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. 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 utilizing the much needed computer technology, 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 maneuvered his way into management by computerizing 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 giant 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 greater and 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. The aim now is to expand and build more stores nationwide.

Not only is he helping the world of agriculture in the Philippines, but Joseph Calata is able to fight the unemployment rates and open up jobs for a great number. This business savvy man 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 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 main 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.

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

Lito Atienza: A True Statesman And Dedicated Public Servant

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza by a thousand mile is the best man to vote for mayor of the nation's capital in this coming election 2010.The former DENR secretary has years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record which make him the best person to win the much-coveted seat of 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 look at how Manila was and the lives of its residents were three years ago. The Atienza administration is characterized by the radical development of the lives and welfare of Manila's poorest residents. Atienza's pro-poor programs and priority projects have made him 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 transformed and uplifted 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 able to address and include 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 added more financial resources for 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 has also extended free education and school supplies to public school students.It was also during his tenure that the city's universities and colleges were improved 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, in support of the city's talented youth, Atienza created free training programs for 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 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.

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

Various Religious Groups Backs Lito Atienza's Candidacy

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.

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. Various social issues were tackled by the competing candidates during the debate. 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. Yet, his opponent Lito Atienza was in doubt of Lim's statements due to the involvement of the mayor's son in selling drugs.

The son of Alfredo Lim, Manuel Lim was busted for selling illegal drugs in 2008 by the authorities. 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. As Lim was placed in the hot seat, he strained the topic by accusing the son of Atienza, Ali Atienza, a national athlete and a gold medalist of the taekwondo Asian games, of being a drug addict himself. The young Atienza who was in the audience called Lim a liar, as it was impossible for a former athlete like him, who competed in international games, to 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 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. 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. 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 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.

Ali Atienza will not easily let go of Lim's allegations, stating that he would be filing a libel case against the mayor. The son of Lito Atienza noted that it pained him, as a former athlete, to be accused of being a drug addict. The young Atienza also pointed out that it was really impossible for an athlete to compete if he has been found using illicit drugs, making Lim's accusations a look more like fabricated story. 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 nearing, it is normal to hear candidates speaking ill against their competitors. These ill comments is one way for the candidates to pull down their opponents. However, those who wish to run for office must also realize that speaking ill against opponents is not the right means to win the votes of the public. 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.

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

Mayor Alfredo Lim Accused Ali Atienza As Drug Addict

The Rotary Club of Manila held a Polo Club Mayoral Debate last April 22, 2010, participated by mayoralty candidates Lim and Atienza. Various social issues were tackled by the competing candidates during the debate. 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. Lito Atienza, Lim's opponent for the election, was unconvinced of Lim's statements following the arrest of Lim's son for selling drugs.

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. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim conceded that his son was arrested by authorities, but claimed that he did not, in anyway, helped his son with his case. 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, 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.

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 then went on the stage and lectured Alfredo Lim about his track record as a national athlete.Lim, at that moment, humiliatingly yield to the fumes of the young Atienza, as the moderators of the debate took control of the situation. Amidst the heated situation, Lito Atienza managed to stay calm and shrug off the issue, and continued with 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. He might have dug his grave for he forgot that the audience was a thinking crowd of professional Rotarians. Lim usually gets away with his mediocre style of campaigning when he is facing customary crowd of tricycle drivers, vendors and the likes, but he must consider that he was facing professionals. 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. 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. He also added that he will push the charges even after the election.

With election 2010 nearing, it is normal to hear candidates speaking ill against their competitors. 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.

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