OUR NEW LOGO

CHRISTMAS TOGETHER 2014

Thank you to our host: Ati-Atihan Festival Hostel and Conference Center

and Bread and Butter.

These are the remaining hard working men and women of KE for the year 2014.

May God continue to bless them to share more!!! 

Cheers for the coming 2015!!!

Kalibo's Dumping Site Is A Serious Enviromental Threat

Unless drastic remedial measures are undertaken, the threat to the environment being posed by the dumping site in the Ati-atihan Town of Kalibo, capital town of Aklan can worsen further and will endanger the health and lives of people living nearby, to include students population of various learning institutions operating near its vicinity.

This matter surfaced in a committee hearing conducted by the Committee on Environmental Protection of the 16th  Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan recently.

The SP committee was prompted to conduct an inquiry into the matter when the Sangguniang Barangay of Old Buswang furnished the body of its resolution addressed to the local officials of Kalibo seeking for the immediate closure of the said dumping site. Kalibo’s dumping site is located at the adjoining barangay of Bakhaw Sur, along the Sooc River, one of the extensions of the Aklan River.

Not only are residents of the two barangays are affected of the persistent emission of foul odor from the dumping site but also commercial and institutional establishment operators and students near the area.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ivene D. Reyes of Aklan stressed that LGU Kalibo maybe liable for several violations in the operation of the dumping site since 2006 when the department ordered the LGU Kalibo to already start the safe closure procedures for the dumping site. But until now, it remains to be implemented.

DENR Aklan emphasized that for the foul odor to be temporarily and immediately remedied, spraying of chemicals on the dumpsite must be done at once, but safe closure procedure must be started right away.

Engr. Jessie Fegarido, head of Kalibo’s Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Department, said safe closure procedure will start next week with the construction of the perimeter fence of the said dumping site expected to be finished within one month. Is it done?

Portion of the concrete enclosure of the dumping site had been damaged while holes were bored at the undamaged portions facing the Sooc River. These caused emission of the waste fluids into the river.

Former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo feared that the naturally grown marine resources in the nearby 250-hectare mangrove eco-park are already affected by the pollution of the river.

Ms. Adorada Reynaldo, Solid Waste Management Officer of Kalibo explained that the safe closure procedures can never be successful until wastes segregation is strictly enforced on Kalibo’s households.

Both Fegarido and Reynaldo expressed their exasperation over their difficulty to obtain budgetary appropriations for the P20 million they need to fully implement the safe closure of the dumping site.

PENRO Reyes informed the committee that DENR has already identified a 12-hectare area in Castillo, Makato, Aklan which can be developed into a sanitary landfill site for Kalibo’s garbage and that of the neighboring towns west of Kalibo like Numancia, Makato, Lezo, and Tangalan.

But Reyes said this will take about one year to prepare the area to be ready to receive the wastes of these towns. (Editor’s note: Adopted from “The Legislator”, the official newsletter of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan.) /MP 

WE WILL RISE AGAIN!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OwGWiKsdFg&feature=youtu.be

(copy and paste the link above to another taskbar for you to hear it all, thank you)

Published on Nov 3, 2014

The Yolanda Anniversary Music Video (We Will Rise Again)
Performed by: Ms. Raki Vega
Composer: Mr. Jude Gitamondoc


A year after Typhoon Yolanda struck the Philippines, the government will pay tribute to the Filipino resilience and spirit, honor our fellow Filipinos affected by the calamity, and recognize the people and organizations who have selflessly provided assistance in the Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery efforts through a series of activities along the Yolanda corridor.

One of the main activities in the one-year anniversary is a simultaneous launch of the “We Will Rise Again” music video, online and in various television stations and cinemas all over the country on 06 November 2014 at exactly 11:30 AM. All government agencies, television networks, cinemas, development partners, and private sector partners will likewise share the link of the music video in their official websites and other social media platforms.

This music video highlights the Filipino Bayanihan and showcases the efforts in the relief, recovery and rehabilitation phases in the affected areas a year after. It also serves as a reminder that regardless of the magnitude of the devastation, the Filipinos will strive hard to rebuild their communities and ensure that all the assistance extended by our partners will not go to waste.

Thus, the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR) has put together this “We Will Rise Again” music video as a reminder of the unwavering determination, the indomitable spirit, and the unparalleled resilience of the Filipinos. In producing the video, government agencies, local government units, development partners, civil society organizations, private sector partners, and survivors alike shared photos and video footages from Typhoon Yolanda. The performer, Ms. Raki Vega, and composer, Mr. Jude Gitamondoc, both Cebuanos when they heard about this project, graciously shared their performance and talent to make this video possible.

We encourage every Filipino to share this music video as a message of thanks to everyone who helped.

A year after Typhoon Yolanda struck the Philippines, as a nation, as a people – this is our hope, our prayer, and our promise… We Will Rise Again!

UPDATE ON ILLEGAL QUARRYING..

An excerpt from DATED  July 21, 2014

MEMORANDUM

FOR THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Mines and Geosciences Bureau, DENR

Regional Office No. VI, Iloilo City

FROM THE MINE MANAGEMENT DIVISION

SUBJECT INVESTIGATION REPORT ON THE ALLEGED BEACH SAND EXTRACTION BY MAYOR EDGAR PERALTA OF NEW WASHINGTON, AKLAN

“…..in the report of EEDO--MGDS to Governor Miraflores, it was their opinion that there was a violation of Section 1 of the Batas Pambansa BIg. 265, "An Act Prohibiting the Extraction of Gravel and Sand From Beaches and Providing Penalties Thereof".

Considering the above premises, it is the opinion of the undersigned that even if there was no commercial disposition, there is still a violation of Section 1 of the Batas Pambansa Big. 265, which states to quote:

"Section 1 - Any provision of law, presidential decree, rule or regulation to the contra try notwithstanding, the extraction of gravel and sand such other activities as would erode or diminish the natural beauty of beaches are prohibited. x-x-x-x"

Further, since Engr. Salvador has already filed an Administrative and Criminal Case against Mayor Peralta with the Sanggguniang Panlalawigan, Province of Aklan and Office of the Ombudsman for Visayas, Cebu City respectively. It is the opinion of the undersigned that the subject matter be referred to the Legal Division, DENR 6, Iloilo City for appropriate legal advice of the resolution of the complaint.

For the information and perusal of the Regional Director.”

(Sgd) ERROL C FUENTES

Engineer III (EM)

(Sgd) LUCIOS P SUCGANG

Engineer IV (GE)

Noted:

(Sgd) FLORIAN D. JIMENEZ

OIC Mine Management Division

UPDATE: 28 AUG 2014 - letter from the Office of the Ombudsman (Visayas) said that the complaint is presently the subject of ongoing fact-finding investigation with docket file FF-V-13-0685. FYI.

KALIBO’S DUMPING SITE NOW A SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT

By ODON S. BANDIOLA

KALIBO, Aklan.   Unless drastic remedial measures are undertaken, the threat to the environment posed by the dumping site of the capital town of Aklan can worsen further and will endanger the health and lives of people living nearby, to include schools’ population of various learning institutions operating near its vicinity.   

        This surfaced in a committee hearing conducted by the Committee on Environmental Protection of the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan last Monday, September 8, 2014.

        The SP committee was prompted to conduct an inquiry into the matter when the Sangguniang Barangay of Old Buswang furnished the body of its resolution addressed to local officials of Kalibo seeking for the immediate closure of the said dumping site.  Kalibo’s dumping site is located at the adjoining barangay of Bakhaw Sur, along the Sooc River, one of the extensions of the Aklan River.

        Not only are residents of the two barangays are affected of the persistent emission of foul odor from the dumping site but also commercial and institutional establishment operators and students near the area.

        Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ivene D. Reyes of Aklan stressed that LGU Kalibo maybe liable for several violations in the operation of the dumping site since 2006 when the department ordered the LGU to already start the safe closure procedures for the dumping site but until now, it has remained to be implemented.

        DENR Aklan emphasized that for the foul odor to be temporarily and immediately remedied, spraying of chemicals on the dumpsite must be done at once, but safe closure procedure must be started right away.

        Engr. Jessie Fegarido, head of Kalibo’s Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Department, said safe closure procedure will start next week with the construction of the perimeter fence of the said dumping site expected to be finished within one month.

        Portion of the concrete enclosure of the dumping site had been damaged while holes were bored at the undamaged portions facing the Sooc River.  These caused emission of the waste fluids into the river.

        Former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo feared that the naturally grown marine resources in the nearby 250-hectare mangrove eco-park are already affected by the pollution of the river.

        Adorada Reynaldo, Solid Waste Management Officer of Kalibo explained that the safe closure procedures can never be successful until wastes segregation is strictly enforced on Kalibo’s households.

        Both Fegarido and Reynaldo expressed their exasperation over their difficulty to obtain budgetary appropriations for its ₱20 million they need to fully implement the safe closure of the dumping site.

        PENRO Reyes informed the committee that DENR has already identified a 12-hectare area in Castillo, Makato, Aklan which can be developed into a sanitary landfill site for Kalibo’s garbage and that of the neighboring towns west of Kalibo like Numancia, Makato, Lezo and Tangalan.

        But Reyes said this will take about one year for the area to be ready to recieve the wastes of these towns.

KOOLEARTH IJA CHAPTER PRACTICING 3 R'S

IJAians who are members of KOOLEARTH are doing their best
to recycle 1.5 Soda bottles to make it into a small pot for seedlings.

They plan to put up a GREEN HOUSE inside the campus

KE IJA Chapter during their club day in the campus

KOOLEARTH IJA CHAPTER

In support to the nationwide campaign to help and preserve our environment,

Infant Jesus Academy Kalibo this year opens Koolearth - IJA Chapter.

Their aim is to help educate and engage IJAians to learn and dispose

properly the waste materials, conduct campaign for the Solid Waste Management

implementation and enforcement inside the campus community and build a

Green House using recycled materials and organic urban gardening.

WE SUPPORT SMOKE FREE PHILIPPINES!

http://www.doh.gov.ph/content/no-tobacco-smoking-campaign.html

Travolunteers helped Koolearth Rebuild a Home Project

NEW HOUSES after Typhoon Yolanda

Thank you GENEROUS DONORS!

Pictures contributed by KE Treasurer- Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz

The Green Cities’ Earth Day

     Kool Earth Organization, the environmental Arm of the Aklan Medical Society  and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources teamed up in this year’s Earth Day celebration. The theme of 2014’s Earth Day is ‘Green Cities.’

    Despite the demanding schedule of the Kool Earth members, they put a day aside to support this noble project.

     The LGU employees presented themselves to Mr. Efren Trinidad, Assistant Administrative Officer II, as early as six a m., whilst  the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary together with members of SEALS and RESCUE, presented themselves to Capt. Pete Ruiz PCGA, Squadron Commander and to Mr. Terence Toriano of the MMRDO. Members of the public such as the KATROPA, the KACLA  tricycle drivers association and many more unexpected supporters also came in droves. Other participants were inspired to present themselves to the assembled groups upon hearing the request of the KE president over the radio.

     Each group was  deployed to the respective parts of the town by six thirty in the morning . Places cleaned were as follows: the bank of the Aklan River, M. and C Laserna Sts. F. Quimpo St, XIX Martyrs St, Veterans Avenue St., N. Roldan St, Toting Reyes St., Oyo Torong St. and Mabini St., corner Roxas Avenue to Crossing Buswang.

 For the second part of the event, Mayor William Lachica warmly greeted the participants.  His brief message of encouragement was followed by an  Environmental Forum and a film  depicting  Yolanda tragedy. This  was  held at the third floor of the Municipal town hall. Members of the 4P’s who were in the same building  were invited to joined in. KE President believes that it is not only through cleaning all nooks and crannies of the town that is needed but by constantly educating people through information dissemination that the residents of this town can be made aware of their responsibility not just to themselves but to others.

     Legal Information officer, Atty. Ai ai  dela Cruz-Rivera, discussed the Municipal Ordinance No 2009-004 together with its provisions and the Municipal ordinance 2013-006, an ordinance regulating the use of plastic bags and styro foam and prescribing  fee on its use in the municipality.

       Ms. Quadra showed her appreciation to the successful result of Earth Day Celebration and to the effort that the LGU and Kool Earth put together to make this event a fruitful one. Mayor Lachica also encouraged Kalibonhons to practice daily clean up drive on their doorsteps and surroundings and dispose of their garbage in their right places.

      The next day, Wednesday 23^rd, thirty five members  of ambulant vendors headed by Mr. Johnny ‘Boy’ Samenio, picked up where we left off on Tuesday. It was inspiring to see selfless people like these who sacrificed their time so they could serve their town. Someone said that in this modern day the word sacrifice is a scary business because sacrifice means losing or letting go of something that you dearly treasure but in this occasion the volunteers who participated in the beautification and clean up drive of Kalibo on these two days running, gave their precious time without any murmur but with a smile and a happy heart.

     This project did not end here because on April 28 the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines in the Kalibo International Airport, did their Earth Day participation headed by their manageress  Ms. Cynthia Aspera. Ms Aspera was recently assigned in Kalibo but  people of Pook  and the surrounding areas could see changes, slowly and hopefully surely to continue.

     Appreciation and gratitude is being sent to Barangay Estancia, the only barangay that did their clean up drive in conjunction with the Earth Day Celebration.

 

     Congratulations Kalibonhon. Let us continue what we have started so we can leave a green city to our children’s children.

Re-think!!!

KE PROPOSED PROJECT

The members of the Phil. Army from Camp Libas, Banga and KE

members with LGU Numancia did an ocular inspection of the 

Numancia Children's Park for its plan to rehabilitate/repair the said playground

and put it back to its glory where children used to play safely

and make it colorful for them to even have more fun!

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL again! 

Any donation for colorful paints and new design for the repair of its facilities 

are very much welcome. 

Thank you to Mrs. Editha Sazon (Sazon Group of Comnpanies) for the pledges of

plants and collaboration for its landscaping.

The proposed project is with the Phil. Army and the Numancia PNP.

Koolearth also will re-organize KE NUMANCIA CHAPTER very soon.