Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:55:00 04/27/2009
INQUIRER.net
LEGAZPI CITY, Albay—Jeepney drivers refusing to pay new increases in fines for traffic violations did not ply their routes on Monday morning, stranding commuters in the main streets of Bicol’s four provinces.
Organizers of the transport holiday said they were protesting the “unreasonably increased traffic fines, fees, and penalties” being imposed nationwide by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The Concerned Drivers and Operators for Reform (Condor) asked for a moratorium and revocation of Order 1008-39 of the Department of Transportationand Communications. The affiliate of the Pagkakaisa Ng Mga Samahan Ng Tsuper At Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) has around 10,000 public utility drivers and operators as members in Bicol.
Ramon Roco, LTO regional director in Bicol, said the penalties for traffic violations were increased in March by as much as 1,000 percent under the DOTC order.
Driving without license now carries a fine of P1,500, or double the old rate. For unregistered or delinquently registered vehicles or those traveling with expired plates, the fine has been raised from P900 to up to P4,000.
For violators
For out-of-line vehicles, popularly referred to as “colorum,” the fine was increased from P1,000 to P6,000.
Licenses of violators are also suspended for 90 days, much longer that the old period of only seven days.
Mar Magistrado, LTO regional operations chief, said that as early as 2008, the agency had been disseminating information about the new penalty scheme and had been getting negative reactions, especially from transport groups.
But he said the new policy was intended for violators. “It will not affect the livelihood of public drivers. It will affect only if they will refuse to obey traffic regulations,” he said.
Roco said the new fines were low compared to other countries that strictly enforce traffic laws. “In the United States, a person could go bankrupt just for drunk-driving but here fines are really low that drivers would no longer mind if they committed violations,” he added.
Joel Ascutia, Condor-Piston regional president in Bicol, said in a phone interview that Monday’s strike was successful although some drivers did not join because they needed money. “Many of our drivers are saving up for the tuition of their children,” he said.
Ephraim Aguilar and Rey M. Nasol, Inquirer Southern Luzon
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Bicol transport strike held vs steep fines
By Ephraim Aguilar
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 14:39:00 04/27/2009
INQUIRER.net
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines--Vehicular traffic has been paralyzed late Monday morning in four provinces in the Bicol region.
This was after the transport group Condor-Piston held a transport holiday to protest the government's exorbitant fines on traffic violations.
Condor-Piston (Concerned Drivers and Operators for Reform-Pagkakaisa Ng Mga Samahan Ng Tsuper At Opereytor Nationwide) is asking a moratorium and revocation of Order 1008-39 of the Department of Transportation and Communication which it said "unreasonably increased traffic fines, fees, and penalties" being charged nationwide by its implementing arm, the Land Transportation Office.
As of 10 a.m., 95 percent of public utility vehicles in Albay province were taking part in the transport holiday, 85 percent in Camarines Sur, 80 percent in Camarines Norte while a motorcade protest was held in Masbate province, said Joel Ascutia, Condor-Piston regional president in Bicol.
A transport strike was also staged simultaneously in Davao City.
Condor-Piston, an affiliate of Piston, has around 10,000 public utility drivers and operators under in its wing in the Bicol region.
George San Mateo, Piston national secretary general, said the transport group is asking President Macapagal-Arroyo to intervene after DOTC refused to suspend the order despite a recommendation of the House committee on transportation.
On April 21, the House committee held a public hearing attended by transport group leaders wherein the committee ruled that the DOTC order has to be suspended for lack of public consultation before passage and for its arbitrary implementation.
San Mateo said Piston and its affiliates would continue to hold protests and even a nationwide transport strike until the order is canceled.
Ascutia said in a phone interview that the strike turned out to be successful although some drivers opted not to join the transport holiday due to financial need.
"Many of our drivers are saving up for tuition fee of their children come the enrollment period next month and the opening of classes in June," said Ascutia, also the concurrent Condor-Piston national deputy secretary general.
On March 26, a transport strike was held by Piston in its provincial affiliates in Cebu, Negros and Bacolod City.
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 14:39:00 04/27/2009
INQUIRER.net
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines--Vehicular traffic has been paralyzed late Monday morning in four provinces in the Bicol region.
This was after the transport group Condor-Piston held a transport holiday to protest the government's exorbitant fines on traffic violations.
Condor-Piston (Concerned Drivers and Operators for Reform-Pagkakaisa Ng Mga Samahan Ng Tsuper At Opereytor Nationwide) is asking a moratorium and revocation of Order 1008-39 of the Department of Transportation and Communication which it said "unreasonably increased traffic fines, fees, and penalties" being charged nationwide by its implementing arm, the Land Transportation Office.
As of 10 a.m., 95 percent of public utility vehicles in Albay province were taking part in the transport holiday, 85 percent in Camarines Sur, 80 percent in Camarines Norte while a motorcade protest was held in Masbate province, said Joel Ascutia, Condor-Piston regional president in Bicol.
A transport strike was also staged simultaneously in Davao City.
Condor-Piston, an affiliate of Piston, has around 10,000 public utility drivers and operators under in its wing in the Bicol region.
George San Mateo, Piston national secretary general, said the transport group is asking President Macapagal-Arroyo to intervene after DOTC refused to suspend the order despite a recommendation of the House committee on transportation.
On April 21, the House committee held a public hearing attended by transport group leaders wherein the committee ruled that the DOTC order has to be suspended for lack of public consultation before passage and for its arbitrary implementation.
San Mateo said Piston and its affiliates would continue to hold protests and even a nationwide transport strike until the order is canceled.
Ascutia said in a phone interview that the strike turned out to be successful although some drivers opted not to join the transport holiday due to financial need.
"Many of our drivers are saving up for tuition fee of their children come the enrollment period next month and the opening of classes in June," said Ascutia, also the concurrent Condor-Piston national deputy secretary general.
On March 26, a transport strike was held by Piston in its provincial affiliates in Cebu, Negros and Bacolod City.
Sun-dried beef tapa cooks in just seconds
By Ephraim Aguilar
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:16:00 04/26/2009
INQUIRER.net
MASBATE CITY, Philippines -- Breakfast that cooks in just seconds.
This is what the business of Mariano Natural, 53, and wife Mercy, 55, is all about. They manufacture and sell tasty beef tapa that cooks in as fast as three seconds.
Tapa is a mainstay on the Filipino breakfast table. It is meat cut in thin slices and cured with salt and spices to preserve it.
The word “tapa” is associated with smoked fish, which is natively called “tinapa.” It is usually fried or grilled and served with “achara” or pickles.
The couple’s beef tapa is not just cured with salt and spices but is also sun-dried. Cooking it is faster than driving through the nearest fast-food restaurant to have your fill before you go to work.
This homemade tapa has started to reach places through trade fairs organized by the Department of Trade and Industry in Metro Manila and by word of mouth.
There are balikbayan and overseas workers, like those from Saudi Arabia and Germany, who have placed orders to bring with them this tasty meat abroad.
In a government-sponsored trade fair at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay reportedly ordered 20 kilograms of beef tapa from the Natural couple.
Longganisa
The couple works out of Barangay Tugbo here, which is about 15-minute tricycle drive from the Masbate port. They started with making and selling homemade longganisa to augment Mariano’s income as a fisherman and vendor.
He is the president of the Masbate Fish Vendors’ Association.
“We thought if we’re going to engage in business, it had to be related to food,” Mariano said. “It is a common need and will never run out of demand.”
He added that Mercy thought of making homemade longganisa with a P10,000-capital. The new business had fair sales and ran smoothly.
After Mercy attended government-sponsored training programs, she learned how to create other products like beef tapa, pork tapa, and bamboo shoot pickles.
This was the humble start of what later would become the Nomer’s Masbate Meat Processing.
The home-based company now earns at least P100,000 in net income in a week and is seeking to become a household name, hoping to tap the export market.
Ranches
Touted as the rodeo capital of the Philippines, Masbate is known for its ranches. Cattle-raising has been a long-running tradition in this island province.
The Natural couple sources out meat from local ranches, making sure the meat is fresh and of good quality.
The meat is marinated in special seasoning for more than 24 hours to lock in the flavor. Then it is sun-dried for an entire day and cut into strips.
The cut tapa is then vacuum-sealed in a pack and labeled.
The Mariano couple learned modern packaging techniques through programs of the DTI.
3 seconds
After the tapa has been dunked in heated oil, it will only take three seconds to cook it before it is ready for consumption.
Not only does the tapa cook very fast, it also has a long shelf-life.
“[The tapa can] last for five to six months, or even up to a year if kept frozen,” Mariano said.
Nomer’s beef tapa sells for P100 for every 125 grams, the pork tapa for P75, and the pickled bamboo shoots for P60 a bottle.
The tapa is also available in different flavors: sweet-spicy, salty, spicy, sweet.
Mercy said it would be necessary to add more flavor options since people’s tastes also vary.
She said she hopes they could export their products someday, but that they would need to first upgrade their facilities to increase production.
They also need to learn strategies on how to tap the foreign market.
She admitted that they still have a long way to go, adding that small Filipino entrepreneurs need to have continuous education and support from the government to enable their businesses to grow.
“We need a dehydrator so that when the sun doesn’t shine, we can still produce something,” Mercy said. “Today, we only rely on the natural heat of the sun to dry our meat.”
She said they are expecting to receive equipment grants from the Department of Science and Technology this year.
Nomer’s Masbate Meat Processing contact number is (0908) 566-9159.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:16:00 04/26/2009
INQUIRER.net
MASBATE CITY, Philippines -- Breakfast that cooks in just seconds.
This is what the business of Mariano Natural, 53, and wife Mercy, 55, is all about. They manufacture and sell tasty beef tapa that cooks in as fast as three seconds.
Tapa is a mainstay on the Filipino breakfast table. It is meat cut in thin slices and cured with salt and spices to preserve it.
The word “tapa” is associated with smoked fish, which is natively called “tinapa.” It is usually fried or grilled and served with “achara” or pickles.
The couple’s beef tapa is not just cured with salt and spices but is also sun-dried. Cooking it is faster than driving through the nearest fast-food restaurant to have your fill before you go to work.
This homemade tapa has started to reach places through trade fairs organized by the Department of Trade and Industry in Metro Manila and by word of mouth.
There are balikbayan and overseas workers, like those from Saudi Arabia and Germany, who have placed orders to bring with them this tasty meat abroad.
In a government-sponsored trade fair at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay reportedly ordered 20 kilograms of beef tapa from the Natural couple.
Longganisa
The couple works out of Barangay Tugbo here, which is about 15-minute tricycle drive from the Masbate port. They started with making and selling homemade longganisa to augment Mariano’s income as a fisherman and vendor.
He is the president of the Masbate Fish Vendors’ Association.
“We thought if we’re going to engage in business, it had to be related to food,” Mariano said. “It is a common need and will never run out of demand.”
He added that Mercy thought of making homemade longganisa with a P10,000-capital. The new business had fair sales and ran smoothly.
After Mercy attended government-sponsored training programs, she learned how to create other products like beef tapa, pork tapa, and bamboo shoot pickles.
This was the humble start of what later would become the Nomer’s Masbate Meat Processing.
The home-based company now earns at least P100,000 in net income in a week and is seeking to become a household name, hoping to tap the export market.
Ranches
Touted as the rodeo capital of the Philippines, Masbate is known for its ranches. Cattle-raising has been a long-running tradition in this island province.
The Natural couple sources out meat from local ranches, making sure the meat is fresh and of good quality.
The meat is marinated in special seasoning for more than 24 hours to lock in the flavor. Then it is sun-dried for an entire day and cut into strips.
The cut tapa is then vacuum-sealed in a pack and labeled.
The Mariano couple learned modern packaging techniques through programs of the DTI.
3 seconds
After the tapa has been dunked in heated oil, it will only take three seconds to cook it before it is ready for consumption.
Not only does the tapa cook very fast, it also has a long shelf-life.
“[The tapa can] last for five to six months, or even up to a year if kept frozen,” Mariano said.
Nomer’s beef tapa sells for P100 for every 125 grams, the pork tapa for P75, and the pickled bamboo shoots for P60 a bottle.
The tapa is also available in different flavors: sweet-spicy, salty, spicy, sweet.
Mercy said it would be necessary to add more flavor options since people’s tastes also vary.
She said she hopes they could export their products someday, but that they would need to first upgrade their facilities to increase production.
They also need to learn strategies on how to tap the foreign market.
She admitted that they still have a long way to go, adding that small Filipino entrepreneurs need to have continuous education and support from the government to enable their businesses to grow.
“We need a dehydrator so that when the sun doesn’t shine, we can still produce something,” Mercy said. “Today, we only rely on the natural heat of the sun to dry our meat.”
She said they are expecting to receive equipment grants from the Department of Science and Technology this year.
Nomer’s Masbate Meat Processing contact number is (0908) 566-9159.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Quake jolts Legazpi
By Ephraim Aguilar
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 12:09:00 04/07/2009
Filed Under: Earthquake
INQUIRER.net
LEGAZPI CITY--A magnitude 3.7 earthquake shook this city 6:37 p.m. Monday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in Manila reported.
Local villagers described the earthquake as "strong but abrupt." It was strong enough to be felt by a person sitting down. The strong and quick jolt was followed by weaker tremors that lasted not more than 10 seconds.
State seismologists, in a bulletin, said the earthquake, which was tectonic in origin, was located 23 kilometers north of Legazpi City. No damage to infrastructure was expected.
On Sunday dawn, two earthquakes were also recorded, a magnitude 3.1 in Baguio City and a magnitude 4.2 in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 12:09:00 04/07/2009
Filed Under: Earthquake
INQUIRER.net
LEGAZPI CITY--A magnitude 3.7 earthquake shook this city 6:37 p.m. Monday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in Manila reported.
Local villagers described the earthquake as "strong but abrupt." It was strong enough to be felt by a person sitting down. The strong and quick jolt was followed by weaker tremors that lasted not more than 10 seconds.
State seismologists, in a bulletin, said the earthquake, which was tectonic in origin, was located 23 kilometers north of Legazpi City. No damage to infrastructure was expected.
On Sunday dawn, two earthquakes were also recorded, a magnitude 3.1 in Baguio City and a magnitude 4.2 in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Villar’s rivals seek injured boy in Masbate
By Ephraim Aguilar
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 17:37:00 03/26/2009
Filed Under: Politics, Accidents (general)
INQUIRER.net
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines--The boy who was run over by horses in Masbate City last week is now stable and out of danger, but this time, he is being run over by different creatures: annoying politicians.
Russell, 11, a fifth-grade student of Jose Zurbito Elementary School, was wounded as Senator Manuel Villar’s helicopter was landing in the sports arena where the annual Rodeo Masbateño festival was opened.
The chopper’s landing stirred up dust on the ground and spooked five horses, which dashed around the stadium, running over Russell who sustained facial abrasions and contusions in the head.
“We were nervous when we heard about what happened to our son. First, because we weren’t there and we had no idea how serious it was,” Russell’s father, Roberto Bentor said in a phone interview.
Villar’s dramatic entrance, which cut a speech of a top local official, sparked criticism from some of the locals, saying it was improper.
Russell was rushed to the hospital semi-conscious and had to breathe through oxygen equipment. Doctors have also kept a dextrose plugged to his vein during his first day of stay in the hospital.
His classmates paid a visit until he regained consciousness.
His teacher Lovella Patricio claimed that Russell had a seizure right after his fall. He did not undergo a CT scan, which was not available in Masbate City.
Bentor said they only wanted a CT scan for his son to make sure he was completely safe after the head injury.
He added the hospital bills were covered by their PhilHealth insurance.
Salvador Belgica, Jose Zurbito Elementary School principal, who had a meeting with Russell’s parents Thursday, said the family was not interested in any financial help and would only want their lives back to normal.
Belgica said politicians wooing Russell’s family have been bothersome and annoying.
He said Russell was getting scared by the unusual attention he and his family have been getting.
Roberto said that, after the incident, at least four political camps, known to be Villar’s rivals in the 2010 presidential elections, had approached them.
He, however, refused to name who the politicians were.
“We did not entertain any of them and we have no plans of accepting any offer from them. We don’t want to get involved in politics,” Roberto said in Filipino.
There were also radio reports this week that Russell was still in serious condition but Dr. Adolfo Almanzor, Masbate provincial health officer, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that he was discharged from the hospital a day after he was admitted.
Earlier, Villar said he had no intention of disrupting the event and apologized to those who felt offended.
“From what I know, there were some [safety] issues but the pilot was able to land without too much disruption. Nevertheless, if some people were inconvenienced, I apologize. The very warm reception of the crowd on that occasion encourages me to return to Masbate soonest,” he said.
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 17:37:00 03/26/2009
Filed Under: Politics, Accidents (general)
INQUIRER.net
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines--The boy who was run over by horses in Masbate City last week is now stable and out of danger, but this time, he is being run over by different creatures: annoying politicians.
Russell, 11, a fifth-grade student of Jose Zurbito Elementary School, was wounded as Senator Manuel Villar’s helicopter was landing in the sports arena where the annual Rodeo Masbateño festival was opened.
The chopper’s landing stirred up dust on the ground and spooked five horses, which dashed around the stadium, running over Russell who sustained facial abrasions and contusions in the head.
“We were nervous when we heard about what happened to our son. First, because we weren’t there and we had no idea how serious it was,” Russell’s father, Roberto Bentor said in a phone interview.
Villar’s dramatic entrance, which cut a speech of a top local official, sparked criticism from some of the locals, saying it was improper.
Russell was rushed to the hospital semi-conscious and had to breathe through oxygen equipment. Doctors have also kept a dextrose plugged to his vein during his first day of stay in the hospital.
His classmates paid a visit until he regained consciousness.
His teacher Lovella Patricio claimed that Russell had a seizure right after his fall. He did not undergo a CT scan, which was not available in Masbate City.
Bentor said they only wanted a CT scan for his son to make sure he was completely safe after the head injury.
He added the hospital bills were covered by their PhilHealth insurance.
Salvador Belgica, Jose Zurbito Elementary School principal, who had a meeting with Russell’s parents Thursday, said the family was not interested in any financial help and would only want their lives back to normal.
Belgica said politicians wooing Russell’s family have been bothersome and annoying.
He said Russell was getting scared by the unusual attention he and his family have been getting.
Roberto said that, after the incident, at least four political camps, known to be Villar’s rivals in the 2010 presidential elections, had approached them.
He, however, refused to name who the politicians were.
“We did not entertain any of them and we have no plans of accepting any offer from them. We don’t want to get involved in politics,” Roberto said in Filipino.
There were also radio reports this week that Russell was still in serious condition but Dr. Adolfo Almanzor, Masbate provincial health officer, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that he was discharged from the hospital a day after he was admitted.
Earlier, Villar said he had no intention of disrupting the event and apologized to those who felt offended.
“From what I know, there were some [safety] issues but the pilot was able to land without too much disruption. Nevertheless, if some people were inconvenienced, I apologize. The very warm reception of the crowd on that occasion encourages me to return to Masbate soonest,” he said.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Cowboy Manny spooks horses, guests in rodeo
By Ephraim Aguilar
INQUIRER.net
MASBATE CITY--Talk about a dramatic entrance.
A helicopter descended from the heavens, stirring up dust, while a political jingle played at full blast. Senator Manuel Villar, who came dressed as a cowboy, alighted from the chopper and was brought to the grandstand by a mob of aides and supporters.
This happened in the middle of the opening ceremonies of the annual Rodeo Masbateño festival here on Wednesday, disrupting a speech by a top local tourism official.
Five horses, spooked by the chopper’s landing, dashed around the stadium like mad creatures and ran over a boy who was injured and rushed to the hospital.
Dr. Adolfo Almanzor, provincial health officer, said the boy arrived at the hospital semiconscious and was found to have suffered abrasions on his face as well as cerebral contusions.
Meanwhile, the star-struck masses howled as cowboy Villar paced closer and started shaking everyone’s hand.
Villar, who is running for president in 2010, later delivered a speech.
Respect culture of place
For most people, the senator’s entrance was too grand to ignore.
But for education supervisor Erusita Rosero, cultural coordinator of the Department of Education in Masbate City, Villar’s behavior was not proper.
“No one should disrupt an activity like that. Visitors should properly respect the culture of a place,” Rosero said.
“Since he (Villar) was invited by politicians, there could also be something political behind his visit,” she added.
So sorry
Rosero said all guests were welcome to Masbate. She added there was nothing wrong with inviting Villar but his visit should not be used as an opportunity to campaign.
Throughout the opening rites, Villar was repeatedly referred to by emcees and other politicians as the “next president of the Republic of the Philippines.”
Asked for comment, Villar said he had no intention of disrupting the event and apologized to those who felt offended.
“From what I know, there were some [safety] issues but the pilot was able to land without too much disruption. Nevertheless, if some people were inconvenienced, I apologize. The very warm reception of the crowd on that occasion encourages me to return to Masbate soonest,” he said.
Not intentional
Masbate Governor Elisa Kho, who was with Villar during his late entrance, said the circumstances were not within the senator’s control.
She said they already apologized to Maria Ong-Ravanilla, regional director of the Department of Tourism, for unintentionally disrupting her speech.
“I think it was not being disrespectful,” Kho said in a phone interview.
She added that the 2010 elections were not that far off and politicians tend to grab every opportunity to introduce themselves to the public.
“It cannot be avoided,” Kho said.
She also said that Villar pledged support for the annual rodeo festival and to Masbate province once he was elected president.
Why not the airport?
Local trader Carmelito Fajara, 37, said there were varied reactions from Masbate residents. Some were offended, while others couldn’t care less.
“But since the city has an airport, I think it would have been wiser if [Villar] had landed there so he could quietly enter the stadium,” Fajara said.
“It’s only now, after many years, that I have witnessed such a scene during the rodeo festival!” he added.
“Dili pa ngani siya nagiging presidente (He is not even president yet),” was another comment from a local resident.
INQUIRER.net
MASBATE CITY--Talk about a dramatic entrance.
A helicopter descended from the heavens, stirring up dust, while a political jingle played at full blast. Senator Manuel Villar, who came dressed as a cowboy, alighted from the chopper and was brought to the grandstand by a mob of aides and supporters.
This happened in the middle of the opening ceremonies of the annual Rodeo Masbateño festival here on Wednesday, disrupting a speech by a top local tourism official.
Five horses, spooked by the chopper’s landing, dashed around the stadium like mad creatures and ran over a boy who was injured and rushed to the hospital.
Dr. Adolfo Almanzor, provincial health officer, said the boy arrived at the hospital semiconscious and was found to have suffered abrasions on his face as well as cerebral contusions.
Meanwhile, the star-struck masses howled as cowboy Villar paced closer and started shaking everyone’s hand.
Villar, who is running for president in 2010, later delivered a speech.
Respect culture of place
For most people, the senator’s entrance was too grand to ignore.
But for education supervisor Erusita Rosero, cultural coordinator of the Department of Education in Masbate City, Villar’s behavior was not proper.
“No one should disrupt an activity like that. Visitors should properly respect the culture of a place,” Rosero said.
“Since he (Villar) was invited by politicians, there could also be something political behind his visit,” she added.
So sorry
Rosero said all guests were welcome to Masbate. She added there was nothing wrong with inviting Villar but his visit should not be used as an opportunity to campaign.
Throughout the opening rites, Villar was repeatedly referred to by emcees and other politicians as the “next president of the Republic of the Philippines.”
Asked for comment, Villar said he had no intention of disrupting the event and apologized to those who felt offended.
“From what I know, there were some [safety] issues but the pilot was able to land without too much disruption. Nevertheless, if some people were inconvenienced, I apologize. The very warm reception of the crowd on that occasion encourages me to return to Masbate soonest,” he said.
Not intentional
Masbate Governor Elisa Kho, who was with Villar during his late entrance, said the circumstances were not within the senator’s control.
She said they already apologized to Maria Ong-Ravanilla, regional director of the Department of Tourism, for unintentionally disrupting her speech.
“I think it was not being disrespectful,” Kho said in a phone interview.
She added that the 2010 elections were not that far off and politicians tend to grab every opportunity to introduce themselves to the public.
“It cannot be avoided,” Kho said.
She also said that Villar pledged support for the annual rodeo festival and to Masbate province once he was elected president.
Why not the airport?
Local trader Carmelito Fajara, 37, said there were varied reactions from Masbate residents. Some were offended, while others couldn’t care less.
“But since the city has an airport, I think it would have been wiser if [Villar] had landed there so he could quietly enter the stadium,” Fajara said.
“It’s only now, after many years, that I have witnessed such a scene during the rodeo festival!” he added.
“Dili pa ngani siya nagiging presidente (He is not even president yet),” was another comment from a local resident.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Villar’s visit to Masbate spooks horses
By Ephraim Aguilar
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 18:13:00 03/21/2009
INQUIRER.net
MASBATE CITY, Masbate—(Update) A senator’s chopper descended from heaven, churning up clouds of dust from ground, and then a political jingle began to play loudly as he was ushered by a mob of aides and supporters to the grandstand.
This happened in the middle of the opening ceremonies of the Rodeo Masbateño festival here last Wednesday, disrupting the speech of a top local tourism official.
Five horses in one corner of the stadium were spooked by the helicopter’s landing and vaulted away, overrunning a boy who had to be rushed to a hospital.
Dr. Adolfo Almanzor, provincial health officer, said the boy, who was semi-conscious when brought to the hospital, suffered abrasions and cerebral contusions.
Probably star-struck, the masses howled as Senator Manuel Villar, who is running for president in 2010 and was dressed like a cowboy, paced closer to them and shook everyone’s hand.
The senator’s dramatic entrance was too grand to ignore, but for some it was a form of disrespect.
For education supervisor Erusita Rosero, cultural coordinator of the Department of Education in Masbate City, said Villar’s behavior was not proper.
“No one should disrupt an activity like that. Visitors should properly respect the culture of a place,” she said.
“Since he (Villar) was invited by politicians, there could also be something political behind his visit,” Rosero said.
She added that every guest was welcome to Masbate province and that there was nothing wrong with Villar being invited but she wished his arrival at the festival should not have been used for careless campaigning.
“Sa pagkaka-alam ko, although there were slight issues, the pilot was able to land safely without too much disruption,” Villar said in a statement e-mailed to the Inquire Saturday evening. “Nevertheless, if some people were inconvenienced, I apologize. The very warm reception of the crowd on that occasion encourages me to return to Masbate soonest. I thank them.”
Throughout the opening rites, Villar was repeatedly addressed by emcees and other politicians as the “next president of the Republic of the Philippines.”
Local trader Carmelito Lajara, 37, said there could be varying reactions from people; some might have been offended while others may have not.
“But since the city has an airport, I think it could have been wiser if [Villar] landed there instead so he could more quietly enter the venue. In that way, he wouldn’t get so much attention,” Fajara said.
“Only now, after many years that I have witnessed the Rodeo festival, did such a scene happen!” Fajara said.
“Dili pa ngani siya nagiging presidente, (He has not yet even become president)” was a common side comment from some Masbate residents.
Sought for comment, Masbate Governor Elisa Kho, who was with Villar during his late entrance, said the circumstances were not within Villar’s control.
She added that they apologized to Maria Ong-Ravanilla, regional director of the Department of Tourism, for disrupting her speech.
“I think it was not being disrespectful,” Kho said in a phone interview, explaining that the 2010 election were not so far off and politicians had to grab every opportunity to introduce themselves to the public. “It cannot be avoided.”
She added that Villar pledged support to the annual Rodeo festival and to Masbate province once he is elected as president.
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 18:13:00 03/21/2009
INQUIRER.net
MASBATE CITY, Masbate—(Update) A senator’s chopper descended from heaven, churning up clouds of dust from ground, and then a political jingle began to play loudly as he was ushered by a mob of aides and supporters to the grandstand.
This happened in the middle of the opening ceremonies of the Rodeo Masbateño festival here last Wednesday, disrupting the speech of a top local tourism official.
Five horses in one corner of the stadium were spooked by the helicopter’s landing and vaulted away, overrunning a boy who had to be rushed to a hospital.
Dr. Adolfo Almanzor, provincial health officer, said the boy, who was semi-conscious when brought to the hospital, suffered abrasions and cerebral contusions.
Probably star-struck, the masses howled as Senator Manuel Villar, who is running for president in 2010 and was dressed like a cowboy, paced closer to them and shook everyone’s hand.
The senator’s dramatic entrance was too grand to ignore, but for some it was a form of disrespect.
For education supervisor Erusita Rosero, cultural coordinator of the Department of Education in Masbate City, said Villar’s behavior was not proper.
“No one should disrupt an activity like that. Visitors should properly respect the culture of a place,” she said.
“Since he (Villar) was invited by politicians, there could also be something political behind his visit,” Rosero said.
She added that every guest was welcome to Masbate province and that there was nothing wrong with Villar being invited but she wished his arrival at the festival should not have been used for careless campaigning.
“Sa pagkaka-alam ko, although there were slight issues, the pilot was able to land safely without too much disruption,” Villar said in a statement e-mailed to the Inquire Saturday evening. “Nevertheless, if some people were inconvenienced, I apologize. The very warm reception of the crowd on that occasion encourages me to return to Masbate soonest. I thank them.”
Throughout the opening rites, Villar was repeatedly addressed by emcees and other politicians as the “next president of the Republic of the Philippines.”
Local trader Carmelito Lajara, 37, said there could be varying reactions from people; some might have been offended while others may have not.
“But since the city has an airport, I think it could have been wiser if [Villar] landed there instead so he could more quietly enter the venue. In that way, he wouldn’t get so much attention,” Fajara said.
“Only now, after many years that I have witnessed the Rodeo festival, did such a scene happen!” Fajara said.
“Dili pa ngani siya nagiging presidente, (He has not yet even become president)” was a common side comment from some Masbate residents.
Sought for comment, Masbate Governor Elisa Kho, who was with Villar during his late entrance, said the circumstances were not within Villar’s control.
She added that they apologized to Maria Ong-Ravanilla, regional director of the Department of Tourism, for disrupting her speech.
“I think it was not being disrespectful,” Kho said in a phone interview, explaining that the 2010 election were not so far off and politicians had to grab every opportunity to introduce themselves to the public. “It cannot be avoided.”
She added that Villar pledged support to the annual Rodeo festival and to Masbate province once he is elected as president.
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