Joseph Calata: A Renowned Businessman

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 utilizing the much needed computer technology available at that time, the distributor reaped in a huge P1.8 billion revenue in 2009 and 2010

This revenue 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.

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 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. The corporation is now the biggest agriculture product distributor in the Philippines today and it is still widely 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. Their aim is now to expand and build more stores nation-wide.

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 always ready 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. 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.

Calata Corporation was once a mom-and-pop business which held a small office staff in Bulacan. After being 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 family-run business is the largest distributor of agricultural products in the Philippines and is still vastly growing today.

-Alison Ward

Atienza to Lim: My Son Is Not A Drug Addict, Yours Was

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.

In 2008, the authorities apprehended Lim's son, Manuel Lim for selling illegal drugs, an offense that is nonbailable an carries with it 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. In order to divert the issue, Lim pointed the accusation of drug use towards Ali Atienza, the son of his opponent and a national and international taekwondo competitor. 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?

Lim, embarrassed with his allegations, pointed the blame to former vice mayor Lacuna, claiming that Lacuna was the one who said the gossip. Ali then went on the stage and lectured Alfredo Lim about his track record as a national athlete.The mayor, humiliated by his actions, spoke no further as the moderators of the program appeased both parties. Lito Atienza remained calm despite the events and managed to continue the debate.

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. As hard as he might have tried though, Lim have already left an impression toward the thinking crowd of professional Rotarians. With his mediocre means of campaigning, Lim usually pleases the city's usual crowd but he must have considered that what he was facing during that time were professional individuals who can be critical about his actions. It is just sad to see how a low and unintelligent debate like this can go. 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. 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. 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. Atienza said that even after the election is over he would continue the case against Lim in order to give justice to his reputation that the mayor has tarnished.

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.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim is caught under public scrutiny after he accused the son of Lito Atienza for being a drug addict. The incident took place during the Mayoralty Debate arranged by the Rotary Club of Manila last April 22 2010. The allegation dropped by Lim angered Ali Atienza, and told the media after the debate that he is ready to press charges against the Mayor even after election 2010 is over. This event could seriously affect Lim's candidacy.

-Joel Dumayog

Lito Atienza Thanked The Endorsements of 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.

“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.

Lito Atienza Is The Most Eligible Man To Vote For Manila Mayor

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza without any doubt is the best man to vote for mayor of the nation's capital in this coming election 2010. The former DENR secretary boasts of having 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 of the city mayor of this once glamorous and beautiful city. Atienza, the only leader elected for three consecutive three-year mandates, is revered by the entire city for being a true statesman and a father to all Manilenos, and for serving 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 highlighted by the significant changes in 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 is one of the most accomplished city mayors of Manila, and there is no doubt that he is indeed a true statesman and a dedicated public servant. During his tenure as city mayor; Atienza has significantly transformed and enhanced the living conditions of the city's poorest residents.Atienza pushed for the effective delivery of basic services as evident in the programs and priority projects that he started during his term as city mayor. He addressed and included 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 was able to build and provide 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 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 earned the distinction of being a haven to the most notorious hold-up artists and pickpockets; has experienced the best peace and order situation under his leadership. During his administration, the city was able to experience its lowest crime levels in years due to Atienza's considerable effort in ridding the entire city of drug traffickers and syndicates, which he believed as the main roots of all crimes in the city.

Atienza has also extended 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 tenure has also launched the Manila Youth games, which has benefited a lot 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 a better delivery of basic services which has improved 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 pushed forward for the beautification and enhancement 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 tenure that the city's navigation and travel were improved 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 And The Things That He Has Done

Actions are more important than words.In the case of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza he had 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 resume is decorated with numerous completed projects and other countless achievements no other city mayor of Manila has done. No one needs to go the distance in grading 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 dramatic improvements in the city's economy, tourism, peace and order and education.Moreover, it was during Atienza's leadership when thousands of 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 also during his tenure 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 was able to address almost all the social needs of his people through the creation of 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 along with other non-government organizations have created affordable housing and land acquisition programs for the homeless, which benefited 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 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 created sports-culminating activities and provided free training and development programs to harness their skills and talents. In addition, Atienza also extended free access to education and school supplies to 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 voted 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 unparalleled accomplishments during his leadership make him as the best person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila elections.If he wins another three-year mandate 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