IliganCity – Electoral Reforms is a must in the coming May 2010 elections. This is one concern of the Civil Society Organization-Forum for Peace and the Lanao Alliance of Human Rights Advocates, Inc. who will host the December 9, 2009 forum to be held at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, College of Education Amphitheater.
The forum objective is to increase awareness of the people of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. To engage the people to take active role in achieving fairness and honesty in governance especially with the coming May Election 2010.
“Participants are from governmental and non-government organizations, people’s organizations, academe, sectoral groups, professional groups and media institutions as well as prospective candidates for the upcoming elections.” said Ms. Jane Bernardo, President of CSO-FP.
Meanwhile, Mr. Acmad Macatimbol who chaired the Lanao Alliance of Human Rights confirmed the attendance of Ms. Anita Sescon to talk about “Women and Politics”, Atty. Abdullah Dalidig of the Islamic Movement for Electoral Reform based in Marawi City, “Civil Societies Responses for Electoral Reforms” and Fr. Albert Mendez of the Social Action Center, Diocese of Iligan for the “Call of the Church for a Principled Politics.
The forum will also conduct workshops to design alternatives and solutions and recommendation for this coming May Election 2010, to achieved peaceful, honest, and credible elections.
This, 2010 May Election is considered the first of its kind in the nation’s history wherein the COMELEC adopts a new technology, the Full Automation of the Polls. By the use of internet, PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scan System) that will transmit the results from the polling places will be used in clustered or regular precincts all over the country.
But as of press time, COMELEC is still waiting for its completion and to be distributed to the precincts on the day of the election. As of now negative views on the use of the full automation flourish from political parties, IT technocrats, and ordinary voters who has to be informed, educated and taught of how to use said technologies.
With R.A. 9369 or the Full Automation of the May 2010 Election Act needs 82,200 PCOS that will serve 80 provinces with 44,009,069 registered voters (as of the latest ERB Hearing) with a cost of 11,301,790 million pesos.
The PCOS will replace the OMR that was used first in The ARMM election last year 2008. Accordingly with these machines, votes counting time will decrease and results will be immediately seen in the provincial canvass area where big screen will be installed.
COMELEC said that it is the voter will feed into the PCOS, while the BEI’s (Board of Election Inspectors) are only present to check on the voter’s identification. Ballots are numbered and with bar codes that will correspond with the PCOS installed in the precincts, meaning no other ballots will be accepted by these machines.
PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
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This, Statement on the declaration of Martial Law in Maguindanao, is an emailed Press
Release from a concerned citizen worth reading, Mindanao ON-LINE published it. Thanks for it…
The declaration of a state of Martial Law in Maguindanao sets a most dangerous precedent for the nation. Not since September 21, 1972 has there been any declaration of Martial Law, not even during the years of tumult under the Aquino, Estrada and, prior to this, the Arroyo regime. For the first time since 1972, the writ of habeas corpus has been suspended in an area in the Philippines.
We reiterate our call for justice for the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre but we cannot support measures that are both dangerous and questionable.
The alleged purpose of Proclamation 1959 is the arrest of the Ampatuan family members who are implicated in the November 23 Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre. The regime justifies the declaration in saying that civilian institutions, especially the courts, are no longer functioning and that the dispensation of justice would not be possible.
The Constitution says Martial Law can only be declared during an invasion or during a rebellion. The failure of civilian government institutions, as in the case of the local government offices and courts in Maguindanao, cannot be used as a pretext for declaring Martial Law. The difficulty of gathering evidence, securing warrants and enforcing arrests also cannot be used as a basis for the declaration.
We demand the lifting of Martial Law in Maguindanao and the restoration of the civilian government institutions. Martial Law cannot solve the problem of state-sponsored warlordism and violence in the province. Martial Law will always lead to abuses because those implementing it, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, have very poor human rights records.
The national government must endeavor to restore the civilian administrative and judicial institutions in the province.
If Mrs. Arroyo refuses to lift the declaration, we call on Congress to exercise its powers to revoke Martial Law. Mrs. Arroyo is required by the Constitution to report to Congress within 48 hours. It falls on Congress, though dominated by Arroyo loyalists, to revoke this dangerous declaration. We must not wait for the maximum 60-day period allowed by the Constitution for the enforcement of martial rule. The leaders of the Lower House and Senate must convene within 24 hours to address this issue.
That Martial Law has been declared in a province less than six months before the national elections raises fresh fears that similar scenarios can also follow, thus severely undermining the conduct of the 2010 polls. We must not allow this scenario to be replicated in other regions for whatever pretexts.
The Arroyo regime and its police and military have to be made accountable for its role in arming the Ampatuan family. The recently discovered arms cache in the Ampatuan residence shows the complicity of the AFP, PNP and the regime in supplying weapons to the local warlords. With this kind of track record, how do you trust the AFP and PNP with the vast powers of Martial rule? This kind of corruption and complicity cannot be solved by the declaration of Martial rule. l
We have learned the bitter lessons of Martial Law even as we are acutely aware of the propensity for abuse by the current regime. As we continue to demand justice for the victims of the Ampatuan massacre, we call on the public to remain vigilant at this time against possible abuses on civilians that may stem from this declaration.
PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
CALL OR TEXT ME : 0929-589-6390
OR E-MAIL ME : pjtremedal@gmail.com
visit my website: www.pag-enews.tk
Iligan City – “We are warned” this is the call of a fiction movie 2012 that everyone who see it must realize that we are really facing a problem that everybody is experiencing, “climate Changes” or global warming that scientist, environmentalist, has gone to study more about it and send warnings to the world.
In fact we got to do something about it, we need volunteers, we need to campaign for it, we advocate to save our planet NOW! If not we will suffer what the movie 2012 had emphasized as a lesson to learn.
Even the infamous Nostradamus writings years back and his findings and predictions for 2012 must be considered by the people of this earth, it may be true or not but we have to preserve and conserve our environment.
As the celebration for the International Volunteers Day commence the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace (CSO-FP) together with its partners hold activities and initiated forum on its advocacy for peace and development to cater views and issues regarding governance, peace and order, civic-socio issues, and environment in celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace, International Human Rights day, Philippine Volunteers Month.
One of its activity is the Volunteers and Media Forum held at Dimsum Restaurant in IliganCity with its theme: “Volunteering for our Planet” that will focus how everyone can be a volunteer to save our planet.
CSO-FP Managing Director Jun Enriquez said that the one day forum will be participated by volunteers and media practitioners from Iligan, Lanao provinces and Cagayan de Oro. To talk and act on resolution how to save especially oon “Climate Changes”.
Speakers are; Yashnima Macapodi, Project Coordinator for Volunteering Roadshow,(Former KI Volunteer) for Local Volunteering, Mr. Gerry Merriman, International Volunteer (Irish National) of Voluntary Overseas(VSO) for the International Volunteering and Mr. Ercel Maanding, President of the Mass Media
Advocate on Evironment Preservation f Cagayan de Oro for Media Volunteering.
Meanwhile, Engr. Mariam Barandia, Executive Director of Kapamagogapa Inc. will give the rationale behind of the forum and Mr. Billy Dela Rosa, Programme Manager, VSO Peace Mindanao will give his peace message.
Ms. Jane Bernardo , President of CSO-FP,Inc. opens the Volunteer and Media Forum.
Billy dela Rosa Message:
On behalf of VSO I would like to express solidarity with all of you gathered here today on the occasion of the United Nations International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, more popularly known as International Volunteer Day or IVD.Today is actually the 24th annual IVD since it started in 1985 on the strength of a UN resolution urging governments, the UN and civil society organizations to work together with volunteers around the world to celebrate IVD on December 5 each year. The celebration
The UN had declared 2001 the International Year of Volunteers. In that year, the General Assembly adopted recommendations aimed to stimulate national and international policy debate around, and to advocate for, recognizing, facilitating, networking and promoting voluntary action. So today is not just about a day of collective action for community benefit such as a clean-up drive which KI and CSOFP had spearheaded this morning, but it is also – just as importantly – about discussions about, advocacy for, recognition of, facilitating, networking and promoting voluntary action. Which is why we are having this forum this afternoon.
Volunteering in its traditional sense is all about charity. Giving of oneself, without expectations for material compensation, for the benefit of others. But, we have gone a long way since the first act of human charity – which is not to say that the original reason for volunteering is no longer valid. Far from it. Volunteering is, and will always be a selfless act of a human person to another. However, it has ceased to be just a personal act. It has become a social act. It has no longer just a charitable function but – and perhaps more importantly – a developmental function. That is why the UN calls this day International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development.
The Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) is an international organization that works for development through volunteering. In Lanao, we support at least 12 NGO partners in their peace building efforts by providing international volunteers. Our volunteers support peace building work of our partners through capacity building, skills transfers and trainings in various areas of expertise such as emotional recovery, natural resource management, enterprise development, gender equality, resource mobilization, volunteer management, English teaching, and a host of other skills needed by our partners in their work among disadvantaged communities.
Volunteering is an act of peaceableness. No wonder that no matter the difficult circumstances volunteers from many countries of the world, including those of VSO, come to Lanao to work with people in their communities.
Volunteering comes in many flavors and colors. It can be international (as in VSO volunteers) or local. The Philippines is known throughout the world for its vibrant civil society. Which means that we have a big voluntary sector – as NGOs and POs are otherwise known. As social scientists have commented, Filipinos are known for their community spirit. The iconic symbol of people helping one another transfer a house by carrying it on their shoulder is uniquely Filipino. That is volunteering Pinoy style.
So local volunteering is a national trait. The thing is, how to bring it up to developmental volunteering. This is the challenge we pose before this forum.
Two years ago, Congress passed a law encouraging volunteering for rural development. While we say that volunteering is not just for rural development but for national development, we are nonetheless encouraged by this law. We should, however, ask government for a more aggressive dissemination of information about the law. Local governments must be informed and educated about the law. And, perhaps more importantly, some resources should be put behind the law.
NGOs, by themselves, can do a lot to systematize volunteering. Systems should be put in place to provide training and mentoring for volunteers so that they can do an effective job. Volunteering programmes should be started which are aimed at important development issues as well as practical steps to address those issues.
Academic institutions should also encourage immersion by students to community conditions through voluntary work. This will enable students to deepen their appreciation of development issues.
The private sector, specifically business, should support volunteering for development. Development stimulates markets and is good for business.
I have tried above to illustrate the various ways by which different sectors can promote the spirit of volunteerism. There are a million and one reasons why we as a people should be interested in volunteerism for peace and development. It is a challenge I would like to leave you on this occasion of the 24th annual celebration of International Volunteer Day.
To end, let me congratulate the organizers of this forum as well as thank all the participants for volunteering their time. Thank you and I wish you a fruitful afternoon.
Billy
With this Ms. Jashree Boot said, “It ‘s hard work becoming a volunteer but if, deep within you as a volunteer in mind and in heart, they who need us welcomes us as there heroes.”
PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
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OR E-MAIL ME : pjtremedal@gmail.com
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Cagayan de Oro City – For the past thirty four years, as a regular rentee of a government owned building, the Regional Office of the Department of Education, Region 10 (Northen Mindanao) will not be renting anymore.
DepED had been renting and stayed from 1975 up to now at the Don Gregorio Pelaez Jr. Sports Complex Grandstand for the past thirty four years.
“This will be my priority for physical facilities in my taking over as the new regional director. We the funds already and we will acquiring a 1.3 hectares of land that costs the office 15-M (near the SM Cagayan de Oro City) and has budget of 50-M for a new building to house our personnels as an official office of DepED Region 10” said Dr. Luz Almeda,CESO IV.
Almeda who take over from the former RD Estrella Babano last November 16 came form Region 12.
Farther, Almeda informed this on-line, that the earthmoving scheme for the land will start this March 2010 with a budget of 5-M for its preparation to include the bidding procedure of the building of which has already a architectural design.
This will be the first time that DepED Region 10 will have his own home to call their own.
“Yes, it is sad to say that, DepED 10 for the past 34 years has no office we always renting this area at the sports complex now run by the province sports council.” Almeda adds.
In another development, RD Almeda pointed out that a priority of her is to achieved DepED campaign for a quality education by giving importance to the basics of education.
“With my stint in Region 12 who was named as the poorest region, I was challenge that is why with my three years Region has moved to number 7 nationwide.
Region 10 sad to say that it not expected to be another one,growth and development of quality education by implementing DepED 3R’s (Reading and Writing, Rythmetic, Resources) should be an utmost consideration.
Meantime, as the new regional director of Northern Mindanao Dr. Luz Almeda,Phd,CESO IV is roaming around to met her superintendents, supervisors, principals and teach together with the community to pursue quality education. As what Secretary Jesli Lapus said. ”Education is the answer of our problems”.
Northern Mindanao comprises of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin DepED School Division and Cagayan de Oro, Iligan Ozamis, Oroquita, Tangub, and Gingoog City Division.
PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
CALL OR TEXT ME : 0929-589-6390
OR E-MAIL ME : pjtremedal@gmail.com
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On one of five nationwide visits that will take it through key cities in the country, the Coca-Cola HALika! Caravan successfully raised Php 242,367.35 during its fourth stop in Cagayan de Oro last December 4, 2009.
More than 1,500 participants attended the event, which was held at the Limketkai Center Parking Lot D Lapasan, Cagayan De Oro City. Participants sweated it out for a good cause, burning a total of 242,367.35 calories. For every calorie lost, one peso was donated to the Feeding Program for the Macabalan Elementary School Kids.
The Feeding Program is spearheaded by theUniversity of the Philippines Alumni Association-Cagayan de Oro(UPAA-CDO)Chapter, this program aims to assist the 343 below normal school children of the Macabalan Elementary School, which is classified as Depressed Disadvantaged and Underserved. By providing hot meals, the program aims to reduce the number of malnourished children in school and promote good and proper nutrition among these students. This is also UPAA-CDO’s way of actively involving parents, teachers, and school administrators in addressing the concerns on hunger and malnutrition.
The Coca-Cola HALika! Caravan will then head on to Rajah Sulayman Park in Manila on December 19, 6AM,for the culminating charity workout.
This year marks the biggest HALika! campaign to date with the introduction of the Caravan, which will bring the message of healthy and active living to Filipinos.
The fun and practical HALika! workouts are based on everyday activities such as household chores, walking to and from work and even dancing. These workouts help improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
HALika! Mag-Healthy and Active Living Na! is supported by media partners, Manila Bulletin, the Philipine star and the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
HALiKa! Mag-Healthy and Active Living Na! is part of the Healthy and Active Lifestyle advocacy of Coca-Cola which encourages everyone to make balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and proper hydration part of everyday life.
PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
CALL OR TEXT ME : 0929-589-6390
OR E-MAIL ME : pjtremedal@gmail.com
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