Indigenous Peoples in Luzon
July 27, 2009 –Members of various indigenous peoples in Luzon expressed their disgust for GMAs 8 years of presidency by kicking a mock-up seal of parliamentary government ministered by Pres. Arroyo in front of the Commission of Human Rigths (CHR) the morning before th State Of the Nation Address (SONA). They are in Manila for a 3-day conference dubbed State of the Indigenous Peoples Address (SIPA) in UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City. (LRC-KSK/FoE Phil./AKP-images/Buck Pago)
State of Indigenous Peoples Address
July 27, 2009 –Members of various indigenous peoples in Luzon expressed their disgust for GMAs 8 years of presidency by kicking a mock-up seal of parliamentary government ministered by Pres. Arroyo in front of the Commission of Human Rigths (CHR) the morning before th State Of the Nation Address (SONA). They are in Manila for a 3-day conference dubbed State of the Indigenous Peoples Address (SIPA) in UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City. (LRC-KSK/FoE Phil./AKP-images/Buck Pago)
State of Indigenous Peoples Address 2009
QUEZON CITY -July 26, 2009 –Members of various Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines performing their rituals during the opening of the State of Indigenous Peoples Address 2009 (SIPA 2009), a three day forum in the University of the Philippines tackling issues on the Indigenous Peoples’ rights and environmental concerns.(LRC-KSK/FoE Phils./AKP-images/Buck Pago)
PGMA bares accomplishments over the years
By Jennilyne C. Role
Her battlecry, BEAT THE ODDS, had flare despite negative forces that tried to withhold developments and dampen her administration. She remains steadfast in working towards greater benefits of the people.
Under Balanced Budget, her administration manifested 33 quarters of uninterrupted economic growth amidst global economic meltdown that reflected a resilient economy as compared to other affected countries. This standing was affirmed b International Ratings Agencies like Moody’s.
For Education for All, around 68,888 classrooms were built from 2004 to June 2009, 41,781 out of 42,008 barangays have elementary schools and 1,494 our of 1,495 municipalities have high schools.
President Arroyo also ensured a 1:1 book-to-pupil ratio in 18 out of 20 subjects and provided around 10.86 million beneficiaries with scholarships and educational assistance.
She also made true for coming up with an Automated Elections in 2010 as manifested with the recent signing of the contract with SmartMatic-TIM.
For Transportation and Digital Infrastructure, a strong republic nautical highways was created with 30 roll-on-roll-off (RORO) ports link the archipelago making travel and transport of goods faster and cheaper, thereby enhancing business and tourism.
On the other hand, the digital infrastructure boosted tourism, commerce and the BPO-IT industry.
On the side of the extreme left that falls under the Terminate Hostilities with MILF and NPA agenda of President Arroyo, the government has integrated around 549 former rebels into the mainstream of the society and the government through social integration program.
The suspension of the offensive military operations (SOMO) against the MILF aims to provide a stable environment for the resumption of peace talks between the government the MILF.
Healing the wounds of EDSA, manifested through the sequestration of around P62.93 billion ill-gotten wealth that was remitted by the Presidential Commission on Good Government to the Bureau of Treasury for the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
Also, the granting of the absolute pardon to former President Joseph Estrada has resulted to national unity and reconciliation.
For Electricity and Water for All agenda, around 41,079 or 97.85% of the barangays have been energized and 70% of waterless municipalities outside Metro Manila and 75% of waterless communities within Metro Manila have potable water.
Under Opportunities for Livelihood and 10 Million Jobs, the government has created around 12 million jobs from 2004 to 2009, exceeding with the 10 million target, vis-à-vis the signing of the Cheaper Medicines Act that provides more affordable medicines to ensure a healthy and productive workforce.
To Decongest Metro Manila, the Philippine National Railway system from Tutuban to Buendia is now operational.
Various infrastructure projects were ongoing construction address the traffic situation of Metro Manila that include the construction of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 2, MRT/LRT loop, C5-NLEX-SLEX link, and the Northrail-Southrail link Phase 1.
To Develop Subic and Clark, infrastructure development projects such as the SCTEX boosted the competitive advantage pf Clark and Subic as prime investment areas.
The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport also posted a 21-percent increase in international passenger volume in the first five months of 2009 amid the global economic crisis and the fear of A(H1N1) disease. (PIA-RO1/La Union)
Indigenous Peoples
QUEZON CITY -July 26, 2009 –Members of various Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines performing their rituals during the opening of the State of Indigenous Peoples Address 2009 (SIPA 2009), a three day forum in the University of the Philippines tackling issues on the Indigenous Peoples’ rights and environmental concerns.(LRC-KSK/FoE Phils./AKP-images/Buck Pago)
Abra NGO joins Ombudsman’s sustained anti-corruption efforts
by Maritess Beñas
Bangued, Abra (25 July) — The Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Government, Inc. (CCAGG), a non-government organization in the province known for its being a government watchdog had accepted the invitation of the Office of the Ombudsman to join and become full-pledged member of the Multi-Sectoral Anti-Corruption Council (MSACC) last month.
The membership of the CCAGG to the said anti-corruption council was formalized after an orientation on the vision and mission and mechanics of operation and the plan of action of the MSACC and the Office of the Ombudsman itself conducted by the Ombudsman herself, Atty. Merceditas Gutierrez.
The MSACC was formed based on three basic frameworks: The Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan of 2004-2011 (MTPDP); the Millennium Development Goals (MDG); and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The Office of the Ombudsman serves as the Secretariat of the said anti-corruption council.
Currently, there are 21 member-agencies of the MSACC coming from various government and civil society organizations.
Gutierrez has likewise invited the Northern Luzon Coalition on Good Governance (NLCGG) of which the CCAGG is one of the organizers and founding members, to become member of the MSACC.
Meanwhile, the CCAGG had also renewed its membership in the Corruption Prevention Unit of the Office of the Ombudsman on invitation Gutierrez who said, the MSACC is very much impressed and inspired by the anti-corruption efforts of the said local NGO in Abra. CCAGG had been a member of the Corruption Prevention Unit of the Office of the Ombudsman way back during the time of Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo.
Gutierrrez also expressed her appreciation of the CCAGG’s participation in the sustained effort of the government to mitigate corruption that various governments in the world have already adopted the CCAGG anti-corruption measures. (PIA-Abra)
Indigenous groups to counter GMA SONA with “SIPA”
“The IP voice has been absent in all previous SONAs,” said Zenaida Hamada-Pawid, an IP delegate from Baguio City. “Through this State of the Indigenous Peoples Address (SIPA) we can discuss our situation in our own words. We will then work towards consolidation of IP leadership, support groups and advocacy groups so as to forward a strong and substantial agenda.”
“Through this SIPA we want to preempt Arroyo’s attempts to paint another rosy picture full of glossy facts and figures and lists of development projects. We want people to know that it is these same projects which are responsible for the many problems indigenous communities face today, from mining to coal plants to large dams,” Ronald Gregorio of Legal Rights and Natural Reources Center-Luzon (LRC-KsK) said.
“Under the Arroyo administration, we have been witness to the intensification of militarization in IP areas. Systematic landgrabbing is happening at an alarming rate to serve the interests of mining, logging and other extractive industries,” Joan Jaime, secretary general of the Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP) revealed.
From Capas, Tarlac, leaders Bayani Sumaoang and Lito Diaz from the federation Labayku (Lupon ng mga Katutubong Aeta para sa Bagong Adhikain upang Yumabong ang Kabundukan at Umunlad ang bawat isa) came in the face of a formidable issue. The delineation of their ancestral domain has currently been stalled by a boundary conflict with the Philippine Air Force’s Crow Valley military reservation. “Gusto po sana naming makaharap ang iba pang grupong katutubo upang makakuha kami ng karanasan at inspirasyon mula sa sarili nila pakikibaka,” Manong Bayani said.
The SIPA, organized by LRC-KsK, a research and policy advocacy institution primarily working with IPs, is scheduled specifically to coincide with the Presidents’ yearly State of the Nation Address. This year’s SIPA, with the theme “Continuing the Historical Struggle for the Right to Self-Determination” is the second, following last year, which was held in Toril, Davao. There are two regional gatherings simultaneously being held in Quezon City for the Luzon communities, and in Cagayan de Oro for the Mindanao communities.
“This SIPA is our protest to GMA’s SONA,” says Judy A. Pasimio of LRC. “This SIPA will also serve as a common platform for indigenous peoples to forward their agenda, and for us advocates to support their struggle for self-determination.”
The SIPA 2009 (Luzon) is a 3-day activity at the University of the Philippines College of Social Welfare and Community Development (UP-CSWCD), from July 26-28, 2009.
Ritual
QUEZON CITY -July 26, 2009 –Members of various Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines performing their rituals during the opening of the State of Indigenous Peoples Address 2009 (SIPA 2009), a three day forum in the University of the Philippines tackling issues on the Indigenous Peoples’ rights and environmental concerns.(LRC-KSK/FoE Phils./AKP-images/Buck Pago)
Members of various Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines
QUEZON CITY -July 26, 2009 –Members of various Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines performing their rituals during the opening of the State of Indigenous Peoples Address 2009 (SIPA 2009), a three day forum in the University of the Philippines tackling issues on the Indigenous Peoples’ rights and environmental concerns.(LRC-KSK/FoE Phils./AKP-images/Buck Pago)
Army plants 4,000 trees in Rizal
Tabuk, Kalinga (25 July) — Four thousand seedlings of various species including fruit bearing trees were planted by the 501st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army at a military reservation located in barangay Santor in Rizal just recently.
According to 1Lt. Adonis Banez, the Army’s activity is in support to the government’s campaign against climate change and global warming which he described as posing threat on planet earth. “We cannot deny the fact that the earth is in great distress as shown by the uncontrollable disasters happening today,” he said.
Timed this celebration of disaster consciousness month, Banez said the “Valiant Troopers” under the leadership of Col. Remegio De Vera, 501st Brigade Commanding Officer, planted the surrounding boundaries of the 462-hectare reservation area including access roads and rolling parts of the terrain.
Dubbed as “Sagip Santor”, the composite teams came from the 21st Infantry Battalion (IB) under LtCol. Antonio Lastimado; two platoons of CAFGUs from the “E” Company of the 77thIB under 1Lt. Lawian; one section of the 32LAC Armor personnel under 1Lt. Banez; one section from the 513rd Engineering Battalion under LtCol. Bautista; and two companies of ROTC cadets from the 206CDC under 1Lt. Manuel.
De Vera said the activity is the Army’s contribution in preserving ecological balance and their share in community efforts of addressing climate change. “Planting trees this rainy season is an opportune time since their survival rate is high,” he said.
He encouraged his troops to continue protecting the environment from further destruction, telling them that planting trees is one way of restoring the degraded forest. “Tree planting is also a form of penance to correct the uncaring acts of the past generation,” Col. De Vera stressed as he recalls how the forest was denuded because of human neglect.
Banez said that aside from reforestation activities, nurseries and mini-forests are also established and maintained in every military camp under the area of responsibility of the 501st brigade. “From our major task of securing civilians from enemy threats, we have to shift strategy by countering the armed revolution of the New Peoples’ Army by becoming “green revolutionists” against global warming,” he quipped. (PIA-Kalinga)
