Pinoy Politiko

Mahirap ang Marami

2011-05-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

Sa gitna ng kunwa’y pagdadayalogo at mga tunay na palitan ng kaalaman at nararamdaman tungkol sa ngayo’y kontrobersyal na Reproductive Health Bill, naghihikahos ang 27.6 milyong Pilipino (ADB:2011) sa buong bilang ng populasyon na 92,226,600 (NSO:2007). Hindi na marahil kailangang tanungin pa kung gusto nilang umahon sa kahirapan-sino nga ba ang aayaw? At napatunayan na rin ng mga iskolar na ang dami ng anak sa isang pamilya ay may epekto sa pagiging mahirap nito.

Sa gitna ng mga ganitong realidad ay ano nga ba ang tunay na maitutulong ng pamahalaan sa mga mahihirap nitong mamamayan? Ang “Reproductive Health Bill” o “Responsible Parenthood Bill” na unang ipinanukala ni Ginoong Edcel Lagman ng Albay sa mababang kapulungan ng Kongreso ay mainit na pinag-uusapan ngayon sa dahilang may mga sumasang-ayon dito at mayroon ding sumasalungat. Nangunguna sa ayaw ng panukala ay ang simbahang Katoliko. Alam nating lahat na 80% ng mga Pilipino ay nasa pananampalatayang Katoliko, at ang paniniwala ng simbahan ay kasalanan ang magagawa ng magiging batas.

Ayon sa simbahang Katoliko, ang artificial contraceptives ay isang insulto sa itinalaga ng Diyos na kakayahang magkaroon ng anak at pamilya. Ang pagkakaroon ng mga anak ay dapat na tinatanggap na biyaya galing sa Maykapal. Bakit kinakailangang ang pagpigil nito ang paraan upang labanan ang kahirapan?

Sa kabilang dako, ang RH Bill ay tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng mga pamilyang dumarami at naghihirap sa mga mabisa at napatunayan nang paraan ng pag-paplano ng bilang ng mga anak.

Ano nga ba ang mas malaking kasalanan? Ang magplano upang maalagaan ang anak o ang magkaanak ng walang plano kahit sila ay magutom at di makapag-aral?

Sa dakong huli, ang mismong may sarili ang magpapas’ya, dahil s’ya lamang ang maaring sumagot sa kanyang kapalaran at kahihinatnan.

Graduation Elation

2011-04-25T02:47:00.000-07:00

“Anak ko ‘yan!”, loudly and proudly reflects in the eyes of each parent during the Pin and Ring Ceremonies of some 150 Nursing graduates, our son included. No matter if present statistics say that half of the people who are in the labor force are without jobs and there exists a perception that the country has an oversupply of nurses. In a society where formal education is a prime tool to acquiring the resources for one’s lifetime, finally seeing your own child graduate from college becomes your own life culmination.

Through the past four years, each day is a struggle for survival: staying concerned and up on late nights while your child studies till he drops, coping with the cycle of his changing hospital duty hours so he eats on time and has the white uniform to wear, hoping he grabs the budget meal to fill his growling stomach while in school or in the hospital, and wishing he doesn’t fall asleep again and miss his destination while commuting back home. The thought that they are, in fact, exposed to much worse possibilities is enough to keep a parent’s faith to the test.

Yet we cannot be shaken. Just think how rewarded your child felt when he told of an elderly patient ever so grateful for his single minute of smoothing an aching back which no one attended to before, or when a family member told him he’s an angel for patiently pumping the oxygen bag to keep their loved one going. It is no surprise then if we salute our children with elation for all the challenges they have overcome and from which they have risen up victorious!

Alongside, parents have to get the financial backing to get through. It’s a common fact that most financial assistance is provided by relatives who work overseas; their sacrifices truly uncommon and priceless. Definitely, a lot of divine grace comes with it all. We are blessed to have a sister, by blood and by virtue, who sees the value of investing in people and shows how life can be meaningful.

What are our parental thoughts? The test is in the pursuit. Persistence in keeping their knowledge enriched, looking for opportunities to apply what they know, and developing their skills to excellence are qualities proven to have led professionals, likewise lead our children, to success. As a consequence, they would attain financial stability and their ultimate goal of healing the sick, supporting the weak, and contributing to wheel our ill-laden nation towards convalescence.

Human Trafficking: Are We Going to the Dogs?

2011-04-06T03:06:00.000-07:00

It’s the same sad story over again: a young girl pushed by a poverty-laden household, deceived by money slaves called “pimps”, who are in turn funded by money makers whose only skill is to sell people.

Humantrafficking.org shows data from the 2006 US Department of State Human Rights Report that up to 400,000 women and up to 100,000 children are subjected to all forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor and even drug trafficking within the country or in other countries of destination.

What can we do to fight this monster that’s leading us to ignore our intellect and values, and live as dogs do? If only for this insult, we need to take action. Government needs to be serious in using public funds and make sure they go to people’s welfare and not to purses of corrupt officials. It needs to prioritize the development of its citizens and treat infrastructure and technology development as consequences of its people’s expertise and excellence. The private sector should think of more innovative ways to help address the real concerns related to this social issue. Sheltering and center rehabilitation strategies are costly in the long term, and the other side of the pendulum does make the “mistake” a prerequisite to being helped.

Where lies the root of the rot and how may we attack to prevent this social and moral malady? Professional helpers are now faced with the challenges of an increasing number of parents without financial capacity to feed themselves and their children, and who see no other option to earn quickly but by clinging to false promises of a better life. The foremost function of poverty is driving people to survive at any cost.

In the vicious cycle of human trafficking, all parties can be considered as poverty-driven, even those who have become billionaires in the fatal game. Ultimately, we use the indices of being human to differentiate us from other living forms : the ability to learn, discern, and choose. I believe that most Filipinos are still capable of enduring the rough climb in stead of hitching with the devil. And if we all believe in one another’s ability and compassion, most probably we will be able to reach out and teach sisters, daughters, even sons, to protect themselves, develop their self-worth, and acquire skills that will enable them to feed themselves and live happy lives, at any cost!

The Role of Attitude and Aptitude in Success

2011-04-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

To be successful in ones endeavors is something that every person strives for. We all have our goals, desires and dreams. Man in his multitude of shape size and color share a common drive to live in the best way he possibly can, no matter the harshness of his environment. Indeed, one’s environment moulds us to a great extent and forever shapes us into what we are.

How do we succeed? Why do we fail? What makes us continue living and striving? Questions asked countless times and answered by a myriad of ideas. Everyone is born with a basketful of aptitude we usually call talents. This is our potential. Everyone also grows and develops and learns. Growing up we call it. Here begins our rise or fall. When we learn and begin to utilize our talents to take control of our environment, we begin weaving a particular set of attitudes. What works, we continue using. What does not, we strive to change. As we grow and become more experienced we learn more and we discover more aptitudes and thereby control our environment more. Thus we begin to say we are becoming more successful.

How do we succeed? By learning to strive within a framework of positive attitudes; attitudes such as determination; which we learned as toddlers when we got up after each tumble. Fortitude; which we discovered as we learned to wipe our tears and continue after each hurt. Courage; which we acquired as we learned to cope with the hazards of our environment, and sociability; which we begin to acquire as soon as we begin to talk and communicate with others. Such attitudes ensure that as we strive to make our dreams come true and as we push to make our goals ever nearer, we do so without losing our sense of worth. The seed of success lie within and what we call maturing is the ever growing ability to look inside and find our answers within our self. Self knowledge is the fuel that feeds positive attitudes.

Why do we fail? It is so very easy to weave a net of attitudes that lead to failure. This is so because for every positive, there is a negative. Fortitude carried to excess leads to a conviction that one exists only in suffering. Courage can lead to foolhardiness and self knowledge can be infected by hubris, and to rigidity that kills creativity.

Living successfully does not really mean attaining all material comforts possible. While the pursuit of wealth is a given in our world, a necessity and an adjunct to survival, it is not the ultimate end. Life should be more than that. In the tendency to forget everything else for the sake of gathering wealth lie the seeds of failure.

Independent New President?

2010-06-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

As we look forward to the proclamation of a new President and all other elected officials, we think of how much the people’s mandate could bring forth a more hopeful six years to the nation. As it is, President-apparent Benigno Aquino III has floated names of trusted friends for his cabinet and received a number of dignitaries and personalities at the family home in Times Street where he allegedly will stay as President-elect. Having earlier stated that, upon proclamation of the House of Representatives as the new national leader, he (Noynoy) will take his oath not before the newly GMA-appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, mixed public reaction surfaced. Also, his indifference to people criticizing his smoking in public is creating an early wave of unease.

Social expectation spells out the President as a role-model, the epitome of his countrymen, the reflection of the people he rules, and the reality of what the country could become: great. Noynoy has promised to become such, whether consciously or not. Realizing his campaign line of fighting corruption will greatly depend on the people he will choose and how they will be able to influence the lower echelon to act accordingly. In the process, he will get in conflict with relatives and friends who have been alleged actors in robbing the nation of billions of pesos. May he be strong enough to champion justice and bring about real progress and peace. But he won’t be able to do it without every one of us joining in the effort.

In the long run, we pray that the people’s lone reason for electing Benigno Aquino III to office as a beam of hope for a new Philippines will be justified.

Cinematic Election Results

2010-05-20T22:51:00.000-07:00

Technology awes us all, when the 10 May national elections was suddenly over for each of us after some five minutes! Really! It felt like “what’s the fuss?” denouement to all pre-poll doubts and fears, amidst a carnival of promises for a good life to all Filipinos. Yet as the drama of election results unfold, a lot has to be reassessed and rethought.

Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III made it as the popular one. With a history of parents at the forefront of Philippine modern day democracy and a witty-nutty showbiz darling as a sister, the formula equaled victory. For himself, Noynoy presents a mix of honesty and the unarmed stance of a newcomer still to be tried in the ever-corrupting forest of dirty politics where lions feed on the more gullible, the trusting, and the hopeful. He has to be on guard while being true to the democratic principles he professes and try his best to help those who are truly in need. But his obstacles are clearly great.

The Vice-Presidential race is tight and is being watched closely by all, while the Senate as well as the House of Representatives will become a stage show with the influx of re-electionist and newcomer movie and television stars, along with the former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos.

Still, there were numerous reports of election-related violence, cheating, harassment and result-related protests. The way we (Filipinos) voted reflect the various layers of the socio-economic structure where the increasing poor sector predominates, the thinning middle class as next in number, and the ever ‘growing- rich’ elite on top of the pyramid.

Did we do the right thing? Only time will tell and after all is said, all should be done in due time. Let us all pray that the ignorant will try to learn, that the greedy will be found out and dealt with, that the inhuman will gain conscience in the process, and that the innocent will be spared. And, lest we forget, we need all the good men who lost and ourselves to win the real fight.

Mabuhay!

Lusty May

2010-04-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

May is a beloved month, the month of summer and rebirth. In May, the earth gives us all its wonderful growths, colors and scents that renew our being human. Ironically, It also brings to the fore the human tendency to grab for the best, and in the process, bring out the worst.

Amidst the promises of concern and care in the media campaign materials, the national election theme is lust. Behind all the political glamour surface the shocking truths of power monopoly in almost every nook of the country, a conversation piece among the electorate, the non-voting young and old, who have experienced how it is to be deprived, disadvantaged, and abused within the socio-economic system. While the Filipino is truly resilient and patient, the accumulation of rising expectations consistently met by rising frustrations should be taken seriously by those who will be elected in the national and local government leadership positions. It’s going to be a hard climb up, and sliding back could deplete our national energy to reach the comfort and progress zone our people need and deserve.

We are about to write a new page of our national history on 10 May, with as much hope as doubts and fears. We now can do our share in voting for the people who could have the better capacity to look after the people’s welfare in mind and heart, and who will act accordingly even when personal interests might be at stake. Yes, we need heroes and saints in the real sense of the words. So let’s continue our candidate-searching, share with others what we think, search our conscience, and make up our minds. Lastly, let us pray.

***

"It's May! It's May!

The lusty month of May!...

Those dreary vows that ev'ryone takes,

Ev'ryone breaks.

Ev'ryone makes divine mistakes!

The lusty month of May!"

- Lerner and Lowe

Countdown to 10 May: Some Tips

2010-04-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

Fifteen days and we’re to write our history anew, not as much with names as with oblong balls.

Are we prepared? Most likely, we have someone in mind for President, more or less another for Vice-President, more for the first few ones for Senators and less likely for the rest down the line. Name recall and association would become the pattern for the rest of the rest.

As in any problem-solving effort, we need to take steps that have proven effective because they are scientific and objective. They include the following:

First, we need to gather our data. Mass media shouldn’t be enough; but in addition, the discussions on the candidates should have reached the barangay level. All parties have had their share in the campaign, but we all stopped at just hearing them individually. Or we stopped because they promised things and we would look forward to them: we were “bought to vote”. There was minimal venue for data sharing and consolidating the facts.

Second, validating our findings is essential. Our data could be verified and cross-checked through our personal network using face-to-face encounters or the Internet, and findings therefrom could be laid out.

Third, analyzing our data is crucial. This will now depend on what framework we would choose to look at our data and extract our findings. Do we prefer an official who performed positively for development rather than one who just promises to do so? Do we choose a candidate with less exposure to politics but have proven worthy in private service? Do we elect someone with intellectual prowess over one who is simply influential?

Fourth, we need to have a more or less stable list of candidates with their corresponding numbers in mind once we enter the polling precinct. Then shading the Bilog na Hugis Itlog might be easier to do.

We should remember that national development depends on all of us who are locally distributed. We can make a difference from where we are since the sum of all of us equals our status as a country.

May 2010 Elections: Do We Have a Real Choice?

2010-04-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

End of hiatus. I missed the blogosphere, but had to work on a community program technical review which findings once more confirmed the merciless plight of our poor families in almost one-room temporary, makeshift shelters-each as home to an average of six small children roughing the day through with a potful of porridge, each one forced to look after the other while the father is away for months in a construction contract, and the mother is out selling fruits in the park in any nook she could hold on to until the police come for “demolition”.

Back to the hottest menu of the day: elections. As we hear people discuss and comment on the poll candidates, the most popular ones are those who have been tagged as “Action Men” and who have truly proven their worth in public service. There are those who have remained “nuisances”, both in action and in words. Still, there are those who are not so popular but have done constructive work as private individuals who are now seeking public posts. One such candidate for President is Nicanor Perlas, recipient of the Right Livelihood Award or Alternative Nobel Prize (2003),UN Environmental Program Global 500 Award (1994), The Outstanding Filipino Award (1994), and the William F. Masterson, S.J. Agriculture Award (1995) Public Service Award, Municipal Government, Maasin, Iloilo (1972).

Government officials, especially the President, have been chosen for the past century of our national history through popular election. It is a numbers game that does reflect the MOST NUMBER of people who opted for a certain candidate but does not necessarily reflect the election of the BEST candidate. Further, popularity is made through mass information on a person’s ability and capacity to enhance his image according to the values of the masses in receiving and accepting information. In the cycle, the masses have been educated to be amused and be comforted by media propaganda that project pro-poor images because they talk and act like the “masa” . Here, no thinking is permitted. The sad thing is this is still the order of the day.

Fortunately, there are media practitioners who are true to the profession and provide information upon which the public could draw data, analyze and act according to their own reasoning. The professionals, college and high school students who are of voting age, even the out-of-school youth with continuing education still form the better part of the thinking electorate. They could still help their family members in their selection of candidates for various positions. They can make the multiplier effect to outnumber the order of the day and create what is palatable and healthy for the nation.

Yes, we can choose the real meal in the menu. It might just take the cooks another century? Oh, hungry!

Mean Drought and Election Fever

2010-03-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

The driest spell is on since decades ago, and pity our rice and other staple farms, our fish ponds and every body of water receding and enabling living creatures to go on. The cows and goats, chicken and hogs are feeling the wrath, too. At the end of the line, we are just starting to feel the burn but are still grateful for all the foodstuff still in the market, albeit the rising prices of energy use.

While we all struggle, the campaign trail for the national elections in Ten May is ablaze, as some candidates race to how much they could pay mass media for their faces and names as much as their grandiose promises to be imprinted on the electorate’s minds and hopefully on the individual ballots. Those who modestly go to each debate and clearly explain what they have done and can still do deserve a second look and may prove to be the better choices. Those who have been proven unfaithful to the principles of democracy and to the public trust still dare to whitewash in front of cameras and on print, and we pray that the masses will think of their betterment as families rather than content themselves with feelings of show business adulation and idolatry and continue in their state of being disadvantaged.

Let us remember that these moments of natural and social difficulties will become worse than better if we don’t think of what is best for our children and for this earth. We have had many beautiful summers to have equipped us for the torrential and seemingly endless fall of rain, literally and figuratively.

Haiti’s Misfortune like Ours: What Have We Learned?

2010-02-10T21:12:00.000-08:00

Decades of power for those whose intentions circle around enriching themselves and robbing the people of what is due them: the reality of poor countries who just keep getting poorer. In the aftermath of the magnitude 7 on the Richter scale earthquake that hit Haiti, international governments and media are asking questions as to why the massive collapse of major and presumably more secure structures happened, along with the others which were public business centers and private residences. The truth, as legal experts in Haiti say, is that the funds for these buildings were taken, forcing the purchase and use of sub-standard materials. There are concrete proofs pinpointing to 30 years of using the national funds as personal purse by the Duvaliers, the family of Haiti’s dictator from the 1950s up to the rise of his son who succeeded him.

The Philippines has seen how much damage a dictatorship can do especially in terms of protecting human rights and human life. The uncertainty of people’s present and future remains the biggest threat from a government of terror and singular control, all for the benefit of the rich and powerful few.

The advent of People Power which toppled the Marcos regime was indeed a national moment of triumph. It not only proved that Filipino can truly unite and fight for freedom but also emphasized their nationalistic fervor. Twenty four years after, most of us find ourselves still struggling through the social and economic downturn and the few, though with new faces, remain.

Last year’s natural calamities of great flooding and landslides caused by super typhoons that hit the country showed that the poor are bigger in number and are less capable of helping themselves. Man made or otherwise, this poor sector bears the greatest social cost of disasters due to government dysfunction through the decades.

It is true that people and government have to get their acts together to make a successful nation. When government is so centralized, so is power. When people are truly empowered, they need to have a share of the material resources of the nation in order to take care of the social resources. Decentralization has been forwarded to be a more reliable arrangement for a healthy democracy to flourish. Let’s try to work on it.

February Political Campaign: Love Your People!

2010-02-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how much “concern” political candidates try to show to the voting public during campaign time. Also, it looks superfluous and as packaged as any product being advertised in the mass media. As much as information is truly essential to voter’s education, these ads offer little for the public to base their decisions on.

Since it’s February or what we designate as love month, let’s see how we can interpolate this “show of affection” from our leaders-to-be in a fun way at the same time in a “think about it” way.

“Nasubukan mo na bang maligo sa dagat ng basura?”

Figuratively speaking, all of us have experienced how it is to find ourselves in need when we’re in a mess or when times are just filled with trash and shit. But, resilient and smart people as we are, we cannot deny that there were moments in that “basura” state when we were happy – we were able to reflect on just the basics of life and how much we don’t really need. We needed the “basura”, in a way. But let’s say someone comes to rescue us and picks us up from the trash. And after, who knows? Not all who dump trash on you are bad, and not all who get you out of it are good.

“Ipagpatuloy natin ang laban.”

We have been struggling for the longest time. But this time we want a fight against the economic downturn with a big chance to make it. What we need are the tools to continue the fight. We want to see an integrated “armory” that will educate our young for an employable future right here in our land, to upscale the compensation of our workers along with their skills that will help our nation in great volumes and not all the nations of the world in trickles as overseas contract workers. We want all families to have their own homes and nutritious food on their tables. The true fight for the future is the one that will make every Filipino child healthy and happy. But for now, we won’t be able to do that with just a flame from a torch.

“Di natutulog ang Pasko.”

We all want Christmas or any day most like it: everyone in high spirit of giving, sharing, and celebrating. It’s great to feel you are loving and being loved in return. Quite frankly, there is nothing I know that describes the day as unwanted, not needed, or not important. However, loving takes much more work than any other act I know. It means knowing and understanding the person, acknowledging his/her needs and helping out to meet those needs. It gives you no other option but have in your heart and soul the best interest of the person you love. It is the ultimate sacrifice. And anyone can love- the president, the doctor in the office, the worker in the factory, the farmer in the field, and the peddler in the street.

Development Communication for Leaders

2010-02-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

One crucial responsibility of government leaders is to make their constituents understand how they make decisions over issues critical to the existence of the community, whether it is over the management of wastes or the rehabilitation of cultural structures. It is an unfortunate observation that leaders, as representatives of the people, fail to undertake the first step in the decision-making process: know what the people think and what they need. This requires consensus-building among the various sectors within the community which provides the data upon which the leaders may base their decisions on. When this first step is ignored, the following assumptions are likely to arise:

The leaders underestimate the ability of their constituents to talk about and make known their ideas and recommendations on what to do with the issue at hand.
The leaders do not have the skills to organize the community, discuss important matters with their constituents, and form consensus.
The leaders have hidden agenda

Inevitably, results from this communication failure include strong reaction from the people, and understandably so. They took the risk in electing the leaders, hoping that they (leaders) will come up to the standards of being true public servants. The worst thing the leaders can do is to challenge their constituents as a reaction to public sentiment.

Leadership entails a reasonable amount of knowledge, a lot of skills, and a lot more positive attitude than what the traditional politician or the naive newcomer will ever imagine. Catching up with a fast-changing social and economic environment here and abroad truly becomes a leader's greatest challenge. Survive or perish, but for a better place for all.

Is Automated Election Smart?

2010-01-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

Since the ancient discovery that man learned how to count through the use of objects, the significance of knowing how many and how much to human survival and development can never be underscored. In democracies such as ours, the leaders are placed in positions by counting how many of the qualified population voted for each candidate. However, the magnitude of the task becomes more complex as this population grows.

The past national election results created a degree of discontent; thus, the losing candidates went all out to demerit those who won. For the national elections come May 2010, an automated election is being pursued in order to make counting and delivering results fast and, hopefully, precise. Just how fast, at the same time precise, the performance of the machines would be during the canvassing remains to be seen. The growing concerns over teachers not having been trained to use the machines and over the number of machines not being enough for all election polls all point to fears of another problem-laden election turnout. Time would have been a great partner of government in making the automation known to most people, establishing the credibility of those who will provide the machines, making the machines available in all precints so voters will be able to witness the demonstration of its advantages, and allowing people to appreciate the innovation well before election day.

As our government is a tapestry with layers of initiations, endorsements, decisions and approvals before any action could be taken, the meaning of time for the people is belittled by the executors or by the process, or both. The tendency to rush, run after deadlines, declare emergencies, and do troubleshooting are indicators of a system long dated and due for repair itself. Time recognizes nothing and no one. We tend to forget that TIME goes on, with our successes or with our failures as a people.

Cerge Remonde: Humble Beginning, Noble End

2010-01-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

Special is the man whose presence touches his crowd with honesty, no matter how painful or joyful his message might be.

The genuine probinsiyano from Cebu, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde earned his way as a media practitioner who was well respected by his audience and his colleagues. His contributions were recognized and will continue to be remembered, along with the way he spoke English with a strong Cebuano accent fluently.

It is rare to be touched by a man just by observing how he handled his jobs and how other people are affected by him through the television, radio and the newspapers. Yet I have been fortunate to witness this first hand during Sir Remonde’s term as Director General of the Presidential Management Staff. The Information desk people were pleasant and attentive and efficiently referred us to the corresponding unit to handle our concern. Once there, the officer-in-charge discussed with us and gave a focal person and a number for following-up. They even went to the extent of calling up the regional office which was delaying to release the payment for the land that the government was buying from us for the Agno River flood control project without legal and due reasons. Though I never met Sir Cerge face to face, his office was a reflection of his own persona. It was one of the counted moments when I felt secure with and protected by my government.

Speaking for a President whose term was begun by the people’s faith and is ending with an increasing image black smearing campaign definitely required someone with the caliber of a Cerge Remonde. However, the physical demand inevitably took its toll with the temporary stress-relieving but permanently destructive habits of smoking, not having sufficient sleep, and eating accessible but health-unfriendly food. In spite all of these, Sir Cerge was much more than this temporary life we all share, as his last words were those of a prayer. Surely, what he stood and still stands for will stay.

What Does National Election Mean to Us?

2010-01-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

The Philippines of the 21st century continues to develop along with the rest of the world, in directions that are characteristic of an equally growing complexity for human survival. The global economic downturn has hurt families in more ways than we expected and we now turn to government as our great hope in making things better.

As we countdown to May election day, information and education campaigns about the Presidentiables and their party entourage of other “-ables” start in television programs, radio broadcasts, in newspaper publications and the internet world. Discussions and debates are heard in conferences and téte-á-téte over coffee, as much as in men’s drinking sprees in front of the barangay sari-sari stores and in the river banks or around the communal deep well where women do their laundry. Amidst all of the intelligent fact-digging and personal campaigning for our bets, we still face the uncertainty of what our votes will turn out to.

Electing the national leadership is still a modern day government practice and the representation of the masses by the elected leaders is crucial for any nation to survive. Since representation means looking after the people’s welfare over and above all other interests, the success and failure of governance lies in the freedoms and controls that we provide to those who represent us. When the leaders fail, we all fail because we failed to make them succeed. Yet we throw all the blame on them and they usually react by looking at self-interest where they can be more secure. Let us remember that institutional systems are meant to deliver what we need as a democracy and not to satisfy the whims of a few. When the system is no longer working for the purpose it was made, then it’s high time to make essential changes.

Every national election should be an opportunity to make those changes. Do we favor candidates who promise dreams over those who can realize possibilities? Those who have acted in good faith, delivered results and plan to continue to do so over those who just personally believe that what we need is a moral and religious overhaul?

THINK, VOTE, AND PRAY!

(Image by: www.philippinesdirectory.org)

Baguio City as Korean Enclave?

2010-01-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

The influx of Koreans in the summer capital is literally creating much disturbing noise, adding to the already head-breaking air pollution from thousands of vehicles plying the strip of the city’s central business district. City residents and local visitors wonder at just how much the Filipino’s tolerance can handle this situation. In the first place, why permit this seeming social deluge? The city government paints a rather ambiguous picture to offer the citizenry.

In the midst of an angry protest against the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement that will, in effect, turn over the management of the Baguio City Athletic Bowl to a group of Korean investors, the city mayor said it is all chismis (gossip), and that he still has to approve the proposal for it to become official. Nonetheless, a citywide information and education campaign on the proposal would have effected participatory consultation among the city folks and produced recommendations from those who have long been for the best interest of the city’s development. The city government’s role to lead the people by making their (people’s) voices heard in order to form a consensus over a critical matter such as the issue at hand has not been satisfactorily accomplished. After all, it is not just the Athletic Bowl in itself but what it represents. It is a part of the culture of Baguio City, and leasing it out to a foreign group is like cutting a foot from a human athlete; thus, emotions still run high!

If development per se is the benchmark (bleacher mark?), then we could easily abuse the implementation of such and miss out on the essentials of human development. If development for the people is the principle of governance, then we will give due importance and significance on what people think and how they want their present and future to be. Need we divide and allow others to conquer? But where has government gone?

Price Increases, Election Gun Ban, and Ampatuan

2010-01-12T20:27:00.000-08:00

If 2010 as the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese calendar were to be true to its form, the fangs are out for the first bite. Increase in prices of rice and sugar, oil, bus and jeepney fare have started to loom.

The average Filipino household needs to cut on expenses by setting its priorities: maybe home food for children first, walk the distance rather than ride, minimize cell phone load expenses. Come to think of it, the children are better off without the processed sugar we usually buy, and the adults cannot afford to have more sugar to add to their decades-long intake anyway. The commercial white rice, research findings say, is one major cause of the high incidence of diabetes among Filipinos due to its sugar and carbohydrate contents. Red rice is a lot more nutritious and health-friendly. Perhaps we can have red rice once with a meat dish, and vegetable soup, camote , and bananas the rest of the day. Why not? Time we also think of REMAKING our own needs and put a brake to commercialism. But we love advertisements!

***

The election gun ban starts with a bang! Local news still feed on violence-related events that has robbers shooting it out with the police, or a gun-shot victim who died with relatives crying out loud about his not having enemies and his being a good person.

However, a number of persons have been reported to have been found carrying guns without permits and their weapons confiscated, including a number of law enforcers.

***

The Ampatuan trial still serves to top all ironies. While the main suspect shows no remorse, people who see him face-to-face are starting to laugh it out with him! Perhaps not allowing media during the hearing might prove an experiment on trial and error, or comedy of errors, or erratic dramatization. Whatever!

***

Meanwhile, development advocacy proves to be an effective front liner for efforts at making government function according to what the people need over and above any other concern. Because beyond this is obviously self interest and corruption.

The Separation of Church and State: An Illusion of Dichotomy? (Part 2)

2010-01-11T19:28:00.000-08:00

The end of the Marcos regime and the Presidency of Cory Aquino in 1986 were made possible by a call from the Catholic church leader Cardinal Jaime Sin, for Filipinos to unite and support the initiative of military leader General Fidel V. Ramos and National Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile. President-elect Aquino, known for her religious dedication, invited church leaders in her state consultations. Notably, her term is recognized as having integrity and credibility.

Present trends show religious leaders becoming political activists in churches or marching in the streets, and even running as political candidates, with their supporters growing in number through the years. The few who were elected still have to make their mark. One still has to make it to the Presidency.

Perhaps the more pressing issues are those that come closest to the Filipino’s orientation as believers, those that have something to do with preserving human life. When the government allows artificial means of birth control to manage population increase, the citizens who are also church faithful are put in a “split living” situation which affects their psychological health. Also, they worry over the youth who could have access “over the counter” for these products which could push them to “unguided sexual experimentation”.

The church has shown instances of being relevant from time to time, though, like allowing the practice of cremation even when traditional church thought requires the body to be untouched after death in preparation for the resurrection.

However difficult living with this dichotomy has become for Filipinos, other times have proven that the pendulum could swing long enough towards the good and the positive. Compromises could be reached and controls installed. The challenge remains in finding the formula.

Read Part 1 here.

The Separation of Church and State: An Illusion of Dichotomy? (Part 1)

2010-01-08T17:05:00.000-08:00

Can one separate his body from his spirit without dying?

Our country is a country of believers, and that is true philosophically, religiously, and practically. Also, a country is required to have some semblance of order or governance that guides the masses to act according to agreed-upon rules of living and maintain peaceful and harmonious co-existence. However, in the dynamics of governance, power is a consequential acquisition for those who lead since their decisions and actions mold the national character. Whether or not these are concurred by what the masses desire depends on the social orientation of the leaders which includes religious beliefs or the absence of the same. In turn, the masses choose their leaders according to what they believe in, whether for the welfare of the community or for political favours and self benefit.

While our 1987 Constitution holds that the separation of Church and State shall be inviolable (Article II, Section 6), historical and current events point to the significance of religion as a major factor in government law-making, in the execution of these laws, and the implementation of the justice system in cases of violation. Our Spanish colonizers, as mentioned by Teodoro Agoncillo, a Filipino historian from the University of the Philippines, used the combination of secular and religious might to readily subjugate the Indios (“native Filipinos”). The theoretical wall of separation reintroduced by the American jurisprudence remains abstracted, as cases upon cases are filed to show how this wall or line has not been respected.

Read Part 2 here.

Mass Media for National Development

2010-01-06T02:48:00.000-08:00

How much can mass media do to influence the Filipino to make decisions and make him contribute to national development?

This year marks another milestone for the Filipino to elect the national leadership. Where he gets the inputs in order for him to make an informed decision will depend on what information is made available to him and how he personally processes this information.

First, let’s tackle the sources of information. The National Statistics Office’s Index of Education and Mass media Statistics reveals that in 1994, out of 50.4 million Filipinos aged 10-64, 40.7 million or 80.8% listen to the radio. Farmers and other rural folks could have radios that are affordable and battery-operated in their homes and because they are massively produced as portables, folks could easily bring them along in the farms. Fifty-six percent (56%) are television viewers and the rate is fast becoming as high as that of the radio listeners. It is observable that even in urban poor areas, television is a regular acquisition. But who and what do they listen to? Soap opera is obviously popular. When national issues are aired, how many really hear and try to understand all sides of the argument? Usually, politicians are interested to see how they can polish their side of the coin.

Information processing requires some stock knowledge which Filipinos most probably possess from their mass media exposure. Also, we want to believe that most have skills to discern and analyze the information that they have. Presence or absence of statistics could serve as good news or warnings, though. In the same year of 1994, 40.2 million Filipinos aged 10-64 were found to be functionally literate, out of 48 million or a staggering 83.8 percent. However, what statistics have not shown is how people decide and what they do about their decisions. The attitude factor is as significant.

Probably we could advocate more for mass media that provide education more than entertainment; value reinforcement more than deviance; and justice more than violence.

We could still set our priorities right.

Critical Questions to Ask a Presidential Candidate

2010-01-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

January-the first month of our 2010 election year. As the May Day (?) draws closer, we become more anxious over who to vote particularly for the highest position of the nation. Will we make the right choice this time? There is no hard and fast rule for minimal error, but some guide posts could be had. For instance, we could ask some questions hardest in our minds to be answered by a Presidential candidate and see if they will lessen our fears for another six years. Do you agree that the questions should include the following?

How will you address the issues confronting Mindanao?

their need for autonomy
Mindanao as alleged haven for local and international terrorists

What do you think of Manila as the national capital?

“What happens in Manila is what happens in the Philippines”

How will you improve the national economic situation?

how do we truly fight poverty?

What do you think about the way we have legislated:

capital punishment and ‘comfort imprisonment’ for special criminals?
human trafficking including prostitution?
the juvenile justice system?

2010: Bangon, Pinoy!

2010-01-01T23:33:00.000-08:00

The year 2009 was literally a disaster more than anything else. The nation was all about proving the national leadership corrupt, while actual corruption is implemented and silently accepted, using either borrowed funds from global financiers or grants from donors who generously and surprisingly continue to give even when they see funds go to waste. Still, a great number persevered to go on with the work at hand with excellence and honesty. Otherwise, anarchy was a very easy culprit to have taken over.

To top it all, natural disasters joined the avalanche. The nation’s natural resources, misused and abused through time, gave way to man’s greed and selfishness. So we had super typhoons Pepeng and Ondoy, dumping unprecedented rainfall which flooded Metro Manila and Northern Luzon. With these, we lost more or less 400 lives and made thousands of families homeless. Again, more people than expected went to contribute in the rescue and relief efforts. Now, the rehabilitation will need a million fold .

Lessons from these experiences are clear:

Leadership should have integrity in all levels of governance since trust and confidence in the national leadership is essential to nation-building.

Filipinos are great professionals, efficient laborers, industrious workers, and caring home makers. We just need to have the country’s best interest at heart if we want the nation to move ahead.

Support of any kind, given within a framework of crisis management go a longer way than one which is reactionary. The former is long-term; the latter temporary.

We have all the reasons to be grateful for another year, another chance.

God is still on our side.

Bangon, Pinoy!

Pinoy Best Practices at Christmas

2009-12-20T17:51:00.000-08:00

Simbang Gabi!

This is a Catholic tradition among Filipinos which has spanned centuries and continues to sustain the integrity of a united community that respects the family as the center of spiritual growth.

Every 16th of December before dawn breaks, fathers and mothers wake the children from their deep slumber to prepare for the 9-day novena masses which will culminate on December 24th, Christmas eve. With everyone awake in toe, they walk through a cold breeze and a line of barking dogs to the community chapel. At the church, friends nod at one another as they await the Entrance, when the officiating priest enters and walks the aisle with his entourage. During the sermon, the priest sees to it that he keeps the audience from the desire to sleep by cracking a local joke or two before enjoining the community to pray for one another. After the mass, the priest waits at the door to give individual blessings to churchgoers along with handshakes from the adults and Mano Po! from the children. Out in the churchyard after the mass, people gather for breakfast, generously prepared by the assigned sponsors of the day. Here, children look for their ninongs and ninangs for another bout of Mano Po! to remind them of their obligations, fathers plan for a special activity, mothers gather for updates, and foes try to reconcile. The walk home with neighbors is enjoyed with shared memories of the past year: the disasters, the surprises, the losses as well as the triumphs. Finally, an outburst of laughter over an old joke or an observation at the occasion binds the community spirit before the group breaks for their respective abodes.

Noche Buena

This tradition puts the Filipino family at the center of everyone’s life. The person is nurtured, developed and sustained within the physical, psychological, social and spiritual resources of the family as society’s basic unit of survival.

Cooking the Christmas Eve supper and the meal after the Christmas Mass offers an enjoyable opportunity for family members to stay home, do things together, and eat their favorite food that usually include ham, keso de bola, fruit salad, bread or native cakes. Also, there’s lechon, fried chicken, beef caldereta, and all other favorite meat recipes. And, yes, the wine! If the family resources allow, gift-giving occurs after the grand meal. Otherwise, it’s a long night of just telling stories about one another outside the home.

The rule is: Family First. This could be one of the major reasons why other nationalities wonder at the Filipino’s sense of helping one another through thick and thin, through generations of relatives. And it does sustain the Filipino family in more ways than we could all ponder.

Bagong Taon!

This tradition highlights the community spirit as they welcome another year through a barrage of celebratory sounds from firecrackers, bells, gongs, and all other possible objects for the purpose.

In celebration of the New Year, neighbors bring out the festive meals and put them on the common table. Again, stories are told of the past year and of plans for the coming year as food is taken any time each one desires. At twelve o’clock midnight, the welcome sounds culminate and everyone takes time to enjoy fireworks in the sky. The human spirit soars to another recharging in preparation for the challenges of another year. Meanwhile, there’s the family and the community to depend on.

Being Poor at Christmas

2009-12-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

Thirty million Filipinos were poor three years ago. Now, little children still roam the streets, but this time they take with them their smaller and younger siblings to gather food remnants from a big eatery garbage drum. The adolescents go after pockets or slash bags of the uncanny passers-by. They go home to a shanty that offers nothing but a floor where they all together sleep on. Mothers with infants and pregnant women peddle, if not beg, for the day’s sustenance. Men gather for the early shots of gin.

Poverty is a vicious cycle of deprivation, loss of self-esteem and desperation that sometimes lead to inaction and self-destruction. It is a social malady that, left unattended, corrodes the moral fiber of the community. With international assistance coming in billions of dollars, why was the poor Juan de la Cruz never reached, now that he is poorer and in more need? When before he had a roof above his head, he now lost it from the floods, or an outburst of fire caused by a faulty wiring, or a demolition team. When before he was overseas and able to earn for his family’s needs, he is now forced to come home jobless and empty-handed, to a household that waits for his remittances in order to eat everyday. When before he had a little, now he has nothing but the clothes on his back.

In this December month, Filipinos look forward to a grand celebration and merry-making, to great family reunions and gift-giving. These things should happen, whether or not one has everything or nothing. One Juan could get friends together to stage a bank robbery. Another could just be content with what will come from the kind- hearted. Yet another thinks the community Christmas party is just fine. Nothing beats Juan when he has nothing but a smile and kind words to give to friends and acquaintances. At this instant, he shares the charity of the poor.

Juan looks at the bright mansions glittering with multi-colored lights and animation. He couldn’t fathom how much riches the owners possess. More often than not, the owners don’t have time for happiness as they watch over their wealth either grow or gradually vanish. Juan doesn’t understand the poverty of the rich.

And Juan looks at the friendly worker who helps him gain other skills that could give him employment, and wonders at how meager the worker’s resources are while the worker has the heart to have much more in order to help a lot more like himself. Juan unknowingly hopes that someday the frozen middle class will be able to have more and move further while taking his hands and the hands of millions more up the ladder of comfort and humane living.

Hear! Hear! The carols are in the air, as we sing “Merry Christmas!”, no matter what.

Maguindanao Martial Law

2009-12-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

After the November 23, 2009 election-related violence in Maguindanao where at least fifty seven (57) people were massacred, clocks started ticking to assess how long it would take for the Arroyo administration to bring forth the perpetrators and give justice to the victims. Media is more upfront and aggressive, considering that 15 among the dead were colleagues in the industry. From a state of emergency since the gruesome incident, Martial Law was declared December 4 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 1959.

The ensuing arrests without warrants as a result of the suspension of habeas corpus created an instant scenario of relief, since it is a known fact that the Ampatuans as primary suspects could easily evade procedures with their enforced influence among the police and the military in the province. However, some political observers think that for the law enforcers to have been shoved to the side as ineffective in performing their duties is another government miscalculation and means of issue evasion. Another facet of the national reaction is the fear for a forthcoming expansion of martial rule in all areas of the country. Senator Miriam Santiago poses that with escalating incidents of violence in Mindanao, Martial Law covering the entire nation could be possible with government having the least difficulty in making a justification. The Marcos Martial Law regime spanning twenty years is still a fresh, horrific memory for the present generation.

Through the legal process, joint session of Congress has been called to assess the need for the declaration of martial rule in Maguindanao. In spite of surfacing irrelevant side issues, Speaker Prospero Nograles tells reporters the verdict of the votes will be announced publicly by Tuesday, December 15, 2009.

In the mean time, poor Juan de la Cruz, with a grumbling stomach in a personal corner of an evacuation center awaits Christmas Day.

(Picture credits: www.monstersandcritics.com and www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn. Thanks!)

If PGMA Went to Congress

2009-12-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

The community of speculative Filipinos roar at President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, picturing her in Congress making every effort to swing the vote to hold a Constitutional Convention in order to change the form of government from Presidential to one that is Parliamentary. Presently, coming down from being President to seeking to become a Congresswoman in her home province in Pampanga is taken with a “What is that?” attitude. People think that to slowly make hey way up till she becomes Prime Minister is sustaining power in bad taste. Worst, public opinion now holds that the President is doing all these to seek immunity from the corruption charges that are sure to be hurled at her once she ends her term as President.

The Filipinos are a singular critique and a “plural action” people. After this phase of united emotion, we break down into different involvement or non-involvement. One might be in a political position and goes on with a “small time” bribery and justifies: “Don’t worry, it’s just small change compared to what the big names get for favours.” Another might go back to honest work and patiently allots his salary to just the very basic needs of his family. Still another might sit down from morning till night and drink his disappointments away with alcohol till he drops dead.

Yet we cannot erase what PGMA has done in the past and how she symbolized for us women empowerment, economic progress, political reform, and national renewal. For every president that we elect, we put on her/his shoulders all our hopes and dreams for a better life in our own land. She/he has no other good choice than to deliver. However, after disappointments over unmet expectations over time and the corruption allegations, we STOP at supporting and helping to make things turn in the right direction. Our handy alternative is for her/him to STEP DOWN.

Have we made the right choices as a people with these responses to our recurring problems? If yes, why do we still long for the right leaders, why do we keep this form of democracy knowing it doesn’t satisfy our needs? Why can’t we afford to think of the idea of change?

Who knows, things might turn out well if PGMA went to Congress. Or do we really care to be better off?

Wanted: Our Paradigm to National Development

2009-11-27T22:30:00.000-08:00

Beleaguered by the repercussions of the Maguindanao Massacre, the national government now faces tremendous public pressure to deliver justice to the victims and to prove that the government is worth the public trust. The six month-away automated national elections in May 2010 is under scrutiny and creates fear of confusion in stead of order. Government perceives all other issues directly involving the national leadership in big deal corruption as media speculation and baseless paranoia. However, the public persists in making government admit its flaws and give all Filipinos another chance.

To end warlord-ism in the country is the greatest call of the day. How do we do it?

As in all great endeavors, we need a paradigm within which we all can locate the significance of this cause and point its benefits for the greater good. Since the issue is a concern of arms, we need our great military thinkers and strategists- those who are independent in their expertise and philosophies of national development regardless of their current positions in the social and economic order. We need historians to give us the highlights of our national achievements and make us see the parallelism with other governments, which have transcended similar public discontent and reinstated public morale. We need to introspect and seek counsel with our respective religious and social groups and define what we mean by being Christians or Muslims.

We all need to gather other facts essential to our existence as families, as communities, and as a nation. Then we all need to get together and create our common grounds for peace and harmony.

These are ideas, which might help us create our paradigm to national development. These are our givens; these are our realities. What do we do next?

Maguindanao Massacre: Condemn the Culture of Violence!

2009-11-25T18:48:00.000-08:00

The recent gruesome and merciless killings of fifty seven (57) Filipinos-political family members, lawyers, mediamen, and ordinary travellers- hits all of us personally and collectively. Unarmed and defenseless, trusting and hopeful they treaded, like we all do, the daily road of life. However, we forget that our time is not the easiest of times; it is the hardest and the harshest yet.

Violence is the means of the desperate. Desperate that once the political clout is destroyed, all influence is lost. Influence is gained through control of resources, both economic and social. In the Maguindanao area, control has become the privilege of a few, and control means violence.

This sub-culture of violence is perpetrated by those who lust for power, goods, and money. It cannot thrive, however, when people refuse to be imprisoned in this way of life. If those who join the greedy murderers will have access to a decent life, we believe they will choose to be free. One thing we can do is give them examples of how this could be done, as the examples shown by Efren Penaflorida and Manny Pacquiao, and by the millions of Filipinos who have reacted strongly against the massacre.

It is uplifting to know that most of us still believe in the essence of democracy and of freedom. However, we do not stop here. Wherever we are, let us create our own communities that will mean human development and moral progress. Let us become the people who not only think intelligently but also wise and prepared for the worst, who not only hope but also act, people who not only pray but also serve.

Condemn the culture of violence! Justice to the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre!

(Photo used in this post credited to www.worldbulletin.net)

The Filipino is CNN Hero

2009-11-24T06:39:00.000-08:00

Efren “Kuya Ef” Peñaflorida gives the Filipino integrity beyond reasonable doubt. He gives justice to all those who work honestly in impossible circumstances, those who persevere to remake the fabric of our degenerating corner of this earth, both literally and figuratively. He puts shame on those who generalize that Filipinos are “beggars.”

Let us ponder on what made Kuya Ef sensational. First, he makes the opportunity for himself and does not wait that it be given. Most of us, like the unemployed, tend to point the finger at the government for their insufficiencies in life. Let us remember that the final decision and action rest on us. Ultimately, we are responsible for ourselves.

Second, Efren Peñaflorida is patient and persevering. While we all agree that the level of corruption has gone worst from worse, this should not stop us from taking the high road. We experience in daily life that when we do, people around us reciprocate in the same manner. Be kind and others will most probably be kind to you. Be patient, and most probably, you will find something worthwhile in due time. Be smart and don’t stop educating yourself, and for sure, you won’t end up disliking and being disappointed at yourself at the end of the day.

Third, our hero continues to give the fruits of honest labor. It is right to give what is due to anyone, but to give away what is due to one’s self is heroic.

I pray that all political leaders elected in 2010 will have the qualities of our hero. Then we will all call it a DAY!

(The image in this post is from cnn.com)

Pacquaio and Politics

2009-11-18T07:35:00.000-08:00

When boxer Manny Pacquiao made history with his seventh WBO win in different weight categories, he made most of us joyous and proud, albeit momentarily. Even criminality held its axe. As a young man, this folk hero from General Santos City trained with discipline and hard work, even when finances were insufficient with loans drawn out. He has become a greatly skilled player inside the ring, and his recent win made him a billionaire in his 30s. A brilliant example of a hard-earned success.

With his present affluence, he wants to serve Saranggani Province by running as its Congressman in 2010. He has the money to do it, and the popularity that most probably makes a political candidate win. However, will he be a successful public servant?

Becoming a public servant means considering the welfare of the greater majority. It goes beyond self, family, relatives, friends, and kababayan or katribo. It could mean a number of people could get hurt for the sake of a greater number. In addition, those hurt could be one’s self, family, relatives, and friends.

It demands a personality that is more other-directed than individualistic. It is teamwork rather than a personal triumph. It is more of building a community of winners than making someone distinct from the rest.

It requires the mental skills of observation, analysis, discernment, and a moral sense of justice and equality. It becomes difficult when personal values conflict with those held by most.

At times, it entails sacrificing one’s resources for the public’s welfare, including money and property.

It is modeling on how to live life.

Would wishing Manny good luck make a difference?

GOOD LUCK MANNY!

Ang Wakas sa 2012

2009-11-13T22:46:00.000-08:00

Ang prologo sa nobela ng sangkatauhan ay isang milagro ng paglikha. Kamangha-mangha ang mundo: sa lupa, dagat at himpapawid ay sari-sari ang namumukadkad at patuloy na ginagampanan ang siklo ng buhay. Ang tao ang pinakatanging obra, dahil siya ay marunong mag-isip ng tungkol sa lahat ng nasa mundo, pati ng tungkol sa kanyang sarili.

Sa isang yugto, kataka-taka na sa talinong taglay, ang tao ay nakakapamili pang maging makasarili na pa bagang siya lamang ang may karapatan sa mundo. Kahit nakikita niya na sobra ang lahat ng bagay para sa kanya lamang, kahit nararamdaman niya na naghihirap ang nakararami sa kadahilanang hindi nakapag-aral at walang oportunidad, kahit nakikita niya ang buong pamayanan na nagkakanda-kumahog sa paghanap ng solusyon maipantay lamang para sa lahat ang bansang yaman. Ang masakit, madami na ang mga salot ng lipunan.

Sa kabilang yugto, bakit may mga taong marunong kumilala ng hirap ng iba? Mga taong handang magtrabaho at magpunyagi kahit gaano kalayo at kahirap, hindi lamang para sa sarili kung hindi para rin sa asawa, pamilya, komunidad, at bayan? Sila ang mga taong may konsiyensiya: mga taong may pahalaga sa tama at nararapat at isinasantabi ang mali at hindi makatarungan. Ang kabutihan, may mga natitira pa ring mga bayani ng lahi.

Sa huling yugto, mukhang nakararami nga ang mga walang pakundangan sa pagputol ng mga puno sa gubat, pagtapon ng kemikal, plastik at iba pang basura sa ilog at dagat. Mas marami na ang mga walang pakialam na gumagamit ng sasakyang nagbubuga ng libreng lason sa hangin; naglipana ang mga taong pilit at walang paalam na nagpapatayo ng kabahayan at istraktura sa mga lugar na sensitibo at kailangan sa pagdaloy ng ilog o sa pagpapanatili ng kakahuyan at kabundukan.

Kaya magtataka ka pa ba kung sabihing ang lahat ay magwawakas na? Dumating ang mga ga-higanteng bagyo na kumitil at sumira ng maraming buhay at nanalasa sa mga patanim at paghahayupan. Gumuho ang mga bundok, nabunot ang mga puno at umapaw ang mga dagat at ilog. Narito na ang mga delubyo, pagkalat ng nakamamatay na mga sakit, at tumindi pang paghihirap ng mga mahihirap.

Ang wakas ay eksakto raw sa taong 2012. Nanlulumo na ang mundo sa pang-aabuso ng tao at nag-kaka-edad na. Kasabay ng tumatanda na ring mga ibang planeta sa kalawakan, ang ating mundo ay mawawalan ng liwanag galing sa haring araw. Mamamaalam ang mga korona nito at tuluyang maglalaho. Sa paglaho ng ating araw, tayo’y susunod din.

Hindi natin maisasantabi ang sinasabi ng siyensiya. Ito ay ang pinakamagaling na napag-aralan ng ating mga utak bilang tao. Hindi rin tayo maaaring magpakabingi sa sinasabi ng Bibliya o anu pa mang Banal na Kasulatan. Hindi ba’t sa unang yugto ay kinikilala natin na may banal na May Akda ng mundo? Ang mga kasulatang ito ay nagpapatotoo rin sa wakas ng panahon. Kung kailan, hindi bumabanggit ng eksaktong petsa.

Sa epilogo ng iyong buhay, mas gugustuhin mo ba na nasa mala-purgatoryo kang lugar kung saan tapos na ang oras at wala ka nang magagawa? Wala nang halaga ang pagsisisi dahil huli na ang lahat? Na sinayang mo ang iyong utak, kamay, paa, mata, taynga at iba mo pang regalo dahil tapos na ang mundong ginalawan mo? Nguni’t naroon ka pa rin, habang panahon na nakadarama nang lahat ng dati’y naramdaman mo sa iyong pagiging tao.

Wakas sa 2012? Dalawang taon na lang? Magmuni-muni ka. Ang nobela ay maaari pang magkaroon ng pag-asa sa wakas. Pagbibigyan ka pa NIYA. Ikaw ba’y magiging bayani o salot?

Ikaw ang aakda nito.

Your Choices of Leaders in 2010

2009-11-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

Choosing your President in 2010 could be the influence of your own individual processing, of your immediate family, your peers, the community where you belong, of what most Filipinos think as the better choice or by a combination of all of the above. Yet we often find ourselves unprepared to choose as the election draws near. We still await the media circus and the campaign extravaganza. No matter what your strategy and pace are, let us share some thoughts to guide you in making the final choice.

The past three decades saw an unprecedented election of two women to serve at the peak of our executive hierarchy: Corazon Cojuangco Aquino and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Cory Aquino was undoubtedly the symbol of renewed democracy, and as such, has already done her part. Surprisingly, she has surpassed expectations and rates as having been professional and efficient in her Presidential role. Gloria Arroyo with a former President-father and a post-graduate education in economics was to bring the country into yet another economic miracle. Now facing great criticism left and right, she remains certain to complete her term in 2010 and insinuates running for another political post by then. Loren Legarda now stands out as the only woman candidate for the next highest-ranking position, the Vice-Presidency. Having been in the media as well as in government service as two-time Senator, many think that she would have been ready for the Presidency. Her most significant contribution remains to be her authored legislation benefiting women and children, such as the Anti-Domestic Violence Act and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, and her environmental protection and preservation advocacy through the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law and the Climate Change Act of October 2009. With the Luntiang Pilipinas program, two million trees were planted all over the archipelago. The 10@10: The Ten Million Trees Campaign foresees planting of 10 million trees by the year 2011 as our contribution to the UNEP, which aims to reach the seven billion-tree mark by 2009. Undoubtedly, her contributions are necessary and relevant to the challenges of our time.

For the Presidency, the males dominate. The spectrum of their experiences range from being film actors, religious leaders, traditional politicians, to the popular “tao ng masa.” The nuisance candidates make their scene, too. We as a people often rate those in office during and after their term and less frequently before they were catapulted as hierarchical winners. Could this be one reason why we end up regretting? How do we truly know any candidate? Since the mind is boggled by the impossibility of personally seeing and living with all “__-ables” in order to gauge their suitability to public office, we mostly depend on what they will say in their media campaign. Notice that the media is now multi-dimensional and is capable of making everyone look like “Bro,” or any self-made super hero.

Those with better information and experience dealing with the subject personalities are in a great way responsible to their community of voters, too. The NGOs (non-government organizations) are reachable through the technological miracle of the internet. Their blogs and websites may post information you have wanted to know. Better still, talk to your local officials, initiate community discussions, and participate in local events, which could help surface your ever-significant decision.

In the end, it all boils down to how honest and sincere the candidates are in promoting their public image. The greatest fall comes from spiralling public expectations bloated by falsehoods and inability to deliver, and the deathly outcome is borne by our poverty-weakened social and economic backbone.

Government Leaders as Crisis Managers

2009-10-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

The onslaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng was proof that we need leaders and officials in government to become crisis managers. The unpredictable happened, but it was not really and totally unknown. Why? First, we know for the past half a century most of us have lived that population will grow much faster than it will reduce. Common understanding tells us it means more people will need earth space to build houses, more people will need food, more people will need clothes, etc. Second, our past decades have seen the brightest of minds we could ever recall, whether they ended up as tragic heroes and heroines or made history as icons, they did give a thought or two that became TRUTHS and serve as guideposts to our modern cum hazardous living. Lastly, this common knowledge and the historical legacy give us reason enough to ACT responsibly and become wise inhabitants of this human planet.

The responsibility of looking after the welfare of the community especially during time of crisis falls on the shoulders of government leaders, specifically those in the executive branch. As planning is an essential element of governance, its breadth and scope ideally include planning for natural crisis such as the super typhoons that hit the country. Yet we hear of people in the calamity areas commenting about late rescue efforts, absence of government leaders, untimely and insufficient relief goods, etc. Whether these are valid or not, the gaps are evident in community mobilization and information, crisis resource distribution and management, formulation of contingency plans, etc.

In retrospect, government leaders as crisis managers will prove a great advantage in our efforts as a people to cooperate, unite and contribute to making real, humane communities we all need.

Typhoons

2009-10-18T07:29:00.001-07:00

Typhoon Ondoy left Metro Manila and nearby provinces wasted and waste-full. It was heartbreaking it should sensitize all of us to the murderous extent we have damaged mother earth. Reports say this volume of rainfall has never happened in Manila and the amount that fell in all of Luzon in two days was equivalent to the regular annual volume for the entire nation. Ondoy left 300 deaths in Metro Manila alone and Pepeng caused more or less the same number of casualties in the Cordillera region. Scientists and environmentalists warn that we only have TEN YEARS to try to REVERSE the effects of climate change. It's shocking as much as it's REAL.

Experts advise that in developing countries such as ours, adaptive measures may be adopted to face the adverse effects of climate change. Communities in low-lying areas and have experienced flooding and/or mudslides are now mandated to leave for relocation areas days before the incoming storm. Local government units prepare rescue vehicles and equipment; food rations are packed for those who will be housed in relocation centers. Immediate as well as long-term solutions are now being taken seriously. Residents of houses in areas where they should not have been constructed in the first place are discouraged from returning. The Laguna de Bay area has shown to heve been abused by illegal structures which resricted the flow of water from the bay to tributaries, and on to Manila Bay. This caused the great flooding in the areas of Pasig, Pateros, Marikina and the rest of Rizal. Aggravating cirucumstances cited were the denudation of forests in the Rizal provinces and the improper and careless disposal of wastes from industrial and commercial establishments as much as from individual homes. Evidently, we have gone too far in abusing the environment and it looks like payback time has come. We can only pray that this time we will act together and concertedly meet the challenges of our seasons.

Governance 'Takes Two to Tango’

2009-10-12T05:17:00.000-07:00

During and after the deluge brought by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, the avalanche of complaints and concomitant issues on how the government responded to the disaster took its turn. We tend to blame those in office and forget we, as citizens, have our own share of the responsibility. I was in government service for some nine years and I have seen how the government tried, through the decades, to give opportunities for people to participate as much as what a progressive democracy demands. That corruption has become inbred only proves that we all corroborated to make it so. When the government becomes inept and dysfunctional, we have ourselves to blame, too. Yet we have a mass base which still needs to be helped in seeing and understanding these realities before they could even act. Those of us who could lead should continue to teach self help no matter how painstaking the process is. And, there is no mistaking, it is very difficult.

In my stint with the National Housing Authority and Human Settlements Regulatory Commission, I observed that a good way to make people participate is by making them realize they make their future whether or not they act on it and acting on it will make a viable and reliable future most probable. (I do not mean to lecture and only stay confident because of a Meritorious Service Award I happily got from NHA as Sociologist/Community Relations Specialist). Delivering the message or the government goal in simple language and in one of their usage, listening to what they have to say about it and feeling for the community would help a service provider so much it could bring her mission to START. Communication is basic and crucial; planning with the people assures an agreed-upon and feasible product no matter how meagre finances and other resources are. When two parties agree in all aspects to do something, its success is almost guaranteed. We are Filipinos and we could try to do things right for ourselves and for the rest of our race.

Voting for the First-Time? Things to Think About

2009-10-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

Our Presidential elections next year gives me the shivers, like anticipating the onslaught of another typhoon never knowing how much disaster it will bring. Why we have come to this point of uncertainty should really send us thinking about what we did with our votes the past election years. I had high regard for Marcos but was disappointed he had to exit ungraciously. I believe “Tita Cory” did her best and made good in spite of her limitations. She had integrity. FVR and GMA were sophisticated in their own ways. But poverty is still amongst us and it feels like no President could ever be spared from bearing the blame for it. The future looks gloomy if we don’t act on making it good. The best thing about still being here, alive and kicking, is that we can always TRY. Uncertainty is always disturbing but one good way of coping with it is to talk about it. Come to think of it, the subject is interesting. So let’s talk about it!

I don’t remember any period in our national history when young people and the first time voters have been given real significance more than now. To be able to swing the vote to the best choice of candidates is an effort that indicates the making of a united electorate. Mass media is now coupled with high technology, reaching and touching the hardest population sector to please – the youth. Example, ABS-CBN’s “Boto Mo-Patrol Mo” does not only encourage eligible voters to register, it reinforces vigilance so one’s vote would be counted, and stands for one’s vote to make THE DIFFERENCE.

But what do the first time, youthful voters look for in a leader? Here are some elements you may want to think about and some of my thoughts as starters:

A Gentleman or another Lady President?

With Cory and GMA the idea of the woman good only with house chores swung to both sides of the extreme: “the woman is equal to a man” and “the woman can be a man, too.”

In both instances, they reflect how we as a people has transcended traditional perceptions about being a woman; how the Filipina has “actualized” herself as a working individual, as a single parent, as what I call the rice winner, as an overseas adventurer and risk-taker, as a partner to another female, etcetera, etcetera.

Does gender matter when it comes to being the president of a nation?

Is a candidate’s religious affiliation important?

Catholics, Protestants, Muslims. We are a mix of religious beliefs and those beliefs do intersect at some points so we all value life, family, peace within and outside. Our individual beliefs somehow mirror those of our society and if one would be faithful, then this country would be a better place for all. Didn’t the prayers make People Power 1986?

What about educational attainment?

The Erap jokes exaggerated the criticism on former President Estrada’s academic achievement, and it made his limelight brighter. He turned out smart and outwitted even himself. But how and where should a President’s intellectual capacity be demonstrated?

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This article is continued here.

Voting for the First-Time? Things to Think About part 2

2009-10-05T22:49:00.000-07:00

What values would you look for in a candidate?

Purity of intent to do good. This quality could be found in any individual, rich or poor, in any profession, anywhere. Aside from the internal control of the value, the lure of empowering one’s self in one’s political position could be overweighed if not eradicated.

Would you like a President who has excellent communication skills?

Nobody comes close to former President Marcos. Next to Ninoy. But somebody has yet to give messages in Filipino, make the ordinary Juan understand, and make him feel involved so he would be motivated to act and help make a better future for himself and the country. We have to seriously consider that our mass base speak the native tongue.

What about having a sense of humor?

Just read the Erap jokes while you keep the chamberlane on. But it will not make you think of Erap as having been a good President.

Should a presidential candidate be rich?

Campaign is expensive and if a candidate could afford to run for presidency, maybe he/she could refund after he wins. Wherefrom? It depends.

What about track record?

If we look at the long list most candidates place in their flyers, we could be overwhelmed. With how much they know, they could go around the system without being detected. But I hope they would just summarize and emphasize the significant contributions to family and community building and whatever else is relevant to the position they are seeking.

Could a President give a cure for or prevent corruption in the government?

I sure hope there’s a chamber of secrets for this and that we could all walk through the wall to find out. It looks like we need magic to destroy the rot. It’s hard since the root cause lies in the individual. Which means everybody has to do it, ideally at the same time.

“ Ninoy-Gerry: Noynoy-Mar”

2009-10-05T22:48:00.001-07:00

George Bernard Shaw said: “If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.”

But man is capable of learning from experience. This, I believe, is what makes man a very special creation. And history does not repeat itself, unless it is interpreted twice. But I hope not as a tragedy first, and second, as a farce.

As their fathers Ninoy Aquino and Gerry Roxas had visions of how our country could be great,

Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas have their own. I find them both sincere. Mar gives up his plan to run for President in 2010 to give way to Noynoy’s candidacy. The latter is now on retreat which shows how seriously he’s taking on the torch. Noynoy as President and Mar as Vice-President could be the stimulus we’ve been waiting for. Let’s all do our share. Sacrifice should not be the sole obligation of the leaders, but also of those being led.

What About Capital Punishment?

2009-10-05T22:47:00.001-07:00

I viewed Larry King Live on CNN about the Manson Murders in the ‘60s. The murder of actress Sharon Tate and her unborn son by a group of psychopaths, Manson followers, is proof that some people could be driven to devilish and gruesome acts against others who are innocent and helpless. Making the relatives suffer a lifetime of pain and loss aggravates the crime. All accused are still behind bars, and not one has been given parole in spite of numerous pleas, even from the woman who lies dying of brain cancer.

Some people may agree that capital punishment would have been a better method to deal with the unpardonable crime. When crime is committed, it is a crime against an agreed-upon way of life of most people; it is a grave threat against what most people have painstakingly built for themselves and their families. When criminals believe in an exactly opposite way of life, believing even that killing innocent people is okay, then they become incorrigible from the normal perspective. Punishment like life imprisonment is imposed. At times, capital punishment is adhered to. Or better and just.

Remember the Maggie de la Riva rape case? Everyone felt the criminals deserved to be punished with death on the electric chair. The whole nation watched silently on the day of the persecution, and nobody wanted the phone from the President’s side to ring and stop it. I just don’t know how much impact this had on the rate and frequency of commission of heinous crimes. But it sure did silence them for a while.

The Ninoy and Cory in Us

2009-10-05T22:45:00.001-07:00

I’ve known some outstanding people in my life - people who made things possible in the direst of circumstances, people who showed others how life could be lived fully just by being themselves. I believe that the only way we can be grateful to them is by doing something in our life that will bring greatness to others, too.

They were men of decision. Both twenty, they ran to safety in his hometown in Pangasinan, away from the war-torn city of Manila where they were both studying for a university education. The young lady had her family in far away Cebu in the islands of the Visayas. Soon after, they married and started a family with gun shots all over the archipelago. During the war, he worked with some Americans to secure a food warehouse for the affected citizens and so they could have food at home, too. She played the piano to the folks delight, and they forgot the horrors of war momentarily. There was a time a group of Japanese soldiers listened to her play as they became friendly. After the war they decided to go back to the city. He was the first to do this among his folks, and they thought he was risking too much and would find his family impoverished. But they were determined and believed that things would turn out well. Soon, they were both working as clerks in separate government national offices. Education or at least a college degree was required for promotion, so they decided to go back to school one at a time, while the other worked for the family sustenance. They soon rose up the organizational ladder and became middle management decision-makers. Then the temptations started coming. They had to contend with the emerging favour-for-favour transactions, the use of who-do-you-know inside so you win the bid, the offers for the legal 10% from purchases. They both got tired of bearing with it all, so they decided to avail of the optional retirement package of the government and left at the same time. Both retired, they went into business and bought a farm. You wouldn’t imagine them doing all these with nine children to feed, clothe, and educate. Yet they did it. They had a beautiful life together, sharing nothing and everything. They have served their government well and they meant well. They were a Filipino couple who dreamt of a prosperous life for themselves, their children and their countrymen. One that is happy. One that is noble.

I happen to be fortunate that I am one of their daughters. I thank God for them, the couples like my parents, who trekked the road of life sure of themselves, and in so doing, gave themselves to us. They make the families the country needs.

The Change We Need: From Within

2009-10-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

Do you believe that we could unite to fight corruption in our government and social system?

Since I started voting, working, and having my family I often come across people who would take the easy road no matter what the cost. Whether it meant they would have to hurt someone important in their life, or deprive some other people of what is due them, or simply just to have more for themselves. At some points in our lives, we all are guilty of these things to a certain degree. But every time we have to accept our mistake and act on not repeating it. But what happens when we don’t, and things are done to a degree that will erode the very values upon which we build our daily living, hopes, and dreams? Do we need to wait for this time to come? Or are we feeling this threat now?

In our life experiences, we know that change should come from within. We know it for a fact, we know how much it could make us become better persons, we know what happiness this brings. Where, then, does the problem lie? We forget to make an effort, or we pretend to forget.

Face-to-face With My Government

2009-10-05T22:38:00.000-07:00

My first job was in 1975 as a Social Services Specialist in a newly reorganized national office. The Civil Service Commission referred me to the agency. They were efficient! Having graduated college from the UST with a major in Sociology, I never knew what kind of a job I could apply to, except that I could be a research encoder just like when I worked part time during senior year. For me, my first work was momentous - it gave me a wider perspective of the world that used to be just my room and our home in Project 6. Much more, or rather much less, than our snacks of cakes and meals of lechon kawali –cum- pinakbet. Bigger issues than what to wear on Sundays or where to hold my 18th birthday. I was thrown out into the world of the urban poor who barely make it to survive everyday. Into the reality that they can only choose to be hard headed because they can’t find the words to rebut and maybe fight for their rights to come to a compromise with a demolition team. And perhaps come to terms with life and its entirety. It was a major learning experience for me.

Later I was sent to a special project in Ilocos Norte. Hundreds of houses in five sitios (districts) were to be relocated initially to provide a security fence and preservation measures for the lake. Incidentally, the then President used to play in the area as a boy, and later as a place where he liked to spend his holidays. In the series of consultation among the local folks, we were first treated politely and asked the great question why. Next, the old fathers came and knelt before us and begged us to stop the project with tears on their faces. In the succeeding attempts, we were stoned in our vehicle on our way to community meetings. What to do? Our team leader had direct access to the President so after a consensus, she told him it had to be upgrading and not relocation, or he loses out team. We won. This time it was an eye-opener as much as a heart-breaker.

In another instance, I was sent with a multi disciplinary team to a big project, an international and much funded one. But truckloads of food for the beneficiaries didn’t turn out enough at times, and when they did they were not the foodstuff originally intended for consumption. There were talks of highway robbery and interception, though we never heard any official inquiry on them. There was a time when the recipients got tired of eating sardines they went out and bartered the stuff with the local people. One embarrassing incident was when a group head accidentally opened his briefcase during an inter agency meeting and revealed bundles of ripe bananas that looked exactly like those in the rations.

Since then I transferred from one agency to another, from government to non-government. I felt I had to find the reason to stay put and maybe make life easier for me. Why does one leave a good paying job? First I thought I wanted to pursue graduate education. Then maybe a better occupation could be waiting. Or I could do something else and be good at it, too. But it always boiled down to frustration at the thought that it would take great effort and a long time to change things that have become pervasive in our culture and have become part of what we are as a people – corruption. How do we fight it?