Monthly Archives: August 2010

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Anti-mining strengthened

August 30, 2010 in Cordillera, mining

By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Members and convenors of the Benguet Mining Action Alert Network (BMAAN) vowed to further safeguard their homeland from the entry of big mining companies and other development aggression projects.

The BMAAN is composed of indigenous peoples, peasants, church workers, industrial workers, officials from the local government units of the 12 municipalities of Benguet namely, Kibungan, Atok, Bakun, Mankayan, Buguias, Kapangan, Itogon, Tuba, La Trinidad, Tublay, Bokod and Kabayan.

There are convenors from different organizations and alliances like the Cordillera Peoples Alliance, representatives for the mine workers, the Benguet Youth, Alyansa Dagiti Pesante Iti Taeng Kordilyera (Apit-Tako), Mankayan, Quirino, Tadian, Cervantes Danggayan a Gunglo (Maquitacdeg), Bantay ken Kinabaknang ti Umuli a Nagtaudan-Aywanan (Bakun Aywanan) among others.

In the observation of its anniversary since its establishment on August 14, 2009, BMAAN convenors met to discuss the updates on the mining industry here and abroad.

According to CPA Deputy Secretary General Santos Mero, the experience of the indigenous peoples around the world against mining is significant. Mero said it can be noted that the big mining corporations are never in good relations with the IPs in the areas where they are present or planning to operate.

Mero said that in the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, it seems that the cries of the people especially the indigenous communities are yet to be heard. He reminded the convenors that Aquino in his speech during his inauguration months ago did not mention anything about the preservation of the environment and the respect of IP rights.

Mero explained that a month after Aquino sat in Malacañang, the President met with the officials of the Philippine Chamber on Mining, appointed Ramon Paje who served as Presidential Assistant to the Mining Executive Director on Mining Development Coucil as the new Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and even interfering in the staunch position of the LGU of South Cotabato against the entry of open-pit mining.

It seems that the policy on the revitalization of mining through Executive Order 270 under Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is being continued by Aquino. During the term of Arroyo, there were 23 mining applications and operations throughout the country that rose to 63 in 2007. Five of these are in the Cordillera, mostly in the province of Benguet.

According to Mero, there is renewed filing of mining applications in this administration. It should be noted that big business tycoons like Lucio Tan, San Miguel Corporation and Eduardo Cojuangco who previously were not interested in mining, are now collaboating with mining companies.

There is also an expansion of magnetite mining especially in the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Norte, Cagayan and Isabela. There is also an increase in coal mining contracts.

Here in the Cordillera, Mero shared, there are 215 approved and pending mining and exploration applications. In these applications, the rights of the IPs on Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) are at stake.

“Mabigla laengen dagiti umili ta adda gayam naaproban nga aplikasyon ti minas idiay ayan da,” (The people are caught unaware that there are already approved mining applications in their area) said Mero.

Mero said that in places where there are mining applications and when there are strong opposition, troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are being poured in.

“Kumarkaro ti militarisasyon ken umad-adu dagiti panaglabsing kadagiti karbengan a pangtao.” (Militarization escalates and more human rights violations are committed.)

Bakun-Aywanan Secretary General Ernesto Soliben said troops from the 503rd Brigade of the Philippine Arrny were deployed in the areas of Bakun.

The said brigade is operating in Abra and parts of Benguet and Mountain Province.

BMAAN spokesperson Engineer Vergel Aniceto declared that opposition of the IPs grows stronger.

He said the Bakun folks are consolidating their ranks in their opposition against the entry of a mining company from Brazil owned by Vale through Royalco Mining Company.

He said the Commission on Human Rights found that there are violations against the FPIC rights of the community of Gambang, Bakun. FPIC is facilitated by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to get the consensus of the community affected by the entry of a mining exploration.

Aniceto also noted the strong position of the Save the Apayao Peoples Organization (SAPO) against Oceana Gold Mining Corporation. Aniceto said the people of Kibungan and Bakun are on guard against the entry of Solfotara Mining Company.

BMAAN will continue its campaign against destructive mining operations and development aggressions, Aniceto said. To achieve this, the organization will consolidate its forces through a massive information and education campaign.

Aniceto said BMAAN will continue organizing the people of Benguet.

Aniceto added that the network will study the utilization of the provisions of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in their campaign. # nordis.net

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NV SSM push for “Minahan ng Bayan”

August 30, 2010 in Cagayan Valley, mining

By BEN MOSES EBREO/PIA NVizcaya
www.nordis.net

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Small scale miners in barangays Didipio and Alimit in this town have asked government officials to provide them legal areas to mine or “Minahan ng Bayan” areas as a source of their livelihood.

Marilou Nablul, barangay captain of Didipio said small scale miners, composed of tunnel owners and buyers of mineral by-products are pushing for the government’s declaration of mining area for the affected villagers.

“Small scale mining has been the source of livelihood among our constituents for many years, it is where they source out money to send their children to school,” Nablul said.

She said the buyers of mineral by-products have sought assistance from local and national government officials last week, asking for the release of their vehicles which were earlier impounded by environment officials.

The impounded vehicles contained tons of mineral by-products called “Luyot.”

The villagers also asked local government officials to allow them to resume the transport of their mineral by-products.

According to Nablul, the villagers have invested more than a million pesos in buying the mineral by-products when these were seized by local environment enforcers while they were on their way to sell them outside the province.

“We are only asking you to allow us to transport and sell these mineral by-products. Once we will sell them, we will stop once and for all because we did not know that it was illegal,” said Josephine Pugong, president of the mineral buyers in barangay Didipio.

In the hope to address the clamor of Didipio and alimit small scale miners for legal areas to mine and resolve the on going rift the said miners and Ocena Gold Philippines Inc. (OGPI) over mining areas covered by Financial Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) granted to the OGPI by the national government, the provincial government is in the process of organaizing the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) which will be chaired by the regional director of the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR).

Engr. Jeoffrey Prado, MGB coordinator for Nueva Vizcaya said under the law, the PMRB is the only body which can process and grant mining applications among small scale miners. He added that the “Minahan ng Bayan” can be recommended by the PMRB as one of its major functions.

Prado however said the FTAA holder or OGPI should relinquish the proposed area before it could be legally declared as a mining area for the villagers.

“We need to get the consent of the mining company before the DENR can approved its declaration as a “Minahan ng Bayan,” Prado said.

Mining areas in barangays Alimit and Didipio are covered by the OGPI’s FTAA which was granted in 1995, allowing the exploration of high grade gold and copper deposits. # nordis.net

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CAR dengue mortality rises

August 30, 2010 in Cordillera, health

By ALMA SINUMLAG
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY – Regional Epidemology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) reported 11 deaths due to dengue fever in the region in a report to the Department of Health dated August 24, 2010.

Nine died in CAR while the other 2 died in region 2. However, RESU included them as fatalities in CAR because according to them, they are Cordillerans.

The nine who died in CAR are the following: 8 year old female from Samoki, Bontoc, Mountain Province; 24 year old female from Middle Quarry, Baguio City; 58 year old male from Tocucan, Bontoc; 11 months old male from Itogon, Benguet; 18 year old male from Maligcong, Abra; 39 year old female from La Trinidad, Benguet; 7 months old from Loakan, Apugan, Baguio City; 12 year old female from Bangued, Abra; and a 5 year old male from Cervantes, Ilocos Sur.

The deaths ocurred within the months of June to August.

The Disease Reporting Unit (DRU) recorded 2,577 cases of dengue fever from January 1 up to August 21. According to DRU, this is a 1.53 fold increase compared to the same period last year.

Ifugao has the highest number of cases with 612, followed by Baguio with 492 cases, Benguet with 455 cases, Mountain Province with 420 cases, Kalinga with 366 cases, Apayao with 141 cases and non-CAR provinces with 91 cases.

In the data, ages affected by this disease ranged from 4 days old baby to 87 years old. It was also noted that cases had exceeded and reached the epidemic threshold.

According to DoH, the worsening situation is believed to be caused by lack of planning, uncontrolled population growth, pollution and garbage and lack of community involvement. Thus, they are implementing information drive on the ways that communities may adopt to initiate concerted efforts to fight dengue.

In their brochure, DoH informs that “dengue is a disease transmitted from person to person through the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito harboring the dengue virus.” The process of the life cycle and growth of the Aedes mosquito was also explained.

Moreover, Aedes mosquitos only bites during the day, mostly 2 hours after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset. It lives in dark shaded areas and lays eggs in clean, clear, and stagnant water.

It was also stated in the brochure that Aedes mosquito prefer to bite humans. It is attracted to moving persons and bites from behind. It also increases during rainy season.

The signs and symptoms of dengue according to the DoH brochure are the following: high continuous fever that lasts for 2 – 7 days, skin flushing, hemorrhagic manifestations like nose bleeding and/or gum bleeding, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. They also corrected the myths on dengue like burning trash or dried leaves is one way of preventing dengue. It stated that “burning trash or dried leaves is not effective in preventing dengue because it does not kill the mosquito. It will only drive these away.”

Also, the belief that dengue is transmitted or transferred by coughing, touching or staying near a person with dengue is not true. According to DoH, the only way of getting infected with dengue is through the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito.

To prevent this fever, DoH is promoting the 4S to fight dengue. These are: Search and destroy areas where Aedes mosquito can live; Seek immediate consultation when fever has reached 2 days; Say “No” to indiscriminate fogging, and Self – protection measures like using insect repellant and wearing long sleeves shirts.Dr. Myrna Cabotaje of DoH said that dengue cases will surely lessen when the rainy season will end. # nordis.net

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MP stands pat against corporate mines

August 30, 2010 in Baguio City, transport

By GINA DIZON
www.nordis.net

SAGADA, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE – Some 40 officials of the four Local Government Units (LGU) of Sagada, Bauko, Tadian, and Sabangan reiterated their strong opposition to the Notice of Application for Exploration Permit by the Cordillera Exploration, Inc (CEXI).

The said application filed by CEXI, , a subsidiary of US-based Anglo- Saxon Gold Mining Company with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera Administrative Region (MGB-DENR-CAR), the area covers 1,872.50 hectares of barangays Ambasing of Sagada; Duagan and Sumadel of Tadian; and barangays Bagnen Oriente, Bagnen Proper, Bila, Guinzadan Norte, Guinzadan Sur, Lesseb, Maba-ay, Sadsaddan, and Tapapan of Bauko town.

The LGU officials forwarded their collective opposition to the application in writing as resolved in their July 14 meeting to the MGB-DENR-CAR offices.

In their joint resolution and petition, they strongly cited disadvantages of mining against the advantages of employment and monetary contributions to the LGU coffers.

The LGU officials’ resolution noted the clear and present danger to the environment and therefore to the community as necessited by the extractive nature of mining operations that eventually will cause the loss of sustainable economic sources for the next generations.

Councilor Kapon Gomgom-o of Sagada reminded the August body of a study by the University of the Philippines noting evidences of soil creep in Sagada. Soil creep refers to a mass movement due to the expansion and contraction of the water as it moves down slope.

A report in 2004 by the MGB-DENR-CAR also identified “Ankileng, Sagada as one of the 40 geological hazard areas in the Cordillera due to ground subsidence and unstable ground hazards.” Ankileng is adjacent to Ambasing barangay, one of the prospected barangays in the said application.

The MGB-DENR-CAR report cited that Sagada municipality “may also be prone to other natural and geologic hazards because its southeastern side is close to a fault line from Apayao down south towards Otucan, Bauko.”

Also, Tadian Councilor Vic Turtem noted that exploration activities including mapping and research already paves the way for further mining operations. Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) of Sagada chairman Jaime Dugao also noted that allowing the company to explore the presence of minerals may be a prelude to claim approval of the barangays.

Former Ambasing Barangay chairman and now incumbent Councilor Francis Kilongan said that the Barangay Council of Ambasing recently forwarded its strong opposition to the application of said mining corporation, and to any application for a mining exploration permit through a resolution also forwarded to the MGB-DENR-CAR.

Councilor Jose Pasan of Tadian also informed the body that constituents of the municipality led by their LGU officials consistently opposed mining explorations in their municipality since 2001 and finds no reason to stop now.

In the same event, Councilor Ricky Samidan also added Bauko LGU officials’ strong opposition to the CEXI application for an exploration permit.

Also, Councilor Ernesto Bondad of the Sangguniang Bayan of Sabangan relayed that though the application does not cover any barangay of his municipality, he addeed their united and solidarity opposition to the same, considering the proximity of the area appliied for to the jurisdiction of Sabangan.

It is historical that people of the Mountain Province have consistently voiced their opposition to mining operations especially large-scale mining in their communities.# nordis.net

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Eso-Nice franchise under investigation

August 30, 2010 in Baguio City, transport

By ALMA SINUMLAG
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY – The franchise of Eso-Nice mini bus is under scrutiny because of possible violation of the moratorium in the inclusion of Baguio City in its route.

This is according to Mr. Robert Pocais, Chief of Land Transportation Office (LTO) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) operations division in an interview. The approval of the franchise by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is questionable because the inclusion of Baguio City in the route of Eso-Nice bus should be approved by the city council before the approval of the LTFRB. But what happened, he said, is that the LTFRB issued their franchise without the city council approving it.

This issue will be included in the 2nd hearing regarding the accident last week in Banangan, Sablan that claimed 42 lives. The Eso-Nice bus company will be held responsible. The said hearing will be on September 2, 2010 in LTFRB.

Eso-Nice will also present their Certificate of road worthiness that the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) claimed as fake. Drug and neuropsychiatric tests of Eso Nice drivers will also be presented.

As of now, DOTC is monitoring if the Eso Nice is complying with their suspended operations in a period of 30 days.

Meanwhile, Provincial Prosecutor Benedick Pataras forwarded subpoena to respondents Romeo Subang Jr., the bus driver and Edward Lacsamana, the bus operator of alleged reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide, multiple serious physical injuries and damage to property on August 24.

Pataras said they will wait for the reply of the respondents within 10 days. In case there will be no reply coming from them, they will forward the case to the court. Although Eso-Nice is claiming that they sold the ill-fated unit that fell into the ravine, they are still involved in the charges because the franchise is still under the company and Pataras said it is just legal to include them in the charges.

The bus conductor John Patrick Flores was dismissed because according to Pataras, he did not see any reason to involve him in the charges. “Wala pa akong nakitang kaso ng bus or jeeney crashes na nai-involve ang konduktor sa kaso. Sa katunayan, illegal detention nga ang nangyari sa kanya kasi lumagpas na iyong oras ng detention niya sa 24 hours bago ko siya ni-release.” (I have not seen any bus or jeepney crashes that involved the conductor in the case. In fact, what happened to him is illegal detention because he has already exceeded the 24 hour detention before I had him released), he said. # nordis.net

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UP holds forum to re-present IP in media

August 30, 2010 in indigenous, national

By KIMBERLIE OLMAYA NGABIT-QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY – In its effort to correct prevailing misconceptions and misrepresentations of indigenous peoples (IPs), the Program for Indigenous Cultures (PIC-USC) of the University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio hosted a forum with the theme Re-presenting the Indigenous in Media.

PIC Chairperson Wilfredo V. Alangui said that the mass media has long been disseminating inaccurate images and ideas about IPs . At the same time, he acknowledges that mass media can also be a powerful vehicle to correct these misrepresentations.

Alangui further said the forum hopes to contribute to correct IP misrepresentations in mass media. “We have invited speakers to talk about how IPs are re-presented in various forms of media and promote a better understanding of and respect for IPs,” he added.

In her presentation, Airah T. Cadiogan, said that the misrepresentations of IPs in advertisements perpetuates racial discrimination contrary to the claims of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in their report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN CERD) that racial discrimination does not exist in the Philippines.

Cadiogan further said stereotypical representations of IPs in advertisement or the mass media at large continues because the social structure that enables these misrepresentations still exist.

Also, Cadiogan iterates that mass media can play a key role to promote a greater understanding of IPs as 62% of Filipinos rely on media for information. She called on media practitioners to pay more attention to the accuracy in their presentations of IPs with respect to their culture, beliefs and traditions. She also encouraged IP groups and organizations to take an active role in educating the mass media about their way of life.

Sacha Weygan, on the other hand talked about cyberspace becoming a venue for ethnic identity reconstruction. She studied several Igorot (indigenous peoples of the Cordillera) websites and concluded that these sites enabled Igorots to assert their ethnic identity despite being “geographically displaced from their homes.”

She added that more than identity assertion, these websites provide venues for Igorots to perform their identity primarily by using their own language.

“The existence of these websites show that there is a struggle for the survival and revival of ethnic identity in cyberspace for identity recognition and expression, most specifically as more and more people are being geographically displaced from their homes,” Weygan said.

The last speaker, Prof. Ruth Tindaan discussed the misrepresentation of Igorots in the movies and how the cinema can be used in correcting these misrepresentations and in promoting the issues that the Igorots face.

Tindaan said the attempts of Igorot film makers to penetrate the mainstream film industry is a way of asserting their identity as a people. She added that film making is a venue for empowerment and resistance for the Igorot community. She, however recognizes that it is not easy for a marginalized group to participate in this profit driven industry.

“The practice of Igorot cinema may then be described as an act of resistance that refuses dominant social categories and undertakes a reformulation of cinematic language, so that the films’ expressive traditions and meanings are filtered through the Igorot experience,” Tindaan said.

The said forum was held last August 26 at the UP Bulwagang Juan Luna as part of UP Baguio’s celebration of August as IP month. It was co-sponsored by Pagawisan Tako Am-in (Pagta) and the University Student Council. # nordis.net

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Cordillerans public service exemplar

August 30, 2010 in national, people

www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY – The Civil Service Commission as the program administrator of the Honor Awards Program (HAP) announces the semi-finalists for the 2010 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees (SOPOE).

The semi-finalists are: 1) Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award: Dr. Belinda A. Tad-awan, Professor III, Benguet State University; Ms. Vilma C. Ambat, Master Teacher I, Baguio City National High School; Hon. Nestor N. Fongwan, Governor, Provincial Government of Benguet; “Trees for Books/Books for Trees”, The Regional Public Affairs Office, DENR-CAR; 2) Dangal ng Bayan Award: Mr. Ambrosio T. Atew, School Principal II, Puguis Elementary School, DEPED Benguet; Mr. Hilario B. Quintos, Administrative Aide III (Driver), Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Government of Abra.

Recognition and conferment of awards to winners shall be during the month-long celebration of the anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service in September 2010.

Lingkod Bayan awardees receive a gold (gilded) medallion, a plaque containing the citation and signature of the President of the Philippines & cash award of P100,000. The Dangal ng Bayan awardee shall receive a trophy designed and executed by National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva, P100,000 cash reward and other forms of incentives. Aside from the regular incentives, additional incentives in the form of scholarship privileges (bachelor’s degree, masteral or doctorate) may be given to individual awardees. The scholarship may be availed of in CSC partner schools nationwide: University of the Philippines; Philippine Normal University; Technological University of the Philippines; and in CAR: Benguet State University; Ifugao State University and the Kalinga-Apayao State College. Presently, two HAP awardees from CAR have availed of the HAP Scholarship Program.

On September 29, CSC – CAR shall conduct the regional recognition program in Baguio City for public service exemplars in the region. The recognition program is the culminating activity in observance of the annual celebration of the Philippine Civil Service anniversary. Winners and finalists of the 2010 SOPOE shall be recognized during the event together with their nominators.

Another highlight of the regional event shall be the recognition of 2010 winners in the local CSC – CAR’s Search for the Best Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee. # CSC-CAR Release/nordis.net

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Mga dapat malaman sa BT talong

August 30, 2010 in agriculture, national

www.nordis.net

(Ang sumusunod ay pinaiksing primer na ginawa ng Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikutura (MASIPAG) para ipaalam sa publiko ang oposisyon nila sa Bt-talong.)

Mahalagang bahagi ng pagkain ng mga Pilipino ang talong o eggplant. Mayaman ito sa sustansya gaya ng bitamina, minerals, carbohydrates, fiber, fat at protina. Popular itong pagkain ng mga mahihirap dahil bukod sa mura ay madali itong itanim at paramihin.

1. Ano ang Bt-Talong?

Ang Bt-talong ay isang uri ng genetically modified (GM) crop na nilikha sa pamamagitan ng artipisyal na pagsalin ng lahi mula sa isang mikrobyo (Bacillus thuringiensis) sa lupa para magkaroon ito ng sariling lason laban sa mga uod (fruit and shoot borer). Tinatawag din itong Fruit-and-ShootBorer-Resistant talong o FSBR talong at Bt Brinjal sa India.

2. Paano gumagana ang Bt-talong para patayin ang uod na Fruit-and-ShootBorer (FSB)?

Kapag kinain ng uod ang katawan o bunga ng Bt-talong, nakakain din nila ang lason na galing sa lahi ng mikrobyo na naisalin dito. Tinutunaw ng lasong ito ang sikmura ng uod. Ang pagkasira ng sikmura ng uod ang nagiging dahilan ng kamatayan nito.

3. Ano ang ating pagtingin?

a. Ginamit na basehan ng mga taga-suporta ng Bt-talong ang dossier o pag-aaral na ginawa ng Mahyco. Nakakapagtaka sapagkat mismong sa India kung saan nagmula ang Bt-talong ay nagkaroon ng moratorium upang ito ay masusing mapag-aralan. Wala pang impormasyon kung mayroon nga bang lokal at independiyenteng pag-aaral dito sa Pilipinas hinggil sa Bt-talong.

b. Kung maaaprubahan ang komersyalisasyon, ang Bt-talong ang kauna-unahang GM crop na pagkain sa bansa. Ilalagay nito sa alanganin ang kalusugan ng mamamayang Pilipino lalo na at kabilang ang talong sa pang-araw araw na pagkain.

c. Dahil sa maluwag na biosafety law dito sa Pilipinas at maka-GMO na regulators, ginagawang staging grounds ang ating bansa sa komersyalisasyon ng GM crops. Sa Asya, isa ang Pilipinas sa nag-apruba ng napakaraming bilang ng GM crops.

d. Pinipigilan ng ganitong mga teknolohiya ang malayang pagpapalitan ng binhi ng mga magsasaka gaya ng hybrid Bt-talong na kada taniman ay kailangang bumili ng mga magsasaka sa mga seed companies. Sa pagsasa-pribado ng binhi, tinatayang tataas din ang gastusin ng mga magsasaka.

e. Wala ding ginawang konsultasyon sa mga magsasaka hinggil sa paggamit ng mga native talong varieties. Maaaring mawala din ang mga native talong varieties dahil sa kontaminasyon.

f. Maraming mga paraan para sagutin ang mga problema ng mga magsasaka ng hindi na kinakailangan pa ng Bt o GMO technology. Isa na dito ang likas-kayang pagsasaka upang tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga magsasaka sa pagkain at kabuhayan.

4. Ano ang naging pagsusuri ng mga independyenteng siyentista sa dossier na ipinasa ng Mahyco?

Maraming problemang lumabas sa dossier o ulat sa Bt-talong ayon sa pag-aaral ng mga independyenteng siyentista?

a. Ang ulat hinggil sa pag-aaral ng Bt-talong ay ginawa mismo ng Mahyco, ang lumikha ng Bt-talong. Walang naging independyenteng pagsusuri dito.

b. Hindi tugma ang pag-aaral na ginawa ng Mahyco sa kakayahan ng lason na pumuksa (toxicity test) ng mga target at at iba pang insekto sapagkat ang lason ng Bt-talong ay kaiba sa lason na kanilang iniulat (improper Cry1 toxin) sa dossier.

c. Kakaiba ang alkaloid content ng Bt-talong at mas mababa ang porsyento ng enerhiyang makukuha (lower kcal) sa pagkain nito kumpara sa natural na talong.

d. Nagtataglay din ng resistensya sa kanamycin (ang kanamycin ay isang uri ng antibiotic) ang Bt-talong. Nangangamba ang mga siyentista sapagkat maaaring lumipat ang katangiang Bt-talong.

e. Maigsing panahon lang ang ibinigay para pag-aralan ang toxicity ng Bt-talong sa mga hayop. Hindi sapat ang 90 araw na pag-aaral sa hayop upang makita kung maaring magdulot ng kanser o tumor sa pagitan ng mga salinlahi (intergeneration studies).

f. Dahil cross-pollinated din ang talong (may 2% hanggang 48% na posibilidad), mataas ang tendensiya na magkaroon ng kontaminasyon sa mga native na varieties. Maari din nitong mahawahan ang tabako, sapagkat ito ay malapit na kamag-anak ng talong.

g. Maaaring makalikha ng mga bagong kemikal ang proseso mismo ng pagsalin ng lahi (genetic modification) na maaaring makasama sa kalusugan ng tao. Walang pag-aaral (protein analysis) na ginawa ang Mahyco upang siguraduhin na walang bagong kemikal na nalikha dahil sa genetic modification.

h. Limitado ang naging pag-aaral sa epekto nito sa kalusugan. Gumamit lamang ang Mahyco ng iisang rat study at nakita na marami itong problema. Ang karaniwang dami ng laboratory test sa dugo ng daga ay umaabot ng 18 hanggang 20 na pagsusuri (biochemical measurements) upang mataya ang kalusugan nito. Sa pag-aaral ng Mahyco, pito lamang ang ginawa nitong pag-susuri.

5. Ano ang status ng Bt-talong sa Pilipinas?

Sa kasalukuyan, dinenebelop ito ng Institute of Plant Breeding sa Univeristy of the Philippines, Los Banos (IPB-UPLB) sa pangunguna ni Dr. Desiree Hautea. Nakuha nila (sublicensed) ang Bt gene ng royalty-free o walang bayad mula sa Mahyco. Sinuportahan ito ng USAID, gayundin ng Cornell University sa pamamagitan ng Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project (ABSP) II nito. Maaring ginawang libre ang paggamit ng Bt gene upang itulak ang pagdebelop at pagtanggap ng mga GM food sa Pilipinas.

Ginagamit nila ang pamamaraan ng backcrossing upang makuha ang katangian ng Bt-talong ng India tungo sa native talong varieties ng Pilipinas. Tinatayang nasa ika-apat o ikaanim stage na ang backcrossing sa mga native varieties gaya ng Mara at mga BT-talong sa experimental farm sa CBSUA, Camarines Sur, Dumaguete Long Purple sa Bt-talong ng India. Matapos ang apat o anim na backcrossing, tinatayang naisalin na sa mga anak nito (progenies) ang kalakhan ng lahi ng orihinal na variety at ang BT gene.

Nalagpasan na ng mga proponents ng BT talong ang contained trial (2003) at confined field trial (2007). Sa ngayon, inaprubahan na ng National Biosafety Committee (NCBP) ang multi-location testing sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Pilipinas partikular ang University of the Philippines Los Banos, Laguna; Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Pili, Camarines Sur; Sta. Maria, Pangasinan.

Hinihintay pa sa ngayon ang permiso ng mag-trial sa mga susunod na lugar: Visayas State University, Baybay, Leyte at Sta. Barbara, Iloilo; University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, North Cotabato at UP Mindanao, Davao City.

May mga ulat na nakapag-harvest na ng Bt-talong sa Pangasinan (July 3) at Camarines Sur (May 20).

Matapos ang multi-location, isu-submit na ito sa Bureau of Plant Industry para sa approval upang i-komersyalisa ito. Tinataya na sa huling kwarto ng susunod na taon (2011) ay tuloy na ang at ito din ang unang GM/biotech crop na ginawa ng pampublikong sektor (UPLB).

Maaaring pumasok din ito sa mga kasunduan sa pagpaparami ng binhi sa Department of Agriculture at sa mga State Colleges and Universities. Plano ng IPB na sa susunod na taon ay makakapagdevelop na ng open pollinated variety (OPV) na tipo ng Bt-talong. Sa taong 2012, balak nilang i-labas ang hybrid Bt-talong kung saan kinakailangan nang bumili ang mga magsasaka ng binhi kada taniman.

Balak din na pumasok sa isang kasunduan para sa commercial production. Maaaring pumasok sa franchising o licensing agreement sa mga seed companies gaya ng East West o Syngenta.

Maraming mga bansa, partikular sa Europa na nag-ban ng GM foods. Maraming mga siyentista at civil society groups ang nagsasabing nilabag ng proseso ng pag-eksperimento ang Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety kung saan pumirma ang India, partikular sa pamamaraan ng mga pampublikong mga konsultasyon at kung paano pinanghahawakan ang mga prinsipyo na gumagabay sa risk assessment. Ang Cartagena Protocol ay isang internasyunal na kasunduan sa GMOs. # nordis.net

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Teachers, educ workers ask PNoy to act on GSIS

August 30, 2010 in national

By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY – The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) urged the administration of Benigno Aquino III to heed to their calls to bail them out of their woes regarding the Government Security Insurance System (GSIS).

ACT Secretary General France Castro said that policies were approved and implemented through mere board resolutions when Winston Garcia was the President and General Manager of GSIS. Castro said that these policies like the Premium-Based Policy and the Claims and Loan Interdependency Program (CLIP) were unlawful and caused hardship on the GSIS members.

According to Castro, the GSIS arbitrarily deducts from the social security benefits and any loan proceeds of the members the premium contributions under the Premium-Based Policy were not remitted by their employers to the said government agency.

“The GSIS Act states that it is the obligation of the government agency concerned to remit said premiums to the GSIS, just as it is the duty of the GSIS to collect premiums from these agencies. This is tantamount to punishing us members twice. It is not our fault if our respective agencies did not remit on time. The law states that the agency heads should be penalized in these cases,” said Castro.

The CLIP is another forced deduction scheme wherein obligations which are not yet due or are covered by a separate contract, like mortgage contracts, are deducted from the benefits and loan proceeds of GSIS members.

Castro said the members have long suffered and many of their co-teachers and personnel who are already retirees, those who died and those who are still in service are victims of the malpractices in the GSIS.

“And it is ironical that while we sacrifice and cannot get on time what is rightfully due us as claims, the administration and employees of GSIS get monthly salaries and yearly bonuses and benefits that are extravagantly high,” said Castro.

Castro said the new administration has promised reforms and has also pledged to take the right path or his “daang matuwid” and correct malpractices in the government. “We therefore ask him to act on our demands so that the GSIS will serve as a reliable and just institution of government employees like us public school teachers and personnel,” added Castro.

The demands of ACT include: the appointment of genuine representatives of public school teachers, government employees and retirees in the GSIS Board. Of the 1.2 million members of the GSIS, 538,000 are from the Department of Education.

ACT asks that the public school teachers be rightfully represented by a teacher leader who will ensure adequate and active participation in the policy-making process that affect the benefits and interests, especially of the public school teachers who are GSIS members; Pnoy to advise GSIS to immediately refund all illegally deducted from the members; the investigation and prosecution of Winston Garcia and his cohorts regarding the proper use of GSIS funds and in the implementation of unlawful policies that have caused untold sufferings to the GSIS members and to recall and scrap court charges and suits filed by Winston Garcia against those who questioned and criticized his unlawful acts and policies.

An example of this is the five counts of libel suit filed against ACT Chairperson and now Representative-elect of the ACT Teachers Partylist, Congressman Antonio Tinio.

Castro said they are hopeful that the President will listen and act on their request. ACT is now spearheading a signature campaign regarding the issues.

On September 3, ACT will pay a courtesy call and will seek a dialogue with Aquino in Malacañang as they will present the signed petitions. The ACT Metro-Baguio will also hold a signature campaign and a program at the People’s Park from 3 pm to 5 pm. # nordis.net

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Women forge int’l alliance

August 30, 2010 in international, women

www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY – Women from different parts of the world have gathered in a historic gathering in Montreal, Canada on 13-16 August 2010, and formed an international alliance of women, 100 years after the declaration of March 8 as international day of toiling women. The alliance is simply called the International Women’s Alliance (IWA) which will serve to consolidate the solidarity and resistance of women against monopoly capitalism in the 21st century. IWA will resist all forms of imperialist and reactionary attacks on women’s lives, fight wars of aggression and plunder of the world’s remaining resources and advance the movement for social justice, self-determination, democracy and peace.

The establishment of IWA  was participated by more than 200 women from 25 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and North America who come from women’s organizations  of workers or trade unions, peasants, professionals, indigenous, youth and students, migrants, lesbians, academics and other profession, programs and non-government organizations. 

Concrete conditions by which lives of women are devastated were shared and discussed, as the whole world is facing intensified economic and financial crises resulting from a crisis of overproduction, concentration and centralization of capital in the US and in other capitalist countries. Thus, bringing about contraction of incomes, constriction of the market,  and  the systematic plunder of the world’s resources to amass more profits for the imperialist powers and their corporations.  Keynote speaker Liza Maza of GABRIELA Philippines and former member of the House of Representatives in the Philippines pointed out that the global crisis is eroding the gains of the women’s movements in the last 100 years.

Despite the global economic and financial crisis accompanied by wars of aggression, women are taking part in social movements fighting for their sovereignty and  self-determination.  Women are persisting their struggle for survival, decent incomes and jobs, and education and well-being of their children.  

Indigenous women’s experiences were brought to the conference through the discussions of development aggression and struggles of indigenous women.  In the theme of development aggression,  Innabuyog highlighted on the stepped up interest of large corporate mining in the Cordillera region, the involvement of Canadian companies, and the militarization that occurs in areas targeted for mining projects.  Innabuyog also presented on the struggles of indigenous women along with women of the First Nations in Canada, Mexico and Ecuador where movement- building and common  struggles for self-determination on governance and control of land and natural resources, were shared.

Out of the conference presentations and discussions, organizations and movements of toiling women of the world will continue to draw inspiration and strength from their particular struggles. The women of Palestine who have prevailed over 60 years of genocide, occupation and aggression , perpetrated by the Israeli apartheid state and supported by the US and other major powers. The women of Afghanistan continue to expose the hypocrisy of a war ravaging their country under the guise of liberating them. The women of Iran who are braving the regime of the mullahs and defying its attempts to pull them back to the stone age.

The women of the Philippines who are on the front lines of the struggle for national and social liberation opposing the US-imposed policy of neo-liberal globalization and the US-backed war on terror perpetrated by their government which has taken hundreds of lives of community and human rights activists. The women of Mexico who fight for justice for the hundreds of women killed with impunity around the export-processing zones of Ciudad Juarez. The Tamil women of Sri Lanka who fight a genocidal regime while the major powers, including Canada, watch in complicity. The women of Africa who struggle to survive on land pillaged by transnational mining companies while coping with the ravage of AIDS, as pharmaceutical companies watch. The women of Haiti which continue to revolt against foreign intervention.

Indigenous women who continue to resist ethnocidal attacks through imperialist plunder of their ancestral lands and resources that viciously stamp out self-determination, identity, and sustainable and viable ways of life. Women migrant workers who are forced to leave their families and face cruel situations in other countries while their remittances sustain bankrupt economies of their countries like the Philippines.Organizers for the conference that established IWA include Canada-based organizations like the Women of Diversity Origins, the Quebec Native Women’s Association and the Federation des Femmes du Quebec, and GABRIELA Philippines.

Joining the Philippine delegation from the Cordillera region were Vernie Yocogan-Diano of Innabuyog, Maureen Loste of the Regional Ecumenical Council of the Cordillera and Association of Women in Theology, and Audrey Beltran of the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance.# Innabuyog release/nordis.net

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Progay laud same sex marriage victory

August 30, 2010 in Uncategorized

By ALMA SINUMLAG
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Progay, an organization of progressive gay, bisexual and transgender men in Baguio and Benguet, joined the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities worldwide to celebrate the victory of Proposition 8 or the same sex marriage in the State of California, USA.

The 9th Circuit District Court rejected the law that limited the definition of marriage as that between man and woman. California is expected to again issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples in the state next month.

“This is certainly a victory for LGBT human rights, after marriage equality was won for gays and lesbians in the countries of Portugal and Argentina, and Mexico City,” said William Villacampa, Progay Baguio head coordinator. He expressed hope that Progay Baguio will one day see marriage equality a reality in Baguio City and the entire Philippines.

“This would assure the rights of gay and lesbian couples that heterosexual couples enjoy, which include hospital visitation rights, right to adopt children and reciprocity of inheritance, medical insurance, social insurance and property rights for surviving spouses.” according to Villacampa.

He elaborated that marriage equality is not just a logical reward for LGBTs in the Philippines because of the economic contributions that LGBTs generate for the country. It is a basic human right that the Philippines as a State Party to most United Nations treaties, declarations and agreements should implement.

The Philippine government is duty-bound to assure that LGBT rights are also protected by law, by enacting enabling legislation that allows lesbian and gay couples to file marriage licenses across the nation, said Villacampa.

However, much remains to be done before society can work on marriage equality. Right now, there are so many other challenges facing the LGBT community. We have many other gaps in social, economic and cultural rights that need to be addressed . For instance, many LGBTs in Baguio City and in the Cordillera suffer from widespread poverty and unemployment.

Many LGBT youth have no access to free education and so are forced to enter the labor force at a young age. There are hundreds of gay salon workers who earn barely enough to feed themselves and send money back home to families in far flung towns.

There is also the rampant homophobia and arrogance of the mainstream culture of heterosexism in the region. It is very difficult to come out of the closet in virtually all communities in Baguio and Northern Luzon. It is more difficult for LGBT to assert their rights in a very disapproving society.

Progay puts premium on the need to strengthen the advocacy for LGBT rights in Baguio City, said Villacampa.

Progay Baguio as an organization provides support for LGBTs who are in need of capacity building, community organizing and advocacy skills. It works to reach out to the largest number of gay, transgender and bisexual men in the city and the region.

It believes that only by uniting and mobilizing large numbers of GBTs, and working with lesbian, bisexual and transgendered women and our allies in labor unions, indigenous peoples, women’s groups and other social sectors can we build a society that is more accepting of our rights, said Villacampa.

Progay Baguio contact person William Villacampa, head coordinator Progay Baguio at celphoneno. 09198865154 or email wvillacampa@yahoo.com. # nordis.net

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Youth group hits PNoy’s response to flood of FB criticism

August 30, 2010 in national, youth

www.nordis.net

MANILA— “Major repression in response to major incompetence.”

This was the reaction of youth group Anakbayan to moves by the Aquino administration to suppress anti-government criticism in the popular social networking site Facebook.

Following the atrocious handling of Tuesday’s hostage-taking which resulted in the death of eight Hong Kong nationals, President Noynoy Aquino’s official Facebook fanpage has been flooded with comments criticizing his handling of the crisis, both from Filipinos and Hong Kong nationals. Some have even gone as far as to call for the president’s resignation.

“Everyone’s outraged over the fatally incompetent handling of the Phil. National Police and the entire Aquino administration. Following the principle of ‘ecommand responsibility’, it is natural for the peoples of both the Philippines and Hong Kong to be angry at Noynoy,” said Anakbayan spokesperson Charisse Bañez.

During the entire duration of the hostage-taking, there was not a single public appearance or statement from Aquino. He was also inexplicably unavailable when the chief executive of Hong Kong was seeking a dialogue with him.

Bañez exclaimed, “He has already said that he is no ‘Superman’, yet he isn’t open to other views and constructive criticism. No wonder he’s a Super-incompetent!”

She added “President Aquino, you may find this hard to believe due to your personal arrogance, but believe us: amidst the mass of criticism are nuggets of wisdom which you would do well to heed”.

“So much for his SONA’s boast of a government that isn’t deaf to the people,” quipped the youth leader.

Disturbing trend?

Meanwhile, Bañez noted that there is a disturbing trend of ‘intolerance’ by the present administration towards dissenters in which the Facebook suppression is the latest incident.

The July 3 violent dispersal of a peaceful camp-out on Mendiola Bridge by farmers calling for land reform, 40 farmers and supporters were arrested.

The July 5 violent dispersal of a march by youths and students to the U.S Embassy.

The banning of rallies near Aquino’s ancestral home at Times St. in Quezon City during the State of the Nation Address.

The deployment of 10,000 cops, the same number deployed by former President Gloria Arroyo during her SONAs, to stop rallies by leftist groups during the State of the Nation Address.

The August 20 violent dispersal of a group of high school students seeking a dialogue with Education secretary Armin Luistro at the DepEd national office. Five were badly wounded.

The August 24 violent dispersal of a picket by students at the Rizal Tech. University during a visit by Aquino himself. Four were arrested.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ announced extension of Oplan Bantay Laya, the military policy which has been blamed for the widespread human rights violations under the past administration.

The assassination of seven members of progressive partylist groups by alleged military elements in the first month of Aquino’s term. Three came from Katribu, two from Bayan Muna, and one each from Anakpawis and ACT Teachers.

“At this rate, we will not be surprised if Aquino turns out to be just as bad, or even worse, than his predecessor in terms of respecting human rights,” noted the youth leader. # CEGP release/nordis.net

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Dispersal PNoy’s PR stunt — Anakbayan

August 30, 2010 in national, youth

www.nordis.net

MANILA — Condemnation of the violent dispersal of a student protest in a school visited by President Noynoy Aquino continues today, with youth group Anakbayan calling the dispersal as part of a ‘desperate PR stunt’ of the president.

Students led by Anakbayan and the League of Filipino Students held a picket last Thursday in front of the Rizal Technological University to protest the proposed budget cuts to state colleges and universities next year. Aquino was scheduled to grace the inauguration of a new building in the said campus.

Members of the Mandaluyong police mauled the protesters and arrested four: Frances Martinez, Anakbayan national secretary-general; Abby Gonzales of Anakbayan; Antonine Perdigon of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines; and Faith Sadicon of the Student Christian Movement of the Philippines. The four reported that they were literally dragged to a police van where the cops slapped their heads. They also confiscated Gonzales’ cellphone, whose camera was used to videotape the dispersal. When the phone was returned, footage of the police attack was deleted.

“Aquino’s campus visit is nothing but a desperate and show-managed attempt to prop up his fast-sinking popularity” said Anakbayan spokesperson Charisse Bañez.

The president has come under fire for a spate of issues in the first 50 days of his term: the proposed fare hike in the MRT and LRT systems, the imposition of VAT (Value Added Tax) in tollways, the hike in the SLEX (Southern Luzon Expressway), the continued refusal to distribute Hacienda Luisita to its farm workers, the proposed revival of the mandatory ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) for college students, the proposed 12-year basic education curriculum, and most recently, the incompetent handling of the Aug. 23 hostage-taking.

The latest survey by the Pulse Asia firm shows that only four out of every ten Filipinos believes Aquino can improve their lives in 2010, a huge drop from his 88% approval rating in a survey released in the eve of his first State of the Nation Address last July.

“The administration wants to project an image of the youth continuing to cheer wildly for Noynoy, but the truth was out there (of the campus): the youth are fast becoming tired of his broken promises and the anti-youth policies” said the youth leader.

She said “Aquino has clearly forgotten to study his history. No matter how much you repress the youth and the people, protests will continue to spread as long as he ignores their basic demands and rights. At this rate, we will not be surprised if he ends up as even more hated than his despicable predecessor”.

Bañez ended with a warning, saying “This is but a preview of the youth’s outrage that is waiting for Noynoy just around the corner, should he continue to remain deaf to our demands”. # Anakbayan Release/nordis.net

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Cordillera this week: Aug. 22 to 28, 2010

August 30, 2010 in Cordillera, Cordillera

www.nordis.net

IFSU, CHR sign MOA to promote human rights

Lamut, Ifugao — The Ifugao State University (IFSU) and the Commission on Human Rights in the Cordillera Region in a Memorandum of Agreement signed by CHR-CAR OIC-Regional Director Harold Kub-aron, and IFSU President Dr. Serafin Ngohayon to promote CHR programs through Human Rights Education in the region.

IFSU is willing to become a Center for Human Rights Education – CAR to be able to assist CHR-CAR in its human rights education program and to empower the people through human rights education in support of the Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementers, Inc. (PAEPI).

PAEPI has undertaken a project of facilitating the establishment of centers for human rights education in its institutional members composed of private and state colleges wherein IFSU one of its members.# Vency d Bulayongan/PIA-CAR

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CAR-RDC drafts inputs for proposed organic act

Baguio City – The Regional Development Council-CAR, in its en banc meeting held recently created a working committee to spearhead the drafting of inputs of the region in preparation for the drafting of a third Organic Act that will convene on September 3, 2010 at the Baguio City Multi-purpose Hall. Membership to said committee is open to all interested. For the local government units, provinces will select their own representatives to the committee.

City Mayor Mauricio Domogan was selected to chair the working committee. He said, any Filipino citizen or group is welcome to participate. They can submit their proposal and inputs for the working draft. This will also be used as document in the information-education campaigns on regional development and autonomy. # SC Aro /PIA-CARstrong>

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Abra mayors commit to peace building efforts

Bangued, Abra — The Abra League of Municipalities committed to the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army to cooperate in the tightened campaign of the national government to dismantle the Private Armed Groups (PAGs) in the province.

Chapter President and La Paz Mayor JB Bernos gave the league’s commitment during the visit of Gen. Gaudencio Pangilinan, Commanding Officer of the Northern Luzon Command of the Philippine Army to Abra last August 10.

Bersamin also advised the mayors to abide by rules and that they have to take the national government’s seriousness in resolving the problem of peace in the province. # Maritess Beñas

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5th ID tells IPs to safeguard ancestral domains

Lubuagan, Kalinga – The commanding general of the 5th ID called on all cultural communities in the province to protect their ancestral domains from violence and hostility.

Major General Rommel Gomez, Commanding General of the 5th Infantry Division (5ID), Philippine Army, in a press conference asked for cooperation and vigilance from indigenous communities to keep watch not only over their ancestral domains but for the safety of their children.

Gomez said communities play a vital role in ending the insurgency problems considering that the NPA could not survive without the food, shelter, recruits, information and protection they get from the people. He also asked local officials and the public to work together with the Philippine Army to stop the problems of insurgency saying that the army these days is directed in achieving lasting peace encouraging conducive environment for development and progress. # GG Dumallig/PIA-Kalinga

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Editorial: Tragic incompetence

August 30, 2010 in editorials, Featured, opinion

www.nordis.net

Fall-out from the bungled hostage rescue effort last Monday which claimed the lives of eigth Hongkong tourists are now starting to be felt. Bookings to the Philippines by tourists from Hongkong and elsewhere are being cancelled one after another with no end of such cancellations in sight. Even without official advisory, other potential tourists have decided to cancel their trip to the country after the tragic incident at the Quirino grandstand got worlwide publicity.

As part of the fall-out, Filipino domestic helpers in Hongkong are at risk of losing their jobs due to the emotional backlash over the tragedy. Some have already been dismissed by their employers in an apparent expression of sympathy for the victims of the botched rescue efforts.

The sheer incompetence of those charged with the task of rescuing the hostages was too obvious even for ordinary obervers to see. More than the lack of the necessary equipment for effective rescue operations, it was simply the lack of creativity and decisiveness on the part of the hostage negotiatiors, the ground commander and the crisis management group which doomed the rescue efforts to its eventual failure.

Malacanang has openly admitted that there have been lapses and weaknesses in the entire rescue operation. And it has threatened to punish those responsible for these shortcomings. Perhaps, it could start with itself by explaining more credibly why the President could not be reached by Hongkong’s Donald Tsang who was trying to reach President Aquino III at the height of the crisis situation.

Then, it could stop passing the buck to the previous administration for its weak and poor leadership in this tragic incident. Instead, it should own up to its own shortcomings and take measures to correct and overcome them. Buck-passing has never been a sign of effective leadership.

Many of those who were monitoring the incident were overwhelmed by a sense of guilt and shame at the way the entire rescue effort was mishandled by those whom we expect to be on top of the situation, ending up in the senseless loss of innocent lives and the almost universal bashing our country got in the aftermath of the incident.

We all know that Filipinos are capable of doing much, much better than this as shown by our compatriots performance in foreign lands. Unfortunately, it is not likely to happen soon given the prevailing culture of “palusot” and “puede na” among the leadership of our country that has somehow permeated the larger society.

The promised investigation of the tragic event may even lack the credibility that people are expecting from the authorities. It has been our experience that such official investigations tend to exonerate guilty parties from any commensurate accountability and because such investigations lack transparency, they tend to end up whitewashing the incidents being investigated.

This is known to Chinese authorities and so their lack of enthusiasm perhaps in receiving the official delegation being sent by the Philippine government to explain the results of any investigation of the tragic event conducted so far.

Whatever the reason behind their lukewarm reception to the proposed government delegation, the fall-out from the incident is expected to continue, despite kind efforts coming from such celebrity as Jackie Chan to minimize the negative impact of the tragic event.

Again, we have here a classic case of the citizenry suffering from the sheer incompetence of our public officials. Meanwhile, we ordinary citizens seem not to have much of an option but to grin and bear it, until the next election when we can then replace the incompetents to prevent tragedies like this from taking place.

That is for the elective ones. The incompetent appointed ones should be replaced and reassigned quick enough to places where they can do little or no damage at all to the citizenry and foreign tourists alike. # nordis.net

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Labor Watch: The fruit of good work

August 30, 2010 in columns, opinion

By ALDWIN G. QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

“Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting a bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian” — Dennis Wholey

A good worker is proud everytime he does a good job. He can see the best produce out of his dedication enjoyably consumed by the people. He can hear praises from others because of a job well done. He will receive awards and appraisals that will surely boost his morale to continue performing better and better. As a result, he will be named the model worker not only of his department but of the entire workplace.

As this worker performs his job in an exemplary way, some of his co-workers envy him because of his achievements. Instead of making him an example and imitating his good deeds, they plot against him as they feel they are unjustly bypassed by this good worker.

The envious co-workers planned to destroy the image of the good worker as bad as possible. They set him up to make him appear as a violator of the company’s rules and regulations.

One of his co-worker slid a company property in his bag. At dismissal time, he approached the good worker and said that he has to go to the comfort room so he asked to hold his bag.

Meanwhile, some of their co-workers talked to the guard telling him they saw one of their companions steal company property. They pinpointed the good worker as the culprit. The guard immediately apprehended the good worker as he was still holding the bag that his co-worker passed unto him. The guard brought him to the management office.

The good worker was accused of theft and misbehaviour without giving him the benefit of taking with him his own witness. The envious workers presented themselves as witnesses against the accused hoping that they will be given favor by the management. The management then judged the good worker guilty without the proper due process since they have no union. The management had the oppurtunity to do unjust practices.

The management fired this good worker scrapping his benefits as a senior and outstanding employee. This is good for the company as they will no longer think about their obligations to the good worker once he will retire. They also blacklisted him so they could not give him a recommendation to other companies.

This worker filed a labor case at the concerned department of the Department of Labor and Employment. A series of position papers and conciliation were made yet there was no positive result. This worker grew hopeless as the concerned government agency favored the far richer company representatives.

Dismayed, this good worker decided to make a move he thought would help him. He went to the workplace and destroyed some company properties and stole some items. He was caught by the police but since it was inculcated in his mind that he will never get justice, he fought the cops who killed him in turn.

A good worker who made his company and his bosses proud was destroyed. A wife was widowed and children were orphaned. This is a system were injustice rules. Because of the envy of his co-workers and the unfair judgement of the company and the slow action of the government agency concerned, an asset for societal development perished. There are many stories about people especially workers being victims of injustices from their respective workplaces in every corner of society. Everyday, more and more people cry for justice, they cry for change. And that change is possible as society is after all run by man. # >nordis.net

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Pokus: On the abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan

August 30, 2010 in columns, Featured, opinion

By ALMA SINUMLAG
www.nordis.net

As the world celebrated the International Youth Day that the United Nations (UN) declared every August 12, President Aquino called for the abolition of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) on the purpose of saving costs. Reactions of several youth organizations led by the Kabataan Partylist ensued. They see this issue as depriving the youth of participation in nation building.

Instead of abolishing the SK, Kabataan Representative Raymond Palatino filed House Bill 1963 , or the SK Reform Bill, proposing to reform and strengthen the SK system.

Meanwhile, SK Federation President of Baguio City, Gloria Ysabel De Vera in her priveledge speech during the city council session on August 16 suggested strengthening the SK system. She added that abolishing the SK means eliminating an efficient training ground for leadership, for value formation and for healthy attitude towards good governance.

However, some youths do agree with the abolition since the previous SK officials did not really perform their tasks as councilors of the youth in their areas. They have insignificant contribution to the community. Most of their projects are building waiting sheds and singnages, and sportsfest. They believe that SK is just a breeding ground for corrupt officials in the future.

Reshalyn Cammayo, 21 years old and presently residing in Tuguegarao City: “No! I am not in favor of abolishing the SK. Mawawalan ng boses ang kabataan. In fact this is their training ground for politics. I’d rather go for reform.”

Rex Bate, 20 years old of Baguio City: “Of course I’m not for the abolition. SK talks about leadership and this is the best venue for the youth to develop their sense of leadership, their personality, as well as their social responsibility.”

Shiela Marie Cabrera, 21 years old, Baguio City: “Before, I agree with the abolition because they cannot execute their tasks like the way they should. I cannot see any good changes on the issue of youths having bad vices, it is even worse now. But I realized that the youth should be given a chance. The SK system should be strengthened because there are a lot of seminars on youth issues such as early pregnancy and harmful effects of drugs that should be conducted through the leadership of these youth councilors.”

Audrey Corce of Benguet State Univesity (BSU): “Sa tingin ko huwag muna i-abolish.Ang kailangan lang ay bumuo ng body or something like that na ang objective ay bantayan ang mga processes na nangyayari sa SK. Ang problema kasi ngayon sa SK eh walang “watchdog” na nagbabantay sa galaw ng mga officials kaya maraming himala na nangyayari.” (I think they should not abolish it yet. A body should be formed to act as “watchdog” that would check its officials.)

Mark Ivan Confessor, 21 years old, Tuguegarao City: “I still believe that the youth are the hope of our motherland. So they should really strengthen the SK system specifically the age requirement. If they will change it from 14 – 17 years old to 18 – 25 years old, it would be better because by that time, they are already knowledgeable about the needs and demands of their fellow youths that they should address.”

On the issue of SK as being the breeding ground for corrupt politicians, a youth from Baguio City who refused to be named told this writer that it has become the breeding ground for new trapos because of its corrupt environment. Thus, he said abolition is not the solution but cleaning it so as to become a training ground for good governance. # nordis.net

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Statements: 5th ID offer of local peace talks and immunity is just empty talk

August 30, 2010 in Featured, opinion, statements

By CORDILLERA PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC FRONT
www.nordis.net

During the Mountain Province Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting last August 5, Col. Eliseo Posadas, 501st Bde commander, called for local peace talks and personally guaranteed the safety of the CPDF spokesperson and other members of the revolutionary movement whom he invited to attend. We believe the AFP’s push for local peace talks is just another deceptive public relations and psywar tactic.

There are peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. These talks have reached several agreements such as the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). Both parties have signed the Hague Joint Declaration which spells out the principles, framework and sequence of substantive agendas to be tackled during the peace talks. These agreements and declarations are legal and binding.

Unfortunately, peace talks had to be suspended due to the government’s non-compliance and frequent violations of all signed agreements.

The Cordillera People’s Democratic Front shares the view of the rest of the revolutionary movement that localized peace talks are unnecessary and disrespect previous efforts at the national level. The guarantee of safety and immunity issued by Col. Posadas is just empty talk. If the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police can easily arrest, incarcerate, forcibly disappear, and kill NDFP consultants covered by the JASIG, then it would be easier for them to disregard the personal guarantee issued by a mere field-grade officer.

The NDFP is open to a resumption of peace talks with the GRP. Noynoy Aquino in his first State of the Nation Address called for peace talks with the NDFP, but so far has done nothing to back up his rhetoric.

The 5th ID is engaging in double talk. It calls for local peace talks, but deploys additional combat troops in the Mountain Province. The call for local peace talks is camouflage for increasing militarization. Col. Posadas said that army units operating in Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province and Ifugao use the Convergence Approach, a formula of Oplan Bantay Laya (OBL) that was applied in Bohol from 2003- 2007. This formula relies on a combination of palliative showcase projects and intense militarization.

Col. Posadas has made it clear that he intends to make the Mountain Province the showcase in the national anti-insurgency drive. This can only lead to more violence against the people, and greater damage to their lands and livelihoods.

The CPDF remains committed to a just and lasting peace under a truly free and democratic society that guarantees the basic political, economic, and socio-cultural rights of the national minorities of the Cordillera and the rest of the Filipino people. Until then, we shall remain steadfast in advancing the revolutionary armed struggle. # nordis.net

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Statements: A call for self-examination

August 30, 2010 in opinion, statements

By NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
www.nordis.net

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) grieves for the loss of so many lives in the hostage-taking at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday.

We condole with families of all the victims of this tragedy and we join the calls for a thorough and swift investigation on why and how the bloodbath happened.

The Philippine government and the Philippine National Police have already acknowledged errors and shortcoming in responding to and addressing the incident. We believe that they were primarily responsible for supposedly controlling the situation, ending the crisis and ensuring the safety of the hostages.

But even as we grieve, we call on colleagues in the media to seriously and comprehensively examine how we covered the crisis and if our coverage in any way contributed to the tragic end of the hostage-taking.

It is media’s responsibility to cover events and report these as comprehensively and truthfully as possible.

But some colleagues clearly violated ethical standards and established procedures and guidelines in covering crisis situations including hostage-taking incidents.

Various media institutions and journalism scholars have laid down guidelines in covering crisis situations including hostage-taking. We urge news organizations to abide by these guidelines and to ensure that those it assigns to cover these crisis situations are adequately trained and informed.

We also encourage media owners, leaders and organizations to meet and agree on a set of protocols for the industry to guide us during similar situations.

The hostage-taking incident has once again highlighted the need for more trainings and education on our ranks to make sure that we do more good than harm in the performance of our work.

But even as we examine our actions and admit mistakes and shortcomings, we stand firm against abrogating our right to cover important events of public interest.

We oppose House Bill 2737 filed by Cebu Rep. Luis Quisumbing and similar measures aimed at imposing a media blackout during crisis situations. Legislated restrictions on media coverage are more dangerous and could pave the way for abuses and excesses by authorities in responding to crisis situations. # nordis.net

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Weekly Reflections: Other root cause of poverty

August 30, 2010 in columns, Featured, opinion

By REV. LUNA DINGAYAN
www.nordis.net

“You land should not be sold on a permanent bases, because you do not own it, it belongs to God and you are like foreigners who are allowed to make us of it.” — Leviticus 25:23

No corruption, No poverty

One of the campaign slogans of President Noynoy’s Liberal Party goes, “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap” (No corruption, no poverty). Apparently, President Noynoy and his party believe that corruption in the government bureaucracy is the root cause of poverty. Instead of being used to uplift the living conditions of the poor, government resources are rather used to satisfy the unquenchable greed of people in government. Studies show that about twenty to thirty percent of our annual budget goes to corruption. Some congressmen and senators even admitted we are indeed losing a lot of government money to corruption.

Corruption, however, is not the only reason why our people are poor. Perhaps, it is not even the primary reason. Since our country’s economy is basically agricultural, poverty must have been connected to the land – how the land is appropriated and developed to support and improve people’s lives.

Other Root Cause of Poverty: Landlordism

It is not difficult to believe that landlordism or the concentration of lands in the hands of the few is one of the primary causes if not the primary cause of poverty in our country. A larger portion of our country’s population depends so much on land for survival. Yet if we would open our eyes to the realities around us, we would see vast tracts of lands lying idle, not being utilized and cultivated, simply because these are owned by landlords who are either abroad or in urban centers and not interested to develop them. Landlords don’t really have direct relationships with the land, except the piece of paper that says they owned them.

The government’s program of land reform is supposed to redistribute lands to the tillers and make the lands more productive to sustain life. But more important than the redistribution of lands is the government’s support and subsidy to the tillers of the land in terms of technology and resources so that the lands will be developed and become more productive.

Unfortunately, genuine land reform is still a dream to be fulfilled. If President Noynoy Aquino and his Liberal Party are really serious in addressing poverty in our country, they must implement genuine land reform and start it at Hacienda Luisita.

Land in the Bible

Land is a very important issue in the Scriptures based on the number of times it occurs in the Bible. It occurs 2,340 times in the Old Testament alone, while the issues of sin and salvation, which are favorite issues of many Christians today, occurs only 800 and 500 times in the whole Bible, respectively.

The Israelites believe that God is the owner of land. Land is God’s gift for the people. In the Book of Leviticus, God gave instructions to the Israelites, saying: “Your land should not be sold on a permanent basis, because you do not own it; it belongs to God, and you are like foreigners who are allowed to make use of it” (Lev. 25:23).

Since God is the owner of lands and that we are simply given the opportunity to make use of them, it is but proper and fitting, therefore, that the lands should be given to the tillers, who are in a better position to be good and responsible stewards of the lands, because of the symbiotic loving relationship prevailing between the lands and the tillers. The tiller cultivates the land and the land gives life to the tiller. # nordis.net

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