ABS-CBN to put up relay antenna in Aparri
I do not wish to make my blog a repository of public documents but this one I guess is an exception. Many had asked me to explain details of the Resolution adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan as regards to its request to ABS-CBN to kindly install a relay antenna in Aparri. Eliminating the cost of photocopying and mailing expenses, I decided to put it here in my blog making it easier for friends and relatives to access and facilitate the sharing of it to others.
As a backgrounder, last November 27, 2008, Sanggunian Secretary Percival P. Arce, my brother-in-law Christopher L. Jarabe, and I went to ABS-CBN office to submit a copy of the Resolution. After a short wait, we were met and entertained by Engr. Bernie Acosta and Louis Benedict O. Bennett, Asst. Vice President, Mindanao Operations Group and Irene C. Copiozo, Luzon Cluster Head, Regional Network Group. These are young cool guys and very humble too. After our fruitful meeting with them, we were toured around the ABS-CBN Compound. Truth to be told, we were awed by the state-of-the-art technology of the broadcast network.
On the same day, after a quick lunch, I sent this text message to Mr. Bennett: “Good pm po Sir Louis. Aparri councilor Reginald Tamayo here. I just would like to thank you for the hospitality you accorded to us this morning. The happy experience of seeing ABS-CBN compound for the first time will forever be etched in our hearts. I will relay to my fellow Aparrianos the good news ABS-CBN is giving them. On behalf of Aparri municipal officials headed by our mayor please accept our sincerest gratitude and a load of prayerful wishes to you and our kapamilya. God bless po.” Mr. Bennett’s reply: “Good afternoon Councilor Reginald! You are most welcome po. We are in fact looking forward to putting up a relay station in your beautiful and quaint town of Aparri…we were glad to have met you personally too and we hope to meet you again when we visit you there. Kindly extend our warmest regards to your good mayor po. All the best and GOD bless!”
Just two weeks ago, I received another text message from Mr. Bennett saying among others that the engineers of ABS-CBN are now busy with their plans to put up the antenna here. Having heard of this wonderful news, some friends have offered their lots for lease or for sale to ABS-CBN which the latter agreed to conduct an ocular inspection on these sites.
Hereunder is a copy of the Resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-152
RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING ABS-CBN TO KINDLY INSTALL A RELAY ANTENNA TO BROADCAST ITS TV SIGNAL IN APARRI, CAGAYAN.
WHEREAS, ABS-CBN is a leading television company in the country extensively providing news and entertainment to majority of televiewers nationwide but whose programs are yet to reach residents of this municipality other than those who can afford cable television service;
WHEREAS, residents of this municipality clamor for the extension of ABS-CBN free broadcast services in the municipality in order for them to avail of the popular programs aired in Channel 2 of said company;
WHEREAS, said broadcast and/or reception of free television programs would be possible through the installation of a broadcast antenna in this Municipality;
WHEREAS, said broadcast services, depending on the installed power, may also reach other towns in northern Cagayan Province, thus highly contributing to the progress and development through the resultant people’s greater awareness of events, trends and development particularly in technology, agriculture and other areas to the people’s economic and social well being;
NOW, THEREFORE:
On joint motion of the members present;
BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved to request as it hereby requests Mr. Eugenio Lopez, III, President and Chief Executive Officer, ABS-CBN, to kindly consider the installation of a broadcast antenna in this municipality;
RESOLVED FURTHER, to forward this resolution to Mr. Eugenio Lopez, III, President and Chief Executive Officer, ABS-CBN, Quezon City, for his kind consideration.
ADOPTED during the 46th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Bayan held on Monday, November 17, 2008 at the Municipal Hall.
CERTIFIED CORRECT:
(Signed)
HON. NORMAN B. PENEYRA
Vice Mayor
(Presiding Officer)
Concurring Statement:
I fully join the Sangguniang Bayan
in this request for public welfare.
(Signed)
HON. ISMAEL V. TUMARU, M.D.
Mayor
ATTESTED:
(Signed)
PERCIVAL P. ARCE
Sanggunian Secretary
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
What about the non-whistleblowers?
What about the non-whistleblowers?
Inquirer
First Posted 11:56pm (Mla time) 08/17/2006
Filed Under:
Published on Page A14 of the August 17, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
DEPUTY Ombudsman for Luzon, Victor C. Fernandez invited me to attend the launching last Aug. 4 of the "AHA: A Citizen's Primer on Whistleblowing and Tipping" in Quezon City.
During the open forum, I was fortunate to have been one of the five guests asked to raise some issues relative to whistle blowing. Please allow me to share with the readers these humble observations.
Of course, I thank the Office of the Ombudsman, Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus and the USAID-Rule of Law and Effectiveness Project for their efforts to help curb graft and corruption in the government. The launching of the primer indeed eloquently demonstrates their sincere desire to promote decency, transparency and accountability in government service.
Not surprisingly, the primer is focused on the required legal knowledge, tipping strategies and techniques, fears and other concerns of the whistleblower. In sum, the primer is a tool-guide only for the whistleblower or would-be tipster.
There is no question that we must be concerned with the safety and security of the whistleblower. However, we should take into account, with equal concern, the "non-whistleblower." By reporting doubtful transactions in the government office where he is working, the whistleblower becomes a nitpicker among the non-whistleblowers. The whistleblower is condemned as a faultfinder.
For sure, the naughty non-whistleblower's impulse will be to hate the whistleblower and find ways not to be caught red-handed by the latter. It becomes a consumptive ritual for the whistleblower to be vigilant and to nitpick and the non-whistleblower to be cautious and not to be caught.
I strongly suggested during the open forum that the government should start introducing the non-whistleblower to the Gospel values of honesty, integrity, discipline and the significance of a Christian work ethic.
If all of us who are against graft and corruption in the government dare face the realities of our time as courageously as the whistleblower, we must admit a miscarriage of focus: the education of the non-whistleblower on such values. Doubtless, if we can do this, one day there will be no more whistleblowers to nitpick the non-whistleblowers.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Inquirer
First Posted 11:56pm (Mla time) 08/17/2006
Filed Under:
Published on Page A14 of the August 17, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
DEPUTY Ombudsman for Luzon, Victor C. Fernandez invited me to attend the launching last Aug. 4 of the "AHA: A Citizen's Primer on Whistleblowing and Tipping" in Quezon City.
During the open forum, I was fortunate to have been one of the five guests asked to raise some issues relative to whistle blowing. Please allow me to share with the readers these humble observations.
Of course, I thank the Office of the Ombudsman, Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus and the USAID-Rule of Law and Effectiveness Project for their efforts to help curb graft and corruption in the government. The launching of the primer indeed eloquently demonstrates their sincere desire to promote decency, transparency and accountability in government service.
Not surprisingly, the primer is focused on the required legal knowledge, tipping strategies and techniques, fears and other concerns of the whistleblower. In sum, the primer is a tool-guide only for the whistleblower or would-be tipster.
There is no question that we must be concerned with the safety and security of the whistleblower. However, we should take into account, with equal concern, the "non-whistleblower." By reporting doubtful transactions in the government office where he is working, the whistleblower becomes a nitpicker among the non-whistleblowers. The whistleblower is condemned as a faultfinder.
For sure, the naughty non-whistleblower's impulse will be to hate the whistleblower and find ways not to be caught red-handed by the latter. It becomes a consumptive ritual for the whistleblower to be vigilant and to nitpick and the non-whistleblower to be cautious and not to be caught.
I strongly suggested during the open forum that the government should start introducing the non-whistleblower to the Gospel values of honesty, integrity, discipline and the significance of a Christian work ethic.
If all of us who are against graft and corruption in the government dare face the realities of our time as courageously as the whistleblower, we must admit a miscarriage of focus: the education of the non-whistleblower on such values. Doubtless, if we can do this, one day there will be no more whistleblowers to nitpick the non-whistleblowers.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Soul of our Nation
The Soul of our Nation
Recently, one of my students asked me this question: Does our country have a soul? I was bewildered by the question since it was not within the purview of our topic being discussed. We were talking about the City of God of St. Augustine. I honestly said to my student that I was not ready to give an answer and if he can give me some time to think it over.
When I got home, I pondered on the question and tried to relate it with St. Augustine’s political theory. After a philosophic reflection I concluded that our nation indeed has a soul. If man has a soul and it is being quarreled over by two forces- the force of good (City of God) and the force of evil (City of Man), our nation’s soul is being torn apart by these same forces.
The following day, I went to school with a ready reply to the question. I said emphatically that our nation has a soul. The soul of our nation is the values by which we live. We are known as a people to be hospitable, respectful, patient, working as a team known widely as the bayanihan spirit, and many others. It is sad to note that nowadays hardly any of these values are put into practice by us. It is even sadder to observe that our national leaders seem to ignore this moral malady. It is because they are the cause why the soul of our nation is unwell.
If only our national leaders are more decent and respectable, if only they appreciate a little more the value of honesty, fair play, and truth-telling, our country would be better off and the soul of our nation would become a member, by St. Augustine’s parlance, of the City of God. At present, I say that the soul of our nation is captured by the force of evil hence our country belongs to the City of Man.
In my humble opinion, the soul of our nation is not only unwell but is dying. What we need are leaders who can inspire us to live morally. We need leaders who can be trusted and has a vision for this country. We need leaders who are willing to listen to concerns and troubles and be our voices.
My students were satisfied with my answer. They even complimented it with their bright ideas like the soul of the nation needs to be spiritually and morally nurtured. However, in the closing stage of our class, one keen student said that “he disagrees with me that the soul of our nation is dying because our nation is soul-less.” The statement hit me like a bolt from the blue. I did not know how to react and what should be the appropriate reply. The bell rang and it saved me from embarrassment. As part of their homework, I told my students instead to mull over the statement and be ready for another roundtable discussion next meeting.
Recently, one of my students asked me this question: Does our country have a soul? I was bewildered by the question since it was not within the purview of our topic being discussed. We were talking about the City of God of St. Augustine. I honestly said to my student that I was not ready to give an answer and if he can give me some time to think it over.
When I got home, I pondered on the question and tried to relate it with St. Augustine’s political theory. After a philosophic reflection I concluded that our nation indeed has a soul. If man has a soul and it is being quarreled over by two forces- the force of good (City of God) and the force of evil (City of Man), our nation’s soul is being torn apart by these same forces.
The following day, I went to school with a ready reply to the question. I said emphatically that our nation has a soul. The soul of our nation is the values by which we live. We are known as a people to be hospitable, respectful, patient, working as a team known widely as the bayanihan spirit, and many others. It is sad to note that nowadays hardly any of these values are put into practice by us. It is even sadder to observe that our national leaders seem to ignore this moral malady. It is because they are the cause why the soul of our nation is unwell.
If only our national leaders are more decent and respectable, if only they appreciate a little more the value of honesty, fair play, and truth-telling, our country would be better off and the soul of our nation would become a member, by St. Augustine’s parlance, of the City of God. At present, I say that the soul of our nation is captured by the force of evil hence our country belongs to the City of Man.
In my humble opinion, the soul of our nation is not only unwell but is dying. What we need are leaders who can inspire us to live morally. We need leaders who can be trusted and has a vision for this country. We need leaders who are willing to listen to concerns and troubles and be our voices.
My students were satisfied with my answer. They even complimented it with their bright ideas like the soul of the nation needs to be spiritually and morally nurtured. However, in the closing stage of our class, one keen student said that “he disagrees with me that the soul of our nation is dying because our nation is soul-less.” The statement hit me like a bolt from the blue. I did not know how to react and what should be the appropriate reply. The bell rang and it saved me from embarrassment. As part of their homework, I told my students instead to mull over the statement and be ready for another roundtable discussion next meeting.
Proposed Flexi-Fare Ordinance
Proposed Flexi-Fare Ordinance
OIL PRICE CHANGES- either increases or decreases- affect the tricycle fare rates in the municipality. In the past few months the oil prices fluctuate dramatically. And such changes, no doubt, are both disruptive to the tricycle drivers/operators and the riding public.
Every petition to increase or decrease the tricycle fare rates would mean a long, arduous, tedious, sometimes frustrating, and complex legislation. It requires a timely public hearing, full committee consideration, and an en banc or floor deliberation by the Sangguniang Bayan. Worse, if the determination of the tricycle fare rates are based on many and varied factors like prices of spare parts, road condition, size of family of drivers, and the like, then the legislative process becomes mind-numbingly slow and complicated. Much more, with the hierarchical system of reviewing municipal ordinances, it would take time to pass any proposed municipal ordinance because the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is required by law to judiciously review the same.
Of late, I proposed to streamline the legislative process by proposing a Flexi-Fare Ordinance. Instead of entertaining numerous petitions to increase or decrease tricycle fare rates because of the unpredictability of oil prices then consequently craft the corresponding legislative measures, I suggested that we legislate only one ordinance covering an omnibus of would-be petitions. In my proposal, I recommended that the tricycle fare rates should be determined by the current gas pump price per liter. The schedule of fare rates are put into brackets with the corresponding brackets of gas prices. One has to find out only the current gas pump price per liter to determine the tricycle fare rate.
This simplifies legislation as regards the determination of tricycle fare rates and makes it easier for the tricycle drivers/operators and the riding public to know readily the schedule of fares on the basis of the current gas pump prices.
Many support this proposed ordinance. As usual, I still have to get the nod of the members of the majority of the legislative council considering that I belong to the minority.
Below is the draft of the proposed ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. ___
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 2008-106 COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS “AN ORDINANCE APPROVING REVISED TRICYCLE FARE RATES IN THE MUNICIPALITYOF APARRI AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.
The SANGGUNIANG BAYAN, duly assembled in session, herby ordains that:
SECTION 1. This Ordinance shall be known and cited as the “Flexi-Fare Ordinance of 2009.”
SECTION 2. Section 1 of Ordinance No. 2008-06 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“Except as may otherwise be provided by law or ordinance, the following fare brackets are established as tricycle fare rates in the municipality:
Gasoline Per Liter Regular Fare College/HS/SCS/PWDs Elementary
For every 1st 5 kms.
P30.00-P40.00 P8.00 P6.00 P5.00
P40.01-P50.00 P9.00 P7.00 P6.00
P50.01-P60.00 P10.00 P8.00 P7.00
P60.01-P70.00 P11.00 P9.00 P8.00
SECTION 3. Section 2 of Ordinance No. 2008-06 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“In view of the volatility of oil prices, the regular fare rate and the corresponding fare charged for college and high school students (HS), senior citizens (SCs), persons with disabilities(PWDs), and elementary pupils are flexible and are dependent on the current gasoline pump prices in the local market as indicated in Section 2 hereof.”
SECTION 4. Any person found to have violated this Ordinance shall be penalized as follows:
a. 1st Offense- a fine of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00)
b. 2nd Offense- a fine of One Thousand Pesos P1,000.00)
c. 3rd Offense- a fine of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (2,500.00) and the cancellation and/or revocation of tricycle franchise to operate.
SECTION 5. Any or all Ordinances, or parts thereof which are inconsistent or contradictory herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 6. This Ordinance shall take effect upon approval.
OIL PRICE CHANGES- either increases or decreases- affect the tricycle fare rates in the municipality. In the past few months the oil prices fluctuate dramatically. And such changes, no doubt, are both disruptive to the tricycle drivers/operators and the riding public.
Every petition to increase or decrease the tricycle fare rates would mean a long, arduous, tedious, sometimes frustrating, and complex legislation. It requires a timely public hearing, full committee consideration, and an en banc or floor deliberation by the Sangguniang Bayan. Worse, if the determination of the tricycle fare rates are based on many and varied factors like prices of spare parts, road condition, size of family of drivers, and the like, then the legislative process becomes mind-numbingly slow and complicated. Much more, with the hierarchical system of reviewing municipal ordinances, it would take time to pass any proposed municipal ordinance because the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is required by law to judiciously review the same.
Of late, I proposed to streamline the legislative process by proposing a Flexi-Fare Ordinance. Instead of entertaining numerous petitions to increase or decrease tricycle fare rates because of the unpredictability of oil prices then consequently craft the corresponding legislative measures, I suggested that we legislate only one ordinance covering an omnibus of would-be petitions. In my proposal, I recommended that the tricycle fare rates should be determined by the current gas pump price per liter. The schedule of fare rates are put into brackets with the corresponding brackets of gas prices. One has to find out only the current gas pump price per liter to determine the tricycle fare rate.
This simplifies legislation as regards the determination of tricycle fare rates and makes it easier for the tricycle drivers/operators and the riding public to know readily the schedule of fares on the basis of the current gas pump prices.
Many support this proposed ordinance. As usual, I still have to get the nod of the members of the majority of the legislative council considering that I belong to the minority.
Below is the draft of the proposed ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. ___
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 2008-106 COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS “AN ORDINANCE APPROVING REVISED TRICYCLE FARE RATES IN THE MUNICIPALITYOF APARRI AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.
The SANGGUNIANG BAYAN, duly assembled in session, herby ordains that:
SECTION 1. This Ordinance shall be known and cited as the “Flexi-Fare Ordinance of 2009.”
SECTION 2. Section 1 of Ordinance No. 2008-06 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“Except as may otherwise be provided by law or ordinance, the following fare brackets are established as tricycle fare rates in the municipality:
Gasoline Per Liter Regular Fare College/HS/SCS/PWDs Elementary
For every 1st 5 kms.
P30.00-P40.00 P8.00 P6.00 P5.00
P40.01-P50.00 P9.00 P7.00 P6.00
P50.01-P60.00 P10.00 P8.00 P7.00
P60.01-P70.00 P11.00 P9.00 P8.00
SECTION 3. Section 2 of Ordinance No. 2008-06 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“In view of the volatility of oil prices, the regular fare rate and the corresponding fare charged for college and high school students (HS), senior citizens (SCs), persons with disabilities(PWDs), and elementary pupils are flexible and are dependent on the current gasoline pump prices in the local market as indicated in Section 2 hereof.”
SECTION 4. Any person found to have violated this Ordinance shall be penalized as follows:
a. 1st Offense- a fine of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00)
b. 2nd Offense- a fine of One Thousand Pesos P1,000.00)
c. 3rd Offense- a fine of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (2,500.00) and the cancellation and/or revocation of tricycle franchise to operate.
SECTION 5. Any or all Ordinances, or parts thereof which are inconsistent or contradictory herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 6. This Ordinance shall take effect upon approval.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Purge of ghost voters
Purge of ghost voters
Philippine Daily Inquirer
July 5, 1997
I SUPPOSE many of us encountered problems about ghost voters during the May barangay election. Unscrupulous candidates allegedly used ghost voters. As expected, this has become a subject of dispute before the courts.
Section 29 of Republic Act 8189, also known as "An act providing for a general registration of voters adopting a system of counting registration, prescribing the procedures thereof and authorizing the appropriation of funds therefor," is inutile. Among its provisions are the following: "The board shall cancel the registration records of those who have died as certified by the local civil registrar. The local civil registrar shall submit each month a certified list of persons who died during the previous month to the election officer of the place where the deceased are registered. In the absence of information concerning the place where the deceased is registered, the list shall be sent to the election officer of the city or municipality of the deceased's residence as appearing in his death certificate. In any case, the local civil registrar shall furnish a copy of this list to the national central file and the proper provincial file."
Despite this provision, ghost or zombie voters are still very much around during elections, haunting our polling places and making a mockery of the right of suffrage.
I suggest the amendment of Rule 34 of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 1993, known as the "Implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 3753 and other laws on civil registration." It says: "It shall be the duty of the person concerned to accomplish and send four copies of the death certificate to the civil registrar for egistration. After registration, the civil registrar shall distribute copies of the document bearing the civil registry number within five days from receipt thereof as follows: first copy to the Office of the Civil Registrar-General; third copy shall beretained for filing; and fourth copy to the attendant at death."
As an amendment, I propose that five copies, instead of four, of Municipal Form No. 103, commonly known as the death certificate, be accomplished and sent within five days to the aforementioned recipients, with the fifth copy being sent to the election officer of the city/municipality when the person who died was at least 18 years old or a qualified voter.
I am sure this will help the Commission on Elections purge its list of voters of those who died, based on the copies of the death certificate prepared by the civil registrar. Election officers should also report for work during regular office hours and not only during the election season. Comelec offices are a haven for ghosts and spirits, aside from being filled with cobwebs when they are not preparing or overseein elections.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
July 5, 1997
I SUPPOSE many of us encountered problems about ghost voters during the May barangay election. Unscrupulous candidates allegedly used ghost voters. As expected, this has become a subject of dispute before the courts.
Section 29 of Republic Act 8189, also known as "An act providing for a general registration of voters adopting a system of counting registration, prescribing the procedures thereof and authorizing the appropriation of funds therefor," is inutile. Among its provisions are the following: "The board shall cancel the registration records of those who have died as certified by the local civil registrar. The local civil registrar shall submit each month a certified list of persons who died during the previous month to the election officer of the place where the deceased are registered. In the absence of information concerning the place where the deceased is registered, the list shall be sent to the election officer of the city or municipality of the deceased's residence as appearing in his death certificate. In any case, the local civil registrar shall furnish a copy of this list to the national central file and the proper provincial file."
Despite this provision, ghost or zombie voters are still very much around during elections, haunting our polling places and making a mockery of the right of suffrage.
I suggest the amendment of Rule 34 of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 1993, known as the "Implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 3753 and other laws on civil registration." It says: "It shall be the duty of the person concerned to accomplish and send four copies of the death certificate to the civil registrar for egistration. After registration, the civil registrar shall distribute copies of the document bearing the civil registry number within five days from receipt thereof as follows: first copy to the Office of the Civil Registrar-General; third copy shall beretained for filing; and fourth copy to the attendant at death."
As an amendment, I propose that five copies, instead of four, of Municipal Form No. 103, commonly known as the death certificate, be accomplished and sent within five days to the aforementioned recipients, with the fifth copy being sent to the election officer of the city/municipality when the person who died was at least 18 years old or a qualified voter.
I am sure this will help the Commission on Elections purge its list of voters of those who died, based on the copies of the death certificate prepared by the civil registrar. Election officers should also report for work during regular office hours and not only during the election season. Comelec offices are a haven for ghosts and spirits, aside from being filled with cobwebs when they are not preparing or overseein elections.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Students to be displaced
Students to be displaced
Philippine Daily Inquirer
June 16, 1997
This refers to the memorandum of agreement between the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) signed by Secretary Ricardo T. Gloria and Director Jose D. Lacson on March 21, 1997.
I am sure those who read the memorandum felt alarmed and perhaps share my apprehension that many of our grade school graduates will not be able to pursue their secondary or high school education in the future.
One of the "whereas" clauses of the memorandum explains why. It says: "Whereas, Item No. 19 of the Special Provisions of the 1997 General Appropriations Act provides that "the amounts appropriated for technical and vocational education and other related budgetary items shall be used to fund the implementation of RA 7796 creating the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority: provided, that the transfer of such schools with predominantly post-secondary enrollment, including qualified teachers and personnel, their proportionate share of the budget and other assets, shall be completed by March 31, 1997: provided, further, that the secondary school enrollment shall be gradually phased out by Tesda in consultation with DECS, over a five-year period..."
This should be the concern of local officials whose municipalities do not have secondary schools or national high schools to absorb their would-be displaced elementary graduates after five years.
The agreement also provides that the DECS shall "cause the establishment of replacement secondary schools, where necessary, that will absorb the student populace over a five-year period."
This is not to question the credibility of DECS, but DECS's recurrent problems every school year include the difficulty to construct the much-needed additional classrooms, repair of dilapidated school buildings, inadequacy of books and other instructional materials, due to funding constraints. Will DECS, after five years, be ready to establish high schools? I doubt it.
I solicited the views of students who learned of the unwelcome consequences of the memorandum. Some said, Siguro, mamumundok na lang kami. Tutal, magiging NPA (Neglected Populace of the Academe) na rin kami (Maybe we'll just go to the mountain. After all, we'll be NPAs."
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
June 16, 1997
This refers to the memorandum of agreement between the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) signed by Secretary Ricardo T. Gloria and Director Jose D. Lacson on March 21, 1997.
I am sure those who read the memorandum felt alarmed and perhaps share my apprehension that many of our grade school graduates will not be able to pursue their secondary or high school education in the future.
One of the "whereas" clauses of the memorandum explains why. It says: "Whereas, Item No. 19 of the Special Provisions of the 1997 General Appropriations Act provides that "the amounts appropriated for technical and vocational education and other related budgetary items shall be used to fund the implementation of RA 7796 creating the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority: provided, that the transfer of such schools with predominantly post-secondary enrollment, including qualified teachers and personnel, their proportionate share of the budget and other assets, shall be completed by March 31, 1997: provided, further, that the secondary school enrollment shall be gradually phased out by Tesda in consultation with DECS, over a five-year period..."
This should be the concern of local officials whose municipalities do not have secondary schools or national high schools to absorb their would-be displaced elementary graduates after five years.
The agreement also provides that the DECS shall "cause the establishment of replacement secondary schools, where necessary, that will absorb the student populace over a five-year period."
This is not to question the credibility of DECS, but DECS's recurrent problems every school year include the difficulty to construct the much-needed additional classrooms, repair of dilapidated school buildings, inadequacy of books and other instructional materials, due to funding constraints. Will DECS, after five years, be ready to establish high schools? I doubt it.
I solicited the views of students who learned of the unwelcome consequences of the memorandum. Some said, Siguro, mamumundok na lang kami. Tutal, magiging NPA (Neglected Populace of the Academe) na rin kami (Maybe we'll just go to the mountain. After all, we'll be NPAs."
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Thursday, January 22, 2009
True national unity
True national unity
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Politics in our country is seemingly going bananas. Our political life appears to be characterized by political spurts which ultimately lead to disunity.
The political power game now going on is a case in point. We witness the splintering of many political parties and the spreading practice of turncoatism. These result in confusing our already confused people and further illustrate our disunity.
In these times when our country can hardly cope with the difficulties brought by natural and man-made calamities, we should be united and design a common agenda to bring our country back to its feet.
However, a sense of unity must first be initiated by our leaders. They should be the exemplars of unity. The cliche "follow the leader" is native to the Filipino mind. That is why, we fix our attention on our country leaders and whatever they do, we follow. We are not unified as a people because we do not see any unity in our leaders. If only our leaders appreciate a little more the value of unity, we will follow suit and our country will be better off.
Too much politicking causes disunity among our leaders. It blinds their eyes to the general welfare. They become myopic and see only the enhancement of their political careers, not our needs.
When will we ever learn to unite? Many claim that the Filipino people unite when something tragic happens. Thus, we are united and pool our resources to help our countrymen who are victims of coups, earthquake, volcanic eruption and flood. But such a demonstration of unity is artificial. Our country cannot anchor her survival on this kind of unity.
What is imperatively needed is a genuine sense of unity. We should not only be united during natural and man-made calamities, we should practice unity as a way of life.
Therefore, I appeal to our country leaders to show us the way to unity by being united themselves. They are our mirrors. We see ourselves in them. We follow ther examples.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Politics in our country is seemingly going bananas. Our political life appears to be characterized by political spurts which ultimately lead to disunity.
The political power game now going on is a case in point. We witness the splintering of many political parties and the spreading practice of turncoatism. These result in confusing our already confused people and further illustrate our disunity.
In these times when our country can hardly cope with the difficulties brought by natural and man-made calamities, we should be united and design a common agenda to bring our country back to its feet.
However, a sense of unity must first be initiated by our leaders. They should be the exemplars of unity. The cliche "follow the leader" is native to the Filipino mind. That is why, we fix our attention on our country leaders and whatever they do, we follow. We are not unified as a people because we do not see any unity in our leaders. If only our leaders appreciate a little more the value of unity, we will follow suit and our country will be better off.
Too much politicking causes disunity among our leaders. It blinds their eyes to the general welfare. They become myopic and see only the enhancement of their political careers, not our needs.
When will we ever learn to unite? Many claim that the Filipino people unite when something tragic happens. Thus, we are united and pool our resources to help our countrymen who are victims of coups, earthquake, volcanic eruption and flood. But such a demonstration of unity is artificial. Our country cannot anchor her survival on this kind of unity.
What is imperatively needed is a genuine sense of unity. We should not only be united during natural and man-made calamities, we should practice unity as a way of life.
Therefore, I appeal to our country leaders to show us the way to unity by being united themselves. They are our mirrors. We see ourselves in them. We follow ther examples.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Church protects flocks
Church protects flock
Philippine Daily Inquirer
December 10, 1991
Who is to say who among the political candidates should be endorsed for the 1992 election? I am sure it is not Ninez Cacho Olivares who wrote that the "Catholic Church's endorsement record is lousy" (PDI, 11/17/91).
The Catholic Church has always been accused of politicking. But can we blame the Church if she protects her flock from unscrupulous political candidates? In these days when monstrous lies are told before elections, we must set ourselves againts political falsehood and misinterpretation of the political candidates' motives. And this is exactly what the Church is doing.
It is because there are candidates who are "wolves in sheep's clothing" that the Church purports to safeguard her flock.
When Cardinal Sin, his bishops and priests endorse political candidates who are God-fearing, they are only demonstrating their loyalty to Christ and to His teachings.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
December 10, 1991
Who is to say who among the political candidates should be endorsed for the 1992 election? I am sure it is not Ninez Cacho Olivares who wrote that the "Catholic Church's endorsement record is lousy" (PDI, 11/17/91).
The Catholic Church has always been accused of politicking. But can we blame the Church if she protects her flock from unscrupulous political candidates? In these days when monstrous lies are told before elections, we must set ourselves againts political falsehood and misinterpretation of the political candidates' motives. And this is exactly what the Church is doing.
It is because there are candidates who are "wolves in sheep's clothing" that the Church purports to safeguard her flock.
When Cardinal Sin, his bishops and priests endorse political candidates who are God-fearing, they are only demonstrating their loyalty to Christ and to His teachings.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Timely Reminder
Timely Reminder
By Reginald B. Tamayo
Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Free Press
February 4, 1995
The May elections are just around the corner. I'd like to share with all the FREE PRESS readers excerpts from a short essay which appeared in the FREE PRESS in 1961. I hadn't been born then, but my grandfather, the late Aparri Councilor Reymundo F. Balisi, kept a copy of this essay in his file. I understand that vote-buying had been rampant at the time.
Apparently things have changed little since. I still keep grandfather's copy of the essay, which I hope to show my children, who in turn I hope will keep it to show their own children. The essay follows:
"When you sell something, the buyer acquires the right to dispose of it as he pleases. He may sell it in turn to another, at a profit, or even destroy it.
"When you sell your vote, the same principle applies. The buyer is absolved of any obligation to serve you if he wins in the elections. By the sale of your vote, you give him the 'right'to do what he pleases in office. He may promote his interests, not yours. And have no doubt about it, he will.
"Under the democratic principle, he is supposed to be your representative; he holds office as a public trust; he should promote your interets, not his. He assumes this obligation when you give him your vote- but not when you sell it to him. When you sell your vote, it is no longer democracy but commerce. The whole relationship between the people and the official changes. You no longer have any moral right to complain if he enriches himself at your expense; he has paid for the privilege.
"Those who buy votes do so in order to win, though they may not be qualified for office, though they had enriched themselves in. They buy votes so that they could go on using their office to get even richer. Certainly, they do not but votes to retain the honor of the position, for how could honor be gained or kept dishonorably?
"To win, by buying votes, involves the expenditure of tremendous sums of money. It is an investment and a gamble. The financial returns must be commensurate to the risk. Nobody would gamble, would invest in a speculative stock for a mere 10 percent dividend. There are safer ways of investing the money if one were satisfied with a modest dividend. To risk millions for so modest a return is stupid. It would not be worth the risk.
"Having risked millions and won, the winner may be expected to get the money back somehow, and 10 times more. He may be expected to help himself to the resources of the nation. He will make himself even richer than he is, and his associates, and you poorer.
"The more he spends, the more he will take. Why shouldn't he? You sold your vote. He paid for it."
Now the question is, are we going to expect the same in the May elections. Between the Sixties and the Nineties, we should have learned some very important lessons.
By Reginald B. Tamayo
Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Free Press
February 4, 1995
The May elections are just around the corner. I'd like to share with all the FREE PRESS readers excerpts from a short essay which appeared in the FREE PRESS in 1961. I hadn't been born then, but my grandfather, the late Aparri Councilor Reymundo F. Balisi, kept a copy of this essay in his file. I understand that vote-buying had been rampant at the time.
Apparently things have changed little since. I still keep grandfather's copy of the essay, which I hope to show my children, who in turn I hope will keep it to show their own children. The essay follows:
"When you sell something, the buyer acquires the right to dispose of it as he pleases. He may sell it in turn to another, at a profit, or even destroy it.
"When you sell your vote, the same principle applies. The buyer is absolved of any obligation to serve you if he wins in the elections. By the sale of your vote, you give him the 'right'to do what he pleases in office. He may promote his interests, not yours. And have no doubt about it, he will.
"Under the democratic principle, he is supposed to be your representative; he holds office as a public trust; he should promote your interets, not his. He assumes this obligation when you give him your vote- but not when you sell it to him. When you sell your vote, it is no longer democracy but commerce. The whole relationship between the people and the official changes. You no longer have any moral right to complain if he enriches himself at your expense; he has paid for the privilege.
"Those who buy votes do so in order to win, though they may not be qualified for office, though they had enriched themselves in. They buy votes so that they could go on using their office to get even richer. Certainly, they do not but votes to retain the honor of the position, for how could honor be gained or kept dishonorably?
"To win, by buying votes, involves the expenditure of tremendous sums of money. It is an investment and a gamble. The financial returns must be commensurate to the risk. Nobody would gamble, would invest in a speculative stock for a mere 10 percent dividend. There are safer ways of investing the money if one were satisfied with a modest dividend. To risk millions for so modest a return is stupid. It would not be worth the risk.
"Having risked millions and won, the winner may be expected to get the money back somehow, and 10 times more. He may be expected to help himself to the resources of the nation. He will make himself even richer than he is, and his associates, and you poorer.
"The more he spends, the more he will take. Why shouldn't he? You sold your vote. He paid for it."
Now the question is, are we going to expect the same in the May elections. Between the Sixties and the Nineties, we should have learned some very important lessons.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
My Response to Mayor Binay's Letter
Dear Hon. Mayor Binay:
Thank you for your January 9 letter. It had touched a cord in my heart and it lighted my day.
I agree with you Mayor that there are more good citizens belonging to the silent majority than those who are noisiest and most visible in our country. Only that they should overcome their timidity and have the spirit to express their thoughts and redress their grievances. If the majority chooses to keep silent amidst the troubles in our country which are not of their making, it is almost like saying that they silently condone them. In political philosophy we call this pluralistic ignorance. This is so when the majority is unspeaking because their understanding and stand on national issues are not clear to them. That is why the noisiest and most visible in our country interpret this as consensus among the majority. That is an erroneous view. There is no doubt but that is a plain “false consensus.”
I belong to the silent majority myself but I am resolved to learn how to become a good citizen. Like you Mayor I am also learning to become courageous and vigilant.
To my friends and relatives who speak kindly of me as getting famous because of the article I wrote had been blogged and reblogged, I say thank you. But as a member of the silent majority I prefer to remain poor and obscure.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
regie
Thank you for your January 9 letter. It had touched a cord in my heart and it lighted my day.
I agree with you Mayor that there are more good citizens belonging to the silent majority than those who are noisiest and most visible in our country. Only that they should overcome their timidity and have the spirit to express their thoughts and redress their grievances. If the majority chooses to keep silent amidst the troubles in our country which are not of their making, it is almost like saying that they silently condone them. In political philosophy we call this pluralistic ignorance. This is so when the majority is unspeaking because their understanding and stand on national issues are not clear to them. That is why the noisiest and most visible in our country interpret this as consensus among the majority. That is an erroneous view. There is no doubt but that is a plain “false consensus.”
I belong to the silent majority myself but I am resolved to learn how to become a good citizen. Like you Mayor I am also learning to become courageous and vigilant.
To my friends and relatives who speak kindly of me as getting famous because of the article I wrote had been blogged and reblogged, I say thank you. But as a member of the silent majority I prefer to remain poor and obscure.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
regie
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A guide to wise decisions
A guide to wise decisions
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: March 05, 2008
Sustainable development is a philosophy, a way of thinking. It guides policymakers to wade through the conflict between environmental integrity and economic prosperity and reach a wise decision.
This philosophic concept seeks to balance two moral demands: The demand of the poor or marginalized who are looking for ways to uplift the quality of their lives for “development,” which suggests economic growth and stability; and the demand for “sustainability,” which suggests that the future should not be mortgaged just for present gains. The concept stems from the right of the future generations to enjoy a healthy, quality life and thus demands that the living refrain from spoiling/sacrificing natural resources for short-term social/economic benefits. In other words, sustainable development calls on the living to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
This philosophic concept applies to mining. Mining touches the ancient question on the relationship of morality and interest. Is it morally permissible to promote our own interests at the expense of the interests of others? Is it morally reasonable to promote the good of others when it requires sacrificing our needs, wants and luxuries in life?
It is said that mining, among others, induces economic growth, relieves poverty, creates job for the populace, and helps local government units generate more tax revenues. Some policymakers say the needs of the poor place on the shoulders of leaders the moral duty to improve the lives of the poor; therefore, as leaders, they must favor mining to show concern for the “needs of the present.” However, there are also policymakers who vehemently oppose mining. They say that mining destroys, and causes irreversible damage to, the environment. Pro-mining critics say that those who oppose mining are anti-poor and anti-growth.
But the same principle applies to meeting the “needs of the future generations.” The best interests of the future generations also make a moral demand on us all; meaning, it is our moral duty to attend to their needs. They also have a legitimate claim to the natural assets they need to live a decent life. They call the pro-mining advocates anti-life and anti-God.
Truly, when it comes to mining, the concept of sustainable development should be a guide for policymakers, so that their decisions and actions would protect and preserve the environment and, at the same time, promote economic prosperity.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: March 05, 2008
Sustainable development is a philosophy, a way of thinking. It guides policymakers to wade through the conflict between environmental integrity and economic prosperity and reach a wise decision.
This philosophic concept seeks to balance two moral demands: The demand of the poor or marginalized who are looking for ways to uplift the quality of their lives for “development,” which suggests economic growth and stability; and the demand for “sustainability,” which suggests that the future should not be mortgaged just for present gains. The concept stems from the right of the future generations to enjoy a healthy, quality life and thus demands that the living refrain from spoiling/sacrificing natural resources for short-term social/economic benefits. In other words, sustainable development calls on the living to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
This philosophic concept applies to mining. Mining touches the ancient question on the relationship of morality and interest. Is it morally permissible to promote our own interests at the expense of the interests of others? Is it morally reasonable to promote the good of others when it requires sacrificing our needs, wants and luxuries in life?
It is said that mining, among others, induces economic growth, relieves poverty, creates job for the populace, and helps local government units generate more tax revenues. Some policymakers say the needs of the poor place on the shoulders of leaders the moral duty to improve the lives of the poor; therefore, as leaders, they must favor mining to show concern for the “needs of the present.” However, there are also policymakers who vehemently oppose mining. They say that mining destroys, and causes irreversible damage to, the environment. Pro-mining critics say that those who oppose mining are anti-poor and anti-growth.
But the same principle applies to meeting the “needs of the future generations.” The best interests of the future generations also make a moral demand on us all; meaning, it is our moral duty to attend to their needs. They also have a legitimate claim to the natural assets they need to live a decent life. They call the pro-mining advocates anti-life and anti-God.
Truly, when it comes to mining, the concept of sustainable development should be a guide for policymakers, so that their decisions and actions would protect and preserve the environment and, at the same time, promote economic prosperity.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Letter from Makati Mayor Jejomar C. Binay
REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS
LUNGSOD NG MAKATI
OFFICE OF THE CITY MAYOR
January 9, 2009
MR. REGINALD B. TAMAYO
Member, Sangguniang Bayan
Secretary General, SAVE Cagayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Dear Mr. Tamayo:
Warm personal greetings!
Let me commend you for your good point on how to stop "monsters" hampering the growth and advancement of our country, which was recently published in the Inquirer
While most of our countrymen are kept in silence, it doesn't mean they are not good citizens. The truth is, they are looking for legal ways to stop vultures in the government but to no avail. Proof of this is the mammoth crowd that attended the Inter-faith Rally in Ayala last year denouncing the Charter Change being pushed by administration allies. Unfortunately, some institutions which are considered pillars of democracy had been blinded by power and fortune.
With bright, courageous and vigilant citizens like you, I am certain that there is still hope for our beloved motherland.
Congratulations, and keep up the good work.
Very truly yours,
JEJOMAR C. BINAY
Mayor
LUNGSOD NG MAKATI
OFFICE OF THE CITY MAYOR
January 9, 2009
MR. REGINALD B. TAMAYO
Member, Sangguniang Bayan
Secretary General, SAVE Cagayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Dear Mr. Tamayo:
Warm personal greetings!
Let me commend you for your good point on how to stop "monsters" hampering the growth and advancement of our country, which was recently published in the Inquirer
While most of our countrymen are kept in silence, it doesn't mean they are not good citizens. The truth is, they are looking for legal ways to stop vultures in the government but to no avail. Proof of this is the mammoth crowd that attended the Inter-faith Rally in Ayala last year denouncing the Charter Change being pushed by administration allies. Unfortunately, some institutions which are considered pillars of democracy had been blinded by power and fortune.
With bright, courageous and vigilant citizens like you, I am certain that there is still hope for our beloved motherland.
Congratulations, and keep up the good work.
Very truly yours,
JEJOMAR C. BINAY
Mayor
Mining also cause of rice problem
Mining also cause of rice problem
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:50:00 05/10/2008
Filed Under: Mining and quarrying, rice problem, Laws
I attended a mining forum where the focus was on the mining activities in the province of Cagayan, especially those along its coastal towns. During the open forum, one participant noted that mining’s adverse effects contributed to the rice problem we are now experiencing. Completely agreeing with him, I added that mining could deprive the land of its vegetative cover, cause soil erosion and contaminate water sources, all of which could lead to land degradation and low farm yields. There may be vast tracts of irrigated farm lands that are no longer productive because of toxic wastes from mining.
The same participant also said that the reclassification of farms into industrial or commercial lots could have contributed, too, to the low supply of rice in the country. I said that local government units should review their comprehensive land use plan and find out whether or not farm lands in their localities are disappearing.
I suggested that our lawmakers should look into laws that govern mining and land reclassification activities in the country. The provisions of the mining law should be reviewed. For instance, Sec. 5 of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 states that “a ten per centum share of all the royalties and revenues to be derived by the government from the development and utilization of the mineral resources within mineral reservations ... shall accrue to Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) ....” This is a slanted provision of the law that might “blind” MGB into issuing indiscriminately Exploration Permit Application without regard to mining’s hazardous effects. Sec. 19 of the same law states that mining activities “shall not be allowed near or under public or private buildings … including plantations or valuable crops.” But it was disclosed during the forum that mining firms are unmindful of this legal prohibition.
A lawmaker has suggested that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo be given “emergency powers” to enable her to immediately address the rice problem. I propose that he file instead a resolution declaring a 25-year moratorium on all mining activities and on the reclassification of farm lands in the country.
Mining and reclassification may help prop up our economy but they steal rice from our table.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:50:00 05/10/2008
Filed Under: Mining and quarrying, rice problem, Laws
I attended a mining forum where the focus was on the mining activities in the province of Cagayan, especially those along its coastal towns. During the open forum, one participant noted that mining’s adverse effects contributed to the rice problem we are now experiencing. Completely agreeing with him, I added that mining could deprive the land of its vegetative cover, cause soil erosion and contaminate water sources, all of which could lead to land degradation and low farm yields. There may be vast tracts of irrigated farm lands that are no longer productive because of toxic wastes from mining.
The same participant also said that the reclassification of farms into industrial or commercial lots could have contributed, too, to the low supply of rice in the country. I said that local government units should review their comprehensive land use plan and find out whether or not farm lands in their localities are disappearing.
I suggested that our lawmakers should look into laws that govern mining and land reclassification activities in the country. The provisions of the mining law should be reviewed. For instance, Sec. 5 of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 states that “a ten per centum share of all the royalties and revenues to be derived by the government from the development and utilization of the mineral resources within mineral reservations ... shall accrue to Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) ....” This is a slanted provision of the law that might “blind” MGB into issuing indiscriminately Exploration Permit Application without regard to mining’s hazardous effects. Sec. 19 of the same law states that mining activities “shall not be allowed near or under public or private buildings … including plantations or valuable crops.” But it was disclosed during the forum that mining firms are unmindful of this legal prohibition.
A lawmaker has suggested that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo be given “emergency powers” to enable her to immediately address the rice problem. I propose that he file instead a resolution declaring a 25-year moratorium on all mining activities and on the reclassification of farm lands in the country.
Mining and reclassification may help prop up our economy but they steal rice from our table.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Decision on the Initiative
Decision on the Initiative
November 11, 2006
Philippine Free Press
DECISIONS like that of the Supreme Court dismissing the petition for the so-called people's initiative are only expected of a disinterested judiciary. The relevance of the decision cannot be overemphasized. The Supreme Court placed a deserved check on the procedure on how the signatures were gathered from the people who supposedly supported the revision of the Constitution.
There are people who are not pleased with the decision. To be sure, the petitioners will file a motion for reconsideration. Yet it is important for us to know that the court will be impartial despite pressures from all sides.
That the supposed initiative has been controversial makes the Supreme Court decision even more significant. Indeed, it would have been interesting to know how and why, as alleged, the signatures of people were tampered with. Who really initiated the signature campaign? Who funded it? Who among the national and local leaders are behind the campaign.
The decision assures us that if we are looking for excellence in government, the Supreme Court is the model. We only hope that the other branches of government and their agencies will follow the Supreme Court's example.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
November 11, 2006
Philippine Free Press
DECISIONS like that of the Supreme Court dismissing the petition for the so-called people's initiative are only expected of a disinterested judiciary. The relevance of the decision cannot be overemphasized. The Supreme Court placed a deserved check on the procedure on how the signatures were gathered from the people who supposedly supported the revision of the Constitution.
There are people who are not pleased with the decision. To be sure, the petitioners will file a motion for reconsideration. Yet it is important for us to know that the court will be impartial despite pressures from all sides.
That the supposed initiative has been controversial makes the Supreme Court decision even more significant. Indeed, it would have been interesting to know how and why, as alleged, the signatures of people were tampered with. Who really initiated the signature campaign? Who funded it? Who among the national and local leaders are behind the campaign.
The decision assures us that if we are looking for excellence in government, the Supreme Court is the model. We only hope that the other branches of government and their agencies will follow the Supreme Court's example.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Comments from The Living Rice
Comments from The Living Rice
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2009
The Philippines Need Good Citizens
I saw this opinion letter by Reginald Tamayo on Inquirer.net that echos my prayer to the Filipinos.
For the year 2009, it is my prayerful wish that we learn to become good citizens. It is my prayer that we should learn to be more aggressive about our rights, freedom and dignity as a people. I do not wish to leave this country even when it is filthy to live in. That would be unpatriotic. There is hope for this country. Let us start contributing our fair share by caring for and loving our country, making it more decent and respectable in the eyes of the international community and God. And we can do that by learning to become good citizens.
To make a better Philippines, we need better Filipinos. To make better Filipinos we need God.
Here are some scriptures to ponder:
“Makes Jesus your Lord proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of fools... Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.” 1 Peter 2:13-17 (The Message)
“Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order. So live responsibly as a citizen.” Romans 13:1 (The Message)
POSTED BY JASON BRUCE AT 5:00 PM 0 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
LABELS: PHILIPPINES POLITICS LEADERSHIP CHRISTIANITY GOVERNMENT SOCIAL ISSUES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2009
The Philippines Need Good Citizens
I saw this opinion letter by Reginald Tamayo on Inquirer.net that echos my prayer to the Filipinos.
For the year 2009, it is my prayerful wish that we learn to become good citizens. It is my prayer that we should learn to be more aggressive about our rights, freedom and dignity as a people. I do not wish to leave this country even when it is filthy to live in. That would be unpatriotic. There is hope for this country. Let us start contributing our fair share by caring for and loving our country, making it more decent and respectable in the eyes of the international community and God. And we can do that by learning to become good citizens.
To make a better Philippines, we need better Filipinos. To make better Filipinos we need God.
Here are some scriptures to ponder:
“Makes Jesus your Lord proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of fools... Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.” 1 Peter 2:13-17 (The Message)
“Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order. So live responsibly as a citizen.” Romans 13:1 (The Message)
POSTED BY JASON BRUCE AT 5:00 PM 0 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
LABELS: PHILIPPINES POLITICS LEADERSHIP CHRISTIANITY GOVERNMENT SOCIAL ISSUES
Proposed Rights Violation
Proposed Rights Violation
September 1, 2007
Philippine Free Press
I WATCHED a television interview with a congressman who had introduced a bill that would make drug tests mandatory for students. An official of the Commission on Human Rights was there, and they debated the proposal. I disagree with the proposal, as it would violate students' human rights.
The congressman argued that mandatory drug tests for students would evetually lead to the arrest of drug pushers. This is absurd. The congressman's argument is a clear admission that the government's drive againts illegal drugs is a failure. We already have laws that deal squarely with the drug menace. Another law that could make students victims of harassment is unnecessary. What the congressman should do is introduce remedial measures for more effective enforcement of the existing drug laws.
The human rights official said that anything "mandatory" is suspect because it defies people's rights. I fully agree. The congressman's proposal would make the students look like criminals and making drug tests mandatory for them would violate their right to protect themselves from self-incrimination.
I have nothing against the congressman's objective of arresting the drug pushers. But I am questioning the reasonableness of his proposal. I find it at the height of folly to capitalize on students whose rights and welfare are supposed to be protected, not trampled upon, by national and local leaders.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
September 1, 2007
Philippine Free Press
I WATCHED a television interview with a congressman who had introduced a bill that would make drug tests mandatory for students. An official of the Commission on Human Rights was there, and they debated the proposal. I disagree with the proposal, as it would violate students' human rights.
The congressman argued that mandatory drug tests for students would evetually lead to the arrest of drug pushers. This is absurd. The congressman's argument is a clear admission that the government's drive againts illegal drugs is a failure. We already have laws that deal squarely with the drug menace. Another law that could make students victims of harassment is unnecessary. What the congressman should do is introduce remedial measures for more effective enforcement of the existing drug laws.
The human rights official said that anything "mandatory" is suspect because it defies people's rights. I fully agree. The congressman's proposal would make the students look like criminals and making drug tests mandatory for them would violate their right to protect themselves from self-incrimination.
I have nothing against the congressman's objective of arresting the drug pushers. But I am questioning the reasonableness of his proposal. I find it at the height of folly to capitalize on students whose rights and welfare are supposed to be protected, not trampled upon, by national and local leaders.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Signing Without Understanding
Signing Without Understanding
May 6, 2006
Philippine Free Press
THE ideas of parliamentary government and people's initiative are very much discussed today. I have observed that the people who most enthusiastically talk on these subjects are politicians, the wealthy, and powerful, and they speak about the shift to parliamentary government as if the country's survival depended on it and they, especially the politicians, were the ones chosen to save the country.
How about the ordinary people? Do they know much, or do they know anything, about these subjects? Do ordinary people know what is people initiative? Do they know the parliamentary system of government?
It is regrettable that many national and local leaders are so obsessed with the change to parliamentary government and pushing for it through people's initiative without explaining to the people what these things are. I observed this here recently when people were made to fill out questionnaires on the proposed change to parliamentary government. I argue that although people signed the forms, that doesn't mean they understood what it was they signed.
I remember attending a consultation on the proposed change. Somebody observed how well attended the meeting was. Those present were people from the academic community, local government, national government agencies, civic and other groups- the blessed and the privileged of society. I looked for the tricycle drivers, the farmers,and the fishermen, the vendors and the barbers and others with very little in life. They were not there. Why? They were not invited was it because they were a weak force and anything they had to say about the proposal didn't count?
A little reflection might help here. It is we, the ordinary people, who buoy the courage of the powers that be. They rattle off the issues at the village assemblies and then ask us to sign the survey forms. They take advantage of our ignorance and weakness. We who sign those forms without understanding are not contributing to our country's development, but to its downfall.
We must be given time to know the issues involved and understand them. Our leaders should go out to the slums and the barrios to give us all the information we need. Then we will study the proposal and, with full understanding, answer yes or no.
Reginald B. Tamayo
20 Ballesteros Street
Aparri, Cagayan
May 6, 2006
Philippine Free Press
THE ideas of parliamentary government and people's initiative are very much discussed today. I have observed that the people who most enthusiastically talk on these subjects are politicians, the wealthy, and powerful, and they speak about the shift to parliamentary government as if the country's survival depended on it and they, especially the politicians, were the ones chosen to save the country.
How about the ordinary people? Do they know much, or do they know anything, about these subjects? Do ordinary people know what is people initiative? Do they know the parliamentary system of government?
It is regrettable that many national and local leaders are so obsessed with the change to parliamentary government and pushing for it through people's initiative without explaining to the people what these things are. I observed this here recently when people were made to fill out questionnaires on the proposed change to parliamentary government. I argue that although people signed the forms, that doesn't mean they understood what it was they signed.
I remember attending a consultation on the proposed change. Somebody observed how well attended the meeting was. Those present were people from the academic community, local government, national government agencies, civic and other groups- the blessed and the privileged of society. I looked for the tricycle drivers, the farmers,and the fishermen, the vendors and the barbers and others with very little in life. They were not there. Why? They were not invited was it because they were a weak force and anything they had to say about the proposal didn't count?
A little reflection might help here. It is we, the ordinary people, who buoy the courage of the powers that be. They rattle off the issues at the village assemblies and then ask us to sign the survey forms. They take advantage of our ignorance and weakness. We who sign those forms without understanding are not contributing to our country's development, but to its downfall.
We must be given time to know the issues involved and understand them. Our leaders should go out to the slums and the barrios to give us all the information we need. Then we will study the proposal and, with full understanding, answer yes or no.
Reginald B. Tamayo
20 Ballesteros Street
Aparri, Cagayan
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Influence of the Media
Influence of the Media
October 14, 2006
Philippine Free Press
A FEW weeks ago, I attended a seminar on media literacy at the Lyceum of Aparri. The discussions focused on television advertising, newspapers, magazines, the Internet and many others. It was an interesting seminar, as it taught me and other parents here how to understand the media and its influence on people's lives.
What is worrisome is the statement at the seminar that the media is taking away the role of parents in moulding the minds of children. The statement struck me hard but I kept my mind open. I wanted to understand this phenomenon. In the end, through self-analysis, I learned that it is true.
It is obvious that we are losing control of our children.. They jump into the media bandwagon and find that there is no one to drive it. Most of our children's views- about God, life, morality, sex,- come from the media. This is where media literacy becomes imperative.
What are we parents doing? How do we strengthen our role as parents so that we do not lose our children to the media? Do we teach our children traditional Filipino values and guard them against the constructed realities that they see in the media? Or do we just allow our kids to be brainwashed by the media?
We parents have a serious problem. If our children think the way the media thinks, then we are partly to blame. We allow the media to set standards for our children. We allow the media to set what is noble, admirable, and good for our children. As a result, our children learn moral goodness no longer from the teachings of the church but from what the media says. As they learn most everything from the media, our children have become clones: they think the same way, speak a common language, wear the same kinds of clothes, idolize the same people from media. Doesn't this mean our kids are no longer ours but the media's?
We should not look benignly at this phenomenon. Never should we allow the media to take over our role as parents. Instead we should always assert our role as parents, caution our children against the dangerous allure of the media, and set the standards for everything for them
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
October 14, 2006
Philippine Free Press
A FEW weeks ago, I attended a seminar on media literacy at the Lyceum of Aparri. The discussions focused on television advertising, newspapers, magazines, the Internet and many others. It was an interesting seminar, as it taught me and other parents here how to understand the media and its influence on people's lives.
What is worrisome is the statement at the seminar that the media is taking away the role of parents in moulding the minds of children. The statement struck me hard but I kept my mind open. I wanted to understand this phenomenon. In the end, through self-analysis, I learned that it is true.
It is obvious that we are losing control of our children.. They jump into the media bandwagon and find that there is no one to drive it. Most of our children's views- about God, life, morality, sex,- come from the media. This is where media literacy becomes imperative.
What are we parents doing? How do we strengthen our role as parents so that we do not lose our children to the media? Do we teach our children traditional Filipino values and guard them against the constructed realities that they see in the media? Or do we just allow our kids to be brainwashed by the media?
We parents have a serious problem. If our children think the way the media thinks, then we are partly to blame. We allow the media to set standards for our children. We allow the media to set what is noble, admirable, and good for our children. As a result, our children learn moral goodness no longer from the teachings of the church but from what the media says. As they learn most everything from the media, our children have become clones: they think the same way, speak a common language, wear the same kinds of clothes, idolize the same people from media. Doesn't this mean our kids are no longer ours but the media's?
We should not look benignly at this phenomenon. Never should we allow the media to take over our role as parents. Instead we should always assert our role as parents, caution our children against the dangerous allure of the media, and set the standards for everything for them
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Why Aren't We Like Singapore?
Why Aren't We Like Singapore?
July 29, 2006
Philippine Free Press
I RECENTLY visited Singapore with a group of engineers from the Lyceum of Aparri led by our executive vice president, Fr. Joel Reyes. We wanted to take pictures of architectural designs of skyscrapers and schoolbuildings in Singapore that we thought would be useful in putting up a new and modern high school building and a library on the Lyceum of Aparri campus and we wanted to find out what had made Singapore a highly developed country.
I learned that Singapore is only about the size of Makati City, but this has not been a hindrance to its economic progress and national greatness. Singapore is growing and growing at an explosive rate. It is a dynamic nation, with a kind and generous people and immaculately clean surroundings. Children are in schools and there are no street children, no scavengers and mendicants in the streets. I could go on reciting endless facts about this beautiful Asian country. I heard that it was Lee Kwan Yew's enlightened leadership that brought Singapore to where it is today. Yet I did not see any poster of Lee anywhere in Singapore.
I paused to reflect. Why can't the Philippines be as progressive as Singapore?
At this stage in our history, we Filipinos are struggling every day just to survive. It's a brutal struggle for a decent and respectable life. We wallow in poverty in a society beset by crime, vice, graft and corruption. Worse, we are roaming like sheep without a shepherd because our national leaders are preoccupied with politics.
Our hosts in Singapore told us that of late, government budget surplus is being given to state employes. Singaporeans can also suggest to the government how services can be better delivered to the public. I lament that we Filipinos cannot do that. We could be accused of being destabilizers.
On Monday, President Arroyo will address a joint session of Congress again. I will be happy, as others surely will, to listen to her tell the truth in the State of the Nation that our country is not faring like Singapore.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
20 Ballesteros Street
Aparri, Cagayan
July 29, 2006
Philippine Free Press
I RECENTLY visited Singapore with a group of engineers from the Lyceum of Aparri led by our executive vice president, Fr. Joel Reyes. We wanted to take pictures of architectural designs of skyscrapers and schoolbuildings in Singapore that we thought would be useful in putting up a new and modern high school building and a library on the Lyceum of Aparri campus and we wanted to find out what had made Singapore a highly developed country.
I learned that Singapore is only about the size of Makati City, but this has not been a hindrance to its economic progress and national greatness. Singapore is growing and growing at an explosive rate. It is a dynamic nation, with a kind and generous people and immaculately clean surroundings. Children are in schools and there are no street children, no scavengers and mendicants in the streets. I could go on reciting endless facts about this beautiful Asian country. I heard that it was Lee Kwan Yew's enlightened leadership that brought Singapore to where it is today. Yet I did not see any poster of Lee anywhere in Singapore.
I paused to reflect. Why can't the Philippines be as progressive as Singapore?
At this stage in our history, we Filipinos are struggling every day just to survive. It's a brutal struggle for a decent and respectable life. We wallow in poverty in a society beset by crime, vice, graft and corruption. Worse, we are roaming like sheep without a shepherd because our national leaders are preoccupied with politics.
Our hosts in Singapore told us that of late, government budget surplus is being given to state employes. Singaporeans can also suggest to the government how services can be better delivered to the public. I lament that we Filipinos cannot do that. We could be accused of being destabilizers.
On Monday, President Arroyo will address a joint session of Congress again. I will be happy, as others surely will, to listen to her tell the truth in the State of the Nation that our country is not faring like Singapore.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
20 Ballesteros Street
Aparri, Cagayan
Come Out, Fellow Philosophers
Come Out, Fellow Philosophers
October 6, 2007
Philippine Free Press
WHERE are the philosophers of this country? We need philosophers as we need politicians. Our people are getting restive because of the many unresolved moral, social, and political issues. We need philosophers to explain these issues to the people.
Among the problems that need explanation by philosophers are the war in Mindanao, the persistence of jueteng, graft and corruption, and electoral fraud. The philosophers' analytical and logical thinking will be effective in making people understand these problems and why they remain unresolved.
It is just unfortunate that the word "philosopher" has a negative connotation in this country. Here, those who philosophize are not seen as intellectuals but as rude people and are dismissed as fools and weirdoes. In western countries, philosophers are seen as learned and wise and some authorities consult them before making decisions.
Despite the negative view of many people, I call on my fellow philosophers to come out and help our countrymen become more critical in their thinking and more responsive to the needs of the times. Let us refute the notion that we philosophers are nerds. We should be proud of our calling and we should always be ready to give our views of the moral, social, and political issues that pain our country.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
October 6, 2007
Philippine Free Press
WHERE are the philosophers of this country? We need philosophers as we need politicians. Our people are getting restive because of the many unresolved moral, social, and political issues. We need philosophers to explain these issues to the people.
Among the problems that need explanation by philosophers are the war in Mindanao, the persistence of jueteng, graft and corruption, and electoral fraud. The philosophers' analytical and logical thinking will be effective in making people understand these problems and why they remain unresolved.
It is just unfortunate that the word "philosopher" has a negative connotation in this country. Here, those who philosophize are not seen as intellectuals but as rude people and are dismissed as fools and weirdoes. In western countries, philosophers are seen as learned and wise and some authorities consult them before making decisions.
Despite the negative view of many people, I call on my fellow philosophers to come out and help our countrymen become more critical in their thinking and more responsive to the needs of the times. Let us refute the notion that we philosophers are nerds. We should be proud of our calling and we should always be ready to give our views of the moral, social, and political issues that pain our country.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
Clean Elections Are Possible
Clean Elections Are Possible
June 30, 2007
Philippine Free Press
THERE are allegations that the elctions on May 14 were marred by fraud. Which of our elections in the past were not? There was fraud in all the elections we have had, but we must not lose hope. Elections without fraud are possible here, and we can do it by educating our people about the importance of clean and honest elections.
Let us start with school politics. School is back and students will soon elect classroom and campus officers. Let us introduce them to clean campaigning, wisely choosing candidates, and honestly counting the votes.
School politics should be understood and held against the backdrop of community and national trends and development. As the primary concern of student leaders is the interest and welfare of their fellow students, teachers must not teach them campaign strategies similar to those of local and national politicians. They must encourage the students to use campus politics as training for the future if they plan on careers as public servants.
If the study of the Constitution is required in schools, I propose that the sudy of the Local Government Code also be made a required subject. Knowledge of the code will help future local leaders learn the work and immense responsibilities they are planning to assume.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
June 30, 2007
Philippine Free Press
THERE are allegations that the elctions on May 14 were marred by fraud. Which of our elections in the past were not? There was fraud in all the elections we have had, but we must not lose hope. Elections without fraud are possible here, and we can do it by educating our people about the importance of clean and honest elections.
Let us start with school politics. School is back and students will soon elect classroom and campus officers. Let us introduce them to clean campaigning, wisely choosing candidates, and honestly counting the votes.
School politics should be understood and held against the backdrop of community and national trends and development. As the primary concern of student leaders is the interest and welfare of their fellow students, teachers must not teach them campaign strategies similar to those of local and national politicians. They must encourage the students to use campus politics as training for the future if they plan on careers as public servants.
If the study of the Constitution is required in schools, I propose that the sudy of the Local Government Code also be made a required subject. Knowledge of the code will help future local leaders learn the work and immense responsibilities they are planning to assume.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan
The Clergy and Politics
The Clergy and Politics
Juny 15, 2006
Philippine Free Press
I GUESS the worst that an informed Catholic like President Arroyo can do is laying claim to a certain pronouncement by the Pope that to some extent is untrue. Just like other people, I doubt that Pope Benedict XVI ever said to Mrs. Arroyo that the clergy should not meddle in politics. The sad consequence of this is that if it is untrue, Mrs. Arroyo, a genuine Catholic, is inducing other Catholics to beleive what the Pope did say to her. An informed Catholic should not distort or falsify the teachings of the church, much less put words into the Pope's mouth for her political benefit. How wrongly Mrs. Arroyo interprets the Scriptures and the ethos of the Catholic Church.
It must be admitted that politics as a human activity cannot be denied religious and moral dimensions. Any political activity for that matter may lead to grace and sin. Politics cuts at the heart of humanness and it may foster or neglect human life. And so the clergy is on guard to promote and protect human life from politics that is not imbued with Gospel values and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Unfortunately for us Filipinos, politics has been a potent force that influence our life as a people and instead of using politics to foster national life, we frequently allow politics to destroy it. Politics can, however, become an instrument of salvation if and only if the ones who hold political power are sincere in promoting human life, vanquishing sin, destroying the structures of sin in society and truly defending the teachings of the church.
This explanation is oversimplified, but it drives the point that we should not speak bitterly about the role of the clergy in politics. It is awful that Mrs. Arroyo, who is a Catholic politician, seems to be disturbed about the role of the clergy in politics. It must be clear to all Catholic politicians that they cannot separate their public lives from their religion. They should think, speak, and behave in conformity with the teachings of the church and in true witnessing to the Gospel. Otherwise, they should search their souls and decide whether or not to remain Catholics.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
20 Ballesteros Street
Aparri, Cagayan
Juny 15, 2006
Philippine Free Press
I GUESS the worst that an informed Catholic like President Arroyo can do is laying claim to a certain pronouncement by the Pope that to some extent is untrue. Just like other people, I doubt that Pope Benedict XVI ever said to Mrs. Arroyo that the clergy should not meddle in politics. The sad consequence of this is that if it is untrue, Mrs. Arroyo, a genuine Catholic, is inducing other Catholics to beleive what the Pope did say to her. An informed Catholic should not distort or falsify the teachings of the church, much less put words into the Pope's mouth for her political benefit. How wrongly Mrs. Arroyo interprets the Scriptures and the ethos of the Catholic Church.
It must be admitted that politics as a human activity cannot be denied religious and moral dimensions. Any political activity for that matter may lead to grace and sin. Politics cuts at the heart of humanness and it may foster or neglect human life. And so the clergy is on guard to promote and protect human life from politics that is not imbued with Gospel values and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Unfortunately for us Filipinos, politics has been a potent force that influence our life as a people and instead of using politics to foster national life, we frequently allow politics to destroy it. Politics can, however, become an instrument of salvation if and only if the ones who hold political power are sincere in promoting human life, vanquishing sin, destroying the structures of sin in society and truly defending the teachings of the church.
This explanation is oversimplified, but it drives the point that we should not speak bitterly about the role of the clergy in politics. It is awful that Mrs. Arroyo, who is a Catholic politician, seems to be disturbed about the role of the clergy in politics. It must be clear to all Catholic politicians that they cannot separate their public lives from their religion. They should think, speak, and behave in conformity with the teachings of the church and in true witnessing to the Gospel. Otherwise, they should search their souls and decide whether or not to remain Catholics.
Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
20 Ballesteros Street
Aparri, Cagayan
Poverty, greed: causes of sea tragedies
Poverty, greed: causes of sea tragedies
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: December 30, 2008
Last Dec. 14 another ferry tragedy struck us. This time it was in my hometown of Aparri. I don’t mean to get ahead of the findings of the marine investigators, but I’m sure they will say that this latest disaster was due to bad weather. This is an old tune. It sounds awful and it does not sell anymore.
This ferry tragedy in Aparri adds to the number of maritime accidents in the Philippines that have cost thousands of lives. Last June, MV Princess of the Stars sank near Romblon. On Dec. 20, 1987, MV Doña Paz en route to Manila from Tacloban City sank after it collided with an oil tanker. On Oct. 24, 1988, MV Doña Marilyn sank during a typhoon. On Dec. 2, 1994, MV Cebu City sank in Manila Bay. On Dec. 13, 1995, MV Kimelody Cristy sank off Fortune Island in Nasugbu, Batangas. On Sept. 20, 1998, MV Princess of the Orient sank on its way to Cebu from Manila. MV Asia South Korea sank off Bantayan Island in Cebu on Dec. 23, 1999. MV Annahada sank off Sulu province on April 12, 2000.
These are just but a few of the worst maritime disasters in the country. Why do these sea tragedies occur despite supposedly strict maritime regulations? Why do Philippine ferries continue to sink and claim many lives?
It is because of poverty and greed. Poor people from our island towns and communities “squeeze” themselves into ferry boats because they don’t have any other choice. The ship captain and the owner turn a blind eye to overloaded passenger boats because of greed. Concerned government officials tolerate violations of maritime regulations and safety rules in consideration of some bribe.
Sea tragedies will happen again and again for as long as government officials and unscrupulous people are blinded by their greed and refuse to learn the bitter lessons of these disasters.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: December 30, 2008
Last Dec. 14 another ferry tragedy struck us. This time it was in my hometown of Aparri. I don’t mean to get ahead of the findings of the marine investigators, but I’m sure they will say that this latest disaster was due to bad weather. This is an old tune. It sounds awful and it does not sell anymore.
This ferry tragedy in Aparri adds to the number of maritime accidents in the Philippines that have cost thousands of lives. Last June, MV Princess of the Stars sank near Romblon. On Dec. 20, 1987, MV Doña Paz en route to Manila from Tacloban City sank after it collided with an oil tanker. On Oct. 24, 1988, MV Doña Marilyn sank during a typhoon. On Dec. 2, 1994, MV Cebu City sank in Manila Bay. On Dec. 13, 1995, MV Kimelody Cristy sank off Fortune Island in Nasugbu, Batangas. On Sept. 20, 1998, MV Princess of the Orient sank on its way to Cebu from Manila. MV Asia South Korea sank off Bantayan Island in Cebu on Dec. 23, 1999. MV Annahada sank off Sulu province on April 12, 2000.
These are just but a few of the worst maritime disasters in the country. Why do these sea tragedies occur despite supposedly strict maritime regulations? Why do Philippine ferries continue to sink and claim many lives?
It is because of poverty and greed. Poor people from our island towns and communities “squeeze” themselves into ferry boats because they don’t have any other choice. The ship captain and the owner turn a blind eye to overloaded passenger boats because of greed. Concerned government officials tolerate violations of maritime regulations and safety rules in consideration of some bribe.
Sea tragedies will happen again and again for as long as government officials and unscrupulous people are blinded by their greed and refuse to learn the bitter lessons of these disasters.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Foreigner notes Filipinos' lack of patriotism
Foreigner notes Filipinos' lack of patriotism
Inquirer
First Posted 00:59am (Mla time) 09/07/2006
Filed Under: Social Issues
Published on Page A12 of the September 7, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
AN Ivatan friend e-mailed me recently a copy of an essay written by a Korean. It is about his opinion why our country is not making much progress. The insightful essay should prod Filipinos to serious reflection.
He said we don't love our country. We are uncaring and unsympathetic to its needs. We don't seem to belong to our country, not knowing its tradition and history. Our sense of belongingness or national pride is truly wanting. We may be a talented people rich in God-given resources, yet we experience acute hardships and misfortunes. We exploit our natural wealth exceedingly and some of our best people are forced by circumstances to work abroad.
Are we still proud when we say "Ako ay Pinoy" ["I am Filipino."]? Does it elicit a sense of pride or is it a cause of embarrassment? Does it give us a sense of honor and pride or a feeling of being ridiculed?
Meanwhile, a TV commercial keeps on trumpeting the slogan "Angat ang Pinoy!" ["The Filipino stands out!"], citing Filipino feats in Mount Everest, in the boxing arena, beauty pageants, film festivals, dance contests, etc. The commercial does swell our pride as Filipinos but only momentarily. Filipino pride, it seems, is superficial; it is a living or driving force in this country.
How could the Korean or the whole world take seriously our word that we love our country when we are blind to its needs? We are more ready to see the feats of our national athletes but we are ill at ease to look at the poorest among our poor. We are more interested to listen to the cheers for our athletes and mountain climbers than to the stories of the downtrodden.
The Korean, I guess, is correct in his assessment. We don't love our country enough. If we truly love our country, we should not just celebrate our victorious athletes, we should perform our civic duty to rectify our political madness, social frailties and moral aberrations.
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher may have given some tips on how we can show our genuine love for our country in these words: "Let us make this a country safe to work in. Let us make this a country safe to walk in ... And above all, may this land of ours, which we love so much, find dignity and greatness and peace again."
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Inquirer
First Posted 00:59am (Mla time) 09/07/2006
Filed Under: Social Issues
Published on Page A12 of the September 7, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
AN Ivatan friend e-mailed me recently a copy of an essay written by a Korean. It is about his opinion why our country is not making much progress. The insightful essay should prod Filipinos to serious reflection.
He said we don't love our country. We are uncaring and unsympathetic to its needs. We don't seem to belong to our country, not knowing its tradition and history. Our sense of belongingness or national pride is truly wanting. We may be a talented people rich in God-given resources, yet we experience acute hardships and misfortunes. We exploit our natural wealth exceedingly and some of our best people are forced by circumstances to work abroad.
Are we still proud when we say "Ako ay Pinoy" ["I am Filipino."]? Does it elicit a sense of pride or is it a cause of embarrassment? Does it give us a sense of honor and pride or a feeling of being ridiculed?
Meanwhile, a TV commercial keeps on trumpeting the slogan "Angat ang Pinoy!" ["The Filipino stands out!"], citing Filipino feats in Mount Everest, in the boxing arena, beauty pageants, film festivals, dance contests, etc. The commercial does swell our pride as Filipinos but only momentarily. Filipino pride, it seems, is superficial; it is a living or driving force in this country.
How could the Korean or the whole world take seriously our word that we love our country when we are blind to its needs? We are more ready to see the feats of our national athletes but we are ill at ease to look at the poorest among our poor. We are more interested to listen to the cheers for our athletes and mountain climbers than to the stories of the downtrodden.
The Korean, I guess, is correct in his assessment. We don't love our country enough. If we truly love our country, we should not just celebrate our victorious athletes, we should perform our civic duty to rectify our political madness, social frailties and moral aberrations.
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher may have given some tips on how we can show our genuine love for our country in these words: "Let us make this a country safe to work in. Let us make this a country safe to walk in ... And above all, may this land of ours, which we love so much, find dignity and greatness and peace again."
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
To stop monsters, we need good citizens
To stop monsters, we need good citizens
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:58:00 01/07/2009
Filed Under: Social Issues
I remember when I was young and dreaming of becoming the president of this country. Today I no longer hold that dream. I just wish to become a good citizen.
I think what we imperatively need more nowadays are good citizens who know how to care and love for this country, make it safer to live in, who know how to voice out their grievances without fear and who are prepared to die for their rights and principles.
There are only a few of these people now in our country. There are more of us who rest content with our private lives and are unmindful of the issues of the day. There are many of us who cannot leave our comfort zones and instead decidedly remain spectators to what is happening in our country. They don’t bother to ask why their families starve, why there are broken families, why crimes abound, why classrooms are not enough for their children, why textbooks are scarce, why there is graft and corruption. Our society is becoming a voiceless society. It is this voicelessness that created roaring monsters in the government. While we may have heard the voices of some who appear to be messiahs of this country, theirs are irritating noises and are out of tune because of their self-seeking interests. What we need is a unison voice likened to the biblical passage that says “people shall shout with a great shout and the wall of the city will fall down flat.”
For the year 2009, it is my prayerful wish that we learn to become good citizens. It is my prayer that we should learn to be more aggressive about our rights, freedom and dignity as a people. I do not wish to leave this country even when it is filthy to live in. That would be unpatriotic. There is hope for this country. Let us start contributing our fair share by caring for and loving our country, making it more decent and respectable in the eyes of the international community and God. And we can do that by learning to become good citizens.
Thank you.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan secretary general, SAVE Cagayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:58:00 01/07/2009
Filed Under: Social Issues
I remember when I was young and dreaming of becoming the president of this country. Today I no longer hold that dream. I just wish to become a good citizen.
I think what we imperatively need more nowadays are good citizens who know how to care and love for this country, make it safer to live in, who know how to voice out their grievances without fear and who are prepared to die for their rights and principles.
There are only a few of these people now in our country. There are more of us who rest content with our private lives and are unmindful of the issues of the day. There are many of us who cannot leave our comfort zones and instead decidedly remain spectators to what is happening in our country. They don’t bother to ask why their families starve, why there are broken families, why crimes abound, why classrooms are not enough for their children, why textbooks are scarce, why there is graft and corruption. Our society is becoming a voiceless society. It is this voicelessness that created roaring monsters in the government. While we may have heard the voices of some who appear to be messiahs of this country, theirs are irritating noises and are out of tune because of their self-seeking interests. What we need is a unison voice likened to the biblical passage that says “people shall shout with a great shout and the wall of the city will fall down flat.”
For the year 2009, it is my prayerful wish that we learn to become good citizens. It is my prayer that we should learn to be more aggressive about our rights, freedom and dignity as a people. I do not wish to leave this country even when it is filthy to live in. That would be unpatriotic. There is hope for this country. Let us start contributing our fair share by caring for and loving our country, making it more decent and respectable in the eyes of the international community and God. And we can do that by learning to become good citizens.
Thank you.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan secretary general, SAVE Cagayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Youth should be involved in building country's future
Youth should be involved in building country’s future
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:13:00 05/27/2008
Filed Under: Youth, Social Issues
This refers to the letter titled, “Why the youth choose to be silent and indifferent .” (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 5/9/08) I fully agree that some of our youth today are indecisive, unsure and confused. And what are we doing as responsible adults to help them come out of their shells and speak their minds? Shall we stand idle and just allow them to remain passive and be submissive to our bidding?
The Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, through regional head Renato Brion, and I have embarked on a project to help the youth, especially those with leadership potential, to be more concerned about themselves and to be more responsible in charting their own future and the future of this country.
It is our firm belief that the youth need our support so they would feel confident about themselves and assert their rights as the “hope of the fatherland.” They need to be assured and encouraged so they can assume greater relevance and play a more responsible and effective role in our society. It is interesting to know how they view today the problems of the country and what their proposed solutions are.
It is unfair to judge today’s youth as if they are useless. In the past, there was even an attempt to abolish the Sangguniang Kabataan [Youth Council]. Such a proposal is myopic. The ability to build a better future for this country is not the monopoly of adults or the experienced. The youth are also citizens of this country and they have the right to voice their concerns and views about themselves and the society in which they live.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan [Municipal Council], Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:13:00 05/27/2008
Filed Under: Youth, Social Issues
This refers to the letter titled, “Why the youth choose to be silent and indifferent .” (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 5/9/08) I fully agree that some of our youth today are indecisive, unsure and confused. And what are we doing as responsible adults to help them come out of their shells and speak their minds? Shall we stand idle and just allow them to remain passive and be submissive to our bidding?
The Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, through regional head Renato Brion, and I have embarked on a project to help the youth, especially those with leadership potential, to be more concerned about themselves and to be more responsible in charting their own future and the future of this country.
It is our firm belief that the youth need our support so they would feel confident about themselves and assert their rights as the “hope of the fatherland.” They need to be assured and encouraged so they can assume greater relevance and play a more responsible and effective role in our society. It is interesting to know how they view today the problems of the country and what their proposed solutions are.
It is unfair to judge today’s youth as if they are useless. In the past, there was even an attempt to abolish the Sangguniang Kabataan [Youth Council]. Such a proposal is myopic. The ability to build a better future for this country is not the monopoly of adults or the experienced. The youth are also citizens of this country and they have the right to voice their concerns and views about themselves and the society in which they live.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan [Municipal Council], Aparri, Cagayan
Priests should teach by living according to Gospel values
Priests should teach by living according to Gospel values
January 03, 2007 02:04:00
Inquirer
I AGREE that priests should also undergo character change. (PDI, 12/29/06) For example, God calls on all of us to "go into the world and preach the Gospel to all nations." Priests, more than any other class of persons, are expected to abide by this injunction.
However, there are a number of priests who don't go out or speak to people about Christ. They just wait for the faithful to go to church. Instead of blaming wayward politicians, they should win them to the fold of the Church and explain to them that what they are doing is not in accord with the Gospel values.
Finally, they should not only preach; they should always inject the Gospel values into their lifestyle. It is only by their example that they will be able to leave an imprint on the lives of the people they serve.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
January 03, 2007 02:04:00
Inquirer
I AGREE that priests should also undergo character change. (PDI, 12/29/06) For example, God calls on all of us to "go into the world and preach the Gospel to all nations." Priests, more than any other class of persons, are expected to abide by this injunction.
However, there are a number of priests who don't go out or speak to people about Christ. They just wait for the faithful to go to church. Instead of blaming wayward politicians, they should win them to the fold of the Church and explain to them that what they are doing is not in accord with the Gospel values.
Finally, they should not only preach; they should always inject the Gospel values into their lifestyle. It is only by their example that they will be able to leave an imprint on the lives of the people they serve.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Campus politics as an opportunity for educating voters
Campus politics as an opportunity for educating voters
Inquirer
First Posted 02:43am (Mla time) 06/20/2007
Filed Under: Politics, Elections
Not surprisingly, the May 14 elections have been attended with allegations of fraud. Which of our elections in the past had none anyway? Cheating, vote-buying, mudslinging and all sorts of electoral chicanery have always marred every election in our country, thus thwarting the sovereign will in many instances, too many for comfort.
But this is not a hopeless situation. We can correct it, and let us begin by educating our people about clean and honest elections. Let us start with our school and campus politics.
With the advent of a new school year, our students will soon be electing their classroom and campus officers. This is a most opportune time to introduce them to clean politics. Well-meaning teachers can guide students to shy away from dirty campaign tactics and the unprincipled ways of traditional politicians. Campus politics should be a training ground for student leaders who, in the future, might want to serve our country as public officials.
Lastly, I suggest that the Local Government Code of 1991 be included on the list of mandated school subjects, just like the Constitution is now. This will make would-be leaders of our country understand the immense work and responsibility that come with being elected as a public official
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Inquirer
First Posted 02:43am (Mla time) 06/20/2007
Filed Under: Politics, Elections
Not surprisingly, the May 14 elections have been attended with allegations of fraud. Which of our elections in the past had none anyway? Cheating, vote-buying, mudslinging and all sorts of electoral chicanery have always marred every election in our country, thus thwarting the sovereign will in many instances, too many for comfort.
But this is not a hopeless situation. We can correct it, and let us begin by educating our people about clean and honest elections. Let us start with our school and campus politics.
With the advent of a new school year, our students will soon be electing their classroom and campus officers. This is a most opportune time to introduce them to clean politics. Well-meaning teachers can guide students to shy away from dirty campaign tactics and the unprincipled ways of traditional politicians. Campus politics should be a training ground for student leaders who, in the future, might want to serve our country as public officials.
Lastly, I suggest that the Local Government Code of 1991 be included on the list of mandated school subjects, just like the Constitution is now. This will make would-be leaders of our country understand the immense work and responsibility that come with being elected as a public official
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Mining threatens Cagayan agri lands
Mining threatens Cagayan agri lands
November 08, 2008 02:54:00
Philippine Daily Inquirer
I have on several occasions called the attention of the national media to take even a momentary look at the mining activities in Cagayan province. I have attended prayer rallies here to help get the attention of the national government. But everything has been for naught. It is a lonely fight.
Lately, the priests of the Archdiocese of Cagayan issued a “Statement of Concern.” It says that “as pastors, we listen to the voice of our people and we dutifully act on them. The rapid expansion of mining activities in the Province of Cagayan and the alleged ‘dredging’ of the Cagayan River have brought anxiety to our people. We believe that these activities will eventually destroy the environment and adversely affect the lives of our people. We cannot disregard their cry. We are one with them.”
The statement cited the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ “Statement on Mining Issues and Concerns” in 2006. It says, “The right to life of people is inseparable from their right to sources of food and livelihood. Allowing the interest of mining corporations to prevail over people’s right to these sources amounts to violating their right to life.”
In particular, the priests express these concerns:
1. The Japan International Cooperation Agency believes that dredging/quarrying in the lower portion of the Cagayan River might cause saltwater to flow into the river and be pumped into the irrigation systems inland. Some 10,000 hectares of precious rice lands could be destroyed by this.
2. Dredging will disrupt the aquatic ecosystem, with more adverse effects on, say, the income of a number of fishermen who depend on the river for their livelihood. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has warned that dredging could result in the disappearance of certain species of shellfish and fish, among them the cabbie, catfish and the prized “ludong.”
3. Magnetite (iron ore) mining threatens the communities living in the coastal areas, more so in Aparri which is below sea level. Saltwater intrusion into agricultural lands is not a remote possibility.
The priests “believe that the time has come for Cagayanos [people of Cagayan] to reassert their commitment to protect and defend the environment. We call on our local officials and concerned government agencies to be honest and transparent regarding the operations of these mining companies.” They “support the petitions of some sectors to stop the mining operations in the Cagayan River as well as the coastal areas of Cagayan. We ask that these mining operations be stopped while further studies, as suggested by the Cagayan Riverine Zone Development Plan (2005-2030), [are being] conducted.”
While the national government and media may be saddled with greater concerns, I make this earnest appeal to them to look into our needs and plights in Cagayan. Our local church has spoken. This should not be construed as Church meddling in government affairs. This is the Church’s way of shepherding and protecting the flock.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan [Municipal Council]; secretary general, SAVE Cagayan, Aparri, Cagayan
November 08, 2008 02:54:00
Philippine Daily Inquirer
I have on several occasions called the attention of the national media to take even a momentary look at the mining activities in Cagayan province. I have attended prayer rallies here to help get the attention of the national government. But everything has been for naught. It is a lonely fight.
Lately, the priests of the Archdiocese of Cagayan issued a “Statement of Concern.” It says that “as pastors, we listen to the voice of our people and we dutifully act on them. The rapid expansion of mining activities in the Province of Cagayan and the alleged ‘dredging’ of the Cagayan River have brought anxiety to our people. We believe that these activities will eventually destroy the environment and adversely affect the lives of our people. We cannot disregard their cry. We are one with them.”
The statement cited the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ “Statement on Mining Issues and Concerns” in 2006. It says, “The right to life of people is inseparable from their right to sources of food and livelihood. Allowing the interest of mining corporations to prevail over people’s right to these sources amounts to violating their right to life.”
In particular, the priests express these concerns:
1. The Japan International Cooperation Agency believes that dredging/quarrying in the lower portion of the Cagayan River might cause saltwater to flow into the river and be pumped into the irrigation systems inland. Some 10,000 hectares of precious rice lands could be destroyed by this.
2. Dredging will disrupt the aquatic ecosystem, with more adverse effects on, say, the income of a number of fishermen who depend on the river for their livelihood. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has warned that dredging could result in the disappearance of certain species of shellfish and fish, among them the cabbie, catfish and the prized “ludong.”
3. Magnetite (iron ore) mining threatens the communities living in the coastal areas, more so in Aparri which is below sea level. Saltwater intrusion into agricultural lands is not a remote possibility.
The priests “believe that the time has come for Cagayanos [people of Cagayan] to reassert their commitment to protect and defend the environment. We call on our local officials and concerned government agencies to be honest and transparent regarding the operations of these mining companies.” They “support the petitions of some sectors to stop the mining operations in the Cagayan River as well as the coastal areas of Cagayan. We ask that these mining operations be stopped while further studies, as suggested by the Cagayan Riverine Zone Development Plan (2005-2030), [are being] conducted.”
While the national government and media may be saddled with greater concerns, I make this earnest appeal to them to look into our needs and plights in Cagayan. Our local church has spoken. This should not be construed as Church meddling in government affairs. This is the Church’s way of shepherding and protecting the flock.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan [Municipal Council]; secretary general, SAVE Cagayan, Aparri, Cagayan
So what's gov't doing?
So what’s gov’t doing?
November 28, 2008 02:58:00
Philippine Daily Inquirer
I wonder what the national government is doing in relation to climate change. Many nations are now worried about global warming, but it seems that our national leaders are more concerned with their personal interests. I dread the day when all of us will find ourselves flatfooted, unable to protect our people and our territory from the adverse effects of climate change.
I learned that the sea level in Bangladesh is rising because of global warming and thus the country now faces more—even worse—floods. Scientists report that global sea level is rising by 3 mm (about 1/8 inch) per year. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates 18-59 centimeters of sea level rise. What about in our country? What is our sea level now? What are our responses to climate change?
Allow me to quote findings sourced from the “Windows to the Universe” of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (Michigan): “How does global warming cause sea level to rise? There are two reasons: First, when climate warms, water that is on land in glaciers and ice sheets melts and makes its way down rivers to the ocean. Second, as seawater warms, the water molecules move further apart which makes the water take up more space. Scientists suspect that more than half of sea level rise today is due to warmed and expanded sea water.”
Because of climate change, some coastal areas in the country are vulnerable. These include my own hometown of Aparri. The shoreline in Aparri has already retreated by no less than a hundred meters and its protective structures are almost breached. People living in coastal towns are anxious that the sea water has already reached their homes. Some people in coastal villages have already moved their residences inland because of the rising sea level.
If only the money used in the fertilizer scam, or by the euro generals, or to pay kickbacks, among others, had been spent for scientific research and study on how to protect our people from climate change or for other honest-to-goodness social services, the Philippines would be in a better shape.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan [Provincial Board]; secretary general, SAVE Cagayan, Aparri, Cagayan
November 28, 2008 02:58:00
Philippine Daily Inquirer
I wonder what the national government is doing in relation to climate change. Many nations are now worried about global warming, but it seems that our national leaders are more concerned with their personal interests. I dread the day when all of us will find ourselves flatfooted, unable to protect our people and our territory from the adverse effects of climate change.
I learned that the sea level in Bangladesh is rising because of global warming and thus the country now faces more—even worse—floods. Scientists report that global sea level is rising by 3 mm (about 1/8 inch) per year. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates 18-59 centimeters of sea level rise. What about in our country? What is our sea level now? What are our responses to climate change?
Allow me to quote findings sourced from the “Windows to the Universe” of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (Michigan): “How does global warming cause sea level to rise? There are two reasons: First, when climate warms, water that is on land in glaciers and ice sheets melts and makes its way down rivers to the ocean. Second, as seawater warms, the water molecules move further apart which makes the water take up more space. Scientists suspect that more than half of sea level rise today is due to warmed and expanded sea water.”
Because of climate change, some coastal areas in the country are vulnerable. These include my own hometown of Aparri. The shoreline in Aparri has already retreated by no less than a hundred meters and its protective structures are almost breached. People living in coastal towns are anxious that the sea water has already reached their homes. Some people in coastal villages have already moved their residences inland because of the rising sea level.
If only the money used in the fertilizer scam, or by the euro generals, or to pay kickbacks, among others, had been spent for scientific research and study on how to protect our people from climate change or for other honest-to-goodness social services, the Philippines would be in a better shape.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan [Provincial Board]; secretary general, SAVE Cagayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Friday, January 16, 2009
Blood service law anti-poor, anti-family
Blood service law anti-poor, anti-family
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:57am (Mla time) 12/09/2008
Filed Under: Laws, Health, Health organizations
Recently, my uncle was rushed to a private hospital here in Aparri. His attending physician said that he needed a blood transfusion. Some family members quickly volunteered to donate their blood. However, we were told that we had to get the blood supply from the Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) in Tuguegarao City because CVMC is the province’s blood center that houses the laboratory that screens blood donors and issues blood for transfusion. It is good that my uncle’s need for blood transfusion was not urgent; otherwise he would have gone to the other world because it takes about two hours by land from Aparri to Tuguegarao City.
A few weeks after, another relative was confined to the hospital. Again, a blood transfusion was needed to treat her. But again, willing family members could not immediately donate their blood because the blood supply had to come from CVMC.
I learned that Republic Act 7719 (also known as the National Blood Services Act of 1994) and the related administrative orders issued by the Department of Health provide guidelines on the regulation of blood services. I am of the opinion that this law is anti-poor and anti-family. For instance, it is common among typical poor Filipino families, being clannish, to help a sick family member by donating blood when needed. Such demonstration of family solidarity translates into big financial savings for the families.
However, the law discourages family unity. Instead of helping ease the difficulties facing the family of a sick person who needs blood transfusion, it aggravates the situation. Where will the family get the money to pay for the needed blood supply? And why do they have to buy when there are family members willing to donate blood for free? What about the transportation expenses to be incurred in getting the blood supply from a far-flung blood bank center? And considering the distance, would the blood supply be delivered in time for the transfusion? What if the doctor suddenly sees the need for a blood transfusion in the dead of night?
I am sure other poor families in the country who are similarly situated are bothered by RA 7719. They may have worse stories to tell than mine.
I would presume that the lawmakers who passed this law were driven by the best of intentions; that all they wanted was to ensure that the blood given to the patient would be unpolluted or dirt-free and would match the blood of the patient. That is understandable. But they have to review the law to make it more responsive to the needs of the poor.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan of Aparri, Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:57am (Mla time) 12/09/2008
Filed Under: Laws, Health, Health organizations
Recently, my uncle was rushed to a private hospital here in Aparri. His attending physician said that he needed a blood transfusion. Some family members quickly volunteered to donate their blood. However, we were told that we had to get the blood supply from the Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) in Tuguegarao City because CVMC is the province’s blood center that houses the laboratory that screens blood donors and issues blood for transfusion. It is good that my uncle’s need for blood transfusion was not urgent; otherwise he would have gone to the other world because it takes about two hours by land from Aparri to Tuguegarao City.
A few weeks after, another relative was confined to the hospital. Again, a blood transfusion was needed to treat her. But again, willing family members could not immediately donate their blood because the blood supply had to come from CVMC.
I learned that Republic Act 7719 (also known as the National Blood Services Act of 1994) and the related administrative orders issued by the Department of Health provide guidelines on the regulation of blood services. I am of the opinion that this law is anti-poor and anti-family. For instance, it is common among typical poor Filipino families, being clannish, to help a sick family member by donating blood when needed. Such demonstration of family solidarity translates into big financial savings for the families.
However, the law discourages family unity. Instead of helping ease the difficulties facing the family of a sick person who needs blood transfusion, it aggravates the situation. Where will the family get the money to pay for the needed blood supply? And why do they have to buy when there are family members willing to donate blood for free? What about the transportation expenses to be incurred in getting the blood supply from a far-flung blood bank center? And considering the distance, would the blood supply be delivered in time for the transfusion? What if the doctor suddenly sees the need for a blood transfusion in the dead of night?
I am sure other poor families in the country who are similarly situated are bothered by RA 7719. They may have worse stories to tell than mine.
I would presume that the lawmakers who passed this law were driven by the best of intentions; that all they wanted was to ensure that the blood given to the patient would be unpolluted or dirt-free and would match the blood of the patient. That is understandable. But they have to review the law to make it more responsive to the needs of the poor.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan of Aparri, Aparri, Cagayan
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