo during a media conference said that “it is a foundation composed of professionals and dynamic Capizenos who probably thought it is high time to help uplift the plight of our people and put Capiz as a tourist destination.”

“As a response to President Noynoy Aquino’s call for a dynamic public-private partnership, ONE Capiz endeavors to actively participate in the local government’s pursuit of having happy, healthy and productive Capizenos,” Arancillo emphasized.

Arancillo also revealed the following officers of the foundation; Mrs. Judy A. Roxas as the Chairperson, Lina B. Laygo as President and Mr. Emmanuel “Tawi” Billones, Sr as the Vice President.

The Treasurer of the foundation is Astrid Nuguid while the Corporate Secretary is Atty Jonas Carl Perez.

Meanwhile , the  Board of Trustees of United Capizenios Foundation  are as follows ; Judy A. Roxas, Lina Laygo, Eduardo Yotoko, Dr. Abunjo Balgos, Alphonso Supitran, Edgar Sia, Joefry Martines, Emmanuel Billones, Edna Viterbo, William Bantigue, Jose Nery Ong, Danilo Lim-Yap, Agnes Villaruz, Lenny Apaitan and Jose Hernandez.

BK News also learned that other prominent members of ONE Capiz are Nonong Palomar, Boy Roxas, Cora Tiangco, Danilo So-Chan, Bryan Argos, Arch’t Terry Gabino, Letlet del Rosario, Socorro Sta. Ana,  and Jojo Roldan.
 

DEP ED TAKES RESPONSIBILITY OVER WVRAA DEBACLE ; DON'T BLAME US OVER POOR WVRAA PERFORMANCE-MAYOR CELINO

WHO’S SLEEPING ?…. City Mayor Angel Alan Celino was dismayed  over the continuing efforts by some quarters in blaming him and the city government as one of the “contributors” of why Capiz landed near the tail end of the over-all results of the 2011 WVRAA meet in Iloilo City.

During a media briefing, Mayor Celino aired his “disappointment” over the purported statement of his former school teacher, Capiz Schools Division Superintendent  Dr. Eveleth Gamboa, that the “poor performance ” of  the Capiz delegation in the regional meet  was attributed to the refusal of his administration in providing the money requested by the department as part of the city government’s financial contribution to the delegation’s fund.

Mayor Alan criticized the DepEd for pointing the finger of blame on his administration  over the Capiz delegation’s regrettable and lackluster performance in the 2011 WVRAA meet.

Celino on the other hand confirmed that the city gov’t turned down the request of  City Schools Division Supt Dr. Jessie Gomez for an additional  P 200 thousand, since they weren’t able to justify where and how the money will be spent as part of the WVRAA fund.

The Mayor also emphasized in the media briefing that, "the issue shouldn’t be the money since the city gov’t can even contribute millions of pesos to the WVRAA delegation, but the presence of a good sports program of the province, that can clearly justify for the release of the additional fund."

Dr. Gamboa has been quoted on her radio interview that the debacle of Capiz in the WVRAA is a “wake up call” for everyone but  Mayor Celino took a dig at Gamboa by asking ,“who’s sleeping?”

After the planned sports summit to be called by the city government, Celino revealed that he is opting to “adopt a sport and adopt a player” in Roxas City to be funded not by the Local School Board (LSB) fund but from the General Fund (GF). 

* * * 

THE BUCK STOPS AT DEP ED….Capiz Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Eveleth  Gamboa is taking the “full responsibility” over the Capiz Athletic delegation’s debacle on the 2011 WVRAA meet.

In an interview with BK News, Dr. Gamboa says, she is accepting the responsibility for the lamentable performance of the Capiz team in the WVRAA and clarifies she is not passing any responsibility to someone else, be it to the city or the provincial governments, but the Dep Ed - Capiz Division since they are on the frontline.

Dr. Gamboa also clarified that she did not blamed City Mayor Alan Celino for the “poor” outcome of Team Capiz  following the city government’s failure to contribute some amount  as  financial help for the delegation’s WVRAA participation .

The answer to the question during a radio interview with regards to the LGU’s who already gave financial contribution to the Dep Ed, excluding the city gov’t , was “taken out of context”, Gamboa added.

The Capiz Division wants to make it clear according to Dr. Gamboa that they are also not pointing the finger of blame to the provincial gov’t since Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr and the SP Capiz are very supportive with the education department’s management  on the WVRAA participation.

Dr. Gamboa immediately called a post-evaluation for the 2011 WVRAA participation, attended by coaches, trainers, tournament directors, team managers and officials from the City and Capiz Divisions  to determine “what went wrong” during the regional meet that resulted to a 4th place finish of Capiz in the secondary level and 5th place in the  elementary level.

The results of the  assessment according to Dr. Gamboa  will be submitted to Gov. Tanco and to the Capiz School Sports Council for their review and evaluation.

* * *

OVERHAUL DEP ED’S SPORTS PROGRAM…The Department of Education-Capiz Division promised to “dig deeper “ and “overhaul” the local sports program of the agency after the lackluster performance of the Capiz athletic delegation in the recently concluded WVRAA meet.

Capiz Schools Division Supt. Dr. Eveleth Gamboa said that they will conduct a “planning session” with her school sports coordinators to determine what are the best solutions to solve the deteriorating performance of Capiz in the regional meet.

Gamboa also admitted that the DepEd’s school sports program is “ almost neglected “, while giving  more attention to the school academics.

Included in the possible reforms to be initiated by the Capiz division on its sports program will be the holding of the provincial meet on a fixed date and the possible reduction of the lower meets such as the district and cluster meets.

The  Capiz division will also implement a rigorous selection process for the players, longer training period, hiring competent trainers and coaches , more tournament exposures, additional funding request from the LGU’s and the partnership with the private sector.

BLAME GAME OVER WVRAA DEBACLE ; BLACK EYE FOR THE ARNIS TEAM

BLAME GAME OVER WVRAA DEBACLE…The Department of Education  - Capiz Division and the provincial government of  Capiz are now pointing with each other  on who’s to be blamed with regards to the lamentable result of our  athletic delegation in the 2011 WVRAA Meet.

It seems, everybody now  refuse to accept any responsibility for the undesirable result of our athletic delegation and as of this moment , no one took the blame for it.

Coaches, trainers, the Department of Education and  our provincial officials are now making excuses and pointing the finger of blame with one another pertaining to our 5th place finish in the Elementary Level and 4th place finish in the Secondary Level of the regional meet.

But who’s really to be blamed here . Is it the Department of Education who’s in charge of all the processes in selecting our players, train and prepare them for the regional meet or the provincial government headed by  Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. , that allot funds for the preparation , training and maybe cash rewards for our athletes.

Are we going to pin the blame on the Capitol  for the “inadequate funding” for the training and preparation  of the delegation plus the supposed “absence” of a comprehensive sports program or we should attribute the responsibility to the Capiz division for their “failure” to select the best  players or athletes, knowledgeable coaches and trainers and for adopting  a 10-day training period, a.k.a. “housing.”

Once again, as it was in the previous years, the cycle of finger pointing and blaming each other after the WVRAA  keeps going and going to the detriment of our delegation.

The forgettable results of  Capiz in this year’s WVRAA should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. This is now the time to have a deeper and serious understanding of the problems and hindrances so as to arrive on a much better and acceptable results next year.

We have to fix it immediately and properly. Everyone should contribute, help and act. Let’s do it, right now !

* * *  

DOUBLE WHAMMY FOR THE ARNIS TEAM... Arnis enthusiasts and supporters in Capiz were so shocked with the outcome of  the performance of our  Arnis team in the 2011 WVRAA meet.

They thought that we have the best Arnis team in Western Visayas and one among the best in the country considering the gold medal haul of our players in various regional and national competitions recently.

In the recently concluded WVRAA, the Arnis team of Capiz got only a single gold medal for secondary level with 2 silver and 8 bronze while in the elementary level, we harvested only 5 bronze medals and for gold and silver, nil.

With this anemic medal haul, Capiz Arnis team landed 3rd in the secondary level, behind Aklan at the 2nd place. Meanwhile our badly beaten   elementary Arnis team landed at fourth after champion Iloilo, 2nd placer Aklan and 3rd placer Negros.

Grand Master Carlito “Carling” Ondillo, the designated Provincial Arnis Commissioner of Arnis Phlippines in Capiz and at the same time a long time practitioner of the sport in Capiz and in Western Visayas , attributed the dismal results of our Arnis team in the WVRAA on the “haphazard selection process” of the Department of Education.

Master Carling revealed in an interview with BK News that during the unit competition, his "Bastoneros" were beaten by what he considers “inferior” players due to “poor judgment and officiating” of the Education Department’s officiating officials.

Just like other contact sports such as Taekwondo and Boxing, judges decide if a player wins or loses a match.

The irony according to Grand Master Ondillo , is that some of the medalists of the 2011 WVRAA meet from Iloilo and Aklan were defeated  by his players during the 2011 Dinagyang Open Arnis Tournament last January.

Master Ondillo, impliedly accuses the judges and referees from Dep Ed for the Arnis competition  during the local meet of  deliberately  “fixing” the matches to favor their opponents.

Ondillo hopes that his criticism with regards to the outcome of our Arnis team should not be misconstrued as a personal grudge against the Capiz Division , instead Dep Ed officials will take it as a challenge so as not to repeat the same mistakes next time, Ondillo added.

Catch the Exclusive interview of Budyong Kapehan with Grand Master Carling Ondillo on Monday at 8 am.

* * *

QUESTIONABLE  SELECTION PROCESS … The allegation of Master  Carling Ondillo pertaining the  “haphazard selection process” of the Department of Education in Arnis is very disturbing.

No wonder that our Arnis team  landed 4th in the Elementary level and 3rd in the Secondary level in the 2011 WVRAA meet.

Taking into consideration of the dismal results in the different sports events we have participated in the WVRAA , we can surmise that the processes of selecting our players and athletes  on those competitions are likewise questionable and not rigorous.

The problem in selecting the best and the most qualified athletes or players representing our province in the  regional meet has been a concern  for quite sometime now and therefore the Department of Education should look into this matter immediately.

Officials of the Department headed by Dr. Gamboa must also look into the concern  of some coaches and players against  alleged “bias” and “poor”  officiating in the Unit, Division and the Provincial Meets.

We heard some problems also with the selection process and alleged poor or bias officiating in the CAPRISA but the degree is not as big as that of the DepEd. 

If the problem with the selection process of the players and poor officiating is not addressed, we can expect  the same disappointing result for WVRAA next year.

Compounding the poor results of our delegation are the qualification and capability of some of our coaches from the Department of Education. I've heard that some coaches were only good in theories but lack skills and trainings to handle a team. Worst, their were instances according to reports that coaches and players got to know each other for the first time, during the "housing" period.

Before any team, athlete or a player in a public school qualifies to represent Capiz in the regional meet, they must first hurdle the District meet  then the Division or Unit meets and finally the provincial meet.

The winning team, athletes or players are then handled by the winning Coach from the Department of Education or CAPRISA and they  carry the burden of training them.

3P'S FOR THE 4P'S IN CAPIZ ; FORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE IN THE WVRAA MEET ;

FORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE IN WVRAA MEET…Board Member James Magbanua is disappointed with regards to the dismal performance of the Capiz delegation in the recently concluded WVRAA meet in Iloilo City, which was dominated by Negros.

Capiz is just at the 5th place in the Elementary level, behind 3rd placer Aklan and 4th placer Antique.  Meanwhile we placed 4th in the Secondary level after the province of Aklan at 3rd place .

Magbanua’s disappointment is understandable considering that as a Board Member, he’s the Chairman of the SP Committee on Education and a member of the provincial Local School Board and at the same time, witnessed how our athletes performed during the games.

BM Mitang told BK News that in some events during the WVRAA, he observed that our athletes  lack stamina, teamwork, consistency and the will to win.

Stamina, teamwork, consistency and the will to win  according to Magbanua are some of  the basic elements on how to excel in sports.

With this lamentable results, BM Mitang is planning to call the people of  the Department of Education-Capiz Division, in-charged of the WVRAA participation and other sports activities in the province and will seek their explanation with regards to the regrettable performance of our delegation.

Magbanua also hinted that he will deliver a privilege speech to inquire with the executive department pertaining to the sports program of the province and at the same time,  inquire for the status of the “Provincial Sports Council”.

Some Members of the SP Capiz also expressed their disappointment on our WVRAA debacle and they are also calling for the timely review of provincial sports program, so as not to put Capiz in bad light again, during  next year’s regional meet.

BM Mimi Ardivilla also expressed her  “concern” on the WVRAA results for Capiz and she  wanted a “deep”   examination on our  “deteriorating”  WVRAA performance.

Despite the “poor performance” of the Capiz delegation for this year’s WVRAA, the Board Members  emphasized that we should not blame our athletes and players for the regrettable results since they gave all their best.

SK Federation President Migo Herrera delivered a privileged speech few months ago in relation of  his plan  to "revitalize" the flagging sports program of the province.

As the Federation President of the SK in Capiz and as the Committee Chairman of the Youth and Sports Development in the Sanggunian Panlalawigan, Migo is in the right direction to fix the sports agenda of the province, says a former regional player of Capiz in a contact sport and  now teaching in a private school here.

The former athlete also expressed dismay over the short training period, a.k.a. “housing”,  provided by the DepEd on this year’s delegation for WVRAA meet, compared to much longer training and “housing” of Aklan, the 3rd placer of this year's regional meet.

Eight to 10 days of team and group training provided by Dep Ed is very short, sometimes insignificant according to him, since team sports such as Football, Basketball, Volleyball and even for other minor sports,  need longer period of training to establish teamwork, consistency and organization.

There was a time during the 90’s and early 2000 according to records that Capiz delegation for WVRAA trained inside the Villareal Stadium for at least 30 days and the result was good.

This is the first time that Capiz landed on the 5th spot for Elementary level while for the Secondary level, it’s not a surprise that we maintained our 4th place finish.

Before the delegation's "eight (8) days housing and training" at the Villareal Stadium, Mr. Ronilo Tu, the  Capiz Dep Ed's Sports Coordinator, told BK News that the athletes who will represent for Capiz in  the WVRAA Meet already started their training before joining on their respective local sports competitions such as the City Division Meet, CAPRISA Meet and the Provincial Meet. 

Mr. Tu will be on the "hot seat" again, just like the previous years after the WVRAA meet. Poor guy !
 
Next time, we will discuss the problems confronting our wvraa meet delegation and everybody is free to contribute their analysis and probable solution so that we can be of help to our future athletes.

* * *

CONGRATS TO CAPIZ’ LITERARY AND MUSICAL CONTESTANTS…The delegation of Capiz for the 2011 WVRAA Literary and Musical really saved the day for our province and we would like to commend all of them.

Capiz was over-all 1st runner-up in the Secondary level and Elementary  level, next to champion Iloilo 

and beating powerhouse Negros who just settled for 2nd runner-up(3rd place).

Our delegation won the championship trophy for Secondary English Declamation with Khaphet Jade Duenas as our contestant from Maayon Nat’l HS.

Dorothy Joy Siy from Capiz NHS also won the Gold in Vocal Solo-Pop category with her contest piece, “Stand up for love”, while the renowned  CPC Sarayawan Dance Troupe won the coveted championship for Folk Dance.

The pride of Ivisan NHS, Pearl Agpalo brought home the silver for Vocal Solo Classical category.

In the Elementary level , Lirah Linn Paz Bermudez of PMRMS-SpEd School is the champion for Vocal Solo Pop, Uzziel Faith Delamide of Pilar ES won the gold in Filipino Declamation.

Diocel Faith Dalida of PMRMS-North is 2nd placer for English Declamation while Rissa May Layna of Tugas ES got the 3rd place for Vocal Solo Classical.

The SP of Capiz commended the winners by passing a resolution that “acknowledges their significant achievements in bringing home for Capiz and its people the pride and honor” of being regional champions.

Congratulations !

* * *

3P'S IN THE 4P'S FOR CAPIZ...An Executive Order(EO) is now being readied by the office of provincial Governor for the establishment of an  inter-agency and inter-department Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC)  that will ensure  the proper implementation of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program(4P) of the DSWD in Capiz.

Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr.  said, the immediate creation of PAC was an offshoot of the talks with DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman and with Regional Dir. Minda Brigoli to resolve the problem in the implementation of the 4P’s in the province.

Aside from the various gov’t agencies involve with the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilya Program,  Tanco revealed that the PAC membership will be expanded to accommodate Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) in Capiz.

The PAC will also serve as the Provincial Grievance Committee that will handle grievances and resolve conflicts with regards to the 4P, Gov. Tanco added.

Seven municipalities in Capiz are included in the Pantawid Pamilya Program in Capiz; Maayon, Pilar, Pres Roxas, Panay, Tapaz, Sapian and Jamindan.

According to the DSWD, at least P40M were already released   to the beneficiaries in Capiz since December of 2009.

On Tuesday,  Technical Staff from the regional office  of DSWD conducted a re-orientation seminar at the provincial Capitol pertaining  to the implementation of the controversial 4P’s, here in Capiz.

Present on the side of the provincial gov’t were Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr, VG Nonoy Contreras, some department heads and also Board Members  Gingging Almalbis, Mimi Ardivilla, Remia Fuentes-Bartolome and BM Jeffry Layo.

The DSWD extension office staff in Capiz province and some 40 municipal Link Officers of the Pantawid Pamilya  were also present during the orientation.

Lucita Villanueva, the focal person of the 4P’s in the western visayas presented the goals, objectives, beneficiaries selection of the program while DSWD Regional Grievance Committee officer John Joseph Cordova explained the  procedures for complaints and grievance resolution of the  program.

Villanueva is hopeful for the smooth implementation of the 4P’s in Capiz after the “conflict” was resolved and she likewise promised that all DSWD programs in the province including the KALAHI-CIDDS and  the SEAK, will now be coordinated with the office of  Gov. Tanco.

Villanueva also gave an assurance for the proper disposition of the complaints regarding 4P’s  beneficiaries that are “not supposed to received”  cash assistance from the said program.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program(4P) is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants(CCT) to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education. It also promotes investment in human capital to stop the inter generational cycle of poverty.

GOV TANCO IS ANTI-RH BILL ; DSWD-TANCO CONFLICT,SETTLED

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL...The "conflict" between the provincial gov't of Capiz and the DSWDO reg'l office with regards to the implementation of the controversial Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P's) in the province have been settled.

In a radio interview, DSWD Reg'l Dir. Minda Brigoli said that she and Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. have agreed to "settle the misunderstanding" created by the non-implementation of some mechanisms previously agreed by their offices, regarding the 4P's in Capiz.

Among the issues that was settled is the immediate creation of the Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC), composed of representatives from the provincial gov't, DSWD provincial extension office and other government agencies,  that will  oversee the proper implementation of 4P's in the province.

The PAC will also serve as the Provincial Grievance Committee (PGC) that will settle queries, complaints and disputes in the 4P's implementation in at least seven municipalities in Capiz, that include Pilar, Pres. Roxas, Panay, Maayon, Jamindan, Tapaz and Sapian.

According to the office of the Governor, they have received complaints that some 4P's beneficiaries are not "indigents" but employed individuals and therefore not eligible to received monthly cash allowance of  P 1,300.

DSWD confirmed the alleged existence of "non-indigents" in some barangays in Capiz under 4P's but Dir. Grigoli said ,they have already "sanitized" the list of the beneficiaries.

Based on DSWDO records,  at least P 40M were released by the national gov't to thousands of 4P's beneficiaries in Capiz, since December 2010.

On February 24, 2011 the staff of DSWDO extension located at the Villareal Stadium received a letter from Provincial Administrator Jo Villanueva, informing them with regards to the "termination of the Memorandum of Agreement(MOA) respecting the free use of  stall no. 5 of Pag-ulikid Commercial Stalls." The DSWDO staff were also given a period of 90 days to vacate the subject premises. 

* * * 

GOV. TANCO IS ANTI-RH BILL... Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. received an overwhelming applause from the people who attended the 50th Sacerdotal Anniversary celebration of Msgr Onie Gordoncillo at the Capiz Gym  last Friday, after he publicly announced  his support against the RH bill. 

According to the Gov. Tanco, he decided to support the stand of the church against the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill as a "gift" to Msgr Onie on his 50th golden anniversary as a priest.

After the speech, Gov. Tanco received a "tight hug" from Msgr Onie.

Papal Nuncio Edward Joseph Adams with Archbishops, Bishops and priests who were also present during the occasion,  seems very happy with the stand of the governor against the RH Bill.

 

With this development, the three leaders of the LP in Capiz ; Rep. Antonio del Rosario, City Mayor Angel Alan Celino and Gov. Victor Tanco,Sr. now support the anti-RH bill advocates.
 

This is interesting since the leadership of the Liberal Party in the Congress and  in Malacanang are pushing for the approval of the RH Bill.

No less than Sec. Enrique Ona of the DOH gave an assurance the other day that PNoy has not wavered his support for the RH Bill and in fact according to Sec. Ona, the President certified the bill as urgent.

The possible implications of Gov. Tanco's stand against the RH Bill with regards to the DOH projects in Capiz will be known in the coming days or months, considering the the Health department is the prime mover of the proposed legislation.

During her speech here in Roxas City, Dr. Ligaya Acosta of Pro-Life Philippines revealed that  on 2007-2008, Capiz received at least $ 66,350.00 as grant from Australia for the "Enhancing Reproductive Health Through Youth Participation" program of the province.

* * *

WAGE INCREASE FOR CASUAL NURSES... BM Mimi Ardivilla, Chairperson of the SP Capiz - Committee on Health, is pushing for the salary increase of casual Nurses working in the RMPH and other district hospitals of the province.

According to BM Ardivilla, casual Nurses only receive a P 130 daily wage despite of their huge responsibilities in the hospital.

This is now the right time Ardivilla added,  that the provincial gov't should look into the predicament of the casual Nurses.

The lady  Board Member from the 2nd district is precisely correct on her observation regarding the measly daily wage of casual Nurses of our district hospitals, P 130 per day. For one month at 20 duty days of Monday-Friday,  a casual Nurse only receives  P 2,600, not to mention the frequent delays of their monthly salaries due to "unavailability" of funds. 

A daily wage of  P 130 for a casual Registered Nurse in the district hospitals is of the same daily salary received by a casual employee assigned for clerical works in the different offices inside the Capitol.

Indeed,  very demeaning for a prestigious profession.

Their are many considerations with regards to the timely proposal of BM Ardivilla, including the source of fund for the proposed daily wage increase and the PS cap limitation stipulated in the Local Gov't Code.

How about other casual employees in the Capitol ? Well, the provincial gov't might also consider the daily wage adjustment of  these casuals once the proposal of BM Ardivilla will be adapted by the Governor, since  selective wage increase  is sometimes unproductive.

MSGR ONIE’S GOLDEN SACERDOTAL ANNIV ; "ONE CAPIZ " TASKED TO MANAGE THE 2011 CAPIZTAHAN ; ATTY POWELL

MSGR ONIE’S GOLDEN SACERDOTAL ANNIV…All is set for the Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee of the beloved Archbishop of Capiz, Most Rev. Onesimo C. Gordonillo on Friday, March 18.

At least 50 Bishops, Archbishops and Priests around the country and of course from Capiz, will join Msgr Onie’s  50th year anniversary as a priest . His Eminence  Cardinal Vidal of Cebu and Papal Nuncio Edward  Joseph Adams will also grace the occasion.

Msgr Onie was born on February 16, 1935 in Jimalalud, Negros Oriental. He entered the Sacred Heart Seminary in Bacolod City on 1943 and finished his studies at the University of Sto. Tomas Central Seminary. On March 18, 1961, he was ordained  as a priest in the Archdiocese of Dumaguete.

Msgr Onie was ordained as the Auxiliary Bishop of Dumaguete City on May 27, 1974  and afterwards became the Bishop of Tagbilaran, Bohol.

He became the Archbishop of Capiz on June 18, 1986 and within 25 years, Msgr Onie has  ordained at least 93 priests.  Msgr Onie established three parishes, Dacuton in Dumarao, Dulangan in Pilar and in Bailan, Pontevedra.

Msgr Onie is also proud in establishing the chaplaincies of Pawa, Panay ; Tinaytayan, Dumarao ;San Antonio in Cuartero, San Nicolas, Tapaz and Malonoy in Dao.

The foundation of Sancta Maria Mater et Regina Seminarium in Brgy Cagay on 1999 was also one of the highlights of Msgr Onies reign as the head of the Catholic church in Capiz.

On March 17, representatives of 1,500 Basic Ecclesial Communities(BEC) in Capiz will meet at the Capiz Gym to pay tribute to its founder, Msgr. Onesimo C. Gordoncillo.

Congrats Msgr Onie.

* * *  

“UNITED CAPIZENIOS FOUNDATION” TASKED TO MANAGE THE 2011 CAPIZTAHAN…. Prov’l Administrator Atty Jose Villanueva has told BK News that the United Capizenios Foundation, Inc. will be given the task to manage the 2011 Capiztahan , scheduled on April 13-15, 2011.

According to Atty Villanueva, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the group also known as “ One Capiz “ and the provincial gov’t of Capiz will be signed soon.

The United Capizenios Foundation,  will be in-charge of the various activities for the forthcoming Capiztahan and in fact Atty. Villanueva said, the group already   linked-up with the provincial and the city governments during the launching of Capiztahan at the Araneta Center in Cubao.

The people of Capiz will “chip-in”  an eye popping P 1M to the One Capiz  group as a “financial assistance” for the Capiztahan activities and according to Atty Jo, the city government and the office of Rep. Tony del Rosario will also contribute, P 1M each.

It’s not still clear whether the United Capizenios Foundation will also have a financial counterpart  for the expenses of the 2011 Capiztahan.

But  Atty Villanueva assured the people of Capiz that proper accounting and liquidation will be done for the one million pesos “financial assistance”  to the United Capizenios Foundation, and he urged the group to be transparent on its expenditures using the said gov’t fund.

The entry of the “One Capiz” group in the management of this year’s Capiztahan Festival according to Atty. Villanueva, is in response with the Public Private Partnership (PPP) program of PNoy and the public clamor for a private organization or a NGO that will handle our festivals.

Atty. Villanueva said that  an Executive Order was recently signed by Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. to strengthen the PPP initiative in Capiz and the initial test is the partnership with  the United Capizenios Foundation, Inc.

With less than a month to go, no words yet from the group with regards to the activities of the forthcoming Capiztahan. In fact, the local  media is having a hard time in locating the office, officers and members of the said organization.

By the way, Atty. Villanueva also said that if the United Capizenios Foundation will be successful in managing the Capiztahan, they might also handle the 2011 Sinadya sa Halaran Festival.

We have visited the group’s website  for the names of their officers and members but unfortunately it’s not updated.

Who are the incorporators, officers and members of the United Capizenios Foundation, Inc?  Please stand-up !

* * *  

BIG CHALLENGE AHEAD …There are people somewhat apprehensive as regards the capability of the United Capizenios Foundation, Inc. in handling and managing the activities of the 2011 Capiztahan.

After hearing the news over Budyong Kapehan that the said group will manage the activities of 2011 Capiztahan, a prominent hotel owner in the city texted and raised a question, whether the people behind the organization have the experience and expertise in handling a festival  like the Capiztahan.

The texter also asked what credentials and experience do the group have in managing a big provincial event like the yearly Capiztahan festival.

Well, as of now we can’t judge the group yet since we don’t have any pertinent information and idea about  their plans, strategies and concept for the 2011 Capiztahan since no one in the organization has come-out in the open for media interviews.

It will also be very interesting to see, what would be  the treatment of the United Capizenios Foundation, Inc. to the local media in regard to the publicity and promotion of the festival.

During last year’s Capiztahan, the Provincial Tourism Office of Mr. Al Tesoro and the Capiz Provincial Press Bureau headed by Chief Edward Basilonia started the local media campaign for the  promotion of the festival as early as February.

Abangan !

* * *  

ATTY. POWELL DEL ROSARIO...Congratulations to City Councilor Powell Del Rosario for passing the 2010 Bar Exams.Coun. Powell is a graduate of CPC College of Law.

Students from Ateneo occupied half of the top 10 list of the 2010 Bar Examinations, with one of them being the bar topnotcher, Cesario Antonio Singzon, Jr with 89% rating.

Congrats. Atty. Powell !

TEXT HOAX ON NUCLEAR RADIATION, CONFLICTING REPORTS

TEXT HOAX ON NUCLEAR RADIATION…Many people were victimized by text messages “advising everyone to stay indoors and wear raincoats if you are outside, after nuclear radiation from the Fukushima Nuclear Plant had reached the Philippines.”

These text hoaxes spread like “tsunami’ in the country and Capizenos were not spared by this nasty rumors created by people with sick mind.

The fear-mongering text message also advise people to “ Swab neck skin with betadine where thyroid is, radiation hits thyroid first.”

Actually , text messages spreading rumors of alleged radiation contamination in the country started the other day after similar explosion at Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant occurred Saturday at the plant's nuclear reactor No.  1, injuring four workers, causing mass evacuations and destroying much of the outer building.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said that there is no truth to text rumors that radiation from a nuclear plant in Japan has reached the Philippines, and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)'s routine daily radiation monitoring in the environment showed the level of radiation in the environment has remained stable since the Fukushima incident in Japan.

DOST advised the public not to believe rumors currently spreading through text messages, emails, the Internet, and other means of communication.

Scientists also emphasized that there is no immediate danger of nuclear radiation in the Philippines since the wind direction from Japan is towards the east and not towards the Philippines.

In fact, Russian which is also Japan’s neighbor,  reported normal radiation levels in the country's Far East on Monday and Moscow said there was no reason to evacuate residents following a second explosion at a Japanese nuclear plant.

* * *

WHAT’S THE REAL SCENARIO ? …There are conflicting accounts and reports with regards to the real situation of the quake-damaged Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan.

This was after the second hydrogen explosion in three days rocked the stricken Japanese nuclear plant yesterday afternoon, sending a massive cloud of smoke into the air and injuring 11 plant workers.

According to the UN atomic watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),  "Radiation dose rate measurements observed at four locations around the Fukushima Nuclear plant's perimeter over a 16-hour period on 13 March were all normal."

"All four units automatically shut down on March 11. All units have off-site power and water levels in all units are stable. Though preparations have been made to do so, there has been no venting to control pressure at any of the plant's units.", IAEA said on Monday.

The Vienna-based watchdog also said that, “plant operator TEPCO had been able to restore a residual heat remover system at unit 1 and plant workers at units 2 and 4 are working to restore residual heat removal systems. Unit 3 is in a safe, cold shutdown.”

Hours after the second explosion, the U.S. said it had shifted its offshore forces away from the plant after detecting low levels of radiation.

According to news reports, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan was about 100 miles (160 kilometers) offshore when it detected the radiation, which U.S. officials said was about the same as one month's normal exposure to natural background radiation in the environment.

On the other hand, Kyodo News Agency in its report said , “ The fuel rods at the quake-hit Fukushima nuclear power plant's No. 2 reactor were fully exposed at one point after its cooling functions failed, indicating the critical situation of the reactor's core beginning to melt due to overheating. “

Similar cooling down efforts have been taken at the plant's No. 1 and No. 3 reactors and explosions occurred at both reactors in the process, blowing away the roofs and walls of the buildings that house the reactors.

Kyodo News feared that the No. 2 reactor will follow the same path of nuclear reactor No. 1 and nuclear reactor No. 3 that exploded yesterday .

To prevent a possible hydrogen explosion at the No. 2 reactor, TEPCO said it will look into opening a hole in the wall of the building that houses the reactor to release hydrogen.

Authorities has been using sea water to cool down the heated reactors after the power plant system failed due to the magnitude 8.9 earth quake that hit the country.

Operators knew the sea water flooding would cause a pressure buildup in the reactor containment vessel and potentially will lead to an explosion -  but felt they had no choice if they wanted to avoid a complete meltdown.

In the end, the hydrogen in the released steam mixed with oxygen in the atmosphere and set off the blast.

International experts say that  there are serious dangers on the quake-damaged Fukushima nuclear power plants  but little risk of a Chernobyl-style catastrophe.

Chernobyl, they note, had no containment shell around the reactor unlike the six nuclear reactors in Fukushima which has a 13-inches thick solid stainless steel casing.

Some analysts noted that after four days since the nuclear crisis began , the chemical reactions inside the reactor were not moving quickly toward a complete meltdown.

But despite official assurances, the whole world still expressed fear over the situation since conflicting information  are being reported.

ROXAS CITY SPORTS SUMMIT, JAPAN EARTHQUAKE AND SUPERMOON

ROXAS CITY'S SPORTS SUMMIT...City Mayor Angel Alan Celino is planning to hold a "Sports Summit" to be attended by different sports associations, enthusiasts and stakeholders in Roxas City.

This after Mayor Celino is apparently "dissatisfied" on the results of the sports development in the City for the past few years.

The City Mayor is pushing for a "Sports Summit " with the involvement of private sports organizations and sports patrons  in order to formulate the comprehensive sports program of his administration for the next three years.

"We have funds from the Local School Board for sports development but it's useless that it will only be used during the WVRAA meet.", Mayor Celino said.

Mayor Celino added that, "we have to establish concrete parameters and basis for the release of our sports funds so that good results could be achieved by our potential athletes for the next two or three years."

The City Mayor also wanted to have a regular local sports tournament for the athletes, have them join on various , high level sports competition in the region , support them financially and in their studies so that they will not be "pirated" by  other provinces.

On a related development, the city government has no commitment yet for its "financial contribution"  to the delegation of Capiz in the forthcoming WVRAA Meet to be held in Iloilo City.

According to Coun.  Junjun Billones, the City is ready to contribute two hundred thousand pesos for the Capiz Delegation but he wanted to clarify first with the provincial government why the municipalities are allowed to contribute only P 10,000.00.

Coun Billones also pointed out that the provincial government should fund the Capiz delegation for the WVRAA Meet.

* * *

WVRAA MEET UPDATE ...The ten (10) day "housing and training" of the Capiz delegation for the 2011 WVRAA Meet started last Monday.

Many are apprehensive of the supposed ten days training period of our athletes because it's "too short" compared to the all year-round training of other provinces like Iloilo and Negros Occidental, and month long "housing and training" period of Aklan delegation.

In other words, how can we expect good results for Capiz in this year's WVRAA Meet , considering the length of training of  our athletic delegation, and not to mention the quality of their training.

Previous "housing and training" period for Capiz athletic delegation lasted at least thirty (30) days.

According to Mr. Ronilo Tu, the Dep Ed's Sports Coordinator, the athletes that will represent Capiz in WVRAA Meet already started their training , upon joining on their respective local sports competitions such as the City Division Meet, CAPRISA Meet and the Provincial Meet.

Other than short training period, we received a reliable information that the Capiz Division is "problematic" in terms of funds to be used by the delegation. This is one of the reasons, according to the source why some Trainers were "eased out " from their respective teams.

Expect more problems in the preparation of our delegation for the 2011 WVRAA Meet.

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EARTHQUAKE IN JAPAN AND THE "SUPERMOON"...After the  devastating Magnitude 8.9 earthquake in Japan that triggered a 10-meter high tsunami and killed  hundreds of people, and maybe thousands, sent ships crashing in the shore and toppled buildings, many are wondering if this natural disaster is connected to a lunar perigee called, "Supermoon". 

Recently, the web was awash with apocalyptic warning  that the movement of the moon will trigger tidal waves, volcanic eruptions and even strong earthquakes next week. 

The conspiracy theorists claim that on March 19, the moon will be closer to Earth than at any time since 1992 - just 221,567 miles away - and that its gravitational pull will bring chaos and damage to Earth.

The moon's orbit around Earth is not a circle, but an eclipse. At its closest approach - the perigee - the moon appears brighter and larger in the sky. When it is furthest away - the apogee - it is smaller and dimmer.

A noted astrologer Richard Nolle has termed the upcoming full moon at lunar perigee, an "extreme supermoon".

A lunar perigee occurs once a month. However, next week's perigee coincides with a full moon - a combination of events that happen just once every two or three years, according to Nolle.

The moon's gravity can even cause small but measurable ebbs and flows in the continents, called "land tides" or "solid Earth tides," too. The tides are greatest during full and new moons, when the sun and moon are aligned either on the same or opposite sides of the Earth.

According to Seismologists, the dramatic land and ocean tides do trigger earthquakes. Both  the moon and sun do stress the Earth a tiny bit and very small increase in tectonic activity is observed when they're aligned. 

The moon's gravitational pull at lunar perigee, scientists say, is not different enough from its pull at other times to significantly change the height of the tides and thus the likelihood of natural disasters

Previous supermoons took place in 1955, 1974, 1992 and 2005 - all years that had extreme weather events, the conspiracy theorists say.


The tsunami that killed hundreds of thousands of people in Indonesia happened two weeks before the January 2005 supermoon. And on Christmas Day 1974, Cyclone Tracy laid waste to Darwin, Australia.

On February 22, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand, and killed more than 160 people.

But some people greeted warnings of an impending apocalypse due to the "Supermoon" with scepticism, because earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tidal waves do happen anyway.

So on March 19, prepare your cameras and watch the "Supermoon" but of course let's pray hard that these apocalyptic theories will not happen.

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SEPARATE SHOOTING INCIDENT KILLED TWO PERSONS... Two men died in a separate shooting incidents  in Roxas City, on Thursday. 

Around 12:30 in the afternoon at Atila Balgos Avenue , Brgy Banica, two unidentified men riding on a motorcycle shot dead Arnold Agonias, 37 years old , married and a resident of the same barangay, while standing beside a shanty and having conversation with Vicente Besana of Pta Tabuc.

One of the suspects alighted from the motorcycle with a long firearm, approached and shot the victim twice and afterwards, suspects hurriedly fled on board their get-away vehicle towards the direction of Brgy Tiza.

The victim was rushed to RMPH for medical treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician due to multiple gunshot wounds he sustained on the different parts of his body.

Recovered at the crime scene were two (2) pcs of fired 12 gauge shotgun cartridges and the case is now under investigation.

Meanwhile,  at the corner of Bangbang and San Jose Streets, Brgy Inzo Arnaldo, Ronald Apruebo, 47 years old and a resident of Brgy Rizal , died on the spot after two unidentified male persons also riding in tandem on a hooper motorcyle, shot the victim.

According to the police, that while the victim together with his companions were having their drinking session in front of sari-sari store along San Jose Street, when the suspects riding in tandem on board a motorcycle suddenly arrived, stopped from behind the victim and simultaneously the back rider armed with unknown caliber of short firearm at gunpoint, shot the victim several times.

The suspects then fled on board their getaway vehicle towards Arellano St while the victim was rushed to RMPH but was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA) by Dr. Caro,  due to the two (2) fatal gunshot wounds on his head.

Recovered at the crime scene were four (4) pcs fired cartridges apparently of .45 caliber, two (2) pcs of slugs and two (2) pcs of deformed slugs .

Police are now investigating the motives of the crime and if the two shooting incidents were related .