Loren calls for ‘green’ enterprises

MANILA – Sen. Loren Legarda urged the cooperative sector to join in the nationwide effort to make the country disaster- and climate-resilient. Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, made the statement during the First National Capital Region Cooperative Sector Conference on Climate Change organized by the Metro South Cooperative Bank Foundation, Inc. She encouraged cooperatives to focus on green enterprises that make use of recycled and natural materials, like the ECHOstore which promotes the creation of products and designs made by various communities and livelihood groups in the country, thereby advocating green living, fair trade and care for the environment. “One of the principles of cooperativism — the concern for community — is geared towards the achievement of sustainable development, which is essential in climate change adaptation,” she said. The senator has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to conduct livelihood programs that promote green skills such as newspaper bag weaving, creating slippers and bags from water lilies, and making accessories such as bracelets and rosaries from old magazine strips. She said the cooperatives sector can also forge a partnership with the Small Business (SB) Corporation, which can provide loans to help micro, small and medium enterprises. Legarda stressed that what is important is to promote a sustainable lifestyle because unsustainable development practices have depleted the country’s natural resources, and this ecosystems decline is further aggravated by climate change. She explained that it is the task of every citizen to be involved in efforts to reduce disaster risks and adapt to climate change. Furthermore, the cooperative sector has the capacity to be key participants in meeting the challenge of this global phenomenon. “I urge all cooperatives to take up this important task of reviving and nurturing our environment. You must continue to improve your current activities that promote sustainable development, unite and mobilize your collective efforts in confronting the climate change challenge,” she said. “There is no time to lose. We must all work together and forge a network of cooperation to raise awareness and promote solutions to climate change. We must be resolute in creating a safer future for this and the next generations,” Legarda concluded./PN

Pia: ‘Merci’s resignation will be good for our country’

“Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez made the correct decision in finally resigning from office, after months of clinging to her position despite mounting questions about her credibility and criticisms against her performance.

“In the end, her resignation will be good for our country and people. With Gutierrez out of the picture, the Aquino government will now have an opportunity to start on a clean slate to get to the bottom of corruption charges and prosecute the culprits behind the scandals from the previous administration.

“And now that Congress need not revise its legislative calendar to give way to the impeachment trial, which we had earlier projected to be complicated and long drawn-out, lawmakers can move forward and focus on legislation to address pressing issues, such as worsening poverty and rising cost of living, funding education to plug deficiencies in the public school system, and improving government health services to address high maternal deaths, sickness and malnutrition among young children, and rising cases of HIV-AIDS.”

International Singer and dubbed as King of Lovesongs - Anthony Castelo live in Bugasong, Antique

   BUGASONG, Antique--Teodomiro A. Solis Foundation  in  cooperation  with Antique  Vocational  School, Local Government  Unit and  HOT  FM  Bugasong proudly  presents   a  concert  for a  cause with  ANTHONY  CASTELO on  Sunday May 01, 2011  at  EBJ Auditorium,  Antique  Vocational School,  Bugasong,  Antique.

ANTHONY  CASTELO  is  a  Filipino  artist and  an  accomplished  international  artist.  he  is  dubbed as  "king  of  Lovesongs"  because  of  his  accomplishments  in  the country.  He  is coming  to use  his  talents  to donate  funds  for TEODOMIRO A. SOLIS  Scholarship  Foundation - a  program  to help  underprivileged  but  deserving  students  to finish  their  secondary  and  eventually  college  education.  (with  report  from  Jose Allan S.  Bartolo)

Senate to review laws on children's rights

Statement of Senator Pia S. Cayetano
Chairperson, Senate Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations


"The Committee on Youth, Women and Family Relations will review existing laws to ensure that the rights of the child are observed and protected. There are specific laws that guarantee the rights of the child. These include landmark laws like RA 7610 and RA 9262. Still, Congress must make sure our laws are applicable to various circumstances and remain relevant to our times. This is consistent with the Committee's mandate to review all laws that affect women and children. The Committee has already commenced hearings on the review of laws discriminatory to women and will pursue the same effort for laws on children."


"We have so many talent shows and contests where kids are made to dress and gyrate like sexy dancers thinking that it's 'cute' or 'funny.' But in gender-sensitive cities like Davao, the mayor has long banned the swimsuit portion in their annual Mutya ng Dabaw search. There's no reason why we can't adopt this example across the country and show the same respect for both women and children, not only in talent shows but also on TV, advertisements and all forms of media."

Pia backs DILG vs anti-RH ordinances

Pia backs DILG vs anti-RH ordinances

Statement of Senator Pia S. Cayetano

Chairperson, Senate Committee on Health and Demography

“While it is true that Local Government Units (LGUs) were granted greater autonomy under the Local Government Code, this should not be misinterpreted or expanded to include the power to issue ordinances that would contradict the Constitution or any existing national laws. Such is the case in the anti-RH ordinances passed by the Bangay Ayala Alabang in Muntinlupa council and seven other barangays in Bataan.”

“The concerned barangay executives must realize that they cannot arbitrarily arrogate to themselves the authority to determine the safety of any food, drugs and devices in the market, including contraceptives. This power firmly remains with the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) as mandated by national laws, and so any exercise of this power by the barangay amounts to usurpation of authority.”

“The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) did the right thing when it reminded LGUs not to overstep its bounds on the issue of reproductive health, particularly in restricting the use and sale of contraceptives in their localities.”

Let’s Care Home for the Girls soon to open

     San  Jose, ANTIQUE--“Let’s Care Foundation have chosen Antique to be the beneficiary of the program because there is no shelter here which houses the victims of abuses in a long term basis,” said Erna Vinkers, the Founder and Executive Director of the Let’s Care Foundation.

 According to Vinkers the center named as “Let’s Care Home for the Girls” will operate this first week of May. The center will house the girls who are victims of sexually,

emotionally or physically abused, the neglected and the maltreated girls in the province.

“In this home the girls will find a safe haven, they will be rehabilitated and offered activities and education so they can grow up into conscious, independent and happy people,” added Vinkers.

“The construction of the house and the hiring of the staff who will man the center are on-going. We need social workers and a driver. Interested applicants may visit the office at Brgy. 4, San Jose, near the Brgy. 4 Day Care Center,” she further.

The Municipal government of San Jose through Mayor Rony Molina has allowed the foundation to use the lot owned by the Municipal Government in Brgy. 4 free from lease for 20 years.

The Let’s Care is a non-profit organization founded in The Netherland that is dedicated to creating a better world for maltreated, abused and neglected girls. Maltreated and abused girls is their most priority, the foundation look after and treat for their traumas under professional and caring supervision with a view to building a good life. Let’s Care Foundation’s attention is also focus on school and study for the girls to obtain a decent place in society and break out from the vicious (poverty) circle. If necessary, the foundation looks after for many years the children until they have learnt to stand on their own, strong feet. (with  reports  from Provincial  Information  Office)

More than 500 college students receive scholarship grant

      San  Jose, ANTIQUE--This is in realization of the dream of former Gov. Evelio Javier to uplift the lives of Antiqueños,” said Congressman Paolo Javier during the first release of the checks to the first batch of the 3,197 congressional and provincial scholars last March 25 here.

 According to Cong. Javier he allocated 8 million pesos for this year’s scholarship program and he will add one million for the SY 2011-2012 because many students are applying.

  “We have done our part to give you financial assistance for you to achieve your dream, to earn a degree. It is now with you to do your part. You all now have the chances to finish your college,” the young solon challenged.

Together with Gov. Exequiel Javier, the younger Javier spearheaded the distribution of checks worth five thousand pesos each.

Education is an important tool to combat poverty, said Gov. Javier. He further that his administration will always be of help to the parents in bringing their children to school. The Provincial Government and the Office of the Congressman will continue to allocate fund for the said purpose.

Michelle Mosquera a student of Bachelor Science in Elementary Education at St. Anthony’s College came from Villasal, a barangay in the hinterlands of Patnongon was thankful of the scholarship.

  “Bahul gid nabulig kang scholarship mga gintao ni Congressman kag Governor kanamun, ilabi run gid nga pigado gid kami. Si tatay ko gapangoma lamang kag si nanay ko wara nga daan ti obra. Salamat gid kay Congressman kag Governor. Salamat gid (The scholarship granted by Congressman and Governor is really a big help for us, especially that we are poor. My father is just a farmer and my mother is not employed. Thank you very much to Congressman and Governor.

Thank you very much.)”

 While Mariel Bernaflor Manalo, a working student from Anini-y and is now on her 2^nd year as a BS Information Technology student at Advance Central College was teary eyed when she thanked the two officials.

 “Kabay pa nga padayunon ni Sir Pao (Cong. Paolo Javier) kag Gov. Javier ang pagbulig sa mga kubus. Salamat gid sa scholarship nga gintao. (I hope that Sir Pao and Gov. Javier will continue helping the poor. Thanks for the scholarship.)”

 Those who wish to avail the grant may visit the Office of the Congressman for the requirements and processing. (with  reports  from  Provincial  Information Office)

‘Band-aid solution’ to oil price increases slammed

ILOILO City -- ANAKBAYAN-Panay condemned another round of increase in fuel prices yesterday -- P1.50 per liter. It also criticized the government’s fuel subsidy through Executive Order 32 or the so-called “Public Transport Assistance Program” otherwise known as “Pantawid Pasada.” “This band-aid solution does not alleviate the heavy burdens posed by successive oil price hikes to the people, especially the drivers,” said Eric Alip, the new Panay regional spokesperson of ANAKBAYAN. Yesterday’s price hike will only lead to the increases in the prices of basic commodities, utilities and social services, he warned. “A significant portion or P49.5 million of the P450 million budget allotted for the Pantawid Pasada project will only return to the government’s coffers because value-added tax is still imposed on oil products,” added Alip. This program seems to be more interested in addressing the President’s decreasing ratings rather than addressing the real problems of the people, he added. According to Alip, over 70 percent of Filipinos live on less than P104 a day and are mired in extreme poverty while one-third of the labor force is unemployed. “The oil price hikes will pose a heavier burden on the people,” said Alip. Since January, the price of diesel has gone up by as high as P8 per liter while the price of gasoline has increased by over P6. If there is no stop in oil price hikes, ANAKBAYAN foresees an increase in the jeepney fare from the present P7.50 regular fare to P9.50. “The latest OPH will surely affect the prices of rice, vegetables, meat, and other food products as well as electrical and water services,” said Alip. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the inflation rate increases by 0.10-0.14 percent for every P1 per liter oil price hike. “Moreover, the consequent rate of price increases would be an additional burden to students especially during the start of classes. The cost of living rises along with the rising cost of education and so we expect an increase in the number of dropouts in secondary and tertiary level in the next academic year,” said Alip. The government’s refusal to junk the Oil Deregulation Law and scrap the value-added tax only shows where his government’s loyalty really is – with the big businesses, big landlords, and big oil cartels, he added./PN

Floring’s: The house that chicken adobo built

By Alex C. Delos Santos, VERA Files | The Inbox – Sat, Apr 2, 2011 2:03 PM PHT

Photo by VERA Files

If you happen to be in Antique make sure to stop by Floring's. It serves delicious chicken adobo in an ambiance uniquely Antique.

Floring's Carinderia is Antique's version of "the house that chicken built," the slogan of the long-established Max's restaurant. It's right beside the approach to Cangaranan Bridge in Barangay Ilaures, Bugasong and  sits cozily under the verdant canopy of an acacia tree.
Floring's is the refuge of many hungry travelers traversing the national highway through Antique, one of the provinces that comprise the island of Panay, the others being Iloilo, Aklan, and Capiz.
Customers come by the busloads or delivery trucks. Salesmen and their crew drop by for breakfast or lunch. Dusty workmen in motorcycles stop by for a plateful. Even Antique's well-heeled set would park under the shady acacia and grab a meal at Floring's. On Sundays, they deem it necessary to call for reservations.
According to eatery's staff, even the governor or congressman would stop by every now and then to eat at Floring's.
Yet Floring's offers nothing but native chicken adobo; it was only recently that they added native chicken tinola (chicken broth with green papaya and pepper leaves) in the menu. Its chicken adobo is deliriously red-orange in its own fat and achuete sauce, garnished with tapering siling labuyo or chilli peppers. The serving is nothing fancy: the chicken cutlets are unceremoniously heaped on a plastic plate, but they disappear no sooner than they are served.
Floring's chicken adobo has become iconic of Karay-a cuisine. It has also made the pages of glossy magazines, thanks to traveling journalists and writers who had tasted it.
Its recipe for chicken adobo is not really a secret. One client commented she could cook it at home, but she prefers coming back every now and then.
Floring's was founded by Florinia Jalipa in 1970. It started out as one of those makeshift eateries at Ilaures junction, where the national highway branches out to mountainous Valderrama town.
At that time, the trucks and travelers were few, so they operated on cook-as-you-order basis. Its costumers had to wait until the adobo is cooked. Sometimes, if it runs out of dressed chicken, the wait starts with boiling water with which to scald the chicken still breathing its last.
That also made traveling to the northern part of Antique a lengthy affair, if not a gruesome event compounded by bad roads and lack of sturdy bridges. In those days, travelers had to make a stopover at Ilaures for lunch or to relieve themselves. What is now a two-hour travel used to take a whole day.
When the new Cangaranan Bridge was finished and inaugurated by Gloria Macapagal in 2005, the bridge (which is now claimed to be the longest in all of Western Visayas) went past the junction, displacing all the vendors in the area. Only Floring's set up on a narrow piece of lot a few meters from the northern end of the bridge.
The eatery used to have a unique selling strategy: it would serve as many pieces of chicken at the table, and charge the costumers only for what they ate. They would usually consume every piece served anyway, and even ask for extras. This strategy, and its folksy ambience, contributed to Floring's homey, rustic style that endeared the joint to its clients.
From her Floring's earnings, Jalipa was able to send her daughters, nieces, and grandchildren to school. Two of her daughters, Charlotte and Judith, help her in the restaurant alternating as cashier and cook.
Floring has moved to the southern end of the bridge where an acacia tree stands. It has grown in size, with three rows of tables that could sit 50 persons at a time. The wide windows delicately braced with bamboo latticework not only offer a view of the rice paddies and the dry riverbed of
Cangaranan, but also let in plenty of fresh air that smells of young rice and dust. The pink floral curtains, soda advertisements, and remnants of last Christmas's decorations complete the scenario of a provincial lifestyle.
For the hungry traveller, nothing beats having eating home cooked chicken adobo  al fresco under the acacia tree. It fills not only the stomach but does magic to the spirit.

VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look at current issues. Vera is Latin for "true."

FILM MAKING WORKSHOP 2011