Freedom of the Press

BY ATTY. RONQUILLO C. TOLENTINO
AKLAN journalists are well aware of their responsibilities believing as they do that they pay a very important role in Aklan development and progress.
So many of them would stress the Jeffersonian statements of preference for a press without government than a government without a press, firm in their adherence to that democratic principle enshrined by Thomas Jefferson in his Letter which, states, thus: “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that it cannot be limited without being lost.”
And Aklanon journalists are wont to remember Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s defense of the freedom of the press when the great American president said: “Freedom of conscience, of education, of speech, of assembly are among the very fundamentals of democracy and all of them would be nullified should freedom of the press ever be successfully challenged.”
I would say with enough candors that Aklanon journalists, whether in the print or electronic media, are firm believers that freedom, to use the words of Carlos P. Romulo, initiates responsibilities and ultimately comes to generate the intelligence, initiative and wisdom that make for restraint and order.
And the awareness of that Harvard University President Nathan Pussey phrase of “those wise restraints that make men free.”
Aklan journalists, as before and now, have considered the freedom of the press as one of the radical rights of men coupled with the awareness that philosophers and constitutionalists from Voltaire to Justice Holmes had enshrined in their writings the validity and need of his freedom.
Earlier Aklan journalists would center their writings more on the history, tradition, customs, culture of Aklan. But it was not to be so for long albeit Aklan was young.
Journalists having affection for the printed word even long before the advent of radio and Aklan separation were probably imbued with importance of newspapers.
I remember Carlos P. Romulo, former UP president; one time president of the United Nations General Assembly, a former foreign affairs secretary, newspaper editor and publisher and Pulitzer Prize winner, once said: “A newspaper has a function all its own. It commands an audience which other types of news media – the radio and TV for example, cannot reach with any commendable effect. The interpretation of events, the interplay of fact and opinion, the color and tension of points of view – these are matters which other media of communication cannot transmit with the convenience and ease, let alone with the authority of the printed page. In the last analysis, it is perhaps to our intelligence and precisely where that intelligence resides, which is the mind that the newspaper addresses itself.”
Aklanon newspapermen, like the great Carlos P. Romulo, have their interest in newspapers derived from a long and personal affection with the printed word.
And is an affection cherished by most, if not all, newspapermen.
To quote Romulo again: “It is from that love that our society today enjoys a considerable measure of contact with events and with the men and women all over the world that are involved in them. Our newspapers have even gone beyond this. They have consciously, and from day to day, helped us to understand ourselves and the complicated world we lived in.”
Corollary to the law creating Aklan as a distinct and separate province came politics, or if you will the politics of governance. Political groupings were formed, each political party seeking the mandate of the Aklan electorate to lead the province even as they saw the rich and vast God-given natural resources of the province then waiting for orchestrated development.
In their own respective times and administrations, they have focused on Aklan development albeit on different approaches and targets, on divergent political versions, thinking and perspectives.
Believing that public opinion should be the constant source of liberty and democracy, Aklan journalists have freely commented on the conduct of public officials, inclusive of candidates of public office.
The journalists in our province are well aware that “this privilege rest on the sound policy of encouraging discussion as a means of informing the public as to what is happening as to what should be done in public affairs thus, promoting the adoption of sound measures and deterring misconducts by those who administer the affairs of government. It is in the interest of continuing debate on matters of policy and questions of public good that the recognition of press freedom ultimately rests.”
The arrival of radio broadcasting in Aklan expanded the frontiers of press freedom and journalism. Aklanons have realized the importance of radio as a means of communicating their ideas.
And so with politicians to their constituencies. The importance of radio to Aklan progress and development actually needs no further elaboration. Suffice it to say that radio shall remain as the fastest means of transmitting news and other information materials.On the 47th anniversary of Aklan and on the night of April 25, 2003 on the occasion of the First Community Press Summit sponsored by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. in cooperation with the Aklan Press Club, Congressman Apolinario Lozada, Jr., Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, had occasion to state: “Media holds the power to sway minds to influence the opinion of the masses, to convince people that a glass in indeed half-empty or half-full. But, with this power comes the responsibility of accuracy and truth in reportage. Media’s power over the people is most apparent in the broadcast industry – in radio and television – where sound and tone (and image, in the case of TV) contributes to the effective conveyance of emotions for against persons, things or ideas. Undisputably, media can make or unmake fortunes. It is small wonder, therefore that so many rich and famous individuals race against each other to gain control of media-related enterprises.”
“Of the three vehicles of mass communications, radio is considered the most potent in our country. This is because radio, being the most affordable, has the widest reach. In rural areas unreachable to print media and televisions, the radio continues to be major source of information and entertainment in this part of the Philippines, I do believe so.”
“By the sheer size of their publics, therefore, our radio broadcaster should be among the most influential of media practitioners. To them, therefore, the responsibility of truth and accuracy should weigh heavier, not only because of their wider public but also because their medium – the spoken word – has a far more potent effect on their public. We need only remember that the damage that the spoken word can cause can barely be rectified even when the speaker retracts his statement in a subsequent broadcast.”
Political leaders in Aklan are fully aware of the doctrine of fair comment which assures to the citizen the full nest freedom to express his views and his opinion on public affairs.
As it has been emphasized, the constitutional right of speech is basic since it is through public opinion that those who administer the government are apprised of what the people want.
It is admirable that political leaders of Aklan, aware of the high literacy rate of the people, have honored the doctrine of fair comment.
I would like to believe that they are cognizant that “the single purpose of the rule permitting fair and honest criticism is that it promotes the public good, enables the people to discern right from wrong, encourage merit, and firmly condemns and exposes the charlatan and the cheat, and hence is based upon the public policy.”
Too, it is notable that public officials, with the exception of a few, are open to criticisms from the media. I would venture to say that they are not too thin-skinned with reference to comment upon their official acts.
It is my observation that they are aware of the doctrine laid down in U.S. vs. Bustos, 37. Phili. 731, 740-741 which states: “The interest of society and the maintenance of good government demand a full discussion of public affairs. Complete liberty to comment on the conduct of public men is a scalpel in the case of free speech. The sharp incision of its probe relieves the abscesses of officialdom. Men in public life may suffer under the hostile and an unjust accusation, that wound can be assuaged with the balm of a clear conscience.”
Aklan politics and politicians recognize the fact that media is powerful cognizant of what the English statesman and Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli; postulated, thus: “The press is not only, free, it is powerful. That power is ours. It is the proudest that can enjoy. It was not granted by monarchs; it was not gained for us by aristocracies; but it sprang for the people and with an immortal instinct, it has always worked for the people.”
Rightly, Aklanon politicians consider that “the liberty of the press is the palladium of all civil, political and religious rights.”
Even as Aklan political leaders recognize the awesome power of media and its very potent and in influential role, it is with justifiable pride to say that Aklan journalists both in the print and broadcast media have pursued their media careers with dedications, vigor and enthusiasm characterized by truthful and responsible reportage and commentaries.
I would say that Aklan journalists both in the print and broadcast media, in their unwavering quest and commitment to the exalted objectives of journalism, have never been oblivious of their role and responsibilities and never forgotten that injunction from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, thus: “the information based on the truth, freedom, justice and solidarity. The proper exercise of this right demands that the content of communication be true and – within the limits set by justice and charity-complete. Further, it should be communicated honestly and properly. This means that in the gathering and in the publication of news, moral law and the nature of their profession, journalists have an obligation to serve the truth and not offend against charity in disseminating information. They should strive to respect with equal care.”

GODOFREDO P. RAMOS AND YOUTH

Perhaps no other man of my age and time in the province of Aklan can claim what I may say, a closeness to Godofredo P. Ramos. Barely out of my teens in 1964, he had me called to discuss with him the hopes and aspirations of the students and youth of the province for a better and progressive Aklan. Since that particular point in time and even the few months before his death on July 17, 1977, it was an association with so great a man with so vast an intellect.
As fate would have it, I was detailed in May 1972 to his office as technical assistant when he was Constitutional Convention delegate. The late governor Roberto “Nono” Garcia had me appointed earlier as assistant provincial secretary but had noted my desire to know more about the workings of the Constitutional Convention.
It was the Con-Con where young but very intelligent delegates would refer to him, seek his advice on so many vital matters. The older delegates would oftentimes mingle with the young in his office soliciting his wisdom on various issues.
Godofredo p. Ramos had a deep respect for the young. He would like to discuss issues with them. He is a firm believer that the youth, by the force they exert and by the power and influence they assert land claim in our democracy, are a tremendous power of good. He also considered that the youth have the velocity of the wind, the energy of the sun the unconquerable spirit of the sea and the waves, and fecundity of this good old earth. He posited the view that the youth, full of fire and promise, exuberant and not yet prey to cynical thoughts, posses ideals that will stand the test of solidity and purity amidst the then political dissension and turmoil in our country.
Godofredo P. Ramos once asserted that every period of life has its peculiar temptation and dangers. But is the time when we are most likely to be ensnared. This, pre-eminently, is the forming, fixing period, the spring season of disposition and habit; and it is during this season, more than any other, that the character assumes it permanent shape and color, and the young are wont to take their course for time and for eternity.
To the of our time, Godofredo P. Ramos made this admonition which applies even today. The youth, he said, should not think that youth shall not have end. For the longest day shall have its evening and the young shall enjoy it but once. Consider, therefore, youth as a springtime which shall depart. Youth should plan and sow all provision for a long and happy life, Godofredo P. Ramos emphasized. He once warned that the follies of youth become the vices of manhood and the disgrace of old age. Like Sir Thomas Moore, the Lord Chancellor of England, he once observed that it would be very sad indeed if we witness the youth idling away the springtime of his existence. In doing this , the youth shall not only be losing the benefit of time, but wasting it in the formation of evil habits. Reckless youth would certainly have a regrettable age.
While Godofredo P. Ramos believed that youth is the gay and pleasant spring of life, when joy is stirring in the dancing blood, he also believed that the youth should build up good habits, and hopes and faiths. Godofredo P. Ramos stood firm in his belief that the youth shall inherit this earth. But while he did so, he had also asked the youth to prepare themselves and inculcate values. He wanted the youth to be individuals of characters more sensitive to the needs of the community, more competent to contribute to the society, and more civil in habits of thought, speech and action.
Godofredo P. Ramos recognized and declared that national leaders should consider is increasingly important to listen to the voice of the youth and find in it the guidance and direction of the future.
Godofredo P. Ramos did that not forget that as young man, he struggled to be what he was. But then, he had always insisted with much vigor that a young man should always have a positive mental attitude to overcome obstacles and difficulties.
Godofredo P. Ramos had been once asked if positive mental attitude would not stand as a liability as too much of lit makes a young man sort of quixotic.
And Godofredo P. Ramos, if I may remember it right, answered what Cyrano de Bergerac did. You see, Max Soliven, used to lecture on column writing and had occasion to remind his audience of the French playwright Edmond Rostand’s immortal character, the fearless swordsman and cavalier, Cyrano Bergerac. In that play, specifically Act II, De Guiche, a friend of Cyrano reproached him for tilting against the windmill’s like a reincarnated Don Quixote. De Guiche declared, thus: “Windmills, remember, if you fight them may swing you round their huge arms and cast you down into the mire.
We here the answer of Cyrano resonating like a Godofredo P. Ramos in so many aspects of his distinguished career and too outstanding life: And the answer: “Or up --- the stars.

25 years of Aklan Jayceeism

25 years of Aklan Jayceeism

By: Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentin


A PROVINCE WIDE state of calamity in Aklan wrought about by a tropical depression in August 1973 moved a group of youthful professionals to form themselves a salvation team to answer the call of the flood victims of the province.
The acts of the young professionals took the people's admiration.
The stirrings for leadership training and deep invlovement in social action did not end with their participation in the rehabilitation of Aklan as a consequence of the tropical depression's devastations. Inspired by the obsession to develop themselves by helping develop the community where they live, the Aklan "Kalantiao" Jaycees was born.
Organized by a young UP College of Law graduate and now Aklan Congressman Allen Salas Quimpo, then on his second year of law practice after passing the l970 Bar Examinations, a series of meetings were held in month of October 1973 culminating in the birth of the Aklan Jaycees . But it was not until September 8, l974 when the Aklan Jaycees had their charter presentation and induction of officers at the Hotel Ati-atihan at Buswang Old, Kalibo, Aklan.
Inducted charter officers and directors were Allen S. Quimpo, president; Amado I Kimpo, Jr. executive vice president, Gil C. Acevedo, secretary, Roberto I. Acevedo, treasurer, Edito L. Balbastro, auditor, Selmar S. Maribojo, P.R.O. Roy Y. Martelino, legal counsel, Inducted charter directors were Ramonito L. Balbastro, Emiliano S. Acevedo, Franklin A. Pastrana, Rafael Solidum, Jose M. Taningco, Jr. and Victor L. Balbastro. Rustico Meñez, Jose Magallanes, Jr and Federico Ibabao, II. Charter member of Aklan Jaycees are Orville L. Gabuna Eugenio L. Mirto, Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Rey S. Quimpo, Desposorio P. Maagma Jr. Jose Loresco. Daniel Y. Martelino, Dionesio Q. Laserna, Roberto Quimpo, Jose Magnabijon, Manuel F. Ang, Reynaldo Sarabia, Landelino B. Meñez, Roberto C. Regalado, Salvador Mabasa, Tony Ang and Ramos C. Venus.
The Aklan Jaycees suffered organization birth pains that certain people predicted its early demise. But the pioneers of Jayceeism in Aklan proved them wrong. Today, in its 25th year, the Aklan Jaycees is very vibrant.
Since its inception, the Aklan “Kalantiao” Jaycees had been in the forefront of various activities that include environmental concerns, human rights, economic and community development, leadership training, civic endeavors, organization management participation in the Aklan “Kalantiao Jaycees is a recipient of various awards from the Western Visayas Jaycees, National Jaycee (JCP) and Jaycee International (JCI).
The Charter president and past presidents who served the Aklan “Kalantiao” Jaycees are the following: Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Charter President; Dr. Armado I Kimpo, 1976; Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, 1977; Mr. Selmar S Maribojo,1978; Mr. Jose M. Taningco, Jr., 1979; Atty. Santiago R. Regalado, 1980; Mr. Roberto I. Acevedo, 1981; Mr. Sauel F. Fernandez, 1982; Mr. Gil c. Acevedo, 1983; Mr. Ramon C. Venus, 1984; Mr. Wayne T. Malilay, 1985; Mr. Valtimor D. Conanan, 1986; Mr. Renato L. Mirto, 1987; Mr. Placido M. Tolentino, 1988; Mr. Peter I. Kimpo, 1989; Mr. Ramon L. Villariza, 1990. Mr. Rene Rey M. Martelino, 1991; Engr. Marlon Julius E. Lao, 1992; Ms. Maria Jessie P. Rapiz, 1993; Dr. Arthur A. Salido, 1994; Atty. Emmanuel L. Sodusta, 1995; Mr. Jesse S. Quimpo, 1996; Archt. Jose Rey M. Arada, 1997; Mr. Antero R. Arboleda, 1998.

CICHON: Aklan's Man of Words

Message of Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Vice Governor, Province of Aklan, delivered on the occasion on the Book Launching of HAIKU, LUWA & other poems by Aklanon authored by Melchor F. Cichon, Museo it Akean, Kalibo, Aklan, November 18, 2009, 3:00 P.M.

Inay, ham-at madueom ro gabii?
May buean, Toto ogaling may galipud nga gae-um.
Inay, ham-an madueon ro gabii?
May bombilya ro mga poste’t Akelco.
Ugaling may brown-out.
Inay, ham-at madueom ro gabii?
Ginsindihan ko ro atong kingke.
Ugaling ginapinaeong it hangin.
Inay, ham-at madueom ro gabii?
Toto, maturog ka eon lang
Ay basi hin-aga temprano pa
Magsilak ro adlaw.
Indi, “Nay ah!
Sindihan ko”t uman ro atong kingke.

Melchor F. Cichon’s Ham-at madurom Ro Gabi-I, a 92 page collection of Aklanon poems should be must reading for all Aklanonons. It is the first anthology of Aklanon poems written by an Aklanon.

The poems of Melchor F. Cichon had been published in Hiligaynon, Yuhum, Philippines Free Press, Philippine Graphic, Home Life, Ani, Philippine Collegian, Aklan Reporter, Philippine panorama, Pagbutlak, Dayaw, Bueabod, Banga, patubas, Busay an Media Watch.

He has gamered several awards, the first Aklanon Cultural Center of the Philippines grantee for Aklanon poetry.

Melchor F. Cichon’s Aklanon poems make Aklanons, young and old alike, proud of the richness, and rightly so, of the Aklan language, From the historical period when Datu Bankaya introdyuced a phonetic alphabet, our ancestors and the present generations of Aklanons, inclusive of our young Aklanon writers, have considered that the Aklan language is God’s gift. For indeed, when the Confederation of Madyaas divided Panay into Irong-Irong, Hamtik and Akean, the experts in agriculture were made to settle in Irong-Irong. Those who were adept and masters of defense and warfare were sent to Hamtik and those who desired education were settled in Akean. As a matter of recollection, the Bankaya phonetic alphabet as quoted in the writings of Aklan historical writers from Tansingco-Manyas, Oyo Torong, Songkuya, Artemio Nabor and Roman dela Cruz runs this way: “Aba ka daeaga ha ila mana nga o para sa tawaya”. It’s English translation is “Be on my back maiden, for I shall bring you to tawaya”. Tawaya is the old-Aklanon word for paradise or utopia.

Today marks the second historical literary milestone of a great Aklanon, Melchor F. Cichon, from his first very outstanding Ham-an Madueom Ro Gabi-i to Haiku, Luwa & Other poems by Aklanons.

To Melchor F. Cichon, a pride of Aklanons, our congratulations from the provincial government of Aklan under the able leadership of Governor Carlito S. Marquez.

If Mel Cichon and our audience would permit me, plase allow me to recite two luwas which I learned from my grandfather, a Katipunero, and nephew of the martyr Claro Quimpo Delgado.

Maximo Delgado Tolentino is cited in page 59 of Roman A. dela Cruz’ best selling book Town of a Thousand, when he wrote, thus: “In the afternoon of March 17, 1897, Arais Maximo Tolentino of Lagatik reported to Gen. Eustaquio Gallardo at his headquarters at Macawili that Gen. Franciso del Castillo was shot down from his horse in Kalibo in the morning while leading his troops of insurrectos into town in trying to have confrontation with local officials, and that as a result the entire command was dissipated and went into hiding.” The Arais Maximo Tolentino act can stand analogous to the Paul Revere’s and William Dawes’ act during the American Revolution. Be this as it may. Here are the two luwas I learned from my grandfather, Maximo Delgado Tolentino, when I was four years old:

Translation

May isaeang ka kahoy
(There’s a tree named Pagatpat)
Ngaean kay Pagatpat
(There it grew in the blue sea)
Idto nagtubo
(Many birds sent letters)
Sa berde nga dagat
(Alas, Pagatpt can no longer use)
Dagaya nga pispis ro
Nagpadaea it sueat
Alinon man si Pagatpat
Indi eon makadapat.

Kon ako mamatay sa eugta tabunan
(When I die to earth shall I be covered)
Mamingaw nga patyo ro akong tueogan
(A lonely cementery I shall sleep)
Nabilin ko kimo Inday indi mo pagkalipatan
(I request you Inday not to forget until grave)
Tubtob sa eubnganan
(Our love you should cherish)
Ro atong higuma imong pagahuptan

To Melchor F. Cichon, hail and mabuhay!

THE EULOGY FOR ROMAN AGUIRRE DELA CRUZ

(TEXT OF THE EULOGY FOR ROMAN AGUIRRE DELA CRUZ DELIVERED BY ATTY. RONQUILLO CONANAN TOLENTINO SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, CAOT. GIL MIJARES BUILDING, 19 MARTYRS ST., KALIBO, AKLAN)

So great a man has left this world to join his Creator.

The moment a man is born into this world, he begins to die. For the end is linked to the beginning. The cry of the baby at the crib leads into an inevitable path – the grave.

It is said that There is a curious paradox which no one can explain. Who can explain the secret of the reaping of the grain? Who can explain spring after winter's laboring pain? Or why must we all die in order to grow again?

Roman Aguirre dela Cruz, a very outstanding Aklanon, a pillar of literature and journalism is gone – from earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in sure in certain hope of the resurrection.

No Aklanon of Roman Aguirre dela Cruz’ time or even before and after Aklan became a separate province has so achieved what Roman Aguirre dela Cruz has as a literary genius and as a nationally famous journalist , a poet, book author, editor, fictionist, pamphleteer, short story writer and publisher.

World War II veteran, outstanding Aklanon awardee in journalism creative arts and literature, a teacher, historian, sculpture, an outstanding public servant when he served Kalibo as member of the Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan from 1971 to 1987, civic and religious worker and leader, we can very well say that Roman Aguirre dela Cruz led a life more lives than one, more deaths than one must die.

Reading some literary works of Roman Aguirre dela Cruz, I found this accolade of Jose Garcia Villa, the internationally celebrated Filipino short story writer and literary critic when he wrote Roman Aguirre dela Cruz, thus: “Congratulation for your storettes in the Philippine Commonweal which I will include in my present “Roll of Honor for the Filipino Short Stories, 1940-1941.” But what is more important is that you have the real sensibilities of a fine person.”

The novelist and short story writers of international fame, editor and college English professor said that “Roman dela Cruz owes no literary debts of any kind. He ought to be accorded the prominent place that is due him for his realism and compassion.

The writing of Roman Aguirre dela Cruz, have included in some Philippine and American anthologies. And for which he receive several awards, locally, nationally, and abroad. He was included in “Who’s who in Asian Pacific Rim”, as a writer, as a outstanding family man, publisher and community leader.

Rightly have the great American orator and statesman, Daniel Webster said: “One may live a conqueror, a king or a magistrate but he must die a man. The bed of breath bring every human being to his pure individually to the intense contemplation of that deepest a solemn of all relations - - the relation between the creature and his Creator.”
It was Rabindranath Tagore who said: “Death is not extinguishing the light. It is putting away the lamp because the dawn has come.”

Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity. So it is for Roman Aguirre dela Cruz who now rest in the loving bosom o his Creator.

To Roman Aguirre dela Cruz’ dearest ones, to his beloved Nay Juling, to Beli who shall be joined by Roman Aguirre dela Cruz in God’s kingdom, to Cortesa, Marlon, Didecas, Sumra, Hagbong, Mihan, his sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, his siblings, nephews and nieces and friend, relatives, our manifestation of deepest sympathy and condolence, and this prayer:

“Now the laborer’s task is o’er
Now the battle day is past;
Now upon the farthest shore
Lands the voyager at last,
Father, in thy gracious keeping

Leave we now thy servant sleeping.”

ROLAND URETA : A eulogy

The morning of January 4, 2001 brought me sad news. I was in the midst of crossing my residence to my law office when words reached me from the radio that broadcast journalist Roland Ureta, program director of Radio Mindanao Network – DYKR, was felled with assassins bullets on the night of January 3, 2001 at Barangay Bagto, Lezo, Aklan.

That dastardly and senseless killing of Roland Ureta calls for the collective condemnation and indignation of every God-fearing and law-abiding citizen.

Roland Ureta now ranks as a martyr to the cause of press freedom. From Celso Abad Tormis to Ermin Garcia to Roland Ureta, forces of evil in our society may have uniform mindset that for evil to triumph, you have to gag, muzzle, and chain and silence the press.

Let it be impressed upon our minds, let it be instilled into your children, that the liberty of the press is the palladium of all civil, political and religious rights.

Before the advent of the radio and television, it has been said, and rightly so, that the invention of printing added a new element of power of the race. From that hour the brain and not the arm, the thinker and not the soldier, books and not kings were to rule the world; and weapons, forged in the mind, keen edged and brighter the sunbeam, where to supplant the sword and the battle-ax.

In 1969, a journalist whose had escaped my memory said that the primary task of the press is to be an instrument of political, social and economic progress. Of course, by press we mean both print and electronic media. The press as espoused by the journalist should create a climate change – by setting an atmosphere conducive for the transition from the traditional to modern society.

Roland Ureta, as a broadcast journalist, had fulfilled his duty of reporting well. He had reported perceptively on a country in ferment and on institutions that respond slowly to popular aspirations. He had served as channel of ideas from leaders and the broader masses of our people. Also, he had carried back to the government not only the voice of the less fortunate but also the grievances of the ordinary citizen.

As a broadcast journalist, Roland Ureta had lived up to expectations that the press shall from attitudes, establish values and nurture receptivity to change. Roland Ureta had the marks to which true journalist are heir to, summed up by H.L. Mencken that the job of the press is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

Roland Ureta had complied with the H.L. Mencken definition. Roland Ureta even in the name of provincial development has never abandoned his role as an independent watchdog. He had religiously followed the responsibilities of a watchful press: to inform to educate. To prod., to nag if you wish, and thereby move this province and our beloved Philippines forward.

Roland Ureta has joined his Maker when we still need him more. We surrender to the Lord even as we hope and pray that Roland Ureta’s perpetrators shall sooner be arrested by police authorities so that they may face the consequences of their cowardly acts before are courts.

Roland Ureta, broadcast journalist, a friend and kumpadre had passed into another life to join his Maker in a country where Death is not sovereign and God holds dominion over all. He now rest in the loving bosom of his creator.

To his dearest one, his beloved widow Emily, and his son Ken-Ken, his parents, relatives, friends and associates, I extend are heartfelt condolence. I know in the heart of Emily are these words of great poet:

“And so it comforts me, yea, not in vain

To think of thine eternity of sleep,

To know thine eyes are tearless though mine weep

And when this cup’s last bitterness I drain

One thought shall still its primal sweetness keep

Thou hadst the peace, and I, undying pain.”

And this prayer for Roland

“Now the laborer’s task is o’er,

Now the battle day is past;

Now upon the farther shore

Lands the voyager at last.

Father, in thy gracious keeping

Leave we now thy servant sleeping.”

REVITALIZING AKLAN HISTORY ELECTS TOLENTINO CHAIRMAN

The Aklan Society History (AHS) is revitalized. It elected lawyer-journalist Ronquillo C. Tolentino chairman in its meeting on September 18, 2009 at the historic Museo it Akean, Kalibo, Aklan.
Ulysses V. Espartero was named Secretary. The Press Relation Officers are Chita Heap, Sumra I. dela Cruz-Rojo, Che Indelible and Joselito Edwin Ramos. Marcela Reyes Tinagan, Mlel Reyes Balleza, Anna India dela Cruz Legaspi, Erlinda Sarabia Belayro, SB Member Emmanuel Soviet Russia dela Cruz, Celia T. de Lemos and Edwin Pelayo composed AHS”s trustees.

This is a dream come true for all of us who want to revitalize the society,” said Tolentino.

AHS was founded in 1982 at Kalibo municipal Library, then situated at the ground floor of Museo it Akean. The first set of officers included Mayor Wilihado C. Regalado (Honorary Chairman) Dr. Beato A. dela Cruz (chairman) Roman A. dela Cruz (Executive Editor) and Capt. Emiliano Y. Fernandez (Secretary). The first trustees included Jose J. Raz Meñez, Dr. Federico Meñez, Asst. Supt. Jose J. Parco, Mayor Ludovico Peralta and Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino.

Today, the society focuses its attention to the collection and preservation of materials of historical value many of which have been ravaged by Typhoon Frank in June 2008.Intensive researches will be made on Aklan”s history on music,dance, arts and craft, health, family and personalities, foreign influence, food and culinary arts, literary writers (writings), folklore, history, politics, education, language, heroes and martyrs, tourism, landmarks and sights, entertainment and sports.

Aklan is home to distinguished Filipinos – Jaime Cardinal L. Sin, First Filipino Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes and Supreme Court Justice Victoriano. Mapa.

Aklan is also home of Filipino who distinguished themselves is the fields of journalism, literature and history: Casiano Ureta, Spanish writer; Jose Taningco Manyas Aklanon writer, Dioscoro Francisco, editor, Eduardo Martelino, columnist of New York Times and radio commentator; Teodoro “Oyo Torong” Gomez, historian; Leopoldo A. dela Cruz, editor, English and Aklanon writer, Felizardo C. Martelino, poet and freelance writer; Salvador A. dela Cruz, freelance writer, Nick I Marte, freelance writer, Dioscoro I. Tolentino, journalist Jerry O. Tirazona, scriptwriter and movie director, and Justo P. Tolentino, journalist and poet laureate.In point of history, Aklan is believed to be the Philippines’ oldest province