Aklanons haul gold, bronze medals in 2016 Batang Pinoy

Three Aklanons bagged medals in the Philippine Youth Games-Batang Pinoy 2016 National Championships in Davao del Norte. 

Sheila Talja of Malay National High School captured the gold in long jump girls (16-17 years old) and Ponce Juenz Cabungcal settled for bronze in 100-meter boys (13-15 years old) at Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex at the start of athletic events.

The 17-year old Talja from Motag, Malay, Aklan won the gold with a best jump of 5.61 meters. She outclassed Gianile Gatinga of Taguig City, who leapt 5.25m and Elvy VIllagoniza of Iloilo province (5.27).

Cabungcal, 15, also from Malay National High School, had to endure a hamstring injury during the competition to win the bronze in the centerpiece athletic event. 

He clocked 11.94 seconds behind gold-medal winner Veruel Verdardero of Dasmarinas City (10.95) and Vince Jayson Buhayan of Iloilo (11.43). 

Meanwhile, Jil Iron Tabuena of Saint Gabriel College-High School also claimed the bronze medal in discus throw boys (16-17 years old) with 38.43m. Tyronne Exequiel Flores of Dasmarinas City, Cavite took home the gold with a final throw of 40.07m while Franz Jonard Lorejo of General Santos City settled for silver with 38.51m.

The 16-year old Tabuena also topped the shot put boys (16-17 years old) with a heave of 14.76 meters beating Kiervi Abelo of Bago City (14.31m) for the gold. Tyronne Exequiel Flores of Dasmarinas City, Cavite got the bronze in 13.86m.

The annual multi-sport Batang Pinoy is sanctioned by Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee in partnership with the Department of Education from November 28 to December 2.

 BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Christmas tree-lighting kicks off “Iwag it Kalibonhon”

Holiday season kicks off in Kalibo, Aklan with the ceremonial tree-lighting at Kalibo Pastrana Park on December 1. 

Dubbed “Iwag it Kalibonhon para sa Mahayag nga Paea-abuton,” the tree will be officially switch-on by Aklan Congressman Carlito Marquez, Kalibo mayor William Lachica, Kalibo vice mayor Madeline Regalado and Sangguniang Bayan members.

Lachica said, “the towering 60-feet tall Christmas tree is adorned with the usual mix of dazzling and bright lights...the traditional lighting is the start of the festive season to bring holiday cheer to everyone.”

“The festivities are more meaningful this year and truly memorable season for all of us,” he added. 

At 3 p.m. on December 1, participants of the Christmas parol contest will parade their “parols” from Kalibo Municipal to Kalibo Pastrana Park for the judging.

There will be blessing and opening of Kalibohian sa Plaza before the traditional Christmas tree lighting, which is the centerpiece of Kalibo’s month-long holiday spectacle. 

Once the giant Christmas tree is turned on at 6 p.m. the Kalibo Pastrana Park will be transformed into a wonderland of lights. The park also has decorated Christmas trees and is covered with Christmas lights and ‘parols’.

Fireworks display and the production number of sixteen finalists of Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan will add grandeur to the community celebration. 

Performing holiday songs are Royal Sto. Nino Center for Music Choir and Magnificat Chorale, Aklan Cooperative Mission Hospital Choir and DepEd Teachers Chorale. 

There will be performances of Brotherhood dance group, Melky Arboleda and Emmanuel Belarmino also during the "Iwag it Kalibonhon" opening.

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Stackers compete in Aklan sport stacking tilt

World-class cup stackers will compete in the CityMall Kalibo Aklan WSSA-Sanctioned Sport Stacking Championships on December 17 in Kalibo, Aklan. 

Steve Tubao, Ambassador of Sport Stacking in the Philippines of the governing body World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA), said the competition aims to advance the sport stacking in the country by promoting age groups/divisions sport stacking events. 

Sport stacking promotes self confidence, teamwork and good sportsmanship and develops important physical skills such as hand-eye coordination, quickness and focus.

Tubao is currently ranked No. 10 in Singapore and No. 282 in the world. He also joined the WSSA 2016 Asian Open Sport Stacking Championships in South Korea and the Singapore OPL Sport Stacking Championships 2016.

For the Tubao's, sports stacking is family affair. Paul and his sister Mary are also joining international sport stacking competitions in Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea. 

This December, Tubao brings the sport to his home province Aklan for a one-day WSSA-sanctioned tournament. The competition is open to all stackers across the country and visiting/guest stackers from Team Singapore Stackfast SG. 

The competitors are categorized by age groups – 8under, 10under, 12under and 13+. They will take part in individual, doubles, parent and child doubles and team relay sport stacking categories.

Tubao, a native of Makato, Aklan and presently working in Singapore, said WSSA Philippines is the official organizer of the event and Stackfast Philippines as its official partner.

Winners will have the opportunity to set new timing record or break an existing National/Asian or even World records. 

Stackers, who will be using WSSA-approved sport stacking cups, will receive medals, trophies and certificates. The competition will start from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Akelco consumers elect BOD members

Two board of directors of Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) were re-elected in separate district elections.

Atty. Ariel Gepty won the seat for District IX on November 26 covering the electric cooperative service areas in the towns of Banga, Madalag and Libacao.

Gepty, the lone candidate for District IX, is presently the secretary of Akelco’s board of directors.

On the other hand, Wayne Malilay also ran unopposed for District IV for Tangalan and Makato on November 12. Malilay is the president of board of directors. 

The election for District VIII (Balete and Altavas) scheduled November 19, however, was reset since there were no qualified candidates.

To qualify for district election, a candidate must be a member of good standing for the last five years, between 21 years old and 70 years old, at least two years residency in a barangay or district, has not been a candidate in the last preceding local or national elections, not terminated for cause from public or private employment, not apprehended for electric pilferage and other qualifications stipulated in National Electric Administration Memorandum No. 2014-019.

Akelco, a Mega Large (Class AAA) cooperative, is the sole power distributor serving more than 125,000 member-consumers of Aklan and the northern towns of Pandan and Sebaste in the province of Antique. 

 BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

53 beneficiaries of 4Ps avail of jobs

 Fifty-three (53) children of 4Ps beneficiaries went home happy after having been hired on the spot (HOTS) during the recent HANAPBUHAY Job Caravan held here at the ABL Sports Complex.

The HANAPBUHAY Job Caravan was especially held by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 6 for its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), together with the Provincial Government of Aklan through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The job caravan targeted to give jobs to more or less 400 children of Aklanon Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries who underwent training from technical vocational schools accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), but the total number of applicants who went to the job fair reached 1,204.

Besides the 53 applicants hired on the spot, 668 were also found qualified for various  job vacancies offered by 23 local and overseas recruitment agencies from Manila, Iloilo, Boracay Island, and Kalibo –  14 local and 9 overseas.

Those hired on the spot will be working as Fixed Assets and Supplies Assistant, baggers, cashiers, baggers, sales and stock clerks for SM Savemore Kalibo; grasscutters for Greatwall Manpower and Gen. Services,and Customer Service Representatives for ePerformax Contact Centers (local); while for overseas positions, hirees will work as Household Service Workers in the Middle East through Jenerick International Manpower Services, Inc.

Prior to the interviews, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-Ibig Fund), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Social Security System (SSS) and TESDA briefed the applicants on their respective functions and services for information of the jobseekers.

by: Venus G. Villanueva

Ati-Atihan fest security plan being readied

Stricter security measures are being finalized by law enforcement agencies in Aklan to ensure safety and security of Kalibo Ati-Atihan revelers and visitors this January.

Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, In. (Kasafi) volunteers spearheaded the Ati-Atihan security coordinating conference on November 26 to map out the security plans, rerouting of traffic and the comprehensive weeklong activities.

Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan regarded as the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals” in honor and reverence to Senor Santo Nino de Kalibo will be held from January 6 until January 15.

Kasafi chairman Albert Menez said “the security plan will be consolidated by the police in consultation with stakeholders to address all security, peace and order, safety, traffic and deployment concerns for the upcoming Ati-Atihan.” 

As part of the initial security plan, two staging areas of emergency response and medical teams along with personnel from Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philippine Army will be established near Kalibo Pastrana Park and Kalibo Magsaysay Park where the bulk of activities are held. 

Fifteen police assistance centers will be manned also 24/7 by composite security teams for foot and mobile patrols in major streets of Kalibo.  Checkpoints of uniformed personnel from the Philippine Army, Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGU) and Philippine National Police (PNP) will be set up in the towns of Banga, Kalibo and Numancia to thwart possible criminal activities. 

Chief Inspector Terence Sta. Ana, chief of Kalibo police, said security volunteers including force multipliers from Barangay Police Action Team (BPAT), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)/K-9 teams and Philippine Army Reserve Command will be tapped to support the local police for traffic and security management.

Traffic rerouting will be implemented also starting January 9 to January 15 especially the stretch of Mabini Street for the festival street dancing, religious procession and merrymaking of tribes. 

The public are likewise advised against bringing deadly weapons or firearms during the Ati-Atihan celebration.

Meanwhile, around 350 security augmentation officers from Police Regional Office (PRO) and municipal police stations in Aklan are expected to provide security for the festival. 

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Kalibo police: Suspected serial rapist befriended victims, raped them

The suspect, whom the police described as a 'serial rapist' in Kalibo, Aklan, was arrested on November 24. Two of his rape victims positively identified the suspect.

Operatives of Kalibo police station and the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Task Group (PAIDSOTG) nabbed 43-year old Vicente Fernando, a resident of Barangay Muguing, Banga, Aklan, while on a drinking session at  the vicinity of Kalibo-Numancia bridge. 

Chief Inspector Terence Paul Sta. Ana said the suspect zeroed in on his targets by befriending the minors, took them in secluded places and sexually abused. One victim said she was threatened with a knife by the suspect.

A 10-year old pupil from Barangay Poblacion was allegedly abused by Fernando on November 17 inside the Medalla Milagrosa cemetery along Osmena Avenue. A week after, a nine-year old minor from Barangay Pook, this town, was also molested by the suspect in Sitio Libtong in Barangay Estancia on November 23.

"Isang nangangalakal ng basura ang suspek at kinakaibigan niya ang magulang ng mga bata, Sinasabihan niya ang mga bata na umuwi sa kanilang bahay dahil naghihintay ang mga magulang nila," Sta. Ana added. 

Fernando, who has been jailed for rape charges, was captured in closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) walking in Mabini Street with one of his victims. 

After his arrest, he was detained at Kalibo police lock up cell and was formally charged for violating the “Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children” law. 

The police chief is also appealing to the victims’ kin to have enough courage to file complaints against the suspect, who began his spree in the capital town of Kalibo.  

“He might have other victims. The serial rapist has his own signature as the way he operates and commits a number of rapes against minors. Fernando is no different,” Sta. Ana added.

Sta. Ana also urged the parents to teach their children not to talk or keep distance to strangers outside their home for their safety. 

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Boat capsizes off Kalibo, 5 fishermen rescued

Five fishermen were rescued after their motor banca capsized in Sibuyan Sea facing the town of Kalibo on November 25.  The survivors were on their way home when the motorized banca was capsized by three large waves near Andagao Kalibo shore at around 5 a.m. 

The three fishermen identified as Rogelio Jimenez alias Inok and his two sons - Rodel and Ronilo, all residents of New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan reportedly jumped in the waters after their boat was hammered by large waves. 

Police also identified the other survivors as Jovanie Jimenez, 38, and Jegleven Canedo, 22, both residents of New Buswang. 

The survivors, who sustained minor injuries during the ordeal, were rescued by responders and taken to Aklan provincial hospital.

 

Last Wednesday, the fishermen left Barangay New Buswang at around 10 a.m. to Cresta de Gallo inSibuyan on board two fishing boats. While in Sibuyan Sea, the fishing boat with Jimenez and his sons on board also capsized due to strong waves. 

The survivors said they were able to swim to safety to another banca where Jimenez and Canedo were on board.

In a phone interview, MDRRMO officer John Ariel Fernandez said Jimenez and his sons were safe after the rescue operations.  They  swam to safety towards the shore of Sitio Lambingan in Barangay Andagao at around 12:50 p.m. 

"Lumangoy ako gamit ang isang kamay para maka-survive. Mga six meters siguro ang alon na humampas sa amin. Nakauwi kami ni kuya at tatay sa New Buswang bago na-rescue ang dalawang kasama namin sa may nasirang bangka," said Rodel, who also suffered injuries on his right arm.

The weather bureau earlier issued tropical cyclone warning No. 2 on Friday morning  for the whole of Panay Island and the Mindoro provinces.  At 10 a.m. today, tropical depression “Marce” was estimated 90 kilometers west southwest of Roxas City, Capiz.  

Meanwhile, at least 300 passengers and tourists are stranded in Caticlan and Cagban ports in Malay, Aklan at the height of tropical depression Marce, the MDRRMO-Malay said.

Boat travels to Boracay Island and Caticlan were suspended by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Caticlan office on Friday morning at 5 a.m. due to tropical cyclone warning signal No. 2 in the province of Aklan.

The operations of roll-on roll-off vessels bound to Caticlan Port and motor bancas from Caticlan port to Looc, Romblon were temporarily suspended on Thursday morning. Last night, motorized pumpboats were allowed to travel to Boracay Island until 10 p.m. 

"Na-advised na natin ang mga roro vessels bago pa dumating ang bagyo. Wala tayong mga roro vessels na grounded sa Caticlan port. May mga stranded passengers din sa nasabing port," said Seaman Second Class Carlo Abinal of PCG-Caticlan office in a phone interview.

Island hopping and other sea sports activities in the coastal waters of Boracay were also suspended.

PCG-Caticlan officer in charge Lt. Edison Diaz said the  sea trips resumed at 5 p.m. on November 25.

"May mga passengers na bumalik sa kanilang hotel sa Boracay Island pati na ang mga na-stranded sa Caticlan kaninang umaga hanggang hapon. Sila ay naghanap na rin ng kanilang mapagpahingahan," he said.

Diaz added, "mga 75 percent ang kinakarga ng mga motorized pumpboats sa ngayon dahil sa Signal No. 1 pa tayo. Walang namang untoward incidents o na-rescue na mga pump boats sa may Boracay."

Typhoon depression Marce is expected to exit the country on November 27, the weather bureau said.

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

TD ‘Marce’ threatens Aklan, rest of WV

Tropical depression ‘Marce’ threatens the province of Aklan, Boracay Island and the rest of provinces in Western Visayas, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. 

In its severe weather bulletin No. 10 issued 8 p.m. Thursday, more areas were placed in tropical cyclone warning signal No. 1. Marce now maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 95 kph. 

It is 75 km north northwest of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, moving northwest at 19 kph.

Signal No. 1 is raised in Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Biliran, Southern part of Samar and Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Bantayan Island, Camotes Island and Siquijor.

On the other hand, the Philippine Coast Guard-Caticlan has allowed motorized pump boat trips until 10 p.m. as safety precautions from Caticlan port in Malay, Aklan to Cagban Port in Boracay Island due to ‘Marce’. The operation of roll-on roll-off (roro) vessels to Roxas, Mindoro and Batangas are also temporarily suspended on Thursday morning. 

The following areas are now under Signal No. 1: Masbate, Calamian Group, Cuyo Island, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon and Oriental Mindoro. 

Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, Agusan del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Island, Agusan del Sur  and Misamis Oriental are also placed under Signal No. 1. 

Residents under TCWS#1, the rest of Eastern Visayas and the rest of Bicol Region are advised to be alert against possible flashfloods and landslides, the weather bureau said. 

Marce is expected to leave the country on Monday morning.

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL