Headlines & Front Page – June 29, 2009

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FRONT PAGE

Economy to get Worse

The economy is expected to worsen in the second half of this year as the trading partners of the country have not yet shown any recovery. This was gathered from the briefing given by NEDA 10 for members of media.

Every quarter NEDA gives a briefing to members of media on how the econmy is doing and what is expected in the next few months.

In the briefing given by Engr. Cecilio Y. Clarete, Chief of EDS, Knowledge Management, the Gross Domestic Product of the country could go up if there is an increase in government spending because of the Emergency resiliency Plan; the expenses of canduidates for the election of 2010 would already start and there would be other domestic improvements such us increase in tourism, the lowering of borrowing rates by the Banko Sentral and enflation stays low.

What is unfortunate is that these are not expected to improve as government is having difficulty in keeping its budget deficit low. The revenues of the national government has been deteriorating and this is expected to go down some more as business experience low sales and revenues.

The election spending is not expected to start until the end of the 1^st Quarter of 2010 and tourism figures remain low because of the threat of A H1N1. These are some of the domestic improvements that the fiscal authorities were hoping will rise to boost the economy.

In his report, Clarete pointed out that the damage to the world economy is getting worse as it has affected the major countries most of which are trading partners of the Philippines.

The report from the US however indicates that the recession may have already bottomed out. The US Fed has reported that there are signs that “the sharp decline in the US Economy is slowing, indicating a first step toward a recovery.”

Although there are countries who have predicted a start of the recovery by this quarter or maybe the next, the Philippines is not expected to feel this until the beginning of 2010.

As an encouraging note however, 2010 being an election year, more circulation of money is expected because of the expenses of candidates in their sorties and campaigns. This will definitely boost the econmy as it always does in the past.

In a meeting of Finance Ministers of the G8 countries early this month they said that “There are signs of stabilization…but the situation remains uncertain and significant risks remain to economic and financial stability.”

Philippine exports have contracted in 2008 and in the 1^st quarter of 2009 and its trajectory is downward and alarming with a 40.6% contraction for the 1^st quarter of 2009.

“Export performance is expected to worsen in 2009. The economies of the top 10 destinations of Philippine exports, which account for about 84% of total exports, are all projected to deteriorate in 2009,” said the NEA report.

Inflation rates however are easing, and there is a modest improvement in labor and employment indicators. In spite of this however, the GDP projections for the country have been downgraded from 3.1-4.1 in February to 0.8-1.8 in May.

The call of NEDA is for people to spend whatever they have so as to give the economy a chance to improve.

“The normal reaction is to save in times like these. Our advice is to spend so as to increase the amount of money in circulation,” Clarete declared.

Representatives of government agencies take turns in briefing members

of local media on the status of the econmy and the projections for the rest of

2009 in a Media briefing at NEDA 10. Photo by Ed Montalvan/PPA-CdeO

MajGen David moves to NOLCOM

Left photo, Major General Ricardo A. David, Jr. with his personal flag following, after trooping the line at the Parade-in Review given in his honor at the 4th Infantry Division in Camp Evangelist, this city. Ge. David, the commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division has been promoted to head the Northern Luzon Command since the 18th of this month.

In the turn-over ceremonies presided by Lt.General Delfin Bangit, center, right photo, Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army, David relinquished his post to his Deputy Commanding General, BrigGen Rolito Abad, right, who will be the General Officer-in-Charge of the division for the next 10 days. He is also slated for promotion to another post.

The appointments of Abad and the new commanding general of 4ID are pending at the office of the president awaiting her signature when she arrives from her trip abroad.

David has been the commanding general of the 4ID for the last 14 months. In his farewell speech he thanked the men and women of 4ID, the civilians employees, the community and media practitioners who have supported him in his stint as 4ID CG.

The NOLCOM position is a 3 Star position (Lt. General) and General David is expected to be promoted to that rank soon. Photos by Ed Montalvan/PPA-CdeO

Paghanduraw: Looking Beyond

Archbishop Anotnio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD, right, go through the photos of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro depicting its history since its establishment in 1933 with CU President Atty. Casimiro Juarez, Jr., left. The photographs are presently on display at the Capitol University Museum of Three Cultures. The photo exhibit is a project of The Social Communications Apostolate of the Archdiocese. Photo by Ed Montalvan/PPA-CdeO

EDITORIAL

The Traffic Mess

We thought that when Filipino Amoguis resigned (actually he was about to be relieved) as head of the RTA the traffic situation in the streets of the city would improve. What happened in stead is it has gotten worst.

We used to complain that the traffic enforcers were no where to be found at the time of Amoguis. He had them on wheels, in mobile units with 4 or 5 men roaming the city and no one in the streets to enforce the traffic rules and regulations.

This time, the TEs are still no where to be found and, if they are there, they are not doing their work.

Let us just focus on the two main areas in the city, Apolinar Velez and Divisoria. This is at the center of the city where traffic should be smooth and well managed and controlled yet this is where traffic jams and violations happen. No one is there from the RTA to handle the area, even at peak hours.

You see PUJs not just picking up passengers in the middle of streets but even waiting for passengers in areas where they should not be.

Motorelas are off limits in these two areas and yet you see them plying these streets and no one is there to call their attention.

“When the cat is away the mouse will play.” This is a line kids learn in kindergarten. This is also a line that all authorities need to learn because it tells us that we need to watch over unscrupulous people.

How do we expect to solve the traffic woes of the city and discipline erring drivers when there is no one in the street to tell them that they are wrong?

I am sorry to say this but the whole situation is a reflection of the leadership we have at the RTA. The absence of the TEs in the streets is a reflection of the absence of the administrator.

We therefore call on Mayor Jaraula to look into the matter. It is high time that we take the traffic situation in the city seriously because it reflects on the image of the city.

We cannot maintain the image of being a City of Golden Friendship when our own drivers do not even know what road courtesy is.

… as it is! By Ed Montalvan

The Political Wind

As the election season nears rumors are abound on who the candidates will be. In the province. The question is who will run against the team of Governor Oscar Moreno.

Dongkoy Emano, who used to be the political kingpin of the province is rumored to be in a quandary as to who he will pick to run against Moreno. He has decided to severe his ties with Moreno for the simple reason that the governor is his own man and makes his own decision.

Dongkoy does not like that. He wants his people to be subservient to him and to consult him in all matters. So he wants to put up somebody against Moreno.

We gathered from a very reliable source that he has asked Peter Unabia to run for Governor. Unabia refused because he knows that it is difficult to run against Moreno. Peter prefers to run for congress in the 1^st District where he has a better chance against Karen Lagbas, the daughter of the late Danny Lagbas.

There is Jun Baculio who wants to have a return bout with Moreno but this time with the support of Dongkoy. The problem is that Jun does not land well with the people because he already lost to Moreno in the last election.

Dongkoy is running out of options. His very own people are either not suited for the fight or have left him.

His son Bambi does not want to give up his post as congressman of the 2^nd District. His life is so relax and he has been getting his pork barrels for his projects.

Vice Governor Norris Babiera who used to be a Dongkoy man has reportedly expressed his desire to run for re-election under the banner of Oca Moreno. Opol Mayor Dixon Yasay is not only not interested in any provincial post but is rumored to be not doing well in surveys among municipal officials.

Dongkoy has announced that his lawyer daughter Nadia will run either in the province or the city. If in the province she will run for vice governore and maybe as Vice Mayor or Councilor in the city. The only problem is she is a reluctant politician.

The latest rumor is that Dongkoy may decide to run for governor because he is the strongest candidate his party can put up against Oca.

The problem is who will run for Mayor in the city. If he will just put up a mediocre candidate and Klarex Uy decides to run for mayor they will all be clobbered.

He has a difficulty asking Tinnex to run for re-election because he already made him promise to limit himself to only one term to pave the way for his come back. Tinnex is already looking forward to his retirement.

There is a possibility that Klarex may just give way to Tinnex if he decides to run again and wait for another or even after a third term before aspiring to be mayor. But if it will be Dongkoy who will run Klarex might just call the challenge.

In both contests Dongkoy is the strongest candidate his party can put up but he cannot just ride the boat on both rivers and he will have to sacrifice the other.

If his party loses in Misamis Oriental it will be the end of the Emano hold in the province. If his team loses in the city it will be the end of the Emano reign in Cagayan de Oro.

He will have to make a choice what area to give up and concentrate his efforts on the other but definitely he can no longer control both.

We will just have to wait for the next episode and see how things will develop and unfold in the next 5 months.

Media Message By: John DeCleene

U.S. Media and July 4

Heads up. Do your best to look for references to God as the U.S celebrates it's independence. Remember Thanksgiving? It used to be a time to thank God. Now it's a celebration of cultures.

Why does so much media ignore God so passionately? They do an incredible amount of verbal gymnastics to be sure they never mention Him.

Some networks are brave enough to declare He exists. Other networks hire one news reporter they use sparingly who, under pressure, may insinuate they are a Christian. This is to be 'fair.' One person haltingly suggesting they are Christian opposed to everyone else who adamantly declares that anyone who believes in God is bigoted and delusional.

July 4th isn't really what it used to be anyway. Neither is Memorial Day. Labor day will only become bigger and better as labor unions continue to control the government. Their additional power of persuasion by not allowing secret balloting will certainly be in their favor as they intimidate their members to do as they're told.

This writer can give a personal account, decades ago, of being pressured to join, even as a casual worker. Lifetime members of unions verbally attack, overwork, and, even physically push around those who don't join. It can later be seen that those who reluctantly join are then forced to support the majority. Displaying any individual thinking is always discouraged.

When non-union workers try to work hard they are intimidated. All this while union workers show each other where and how to hide from the boss. Proverbs 10:4 says: “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Many union people are out to make such a truth to appear to be a lie.

But, whenever someone speaks against a union, they also have to be careful to mention how unions have actually created much good. They have helped those denied proper wages to be paid fairly. They have also helped those who are overworked to have better working hours and conditions.

Is it possible the good that unions can do has been overridden by the damage many unions have done?

One has to wonder how much of the media is controlled by unions. Certainly camera people and other such technicians are all union.

Is this why so many news outlets disregard God on a day originally meant to give Him thanks?

July 4 is definitely different from Thanksgiving. But both—originally had much to do with God. A quick search on the Internet will show there are two sides to this issue. Atheists seek to dream that God was not intended to be a part of the origin of the U.S.

Some anti-Christian press will debate this. Most will just ignore it.

Here's the challenge. As you hear about the American celebration of July 4, count how many times you hear, read, see an account. Then, count how many mention God. Can God bless a nation that spurns Him?

Mommy Thoughts By Mia M. Castrillo

Thoughts on Home Schooling and Others

I’ve always believed that the home is a child’s first and foremost school. This is where they learn the basics of life --- how to behave, initial values and principles, etc. Parents are, therefore, a child’s first teachers.

My two older girls learned how to identify shapes and colors, to count, and to name the parts of their bodies way before stepping into a classroom. Our house is surrounded with various books, art materials and music. And like her older sisters, my 21-month old is learning all these things right now.

So I believe that I’ve “home schooled” in a way since here was their first learning venue. The question was what to do when they reach school age so that we can continue what has been started in the home and build on the previous skills learned.

I remember when I gave birth to Raya, I wanted Nadine, then aged 2, to start in a toddler school so she would have some other activity and socialization with other kids. (It turned out that she wasn’t ready for it and we pulled her out. But that’s another story.J) Aside from continuing her academic formation, I wanted her to develop social skills with kids her age.

Nadine formally started preschool at 2 years and 10 months. Raya, on the other hand, started at 2 years and 10 days because she wanted to join Nadine in going to school everyday. It was fortunate for us that their school was just a few houses away from ours in Manila so it was so easy for us.

There was a time, in a conversation with the school’s directress, she asked me if I would consider home schooling my girls since this was a growing trend in the Philippines and she saw how involved I am in their upbringing.

I thought a lot about it. Seriously, I know deep in my heart that I would be able to do well in home schooling if I do decide to pursue it. But I felt that there is more to just having my kids in the four walls of a classroom. Learning how to interact with other kids in a school setting (in a daily basis) can teach them in developing skills at listening, being patient and taking turns which are essential to a blossoming personality. They may encounter undesirable friends or experiences but these are all opportunities of learning and growth. (That is why a parent’s involvement in a child’s life whether in school or in any other setting is very essential)

Likewise, I believed that it is important for children to have other authority figures other than the parents. In a school, they not only interact with their peers, they have constant interaction with other authorities such as teachers, librarians, as well as, guards and janitors.

But this doesn’t mean that we turn over the reigns of teaching to the school. The home is still the main seat of learning. We, as parents, are life-long teachers and models for our children.

The challenge, therefore, is to look for a school that has parent collaboration as one of its thrusts. I was fortunate to find a PAREF school here in Cagayan de Oro. PAREF is short for Parents for Education Foundation Inc. and involves parents in the wholistic formation of their children. There are periodic chats between a mentor with the student and also with the parents. In these personal conversations, both the school and the parents can collaborate in the overall development of the child’s growth and can assure greater harmony between the home and the school. Many parents do not understand this and have transferred their children to other schools where they feel can “teach” their kids more.

Another thing I like about a PAREF school is that enrollment is not the priority. The aim is for a small teacher-student ratio in the classrooms and they continue to keep student count at 20 maximum for every section. When we transferred here 2 years ago, Raya had only four classmates in the afternoon session and Nadine had 8.

Honestly, I don’t think there is a perfect school. Parents will always have something to complain about or be unhappy about. It’s just a matter of making the most of what is there and what you want.

Bounce Pass By John Montalvan

Bright Future for CAVS, Another ring for Shaq?

The biggest news in the basketball world is Shaquille O’neal signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Personally, I think this is a very good career move for Shaq and a very great management decision for the Cavs.

Lebron James needs all the support he could get to win a championship and Shaq giving the much needed support is simply something that basketball fanatics can really dream of.

Shaq joining the Cavs simply means that aside from Lebron, they will have another scoring threat that would also help in the defensive and rebounding departments.

Shaq is just such a lucky fellow that in his 16 (?) year career in the NBA, he has partnered with All-Star greats such as Anfernee Hardaway with the Magic, Kobe Bryant with the Lakers and Dwayne Wade with the Heat. The three are sure to be future Hall of Famers. Shaq has won 4 championships, 3 with Kobe and the Lakers and 1 with Wade and the Heat. During his stint with the Magic, they won the Eastern Conference Championship in 1995 only to be swept by the Houston Rockets in the Finals.

Shaq also had the chance to partner up with Steve Nash in Phoenix but their partnership did not produce much.

Now with Lebron James as his new partner, I am sure that Shaq is willing to play the supporting role once again, like what he did with Wade.

The experience that Shaq is bringing to the Cavs is really something that the Cavs need.

Shaq may be starting to get old at the age of 37 but He still has a lot of tricks in his bag that he would be bringing with him in Cleveland.

Remember the things he did at the All-star weekend last February? Though the All-Star Game is a show, he proved to the world that he still has what it takes to play in the NBA.

He even won the MVP award which he shared with Kobe Bryant.

With Lebron and Shaq leading the Cavs, I think nothing can go wrong.

As the next season starts, I’ll be rooting for the Cavaliers at least make it to the finals.

Kagay-an Festival 2009

New events to spice-up “Kagay-an Festival 2009”

Guests, tourists, visitors and residents of Cagayan de Oro City will expect a more colorful and exciting celebration of the “Kagay-an Festival 2009” with the addition of new core events.

“Kagay-an Festival”- Cagayan de Oro City’s main fiesta attraction in honor of patron Saint Augustine, was formally launched last week by the Promote CdeO Foundation, Inc. led by its president Ruben Vegafria, in coordination with the City Tourism Board chaired by Ms. Josie Aliñabon and the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office headed by Ms. Imma Rae D. Gatuslao.

During the simple launching ceremony held at a local hotel and attended by local tri-media outlets and organizers, the Promote CdeO Foundation, Inc. unveiled 10 major events that will highlight this year’s edition of “Kagay-an Festival.”

The new core events are: “Garbo sa Oro 2009: Outstanding Kagay-anons”- a recognition of exceptional Kagay-anons who brought honor and pride to the city which will be held at the Rodelsa Hall, Liceo de Cagayan University on August 28; “Serenata at the Park” at Kiosko Kagawasan in Divisoria on August 28 and the “Regional Trade Fair 2009”, a wide array of display and selling of locally-made products of the region based on “One-Town, One-Product” (OTOP) concept to be staged at the Limketkai Rotunda from August 20 to August 28.

Among the crowd-drawing festival activities include the “Kagayan Dance Festival”, a street dancing competition showcasing Northern Mindanao indigenous people’s dances on August 24; “Ms. Kagay-an 2009”, a beauty and talent search of the city’s finest, gorgeous and witty Kagay-anon ladies vying for the title as Cagayan de Oro City’s Ambassadress of Goodwill and Tourism on August 25 and the “Kagay-an 3rd Golden Float Parade”, a float competition depicting the city’s growth and development, history, people, culture and event on August 26.

Other events include the traditional “Lambagohan-River Festivities”, a fluvial procession and river rafts competition at the Cagayan de Oro River on August 27; “Kumbira 2009”, a culinary show and live competitions to be held at the Limketkai Atrium from August 13 to 15; “National Horseshow and Competition”, a 3-day event showcasing equestrian events and horseback games at the Mountain Meadows, Fil-Estate Grounds in barangay Gusa from August 21 to 23 and the “Kapuso Mall Show” at the Limketkai Atrium on August 26.

All Kagay-an Festival 2009 activities are exclusively handled by the Promote CdeO Foundation, Inc. after it was granted by the city government an exclusive right to manage the city fiesta events starting August 2007 pursuant to City Ordinance No. 10514-2007.

This year’s partner organizations include the United Architects of the Philippines- Gold Chapter; Safer River Life Saver Foundation, Inc.; Department of Trade and Industry; Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association; Department of Tourism- Region X; Cagayan de Oro Horsemen Association; Cagayan de Oro Tourism Board and Oro Association of Rafters (AOR). (CIO)

Ms. Kagay-an 2009

The Search is On

The triumvirate of the City Tourism Board chaired by Josie Aliñabon, Promote CDO Foundation led by its president Ruben Vegafria and the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office headed by Imma Rae Gatuslao invite all young and vibrant Kagay-anon ladies to join this year’s edition for the search of Ms. Kagay-an 2009.

Considered as one of the city fiesta’s crowd-drawing activities, Ms. Kagay-an 2009 beauty and talent search aims to empower Kagay-anon women by showcasing their skills, talents and intelligence.

As an Ambassador of Goodwill and Tourism of Cagayan de Oro City, the contestants must show grace and poise, exhibit wit and brilliance under pressure, and act in a manner fitting and worthy of the crown and the title.

The search for Ms. Kagay-an 2009 is open to all single ladies between 18 to 25 years of age; at least 5 feet and 4 inches in height with a beautiful face and figure; has a pleasing personality and of good moral character; and can speak fluently with English, Tagalog and Cebuano languages.

If not born in Cagayan de Oro City, she must provide proof that her parents/grandparents are born here in the city.

Contestants must be endorsed by the school director/organization/principal or by their Barangay Captain and preferably the reigning campus queen; has never joined the Ms. Kagay-an pageant nor has ever won major award/s in national pageants and must possess high level of tourism awareness about Region 10 and Cagayan de Oro City, in particular.

Application forms are now available at the Promote CDO Office located at 214 Building, Gaerlan St; City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office located at the ground floor of the Tourism Hall; City Tourism Showhouse located at Divisoria area and the Department of Tourism Regional Office-X located at the ground floor of the Pelaez Sports Complex. (CIO)

Socials By. Sarah A. Velez

Yoling Malferrari Celebrates Birthday at Xavier Estates.

The Celebrant Yoling, daughter of the late Actuary Emeterio Roa in glittering red lamé greeted her guests, the cream of the city, with the immediate members of her family flying from USA and Manila assisting her.

Starting with an early mass, friend, cousins and the Roa Clan were there, for dinner and with the DI”s, dancing lasted till late in the night. There will be no other night like this says her guests.

To Yoling, The MINDANAO CURRENT greet her many happy returns of the day.

Celebrant Yoling in sparkling Red

Celebrant Cuts her birthday cake

In one table Chichi Barria, Tata Malferarri, Maya Malferarri.

Standing are Cely Montecello, Eric Malferarri, the Celebrant & Bert Van Kleef.

Daylit Fabregas, Dandan Raagas, Fe Juarez, Girlie Velez, Dulce Reyes.

Standing are Girlie Suan, the Celebrant & Daisy San Jose

Boy and Evelyn Clavaro, Liling Roa & Emma Roa

Eric Malferarri says something about his Mom as Bebot Malferarri,

Cely Montecello, Van Malferarri, Bert Van Kleef wait for their turn

From left, Dulce Reyes, Joyce Velez, Linda Nable & Nena Hernandez

From left Lulu Benipayo, Fely pelaez, Rafalita Pelaez & Zucene Cadiz

Gonzalo and Trining Go, Lily Raypon, & Nene Bartolome

Lily Raypon, Tellie and Urla Velez Tablan & Nene Bartolome

Girlie Suan, Ester Fernandez, Daisy San Jose, Daylit Fabregas

Mary Ang, Alice Lacson, this writer and Ofelia Pelaez

Ely Pedrajas, Linda Nable, Nene Bartolome & Nena Hernandez

Daisy San Jose, Daylit Fabrigas, Dandan Raagas, Rotary Governor Bing Juarez,

Girlie Velez and Dulce Reyes

VISA Q & As By : Litong Roa

Q: My US citizen husband died before the petition he filed for me was approved : will it be denied?

I have been asked this question or something similar so many times, but for the first time in all the years I’ve been practicing US immigration law, my answer now has something good in it.

It is axiomatic that the death of a petitioner also means the death of the petition itself. For example, many Filipino beneficiaries of approved petitions spend years waiting for their visas to become available so they can immigrate - only to be disappointed when the time comes because their petitioner has died. While in certain instances, the petition can be reinstated based on humanitarian grounds, this is very difficult to do.

Furthermore, humanitarian reinstatement is not available to spouses of US citizens when their husbands and wives die before the petitions they filed are approved. A special immigrant petition is available to those who have been married for at least 2 years. But this is not available if the US citizen spouse died before the 2nd anniversary of the marriage. For such surviving spouses of US citizens (and their qualifying minor children), this is called the "widow penalty".

Some widows (and widowers) banded together to challenged this "widow penalty" in a class action suit they filed before a federal court in California - and won! See Hootkins v. Napolitano, CV07-05696 CAS (C.D. Cal.) On May 1, 2009, the court issued a ruling that surviving spouses of US citizens (and their qualifying minor children) remained "immediate relatives" of US citizens even when the petitioner died before the marriage lasted 2 years.

"Immediate relatives" comprise the most favored immigrant classification under US immigration law. They are not subject to quota, so visas are always available. Traditionally, they are the spouses of US citizens; children of US citizens who are unmarried and below 21; and parents of US citizens who are at least 21 years old. This ruling recognizes a new class of "immediate relatives": the surviving spouses (and their qualifying minor children) of deceased US citizens who died before the 2nd anniversary of their marriage.

This means that such a surviving spouse (and their qualifying minor children) continue to be eligible for a "green card", and any immigrant petition or application to adjust status can still be completed even though the petitioner is now deceased.

Now, the ruling is binding only in those areas of the United States over which the 9th & 6th Federal Circuit Courts of Appeals have jurisdiction - including the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. This is because under the U.S. federal court system, decisions of a particular circuit court of appeals have force and effect only in those areas covered by their jurisdiction. Separate circuit courts of appeals have jurisdiction over other areas. Thus, only a U. S. Supreme Court decision can have nationwide applicability.

Nevertheless, a uniform policy on the matter was adopted by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services when on June 15, 2009, a memorandum was issued making "deferred action" available to all persons in the U.S. subject to the "widow penalty"(including qualifying minor children), and whose petitions and/or applications for a green card were denied as a result of the petitioner’s death. "Deferred action" is an exercise of prosecutorial discretion wherein enforcement of the law is avoided - especially in selected cases of humanitarian concern. This means that if qualified, he or she will not be deported. The memo states that "deferred action" under this memo will be for a period of 2 years, and those granted deferment will be eligible for employment authorization.

The memorandum, however, does not apply to persons outside the U.S.

(Mr. Roa grew up in Cagayan de Oro City, where he obtained his legal education and training. He practices exclusively immigration law in the United States and is based in Arlington VA. (See www.roalaw.com for more details.) The content of this column is for general information only, does not create a lawyer-client relationship and is not meant to constitute a formal legal opinion. It may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, sold, transferred or disposed of in any manner without the express written permission of Emeterio G. Roa III, who owns and retains all intellectual property rights over said contents.)

Foreign Treaties and Agreements

RR wants foreign treaties and agreements included in procurement law

By: Allan Richard Martillo, MRS-PRIB

Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez wants foreign treaties and agreements included in the procurement law.

The 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro Congressman said the measure seeks to ensure that international or executive agreements, which are contractual in nature should adhere to the procurement processes, as provided for in the Procurement Law and its implementing rules and regulations.

"Foreign funded projects signed by the Philippine Government, like the NBN-ZTE, are most likely to end up in controversy on account of onerous terms which are beyond the ambit of our procurement laws" Rodriguez said.

House Bill 6321 seeks to amend Section 4 of the Republic Act 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act, which specifically excludes such agreement on the procurement of infrastructure projects, goods and consulting services regardless of the source of funds, local or foreign.

Rodriguez cited the bilateral agreement between the Philippine Government and the People’s Republic of China, which is the National Broadband Network (NBN) and ZTE Co. contract, as an example.

"This will apply to all branches and instrumentalities of the government, its department, offices and agencies, including government-owned and/or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local government units (LGUs), subject to the provisions of Commonwealth Act 138," Rodriguez said.

RESORT-BOUND MELONS

Growers of the Northern Mindanao Vegetable Producers Association (NorMinVeggies) joined a field workshop on honeydew melon production, which included a hands-on field technology demonstration, in Barangay Igpit, Opol, Misamis Oriental, provided by NorMinVeggies and USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, which is being implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Economic Development Council. Growers, fruit traders and suppliers are increasing melon production and consolidation, particularly in northern Mindanao, to meet the growing demand from the tourist resort and restaurant market in Cebu and other parts of the Visayas. GEM

STEAG and ETV

Learning becomes much better with ETV

Villanueva, Misamis Oriental – School officials in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental cited a significant improvement in the academic performance of students in public elementary schools. This came in the wake of the implementation of the Educational Television (ETV) Project in the towns of Villanueva and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental under the auspices of STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI).

“We note a significant increase in concept comprehension and retention due to attractive visuals, dramatization and concrete illustration of the concepts” says Delma Masion, school administrator of Don Fernando Jacinto Elementary School, one of the project beneficiaries.

“Students obtained higher scores in quizzes and majority of them got almost perfect scores in evaluative tests. Results of the periodical tests increased by 10% and students' proficiency in the Filipino language also improved” Masion added.

In an impact study conducted by ABS-CBN Foundation, there is a direct correlation between the academic performance improvement and the integration of the ETV.

In Don Fernando Jacinto ES which has a population of about 400 students, the number of slow learners decreased by 75 students while the number of average students increased by 108, and the fast learners by 39.

School attendance also improved while absenteeism and cutting classes were minimized. Students were also able to relate the concepts viewed in the episodes to their lessons in Math, Science and Makabayan. While viewing “Math-tinik”, students solve the mathematical problems presented in the show. Children also were having fun while learning. Longer attention span was also noted.

Students likewise talked about the episodes even outside the classroom, during recess, lunch breaks and even dismissal time. They became more attentive, disciplined and highly interested in Science and Math concepts.

Villanueva Schools District Supervisor Aida Cayabas noted that with the ETV project, teachers have also become more motivated. “Teachers also learn from the episodes. Through the use of ETV, they become more creative with their lesson planning. ” she added.

The ETV project also enabled teachers to upgrade their knowledge and skills in teaching math and science. They need not have to continue shelling out money to buy and prepare visual aids and other supplementary materials.

Seven (7) public elementary schools in Tagoloan and Villanueva have benefitted from the project. The ETV set comes with a 29-inch television, a DVD player and 460 educational TV episodes developed by the ABS-CBN Foundation. Teachers of recipient schools were also trained to integrate the ETV approach in the classroom learning system.

About PhP 0.7 million have been earmarked by Steag for this purpose, benefitting about 3,000 students mostly coming from depressed communities. The project is a component of the Social Development Program (SDP) which the company has been implementing for its host communities in Misamis Oriental.

Steag Power Plant Manager Dr. Carster Evers (3rd from right) hands-over to Tagoloan Mayor Paulino Emano the Educational TV Materials for Rosario Elementary School in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

STEAG officials delight as they join students of Rosario Elementary School in Tagoloan preview the Educational TV episodes under the company’s ETV Project.

XU Voters’ Education

...Expands to Central Mindanao University

Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan through the XU Governance and Leadership Institute (XU GLI) and the XU center for Legal Assistance (XUCLA) expands its reach and strengthens the Voters’ Education Program for Region 10 in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with Central Mindanao University (CMU) last 19 June at the University Board Room.

Present during the MOA signing were XU President Fr Jose Ramon T. Villarin SJ and CMU President/Officer in Charge Dr. Rodrigo L. Malunhao The agreement was an addendum to the MOA entered into by and between the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-10, National Youth Commission (NYC), Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10 and Xavier University last May 7, 2009. Witnessing the ceremony were XU Vice President for Research and Social Outreach (VPRSO) Atty Antoinette Royo-Fay; COMELEC Director Renato Magbutay; PIA Director Rutchie Aguhob; NYC Regional Coordinators of Region 10, 11 and the ARMM, Eddie Cuaresma and Atty Nur Bacaraman; Beth Martinez of DPWH-10; COMELEC Asst Regional Elections Director Atty Dolette Cuevas-Banzon; COMELEC Regional Attorney Gina Zayas-Sabio; XU GLI Director Beth Soriano; XUCLA Executive Director Atty Neil Y Pacamalan and CMU professors Angelita Jacobe and Hermi Pava.

The new agreement recognized Central Mindanao University as the provincial academic host of the Voters Education Program in Bukidnon. CMU is the biggest school in the province of Bukidnon and is strategically located at the heart of the province. As an academic host, CMU will be the site of the Provincial Training of Trainers on July 18 and 19. It shall also serve as the oversight institution for the Voter’s Education in the different barangays of the province.

XU President Fr Jett Villarin expressed his sincere appreciation for broadening the base of stakeholders and for engaging more partners for the cause of democracy building and citizen empowerment through voters’ education.

On Election Automation

More questions than answers in poll automation

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to answer questions regarding its preparedness as well as the capability of the winning bidder Smartic-TIM to conduct automated elections in 2010.

Escudero, who heads the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes and laws, made the remarks after conducting the hearing on the poll automation attended by officials of the winning bidder Smartmatic-TIM and the Commission on Elections (Comelec.)

“I am still waiting to be convinced by Smartmatic and the Comelec that they can
conduct a credible and fail-safe automated election next year,” he said.

“I am not against poll automation. I just want to ensure that there will be no failure of elections. The future of our democracy rests on this exercise,” Escudero said.

In the same hearing, Escudero asked the Comelec to submit all necessary papers including the proposed contract with Smartmatic-TIM for review by the committee.

The committee also asked the Smartmatic-TIM for 24 hours during which the Senate general counsel will review the papers.

“We want to make sure that there is nothing illegal, unconstitutional, and uncalled for in
the contract,” Escudero said. “We don’t want a repeat of the Mega-Pacific deal.”

Escudero also said that the next hearing on the poll automation process will include their counterparts in the Lower House.

MORE CLASSROOMS.

Local officials of Brgy. Lumbo in Lagonglong municipality led by Brgy. Capt. Virgilio Tangara received three units of classrooms at Lumbo National High School from Gov. Oscar S. Moreno. Joining the governor in the ceremonial turn-over are Vice Gov. Norris Babierra, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Emmanuel Mugot and Ed Ayunting, Sangguniang Bayan members Jay Albert Puertas and Gerwin Tokmohan and Dep-Ed Asst. Schools Division Supt. Mario Basalo. In less than five years, Gov. Moreno’s administration has already built more than 200 classrooms in the province. (MISOR PO)

The JENESYS East Asia Future leaders Program 2009

The JENESYS East Asia Future leaders Program 2009 of the Japan Foundation hosted a study tour last June 01-14, 2009 in Japan. With the theme, “Environment: Symbiosis with Nature and Sustainable Society”, the program aimed to promote a better understanding of Japan in the various layers of society and fields through discussions on critical issues in East Asia so as to build-up human network in the region. Forty (40) grantees from fourteen (14) countries in the regions of East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Oceania participated in the said program. Among these countries were South Korea, China, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, India, Australia, and New Zealand. The Philippine delegates included Michael J. Edrial of the Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Nature, Arthur Joseph D. Alipio of the Cordillera Green Network (Benguet), Jasmin G. Egualan, a public school teacher at Gov. Julio Macuja Memorial Comprehensive High School (Antique), and Allan A. Flores, a teacher at Capitol University Basic Education Department.

Cebu market for MisOr vegetables

Members of the Balingasag Farmers Association of Misamis Oriental pack their harvested ampalaya (bitter gourd) and talong (eggplant) for shipment to a shopping mall in Cebu City. The Northern Mindanao Vegetable Producer’s Association (NorMinVeggies) and USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, under the oversight of the Mindanao Economic Development Council, are working with producer groups like the Balingasag association to expand marketing links with markets in the Visayas and Luzon and to increase out shipments of Mindanao-grown vegetables. GEM

BDO Remittance

BDO’s SECURE AND CONVENIENT REMITTANCE SERVICE WORLWIDE

Today, more Filipinos are toiling in another country to be able to provide a better life for their loved ones in the Philippines. Based on the latest data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), more than eight million Filipinos are now working abroad. As BDO recognizes the hardwork and sacrifices of our kababayans, it continues to find ways to make sending and receiving remittance much easier and convenient for Filipinos local and overseas.

With the objective of ensuring secure, reliable, and convenient remittance service, BDO offers a special remittance savings account for Overseas Filipinos and their families – the BDO Kabayan Savings account. With BDO, opening a remittance account has never been this easy. With just a minimum initial deposit of Php50 and one valid ID, they can open their own Kabayan Savings account at any of BDO’s almost 700 branches nationwide. A peso account comes with an International ATM card, which they can use to withdraw money here and abroad and a passbook for quick reference to their transactions. For a dollar account, it only requires a minimum initial deposit of USD100, which also comes with a passbook.

There’s no need to rush to the bank as one can conveniently open an account almost anyday of the week. Most BDO branches are open until 6PM while branches in SM malls continue to offer banking services as late as 7PM even weekends and holidays. For many years, picking up huge cash at a remittance pick up location has been the practice of beneficiaries. But with BDO Kabayan Savings account, beneficiaries can safely and more conveniently receive remittances. There’s no need to carry huge cash. They can just withdraw the exact amount they need from more than 6,000 BDO, Expressnet and Megalink ATMs nationwide. Having a BDO Kabayan Savings account will also encourage beneficiaries to save money since there’s no need to withdraw the whole amount sent by their loved ones from abroad. BDO ATMs are also found in all SM malls, where they can buy their household needs and withdraw remittance under the same roof. BDO International ATM card can also be used as a debit / credit card in more than 8,000 merchants. Again, no need to carry huge cash since purchases are settled with just one swipe.

For Filipinos abroad, they may visit any BDO remittance office, where they can send remittances to your BDO Kabayan Savings account. There are six BDO subsidiary offices in Hong Kong, one in Macau, four in USA, six in Italy and one in Germany. BDO also has representative offices in France and Israel. BDO has a wide remittance network abroad as it also has thousands of remittance partners and agent locations in Asia and Oceania, Australia, Middle East, North America and Europe that offer BDO remittance services. BDO also offers a unique and easy way to check the status of remittance from the time it is sent, to the time it is delivered. For customers who have access to the internet, just visit www.bdo.com.ph and click BDO Remit Inquiry.

BDO, being true to its commitment of "We find ways" is providing Filipinos an opportunity to grow their finances. After building a good credit history with BDO, Overseas Filipinos and their families may avail of the bank’s other products and services such as loans and investment opportunities. With BDO’s growing network of international partners, Overseas Filipinos and their families are rest assured, BDO Remit services are made available to them wherever they may be.

Headlines & Front Page – June 22, 2009

The No.1 Newsweekly in Cagayan de Oro and MisOr

No. 1 in Circulation * No. 1 in Readership

FRONTPAGE

Kagay-an 2009 Launched

Promote CDO Foundation, the organizer of Kagay-an Festival has launched the Kagay-an Festival 2009 in simple ceremonies last week. This year’s celebration is expected to be bigger than the previous years and will have more core events as in the past.

This year’s festival will center on 8 Core eevents, 3 more than the previous years. Added to this year’s celebration is the 13^th Kumbira, the culinary show and live competitions of the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA), the National Horse Show and Competition and the garbo sa Oro 2009. The Kumbira and Horse Show has been staged in the city in the past but this year it shall be made part of the festival Celebrations.

The Garbo sa Oro is a recognition of Outstanding Kagay-anons during a gala get-together at the Rodelsa Hall of Lioceo de Cagayan University on August 28, 2009, Kagya-anons who have brought honor and prode to Cagayan de Oro City will be called onstage and will be awarded with special designed trophy with the official seals of Cagayan de Oro and Promote CDO.

This year the selection will be based on Kagay-anons who have won awards/ prizes/ recognition in the national and international arenas in the past two years.

Kumbira is the longest running regional culinary competition in the country. The event features various food and beverage competitions, cooking demonstrations by experts in the food industry and trade exhibit on Hotel and Restaurant Equipment, Supplies and Services.

Kumbira will also host the 2^nd Mindanao Chef Wars, a regional live cooking competition for professional and student teams to represent Mindanao in the Chef Wars National Competiton in September.

The National Horse Show and Competition is in partnership with the Cagayan de Oro Horsemen. They are hosting the 4^th Leg of the Philippine Horsemen Federation National Horse Show and Competition. The event will showcase equestrian competitions and races. Horsemen from Manila, Davao, Cavite, Cebu Masbate and Bukidnon are expected to join this event.

The other Core Events that have been a major part of the festival in the past will still be there with some having some slight variations.

The Lambagohan River festivities will still have the competition of river rafts but this time this will be capped woth a Fluvial procession at dusk as a pre-fiesta celebration of the city’s patron St. Agustine. This will also be highlighted with the floating of lantersns made of indigenous and biodeghradble materials.

Lambagohan will be co-organized by Safer River Life Foundation and the oro Association of Rafters (AORs).

The Kagay-an Dance Fest, the Golden Float Parade Competition, the Regional Trade Fair and the Miss Kagay-an 2009 will still be staged.

This year’s Dance fest will no longer be limited to the Higao-non Dances but will now cover tribal dances of Northern Mindanao tribes. The Regional Tade Fair will concentrate on the OTOP of Northern Mindanao while the Miss Kagay-an may have the same criteria and qualifications as in the previous years.

This year’s Chairperson of the festival is Ms. Eieen E. San Juan, Vice President of Promte CDO Foundation.

Left photo above the officers of Promote CDO and some key players for Kagay-an Festival 2009 as they launched the event recently. From left, Ms. Nelia lee of COHARA, Ms. Eileen San Juam, Chair of Kagya-an festival 2009, Kag. Dante Pajo, representing the city government, Promote CDO President Ruben Vegafria, Trustee Nimfa Albania and DOT Regional Director Butch Chan.Right photo are the Key players and Core Event Chairmen as they cut the cake as a ceremonial gesture for the launching of the festival. Photo by Ed Montalvan/PPA-CdeO

Mga Bayani ng Media

Governor Oscar S. Moreno inspects the on going construction of the Press Freedom Monument at the Capitol grounds. Showing the governor the progress of the work is internationally renowned Sculptor Eduardo Castrillo the designer and builder of the monument. . The project is targeted to be unveiled on September 21^st, the anniversary of the declaration of Martial law. It is being built amidst the continuous killing of journalists in the country.(See related story below)

Two media practitioners killed in a week

Two media practitioners were killed by unidentified gunmen in separate incidents in the Southern provinces of Luzon this second week of June 2009. Police have yet to establish the motives behind the killings.

On 12 June 2009, print journalist Antonio Castillo died three hours after being shot by a gunman who later fled on a motorcycle in Uson town, Masbate province. Uson, Masbate is approximately 403 kilometers from Manila.

Three days earlier Crispin Perez Jr., a radio commentator at the local government-owned FM radio station dwDO in San Jose City, Occidental Mindoro province, died at a hospital of gunshot wounds inflicted by an unknown gunman outside his home at around 10 a.m. (local time).

Earlier reports said Perez had been stabbed, but Major Alberto Villapando, head of the police team assigned to investigate the case, told the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) in a phone interview that Perez sustained two gunshot wounds from a .45 caliber handgun.

Perez’ widow Irene said in a phone interview that she saw the gunman talking to her husband outside their home. She said she saw the assailant holding the gun after hearing two consecutive shots. Irene said she tried but was not able to chase the gunman who immediately boarded a motorcycle after shooting Perez.

Perez was one of the three anchors in the “Sa Totoo Lang (For Real)” program, which aired from Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Station manager Ferdie Data of dwDO told CMFR in a phone interview the public affairs program promoted government projects and addressed issues in government. The two other anchors were also government officials who were both members of a barangay (village) council—a kagawad and a barangay captain, he said.

Perez, who was a lawyer and a former Occidental Mindoro vice governor (July 1992 to July 1995), joined the program in the third week of May. Perez also had his own program every Saturday, which was aired simultaneously at dwDO and Radyo Natin stations from 12 to 1 p.m. The program, Data said, began at around January 2009.

Irene said her husband also worked as a radio commentator at around 2003 to 2004 at dzYM station, but stopped to focus on his private practice as a lawyer. Irene said Perez also worked as part-time municipal legal consultant recently.

Irene Perez and Data said Perez’ killing may be work-related. Perez may have earned himself enemies for his criticisms of mining and a supply contract between a local cooperative and a private power firm, among others, Data said.

In Masbate, local police said they have yet to establish why columnist Antonio Castillo was killed. Uson town police chief Senior Inspector Aurora Moran said in a phone interview that they have yet to conclude their investigation on the killing of Castillo, a columnist for the local tabloid Bigwas (Blow).

At around 9 a.m. (local time) on 12 June, a gunman on a motorcycle shot Castillo, who was himself on a motorcycle along the national highway in Purok 1, Marcella village, Uson town. Willy Salazar, a journalist in the Bicol region and a member of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, told CMFR that Castillo was on his way home when the incident happened.

GMA TV news quoted Moran as saying that “He (Castillo) was chased up to Sawang village (Uson town) where he sought refuge in a house and the attackers fled.” Castillo was rushed by members of the Philippine Army stationed in Uson to the Masbate Provincial Hospital.

A Manila Bulletin report said that the investigators thought Castillo would survive and could identify his assailants. But Castillo died three hours after the attack.

Moran explained in a phone interview that Castillo told police investigators that he recognized the gunman and driver but refused to give their names when asked at the hospital. A police spot report said the gunman was wearing a light blue shirt and no helmet, while the driver was wearing a black jacket and a red helmet. (CMFR/PHILIPPINES)

EDITORIAL

Gloria for Congress

Our hunch has been proven right. Malacañang spokesmen have confirmed that Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is indeed considering running for Representative of the district in Pampanga that is presently occupied by her son Mikey.

Mikey, in turn, is rumored to either run for Governor or Senator.

The idea is for her to become Speaker of the House, if she wins, and even become Prime Minister when the constitution would have been amended.

We predict this to be a rallying point for people to turn down the amendment to change the constitution to a Parliamentary Form so that she does not become Prime Minister.

But even in her own party (which is the merger of Kampi and Lakas) there are people who are against the idea of her running for congress. House Speaker Prospero Nograles says that she should not and so are other party leaders.

They believe that her doing so may bring down the party in stead and may derail their chances in 2010.

Others are insisting that she makes an announcement now of what her intentions are.

Even former President Fidel Ramos, The Chairman Emeritus of the newly merged party, does not sound so enthusiastic about her move to run for congress. He is asking that she makes a categorical announcement of her plans and intentions after her term ends and if she makes any other decision than to retire from politics she should say why.

We do not, however, expect her to do this because doing so would definitely divide her party now and may spell defeat in the polls.

We believe that the whole idea of her staying in office is primarily to get some protection for possible charges that may be raised against her when she leaves Malacañang in 2010. We do not believe that she really has an honest intention to serve the people of Pampanga as Congressman, after she has been president for 9 years.

She must, however, make a decision now and she could test the waters on how her friends, colleagues and followers will accept it and decide with finality before the deadline of the filing of certificates of candidacy.

… as it is! By Ed Montalvan

Dangerous people in Congress

It was reported last week that Sorsogon Rep. Jose Solis and Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, stalwarts of the administration-backed Lakas-Kampi-CMD, said that the House would immediately convene a constituent assembly (Con-ass) even without the Senate after the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27 and that there was sufficient time to amend the constitution before the May 2010 elections.

These people are dangerous and ought to be watched.

These two expect the Supreme Court to agree to what they have in mind and they may be dangerous because they do not want to accept that the whole process is futile and demented.

The SC ought to give these two a warning (if they are lawyers) for the kind of thinking they espouse and for trifling with the high court and with the constitution.

Any first year law student can tell you that congress, being a bicameral body, cannot act on anything without the consent of both chambers. In fact one chamber cannot even go on recess without the consent of the other.

How then can one call for a constituent assembly without the consent of the other?

This is what makes them dangerous.

Not only that, with the massive rallies staged against amending the constitution, they still have the temerity to insist on doing so. They are courting the people’s ire.

Somebody ought to tell these two guys to “sit” and “stay.”

Even some members of the administration block are now re-thinking their stand on the resolution (1109). The leaders of the Nationalist Peoples Coalition (NPC) headed by Danding Cojuanco, is already saying that they may withdraw their support for the resolution.

Again, as we have always said, and we shall say it again, to call for a ConAss is one thing, to vote for the amendments is another. These are two matters that will have to be decided by the SC separately.

So if the ConAss will not push through, for what reason will PGMA have to still run for congress in Pampanga?

The position of prime Minister will not be available yet in the near future. In fact how sure are they that they can pass the amendment to change the form of government?

Now here is something interesting and worth pondering. The present constitution, ARTICLE XVII, which is on AMENDMENTS OR REVISIONS, says in Section 1. “Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution may be proposed by: (1) The Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of all its Members;” There is nothing in the constitution that says that a Constituent Assembly needs to be convened.

In short, what it says is that any amendment may be proposed by Congress.

Speaker Nograles, indeed has a point when he proposed the so called “3^rd Mode.” It is not really another mode because it is already in the charter.

This procedure would have simplified the process. But No. The Administration is not interested in a simplified manner because what it wants is for PGMA to become Prime Minister and continue to be the head of state.

In short, she simply wants to stay on.

Now comes a report from nearby Iligan City that is attributed to their Congressman. Vicente “Varf” Belmonte of the 1^st District / Lanao del Norte was reported to have justified his signing Resolution 1109 saying that what Congress passed is a House Resolution with 177 signatories, to include his representation, requesting the Supreme Court to rule on whether the House of Representatives can convene separately from the House of Senate for purposes of amending the Constitution.

He follows this with a statement that we should do “a lot of reading between the lines,” to exercise our human and constitutional rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution.

Apparently this guy signed a resolution he did not even read. It was very clear that it was not to request the SC to rule on the issue but it was a resolution calling for a ConAss.

Now we know why congress cannot do anything right. With a majority like this what else can we expect from them.

Media Message By: John DeCleene

Media and Manila Day

Several internet sources give several different origins for Manila Day. Some say it's Manila's Charter Day. Others describe the origin of the day as when Manila became the capital of the nation under Spanish rule. Of course it became the recent national holiday in 1958 when Mayor Lacson proclaimed June 24 Foundation Day.

On http://toning11.multiply.com/video/item/14 the point is made that Manila existed long before 1571, the date Lacson uses. However, the point is also made that going earlier may induce fiction.

One could evade discussion of the specific holiday all together by just complaining that the nation has all too many holidays period. Most business people believe so. Just recently in CdeO it even created havoc with payday.

While employees always enjoy a holiday, Independence Day back-to-back, so-to-speak (Friday/Monday), with Cagayan's Charter Day, many found themselves without money until the 16th. Even then, some experienced ATM lines more than two hours long! Even the average worker felt the pinch of too many holidays.

Many employers use the system of: “Work and get paid, don't work, no pay.” This will leave many stores short-staffed. Customers who need assistance, won't get it, and, just go somewhere else.

Colossians 4.1 says employers must pay employees fairly. At the same time, Provers 14.23 says hard work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty.

On the one hand, we want to economy to prosper. On the other hand there are so many holidays. We send more than 10% of the population out of the country to send money home. Are they getting as many holidays where they are? Is it fair for them to work so hard there while we're here taking off so often?

The case can also be made that many Filipinos work 10-14 hours a day while in other countries they are more strict about how many hours one can work a day. Some would also say that it's 'easier' to live abroad, leave the kids and day-to-day family life for others to handle. It's like being single again. Just work, send money home, and enjoy life.

How will the press handle Manila Day? Rejoice in it? Use it as another day to attack the administration? Take off themselves and ignore it?

Since there is little most of us can do about the number of holidays the nation, city and province choose to take, the most effective way for us to react is to make the best of it. Redeem the time. (Eph 5.16, Col. 4.5) If our employer allows us to work, work. If we can't work, use the time for family! Go to the beach. Stay home and read together. Play games. Just don't waste the time on too much TV!

Bounce Pass By John Montalvan

Lakers It Is, As Expected!

As expected, the Los Angeles Lakers won the 2008-2009 NBA Championship at the expense of the Orlando Magic. Kobe Bryant also won his 1^st Finals MVP award.

Why am I saying as expected? Simply because it was very clear from the start that the Lakers had the edge at the series and was clearly going to dominate the Magic.

Honestly, I even thought it was going to be a sweep. The Magic were lucky that they got of with a win in game 3.

No one was willing to bet on the series as it was expected that the Lakers would win it. Most bettings were on a “per game” basis.

Though I was home the whole time while game 5 was being played, I didn’t even get a chance to get a glimpse at the game because I was down with a fever. I just got the news latter that evening that the Lakers won it already.

I wasn’t really surprised. After the Lakers won game 4, I thought to myself, the series would be over in game 5.

Kobe Bryant just proved that he could be the best player of this era. That is the post-Jordan era.

Though King James is MVP, the Black Mamba still has the NBA Crown to hold up.

If you remember, in the last 2 Championships of the Chicago Bulls, they played Karl Malone and the Utah Jazz. In those 2 seasons, Malone was MVP and yet, Jordan is still known as the greatest player ever. Malone retired without a championship ring.

I’m not saying that Lebron does not have a chance to win a championship. At the start of the play-offs, I have always been saying that I was expecting the Cavs to win this season.

I’m no Kobe fan but what he did in the Finals is something that will surely put him in the Hall of Fame.

The question that is running in my mind now is, In the NBA, is 24 really next to 23?

My Thoughts By C.M. Avanceña

June 12, 2008 Independence

Independence. A word far abused. Simply understood is one’s ability to stand on his own, come what may. In a deeper sense, it is one’s summary of his own maturity and stepping into the realm of the unknown future, with the commitment to decide and focus in full objectivity, then move on to greater steps towards success or failure.

As a national issue, independence is a nation’s being able to stand on its own. Being able to stand on its own without the manipulations of other countries, and being able to make firm declarations as a country. No manipulations of dishonest politicians, and without the influence on those considered as “influentials”. It need not be stated here, who they are.

Being able to wave a flag is not independence in itself. It may be a show of allegiance to one’s country, but waving the flag must be done with the determination, commitment to defend his country by all means, and the promise to be loyal to the flag. Loyalty to the flag means loyalty to the country’s preamble. Loyalty to the tenets of the country. Independence is democracy at work.

Even in our smallest unit of existence, the family, independence is displayed as a couple starts to build its own family. In turn, the children are showed how to be independent even at a very early age, but not without guidance.

Independence is vital in every person’s life. It is something we try to strive to achieve each day.

Thank you Lord for the independence you have given us. Continue to guide our leaders as we move on each day towards independence. Thank you also for the independence of our family as we strive each day to achieve on our own. Bless our children as they strive for their own independence, as their families grow each day. In Jesus name. Amen”.

Socials By. Sarah A. Velez

Soroptimist International 22^nd Mid- Biennial Conference in Iloilo City

Past S1 Direcctor Minda Siapno and Vice President Dandan Raagas headed the Cagayan de Oro Soroptimist delegation in Iloilo City-where the wealthy Lopezes are based. Keynote Speaker was SIA President Elect Catherine Standiford who spoke on “Why we need Women Leaders”

The setting of the conference as Sarabia Manor Hotel and a dinner was tendered by the Eugenio Lopez Kins with Senator Mar Roxas delivering a message to Soroptimists for their services in various places of the country. The success of the affair- was attributed to s1 president Frances Jaranilla of Iloilo City with S1 Governor Carmen Flor.

Delegates to the Mid-Biennum SIPR Conference held at the Sarabia Manor, Iloilo City on May 8,9, and 10 2009 Past District Director Minda Siapno and Cecile Mondea posed with SIA Pres. Elect Catherine Standiford and SIA Executive Director Leigh Wentz in Native Attire, Past Governors Letty Yap and Dolly Flores, SIPR Governor-elect Paloma Papa and Asst. Secretary Myla Abubakar.

Past S1 Dericter Minda Siapno with Doring Roa, Linda Maandig and Cecile Mondea.

SI Cagayan de Oro and Iloilo delegates to the conference

A Project of SI: Miss Liezel Noderama, a student of the Golden Heritage School, receiving her award for winning the District Level of the Soroptimist Sponsored WOA, from Soroptemist Cagayan de Oro Press. Weng Gomez witnessed by VP Dandan Raagas, VP Rosario Salvana, Member Blen Uy, Past District Derictor Minda Siapno

and Board Member Doring Roa. Women’s OpportunityAward (WOA) is awarded to deserving women, head o

f the family, enrolled with the hope and desire to uplift her status in the community. Miss Moderama also won the second place in the Regional Level and was awarded a scholarship grant by the Soroptimist International of the Americans(SIA)

A Birthday Celebration in an SI Meeting at Philtown

Dandan Raagas and Past S1 President Trining Go- cut the birthday cake as they celebrate their birthdays

Celebrants blow the candles on the birthday cake

Vilma Ancheta speaks at the S1 meeting in Phil town

Soroptimist Minda Gaerlan greets birthday celebrants Dandan Raagas with guest Vilma Anchela and other SI members

SI Vice President Dandan Raagas presides at the S1 meeting.

From Across the Seas By Ben Emata

Independence Day on July 4

I was a little boy in my town attending the elementary grades shortly after the end of World War II in 1945.

During those days, I remember so well our school and all public institutions and offices were displaying two flags, the American and Filipino flags.

Doing the flag ceremonies, we sing two national anthems, the American and the Filipino national anthems. We were taught in school about our country being under the U.S.A. We studied the culture of the Americans, their language and tradition.

Yes, because during that time, the Philippines was under United States of America. While we had our own currency, the Philippine peso, the U.S. dollar was freely circulating, double its face value. Nothing could take place in our country without the knowledge of the American government.

Our history book told us that USA acquired our country from Spain, of course, after some fighting and other consideration. The Filipinos went on with the fight until the Americans eventually took us as its territory.

Shortly before and after World War II, our country was under the Americans until one morning on July 4, 1946 when they gave us our independence.

I was a very young witness when the American flag which was then flying side by side with our flag was lowered and then folded - - and to disappear forever from our flagpoles.

From that moment on, we celebrated our Independence Day for many, many years on July 4 together with America, which also celebrates its Independence Day on the same day.

It was during the administration of Pres. Diosdado Macapagal, that our Independence Day, for some reason, was moved to June 12. In our history again, this was the day in 1898 when Gen Emilio Aguinaldo declared in Kawit, Cavite, an independence of our country.

In other words, we Filipinos claimed the Philippines was an independent nation after that declaration of independence on June 12, 1898, while we also raised the American flag and sang the American National Anthem as a symbol of loyalty to America.

It was said that the then Pres. Macapagal was following up some important matters relating to benefits due our country and our veterans but was turned down by American Congress. Hence, the change of our independence date.

Filipinos of my age, belonging to my generation, would surely agree with me that July 4 is the day, speaking of the true meaning of the word.

The June 12 declaration was only a show-off, a word to give the Filipinos the necessary fighting spirit and continue the losing fight for freedom. There never was true independence because we were saluting the Americans as our ruler.

Today, we are truly an independent nation with full identity and sovereignty.

Sad to state, however, we still depend on the Americans practically all things that we need. The American influence in our country is so strong that sometimes we feel independent but yet dependent, we are.

The reasons for this is we have so many weak and ignorant leaders who do not know what Philippines politics should be. So we look up at the Americans for help.

Two Weeks in the Old Hometown

By: Wendy R. Garcia

As in past visits, the last trip home was just as enjoyable and busy as in previous years. I go to the old hometown first and foremost, to visit my mother and check on her needs, then to see other relatives and special friends as well. Then there is always that kilometric “To Do” list – the lapidas at Greenhills being top of the list followed by “must visits” of some aunts, a sick uncle, 2 Jesuits at Loyola House and a Carmelite niece at the monastery; hosting a get-together for old Bank of PI friends and meeting with Agripino Neri, Sr. descendants. It was very hectic but I accomplished them all and even more.

From the airport, with a brief stop at the house to greet Mommy, I hied off to Loyola House to deliver a birthday cake, ensaimadas and DVD tapes (from Ruby Bacarissas Brehm of Seattle) to Fr. James O’Donnell, S.J., visiting professor from Ateneo de Manila who was celebrating his birthday that day, April 25th. The next few days was a flurry of activities - running personal errands, dining with Fr. O’Donnell, Fr. Balchand, cousins Jing Eparwa and Irma Siao, Biema Along, Lynda Lugod, Ellen Roa and Aida Noble on separate occasions. I visited Tito Nene Eparwa who has been at Maria Reyna HospitalNovember and Tita Tellie at their house, as well as Tita Gely Dayrit and Tita Flor Noble.

In between errands (the lapidas for Greenhills; and ordering T-shirts for the July road trip with my high school classmates) I was able to squeeze a little bit of partying - the 89th birthday party of Tita Nice Casino in Tagoloan and Tita Liling Roa’s 80th where I pinched hit for my sister-in-law, Myrna who couldn’t make it. The Roa party hosted by the children and grandchildren was very impressive with its Hawaiian motif, entertaining program and lots of good food and dancing. Son-in-law, Ray Clavano officially opened the party with a prayer, and grandson Dr. Ollie Go had the first dance with her. Photos below show what a grand celebration they prepared for the matriarch of the family.

On my second week in town, I hosted brunch at home for my Bank of PI buddies – Nic Jardin of Alaska who is doing missionary work in his hometown of Jasaan, Tatoy Neri of Tracy, CA, Lu Ty, Auring Duterte, Boy & Baby Gonzales, Tarto Roa, Jimboy Munoz and Linda Basanes. It was great to be around old friends and we had fun recalling the good old days and posing for pictures. A few days later, a merienda for my Neri relatives followed, attended by Tita Nena Zamora & her daughters, Suzette and Ching, Gangging Dingcong, Livvie Zaragoza and daughters Kim Cadiz & Tippie Ludena, Sonia Alfabeto, Pocholo Neri & Linda N. Contreras, Lynda Lugod, siblings Floy Falcon & Marissa F. Beltran, Baby & Paking Mercado to discuss the 2nd Agripino Neri Sr. Descendants’ Reunion in February of 2010.

One other task was to deliver to Mng. Ditas de la Fuente pictures of her newest grandson, Paco, born just 3 months ago in Hayward, California. We saw each other at the wake for Tita Dory Chaves, a dear relative and my mother’s ballroom partner. Still another was to take some pictures of interesting places in the city. While I always hear Sunday mass at Xavier’s Immaculate Conception Chapel I make it a point to visit St. Augustine’s Cathedral every time I’m home – as a way of paying my respects to the city’s patron saint. It gave me the opportunity to take some beautiful pictures outside and inside the cathedral. His imposing statue and the stained glass windows never fail to mesmerize and enchant. They are so beautiful. Photos below will attest to it.

Meanwhile, my daughter Gretchen and son-in-law, Jake Latham had planed in from San Francisco. It being Jake’s first visit to the country, I accompanied the couple around town - to Pueblo Township, Koresco Hotel and the Malls. I think Jake enjoyed his first visit to the Philippines because he vowed to go back someday soon. Boracay especially impressed him & he remarked that Hawaii’s Oahu paled in comparison.

The last activity was the dinner hosted by Mayor Tinnex & gracious first lady, Divina, at their lovely house up in the hills. Everything was delicious – from the crispy lechon de leche to the vast array of desserts. It was a lovely way to spend my last night in Cagayan – with perfect hosts and such congenial company.

My visit wasn’t an endless round of parties and dinners. Other days and most evenings were spent quietly at home with my mother. Fr.Asandas Balchand, S.J. was most gracious to come to the house one day to give her a special blessing.

These recent activities made me sit and ponder that indeed life is a cycle – of birth, birthday celebrations, and death. And yet life goes on and there is much to be thankful for. Life is good and God is good.

The Youth: Fair Hope of our Motherland

by Dr. Jaime B. Veneracion

There are two famous quotations attributed to Rizal and for which he has been known: 1. “The youth is the fair hope of the motherland...” (A la Juventud Filipina, Ma. Corona S. Romero et al, Rizal and the Development of Consciousness, p 102) 2. “...Our talented men have died without bequeathing to us nothing more than the fame of their name... Dr. Pilapil, Fr. Pelaez, Fr. Mariano Garcia, Dr. Joson, Benedicto Luna, Lorenzo Francisco and more. Nevertheless [what] all these men have studied, learned and discovered will die with them and end in them and we shall recommence the study of life. There is then individual progress or improvement in the Philippines, but there is no national...progress. Here you have the individual as the only one who improves and not the species.” (Letter to Fr. Vicente Garcia 7 Jan 1891 Epistolario Rizalino III, No. 432, p. 137).

These quotations inspired the then young Fine Arts Instructor, Guillermo Tolentino, in the making of the UP Oblation (upon the direction of President Rafael Palma). The “Youth as fair hope of the Motherland,” though popular, has been misunderstood by many. Usually, it is taken out of historical context when separated from the 2nd quotation. For to Rizal the term “youth” is not simply “being young” in age but being part of a collective... what he would call the “species” and may in fact be the equivalent of a “generation.”

In his musing on the death of Burgos in 1872, he had an inkling of what a “generation” meant. The generation of Burgos referred to those youth who rallied for liberal reforms and secularization of the parishes before 1872--the year when the three priests Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were executed at the Bagumbayan. Recalling that as a young boy of eleven he heard how Burgos cried just before the execution, Rizal told himself that he would be brave under a similar situation. Yet in retrospect, he promised that he would not allow such injustice to remain unpunished. His sentiment awakened, he decided not to become a priest (Jesuit) as he once imagined himself to be but an antagonist of the Empire, rallying his fellow young men to likewise do the same.

But speaking of Burgos, he noted that their generation worked for their own interests: Cuesta, to seek revenge, Novales to secure higher ranks and Burgos, for his parishes (Schumacher, Revolutionary Clergy, p. 31). Comparing his own generation to that of Burgos, he claimed that the youth of his time worked for justice and the rights of Man, in short, not for personal interests but for the whole (common good), such that the individual sacrifice would metamorphose into a representative action of the “species,” and of the nation.

Understood this way, we can see that the “juventud” of Rizal was a concept that encompasses a collective--a generation, as he would often describe it. And truly, this should be consistent with a historical perspective/context in the use of the term.

When we speak of the generation of Burgos, we relate it to a historical marker called the “events of 1872.” When we speak of Rizal’s generation, we are thinking of the period that produced like-minded individuals who eventually made the Revolution of 1896. And, when we speak of the generation of the 1960s and 1970s, we are thinking of that historical marker called Martial Law. The youth for which Rizal had put much hope was therefore, the generation of the 1960s and 1970s which marched the streets and created a new stage in the political education of the Filipinos—a nation confronting a dictatorship.

The youth of Rizal’s generation did not bequeath to us just their names--they recovered for us, from the Spaniards, a sense of pride and nation, of values that ennobled our people, of kabayanihan for which we do things for our kapwa without expecting rewards in return. And even if these values could simply be mouthed without much thought by politicians, these are embedded in our sub-consciousness as a people such that when time comes that it becomes necessary to activate them, they reemerge and provide the force that energize our people and nation.

The Youth of Rizal’s Generation

La Solidaridad (1889)	KKK
Jose Rizal, June 19, 1861 Graciano Lopez Jaena, Dec. 17, 1856 Marcelo H. del Pilar, Aug 30, 1850 Mariano Ponce, Mar 22, 1863 Jose Ma. Panganiban, February 1, 1863 Julio Llorente, August 22, 1863 Juan Luna, Oct. 23, 1857 Paciano Rizal, Mar. 9, 1851 Women of Malolos (1889, La Solidaridad) (The committee of twenty young women of Malolos who signed the letter to Weyler on December 12, 1888 petitioning for authority to open a “night school” at the residence of Rufina Reyes, Nicanor G. Tiongson, The Women of Malolos) p. 142-143) Elisea T. Reyes (1873-1969) Juana T. Reyes (1874-1900) Leoncia S. Reyes (1864-1948) Olympia S. A. Reyes (1876-1910) Rufina T. Reyes (1869-1909) Eugenia M. Tanchangco (1871-1969) Aurea M. Tanchangco (1872-1958) Basilia V. Tantoco (1865-1925) Teresa T. Tantoco (1867-1942) Maria T. Tantoco (1869-1912) Anastacia M. Tiongson (1874-1940) Basilia R.. Tiongson (ca.1860-ca. 1900) Paz R. Tiongson (ca 1862-ca 1889) Aleja R. Tiongson (ca. 1865-ca.1900) Mercedes R. Tiongson (1869-1928) Agapita R. Tiongson (1870-1937) Filomena O. Tiongson (ca. 1865-1930) Cecilia O. Tiongson (ca. 1867-1934) Feliciana O. Tiongson (1869-1938) Alberta S. Uitangcoy (1865-1953)		28 33 39 28 28 28 32 38 16 15 25 13 20 18 17 24 22 20 15 29 27 24 20 19 24 22 20 24	Deodato Arellano, July 26, 1844 Andres Bonifacio, November 30, 1863 Procopio Bonifacio, 1873 Ladislao Diwa, June 27, 1863 Teodoro Plata, 1866 Valentin Diaz, Nov. 1, 1849 Restituto Javier June 10, 1873 Emilio Jacinto, Dec. 15, 1875 Pio Valenzuela, July 11, 1869 Francisco Carreon, Oct. 5, 1868 Aurelio Tolentino, Oct. 6, 1868 Artemio Ricarte, Oct. 20, 1866 Macario Sakay, 1870 Mariano Llanera, Nov. 9, 1855 Candido Iban, Oct. 3, 1863 Santiago Alvarez, July 25, 1872 Simon Tecson, July 4, 1858 Jose Alejandrino, Dec. 1, 1870 Emilio Aguinaldo, Mar 22, 1869 Vicente Lukban, Feb. 11, 1860 Gregorio del Pilar, Nov. 14, 1875 Edilberto Evangelista, February 24, 1862 La Liga Filipina (1892) Francisco Nakpil, Jan 29, 1865 Domingo Franco, August 4, 1856 Apolinario Mabini, July 23, 1864 The Philippine Revolution (1896) Rafael Palma, Oct. 24, 1874 (wrote for La Independencia) Jose Palma, June 3, 1876 (wrote the national anthem)	48 29 19 29 26 43 19 17 23 24 24 26 22 37 29 20 34 22 23 32 27 30 27 38 28 22 20

BDO on Wheels

Tips for Overseas Filipinos

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINOS: SAVE AND SPEND WISELY TO BUILD WEALTH

More and more Filipinos are leaving the country each year with the dream of providing a better life for their families at home. Building a dream home, driving a new SUV or putting up a business are the most common visions Filipinos have in their minds once they get a job abroad. However, after 2 years of hardwork in a foreign land, adapting to a different culture and sometimes even distress, most Filipinos arrive back in the country with not much savings or investment. As more nations get affected by the world economic crisis, pinoys who are about to leave the country should make the most out of their foreign assigment and use their hard-earned money wisely.

Set a financial target

Before leaving the country for a new job overseas, a Filipino must set a financial target. This refers to the amount of money an overseas worker should be able to save before he / she goes back to the Philippines. If you’re about to leave the country, imagine the amount you would like to bring home to your family by the time your work contract ends. A financial target though must be attainable enough for the Filipino worker. This could be about 40 %percent depending on one’s salary and family obligations. So everytime you receive your pay, set aside a portion for your financial target.

Spend your money wisely

Working abroad brings about many challenges. One of these is homesickness Filipinos have to endure while being away from their loved ones for 2 years or more. In order to deal with this, some pinoys resort to frequent bar hopping or become addicted to shopping and other leisure activities. Months and months after, they’ll be surprised to see themselves throwing away the opportunity they had in order to live a better life. Of course, it is not bad to reward yourself once in a while. But instead of dining at expensive restaurants or going bar hopping each payday, buy a new appliance or gadget. It can be for your personal use or something you can send to your loved ones as a gift on a special occasion. Make sure to limit your spending habits and just concentrate on the important things you need to buy. Remember, you’re working hard for a bigger salary, so you might as well spend it wisely.

Keep in mind your obligations: YOU and your FAMILY

It is common to hear stories of families who depend 100% financially on the remittance being sent by their loved ones abroad. This may cover water and electricity bills, groceries and tuition. With all these obligations passed on to the new breadwinner, it is important to bear in mind that you have two obligations: YOU and your FAMILY.

In this new chapter of your life, your beneficiaries’ role is just to spend each cent you give them while you struggle your way to help them as much as possible. To avoid going home empty-handed, refrain from giving them everything. Always keep in mind to set aside a portion of your salary for your future, especially in times when you would need emergency money to avoid debts. Every payday, make sure to allot a standard amount from your salary and save it, the rest will be for your own expenses and the remittance you will send for your family’s expenses.

Open a separate savings account for you and your loved ones

When opening a savings account, choose a bank that will help you grow your savings and eventually help you invest your money wisely. BDO, the country’s top bank today, is going beyond traditional banking to provide unique and secure services for Filipinos abroad and their families in the Philippines. BDO makes opening of remittance account easy and hassle-free. For Overseas Workers and their beneficiaries, BDO offers Kabayan Savings account with only a minimum initial deposit of Php50. Just present one valid ID and get your own ATM card and passbook just a few minutes after opening the account at any of BDO’s almost 700 branches ationwide. For dollar account, only a minimum initial deposit of USD100 is required and you get a passbook as a quick reference to your finances.

It is highly recommended to open a BDO Kabayan Savings account before leaving the country where you will remit money for your own savings. Every payday, make sure to remit a standard amount to your savings account that you will not use until you retire or return to the Philippines. In this way, you will reach your financial target much easier. There’s no need to rush to the bank as one can conveniently open an account almost anyday of the week. Most BDO branches are open until 6PM while branches in SM malls continue to offer banking services as late as 7PM even weekends and holidays.

BDO Remit’s safe reliable and convenient service

For many years, picking up huge cash at a remittance company has been the practice of beneficiaries. But with BDO Kabayan Savings account, beneficiaries can safely and more conveniently receive remittances. There’s no need to carry huge cash. They can just withdraw the exact amount they need from more than 6,000 BDO, Expressnet and Megalink ATMs nationwide. Having a BDO Kabayan Savings account will also encourage beneficiaries to save since there’s no need to withdraw the whole amount sent from abroad. BDO ATMs are also found in all SM malls, where they can buy their household needs right away after withdrawing remittance. BDO International ATM card can also be used as a debit / credit card in more than 8,000 merchants. Again, no need to carry huge cash since purchases are settled with just one swipe.

For your loved ones abroad, you may ask them to visit any BDO remittance office, where they can send remittances to your BDO Kabayan Savings account. There are six BDO subsidiary offices in Hong Kong, one in Macau, four in USA, six in Italy and one in Germany. BDO also has representative offices in France and Israel. BDO has a wide remittance network abroad as it also has thousands of remittance partners and agent locations in Asia and Oceania, Australia, Middle East, North America and Europe that offer BDO remittance services. BDO also offers a unique and easy way to check the status of remittance from the time it is sent, to the time it is delivered. For customers who have access to the internet, just visit www.bdo.com.ph and click BDO Remit Inquiry.

BDO, being true to its commitment of "We find ways" is providing Filipinos an opportunity to grow their finances. After building a good credit history with BDO, Overseas Filipinos and their families may avail of the bank’s other products and services such as loans and investment opportunities. BDO’s passion to provide service beyond traditional remittance is driven by the significant contribution of the Overseas Filipinos to the Philippine economy. And with BDO’s growing network of international partners, Overseas Filipinos and their families are rest assured, BDO Remit services are made available to them wherever they may be.

Anti Aerial Spraying

Int’l group hits aerial spraying in Davao

A global network working to eliminate the human and environmental harm caused by pesticides now joined local environmental advocates in calling for the immediate stop of aerial spraying practices among the banana plantations in Davao del Sur.

Clara Guzman of the Pesticide Action Network-Asia and the Pacific (PAN-AP) said that the practice of aerial spraying is not people centered but only for profit because the interest to be protected is only the corporate standing of plantations and the dollars they earned.

Guzman also criticized Croplife and the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) for reacting negatively to a Department of Health (DOH) study and claiming that pesticides are safe to use.

Sarogeni Rengam, executive director of PAN-AP in an emailed statement sent to CBCPNews said that it is expected that Croplife will defend the banana industry’s claim that aerial spraying is safe because they need to protect their corporate members which are multi-billion dollar businesses.

Rengam added that people across the globe should be informed that Croplife is actually facing a class suit in a US court filed by Ecuadorian aerial spray pilots, plantation workers and residents for the dangers and long-term effects of Mancozeb that is consistently sprayed aerially.

Rengam, a Malaysian national also commended the Philippine health department for undertaking the study and called on health officials to act on the recommendations of the study to protect the lives of residents affected by toxic chemicals.

DOH recently presented their 2006 study entitled “Health and Environmental Assessment of Sitio Camocaan in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur”, a small village located in Southern Mindanao, Philippines. The study revealed that majority of the village residents are exposed to pesticides as it found higher levels of ETU (ethylenethiourea) in their blood samples.

ETU is a breakdown product of a group of fungicides called EBDCs (ethylenebisdithiocarbamates), one of which is Mancozeb, approved for use in the Philippines . Mancozeb is listed by the State of California , USA , as a chemical known to cause cancer in humans and classified as carcinogenic by the Swedish pesticide regulatory authority. In Southern Mindanao, Mancozeb is also routinely sprayed aerially by big banana plantations.

The study also confirmed high levels of ETU and chlorothalonil in the air and soil as a result of drifts of pesticide into the community. The disturbing effects of pesticide poisoning on the village residents, as reported, include sentinel cases of chloracne, childhood global developmental delay and thyroid gland disorders.

The DOH study recommended, among others, the banning of aerial spraying of pesticides that is significantly causing numerous illnesses linked to symptoms of pesticide poisoning among the residents.

Such recommendation elicited strong reactions from banana plantations and Croplife, who have since been repeatedly hitting the researchers on their methodologies and study findings.

Croplife International is a global association of agro-chemical corporations. Its company members include the top 6 chemical transnational companies in terms of profits - BASF, Bayer CropScience, Dow Agrosciences, Dupont, Monsanto and Syngenta.

The DOH study was originally prompted by complaints from Camocaan residents in the late ‘90s. The residents also sought the assistance of PAN AP toxicologist Dr. Romy Quijano who then made an investigation in the village. His findings included positive results for pesticide metabolite ethylenethiourea (ETU) in 11 out of 24 individuals examined.

A spectrum of complaints and symptoms that are similar to that of acute pesticide poisoning were also found which included, among others, asthma, thyroid cancer, goiter, ulcerated and non-healing skin lesions, cleft palate, and delayed mental development in children.

“I was not involved in any way in the DOH study and the companies’ reference to my previous findings on the Camocaan situation is erroneous and misleading”, Dr. Quijano said. (Mark S. Ventura-CBCP News)

Anti Sex Video Bill

House panel to fast track the passage of anti-sex video bill

By Fidel Gumawid, MRS-PRIB

The House Committee on Justice has moved to fast track the approval a bill imposing a stiffer penalty to persons who engage in photo and video voyeurism.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), one of the principal authors of the bill, said the measure seeks to penalize acts that would destroy or have the tendency to destroy the honor, dignity and integrity of a person, especially a woman.

To be known as the "Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009", the bill declares that it is the policy of the State to value the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights, and that it will seek to promote and protect the moral, spiritual and social well-being of the youth.

The bill imposes a fine of not more than P500,000 and imprisonment of not more than 6 years.

Rodriguez said numerous photos and videos of individuals are being shown in the internet showing their private parts and intimate moments.

He said these photos and videos are being viewed by millions of people worldwide and are sent to different media of communication.

"We now need a law that will specifically punish such dastardly acts," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said those who maliciously engage in such acts deserve to be severely penalized.

Under the bill, if a firm or office violates the act, its license or franchise will be automatically deemed revoked with its officials subject to legal action including the editor and reporter in the case of the print media. The same punishment will be applied to the station manager, editor and broadcaster in the case of the broadcast media.

In case the offender is a public officer or employee, or a professional, he or she shall also be administratively liable.

Ka Rene laid to rest

Amid shouts of “Hustiya alang kang Ka Rene (Justice for Ka Rene) ,” and fists raised in a show of defiance to those who tried to douse their sentiments for a land they can call their own, hundreds of farmers from all over the Philippines laid to rest the body of farmer leader Renato “Ka Rene” Penas at Sumilao, Bukidnon last Tuesday.

Vicente “Ka Vic” Fabe, chairman of the peasant coalition PAKISAMA, of which Ka Rene was the national vice chairman, said his killing will not cow the millions of farmers who are demanding their fair share of land in light of the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Fabe said Ka Rene was always a symbol of humility and democracy even in the midst of violence.

“Saludo kami sa iyo! Ikaw po ay bayani! (We salute you! You are a hero!),” he said.

Noland Penas, Ka Rene’s eldest son, castigated the government authorities for not giving serious attention and determination to solve the killings of peasant leaders.

He also demanded from government agencies tasked to implement CARP to finally distribute to them the remaining 94 hectares of the 144 hectares awarded to them.

“Suko ako nga modemanda sa mga awtoridad sa pag-apod-apod na sa nahibiling 94 ektaryas alang kanamo. Suko ako nga modemanda sa mga awtoridad sa pagpang-apod-apod na sa nahibilining minilyon ka ektaryang yuta alang sa mga mag-uuma sa tibook nasud! (I am angrily demanding from authorities to finally give us the remaining 94 hectares. I am angrily demanding from authorities to finally distribute the millions of hectares of lands to poor farmers all over the country!),” he said amid shouts of “Hustisya alang kang Ka Rene! Hustisya alang sa mga mag-uuma! (Justice for Ka Rene! Justice for Farmers!).”

With eyes red from non-stop crying, Akbayan Rep.Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel, described Ka Rene as a gentle giant in the fight for agrarian reform.

Baraquel said that despite his passing away, she is hopeful that Ka Rene’s legacy and spirit will guide the farmers in their quest for land.

“My heart is full of hope that his legacy and spirit will guide us as we continue in our struggle and fight for land,” the soft-spoken Baraquel said.

Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D., who presided the mass at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Barangay Kisolon here, said Ka Rene “gave his life so that others may live.”

“Ka Rene also showed the nation that we can change society through non-violent and democratic means to achieve the people’s aspirations,” he said in his homily.

Ledesma also urged the farmers all over the country to “continue his legacy.”

KaRene, leader of the Mapadayonong Panaghiusa sa mga Lumad alang sa Damlag
(MAPALAD) farmers, who staged a 60-day, 1,700 kilometers walk from here to
Manila to demand from Malacañang the 144 hectares of land from San Miguel Corp.
was gunned down on June 5 by still unknown assailants.

Hours after he was assassinated past 11 p.m. on June 5 in Barangay San Vicente, police arrested the alleged mastermind, Alipio Tumangday, who denied any involvement in the killing. (Bong D. Fabe-CBCP News)

Fr. Reuter retires from CBCP’s media commission0

Fr James Reuter, SJ, has stepped down as the executive secretary of the CBCP’s Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media (ECSCMM) after 39 years.

Early this month, the CBCP Commission has accepted the resignation of Reuter due to poor health.

During his tenure, Fr. Reuter, 93, received awards and recognition for his work in the promotion of the Catholic Church utilizing mass media.

Among those awards was the one personally given to him, “Outstanding Service to the Catholic Church in the field of Mass Media”, by the late Pope John Paul II in 1981.

The pontiff cited Fr. Reuter for “courageously upholding truth, justice and integrity in Catholic communications.”

He was also given what others regard as the Asian Nobel Peace Prize, the 1989 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts.

For his work in the field of communication, training a number of prominent leaders and artists in the country, Reuter was made as an “honorary citizen of the Philippines,” in 1984.

Fr. Reuter began his social communications work in 1952 and has been National Office on Mass Media head since 1967 and helped linked 42 diocesan radio stations into a federation of Catholic broadcasters.

For the meantime, Catholic Media Network (CMN) President Fr. Francis Lucas will serve as the acting executive secretary of the ECSCMM.

His appointment was formally announced yesterday by ECSCMM chairman and Manila Auxiliary Bishop Bernardino Cortez.

A priest from the Prelature of Infanta, Fr. Lucas devoted most of his 35 years in the priesthood advocating social issues such as environment, agriculture and poverty alleviation through media.

He is also one of the pioneers in propagating community-based radio in Asia. (Roy Lagarde-CBCP News)

SME power by Globe

Oro Chamber President Rudy Meñes is happy to announce that Globe Business pledged to support the Chamber’s Small and Medium Enterprises Administration and Development (SMEAD) Program which is designed to capacitate member small and medium enterprises (SMEs) thru training and products/services promotion interventions.

Mr. Meñes disclosed that Globe signed a partnership agreement with Oro Chamber early this June. Under the said agreement, Globe thru Oro Chamber will implement hands-on ICT lecture series to address the ICT-knowledge and tools gap of SME operators in Northern Mindanao for them to thrive and become competitive.

At present, there are a number of ICT innovations. Differentiating which one is the best, which business tool or solution will work over the others requires regular technical information and education.

“Local enterprises need to fully understand and utilize the potentials of ICT towards reaching desired goals– sales-and-revenues wise,” Mr. Meñes said. He emphasized that SMEs lack the appreciation of the BENEFITS these new technologies will offer them. He said that Oro Chamber will ensure that the SMEs in the region will be able to make best use of advanced and practical ICT solutions.

“Globe Business understands the predicament of local SMEs,” shared Ms. Bambi Ochavo who is the Territory Sales Manager of Globe Business. “Our assistance to the chamber’s SMEAD Program is just one of the many things we will do together with Oro Chamber,” she added.

Chamber members from the following classifications can avail of the Program services:

 banks

 chemical

 food processing

 handmade paper manufacturing

 hardware and consumer durables

 hotels and restaurants

 agri-business

 business service providers

 media and advertisement

 printing and publishing

 wholesale and retail

 schools

The first activity under the Oro Chamber-Globe partnership is the conduct of a hands-on lecture on Optimizing the Benefits of ICT to Beat the Global Crisis which is slated on 18 June at 1:00pm-5:00pm at Dynasty Court Hotel, this city. This is a FREE-OF-CHARGE event for member companies and partner associations.

Future activities include Effective eMail Marketing on 20 August, Empowering Women Entrepreneurs and Safeguarding the Business thru ICT on 24 September and Managing Time Effectively Thru eCommerce on 19 November.

SMART to deploy fuel cell tech to power cell sites

After harnessing wind and solar energy to power cell sites, Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) is set on deploying fuel cell technology as part of its “Alternative Power for Cell Sites” program.

SMART and a global fuel cell solutions provider successfully tested the earth-friendly power supply solution in its cell sites outside Manila.

“Using alternative power sources like fuel cells allows SMART to conduct its business with minimal impact on our environment, especially since we have the most number of cell sites spread throughout the country,” said Mario G. Tamayo, head of SMART’s Network and Platforms Services Division (NPSD).

SMART is initially planning to use fuel cell technology instead of diesel generator sets as backup power supply in six cell sites.

Once this happens, SMART will be the first telco in the Philippines to use fuel cell technology to power its cell sites.

Clean, efficient and reliable source of backup power

Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electricity to generate power. Hydrogen, natural gas or liquid methanol may be used for fuel cell solutions to work.

The fuel cell system that SMART recently tested is powered by a combination of 60 percent methanol and 40 percent water. Methanol fuel is eco-friendly since it is easily biodegradable, can be stored for a long time and is easy to transport.

SMART is set to test other types of fuel cell solutions available in the market.

By replacing diesel generator sets with fuel cell technology, SMART not only reduces carbon emission and noise pollution, but also huge maintenance costs brought about by diesel prices and hauling expenses.

Fuel cell solutions are self-reliant, virtually maintenance-free and environment-friendly. System monitoring may be done remotely. Since the system is enclosed, any noise emitted is barely audible. Maintenance required would be the annual replacement of the air filters. Once the fuel cell stack is due for replacement, it can be sent back to the supplier for recycling.

“The fuel cell solution we tested has a lifetime of about 2,000 to 4,000 operation hours. This seems suitable if the fuel cell will only be used for backup power of a cell site,” said NPSD senior manager Jun Costes. “However, we are keen on seeing the developments that would take place in the fuel cell technology. Eventually, what would be most ideal is to have a fuel cell solution that would become the prime source of power for a cell site.”

Uninterrupted power supply

A feature of the recently tested fuel cell system is an on-demand conversion of hydrogen gas to generate power. When the grid is able to supply electricity to the cell site, the fuel cell system is on standby mode. The system does not use hydrogen cylinders, which eliminates safety concerns such as hydrogen leaks.

“When we tested the liquid fuel-powered fuel cell system, we noted that 200 liters of the liquid fuel can provide as much as 100 hours of 2.5KW power for smaller cell sites or up to 40 hours of 5KW power for the bigger cell sites,” said NPSD specialist Davidson Sevilleja.

For now, telecoms companies eye fuel cells as a source of backup power. But as the demand for the technology increases in the next few years, fuel cells might eventually be the primary power source for cell sites as it is proving to be cost-effective and environment-friendly.

To date, SMART has about 70 cell sites in different areas across the Philippines powered by renewable energy. Of this figure, 41 are run by wind energy while 29 are hybrid – using both wind and solar energy. An additional 40 hybrid-powered cell sites are scheduled to be deployed by the end of the year.

SMART started working with a local vendor in December 2006 to set up the Philippines’ first wind-powered cell site in Sitio Guimbitayan in Malapascua Island, an island northeast of Cebu province in the Visayas region.

In the latter part of 2008, a GSMA Development Fund survey of 25 mobile operators across the developing world that use renewable energy sources revealed that SMART is the leader among mobile network operators worldwide in using wind energy to power its cell sites. SMART also won the newly introduced “Green Mobile Award” at the 2009 recent GSMA Awards in Barcelona, Spain for its program promoting the use of wind and solar energy to power cell sites in remote areas of the country. @

Photo shows NPSD’s Jun Costes and Davidson Sevilleja inspecting the fuel cell system in one of SMART’s cell sites.

Local Officials push for Camiguin port expansion

The Municipal Council of Mahinog, Camiguin, presided by Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle passed a resolution recently to request the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for an expansion of port delineated zone at Benoni Port by another 3.90 hectares of land area. At present, the Philippine Ports Authority is undertaking an P11 million Phase 1 project for development of Benoni Port and resettlement of affected families living near the port area, which is nearly completed.

According to Valiente D. Camay, Benoni, PPA Terminal Manager, the provincial government under Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo has recommended the Benoni port phase 2 project to cater to the long term needs and projected increases in port traffic.

The Benoni port is part of a major route of the central nautical highway to and from the island of Mindanao and the rest of the country.

“There is an urgent need to expand the port delineated zone at Benoni because the present area requirement for passenger terminal, parking areas and related passenger amenities alone, excluding roads, easement, queuing lanes for rolling cargoes and open storage areas for other commodities, already consumes more than half of the existing land area of the port”, the resolution reads.

“There is an available 3.90 hectares of land adjacent to the original port delineated zone which is available and appropriate for such purposes, although it is presently occupied by informal settlers numbering to about 250 households,” it added.

“The local government of Mahinog, together with the provincial government of Camiguin, has already identified an appropriate relocation site for the would-be affected settlers in the event the area will be used eventually for port developmental activities and further commits with the assistance of the PPA to facilitate their timely and orderly transfer thereto,” officials said.

The resolution cited the rapid economic development and progress of the Municipality of Mahinog and that in province of Camiguin , in general, is much dependent on the capability and efficiency of its ports, it being an island province with eco-tourism as its leading industry.

In the same resolution, the Philippine Ports Authority was also asked to provide funds for the needed financial assistance to about 250 households that would eventually be affected and covered by the expanded Benoni port zone, in order to facilitate their removal, transfer and relocation to sites provided by the LGU.

According to the provincial appraisal committee, a total amount of 5.6 million is needed to pay the just compensation of some 250 households that will be affected by the port expansion project. (Mahinog MIO)

MARANAW CHAMBER INAUGURATES OFFICE

Sergio Ortiz-Luis (center, right), honorary chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Ike Pagantal (center, left), assistant secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM), cut the ribbon at the inauguration of the new Marawi City office of the Maranaw Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), with (l-r): DTI provincial director Sultan Cabili Arobinto; MCCI president Atty. Mangondaya Solaiman; MCCI chairman Sultan Maulana Gogo; Marawi City fiscal Atty. Samanoding Azis; and MCCI trustee Sacrain Guro. The Maranaw Chamber will co-host the 7th ARMM Business Congress on August 5-6, 2009, in collaboration with the ARMM Business Council. GEM

NM Investment Mission to Taiwan

Nineteen businessmen from Northern Mindanao and four government officials are heading for Taiwan for an Investment mission on June 21-27, 2009. The Department of Trade and Industry - Region 10 is spearheading this activity to promote the trade and investment opportunities of the region.

DTI-10 Regional Director Alicia Euseña said “the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in cooperation with the Manila Economic Cooperation Office (MECO) in Taipei, has identified Northern Mindanao as one of two areas that will serve as the focus of DTI’s investment promotion efforts in Taiwan this year. We are undertaking preparations to implement the Northern Mindanao Investment Promotions Mission to Kaohsiung, Taichung and Taipei. This mission will be headed by our Undersecretary for the Regional Operations Group, Hon. Merly M. Cruz.”

Taiwan is considered as a significant market for Philippine food products with exports amounting to US$70.6 M in 2006 and ranked fourth among the major markets of food products. Its imports in the same year reached US$12.9 M in value representing 31% share. Hence, Philippine food export to Taiwan is very significant compared to its world imports.

According to Director Euseña, “in order to sustain these positive export performances, it is imperative to undertake and focus on a promotional program which would include business matching activities and an Investment seminar where we could present the Northern Mindanao opportunities in services and logistics, light manufacturing, food processing and aqua-agriculture business.”

The investment seminar will be held in Taichung and it will be attended by Taiwanese businessmen and potential investors. PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority Administrator Ninfa Along-Albania and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Regional Governor Elvira Tan are among the presenters during the forum.

The 23 delegates will also visit the District Agricultural Research and Extension Council, Taiwan Sugar Corporation Ostrich Farm in KaohsiungTaipei. (DTI-10) and the International Food Show in

Jobless Household Heads

Four of ten HH heads in OFW families are jobless

FOUR of ten heads of households with dependents sending remittances from abroad do not have work, if government survey data on family income and expenditures were to be believed.

A nonprofit’s policy brief on the households of overseas Filipino workers shows that 44 percent of these households’ heads are unemployed in the 2003 and 2006 editions of the Family Income and Expenditures Survey.

Meanwhile, for migrant household heads who were employed, there were slight percentage increases over the three-year period of those household heads who are self-employed and who work in private establishments.

Self-employed heads of migrant household rose from 27 percent in 2003 to 29 percent in 2006, while those who are working in private establishments rose from 12 percent to 13 percent, data contained in the policy brief of the Institute for Migration and Development Iss