Purchasing Geena Silk in Divisoria

For our wedding this October, Ria and I wanted to decorate the reception area like this:

Unfortunately, the venue for the reception (a church garden) did not have any geena silk.  The caterer/s only had a few bundles.  Which meant Ria and I had to procure them (what to do with it after the wedding I don't know).

So, last Monday, I accompanied Ria to Divisoria to buy one roll of geena silk to supplement the caterer's stock.

It wasn't my first time in Divisoria.  I've gone there before.  However, in those times, I was either a driver or just waiting in a fastfood chain.  I don't remember shopping there myself.

Last Monday was the first time I did.

Ria said it was a good day since it was sunny and all the sellers were there.  There were lots of people, from all walks of life.  From the well-to-do (I noticed their saucy 'twang and demeanor) to the everyday man (with amateur-done tattoos all over their bodies).  And they sold all sorts of things.  They even had hawaiian hula-hula costumes, dog chains, and french fries/chicken deep fryers.  These guys sold everything.

Another thing I noticed was the smell.  There were some parts of Divisoria that smelled like industrial juice.  I would instantly remember the smell of basement parking of some malls and/or a garbage truck.  Parang ganun... na lingering.

Tapos may nagbebenta ng pineapple.

Pa'no ka naman kakain ng pineapple kung ganun yung amoy?

I also noticed some peddlers of selling Exra Joss.  Their cariton had a small loudspeaker playing the Extra Joss commercial ad.

I wondered why would anyone buy Extra Joss at that place.

Later on I realized why.

Nakakapagod palang umikot ng Divisoria.

Actually, after waiting on Ria to choose a ribbon in a store (Honey, how long does it take to pick a size and color?  Just grab one and let's go) I was thirsty for mamang peddler's Extra Joss energy drink.

Anyhoo, after going around the place, we stopped at a textile shop and bought a roll of geena silk.  Here I am carrying it along the streets of Divisoria:

And here I am perspiring and having a hard time carrying the damn roll after about 2 more minutes of walking:

Actually, the humiliating thing about this is that Ria had been doing similar things for the past 7 occasions for the wedding.  She had carried loads of pamaypays, katsa, and other wedding supplies.  From Divisoria all the way to her parked car in Tutuban Mall.  That's a long walk.  So, I really shouldn't be complaining.

Having said that, I wish magkakasya na yung dagdag na 1 roll sa reception venue.  I'd hate to go back to Divi and carry 2 more of those.

Thank you, Wheels 4 Life!

 Three months ago I was surfing the net about bicycle safety and bike related laws when I came across the Wheels4Life website.

This foundation, started by Mr. Hans Rey, donates bicycles to poor and far-flung communities in need of transportation.  They've given thousands of bikes in Africa, Latin America and Asia, including the Philippines (Kalinga and Ormoc City).

Being a bike advocate and knowing that we have remote and hard-up barangays here in Ilocos Norte, I wrote them asking for help.  In a month, my request was granted!  And after another month, I received funding from Wheels4Life.  They wired me $1,500.00 (around PhP 65,000.00).  At PhP 2,700 per mountain bike (basic china-made MTB sold at a Local Bike Shop) the 65k can buy around 24 units!

THANK YOU, WHEELS4LIFE!

THANK YOU, HANS REY AND CARMEN FREEMAN!

Now, I've ordered the bikes already.  I'm just waiting for the report of the Social Welfare Officer of the town of Adams which would contain the list of potential beneficiaries.  I told Adams Mayor Eric Bawingan that the recipient must be a student living at least 8 kilometers away from school and belonging to an indigent family.

Once I get the list and verify the recipients' situation, I will travel to Adams (which is a good 70 kilometers away) to personally deliver the bikes.

Tiyak na madaming matutuwang batang Isneg sa bayan ng Adams.

Muli, maraming salamat, Wheels4Life! Mabuhay kayo!

Local Legislation 102

Having studied law and having worked in Congress I know how a bill becomes a law like the back of my hand.

I know that Congressmen have their own research teams  in their respective offices called Legislative Staff Officers or Legislative Staff Assistants.  They are the ones who draft the proposals.  A lot of Representatives just proof read them and then sign it na.  After filing and referral to a committee, the assigned committee has a handful staff that would do the legwork and supply the Chairman and Members with the needed research.  Pagkatapos ng initial hearing ang mag-aayos din lang naman ng bill ay ang Technical Working Group, comprised of congressional and committee staff.  When the bill reaches plenary debate, someone has already written the author's speech.  All he has to do is read it aloud.  When he is interpellated by a colleague, his staff coaches him all the way.

I guess what I'm trying to say is every step of the way a Congressman or Senator is always assisted by his research team.  Ganyan sa National level.

Opposite sa local legislation.

Wala kaming katulong.

Ako ang nagda-draft ng draft ordinance or resolution ko.  Granted, I copy some of my work from ordinances of other provinces, ako pa rin ang nag-aayos ng Whereas clauses.

After it is referred to a committee, ako din ang mag-aasikaso niyan.  Kunwari lang sa committee pupunta.  Wala naman talagang gaganapin na committee meeting.  Ako rin ang gagawa ng Committee Report.  Papapirma ko lang sa mga members ko.

Tapos pag ready na for 2nd reading, ako din gagawa ng sponsorship speech.  Mano mano lahat.

At pagnagkaroon ng amendments at na-approve, ako din ang mag-po-provide sa secretariat ng amended version.

Mahirap maging bokal kung gusto mo maging active.  Kelangan lahat sa yo.  Kung gusto mo may output, wala kang aasahan kundi sarili mo.

Yan ang natutunan ko dito sa SP.

Test Drive of Toyota Vios 1.5 G

A couple of weeks back I got a phone call from my Brod, Gerry Crudo, asking me if I was interested in test driving a Toyota Vios.  I said I was okay with it.  A few days later, Gerry's friend, Albert of Dentsu Asia, called me up about the proposal.

Apparently, Dentsu is one of the PR firms of Toyota and they were doing a feature on the fuel economy of the Toyota Vios.  Their target were actual Vios owners.  Since I was one, they got me for the "gov't officials" bracket.  Hehehe, I guess nahirapan silang maghanap ng gov't official na nag-da-drive ng economy car like the Vios.

My Vios is a 2005 1.3 model.  At the time I was shopping for cars, my eyes were on the Mazda 3 coz' ang ganda ng porma.  Unfortunately, it was outside my budget.  Yung pasok naman sa budget ko was the Vios, the Kia Picanto or a surplus 2-door Pajero.  The Kia was cute but too small.  And I didn't want to buy a second-hand car as my first real car.  So, the Vios it was.  And I have no regrets with my purchase.  It gets me around from point A to B.  It has a radio, an aircon and power-steering.  And it was very fuel efficient.  Solve!

Last July 25, Albert, together with his colleagues Hazel and Jek, delivered to me a 2007 1.5G Vios.  I think it's the top-of-the-line ng Vios.  And they lent it to me for a week.  Here's how I used it:

JULY 27

I drove up north to Laoag, Ilocos Norte.  Along the way I stopped over at Manaoag, Pangasinan, to attend the 3rd Leaders' Forum of the UP Bannuar.

Here I am walking to the multi-purpose hall of Pyramid of Asia resort, the venue of the seminar.  I spoke about Youth Participation on Governance.  Thanks, UP Bannuar, for inviting me.

Afterwards, I went to Dagupan, still in Pangasinan, to have late lunch with my college friend, Me-Ann, her husband Rex and their son Argee.  Thanks for the delicious seafood, Me-ann and Rex!  Nabusog ako.

Then my niece, Rose, and I proceeded to our destination.  The car is fast, compared to mine.  Naka-160 kph ako sa NLEX, samantalang sa Vios ko 120 kph nanginginig na.  It's more spacious too as there was ample legroom sa rear seats.

Electronic and power everything.  dashboard, steering wheel, windows and side mirrors.  My only concern in the cockpit area is where's the ashtray?

The new Vios is also fuel efficient.  Full tank cost about 2,000 pesos (at P60/liter).  Pagdating namin sa Laoag, may laman pa yung tanke.  The odometer also said fuel economy was at 16km/l.  Not baaaad...

JULY 28

It was raining.  I drove myself to the Capitol.  Here I am leaving the ancestral house.

And here I am walking to the Capitol building.

This is me on my desk.  I am reading the day's agenda.  Obviously, I'm early.

The session didn't take long.  It was the Vice-Governor's birthday and may pakain siya.  Here I am loading my things para makauwi na ako.

JULY 29

I drove over to Sarrat to deliver 3 knapsack sprayers for Brgy. San Agustin.  These come from my Barangay Development Fund and will be used by farmers to distribute fertilizer and/or pesticide.

JULY 30

Same sh*t, different day.  After a day's work I'm getting ready to go home.

That night, the car travelled back to Manila.  Back and forth, it covered 1,140 kilometers.  I returned the car to Albert and Hazel on August 1.  Thanks, for letting me test drive it, guys!

Over-all, the new Toyota Vios 1.5 G is a cool and affordable car for yuppies like me.  Reasonable price, fuel efficient and nice looking.

If there was a problem with this particular model it's that the clutch was too high and medyo matigas.  Other than that I give it a score of 9.5 out of 10.

Arrival at NAIA III on its 1st day of operations

6 years after it was completed, and more than 10 years after construction started, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 is finally operational, albeit on a very small scale.

I was one of the first passengers to use the terminal when I arrived from Laoag on board Cebu Pacific's ATR service at 10pm of July 22, 2008. (see Videos Section)

Since the plane was a small propeller plane, there was no air bridge connecting the plane and the terminal so we had to disembark on the tarmac.  Inside, the terminal looked okay.  It was bright and clean and shiny.  I passed through the immigration booths then proceeded to the arrival area where their were numerous conveyor belts.  I stepped out and that was that.

When I was with the Office of the Solicitor General I was one of many government lawyers assigned to the plethora of PIATCO cases, and though I was involved with it for only 2 months I strongly believed the airport would never open.

I am glad it finally is.

Credit should go to all those involved, but I would like to make special mention of Sec. Mike Defensor.  This guy is Malacanang's troubleshooter.  I wonder what he did to make NAIA III operational.

Ano kayang hocus pocus ginawa ni Sec. Mike?  Galing niya ah.

Anyhoo, I hope tuloy tuloy na to.  Sana ma-transfer na lahat ng flights dito from Domestic Terminal and NAIA I, specially the latter.  It's really a worn down terminal.  Dapat gawin na siyang museum.

My First Year as Provincial Board Member (Annual Report)

30 June 2008

Dear Kailian,

Kablaaw!

When I campaigned back in April 2007, I told voters that my Program of Action revolved around four major issues, namely, Education, Job-Generation, Investment and Tourism.

After one year in public office as Provincial Board Member, here are my accomplishments.

EDUCATION: 

As legislator, I authored numerous ordinances and resolutions relating to education such as the Campus Security Ordinance, Internet Café and Computer Shop Regulation Ordinance, Anti-Student Extortion Ordinance, and the Anti-Street Gang Ordinance.

Entrusted with part of the Provincial Development Fund, I organized a Barangay Law Seminar last November 2007 with my professors from the UP College of Law, which benefited close to 300 newly elected Barangay Officials.

As an advocate of vocational and technical education, I awarded TESDA Scholarships to poor but deserving students.

As a supporter of the teaching profession, I allocated an amount to subsidize a Saguip Maestra teacher in Sta. Maria Elementary School, Laoag City.

Other portions of my PDF also went to minor infrastructure projects in the province’s public schools including CABEZA Elementary, Gabu Elementary, Alipio N. Ignacio Elementary, Shamrock Elementary, INCAT and INNHS in Laoag City, Cabulalaan Elementary in Bacarra, Gabaldon Elementary in Pasuquin, and Adams National High School in Adams.

JOB-GENERATION:

As legislator, I sponsored proposals that would convert the province’s revenue-generating assets into profitable economic enterprises so that jobs could be created.

Last May 2008, I invited the Ocean Bridge and Arc Foundation to give an orientation on the TESDA-JITCO Skills Training and Transfer Program to interested persons for possible training in Japan.  So far, of the 100 participants, 20 have passed the preliminary screening.

INVESTMENT:

As legislator, I initiated reforms in the province’s investment code.

One of my campaign promises was to be the people’s watchdog over the construction of the Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center, and I tried to do just that.  In March 2008 I called for an ocular inspection of the INHCC.  As a result of which, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan visited the construction site on April 8.  I’ve also inspected the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City and talked to its operators, the Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks Corporation (PETCO), to discuss the possible management of the INHCC.

TOURISM:

As legislator, I penned a number of measures that would support the tourism sector including the Amended Rabies Control Ordinance (Provincial Ordinance No. 16-2008), which sought to prevent dog-biting incidents in tourist-prone areas.

Entrusted with part of the Provincial Development Fund, I allocated some money for the construction of tourist-spot road signs along the national highway in Burgos and Bangui.

As a supporter of the tourism industry, I organized the Zoom IN Photo Contest last December 2007, which received almost 300 photos of different tourist spots in the province.  In March 2008, I made postcards out of the winning entries and distributed them to locals and visitors.

Along the way I found myself supporting other advocacies like Health, the Environment and the Youth sector.

HEALTH:

As legislator, I sponsored several proposals concerning health issues such as the Reproductive Health Care Code, restricting cremation or the burning of human remains, and the Blood Handling Fee Fund for Indigents (Provincial Ordinance No. 20-2008).

Entrusted with part of the Provincial Development Fund, I organized a Medical Mission last May 2008 together with the UP College of Medicine and concerned local medical practitioners in Brgy. Davila, Pasuquin.

Also, as Chairman of the Provincial Population Development Committee (POPCOM), I’ve attended its seminars on adolescent sexuality in Bacarra and Piddig.

ENVIRONMENT:

As legislator, I authored Provincial Ordinance No. 060-2008 reminding all lower Sanggunians to adhere to the Clean Air Act of 1999 and the local Environment Code by enacting ordinances addressing the need to convert two-stroke engines used by our tricycle drivers into more efficient and environment friendly engines.

Last May 2008, together with the PENRO, CENRO and Green Ilocos Norte Network and Advocacy (GINNA), we went to Vigan City to learn more about Envirofit Foundation’s Direct In-cylinder (DI Fuel Injection Retrofit engine technology for possible implementation in Laoag and Batac.

YOUTH:

As legislator, I initiated efforts to curb juvenile delinquency and to protect our youth.  I filed ordinances regulating the sale of rugby, as well as spray paint, and prohibiting minors from operating motorcycles.  I also authored Draft Resolution No. 2008-04-082, calling for reforms in the Sangguniang Kabataan law.

Still a member of the youth sector, I supported the Governor Keon’s sports development program by contributing to the renovation of the Marcos Stadium Trophy Room to encourage our athletes to strive to be the best in their respective fields.

Finally, as Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, here are my achievements:

I authored a number of measures that sought to increase the revenue of the province such as DPO # 2008-03-041 created a trust fund for the Rizal Amusement Park; DPO # 2008-04-045 established a trust fund for the Dap-Ayan Food Complex; DPO # 2008-04-046 imposed fees for putting up streamers at the Ilocano Heroes Hall; and, DPO # 2008-05-049 imposed rental fees to communications companies for the use of provincial land for their cell-sites.

More importantly, I authored Draft Provincial Ordinance No. 2008-01-031 known as the Revised Revenue Code of 2008.  I am particularly proud of this measure because we held several public hearings to discuss the matter and I defended the measure on the floor for quite a number of sessions.  The proposal is scheduled on Third and Final Reading this coming July.

All in all, I have filed twenty-one (21) draft ordinances—three (3) of which were enacted into law; and sixteen (16) draft resolutions—with five (5) approved by the Board.  I enclose a list of all of my proposals (Annex “A”) for your perusal and review. 

Of the Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP 550,000.00) entrusted to me from the Provincial Development Fund (July 2007 to June 2008), I’ve used most for the education sector.  I enclose a record of all my disbursements (Annex “B”) for your information.

It has been an honor and a privilege to represent the People of the 1^st District of Ilocos Norte in the 7^th Sangguniang Panlalawigan.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so.

I look forward to serving you for the remainder of my term.

God bless the People of Ilocos Norte.

 

Very truly yours,

(signed)

Kris Ablan

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Robinsons Mall in Ilocos Norte

This afternoon officials of Robinsons Land and Venvi Corporaion unveiled the plans for a Robinsons Mall in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.

Groundbreaking is scheduled this coming September.

Robinsons Place-Ilocos Norte will be a two-story mall with a total floor area of 2.7 hectares.

The mall will be completed by December 2009.

Personally, I prefer this project better than the one proposed in Laoag because it does not involve relocating a school and dealing with the Catholic Church.

The area where the mall will be located sits in a sprawling 40 hectare property owned and managed by Venvi Corporation.

No relocation.  No traffic.  No complications.  No problem.

Proposed Conversion of Elementary School into a Mall

Today the Laoag City Government, headed by Mayor Michael V. Farinas, together with the Archdiocese of Laoag, heade by Bishop Sergio Utleg, held a public hearing/consultation at the Laoag City Hall Auditorium regarding the conversion of Laoag Central Elementary School into a Commercial Establishment (i.e. mall or department store).

If it involved just a plain, unoccupied parcel of land to be leased or sold to an investor (i.e. SM, Robinsons, Gaisano, etc.) then there's no problem.  Go ahead and build one!  I've been waiting for a National Bookstore and a decent movie theater for a long time. 

But the project is made complicated because it involves a Public Elementary School on land originally owned by the Roman Catholic Church.

First, on the matter of the public school.  The lot, which covers a 13,000 sq.m. area, is where the Laoag Central Elementary School (LCES) is located.  Logically, if you're going to build a new structure, the present occupants must be relocated, if they even want to.

The good news is they want to.

The gooder [made-up word, i know] news is that the developer/investor is willing to build a new school complex for LCES in another location, complete with other facilities LCES doesn't have as of the moment (like camping area, bigger room size and high-tech AV rooms).

Yun naman pala, eh.  First problem solved.  LCES? check!

Second, and I believe more important, matter is regarding the ownership of the lot.  The lot was owned by the Roman Catholic Church.  It was sold to the local gov't of Laoag back in the 1920's on the condition that it be used exclusively for educational purposes.  Otherwise, the sale will be annulled.

I think anyone would agree with me that the operation of a mall is no way related to "educational purposes."

What the City Government wants to do is enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Church to create a Joint Ownership between the two and lease the lot to the developer as one entity.  Ang profit sharing ng dalawang co-owners ay 75% to the Church and 25% to the City Government.

On this point, I was forced to stand up during the open forum and give my unsolicited advice.

I told them that I didn't think they could do that.  I mean they could do that, it's a free country, but it's not such a good idea kasi magkakaroon ng confusion.  Pwede pa nga na may nangyaring novation, I dunno.  Ang dami kasing pwedeng mangyari.  Ang alam ko, with this MOA in question, nag-short cut sila.

For me, with my little experience as a corporate lawyer, the issue of ownership should be resolved first.

And we can only do that if the City Government would return the said parcel of land due to the fact that the condition will be violated.

That way, the annotation in the TCT is made clean.  Malinaw.  Babalik siya sa simbahan.

Then and only then, after it is reverted back to the church, the latter can enter into a new contract with the City Government.

Otherwise, kung di-diretso tayo sa MOA (Joint-Ownership) there's always a cloud over the title.  Ano na nangyari sa unang sale?  Na-annulled ba?  Na-novate ba?  And more important, who is the owner?

After my comment, Mayor Farinas explained that the issue of ownership should be resolved by the courts and the reason why they came up with the MOA is so that there wouldn't be delay in the implementation of the project.

Precisely my point!  If the issue gets dragged to the court system, then the project might not push through.

So, better pa rin na maayos na yung issue of ownership.

I dunno kung tama ang interpretation ko (na dapat step by step gawin).  I hope my brods na lawyers (paging, Ryan, Marc, Jat and FJ) who read my blog could comment on this.

Meanwhile, I hope the City Government slows down a bit and studies this whole transaction in detail before they do anything we'll regret in the future.

Yes, putting up a mall or department store will mean more jobs for Laoagenos, but if the project will be stalled in the middle of things due of legal issues, then lahat tayo talo.

PS:  Anong say ng simbahan?  Okay lang sila sa "Joint-Ownership."  Okay sila sa MOA.     

Benguet Mining in Ilocos Norte

Benguet Consolidated Mining Corporation (BenguetCorp) held its first province-wide public consultation today at the Ilocos Norte Capitol Auditorium.

Above is a photo of BenguetCorp's President and CEO, Mr. Benjamin Philip Romualdez, explaining to us the ABCs of large-scale responsible mining.

The afternoon program was well organized.  First, officials from the DENR talked about mining in general.

Next, officers from the MGB discussed the FTAA process.

Then, representatives from the NCIP (since most of the prospected lands are ancestral lands belonging to indigenous peoples) explained the IPRA law.

The organizers were smart because around this time waiters started serving food.  Now, usually in this kind of forum ang snack namin kape at biskwit lang.  Aba, heavy merienda ang sinerve.  Pang mayaman.  (see picture below)

We were served barbeque, fried chicken, pancit, fresh lumpia, soda, coffee, cream puff and brownie.

By the time all of us were full, that's when Mr. Romualdez gave his presentation.  I kidded with my seatmate na matalino ang BenguetCorp.  Pinakain muna kami para maantok kami at di na tumayo at mag-react during the open forum  Hehehe.

Anyway, Mr. Romualdez' presentation was very convincing.  They are still at the FTAA application stage.  They want to explore 5 towns, namely, Adams, Vintar, Carasi, Solsona and Nueva Era.  A total of 21,000 hectares.  According to their initial research our province has Gold, Manganese, Iron and Copper.  'wag daw muna kami mag-alarm kasi "exploration stage" lang daw sila.  And it will take them 4 years to explore, if permitted.  And another 7 years to make feasibility studies, again, if permitted.  After that, tsaka lang sila magmimina.  So, matagal pa daw.

Then, pinasalita nila si Bishop Utleg.  He said kahit na malayo pa yung time na magmimina ang BenguetCorp, if we allow them to explore now, it is as if we are allowing them to mine in the future.  For how can we then tell them to go away after they have made their studies (and apparently would have spent 9 million pesos)?  By that time, di na kami makaka-hindi.  

Afterwards, Open Forum na.  Usually, ako ang unang nagtatanong (ganito na ako grade school pa lang), but this time I didn't have to initiate.  Ang daming mga stakeholders and pumunta sa mic at nagtanong.  In fact yung mga IPs from Adams came complete with big placards which read, "NO TO MINING!"

After about 35 minutes, while people still wanted to ask questions, Congressman Bongbong Marcos stood up and gave his remarks.  In a nutshell, he said for us to study this matter extensively, and that we should balance environmental concerns as well as its economic benefits.

And then tapos na.

Sa akin lang, yes, may benefits sa mining.  And as chair of the committee on ways and means, I should be endorsing this project since it would mean jobs to hundreds of ilocanos and added income for LGUs.  Pero alanganin ako kasi kahit sabihin natin na pwede naman magkaroon ng RESPONSIBLE mining, the truth of the matter is, may mawawala sa lupa namin.

Kahit gano ka ingat ang minero sa pag-mina, may mawawala na mineral resource.  You can't replant gold, like trees.  That's the bottom line.

So, tama nga si Congressman Marcos.  This is a complicated issue.  Kelangan talagang pagbalansehin ang dalawang panig.

mag-re-research muna ako...

Just when you thought you had 'em, they get right back atcha

Remember my problem with Government Price in utilizing my Development Fund allocation? how actual gov't price is more expensive than the retail price, which is ridiculous 'coz it should be the other way around?

Well, I thought I was able to beat the system (meaning, maximizing the use of my Development Fund without the SOP/'Bukol' usually associated with public bidding).

Or so I thought.

It all started when a Barangay requested for piglets as a livelihood project.  As it turns out, there are no accredited suppliers of pigs or piglets in the government's list of accredited suppliers.  Since i wanted to help this barangay, I asked how we could grant the request absent any gov't accredited supplier.  I was told I could request the release of the amount it would cost to purchase the piglets in the form of Financial Assistance.

One piglet costs 1,500 here.  So if I want to give 4 piglets it would cost me 6,000, right?  So I asked how much mababawasan sa Development Fund ko (y'know, the SOP/bukol).

Wala daw.  The gov't will just give a check in the amount of 6,000 to the beneficiary.  No SOP. No VAT.  No 'bukol.'

Eureka!!!

I finally found away to avoid the pesky VAT and SOP--through the form of Financial Assistance!

I was so excited I told my staff to process the other requests via Financial Assistance.  A long-barrel typewriter that cost 13,500 at gov't price could sell at 10,000 retail.  A set of 6 bikes that would cost 22,000 at gov't price could sell at 12,500 retail.  Consturction materials that would cost me 20,000 at gov't price would be just 15,000 retail.

Wow!

Think of all the savings I could make!

Think of the other barangays I could help because of the savings!

And then the bombshell...

When I secretary finally started processing the first three requests for financial assistance, she was told that there was a limit.  Up to 8,000 lang daw.  Mapipilit pa ang 10,000.  But anything above kelangan bidding na uli.

Oh, man!

Just when you thought you had 'em, they get right back atcha.

I knew it was too good to be true.

So, balik VAT/SOP nanaman ako.  Ano magagawa natin, di ba?

Back to the drawing board. 

MIRACLE Schmiracle

The vice-governor called for a special session this week to pass a resolution certified as "urgent" by the governor.

This was about a resolution authorizing the governor to participate in the Monetization of IRA Collectibles for Local Empowerment Program (or MIRACLE 2 Program, in short).

What happened was for fiscal years 2001 and 2004, the government worked on a reenacted budget. Because of this, there were adjustments in the IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment) shares of the local government units. Adjustments that were withheld until this day.

This differential amounts to P12,577,000,000.00. You read right, 12.5 Billion Pesos.

As for my province's share? It comes down to P29,602,853.00. That's 29.6 Million Pesos.

Now we are entitled to the entire amount. The Local Government Code of 1991 says so. And we were entitled to that back in 2001 and 2004, but the National Government withheld it from us.

Now it comes to us with this MIRACLE 2 Program.

Shoving down our throats is more like it.

What's happening is, National Government is saying, "We are giving you two (2) choices, we give you your 29.6 Million now; OR, we give it to you in 7 installments."

Sounds reasonable, right?

Until you read the fine print.

The catch on Option A is we get the money discounted na. You know how much the discount is? THIRTY PERCENT! 30% of 29.6 Million is around 9 Million. So, if we choose Option A, we only get 20 Million. Good bye, 9 Million, although to begin with, amin din dapat yun.

What a rip off!

The catch on Option B is that the first installment will be paid in 2009 pa. AND, we are only assured of payment while GMA is president. We are not sure if the next President will honor the payables from 2011 to 2015.

Ano ba yan?

Either way, we're screwed.

Ang sobrang nakakainis dito, pera namin yan eh. We are entitled to the entire 29.6 Million. Why can't we get it then?

I don't understand. The 1987 Constitution and the Local Government Code both say that the policy of the State is devolution and decentralization of powers. Connected to this is the automatic release of LGUs shares in national taxes. How come then does Malacanang still hold us by the balls?

Akala ko ba decentralized na tayo?

Akala ko ba devolved na tayo?

Why are we still at the mercy of Malacanang?

So, this is all pretend? The Constitution and the Local Government Code are just guides, ganun ba?

Anyhoo, according to the vice-governor, we needed the money, so the SP approved the MIRACLE 2 Resolution during the special session today.

What did I vote?

Well, I was hedging on voting for the resolution if we could negotiate the rate of discount--may be lower it to 25% (after all, each percent amounted to 300,000.00). But my proposal was shut down by the DBP and LBP representative. Fixed na daw yung 30%. Bale, take it or leave it daw.

My jaws dropped to the floor. non-negotiable?

Unbelievable. Some choice you gave us.

I abstained.

For the life of me, I don't know why we let ourselves get bullied by these people.

For related news, here are some links:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080514-136555/Arroyo-orders-release-of-P1257B-IRA-differential-to-LGUs

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/101266/DA-uses-LGUs-IRA-to-buy-fertilizer-for-rice-program

Window Washing in the Rain

When my friend Barnett and I were driving back to Corinthian Gardens the other day, and we were stopped at the intersection of Quezon Ave and Agham Road, I noticed a little girl, couldn't have been more than eight years old, dash up to a Toyota Prado and start wiping its windows with a makeshift squeegee.

My first thought was, 'Oh Lord, here come these pesky kids again.  They wipe their dirty sponges and basahans on your windows in exchange for money.  Even if you don't want to, they still go at it.'

I told Barnett, who was driving, to leave some space between him and the car in front, so that, if the kid goes up to us we could move ahead to signal to her that we don't want her services.

Anyway, back to the girl.  She was pesky alright.  She kept on wiping the Prado's left windows even if the driver didn't want to.

After she realized she wasn't getting any barya from the car, the little girl walked away and ran back to the center island.

And at that moment, from feeling irritated I started feeling sad.

Because it was raining.  It was raining hard.

And she was trying to clean windows.

How stupid, di ba?  Sino ba may gusto magpalinis sa isang batang kalye with a rag that leaves your window dirtier than it was before, much more kung umuulan?  In other words, it was useless.  Kahit ba sabihin mo malinis yung pampunas, umuulan pa rin, di ba?

But it was exactly that.

Ganun siya kadespirado.

She needed the money so bad, she'd do something useless just to get it.

Ganun niya kelangan yung pera.

At naawa ako sa kanya.

p.s.: I wonder if she even knew, at her age, that what she was doing was something stupid, given that the rain would wash away her work.

My first facial

My fiance, Ria, treated me to my first facial last week.  In return, I treated her to hair strengthening treatment.  Mini-gifts in celebration of being together for 8 years.

gifts... that's what I thought...

So we come in and the attendant tells me to lie on the chair/bed/gurney.  She then moistens my face with a sponge; Covers my eyelids with cotton patches; Applies some gel on my face; and begins to massage it.  Somewhere in between or after, I'm not so sure, she puts a steamer inches away from my face.  Para daw magbukas yung pores ko.  10 minutes daw.  I had no problem in the first few minutes, but later on I almost suffocated.

Di pala walk on the park 'tong facial na 'to.  But I remained optimistic.

THEN, the pricking.

The attendant started with my forehead.  Not so bad.

And then she attacked my nose.

O

M

G!

This is not a gift! This is not a gift! I told myself repeatedly as I tried holding back my tears.  My fiance hates me, I screamed inside of me.

The pain!  The pain!

Memories of being initiated in the fraternity came flashing by as I weighed which was more painful.

Ang sakit talaga.  Meanwhile, the attendant just goes on with her pricking, never mind kung nagluluha na ako dun parang niagara falls.

I mustered up the courage to tell her na masakit.

Sabi niya madami kasi akong blackheads sa ilong.

Ininsulto pa ako ha.

Amenado naman ako na I have big pores in my nose, but does it have to hurt so bad to declog them?

After the 30 minute ordeal, she wiped my ears (that's where all my tears went) with tissue, and then used this laser thing on me to close the pores daw.  I was just glad it was over.

When I saw my fiance again I asked her if she knew how painful facials are.

She grinned.

Gift ha.  This is was punishment for all my procrastinating on wedding preparation duties, I know it.

I'm never going to have a facial again.

Oplan Tuli and Med Mission in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte

When I'm not legislating, nagsa-sideline ako ng ibang projects.  This summer, nag-organize ako ng TESDA-JITCO STTP Orientation Seminar to help my constituents hone their skills.  Second, kinareer ko yung 2-stroke engine conversion for tricycles by talking to the exclusive distributor of SKN LPG Conversion Kits and by visiting Vigan City to learn more about Envirofit's Direct Incylinder Fuel Injection Conversion Technology.  And hopefully, this coming June naman, matuloy yung Recyclables Market ko sa San Nicolas.

Meanwhile, just last week, together with UP College of Medicine (CM) Regionalization Students Organization (RSO), I organized a mini-medical mission in Brgy. Davila, Pasuquin.  The RSO is under a special program of UPCM wherein students from a particular region go back to their provinces every year to give back to the community.  I was lucky enough to talk to my friend Tina Langit last March and napili nila yung Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte as their area this summer.  6 of them came for the mini-med mission last May 27.  Tina (Pangasinan), DS (Pangasinan), Anthony (La Union), Ais (Ilocos Norte), Jotty (Zambales) and Gian (Nueva Ecija).  Sumabit yung isang brod ko, si Jegar Catindig.

We were warmly received by Brgy. Officials and SK Officials in Brgy. Davila.

We were joined by doctors from the provincial hospital and nurses from Northern Christian College.  Also, the staff of my dad came to bring in some medicines.  Thanks, you guys!  It wouldn't have been a success without you.

All in all, they were able to circumcise 50+ boys.

TESDA-JITCO Skills and Technology Training Program

Another project that's keeping me busy here in Laoag is this special training program of TESDA.  It is a joint initiative with TESDA's counterpart in Japan, JITCO (short for Japan International Training Cooperation Organization) to bring Filipino skilled workers to train in Japan for a maximum of 3 years (and get some allowance, siyempre).

I was very fortunate enough to have met the good people at Ocean Bridge and Arc Foundation (OBAF) which is a TESDA-accredited Sending Organization.  I invited them over to Laoag a month ago to give an orientation on the program to interested persons, and just like that they booked their tickets and came over last week.  Salamat po, ma'am Malou and JR!

The program works like this:

1.  A person should be skilled in welding, electronics, plastic molding, painting or sandblasting, among others.  He applies with a Sending Organization (OBAF in this case).  Takes an exam.  Undergoes a medical exam.

2.  If he qualifies, he is sent to a training facility in Laguna to learn Nihonggo for 4 months.  The training is free.

3.  If he passes the language exam, he processes his passport and other documentary requirements.

4.  The trainee is sent to Japan (plane fare is paid by the Sending Organization)

5.  Trainee is assigned to an Accepting Company (Hitachi, Canon, Sony, etc.) where they hone their skills for the next 3 years.  They are given a monthly allowance, which is very competitive and attractive compared to working here in the Philippines.

If you know anyone in the Ilocos area who does welding, painting, sandblasting, plastic molding, furniture making or electronics (aged between 19 to 25), and would want to train abroad, tell them to attend the next orientation on May 31, Saturday, at the Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos Auditorium in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. 1:00pm-4:30pm.

For more information, interested parties can contact (77) 770-4696 or visit our office at Rm 214, Ilocano Heroes Hall, Rizal St., Laoag City.  Look for Ms. Melymar Astocia.

Envirofit's 2-stroke conversion kits

When people go to the provinces, one of their reasons for going is to get to breath the fresh air.  The air's presumably cleaner than in polluted Metro Manila.  But all that is becoming less and less true because of the proliferation of 2-stroke tricycles servicing the areas.

Did you know that motorcycles with 2-stroke engines allegedly emit smoke (hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, etc.) equal to 50 automobiles! You read right, 50 cars!  That's based on an ADB study conducted throughout asia.  You know how bad that is?  Our chances of getting TB, asthma or lung cancer is increased ten-fold!

That's one of the reasons why under the Philippines' Clean Air Act of 1999, these 2-stroke engines were banned from being manufactured or imported by the end of 2003.  Having said that, there remains to be thousands of 2-stroke engines still being used today (those produced or purchased before 2003), and they continue to pollute our air.  Yes, the Clean Air Act does mandate that all motor vehicles undergo smoke emission testing, but it's not effective.  Let's be frank about this, testing happens only once a year.  All the owner has to do is to make a few adjustments so that his 2-stoke engine passes the test during renewal, and the other 364 days of the year he can operate the tricycle without much hassle.

In comes Envirofit International, a non-profit organization based in the US.  Our friends in Colorado developed a Direct In-cylinder (DI) Fuel injection retrofit kit for 2-stroke engines that is cleaner and more fuel efficient.

Envirofit chose Vigan City as its pilot area.  Right now, after much explaining to the different Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations, Envirofit has started converting the tricycles.

When I heard about this, I told myself we should do the same thing in Laoag.  I mean we have over 2,800 tricycles, y'know.  So I wrote to the Vigan City Council about it and they responded positively.  So, with an NGO, the PENRO, CENRO and a couple of reporters, I went to Vigan last week to see if we could replicate the project in Laoag and Batac.

This is Vigan's CENRO (Community Enviroment and Natural Resources Officer) Glenn explaining to me and my companions how the new converted engine works:

And here is what the converted tricycle looks like.  To the untrained eye, wala kang makitang difference.  No big attachments or anything.  Mukhang ordinaring tricycle pa rin.

  

To cleaner air!

Busy as a B

Busy as a Bokal, that is.  You know, summertime's not only circumcision time, it's also fiesta time-both town and barangay!  I thought after graduation ceremonies, I'd get a break from public appearances. Boy, was I wrong.

Another role for us Bokals, aside from legislating, is to be guest speakers in local events.  That's why punong-puno sched this May.

Here I am crowning the Little Mr. Day Care of Brgy. Ablan, Burgos Town:

Here I am crowning the 2nd runner-up of the Mutya ng Sarrat 2008 Pageant:

Here I am marching with the officials and balikbayans during the town fiesta of Sarrat:

Here I am pinning the sash of the the winner of the production number of the Search of Little Mr. and Ms. Brgy. Dibua North, Laoag City: 

And here I am crowning the Mrs. Parut of Brgy. Parut, Vintar Town:

Another Crazy Fitness Machine

This is the Hawaii Chair.  The marketers say that it is a fitness machine.  I'm sure you've seen the infomercial when you channel surf.  The way it works is you sit down, flip the switch and the base of the chair wiggles, in effect, making you wiggle as well, while sitting down.

It's a couch potato's dream come true.  Imagine, you can enjoy your favorite TV show, and shed some pounds in the process.

It is sold at a $350.  Buy now and we will toss in a Hula Skirt for free!

If you ask me, it's just a chair with a motor under it.  Have you seen people use it?  They look ridiculous.

This invention is stupid, I don't know how it even went on production.  

If you bought this, I'm pretty sure its in your garage or closet right now.