Indigenous groups to counter GMA SONA with “SIPA”
Quezon City, Philippines–As the nation awaits Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s state of the nation address, over 100 representatives from indigenous organizations and support groups from all over Luzon gathered today , bringing to the table the true state of the indigenous peoples.
“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)
DAR selects Tinglayan, Pasil, Rizal under ARISP III
According to Adeline Basiag, ARISP-III agriculture development coordinator, Tinglayan, whose rice terraces get its water supply through ancient communal irrigation systems (CIS) canalled from streams and creeks particularly from the Bunog brook, is getting incapable of maintaining these olden CIS because of the extent of damages incurred through the years.
“And the famous Unoy rice that found its way to Montana, USA and also the native rice variety which Tinglayan anchored its yearly festival is decreasing in yield since water irrigation is also getting scarce,” she said. Hence, Tinglayan LGU is biding for the total rehabilitation of its irrigation systems with outside help, Basiag added.
On the other hand, Geraldo Alcantara, ARISP-III institutional development coordinator said, under the agricultural production program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo aimed for food security for the country, construction and rehabilitation of CIS has to be undertaken in the countryside to regain profitability of traditional rice varieties that grow under minimal tending cost.
He said, the President Arroyo in approving the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) has paved way for the resumption of agrarian reform Official Development Assistance (ODA) from JICA of Japan to the Philippines and Kalinga is recipient to the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Project – III (ARISP-III) this year.
Meanwhile, Jocelyn Lemmao, ARISP-III monitoring and evaluation coordinator said that aside from Tinglayan, Pasil and Rizal were also proposed ARISP-III areas for possible ODA assistance. “The indicative development plan prepared by the Department of Agrarian Reform(DAR), Provincial Office here proposed for Pasil the construction of another farm-to-market road (FMR) and communal irrigation project (CIP), the same with Rizal but added is a potable water system,” she said.
The DAR and ARISP-III coordinators here said the project is approved in principle and JICA is willing to finance 40% of the P32 million project package in Tinglayan for the Bunog to Matok CIP (P20M), the FMR from Bugnay-Buscalan to Butbut (P10M), and a trading post (P2M)in Poblacion.
Lemma said Tinglayan Mayor Johnny Maymaya committed that the LGU provides 60% of the project package.
A pre-validation and consultation was conducted last week at Tinglayan by the regional project management committee. Results will be given to the LGU and consultants for their reference.
“Said loan will be paid back from amortization of beneficiaries through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) which is the agency to implement the CIP. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will take charge of the FMR construction, Alcantara said. (PIA-Kalinga)
Cordillera police ready for SONA
The Cordillera police force will supplement the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) under the Super Task Force “Kapayapaan” to and act as Civil Disturbance Management delegation to insure peace and order.The augmentation unit has undergone a series of trainings and lectures on human rights, employing maximum tolerance.
A huge rally is expected during the President’s SONA, which coincides with the joint opening of the 14th Congress.
Pestaño also bared that here in the Cordillera, the Philippine National Police will be on hightened alert status where 75% attendance is a must of all police personnel. They must be in their respective assignments and ready to be deployed at all times.
While there is no big rally expected in Baguio City, the police are nonetheless ready while giving attention in protecting the general public, students and tourists (jbz/PIA)
BRHMA-Alabama RIC is Gawad Saka Outstanding Rural Improvement Club awardee
Baguio City (25 July) — The Department of Agriculture-CAR awarded to the Baguinge Rural Home Makers Association-Alabama Rural Improvement Club (BRHMA-Alabama RIC) the Regional Gawad Saka Outstanding RIC Award 2009 during its Anniversary at DA-CAR, Baguio City on June 30, 2009.
The DA awarded the Club with a Plaque of Recognition for besting other nominees with high marks in the area of organizational management, economic activities and performance, and community service. The award consisted of a plaque of recognition, a La Germania Oven with a three layer steamer, and an additional cash of P100,000 from RED Ceasar Rodriguez for the construction of a Multi-purpose Pavement in Baguinge, Kiangan.
The Club’s officers led by Cecilia B. Guiniling, together with the Provincial Agriculturist Raymundo G. Bahatan, Avelino L. Lunag, Jr., Brgy. Captain Alberto D. Binlang, Jr., Hon. Ananayo and Mayor Jonathan M. Cuyahon were there to receive the award.
The BRHMA-Alabama RIC is productively engaged in root crops processing and micro-lending. It provides employment and additional income to its (42) women members who come from neighboring sitios: Ala, Bacung, Baguinge Lower, Magulong and Mapolwe, from which words is coined the acronym ALABAMA.
The previous and present officers of the Club have coordinated with various government agencies for assistance on organizational strengthening and entrepreneurial skills development. Topmost on the line of supporters is the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that approved the Club’s project proposal for a processing equipment worth P100,00, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Provincial Sustainable Development Office (PSDO), Technical Education, and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Central Cordillera Agricultural Programme (CECAP), the Provincial Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Office (PAENRO), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Local Government Unit, for skills development and enhancement.
The Club also sustains year-long projects like swine dispersal, rootcrops production and backyard gardening, livestock raising, and rice production. It also participates in socio-civic programs like helping other RICs in the municipality, initiating agri-based skills contests during barangay fiestas, participating in Municipal and Provincial Fiestas where it always received citations, and rendering community service in support of the Clean and Green and Solid Waste Management Program of LGU Kiangan. Likewise, it sponsors prayer meetings, Novenas and Outreach Programs to indigent malnourished and disabled individuals within the barangay.
The Baguinge Rural Home Makers Association- Alabama RIC is the regional nominee to the National Search for Outstanding Gawad Saka Rural Improvement Clubs. (DTI-Ifugao)
Ifugao celebrates 31st National Disability Prevention Week
by Vency D. Bulayungan
Lagawe, Ifugao (25 July) — The province joined the nation in the celebration of the 31st National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week on July 17-23, 2009.
Ester Bulahao of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office here said that the Municipal Organizations of the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the 11 towns here are celebrating the said event in their respective municipalities.
Records obtained from the PSWDO shows that there is a total of 1,650 PWDs in Ifugao.
The municipal government of Kiangan rendered free medical services to all PWDs.
Bulahao said that at the provincial level, the canteen which is located at the provincial capitol and managed by the Provincial PWDs has given a 10% discount to its customers during the week -long celebration. Aside from that, we also gave a 10% discount to our services such as massage Bulahao said. The PWDs who were trained on massage are employed here.
About 12 PWDs joined the recent abilympics conducted last June. The PWDS have special skills in sewing, haircutting manicuring and others. (PIA-Ifugao)
Baguio elderly association lauds efforts to lower prices of essential medicines
by Lito Dar
The EO, he said will take effect on August 15. Ermita said the report from the Department of Health will be the basis of the draft executive order that they will submit to the president, “to implement the intent and spirit of the Cheap Medicine Act.”
In a letter submitted to the Office of the President, the health department disclosed that they have finalized the review and validation of the Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) letter of undertaking where prices of 16 drugs were voluntary reduced by 50%, while five other were non-compliant.
Among the 16 drugs were medications to treat hypertension, diabetes, common infections, amoebiasis and some cancers like leukemia. The five other that did not voluntary comply with the 50% price cut will be recommended for the imposition of the maximum drug retail price through an EO to be signed by the president.
However, pharmaceutical companies have added 22 molecules (or 31 products) that will have voluntary price cuts from 10 to 50 percent. These medications will treat diseases such as goiter, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, arthritis, fungal infection and diabetes, among others.
In Baguio City, Baguio Elderly Association president Nars Padilla, said if the medicine price cut will push through, it would be very advantageous and helpful for them. In line with this, Padilla lauded the government for such effort and also thankful to the president for spearheading such directive.
Padilla though calls on the government to come out with a proper and clear guideline for the implementation of the selling of cheaper medicines. According to Padilla, senior citizens usually encounter several problems in buying their medicine, like the requiring prescription from their maintenance drugs, limited numbers of outlet that offer the medicine they need, some drug store sell them limited number of the medicine they are buying, and if they send their spouses to buy medicines for them, they are required to have a letter of authority.
“The government should make sure the availability of cheap medicines for the elderly and the process of buying the said medicines should not be made complicated,” he added.
BEA, is composed of six different elderly groups, such as the Blessed Association of Retired Person (BARP) Foundation Inc, FBASECA, Phil Government Retired Employees, Veterans Federation of the Philippines (Baguio and CAR chapter) and United States Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon. (PIA)
OWWA livelihood loan assistance helps 100 displaced OFWs start their own business
by Lito Dar
Baguio City (25 July) — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office (OWWA-CAR) already released P5 Million to economically displaced workers in Cordillera under its Livelihood Assistance Program as of July 23.
Of the 100 beneficiaries, 45 are from the city, 36 from Benguet, 16 from Kalinga, two from Mountain Province, and one from Ifugao. The said livelihood assistance helped the beneficiaries in starting their own business, which proposals are included in their applications.
Like in the case of. Brendan Bagto, a former painter who worked in Dubai, he used the P50,000 livelihood loan assistance he got from OWWA last April to help him and his wife in putting up a Coffee Shop in Km 5, Balili, La Trinidad Benguet.
Bagto’s business, named Senses Coffee Shop, also sells homemade mango jams and different art decors made of scraps such as used bottles and jars. His business is now doing good and is already a big help for the couple and their three children.
According to OWWA-CAR Acting Regional Director Evelyn Laranang, applicants for the Livelihood Assistance Program are continuously coming in and at present there are still 90 applicants awaiting release.
“We are still waiting for the additional fund (P 4.2M) we requested from our central office, OWWA is now sourcing out funds to accommodate the pending applications, as the total releases nationwide already reached P150 M, surpassing the P100 M that was initially allocated for the said program,” Laranang said.
“We cannot turn down incoming applications, we feel we have just to respond to their needs, so if payments for the livelihood assistance we will use it as a revolving fund for the other applications,” Laranang added.
There are also some displaced workers who have also availed of the other OWWA regular programs. She informed that 10 have already graduated from OWWA’s Microsoft Tulay Project, a free computer training for OFWs or their dependents and that they also have 16 availees on the Skills Training Program. (PIA)
PNP-CAR denies reported drug related abduction-rape case in Cordillera
by Lito Dar
Baguio City (25 July) — Police Regional Office – Cordillera (PRO-Cor) headquarters, Police Regional Director Pcsupt Orlando Pestano in a press briefing Monday, clarified that based on their investigation, the reported drug related incident of kidnapping/rape of a 13 year old high school female student in the city turned out to be negative.
PRO-COR investigation disclosed that the 13 year old girl student (who was reported to be a daughter of a gov’t anti-drug enforcement agent), who was earlier reported as kidnapped and raped last Saturday, had a drinking spree in the house of one of her friends until she was drunk.
Afraid to be scolded by her parents, she refused to go home immediately, at about 8:00 pm of same date, the girl’s mother requested the assistance of a police officer at Baguio City Police Office to go to Baguio General Hospital for medical examination. The mother however, requested the police to keep the incident away from public and the press. Medico legal findings by her attending physician indicates negative for sperm identification and presence of plenty of gram positive short rods and pus cells.
Pestano said that the finding of the attending physician will avert any wrong speculations on the incident and that this issue be put to rest.
The said incident, unverified and unconfirmed, found its way in the national paper and caused a stir and reactions among national government leaders, including the President. PRO-COR has already cleared the issue and reported the case closed.
In a statement, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said, “We are happy to hear that the report of the Cordillera police that it is negative. However, it will not change the government’s policy in an all-out-war against (illegal) drugs.”
Despite the calls, from various sector to reinstate the death penalty in the country (stirred by the false report), Remonde also stressed that Malacañang’s position against the re-imposition of death penalty remains. He said that Malacanang has been consistent in respecting the decisions and positions of its co-equal branches of government such as Congress and the Supreme Court.
“Of course as a matter of policy, we allow both Houses of Congress to open debates on the matter if necessary. But like other major and fundamental policy issues, the President is not going to dictate any direction (on the issue),” Remonde said. (PIA)
