Saturday, July 16, 2011

Joseph Calata And His Once Family-Run Business

Today, the largest distributor of agricultural chemicals, feeds, fertilizers and other agricultural products of the Philippines is Calata Corporation. Joseph Calata, took over the once mom-and-pop business and revolutionized it by tuning its operations automated. By being able to the much needed computer technology, the distributor reaped in a huge P1.8 billion revenue in 2009 and 2010.

The revenue during this time is nine times more the year Joseph Calata took over management back in 2003 where revenue was seen at P200 million. During his earlier years, the young businessman was a clerk in his parents' company. He made it possible for himself to maneuver in to management and computerize their systems. By being able to change the management operations and tighten credit and collection, he was able to make greater sales.

The corporation is part of the top one thousand of the country's companies and is part of the fastest networks of distribution in the industry today. The large corporation, which was formerly known as Planters Choice Agro Products, is now the exclusive distributor of some world renowned chemicals, fertilizers and feeds in the Philippines. The company, which was built and is based in Bulacan, still aims to expand its horizons and open up more opportunities for people across the nation.

With a more efficient system as well as better advertising and marketing campaigns, Calata Corporation was able to see better days. This corporation is now the biggest agriculture product distributor in the Philippines today and it is still growing. Starting from a small office staff to now employing over two hundred people, Calata Corporation is definitely a company which is still on the rise. The aim now is to expand and build more stores across the nation.

Not only helping the world of agriculture in the Philippines, Joseph Calata is able to fight the unemployment rates and open up jobs for a great number. This young businessman is not afraid to get his hands dirty as he will readily visit fields to check up on farmers. He is ready to grow his business in terms of sales and come up with ways to make these more sustainable.

Calata Corporation will see more stores nationwide, and will cater to more farmers. Wholesome products made by this company are preferred by farmers and breeders across the nation. Besides the sales in agriculture from the feeds and other products, the young businessman also takes part in growing and feeding which adds to the corporations overall revenue. The projects do not end here for the Calatas as their business is still looking to a much better tomorrow.

The company known as Calata Corporation was once a mom-and-pop business which held a small office staff in Bulacan. After being taken over and revolutionized by son, Joseph Calata, the corporation took a turn for the better and started reaping in revenue and seeing numbers as high as P1.8 billion. Now, the once family-run business is the largest distributor of agricultural products in the Philippines and is still vastly growing today.

-Alison Ward

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Go Mayor Lito Atienza, Go

Various religious groups, including the influential Iglesia ni Cristo have endorsed the candidacy of comebacking Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Apart from INC, Atienza is also being supported by Brother Mike Velarde of El Shaddai, Ustadz Ahmad Barcelom of the Manila Muslim community, Parish Councils of Manila as well as the majority of the city's barangay chairmen, barangay councilors and watchmen and the pro-poor organization People's Movement Against Poverty (PMAP).

It is widely known that the Iglesia ni Cristo has a huge following in the city. With the endorsement of the group, Atienza gains another 5 percent solid votes.

Based on the survey conducted last April 29, Atienza gained a 7 percentage lead against his toughest rival, incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim. With the INC votes, it can now be considered that Atienza is 12 percent leading against his opponent.

Meanwhile, El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde earlier said Manila needs a pro-life mayor.

“Lito Atienza is not only pro-life, but also pro-good government," he added.

According to Msgr. Mel David, one of Atienza's spiritual advisers, he knows the former Environment secretary too well. “He has a good heart and he is very sincere in wanting to uplift the lives of Manilans. He is pro-God and represents good governance.”

On the other hand, PMAP president Ronald Lumbao said he endorsed the candidacy of Atienza because apart from being a God-fearing person, he believes that the former Environment secretary has a genuine concern to help and improve the plight of the poor.

“His programs answer the needs of the poor community of Manila. He's very much unlike the incumbent mayor who doesn't care about the less fortunate," Lumbao said.

The Muslim community also back Atienza's candidacy, saying he maintains friendship and communication with them despite the difference in belief and religion.

Meanwhile, 650 out of the 897 barangay chairmen, and most of the barangay kagawads and tanods said that they witnessed how the former and present mayor managed the city. They claimed that they were able to prove that Atienza is the one who has a genuine heart to help the people, especially the poor.

Atienza said he is grateful for all the endorsements. He thanked all those who believe in him and his programs and vowed to do his best to improve the quality of life of the Manilans by creating jobs and provide livelihood and other opportunities for all.

Alfredo Lim Lose His Cool, Accused The Son of Lito Atienza As Drug User

Mayoralty candidate Alfredo Lim was cornered at the Polo Club Mayoral debate hosted by the Rotary Club of Manila last April 22, 2010. The debate was a heated one, with both candidates exchanging ideas on various social issues. When the discussion went to the issue of drugs, Lim noted his accomplishments against drug trade and use during his tenure as the city mayor. However, Lim's opponent, Lito Atienza doubted his authenticity due to the fact that Lim's son was arrested for drug pushing.

The son of Alfredo Lim, Manuel Lim was busted for selling illegal drugs in 2008 by the authorities. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim, admitted that his son was busted by the PDEA in 2008, but denied helping his son. Lim, feeling cornered in the discussion, showed resistance to the topic by accusing the son of his opponent, Ali Atienza, a drug addict. Ali Atienza who was in the audience cried foul and called Lim a liar, saying that how can a national athlete, who competes in international games with strict drug testing procedures, be a drug addict?

Turning red with embarrassment, Alfredo Lim who had no proof about his accusation, tried to cover his statement by pointing to former Vice Mayor Lacuna as the one who stated it. Ali in defense of himself outlined to Lim his clean track record.Lim spoke no more about his allegations against Atienza, while the moderators of the debate take over to calm down both parties. Lito Atienza on the other hand, kept his cool and went on with the debate despite his son being accused by his competitor as a drug user.

Manila mayor Alfredo Lim tried his best to redeem himself from the humiliating accusation he dropped; however, the program ended with antagonism in the air. He might have dug his grave for he forgot that the audience was a thinking crowd of professional Rotarians. Usually Alfredo Lim can get away with lies when he is facing the city's customary street crowd of vendors, tricycle drivers and the likes; appearing in Tondo one and two with his usual mediocre style of campaigning. It is just discouraging to see candidates speaking ill about their competitors. Considering that these candidates are educated, people were expecting an intellectual discussion from them to prove their capabilities to lead.

After the incident, Ali Atienza noted in front of the media that he would be pressing charges against the libelous allegations of Lim. The son of Lito Atienza noted that it pained him, as a former athlete, to be accused of being a drug addict. Ali Atienza also said during the interview that Lim's allegations against him were impossible, as he have been compliant with the strict drug testing procedures imposed for competing athletes. Even after the election, Atienza is decided to file charges against Lim to protect his reputation.

With election 2010 almost near, it has been a normal practice for competing candidates to speak ill against each other. This practice has been around for ages, and has since served as a means to drag their competitors down. However, it should be realized that as public leaders, this practice clearly sends out the message to the voters that what candidates are capable of doing just to be in the position. For the record, the public is now tired of drama, what is important is to walk the talk, and not just to talk and talk.

With the election 2010 coming, the Rotary Club of Manila held a mayoralty debate at the Manila Polo Club. Mayoralty candidates Alfredo Lim and Lito Atienza attended the said program. However, what appears to be a simple debate turned sour after Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim accused the son of his opponent, Ali Atienza, a drug user. The allegation directed by Lim caused a bit of hysteria among the audience, and angered the young Atienza and their family's supporters.

-Joel Dumayog

Monday, May 3, 2010

Lito Atienza And What He Has Done

Actions echoes louder than words. In the case of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza he was able to do both. One of the well-loved leaders of the nation's capital, the former mayor was successful in backing up his strong words with actions.Staying true to his words and fulfilling his promise of providing his beloved Manilenos with a city that they can truly call their own and which they will care for, Lito Atienza has accomplished more things than any of his immediate predecessors.

One of the most accomplished mayors in Manila's rich political history, Lito Atienza's resume is decorated with numerous completed projects and other countless achievements no other city mayor of Manila has done. No one has to go that far in evaluating Atienza's performance as the city mayor of Manila for an unprecedented three consecutive three-year term, we just have to look back at how Manila looked and the living of conditions its residents were three years ago. The Atienza administration is best described by the dramatic transformation in the city's economy, tourism, peace and order and education. Moreover, it was during Atienza's term when many poor families were uplifted from poverty and enjoyed improved living conditions.

Being a true statesman and public servant serving selflessly for the good of many, Atienza delivered what was needed by many of his impoverished city folks. It was during his mayoralty stint that the city's delivery of social services was at its best.Atienza launched pro-poor programs and priority projects which have benefited and improved the lives of thousands of impoverished Manilenos. He addressed almost all the social needs of his people and has created programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza provided livelihood programs and employment opportunities for the unemployed by reviving the city's economy. He launched training programs and vocational courses for the out of school youth and unemployed to provide them with a decent livelihood and a stable source of income. Atienza together with other non-government organizations have provided affordable housing and land acquisition programs for the homeless, which have benefited a lot of the city's poor residents and even the middle class.

The city's healthcare services and public hospitals were also improved during his term. Atienza provided additional funds to the city's public hospitals and health centers which allowed them to purchase new medical equipment and medicines for enhanced healthcare services and to be able to provide free medicines to the city's impoverished residents.Atienza has also brought free medical services and medicines to far-flung areas and barangays.

Manila during Atienza's term also experienced the best peace and order situation in many years. In support of Manila's budding athletes and promising talents, Atienza launched sports-culminating activities and provided free training and development programs to harness their skills and talents.In addition, Atienza has launched programs for the free access to education and school supplies of Manila's public school students. Manila's colleges and universities were also improved during his term, as part of fulfilling his promise of providing quality and affordable college education to Manilenos. Furthermore, the city's senior residents were also able to enjoy greater benefits from the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

The former environment secretary also batted for the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan which he believes is a serious environmental and safety threat. Manila was also able to enjoy a major facelift as Atienza pushed forward for the beautification and enhancement of the city's old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions. One of the most notable projects of the former mayor is the improvement of the city's bay area commonly known as the "Baywalk", which has allowed city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while watching the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset.

Atienza's unsurpassed accomplishments during his term make as the most eligible person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila elections. If he secures another three-year term in this coming Manila elections, Manila along with its residents are set to enjoy another three glorious years under the leadership of Lito Atienza.

Lito Atienza is the best person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila election. Atienza is one of the most accomplished mayors in Manila's rich political history and has done more things than any of his predecessors. The Atienza administration is best described by the dramatic transformation in the city's economy, tourism, peace and order and education. He succeeded in addressing almost all the social needs of his people by creating programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

-Jimmy Reyes

Lito Atienza: Why We Should Vote For Him Again

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza without any doubt is the most eligible person to vote for mayor of the nation's capital in this coming election 2010. The former DENR secretary possess years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record which make him the most eligible person to win the much-coveted seat as the city mayor of this once glamorous and beautiful city.Atienza, the only mayor who won for three consecutive three-year terms, is revered by the whole city for being a true statesman and a father to all Manilenos, and for having served selflessly for the people of the city.One can just take a closer look at the former mayor's innumerable achievements and various completed projects during his leadership to be able to see a clear picture of how this man has completely dedicated himself in uplifting and changing the lives of the Manilenos particularly the impoverished.

We do not have to go too far to see how Lito Atienza acted during his stint as city mayor. We just have to take note of how Manila was and the living conditions of its residents were three years ago.The Atienza administration is best described by the drastic transformation of the lives and welfare of Manila's poorest residents. Atienza's pro-poor programs and priority projects have turned him into one of the most loved and respected leaders in the city's rich political history.

Lito Atienza has accomplished more things than any other city mayors of Manila, and there is no doubt that he is indeed a true statesman and a dedicated public servant.During his stint as city mayor; Atienza has changed and improved the lives of the city's poorest residents. Atienza lobbied for the efficient delivery of basic services as apparent in the programs and priority projects that he started during his term as city mayor.He was successful in addressing almost all of the social needs of his beloved Manilenos in his programs and priority projects including programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza has built and launched housing projects and land acquisition programs for the city's homeless residents. The former Manila mayor also increased the budget and resources of the city's public hospitals and health centers, as part of his efforts in improving the city's healthcare services for its residents.This program has enabled public hospitals to acquire new medical equipment and medicines for improved healthcare services and to be able to provide free medicines to the city's impoverished residents.The city of Manila which has gained its recognition as a haven to the most notorious hold-up artists and pickpockets; has had the best peace and order situation under his leadership. During his leadership, the city recorded its lowest crime levels in years due to Atienza's dedication in ridding the whole city of drug traffickers and syndicates, which he believed as the main roots of all crimes in the city.

Atienza has also provided free education and school supplies to public school students. It was also under his leadership that the city's universities and colleges were enhanced as part of his efforts in providing the city's residents with an affordable and quality college education. The former mayor of Manila during his leadership has started the Manila Youth games, which has been very helpful to many of the city's budding and promising athletes.In addition, to help the city's talented youth, Atienza provided free training of children who are talented in the fields of music and dance with the help of Manila's top dancers and singers. The city's senior residents have also benefited from the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

Aside from the improved delivery of basic services which has transformed the lives of the poor, Atienza has also put the city of Manila back in the tourists' map and in the list of top tourists' destinations of the country. Atienza has also batted for the beautification and improvement of the city's old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions. One of the most remarkable projects of the former mayor is the upgrading of the city's bay area commonly known as the "Baywalk", which has allowed city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to take pleasure in alfresco dining and listening to fine music while watching the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset.It was also during his leadership that the city's navigation and travel were made better due to the drastic improvements made in the city's infrastructure.

Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza's unblemished tenure as city mayor along with his numerous achievements are clear indications that he is the best man to vote for in this coming election 2010. The former Manila mayor deserves to win the mayoralty seat anew due to his outstanding achievements as a public servant and his vast experience and knowledge on being a true statesman who works for the greater good of people.

-Joel Dumayog