Joseph Calata And His Once Family-Run Business

The largest and most popular 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, 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. Just a while back, the young businessman was a clerk in his parents' business. 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 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.

Because of a more efficient system as well as better advertising and marketing campaigns, Calata Corporation was able to see better days. It is now the biggest agriculture product distributor in the Philippines and it is still widely 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 definitely see more stores nationwide and cater to more farmers. Farmers and breeders across the nation proudy prefer these products over any other. 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 end here for the Calatas as their business is still looking to a much better tomorrow.

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

-Alison Ward

Go Mayor Lito Atienza - 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 Best 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 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 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 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 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 tenure as city mayor; Atienza has significantly transformed and enhanced the living conditions 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 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 has built and launched 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 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 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 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, 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 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.

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 prioritized for the beautification and development of the city's old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions.One of the most popular projects of the former mayor is the development of the city's bay area commonly known as the "Baywalk", which has enabled city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while enjoying the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset. It was also during his administration that the city's navigation and travel were improved due to the drastic upgrading made in the city's infrastructure.

Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza is the most eligible man to vote for Manila mayor in this coming election 2010. Atienza deserves to win another term as city mayor 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. His achievements and countless completed projects and programs are testimonies to his dedication to serving the Manilenos at the best way possible.

-Joel Dumayog

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 drug problem of Manila was tackled, Lim outlined his strong campaign to prevent the rampant drug trade and use in the city; stating that he incessantly ceased the existence of drugs in Manila during his reign as the city's Mayor. 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. 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. 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. 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 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.

The debate ended in a detached manner, with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim trying to redeem himself from the embarrassing accusation he dropped against Ali Atienza. He might have dug his grave for he forgot that the audience was a 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 disheartening to see how this form of unintelligent debate can take place. As the upcoming leaders of the city, the public expects more from these candidates than the senseless words coming from their mouths.

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. 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. 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. 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

Vote Lito Atienza: These Are The Things He Will Do If He Wins

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza is looking for another three-year mandate as city mayor of the nation's capital as part of his efforts in continuing his commitment in serving his beloved city and the Manilenos.Atienza, one of the most loved leaders of the city vows to continue his flagship programs and priority projects which he was able to successfully launch during his tenure. If all things go his way and if the majority of the Manilenos are wise enough to Vote Lito Atienza, the former mayor has promised to continue pushing for the enhancement and effective delivery of basic social services to the residents of the city. Moreover, Atienza will continue his programs against poverty and has vowed to pour in all of his efforts in uplifting and developing the lives of the city's impoverished residents.

If Manila residents would Vote Lito Atienza and would give him a fresh three-year mandate, Atienza will launch his platform billed as "Buhayin Nating Muli Ang Maynila" which is centered on continuing what he has started during his leadership.In light of this, Atienza has prepared numerous programs and priority projects, all of which are dedicated for addressing all the basic social needs of the city and its residents. Atienza plans to sustain his livelihood programs and effective delivery of basic social services which has benefited much of the city's impoverished residents during his tenure as city mayor.

To fulfill his vision of uplifting the lives of the city's poorest residents, Atienza plans to launch programs that would stimulate the city's once-vibrant economy. Atienza plans to attract investors into the city by enhancing the city's infrastructure and peace and order situation.In this way, economic activity in the city will be reinvigorated, which can result into job creation for the city's unemployed residents.Livelihood programs and skills trainings will also be continued to serve the city's unemployed and out of school youth to provide them with a decent livelihood and source of income. Moreover, Atienza also plans on creating employment opportunities for the city's senior citizens who would still want to work.

Apart from providing jobs and employment opportunities, Atienza has also vowed to continue addressing the needs of the residents by including almost all social aspects in his platform. Atienza will launch and continue programs and projects that will include a wide array of social areas including programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, culture and arts, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens. If the Manilenos will Vote Lito Atienza, the benefits and the services they were able to avail during Atienza's term will be continued and sustained for good.

If granted another three-year term as city mayor, Atienza hopes to continue providing affordable housing programs and land acquisition programs both for the homeless impoverished residents and even to the middle class.As part of his efforts in upgrading the city's healthcare services, Atienza has vowed to enrich the coffers of the city's public hospitals and health centers. This will enable hospitals to acquire new medical equipment and medicines to be able to provide the Manilenos with quality healthcare and free medicines. Healthcare services will be delivered to every barangay via the "Sama sa Masa", a priority project of Atienza where in doctors conduct free medicines and checkups to every barangay of the city. Atienza also plans to continue providing free education and school supplies to the city's public school students. In addition, as part of his efforts in providing quality and affordable college education, Manila's colleges and universities will also be further improved.Livelihood programs and skills trainings like vocational courses will also be presented to Manila's unemployed and out of school youth.

Atienza will also continue to support Manila's budding athletes and talents through the promotion of sports-culminating activities and free training and development programs. The city's peace and order situation will also be enhanced and perpetrators of crime and big time drug or crime syndicates will be put into justice.As a former environment czar, Atienza will continue to push for the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan, which he deem as a serious environmental and safety threat to the people residing in the area. Furthermore, Atienza will continue his beautification projects to put Manila back into the tourists' maps and top destinations in the country. Furthermore, Atienza will push forward his beautification projects to put Manila back into the tourists' maps and top destinations in the country. Atienza plans to continue transforming and beautifying the city's old and deteriorating parks and tourist attractions, just like what he did in Manila's bay area or commonly known as the baywalk.

If Manila residents Vote Lito Atienza, the former Manila mayor plans to continue his dedication and commitment in uplifting the lives of the city's residents. He plans to continue improve the local government's delivery of basic services and creating livelihood and employment opportunities which he views as the solutions to the poverty incidence in the city. Atienza has vowed to continue his beautification projects just like what he did in he now infamous baywalk.

-Francis Go