NEWSFLASH

CALAMITY LOANS FOR PAG-IBIG MEMBERS; 77-YEAR-OLD WINDSURFER SURVIVES AT SEA

Manila, July 13, 2002 (STAR) Pag-IBIG members living in areas placed under a state of calamity during the recent typhoons may now avail of a Special Calamity Loan from the Pag-IBIG Fund.

In a press statement, Pag-IBIG said qualified members are entitled to a loan amount equivalent to 80 percent of their total savings with Pag-IBIG. The loan is payable over a maximum period of two years and bears an annual interest rate of 10.75.

The program is open to active Pag-IBIG members who have made at least 24 monthly contributions and are residents of the area which has been placed under a state of calamity. For members who have availed of a multi-purpose loan, the outstanding balance of their MPL shall be deducted from the proceeds of their calamity loans.

Borrowers may file their loan applications at any Pag-IBIG office. They must bring the following: barangay certificate, inclusive of the Sangguniang Resolution declaring the area under a state of calamity; two valid identification cards; TIN; latest payslip for government employees (payroll sheet for DECS); and service record for DECS and Philippine National Police/Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel. Application forms are available at Pag-IBIG Fund offices. The calamity loan shall be made available only within a period of 90 days from the occurrence of the calamity.

77-year-old windsurfer survives 8-hour sea ordeal By Leo Solinap The Philippine Star 07/13/2002

JORDAN, Guimaras - Last Monday, Eduardo Colmenares set out to surf at about 8 a.m. as he had done in the past several years. The wind was perfect at the time.

However, one hour later, Colmenares, 77, suffered cramps on his right hand, hampering his control of his 10-foot sail.

Clinging on to his surfboard, he drifted for about eight hours, with waves as high as five feet buffeting him.

Colmenares’ right arm was dislocated 10 years ago in a coconut plantation accident.

He said he has been surfing for the past 37 years despite his handicap and that Monday’s incident was the first time he suffered cramps on his right hand.

"It was my confidence in God and in myself that empowered me to hang on," he told The STAR.

The crew of an Iloilo-bound ferry rescued him at about 5 p.m. Upon reaching the Iloilo port, he was assisted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary which was earlier alerted by his family about his disappearance.

It is unusual for a man his age to be windsurfing, a sports identified closely with teenagers. On top of this, windsurfing is not a popular sport in Iloilo and Guimaras because it is an expensive hobby.

The sea current in the area where he surfs is strong. The area is referred to as "highway of the ships."

Colmenares started windsurfing when he turned 40, in Cebu. Along the way, he met and became friends with then President Ferdinand Marcos and Fidel Ramos, then the Armed Forces chief of staff.

"In water sports, life begins at 40," he said.

Two of his children manage resorts in Talisay City and Mactan, both in Cebu.

Despite his ordeal, he said he will not stop windsurfing until his body allows him to do so.