Pet Melliza: Lagundi and yesteryears

Pet Melliza: Lagundi and yesteryears: By Pet Melliza The weather has gone haywire. It blows hot and cold. Unexpected downpours during All Saints Day after an interlude of parchi...

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Boy Scout Roy B. Babas, in memoriam

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By Pet Melliza/The Beekeeper Iloilo Gov.  Arthur D. Defensor (center in light shirt) and Estancia Mayor Rene Cordero (beside the governor) unveil the monument of Scout Roy.  By now, he could have been 53 and, if he married at 20, he would have grandchildren. However, Roy B. Babas, gave up his life at a tender age because of a freak accident 41 years ago, January 24, 1971. He was 12 years old and a grade five pupil. Babas, orphaned of both parents and cared for by his paternal  lolo   eked out a living on weekends and holidays as cargador , carrying luggage of passengers of vessels docking on the wharf of Estancia, Iloilo. Bionat: When I broached the idea to the governor of erecting a monument in honor of Scout Roy, he nodded at once. Scout Roy was his buddy in the Boy Scout. He promised silently beside the latter's bier that he will work it out to have a monument built for him. Defensor: Bravery and helpfullness are among the virtue...
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Kalampay getting scarce and costly

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Today a kilo of kalampay fetches P80 to P140, at par with other fishes. This freshwater crab was almost free before. Photo above shows a freshly broiled crab. Kalampay" for sale was almost unheard of 40 years ago. The freshwater crab teemed in Iloilo rivers and people caught it for free. Today, it fetches the minimum P80 per kilo. Surprisingly, Iloilo River, dubbed the country's biggest septic tank after Pasig River, is still home to crabs and shrimps that Ilonggos consume. Mention the word today to the young generation and they would stare at you bewildered. "Kalampay? Ano ra man? (Kalampay? What's that.)" They more they would stare at you blankly if you asked them what "katang" and "baringay" are. The usage of term is getting scarcer like the fate of kalampay. "Katang" is a juvenile kalampay, the size a half thumb while "baringay" are botton size ones that migrate inland from the sea where they are spawned. ...
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Has DPWH formed the BSWA?

The Beekeeper How far and fast has the Philippine Government been in complying with Republic Act 6716? Had the present and past administrations been as diligent as the present Malacanang tenant’s profligacy in letting loose expletives, the Philippine Archipelago must by this time be teeming with fresh water sources. So far, there is no compliance to RA 6716, an “act providing for the construction of water wells, rainwater collectors, development of springs and rehabilitation of existing water walls in all barangays in the Philippines.” The law commands the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to undertake the construction of the above water collecting facilities “30 days” from approval as well as rehabilitate existing wells. Still, DPWH must report to the respective committees on public works and highways of the Lower and Upper houses on its accomplishments “90 days” from the passage of the law, and thereafter, every 180 days. RA 6716, intends to cushion th...
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