PIA-Aklan Balita January 16 - 31, 2019

Volume VII

Issue 02

KALIBO, Aklan, (PIA) -- The Black Beauty Boys of Barangay Linabuan Norte, Kalibo, Aklan emerged as this year’s biggest winner among the contesting tribes in the Tribal Big Group Category of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Streetdancing competition.

The Black Beauty Boys, which received Php250,000.00 as cash prize, dislodged defending champion Vikings of Brgy Dumga, Makato, Aklan.

The Vikings Tribe won Php150,000 as second prize winner, while third placer Libtong Boys of Sitio Libtong, Estancia, Kalibo won Php120,000.00.

The Tribal Big Group Category has the biggest amount of cash prizes allocation from the Kalibo Sto. Niño Atiatihan Festival Incorporated (KASAFI), the festival organizer.

The Maharlika Tribe of Dumga, Makato, and Pangawasan Tribe of Cayangwan, Makato, each received Php45,000.00 as consolation prizes while Tribu Alibangbang of Linabuan Norte, Kalibo; Tribu Tiis-tiis of New Buswang, Kalibo each received Php30,000.00 consolation prizes.

D’ Kamanggahan Tribe of Poblacion Makato, on the other hand, received Php20,000.00 consolation prize.

Other winners in the Ati-atihan Contest include Kabog, of Estancia, Kalibo, first prize, Php110,000.00; Tribu Ninoli-

tos, of Brgy . Tig ay on , sec on d, Php80,000.00, and Tribu Bukid Tigayon, of Sitio Bukid Tigayon, Kalibo, third prize, Php55,000.00 – under the Tribal Small Category.

Consolation winners under this category were Tribu Responde of New buswang, Kalibo; Parola Tribe of Daja Norte, Banga; and Tribu Triple J of Est a n c i a , K a l i b o w h i c h r e c e iv e d Php30,000.00 each while Iwa-Iwa of Estancia, Kalibo and Lezo Tribe of Ibao,

KALIBO, AKLAN, (PIA) – The Site Task Group (STG), assigned to secure the 2019 Kalibo Ati-atihan, called on for everyone’s support for the safe and secure celebration of the festival.

The Site Task Group is augmented by Philippine National Police-6, Philippine Army 12th Infantry Battalion, force multipliers and emergency responders from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Jail Management Penology, Philippine Red Cross

-Aklan Chapter, Kalibo Auxiliary Police, and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team.

Senior Superintendent Lope Manlapaz, police provincial director of Aklan asked the public to support and cooperate with the STG’s tight and intensified security protocol as this is needed to maintain the safe celebration of Atiatihan.

According to Manlapaz, uniformed p o l ic em en an d per s on n el fr o m

Continued on page… 04

KALIBO, AKLAN, (PIA) -- The celebration of Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival 2019 was generally peaceful, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6.

PRO-6 Regional Director Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao said there were no major crime incidents that happened during the festival, from January 2 to 20, 2019.

He reported that in the two-day highlight of the festival this year, the recorded street crime incidents were only

Continued on page… 03

January 16 - 31, 2019

Libtong Boys of Sitio Libtong, Estancia, Kalibo. The comebacking Libtong Boys prance around the streets of Kalibo during the "Judging Day" on January 19, 2019, the 2nd to the last day of the celebration this year of the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival. As the streets are open to onlookers, some took the opportunity to have their pictures taken with the dancers, gamely welcomed by all participating groups.

The Libtong Boys placed third in the Big Tribal Category, winning P120,000.00.

four; which showed a 60 percent decrease as compared in 2018 with 10 cases.

Bulalacao attributed the success of the security coverage of the Kalibo Atiatihan festival with the visible presence of 1,500 policemen along with other security personnel from other law enforcement agencies and peacekeeping volunteers, who manned the entrance and exits of the festival zone areas as well as the establishment of checkpoints and chokepoints.

He also lauded the support and the active participation and cooperation of the local government unit, general public, local media, volunteers and other stakeholders in maintaining the peaceful and orderly celebration of Kalibo Atiatihan.

Such act, according to the region’s top cop, showcased the effectiveness of the whole community approach in achieving the town’s aim of “zero” major crime incidents.

Meanwhile, Bulalacao said that due to the successful and effective security preparation coverage of Kalibo Atiatihan, they will make it as their benchmark for the next major security events that they will be handling, such as the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. (LTP/ SQP-PIA Aklan)

PIA AKLAN BALITA

Vol. No. VII Issue No. 02

“No major incident occurred during the Ati-atihan” this is the statement of Chief Superintendent John C Bulalacao, regional director of Police Regional Office 6 in one of his interviews the day after the highlight of the ‘Ati Fest”. Police Regional Office 6 attributes the peaceful celebration of Ati-atihan Festival 2019 to the strong anti-criminality campaign and public safety operations.

The visible presence of 1,500 policemen along with other security personnel from other law enforcement agencies and peacekeeping volunteers manning the entrance and exits of the activity areas in Kalibo and the establishment of checkpoints and chokepoints paved the way to the success of the security coverage.

In the 2-day highlight, Crime incidents decreased by 60% compared to last year. In 2018, there were 10 cases recorded (physical injuries 4, motor napping 3 and theft 3) but this year, only four (4) cases were recorded such as: one (1) physical Injury and three (3) theft cases.

The active participation of the Local Government Unit (LGU) and other stakeholders that showcase the effectiveness of the whole of community approach of security operation coupled with the strict implementation of

TAGUIG CITY - The Department of Energy (DOE) conducted its first round of validation activities across various fuel retail outlets (ROs) on 10-11 and 1415 January 2019. The teams were tasked by Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi to ensure the proper implementation of the second tranche of excise tax on petroleum products under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. Sec. Cusi explained, "The second tranche of fuel excise tax will fund crucial infrastructure projects and poverty allev iation progr ams n eeded to strengthen our ability to compete globally.”

Validation teams from the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau visited a total of 22 ROs across Quezon City, Caloocan and Malabon that have implemented the second tranche of taxes earlier this month. DOE field offices also

KALIBO, Aklan, (PIA) -- This year’s Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival has a total of 34 competing tribes.

This is according to the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Foundation, Incorporated (KASAFI) headed by its chairperson Albert Meñez, the organizer of the festival.

The tribes competed in various categories namely the Modern Tribal Group (small and big categories), original tribal group (small and big categories), and Balik Ati Group.

There Individual Contest where winners also received cash prizes.

This year, a total of P1.758 million in prizes was at stake for the winners in the various tribe categories.

OPLAN SITA, saturation drive,OPLAN Bakal in engagement areas led to a more secured environment with lesser crime incidents.

Chief SuperintendentBulalacao, expressed his gratitude to the general public, local media, PRO6 personnel, other law enforcement agencies and volunteers for the successful, orderly, secured and peaceful celebration of AtiatihanFestival 2019 in Aklan. The threefold aim of PRO6 to maintain zero occurrence of major incident in big events, reduce crime incidents during the festivity and increase the level of confidence of the stakeholders to the police was achieved in this activity. (PRO6/PNP)

conducted validation activities, with 57 ROs visited by the Luzon Field Office, 7 by the Visayas Field Office, and 29 by the Mindanao Field Office.

The DOE teams compared the copies of depot-issued delivery receipts and sales invoices with the official receipts being issued by the ROs to determine the specific excise implementation dates and verify that the outlets are imposing the correct excise tax rates. The DOE teams likewise checked the compliance of the ROs in clearly displaying the one meter by one meter signs which informs the consumers of the implementation date of the additional excise taxes and the petroleum products that are covered.

Furthermore, Show Cause Orders (SCOs) were served, directing the ROs to explain in writing and under oath; their early implementation of the second tranche and to submit all the supporting

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Participating tribes were be judged on the eve of the festival on January 19.

This year’s Kalibo Sto. Niño Atiatihan Festival started as early as October 26, 2018 during the opening salvo, which was held to coincide with the reopening of Boracay Island.

The festival culminated on Sunday, January 20, through a Pilgrim’s Mass in front of the St. John the Baptist Cathedral at 7:00 a.m., all-day long street dancing by tribes and revelers, and the religious procession and torch street dancing in late afternoon.

Major activities held were the Parade of Floats which was held on Monday, January 14; Sangka Libo Tamboe and Street Party and Sinaot Sa Kalye of Students on January 15; Sinaot Sa Kalye (DepEd Teachers) on January 16; Higante Contest, January 17; and Sadsad Pagpasaeamat on January 18, Friday.

Meanwhile, Boracay Island had its own Ati-atihan Festival which started last Sunday, January 13, through a Holy Mass followed by street dancing at the beachfront.

According to LGU- Malay Information Officer Felix delos Santos, the festival aimed to show the devotion of Boracaynons to Sr. Sto. Niño.

The festival is also considered as an additional attraction for visitors in the island.

The Malay Tourism Office said foreign tourists also joined in the street dancing. (JBG/VGV/PIA6 AKLAN) documents that would substantiate the validity of the imposition.

The DOE is set to conduct a second round of validation activities in the coming days and a full report will be released once all the data has been consolidated.

As of 17 January 2019, 1,639 ROs or 19% of the 8,630 ROs nationwide are already implementing the second tranche of fuel excise tax.

“We are vigilantly monitoring the implementation of the TRAIN Law so that our consumers will be amply protected,” Sec. Cusi assured. (DOE)

PIA AKLAN BALITA

Vol. No. VII Issue No. 02

PAGE 03

STG calls…

From page 01 12th Infantry Battalion will intensify the area security in festival venues, checkpoints, inner and outer border controls.

The 1,500 police officers from Police Regional Office-6 and municipal stations are strategically assigned in different police assistance desk, pedestrian screening areas (PSA) and traffic.

Emergency and medical response volunteers, BFP, BJMP and other members of STG are also on standby to provide assistance.

Manlapaz likewise appealed to the public to be more patient and understanding with the traffic routes that are now being implemented throughout the duration of the festivities.

Merrymakers, devotees, and tourists are advised not to bring prohibited items, such as illegal drugs, firearms, improvised and bladed weapons, and bottled drinks. Smoking and vaping in public places, use of drones and fireworks are also prohibited.

Meanwhile, festival organizer Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) has reminded festival sponsors to strictly follow the rules in putting their streamers in festival zones and public places.

Kasafi has deployed its 15-man “Task

ILOILO CITY-DOST VI Regional Director stresses the importance of the Halal industry and explained that Halal is not merely confined to the geographical areas of Mindanao and Muslim groups, but is slowly becoming mainstream across all regions in the Philippine archipelago in his opening remarks during the presentation of research results in Halal Training Needs Assessment last January 23, 2019 at District 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.

The Regional director also emphasized that Halal program is not just a recognition of the commercial or business potential of the Halal industry, but is also an acknowledgment that Halal is really part of the culture and the lives of the Filipino people.

He further stated that Filipinos might see the commercial value of the Halal market and that many also accept and find Halal standards beneficial to them.

Meanwhile, DOST XI Regional Director and project leader of DOST Halal S&T Program, Dr. Anthony C. Sales, introduced the work plan for Halal Training Needs Assessment Program for 2019. The result of which will be used in

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Aklanis currently conducting the second visit of Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) to complete the one year income and expenses data of sample families.

The phase one of FIES was conducted last July 2018 with reference period from January to June 2018.

According to Provincial Statistics Officer AntonetCatubuan the FIES is conducted to determine the income distribution and levels of living and spending patterns of Filipino families across the country.

These data according to PSO Catubuanwill be used as inputs in the estimation of poverty incidence and threshold, and to measure Human DevelopForce Kakas” to tear down materials that have no official festival signatures during the festival.

Non-festival sponsors, political aspirants, and party-list groups were also reminded to refrain from hanging and posting posters and tarpaulins in public places during the festival as these will be immediately removed by the task force. (LTP/SQP-PIA6 Aklan)

the development of training modules and learning tools depending on the type of target audience. Through this, resources can be properly allocated to sectors where they can contribute the most to humancapital. Furthermore, Dr. Sales included in the work plan the possibility of piloting the “Block Chain” system in the Halal Traceability Framework.

Block Chain is a secured links of databases that does not require server and not hackable that can trace the disputes in the market. He highlighted the aim for at least two (2) laboratories to be accredited by PAB and targets to be recognized by Dubai Municipal Government as many of the products are going to Middle East region through Dubai.

The Training Needs Assessment (TNA) of the DOST Halal S&T Program aims to assess the knowledge gap of various stakeholders on the Halal industry. Nationwide focus group discussion and workshop aimed to extract ideas from various sectors and stakeholders in the development and improvement of Halal industry in the country.

As a member of the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board, DOST shall assist in the im-

Hired data collector interviews one of the respondents for phase 2 of family income and expenses survey currently conducted in Aklan. (PSA-Aklan)

ment Index, which is a tool to assess the social and economic development levels of countries.

About 1, 540 households spread in 91 barangays were randomly selected as samples for this survey.

This number MrsCatubuan said is sufficient to produce the provincial data on income and expenses distribution of Aklanon families which is one of the highly demanded statistics by local planners and local government unit.

PSA-Aklan deployed a total of 50 data collectors to conduct the house to house visit and gather data from respondents.

Questions to be asked comprised of expenditures by family on food, clothing, electricity, household equipment, health, transport, communication, education, restaurants, and miscellaneous goods and services.

Also included are housing characteristics, social protection such membership and benefits from 4Ps and senior citizen, and sources of income both in cash and in kind.

The PSA urges the support of sample households by accommodating the field interviewers and providing truthful data to them.

The office assures respondents that all information furnished to them will be held strictly confidential as provided for by law. (PSA-Aklan) provement and development of facilities, provide training and education, identify State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and private Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) that can cater to Halal research, and impart scientific and technical knowledge on Halal standards, and to conduct laboratory analyses to verify the claims of Halal products. In reference to DOST Memo Circular 010 Series of 2016, the agency’s task is to provide science and technology assistance and training in support to the Halal industry as well as support and conduct of R&D activities on Halal to improve industry Continued on page… 05

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Vol. No. VII Issue No. 02

Kalibo Sto. Nino…

From page 01 Lezo received Php15,000.00 each.

For the Balik-Ati/Original Tribal Group, winners were Tribu ni Datu Puti of Rosario, Malinao, Aklan, first prize; which received Php100,000.00; Sinikway nga Ati of Dumga, Makato, second, Php60,000.00; and Malipayong Ati of San Roque, Malinao, which received Php45,000.00.

Three tribes under this category each received Php25,000.00 as consolation prizes, while another three tribes received Php10,000.00 each.

For the modern Group Category, first prize winner Tribu AeangAeang of Laguinbanua West, Numancia received Php100,000.00; Atras-Abante of Poblacion Makato, second, Php60,000.00; and Royal Scorpio of Goding Ramos, Kalibo, third, received Php35,000.00.

Consolation prize winners under this category received Php25,000.00 each for top 2 placers; while the other 3 consolation winners got Php20,000.00 each.

Special Awards – Best in Costume; Best in Drum Beat, and Best in Streetdancing were also awarded to winners chosen by judges.

The Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival this year was held from January 2 to 20 highlighted with religious and civic activities which peaked on the 20th through Pilgrim’s Mass in front of the St. John the Baptist Cathedral, all-day long streetdancing by tribes and visitors, and the religious procession and torch streetdancing in the afternoon.

Some other major highlights of the

The Philippine Statistics Authority is currently conducting the agricultural wage rate survey in 35 sample households in Aklan.

These households are engaged in palay and coconut production.

The survey aims to generate estimates of average wage rates of agricultural farm workers.

It, also, intends to generate genderbased data for wage rates, and determine the extent of women’s participation in agricultural production activities.

According to Provincial Statistics Officer Antonet B. Catubuan statistics on wage rates are useful inputs in investment decisions, policy making and program formulation related to agricultural sector.

Among the important data to be gathered include daily wage rate of farm

For Rev. Fr. Jose Tudd Belandres, Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Kalibo, Aklan, political aspirants or elected officials need to humble themselves so that others may live.

This was the gist of the homily he delivered during the Holy Mass he celebrated recently for Aklan’s and local government unit-Kalibo’s aspirants in the May 2019 elections before the Covenant Signing for Secured and Fair Elections (SAFE).

In explaining his message, Rev,. Fr. Belandres related his one of a kind experience as a young priest deployed in Madalag, a hinterland municipality in Aklan.

Fr. Belandres said that in earlier years, there was a path in Madalag where one individual can only pass at a time. The path was too small and dangerous, as one side is a deep ravine, and the other side is the base of a mountain.

Ati-atihan Festival were the Sinaot Sa Kalye participated by students and teachers (DepEd), Higante Contest, Sadsad Panaad, and Sadsad Pasaeamat.

The festival was also an opportunity for family and school reunions of various Aklan schools and colleges. (JBG/VGV/ PIA6 Aklan)

workers by crops, by basis of payment and by farm activity; number of mandaysper hectare by crop, by farm activity, by source of labor and by sex; distribution of hired workers by terms of payment, and distribution of farm households employing hired workers by farm activity.

Results of similar survey conducted in 2016 revealed that agricultural laborers in Western Visayas received, on the average, a real wage rate of P160.43 per day.

Male farm workers were paid P161.03 per day, higher by P1.34 than what was received by female farm workers at 159.69.

Workers in palay farms registered the highest real wage rate at P169.13 per day, while corn farm laborers reContinued on page… 05

“While I was about to take the path, I noticed that two goats started to walk from opposite ends, who, eventually would meet in the middle, endangering their lives. I closely observed what will happen. When the goats were in the middle, one laid down on the path, while the other one stepped on his prone body and passed the path to safety. Only then did the goat got up and continued on his way.”

Fr. Belandres said he was touched with the humility the goat exhibited which enabled the two of them to live and go safely to their respective destinations.

With this message, Fr. Belandres called on the political aspirants who were set to sign the Peace Covenant that day to be humble in serving their constituents.

“Be humble and don’t be ashamed to stoop down when necessary so that others may live,” Fr. Belandres told the aspirants, composed of gubernatorial, vice gubernatorial and Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Eastern and Western), and mayoralty, vice mayoralty and Sangguniang Bayang contenders for the municipality of Kalibo.

The Holy Mass was preceded by a short program at the Kalibo Magsaysay Park and a Unity Walk from there to the St. John the Baptist Cathedral.

The group then had an orderly Peace Covenant signing through the guidance of the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

APPO Provincial Director Lope M. Manlapaz said the Unity Walk and Peace Covenant Signing was done to promote camaraderie among political aspirants and soon to be candidates, ensure a safe and secured election, and create awareness to the public that integrity matters.

For his part, DILG-Aklan Provincial Director Roy Defino, whose message was read for him by Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) – Kalibo Valerie Briones, the unity walk signified that everybody should embody the core value of team spirit in putting into position people who are "Matino,Mahusay at Maaasahan.".

(JBG/VGV/PIA6 Aklan)

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Vol. No. VII Issue No. 02

PSA conducts…

From page 04

KALIBO, Aklan, Enero 31 (PIA6) - Matapos ku magkasunod nga pangbomba sa simbahan it Our Lady of Mount Carmel sa Jolo, Sulu, gina umanuman gid ni Pangueong Rodrigo Duterte ro anang direktiba nga mag lutsar it allout war kontra sa Abu Sayyaf ag iba pang kontra it estado.

Sa sangka press briefing sa Malacanang, ro Chief Presidential Legal Counsel ag Presidential Spokesperson nga si Salvador Panelo hay nagpaabot ku rayang impormasyon sa mga katapo it media nga ro Punong Ehekutibo hay seryoso sa bagay ngara.

“Kung kita hay maghambae nga kontra sa kontra it estado, buot singhanon hay tag mga tawo nga nagatao it kaguluhan sa nasyon. Kun sin-o man ro gusto nga magsamad ku demokratikong institusyon it nasyon,” hambae ni Panelo.

ceived the least real wage rate at P146.27 per day.

The daily real wage rates of those working in coconut and sugarcane farms pegged at P149.86 and P169.83, respectively.

PSO Catubuan urges respondents to give truthful and correct answers to data collectors.

She assured them that all informa“Tag mga nagapatay, nagapaeapnaag tion will be held strictly confidential as it kakugmat, tag mga nagapangbomba it provided for by law. (PSA) sibilyan, sundalo ag mga pulis. Ruyon ro mga kontra it estado ngagina tumod ni DOST 6…

Presidente, bukon it anang mga kritiko,” From page 03 dugang pa ni Panelo. competitiveness and verification on HaGipaidaeaom man ku Pangueo ro Ar- lal claims. Ultimately, the agency aims madong Puersa it Pilipinas sa height- to make ISO-accredited Halal testing ened alert kung siin mas abo pa gid nga and verification laboratorieswhich is miltar ro igabut, ang sa Jolo, suno pa sa compliant to industry standards and opisyal it palasyo. requirements for the worldwide accep“Eagson ni Presidente ro mga teror- tance of Philippine-made Halal products ista hasta sa punta it kalibutan” ham- and services. (DOST 6/JRAGabiota) bae ni Panelo.

“Kung owa it Martial Law, patiha Mas mangin istrikto man ro mga ninyo ako, bukon eang it duyon ro macheckpoints makaron.

“Tan-awa ninyo ro gin-obra ni Presi- nabo karon,” dugang pa ni Panelo.

Samtang, gina tinguha gid it mga dente sa Marawi, duyon ro pinakamanami nga halimbawa kung paalin otoridad ro tanan para sa pag imbestinana gin-eupig ro mga kontra it gar ag hidakop ro mga tawo sa likod it gobyerno, ginpirde naton sanda sa pag pang-bomba.

“Ro importante, masayran ta kung Marawi bukon abi,” hambae ni Panelo. sin-o ro mga criminal para mauwas eon kita sa kataeagman., hambae ni Panelo.

(JERR/PIA6 Aklan)