KE is the Aklan Environmental Advocates Group. It is the only environmental advocates group in Aklan in collaboration with other Allied Health, Military and Government Services in Aklan . SEC Reg- CN201125655. Email us at april_73uk@yahoo.co.uk. KE HOTLINE +63 949.7621193.
Typhoon Yolanda has
taken many lives in the Philippines. Some that survived cannot rebuild their
lives as they lost their home and job. Luckily people from all over the world
reach out with food but a basic need is shelter, without it sickness is
imminent.
We
will give them a bamboo made house for them to rebuild their lives. The head of the family will work for ‘labor
of love’ to build their own homes. Victims will work for food and water but a
roof above their head is a basic need. Your help of $200 will put a family in its feet.
We more or less need $200 per family to buy the basic materials like G.I. Corrogated, umbrella nails, bamboo,
nails amakan and or nipa. If they have shelter they can now work and gain self respect
and human dignity.
This is the story of Gerald Tutor, an 11 year old Stac Kalibo beneficiary diagnosed with movement disorder (beginning Cervical Dystonia) from Caano, Kalibo. Our STAC volunteers personally came to visit him and his family after the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda. No words can describe their situation, the photos will tell it all... At the moment, they are staying with his Lola, trying to be strong, coping and hoping to build their home again...he is just one of the many homeless handicapped kid family around here.
If you are interested, please send us an email so we can send you back the account number and official receipt of your generous contribution. We continue to pray to those who have not recovered yet from the ravaged of Typhoon Yolanda. God Speed Aklan! Note: As of this press time, we have more or less 30 houses beneficiaries. Thank you to our donors. We will be forever grateful. Sec. Megs
I arrived in the Philippines on November 9, 2013 after my
five months stay in the UK and was met by a sad scenario of total devastation.
I was stranded in Manila for two nights but it was not bad there so when I
communicated with my friends in various places around the world, I initially
informed them that our area was not badly affected. Little did I know that some
families were living under waiting sheds, together with their children, in
conditions that were far from ideal. Many were without food and were also cold
and sick. I had promised myself to take a week off from my commitments in
Kalibo upon my arrival in order to take a well deserved rest, but this was not
to be. The moment I landed at Kalibo
International Airport, I saw the remnants of the destruction Typhoon Yolanda had
left behind and it was not until a few days later when I began visiting other
areas that I discovered the full extent of the misery that followed in the wake
of the typhoon.
What disturbed me the most was being informed that Kalibo
would not receive any help from some of the newly elected provincial officials
of the province who had failed to secure a majority vote during the recent election. It is sad that on an occasion such as this,
politics should take precedence over the urgent needs of the people.
As I continue to observe the ongoing situation, I began
to suspect that what I had heard was indeed true, since many
people around me had yet to receive aid despite the fact that a large quantity
of relief goods had already arrived in our town. Upon visiting the ABL Complex I saw the pile of sacks full of relief goods
supposedly intended for our people. The building was full of relief goods with
DSWD stamped upon the sacks.
Whilst this war between greedy and dispassionate
politicians was still ongoing, a story of a twelve year old boy who was living
in America with his mother Ninfa Sarabia and who had seen the devastation on
the news had come to my attention. Ms.
Dehly Sarabia Diangson, a new member of Kool Earth informed me about this young
boy’s message and a spark of hope lifted my heart.
Zachary Sarabia Fernandez, requested that his mother send
his $200 savings to the people of Kalibo so that he could help to buy building
materials for those who had lost their homes. He was saddened by the fact that his
savings were not enough to help everyone who was in need of assistance but he
could only give what he had. This twelve year old boy is intelligent, loving
and compassionate.
Touched by her son’s generosity, and feeling too the need
to help her people, Mrs. Ninfa Sarabia also donated $500.
ZachRay Sarabia Fenandez with his Mom Nimfa Sarabia.
If only those who are committed to serving the people
possessed but a fraction of this young boy’s compassion, our people would not
suffer for long. I only wish that the politicians for whom our town voted, will
have their hearts open and become more aware of the dilemma being currently
endured by our people. Is this not the reason why they seek to be where they
are now, in order to be able to serve our people? Some of these leaders might be living in
comfort now but I know that at the end of the day, it is a clear conscience
that will provide the most comfort.
What is it that really counts? Is it the acquirement of possessions, or is
it the compassion we feel towards our fellow men? If only ..
Hayain and Heart - Grateful recipients of Zachs donation
Despite all the pain and suffering visited upon us by
this calamity, some of our people still managed to find compassion within their
hearts and to rise above this adversity. Their selfless actions have generated
commendation from foreign guests who came to help as well as others resident
abroad. One guest expressed that, “Filipinos
are like coconut trees because they sway with the wind and endure whatever
hardships befall them. Filipinos are resilient and as such are an
inspiration to one and all.
Disasters such as Typhoon Yolanda bring out the best but
also the worst in people. Those who have been instrumental in assisting others
in need are truly worthy of our praise. Many of these I considered to be heroes
in their own right. Those who have put politics and their own self interest
above the needs of our people deserve only our contempt. People such as these
deserve to burn in hell!
As investor and concerned citizen of
New Washington, we would like to assert our right to bring up the most urgent
environmental concerns om the indiscriminate and illegal obstructions of fish
pens, fish cages, etc on the navigable water of Lagatik River, Polo, New
Washington. We are investing millions of
pesos on this emerging eco-tourism projects in the said town and therefore, we
would like to bring it to the proper organization/entity the said concerns.
Please see attached pictures also of
the slaughter house and drainage system of LGU New Washington that need
immediate intervention of your good organization as the only Environmental
Advocate Group in the province of Aklan.
We are hoping for your immediate
action and favorable response. Let us together be vigilant on the right
implementation of our environmental laws.
Swampy area of the Slaughter house has no capacity to properly disposed animal waste materials
The filthy drainage system that pollutes Lagatik River
The market without proper Solid Waste Management System
Illegal waste disposal
Filthy water from illegal waste disposal
Illegal obstruction at the Navigable water of Lagatik River
*******************
RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION
The LGU New Washington as per conference and hearing with DENR Iloilo just recently, found out violating the law and therefore they were prompted to sign a commitment dated Dec 9, 2013 @ 2PM, DENR Region VI office, to comply with the requirements on or before December 30, 2013.
a. To submit application for discharge permit together with teh Engr's Report and the plans and specifications, within 30 days from today Dec. 9. 2013.
b. To complete the additional septic tank by the end of the year (2013).
For the market:
1. For the waste water to go directly to the septic tank and to desludge the septic tank.
2. To apply for a discharge permit with Engr's Report by the end of the year (2013).
Notice of Violation 13-NOVW-06040237 dated November 18, 2013 from DENR Region VI on violation of Chapter 5, Section 27 (a) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9275 of the Clean Water Act of 2004 and improper solid waste disposal as verified and inspected by the EMB Specialist on October 10, 2013.
Original files/documents of the DENR Region VI decision are with the complainant. FYI.
KOOLEARTH - NUMANCIA CHAPTER, election today, August 27, 2013 at LGU Numancia.
(Koolearth, Inc. - An environmental arm of the Aklan Medical Society and the Aklan's Environmental Advocate)
CONGRATULATIONS to
President Hon. Julian G Rome Vice President Mrs. Nieves T. Macahilas Secretary Mrs. May Ann R. Sarabia Treasurer Hon. Jesusita S. Recayo Asst.Sec./Treas Hon. Sherry F. Mationg Auditor Hon, Iliminado C. Briones Jr. P.I.O. Hon. Ruel Malsin Hon. Edna A. Apolinario Bus. Manager Hon. Caroline U. Macavinta Hon. Vic V. Viagero
See you soon on your first inaugural meeting and projects, soon. Thank you for inviting us to LGU Numancia. We are glad to be of service to you!
But, to be fair, we challenge the neighborhood of this LGU to please
do your own investigation. We challenged the DILG, DENR/PENRO,
AKLAN GOVERNMENT, environment advocates and the
PEOPLE OF NEW WASHINGTON.
*********************
RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION
August 1, 2013 at 9:35 am as per investigation of EEDD/MGDS personnel, headed by Engr. Valentin Teodosio, Evy Yap and Mark Balanag with Mr. Heherson Alvarez, EMS II of Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
(Please refer to the original letter from Gov. Florencion Miraflores to DILG dated October 2, 2013 and to the proponent/complainant (Koolearth) dated October 14, 2013, with copy furnished Hon. Pelagio S.Apostol, Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas,Regional Office No. VI,Iloilo CIty for a long narrative report and pictures attached for their investigation.)
Directives to DILG to conduct investigation is per Memorandum No. 2013-058 issued by Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores, Province of Aklan.
Based on the above circumstances, Engr. Bernardo O. Rodriguez, Jr., Project Development Officer IV, Section Head, DENR, that MAYOR EDGAR PERALTA, LGU New Washington, violated Batas Pambansa Bilang 265, "An Act Prohibiting The Extraction of Gravel and Sand from Beaches and Providing Penalties Thereof".
The above action according to Gov. Miraflores' covering letter was referred and directed to the Project Development Officer of the province's Mines and Geosciences Development Service, the results of which was submitted to DILG Aklan.
If you wish to get a copy of the documents, please give email and or call us.
Some fifty local people from barangay Pook
convened once more at the Don Simeon and Dona Encarnacion Cipriano Library after a two months break
.These free medical check- ups started
four years ago when Lt Chita de la Cruz-Heap PCGA, President of Kool Earth, the
Environmental Arm of Aklan and Marine Environmental Protection Officer, noticed
that many of the locals were struggling to cope with their various medical situations.
Lt Heap brought this observation to the
attention of the children of Don Simeon and Dona Encarnacion Cipriano, and without any hesitation Dr. Remedios Cipriano- Gammad, a retired doctor, together with her sister
Mrs. Clarita Cipriano- Fernandez, a retired Med Tech, both from the US, offered
their free services to the locals of Pook.
This medical group was formed there and
then and the sisters were joined by another retired nurse from the USA, Nurse
Lucy Marte-Reloj. Another nurse, Clare Ann Cipriano-Magallanes, the niece of
Dr. Gammad, recently joined the practice. Estrella de la Cruz acts as
receptionist and other volunteers clean
the venue and prepare meals for breakfast for the patients after their check
ups.
Most of the time patients receive
free check-ups and free medication. From time to time people from the neigh
boring areas also come to avail themselves of these free services, and they are
invariably accommodated. This service is fully funded by the family and held every last Saturday of the month.
Kool
Earth is busy with projects in various barangays in Kalibo but the main
project right now is ongoing in the barangay of Estancia where the
barangay Chairman, Kagawad Amelyn Fernandez and NGO Dehly Sarabia
Diangson are working hand in hand with the
locals and really achieving a lot. They are not only into clean up
drive in their area but they also deal with their own beautification
contest in every sitio, so any one who wants to help kool earth collect
prizes for the winners see our contact address and connect with us.
Barangay
Chairman Edison Inocencio also offers a three thousand pesos prize for
the cleanest and beautiful sitio. Other prizes will go to the most
beautiful house gardens, front and back yards. They are busy in
Estancia especially in Libtong where the Aklan river is flowing swiftly.
K.E. foresees a cleaner, greener and healthier environment.
MISSION
Kool Earth, Inc. as an environmental advocate is committed to
educate, inform, collaborate and encourage citizens to be pro-active/get involved
for a healthier community.
GOALS
1. To inform and encourage the community how important it is to have
a cleaner, greener & healthier environment.
2. To collaborate with law-enforcers and concerned groups like the government,
private individual/entity, the media, civic-socio & religious organization,
the academe and other linkages in implementing environmental laws.
3. To advocate policies, practices for the care, protection and conservation of
the ecosystem.
OUR STRATEGIES
• Information Dissemination (school campus tour/pool of speakers/trainers
availability)
• Sanitation and Hygiene (information dissemination)
The group agreed to collaborate with Fil-Bake
Environmental Management Group whose aim
is Zero-Waste regarding the over-seeing of the MRF equipment. Once it can produce
results, the management is willing to pay-back the equipment so that KE will no
longer be responsible for its maintenance. Pres. Chita is very happy with its
decision suggested as it will not hinder KE to move forward, while having
concerns of funds to maintain the said MRF equipment. The owner of the land and
the donor will be notified by Pres. Chita.
Sec.
Megs will take charge of sending letter requesting DepEd assistance to
collaborate with the school-based community environmental group – YES-O to
support the advocacy of KE; to help in the information dissemination of KE and
its partners calendar of events and results through the Aklan Tri-Media and its
documentation.
The
group likewise was very willing to be invited to speak about the organization,
its projects and collaboration. The private medical practitioners who are
members of KE like Dr. Felma Dela Cruz, Dr. Bea Yasa-Diel and Dr. Cynthia Dela
Cruz were among the physicians who are active and always willing to speak about
the harm of waste to our body-system, together with Pres. Chita and Sec. Megs who
will be talking about the ordinances, law and the like.
Because
of being burn-out and succession is a problem in every civic organization, Dr.
Cynthia Dela Cruz, having recently attended the Ateneo Center for Continuing Education, one-week
seminar on leadership and management, shared the following views to the group the system learned during her one-week
course.
EXECUTION (to prioritize goal and align task
according to the capacity of the leader/members)
CALENDAR (start date/end date, projects
should be time bound)
RESPONSIBILITY (point out responsible person
to lead)
LEADERSHIP (delegate task, do not
over-do/work, take one step-at-a-time)
As
paperless is encouraged, if possible,
all the information for the members will be sent to their email, mobile
numbers and or to be posted in the website.
