First posted July 31, 2010

MAASIN CITY – One year after the final ruling of The Sandiganbayan affirming its decision suspending the mayor of Bontoc town in Southern Leyte, the DILG finally served the suspension order last Friday.

However, Pedro Fustanes will not be suspended for 90 days as mayor of Bontoc town having served his final three terms last June 30 but as vice mayor. He ran and elected vice mayor last May polls.

Fustanes, who was reportedly in Tacloban yesterday, did not answer several calls and text messages sent to him.

First councilor Arturo Cuadra assumed Fustanes’ position as vice mayor on Monday.  Cuadra confirmed Fustanes’ suspension in an interview at the house of newly elected councilor Cleofe Abeñion, a former media personality.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Ramon Maglinte against Fustanes for violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3109) in issuing a cockpit permit for another person even if a prior permit has already been issued.

In its three-page decision, penned by Associate Justice Roland B. Jurado and concurred by Associate Justice Napoleon E. Inoturan and Presiding Justice Ma. Cristina G. Cortez-Estrada, the Sandigabayan Fifth Division says “After perusal of the arguments advance by the accused and the prosecution, the Court finds no cogent reason to disturb its earlier ruling on the matter. There is nothing in the accused’s motion, which merits a reconsideration or modification of the resolution in question.”

The Sandiganbayan has suspended Fustanes on July 3, 2009.

In his motion for reconsideration filed with the Sandiganbayan on August 20, 2009, Fustanes alleged “that he should not be suspended from office on the ground that the information filed against him was not supported with facts.”

Fustanes added that “the case has no factual basis because it is not true that the Sangguniang Bayan of Bontoc, Southern Leyte, had not granted a prior license to Jacinta Serenion to operate a cockpit before the former issued a permit to the latter.”

In denying his motion for reconsideration promulgated on October 9, the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division said, “We still maintain that the requisites for suspension having been satisfied, the issuance of the order of suspension against the accused should follow as a matter of course consistent with mandatory nature of such suspension.”

It added, “Once the information is found to be sufficient in form and substance, then the court must issue the order of suspension as a matter or course. There are no ifs and buts about it. It is because a preventive suspension is not a penalty. It is not imposed as a result of judicial proceedings. In fact, if acquitted, the official concerned shall be entitled to all benefits granted by the government.

Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 22:56:00 07/08/2010

Filed Under: Explosion

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Philippines – A barangay chairman in St. Bernard died on Thursday reportedly due to a bomb explosion at his farmhouse in Ground Zero of the old Guinsaugon village.

Police Senior Inspector Billy Billaoac said New Guinsaugon Barangay (village) chairman Iglecerio Coquilla was killed at around 11 a.m. Thursday when the bomb exploded.

His wife Rosario, whose eyes were injured, was rushed to the Salvacion Oppus Memorial Provincial Hospital in Maasin City at around 3 p.m. for further treatment.

Billaoac said they were still investigating whether the bomb was a grenade or a homemade bomb.

“We are still at the site with bomb experts to look into angle or motive of the crime,” Billaoac told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a telephone interview.

Witnesses said that when Coquilla opened his farmhouse, a big explosion was heard.

Farming or living in the Ground Zero in the former Guinsaugon village was prohibited after the landslide where the entire village was buried with tons of mud, killing more than a thousand residents and the same number missing on February 17, 2006.

For an intelligent leader, there is nothing more sensible than to come up with a clear and peaceful step in solving a problem that comes along his way.

Here in Southern Leyte, it is urgent that this kind of step must be worked out once and for all as May 10, 2010 is drawing nearer.

Reportedly, we are now facing another round of political crisis as leaders in our midst can hardly acknowledge the wisdom of unifying efforts so as to bring one final solution to the pressing problems in the province like our malnourished economy.

It is my fervent hope, no matter how unrealistic this could be to others, that these four political giants—Saludo, Lerias, Mercado, and Samaco — will finally yield to a peaceful compromise in order to excuse us from any socio-political unrest like what happened in other parts of the country during election time.

Southern Leyteños are known to be religious and peace-loving people; thus they can no longer afford to suffer another election-related hostility and harassment comparable to how mad dogs attacked each other.

Today, So. Leyteños already got the opportunity of reclaiming themselves from the country’s infamous 20th poorest provinces.

From these four leaders, So. Leyteños have had seen fast, efficient and reliable public service that brought initial yet continuous growth in our economic landscape never been imagined by critics and cynics.

From former Cong. Aniceto Saludo’s brilliant laws which have had greatly favored the lone district to the innovative governance of then Gov. Rosette Lerias being complemented by the charismatic leadership of the Mercado brothers– incumbent Cong. Roger Mercado and Gov. Damian Mercado—and the resourcefulness of Maasin city mayor Maloney Samaco, So. Leyteños have had stopped indulging into self-delusion and apathy.

However the realities of election are also expected to bring out the best and the worst of those individuals who wish to seek government positions. These four leaders are not then spared from any impending trouble.

We don’t want Southern Leyteños to be caught in the political crossfire or worst, become political hostages.

If Saludo, Lerias, Mercado and Samaco and their followers are sensitive enough to acknowledge the urgency of this call, then I can see no foolishness in this writing.

What’s next for So. Leyteños when this election comes to an end? Are these people who offered their so-called love and service during their campaign will just leave us high and dry by the time they’ll win or lose on May 10?

Let us always liken our province to our beloved. Surely, nobody likes to see his beloved being naked, abused and dragged into a gutter.

For wise people, unity is always the key to prosperity. We need it badly among us here and for the sake of our beloved province.

(Comments/complaints are welcome at naldronaldreyes@yahoo.com)

By Jani Arnaiz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:14:00 04/30/2010

Filed Under: Elections, Internet, Social networking

THEY ARE YOUNG and unknown to the political arena of Southern Leyte province.

Yet, the Roden brothers, Jerome, 33, and Jeffrey, 31, are unfazed. They are running for governor and congressman, respectively, in the May 10 elections as independent candidates.

While the administration and major opposition candidates have started campaigning way before the start of local campaign period on March 26, the Rodens are using the social networking site Facebook to advance their “mission and vision” for the province.

They also have a radio program in a radio station located in an unlikely place—Surigao City—which is across the sea from the island of Leyte.

But broadcasting from Surigao actually made sense. Southern Leyte only has two radio stations, one in Sogod town, the government-run dySL of Radio ng Bayan and the other in this city, dyDM, run by the Diocese of Maasin. Both radio stations have limited coverage compared to the stations in northwestern Mindanao that can be heard throughout the province whose towns are all located along the coastlines.

Campaign

The two launched their campaign through Soley, a contraction of Southern Leyte and acronym for School of Leaders Empowered by the Youth (Soley), an “informal group of leaders and citizens who share a common vision of people-based sustainable development and principled governance by meritocracy.”

Jerome, in an interview using the Facebook site, said, “I am running for governor because I believe that the people of Southern Leyte have been choosing these leaders in the absence of a sound alternative that brings with him a concrete platform of government.”

Asked if they would use only the Internet to campaign, he said: “We would also campaign through the grassroots level because we have the capacity to run a province-wide campaign.”

Jerome believed he could get the votes of Southern Leyteños “as soon as they see the details of our plans and programs for the province and the roadmap on how we intend to go about it.”

He said they would leave the mudslinging to the traditional politicians.

Jerome claimed he has 508 Facebook fans and 163 for Soley.

Jerome is a product of Cebu Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and graduated cum laude. He was a finalist in the search for Ten Outstanding Students of Central Visayas.

Jeffrey, is a graduate of the University of the Philippines where he took up Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and later proceeded to study law at the UP College of Law. He has yet to take the bar examinations. While studying law, he won the Best Debater Award as captain of the law school’s debating team.

Jeffrey sees himself “as an alternative candidate, who is not part of the old political dynasties that have alternated in ruling the province for five years now.”

He added that his foremost concern this election is to provide Southern Leyteños “a choice.”

The Rodens came from Padre Burgos, a town that has become the haven of foreigners who love the sea and diving.

Jeffrey told the Inquirer that he viewed the Internet as an emergent form of mass media.

“In the country, radio is still predominant and TV is ascendant. Print media provides expository supplement and the Internet is at best a jump-off point for information and serves as a bulletin board from which mainstream media may derive information,” Jeffrey said.

In his Facebook account, he has 1,012 friends.

Own video

Another independent candidate using the Facebook is Ramil Laraga, 34, who is running for councilor in Maasin.

Laraga also produced his own video advertisement singing his campaign jingle himself.

He is seeking a seat in the city council hoping to continue his “calling” of serving the marginalized sectors this time through political resolve, he said in this Facebook account.

Though this is his first time to enter politics, Ramil is no neophyte in “public service.” Apart from being the son of a former acting mayor and councilor Catalino Laraga Sr., serving the public has also been deeply rooted in Ramil’s consciousness when he joined a religious ministry.

Religious

A Bachelor of Arts Philosophy graduate from University of San Carlos-Cebu City, Ramil is a former seminarian.

Ramil said that for seven years, he immersed himself in religious and community work in various provinces in the country by working at the Communication Foundation for Asia, a foundation run by priests.

He left the seminary in 2000.

“I am interested in social issues and hope that one day I can help change our country by doing ordinary things extraordinarily,” he said.

He has 1,459 friends in Facebook.

By Ronald O. Reyes

(Below is the full transcript of the interview with So. Leyte gubernatorial candidate Ms. Marisa “Dundeet” Lerias (NPC) and this writer via electronic mail.)

The Reporteronline: For the second time, you are running against incumbent Gov. Damian Mercado, who is seen as a strong contender this election. Are you really his biggest critic?

Dundeet: I don’t think I am the “biggest” critic because I have heard (many) others say worst things about him. My fight against him is not personal. However, I am firmly opposed to the way he runs our government. The sorties I’ve had around the province have strengthened my resolve to stand up for our people and fight for good governance. It pains me to watch the poor and oppressed while we have public servants who are self-proclaimed “kings” strutting around like peacocks. There is no more shame in corrupt practices and shoving them down our people’s throats forcing them to accept this as normal practice.

The Reporteronline:  Your slogan is about rallying for change. Do you think such idea is difficult to implement in the province and among our electorates?

Dundeet: I have no illusions on the difficulties of the challenges ahead. To say that the idea is “difficult” is an understatement. But, this will not stop me from trying. I will never extinguish the flicker of hope within me that someday things will be better. Once we snuff out that tiny flame then we leave the future generations in the dark and kill their opportunity for a brighter tomorrow. As the cliche goes: The Journey of a thousand miles always begins with a single step. We have to make that step and start the journey. Inch by inch if need be…

The Reporteronline: Your mother, former Gov. Rosette Lerias, had a wonderful legacy during her term, like delisting the province from 20th poorest provinces in the country and tourism development. How are you going to be remembered if you’ll be given the chance to serve the province?

Dundeet: I am flattered by your question because I started out as a near nuisance candidate because I couldn’t match my opponent’s money. Today it seems like you are entertaining the possibility that I have a hope of winning this battle. I am humbled…Thank you.

As to your question, As a Governor – only time will tell… But, I make a promise to the people that I shall serve to the best of my capabilities and live a simple life as taught by my parents and grandparents who have shown nothing but love and kindness to the people they served.

If you ask about today, then I guess I will already be remembered as the woman who stood up against the oppressive ways of the current administration armed with a strong will to start turning the wheels of change and believing that I am only an instrument used by the Almighty to voice out the thoughts and pains lingering in the hearts and minds of a suffering people.

The Reporteronline: Do you think there are still “unfinished businesses” during your mother’s administration that you wish to continue to implement in your term? What are those?

Dundeet: I believe that Governance is a continuing need that will outlive all of us. Those who have been granted the privilege to serve are obligated to always protect the interests of the majority. My mother’s plans and dreams for our people were wiped out by the current administration. We go back to square one and I believe that before I make out any plans, I need to go out there and listen so that I can address the people’s needs appropriately and not impose what I want on them.

The Reporteronline:  What kind of hope does your campaign bring to the voting public in the province?

Dundeet: I am hoping for an increased involvement of the people of the things happening in our society today. There is so much apathy in the air and this leads to hopelessness, despair and a swift deterioration of our people’s quality of life.

The Reporteronline: : What are your advantages against incumbent Gov. Damian Mercado in terms of logistics and resources, party support, platforms, administrative agenda, and vision?

Dundeet: I never thought of these things when I accepted the challenge presented by my partner, Congressman Odong Saludo. I agreed to join the cause to fight corruption and strive to make change happen without question. After a complete consultation with all concerned parties, the role chosen for me to take was to run for position of Governor. I am fighting for a cause so I accepted the challenge to fight. I want people to accept me for who I am and what I stand for. If you are talking about advantages — I can say that I am real and true. What you see is what you get. I realized in my sorties that I have the largest political machinery that this province has ever known. I am an Oppus, Yñiguez, Lerias – the root, the core of all political machineries in Southern Leyte. My grandparents planted the seeds of love, generosity and kindness that is why our people harvested the fruits of their sacrifice. My opponent’s political machinery grew from seeds of
cheating and stealing the voice of the people which happened in Libagon in 1987 as proven by the Supreme Court. This is why our people now harvest the fruits of evil deeds. That is why I call on all Yñiguztas and their descendants to fight for the fruits that were once planted by my grandparents. We have a team fighting for a common cause, setting aside personal interests and unwavering in our desire to find deliverance. This is my biggest advantage.

The Reporteronline: The province is prone to natural disaster like what happened during Ginsaugon landslide and flooding at Subangdaku river. What are your concrete plans on environmental issues in the province?

Dundeet: We have a Provincial Disaster Management Center that was given to us by the ADB. We have to make this a functioning office. This deed will not be achieved if we are abandoned by experts, NGOs and donors from outside the province. Unfortunately, that is what happened to Southern Leyte. I was in Ginsaugon for 2 weeks during the disaster so I know the pain of going through such a tragic incident. We should increase awareness and skill levels for disaster management and disaster preparedness. Educating the populace is the key so we need to allocate time, money and effort to prepare our people for any such unfortunate event.

The Reporteronline:  So. Leyte is considered as one of the abaca-producing provinces in the country. However, our abaca industry is currently facing an alarming problem brought by abaca diseases. What are your plans to protect this product and its livelihood?

Dundeet: The current administration has poisoned the minds of our people that it is impossible to revive the Abaca industry. That is not true. The Lalawigan mo, kinabuhi mo Foundation which we started in 2007 has a pilot project of 30 hectares of abaca which benefited 30 families. It can be done. Projects of this nature will not give officials any room for “kickbacks”. This is why it does not sit high in our current administration’s list of priorities. We WILL revive it and it CAN be done.

I’ve made a play with words on how things are today.

* Bato og semento ang atong proyekto aron ang mga opisyal adunay porsyento

* Dagkong Litrato, gagmay ang proyekto

* Puro Karatula, daginuton ang resulta

ALL THIS HAS TO BE STOPPED. My grandparents and my mother have served this province faithfully for many years but you will not see any billboards attached to the work that they have done. We should not forget that providing improvements for our people is what public servants are paid to do.

The Reporteronline:  Who is Marisa “Dundeet” Lerias during an ordinary day?

Dundeet: Every day that passes is a gift from God that is why we always call it the PRESENT. I’m grateful for each one that passes. I do not change what I am from day to day. So, I guess I’m ordinary, simple and sinful just like the rest of us. But, I try to do my share to make this a better world given my human imperfections and limitations. I laugh when I’m happy, I cry when I’m sad, I hurt when I’m offended and, more importantly, I stand up and fight for what I believe in. I am surrounded by love from a wonderful family who has taught me the values of simplicity and hard work. I thank the Lord for this.

Since this is the last question, I would like to share my mantra with you. It is a knights’ prayer that my father taught me:

Lord give me the WISDOM to know what is right, the COURAGE to do it and the STRENGTH to persevere.

Thank you for your interest in my candidacy and allowing me to share more of who I am to your readers.

(Note: In the spirit of fair reporting, this writer has also made several efforts to contact (and also thru the aid of this site’s owner)  and send other related queries in connection to the pressing issues that will be facing by the respective candidates who are vying for the highest posts in the district, province, Maasin city, in Southern Leyte. However only So. Leyte gubernatorial bet responded to the queries, to date.)

Maasin City, Southern Leyte (25 March) — The 100 days countdown just before the 50th Founding Anniversary celebration of the province of Southern Leyte this coming July 1st kicked off yesterday, March 23 with a motorcade around the city proper.

The afternoon motorcade participated by local government officials and employees and some concerned citizens was followed by a Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas at the provincial capitol grounds, after which a launching program was conducted to signify the start of the 100 days countdown towards the province’ golden anniversary celebration.

Vice Gov. Mike Maamo who welcomed the participants expressed his support for the 100 days preparation before July 1st and expected a 100% attendance throughout the province. While, inspirational messages were given accordingly by ABC Provincial Federation President Nikko V. Mercado, Provincial Councilors’ League President Florentino Lubang, and League of Municipalities President Mayor Pete Fustanes, who showed support to the activities prepared for the celebration.

On the other hand, Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco who just came from his state-of-the-city-address joined the provincial officials and confirmed his all out support to the countdown. “It is my privilege to be part of this once in a lifetime activity and we’re lucky enough to have joined this seldom occasion of the province.”

The city government committed to use all channels that can help realize for the success of the 50th anniversary of the province. “We will utilize our resources, vehicles, manpower and all activities will be participated by the city government,” Samaco continued.

Meanwhile, Provincial Governor Damian G. Mercado and District Congressman Roger G. Mercado similarly joined hands to unite for the development of the province. The brothers have seen the real unity throughout Southern Leyte and were grateful for the support of the government officials, especially mentioned was Mayor Samaco for the good leadership he has showed for Maasin City.

The incumbent governor urged everyone to participate in the celebration from day 1 until the province’ natal day, July 1. He was thankful for ASI, UST and MASAM (ASI for Action, Solusyon, Isisyatibo, UST for Unity, Solidarity and Teamwork, MASAM for Maasin City Atong Syudad Atong Mahalon), the battle cries of Gov. Mercado, Cong. Mercado and Mayor Samaco, respectively, for the continued support given.

The opening salvo also unveiled the golden anniversary logo performed by the governor, congressman, city and provincial officials, while the countdown was officially started by the same officials with Fr. Felix Paloma who represented Bishop Cantillas. (PIA-soleyte)

Southern Leyte (March 25) — Aiming to increase income generation and to establish efficient revenue collection not only for the provincial government, Governor Damian G. Mercado offered assistance to the local government untis here to set up work stations and server clones as required by the GTZ ? German government in the computerization of Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS), Provincial Administrator Crispin Arong, Jr reported.

During the Provincial Development Council meeting held at R.Kangleon Function House yesterday, Arong said the provincial government, with the help of GTZ, is set to computerize their BPLS including the six municipalities covered by the GTZ’s environment program. However, the German government is willing to include those other municipalities who are committed to the program.

The said computerization, an anti-red tape tool is meant to streamline the licensing procedures, among others, Arong added.

According to Arong, the GTZ will make available for the software and technical assistance of the program provided that the local government units will purchase the computer units and commit a corresponding personnel exclusively to attend the computerization. That the each municipality will shell out at least P200,000.00 from their own coffers as their counterpart of the program.

At this point, Provincial Governor Damian G. Mercado offered to the local government units concerned their needed assistance in the setting up the hardware components of the program. He further disclosed that investing for this program down at the local government units will eventually contribute for the overall advancement of the province.

Provincial Administrator Arong further appreciates the program which will not only improve the licensing system but will greatly facilitate in the monitoring of real property taxes which contributes about 40% of the income of the province. (PIA Southern Leyte/esg)

There is something to look forward this May 2010 election not only in the imperial Manila but also in the countryside. The reason: this corner has noted a growing manifestation of vigilance and responsiveness among its electorates —especially the young people. This drives me into a conclusion that, given a time, the youths are indeed the fair hope of this country as what our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal said.

Take for example Maasin city and Libagon, in Southern Leyte. Today, I am convinced that these two beloved hometowns of mine are slowly heading towards political maturity, social transformation, and participatory governance, which are all necessary if one truly grasps that ours is a democratic country.

This also leads me into a belief that what these two gentlemen — Mr. Ramil Laraga and Hon. Tito Calooy Jr.– are doing in the political milieu in Maasin city and Libagon, respectively, are all praiseworthy and appropriate.

Ramil, 34, is running as independent councilor in Maasin. He maintains that he is seeking seat in the city council in a hope that he can continue his “calling” of serving the marginalized sectors this time thru political resolve.

Though this is his first-time in entering politics, Ramil is no neophyte in “public service”.  Apart from being the son of a former politician Catalino Laraga Sr., serving the public has also been deeply rooted in the Ramil’s consciousness when he joined a religious ministry.

An AB Philosophy yet techno-savvy graduate from University of San Carlos-Cebu city, Ramil entered the seminary and hoped to become a priest someday.

For seven years, he immersed himself into religious and community works in various provinces in the country by conducting youth transformation seminars; training priests and academes on media and computer; producing video-documentaries on Poverty Alleviation, Good Governance and Anti-Corruption; launching charitable activities for the poor; and leading common folks like farmers, fishermen and vendors voice out their rights and struggles through peaceful and organized means.

By working at the Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA), a foundation run by MSC priests whose thrust is “Serving God through Media”, Ramil has put into concrete example his desire to alleviate the plight of the poor by promoting their rights thru fast and convenient means like the use of media so their concerns will reach to the public and to government leaders in higher offices; this way their concerns will be easily addressed. He left the seminary in 2000.

Today, Ramil is already a family man, yet the “burning desire” to serve the people still persists in his psyche.

“I am interested in social issues and hope that one day I can help change our country doing ordinary things extraordinarily,” Ramil was quoted saying this.

If elected, Ramil wishes to pursue the following agenda in the city:
1. Empower the youth to make them more active players in community-building.
2. Stimulate business and commerce in Maasin by attracting more investment, promoting entrepreneurship, and increasing literacy in-and use of-new initiatives, including E-commerce.
3. Enhance education by urging non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders to conduct non-formal classes, especially for those who cannot afford formal schooling.
4. Improve health by encouraging volunteerism among local medical practitioners; also, by promoting the training of “barefoot doctors” in the level of barangays (villages).
5. Promote local tourism by featuring local tourist spot through video features in the mainstream media like ABS-CBN, GMA and other networks.
6. Promote a clear and doable program on environmental protection and preservation.
7. Promote a transparent and accountable government by empowering and encouraging all sectors to be part in formulating city ordinances and plans.
8. Make Maasin city a highly urbanized city.

Hon. Tito Calooy Jr. is not your average young man. In fact here, I already called him here an honorable gentleman-politician.

He is an incumbent councilor in a small and sleepy town of Libagon, Southern Leyte. And this election, Tito is embarking into an ambitious yet doable plan as town mayor at the young age of 33.

I began to call him honorable because despite his youthfulness, meager resources and limited political connections in the town and province he still manages to rise above the ranks and return earnestly the service which he owed to his constituents who elected him. That for me is the most honorable thing a leader can do to his people. To be always on the forefront, to be always on the guard whether storming the gates of passivity and apathy of some of his town folks or braving the tides of feudalism and fraud as allegedly committed by other candidates in local and national level, Tito is there.

I have learned that he had started wielding his sword against indifference and repression—twin enemies of humanity– whether committed by ordinary person or by person with higher authority since his student years until now as a politician. Indeed (and in deeds), this young councilor is brave and wise.

To his critics, Hon. Calooy is dubbed as overbearing, power-hungry, and irreverent. This he cannot change , of course, as everybody in this free country is entitled to his own opinion. Yet as what I have observed and learned from the people back in Libagon, Tito is just doing his job just like anybody else who is conscious and conscientious for the good of the many.

For me, there is nothing personal, nothing extraordinary on this. Hon. Calooy chose to risk his tender limbs and life even he knew how dangerous and sometimes lonely the struggle to be on the opposite side of the political arena for the sake of truth.

To put it simply, Hon. Calooy is just committed to his job. He may be quixotic or idealistic but I believe his ideals are far more important to be consigned to political patronage or partisanship. He is aiming for the “highest” post in the town of Libagon because he wishes to initiate change and bring this change to a higher ground; more, he is willing to be the catalyst of that change.

He is working for the following agenda: strengthen the Barangay Development Council Specially Appropriation Committee through Extensive Trainings on Budget roles and Barangay Autonomy; set-up a Management structures and system of Accountability and Reward System; set-up clear rules on Budget Consultation process to ensure that all basic sectors are properly consulted; computerized coding System of ordinance; repelled Retrogressive Tax Ordinance.; set-up clear Rules and Guidelines on Lakbay-Aral, among others.

Hon. Calooy is brilliant–a consistent first honors in elementary and class valedictorian in high school.

He is a young entrepreneur– after completing his degree in Accountancy at University of Cebu he also  helped his family put up their own company RNC Marketing Philippines so they can, in one way or another, provide employment to some of their relatives, friends, and others back in Libagon.

He is a working councilor—-he also initiated “Kapihan sa Barangay”, a program designed to bring the consultation processes right at the barangay ( village)  and sitio level, which is intended to update the constituents of the different issues affecting them and what he is doing in his term as councilor.

He is a fierce debater in the council and human rights advocate— he talks a lot, he minds a lot, he probes a lot, for the reason that he is an “active” government leader and he is actively doing his job as a councilor.

Hon. Calooy is also ready for a peaceful “electoral challenge” this May 10, 2010.

On the hindsight, these two gentlemen both have high and honest aspirations in their respective places. This corner also has high hopes that they will be given a chance.

I just hope that their constituents will pin their hopes on them so they can continue building their community into a better one as what they have always desire as young and ever-willing public servants.

To some, this election is just another “worst of times”. To me, this election is a “best of times”.

Thanks to these two gentlemen.

(Send comments/complaints at naldronaldreyes@yahoo.com)

It is my fervent hope that tourism will be on the top agenda by our managers in the province soon. Here, I wish to share my humble opinion on how we can put or promote our tourism industry in a proper perspective and better position today.

Tourism never fails to amaze us. This is true because tourism is always equated to enjoyment, employment and economics. Election and politicians come and go, but not tourism. Thus, tourism should not be beholden to or by anybody in the highest offices of our province, city, town, or village.

Criticisms have already been made and heard on how dismal our tourism industry is. To agree or disagree is no longer that important. What matters most is whether we are still up to that idea of always-looking-for-the-best-welfare for our dear province. Here, we’ll try to romanticize the face or the fate of our province like our beloved.

Anyway, these are just random notes to spare with. In case our readers also got one or two ideas of their own, I will be grateful to compile them and pass these comments to our tourism officials for them to muse or act upon. After all, we all have the same motive here: to uplift our province all collectively, not just a little bit, but higher enough to where we are now, either here in the country or abroad.

Southern Leyte will celebrate its 50th anniversary come July 1. What a fitting time then to think about “golden” ideas for her!

Here are mine:

•    We should optimize our “airport”. Having a commercial flight to our province gives us the advantage of luring tourists to visit our place. Perhaps we can think of better events there other than turning our airstrip into lover’s lane. Maybe, our Air soft aficionados can organize exhibition show there while plane are still away.
•    Let’s build our own museum. Local officials can subsidize the private art collections of Sir Boy Abiera. His collections are already “overflowing” in his place. He even used the space across his residence to “house” his other exotic animal collections. We can either rent or build a new place to accommodate his art works. This way we can return him the good favor.
•    Organize regular art exhibits/competitions. We have never run-out of talented artists, like our home-grown artist Dino Dante Pajao and members of  Maasinhong Abilidad Nagkahiusa Tumong sa Arte (MANTSA) who are now making waves in big cities like Cebu, Manila, and abroad.

•    Websites (and yes, brochures) for the province and the city should be developed or updated regularly. If possible, we can establish linkages to all embassies/consular offices here and abroad.
•    Talented and competent travel-writer/tourist guide/scuba diver/adventurer like Rio Cahambing is needed in our tourism office.
•    Our own Agas-Agas bridge, considered as the tallest bridge in the country, is also a perfect spot for extreme-sports. “High-end plans” should be considered or re-considered seriously, not just for the aid of election or re-election.
•    With its laid-back charm (and low crime/insurgency rate), the province can be turned into a retirement paradise. Towns along the Sogod bay (like Padre Burgos, Malitbog, Tomos Oppus, Libagon, and Liloan) are perfect havens for pensioners (locals or foreigners alike). The place is also perfect for scuba diving.
•    Big festivals in the province/city should be handled by private organization/foundation to ensure consistency and stability.
•    I’ve heard that some Maasinhons/Southern Leyteños abroad are discussing about another fast-craft operation in the city. This is good so we can maximize our multi-million pesos port. Also, we can easily ferry the tourists to the historic Limasawa Island.
•    How about a posh hotel at Limasawa Island? Rwanda, Africa even got hotels. That’s why tourists are there! What happen to our Limasawa Master Development Plan?
•    Why not make our bocarillo, sortidos, salvaro, tres marias, or even local paintings as regular tokens during government/private seminars/conferences here?
•    Would it be possible to have a covered walk going to Hanginan Pilgrimage site? How about a lodging house or an inn for those elderly or weary travelers who wish to stay there over-night? If we were able to do it at Our Lady of Assumption site in Maasin, then we can also make it at Hanginan.
•    Create a regular atmosphere of interest and excitement in the province by tapping private sponsors/organizations. The circuit of races that will be spearheaded by Maasin Outdoor Organization this summer (which will be covered by Living Asia TV Channel) is a welcome development.
•    Well-funded Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) can sponsor the same circuit of adventure races province-wide and have it on TV/internet, too. Merriment and money-making should not only happen during our fiestas.
•    How about a week-long musical extravaganza every provincial anniversary and have it digitally mixed and commercially produced. Young and talented producer/musician Kerryl Demeterio from Maasin can do the magic for this kind of musical event.
•    How about bigger recreational parks and theme parks to be named after our elected leaders (past or present) in the province? I am sure they will be willing to pour financial support since this project will bear their name more permanently than those billboards and posters.
•    How about a commemorative marker for the 28 fallen Japanese soldiers during World War II (with their names engraved there, if possible) along the place where Jollibee-Maasin situated? As we all know, Japanese are sentimental people—they care so much about their history as a people and as a nation.
•    Even election can be a tourism event. If our candidates can keep their sanity intact and sacrifice their egos for the sake of a peaceful, honest, and orderly election, then I am sure we will be the talk of the town, too. We have had enough mud and rubbles at Guinsaugon, I hope our politicians will stop their own version of mud-slinging and rumbling, as well.
I believe the government can do much in influencing private sectors in terms of promoting tourism industry in the province. Tax incentives and the likes can be offered to lure private capitalists for that purpose. Money and investors are just around the corner. Our problem is how focused we are in brining them into our midst.

Tourism should be our way of life. It should be everybody’s business. Yet, this cannot be done whenever our tourism managers talked about tourism advantage yet splurged their money, like during holidays/weekends, outside the province (or worst, outside the country). Our tourism industry will remain forever stagnant, sick, and sluggish with this kind of attitude.

True, if we will seriously push our vision into reality, tourists will come quickly or stay in Southern Leyte for good.

I hope (again), our tourism agenda will be clearer this 2020.

March 17, 2010

MAASIN CITY – The Philippine Coconut Authority in the province has declared the brontispa longissima (coconut leaf beetle) infestation on coconut trees as alarming and blames coconut levy funds diversion and slashed budget as culprits.

Manuel Sembrano, provincial manager of PCA said the infestation is already alarming and that it needs the cooperation of the stakeholders.

“It is already alarming but we have limited funds to control it,” Sembrano said in a media forum radio program over station DYDM. “We need at least P1 million to totally eradicate the coconut leaf beetle.”

He said the amount will be used to buy or rent at least one vehicle, procurement of insecticides and provisions of the technicians and volunteers.

According to Sembrano, “Brontispa longissima is an invasive pest introduced to the country, in early 2004 via importation of ornamental palms. It causes great damage to seedlings and mature coconut trees and ornamental palms that could kill the young and eventually the whole tree if not treated.”

The PCA official added that it is already alarming considering that of the 70 villages in the city, 14 villages which they have so far inspected have been affected.

He said they are calling the farmers to report to them any symptoms that affected their trees, like yellowish leaves or that become brown.

In Maasin alone, at least 4,050 coconut bearing and non-bearing has been affected in 14 villages the PCA has already inspected. There are 70 villages in the city.

Brontispa has 2-3 months lifespan measuring 7-10 mm in length and 1.5 mm in width but con produce from 50 to 100 eggs.

Sembrano said around 50,000 hectares in the province are planted with coconut.

After the abaca plantation, the number one produce of the province, has been wiped out by bunchy top disease, coconut, the other major produce, may go down the abaca way, said Sembrano, because of the meager budget these two government agencies both attached to Agriculture department, received from the national coffer.

He said there are only seven technicians in the PCA to serve the entire province.

Coconut levy fund

Sembrano disclosed that about 10,000 seedlings directly given free by an NGO through the city government without passing the PCA were carrying the pests.

“Because they (other department) lost confidence with the PCA, funds from Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF) which were taken from the coconut levy has been diverted to the NGOs,” Sembrano said adding that these funds are supposed to be channeled thru their office for planting and replanting program.

He, however, decline how other agencies lost confidence in their office.

He said what happened is that they could no longer inspect the seedlings. The infested seedlings came from a nursery in Alejos village in Bato, Leyte, where coconut trees were already dying because of the brontispa.

“The entire PCA in the country is operating on a meager budget of P150 million. We used to receive P350 million but P200 million was slashed in our budget,” he said.