Monthly Archives: September 2010

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Sabel comes home to BenCab museum

September 28, 2010 in Baguio City, Featured

www.nordis.net

Sayaw, Sabel, a dance performance choreographed and directed by multi-awarded choreographer, Agnes Locsin, will be presented at the BenCab Museum on Saturday, October 2, at 4:00pm.

On it’s last leg of a national tour, Sayaw, Sabel brings National Artist BenCab’s iconic subject, Sabel, to the BenCab Museum where paintings depicting her persona are on permanent exhibition.

A real-life vagrant and scavenger who is a recurring subject in Bencab’s paintings since the 60s, Sabel has inspired the Davao-based choreographer to produce this series of dance performances that explore the Filipino psyche.

Most of the “Sayaw, Sabel” dancers were Locsin’s protégés while she was Artistic Director of Ballet Philippines: Christine Crame, Annette Cruz-Mariano, Judell de Guzman-Sicam, Annie Divinagracia Sartorio, Biag Gaongen, Kristoffer Legarde, Monique Uy, and Perry Sevidal.

Veteran theater actor, Melvin Lee, portrays the role of Sabel.

Sayaw, Sabel’s national tour is facilitated by the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Outreach and Exchange Division. Music is by Joey Ayala, Louie Ocampo, Jakob Rodriguez, and other OPM artists. Set and costume design is by Gino Gonzales, and lighting design by Katsch Catoy.

Due to the museum’s limited capacity, reservations are encouraged. Contact the BenCab Museum by email at bencabartfoundation@gmail.com or call (074) 4427165 or 0920-5301954.

The BenCab Museum is on Km. 6 Asin Road, Tuba, Metro Baguio. # nordis.net

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Tula: Ikaw

September 28, 2010 in literary

Ni AUREA ESTAYO
www.nordis.net

Gusto kong dukutin
at lasapin ang iyong mga mata
at higupin ang iyong mga luha
upang malaman
kung ito ay mapait o matamis ;
kung ang luha mo
ay luha ng lungkot o pag asa.

Ngunguyain kong parang pandesal
na nabibili sa may Agila
ang iyong mga paa
at pipilitin kong ‘di to maisawsaw
sa mainit na kape dahil baka mapaso ka.
Titiisin ko tong isubo
upang malaman
kung gaano kahirap ang maglakbay
at kung gaano  na kalayo ang narating mo.

Kakagat kagatin ko
ang  mga kamay mo
na singkapal ng tsinelas na rambo
upang malaman ko
kung gaano kabigat
ang mga trabahong ginagawa mo
at kung gaano na karami ang natapos mo.

Sisimutin ko ang utak mo
tulad ng pagsimut sa bagong panis na pansit
ng mga batang musmos sa lansangan
na iniwan sa isa sa mga apo ni Eba.
Nanamnamin ko ng husto
ang utak mo upang madagdagan
ang mga prinsipyong dinadala ko
ngunit magtitira pa rin ako
para maisip mo rin ako.

Hihigupin ko hanggang masaid
ang puso mo
tulad sa paghigop ni bunso sa zesT-O
na pasalubong ni ina galing sa kung saan.

Uubusin ko ang puso mo
upang pagnatunaw ka na 
kakalat ka sa buo  kong katawan
at mananatili ka rito.
Magiging bitamina ka
  na siyang susugpo sa lahat ng sakit ko.
 
….Pasensya ka na kong di kita masubo ng buo
at kung bakit ito lang ang kaya kong simutin.
Natatakot kasi ako
na baka  kakainin mo rin
ang buo kong pagkatao # nordis.net

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Benguet dads ask NCIP to hold FPIC

September 20, 2010 in Cordillera, Featured, mining

By ALMA B. SINUMLAG
www.nordis.net

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Benguet is recommending the NCIP to conduct Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process on Philex Mining’s Mining Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) in Tuba and Itogon.

The committee on Environment and Mining & the committee on Indigenous Peoples of the SP of Benguet recommended the passage of a resolution requesting Atty Amador Batay-an, the Regional Director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to immediately conduct the FPIC processing in the downstream indigenous cultural communities affected by two MPSAs of Philex Mining Incorporated during their regular session last Monday.

In the report of the two committees, Julie Panawan, the president of The Indigenous–Host Communities Association of Philex Outlying Sitios Inc. (TIHCAPOSI) submitted a letter to the Benguet SP dated August 2010. The letter contains the request of the downstream indigenous cultural communities where the Albian and Kidit creeks flow for the conduct of FPIC for the MPSA 276 and 156 of Philex Mining Inc.

Also in the committees’ report, on September 5, 2009, a letter signed by 316 indigenous peoples who are residents and land claimants in the areas covered by the MPSA 156 and IP communities considered as outlying high impact areas of MPSA 276 was forwarded to the office of Batay-an requesting the latter to admonish the Philex Mining Inc. and to conduct FPIC process as required under the Mining Act of 1995 and the IPRA Law.

The downstream IP communities where the Albian and Kidit creeks flow are considered outlying impact areas because in the field–based investigation report of the NCIP, the said communities are outside the applied area but adversely affected by MPSA 276.

Moreover, on September 16, 2009, Panawan and Sonny Marino, the president of Albian, Santa Fe, Keddet Dam (ASKD 123) also forwarded a letter before the office of governor Nestor Fongwan seeking his assistance regarding their request in conducting of the FPIC process.

Fongwan then referred this to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Benguet office which replied through a letter dated September 25, 2009.

In the letter-response of the DENR, it was stated that “…it is implied that the conduct of FPIC in the outlying impact areas is a mandatory process that must be considered once the immediate affected nearby sitios within the applied area are favorable to the application”.

Furthermore, on September 2, 2009, a letter from Director Basilio Wandag of the NCIP Legal Affairs Office addressed to Batay-an was forwarded to the Benguet SP.

The letter also contained Wandag’s recommendation on conducting FPIC among the affected downstream communities.

Wandag in his letter said, “…the fact that the nearby sitios granted their favorable consideration, it logically follows that the affected communities may now execise their right to FPIC.” # nordis.net

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Bakun sets another dialogue on mine exploration

September 20, 2010 in Cordillera, Featured, mining

By ALMA B. SINUMLAG
www.nordis.net

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The provincial board members of Benguet in their session Monday scheduled a special dialogue that will tackle the Mining Exploration of Royalco Philippines Incorporated in Gambang, Bakun on October 4, 1:00 PM at Ben Palispis Hall of the Provincial Capitol.

Board member Apolinario Camsol shared before the body the result of the first dialogue held in Gambang, Bakun regarding this issue last September 3. He told the body about the pronouncement of Mayor Contada of Bakun to suspend the mining exploration of Royalco while the pro-mining exploration and the anti-mining exploration groups reach a collective decision. Contada’s decision he said was influenced by the persisting conflict between the two groups.

Camsol said that they have scheduled October 4 with the concerned community in Gambang as well as the municipal and baranggay officials. He added that by the said dialogue the people of Gambang wanted all the concerned agencies including governor Fongwan to be present. It was remembered that the NCIP failed to attend the earlier dialogue.

Meanwhile, Atty Roman Antonio, the counsel of the pro-exploration, affected land owners in Gambang submitted a letter addressed to the vice governor Cresencio Pacalso stating that Contada’s decision in the last dialogue is vague. Moreover, he said the decision disrupts the operation in phase 1 and 2 that has nothing to do with the clamor of those against the mining exploration in phase 3.

Furthermore, Antonio regard the mayor’s decision as implausible. “…legally speaking, we humbly believe the honorable mayor have had the limited power to give suggestion, the power to stop still lies with the MGB and NCIP “, Antonio stated in his letter. He added that the permit has been aquired after the proponent company and those in favor followed the requirements of the law religiously.

Antonio believes the issue could be settled amicably and that according to him, the parties would be spared from expensive and arduous processes.

However, mayor Contada said in a phone interview that he knows that his pronouncement is not legal. He said he made the pronoucement because the community cannot settle into a collective decision during the September 3 dialogue. He added that his decision is fair amid the strong opposition, specially in phase 3, to the continuing mine exploration.

Moreover Contada said he recognizes the responsibilities of MGB and NCIP but he raised a question, “how will this issue be settled if the NCIP is not participating in the process. “I even personally lobbied in their regional office regarding this but they just told me that the decision must come from the national office”, Contada reiterated.

He is hoping that during the next dialogue, NCIP will attend. # nordis.net

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Molina talks on reg’l autonomy

September 20, 2010 in Cordillera, politics

By ADELA DEYAEN WAYAS
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Monday, before a small party of supporters and members of the press, Chair Mailed Molina of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) hits what he claimed was the New Peoples Army (NPA) view of genuine regional autonomy.

Integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the CPLA is a clandestine para-military group whose original members split from the NPA in 1986. They forged a Sipat with the Cory Aquino government in Mt. Data that same year and have since been assisting government forces in their anti-insurgency campaigns.

On the 24th Celebration of the Cordillera Bodong Administration’s Sipat and Alasiw (peace accord) with the late President Cory Aquino, Molina in his speech at the CBA office in Harrison Road, said that the revolution during the 1980s is the root and basis of autonomy in the Cordillera.

Molina also said that the autonomy the NPAs are pushing is a mistake. “Ti panagkita gamin ti CPP-NPA class struggle wenno dasig ti usaren ditoy Cordillera,” he said. He also added, “Ti kayat ti NPA dasig-dasigen da ti tattao, paglalabanen da ida.”

Molina said “the three “isms” or imperialism, bureaucrat capitalism and the feudalism that the NPAs are claiming as the main problems are not even existing especially in his province of Abra, but he was not very sure in the other provinces in the Cordillera.

“Dagijay issue nga ipakpakat ti kakailian tayo nga adda pay laeng iti kameng ti CPP-NPA, kadakami nga CPLA haan kami nga mamati,” he said. “Ditoy Kordilyera haan unay nga maiggeman ti pupulitikos dagiti tattao,” he added.

He shared that because of these beliefs of the NPA, the CPLA decided to quit and depart from them. He also quoted “Ipagna tayo ti genuine autonomy based on our culture”.

Molina also recalled that there were more than 70 people who were killed in their campaign of autonomy. He said that even if there was no formal peace pact yet between them and the government many already in their ranks were killed because of autonomy like Basbasan, Steve Gawinen, Alfredo Gasib and Ka Moro.

Meanwhile, CBA reiterated that on September 13, 1986 President Aquino (on behalf of the government) and Fr. Conrado Balweg (on behalf of the CBA-CPLA) signed a peace accord represented in the Sipat (cessation of hostilities) and alasiw (exchange of peace tokens) where they acknowledged the aspiration of regional autonomy.

Molina also reacted on the issue regarding the defunct CAR Bodies and said “Linteg met ti CAR bodies apay ngay nga maikkat.” Moreover, he said that a budget given by the national government is intended for the autonomy campaign in which he also said “ Bakit hindi pa i-share sa iba.”

On a lighter note, CBA-CPLA celebrated the peace accord which Atty Nestor Attitiw, Interim Cordillera Interests Group chair and counsel, signified as a peace warming up of the old agreement.

On the other hand, as of press time there has been no information, statement or claims to the effect that the NPA is pushing for autonomy. # nordis.net

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731 days: A long period of injustice

September 20, 2010 in Cordillera, Featured, human rights

By CORDILLERA PEOPLES ALLIANCE
www.nordis.net

This day marks 731 days or two years of CPA founding member James Balao’s enforced disappearance. The CPA and the Balao Family sincerely thanks all organizations and individuals who helped in the search and campaign to surface James in the past 2 years, from the local to international communities. Such support and solidarity continue to be sources of strength for the Balao Family and the CPA. For this, we are indebted.

Today, however, we do not only count the number of days of James’ enforced disappearance. It was also a long period of injustice and State terrorism, similar to the Martial Law period under the US-Marcos dictatorship. We count the number of days until the new government under Pres. Benigno Aquino III acts on the cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of innocent civilians during the past regime of the US-backed Gloria Arroyo, including the latest cases that took place in Aquino’s first weeks in office. We count the number of days until those accountable for over 1,000 cases of extrajudicial killings and over 200 cases of enforced disappearance are brought to the bar of justice. This includes Gloria Arroyo as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces during her term. Until now, we demand justice be served for Markus Bangit, Jose Doton, Pepe Manegdeg, Albert Terredaño, Alyce Claver and other slain indigenous leaders and community members in the Cordillera under the Arroyo regime. And on the nearing commemoration of Martial Law on September 21, we count the number of days until the new president decisively shows political will to stop the killings and ensure that justice be served to the victims.

The CPA iterates its Indigenous Peoples Agenda, duly submitted to the Office of the President in Malacañang on the occasion of the International Day of the World’s indigenous peoples in August, which contains the basic demands and urgent concerns of indigenous peoples in the country for the recognition of our individual and collective human rights. Among our calls is the end to militarization and ethnocide in the Cordillera and the immediate surfacing of James. # nordis.net

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Tublay mayor does not favor mining exploration

September 20, 2010 in Cordillera, mining

By ALMA B. SINUMLAG
www.nordis.net

TUBLAY, Benguet — Mayor Ruben Paoad during the Kapihan sa Tublay held last Thursday said he is not in favor of the mining exploration application of the Horizon Resources Corporation affecting their municipality.

The mining application targets barangay Ambongdolan, Baayan, Daclan, Tublay Central and Tuel. Paoad said the agencies concerned should consider the geohazards of mining in Tublay considering that they are within the Pacific–Cordillera faultline. He added that mining has a bad history in their municipality. This according to him is the reason why they are having scarcity of water at present. He said that Tublay used to have abundant watersheds but due to mining applications, they are now suffering because of the depleted water sources.

A notice of application relative to the Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) application No. 027 of the Horizon Resources Corporation was received by Paoad on September 8, 2010. The said application is situated not only in Tublay but within the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Mountain Province covering a total land area of 59,187.5506 hectares.

Paoad shared that Horizon told him that mining exploration is for the company to know if there are mineral deposits in their community. If the exploration produces results, they told him that it will take another permit for mining application and that they will ask for the consent of the community first through the process of the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

However, Paoad doubted their sincerity. He said “…nu ma-ammuan da nga adda ti minerales iti lugar tayo, haanak nga mamati nga basta da lang nga panawan. Uray siguro anya ti protesta ti umili a ket ipilit da latta ti application da.”

Moreover, Paoad said that they will tackle the issue during the Mayors League meeting since almost all of Benguet is affected by the said application. He reiterated that he is not in favor of the said FTAA application of the above mentioned corporation.

He also recounted that there was an application for small scale mining in Tublay but he denied it. He said they are trying their best to replenish their water sources by massive tree planting especially in the areas that were destroyed by typhoon Pepeng thus, they will not consider any applications that would further damage their environment.

Other municipalities of Benguet affected by the FTAA No. 027 are Atok, Bakun, Kapangan, Kibungan, and La Trinidad. In Ifugao, Banawe and Hungduan are included. In Mountain Province, the municipalities of Bauko, Bontoc, Sabangan and Sagada are affected. # nordis.net

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Gabriela says PNoy’s priorities misplaced

September 20, 2010 in budget, national

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QUEZON CITY — Myopic and a mere smokescreen is how Gabriela describes the planned P1,400 monthly subsidy to the poor by the government.

“By giving dole outs, they are painting the Aquino administration a popular picture that it is for the poor, but looking closely at its programs and even the 2011 national budget will tell us otherwise,” stated Lana Linaban, secretary general of Gabriela.

The militant women’s group slams Aquino’s misplaced priorities in budgeting for social services.

“Aquino touted that social services receive the highest allocation of 34.1%, but it will be largely spent on so-called “high-impact social services” as giving dole outs. These are meant to conceal the fact that there are no programs and policies in place that will address deeply-rooted problems on poverty, unemployment and landlessness,” Linaban lamented.

The group also notes that while there is wrong prioritization in the social services budget, the defense gets a solid increase of 81.15% and the foreign debt of 22.2%.

Gabriela stated that as history tells us, giving dole outs and merely addressing the problems of the people in a short-term manner do not result to strategic improvement in the lives of the people.

Gabriela cites as an example the reactive attitude of the government in dealing with dengue outbreak. “Information drive alone will not bring down the number of dengue cases. People need to fortify their physical health, strengthen their immune system in order to fight this illness. This can be only achieved with quality and healthy food that sadly, comes with a price tag that is inaccessible to the poor,” commented Linaban.

“As long as the government does not address the fundamental issue on economics, poverty will manifest itself in many forms and no short-term solution would bring in the change that Aquino promised the people,” Linaban further expressed.

Addressing the roots of poverty by providing gainful employment to the people remains the challenge of Gabriela to Aquino.

“We do not need myopic, short-term salve to our wounds. What we need are programs and policies that would empower us economically, that would make us capable to put food on our tables and fend for ourselves, not beg for alms in times of calamities,” Linaban concluded. # nordis.net

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Retelling the stories, Never again to Martial Law!

September 20, 2010 in Cordillera, Featured

By ML MARIGZA
www.nordis.net

BANGUED, Abra — The victories and experiences of the people who were tortured, displaced and still suffering the trauma of the dark nights of Martial Law should be documented and retold.

In gist, these were the challenges of two Abra priests we interviewed early this week. President Father Cirilo Ortega of Divine Word College and Fr. Renato Amasi of Bangued parish posed these challenges as they recalled their experiences during the Cellophil Resources Corporation struggle in the 80s. Cellophil Resources Corporation and Cellulose Processing Corporation were two giant logging projects in Abra, Kalinga and Mt Province promoted by Marcos and funded by the World Bank.

The two projects would have logged-out the thick forests of these provinces for paper and cellulose primarily for foreign consumption. It would have dried the mighty headwaters of the major rivers not only of Cordillera but also of the Ilocos provinces where the rivers flow. Farmers in Gaddani, Tayum were evicted from their rice fields and homes to give way to the companies’ headquarters and processing plants.

The people of three provinces opposed the projects and launched local, provincial and interprovincial campaigns to stop the logging of the forests and the destruction of their lands. The community churches had to guide their flock through this strife against the destruction of their livelihood and homes. Through the Basic Christian Communities, lay leaders, cathechists, nuns, the youth and the priests joined the people in the challenge.

Fr. Ortega, who was then a newly ordained priest, recalls that they were followed, the military would attend all their activities to spy on them. Fr. Amasi who also had just been ordained resorted to keeping clothes in many parishes because he could not know when his time to be arrested comes. His parish priest was then, the late Fr. Conrado Balweg.

Many local leaders were arrested and placed in jail. Some were killed, many were forcibly evacuated by the troops of Marcos and the goons of the local warlords. Defense Secretary Arturo Barbero, an Abrenian, mobilized the Presidential Security Group to spy on and silence the people. Many, including priests were included in the Order of Battle of the military.

The opposition to the CRC-CPC project reached the people on a national level. Notwithstanding martial law, the people were steadfast in the campaign to stop the logging which prompted support from others who were also affected by large scale corporate logging projects. The CRC-CPC resistance coincided with the fierce resistance of the Bontoks and Kalingas to the Chico Dam project which like the CRC-CPC was a mega project funded by the same World Bank.

Fr. Ortega recalls that the traditional bilateral bodong (peace pacts) assumed a multilateral character when bodong holders of Abra, Mt Province and Kalinga united in a bodong to oppose development aggression in their areas. He described that a local institution became an interprovincial instrument to forge unity among the people and introduce the Igorot consciousness that encompassed tribes and peoples who were separate and diverse.

On deeper reflection, he said the twin struggles and the knowledge that a people united can not be cowed or bent propelled the consciousness of the people and the formation of higher unities among them.

Eventually, the CRC-CPC logging activities and the Chico dam project were stopped. The people were again victorious in another struggle to defend life, land and resources for the next generation of indigenous peoples. Of course, the victory of the people does not hide the fact that a lot of lives were lost and maimed.

Fr. Amasi wishes the stories of the brave fight will be remembered by the next generation. Fr. Ortega hopes schools would be able to program this knowledge transfer to their students and to the communities either in print, in songs, poems, in theater, and in visual arts.

Those of us who have lived through the dark years of Martial Law wish these stories will be told and retold so we can with faith say: Never again to martial rule! # nordis.net

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DENR admits forest protection fund limited

September 20, 2010 in Cordillera, environment

By ALMA B. SINUMLAG
www.nordis.net

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The provincial office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR – Benguet) said they only have 20 forest rangers for the whole of the province.

This was revealed by Guillermo Fianza, the provincial enviroment and natural resourcer officer (PENRO) to the Benguet Provincial Board in their regular session last Monday, thus they alone do not have the capacity to suppress forest fires persisting in the province.

Regardless of the few number of forest rangers from the DENR, Fianza said that there are forest brigades and associations helping them respond to forest fire emergencies.

However, Board member Rogelio Leon said he is recognizing the efforts of the said brigades and associations but he stressed that the DENR should still spearhead activities responding to forest fires.

Data show that the province of Benguet has accumulated P9.5 million total damage due to man–made forest fires from 2005 up to the present.

The major causes of these man–made forest fires according to the data from DENR are escaped kaingin fires, intentional fires, burning of pastures, carelessness especially during honey harvest time.

According to PENRO–Benguet, they already apprehended perpetrators of the man-made forest fires but these were settled amicably. The perpetrators according to them were compelled to plant trees as a form of punishment.

However, SP Leon warned the DENR not to agree to the amicable settlement again. According to him, the perpetrators should be penalized in accordance to Presidential Decree (PD) 705 otherwise known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.

“While we have our culture and tradition at settling violations amicably which is good, that is not in the law. There is no provision in the PD 705 that the DENR can settle amicably. If somebody has put a certain forest into fire then the corresponding charges must be filed against him”, SP Leon said.

SP Leon added that the forest management bureau of the DENR is not doing anything to stop the perennial forest fires in the province of Benguet.

He even reiterated that the said agency should have done more in the prevention of fires like information dessemination on the effects of the depleted number of trees to the communities to instill enviroment issue awareness among the people.

However, Fianza told the Benguet SP that the budget for forest protection is limited to untenured forests and in the province of Benguet, the forests are mostly tenured. DENR cannot even afford to hire additional foresters.

Fianza added that there is even a situation wherein one forester is tasked to serve two barangays.

Here SP Concepcion Balao shared one case in Atok where a barangay officer died due to suffocation in responding to a forest fire emergency in their community. The same case happened in Kabayan.

Amid the lack of funds, DENR reiterated that they are doing what they can do in the prevention of forest fires like road side tree planting specifically of tree species that are not prone to fire like gmelina and the like.

Meanwhile, Leon suggested of reviewing policies regarding the allocation of funds to forest protection.

Leon also recommended that the DENR be knowledgeable of the program and action plans of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) who are doing research on how the Philippines can manage forest fires. # nordis.net

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Rise of climate change related health risks alarms DOH

September 20, 2010 in environment, Ilocos

By JENNYLYNE C. ROLE / PIA REGION 1
www.nordis.net

San Fernando City, La Union — The Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office I is alarmed over increasing climate-related health risks as a result of the continuing change in climate.

The DOH convened various stakeholders in a one-day Multi-Sectoral Forum on Climate Change for Health held at Oasis Country Resort and Hotel, this city, Wednesday and discussed vital interventions to address the issue.

Dr. Cecile Gatan-Magturo, Focal Person for Climate Change of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control of the DOH, in her presentation, discussed climate change and its linkage to health, along with the different disease that can be acquired from the worsening global warming.

Magturo pointed out that the intense heat waves causes heat stress among extreme ages, particularly those who are involved in athletic activities and the people with respiratory diseases. Increase in ground-level ozone, airborne allergens and other pollutants can trigger respiratory disease exacerbations to include COPD, asthma, allergic rhinitis and bronchitis which are most often suffered by the elderly, children and those suffering from respiratory illness.

Vector-borne disease like dengue; water-borne diseases to include cholera, typhoid fever, bacillary dysentery, infectious hepatitis, amoebic dysentery; water-based disease such as leptospirosis and schistosomiasis; and food-acquired diseases can be the results of the aftermath of climate change which are drought, floods and the increased mean temperature.

Injuries, drowning, water and soil salinization, ecosystem and economic disruption are possible health-related risk in times of extreme weather events like rain, hurricane, tornado, flooding and sea-level rise). Drought and ecosystem migration can result to food and water shortages that can eventually lead to malnutrition to low-income families, particularly affecting children and elderly.

Climate change generally, can cause mental health among the youth, displaced individuals, agricultural sectors and low-income families during extreme events.

Based on DOH records, among the human major killers yearly that are climate sensitive diseases include undernutrition that kills 3.7 million, diarrhea that kills 1.8 million and malaria that kills 1.1 million nationwide.

To address the many issues and gaps along increasing climate-related health risks, the DOH committed various steps towards climate change adaptation. Strategies and action plans to incorporate climate change into existing policies and programs will be develop and implemented and support to LGU-based and other community-based climate change adaptations will be extended.

Moreover, the DOH will be injecting public health approach primarily to serve as credible source of information wherein tracking of data on environmental conditions, disease risks and disease occurrence related to climate change will be done. Locations and population groups at greater risk for specific health threats will also be identified and promote workforce development by helping to ensure the training of a new generation of competent, experienced public health staff. # nordis.net

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DA holds organic rice festival

September 19, 2010 in agriculture, Cordillera

By REDJIE CAWIS / PIA
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Cordillera Administrative Region held its first Cordillera Organic Rice Festival here in Baguio City last week.

According to DA Regional Director Lucrecio Alviar, the rice festival aims to promote the organic rice or the heirloom rice being grown in the different provinces of the region.

This is one way of popularizing the indigenous rice varieties of the Cordilleras, said Alviar. The DA also aims to showcase organic rice varieties to ensure that such rice varieties will be preserved and continue to be grown in the provinces.

During the three days event at the People’s Park, the provincial agricultural offices of Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province exhibited and sold their own indigenous varieties of organic rice to the public.

Some of the varieties exhibited were uskil, kotinaw, balatinaw, chorchor-os, and ominio from the Mountain Province.

From Benguet are rice varieties of kintoman, lasbaki, lablabi, bongkitan, balintanaw, kabal, dikalot, gal-ong and kalipago. From Ifugao, rice varieties of tinawon, minaangan and maknongan were exhibited while Kalinga displayed its famous unoy rice, balatinaw and bina-ay.

Alviar explained that the organic rice production in the Cordillera consists of eight percent of the total rice production of the region. Although it seems that this is just a small number, it still shares to the total rice production of the region and even to the exported rice supply, he said.

He added that these indigenous organic rice are export quality rice and the DA is very critical in the quality, quantity and packaging to ensure that it meets the international quality standards.

The unoy and tinawon as well as other indigenous rice varities from the region continue to enjoy international market share particularly in the US.

Alviar stressed that the organic rice is the healthiest and safest for human consumption because it has no pesticide, chemicals and no other inputs. Alviar assured that the Cordillera region has sufficient rice supply.

In times of disasters, the National Food Authority is prepared for any rice supply needed. # nordis.net

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Tublay faces scarce water supply

September 19, 2010 in Cordillera, social concerns

By ADELA DEYAEN WAYAS
www.nordis.net

TUBLAY, Benguet — In the Kapihan sa Tublay Thursday, Mayor Ruben Paoad told media that the water supply of his municipality is increasingly getting scarce.

Although he said it is not yet severe but the municipal officials have made ordinances and resolutions to implement to solve halt or slowdown the problem.

Vice Mayor Armando Lauro said they made ordinances and resolutions to mandate the constituents of Tublay to plant trees even in their backyards.

Lauro said that while they are looking for sources of funds for the infrastructures needed to impound their water supply, it is better to work out such solutions to support the watershed than doing nothing.

Mayor Paoad explained that the effects of this action will take years or decades but at least he said the next generations could benefit from this.

Lauro said the people in Tublay have learned from their experience during the typhoon Pepeng. He said that the people have united and have responded well to the projects regarding the problem of water. He encouraged their constituents to plant not only in their backyards but also on open public places.

“As a long term solution we have to develop the viable water source by regreening our communal forests,” he said. The committee on Environment has an ongoing tree planting said chair Soriano Mendoza.

He informed media that they not only planted pine tree seedlings but also coffee, bamboos and other kinds of trees. Paoad said they are prioritizing the tree planting because they are expecting less rains in the following months where they should stop planting.

The mayor also said they have alotted 2.5 million pesos for drilling water. Two drillings have failed already but Paoad said that there is one ongoing drilling in Tublay. Moreover, he said they have ordered the different barangays to secure water sources and the municipality is willing to buy it. He said securing and developing watersheds are encouraged.

On the other hand, Paoad mentioned that the scarcity in water supply was one of the effects of mining. He said during the 1980s there was a mining operation in the municipality by Sto. Nino mines. He added the town had a bad experience.

Paoad admitted that after the long years of operation of the mines, they still feel the ill effects of mining. “Makitkita nga mining ti makin epekto ditoy,” the mayor said referring to the water scarcity.

Furthermore, Tublay is asking for a share in the taxes from Ambuklao and Binga Dams. Paoad said a substantial portion of Tublay was declared a watershed for Ambukalo and Binga dams. He said they should be given a share because territories of Tublay supply water to the dams.

Meanwhile, Congressman Teodoro Baguilat Jr has reportedly filed a bill in Congress redefining the meaning of “host community” to cover all those secure watersheds providing water supply to the dams or any hydro-electric power generating facilities. # nordis.net

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Vergara, Domogan take NCIP to the House

September 19, 2010 in Baguio City, law, national

By ISAGANI LIPORADA / PIO
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — In the heels of several skirmishes between the City Government of Baguio and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in courts of law, two of the City’s top dogs have decided to take the matter to the House where it all began.

Baguio rep Bernardo Vergara and mayor Mauricio Domogan sang the same tune to the annoyance of NCIP bosses last week when they alleged ultra vires acts committed by the agency in implementing Republic Act (RA) No. 8371 -  the NCIP Act of 1997.

While Vergara minced no words in attacking NCIP in the House of Representatives, Domogan during a press conference echoed the rep’s stand during the ‘Ugnayan’ press hosted by DZEQ ‘Radio ng Bayan’ in City Hall, Wednesday.

Vergara and Domogan were in Manila together recently for an NCIP probe by Congress, which hearing was nonetheless postponed to a later date. 

Both officials scored NCIP for its alleged disregard of a ‘special provision’ under Chapter XIII, Section 78 of the NCIP Act which provides, “The City of Baguio shall remain to be governed by its Charter and all lands proclaimed as part of its townsite reservation shall remain as such until otherwise reclassified by appropriate legislation.”

The same provision provided exceptions, to wit: “…prior land rights and titles recognized and/or required through any judicial, administrative or other processes before the effectivity of [the] Act shall remain valid.”

Domogan said it is clear from Section 78, ancestral land claims after the effectivity of RA 8371 shall no longer be entertained.

He complained, “Despite clear provision of law, NCIP apparently continues to entertain claims.”

He was referring to pending claims over the Forbes Park and Camp John Hay Reservations; and the Baguio Dairy Farm, among others, to which nary claims were advanced by indigenous peoples after approval of the NCIP Act in 1997.

The city is likewise in a legal battle over Busol Forest Reservation.

The City Legal Office (CLO) recently filed motion for reconsideration (MR) hoping to reverse a Court of Appeals (CA) decision upholding NCIP’s power to issue Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO) against the City Government’s demolition orders against alleged illegal settlers in the area.

Meanwhile, Vergara in his privileged speech in the House demanded inquiry for alleged issuance of Certificates of Ancestral Land Claims (CALT) over tracts of lands apparently reserved for public use.

He said, “It is imperative Congress abates [NCIP’s anomalous and indiscriminate] issuance of CALT covering reservations.”

Domogan for his part said, “Most of these tracts of land in issue form part of our remaining forests which needs to be protected at all costs.”

He warned prospective buyers of portions of these lands to “Beware,” noting the city will safeguard public interest over the said realties by all means citing the last paragraph of Section 78 which states, “This provision shall not apply to any territory which becomes part of the City of Baguio after the effectivity of this Act. # nordis.net

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Dear old BGH gets ct scan

September 19, 2010 in Baguio City, general welfare, health

By RAMON DACAWI / PIO
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Thanks to the city government, the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center has finally acquired an honest-to-goodness Computed Tomography (CT) Scan that a health facility of such stature  is presumed to have.

The expensive diagnostic gadget was inaugurated and blessed last Thursday morning at the radiology department of the BGHMC, undoubtedly the top medical center north of Metro-Manila.

“From today, we will no longer be sending our patients to other hospitals (for this service),” medical center chief, Dr. Manny Factora noted before Fr. German Ledesma presided over the blessing of the refurbished equipment bought with a P10 million fund support from the city. 

Mayor Mauricio Domogan, who cut the ribbon, said the acquisition of the equipment will help address the long-felt need to upgrade the center’s facilities  because of its crucial role as the medical center of northern and central Luzon.

“We kept on telling the Department of Health (DOH) on the need to complete the equipment of the BGHMC,” Domogan said. “It promised to do so during the congressional budget deliberations but it did not deliver,” he rued, recalling his reminders to health officials during his three terms as congressman.

“The BGHMC is principally the one addressing the health needs not only of the city and the Cordillera but also of the adjoining provinces and regions,” the mayor pointed out.

The biggest recognition of the center’s importance came from then Senator Juan Flavier who used up bulk of his congressional funds for the construction of new buildings, including one that now houses its psychiatry department.

Other regional hospitals in northern and central Luzon are not keen on establishing their own psychiatry wards or departments, and depend on the professional service and facilities doggedly developed by the BGHMC, through the leadership of the late Dr. Asela Casem.

Lack of facilities has its upside, Dr. Jimmy Cabfit, chief of the medical professional services of the BGHMC. “It forces us to think and be creative,” he said

Like saving what the city provided for the medical center the past two years so it could  have its CT scan.

And while the center’s medical staff is grateful to the city, they have no choice but to soon blend their letter of gratitude with another request.

“We need to have at least three new x-ray machines,” Cabfit said, noting that the existing one is the most overworked hereabouts and is about to give up.

He estimates P30 to P40 million is needed for the three machines, including a portable version.

“If the city can provide half of the cost, we’ll take care of the rest,” Factora said. # nordis.net

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Cordillera This Week: Sept. 12 to 18, 2010

September 19, 2010 in Cagayan Valley

www.nordis.net

NGO spearheads malnourished kids clinic

LAGAWE, Ifugao — About 156 severely malnourished children in the province were given free clinic and malnutrition education intervention last September 14 at the Lagawe Central School Gymnasium here. Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Carmelita Buyuccan said the activity was undertaken by the Malnutrition Alert Ifugao, Inc. (MAII), a non-government organization that helps local government units in the management and rehabilitation of malnutrition cases.

Doctors led by MAII President, Dr. Felix Ayahao, volunteered their services to do comprehensive physical examination for the said children. Volunteers from the different sectors assisted Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Guillermo Tadao praised the organization. “Malnutrition is not a family problem, rather it is a community concern. We therefore need the concerted effort of everybody to address it because it will indicate the future families of Ifugao,” he said. This is the first activity of the MAII which was organized last May 2010. # Vency D. Bulayungan/PIA

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Bangued’s Zero Waste Management Program

Bangued, Abra — The local government of this capital town is seriously executing its Zero Waste Management Strategic Plan with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG).

Menandro Buenafe of DOST-Abra said they have already prepared a funding proposal for the provision of the trichoderma for composting in the production of organic fertilizer and Vermi culture (earthworm) at the Eco-Park at Brgy. Cosili here.The trichoderma and vermin culture will be implemented in the recycling of garbage to solve once and for all the problem of waste disposal system in this capital town. This will also address the needs of the farmers with the supply of organic fertilizer.# Maritess Benas/PIA-Abra

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86.4% of Filipinos are functionally literate

Baguio City — About 58 million of the estimated 67 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 years old are functionally literate – meaning they can read, write, compute and comprehend. This is based on 2008 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS),presented by National Statistic Office Administrator Carmelita Ericta during the 2010 National Literacy Conference and Awards held at the Teachers Camp here last Friday. According to Ericta, the 2008 functional literacy of 86.4 percent is slightly higher than the 2003 FLEMMS survey result of 84.1 percent. She also stressed literacy is much higher for persons who have completed high school or higher education.

Cordillera ranked fifth among seventeen regions with 89.2 literacy rate. The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao has the lowest functional literacy rate at 71.6 percent. The latest FLEMMS also showed that more female (88.7%) are functionally literate than men (84.2%). In spite of the high literacy figures, Ericta stressed that the country still needs a yearly three percent increase for the Philippines to reach the United Nations Millenium Development Goal (MDG) of providing a primary’Education for All.’ Based on the survey, television remains the most influential mass media medium to Filipinos with 94%, followed by radio with 90% and magazine with 83%. Only 43% of the respondents said Internet is the most influential medium.# Lito Dar/PIA

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Baguio Roundup: Sept. 12-18, 2010

September 19, 2010 in Baguio City

www.nordis.net

Mandatory waste segregation mulled anew

BAGUIO CITY – The city government will soon revive the no segregation-no collection policy in garbage collection to complement on-going waste reduction schemes being implemented in the city.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan directed the city environment and parks management office to undertake a massive information, education and communication (IEC) campaign on the mandatory waste segregation to assure readiness of the barangays in complying with the policy before its re-implementation.

The policy is premised on Section 10 of Republic Act No. 9003 which provides that the segregation and collection of recyclable and biodegradable wastes shall be the responsibility of the barangays while the collection of residual wastes shall be the look-out of the city government.# A Refuerzo

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Poker joints increase in the city

Baguio City — Councilor Edwin Bilog, in his privilege speech Monday, said some establishments allow poker games, a new form of gambling. In the regular session of the council he named some establishments where poker is allowed. He said he received information that poker is being played in places like Cafe Will along Legarda Road, Lourdes Subdivision and Rizal Monument.

Bilog called this to the attention of the Baguio City Police Office to and Task Force Jupiter, an anti-gambling group formed by City Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

There have been many attempts to operate a casino in the city but the Church and the people of Baguio protested. Just like games in a casino, poker is a form of card game with bets which the youth nowadays are very fond of. # Adela Deyaen Wayas

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Baguio Elders lament lack of gov’t attention

BAGUIO CITY — “We lament the lack of attention from the city government,” Baguio Elders Assembly (BEA) Executive Chair Nars Padilla said Tuesday during the launching of their Octoberbest 2010.

Padilla said they were not given recognition by the city during the last Flower Festival. He asked the city government to support their activities. He said that as they are already diminishing in number they should be reminded that they were once officials who served in the government.

On the other hand, BEA launched different activities for their Octoberbest 2010. During the program, they highlighted the upcoming Gintong Tala Achievers Award where they have chosen 12 Most Outstanding Senior Citizens. Padilla invited everybody to their two day activity on October as they declared it Senior Citizens’ Month.# Adela Deyaen Wayas

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Mayor to investigate defective city school

BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Mauricio Domogan this week issued Administrative Order No. 135 forming the Task Force and ordered the immediate investigation of the alleged substandard and defective construction of an elementary school here.

He was acting on complaints of Teodora Botis (Principal), Richard Tawanga (PTA President of Spring Hills Elementary School and Punong Barangay Martin Anglog of Loakan-Apugan Barangay.City Engineer Oscar Flores was tasked to head the Task Force with Engineer Tony Caluza (PICE) and Camilo Estepa (CMO) as members.

Domogan stressed if warranted by evidence, necessary action will be done against those responsible.#Paul Rillorta/PIO

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BSU to offer HRM

BAGUIO CITY — Benguet State University will be offering Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant (BSHRM) on the first semester of the next school year. The course will be offered under Department of Human Nutrition and Foods (DHNF) of the College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET) as an addition to the college’s three existing course offerings.

“The course is now ready to be offered next school year. As for now, we have equipment and materials which needs to be added since these are being used by our BSND and BSET students and we are also eyeing for a building we can use,” said Sherilyn Balauro, chair of DHNF.

To qualify in the course, Balauro said the students should pass the BSU qualifying entrance examination and has a high school average of 85 and above. The college will accommodate 50 to 55 qualified incoming freshmen. # April Panganiban/CEGP

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Ba’diw, a venue to pass on Cordillera heritage

September 19, 2010 in Cordillera, education, indigenous

By RONALYN BANAKEN / CEGP Baguio-Benguet
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Embracing the principle that land is life, Cordilleran elders continue to practice chanting as part of many significant rituals of the Cordillera culture.

Ba’diw, which refers to the oldest traditional Cordilleran way of storytelling in the form of chant, contributes to the societal development aspects particularly agriculture, leadership, values formation, culture, environment, health, education, community relations as well as family ties and personal commitment.

This was reflected in the study, “Ba’diw as a Communication Tool for Community Development in Topdac, Atok, Benguet” conducted by Paul Joseph Nuval, Development Communication graduate of the university.

According to the study, experiences of the Ibaloi people serve as essential source of messages in the performance of ba’diw. Messages are conveyed through chants by the elders.

Ba’diw is similar to Mountain Province’s day-eng, Kalinga’s ullalim and Ifugao’s hudhud.

Specifically, ba’diw takes its core messages from agriculture on land preservation and crop productivity. Likewise, the ritual’s significant role in politics and leadership is emphasized.

“The ba’diw helps in strengthening the leadership of the people (particularly among the Ibalois) through the value laden guidance and motivation,” the study points out.

In its performance, ba’diw incorporates the idea of promoting values of the indigenous peoples and the protection of indigenous knowledge, systems and practices (IKSP).

In this case, the youth who hear the chants are encouraged and motivated. Listening to the chants makes them absorb positive omen. It gives them “personal empowerment, confidence and self-direction.”

Furthermore, in the health and environment aspects, the use of herbal and natural medicines is emphasized in the performance of the ba’diw.

What is more interesting is that ba’diw is also used to discuss the community dynamics in terms of harmonious relationship, participation and involvement between the people in the community which results to unity and stronger family ties.

Ba’diw is just one of the facets of the Cordilleran culture. In the preservation of such culture, further documentations should be done, the study recommends, since the region is a very rich treasure trove of indigenous knowledge.

Filmore Awas served as adviser of the study. # nordis.net

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Editorial: Payback time?

September 19, 2010 in columns, opinion

www.nordis.net

There is a widespread perception that the Supreme Court’s decision asking the House of Representatives not to proceed with the impeachment of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez is a gesture of gratitude of GMA appointees ( the SC justices in this case ) doing another appointee (Ombudsman Gutierrez) a favor for shielding their former boss (GMA) from prosecution.

Such a perception would, of course, be denied both by the Supreme Court justices concerned and the Ombudsman herself. They are just doing their respective duties as mandated by the Constitution and no payback is involved at all. But the negative impression about the conduct of these officials in this case persist.

Necessarily, the why question is raised.

The negative perception regarding Ombudsman Gutierrez’s performance is not of recent vintage. The substance of the impeachment complaint against her shows why her critics believe she has been remissed in her duties in going after erring public servants especially when they are perceived to be close to the appointing powers or when they are seen as doing the bidding of the appointing authority.

This has been the experience of many erring officials appointed by GMA – the fertilizer scam involving Mr. Jocjoc Bolante being the more promiment one. And when it was GMA’s turn to be investigated as in her alleged involvement in the NBN-ZTE case, she was let off the hook in a jiffy by the Ombudsman.

With such a GMA loyalist at the top of the Office of the Ombudsman many are losing hope of ever making GMA accountable for various anomalies committed during her watch as president of this country. Even the work of the Truth Commission created by P-Noy will not go far as long as Ombudsman Gutierrez holds the office.

So, the necessity of removing her from office by impeachment, if she will not resign out of delicadeza.

But she found allies in the Supreme Court, who called on the House of Representatives to restore the state of affairs to status quo ante as far as Gutierrrez is concerned thus stalling the impeachment proceedings against her. Meanwhile, the House justice committee was directed by the Supreme Court to explain why it should not stop the impeachment proceedings against Gutierrez.

The majority of the justices of the Supreme Court finds the impeachment proceedings against Gutierrez irregular because two complaints were filed against her thus violating the-one-impeachment-complaint-only per year as provided by law.

The House Committte on Justice countered by claiming that the two complaints were actually consolidated into one and so only one complaint proceeding was moving against Gutierrez and not two as alleged.

Besides, several lawmakers in the House of Representatives believe that the Supreme Court was tresspassing into the exclusive domain of a co-equal branch of government when it questioned the validity of the House impeachment proceedings against Gutierrez.

There is also now a growing perception that the justices of the Supreme Court who owed their appointment to GMA are now showing their sense of gratitude to her by moving slowly against Ombudsman Gutierrez who is expected to protect the former president from prosecution after she lost her immunity from suits when she stepped out of Malacanang even if she is now a member of the House of Representatives as a congresswoman from Pampanga.

Such a perception is not as widespread as those held against Gutierrez, but it began to take hold when the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the midnight appointments made by GMA which installed Chief Justice Renato Corona as head of the Supreme Court after Chief Justice Reynato Puno retired last April.

Whether Gutierrez luck (and that of her former boss, GMA) will hold out as this case unfolds still remains to be seen. But the ultimate result of this case will have a large impact for better or for worse on the campaign of the Aquino administration against graft and corruption in public service.# nordis.net

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From under this hat: Noynoy to PNoy

September 19, 2010 in columns, opinion

By KATHLEEN T. OKUBO
www.nordis.net

“The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.

There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.

Son, the ball is now in your hands.”

***

Surface James

Enforced disappearance (ED), to the ordinary citizen is abduction or kidnapping but this time it is done by or perpetuated by security agents of the state. Meaning it is sanctioned by an official hierachy. It is illegal, unconstitutional by the laws of our country and by international and UN conventions but it is happening. It has been employed during the Martial law regime until today’s government administrations.
It was only this same day two years ago that I got information James M. Balao was a victim of enforced disappearance. Officially, James was the first ED victim in the Cordillera. It was also the day that the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance gave formal recognition to Human Rights Defenders.

James must be surfaced by the state, not only because it is as ruled by the courts thru a writ of amparo but simply for truth and justice. Then president GMArroyo was named among the perpetrators of James’ disappearance. Government rules also holds the present president responsible now for implementing the order of the writ that has not been implemented in the last regime. Let us keep watch, and see if this government is different from the last or that before last, the yellow hue seems to be shedding off, it may just turn a darker shade yet.

Earlier this week, I joined a film crew to Ilocos Sur, along the way we listened to the car radio and opened our eyes. The radio news told of a missing farmer, a Huey helicopter downed by an M-14 (or a slingshot, said a trike driver) somewhere in the interior barrios of Santa Lucia. News! we thought as we sped through the highway when we realized we were in front of the Sta. Lucia municipal building and were actually surprised to see several soldiers; full camouflage uniform, black beret-ed, armalites, alert mode and all that metal hanging around the torso of some.

So focused we were on our appointment, that we only realized much later that we had rushed thru that opportunity to film breaking news. The radio announcer said an officer was shot (killed or wounded?) and a farmer was missing. Anyway, we kept tuned for more details.

We were later told that the a 50th IB and an 86th IB of a hundred soldiers each commandeered some private buses from the Cagayan region and went to the interior barrios of Ilocos Sur and immediately conducted military operations in the area.

Sketchy stories said that they took into custody five farmers out in the field either pasturing a cow or carabao, wood gathering etc. Roughed them up accusing them of being NPAs or supporters.

They released all but one but not without taking their cattle and whatever cash or valuables they had. The one they did not release was found by barrio people who went to search for him in a shallow grave the next day, mutilated beyond recognition.

There were also reports that because of the sudden appearance of battle ready soldiers, noisy choppers, pillaging and the cruel death of the farmer, the barrio people got scared and decided to seek refuge en masse, “bring the children and women away to safety” ta kasla da umay nga agugubat.”

To think of it, who, individual or a whole village, would not be terrorized by that scenario? Two infantry battalions suddenly arriving screaming orders, two constantly hovering helicopters, an armored tank (that got stuck in the mud with mechanical problems), one Huey transporting armed soldiers, that even crashed in the area, battle ready soldiers entering the barrios and their homes (talk about robberies).

Who would not be frightened by such terror especially under the new president who everybody thinks is a peace loving, compassionate, and fair president? Is the snake’s head showing? in the ‘ber’ months? Oh well, that must be the new continuation of Oplan Bantay Laya II. PNoy, whose freedom?

***

Today, SIGWA, (Rage) a movie about activism during the Marcos’ martial law period, is on its final screening at 3:00 this afternoon at Saint Louis Center, Assumption Road, Baguio. The cast includes: Zsazsa Padilla, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar, Marvin Agustin, Allen Dizon, and Dawn Zulueta, Sponsored by the CHRA and the organization of ex-political detainees in the Cordillera – Afong. Go catch it, tickets are available at the gate.

A review says, “The film is a historical piece that follows the lives of four friends during the period of the First Quarter Storm, the declaration of Martial Law and the years that followed. The film is produced by Beginnings at Twenty Plus and was screened by sell-out crowds during the 6th Cinemalaya film festival. Because of its superb quality, the film was rated “A” by the Cinema Evaluation Board”. # nordis.net

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