DAP Comes to Aklan

Kalibo, Aklan- The Development Academy of the Philippines’ (DAP) Center for Governance will be moving out of its head office in Ortigas Center, Pasig City and come to Aklan and train finance officials of the province in a 4-day seminar-workshop designed to update the Revenue Code of Aklan.

Imelda C. Caluen, Acting Managing Director of the DAP’s Center for Governance has tentatively scheduled said seminar-workshop on January, 24-27, 2011 which will be held possibly at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol.

Caluen said the Seminar-Workshop on the updating of the Local Revenue Code of the Province of Aklan is designed to provide LGU Aklan with a more strategic, holistic and systematic view of its revenue generation and resource mobilization functions and to enable the provincial government to review and update its existing revenue code that maybe used for stakeholders’ consultation, review and enactment by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo, under whose initiatives and efforts this professional and technical assistance of the DAP can be availed of by the Province, said that DAP’s Center for Governance has assured her that the output of this scheduled 4-day seminar- workshop will be the final draft of the codified revenue and tax ordinances of Aklan.

Quimpo said that it is now high time for Aklan that all piecemeal and separate tax and revenue enactments be codified into one vital and historic document.

Quimpo, who was elected as Vice Governor and Regular Presiding Officer of the Aklan SP in 2007 and reelected in 2010, is considered as the brain behind the enactment by the provincial legislative body of vital and historic enactments such as the Aklan Investment Incentives Code, Environment Code of Aklan, Tourism Code of Aklan, and the Aklan Children’s Code.

In Quimpo’s legislative agenda for 2011 is the enactment of the Code of General Ordinances, updated Revenue Code of Aklan and the Aklan Executive-Legislative Agenda.

Contents of the DAP’s course on Revenue Code updating are: 1. Overview of Local Fiscal Governance and Administration; 2. State of Fiscal Capacity/Health of LGUs in the Philippines; 3. Traditional and Non-Traditional Sources of Local Revenues; 4. Key Strategies for Effective Local Revenue Generation and Resource Mobilization and; 5. Enhancing Local Revenue Generation Potentials through the Local Revenue Code.

DAP has prescribed not more than 30 participants to the said seminar-workshops to include the Provincial Governor, Vice Governor, SP Members, Provincial Administrator, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, Provincial Treasurer, Provincial Budget Officer, Provincial Assessor, Provincial Accountant and EEDD Unit Heads.

Aklan SP Takes a Respite from a Hectic Year

Kalibo, Aklan- The Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan has gone into a recess capping the year with the approval of the province’s almost a billion peso 2011 budgets and authorized the release of more than P16 Million for the year-end bonuses of the capitol employees.

The 2007-2010 composition of the SP has held 21 regular sessions, 2 special sessions and 113 committee hearings during the first half of the year for which it has passed 108 resolutions, 1 appropriation ordinance, 3 general ordinances, and 1 tax ordinance.

The 2010-2013 SP, for the second half of this year has gone into 22 regular sessions, 4 special sessions, 141 committee hearings and has conducted 2 public hearings for which it has passed 154 resolutions, 47 appropriation ordinances, 7 general ordinances and 6 special ordinances.

For the entire year, the Aklan SP went through a total of 43 regular sessions, 6 special sessions, 254 committee hearings and 2 public hearings through which it has enacted a total of 262 resolutions, 48 appropriation ordinance, 10 general ordinances and 8 special ordinances.

SP members composing the 2007-2010 (first half of 2010) were Hon. Selwyn C. Ibarreta, Hon. Gerick M. Templonuevo, Hon. Jose S. Yap, Hon. Ramon S. Gelito and Hon. Pedro M. Garcia of the West district, Hon. Nemesio P. Neron, Hon. Daisy S. Briones, Hon. Jean O. Rodriguez, Hon. Rodson F. Mayor and Hon. Plaridel M. Morania of the East distrcit, Hon. Teody M. Masangya of the Liga ng mga Barangay, Hon. Jun Rey I. Tordecillas of SK Provincial Federation and the Hon. Ariel I. Igoy of the Philippine Councilors’ League.

Composing the 2010-2013 SP (2nd half of the year) are reelected board members Ibarreta and Templonuevo and young politicians Victor M. Garcia, Phoebe Clarice L. Cabagnot and Senior SP Member Jose Enrique Miraflores of the West district, reelected SP members Neron, Mayor, Briones, Rodriquez and the Hon. Raymar A. Rebaldo of the East district, Masangya of the Liga ng mga Barangay and then, Edina Gelito, Tordecillas of the SK and after him, Bob Augusto Legaspi, Basil M. Tabernilla of the PCL and then the Hon. Jonna I. Morales-Torres.

The Hon. Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo is the regular presiding officer for the entire year having been reelected during the May 2010 polls.

Aklan SP Recognizes Gelito as New Member representing Liga ng mga Barangay

Kalibo, Aklan-Edina Gelito was recognized by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan as Ex-Officio Member of the Chamber representing the Liga ng mga Barangay, Aklan Chapter.

The official recognition was conferred during the 4th special session of the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan on December 21, 2010, when Gelito attended the body’s special session for the first time as one among the members of the new SP (2010-2013).

Gelito has been elected Liga Provincial Federation President when she defeated the former Liga Provincial Federation President Teody Masangya during the Liga ng mga Barangay election on Dec.17, 2010 held at the DILG conference hall.

The following are the newly elected Liga ng Barangay Officials Aklan Chapter for the term 2010-2013: Vice President: Steven Bolivar; Auditor: Adam Mamay: Board of Directors: 1. Romy Abello, 2. Diva Agustin, 3. Ernan Catuiran, 4. Mabel Iquina, 5. Eupinio Dela Cena, 6. Eudis Torres, 7. Johnny Rentillo and 8. Felimon Fernandez.

Edina Gelito is a Barangay Captain of Dumatad, Tangalan, Aklan.

SP Seeks Investigation of the Aklan River Dredging Project by DPWH Exec

Kalibo, Aklan- The Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan, during its 22nd regular session on December 15, 2010, has asked Secretary Rogelio L. Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct immediate investigation on the status of the P100 Million dredging project in the Aklan River downstream Kalibo-Numancia Bridge.

Through its Resolution No. 2010-152 sponsored by Hon. Rodson F. Mayor, the body recalled that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan protested the bidding of the project without consultation with the local government unit in violation of law and the award of the project to a contractor who lacks the necessary equipment to accelerate the dredging project of the Aklan River.

The resolution also stressed that the SP has taken cognizance of the long delayed P100 Million dredging project at the Aklan River and has recently requested the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office to update the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the status of the said dredging project.

But the body was disappointed when the DPWH sent its representative to update the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the status of the project during its 15th Regular Session on October 20, 2010 who informed the Sangguniang Panlalawigan that the accomplishment of the project as of October 20, 2010 is only 73%.

The Aklan SP was dismayed of the information that the contract is extended and a sizeable portion of the extended contract price of the project(more than P8 Million) goes to the rental of heavy equipment (bulldozer and payloader) when the contractor himself must be fully equipped before bidding for the .

Last year, the DPWH Regional Director, Region VI, appeared before Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and the Aklan Rivers Development Council headed by former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo and altogether have agreed to consult the local government unit and revise the program of works to focus to the area that will be dredged to hasten the flow of water.

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the release of P100 million to the Regional Office, DPWH, Region VI, IloIlo City for the dredging of the Aklan River downstream the Kalibo – Numancia Bridge after Typhoon Frank hit Aklan on June 2008.

The project contractors are the International Builders Corporation and Towking Construction that won the bidding on June 2009.

SP Approves P976.4 Million 2011 Budget

Kalibo, Aklan- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan has finally approved the annual budget for 2011 of the provincial government of Aklan appropriating a total of P976,436,012 under the General Fund, Economic Enterprise Development Department and the 20% IRA Development Fund.

The approval of the 2011 budgets of the province was carried out by the provincial legislative body during its 4th special session for the year last Tuesday, December 21, after the marathon budget hearings started since November 12.

Presided over by the Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo, the SP authorized the 2011 General Fund Budget with total appropriations of P587, 989,907 through Appropriation Ordinance No. 2010-040.

Appropriation Ordinance No. 2010-041 further authorized the 2011 EEDD Budget carrying total appropriations of P388, 446,105.

Likewise, the SP passed Appropriation Ordinance No.2010-042 authorizing the implementation of provincial programs and projects under the 20% Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Development Fund with total appropriations of P103,399,963.20.
During the same special session, the SP further authorized the release of more than P16 Million to pay the yearend bonuses of the provincial government employees at P3, 000 for each causal worker, P10, 000 for each regular employee and P20, 000 each for department heads and elected officials.

SP Aklan Recognizes Legaspi as New Member Representing Aklan SK

Kalibo, Aklan-Bob Augusto Fernandez Legaspi was recognized by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan as Ex-Officio Member of the Chamber representing the Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan ng Aklan.
The official recognition was done during the 22nd regular session of the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan on December 16, 2010, when Legaspi attended the body’s regular session for the first time as one among the members of the new SP (2010-2013).
Legaspi has been elected unopposed during the Sangguniang Kabataan election on Dec.10, 2010 held at the ground floor of the newly renovated capitol main building.
The said election was facilitated by the DILG Provincial Office under Provincial Director Jenny Destua.
Composing the Board of Election Supervisors are M. Ben Prado of DILG, Aklan, Mr. Juan Z. Ruiz, Jr. of COMELEC, Aklan and MR. Odon S. Bandiola, Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan.
Legaspi said that a successful and effective leadership will only come into reality through the support and cooperation of the body.
He stressed that he welcomes constructive criticisms as it will be a great help to him and as he views said helpful comments as a tool of learning the rudiments of leadership.
Bob Augusto M. Legaspi is a municipal SK federation president of Makato, Aklan. He is currently studying at the University of the Philippines Miagao Visayas taking up Bachelor of Science Major in Economics and now on his third year.
He is the son of Mr. Bobby Clyde Maravilla Legaspi and Mrs. Babeelon Cipriano Fernandez-Legaspi.

All Aklan SK Provincial Federation Officials were Elected Unopposed

Kalibo, Aklan- The provincial federation officials of the Sangguniang Kabataan of Aklan were all elected today (Dec.10, 2010) unopposed in and elections held at the ground floor of the newly renovated capitol main building.
Elected provincial federation president is Bob Augusto M. Legaspi, municipal SK federation president of Makato.
Legaspi will soon succeed the Hon. Jun Rey I. Tordecillas as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalalwigan of Aklan.
Elected vice president is the New Washington SK Municipal Federation, Lester Sabino; Secretary-Nathalie Faye L. Belarmino, SK Municipal Federation president of Altavas, Micheal Angelo R. Melgarejo; Auditor-Libacao Municipal federation president Jezra Demze M. Relente; PRO John Mel Kester M. Rebeneto, Balete Municipal SK President and sgt.at Arms Pabs Abee L. Arboleda Municpal SK Federation President of Banga.
The election was facilitated by the DILG Provincial Office under Provincial Director Destua.
Composing the Board of Election Supervisors are M. Ben Prado of DILG, Aklan, Mr. Juan Z. Ruiz, Jr. of COMELEC, Aklan and MR. Odon S. Bandiola, Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan.

Quimpo Completes 2nd Module of Diploma Course in Development Legislation and Governance

Kalibo, Aklan - Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo continues to undergo Diploma Course in Development Legislation and Governance after she attended the second module in Foundation in Local Governance and Development held in Astoria Plaza, Pasig City on November 17-19, 2010.

This Diploma course for the vice governors is being conducted by the Development Academy of the Philippines, Graduate School of Public and Development Management ,Institute of Public Management. It was realized through the initiative of the League of the Vice Governors of the Philippines under the new leadership of Vice Governor Leonides M.Fausto, National President for the year 2010-2013 with the Aklan Vice Governor as National Treasurer.

The program will be featured as individual certificate modules with corresponding academic units during the quarterly assemblies of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines for the next three (3) years.

The full completion of the individual academic modules will total to 24 units and earn a diploma. The Vice Governors may opt to proceed a Masteral Course in Public Management major in Local Governance and Development after completing 36 units.

The second module in Astoria Plaza, Pasg City focused on the preparatory topics:

1. Foundation in Local Governance and Development by Prof. Jonas Jorge S. Soriano

2. Leadership Ethics conducted by Dr.Cory Naz

3. Social Accountability and Sustainable Development by Mr. Adelfo V. Briones

4. Innovations in Local Governance: Quezon City Experience by Mr. Reynald Imjada

5. Workshop and Integration of PGM by Prof. Immanuel Magalit

6. Management of Learning: Innovations in Governance by Ms. Lenny De Jesus

The program aims to further capacitate the Vice Governors and make them strategic leaders with the capability to be Peace Builders, Development Instigators, Policy Makers, People’s Partners and Change Advocates

Quimpo stressed that it is not enough for Vice Governors to craft and pass ordinances and steer legislation proceedings. Although this is his\her primary task , it is inevitable in the process of his\her role to be part of the development processes and institute changes, the Aklan Vice Governor added.

Meanwhile, some members of the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan namely Hon. Selwyn C. Ibarreta, Hon .Jose Enrique Miraflores, Hon. Victor Manuel Garcia, Hon, Daisy S .Briones, Hon. Nemesio P. Neron, Hon. Phoebe Clarice Cabagnot and Hon. Jonna Morales-Torres had attended the 20th National Assembly of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLF) on November 22-24 2010 at the Heritage Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. 

Bearing the theme ”Attaining Millennium Development Goals Through Local Legislation” the highlights of the assembly were the election of new set of the league’s National Officers for the term 2020-2013 and discussions on the latest developments concerning Millennium Development Goals, issues concerning Reproductive Health Bill, as well as the review of PBMLP’S initiatives in achieving MDG objectives.

The Hon. Selwyn C. Ibarreta is the current Regional President of the PBMLP in Region VI.

Aklan SP Supports Ramos’ Birth Centennial Commemoration

Kalibo, Aklan- During its 20th regular session on December 1, 2010, the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan has passed a resolution supporting the activities and programs commemorating the 2011 centennial birth anniversary of the late Godofredo P. Ramos, the “Father of Aklan”.

The former Aklan Governor and Congressman, delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, former Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals, an advocate and champion of parliamentary form of government and the annexation of the Sabah territory of Malaysia to the territorial jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines, the late Godofredo P. Ramos, will be marking his centennial birth anniversary on November 8, 2011.

Said resolution was mainly authored by the Hon. Victor M. Garcia and co-sponsored by the Hon. Rodson F. Mayor.

As Ramos’ centennial birth anniversary approaches, the Aklan Historical Society has spearheaded moves and series of activities to commemorate the once in a lifetime event to bestow unparalleled honor to the man acknowledged as the main architect of the independence of Aklan and has launched the centennial commemoration at the Museo it Akean in Kalibo on November 8, 2010, on his 99th birth anniversary.

In resolution No. 2010-136, the SP expressed full support to the Aklan Historical Society, which in close coordination and cooperation with the Godofredo P. Ramos Memorial Foundation and the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council, has proposed the holding of commemorative activities starting next year to culminate on November 8, 2011, as follows, among others:

a. Printing, selling and circulating Centennial Commemorative Car Plates with “AKLAN” as the main marking, to be sold in the Province of Aklan, elsewhere in the country and abroad;

b. With the approval of the Philippine Postal Corporation, printing and selling of centennial commemorative mailing stamps with the picture of the late Godofredo P. Ramos as the main marking;

c. The awarding of the Godofredo P. Ramos Leadership Medals to deserving graduating pupils, high school and college students all over Aklan

d. Publication and circulation of literature and materials on the life of the late Godofredo P. Ramos for distribution to several campuses in the Province of Aklan;

e. The holding of commemorative lectures and feature writing contests among students and campuses in the Province on the life of the late Godofredo P. Ramos.

The SP stressed that it is incumbent upon all Aklanons to carve a niche in both their minds and hearts the memory of this great Aklanon whose eloquence and illustriousness has brought not only to himself, but the Province of Aklan and Aklanons to the pedestal occupied by the great leaders of the country where the late Godofredo P. Ramos has displayed his brilliance and wisdom respected and revered by his peers in the national and international scene.

The Late Godofredo P. Ramos displayed a rare brand of leadership qualities, skills and capabilities and intellectual prowess of an Aklanon not only in the Halls of the Congress of the Republic of the Philippines but also in the field of foreign diplomacy and the Halls of the United Nations, the SP resolution emphasized.

A non-working public holiday is declared in the province of Aklan in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Ramos by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No.194 of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on April 25, 2002.

Aklan SP Thank GSIS for Conducting UMID E-Card Enrolment in the Province

Kalibo, Aklan- In Resolution No. 2010-145 passed during its 20th regular session on December 1, 2010, the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan has thanked the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for a favorable response to the request of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan contained in its Resolution No. 2010-056 enacted on August 25, 2010.

Sensing the difficulties of Aklanon GSIS active members and pensioners, particularly those senior citizens in travelling to and from Roxas City or Iloilo City for UMID enrolment purposes, this August Body has passed Resolution No. 2010-056 on August 26, 2010 requesting the GSIS to conduct said enrolment right in the Province of Aklan.

Through Regional Manager Eleanor Drilon-Gregorio of the GSIS Iloilo Regional Office and the Satellite Office Manager Ronnie Abella of the GSIS Satellite Office in Kalibo, Aklan, UMID enrolment was successfully conducted at the Kalibo Satellite Office from November 22 to November 25, of this year.

The enrolment in Aklan had focused on active members who have not yet enrolled in the UMID and on pensioners who are to commence their monthly pension.

GSIS Kalibo Satellite Office Manager Ronnie Abella said about 500 active members and pensioners had availed of the enrolment in Kalibo.

Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan stressed in its resolution that this only indicates that GSIS is not only bettering its services and making it efficient and responsive but also bringing the system closest to the people GSIS is bound to serve”, Aklan SP said.