Joseph Calata Takes Over

The largest distributor of agricultural chemicals, feeds, fertilizers and other agricultural products of the Philippines is Calata Corporation. The business, which was once mom-andpop run, was taken over by son, Joseph Calata, who revolutionized the business by turning 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 changing the management operations and tightening credit and collection, he was able to make greater sales.

This type of corporation is a proud part of the top one thousand of the country's companies and is part of the fastest network of distribution in the industry today. The 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 is based in Bulacan, still aims to expand its horizons and open up more opportunities for people across the nation.

Because of 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. From starting with a small office staff to now employing over two hundred people, Calata Corporation is a company that is still definitely on the rise. The aim now is to expand and build more stores nationwide.

Not only is the young man 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. The young businessman is not afraid to get his hands dirty as he will readily visit fields to check up on farmers. He is always looking for ways to grow his business in terms of sales and come up with ways to make these more sustainable

Calata Corporation will soon see more stores nationwide and will cater to more farmers. These wholesome products are proudly preferred by farmers and breeders across the nation. Besides the sales in agriculture, the young businessman also takes part in growing and feeding which adds to the corporations overall revenue. The projects do not stop 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

Lito Atienza Is Supported By Various Religious Groups

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.

“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.

Lito Atienza and Alfredo Lim Debate: What Went Wrong?

The Rotary Club of Manila held a Polo Club Mayoral Debate last April 22, 2010, participated by mayoralty candidates Lim and Atienza. The debate was a heated one, with both candidates exchanging ideas on various social issues. The discussion went over the issue of drug trade and use, with Lim noting his continuous campaign in preventing the said activities. However, Lim's opponent, Lito Atienza doubted his authenticity due to the fact that Lim's son was arrested for drug pushing.

It could be recalled that the son of Lim, Manuel Lim was apprehended in 2008 for selling illicit drugs, a nonbailable offense that also carries life imprisonment. Lim, current Manila mayor, did admit that his son was caught by the PDEA, but claimed that he did not lift a finger to help 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, said to Lim that his accusations was impossible considering that he was an international athlete who complied with the strict drug testing procedures prior to competing in the taekwondo arena.

Embarassed with his accusation, Lim tried to come out clean by saying that it was former vice mayor Lacuna who said that Ali was a drug addict. Ali in defense of himself outlined to Lim his clean track record.The mayor, humiliated by his actions, spoke no further as the moderators of the program appeased both parties. Amidst the heated situation, Lito Atienza managed to stay calm and shrug off the issue, and continued with the debate.

The debate however did not last long, but Manila mayor Alfredo Lim tried to save face until the last minute. As hard as he might have tried though, Lim have already left an impression toward the 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 disheartening to see how this form of unintelligent debate can take place. As professionals, people were expecting a more academic and intellectual discussions from the candidates.

Soon after, Ali Atienza brought the incident to the media saying that he would be filing a libel case against Lim. During an interview, the son of Lito Atienza said that as an athlete who has represented the Philippines in many international competitions, it was hurtful for him to be accused of being a drug addict. He also said that he worked hard to be on the top of his game, and it was really foul for a mayor to come into a ridiculous accusation against a former athlete, who before competing, needs to comply with strict drug testing procedures. Even after the election, Atienza is decided to file charges against Lim to protect his reputation.

As election 2010 is just around the corner, it has been a norm for candidates to speak something negative against their competitors. These ill comments is one way for the candidates to pull down their opponents. However, for the candidates, they must also realize that by doing this they are also tarnishing their own reputation in the process. This is because the public has already given up with the ongoing political drama, and prefer leaders who knows how to walk the talk over those who talks and talks.

The son of mayoralty candidate Lito Atienza is planning to press charges against his father's opponent Alfredo Lim after the current Manila mayor accused him of being a drug addict. The incident took place during the Mayoralty Debate last April 22, 2010 at the Manila Polo Club. Lim dropped the allegations when the topic of drug abuse was tackled. The young Atienza insisted that he would continue the charges even after election 2010 has ended.

-Joel Dumayog

Lito Atienza Is The Best Man To Vote For Manila Mayor

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 look at the former mayor's numerous achievements and countless completed projects during his tenure to be able to see clearly 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 the distance to take a glimpse at how Lito Atienza served during his tenure as city mayor.We just have to look at how Manila was and the lives 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. Atineza's pro-poor programs and priority projects have earned him the recognition as 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 batted for the efficient extension of basic services as evident 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 enriched the coffers 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 move has allowed public hospitals 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. The city of Manila which is renowned for being a haven to the most notorious hold-up artists and pickpockets; has seen and witnessed 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 also provided public school students with free education and school. 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 stint launched the Manila Youth games, which became beneficial 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 enjoyed more benefits from the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

Aside from the enhanced delivery of basic services which has changed the lives of the poor, Atienza has also out the city of Manila back in the tourists' map and in the list of top tourists' destinations of the country. Atienza has 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. 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.

No one is more eligible to hold the position as city mayor than former mayor Lito Atienza. The former Manila mayor is the most accomplished and experienced among other bets in this coming election 2010. His achievements and countless completed projects and programs are testimonies to his being a true statesman and a dedicated public servant serving selflessly for the good of many people.

-Joel Dumayog

Lito Atienza: The Best Mayor Manila Has Had

Actions speak louder than words. In the case of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza he had succeeded in doing 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 committed to his words and fulfilling his promise of giving 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 profile as city mayor is decorated with numerous completed projects and other countless achievements no other city mayor of Manila has accomplished. No one has to go too far in assessing 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 characterized by the radical transformation in the city's economy, tourism, peace and order and education. Moreover, it was during Atienza's stint when thousands of poor families were removed from poverty and benefited from 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 also under his leadership that the city's delivery of social services was at its best. Atienza outlined pro-poor programs and priority projects which have benefited and enhanced the lives of thousands of impoverished Manilenos.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.

Atienza created livelihood programs and employment opportunities for the unemployed by bringing the city's economy back into life. He created training programs and vocational courses intended 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 launched affordable housing and land acquisition projects for the homeless, which were able to benefit many of the city's poor residents and even the middle class.

The city's healthcare services and public hospitals were also enhanced under his leadership.Atienza added more funds for 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 was able to bring free medical services and medicines to far-flung areas and barangays.

Manila during the Atienza administration has 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 also provided free access to education and school supplies to Manila's public school students. Manila's colleges and universities were also refurbished during his leadership, as part of his efforts in providing quality and affordable college education to Manilenos.Furthermore, many of the city's senior residents were also able to enjoy greater benefits under the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

The former environment secretary also fought for the relocation 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 outstanding 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 is able to secure 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.

The most eligible person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila election, Lito Atienza is one of the most accomplished mayors in Manila's rich political history. The Atienza administration is characterized by the dramatic improvements 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