Manila, May 28 – On May 29, Sunday, around 3,000 Filipinos will walk the streets to promote global awareness on the issue of child hunger and raise funds for child feeding programs in Mindanao conflict communities.
Spearheaded by the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP), the fundraising event dubbed “End Hunger: Walk the World” aims to feed the hungry and malnourished children in different countries. In Manila, it will be held at the SM Mall of Asia (across Music Hall) in Pasay City from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Proceeds of the event will go directly to the UNWFP’s school feeding activities in the conflict-affected areas in the south. The UN agency has been a key contributor in the Mindanao peace process by addressing the food security needs of vulnerable people in war-torn areas.
Together with its global humanitarian partners in the corporate world - TNT, Unilever and DSM – the UNWFP will lead participants in the traditional walk and five-kilometer fun run.
Registration fees of P 250 (for walkers) and P 500 (for runners) per participant will help ensure that one meal a day is delivered to the school children in Mindanao.
“End Hunger: Walk the World” is a worldwide event that will occur simultaneously in 24 time zones within 24 hours in 80 different countries.
Along with various organizations, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), spearheaded by Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, is supporting the event.
Bike for Peace
On the same day, a peace campaign called “Bike for Peace 2011” will be held in Cotabato City.
Bringing the statement, “Going the Extra Mile for Peace in Mindanao,” the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), together with 500 bikers and peace advocates, will gather to pedal a 36-km route for promoting peace in the region.
The GPH peace panel initiated the event to gain heightened support from the public on the Mindanao peace process.
By 6:30 a.m., the 36-km bike fest will start at the Cotabato City Hall then pass through the town of Datu Odin Sinsuat, and end near the Municipal Hall of Upi, Maguindanao. #
Friday, May 27, 2011
Filipino people should own the peace process – GPH panel member
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Mindanao peace educators push for more ‘classhomes’
Davao City, May 27 – “In peace education, a classroom is no longer a classroom but a classhome,” according to a Department of Education (DepEd) regional coordinator during a recent forum here where different Schools of Peace (SoP) gathered to share success stories and advocate continuous support for peace education in Mindanao.
During the 2011 Mindanao Peace Education Forum held at Hotel Elena in this city, DepEd Region XII Regional Peace Coordinator Agney Taruc shared how SoP in their region transformed teachers, students and their communities.
SoP, according to Taruc, are academic institutions transformed by integrating peace education to the school curriculum.
“We’re aiming that our product – our students, are peace-loving people who will become leaders someday in our community. We are putting special programs to strengthen their capacity and values, and then to establish leaders who are gearing towards the adaptation of peace values,” he said.
School heads becoming more encouraging, teachers revering peace values, students experiencing genuine care inside the classroom, conflicts being settled peacefully, communities being empowered, children smiling – these are some of the things that Taruc observed in the SoP in his region.
More of these testimonies were heard in the forum sponsored by Action for Conflict Transformation (ACT) for Peace Programme, which led the mainstreaming of peace education in Mindanao in 2006.
ACT for Peace, a project under the United Nations Development Programme, aims to strengthen peace and development efforts in southern Philippines. It anchors its peace education initiatives on the 2006 Executive Order No. 570 “Institutionalizing Peace Education in Basic Education and Teacher Education.”
Meanwhile, Taruc related that since seeing the effects of integrating peace concepts in the school curriculum, he has vowed to replicate this effort, not just in Region XII, but in all of Mindanao.
“This is no longer compliance to the mandate, this is my vocation. Para bang dito na ko tatanda, ito na ang landas na aking tatahakin (It seems that this is where I will grow old, this is what I am destined for). If possible all the schools in the entire Mindanao will be touched and become conscious and sensitive to peace,” he stated.
Testimonies of peace
In Region IX, Lucia Pamplona of Dinas Central Elementary School – SoP reported that peace education was instrumental in preventing rido (clan wars) in their community. Pamplona said that conflict between students in school will usually spark a rido, but in the emergence of peace education, the outlook of students and families have been geared towards peace and understanding.
“I hope that this (peace education) will continue because of the culture of love and understanding that we’ve inculcated in the communities,” Pamplona added.
Commissioner Norma Sharief of the Commission on Higher Education-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CHED-ARMM) shared that their institution has started a scholarship program called “Rebels Turned Scholars” where children of former rebels or former rebels themselves are offered financial assistance to pursue college education.
On the other hand, Ronald Torres of Mindanao State University-Maguindanao recounted how peace education has extended from the classroom to the community. Torres said that they have been conducting livelihood programs for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and rebel returnees.
Torres likewise mentioned that they have been partnering with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 6th Infantry Division for conducting community projects for out-of-school youth.
Reyzalde Tan, Deputy Programme Manager of ACT for Peace, explained that the framework of school of peace is not confined in the classroom but it also includes the community.
“OSY (out-of-school youth) activities are part of the approach of extending the culture of peace to the community,” said Tan.
In Region X, Madrasah Focal Person Dr. Shambaeh Usman reported that the Muslims and Christians had a “better relationship” since they implemented peace education.
Usman said that there is an increase in participation among Muslim students in school activities and projects since they now feel a “strong sense of belongingness.”
“Peace education brought recognition of individual differences, better understanding, and respect for individual diversity,” he noted.
Continuing the vision
Day two of the forum focused on formulating plans to sustain the goals of peace education.
Participants agreed that peace education should continue to progress in Mindanao, and would need increased funding and policy support from stakeholders.
“It is in forums like this that we share the vision, we articulate the vision, then influencing the powers that be,” said Happy Raagas, the forum facilitator.
Raagas further encouraged the participants to be hopeful on the prospects of peace education in Mindanao.
“Let’s not feel hopeless, if we give up on these efforts, sino pa ba ang magpapatuloy nito (who else will continue these)? Definitely, to give up now, is to give up on that future. This is actually the foundation to continue what we’re doing,” he said.
The Mindanao Development Authority will now lead the promotion of peace education in Mindanao as the ACT for Peace Programme ends its mandate this May.
To date, there are 61 SOPs scattered all over Mindanao, two of which are in Palawan. #
During the 2011 Mindanao Peace Education Forum held at Hotel Elena in this city, DepEd Region XII Regional Peace Coordinator Agney Taruc shared how SoP in their region transformed teachers, students and their communities.
SoP, according to Taruc, are academic institutions transformed by integrating peace education to the school curriculum.
“We’re aiming that our product – our students, are peace-loving people who will become leaders someday in our community. We are putting special programs to strengthen their capacity and values, and then to establish leaders who are gearing towards the adaptation of peace values,” he said.
School heads becoming more encouraging, teachers revering peace values, students experiencing genuine care inside the classroom, conflicts being settled peacefully, communities being empowered, children smiling – these are some of the things that Taruc observed in the SoP in his region.
More of these testimonies were heard in the forum sponsored by Action for Conflict Transformation (ACT) for Peace Programme, which led the mainstreaming of peace education in Mindanao in 2006.
ACT for Peace, a project under the United Nations Development Programme, aims to strengthen peace and development efforts in southern Philippines. It anchors its peace education initiatives on the 2006 Executive Order No. 570 “Institutionalizing Peace Education in Basic Education and Teacher Education.”
Meanwhile, Taruc related that since seeing the effects of integrating peace concepts in the school curriculum, he has vowed to replicate this effort, not just in Region XII, but in all of Mindanao.
“This is no longer compliance to the mandate, this is my vocation. Para bang dito na ko tatanda, ito na ang landas na aking tatahakin (It seems that this is where I will grow old, this is what I am destined for). If possible all the schools in the entire Mindanao will be touched and become conscious and sensitive to peace,” he stated.
Testimonies of peace
In Region IX, Lucia Pamplona of Dinas Central Elementary School – SoP reported that peace education was instrumental in preventing rido (clan wars) in their community. Pamplona said that conflict between students in school will usually spark a rido, but in the emergence of peace education, the outlook of students and families have been geared towards peace and understanding.
“I hope that this (peace education) will continue because of the culture of love and understanding that we’ve inculcated in the communities,” Pamplona added.
Commissioner Norma Sharief of the Commission on Higher Education-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CHED-ARMM) shared that their institution has started a scholarship program called “Rebels Turned Scholars” where children of former rebels or former rebels themselves are offered financial assistance to pursue college education.
On the other hand, Ronald Torres of Mindanao State University-Maguindanao recounted how peace education has extended from the classroom to the community. Torres said that they have been conducting livelihood programs for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and rebel returnees.
Torres likewise mentioned that they have been partnering with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 6th Infantry Division for conducting community projects for out-of-school youth.
Reyzalde Tan, Deputy Programme Manager of ACT for Peace, explained that the framework of school of peace is not confined in the classroom but it also includes the community.
“OSY (out-of-school youth) activities are part of the approach of extending the culture of peace to the community,” said Tan.
In Region X, Madrasah Focal Person Dr. Shambaeh Usman reported that the Muslims and Christians had a “better relationship” since they implemented peace education.
Usman said that there is an increase in participation among Muslim students in school activities and projects since they now feel a “strong sense of belongingness.”
“Peace education brought recognition of individual differences, better understanding, and respect for individual diversity,” he noted.
Continuing the vision
Day two of the forum focused on formulating plans to sustain the goals of peace education.
Participants agreed that peace education should continue to progress in Mindanao, and would need increased funding and policy support from stakeholders.
“It is in forums like this that we share the vision, we articulate the vision, then influencing the powers that be,” said Happy Raagas, the forum facilitator.
Raagas further encouraged the participants to be hopeful on the prospects of peace education in Mindanao.
“Let’s not feel hopeless, if we give up on these efforts, sino pa ba ang magpapatuloy nito (who else will continue these)? Definitely, to give up now, is to give up on that future. This is actually the foundation to continue what we’re doing,” he said.
The Mindanao Development Authority will now lead the promotion of peace education in Mindanao as the ACT for Peace Programme ends its mandate this May.
To date, there are 61 SOPs scattered all over Mindanao, two of which are in Palawan. #
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
MEDIA ADVISORY: Globe presscon moved
What : Globe Telecom Press Conference
Significant Updates in the Telecom Industry
When : 10 June 2011 (Friday) I 11AM to 2PM
Where : Buffet Palace Restaurant
Victoria Plaza Compound
Davao City
Who : Atty. Rodolfo Salalima
Chief Legal Counsel
Yoly Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
Significant Updates in the Telecom Industry
When : 10 June 2011 (Friday) I 11AM to 2PM
Where : Buffet Palace Restaurant
Victoria Plaza Compound
Davao City
Who : Atty. Rodolfo Salalima
Chief Legal Counsel
Yoly Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
GPH, MILF join forces to rescue kidnapped Fil-Chinese trader A positive dev’t in peace process - Leonen
Kabuntalan, Maguindanao, May 24 – The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have joined forces in the 10-day continuous pursuit operations that led to the rescue of Filipino-Chinese businesswoman Angelina Suken Chew Manjique early this morning.
Manjique, owner of Sam’s Restaurant and Bakery in North Upi, Maguindanao, was released by her kidnappers at 4:30 a.m. in Barangay Dadtumeg in this town.
Government of the Philippines (GPH) panel chair Marvic Leonen congratulated the 6th Infantry Division led by Brig. Gen. Rey Ardo, and the MILF for conducting joint operations. “This is a positive development in the peace process,” he said in a statement.
He also lauded the efforts of the joint Coordinating Committee in the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of the GPH and the MILF for complementing the actions of the military and police.
“However, we still expect the MILF to pursue and arrest the kidnappers who are currently operating in areas dominated by their group,” added Leonen.
Kato's involvement
A very reliable source involved in the operations confirmed that some of the kidnappers of Manjique were identified to be members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) under MILF commander Amiril Umra Kato who broke away to form his own armed group. There are also reports that some commanders belonging to the BIFF attempted to reinforce the kidnappers but were thwarted by the showing of more superior forces.
“Law enforcement operations are still continuing to arrest the perpetrators at the soonest possible time,” he said.
On this, Leonen called on the MILF to take steps in finding “ways and means to discipline Kato for ever attempting to assist the kidnappers.”
Earlier, the panel chair had expressed serious concern over having an MILF breakaway group, considering its grave implications to ceasefire and peace negotiations in general.
Joint CCCH and AHJAG
Manjique was kidnapped on the afternoon of May 14 by five unidentified men and brought to the Liguasan Marsh, an area in Maguindanao inhabited by MILF members.
“Considering that it is an MILF-dominated area, our military and police immediately coordinated with the government CCCH and AHJAG to assist in the rescue operations. Members of our CCCH and AHJAG contacted their MILF counterparts who carried out their own operations,” Leonen recounted.
He also said that the kidnappers were forced to release Manjique on the 10th day in Dadtumeg where she was fetched and brought to a nearby hospital.
“However, the operations do not end here. The government is actively pursuing the perpetrators in order to bring them to justice. We expect the MILF to do their part in pursuing and arresting the kidnappers who are currently operating in their areas,” Leonen stated.
The government panel is set to present its proposal to the MILF on the next round of talks on June 27-28 in Kuala Lumpur. #
Manjique, owner of Sam’s Restaurant and Bakery in North Upi, Maguindanao, was released by her kidnappers at 4:30 a.m. in Barangay Dadtumeg in this town.
Government of the Philippines (GPH) panel chair Marvic Leonen congratulated the 6th Infantry Division led by Brig. Gen. Rey Ardo, and the MILF for conducting joint operations. “This is a positive development in the peace process,” he said in a statement.
He also lauded the efforts of the joint Coordinating Committee in the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of the GPH and the MILF for complementing the actions of the military and police.
“However, we still expect the MILF to pursue and arrest the kidnappers who are currently operating in areas dominated by their group,” added Leonen.
Kato's involvement
A very reliable source involved in the operations confirmed that some of the kidnappers of Manjique were identified to be members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) under MILF commander Amiril Umra Kato who broke away to form his own armed group. There are also reports that some commanders belonging to the BIFF attempted to reinforce the kidnappers but were thwarted by the showing of more superior forces.
“Law enforcement operations are still continuing to arrest the perpetrators at the soonest possible time,” he said.
On this, Leonen called on the MILF to take steps in finding “ways and means to discipline Kato for ever attempting to assist the kidnappers.”
Earlier, the panel chair had expressed serious concern over having an MILF breakaway group, considering its grave implications to ceasefire and peace negotiations in general.
Joint CCCH and AHJAG
Manjique was kidnapped on the afternoon of May 14 by five unidentified men and brought to the Liguasan Marsh, an area in Maguindanao inhabited by MILF members.
“Considering that it is an MILF-dominated area, our military and police immediately coordinated with the government CCCH and AHJAG to assist in the rescue operations. Members of our CCCH and AHJAG contacted their MILF counterparts who carried out their own operations,” Leonen recounted.
He also said that the kidnappers were forced to release Manjique on the 10th day in Dadtumeg where she was fetched and brought to a nearby hospital.
“However, the operations do not end here. The government is actively pursuing the perpetrators in order to bring them to justice. We expect the MILF to do their part in pursuing and arresting the kidnappers who are currently operating in their areas,” Leonen stated.
The government panel is set to present its proposal to the MILF on the next round of talks on June 27-28 in Kuala Lumpur. #
GPH, MILF join forces to save kidnapped Fil-Chinese trader A positive dev’t in peace process - Leonen
Kabuntalan, Maguindanao, May 24 – The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have joined forces in the 10-day continuous pursuit operations that led to the rescue of Filipino-Chinese businesswoman Angelina Suken Chew Manjique early this morning.
Manjique, owner of Sam’s Restaurant and Bakery in North Upi, Maguindanao, was released by her kidnappers at 4:30 a.m. in Barangay Dadtumeg in this town.
Government of the Philippines (GPH) panel chair Marvic Leonen congratulated the 6th Infantry Division led by Brig. Gen. Rey Ardo, and the MILF for conducting joint operations. “This is a positive development in the peace process,” he said in a statement.
He also lauded the efforts of the joint Coordinating Committee in the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of the GPH and the MILF for complementing the actions of the military and police.
“However, we still expect the MILF to pursue and arrest the kidnappers who are currently operating in areas dominated by their group,” added Leonen.
Kato's involvement
A very reliable source involved in the operations confirmed that some of the kidnappers of Manjique were identified to be members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) under MILF commander Amiril Umra Kato who broke away to form his own armed group. There are also reports that some commanders belonging to the BIFF attempted to reinforce the kidnappers but were thwarted by the showing of more superior forces.
“Law enforcement operations are still continuing to arrest the perpetrators at the soonest possible time,” he said.
On this, Leonen called on the MILF to take steps in finding “ways and means to discipline Kato for ever attempting to assist the kidnappers.”
Earlier, the panel chair had expressed serious concern over having an MILF breakaway group, considering its grave implications to ceasefire and peace negotiations in general.
Joint CCCH and AHJAG
Manjique was kidnapped on the afternoon of May 14 by five unidentified men and brought to the Liguasan Marsh, an area in Maguindanao inhabited by MILF members.
“Considering that it is an MILF-dominated area, our military and police immediately coordinated with the government CCCH and AHJAG to assist in the rescue operations. Members of our CCCH and AHJAG contacted their MILF counterparts who carried out their own operations,” Leonen recounted.
He also said that the kidnappers were forced to release Manjique on the 10th day in Dadtumeg where she was fetched and brought to a nearby hospital.
“However, the operations do not end here. The government is actively pursuing the perpetrators in order to bring them to justice. We expect the MILF to do their part in pursuing and arresting the kidnappers who are currently operating in their areas,” Leonen stated.
The government panel is set to present its proposal to the MILF on the next round of talks on June 27-28 in Kuala Lumpur.#
Manjique, owner of Sam’s Restaurant and Bakery in North Upi, Maguindanao, was released by her kidnappers at 4:30 a.m. in Barangay Dadtumeg in this town.
Government of the Philippines (GPH) panel chair Marvic Leonen congratulated the 6th Infantry Division led by Brig. Gen. Rey Ardo, and the MILF for conducting joint operations. “This is a positive development in the peace process,” he said in a statement.
He also lauded the efforts of the joint Coordinating Committee in the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of the GPH and the MILF for complementing the actions of the military and police.
“However, we still expect the MILF to pursue and arrest the kidnappers who are currently operating in areas dominated by their group,” added Leonen.
Kato's involvement
A very reliable source involved in the operations confirmed that some of the kidnappers of Manjique were identified to be members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) under MILF commander Amiril Umra Kato who broke away to form his own armed group. There are also reports that some commanders belonging to the BIFF attempted to reinforce the kidnappers but were thwarted by the showing of more superior forces.
“Law enforcement operations are still continuing to arrest the perpetrators at the soonest possible time,” he said.
On this, Leonen called on the MILF to take steps in finding “ways and means to discipline Kato for ever attempting to assist the kidnappers.”
Earlier, the panel chair had expressed serious concern over having an MILF breakaway group, considering its grave implications to ceasefire and peace negotiations in general.
Joint CCCH and AHJAG
Manjique was kidnapped on the afternoon of May 14 by five unidentified men and brought to the Liguasan Marsh, an area in Maguindanao inhabited by MILF members.
“Considering that it is an MILF-dominated area, our military and police immediately coordinated with the government CCCH and AHJAG to assist in the rescue operations. Members of our CCCH and AHJAG contacted their MILF counterparts who carried out their own operations,” Leonen recounted.
He also said that the kidnappers were forced to release Manjique on the 10th day in Dadtumeg where she was fetched and brought to a nearby hospital.
“However, the operations do not end here. The government is actively pursuing the perpetrators in order to bring them to justice. We expect the MILF to do their part in pursuing and arresting the kidnappers who are currently operating in their areas,” Leonen stated.
The government panel is set to present its proposal to the MILF on the next round of talks on June 27-28 in Kuala Lumpur.#
Statement of GPH Panel Chair Marvic Leonen on the Rescue of the Kidnapped Filipino-Chinese Trader in Maguindanao
The rescue of kidnapped Filipino-Chinese businesswoman Mrs. Angelina Suken Chew Manjique at 4:30 a.m. today in Barangay Dadtumeg in Kabuntalan, Maguindanao is a positive development in the peace process as forces of the government and the MILF combined efforts during the ten-day pursuit operations.
I congratulate the 6th Infantry Division led by Brig. Gen. Rey Ardo, and the MILF for conducting successful joint operations, as well as the Coordinating Committee in the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of both parties for complementing the actions of the military and police.
The joint CCCH and AHJAG of the GPH and the MILF have also been instrumental in preventing unnecessary armed encounters between the government and the Moro group while the former was conducting law enforcement operations in an MILF area.
Mrs. Angelina Suken Chew Manjique was kidnapped on May 14 by five unidentified men and brought to the Liguasan Marsh, which is a territory in Maguindanao, occupied by MILF members.
Considering that it is an MILF-dominated area, our military and police immediately coordinated with the government CCCH and AHJAG to assist in the rescue operations. Members of our CCCH and AHJAG contacted their MILF counterparts who carried out their own operations.
On the 10th day, the kidnappers were forced to release Mrs. Angelina Suken Chew Manjique in Dadtumeg where she was fetched and brought to a nearby hospital.
However, the operations do not end here. The government is actively pursuing the perpetrators in order to bring them to justice. We expect the MILF to do their part in pursuing and arresting the kidnappers who are currently operating in their areas.
Meanwhile, I have received reports that some of the kidnappers of Mrs. Angelina Suken Chew Manjique are also members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters of Umra Kato. I am also disturbed by reports that Umra Kato's group had attempted to reinforce and aid the kidnappers while they were being pursued by the Army and the MILF. Fortunately, they were deterred by more superior forces that stood in their way.
We will certainly raise this with the MILF. We urge them to take these actions of elements of Umra Kato seriously. During our last meeting with the MILF, they represented that Kato was still part of the MILF. Lasting peace does not have room for those who do not respect the rights of civilians and put them in harm's way. There should be no safe haven for anyone involved in these nefarious activities.#
I congratulate the 6th Infantry Division led by Brig. Gen. Rey Ardo, and the MILF for conducting successful joint operations, as well as the Coordinating Committee in the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of both parties for complementing the actions of the military and police.
The joint CCCH and AHJAG of the GPH and the MILF have also been instrumental in preventing unnecessary armed encounters between the government and the Moro group while the former was conducting law enforcement operations in an MILF area.
Mrs. Angelina Suken Chew Manjique was kidnapped on May 14 by five unidentified men and brought to the Liguasan Marsh, which is a territory in Maguindanao, occupied by MILF members.
Considering that it is an MILF-dominated area, our military and police immediately coordinated with the government CCCH and AHJAG to assist in the rescue operations. Members of our CCCH and AHJAG contacted their MILF counterparts who carried out their own operations.
On the 10th day, the kidnappers were forced to release Mrs. Angelina Suken Chew Manjique in Dadtumeg where she was fetched and brought to a nearby hospital.
However, the operations do not end here. The government is actively pursuing the perpetrators in order to bring them to justice. We expect the MILF to do their part in pursuing and arresting the kidnappers who are currently operating in their areas.
Meanwhile, I have received reports that some of the kidnappers of Mrs. Angelina Suken Chew Manjique are also members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters of Umra Kato. I am also disturbed by reports that Umra Kato's group had attempted to reinforce and aid the kidnappers while they were being pursued by the Army and the MILF. Fortunately, they were deterred by more superior forces that stood in their way.
We will certainly raise this with the MILF. We urge them to take these actions of elements of Umra Kato seriously. During our last meeting with the MILF, they represented that Kato was still part of the MILF. Lasting peace does not have room for those who do not respect the rights of civilians and put them in harm's way. There should be no safe haven for anyone involved in these nefarious activities.#
Environment advocates cite top conflict drivers in CASER focus group
Manila, May 23 – Advocates have underscored environment-related causes of armed conflict during a series of focus group discussions (FGDs) held recently by the government Reciprocal Working Committee on Socio-economic Reforms (RWC-SER).
The FGDs were part of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel’s efforts to draw feedback from various stakeholders on the ongoing peace process with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).
Headed by panel member Ednar Dayanghirang, the RWC-SER conducted three FGDs that focused on the environment – specifically on Environmental Risks and Resource Access and Utilization. Joining him were RWC members Fr. Albert Alejo and Prof. Fernando Aldaba.
In one FGD participants maintained that rampant and irresponsible mining activities causing death and destruction to environment lead to armed conflict. They also pointed out that large-scale mining operations encroach on lands of indigenous peoples (IPs) sometimes “with the help of government forces.”
According to one participant, mining toxic wastes are detrimental not only to the environment, but also to the communities that depend on the environment for livelihood. “Mine tailings that go to rivers affect those who need it for their livelihood, such as fisherfolk and farmers,” he said.
Another issue tackled in the FGDs was the disaster preparedness of local governments, especially those in the eastern part of the country like the Bicol region. “These areas, the corridor of poverty, are usually hit by storms and are among the poorest in the country. These are also where the insurgents breed,” explained one participant.
Another participant said solving these problems would need creativity. He added that reforms should not only focus on government actions but also on changing the culture of today’s Filipinos.
Other FGDs conducted by RWC-SER covered issues related to IPs, urban land reform, fisheries and forest reform, inclusive growth, agrarian reform, industrial policy and agricultural development, and social protection.
Inputs from these were used by the Committee in drafting the government’s version of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-economic Reforms (CASER) which will be exchanged for review with the NDFP version two weeks before the first bilateral meeting in June.
CASER is one of three key agreements that the GPH and the NDFP agreed to complete within a timeframe of 18 months to three years. The other two are the Comprehensive Agreement on Political-Constitutional Reforms (CAPCR), and the Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (EoH/DoF).#
The FGDs were part of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel’s efforts to draw feedback from various stakeholders on the ongoing peace process with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).
Headed by panel member Ednar Dayanghirang, the RWC-SER conducted three FGDs that focused on the environment – specifically on Environmental Risks and Resource Access and Utilization. Joining him were RWC members Fr. Albert Alejo and Prof. Fernando Aldaba.
In one FGD participants maintained that rampant and irresponsible mining activities causing death and destruction to environment lead to armed conflict. They also pointed out that large-scale mining operations encroach on lands of indigenous peoples (IPs) sometimes “with the help of government forces.”
According to one participant, mining toxic wastes are detrimental not only to the environment, but also to the communities that depend on the environment for livelihood. “Mine tailings that go to rivers affect those who need it for their livelihood, such as fisherfolk and farmers,” he said.
Another issue tackled in the FGDs was the disaster preparedness of local governments, especially those in the eastern part of the country like the Bicol region. “These areas, the corridor of poverty, are usually hit by storms and are among the poorest in the country. These are also where the insurgents breed,” explained one participant.
Another participant said solving these problems would need creativity. He added that reforms should not only focus on government actions but also on changing the culture of today’s Filipinos.
Other FGDs conducted by RWC-SER covered issues related to IPs, urban land reform, fisheries and forest reform, inclusive growth, agrarian reform, industrial policy and agricultural development, and social protection.
Inputs from these were used by the Committee in drafting the government’s version of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-economic Reforms (CASER) which will be exchanged for review with the NDFP version two weeks before the first bilateral meeting in June.
CASER is one of three key agreements that the GPH and the NDFP agreed to complete within a timeframe of 18 months to three years. The other two are the Comprehensive Agreement on Political-Constitutional Reforms (CAPCR), and the Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (EoH/DoF).#
Friday, May 20, 2011
Globe fetes top vendors and suppliers for 2010
Globe Telecom recently recognized more than 100 business partners, vendors and suppliers during its 8th Business Partners’ Meeting. During the ceremony, Globe awarded its top business partners and accorded them two award categories: Hall of Fame Award and Outstanding Vendor the Year Award.
The Hall of Fame Award is given to vendors who have consistently delivered superior and quality service to Globe and have been awarded as outstanding business partner for four (4) consecutive years in the same award category. Recipient of the Hall of Fame Award included Spectrum Graphix, Inc. for the Marketing, Advertising and Promotional Materials category and Underground Technologies, Inc. for the Outside Plant Construction category.
Outstanding Vendors of the Year are G.M. Maningas Construction, Incorporated (Civil Works/Architectural Contractor of the Year), SAS Institute (Philippines), Inc. (Information Technology), Novare Technologies Inc. (Value Added Services), Sweet Dynamics Enterprises (Marketing/Advertising/Promotional Materials), Communication Advantage, Inc. (Marketing Events), MD Tambungui Specialists (MDTS), Inc. (Outside Plant Contractor) and Huawei Technologies Phils., Inc. (Telecom Solutions).
Vendors’ performances are measured based on quality, consistent adherence to set standards and guidelines, achievement of agreed service level agreements (SLAs) and provision of excellent after-sales support.
“Our business partners play an integral role in the achievement of our goals and objectives. Through their support, we are able to provide our customers with the best quality experience through innovative products, services and solutions. We are very pleased that our relationship with them continues to be successful and productive through the years,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.
Edith Santiago, Head of Globe Logistics and Administrative Support (LAS) added, “This recognition is our way of thanking our vendors and suppliers for their valued assistance in our endeavors. We look forward to more years of a strong and harmonious partnership with all of them.”
In photo are (from left) Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu, Charlie Tambungui and Roger Gosiaoco of MD Tambungui Specialists (MDTS), Inc., Jimmy Quin Lin of Sweet Dynamics Enterprises, TJ Javier of Novare Technologies Inc., Danny Mea of Underground Technologies, Inc., Globe LAS Head Edith Santiago, Darwin Cerrado and Jennie Mendez of SAS Institute (Philippines), Inc., Globe Chief Finance Officer Albert de Larrazabal, Maribeth Plastina and Ely Dulin of Underground Technologies, Marian Sycip of Spectrum Graphix, Inc., Charles Li Wei of Huawei Technologies Phils. Inc., Edwina Tan of Communication Advantage, Inc., Cary Yang of Huawei Technologies, Inc.; German Maningas and Orlando Maningas of G.M. Maningas Construction, Incorporated and Globe Logistics Head Jeff de Leon.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Yoly Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
Globe Telecom
Tel. No. 730 2627
Fax no. 739 3075
E-mail: globe.corpcomm@gmail.com
The Hall of Fame Award is given to vendors who have consistently delivered superior and quality service to Globe and have been awarded as outstanding business partner for four (4) consecutive years in the same award category. Recipient of the Hall of Fame Award included Spectrum Graphix, Inc. for the Marketing, Advertising and Promotional Materials category and Underground Technologies, Inc. for the Outside Plant Construction category.
Outstanding Vendors of the Year are G.M. Maningas Construction, Incorporated (Civil Works/Architectural Contractor of the Year), SAS Institute (Philippines), Inc. (Information Technology), Novare Technologies Inc. (Value Added Services), Sweet Dynamics Enterprises (Marketing/Advertising/Promotional Materials), Communication Advantage, Inc. (Marketing Events), MD Tambungui Specialists (MDTS), Inc. (Outside Plant Contractor) and Huawei Technologies Phils., Inc. (Telecom Solutions).
Vendors’ performances are measured based on quality, consistent adherence to set standards and guidelines, achievement of agreed service level agreements (SLAs) and provision of excellent after-sales support.
“Our business partners play an integral role in the achievement of our goals and objectives. Through their support, we are able to provide our customers with the best quality experience through innovative products, services and solutions. We are very pleased that our relationship with them continues to be successful and productive through the years,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.
Edith Santiago, Head of Globe Logistics and Administrative Support (LAS) added, “This recognition is our way of thanking our vendors and suppliers for their valued assistance in our endeavors. We look forward to more years of a strong and harmonious partnership with all of them.”
In photo are (from left) Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu, Charlie Tambungui and Roger Gosiaoco of MD Tambungui Specialists (MDTS), Inc., Jimmy Quin Lin of Sweet Dynamics Enterprises, TJ Javier of Novare Technologies Inc., Danny Mea of Underground Technologies, Inc., Globe LAS Head Edith Santiago, Darwin Cerrado and Jennie Mendez of SAS Institute (Philippines), Inc., Globe Chief Finance Officer Albert de Larrazabal, Maribeth Plastina and Ely Dulin of Underground Technologies, Marian Sycip of Spectrum Graphix, Inc., Charles Li Wei of Huawei Technologies Phils. Inc., Edwina Tan of Communication Advantage, Inc., Cary Yang of Huawei Technologies, Inc.; German Maningas and Orlando Maningas of G.M. Maningas Construction, Incorporated and Globe Logistics Head Jeff de Leon.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Yoly Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
Globe Telecom
Tel. No. 730 2627
Fax no. 739 3075
E-mail: globe.corpcomm@gmail.com
Bikers to pedal ‘extra mile’ for peace in Mindanao
Cotabato City, May 20 – “Going the extra mile for peace in Mindanao” will be the statement of around 500 bikers and peace advocates who are expected to gather here on May 29 to pedal a 36-kilometer route for promoting peace in the region.
Biking enthusiasts, government officials, civil society organizations, and the military will unite for this peace campaign dubbed as “Bike for Peace 2011.”
The Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) initiated the event to gain heightened support from the public on the Mindanao peace process.
By 6:30 a.m., the 36-km marathon will start at the Cotabato City Hall then pass through the town of Datu Odin Sinsuat, and end near the Municipal Hall of Upi, Maguindanao.
Participants from different groups have been invited to join the bike fest, some of which includes: Cotabato Off Road Enthusiasts (CORE); Karancho Motorcycle Club; Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom); AFP 6th Infantry Division (6ID); Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID); Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MINHRAC); Mindanao People's Caucus (MPC), Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP); and Muslim Organization of Government Officials and Professionals.
The Upi local government unit will likewise conduct a medical mission at their town gymnasium during the event.
Under the Aquino administration, the MILF has resumed peace negotiations with the government, and the two parties are scheduled meet again for another round of formal exploratory talks in June this year.
The GPH panel is expected to submit its counterproposal to the MILF’s Comprehensive Compact which contains the Moro group’s starting position for a politically negotiated settlement. #
Biking enthusiasts, government officials, civil society organizations, and the military will unite for this peace campaign dubbed as “Bike for Peace 2011.”
The Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) initiated the event to gain heightened support from the public on the Mindanao peace process.
By 6:30 a.m., the 36-km marathon will start at the Cotabato City Hall then pass through the town of Datu Odin Sinsuat, and end near the Municipal Hall of Upi, Maguindanao.
Participants from different groups have been invited to join the bike fest, some of which includes: Cotabato Off Road Enthusiasts (CORE); Karancho Motorcycle Club; Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom); AFP 6th Infantry Division (6ID); Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID); Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MINHRAC); Mindanao People's Caucus (MPC), Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP); and Muslim Organization of Government Officials and Professionals.
The Upi local government unit will likewise conduct a medical mission at their town gymnasium during the event.
Under the Aquino administration, the MILF has resumed peace negotiations with the government, and the two parties are scheduled meet again for another round of formal exploratory talks in June this year.
The GPH panel is expected to submit its counterproposal to the MILF’s Comprehensive Compact which contains the Moro group’s starting position for a politically negotiated settlement. #
Mandug farmers face displacement
PRESS RELEASE
May 20, 2011
Davao City – More than 50 peasant households occupying more than 14 hectares of lands in Sitio Fatima, Brgy. Mandug fear looming displacement in light of the titling of their farmlands by the Cabaguio family, an influential family here.
“The Cabaguio family has acquired a land title to around 14 hectares in Sito Fatima only in 2006, but the earliest settlers here have tilled these lands since 1957. When we came here, the place was a marshland,” lamented Pepito Cipriano in the vernacular, whose family was among the pioneering families in the area.
“We were the ones who cultivated these lands, now because of a piece of paper held by a rich family from Davao, we are doomed to be displaced,” he added.
Cipriano recalls that Brgy. Mandug, Buhangin District became the relocation site of Martial Law human rights violations victims in the late 50’s. But the larger part of the settlers came in at around the 80’s.
According to Davao City census, as of 2000, Brgy. Mandug has a population of 2400 households. A large portion of the lands is still primarily agricultural, although it is classified as a Planned Development Unit, or mixed land use zone.
To date however, majority of its population in the northern part are farmers, who depend solely on farming for a living.
The “patriarch” as he was referred to by the old families in Sitio Fatima, also said that the Cabaguio family has been demanding 25% of their harvests. They however found out that the Cabaguio family does not have any title yet.
On May 2006, after the Cabaguio family acquired a title, leaders of the local farmers’ organization in the area, Mandug Farmers Association (MAFA), sat down in a dialogue with the representatives of the Cabaguio family, and the Bureau of Lands, claiming official ownership of the 14-hectare land that more than 50 households have occupied for more than 30 years.
During the dialogue, the Cabaguios said they will not ask farmers to leave, only that they cannot be allowed to farm anymore.
“Maguuma mi tungod sa pagtikad namo sa yuta diin nagasalig ang amoang pamilya aron mabuhi. Unsaon mi mabuhi kung dilian mi nga magtikad og yuta?” said Ali Pojas, chair of the peasant group MAFA, and brother of the late farmer leader Celso Pojas, slain three years ago by alleged members of the military.
Pojas added: “Tungod sa among kahimtang ron, mas nasabtan namo nganong nakigbisog si Celso alang sa katungod sa yuta alang sa mag-uuma, dili mi mosugot nga walaon ang among katungod nga mag-uma. Ipadayon namo ang gisugdan nga pakigbisog ni Celso.”
Pojas also criticized the government for failing to distribute lands to farmers.
“Napamatud-an namo nga pakyas ang agrarian reform law sa gubyerno. Kung tinuod nga ginalantaw sa gubyerno ang amoang kaayuhan, nganong kami nga naa diri mismo sa Davao City hangtod karon wala’y kaseguruhan sa yuta, ug gitagaan pa gyud og titulo ang usa ka ma-impluwensya nga tao. Mas daghan man unta mi nga nagabenepisyo karon sa kini nga yuta, nganong, ipaangkon man ni sa usa lang ka-pamilya,” stated Pojas.
ALI POJAS
0928-6529509
May 20, 2011
Davao City – More than 50 peasant households occupying more than 14 hectares of lands in Sitio Fatima, Brgy. Mandug fear looming displacement in light of the titling of their farmlands by the Cabaguio family, an influential family here.
“The Cabaguio family has acquired a land title to around 14 hectares in Sito Fatima only in 2006, but the earliest settlers here have tilled these lands since 1957. When we came here, the place was a marshland,” lamented Pepito Cipriano in the vernacular, whose family was among the pioneering families in the area.
“We were the ones who cultivated these lands, now because of a piece of paper held by a rich family from Davao, we are doomed to be displaced,” he added.
Cipriano recalls that Brgy. Mandug, Buhangin District became the relocation site of Martial Law human rights violations victims in the late 50’s. But the larger part of the settlers came in at around the 80’s.
According to Davao City census, as of 2000, Brgy. Mandug has a population of 2400 households. A large portion of the lands is still primarily agricultural, although it is classified as a Planned Development Unit, or mixed land use zone.
To date however, majority of its population in the northern part are farmers, who depend solely on farming for a living.
The “patriarch” as he was referred to by the old families in Sitio Fatima, also said that the Cabaguio family has been demanding 25% of their harvests. They however found out that the Cabaguio family does not have any title yet.
On May 2006, after the Cabaguio family acquired a title, leaders of the local farmers’ organization in the area, Mandug Farmers Association (MAFA), sat down in a dialogue with the representatives of the Cabaguio family, and the Bureau of Lands, claiming official ownership of the 14-hectare land that more than 50 households have occupied for more than 30 years.
During the dialogue, the Cabaguios said they will not ask farmers to leave, only that they cannot be allowed to farm anymore.
“Maguuma mi tungod sa pagtikad namo sa yuta diin nagasalig ang amoang pamilya aron mabuhi. Unsaon mi mabuhi kung dilian mi nga magtikad og yuta?” said Ali Pojas, chair of the peasant group MAFA, and brother of the late farmer leader Celso Pojas, slain three years ago by alleged members of the military.
Pojas added: “Tungod sa among kahimtang ron, mas nasabtan namo nganong nakigbisog si Celso alang sa katungod sa yuta alang sa mag-uuma, dili mi mosugot nga walaon ang among katungod nga mag-uma. Ipadayon namo ang gisugdan nga pakigbisog ni Celso.”
Pojas also criticized the government for failing to distribute lands to farmers.
“Napamatud-an namo nga pakyas ang agrarian reform law sa gubyerno. Kung tinuod nga ginalantaw sa gubyerno ang amoang kaayuhan, nganong kami nga naa diri mismo sa Davao City hangtod karon wala’y kaseguruhan sa yuta, ug gitagaan pa gyud og titulo ang usa ka ma-impluwensya nga tao. Mas daghan man unta mi nga nagabenepisyo karon sa kini nga yuta, nganong, ipaangkon man ni sa usa lang ka-pamilya,” stated Pojas.
ALI POJAS
0928-6529509
Farmers hit NFA over P100-B losses
Press Release
May 20, 2011
DAVAO CITY – The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP-SMR) decried the reported P100-B losses of the National Food Authority recently exposed by the report of the Commission on Audit (COA) saying the money should have been instead used to augment the dire want of agricultural services to farmers.
“How the NFA lost this much in 10 years is a crime against the growing number of hungry and impoverished Filipinos. How dare the NFA say that these losses were incurred ‘ as part of its social mandate to help farmers’ when it is responsible for the massive rice importation causing further neglect to millions of farmers already victimized by the government’s lack of support and subsidy,” said Pedro Arnado, chairperson of KMP-SMR.
He added: “Please do not use the farmers to cover up the institutionalized corruption of this government.”
Arnado stressed that the NFA has been only buying around 1- 2 % of the local stocks when it is supposed to buy 10% of the local rice production.
He also slammed NFA’s reports on rice spillage during the unloading and transfer of stocks as petty excuses to “cover up” the real cause of NFA losses.
“Let us not fool the people. We know better. NFA has been the source of the massive corruption of government officials involved in rice importation. It would be easy to conjure up figures just to cover up the billions of money which was pocketed by government leaders especially in the time of Arroyo,” said Pedro Arnado.
Arnado recounted reports that imported rice in the last three years of the Arroyo government was overpriced at 125$ per metric ton. Years ago, Sen. Chiz Escudero also exposed that the government may have lost 5.7 billion to 13.1 billion pesos in kickbacks in the importation of 1.5 million tons of rice from Vietnam in 2009.
Worsening plight of farmers
KMP said the dependence of the government on rice importation has diminished the capacity of the local agricultural industry to provide the country ample food stocks and caused poverty of the Filipino farmers who used to be the most skilled rice producers in the Asia, of not, in the world.
Arnado said the bogus land reform law enacted in the time of Pres. Cory Aquino has been inutile in addressing landlessness.
“Farmers nationwide have remained to be the poorest of the poor. In the region, farmers continue to be exploited by greedy landlords who demand high land rent. Usurers levy inhumane interest payments over fertilizers and other farm inputs owed by farmers. Beneficiaries of the agrarian reform law could not afford the high amortization rates and the highly commercialized rates of farm inputs sold by transnational agro-chemical industries, whose products have also destroyed local rice varieties,” said Arnado.
“For instance, a corn farmer in North Cotobato who tills a 2-hectare farm in a period of four months, would get a gross income of P120,000 but this would not be enough to cover the costs of land preparation, planting, harvesting, and post – harvest hauling, shelling, drying, sacking and deliveries. What a farmer ends up with after all the rent (usually 50 – 70% share goes to landlord) and loans have been exacted from his harvest is not even enough to feed his family three times a day. The irony of it all is that a farmer cannot even afford to provide his family a fair share of the produce that he planted,” said Arnado.#
PEDRO ARNADO
0910-2261000
May 20, 2011
DAVAO CITY – The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP-SMR) decried the reported P100-B losses of the National Food Authority recently exposed by the report of the Commission on Audit (COA) saying the money should have been instead used to augment the dire want of agricultural services to farmers.
“How the NFA lost this much in 10 years is a crime against the growing number of hungry and impoverished Filipinos. How dare the NFA say that these losses were incurred ‘ as part of its social mandate to help farmers’ when it is responsible for the massive rice importation causing further neglect to millions of farmers already victimized by the government’s lack of support and subsidy,” said Pedro Arnado, chairperson of KMP-SMR.
He added: “Please do not use the farmers to cover up the institutionalized corruption of this government.”
Arnado stressed that the NFA has been only buying around 1- 2 % of the local stocks when it is supposed to buy 10% of the local rice production.
He also slammed NFA’s reports on rice spillage during the unloading and transfer of stocks as petty excuses to “cover up” the real cause of NFA losses.
“Let us not fool the people. We know better. NFA has been the source of the massive corruption of government officials involved in rice importation. It would be easy to conjure up figures just to cover up the billions of money which was pocketed by government leaders especially in the time of Arroyo,” said Pedro Arnado.
Arnado recounted reports that imported rice in the last three years of the Arroyo government was overpriced at 125$ per metric ton. Years ago, Sen. Chiz Escudero also exposed that the government may have lost 5.7 billion to 13.1 billion pesos in kickbacks in the importation of 1.5 million tons of rice from Vietnam in 2009.
Worsening plight of farmers
KMP said the dependence of the government on rice importation has diminished the capacity of the local agricultural industry to provide the country ample food stocks and caused poverty of the Filipino farmers who used to be the most skilled rice producers in the Asia, of not, in the world.
Arnado said the bogus land reform law enacted in the time of Pres. Cory Aquino has been inutile in addressing landlessness.
“Farmers nationwide have remained to be the poorest of the poor. In the region, farmers continue to be exploited by greedy landlords who demand high land rent. Usurers levy inhumane interest payments over fertilizers and other farm inputs owed by farmers. Beneficiaries of the agrarian reform law could not afford the high amortization rates and the highly commercialized rates of farm inputs sold by transnational agro-chemical industries, whose products have also destroyed local rice varieties,” said Arnado.
“For instance, a corn farmer in North Cotobato who tills a 2-hectare farm in a period of four months, would get a gross income of P120,000 but this would not be enough to cover the costs of land preparation, planting, harvesting, and post – harvest hauling, shelling, drying, sacking and deliveries. What a farmer ends up with after all the rent (usually 50 – 70% share goes to landlord) and loans have been exacted from his harvest is not even enough to feed his family three times a day. The irony of it all is that a farmer cannot even afford to provide his family a fair share of the produce that he planted,” said Arnado.#
PEDRO ARNADO
0910-2261000
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Pacquiao Church poster boy vs RH bill
Published Date: May 19, 2011
BOXING champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao avoided the question like a left hook coming from his defeated American challenger Shane Mosley.
Asked on Tuesday how he and his wife Jinkee were managing the growth of their family amid a published report that the latter was using birth control pills, the Sarangani lawmaker replied in Filipino: “You know, in reality, even if the RH (reproductive health) bill has not yet been passed, many people are already using condoms or [birth pills]. So why do we still need to pass it when people are already using them?”
Wearing a dark blue suit and a purple tie, Pacquiao lunched with officials of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to express his full support for the Church in countering the RH measure.
Purple is the color adopted by RH advocates. “[But] this tie has nothing to do with the issue … Actually my wife prepared this for me,” Pacquiao said in a subsequent press conference with the bishops, eliciting laughter from reporters who had pointed out the oversight to him.
He confidently said he could get away with it because he was already known in Congress as among those speaking out against the legislative measure that seeks to provide Filipinos an informed choice on the family planning method best suited for them.
Report from Inquirer.Net
BOXING champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao avoided the question like a left hook coming from his defeated American challenger Shane Mosley.
Asked on Tuesday how he and his wife Jinkee were managing the growth of their family amid a published report that the latter was using birth control pills, the Sarangani lawmaker replied in Filipino: “You know, in reality, even if the RH (reproductive health) bill has not yet been passed, many people are already using condoms or [birth pills]. So why do we still need to pass it when people are already using them?”
Wearing a dark blue suit and a purple tie, Pacquiao lunched with officials of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to express his full support for the Church in countering the RH measure.
Purple is the color adopted by RH advocates. “[But] this tie has nothing to do with the issue … Actually my wife prepared this for me,” Pacquiao said in a subsequent press conference with the bishops, eliciting laughter from reporters who had pointed out the oversight to him.
He confidently said he could get away with it because he was already known in Congress as among those speaking out against the legislative measure that seeks to provide Filipinos an informed choice on the family planning method best suited for them.
Report from Inquirer.Net
Peace advocate defends closed meeting
Published Date: May 19, 2011
A PEACE advocate defended the decision of the government peace panel to bar journalists from attending a peace consultation with local executives in Mindanao.
Lawyer Mary Ann Arnado, secretary-general of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus, said the action of the panel must be understood in the context of “collecting inputs from political leaders and local government officials.”
On Monday, journalists were barred from attending a dialogue between the panel and local leaders in the province of Basilan. Yesterday, the peace panel also prevented the media from joining a “courtesy call” with Zamboanga City mayor Celso Lobregat.
“At this point when they are still hearing out the sentiments and views of the local leaders, it might not be productive at all to open the exchanges to the scrutiny of the media as that might prevent a frank discussion of vital issues,” said Arnado.
Bishop Martin Jumoad of Basilan earlier said it was “not proper” for the government to tell the media to leave during the meeting’s “open forum,” adding that the consultation aimed at promoting transparency.
“The media must be present to validate what they were discussing, and for the sake of the people. The people, through the media, deserve to know what is being discussed because it is the people who will live with that kind of life,” Bishop Jumoad was quoted as saying by a local news report.
The prelate said the government peace panel should make all information open to the public and bring the discussion down to the grassroots
Source: UCAN
A PEACE advocate defended the decision of the government peace panel to bar journalists from attending a peace consultation with local executives in Mindanao.
Lawyer Mary Ann Arnado, secretary-general of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus, said the action of the panel must be understood in the context of “collecting inputs from political leaders and local government officials.”
On Monday, journalists were barred from attending a dialogue between the panel and local leaders in the province of Basilan. Yesterday, the peace panel also prevented the media from joining a “courtesy call” with Zamboanga City mayor Celso Lobregat.
“At this point when they are still hearing out the sentiments and views of the local leaders, it might not be productive at all to open the exchanges to the scrutiny of the media as that might prevent a frank discussion of vital issues,” said Arnado.
Bishop Martin Jumoad of Basilan earlier said it was “not proper” for the government to tell the media to leave during the meeting’s “open forum,” adding that the consultation aimed at promoting transparency.
“The media must be present to validate what they were discussing, and for the sake of the people. The people, through the media, deserve to know what is being discussed because it is the people who will live with that kind of life,” Bishop Jumoad was quoted as saying by a local news report.
The prelate said the government peace panel should make all information open to the public and bring the discussion down to the grassroots
Source: UCAN
ARMM poll synchronization will aid Mindanao peace process - Deles
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Deles urges non-profit groups to engage in peace process
MANILA, May 18 – Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has called on leaders and representatives of non-profit and charitable organizations to engage in efforts that would advance the peace process in the country.
During the 39th Annual General Assembly of the Association of Foundations (AF) held recently at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati, Deles urged them to help spur hope among the people, particularly when there are challenges surrounding the peace process.
“Don’t just put projects and feeding programs, but imagine with us to help communities understand peace, especially in times of disappointment and cynicism,” she said, likewise stressing the need to help poor communities become resilient to conflict.
Deles provided updates on the Aquino administration’s ongoing peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).
She also cited possible areas in the peace process in which civil society can contribute. Among these include peacemaking through faithful advocacy, promotion and information dissemination, and providing technical support and advice.
Further, the peace adviser underlined President Benigno Aquino III’s policy thrust of exercising transparency and inclusiveness in the peace talks “with the aim to restore full confidence and trust in the process.”
OPAPP Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo, who also attended the event, briefed the participants on the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) or PAMANA program, the government’s flagship peace and development program.
Concerns from civil society
During the open forum, one participant from a Mindanao-based foundation said that some civil society groups are reluctant to participate in government peace efforts for “fear of being tagged as part of the government’s anti-insurgency efforts.”
“Programs like PAMANA are perceived as counter-insurgency actions,” he stated.
On this, Deles said that it is but common to “be called bad names not only by people we talk to across the table, but by other people who do not agree that we should be helping these people.”
“But for government, it’s clear. We have responsibilities to the people. We do PAMANA because we are a responsible government,” she added. “Do we let them define us or we define what we should do and find the means to do it?”
Another participant from a foundation focusing on health care asked how is OPAPP responding to the situation of political prisoners who have been suffering from cancer, tuberculosis and other serious illnesses.
Deles replied that OPAPP is not an implementing agency. However, there are other government agencies involved in the peace process that are dealing with such concerns. “DOJ (Department of Justice) Sec. Leila de Lima, who valiantly headed the Commission on Human Rights, has these items on her table,” she said, adding that reports like this should contain specific details for OPAPP to work on.
On the issue of education in conflict areas, one participant lamented that education is a priority of the administration, but when Muslim and Lumad communities ask for financial assistance to improve education in their areas, the government would always have no funding for it.
Deles answered that the budget they are on this year was proposed by the previous administration that had a different agenda.
The participants thanked the peace adviser for providing a comprehensive report on the peace process and clarifying certain issues.
They likewise lauded the efforts of the government to strengthen women participation in the peace process with the presence of women peace negotiators – Miriam Coronel-Ferrer for talks with the MILF, and Jurgette Honculada and Lourdes Tizon for talks with the CPP-NPA-NDFP.
The AF is a network of non-government organizations formed in 1972. Among its notable members are SM Foundation, ABS-CBN Foundation, Aboitiz Group Foundation, Childhope Asia Philippines, E. Zobel Foundation, Habitat for Humanity Philippines Foundation, and many others. #
During the 39th Annual General Assembly of the Association of Foundations (AF) held recently at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati, Deles urged them to help spur hope among the people, particularly when there are challenges surrounding the peace process.
“Don’t just put projects and feeding programs, but imagine with us to help communities understand peace, especially in times of disappointment and cynicism,” she said, likewise stressing the need to help poor communities become resilient to conflict.
Deles provided updates on the Aquino administration’s ongoing peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).
She also cited possible areas in the peace process in which civil society can contribute. Among these include peacemaking through faithful advocacy, promotion and information dissemination, and providing technical support and advice.
Further, the peace adviser underlined President Benigno Aquino III’s policy thrust of exercising transparency and inclusiveness in the peace talks “with the aim to restore full confidence and trust in the process.”
OPAPP Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo, who also attended the event, briefed the participants on the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) or PAMANA program, the government’s flagship peace and development program.
Concerns from civil society
During the open forum, one participant from a Mindanao-based foundation said that some civil society groups are reluctant to participate in government peace efforts for “fear of being tagged as part of the government’s anti-insurgency efforts.”
“Programs like PAMANA are perceived as counter-insurgency actions,” he stated.
On this, Deles said that it is but common to “be called bad names not only by people we talk to across the table, but by other people who do not agree that we should be helping these people.”
“But for government, it’s clear. We have responsibilities to the people. We do PAMANA because we are a responsible government,” she added. “Do we let them define us or we define what we should do and find the means to do it?”
Another participant from a foundation focusing on health care asked how is OPAPP responding to the situation of political prisoners who have been suffering from cancer, tuberculosis and other serious illnesses.
Deles replied that OPAPP is not an implementing agency. However, there are other government agencies involved in the peace process that are dealing with such concerns. “DOJ (Department of Justice) Sec. Leila de Lima, who valiantly headed the Commission on Human Rights, has these items on her table,” she said, adding that reports like this should contain specific details for OPAPP to work on.
On the issue of education in conflict areas, one participant lamented that education is a priority of the administration, but when Muslim and Lumad communities ask for financial assistance to improve education in their areas, the government would always have no funding for it.
Deles answered that the budget they are on this year was proposed by the previous administration that had a different agenda.
The participants thanked the peace adviser for providing a comprehensive report on the peace process and clarifying certain issues.
They likewise lauded the efforts of the government to strengthen women participation in the peace process with the presence of women peace negotiators – Miriam Coronel-Ferrer for talks with the MILF, and Jurgette Honculada and Lourdes Tizon for talks with the CPP-NPA-NDFP.
The AF is a network of non-government organizations formed in 1972. Among its notable members are SM Foundation, ABS-CBN Foundation, Aboitiz Group Foundation, Childhope Asia Philippines, E. Zobel Foundation, Habitat for Humanity Philippines Foundation, and many others. #
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
GPH panel dialogues with Basilan execs
Isabela City, BasiIan, May 18 – The second leg of local government unit (LGU) consultations successfully began on Monday in Basilan wherein local chief executives welcomed their first-ever dialogue with the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel on the ongoing peace negotiations with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Held at the Provincial Capitol here, the consultation was led by Panel Chair Marvic Leonen along with members Senen Bacani, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, and consultant Hamid Barra. Joining them were Basilan Governor Jum J. Akbar, Vice Governor Al-Rasheed Sakkalahul, government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) Chair BGen. Ariel Bernardo, and members of the GPH panel secretariat.
Leonen told some 24 mayors, vice mayors and other local chief executives from different municipalities in Basilan that “the reason why we are here is to listen to your general sentiment.”
The panel chair provided a brief background as well as the latest updates on the GPH-MILF peace process. This was followed by an open forum which was held closed-door.
On Tuesday, the panel headed to Zamboanga City to pay courtesy call to Mayor Celso Lobregat and other LGU officials, and afterwards to the Basilan Ulamas Supreme Council and other ulamas of Zamboanga.
Since it was reconstituted in July last year, the panel has been holding dialogues with various sectors in Mindanao in hopes of bringing the sentiments of the public to the negotiating table.
Last month, it consulted the local chief executives of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.
Today, they are set to consult LGU officials of Sulu at the Lantaka Hotel in Zamboanga. #
Held at the Provincial Capitol here, the consultation was led by Panel Chair Marvic Leonen along with members Senen Bacani, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, and consultant Hamid Barra. Joining them were Basilan Governor Jum J. Akbar, Vice Governor Al-Rasheed Sakkalahul, government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) Chair BGen. Ariel Bernardo, and members of the GPH panel secretariat.
Leonen told some 24 mayors, vice mayors and other local chief executives from different municipalities in Basilan that “the reason why we are here is to listen to your general sentiment.”
The panel chair provided a brief background as well as the latest updates on the GPH-MILF peace process. This was followed by an open forum which was held closed-door.
On Tuesday, the panel headed to Zamboanga City to pay courtesy call to Mayor Celso Lobregat and other LGU officials, and afterwards to the Basilan Ulamas Supreme Council and other ulamas of Zamboanga.
Since it was reconstituted in July last year, the panel has been holding dialogues with various sectors in Mindanao in hopes of bringing the sentiments of the public to the negotiating table.
Last month, it consulted the local chief executives of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.
Today, they are set to consult LGU officials of Sulu at the Lantaka Hotel in Zamboanga. #
RMN Davao Employees’ Union wins a landslide victory in today’s Certification Election
May 17, 2011
NEWS RELEASE
The Radio Mindanao Network Davao Employees’ Union (RDEU) won a landslide victory today as the bargaining representative of media workers of RMN-DXDC Davao in a Certification Election (CE) conducted by authorities of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today at the RMN Davao station premises.
The CE is a process by which rank-and-file employees affirms the union of their choice as their sole exclusive bargaining agent.
Eighteen (18) rank-and file workers voted for RDEU while two voted for the management-favored union, Radio Mindanao Network Employees Union-Mindanao Congress of Labor-Trade Union of the Philippines and Allied Services (RMNEU-MCL-TUPAS). Only one voted for a no-union stance. There are currently 24 rank-and-file workers of RMN Davao. Three were considered challenged votes and were not counted.
“This is a hard-won victory. After eight months of struggle, our colleagues at RMN Davao can now finally have a union that can collectively bargain for their rights with network employers. This is crucial given the low wages media workers receive amid fast rising prices of commodities, and in the light of recent spate of illegal dismissals experienced by fellows at RMN Davao,” Jessie Casalda, Chair of NUJP-Davao said.
The workers of RMN Davao have formed themselves into a union in August last year after the station manager, Mario Maximo “Dodong” Solis was sacked, and three others in the top supervisory positions were forced to resign - an action by the RMN management recently proven by a decision from the National Labor Relations Commission XI (NLRC XI) as a clear case of “illegal dismissal.”
The RDEU was able to secure a registration with the DOLE XI in the same month, but a petition for a CE as early as September last year was snagged several times due to attempts by the management to assail the petition, as well delays that RMN Davao workers blamed on inadvertence on the part of the government labor agency itself.
The RMN Davao workers through their sole bargaining union, the RDEU is bent on passing a collective bargaining agreement proposal to the network management anytime soon, which covers demands for increased wages, due benefits, and protection of tenure, among others.
NUJP Davao commends RMN workers for this action. “The right to association is a constitutionally-guaranteed right. Our fellows at RMN Davao have showed the way. Their struggle is a message that through our unity we can fight for a humane working condition sorely absent among media workers in the country today,” Casalda.
“We hope we can sustain further the unity that was shown. The fight for better working conditions for media workers has just begun. This is a victory not just for the RDEU but for all our colleagues in Davao who helped keep watch until we were finally able to prove that in fearlessly taking a stand against such violations, there is a chance that we can reclaim the rights denied of us by our employers,” Casalda said.
Once again, we say, that the fight of media workers of RMN Davao is the fight of all media workers. In the end, it is the people who will benefit from a press whose rights are amply protected.
For NUJP-Davao,
JESSIE CASALDA
Chairperson
NEWS RELEASE
The Radio Mindanao Network Davao Employees’ Union (RDEU) won a landslide victory today as the bargaining representative of media workers of RMN-DXDC Davao in a Certification Election (CE) conducted by authorities of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today at the RMN Davao station premises.
The CE is a process by which rank-and-file employees affirms the union of their choice as their sole exclusive bargaining agent.
Eighteen (18) rank-and file workers voted for RDEU while two voted for the management-favored union, Radio Mindanao Network Employees Union-Mindanao Congress of Labor-Trade Union of the Philippines and Allied Services (RMNEU-MCL-TUPAS). Only one voted for a no-union stance. There are currently 24 rank-and-file workers of RMN Davao. Three were considered challenged votes and were not counted.
“This is a hard-won victory. After eight months of struggle, our colleagues at RMN Davao can now finally have a union that can collectively bargain for their rights with network employers. This is crucial given the low wages media workers receive amid fast rising prices of commodities, and in the light of recent spate of illegal dismissals experienced by fellows at RMN Davao,” Jessie Casalda, Chair of NUJP-Davao said.
The workers of RMN Davao have formed themselves into a union in August last year after the station manager, Mario Maximo “Dodong” Solis was sacked, and three others in the top supervisory positions were forced to resign - an action by the RMN management recently proven by a decision from the National Labor Relations Commission XI (NLRC XI) as a clear case of “illegal dismissal.”
The RDEU was able to secure a registration with the DOLE XI in the same month, but a petition for a CE as early as September last year was snagged several times due to attempts by the management to assail the petition, as well delays that RMN Davao workers blamed on inadvertence on the part of the government labor agency itself.
The RMN Davao workers through their sole bargaining union, the RDEU is bent on passing a collective bargaining agreement proposal to the network management anytime soon, which covers demands for increased wages, due benefits, and protection of tenure, among others.
NUJP Davao commends RMN workers for this action. “The right to association is a constitutionally-guaranteed right. Our fellows at RMN Davao have showed the way. Their struggle is a message that through our unity we can fight for a humane working condition sorely absent among media workers in the country today,” Casalda.
“We hope we can sustain further the unity that was shown. The fight for better working conditions for media workers has just begun. This is a victory not just for the RDEU but for all our colleagues in Davao who helped keep watch until we were finally able to prove that in fearlessly taking a stand against such violations, there is a chance that we can reclaim the rights denied of us by our employers,” Casalda said.
Once again, we say, that the fight of media workers of RMN Davao is the fight of all media workers. In the end, it is the people who will benefit from a press whose rights are amply protected.
For NUJP-Davao,
JESSIE CASALDA
Chairperson
GPH panel’s CASER draft taking shape
Antipolo, Rizal, May 17 – The government Reciprocal Working Committee (RWC) has begun drafting its version of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-economic Reforms (CASER) that will be presented by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel at the next round of formal talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).
The committee has identified the key principles that will ground the position of the GPH panel in the bilateral meeting of CASER tentatively scheduled during the second week of June.
With insights from the focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) conducted in April and May among various stakeholders, RWC-SER Chair Ednar Dayanghirang said "This is unprecedented. We have made the people part of the peace negotiations. A peaceful and just settlement of conflicts is meant to be inclusive of the interests of all.”
The FGDs and KIIs covered issues related to indigenous peoples (IPs), urban land reform, fisheries and forest reform, inclusive growth, agrarian reform, environmental risk, resource access and utilization (local and national), industrial policy and agricultural development, and social protection.
More of these research instruments tackling several other issues are expected to be completed as the peace talks progress.
Exchange of drafts
The GPH draft will be exchanged for review with the NDFP version two weeks prior to the first RWCs-SER bilateral meeting.
These drafts will focus on “agrarian reform and rural development” for the NDFP and “asset reform” for the GPH, and “national industrialization” for the NDFP and “industrial policy” for the GPH.
A total of three bilateral meetings have been set by both parties. The two other meetings are scheduled for the second and fourth weeks of August.
The consolidated CASER is slated to be finished for submission to the negotiating panels by September 2011.
CASER to address the causes of conflict
Dayanghirang underscored the importance of CASER in paving the way for a negotiated political settlement with the CPP-NPA-NDFP.
“This is the meat of the much-needed reforms. We are putting into writing our response to the causes of conflict,” he stated.
Fr. Albert Alejo, RWC-SER member, is upbeat on the just-concluded writeshop that produced the draft agreement.
“We are all in consensus that asset reform is not just agrarian reform. We’ve broadened its scope to include fisheries, forest, and urban land reform,” he said.
Prof. Fernando Aldaba, another committee member, said that “reducing inequality is key – we should work for increase not only of income but also of individual assets.”
In the same light, Atty. Aison Garcia, one of the government’s consultants on agrarian reform, said that the increase in assets should help uplift the lives of the marginalized sectors. “It’s all about making economic growth work for the poor.”
Also present at the writeshop were Jimid Mansayagan, consultant for IP concerns; Proculo Fuentes, consultant on basic services concerns; Joselito Sescon, consultant on inclusive growth/ industrial policy concerns; and Atty. Jun Quicho, consultant on environmental risk concerns.
SER, one of the four substantive agenda
SER is one of the four agenda items affirmed by The Hague Joint Declaration as instrumental in the eventual forging of a final political settlement between the GPH and the CPP-NPA-NDFP.
The agenda on human rights and international humanitarian law had earlier been addressed in 1998, when the two parties signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
The remaining agenda for discussion within the agreed upon three-year time frame of the peace talks are political-constitutional reforms (PCR), and end of hostilities and disposition of forces (EoH/DoF).#
The committee has identified the key principles that will ground the position of the GPH panel in the bilateral meeting of CASER tentatively scheduled during the second week of June.
With insights from the focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) conducted in April and May among various stakeholders, RWC-SER Chair Ednar Dayanghirang said "This is unprecedented. We have made the people part of the peace negotiations. A peaceful and just settlement of conflicts is meant to be inclusive of the interests of all.”
The FGDs and KIIs covered issues related to indigenous peoples (IPs), urban land reform, fisheries and forest reform, inclusive growth, agrarian reform, environmental risk, resource access and utilization (local and national), industrial policy and agricultural development, and social protection.
More of these research instruments tackling several other issues are expected to be completed as the peace talks progress.
Exchange of drafts
The GPH draft will be exchanged for review with the NDFP version two weeks prior to the first RWCs-SER bilateral meeting.
These drafts will focus on “agrarian reform and rural development” for the NDFP and “asset reform” for the GPH, and “national industrialization” for the NDFP and “industrial policy” for the GPH.
A total of three bilateral meetings have been set by both parties. The two other meetings are scheduled for the second and fourth weeks of August.
The consolidated CASER is slated to be finished for submission to the negotiating panels by September 2011.
CASER to address the causes of conflict
Dayanghirang underscored the importance of CASER in paving the way for a negotiated political settlement with the CPP-NPA-NDFP.
“This is the meat of the much-needed reforms. We are putting into writing our response to the causes of conflict,” he stated.
Fr. Albert Alejo, RWC-SER member, is upbeat on the just-concluded writeshop that produced the draft agreement.
“We are all in consensus that asset reform is not just agrarian reform. We’ve broadened its scope to include fisheries, forest, and urban land reform,” he said.
Prof. Fernando Aldaba, another committee member, said that “reducing inequality is key – we should work for increase not only of income but also of individual assets.”
In the same light, Atty. Aison Garcia, one of the government’s consultants on agrarian reform, said that the increase in assets should help uplift the lives of the marginalized sectors. “It’s all about making economic growth work for the poor.”
Also present at the writeshop were Jimid Mansayagan, consultant for IP concerns; Proculo Fuentes, consultant on basic services concerns; Joselito Sescon, consultant on inclusive growth/ industrial policy concerns; and Atty. Jun Quicho, consultant on environmental risk concerns.
SER, one of the four substantive agenda
SER is one of the four agenda items affirmed by The Hague Joint Declaration as instrumental in the eventual forging of a final political settlement between the GPH and the CPP-NPA-NDFP.
The agenda on human rights and international humanitarian law had earlier been addressed in 1998, when the two parties signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
The remaining agenda for discussion within the agreed upon three-year time frame of the peace talks are political-constitutional reforms (PCR), and end of hostilities and disposition of forces (EoH/DoF).#
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Globe publishes industry’s first integrated financial and sustainability report
Globe Telecom pioneers another milestone in the Philippine telecommunications industry with the first Annual Report that integrates its financial performance, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and sustainability programs in 2010.
With commitment as the theme for its 2010 Annual Report, Globe showcased how it is helping enrich the lives of its subscribers, communities, and investors through its products, services and programs. The report came with a free Globe prepaid SIM, another first for the industry, to provide shareholders an opportunity to experience and enjoy its suite of innovative and relevant services. In keeping with the company’s mission of putting its customers first, the 2010 Annual Report also included feedback from actual Globe subscribers. Feedback came in various forms – suggestions, recommendations and appraisals on how Globe services enhanced their personal lives and businesses.
On the other hand, the CSR and sustainability report documented its compliance to the global practice of integrating socially-responsible practices in its business operations. The report adhered to the guidelines of the internationally-recognized Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3 standard. GRI is the most accepted international reporting framework applicable to corporations of any size, type or location. It sets the standard on which organizations shall measure their economic, environmental, and social performance.
The company’s sustainability report is a self-declared B level, the scope of which has been determined by available data and metrics tracked by different customer facing units and business enabling groups.
“We have achieved significant milestones this past year despite the challenges we faced. Apart from gaining momentum in our core businesses and growing our subscriber base, we have continued to practice responsible corporate citizenship and ensured that our programs have the necessary support for long-term commitment and engagement, including care for the environment, entrepreneurship, youth development and disaster response,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. “We are very pleased to be on top of our game with the publication of this integrated Annual Report. It only goes to show that Globe remains committed to the policies of corporate transparency and disclosure without sacrificing creativity and quality of content.”
To sustain the level of engagement and understanding about the report, readers were introduced to another innovation with an online pop quiz which can be accessed via http://bit.ly/TheGlobeQuiz. The online quiz has 4 questions whose answers were found from the report. Five lucky respondents who answer the questions correctly will get the chance to win Globe Tattoo sticks with free P300 load as tokens.
Alya Simone I. Mongaya
Media Relations Support Staff
prworks, inc.
Mobile 09222059443
Tel. +63 32 4134062
Fax +63 32 4167159
With commitment as the theme for its 2010 Annual Report, Globe showcased how it is helping enrich the lives of its subscribers, communities, and investors through its products, services and programs. The report came with a free Globe prepaid SIM, another first for the industry, to provide shareholders an opportunity to experience and enjoy its suite of innovative and relevant services. In keeping with the company’s mission of putting its customers first, the 2010 Annual Report also included feedback from actual Globe subscribers. Feedback came in various forms – suggestions, recommendations and appraisals on how Globe services enhanced their personal lives and businesses.
On the other hand, the CSR and sustainability report documented its compliance to the global practice of integrating socially-responsible practices in its business operations. The report adhered to the guidelines of the internationally-recognized Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3 standard. GRI is the most accepted international reporting framework applicable to corporations of any size, type or location. It sets the standard on which organizations shall measure their economic, environmental, and social performance.
The company’s sustainability report is a self-declared B level, the scope of which has been determined by available data and metrics tracked by different customer facing units and business enabling groups.
“We have achieved significant milestones this past year despite the challenges we faced. Apart from gaining momentum in our core businesses and growing our subscriber base, we have continued to practice responsible corporate citizenship and ensured that our programs have the necessary support for long-term commitment and engagement, including care for the environment, entrepreneurship, youth development and disaster response,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. “We are very pleased to be on top of our game with the publication of this integrated Annual Report. It only goes to show that Globe remains committed to the policies of corporate transparency and disclosure without sacrificing creativity and quality of content.”
To sustain the level of engagement and understanding about the report, readers were introduced to another innovation with an online pop quiz which can be accessed via http://bit.ly/TheGlobeQuiz. The online quiz has 4 questions whose answers were found from the report. Five lucky respondents who answer the questions correctly will get the chance to win Globe Tattoo sticks with free P300 load as tokens.
Alya Simone I. Mongaya
Media Relations Support Staff
prworks, inc.
Mobile 09222059443
Tel. +63 32 4134062
Fax +63 32 4167159
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Bishop calls for backing for Moro agenda
Bishop calls for backing for Moro agenda
People of Mindanao must unite and respect the proposals of rebels
Romy Elusfa, Pagadian City
Philippines
May 11, 2011
Catholic Church News Image of Bishop calls for backing for Moro agenda
Bishop Jose Manguiran (left) emphasizes his point to members of the Moro peace panel
A Catholic bishop in the southern Philippines called on the faithful to “respect the political clamor” of the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which has been going around Mindanao to present its proposed “comprehensive compact” with the government.
“We (Muslims and Christians) have been living together and respecting each other’s culture and religion. Now, we should also respect the political clamor” of the Moro people,” said Bishop Jose Manguiran of the Diocese of Dipolog.
Bishop Manguiran made the statement yesterday during consultations with the MILF that were also attended by Bishop Romulo Valles of Zamboanga.
The bishop also called on the people of Mindanao to unite.
The MILF panel earlier presented to Church and civil groups its proposed draft agreement with the government which specifies power and economic sharing between the Moro region and the national government.
The rebel group said that under a “state-sub-state relationship,” they will ask the national government to allow them to engage in international trading, control the regional security police, and share natural resources 75-25 in favor of the Moro region, among others.
The MILF said fundamental freedoms, especially the practice of religion by non-Muslims, will be respected.
“Christ opposed oppression, hence we should not allow any form of oppression,” said Bishop Manguiran.
Father Angel Calvo, head of Peace Advocates Zamboanga, also emphasized the importance of supporting the peace process between the Moro rebels and the government.
“What is important is for us Mindanaoans to be able to support the peace process, to be one behind the search for meaningful peace in Mindanao,” the Claretian missionary priest said.
People of Mindanao must unite and respect the proposals of rebels
Romy Elusfa, Pagadian City
Philippines
May 11, 2011
Catholic Church News Image of Bishop calls for backing for Moro agenda
Bishop Jose Manguiran (left) emphasizes his point to members of the Moro peace panel
A Catholic bishop in the southern Philippines called on the faithful to “respect the political clamor” of the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which has been going around Mindanao to present its proposed “comprehensive compact” with the government.
“We (Muslims and Christians) have been living together and respecting each other’s culture and religion. Now, we should also respect the political clamor” of the Moro people,” said Bishop Jose Manguiran of the Diocese of Dipolog.
Bishop Manguiran made the statement yesterday during consultations with the MILF that were also attended by Bishop Romulo Valles of Zamboanga.
The bishop also called on the people of Mindanao to unite.
The MILF panel earlier presented to Church and civil groups its proposed draft agreement with the government which specifies power and economic sharing between the Moro region and the national government.
The rebel group said that under a “state-sub-state relationship,” they will ask the national government to allow them to engage in international trading, control the regional security police, and share natural resources 75-25 in favor of the Moro region, among others.
The MILF said fundamental freedoms, especially the practice of religion by non-Muslims, will be respected.
“Christ opposed oppression, hence we should not allow any form of oppression,” said Bishop Manguiran.
Father Angel Calvo, head of Peace Advocates Zamboanga, also emphasized the importance of supporting the peace process between the Moro rebels and the government.
“What is important is for us Mindanaoans to be able to support the peace process, to be one behind the search for meaningful peace in Mindanao,” the Claretian missionary priest said.
STATEMENT OF DR. NERIC ACOSTA, MAY 11, 2011
STATEMENT OF DR. NERIC ACOSTA, MAY 11, 2011
TODAY, A WELL-FINANCED SMEAR CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED AGAINST ME BECAUSE I AM BEING CONSIDERED BY PRESIDENT AQUINO FOR THE PORTFOLIO OF SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES (DENR).
VIA FULL-PAGE ADS AND OTHER MEDIA, THEY PUBLICIZED AN OLD WORN-OUT CHARGE FILED AGAINST ME 10 YEARS AGO BY MY POLITICAL RIVALS WHEN I WAS A CONGRESSMAN OF BUKIDNON.
WELL, MANY PUBLIC OFFICIALS HAVE PENDING CASES BEFORE VARIOUS COURTS, BUT A PENDING CASE IS NOT AN INDICATION OF GUILT.
I PROMISED PRESIDENT NOYNOY I WOULD CLEAN UP THE WELL-PLACED MAFIA GROUPS THAT ARE IMBEDDED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES (DENR) – FROM THE ISSUANCE OF FAKE LAND PATENTS RESULTING TO BIG LAND SCAMS TO THE QUESTIONABLE GRANTS OF MINING AND LOGGING PERMITS.
THEY MUST BE AFRAID OF THE CLEAN-UP I INTEND TO DO.
I WILL BE STEPPING ON BIG TOES – BUT SOMEONE HAS GOT TO DO IT.
I WILL DO IT IF GIVEN THE CHANCE.
AS PRINCIPAL AUTHOR OF MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, I WILL PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT, BUT STILL ENCOURAGE THE MINING INDUSTRY TO GENERATE EMPLOYMENT THROUGH A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT PLAN THAT DOES NOT DEPLETE OUR NATURAL RESOURCES.
LASTLY, I WILL DO MY BEST TO RID THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES DENR) OF THE ENDEMIC CORRUPTION OF SOME OF ITS HIGH-RANKING OFFICIALS THAT HAS DEEPLY AFFECTED THE SYSTEM AND DEMORALIZED HUNDREDS OF HONEST AND EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVANTS, IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE.
THIS IS THE LAST YOU WILL HEAR FROM ME REGARDING THIS MATTER AS I REFUSE TO BE DRAWN INTO A MUD-SLINGING CONTEST WITH THESE VESTED INTERESTS WHO HAVE ALL THE MONEY TO SPEND IN THIS SMEAR CAMPAIGN AGAINST ME.
MARAMING SALAMAT PO.
TODAY, A WELL-FINANCED SMEAR CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED AGAINST ME BECAUSE I AM BEING CONSIDERED BY PRESIDENT AQUINO FOR THE PORTFOLIO OF SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES (DENR).
VIA FULL-PAGE ADS AND OTHER MEDIA, THEY PUBLICIZED AN OLD WORN-OUT CHARGE FILED AGAINST ME 10 YEARS AGO BY MY POLITICAL RIVALS WHEN I WAS A CONGRESSMAN OF BUKIDNON.
WELL, MANY PUBLIC OFFICIALS HAVE PENDING CASES BEFORE VARIOUS COURTS, BUT A PENDING CASE IS NOT AN INDICATION OF GUILT.
I PROMISED PRESIDENT NOYNOY I WOULD CLEAN UP THE WELL-PLACED MAFIA GROUPS THAT ARE IMBEDDED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES (DENR) – FROM THE ISSUANCE OF FAKE LAND PATENTS RESULTING TO BIG LAND SCAMS TO THE QUESTIONABLE GRANTS OF MINING AND LOGGING PERMITS.
THEY MUST BE AFRAID OF THE CLEAN-UP I INTEND TO DO.
I WILL BE STEPPING ON BIG TOES – BUT SOMEONE HAS GOT TO DO IT.
I WILL DO IT IF GIVEN THE CHANCE.
AS PRINCIPAL AUTHOR OF MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, I WILL PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT, BUT STILL ENCOURAGE THE MINING INDUSTRY TO GENERATE EMPLOYMENT THROUGH A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT PLAN THAT DOES NOT DEPLETE OUR NATURAL RESOURCES.
LASTLY, I WILL DO MY BEST TO RID THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES DENR) OF THE ENDEMIC CORRUPTION OF SOME OF ITS HIGH-RANKING OFFICIALS THAT HAS DEEPLY AFFECTED THE SYSTEM AND DEMORALIZED HUNDREDS OF HONEST AND EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVANTS, IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE.
THIS IS THE LAST YOU WILL HEAR FROM ME REGARDING THIS MATTER AS I REFUSE TO BE DRAWN INTO A MUD-SLINGING CONTEST WITH THESE VESTED INTERESTS WHO HAVE ALL THE MONEY TO SPEND IN THIS SMEAR CAMPAIGN AGAINST ME.
MARAMING SALAMAT PO.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
BAYAN berates union busting by Superstar Coco firm
Press Release
May 11, 2010
BAYAN berates union busting by Superstar Coco firm
Davao City- Members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today staged a protest demonstration at the plant of Superstar Coconut Products Incorporated in Maa, Davao City to castigate the firm for its recent actions to maliciously cripple the Kahugpungan sa mga Trabahante sa Superstar (KTS) Union.
KTS, a union duly recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment, is said to be preparing a strike to demand from the management to implement labor standards and to stop union busting.
“The workers are the life and limb of the company. Without them, the entire production will come to a halt and then the company will be nothing but a dead facility,” said Franchie Buhayan, BAYAN-Southern Mindanao secretary-general. “That is the very reason why the company should treat the workers well, give them decent wage and benefits and respect their democratic rights particularly the right to protest and organize a genuine union,” added Buhayan.
One of the top 1000 corporations in the country and considered as the largest coconut products manufacturer in Mindanao, Superstar Coconut Products Incorporated is said to be producing and shipping ton loads of desiccated coconut worth P7.5 million per day. The company is also manufacturing other coconut-based products like coco powder and coco oil.
“Superstar is earning millions from the labor of the workers but ironically the management rewards them with unimaginable exploitation and repression. For years, the workers suffer from poor working conditions with excessive workload and received wages that are far below from the minimum wage mandated by the government. It is only logical for the workers to struggle against the company’s modus operandi,” Buhayan said.
BAYAN explained that recently, leaders and members of the KTS Union experienced different forms of harassments from the management including demotion of 26 union leaders and members, threats of dismissal, intimidation and the use of hush money.
“This is unacceptable! It is an indication that the management is not interested in resolving the problem rightfully under due process. Instead, they use cowardly dirty tactics to get rid of the union and disenfranchise the legitimate demands of the workers. This leaves the workers no option but to intensify the struggle and raise it to a higher level,” said Buhayan.
In a solidarity lunch today with the workers outside the plant of Superstar Coconut Products Inc, BAYAN expressed its total support for the workers and their families.
“If the KTS union will go on with the plan to lead a strike, we, along with our allied organizations will support it through and through,” Buhayan said.
“The city government and DOLE should not slow-foot in addressing this issue. Union busting is a critical offense against the working class and must be dealt with seriousness. And allowing these profit-hungry capitalists to continue making us their modern-day slaves and starve our families to death is a greater offense. These are important points that the government, both local and national, must consider,” added Buhayan.###
May 11, 2010
BAYAN berates union busting by Superstar Coco firm
Davao City- Members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today staged a protest demonstration at the plant of Superstar Coconut Products Incorporated in Maa, Davao City to castigate the firm for its recent actions to maliciously cripple the Kahugpungan sa mga Trabahante sa Superstar (KTS) Union.
KTS, a union duly recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment, is said to be preparing a strike to demand from the management to implement labor standards and to stop union busting.
“The workers are the life and limb of the company. Without them, the entire production will come to a halt and then the company will be nothing but a dead facility,” said Franchie Buhayan, BAYAN-Southern Mindanao secretary-general. “That is the very reason why the company should treat the workers well, give them decent wage and benefits and respect their democratic rights particularly the right to protest and organize a genuine union,” added Buhayan.
One of the top 1000 corporations in the country and considered as the largest coconut products manufacturer in Mindanao, Superstar Coconut Products Incorporated is said to be producing and shipping ton loads of desiccated coconut worth P7.5 million per day. The company is also manufacturing other coconut-based products like coco powder and coco oil.
“Superstar is earning millions from the labor of the workers but ironically the management rewards them with unimaginable exploitation and repression. For years, the workers suffer from poor working conditions with excessive workload and received wages that are far below from the minimum wage mandated by the government. It is only logical for the workers to struggle against the company’s modus operandi,” Buhayan said.
BAYAN explained that recently, leaders and members of the KTS Union experienced different forms of harassments from the management including demotion of 26 union leaders and members, threats of dismissal, intimidation and the use of hush money.
“This is unacceptable! It is an indication that the management is not interested in resolving the problem rightfully under due process. Instead, they use cowardly dirty tactics to get rid of the union and disenfranchise the legitimate demands of the workers. This leaves the workers no option but to intensify the struggle and raise it to a higher level,” said Buhayan.
In a solidarity lunch today with the workers outside the plant of Superstar Coconut Products Inc, BAYAN expressed its total support for the workers and their families.
“If the KTS union will go on with the plan to lead a strike, we, along with our allied organizations will support it through and through,” Buhayan said.
“The city government and DOLE should not slow-foot in addressing this issue. Union busting is a critical offense against the working class and must be dealt with seriousness. And allowing these profit-hungry capitalists to continue making us their modern-day slaves and starve our families to death is a greater offense. These are important points that the government, both local and national, must consider,” added Buhayan.###
Walking priest urges Aquino to junk RH bill
Published Date: May 11, 2011
A MINDANAO-based priest who is on a cross-country walk for peace and life urged President Benigno Aquino III to junk the reproductive health (RH) bill.
Father Amado Picardal who is on a 2,000-kilometer trek from Mindanao to Northern Luzon arrived in Malacañang on Tuesday to deliver a letter to President Benigno Aquino III.
“I dare to write this letter to you because I believe that you listen to the voices of the people whom you consider as your Boss and whom you pledged to serve. My voice is only one small voice among many. But it deserves serious consideration because I walk my talk,” Picardal said in his letter, excerpts of which were posted on his blog site Tuesday.
Picardal said he wrote the letter on March 31, saved it in a USB flash drive, and carried it in his backpack during his journey, which began on April 1 in Davao City.
Picardal raised four points in his letter:
1. The armed conflict in the countryside that has caused the loss of so many lives and the need to support the ongoing peace process between the government and the revolutionary groups such as the National Democratic Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front
2. The destruction of the environment and the threat to the way of life and cultures of the indigenous peoples – due to mining and logging.
3. The extra-judicial killings carried out by death squads, allegedly inspired or abetted by some local government officials and police personnel in many cities in the Philippines.
4. The RH bill being debated in Congress, “which promotes an aggressive population control program which is based on a questionable if not false assumptions that there is a crisis of overpopulation which perpetuates poverty and is a hindrance to sustainable economic development.”
Report from GMANews.TV
A MINDANAO-based priest who is on a cross-country walk for peace and life urged President Benigno Aquino III to junk the reproductive health (RH) bill.
Father Amado Picardal who is on a 2,000-kilometer trek from Mindanao to Northern Luzon arrived in Malacañang on Tuesday to deliver a letter to President Benigno Aquino III.
“I dare to write this letter to you because I believe that you listen to the voices of the people whom you consider as your Boss and whom you pledged to serve. My voice is only one small voice among many. But it deserves serious consideration because I walk my talk,” Picardal said in his letter, excerpts of which were posted on his blog site Tuesday.
Picardal said he wrote the letter on March 31, saved it in a USB flash drive, and carried it in his backpack during his journey, which began on April 1 in Davao City.
Picardal raised four points in his letter:
1. The armed conflict in the countryside that has caused the loss of so many lives and the need to support the ongoing peace process between the government and the revolutionary groups such as the National Democratic Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front
2. The destruction of the environment and the threat to the way of life and cultures of the indigenous peoples – due to mining and logging.
3. The extra-judicial killings carried out by death squads, allegedly inspired or abetted by some local government officials and police personnel in many cities in the Philippines.
4. The RH bill being debated in Congress, “which promotes an aggressive population control program which is based on a questionable if not false assumptions that there is a crisis of overpopulation which perpetuates poverty and is a hindrance to sustainable economic development.”
Report from GMANews.TV
Mariel not converting to Islam to ‘marry’ Robin thumbnail
Mariel not converting to Islam to ‘marry’ Robin
Published Date: May 11, 2011
Mariel not converting to Islam to ‘marry’ Robin thumbnail
Mariel Rodriguez and Robin Padilla
TELEVISION host Mariel Rodriguez dismissed reports she will convert to Islam to marry actor Robin Padilla, whom she already married in Muslim rites.
After the postponement of their Catholic Church wedding, it was reported that Mariel is keen on becoming a Muslim to finally silence people questioning her union with Padilla.
“No, there is no such plan. We already did the Muslim rights. If I convert it will be because of faith,” she said.
Mariel also clarified in a television interview she and Robin are not discussing any wedding details at present because they already exchanged vows in India last year.
Robin initially planned for a December Catholic wedding, but his divorce papers with estranged wife Liezl Sicangco did not arrive on time.
The couple then planned for a February wedding but it was postponed because of their busy schedule, which included the promotion of their first movie Tum: My Pledge of Love.
According to Mariel, what’s important is she’s with Robin and they take their vows seriously.
Report from SunStar
Published Date: May 11, 2011
Mariel not converting to Islam to ‘marry’ Robin thumbnail
Mariel Rodriguez and Robin Padilla
TELEVISION host Mariel Rodriguez dismissed reports she will convert to Islam to marry actor Robin Padilla, whom she already married in Muslim rites.
After the postponement of their Catholic Church wedding, it was reported that Mariel is keen on becoming a Muslim to finally silence people questioning her union with Padilla.
“No, there is no such plan. We already did the Muslim rights. If I convert it will be because of faith,” she said.
Mariel also clarified in a television interview she and Robin are not discussing any wedding details at present because they already exchanged vows in India last year.
Robin initially planned for a December Catholic wedding, but his divorce papers with estranged wife Liezl Sicangco did not arrive on time.
The couple then planned for a February wedding but it was postponed because of their busy schedule, which included the promotion of their first movie Tum: My Pledge of Love.
According to Mariel, what’s important is she’s with Robin and they take their vows seriously.
Report from SunStar
Renewable Energy Can Power the World, Says Landmark IPCC Study
Renewable Energy Can Power the World, Says Landmark IPCC Study
UN's climate change science body says renewables supply, particularly solar power, can meet global demand
by Fiona Harvey
Published on Monday, May 9, 2011 by The Guardian/UK
Renewable energy could account for almost 80% of the world's energy supply within four decades - but only if governments pursue the policies needed to promote green power, according to alandmark report published on Monday.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the body of the world's leading climate scientists convened by the United Nations, said that if the full range of renewable technologies were deployed, the world could keep greenhouse gas concentrations to less than 450 parts per million, the level scientists have predicted will be the limit of safety beyond which climate change becomes catastrophic and irreversible.
Investing in renewables to the extent needed would cost only about 1% of global GDP annually, said Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the IPCC.
Renewable energy is already growing fast – of the 300 gigawatts of new electricity generation capacity added globally between 2008 and 2009, about 140GW came from renewable sources, such as wind and solar power, according to the report.
The investment that will be needed to meet the greenhouse gas emissions targets demanded by scientists is likely to amount to about $5trn in the next decade, rising to $7trn from 2021 to 2030.
Ramon Pichs, co-chair of one of the key IPCC working groups, said: "The report shows that it is not the availability of [renewable] resources but the public policies that will either expand or constrain renewable energy development over the coming decades. Developing countries have an important stake in the future – this is where most of the 1.4 billion people without access to electricity live yet also where some of the best conditions exist for renewable energy deployment."
Sven Teske, renewable energy director at Greenpeace International, and a lead author of the report, said: "This is an invitation to governments to initiate a radical overhaul of their policies and place renewable energy centre stage. On the run up to the next major climate conference, COP17 in South Africa in December, the onus is clearly on governments to step up to the mark."
He added: "The IPCC report shows overwhelming scientific evidence that renewable energy can also meet the growing demand of developing countries, where over 2 billion people lack access to basic energy services and can do so at a more cost-competitive and faster rate than conventional energy sources. Governments have to kick start the energy revolution by implementing renewable energy laws across the globe."
The 1,000-page Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation (SRREN) marks the first time the IPCC has examined low-carbon energy in depth, and the first interim report since the body's comprehensive 2007 review of the science of climate change.
Although the authors are optimistic about the future of renewable energy, they note that many forms of the technology are still more expensive than fossil fuels, and find that the production of renewable energy will have to increase by as much as 20 times in order to avoid dangerous levels of global warming. Renewables will play a greater role than either nuclear or carbon capture and storage by 2050, the scientists predict.
Investing in renewables can also help poor countries to develop, particularly where large numbers of people lack access to an electricity grid.
About 13% of the world's energy came from renewable sources in 2008, a proportion likely to have risen as countries have built up their capacity since then, with China leading the investment surge, particularly in wind energy. But by far the greatest source of renewable energy used globally at present is burning biomass (about 10% of the total global energy supply), which is problematic because it can cause deforestation, leads to deposits of soot that accelerate global warming, and cooking fires cause indoor air pollution that harms health.
There was disappointment for enthusiasts of marine energy, however, as the report found that wave and tidal power were "unlikely to significantly contribute to global energy supply before 2020". Wind power, by contrast, met about 2% of global electricity demand in 2009, and could increase to more than 20% by 2050.
As with all IPCC reports, the summary for policymakers – the synopsis of the report that will be presented to governments and is likely to impact renewable energy policy – had to be agreed line by line and word by word unanimously by all countries. This was done at Monday's meeting in Abu Dhabi. This makes the process lengthy, but means that afterwards no government or scientist represented can say that they disagree with the finished findings, which the IPCC sees as a key strength of its operations.
The launch of the report is streamed on the IPCC web site.
Source URL: http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2011/05/09-6
UN's climate change science body says renewables supply, particularly solar power, can meet global demand
by Fiona Harvey
Published on Monday, May 9, 2011 by The Guardian/UK
Renewable energy could account for almost 80% of the world's energy supply within four decades - but only if governments pursue the policies needed to promote green power, according to alandmark report published on Monday.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the body of the world's leading climate scientists convened by the United Nations, said that if the full range of renewable technologies were deployed, the world could keep greenhouse gas concentrations to less than 450 parts per million, the level scientists have predicted will be the limit of safety beyond which climate change becomes catastrophic and irreversible.
Investing in renewables to the extent needed would cost only about 1% of global GDP annually, said Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the IPCC.
Renewable energy is already growing fast – of the 300 gigawatts of new electricity generation capacity added globally between 2008 and 2009, about 140GW came from renewable sources, such as wind and solar power, according to the report.
The investment that will be needed to meet the greenhouse gas emissions targets demanded by scientists is likely to amount to about $5trn in the next decade, rising to $7trn from 2021 to 2030.
Ramon Pichs, co-chair of one of the key IPCC working groups, said: "The report shows that it is not the availability of [renewable] resources but the public policies that will either expand or constrain renewable energy development over the coming decades. Developing countries have an important stake in the future – this is where most of the 1.4 billion people without access to electricity live yet also where some of the best conditions exist for renewable energy deployment."
Sven Teske, renewable energy director at Greenpeace International, and a lead author of the report, said: "This is an invitation to governments to initiate a radical overhaul of their policies and place renewable energy centre stage. On the run up to the next major climate conference, COP17 in South Africa in December, the onus is clearly on governments to step up to the mark."
He added: "The IPCC report shows overwhelming scientific evidence that renewable energy can also meet the growing demand of developing countries, where over 2 billion people lack access to basic energy services and can do so at a more cost-competitive and faster rate than conventional energy sources. Governments have to kick start the energy revolution by implementing renewable energy laws across the globe."
The 1,000-page Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation (SRREN) marks the first time the IPCC has examined low-carbon energy in depth, and the first interim report since the body's comprehensive 2007 review of the science of climate change.
Although the authors are optimistic about the future of renewable energy, they note that many forms of the technology are still more expensive than fossil fuels, and find that the production of renewable energy will have to increase by as much as 20 times in order to avoid dangerous levels of global warming. Renewables will play a greater role than either nuclear or carbon capture and storage by 2050, the scientists predict.
Investing in renewables can also help poor countries to develop, particularly where large numbers of people lack access to an electricity grid.
About 13% of the world's energy came from renewable sources in 2008, a proportion likely to have risen as countries have built up their capacity since then, with China leading the investment surge, particularly in wind energy. But by far the greatest source of renewable energy used globally at present is burning biomass (about 10% of the total global energy supply), which is problematic because it can cause deforestation, leads to deposits of soot that accelerate global warming, and cooking fires cause indoor air pollution that harms health.
There was disappointment for enthusiasts of marine energy, however, as the report found that wave and tidal power were "unlikely to significantly contribute to global energy supply before 2020". Wind power, by contrast, met about 2% of global electricity demand in 2009, and could increase to more than 20% by 2050.
As with all IPCC reports, the summary for policymakers – the synopsis of the report that will be presented to governments and is likely to impact renewable energy policy – had to be agreed line by line and word by word unanimously by all countries. This was done at Monday's meeting in Abu Dhabi. This makes the process lengthy, but means that afterwards no government or scientist represented can say that they disagree with the finished findings, which the IPCC sees as a key strength of its operations.
The launch of the report is streamed on the IPCC web site.
Source URL: http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2011/05/09-6
LPG prices down by 50 centavos per kilo
News Release
Office of Rep. Arnel U. Ty (LPG/MA)
Room 607 South Wing, House of Representatives, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Tel No. 931-5144
May 10, 2011
Independent refillers and dealers grouped under the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers’ Association (LPG/MA) have declared a 50 centavo per kilogram rollback in prices of the cooking fuel.
"LPG/MA members are pleased to announce to consumers that effective tomorrow, May 11, LPG prices will be slashed by 50 centavos per kilo,” said Rep. Arnel Ty, who represents the party-list group in Congress.
Ty explained that immediately after the killing of al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden by US forces on May 2, the international contract price of LPG went down by more than $100 per metric ton on hopes of diminished terror threats.
“As of today, the international contract price of LPG is still down by around $90 per metric ton compared to (the price) before Bin Laden was eliminated. Independent refillers are now in a position to lower prices,” said Ty, a member of the House energy committee.
"LPG/MA members are reducing prices by only 50 centavos per kilo because to begin, they previously raised prices by only P2.00 per kilo, whereas the big oil companies increased their prices by P3.00 per kilo,” Ty pointed out.
On the day Bin Laden was killed, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. declared an increase of P3 per kilo in LPG prices, or P33 per 11-kg cylinder.
As of today, Shell has not announced any price rollback.
Meanwhile, Ty and 18 other House members have filed a bill seeking to establish a cylinder exchange program as one of the strategies to ensure safety in the consumption of LPG, amid the rise in accidental fires caused by defective tanks of the cooking gas.
House Bill 3976 mandates the Department of Energy to set up an LPG Cylinder Exchange, Swapping and Rehabilitation Program for the benefit of consumers who may be in possession of dilapidated and hazardous tanks.
“The cylinder exchange scheme is one of the features of our bill, which basically sets the minimum fair standards of business conduct for all LPG industry participants, from importers to down to neighborhood dealers,” Ty said.
Representatives Winston Castelo, Randolph Ting, Dakila Cua, Lord Allan Jay Velasco, Sherwin Tunga, Raymond Mendoza, Rodante Marcoleta, Pastor Alcover Jr., Sharon Garin, Ponciano Payuyo, Mark Sambar, Eulogio Magsaysay, Catalina Leonen-Pizzaro, Salvador Cabaluna III, Michael Angelo Rivera, Rodel Batocabe, Christopher Co, and Alfredo Garbin Jr. are co-authors of the bill.
“Worn out cylinders in circulation pose a grave risk to public safety. We want to remove these substandard cylinders from the market. We want LPG consumers and the industry to start with a clean slate,” said Ty, a member of the House energy committee.
Thailand’s national government successfully carried out a one-time cylinder exchange program in 2001 to weed out old and faulty tanks, according to Ty.
“Thailand spent only the equivalent of around P600 million to support the program. They were able to take away 1.2 million potentially unsound cylinders from their market,” Ty said.
“Here, we don’t have yet a reliable estimate as to the number of possibly flawed cylinders. One industry group claims the number could be up to six million, but we have no way of verifying the accuracy of their figures,” Ty said.
“What is clear is that following the exchange program, our bill will provide adequate strategies to ensure that every LPG cylinder that comes out of a filling or refilling plant has gone through rigorous safety or re-qualifying tests,” he pointed out.
“This way, cylinders that get damaged from normal wear and tear will be methodically and promptly detected, repaired and re-qualified, or scrapped, as the case may be,” Ty added.
Besides launching the cylinder exchange program, HB 3976 also protects LPG consumers as well as legitimate industry participants against fraudulent refillers and traders, underfillers, hoarders, and illegal importers of second-hand and possibly spoiled cylinders.
Office of Rep. Arnel U. Ty (LPG/MA)
Room 607 South Wing, House of Representatives, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Tel No. 931-5144
May 10, 2011
Independent refillers and dealers grouped under the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers’ Association (LPG/MA) have declared a 50 centavo per kilogram rollback in prices of the cooking fuel.
"LPG/MA members are pleased to announce to consumers that effective tomorrow, May 11, LPG prices will be slashed by 50 centavos per kilo,” said Rep. Arnel Ty, who represents the party-list group in Congress.
Ty explained that immediately after the killing of al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden by US forces on May 2, the international contract price of LPG went down by more than $100 per metric ton on hopes of diminished terror threats.
“As of today, the international contract price of LPG is still down by around $90 per metric ton compared to (the price) before Bin Laden was eliminated. Independent refillers are now in a position to lower prices,” said Ty, a member of the House energy committee.
"LPG/MA members are reducing prices by only 50 centavos per kilo because to begin, they previously raised prices by only P2.00 per kilo, whereas the big oil companies increased their prices by P3.00 per kilo,” Ty pointed out.
On the day Bin Laden was killed, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. declared an increase of P3 per kilo in LPG prices, or P33 per 11-kg cylinder.
As of today, Shell has not announced any price rollback.
Meanwhile, Ty and 18 other House members have filed a bill seeking to establish a cylinder exchange program as one of the strategies to ensure safety in the consumption of LPG, amid the rise in accidental fires caused by defective tanks of the cooking gas.
House Bill 3976 mandates the Department of Energy to set up an LPG Cylinder Exchange, Swapping and Rehabilitation Program for the benefit of consumers who may be in possession of dilapidated and hazardous tanks.
“The cylinder exchange scheme is one of the features of our bill, which basically sets the minimum fair standards of business conduct for all LPG industry participants, from importers to down to neighborhood dealers,” Ty said.
Representatives Winston Castelo, Randolph Ting, Dakila Cua, Lord Allan Jay Velasco, Sherwin Tunga, Raymond Mendoza, Rodante Marcoleta, Pastor Alcover Jr., Sharon Garin, Ponciano Payuyo, Mark Sambar, Eulogio Magsaysay, Catalina Leonen-Pizzaro, Salvador Cabaluna III, Michael Angelo Rivera, Rodel Batocabe, Christopher Co, and Alfredo Garbin Jr. are co-authors of the bill.
“Worn out cylinders in circulation pose a grave risk to public safety. We want to remove these substandard cylinders from the market. We want LPG consumers and the industry to start with a clean slate,” said Ty, a member of the House energy committee.
Thailand’s national government successfully carried out a one-time cylinder exchange program in 2001 to weed out old and faulty tanks, according to Ty.
“Thailand spent only the equivalent of around P600 million to support the program. They were able to take away 1.2 million potentially unsound cylinders from their market,” Ty said.
“Here, we don’t have yet a reliable estimate as to the number of possibly flawed cylinders. One industry group claims the number could be up to six million, but we have no way of verifying the accuracy of their figures,” Ty said.
“What is clear is that following the exchange program, our bill will provide adequate strategies to ensure that every LPG cylinder that comes out of a filling or refilling plant has gone through rigorous safety or re-qualifying tests,” he pointed out.
“This way, cylinders that get damaged from normal wear and tear will be methodically and promptly detected, repaired and re-qualified, or scrapped, as the case may be,” Ty added.
Besides launching the cylinder exchange program, HB 3976 also protects LPG consumers as well as legitimate industry participants against fraudulent refillers and traders, underfillers, hoarders, and illegal importers of second-hand and possibly spoiled cylinders.
Monday, May 9, 2011
CASUALTY OF WAR: Never again should we allow this to happen. Took this photo during the war in 2008 after the MOA-AD was declared by the Supreme Court unconstitutional. The photo was taken in Barangay Tee, Datu Piang Maguindanao. This pregnant woman died with her four other younger siblings from shrapnels wounds of a bomb dropped by a fighter plane near the bangka that the Mandi family was supposed to paddle going to safer ground. By supporting the peace process, we could be helping avoid a similar incident.
GPH Panel Member speaks to top humanitarian journalists
GPH Panel Member speaks to top humanitarian journalists
Manila, May 10 – Government peace negotiator for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Miriam Colonel-Ferrer on Saturday spoke before finalists of the first Red Cross Humanitarian Reporting Awards.
In a forum prior to the awarding ceremonies, Ferrer shared her observations on Philippine media coverage of conflicts and peace processes.
“The armed conflict and the peace negotiations are highly visible in the media. This shows that the peace processes have remained in the national agenda,” Ferrer stated as she started her lecture.
She also said that efforts to make media more responsible and sensitive to reporting conflict have borne fruit, adding that what counts as news on the armed conflict have broadened.
“It’s no longer just the body count,” she observed.
However, Ferrer believes that there is still room for improvement in media’s reportage, such as the need for journalists to discuss concepts, not just report on events. For accuracy and deeper analysis, she also stressed the importance of securing and studying facts and data from diverse and reliable sources.
Further, she discussed some of the things media should avoid, one of which is the propaganda trap. “Propaganda is war by other means,” she quipped.
Other things she mentioned to avoid are spins that lead to misunderstanding and the “AFP said, armed group said” method of constructing a story.
“While this ‘he said, she said’ method may be an honest attempt at objectivity, it doesn’t provide a conclusion. It doesn’t leave the audience better off or with a clear understanding on who or what to support.”
Peace as the bottom line
Ferrer also recognized the role of 'netizens' or active internet surfers as writers for peace. In interactive websites where negative and thoughtless comments proliferate, she recommended that 'netizens' must raise the level of discourse and make it substantial. “Let’s keep up the discourse on the folly of war and the need for a peaceful settlement of the armed conflict. Let’s move away from name-calling.”
“The bottom line is that we have to build a national consensus that our problems cannot be solved by war, that it makes sense to report peace and peaceful means to end conflict,” Ferrer ended her lecture.
Other speakers and guests
Aside from Ferrer, two notable members of the media also served as resource persons of the forum.
Jason Gutierrez of the Agence France Press shared his experience as an embedded war correspondent while Antonio Cruz of tonyocruz.com spoke on his observations on the role of new media in conflict situations.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) communication coordinator Anastasia Isyuk for her part presented how the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) protects journalists and helps in conflict reporting.
Christoph Sutter, ICRC deputy head of delegation, and Philippine Red Cross Chair Dick Gordon each gave a salute to the journalists present, both underscoring the bravery of the press in light of the difficult and dangerous field they decided to cover.
“I am here to pay tribute to your bravery in bringing issues not often being reported…on your bravery to report what needs to make sense,” Sutter said.
Gordon, for his closing remarks, mentioned that “humanitarian reporting may not be as ‘salacious’ as what editors would want in a news story, but it behooves all of us to pay attention. It is about time we put these issues on the front pages.”
Awardees
“We have seen civilians targeted in armed conflicts. We believe that the best way to achieve stronger protection is to respect IHL. The media’s voice should be heard in favor of proper and responsible behavior in wars. Media, therefore has a responsibility to influence public opinion, weapon bearers and governments to avoid any encouragement to violate the IHL,” Isyuk stated.
The first Red Cross Humanitarian Reporting Awards were given to journalists who reported on civilians often forgotten or dismissed as “collateral damage” of war.
Isyuk said that conflict-sensitive reporting is one of the criteria for the selection of winners. This entails that the report or entries do not stereotype or label people or groups; not take advantage of the victims’ plight, but rather encourage the readers to move into action.
First prize winners include Frinston Lim of the Philippine Daily Inquirer-Mindanao for his in-depth story “Women grieve over land mine deaths” (print category); Marya Salamat of Bulatlat.com for her story entitled “Child rights advocates bewail distortion of child protection principles for counter-insurgency” (online category); and Ed Lingao of Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) for his documentary “Maguindanao, isang taon” (TV/radio category).
There were 23 finalists from a crop of 60 entries submitted to the Red Cross.
Coming from the mainstream media are finalists and recipients of special citations from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, and Malaya (print) ; Al Jazeera, PCIJ, and GMA-7 (TV/radio); and GMAnews.tv, Bulatlat.com, MindaNews, and VeraFiles (online).
The community media was also represented by finalists and recipients of special citations from SunStar Davao, The Mindanao Cross, Zamboanga Sibugay Tribune, DXND-AM in Kidapawan City, The Mountain Province Exponent and The Catarman Weekly Tribune.
Isyuk said that some of the issues highlighted by the contestants include media safety; plight of internally displaced people; peacebuilding initiatives and community projects; problems of children affected by conflicts; and indiscriminate use of weapons. #
Manila, May 10 – Government peace negotiator for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Miriam Colonel-Ferrer on Saturday spoke before finalists of the first Red Cross Humanitarian Reporting Awards.
In a forum prior to the awarding ceremonies, Ferrer shared her observations on Philippine media coverage of conflicts and peace processes.
“The armed conflict and the peace negotiations are highly visible in the media. This shows that the peace processes have remained in the national agenda,” Ferrer stated as she started her lecture.
She also said that efforts to make media more responsible and sensitive to reporting conflict have borne fruit, adding that what counts as news on the armed conflict have broadened.
“It’s no longer just the body count,” she observed.
However, Ferrer believes that there is still room for improvement in media’s reportage, such as the need for journalists to discuss concepts, not just report on events. For accuracy and deeper analysis, she also stressed the importance of securing and studying facts and data from diverse and reliable sources.
Further, she discussed some of the things media should avoid, one of which is the propaganda trap. “Propaganda is war by other means,” she quipped.
Other things she mentioned to avoid are spins that lead to misunderstanding and the “AFP said, armed group said” method of constructing a story.
“While this ‘he said, she said’ method may be an honest attempt at objectivity, it doesn’t provide a conclusion. It doesn’t leave the audience better off or with a clear understanding on who or what to support.”
Peace as the bottom line
Ferrer also recognized the role of 'netizens' or active internet surfers as writers for peace. In interactive websites where negative and thoughtless comments proliferate, she recommended that 'netizens' must raise the level of discourse and make it substantial. “Let’s keep up the discourse on the folly of war and the need for a peaceful settlement of the armed conflict. Let’s move away from name-calling.”
“The bottom line is that we have to build a national consensus that our problems cannot be solved by war, that it makes sense to report peace and peaceful means to end conflict,” Ferrer ended her lecture.
Other speakers and guests
Aside from Ferrer, two notable members of the media also served as resource persons of the forum.
Jason Gutierrez of the Agence France Press shared his experience as an embedded war correspondent while Antonio Cruz of tonyocruz.com spoke on his observations on the role of new media in conflict situations.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) communication coordinator Anastasia Isyuk for her part presented how the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) protects journalists and helps in conflict reporting.
Christoph Sutter, ICRC deputy head of delegation, and Philippine Red Cross Chair Dick Gordon each gave a salute to the journalists present, both underscoring the bravery of the press in light of the difficult and dangerous field they decided to cover.
“I am here to pay tribute to your bravery in bringing issues not often being reported…on your bravery to report what needs to make sense,” Sutter said.
Gordon, for his closing remarks, mentioned that “humanitarian reporting may not be as ‘salacious’ as what editors would want in a news story, but it behooves all of us to pay attention. It is about time we put these issues on the front pages.”
Awardees
“We have seen civilians targeted in armed conflicts. We believe that the best way to achieve stronger protection is to respect IHL. The media’s voice should be heard in favor of proper and responsible behavior in wars. Media, therefore has a responsibility to influence public opinion, weapon bearers and governments to avoid any encouragement to violate the IHL,” Isyuk stated.
The first Red Cross Humanitarian Reporting Awards were given to journalists who reported on civilians often forgotten or dismissed as “collateral damage” of war.
Isyuk said that conflict-sensitive reporting is one of the criteria for the selection of winners. This entails that the report or entries do not stereotype or label people or groups; not take advantage of the victims’ plight, but rather encourage the readers to move into action.
First prize winners include Frinston Lim of the Philippine Daily Inquirer-Mindanao for his in-depth story “Women grieve over land mine deaths” (print category); Marya Salamat of Bulatlat.com for her story entitled “Child rights advocates bewail distortion of child protection principles for counter-insurgency” (online category); and Ed Lingao of Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) for his documentary “Maguindanao, isang taon” (TV/radio category).
There were 23 finalists from a crop of 60 entries submitted to the Red Cross.
Coming from the mainstream media are finalists and recipients of special citations from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, and Malaya (print) ; Al Jazeera, PCIJ, and GMA-7 (TV/radio); and GMAnews.tv, Bulatlat.com, MindaNews, and VeraFiles (online).
The community media was also represented by finalists and recipients of special citations from SunStar Davao, The Mindanao Cross, Zamboanga Sibugay Tribune, DXND-AM in Kidapawan City, The Mountain Province Exponent and The Catarman Weekly Tribune.
Isyuk said that some of the issues highlighted by the contestants include media safety; plight of internally displaced people; peacebuilding initiatives and community projects; problems of children affected by conflicts; and indiscriminate use of weapons. #
Charter change answer to Bangsamoro problem
Charter change, answer to Bangsamoro problem—MILF
QUEZON City, May 8, 2011—A constitutionalist who is now a senior member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has claimed Charter change is the only way to end the Bangsamoro problem.
Atty. Michael Mastura, elected delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1971, said “there is no other way” to resolve the Bangsamoro problem but a Charter change “because our issue is a constitutional issue.”
He gave the statement in answer to a question raised by a nun during a series of consultation meetings with the MILF peace negotiators at TECHNOHUB along Commonwealth Ave.
One of the nuns who attended the consultation meeting had asked Mastura if the MILF proposal would require constitutional change.
“The answer to this question is the very solution to the issue of independenc,” the lawyer said.
Mastura and four other panel members took turns in answering the question raised by a representative of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines from different perspectives.
Passionate as he has ever been, Mastura emphasized that the MILF has already abandoned its bid for independence even if they could “not accept a unitary state,” a reason he cited in appealing for Filipinos to open their minds and closely examine their proposed draft comprehensive agreement that they handed to the government peace panel during the April 27-28 negotiation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Included in the MILF’s draft proposal is an annex that would detail two schemes in changing the constitution, one would be through referendum and the other is amendment by appendage, the latter, Mastura believes may not be readily acceptable for the government.
In expanding the claim that the Moro problem is a constitutional issue, Mastura cited Article 10 of the Constitution which he said has 14 sections about autonomy.
“What is being contested here is Article 10—about the autonomous region, which has 14 sections.”
He implied that what they were asking from government was too much of a compromise from their original demand for independence.
“We are no longer asking for a parity rights. We are only asking for parity esteem,” Mastura told a crowd of over a hundred representatives of church, and civil society organizations.
He added that when the MILF abandoned its demand for cessation, they were “open to unity. We want unity with you,” referring to the non-Muslims.
Since they were “open to unity,” Mastura relayed that they exerted efforts to ensure not to offend the non-Muslims by carefully choosing the language and words they used in their proposals, citing the “Bangsamoro Juridical Entity” in reference to the territory proposed to be government by the Bangsamoro people.
The BJE, classified in three categories, is composed of 785 barangays in Muslim dominated areas of Mindanao.
“But even the Supreme Court,” which botched the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain in 2008, “did not even know what it was.”
In the MILF’s draft, it proposed a State-Sub-state relationship between the national government and the Moro-governed region in Mindanao and since the country’s Constitution does not speak of it (State-Sub-state) the more there is a need to change the Charter, Mastura told the crowd which majority expressed support to the GPH-MILF peace process at the end of the consultation.
Many of the participants to the consultation admitted they campaigned against the MOA-AD in 2008 because they believed that changing the Constitution would open a floodgate of proposed changes to the Charter that would ensure then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could hold on to power.
The MILF said that the Aquino administration can change the Constitution through a constitutional process. (Romy Elusfa
QUEZON City, May 8, 2011—A constitutionalist who is now a senior member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has claimed Charter change is the only way to end the Bangsamoro problem.
Atty. Michael Mastura, elected delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1971, said “there is no other way” to resolve the Bangsamoro problem but a Charter change “because our issue is a constitutional issue.”
He gave the statement in answer to a question raised by a nun during a series of consultation meetings with the MILF peace negotiators at TECHNOHUB along Commonwealth Ave.
One of the nuns who attended the consultation meeting had asked Mastura if the MILF proposal would require constitutional change.
“The answer to this question is the very solution to the issue of independenc,” the lawyer said.
Mastura and four other panel members took turns in answering the question raised by a representative of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines from different perspectives.
Passionate as he has ever been, Mastura emphasized that the MILF has already abandoned its bid for independence even if they could “not accept a unitary state,” a reason he cited in appealing for Filipinos to open their minds and closely examine their proposed draft comprehensive agreement that they handed to the government peace panel during the April 27-28 negotiation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Included in the MILF’s draft proposal is an annex that would detail two schemes in changing the constitution, one would be through referendum and the other is amendment by appendage, the latter, Mastura believes may not be readily acceptable for the government.
In expanding the claim that the Moro problem is a constitutional issue, Mastura cited Article 10 of the Constitution which he said has 14 sections about autonomy.
“What is being contested here is Article 10—about the autonomous region, which has 14 sections.”
He implied that what they were asking from government was too much of a compromise from their original demand for independence.
“We are no longer asking for a parity rights. We are only asking for parity esteem,” Mastura told a crowd of over a hundred representatives of church, and civil society organizations.
He added that when the MILF abandoned its demand for cessation, they were “open to unity. We want unity with you,” referring to the non-Muslims.
Since they were “open to unity,” Mastura relayed that they exerted efforts to ensure not to offend the non-Muslims by carefully choosing the language and words they used in their proposals, citing the “Bangsamoro Juridical Entity” in reference to the territory proposed to be government by the Bangsamoro people.
The BJE, classified in three categories, is composed of 785 barangays in Muslim dominated areas of Mindanao.
“But even the Supreme Court,” which botched the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain in 2008, “did not even know what it was.”
In the MILF’s draft, it proposed a State-Sub-state relationship between the national government and the Moro-governed region in Mindanao and since the country’s Constitution does not speak of it (State-Sub-state) the more there is a need to change the Charter, Mastura told the crowd which majority expressed support to the GPH-MILF peace process at the end of the consultation.
Many of the participants to the consultation admitted they campaigned against the MOA-AD in 2008 because they believed that changing the Constitution would open a floodgate of proposed changes to the Charter that would ensure then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could hold on to power.
The MILF said that the Aquino administration can change the Constitution through a constitutional process. (Romy Elusfa
Charter change, answer to Bangsamoro problem—MILF
Charter change, answer to Bangsamoro problem—MILF
QUEZON City, May 8, 2011—A constitutionalist who is now a senior member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has claimed Charter change is the only way to end the Bangsamoro problem.
Atty. Michael Mastura, elected delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1971, said “there is no other way” to resolve the Bangsamoro problem but a Charter change “because our issue is a constitutional issue.”
He gave the statement in answer to a question raised by a nun during a series of consultation meetings with the MILF peace negotiators at TECHNOHUB along Commonwealth Ave.
One of the nuns who attended the consultation meeting had asked Mastura if the MILF proposal would require constitutional change.
“The answer to this question is the very solution to the issue of independenc,” the lawyer said.
Mastura and four other panel members took turns in answering the question raised by a representative of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines from different perspectives.
Passionate as he has ever been, Mastura emphasized that the MILF has already abandoned its bid for independence even if they could “not accept a unitary state,” a reason he cited in appealing for Filipinos to open their minds and closely examine their proposed draft comprehensive agreement that they handed to the government peace panel during the April 27-28 negotiation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Included in the MILF’s draft proposal is an annex that would detail two schemes in changing the constitution, one would be through referendum and the other is amendment by appendage, the latter, Mastura believes may not be readily acceptable for the government.
In expanding the claim that the Moro problem is a constitutional issue, Mastura cited Article 10 of the Constitution which he said has 14 sections about autonomy.
“What is being contested here is Article 10—about the autonomous region, which has 14 sections.”
He implied that what they were asking from government was too much of a compromise from their original demand for independence.
“We are no longer asking for a parity rights. We are only asking for parity esteem,” Mastura told a crowd of over a hundred representatives of church, and civil society organizations.
He added that when the MILF abandoned its demand for cessation, they were “open to unity. We want unity with you,” referring to the non-Muslims.
Since they were “open to unity,” Mastura relayed that they exerted efforts to ensure not to offend the non-Muslims by carefully choosing the language and words they used in their proposals, citing the “Bangsamoro Juridical Entity” in reference to the territory proposed to be government by the Bangsamoro people.
The BJE, classified in three categories, is composed of 785 barangays in Muslim dominated areas of Mindanao.
“But even the Supreme Court,” which botched the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain in 2008, “did not even know what it was.”
In the MILF’s draft, it proposed a State-Sub-state relationship between the national government and the Moro-governed region in Mindanao and since the country’s Constitution does not speak of it (State-Sub-state) the more there is a need to change the Charter, Mastura told the crowd which majority expressed support to the GPH-MILF peace process at the end of the consultation.
Many of the participants to the consultation admitted they campaigned against the MOA-AD in 2008 because they believed that changing the Constitution would open a floodgate of proposed changes to the Charter that would ensure then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could hold on to power.
The MILF said that the Aquino administration can change the Constitution through a constitutional process. (Romy Elusfa)
QUEZON City, May 8, 2011—A constitutionalist who is now a senior member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has claimed Charter change is the only way to end the Bangsamoro problem.
Atty. Michael Mastura, elected delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1971, said “there is no other way” to resolve the Bangsamoro problem but a Charter change “because our issue is a constitutional issue.”
He gave the statement in answer to a question raised by a nun during a series of consultation meetings with the MILF peace negotiators at TECHNOHUB along Commonwealth Ave.
One of the nuns who attended the consultation meeting had asked Mastura if the MILF proposal would require constitutional change.
“The answer to this question is the very solution to the issue of independenc,” the lawyer said.
Mastura and four other panel members took turns in answering the question raised by a representative of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines from different perspectives.
Passionate as he has ever been, Mastura emphasized that the MILF has already abandoned its bid for independence even if they could “not accept a unitary state,” a reason he cited in appealing for Filipinos to open their minds and closely examine their proposed draft comprehensive agreement that they handed to the government peace panel during the April 27-28 negotiation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Included in the MILF’s draft proposal is an annex that would detail two schemes in changing the constitution, one would be through referendum and the other is amendment by appendage, the latter, Mastura believes may not be readily acceptable for the government.
In expanding the claim that the Moro problem is a constitutional issue, Mastura cited Article 10 of the Constitution which he said has 14 sections about autonomy.
“What is being contested here is Article 10—about the autonomous region, which has 14 sections.”
He implied that what they were asking from government was too much of a compromise from their original demand for independence.
“We are no longer asking for a parity rights. We are only asking for parity esteem,” Mastura told a crowd of over a hundred representatives of church, and civil society organizations.
He added that when the MILF abandoned its demand for cessation, they were “open to unity. We want unity with you,” referring to the non-Muslims.
Since they were “open to unity,” Mastura relayed that they exerted efforts to ensure not to offend the non-Muslims by carefully choosing the language and words they used in their proposals, citing the “Bangsamoro Juridical Entity” in reference to the territory proposed to be government by the Bangsamoro people.
The BJE, classified in three categories, is composed of 785 barangays in Muslim dominated areas of Mindanao.
“But even the Supreme Court,” which botched the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain in 2008, “did not even know what it was.”
In the MILF’s draft, it proposed a State-Sub-state relationship between the national government and the Moro-governed region in Mindanao and since the country’s Constitution does not speak of it (State-Sub-state) the more there is a need to change the Charter, Mastura told the crowd which majority expressed support to the GPH-MILF peace process at the end of the consultation.
Many of the participants to the consultation admitted they campaigned against the MOA-AD in 2008 because they believed that changing the Constitution would open a floodgate of proposed changes to the Charter that would ensure then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could hold on to power.
The MILF said that the Aquino administration can change the Constitution through a constitutional process. (Romy Elusfa)
MILF peace proposal ‘doable, acceptable,’ bishop says
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Govt, CPLA prepare for closure agreement
GPH, CBA-CPLA prepare for closure agreement
Manila, May 9 – Following the signing of a joint declaration to indicate their steadfast commitment to fast track peace and development in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA) are working towards a closure agreement that will lead to the transformation of the armed group into a legitimate socio-economic entity, and disposition of its arms and forces.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles said that the closure agreement will “entail an essential shift in the way the CPLA views itself.”
“No longer as an armed group with a command structure that has commanders as leaders and combatants as members, but as a potent socio-economic, unarmed force that can directly make a difference in the lives of their families and communities,” she stated during the signing of the Joint Declaration of Commitment for Peace held last Friday at the Ortigas Park in Pasig City.
The peace adviser related that the closure agreement will embody six elements: community projects for identified communities; livelihood and employment support for CPLA members; sub-regional development projects; legacy documentation; final disposition of arms and forces; transformation of the CBA-CPLA into a potent, unarmed, socio-economic organization.
“We have from each side designated our joint panel which will be working very hard to detail the contents and procedures that will go into the agreement,” Deles said, adding that the closure pact will be signed in Malacañang upon approval of President Benigno Aquino III in the soonest possible time.
‘We are ready’
CPLA Chair Arsenio Humiding said that their group is ready to transform itself and face the enormous challenge of helping their communities surmount poverty. “Our organization is ready. The commitment is clear that we are willing and ready to transform,” he stated during his speech.
He expressed high hopes that the Aquino administration will “lead us head on.”
“Right now, we’re going to start with something new. We’ve proven to the Cordillera that the CBA-CPLA is strong, consolidated and united to stand on behalf of the Cordillera,” he said.
Humiding added that the preparation for the closure agreement has been an arduous process of dialogues and consultations.
He called on the various sectors to support the peace process between the GPH and the CBA-CPLA. “We need to act and finish the Mt. Data Accord. This has long been overdue and it’s time to be finished.”
CBA President Marcelina Bahatan, on the other hand, appreciated the “initiative of the current adviser (Deles) to work for the closure of the peace agreement.”
Commitment of support
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) Secretary Dinky Soliman expressed solidarity with the government and CBA-CPLA’s mutual pursuit for a negotiated political settlement.
She said that DSWD is eager to assist them in their plans of developing their communities through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resolute Communities) or PAMANA program.
“Under PAMANA, we will complement your efforts to achieve genuine development in the Cordillera,” Soliman told the more than 100 members of the CBA-CPLA who arrived all the way from CAR.
Pura Sumangil, chair of the Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Governance (CCAGG), a civil society organization who has been helping the government mainstream former combatants in CAR for many years, proposed to help the GPH and the CBA-CPLA by keeping watch of the implementation of the closure pact.
“We offer ourselves to monitor for free the flow of seed investments coming from the government to the CPLA. This is to protect these investments at the same time ensure its honest project implementation,” she said, while challenging both parties to remain committed to the agreement. #
Manila, May 9 – Following the signing of a joint declaration to indicate their steadfast commitment to fast track peace and development in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA) are working towards a closure agreement that will lead to the transformation of the armed group into a legitimate socio-economic entity, and disposition of its arms and forces.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles said that the closure agreement will “entail an essential shift in the way the CPLA views itself.”
“No longer as an armed group with a command structure that has commanders as leaders and combatants as members, but as a potent socio-economic, unarmed force that can directly make a difference in the lives of their families and communities,” she stated during the signing of the Joint Declaration of Commitment for Peace held last Friday at the Ortigas Park in Pasig City.
The peace adviser related that the closure agreement will embody six elements: community projects for identified communities; livelihood and employment support for CPLA members; sub-regional development projects; legacy documentation; final disposition of arms and forces; transformation of the CBA-CPLA into a potent, unarmed, socio-economic organization.
“We have from each side designated our joint panel which will be working very hard to detail the contents and procedures that will go into the agreement,” Deles said, adding that the closure pact will be signed in Malacañang upon approval of President Benigno Aquino III in the soonest possible time.
‘We are ready’
CPLA Chair Arsenio Humiding said that their group is ready to transform itself and face the enormous challenge of helping their communities surmount poverty. “Our organization is ready. The commitment is clear that we are willing and ready to transform,” he stated during his speech.
He expressed high hopes that the Aquino administration will “lead us head on.”
“Right now, we’re going to start with something new. We’ve proven to the Cordillera that the CBA-CPLA is strong, consolidated and united to stand on behalf of the Cordillera,” he said.
Humiding added that the preparation for the closure agreement has been an arduous process of dialogues and consultations.
He called on the various sectors to support the peace process between the GPH and the CBA-CPLA. “We need to act and finish the Mt. Data Accord. This has long been overdue and it’s time to be finished.”
CBA President Marcelina Bahatan, on the other hand, appreciated the “initiative of the current adviser (Deles) to work for the closure of the peace agreement.”
Commitment of support
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) Secretary Dinky Soliman expressed solidarity with the government and CBA-CPLA’s mutual pursuit for a negotiated political settlement.
She said that DSWD is eager to assist them in their plans of developing their communities through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resolute Communities) or PAMANA program.
“Under PAMANA, we will complement your efforts to achieve genuine development in the Cordillera,” Soliman told the more than 100 members of the CBA-CPLA who arrived all the way from CAR.
Pura Sumangil, chair of the Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Governance (CCAGG), a civil society organization who has been helping the government mainstream former combatants in CAR for many years, proposed to help the GPH and the CBA-CPLA by keeping watch of the implementation of the closure pact.
“We offer ourselves to monitor for free the flow of seed investments coming from the government to the CPLA. This is to protect these investments at the same time ensure its honest project implementation,” she said, while challenging both parties to remain committed to the agreement. #
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