Hagedorn declines Erap’s UNA invite, says he’s no political butterfly

PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, April 2, 2013-Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn said on Tuesday he has been lured by deposed former President Joseph Estrada to join the United Nationalist Alliance which the latter headed together with Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile but declined the offer and remained an independent senatorial candidate so he won’t emerge a political butterfly.

          “Erap (Estrada’s nickname) is my friend and he’s been calling me to join the UNA senatorial slate. But I didn’t accept the offer so I won’t turn out as a political butterfly,” Hagedorn told reporters here on the sidelines of a pro-women rally arranged by businesswoman Rianne Cuevas.

          Hagedorn said that while he is an independent candidate, he will rely on the support of three big groups : the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and the Liga ng mga Barangay.

“I count on their solid support and with this, I hope to get elected in the Senate in May,” he said. He said he has no problem with mobility and logistics, unlike other independent senatoriables.

          Hagedorn said his advocacies will focus primarily on environment, local governance, tourism and agriculture. He said only two percent of environmental laws are being implemented in the country.

          He said he would move for a revision of the Local Government Code and make it attuned to present realities as well as craft legislations that would widen the tax base for local government units by including the value added tax in the computation of internal revenue allotments (IRA).

          “We should base it on the previous year and not on the last three years,” he said, adding he favored the inclusion of coastal areas in the computation of the IRA of coastal LGUs.

          Hagedorn said he is for the return of the four to five-year terms of office of local and national officials without any term limits or restrictions and for the strengthening of safeguards in the enforcement of the recall petition.

          He said he would apply the Puerto Princesa experience in helping spur tourism and agricultural development in the country.

          Hagedorn stressed the need for the government to come up with a national land use plan which will be attuned to the comprehensive land use plan of LGUs.

          He said this was necessitated by a recent development in Puerto Princesa wherein certain quarters wanted to undertake mining activities at the world-famous Underground River which the city government opposed.

          “This proposal to undertake mining at the river was approved in the national level which was made because there is no national land use plan. The thing is, they have to coordinate with local government units. The mere fact it was accepted in the national level means they were raising false hopes among the interested mining companies,” he said. (Manny Galvez)     

Jack to JPE, Miriam : ‘kiss and make up’

PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, April 2, 2013 – United Nationalist Alliance senatorial candidate Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile has this one fervent wish: that his father, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and the latter’s nemesis, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago would end their bitter word war, kiss and make up and be friends just like the old times.

          “I hope both sides will stop their personal attacks and look back at the times they worked together. That they would remember their harmonious relationship for the sake of the country,” he said at a press conference here following a provincial sortie.

          The younger Enrile graced a gathering of women at Plaza Concepcion here on the invitation of businesswoman Rianne Cuevas.

          The word war between Enrile and Santiago broke out over the additional P2.2 million in maintenance and other operating expenses (MOEE) that Enrile gave 18 senators last Christmas.

          Santiago and three other senators – Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter cayetano, Pia Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes IV – got only P600,000 each  

          Congressman Enrile said he holds no grudges against Santiago in spite of her tirades against his father who, he recalled have spent quite a good time with Santiago as friends. He said that during the lady senator’s silver wedding anniversary, he even represented his father in the event.

          Short of saying the Senate President be spared from scathing criticisms, the younger Enrile said his father is an elderly statesman who is already 84 years old and has served the nation for 50 years already.

“I think he has served well yet this late stage in his political career, it seems he is being targeted,” he said.

He said though that his father understands the game of politics and is very much capable of answering the allegations against him.

The younger Enrile, who graced a pro-women event here said he would gladly accept the title of “Honorary Woman of the Senate” if he gets elected in May.

The titular role once belonged to the late former senator Raul Roco owing to his advocacy of women’s causes during his Senate stint.

Enrile said that as a father of two daughters, issues involving women are closest to his heart.

He said women should be treated equally with men who at times they even beat in certain fields, including politics. (Manny Galvez)      

Ecija congressional bet sets face-off with disqualification petitioners before Comelec

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, April2, 2013–A 32-year-old congressional candidate who is facing a disqualification petition before the Commission on Elections  for allegedly being a US citizen is facing off the two petitioners in a conference set tomorrow at the poll body’s office in Intramuros, Manila.

Magnolia Rosa C. Antonino-Nadres is set to appear before the Comelec’s First Division to answer the petition seeking to disqualify her in the congressional race in southern Nueva Ecija.

Earlier, Clerk of Commission Ma. Josefina dela Cruz, in a summons with notice of conference directed Antonino-Nadres to appear in the Wednesday conference, effectively giving due course to the petition.

          Dela Cruz warned Antonino-Nadres that failure to appear before the scheduled conference shall be considered as a waiver and render the petition deemed submitted for resolution.

          A separate notice of conference has been sent to lawyer Tyrone Contado, counsel for petitioners Pedro Fajardo and Desita Garcia.

          Both parties have been given 10 days after the date of conference within which to file their respective memorandum.

          Antonino-Nadres, of San Francisco St., Barangay Langla, Jaen, Nueva Ecija, is the daughter of outgoing three-term fourth district Rep. Rodolfo Antonino.

          More popularly known as Megan, Antonino-Nadres is seeking to succeed her father in the district which covers Gapan City and the southern Nueva Ecija towns of Cabiao, Gen. Tinio, Jaen, Penaranda, San Isidro, San Leonardo and San Antonio.

She is running under the National Unity Party founded by the elder Antonino against two-time San Leonardo Mayor Froilan Nagano, comebacking former two-term Rep. Julita Lorenzo-Villareal and Villareal’s sister-in-law, former San Isidro mayor and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) executive director Sonia Lorenzo.

          The five-page petition filed by Fajardo and Desita Garcia said respondent Antonino-Nadres is disqualified to run for Congress in the fourth district based on Article 6 of the 1987 Constitution which provides that no person shall be a member of the House of Representatives unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines.

          The petition added that pursuant to Section 2, Article 4 of the same Constitution, it is stipulated that natural-born citizens are those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Filipino citizenship.

          Antonino-Nadres’ camp has dismissed the petition as politically motivated and is allegedly meant to sow confusion among the people.

          But Nagano dismissed Antonino-Nadres’ claims, saying the fact that the petition was given due course by the Comelec means there must be some merit on the said petition. He said the conference affords Antonino-Nadres the chance to deny the claims contained in the petition.

“The conference is the proper forum for Antonino-Nadres to deny the allegations that she is a US citizen. There, she is given her day in court,” he said.  

          The petitioners cited some grounds on why Antonino-Nadres should be disqualified among which are that she is a US citizen, she is not registered with the National Statistics Office and she holds an American passport.   

          It cited that in her certificate of candidacy filed on October 2,2012, Antonino-Nadres wrote that she was born in San Mateo County, California which, pursuant to the doctrine of “jus soli” is a citizen of the US.

          NSO administrator and civil registrar general Carmelita Ericta, in a certification issued last February 19 said Antonino-Nadres is not registered with the NSO. Antonino-Nadres only registered as a voter in Jaen in 2006.

The petitioners also claimed the respondent is a holder of an American passport which she had consistently used in entering and leaving the Philippines as gleaned from a certification issued last February 22 by the Bureau of Immigration confirming that she used the foreign passport in her numerous travels since 1996.

          They added that being a citizen of the United States of America or at least having dual allegiance, Antonino-Nadres is disqualified to run for the position of Member of the House of Representatives which requires a natural born citizen of the Philippines. (Manny Galvez)

Team PNoy to stick to issue-based campaign

The Team PNoy senatorial slate will continue its issue-based campaign tact even as it expects mudslinging in the remaining days of the campaign period for the mid-term elections, Bam Aquino said on Tuesday/April 2.

Another Team PNoy senatorial bet, Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to hold more debates among senatorial candidates to educate voters on various issues and platforms of governance by contending political coalitions.

In a press briefing at the Team PNoy Headquarters in Makati, Aquino said: “One thing that won’t change is the Team PNoy strategy to stick to the issues and push for a clean and issue-based type of campaign.”

 Aquino, who broke into the Magic 12 in recent surveys, said he expects the campaign to heat up in the remaining few weeks, and the opposition to step up its mudslinging tactics against President Aquino's hand-picked candidates to help him in the last three years of his term.

“I’m sure talagang iinit yung laban. Marami sigurong ibabatong mga kung anu-ano. But rest assured na the candidates of Team PNoy will stick to the issues, to our advocacies, sa mga plano natin para sa bayan,” Bam Aquino said.

Aquino said further the Team PNoy coalition will work to keep the May 13, 2013 elections “honest and clean as much as possible.”

Aquino called on all political candidates to address directly socio-economic concerns of the greater number of Filipinos, notably poverty alleviation and job-generation.

“Hindi na iyong bangayan na personalan or mga bagay-bagay na hindi naman importante sa taong bayan,” Aquino said.

On the other hand, Hontiveros said: “At kung pwede, my wish sa remaining campaign days, sana mas maraming debate pa. So Comelec, kayo ba ang aking fairy godmother? Media, kayo ba ang aming fairy godmothers? Wish. Sana mas maraming debate pa.”

Hontiveros acknowledged her low-ranking in survey, but noted that she is “nearing the striking distance.”

“I’m still the lowest in our team pero every survey, nag ge-gain ng ilang percentage points. So, iyong mga ganyang survey results, always just inspire me to fight harder, work harder. Ganoon pa rin ang gagawin ko,” Hontiveros told the press briefing.

Hontiveros said she expects to enter the Magic Circle of 12 in the second half of the campaign.

“In this second half of the campaign at umaasa pa rin ako na maging bahagi sa Magic 12 at pumasok sa legislative team ni Presidente sa Senado," she said.

Aquino’s scial enterprise, HAPINOY, has been awarded around the world for its poverty-alleviation program using innovations in micro-enterprise, micro-finance and the Filipino staple, the sari-sari store.

Hontiveros, known in her stint in the House as a defender of the rights of the marginalized and symbol of integrity in public office, is expected to expound on her various advocacies, including women’s rights, for which she was once arrested.

Legarda Proposes Solutions to Mindanao Power Crisis

MANILA, April 1, 2013-Reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda today said the need for a clear framework in managing Lake Lanao and its watershed resources becomes more imperative and urgent with the continued brownouts being experienced in Mindanao.

Legarda said the worsening deforestation of watersheds, including those located in Lake Lanao, and the siltation of river systems are among the reasons the power supply in the island has become erratic.

She said the continued deterioration of Lake Lanao has affected the supply of water from the lake for six of Mindanao’s existing hydroelectric power plants, including Agus, which are collectively responsible for 70 percent of the island’s energy needs.

Legarda has long anticipated the power shortfall in Mindanao, which prompted her to file Senate Bill 3097, a bill establishing an effective policy and regulatory administration over Lake Lanao through the proposed Lake Lanao Development Authority. 

According to Legarda, the proposed authority would ensure the promotion and development of Lake Lanao in a sustainable manner.

“The Lake Lanao Development Authority shall have the exclusive jurisdiction to issue Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs)/ Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNCs) and grant permits for any projects or activities in or affecting the Lake Lanao Area. The proposed measure also aims to adopt the integrated water resources management to promote sustainable development in the same area,” she explained.

Aside from the creation of the Lake Lanao Development Authority, the Senator said the Mindanao power situation is in dire need of long-term and sustainable solution. 

The power demand in Mindanao peaks at 1,484 megawatts, but existing power plants can supply only 1,181 megawatts, resulting in a deficit of 300 megawatts.  This has resulted to rotating brownouts in areas that do not have embedded power generation capacity. Unless new facilities are made available, the power situation in Mindanao will remain problematic.

The government no longer controls much of Mindanao’s power facilities.  These have been privatized. 

Legarda said there are two issues therefore that face our Mindanao consumers with respect to the power situation in Mindanao – one is the issue of supply, and the other is the issue of cost.  As most of the power facilities are now in the hands of the private sector, and therefore, power provision is no longer subsidized by the government, the cost of power can only go up.

“Right now, what Mindanao needs is an immediate solution that can address the supply side of the issue,” she said.

Legarda said the acquisition by the government of modular generator sets to offset the supply deficit is a short-term solution.  “We have to look at how we can best maximize the capacities of the government’s remaining assets in Mindanao, including the Agus and Pulangi hydropower facilities.  We need to stop the intentional decay of these facilities only for government to sell them at a ‘give-away’ rate to the private sector.”

She said, “While we recognize the need for baseload power generation capacity in Mindanao, we have to balance this with the need to generate clean and renewable energy.  The cost of renewable energy, particularly geothermal, hydropower, and biomass is very competitive.   Mindanao has an agriculture-intensive economy.  We need to be able to harness the agricultural wastes of Mindanao to fuel biomass facilities.  The off-grid communities of Mindanao should benefit from solar energy whose cost has significantly gone down over the past years.  In 2011, the cost of solar panels went down by as much as 50%. Mindanao hosts Mt. Apo, a geothermal energy resource.  Mindanao’s indigenous energy resources need to be developed to address its growing power needs.”

The Senator said the Renewable Energy Law, which she had co-sponsored and co-authored, should be fully implemented. “It is no longer true that all forms of renewable energy are expensive.  Hydropower, geothermal, and biomass are now competitive with the cost of conventional energy sources.  They are undoubtedly cheaper than the diesel-fired power facilities and the power barges that the government will be mobilizing in the interim to address the power woes of Mindanao.  It is time that the government prioritize renewable energy development as well in our country.”

Finally, Legarda said, government needs to conduct sustained efforts in involving the public in demand-side management efforts.  “We need to switch behavioral patterns of consumers on energy use.  We need to encourage the public to use energy efficient lighting systems and appliances; promote energy conservation; changing the time of use of electricity at home so that we help lessen the peak demand during the day; among others.  Those who generate electricity for their own use should also be given incentives to voluntarily contribute their excess capacities to the supply stream.”

Legarda: Ensure Safety of Filipinos in South Korea

MANILA, April 1, 2013-Sen. Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, today called for active preparation by the government to secure the safety of Filipinos in South Korea as the declaration of state of war by North Korea directly puts at least 40,000 Filipinos in South Korea in harm's way.

“Our country needs to prepare for this. We need to secure the safety of Filipinos in South Korea,” Legarda said as she welcomes the early activation by the Department of Foreign Affairs of contingency plans for Filipinos in South Korea. 

“I hope that the appropriate means to deliver them to safety should the situation arise are available.  We cannot wait for the situation to worsen before the details of our contingency plan are firmed up -- from activation of emergency area coordinators, conducting resource inventory, designating holding areas, and identification of safe evacuation routes,” Legarda stressed.

She said the declaration of state of war by North Korea against its southern neighbor is another flashpoint in the region, not to mention the conflicting territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea.

“The uncertainties and dangers exist.  All these could lead to regional instability and erode the progress realized by countries in the region, including the Philippines.  It is hoped that restraint and greater sense of responsibility to regional and world peace will reign over rising tensions in the region,” Legarda concluded.

Feature: Charcoal production will reduce wastes

Garbage disposal has been a perennial problem in barangays and towns.

But with the charcoal briquetting project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), there will be a reduction in the volume of waste taken from these areas.

Biodegradable waste and agro-forestry wastes such as peanut shells, rice hull and buko husks are the main components of charcoal briquettes.

DENR Regional Director Maximo Dichoso said the office gave Cabiao, in Nueva Ecija; Victoria in Tarlac and Bagac in Bataan complete sets of charcoal briquetting equipments worth P120,000 each.

The production of charcoal in these towns will provide additional livelihood to the residents and alternative source of fuel that is cheap and environment-friendly.

In Cabiao, the charcoal produced is marketed by the local cooperative. They have also producedmixture of biochar and fertilized soil which is a medium for more healthy plants.

In Bagac, they sell the charcoal at P60 per kilo.

Samples of charcoal briquettes were given to other local government units in Victoria by the proponents of the project in Tarlac.

Dichoso added that for every ton of charcoal produced form biodegradable wastes, 88 trees with 10 centimeters in diameter are preserved. (Rebecca Grace S. David)

News Feature: Magic Sugar is cancer-causing

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, March 30, 2013-Beware of the use of magic sugar!

The Department of Health warns the public of the proliferation of the use of magic sugar by peddlers of buko juice , gulaman at sago and other juice drinks.

DOH Adminsitrative Order No 103-A prohibits the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in any food or drug intended for general use.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Environmental Health Coordinator Susie San Juan said magic sugar is a sweetener that contains sodium cyclamate and saccharin which are cancer-causing ingredients.

Although magic sugar is banned in the country, there are instances when they are smuggled in and sold here cheaper than sugar. Magic sugar comes in powder form while sugar appear in crystals.

The Regional Inter- Agency Council on Environmental Health (RIACEH) will call all Municipal Sanitary Inspectors and Municipal Health Officers to plan measures to address the problem. (Rebecca Grace S. David)

Drilon says positive effects of historic investment upgrade should be felt by poor Filipinos too

Team PNoy campaign manager Sen. Franklin M. Drilon today welcomed the unprecedented investment grade status to the Philippines but said the new resources that come with new investments should be utilized to create new jobs, infrastructure projects and additional health and education services to make the upgrade relevant to poor Filipinos.

In a statement, Drilon echoed the statements of international economists that the Philippines achieved the investment grade rating for the first time after Fitch Ratings upgraded the country's creditworthiness mainly due to a resilient economy and improved fiscal management under President Aquino.

With an investment grade status, Drilon explained, the local industries could now attract more foreign investments since the cost of funds would be usually lower as the rating indicates a well-managed Philippine economy in fiscal and monetary terms that serves as an assurance to creditors that they will be promptly paid. 

However, Drilon said the positive effects of the investments upgrade would be meaningless to poor Filipinos unless the fresh investments would result in the creation of new jobs, additional infrastructure projects and improved delivery of basic social services in the field of health and education.

“While we welcome this unprecedented investment status upgrade that basically acknowledges the positive reforms under the Aquino administration, we must see to it that these fiscal advantages and benefits should lead to more jobs and better incomes for poor Filipinos,” Drilon said.

“We, in the Team PNoy senatorial team, will continue to support the fiscal reforms and good governance programs of President Aquino in the next three years so that these economic benefits will be felt by the poor in terms of better employment and education opportunities, improved health services and more infrastructure projects,” Drilon added.

For her part, Team Pnoy senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros, lauded the historic investment grade status for the Philippines, saying that the development is expected to strengthen the foundation for the government’s anti-poverty agenda.

“The historic investment grade bolsters the government’s arsenal in fulfilling its anti-poverty agenda. It shows that we now have the momentum to pursue the second half of the ‘kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap’ promise,” Hontiveros said, adding that the economic team of the government and President Aquino deserve to be lauded for the upgrade.

Hontiveros said that now was the time for the nation to roll its sleeves to eliminate poverty.  “The government is now in a better position to use economic growth to eradicate poverty,” Hontiveros added. 

In a statement Wednesday, Fitch said it upgraded the Philippines from BB+ to BBB-, which reflects an investment grade rating. The debt watcher also noted that the outlook for the Philippines is stable.

"This rating is unprecedented in the Philippines and can trigger the kind of investment that will help carry the country into its next phase of development," said Norio Usui, Country Economist at the Asian Development Bank.

“The Philippines' sovereign external balance sheet is considered strong,” Fitch said, noting a persistent current account surplus on the back of strong remittance inflow, which proved resilient through the global financial crisis that has rocked the world since late 2007.

Fitch said the Philippine economy—which expanded by 6.6 percent last year—remained strong amid a weak global economic backdrop. “Strong domestic demand drove this outturn,” the debt watcher said, forecasting growth to hit 5.5 percent this year.

Legarda: Easter, A Chance to ‘Resurrect Mother Earth’

In celebrating Easter, Senator Legarda encouraged Filipinos to reflect and engage in a personal renewal and contemplate on what can be done to protect and “resurrect Mother Earth.“

"The Lenten season reminded us of the importance of prayer, penance, and sacrifice. It was the time when we gave up on small indulgences, as we strived for spiritual renewal. Let us find the time to reflect and let us show our love for God and for His creation: the environment," Legarda said.

The Senator said that Filipinos should reflect on their moral and spiritual obligations to keep their personal lifestyles in check as human-induced actions have led to the deplorable state of the environment.

“Easter is a reminder of the great compassion of our God and Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. In return, we should respect the gift of God, protect and conserve what has been given to us. No matter how small, slight adjustments in our lifestyle will contribute to a greener and healthier environment for this and the next generation," Legarda concluded.

Senator Loren Legarda’s Holy Week Message

As we observe the Holy Week, let us find the time to reflect and have a deeper understanding of Christ’s suffering. Let us contemplate and renew our relationship with God and find the true meaning of Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. I wish everyone a peaceful, safe and solemn Holy Week.

Senator Loren Legarda’s Holy Week Message

As we observe the Holy Week, let us find the time to reflect and have a deeper understanding of Christ’s suffering. Let us contemplate and renew our relationship with God and find the true meaning of Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. I wish everyone a peaceful, safe and solemn Holy Week.

Legarda Encourages Fasting that is Environment-Friendly

MANILA, March 27, 2013-As the Holy Week approaches, Senator Loren Legarda encouraged Filipinos to "carbon fast"—a kind of fasting that is environment-friendly.

“Filipinos are encouraged to do fasting in many other ways. Aside from fasting from food, we are asked to fast from vices and activities that we can do without, as we focus and usher in a period of reflection and spiritual growth. One best way is to carbon fast,” said Legarda.

“No less than Pope Francis said that we are the stewards of God’s creation and we must protect all things He created including our environment. To carbon fast is to reduce our individual carbon emissions, which is a concrete action on climate change and will ultimately help in saving our ailing ecosystems. It would be best if we  practice a low-carbon lifestyle, even beyond the Lenten season,” said the Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

Legarda said that the Environmental Studies Institute of the Miriam College has given a simpler explanation of this way of life.  Low-carbon lifestyle is the conscious effort by individuals and communities to change their daily routine and practices to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to create carbon dioxide sinks. The aggregate of these individual and community efforts will considerably mitigate climate change. 

“Learning how to manage our local resources will eventually lead to the sustainability of our country. Ultimately, the objective is to help the world manage its ecological assets more judiciously so that humanity can live within the Earth’s limitations,” the senator stressed.

Legarda outlined several ways to "carbon fast" —(1) opt for food that is local, plant-based, and in-season because food from distant places utilizes more energy for transportation and preservation, resulting to greater carbon emission; (2) venture into modes of transportation that are energy-efficient, such as walking, biking, taking public transport, and carpooling whenever possible; (3) economize on energy consumption and shift to indigenous and renewable energy sources, use low-wattage appliances, unplug electronics when not in use, and other similar practices; (4) practice solid waste management by segregating at the source, composting biodegradable wastes and recycling; (5) consume water wisely like gathering and storing rainwater for daily chores; and, (6) plant trees, create forest parks, protect natural forests and undertake reforestation.

Legarda Observes Century-Old Family Tradition during Holy Week

MANILA, March 27, 2013-Senator Loren Bautista Legarda continues to observe the century-old tradition of the Bautista family during the Holy Week and encouraged Filipinos to likewise practice the Lenten traditions they grew up with.

“The Lenten Season, especially the Holy Week, is a time for contemplation. We renew our relationship with God as we reflect on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. There is no better way to do this than by engaging in Church activities and observing Filipino Holy Week traditions,” said Legarda.

The Senator said that her great grandparents, Gregorio Bautista and Agapita Torres-Bautista, started the Bautista annual pabasa in the early 1900s in their house along Avenida, Rizal in Manila. The chanting and singing of the Pasyon did not stop even during the worst times of the Japanese occupation.

“With the impending arrival of the Japanese during World War II, my grandparents hid two sacred images over which the Pabasa was sung. The images were cared for by a couple who used to live in the place where San Lazaro Hospital presently stands,” she narrated.

“The statues survived the war. Today, the two life-sized images of Christ - the Scourging at the Pillar and the Crowning With Thorns - are located in our ancestral home in Malabon. These statues came from Spain and are believed to be already 200 years old,” she added.

Legarda said that she, her brothers and cousins continue to observe the tradition with their aunties every Holy Wednesday and they intend to pass on the tradition to their children.

“Not only does our annual pabasa bring our family closer together, but it also gives me the perfect opportunity to share with Jesus Christ’s suffering. I hope all Filipinos, no matter how busy they are, would also find time to reflect on the sufferings of Christ and prioritize the observance of our religious traditions especially this Holy Week,” Legarda said.

Legarda Supports Call for Science-Based Governance

MANILA, March 26, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda today expressed support to the call of Guimaras Governor Felipe Hilan Nava for science-based governance, as vital for a country, such as the Philippines, that is composed of mostly coastal areas vulnerable to climate change.

Legarda said that in her capacity as the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, she will have a collaboration with Governor Nava, President of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) Network of Local Governments (PNLG) for Sustainable Coastal Development, to work on the proposal.

“There are 832 municipalities and 25 cities in the country that are classified as coastal areas, which increasingly face the threats of climate change, particularly sea level rise and weather in extremes. Given this vulnerability, Governor Nava is right that we must use science-based approach in governing our communities,” she pointed out.

“When Guimaras was able to overcome the greatly challenging 2006 oil spill, Governor Nava proved that working with the science community is key to effective governance that builds a resilient and sustainable community,” Legarda said.

The Senator explained that local government leaders should collaborate and coordinate with the state universities and colleges and even private universities to involve them in the decision-making process of local government units.

She also encouraged coastal municipalities to be members of PNLG and join in the planning, development and management of their coastal resources. At present, only Guimaras, Bataan, Batangas and Cavite are members of PNLG.

“Science will be a major component in making our communities disaster-resilient especially in updating geo-hazard maps, integrating risk information in development planning, preserving ecosystems, establishing effective early warning systems and conducting education and information campaign like a disaster risk reduction workshop for barangays,” she said.

“The magnitude of the work ahead of us may be daunting, but together, and with political will and commitment of all leaders, we can make our communities sustainable and resilient against disasters and climate risks,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda Stresses Filipino Seafarers’ Rights Under the Maritime Labor Convention

MANILA, March 26, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, reminded Filipino seafarers of their rights and privileges that are ensured under the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC), 2006 when it takes effect within the year.

Legarda, who sponsored and ushered the Senate’s concurrence in the ratification of the Convention, said that the MLC is the seafarers’ bill of rights.

She explained that the Convention covers basic rights such as freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labor; the effective abolition of child labor; and the elimination of discrimination with respect to employment and occupation.

“The right to a safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards; right to fair terms of employment; right to decent working and living conditions on board ship; and right to health protection, medical care, welfare measures and other forms of social protection are clearly laid down as self-evident rights whose enforcement is demanded by the Convention, and not suggested, as a matter of course,” she added.

Legarda also said that the Convention is envisioned to spur the modernization of shipping fleets to comply with international standards.

“Sea-worthy, safe, efficient, and hopefully, environment-friendly ships will become the norm more than the exception.  Governments are called upon by the Convention to effectively enforce its regulatory role in ensuring safer and secure shipping, in preventing marine pollution, and in ensuring decent work for seafarers,” she pointed out.

The Senator also said that MLC erases ambiguity on the definition of seafarer as the Convention covers not just the crew involved in navigating or operating the ship but also, other workers including cabin and cleaning personnel, bar staff, waiters, entertainers, singers, kitchen staff, casino personnel and estheticians—positions occupied by thousands of Filipinos in foreign vessels.

“Filipinos account for an estimated 30% of the 1.2 million seafarers in the global shipping fleet today. The sea could be one of the most dangerous and harshest environments for workers, which is why we have worked hard to ensure fair working conditions and security of tenure for our seafarers through the MLC. We take pride in our seafarers’ competence, dedication, hard work and contribution to the nation and there’s no better way to give back to them than by ensuring that the protection of our Filipino seafarers’ interest is imbued with national interest,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda’s Pantawid Tuition Program Aims for One College Grad in Every Poor Family

MANILA, March 25, 2013-Reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda today said that every family, especially the 3.8 million households that are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), should have at least one college graduate.

Legarda said that her vision, which she will work on in her next term, is a “Pantawid Tuition Program” that will fund one college scholar for every poor family.

“Ang aking hangarin, ang aking gagawin, at ang aking sisikapin sa aking susunod na termino ay magkaroon ng kahit isang diploma ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino, lalo na yung nasa ilalim ng 4Ps, para ang bawat mahirap na pamilya ay siguradong magkakaroon ng isang college graduate,” she said.

Legarda explained that ensuring that every poor family has one college graduate will widen the opportunities for progress and freedom from poverty.

“When a family has a college graduate, who has a greater chance of getting a permanent and good-paying job as a professional, they will have a greater opportunity for a better life,” she said, stressing that giving college scholarships to 4Ps beneficiaries would have lasting impact on the lives of the country’s poorest families and will also benefit the nation’s productivity and growth.

  

She added that it would not be a big dent on the government’s education budget if college scholarships are given to the poorest of the poor since state universities and colleges (SUCs) are already in place and have their regular annual appropriations from the national government.

“Not only will the Pantawid Tuition Program help bring down poverty incidence, which is the goal of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, but it will also expand the number of people who are employable and open up opportunities for the youth in the informal sector,” Legarda concluded.

81 Kapampangans join Bayani Challenge 2013 in Cabiao, NE

CABIAO, Nueva Ecija, March 24, 2013-A total of 81 Kapampangans, mostly Gawad Kalinga (GK) beneficiaries and members of Singles for Christ (SFC), currently participate in the ongoing Bayani Challenge  (BC) 2013 in Cabiao town, Nueva Ecija.

 

“We want to give back. We want to help our fellow less fortunate individuals. We want to inspire them to use their poverty in building their community” said GK Tabon, Mabalacat City resident Mary Ann Jaro in an interview.

 

“They may not be Kapampangans but they are still Filipinos. Thus, we need to help them. We would immerse ourselves in the poorest barangays of Cabiao, identify their immediate concerns, and provide solutions to such” SFC member Erwin Macapagal disclosed.

 

“BC is an annual five-day volunteerism event where bayanihan and love for country are showcased through building homes, repairing schools, health missions, climate change mitigation activities and many more” explained Banik Alan Merenciano ofPresidential Communications Operations Office-Office for Special Concerns which organized the event in partnership with GK.

 

Slated from March 23-27, it is anchored on the theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan.”

 

It is presently held in 39 sites in 34 provinces across the archipelago and taps over 80,000 volunteers.

 

“BC is not simply about doing volunteer works as we have prepared several socialization activities for the participants such as farmlympics, master kusinero, unity dance, and dating game” Merenciano added. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)