SP okays P10M appropriation for fire station

THE 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) in its session last Dec. 22 approved the release of P10 million for the construction of a new fire station but not without a lengthy debate between councilors with dissenting opinions. The amount will be sourced from the 2010 yearend unappropriated surplus.

Asst. Majority Floor Leader Claudio P. Larrazabal was the most vocal in opposing the measure, saying he would rather that the money be used to acquire a new fire truck, preferably a tanker with a 75-ft. telescopic ladder. The fire station presently has six fire trucks.
 

Majority Floor Leader Ruben R. Capahi defended the proposal by saying that the garage of the existing fire station can accommodate only four fire trucks and has no space for a new unit. Capahi sponsored the measure being the chairman of the committee on finance and appropriations.
 

But Larrazabal isn’t convinced and sees no point of building a new fire station considering the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is not a devolved agency and as such, is not the responsibility of the LGU. But Councilor Filomeno Maglasang disagrees, saying that even if the BFP is a national office, the Ormocanons are the direct beneficiaries of an improved fire department.
 

The station’s rehabilitation was requested by former Fire Marshall Adel de Paz through a letter dated Apr. 24, 2007, more specifically roofing and ceiling works. Project Development Officer IV Engr. Sally Dejaño who was invited to the session explained that the LGU did not act on the request immediately and waited for the BFP’s move.
 

Four years and eight months later, Mayor Eric C. Codilla decided to take action on the matter after the BFP did not act on the request. But City Engr. Oliveros and Engr. Dejaño realized upon inspection that the existing fire station is already dilapidated that building a new structure would be more economical in the long term than just making repairs.
 

An architect of the BFP presented a plan worth P20 million but Mayor Codilla rejected this for being too expensive. The LGU came up with its own plan worth only half the amount of the BFP plan and has a provision for parking for eight fire truck units.
 

Councilor Rafael Omega Jr. explained the long process of approving the construction of a new fire station by the national government. According to him, the BFP has a program for procuring fire trucks and equipment (helmets, coats, boots, hoses, etc.) but not fire stations as these will have to be approved by Congress and the President.
 

This is the reason why the BFP requested for a station from the LGU instead of a fire truck, he said. Ormoc’s new fire marshall CInsp. Charlie M. Gerson in a separate interview said that RA 6975 sec. 56 allows LGUs to establish fire stations as has been done in some cities in Metro Manila like Makati, Taguig, Mandaluyong, etc.
 

For Minority Floor Leader Rolando M. Villasencio, the P10 million should be spent both on a new fire station and vehicle. But Capahi answered that Villasencio's proposal should have been taken up at the City Development Council (CDC) meeting in Nov. 9 last year or during the time the SP discussed the Annual Investment Plan (AIP).

Ironically, Larrazabal sponsored the said AIP containing the proposed new fire station, being the chairman of the committee on infrastructure. Nevertheless, he maintained his position that fire trucks are more important than buildings. 

Capahi reminded his colleagues that the proposal went through a long process spanning four years and eight months beginning with meetings between the LGU and BFP, to the CDC meeting, to its inclusion in the AIP, to committee meetings last Dec. 13 and 20, and culminating to three readings in the SP. “This is not something that was proposed overnight,” he said.
 

In closing, presiding officer Vice Mayor Nepomuceno P. Aparis opted for a nominal voting which required each member to explain his/her vote. Both Larrazabal and Villasencio voted no. Opposition Councilor Mario Rodriguez abstained as he agrees with fellow oppositionist Villasencio on the need for both a new station and fire truck.
 

Councilor Sotero Pepito said the existing fire station was actually built by the city on a property also owned by the city. As such, the LGU has the duty to construct a new one. He is also concerned on the safety of the existing station. “If something happens [and] that old building will collapse, how will we answer to the constituents of Ormoc? We might be charged of dereliction of our functions.” he argued.

Councilor Demosthenes Tugonon supported the measure as chairman of the committee on police and fire protection. Councilor Jose C. Alfaro Jr. voted likewise on the belief that a new station is a morale booster for the firemen.
 

Councilor Lea Doris Capuyan-Villar voted yes for a new station on the condition that another fire truck will be acquired later on. For Sangguniang Kabataan City Federation President Corinne M. Corro, it is a matter of priorities and a new fire station is a priority now. “I believe we have to take [it] one step at a time so first things first,” she said. by Felix N. Codilla III

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2012)

Beboy hails fire station OK by SP

The existing fire station to be demolished to give way to a new structure.

MAYOR Eric C. Codilla applauded the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod for approving the appropriation of P10 million for the construction of a new fire station. He said he understands the position of the opposition councilors who did not vote in favor of the measure on the belief that new fire trucks are more needed.

The mayor said he actually plans to purchase a fire truck but the issue on the ownership, management and control of the units should be resolved. For this reason, he has decided to acquire not just one but six fire trucks, but these will not be turned over to the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Instead, he will put up garages for the fire trucks near the district health centers in Linao, Valencia, Simangan, Mejia, Ipil and Curva. The locations are dispersed for quick response so that the fire truck nearest to the emergency will be the first to go to the site. The city will own, manage and operate the six fire trucks and will hire its own drivers and firefighters for this purpose. by Felix N. Codilla III

4th LED bares finished infrastructure projects

THE 4th Leyte Engineering District (4th Led) announced the completion of some of its projects, one of which is a multipurpose building (phase I) in Camp Downes, this city with a contract price of P1,301,809.74. Constituents may use the building for their meetings, programs, medical missions and other events or gatherings. 

Meanwhile, District Engr. Lino Francisco C. Gonzales informs that they are also undertaking projects to prevent flooding like the repair and maintenance of the Malitbog River Control in neighboring Albuera town. The P488,444.47 aims to prevent further damage to the structure.
 

In Bantigue, this city, the repair and maintenance of a river control particularly on a box culvert at the national road is being undertaken at a cost of P489,537.78. Moreover, manual ditch cleaning along the stretch of Ormoc-Albuera road is being done to prevent flooding. Vegetation control clearing and cleaning of road shoulders along said are likewise being done to provide safety to the traveling public.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2012)

Thieves dig towards bank vault

A SUSPICIOUS excavation was found behind a bank last Dec. 28. The hole on the ground was discovered by 38-year-old Joseph Manayaga, branch manager of Allied Bank located in Real St., Dist. 5, this city. The digging created an improvised tunnel leading to the vault inside the bank.

Had it not been for the timely discovery of the excavation, the hole would have reached the vault in time for the long weekend, Precinct 1 Commander SInsp. Alvin Shevert Machete said. He stationed some of his men near the bank at night on the possibility that the thieves might continue with the excavation. by Dong Arañez

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2012)

Ormoc gives aid to LGUs hit by storm

MAYOR Eric C. Codilla approved the release of P1.5 million cash assistance to three cities devastated by typhoon “Sendong” namely Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Valencia. The amount will be taken from the 5% calamity fund reserve of the city’s annual budget.

RA 10121 allows the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (LDRRMC) to transfer said fund to support the work of other LDRRMCs in areas that are declared under a state of calamity. “Sendong” was declared the world’s deadliest typhoon for 2011. by Felix N. Codilla III

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2012)

Ormocanon Int’l gives shoes to kids

ORMOCANON International through its vice president for the Philippines Jigs Maglasang distributed shoes to grade one pupils of Can-adieng Elementary School last Dec. 19. He was accompanied by his wife Joy and Donna Regner who measured the sizes of the kids’ feet.

More than 70 pupils from two sections under Melanie Arradaza and Azenith Suganob benefited from the early Christmas gift donated by Wilma Yaht-Phillips, a native of Can-adieng who is now based in the US. Maglasang’s visit to the school gave him the idea of donating a computer unit. by Elvie Roman-Roa

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2012)

Construction boom to go on in 2012 -- Beboy

MAYOR Eric C. Codilla assured contractors that the ongoing construction boom in Ormoc will continue next year. He made the assurance at the Christmas party and induction of new set of officers of Philippine Constructors Association Ormoc Chapter Inc. (PCA-OC) last Dec. 22.
 

With 18 more months left into his term, the mayor said he will make sure all doable projects he envisioned will be implemented on 2012 for him to leave a legacy. Mayor Codilla is in his last term as chief executive of Ormoc and during his three terms, he has built mega projects like the P331 million New City Hall and P450 million waterworks system.
 

Mayor Codilla takes pride he was able to implement those projects without resorting to any loan by raising the city’s revenues even without increasing taxes. He is confident he will implement his projects next year as he was able to generate revenues to make up for the expected P90 million reduction of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

For one, his administration is a recipient of P45 million worth of Local Government Support Fund to augment the reduced IRA following the conferment of the Seal of Good Housekeeping for complying with full disclosure on local budget and finances, bids and public offering, and the absence of adverse findings by the Commission on Audit.

Mayor Codilla also announced that Energy Development Corp. paid P304 million in realty taxes for 2010-11 that week. Around P140-150 million of that amount representing 1.5% will accrue to the Special Education Fund (SEF). As of 2010, his administration has spent over P237 million on schoolhouses, covered courts, perimeter fences, comfort rooms, stages, etc.
 

Some of the SEF-funded school projects to be implemented for 2012 include a covered court, swimming pool and 20-room schoolhouse at Ormoc Central School, a 20-room schoolhouse at New Ormoc National High School and six-room schoolhouse at Manlilinao Elementary School.
 

Mayor Codilla also said he will make sure that the bidding of the proposed P10 million fire station, P40 million city hospital and new building of the Manpower Training Center will be done by January.
 

The biggest project expected next year is the P130 million expansion of the Ormoc port. Even if the construction company that will undertake the project will come from Manila, Mayor Codilla believes it will sub-contract some of the works to local contractors especially hauling jobs.

New officers

That evening, Mayor Codilla administered the oath-taking of PCA-OC’s officers led by its new president Lorenzo M. Baltonado Jr. In his message, outgoing president Engr. Joseph Frederick A. Pepito enumerated his accomplishments in the past six years that he led the group.

These include acquiring a legal personality by registering PCA-OC at the Securities and Exchange Commission, establishment of its office and putting in place a lending mechanism for members who are short in capital. Also under his watch, PCA-OC performed social responsibilities, chief of which is the organizing of the 1st Tugob Festival and 2010 fiesta celebration. by Felix N. Codilla III

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 19-25, 2011)

Leyeco V mulls lower rate hike

LEYTE-V Electric Cooperative Inc. (Leyeco V) might reduce the 7719¢ rate increase it is seeking to finance its proposed Capital Expenditures (Capex) following its meeting with banks last Dec. 13. The meeting was made to seek the most advantageous funding scheme for the Capex worth P1,045,162,099.

Representatives of four commercial banks attended the meeting namely Metrobank, Land Bank, Development Bank of the Phils. and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Leyeco V Finance Service Department Manager Jannie Ann J. Dayandayan said their proposed 7719¢ rate increase was based on 10% interest rate payable in five years regularly offered by banks.
 

At the meeting however, the banks said it would be advisable for Leyeco V to avail of a long term loan instead of a commodity loan for a Capex this big. As such, they are willing to extend less than 10% interest and stretch the repayment period up to 10-12 years. Dayandayan’s department still has to compute how much their new increase will be.
 

Meanwhile, Leyeco V GM Engr. Juanito E. Jorda reiterated the urgency to implement their five-year Capex program during a public hearing conducted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod last Dec. 21. He explained that the annual Capex they used to make allowed them only to catch up on their short-term needs facility and equipment-wise. The most expensive Capex Leyeco V has implemented so far is P198 million in 2004, part of which was spent to install a 20MVA substation at their main office in Simangan, this city.

Leyeco V came up with a five-year Capex this time not only being a requirement of the National Electrification Administration but also because of capacity buildup which threatens to overload their transformers. At present, Engr. Jorda said they can’t keep up with the energy requirements of their more than 100,000 consumers.

Dayandayan also reiterated that the internally-generated Reinvestment Fund for Sustainable Capital Expenditures (RFSC) which finances their annual Capex is not enough to cover the P1 billion required by the five-year Capex. Leyeco V will only raise P198,615,950.92 RFSC for 2011-15. 

Asked if Leyeco V was making a profit, Engr. Jorda clarified that electric coops (EC), being non-profit entities, are allowed only to make a margin. When he took over as GM in 2009, Leyeco V suffered a net loss which he turned around the next year by making a P41 million margin for the EC. Now that they are making a margin, he announced that Leyeco V will extend a P5,000 mortuary benefit to listed consumers beginning Jan. 1, 2012.
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 19-25, 2011)

4th LED exec places 2nd in test for eng'rs

Engr. Irwin L. Antonio

ASST. District Engr. Irwin L. Antonio of 4th Leyte Engineering District is one of the five officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 8 that successfully hurdled the 2nd Level Promotional Exams of the Civil Service Commission last Oct. 1 in Cebu City.

The exam was availed of by at least 42 officials in Region 8. Engr. Antonio scored the second highest points at 114 after Asst. Dist. Engr. Angelita G. Opina of Tacloban Sub-District who scored 104 pts. The other successful examinees from the region are Asst. Regional Director Edgar B. Tabacon (115 pts.), Asst. Dist. Engr. Manolo A. Rojas of Southern Leyte Engineering District (111 pts.) and Engr. Pablito Quiniones, chief planning and design of 1st Leyte Engineering District (102 pts.).
 

The exam is for DPWH engineers who are interested to apply for future promotions. DPWH Order No. 43 was issued requiring the passing of the Promotional/Qualifying Exam as requirement in the evaluation and selection of candidates for appointment to executive/managerial positions.
 

Those qualified to take the test are those holders of the positions Engineer III-V, District and Asst. District Engineers, Project Managers I-IV, Director III (Asst. Regional Director and Asst. Bureau Director) and Director IV (Regional Director and Bureau Director) regardless of whether they had taken and passed other similar exams.
 

The exam covers the following subject areas: analytical ability; specialized technical ability (consists of planning (10%), design (20%), procurement (10%), construction (25%), quality assurance (20%), and maintenance (15%)); and managerial ability. Percentage weight allocation per subject is different for the 2nd and 3rd level positions.
 

Examinees who failed the exam last Oct. 1 may retake the same next year. However, frequency of re-taking the exam is limited to ensure only the best and most competent candidates will be appointed to executive/managerial positions. Those who failed the second time may only re-apply after five years while 3rd time examinees who still fail the test are automatically disqualified.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 19-25, 2011)

Ormocanon Int'l to donate ambulance to rescuers

ORMOCANON International (OI), a group of Ormoc natives now living abroad, plans to donate an ambulance to the Organized Rescuers and Medical aide of Ormoc City (Ormoc). This was bared by OI VP Jigs Maglasang who saw the lack of rescue facilities of Ormoc. He said an ambulance will complement Ormoc’s efforts especially so that there are 11 flood-prone barangays in the city.
 

The last medical donation of OI was P1.5 million last year for Ormoc District Hospital. The amount was spent to refurbish the hospital ground floor, pediatric wards, nurse station, lobby and aisle. A laundry area and mess hall were constructed, and the beds replaced. Dilapidated water pipes were also replaced. by Elvie Roman-Roa
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 19-25, 2011)

Beboy will not join LP but...

President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino Jr. is apprised by Mayor Eric C. Codilla of happenings in Ormoc particularly on his own leadership which is in harmony with the President’s campaign for a straight path in govenance.

 

MAYOR Eric C. Codilla said he will not leave Lakas-CMD despite the exodus of its members to the ruling Liberal Party (LP). Citing personal principles as his reason, the mayor said that even if this was so, he fully supports the agenda of Philippine President and LP Chairman Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III on good governance.
 

Mayor Codilla bared his thoughts after his conversation with the President during the honoring of Ormocanon farmer Alfredo Q. Roble as a Gawad Saka awardee last Dec. 13 in Malacañang. The mayor told Mr. Aquino that his support to his reform agenda is shown by deeds, not just by words.
 

Mayor Codilla told Mr. Aquino that he shares the President’s dislike for political signages and has in fact shunned putting his name and face on tarpaulins and billboards on government projects and facilities. He believes politicians who promote themselves through political signages are not treading the President’s straight path.
 

Another campaign of President Aquino which Mayor Codilla is following is transparency by heeding the Commission on Audit’s (Coa) directives. This includes removing City Administrator Dr. Dennis Capuyan as chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee as recommended by Coa.
 

This, among other initiatives of the mayor, has earned for Ormoc the Seal of Good Housekeeping for transparency from the Department of Interior and Local Government, the only city in Region 8 to be awarded as such. He also allows opposition councilors to play active roles in his administration.
 

Mayor Codilla said he would rather that his deeds show his genuine support to the President than becoming a partymate traitor, apparently an indirect reference to the Gomezes who ran under LP but were said to have secretly supported Sen. Manny Villar during the 2010 presidential election.
 

Mayor Codilla adds that Ormocanons can gauge the real motives of politicians just by observing whether or not they’re following President Aquino’s example. He cited for example his planned city hospital which is welcomed by Ormocanons who have long been suffering by the poor services of Ormoc District Hospital.
 

But at the back of their Ormocanon constituents, the Gomez camp is lobbying the Health Department not to approve the plan, he said. “By observing the kind of partymate they are, if they’re following the President’s straight path or not, and sabotaging a project that will benefit the Ormocanons, already show their real motives,” Mayor Codilla observes.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 12-18, 2011)

Ipil corners 3 projects from Beboy

RESIDENTS of Ipil, this city are grateful to Mayor Eric C. Codilla for giving them not just one but three projects, one of which is a daycare center which was inaugurated last Dec. 16. The building is erected on an 80m² lot at the relocation site at Purok St. Benedict.

The other projects are the construction of a barrel box culvert that was started last Nov. 4 and is expected to be finished on Dec. 29, and the upgrading of road concreting (riprap) last was began last Nov. 23 and will be completed on Feb. 15, 2012. All projects are undertaken by JE Arradaza Construction. by Jun Colo

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 12-18, 2011)

PWD center now open; offers massage, haircut, manicure

THE City Social Welfare and Development Office announces the opening of the Persons with Disability (PWD) Center for those who want to avail of the services of PWDs. Located inside the Center for Youth Development compound at the government center, the PWD Center offers massage services for P60 only.

The PWD group’s president Joel Amistad said P50 goes to the masseuse and P10 for the center. They also offer manicure, pedicure and haircutting services. The center is open Mondays to Fridays 8:00 am-5:00 pm. The center is another livelihood program of Mayor Eric C. Codilla. by Elvie Roman-Roa

Matag-ob gets 3 rainwater collectors

DISTRICT Engineer Lino Francisco C. Gonzales of 4th Leyte Engineering District announced the completion of three different types of rainwater collectors in Candelaria, Matag-ob town with a total project cost of P194,000. The project will help residents in their daily water needs.

Engr. Gonzales also informed about the ongoing water system construction in Cagbuhangin, here in Ormoc worth P500,000 which involves the installation of an additional reservoir tank to provide enough supply of potable water to the growing number of consumers in that village.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 12-18, 2011)

Jeep runs over 2-year-old

A SMALL child was accidentally run over by a passenger jeep in Cabingtan, here in Ormoc last Dec. 17. Killed was two-year-old Melvin Tigoy who lives in the area while the jeep was driven by Francisco Apuya Jr. of Simangan, this city. Based on the Traffic Management Section’s report, the driver parked his jeep at the roadside to fix the brakes. 

Parking a vehicle with malfunctioning brakes in a mountain barangay turned out to be a bad idea as the jeep rolled down the slope in reverse. Apuya ran after the jeep which picked up speed as it went farther. Ahead was Melvin who was playing on the street and sure enough, the kid was ran over by the jeep. He was rushed to Ospa-Farmers Medical Center where he was proclaimed dead on arrival. by Dong Arañez

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 12-18, 2011)

Beboy to construct 2-storey, 8-classroom bldg at SPED

MAYOR Eric C. Codilla announced that he will build a two-storey, eight classroom building for the Special Education (Sped) Center at the 3rd Sped Family Day Celebration last Dec. 9. Sped is a school for special children including the learning-disabled, hearing-impaired, visually-impaired and intellectually-disabled (ID).

The Sped Center has a special place in Mayor Codilla’s heart because his 20-year-old son Dodong is enrolled at the ID department. For the past three years the center has accepted children with autism and Down syndrome under the tutelage of Arlene P. Sia who was sent by the mayor’s wife Jingjing to Manila for a special training on her field.
 

Being a father of a special child himself, Mayor Codilla advised similarly situated parents not to be ashamed of their children and continue giving them support to improve their condition. The center is the first and only one of its kind in Region 8 and its enrollment is increasing.
 

Principal Henrietta Tito-Managbanag said there were only 11 enrollees on its first year, 18 on the 2nd year and now 33. The program featured a “Parents Got Talent” and Christmas carol contests. It was also graced by Regional Sped Supervisor II Harvie Villamor. by Elvie Roman-Roa

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 12-18, 2011)

Ormoc-Kananga Upland Range Dev't MOA signed

AGRICULTURE Secretary Proceso Alcala led the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on the Agri-Pinoy Integrated and Diversified Program for the Development of the Ormoc-Kananga (OK) Upland Range, a public-private partnership which endeavors to analyze the supply chains for the priority high value crops and livestock in the Ormoc and Kananga upland range.
 

This will be done by improving the production and postproduction systems with emphasis on organic farming and good agricultural practices, establish consolidation centers to ensure product quality and market linkage, and enhance the capacity of stakeholders in managing competitive supply chains.
 

This will mean that the OK Upland Range will become the center of attention for agricultural developments not only of one but of several service oriented agencies and organizations. The site is in the mountains of Tongonan, center of the Leyte Geothermal Production Field covering 107,625-hectares.
 

Alcala committed to support the promotion of profitable and sustainable production and marketing of high value crops, livestock and even fishery products. “This program will not only focus on increasing the productivity of agricultural and fishery commodities but also on other indispensable aspects of the supply chain such as the processing and marketing systems,” he said.
 

The Agriculture Department, in partnership with National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor), shall provide funds for the establishment of infrastructure (consolidation center and pilot packinghouse), research and development as well as market support. Energy Development Corp. (EDC) shall extend organizational and logistics support while Visayas State University (VSU) will take charge on the innovation and technical support.
 

For its part, program beneficiary Partners Multipurpose Cooperative (PMPC), the umbrella organization of 23 farmers’ community associations in the Ormoc-Kananga range, shall be responsible for the program activities’ sustainability after a transitory period, the management of the consolidation center, compliance of the repayment scheme for inputs and services, and the observance of environmental responsibility. 
 

As a source of renewable energy in the Philippines and the world’s largest geothermal facility, protection of the Ormoc-Kananga range has become more critical in the face of climate change. Also to be considered is the economic development of the area’s upland communities comprised of 5,600 households.
 

Also gracing the occasion are National Rice Program Director Dante Delima, NABCOR President Honesto F. Baniqued, EDC Community Partnerships Department Manager Engr. Emiliano C. Argoncillo and VSU Horticulture Department Head Dr. Antonio Acedo, Jr. by Francis C. Rosaroso

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 12-18, 2011)

PNoy awards rice farmer from Ormoc

ORMOCANON farmer Alfredo Q. Roble finally received his award from President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III for leading this year’s national winners of the Gawad Saka, a search for outstanding achievers in agriculture and fisheries. He was honored for hybrid rice production at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace last Dec. 13.
 

Roble shared the limelight with farmer Anna Cagulada of Dujali, Davao del Norte who was adjudged as the country’s best integrated rice farmer. Both of them along with other 12 individual winners each received a Presidential citation, trophy and cash reward of P100,000. Group winners received project grants totaling P4.25 million.
 

Another Leyteño is this year’s agricultural scientist Dr. Carlos dela Cruz of Balinsasayao, Abuyog town who made breakthrough researches on jackfruit production and pest management for which he received a project grant of P1 million from the Bureau of Agriculture Research.

Shining example

For the 62-year-old Roble, gone are the days when he would yield only 70 canvans per hectare on his rice farm. Encouraged to use hybrid rice by the Rice Production Enhancement Program (RPEP), he not only enjoys an escalated yield of 285 cavans now but also increased income that enabled him to become a farmer-entrepreneur.
 

Although Ormoc is basically a sugar-producing area, many farmers ventured into crop diversification to optimize the use of their fertile lands. Francis Rosaroso, chief information officer of Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Unit 8 said that farmers opting to plant different kinds of crops generate an income ranging from P2-3 million a year.
 

Roble is one of such farmers. He is tilling two hectares of irrigated rice fields at two locations in San Jose, part of the 300-hectare compact rice areas in Ormoc. He began farming at age 12. “I used to help my father till the land,” he recalls. “But despite all this, I still went on with my studies. I usually go to our farm on weekends especially on Saturdays. Yet my father did not attain much success in farming since he was practicing the traditional method of farming which I’m trying to correct now.”

His keen interest on hybrid rice was developed after attending a technical briefing on hybrid rice technology and the season-long training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) conducted in 2005 by the city government in coordination with Philippine Rice Research Institute and DA.
 

That time, Mayor Eric C. Codilla was extensively promoting hybrid rice technology through his RPEP to improve farmers’ income through higher yields. Under the program, farmers were given six bags of fertilizers per hectare for free on the condition that they harvest at least 140 cavans per hectare. Failure to hit the target will mean paying the whole cost of the fertilizers.
 

The farmers were encouraged to use hybrid seeds over the usual inbred rice varieties because they could increase their harvest and at least double their previous incomes. One of the farmers who were receptive in adopting the new technology is Roble. “The things that inspired me to use hybrid rice seeds were the high-yielding capacity, aromatic grains, good quality,  higher market demand and excellent ratooning ability which can give additional harvest to as high as 30 cavans,” he explains.
 

Before shifting to F1 (hybrid variety), Roble could only attain an average yield of 3.5 metric tons or 70 cavans per hectare. Using hybrid seeds and other recommended production-enhancing technologies, he was able to obtain a record yield of 14.45 MT or 289 cavans per hectare including the production of ratoon crop after the main rice crop.
 

For the last four croppings, Roble was able to harvest an average of not less than one ton from ratooning the rice plants, a strategy that has been giving him additional harvest and income with the least production cost. Over the years, he developed special skills in hybrid rice farming. His daily visit to his farms made him more observant to unusual signs occurring in the rice fields.
 

At one point, his one-hectare farm situated a kilometer away from his residence showed telltale signs of iron toxicity. Had it not been for his morning habit of monitoring his farm, the problem could never have been detected. Heeding the advice of rice experts, Roble drained his rice field after plowing to expose the soil to sunlight.
 

He also practiced the intermittent irrigation during early crop growth to increase phosphorous content. Later on he applied Zinc sulfate, a colorless crystalline compound to mitigate the adverse effect of the soil’s iron toxicity. Today, the area is sustainable and producing well.
 

As a value-adding activity, Roble does not only sell his produce as palay but he also as milled rice, knowing that hybrid rice commands a premium price due to its quality: soft grains when cooked and with aroma. He sees to it that 50-70% of his produce are sold as milled rice; 70% during dry season since he can dry the palay and store them; but only 50% during rainy season. 
 

Looking back, Roble said life seemed difficult for him and his family. He could hardly afford to buy new farm tools or set aside extra money for the repair of his old and dilapidated house. But in the last six years, venturing into hybrid rice enabled him to acquire farm machineries such as hand tractor, thresher and draft animals.
 

He also built a semi-concrete house for his family, and bought two motorcycles and a multicab. He was also able to put up a sari-sari store that serves as alternative outlet for his own farm products. As a barangay captain of Valencia as well, Roble is a leader who believes that his best quality are hard work, industry and time management which he applies in dealing with his official and personal obligations.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 12-18, 2011)

Wala ma-solb

Dear Ate Ruby,
Dili gyud kaayo ni dako pero nabalaka gyud ko niini. Sa akong pangidaron nga 28-anyos, daghan nako og kasinatian sa mga relasyon mao nga expert na unta ko bisan unsa pa ang akong maaginan nga mga problema. Naa koy nailhan nga lalaki kadtong gipakuyog ko sa akong amiga sa ilang Christmas party.

Atbang ra man mi og gilingkoran kadtong nagtagay-tagay na ug ganahan kaayo ko sa iyang pahiyom. Apil pod ang iyang mata kay cute pod kaayo. Sa kamubo sa higayon nga nagkaatubang mi, sige na nako siya og fantasize kay lami man ang porma sa iyang lawas.
 

Nakuha nako iyang numero sa cellphone ug mao toy sugod nga nagka-text mi ug nag-ingon siya nga gimingaw siya nako. Medyo gikilig ko ug nag-abot gyud ang among mga dalan. Dako kaayo ang akong expectation kay macho kaayo siya. Apan sa dihang nag-sex na mi medyo na-disappoint ko mao nga gusto ko na lang unta siya kalimtan tungod lage ato. Apan hangtud karon ako pa man gihapon siya gi-fantisize. Unsa may angay nako buhaton? Palihug hataga ko’g ideas. Salamat daan.          

                                                                                                                                                Nabitin,
                                                                                                                                                 DonnaDili kaayo dako ang imong problema. Naa kay lalaki nga gi-fantasize pero sa dihang nagkaabot mong duha wala niya ma-meet ang imong pantasya kay lage wala ka ma-solb. Daghan baya ang rason nganung dili ma-solb tang mga babaye. Tingali kadto nga panahon dili kaayo kondisyon ang imong lawas mao nga wala nidayon ang pagsaka nimo sa langit. 

Puwede pod nga tungod kay natabunan ka sa imong pagpantasya sa iya, mura’g na oversee nimo ang sitwasyon nga angay unta imong na-focus kadto nga time nga nag-abot mo. Puwede pod nga nauwaw mo sa isig-usa mao nga wala sa maximum level ang inyong performance. 

Kung ganahan gyud ka sa iya, nganung dili nimo siya hatagan og usa pa ka chance nga ma-solb ka? Puwede man nimo siyang sultihan nga wala ka ma-solb kadtong last play ninyo. Dako baya ni nga challenge isip lalaki kung ingnun siya nga wala ka makadungan o wala niya ma-meet ang imong expectation sa iya.
 

Ug sa sunod nga mag-date na pod mo, kalma lang. Ibutang ninyo ang inyong kaugalingon sa usa ka komportableng sitwasyon nga dili mo mauwaw. Paghimo sad mo og foreplay -- ayaw diretsuha. This can help you put yourselves in the right condition. And try to know each other pa una. Mas maayo kung mahibaw-an ninyo pareho kung asa mo uyon aron kana maoy inyong i-develop kung asa mo parehas ma-solb.
 

Sa tanang mga tigbasa nga ganahan mo-share sa ilang problema, pag-email lang sa espina_ruby@yahoo.com.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Dec. 12-18, 2011)