Raps filed against Mayor Dolor A resort owner here has Inn resort in Puerto Galera has ing into the agreement without filed a complaint against the filed a complaint against Puerto any consultation with the right- Puerto Galera mayor for the re- Galera Mayor Hubbert Christo- ful owner of the property in covery of his land propery and pher Dolor to prevent him in Barangay Baclayan, the promi- a petition for the issuance of a entering into an agreement with nent Kalaw family of Batangas. temporary restraining order and Puerto Galera Water Consortium “In this project, the Puerto an injuction to the Regional Trial composed of JL Business & Galera government will give the Court to desist the chief execu- Technology Consultancy, Inc., three-hectare property to the tive into entering an agreement Oppax Group, Holdings, Inc., private proponent for free,” with a private company for the Pro-Environment Consortium Malcontento told The Star add- development, construction and and Sanlahi Builders Corp. ing that the Kalaws originally operation of water system in the In his 15-page complaint, lent the property to the munici- area. Malcontento alleged that the pal government 19 years ago for Lawyer Ben Malcontento municipality of Puerto Galera the layering of the 2000 meter Volume 4 No. 15 October 16-30, 2008 A PGOnline Publication representing Mulawin Invest- through Dolor has eminently pipeline leading to the water ment Inc., the owner of Kalaw showed its intention in enter- >>> on page 2 High power rates and brownouts Valencia asks court to plague Puerto Galera business For many weeks now, from MIRANT worth 4 million irritates most residents and busi- reinvestigate graft case Puerto Galera residents have pesos a day. More electricity nessmen are the frequent been suffering from high power from them means higher power brownouts that have been Oriental Mindoro may consider to grant his re- rates and frequent brownouts. rate for the consumers. plaguing Puerto Galera for Rep.Rodolfo G.Valencia has quest in the interest of justice What is most depressing is that ORMECO consumers weeks now. While writing this asked the Sandiganbayan to re- and fairness. no one seems to be doing any- should find out more about the article, there were three brown- view and reinvestigate a graft “I have explained this to the thing to address the problem. contract with the power produc- outs that occur at short interval case involving a P2.5 million Honorable Justices and I am The people have not seen lead- ers. Business leaders and gov- and then the fourth which lasted calamity loan fund which the happy that it may now be pos- ership from any government of- ernment officials should find for almost 10 hours. provincial government of sible for me and my colleagues ficial to get answers from the ways to decrease the price of The brownouts can happen Mindoro extended to a private to make the proper presentation power supplier of Mindoro, electricity now that the price of anytime but mostly during the boat owner 14 years ago. of evidence in the course of a ORMECO. fuel is going down. night. A power outage can hap- After the adverse decision reinvestigation and review of Mr. Roman Araño of Mayor Hubbert Dolor re- pen even during fine weather of the Sandiganbayan against the case,” Valencia said. ORMECO said that the rate cently said that a hydro-electric which makes more people won- him, Valencia delivered an im- One of the Ten Outstanding since September is 10.6638 per power plant may be possible for der as to the cause. passioned speech at the ple- Young Men awardees of the kwh. The reason for the in- Puerto Galera. Aside from this, Last September, Araño said nary session of Congress, say- result of natural calamities that Philippine Jaycees in the 1980s, crease is because of ORMECO’s PHESI has been meeting with that the brownouts happened ing that utmost care must be hit the province. the lawmaker branded the case contract with MIRANT, a power officials regarding the multi-bil- when ORMECO was replacing exercised by the courts to spare Lawyers’ procedural legal against him as politically moti- producer that sells electricity to lion wind farm to be constructed the 5mVA transformer in the the innocent ones in deciding oversight should not be con- vated and vendetta driven, and ORMECO at approximately 12 at the mountain of Tabinay. Minolo sub-station with a big- cases. sidered as the ultimate basis in blamed it on his detractors and pesos per kwh. Even if Both these power plants will ger 10 mVA transformer. Valencia, adjudged as an deciding cases, said Valencia, political rivals. NAPOCOR and the other power produce electricity at a much ORMECO had to do this to cope outstanding congressman and who was governor of Mindoro “You can, therefore, imagine producers sell electricity at half lower cost. If more power pro- with the increasing power de- governor for many years, when the calamity loan was ex- our shock and surprise when we the price of MIRANT, the final ducers will sell electricity at 6 mand of Puerto Galera. showed his colleagues Presi- tended. learned about the adverse deci- rate would be the average of all pesos or even less per kwh then Araño explained that the old dential Proclamation 306 issued He said he has already ex- sion of the Sandiganbayan the power producers. the rates will also go down. transformer was no longer by then President Fidel V. Ramos plained his appeal for review against us,” he said. The Om- Araño said ORMECO is un- Frequent brownouts enough for Puerto Galera and in 1993 declaring a State of Ca- and reinvestigation of the case budsman has previously dis- der contract to buy electricity More than the rates, what >>> on page 6 lamity in Mindoro Oriental as a to the anti-graft justices who >>> on page 2 222 PUERTO GALERA FORTNIGHTLY OCTOBER 16-30, 2008 Ordinance on “towers” back to Council Police score twice versus illegal logging The Provincial Board after The rejection of the amend- what acts will be penalized. reviewing an ordinance regulat- ing ordinance made its oppo- Before an ordinance can be Following orders from ing the construction of cellular nents happy including a former implemented, the Provincial Mayor Hubbert Dolor to go af- sites, towers and repeaters councilor who said that open- Board must first review and ter illegal loggers, the police cap- (CSTR) decided to send it back ing all the barangays to cellular then approve the municipal or- tured more than 600 hundred to the Municipal Council for towers will contribute to more dinance. board feet of abadoned logs in corrections. unsightly structures in Puerto In determining the validity Balatero last October 2. The Municipal Council ap- Galera. of the ordinance, the Provincial This was the second accom- proved Municipal Ordinance The Committee on Trans- Board considers both its form plishment for the police who in- No. 07-07 which allowed cellu- portation and Communications and substance. The Board said tercepted a truck laden with more lar communication companies to and the Committee on Laws, that in substance the ordinance or less 500 board feet of illegal construct cellular towers in all Ordinances and Legal Matters is alright but when it comes to lumber last September 23. the barangays of Puerto Galera. of the Provincial Board said that form, the ordinance is lacking. Mayor Hubbert Dolor and The new ordinance amended the title “regulating the con- Councilor Jayjay Evan- Police Chief Art Catalbas are Ordinance No. 04-20 which lim- struction” of CSTR is wrong. gelista, one of the sponsors of stepping up drive against illegal ited the establishment of cellu- The joint committees asked the amending ordinance said logging after various sectors lar towers in 3 barangays, the Council what will be regu- that the Council will consider had voiced alarm over the unre- the illegal loggers. Wolf said that almost all the namely Villaflor, Tabinay and lated now that construction will the advice of the Provincial lenting destruction of the The remaining rainforest is BIG trees are gone, lost to ille- Dulangan. be allowed in all barangays and Board. rainforest. only 20 percent according to gal logging. Although no one was appre- Michael Wolf, a German resi- ED: To the POLICE, Thank hended, the total amount of the dent who has been actively cam- you for a job well done. WE Valencia asks court to ... from p.1 recovered logs will reach more paigning to save the rainforest hope that your efforts will put than 40,000 pesos, a big blow to an end to illegal logging.... missed the same administrative stituency.” Code of 1991 that every local for many years. case for lack of merit and sub- Valencia said the loan was a government unit shall exercise stantive evidence. credit agreement between the the powers necessary, appropri- Raps filed against Mayor... from p.1 The case stemmed from a provincial government and the ate or incidental for its efficient P2.5 million loan the provincial boat’s owner, Engr. Alfredo and effective governance, and reservoir. partnership with private propo- not even owned by the munici- government entered into on Atienza, payable monthly within those which are essential to the “Pinahihiram lang ng mga nents in rehabilitating the water pality,” Malcontento said. January 12, 1994 with the owner a period of one and a half years. promotion of the general welfare. Kalaw ang property apparently system of Puerto Galera. In the proposed memoran- of a private boat for its repair to He said at the height of the It also stipulates that the for public consumption, pero “Actually the project is laud- dum of agreement, which is con- be used to save lives and de- natural disasters, Atienza was chief executive of a province is kung private entity na ang gagamit able because it will benefit the sidered in a final planning stage, liver relief goods following three willing to make available his roll- empowered to carry out such at pagkakakitaan, ibang usapan na people, but along the way, pro- the financier of the said project natural calamities that devas- on, roll-off boat for disaster re- emergency measures as may be yan,” Malcontento said. cedures have been disregarded will be the municipal govern- tated Oriental Mindoro in 1993. lief operations, provided the pro- necessary during and in the af- Malcontento said the com- including the bidding proce- ment which violates the Build, He emphasized that given vincial government shoulders its termath of man-made natural ca- plaint aroused in January when dures, no municipal resolution Operate and Transfer ruling, the same situation, “I will not repair to make it operational. lamities and disasters. Dolor started to announce to the for the mayor to negotiate and said Malcontento. hesitate to repeat what I did for Valencia cited the provi- By: Johnny Dayang, Manila public through local newspapers most importantly, they are giv- By: Arnell Ozaeta, Philippine the sake and welfare of my con- sions of the Local Government Bulletin, Sept. 21, 2008 that he will enter into a business ing a private property which is Star, September 23, 2008 II gotgot wreckedwrecked atat

Since 1983 THE DIVER’S RESORT Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera Tels. (043) 287-3071 / 0973 496 691 Mobile: 0917 540 4570 [email protected] / info.captngreggs.com.ph Western Style Accommodation Seaside Restaurant Serving Dive Shop - Over 30 Dive Sites P.A.D.I. Courses in English, German, Swedish 42-Foot Dive Boat Trips To Palawan NITROX and Technical Courses Package Prices Available

Manila Contact: Swagman Hotel, Ermita, Manila Tel. 523-3663 or 523-650 International Food Gin Juice Bar B Que Very Cold Beer Mexican Food All Rooms With Cable TV Biggest Meals Hot And Cold Water Best Atmosphere Chuck Burger OCTOBER 16-30, 2008 PUERTO GALERA FORTNIGHTLY/ENVIRONMENT 333 Bantay Dagat: On the frontline of marine conservation The Bantay Dagat was cre- ermen coming from poor fami- The MPA was meant to protect ated to help in the enforcement lies were set free but their fish- the spawning and breeding ar- of ordinances and laws related ing implements including the eas so that more fish will be to the protection of Puerto compressor were confiscated. caught in the outlying areas. It Galera’s marine resources. Com- Like any organization, the was also meant to protect the posed of a small group of fish- Bantay Dagat needs funds to popular dive sites which are the ermen, the Bantay Dagat figured be able to function effectively. major draw to Puerto Galera for in the news two years ago when Two years ago, municipal offi- divers from all over the world. they caught several illegal fish- cials promised them that some Clearly the 500 pesos a ermen. That time they were up- funds from the Environmental month allowance is small but it set with the government, since User Fee (EUF) will be given for does help a lot. allegedly a former official was the operations of the Bantay The municipal government the one giving permission to the Dagat. This promise might not must encourage volunteerism illegal fishermen. be fulfilled as the remaining EUF especially from the fishermen. Now the Bantay Dagat is funds have been budgeted for More funding should be al- again at the frontline of marine the Sewerage Treatment Plant located for the operations of the conservation, going after illegal of Sabang. However, Mayor Bantay Dagat. They need fast fishing. Several fishermen from Dolor said that members of the motorboats, fuel, binoculars, Minolo and another bunch from Bantay Dagat are getting an camera and others which will Batangas were caught near honorarium of 500 pesos a help while they monitor the seas Escarceo Point. The fishermen month. against illegal fishing. were photographed, fined and The government passed the Both the government and later presented to Mayor Marine Protected Areas (MPA) the private sector especially Hubbert Dolor. The Mayor gave ordinance which defined activi- dive aficionados should help them a stern warning. The fish- ties allowed within said areas. the Bantay Dagat. FSL boats now run on biodiesel A shipping company has recently started using biodiesel on its motorized bancas. Rockey Ilagan of Father and Son Shipping Lines (FSL) said that three of their ferries are now using a mixture of 70 percent biodiesel and 30 percent con- ventional diesel as fuel. “Using biodiesel marks our firm commitment to help the preservation of the environment and to continue our tradition of innovativeness,” said Ilagan who is soon graduating with a Master’s Degreee on Business Administration from the presti- gious Asian Institute of Man- agement. Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renew- able resources. Biodiesel con- tains no petroleum, but it can be mixed with diesel to power diesel engines with little or no Councilor Kardo Ilagan, a strong adherent of biodiesel and modifications. It is better for the Pablito Balmes onboard Penguin 3 powered by biodiesel environment because it is made boats while on a workshop produces biodiesel for both FSL from renewable resources and sponsored by his school in and Dos Palmas. has lower emissions compared Baguio city. He and long-time Ilagan said that the to petroleum diesel. friend and classmate Ivan Lim, biodiesel that they are now pro- Ilagan said that aside from son of the owner of Dos Palmas ducing will only be for the use the benefits to the environment, Resort in Palawan, were think- of their business. He said that their company will also be ing of ways to reduce the oper- there are many regulations if spending much less on fuel. A ating costs of their businesses. they embark on a commercial liter of fuel-grade biodiesel cost Ivan Lim manages the new Dos venture. However, Mr. Rockey more or less one-half the cost Palmas Resort at Verde Island. Ilagan and Mr. Ivan Lim are se- of petroleum diesel or approxi- Ilagan said that both FSL riously considering producing mately 20 pesos per liter. Ilagan and Dos Palmas rely heavily on electricity for the province of added that because of the re- diesel to power up the boats in Mindoro using biodiesel. They duction of the price of fuel, FSL the case of FSL and the Resort believe they can sell electricity might also lower the price of the in the case of Dos Palmas. to ORMECO at a much lower ticket. The fare from Puerto The classmates began re- cost than power plants using Galera to Batangas increased to searching on biodiesel and met petroleum diesel. 260 pesos per person during the a leading Filipino scientist who The two friends have great hike in fuel prices last month. specializes on biodiesel. A short ideas for their business that will Ilagan said that he first con- time after that, they invested on also benefit the people of jured of using biodiesel on his a processing plant that now Mindoro. 444 EDITORIAL/PUERTO GALERA FORTNIGHTLY OCTOBER 16-30, 2008 Noe Lineses SILVER BULLET Concerns on EUF funds and the SWTP When the Environmental User Fee (EUF) Or- Puerto Galera’s environmental protection and dinance was approved in January 2007, people management?” Garbage problem, abusive officials thought of how lucky the new Mayor was. He Kalaw said: “The remaining EUF are allo- will have at his disposal millions of pesos for cated for the SWTP for the next 10 years. That and more on the water project environmental projects. means no funding for White Beach, Muelle and Halfway through his 3-year term, Mayor the rainforest. The local government is to un- Let me start with the water rehabilita- separately handle their garbage. The Hubbert Dolor now has more than 9 million pe- dertake a 170 million pesos water rehabilitation tion project. We all know about the case barangays spent thousands of pesos to dig sos EUF funds, way below the initial estimate of and expansion (project) plus 107 million pesos filed by Kiddo Kalaw against the project. holes and take care of their waste. 50 million pesos. However, the amount which is for the SWTP. This is all for water supply and It is in the court now so we cannot com- But the question is: Shouldn’t the mu- expected to reach 10 million pesos is still a lot of waste management infrastructure. What good ment on the issue. The municipal legal con- nicipal government be handling the garbage money. are these projects if there is not enough water sultant, Atty. Edilberto Bunquin said that the problems of the barangays since we do pay When the term of the members of the Coastal supply from the mountains by the time these Resource Management Board (CRMB) ended last projects are finished?” lawyer of Kalaw should be more prudent garbage fees to the municipality? September, many issues regarding the Environ- Environmentalists had warned that the con- when speaking to the media and that all The Mayor had announced several mental User Fee came out in the open. tinued destruction of the rainforest will result to statements pertaining to the case should be months ago that there will a new dumpsite The CRMB was supposed to play the lead- a weakening of the water supply. articulated in the proper forum. To speak somewhere in Dulangan. Councilor Leo ing role in the implementation of the EUF ordi- Kalaw and Roxas are asking the Mayor not about the merits of the case might give un- Persia said that the Council had authorized nance. Former CRMB member Kiddo Kalaw is to commit 65% for the SWTP of Sabang. How- due media mileage and pre-empt what’s on the Mayor to use 60% of the EUF funds saying that the CRMB is just a rubber stamp for ever, in the recent Malayang Dayalogo (Open the mind of the reading public. for the purchase of the property for the new the local government. Forum) in Big Lalaguna, the Mayor defended Many people now are wondering why dumpsite. However, to make this into a “It is more like a clerk checking that the t’s are the project as an absolute necessity. The Mayor water is becoming inadequate. There are landfill they would need heavy equipment crossed and the i’s dotted,” says Kalaw. said that tourists go to Sabang to swim and dive theories formed mostly against Mayor Do- which will be paid by the loan from Land Kalaw claims that the EUF ordinance is in and that the sea must be free from coliform con- conflict with the ordinance that created the CRMB. tamination to make sure more tourists will come lor. We spoke with the head of the water- Bank. This might take time as the Vice Under the functions of the CRMB, it is the to Puerto Galera. works office and he confirmed what has Mayor and some of the councilors are to- Board that “prepare and approve” the budget as The Mayor said that the “treasure” of Sabang been predicted long time ago by many en- tally against the loan. well as handle the disbursement with the concur- rests in its beautiful dive sites. vironmentalists. That sooner or later our *** rence of the Sangguniang Bayan. This pertains The Mayor also allayed the concerns of Big water supply will be affected by the unre- We have received disturbing reports that to funds derived from the EUF. Lalaguna residents saying that there will be no lenting destruction of the rainforest. some barangay officials are turning into However, in the EUF ordinance it is the Mayor foul odor and that the noise from the generators We have to be more resolute in protect- bullies even going further as to verbally and that is in-charge of allocation and disbursement would be minimal. ing the watershed area. Remember the slo- physically assault some of their constituents. of EUF funds and the CRMB shall only perform a The Mayor would like to enter into an agree- gan, when the buying stops, the killing can The victims are too afraid to file a com- recommendatory function. ment with a private corporation under a Build- too. The slogan can also apply to the plaint against these officials who normally So, what happens if the Mayor disagrees with Operate-Transfer scheme for the SWTP. The the CRMB recommendation? Mayor reportedly will use 65% of the EUF collec- rainforest of Puerto Galera. Those who buy carry a sidearm. Kalaw contends that this will not happen. tions to pay for the SWTP over a period of 10 illegal logs are as guilty as the ones cutting To the victims, do not be afraid. There Kalaw enumerated the procedure: 1) The years. the trees. We have to make a concerted are many ways to get justice. One, you Mayor Allocates the EUF funds based on the Roxas posed the following questions: effort to protect the rainforest if we want can file a complaint in Sangguniang Bayan. purposes identified in the Ordinance; 2. The Is the SWTP the only priority area to allocate water to continue to flow in our faucets. The Council had already suspended a CRMB has no choice but to recommend the allo- almost all unallocated collections? How about *** Barangay Captain because of complaints cation as long as it is based on the purposes White Beach, Balatero, Sto. Niño, Muelle, Garbage may soon take the top spot in from his constituents. identified in the Ordinance; 3) The Council ap- Poblacion and the other tourist destinations? the list of Puerto Galera’s most pressing Two, you can file a complaint to the proves the allocation and recommendation. While waiting for the 10 years to expire, do problems. Soon it will be high season again Ombudsman or in any court. Kalaw who recently sought a Temporary Re- we have funds, plans, programs and policies so and the volume of rubbish will be too much Three, we can refer you to our friends in straining Order against the water rehabilitation we can prevent other places from becoming the project of Mayor Dolor said that the Mayor had next Sabang? for the current disposal system. the media who will be too happy to expose already decided on where the EUF funds will be We agree 100% that the government should When Balatero said “No More” to gar- these abusive officials. Both ABS-CBN and spent. address the wastewater problem NOW. But allo- bage, the big barangays, namely, White GMA have TV programs that make public Mayor Hubbert Dolor reportedly wants the cating 65% of the EUF on one project might not Beach, Sabang and Poblacion, were ask to officials account for their misdeeds. EUF to be allocated as follows: 65% will go to the be judicious as this would mean ignoring other Sabang Sewerage Treatment Plant (SWTP), 20% pressing environmental concerns, like the anni- will be the share of the barangays, 10% will be hilation of the rainforest, the mounting garbage the Endowment Fund and 5% will go to the Gen- problem, siltation, et cetera. And who is asking The Puerto Galera Fortnightly Journal eral Fund of the municipality. for the 65% - is it the private partner who will also Published by PGOL Printing Press Telefax: 043-287-3101 Another former CRMB member, Romeo Roxas, rehabilitate the water system? If they are, then Website: www.puertogalera.org E-mail: [email protected] also voiced his concerns on the EUF allocation. perhaps we are giving them too much of the pie. Emmanuel “Noe” L. Lineses - Publisher/Editor Roxas asked: “If the EUF funds are 100% When you seek medical advice and your are allocated, where are we going to get the funds not satisfied with the diagnosis, one normally Help Us Help PG, www.puertogalera.org/donate.htm for other urgent projects…for the rest of ask for a second opinion. OCTOBER 16-30, 2008 COMMUNITY FORUM 555 puertogalera.org/forum Forumers urgent call: We need a hospital! yankee: if the mayor can it for a life-saving institution. told me that Mayor Dolor is talk- Forum for Visitors and Residents of Puerto Galera borrow 43 million can you build Travelling more than an ing to the Locsins re: the land from that amount a hospital? hour with bumpy roads to for the hospital. The land is lo- ED: The Community Forum of our website, www.puertogalera.org, is receiving many posts from its any contractors who can an- calapan or a risky sea travel to cated near the boundary of Sto. members and we believe, although sometimes we do not agree with the opinions of the forumers, swer this?I am sure many other Batangas with your child or wife Nino and Balatero. That would that many of the ideas and views expressed are interesting and newsworthy. If you wish your views things needed inside can be gasping to death, with a crying be an ideal site. If there is a land, to be published in this section, join the forum and share your ideas. A Forumer may use a nick- donated from foreign countries heart; you may wish to die first then the next question would be name to protect his/her identity. maybe Willy Stellander can help than expecting your loving child financing the project. us as well .when we all go be- not reaching that hospital Loan? Build Operate Trans- Continuing adult education in barangays hind this project i am sure some before he/she can even manage fer? If it is BOT, we need to en- BY: TAGABUNDOK professions. If they are all in- as duration of one complete thing get build.Right now i see to close her eyes and finally say tice a project proponent who will I believe that education is volved in tourism then middle program. many foreigners leaving be- goodbye. No amount of fund the project. If there was not an exclusive exercise of aca- of the week would probably be An average class should be cause they get older and feel not comfort can cover the pain, project proponent like in the demic institutions but should be more appropriate. But that would composed of at least 5 people comfortable in PG . just asking i agony, regret when somebody water rehab project then that quite accessible through sincere entail another private person to with a maximum number of 20 have no idea the cost of a small you love die in your arms... would be the best option. But it and creative ways of organiz- conduct classes and not public for a more personal educational hospital, thanks Is that the right moment that seems the hospital is less invit- ing people of many back- school teachers. assistance. More than that majikshrum: I’m sure 43 you will start cursing and ing than the water rehab project. grounds to share their know- Since it be a 2-hour session, would require another class million pesos is more than blaming the world? No takers. how with each other. And this first half will solely concentrate set-up. enough for this town to build a But today is the right, pre- If it is a loan, it will need a is usually possible through pri- on the learning of basic English The revenue of course will decent modern hospital with a cious time that we can create a feasibility study - how will the vate clubs, civic groups, town with three important compo- be divided between allowances, competent staff. loud clear voice and for our gov- government make the hospital councils and even caring private nents: a) conversational gram- tokens and use of whatever utili- With that kind of amount, ernment to act before any other sustainable... this is a long pro- individuals. mar skills, b) vocabulary build- ties. I have thought up of P5 even a 20 room hospital can be projects and before more par- cess, but I agree, that in case In my many years as a resi- ing and correct pronunciation basic because I have also built. ents and loved ones of Puerto there is no project proponent for dent of Puerto Galera, I have and c) reading comprehension. thought of Mangyans who We have a mayor who is a Galera suffer the most unfortu- BOT then the Mayor should observed a great number of Second half of the session would want to avail of these doctor, don’t you think it is ab- nate, isolated fate of hopeless- consider borrowing money from people upland and what they will delve on more practical sub- educational opportunities. surd for his constituents to be ness from this place everyone Land Bank... however, if you had shared with me—their ject matters. What I can see is 4) A reading section is also shouting about building of a calls a paradise. borrow money the bank re- dreams, hopes and wishes are much needed to be learned: bud- recommended as part of the hospital? Don’t you think that promdi: First you need a quires collateral - municipal stifled because to them it seems geting, management, natural sci- learning center set-up. Books, this should have been his no. 1 land where you build a hospi- properties, IRA share, EDF - of a lack of formal education. ences, nutrition, family planning, newpapers and other magazines priority, or this should have tal. Price of land in PG is very which would mean that the So allow me some proposals. child-rearing, herbal medicine, may be solicited through private been his campaign slogan? expensive. I heard that hospital Mayor will no longer have any 1) That a continuing adult culinary arts, hygiene and organizations (I already have a People are dying in this is Mayor’s priority and he try- project for the remaining years education program be initiated grooming, horticulture, animal contact from New Jersey and town because they cannot get ing to get the Locsins to donate of his term as the funds will all on the barangay level. Any care, home agriculture and wel- another in Manila—both wait- the proper medical attention the land. be tied up paying for the inter- council person interested or well fare aside from other community ing for confirmations). they need. Next you need to secure est/principal of the loan. versed with education proce- issues like garbage and waste As part of empowering the If you get into an accident permits from more than 20 agen- The Mayor is in a very diffi- dures be in charge of the pro- disposal. adult students, sharing of per- or you get seriously ill, pray that cies. I heard the Mayor is doing cult situation. gram. He/she will coordinate A strong cultural apprecia- sonal know-hows, hobbies and you reach calapan or batangas this already. But I believe that the hospi- with schools of /near the tion program is also suggested. researches should be required. or else you are screwed. The money is the third. tal is far better project than any barangay to appoint or recruit The sharing of indigenous Because of a diverse range of bastarasta: Why dream Building a hospital is not of those projects that they are volunteer teachers to conduct songs whether it be of any prov- topics may not allow the right small if we can dream big. I easy. It takes time. thinking for the Land bank weekly classes—either by shifts ince the adults come from speaker to be available to lec- mean, this government can cre- netmagus: I agree with you loan..We need the hospital more or on regular basis. should be encouraged. Expats ture, the students can also be ate projects worth 170M! just all that the hospital should be than the convention center, dor- This council person will also with knowledge of their coun- taught how to do research via for water, why not, even half of top priority. Danny Enriquez mitory, gymnasium etc. coordinate with other resource tries of origin should be invited Internet and/or hand-on experi- speakers to give lectures once to give talks of their cultures mentations then report it before in a while on pertinent subject and beliefs to expand the par- the class. Letter to the Editor matters (which will be listed ticipants’ understanding of 5) As for the physical set- later) and/or other educational other cultures outside of up, the barangay halls, chapels, Kudos to Mayor’s Cup needs of the program (books, Mindoro. private homes, etc can be used. equipment, etc.). 3)Teachers and speakers are It really will depend on the cre- I accompanied Tony Taylor to the Gym last was able to provide the environment seen in this 2) That classes be held on to be considered on a voluntary ativity and resourcefulness of Monday (September 15) afternoon to witness show of camaraderie and fun. Sundays (perhaps 2-4pm—after basis although to be still com- the people in the barangay. All the opening of the Mayor Dolor basketball tour- I’m sure this attempt to strengthen the bond- general obligations are met and pensated through an allowance. is needed is a blackboard and nament. It was a real surprise to me to see prac- ing among public servants will result in a better before any party can probably Each enrollee should be chalk as a start then perhaps tically all the Municipal employees perform culture of public service for the benefit of the start). But this should also be asked to pay (or be sponsored) book cabinets can later be added their acts which must have taken weeks to pre- public. flexible depending on the gen- an amount of P5 per session once the books and reading pare. All skits were very professionally done and My Congratulations to Mayor Dolor. eral profile of the participants’ with an ordinary school year materials come in. what was revealing to me was how the Mayor Danding Taylor 666 PUERTO GALERA FORTNIGHTLY/OPINION OCTOBER 16-30, 2008 High power rates ... from p. 1 Water, now a major problem had been the cause of the When Mayor Hubbert Do- brownouts which happened lor announced that the water when Puerto Galera’s demand rehabilitation will soon be un- reached more than the capacity derway, many people began to of the 5mVA transformer. imagine a stronger, more reliable It’s now October and there water supply in the coming are many power outages. When days. But one month after the asked why we are getting launching of the water rehabili- brownouts even on a clear tation project, Sinandigan, sunny day, ORMECO branch Sabang and even Poblacion resi- manager, Mr. Aceveda said that dents began to experience wa- NAPOCOR is to blame. ter shortages. Aceveda said there is no A Sabang businessman said problem with the distribution that it was virtually impossible lines and that the problem is to operate his restaurant with with 69 kV transmission line of Brownouts happen when most needed no water. NAPOCOR. He added that the As more and more people Philantrophy during hard times: Dieter Schwab, a German Nicanor Villaseñor of PHESI hold a “Power Summit” similar tripping off happens when complain and the waterworks married to a local lass from Sinandigan, generously shares his once suggested that to mini- to the “Water Summit” last Janu- NAPOCOR sends power to the office not able to fully give an water to neighbors. Dieter gets his water from a deep well or mize the brownouts, Puerto ary to discuss debate and find a transmission line. answer, many theories began to buys from a water supplier to fill up his tank. Before electricity reaches Galera should get a direct con- solution to the current power form as to the reason behind the the home, it passes 3 stages, nection to the proposed wind crisis. water problem. 170 million pesos. The munici- to cope with the growing de- namely, generation, transmis- farm or any power plant that We call on the Mayor and A Big Lalaguna resident, in pal government strongly denies mand for water. sion and distribution. Each of will be based here. Rockey the members of the one forum where Mayor the allegation. Environmentalists have these stages is managed by dif- Ilagan of FSL shipping lines Sangguniang Bayan to invite Hubbert Dolor was present, ac- Edwin Macatangay, head of warned that the unrelenting de- ferent companies and brownout said that an investor will be representatives from cused the waterworks office of the waterworks office said that struction of the rainforest which can occur at any of the 3 stages. coming in to build a power NAPOCOR, ORMECO, PHESI, favoring some establishments the reason for the water short- is also the watershed area will Generation is handled by plant here in Puerto Galera and the proponent of the hydro- and houses that do not experi- ages is because of the dimin- result to scarce water supply for NAPOCOR and Independent that the generators will be us- electric power plant, Rockey ence water shortage. Another ishing water from the source. the entire municipality. How- Power Producers (IPP) like ing biodiesel which will be Ilagan, resort owners, business- from Sabang said that he is won- Macatangay added that they ever, many people have turned MIRANT. Transmission is con- much cheaper than petroleum men and other stakeholders. dering why his neighbor has could not fill up the main tank a blind eye and continue to ig- trolled by NAPOCOR or diesel. Let’s get together and find a water and he has not. as there is less water now flow- nore the problem. Now that the TRANSCO and ORMECO Municipal officials should solution to a common problem. In the community forum at ing out of the spring. water supply is becoming the handles distribution. puertogalera.org, many are sus- Because of the lack of water number one issue, more atten- Businessmen are complain- pecting that there might be a sin- they have to schedule the sup- tion will be given to the water- ing that ORMECO is not being Good news from ORMECO ister plan to pressure the people ply of water to Sabang and shed area. responsive enough in address- Now that brownouts are a said that a consumer whose bill- to agree to the agreement be- Sinandigan. Macatangay de- It would be a futile invest- ing the problem. They say frequent occurrence, the good ing is below 960 pesos will get a tween the municipal govern- nies that there is water short- ment if the government spend ORMECO earns more than 1 bil- news that people would like bill reduction of 500 pesos. The ment and the water consortium age in Poblacion. millions for the water system lion pesos a year and yet could from ORMECO is when the grant is not monthly but one who will undertake the rehabili- Municipal officials also in- and later find out that there is not ensure a stable, reliable sup- brownouts will stop. But the time only. tation of the water system sist that the old pipes should not enough water coming out ply of electricity. good news is not about the Another good news came amounting to an unprecedented be replaced with bigger pipes of the spring. Every time there is a brown- power outages. about also because of events out, the damage to business is When President Gloria that transpired in Manila. Re- worsened when other utilities Macapagal Arroyo began dis- member the war between Traffic enforcers, traffic violators like Internet and cellular tele- tributing 500 pesos to every Meralco and GSIS which later One of the accomplishments of the incum- ers harass motorbike riders when they forget to phone go offline. The Fort- Meralco consumers who use up resulted to Meralco refunding bent Mayor was when he introduced a Makati wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet is first and nightly Journal was delayed pri- 100 kWh in one month, many consumers for the meter de- City type traffic enforcers in small-town Puerto foremost a personal choice. marily because of the outages. people from the provinces be- posit. NEA again told Galera. Even the uniform is the same as Makati Granted that it is their duty to enforce the Resort owners complain of gan asking if they will also get ORMECO that it must give City. I do not know if Puerto Galera now has the ordinance. The problem is when they are the spending thousands of pesos the same treat. Several months back the deposit paid by resi- illusion of becoming a city but sometimes ap- ones violating the ordinance. to run their back-up generator. later the National Electrification dential consumers for their plying the rules for a city might not be suitable I saw a traffic enforcer in his uniform riding Worse is when appliances and Administration (NEA) told electric meters. The amount to a small town like ours. And when you have in a motorcycle not wearing a helmet and two other electrical equipments are ORMECO that their consumers is close to 31 million pesos traffic enforcers who think they are like LTO other enforcers who just allowed him to pass by damaged due to intermittent will also be given the same sub- which ORMECO is negotiat- enforcers then suddenly the Mayor’s accom- right in front of them in the center of town. brownouts. ORMECO said they sidy. The budget will come from ing to be deducted from the plishment is becoming a liability. To the Mayor, is that fair? And if it ain’t fair cannot be held liable for dam- the excess in VAT collections. monthly bill instead of out- I’ve personally experienced how the enforc- what will you do about it Sir? ages to appliances. Roman Araño of ORMECO right cash payment.

O GA RT LE E R Fishermen’s Cove U A P *Diving Center*Italian Restaurant*

Y . Beach Resort, Diving, Canyoning, A C C N Hiking, Mountain Bike, H I T CLUB, Kayak, Trekking, Beach & Island Hopping Bar & Restaurant, Friday Evening Grand B-B-Q Dinghy Hire, Sail Training, Portolan Giuseppe Sailing Regattas, Small Boat Storage 0917-365-2559

Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines Puerto Galera Yacht Club Tel/Fax No.: 0063 043 2873257 Tel No.: 0063 917 533 2985 Web: www.pgyc.org Phone: 043-442-0136 E-mail: [email protected] Website: fishermenscove.com OCTOBER 16-30, 2008 PUERTO GALERA FORTNIGHTLY 777 music, such as the electric gui- When a dream comes true... from page 8 tar, bass guitar, and drums. money. “That helped me to com- ger than my emotion, so I fol- On the final night of the He is one of the few Filipino plete my schooling. If I didn’t lowed my heart and became a show, four scholars took to the contemporary songwriters who become a singer, at least I would scholar.” life-changing stage. They had insists on putting his creative have something to help my fam- And that made all the differ- personally and professionally comparing the number of in the morning. The Mayor will energies at the service of cul- ily with,” said Garcia. ence for her. The PDA experience, transformed over the course of guests who attended the Vice also launch the Mangyan Cul- tural/social development. In 2006 after graduating, she admits, changed her in many their stay in the academy, but that Mayor’s party with the number tural and Recreation Center. Moving on. Have you heard Garcia came to Dubai to work ways. From a not-so-confident moment defined their careers. of people who will be attending Everybody is enjoined to do- of the Afro-Asia Educare Foun- for a German automotive com- but promising talent, Garcia Garcia sang I am Changing Mayor Dolor’s November 3 nate 100 pesos which will go to dation? Well, it is a Danish pany. “It was great job and I bloomed into a fantastic per- and though she admitted she birthday bash. The election af- the Mangyan Iraya Cooperative Foundation which collect com- have fond memories of Dubai.” former. “I distinctly remember one had some off-key moments, it ter all is a numbers game. Center as seed money for their puters from Danish schools and Tough decision of the judges telling me that I had was a performance the judges Going back to the livelihood projects. distribute them to schools in the In Dubai, Garcia would the potential to become an inter- and the audience would remem- Kaaldawan, the Mayor said that After the day event, the Philippines and Africa. They re- gamely sing in karaoke bars not national singer and that my voice ber. “The journey has just be- he did not solicit money but had Kaaldawan culminates in a Con- cently donated hundreds of only to have fun with friends and my looks had a cosmopoli- gun for me. I was a bit sad be- allocated funds from municipal cert-For-A-Cause by renowned second-hand computers to lo- but to nurture a lifelong dream tan appeal. I could be singing cause the whole experience coffers for the event. During Filipino pop music artist Joey cal schools. Hans Nielsen, who of becoming a singer. “In my well on stage and making people ended, but also excited because the time of his uncle, the gov- Ayala in the Municipal Gymna- was made an adopted son of heart, I was just patiently wait- sing along with me, no matter I am looking forward to bigger ernment spends hundreds of sium at 7 in the evening. The Puerto Galera and Willy ing for a chance. This burning where they were from.” and better things in my life. thousands of pesos and solic- price of the ticket is just 30 pe- Stellander are the founders of passion to become a profes- Competition Now, my dream has come true its from resort owners and busi- sos, proceeds will also go to the the organization. Stellander sional singer was so strong that Apart from becoming more and there could not be any big- nessmen for the Kaaldawan Mangyan Cooperative Center. said another shipment of com- I just couldn’t put it out. In confident, Garcia also learned ger prize than that,” she says. which coincided with the former Joey Ayala is well known for puters will be arriving before the Dubai I was happy with my job how to temper her emotions. Five things about Liezel Garcia Mayor’s birthday. his style of music that combines year ends which will again be and was also helping my family. Living with people with differ- Musical influence: Mariah The Kaaldawan Festival the sounds of Filipino ethnic in- distributed to the schools. Life was good but I knew it ent personalities in a house that Carey, Beyonce Knowles, Kyla, showcases Mangyan arts and struments with modern pop Moving on. The Coast wasn’t all there was.” had cameras all over the place Lani Misalucha, Jaya, Sarah culture. Expect Mangyan danc- music. His professional music Guard Auxilliary of Puerto Something bigger was in was, according to her, a charac- Geronimo and Ella Mae Saison. ing and cultural performances career started when he released Galera during the International store for Garcia. And true ter-building experience. She Musical instrument she from local schools. You can also an album recorded in a make- Clean-up day last September 19 enough, the opportunity of a life- made friends with housemates plays: Guitar (basic chords) buy Mangyan handicraft prod- shift-studio in 1982. To date, he had a successful underwater time came when she was ac- Cris and Sen, but had to deal Musical instrument she’d ucts, like beer holsters, baskets has released six albums. clean-up campaign participated cepted as one of the scholars of with really competitive contes- like to learn: Piano and drums. and other souvenir items. Some of the Filipino ethnic by 35 divers from 13 different Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) tants who were all determined Greatest achievement: The venue was also trans- instruments Ayala is known to countries. They collected 50 Season Two — a reality celeb- to win the big prize. “When I graduated and when I ferred to Baclayan, the tradi- use include the two-stringed sacks of garbage weighing rity search aired on Philippine TV. “We all knew it was a com- was chosen as a finalist in Pinoy tional village of the Mangyans. Hegalong of the T’Boli people nearly 500 kilos. Leaving her stable job in petition but that didn’t stop me Dream Academy.” The Mayor, participants and of Mindanao and the 8-piece Moving on. The PTCA of Dubai to pursue her ambition from making friends. That was Biggest frustration: “I want visitors will assemble near the gong set, Kulintang melodical the Puerto Galera Academy is was a tough decision for Garcia. my nature, and inside I knew I to be a model but I know I’ll never Candava grocery store at 5 in gong-rack of the predominantly holding a Dinner-For-A-Cause “It was a very difficult choice needed friends who could sup- be one because I’m too small.” the morning and from there hike Muslim peoples of the south- on November 1 at the Munici- considering I was all set in port me and whom I could sup- Song of my life: On The Side all the way to Baclayan. ern part of the country. He also pal Gym at 7 pm; there will be Dubai. But my dream was big- port in return.” Of Angels. The program will start at 8 uses modern instruments in his live band and Videoke. www.asiadivers.com

“For the discriminating traveler, desiring and deserving the very best... at very reasonable prices.” with

Puerto Galera’s only beach front Italian-Spanish condominium and resort hotel. Portofino is the Asia home of “Huevos Rancheros” – Famous throughout the Western Pacific.

Small La Laguna Beach, Sabang El Galleon Beach Resort / Asia Divers Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro Small La Laguna Beach, Puerto Galera, 5203 Philippines Oriental Mindoro, 5203 Philippines Tel/Fax: +63 (43) 287-3227 Email contact: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Hello. Many events happening Tuesday until Sunday. The show Sabang. Macmac is a great host and this October. But before that—Do starts with a 6:30 showing of a movie you will surely experience a great you know that President Gloria Ar- followed by acoustic music and then Oktoberfest at La Dusseldorf. royo would have been our guest in performance by King Solomon’s band. Muelle might have its own Puerto Galera together with more than Guests will also have a choice of Oktoberfest, all depends on the sup- 450 visitors from Region IV last Octo- Karaoke singing, ballroom dancing and port of San Miguel Beer. The Mayor ber 14? The event was the Regional disco dancing before the band plays. said he will push for a Muelle Peace and Order Council meeting but The King Solomon’s band is Oktoberfest celebration. Volume 4 No. 15 October 16-30, 2008 because White Beach and the rest of headed by renowned singer Boy Moving on. The October 12 Puerto Galera do not have a confer- Sullivan of the legendary Big 3 Sullivan Kaaldawan Iraya was moved to Oc- ence hall that can hold more than 400 which made hits in the early 70’s. tober 25 because of conflict in the When a dream comes true people, the organizers moved the Boy Sullivan now 72 years old still schedule with another Mangyan By Vincent Anthony Garcia, Gulf News Report venue to Calapan City. sing quite well and plans to teach local event. The Mayor said this will be a Had it been held here, lots of pe- musicians to play in his band. Inter- different Kaaldawan with the Liezel Garcia has fulfilled her big- sos would have been earned by the ested persons may apply directly to Mangyans front and center of the gest wish — she became one of the resorts in White Beach? This bring Boy Sullivan at the Puerto Nirvana celebration. Well there was another top five finalists of Pinoy Dream Acad- to fore the need for a large conven- Resort. Kaaldawan presentation that hap- emy. Sure, she wasn’t the big winner, tion center in Puerto Galera for us to Those that wish to experience Old- pened during the October 12 birth- but that didn’t matter for the pretty and host huge meetings which are bring- ies music can call the Resort for reser- day of Vice Mayor Teo Atienza at- talented lass from Puerto Galera — a ing a lot of money to places like vation at 287-3408. They will even ar- tended by hundreds of Mangyans place known more as a hotbed of for- Davao, Palawan, Tagaytay and range transportation for you. who feasted with hundreds more Ta- eign tourists than a haven for talented Boracay. Moving on. Coral Cove is giving galog guests. The Vice Mayor was singers. Now if only the Mayor will con- one night free stay to guest who will thankful he survived a mild stroke For Garcia, it was enough that she sider relocating his proposed con- stay for 3 consecutive nights. The which got him rushing to Makati finished one of the final four perform- vention center in White Beach rather promo will last until the end of Octo- Medical Center for treatment. ers in the academy out of the more than than on top of the public market, it ber. Also, the Veranda restaurant at The Mayor was not at the Vice five thousand hopefuls who audi- would make a lot of sense. Coral Cove serve delicious oven-baked Mayor’s birthday party. We noticed Liezel Garcia of Balatero tioned. Anyway, Tamaraw Beach Resort pizza. Try it and don’t forget their spe- many prominent residents among the Growing up on the island, Garcia to perfect my art with the hope of mak- is building a conference hall that can cialty, Indian Curry Buffet happening crowd but not many barangay and always dreamt of making it big. She ing it big in showbusiness,” she said possible house more than 700 people. every Saturday. municipal officials. The Vice Mayor would wake up at five in the morning nostalgically. Moving on. Puerto Nirvana Re- Moving on. The big Oktoberfest will run for Mayor again in 2010 to practice singing with her grand- Though singing took a backseat sort owner Romeo Roxas is making celebration had splintered into smaller against incumbent Mayor and mother - the person she credits for her while she was in school, she would sleepy Poblacion livelier with large- parties all over Puerto Galera. La nephew Hubbert Dolor. singing talent. “I remember singing in perform at small public events and screen movies and a live band. Dusseldorf of MacMac is holding a One guest said, people will be public at the age of three; since then, competitions for a little fame and prize There are a variety of shows from fine Oktoberfest happening nightly in >>> on page 7 thanks to my lola, I have been trying >>> on page 7