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.