By Joe Espiritu
Columnist
Bohol Sunday Post Newspaper
June, in the Philippines is the month when classes will open. The fiestas are done. Only one last gasp remains and that is the fiesta of Poblacion. Then the action goes to the neighboring town of Garcia Hernandes. Since the rains came early, rain fed paddies have to be planted. This means we have to get things done before the typhoon season comes around the month of September.
There was once a custom, which had been Western in origin but curiously adopted by the Filipinos and that is a June wedding. In the northern temperate zone, the activity start in the spring thaw, as soon as snows melt on March, planting season begins and livestock are let out to range. For those who plant biennial crops, they start early so they could be able to harvest early so they could start another planting for a winter harvest.
This means there is a flurry of activity from March to May and they take a breather in June. During this month people take time to marry. Perhaps this was an ancient custom since this month is named after the Roman goddess Juno, Latin version of Hera, Greek goddess of hearth and home. The courting began perhaps when men and women were working side by side during the planting season.
Courting or wooing, an activity to persuade a female to become a mate is solely a human custom. Male animals just intimidate the female and rape them. It results in a slam, bang thank you madam mating routine. The male then runs off looking for another conquest leaving the joys and burden of motherhood to the female. Some male birds try to attract a mate by trying to attract her attention or building a nest with decorations.
Formerly humans regard courting is only for the birds. Cavemen bang the heads of the females enough to stun them and drag them unconscious to their caves. It was only when the females took evasive action when negotiation - er - courting began. At first, preferences of either party were disregarded. Pairing was regarded as a business, economic or political arrangement. As the female became emancipated, this custom was left to the upper class.
Courting comes in many forms. Some whisper sweet nothings, mouth flattery, lies or even threats to obtain acceptance. Some send love notes, flowers and chocolates anything the girl fancies. Anyway, when the chap wins, he will acquire a maid, laundress, cook, personal attendant working indeterminate hours, no pay, no retirement and a slim chance of resignation.
After the acceptance the pair has two options. The simplest is to run off and come back with the girl pregnant, a viable option when either or both is not acceptable to the parents. The other is to undergo a formal wedding. This is a ceremony where the couple will sweat under layers of formal clothing, kneel endless minutes, mumble forgotten prayers and repeat promises upon prompting.
In some cultures wedding do not happen until the girl could produce an offspring.
Middle Eastern cultures require that the girl must be a virgin before the wedding. A white cloth stained with fresh blood is to be displayed on the first night as proof of virginity. However if the girl has seen previous action before the main event she keeps a chicken handy. The shocking part is that it is not the bloodstained cloth that flew out of the window but the fluttering chicken.
Now, a June weddings is a thing of the past. Some insist on a wedding after courting lest a contending party makes a getaway. Shotgun weddings are of the past we in Jagna marry all the year round of our own free will. Thus religious or civil authorities expecting a surge of marriages in June will be in for disappointment. Or are they?
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Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Update on Panglao Bohol Airport Project
Instead of the earlier planned 2.3 kilometer airport runway, the length is assured to extend up to 3 kilometers. This assurance was made by Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Alfonso Cusi, made to Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo launched the construction of the P4.17-billion Panglao-Bohol International Airport here to boost the tourism and trade potentials of this world-class destination province.
The President led the capsule-laying ceremony in Barangay Tawala assisted by Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Alfonso Cusi, Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado, and Panglao Mayor Benedicto Alcala.
After the capsule-laying, the President was briefed by Cusi on the status of the project funded through MIAA's P3-billion income and P1 billion from the DOTC.
Cusi informed the President that the international airport is targeted to be operational in the first quarter of 2010 and can accommodate one million passengers per year.
The President said no foreign loans were sourced in the construction of the Panglao International Airport as government revenue agencies have consistently exceeded their targets these past few years.- Rey Chiu - PIA
Trial Court Judges in Financial Difficulty?
The trial court judges in the country have sought Bohol Representative Edgar Chatto's legislative intervention to review certain policies affecting the discharge of their essential duties.
One of their concerns involves a law which reduces the judges' special allowance in the event their basic pay is increased.
They made suggestions during the National Executive Board Meeting of the Philippine Trial Judges' League (PTJL) held for the first time in Bohol, specifically at the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao island, Friday night.
Headed by their national president Judge Kaudri Jainul, who is a Muslim, the judicial group invited the Bohol First District solon to their dinner conference.
Jainul handles the Shaira Court in Isabela City, Basilan. The Shaira Court is a Muslim court.
Judge Leo Moses Lison of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC – name the covered towns) explained that the trial court judges have been granted a special allowance equal to their basic pay.
But a law authored by Sen. Francisco Pangilinan says an increase in the salary of the said lower court judges shall be taken from their own special allowance.
Because any amount of salary raise is charged against the special allowance, they thus get no additional pay at all, the judges said.
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One of their concerns involves a law which reduces the judges' special allowance in the event their basic pay is increased.
They made suggestions during the National Executive Board Meeting of the Philippine Trial Judges' League (PTJL) held for the first time in Bohol, specifically at the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao island, Friday night.
Headed by their national president Judge Kaudri Jainul, who is a Muslim, the judicial group invited the Bohol First District solon to their dinner conference.
Jainul handles the Shaira Court in Isabela City, Basilan. The Shaira Court is a Muslim court.
Judge Leo Moses Lison of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC – name the covered towns) explained that the trial court judges have been granted a special allowance equal to their basic pay.
But a law authored by Sen. Francisco Pangilinan says an increase in the salary of the said lower court judges shall be taken from their own special allowance.
Because any amount of salary raise is charged against the special allowance, they thus get no additional pay at all, the judges said.
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Is Agriculture the Last Hope of the Philippines?
Bohol Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera believes agriculture is still Bohol's "last, best hope".
"We need to rely on agriculture to help our people during the difficult days ahead," he noted.
Herrera said the country is facing uncertain times in the future with the bleak worldwide economic forecast.
He noted that the continued increase in the price of oil has given rise to fears that the economy will be even more difficult ahead.
"We cannot rely on other potential sources of income because they will be adversely affected if the situation deteriorates," the vice-governor added.
Herrera said this is the reason why the people should go back to agriculture before it is too late.
"People can plant root crops and other cash crops in their backyards and vacant lots," he added.
The vice-governor noted that there are still many idle lots in the province which can be tapped for this use.
He pointed out that with the rice crisis continuing to threaten the country, the people will be able to save if they grow their own produce in their backyards.
"These are very difficult times and anything that can help us survive is welcome," he noted.
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President Arroyo's Dinner in Bohol
Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado obliged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with a dinner luau on the day she came over to lay the time capsule for the P4.2-billion Panglao Bohol International Airport in Purok 2 of Barangay Tawala of the resort town.
And the luau proved very productive for Bohol .
Following her now famous scuba dive at the " Black Forest " of the Balicasag Island Dive Resort off Panglao that splashed on the front page of a national daily, the President and the governor tackled the more serious things anew although in more relaxed surroundings this time, at the white sand beach of the Panglao Island Nature Resort in Dauis town.
The beach is located below the resort that is on a cliff, and is accessible by a concrete pathway and short flights of stairs.
The Black Forest is one of six best-documented and mapped dive spots in Balicasag, which is one of the top three dive sites in the world.
Still wearing her diver's watch, she took time to greet everyone especially old friends, flitting from table to table before settling at the one reserved for her, Aumentado and his wife Grenie, Secretaries Joseph Durano of Tourism and Peter Favila of Trade and Industry, and Gov. Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte, among others.
Before the luau ended, Aumentado already had the President's commitment of completing more infrastructure projects, specifically the Bohol Tourism Road Improvement Project (Bohol-TRIP).
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Worsening Drainage Problem in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
Bohol Vice Governor Julius Caesar Herrera is willing to address the country's top leaders in Malacanang via a privilege speech, if the national Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) accepts the "unfinished" controversial Tagbilaran City drainage infrastructure project.
Herrera gave the statement a day after accusing the Highway District Engineer's Office of "sleeping on the job" for its failure to "oversee" the project as implemented by Hanjin Construction.
Herrera, who said the DPWH is mandated to supervise and check all government and public construction refused to believe that local highways office did not know of the illegal taps.
"They could have stopped the contractor right there and then," he said in a separate radio interview.
Asked to comment on the Herrera tag, DPWH District Engineer Celestino Adlaon, reasoned out that the local DPWH has no participation in the implementation of the project.
The Philippine-Japan Highways Loan Project Management Office (PJHL-PMO) and the national DPWH, its being foreign funded supervises the project, Adlaon bared.
He however admitted his men occasionally "look over the project implementation".
According to Engr. Adlaon, the city drainage project was covered by the Bohol Circumferential Road Improvement Project and contracted by Hanjin.
Herrera gave the statement a day after accusing the Highway District Engineer's Office of "sleeping on the job" for its failure to "oversee" the project as implemented by Hanjin Construction.
Herrera, who said the DPWH is mandated to supervise and check all government and public construction refused to believe that local highways office did not know of the illegal taps.
"They could have stopped the contractor right there and then," he said in a separate radio interview.
Asked to comment on the Herrera tag, DPWH District Engineer Celestino Adlaon, reasoned out that the local DPWH has no participation in the implementation of the project.
The Philippine-Japan Highways Loan Project Management Office (PJHL-PMO) and the national DPWH, its being foreign funded supervises the project, Adlaon bared.
He however admitted his men occasionally "look over the project implementation".
According to Engr. Adlaon, the city drainage project was covered by the Bohol Circumferential Road Improvement Project and contracted by Hanjin.
Philippine President Suspends Land Conversions to Boost Rice Production
Ensuring food sufficiency inches closer as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo nails the government attempts to arrest the problem of decreasing rice farm lands.
As worries are becoming more pronounced with the threat of rice shortage, the President suspended the processing of all land conversions applications for rice lands to boost rice and agri-productivity.
The move is also seen as affording the poorer sectors of the society better access to the country's resources.
Citing the basic state policy of giving its people equitable access to resources and promoting food security, the President signed Administrative Order 226 Friday last week, sources said.
Aside from rice-lands for conversion into residential and semi-industrial zones, also covered in the moratorium are alluvial plains suitable for agriculture, agro-industrial crop lands, highlands with elevations over 500m sea level especially with a high potential for semi-temperate and high value crops, ecologically fragile lands, mangrove areas and fish sanctuaries.
As the rice supplies tightening hit the country, Bohol farmers sheltering under the Hugpong sa mga Mag-uumang Bol-anon have asked quick government intervention especially on the immediate cancellation of all land use conversion programs among many other recommendations.
Farmers have complained that the conversions, which have goaded farmers to shift to the less sensitive and agro-industrial crops like oil palm and jatropha have significantly reduced rice landsa nd harvest.
Upon the signing of the order, the President stressed the need for all lands utilized and intended for rice production to be protected from any other land use or conversion… to ensure sufficient rice supply.
The two-year suspension also covers lands considered within the Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development (NPAAD) and automatically blankets all irrigated areas and irrigable lands already covered by irrigation projects. - Rey Anthony Chiu, Philippine Information Agency
As worries are becoming more pronounced with the threat of rice shortage, the President suspended the processing of all land conversions applications for rice lands to boost rice and agri-productivity.
The move is also seen as affording the poorer sectors of the society better access to the country's resources.
Citing the basic state policy of giving its people equitable access to resources and promoting food security, the President signed Administrative Order 226 Friday last week, sources said.
Aside from rice-lands for conversion into residential and semi-industrial zones, also covered in the moratorium are alluvial plains suitable for agriculture, agro-industrial crop lands, highlands with elevations over 500m sea level especially with a high potential for semi-temperate and high value crops, ecologically fragile lands, mangrove areas and fish sanctuaries.
As the rice supplies tightening hit the country, Bohol farmers sheltering under the Hugpong sa mga Mag-uumang Bol-anon have asked quick government intervention especially on the immediate cancellation of all land use conversion programs among many other recommendations.
Farmers have complained that the conversions, which have goaded farmers to shift to the less sensitive and agro-industrial crops like oil palm and jatropha have significantly reduced rice landsa nd harvest.
Upon the signing of the order, the President stressed the need for all lands utilized and intended for rice production to be protected from any other land use or conversion… to ensure sufficient rice supply.
The two-year suspension also covers lands considered within the Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development (NPAAD) and automatically blankets all irrigated areas and irrigable lands already covered by irrigation projects. - Rey Anthony Chiu, Philippine Information Agency
Lousy Singing of the Philippine National Anthem Means Money or Jail
Canned "Lupang Hinirang", sloppy rendition of the anthem and display of tattered and frayed flags could get offenders a fine between P5T to P20T plus jail terms, the Flag Law states.
And "Lupang Hinirang" should be sang briskly like its original marching tempo, the same law directs.
Over noticeably weakening of respect to the national anthem and the flag, which embody the national ideals and traditions, the country's authorities now pitch on renewed efforts in strengthening the reverence for the national emblems.
"No more canned music, the renditions should be in accordance with the slow march composition, says Department of Education Bohol Division Makabayan Coordinator Elizabeth Caberte.
Even during indoor flag ceremonies, a flag must not be held when it is on a staff, rather it should be allowed to fly, she added.
Sitting as sole guest for the weekly Kapihan sa PIA to discuss the activities for the National Flag Days, Caberte reported that Bohol Division has not gone through the orientation on the conduct of proper flag ceremonies in its schools and teachers unlike what its Luzon counterparts had done.
The efforts to renew reverence to the flag also coincide with the main highlights of the National Flag Days, celebrated every May 15-June 30 and the 110th Independence Day.
The nationwide campaign this year adopts "Igalang and watawat, sa Isip, sa Salita at sa Gawa". It was launched in Ifugao a few weeks ago.
DepEd, one of the lead campaign agencies, through Secretary Jesli Lapuz, has accordingly issued the necessary guidelines for the campaign, Caberte said.
She also reported that the education chief has directed its field offices to disseminate and comply.
The Bohol Makabayan elementary coordinator also reported that the DepEd has already sent new flags for the schools and these should be hoisted on the first day of school.
And "Lupang Hinirang" should be sang briskly like its original marching tempo, the same law directs.
Over noticeably weakening of respect to the national anthem and the flag, which embody the national ideals and traditions, the country's authorities now pitch on renewed efforts in strengthening the reverence for the national emblems.
"No more canned music, the renditions should be in accordance with the slow march composition, says Department of Education Bohol Division Makabayan Coordinator Elizabeth Caberte.
Even during indoor flag ceremonies, a flag must not be held when it is on a staff, rather it should be allowed to fly, she added.
Sitting as sole guest for the weekly Kapihan sa PIA to discuss the activities for the National Flag Days, Caberte reported that Bohol Division has not gone through the orientation on the conduct of proper flag ceremonies in its schools and teachers unlike what its Luzon counterparts had done.
The efforts to renew reverence to the flag also coincide with the main highlights of the National Flag Days, celebrated every May 15-June 30 and the 110th Independence Day.
The nationwide campaign this year adopts "Igalang and watawat, sa Isip, sa Salita at sa Gawa". It was launched in Ifugao a few weeks ago.
DepEd, one of the lead campaign agencies, through Secretary Jesli Lapuz, has accordingly issued the necessary guidelines for the campaign, Caberte said.
She also reported that the education chief has directed its field offices to disseminate and comply.
The Bohol Makabayan elementary coordinator also reported that the DepEd has already sent new flags for the schools and these should be hoisted on the first day of school.
Extravagant Theme Float During Philippine Independence Day Celebration
Lavishly decorated themed floats take the sidelines for the government's development thrust caravans during the Philippines 110th Independence day.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has recently directed key government officials to spearhead development thrust caravans across the country. Such is to showcase government presence in services to make the "people feel the sacrifices of [our] heroes, not by words but through deeds that give flesh to their visions."
The celebration, which has been traditionally highlighted by simultaneous flag raising ceremonies, patriotic speeches and parades of themed floats would now be augmented by government service caravans, the president has directed, sources revealed.
Moreover, a showcase of government services or "Lingkod Bayan" activities complement the celebration, says Philippine Information Agency Secretary Conrado Limcaoco.
According to him, Lingkod Bayan activities have been into holding job fairs, cleaning and greening activities, social and health services dispensation, information and interaction with government service agencies concerned with education, health, agriculture, micro-financing, energy and housing, Limcaoco bared.
For the day, the President's directive as revealed by Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye wanted the celebration to be that, which would ""honor the sacrifices of our heroes, not by words alone but through deeds that give flesh to their vision."
Bunye also pointed out that among the government's programs and projects that will be showcased as part of the Independence Day celebrations are: livelihood assistance projects, housing projects, healthcare programs, feeding programs for school children, food security, distribution of Conditional Cash Transfer Cards, education programs, care for the environment, energy independence thrusts, among other pro-poor services." - Rey Anthony Chiu, Philippine Information Agency
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has recently directed key government officials to spearhead development thrust caravans across the country. Such is to showcase government presence in services to make the "people feel the sacrifices of [our] heroes, not by words but through deeds that give flesh to their visions."
The celebration, which has been traditionally highlighted by simultaneous flag raising ceremonies, patriotic speeches and parades of themed floats would now be augmented by government service caravans, the president has directed, sources revealed.
Moreover, a showcase of government services or "Lingkod Bayan" activities complement the celebration, says Philippine Information Agency Secretary Conrado Limcaoco.
According to him, Lingkod Bayan activities have been into holding job fairs, cleaning and greening activities, social and health services dispensation, information and interaction with government service agencies concerned with education, health, agriculture, micro-financing, energy and housing, Limcaoco bared.
For the day, the President's directive as revealed by Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye wanted the celebration to be that, which would ""honor the sacrifices of our heroes, not by words alone but through deeds that give flesh to their vision."
Bunye also pointed out that among the government's programs and projects that will be showcased as part of the Independence Day celebrations are: livelihood assistance projects, housing projects, healthcare programs, feeding programs for school children, food security, distribution of Conditional Cash Transfer Cards, education programs, care for the environment, energy independence thrusts, among other pro-poor services." - Rey Anthony Chiu, Philippine Information Agency
Was it Food Poisoning in Pangasinan Philippines?
Alaminos, Pangasinan: It was not food poisoning but more of a food reaction that downed 68 people from Sual and this city last May 20 to 21, according to Dr. Jackson Soriano, provincial health officer.
Soriano clarified that the incident was more of a food reaction because allergies were very visible in the bodies of the patients.
The victims, he said, ate milkfish which were sun-dried and not well-preserved.
"They will experience the same manifestations when they eat other species of fish which are not fresh or improperly preserved," he stressed.
Soriano said many locals bought bangus when it was sold at a bargain price of P25 to P40 per kilo, whereas the normal price of the fish is from P70 to P90 per kilo.
The milkfish were believed to have come from both Sual and Alaminos where almost 90 percent of fish pens and cages were washed out by typhoon 'Cosme'.
There was massive premature harvesting of bangus before, during and after the typhoon, forcing the price of the commodity to go down.
Milkfish is one of the city's major produce which is being brought daily to Metro Manila.
Soriano said those affected by food reaction bought bangus by the volume, had it sun-dried, preserved or stocked for future consumption.
"It's good the city and WPHD (Western Pangasinan District Hospital) have easily detected it (food reaction) and immediately alerted us," he added. - Philippine News Agency
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Soriano clarified that the incident was more of a food reaction because allergies were very visible in the bodies of the patients.
The victims, he said, ate milkfish which were sun-dried and not well-preserved.
"They will experience the same manifestations when they eat other species of fish which are not fresh or improperly preserved," he stressed.
Soriano said many locals bought bangus when it was sold at a bargain price of P25 to P40 per kilo, whereas the normal price of the fish is from P70 to P90 per kilo.
The milkfish were believed to have come from both Sual and Alaminos where almost 90 percent of fish pens and cages were washed out by typhoon 'Cosme'.
There was massive premature harvesting of bangus before, during and after the typhoon, forcing the price of the commodity to go down.
Milkfish is one of the city's major produce which is being brought daily to Metro Manila.
Soriano said those affected by food reaction bought bangus by the volume, had it sun-dried, preserved or stocked for future consumption.
"It's good the city and WPHD (Western Pangasinan District Hospital) have easily detected it (food reaction) and immediately alerted us," he added. - Philippine News Agency
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