politika-et-kultura

Where Are You, Mr. President?

2011-12-19T12:00:00.003+08:00

Typhoon Sendong (International name: Washi) devastated the city of Cagayan De Oro and Iligan in Eastern Mindanao and severely affected parts of Negros Oriental in Eastern Visayas. In the aftermath, huge number of casualties (650+ as of this writing), scores missing and presumed dead and hundreds of thousands left homeless. And where was the Philippine President?

Retrieved from http://twitpic.com/7v0gp3 by Joseph Morong

Yes, you read it right...he was at a party. Was it okay? NO. Not when hundreds of people, whole families even have been found dead and missing on that same day. The President and his advisers may say that the agencies in charge have been mobilized, local executives are in control, etc... yes, BUT for a disaster and tragedy as huge as this, the leader of the country needs to be there, to be seen and heard...to reassure people and to suffer with the those whose lives have been changed forever. I equate this devastation with that of Hurricane Katrina in the US where large parts of the city of New Orleans were literally leveled to the ground. Was the US President visible and on top of the situation? Definitely.

I know that there is nothing the government can do now to prevent what happened and we can only help in the aftermath but for a leader to project a sense of apathy or indifference or what...is for me unforgivable. I do not mean to trivialize a tragedy of any proportion but this is not a bus accident, for goodness sake! A few persons suggested that perhaps he did not want people to compare him with GMA and her photo-ops, or for people to "snicker" or make a "heck" out of whatever he does. Should he care what people say in this heart-breaking, gut-wrenching tragedy? I think not when you are doing the right thing.

There is nothing wrong with delegating roles, duties and responsibilities. A good leader does that but, this is not one of those things you delegate. In a major crisis, there is a real need for the physical presence of a leader. This is one of those times in the history of a country that doubts about political motives should be set aside. It is not time to think of yourself.

The President has disappointed us once more. He did it during the Luneta hostage fiasco and again, now. How many more tragedies before this president finally decides to make himself do real work as the leader of the country.

Ethics In Philippine Media

2011-11-17T23:33:00.001+08:00

The Philippine media is one of the most open, free and powerful press in the world. But this freedom and power is also often abused, misused and corrupted. I know what I am talking about having been reviled and maligned by unscrupulous talk radio commentators who call themselves "media" often enough in the past and present time. Of course, I never respond to them having kept in mind the very good advice of a friend who is also a media practitioner, to never react to what talk radio says because by reacting, you add fuel to the fire. Besides that, Filipino press is not guided by any ethical standard, so why bother? But to my surprise...no...shock is a better word...there is a Philippine Journalist's Code of Ethics which was formulated by the Philippine Press Institute and National Press Club and adopted by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and a KBP Broadcast Code established in 2007!

Journalist's Code of Ethics (Philippines)

I. I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts nor to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognize the duty to air the other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly.

II. I shall not violate confidential information on material given me in the exercise of my calling.

III. I shall resort only to fair and honest methods in my effort to obtain news, photographs and/or documents, and shall properly identify myself as a representative of the press when obtaining any personal interview intended for publication.

IV. I shall refrain from writing reports that will adversely affect a private reputation unless the public interest justifies it. At the same time, I shall fight vigorously for public access to information.

V. I shall not let personal motives or interests influence me in the performance of my duties, nor shall I accept or offer any present, gift or other consideration of a nature that may cast doubt on my professional integrity.

VI. I shall not commit any act of plagiarism.

VII. I shall not, in any manner, ridicule, cast aspersions on, or degrade any person by reason of sex, creed, religious belief, political conviction, cultural and ethnic origin.

VIII. I shall presume persons accused of crime of being innocent until proven otherwise. I shall exercise caution in publishing names of minors and women involved in criminal cases so that they may not unjustly lose their standing in society.

IX. I shall not take unfair advantage of a fellow journalist.

X. I shall accept only such tasks as are compatible with the integrity and dignity of my profession, invoking the conscience clause when duties imposed on me conflict with the voice of my conscience.

XI. I shall conduct myself in public or while performing my duties as journalist in such manner as to maintain the dignity of my profession. When in doubt, decency should be my watchword.

2007 KBP Broadcast Code Preamble

WE BELIEVE

THAT broadcasting in the Philippines should reflect the hopes and
dreams of a freedom loving people;

THAT broadcasting is a powerful medium in shaping our country's
cultural, social and economic growth and development;

THAT broadcasting, because of its immediate and lasting impact on the
public, demands of its practitioners a high sense of responsibility,
morality, fairness and honesty at all times.

THAT broadcasting has an obligation to uphold the properties and
customs of civilized society, maintain the respect of the rights and
sensitivities of all people, preserve the honor and the sanctity of
the family and home, protect the sacredness of individual dignity,
and promote national unity.

As I read through the full text of the KBP Broadcast Code 2007, I could only shake my head in disbelief. Does any broadcaster follow this? Because listening to commentaries and blocktimers in Bombo Radyo for example, it seems to me that either they are not aware of the code or if they are, then they are willfully violating it. Television and print media are not much better either in reporting news. Their standard is their rating...so the more sensational they can report the news, the better. Of course, there are exceptions but I can count them with my 10 fingers.

The two codes outlined above are good ones but they need to be implemented...I guess like the laws of the country, they too are treated as suggestions. KBP tries but it can only sanction its members and so if you're not one...you can get away with anything. The ideal solution is self-regulation but unfortunately, in this country that remains just an idea. (Big Sigh).

Fact or Fiction- The Aquino-Cojuangco YouTube Video

2011-11-06T10:45:00.001+08:00

This video has been going viral since it was uploaded last October 21, 2011 by PinoyMonkeyPride on YouTube. I don't know the person who made this but the purpose is evident and that is to discredit the Cojuangco-Aquinos. Is it true and factual? Well, it has footnotes and seems to be credible. This video also looks professionally made. Whoever made it or whoever commissioned this video to be made should come out in the open, otherwise speculation as to who is behind this will take away the relevance and importance of its message.

Lessons Post-Pedring

2011-09-29T22:59:00.002+08:00

Okay, so Typhoon Pedring (Nesat) has left the country...what now? Everyone is busy cleaning up and repairs are needed. But these are not the real solutions to the perennial flooding that occurs in Metro Manila. This last onslaught affected not only the squatters, subdivisions, and the old city of Manila but big business establishments, hotels, condominiums and even the US embassy in areas that are not even flood prone in the past. Government agencies should start focusing and work as a team in the planning and implementation of an efficient flood control program. It is also time for a rational housing program that will not displace people but allow them to continue to work and live in the area of their choice. Data available on line have shown that a lot of assistance has been given to the Philippine government by foreign aid agencies specifically JICA, and in fact they have even come out with a manual in 2003 with the DPWH regarding flood control. The DPWH implementation which began in 2005 and ended in 2010, was made in chosen pilot areas other than Metro Manila and seems to be ongoing. But what about Metro Manila? Flooding in Metro Manila and its suburbs is a by-product of rapid urban expansion, inadequate river channel capacities, and insufficient equipment for maintenance of existing drainage facilities, which are continuously clogged by squatting and garbage dumping. There were several undertakings like the Mangahan Floodway Project which was conceived as an initial practical solution to mitigate chronic flooding in the Metro Manila. It was an ambitious project which would protect the greater Manila areas from peak flows with up to a 100-year recurrence interval. So what failed? According to this post in Pinoy Observer written in 2009, the MMDA has neglected to efficiently implement the flood control projects, which was started by DPWH but turned over to MMDA upon their insistence. Another observation is that the whole length of the floodway has been occupied by squatters 5 to 6 rows thick. This has definitely added to the pollution and clogging of the floodway.


Manggahan Floodway on a clear day

Manggahan FLoodway during Typhoon Ondoy

Well, it seems to me that although flood control programs are in place, the inefficient operation, lack of monitoring and maintenance have rendered many of structural measures either insufficient or obsolete. Newer structural measures will now have to be put in place, which of course will again cost money. Equally important in any flood control program are the non-structural measures such as the effective operation of flood control structures, warning system, land use regulation, maintenance, etc. It is also urgent that the informal settlers (squatters) living in the floodways, under the bridges, esteros, etc. should be relocated, not in God-forsaken places but in areas where they can work and make a decent living for their families. Last summer, on my way to the airport we used the circumferential road passing by Libingan ng mga Bayani. My driver pointed out to me the perimeter fences put up by government to ward off the squatters...of course, these people just had to make holes in these fences and they are back inside. There was one thing I noticed...land...empty land...enough empty land behind the memorial grounds to build a housing project of residential buildings similar to those I saw in Malaysia and Singapore. I wondered out loud, why government cannot use this land for that purpose. My driver provided the logical answer "walang pera yan, ma'am" (there is no money gained from that). Oh yes, I forgot...this is the area of shopping malls, high end residencies, subdivisions and even a high end memorial park. What business will a housing project bring here? Or to give a benefit of the doubt, maybe land use is limited. But my logic tells me that even if the land use for this area is restricted by law...one can always amend the law. All that open space can accommodate at least 5 to 10 high-rises for public housing. If this government means what it says, they will put that land to good use and use it to provide decent housing for the people.

View Relief Goods Drop-Off - Fort Bonifacio in a larger map

I love this country and I want to be proud of what we are and what we have. Our country ranking continues to slide down the ladder. We must stop being spectators and start being citizens. We have had enough chances to do the right thing...let us make our government work for us. For love of country...the time is now.

Two years After Ondoy...Another Big Typhoon Hits Manila

2011-09-27T20:33:00.002+08:00

When will we ever learn? Two years after Ondoy, here comes Pedring. I know that natural calamities are unpredictable and Manila is below sea level so flooding is inevitable...but isn't it about time that we minimize the damage? Pictured below are old photos of flooding in Manila circa 1900's to 1960's.

photo courtesy of Paulo Alcazaren Retrieved from http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150340519349488&set=a.226285759487.174521.772454487&type=1&theater


photo courtesy of Paulo Alcazaren Retrieved from http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150340522519488&set=a.226285759487.174521.772454487&type=1

Photo courtesy of Paulo Alcazaren Retrieved from http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150340525279488&set=a.226285759487.174521.772454487&type=1

The problem is not so much about Metro Manila being flood-prone as to the lamentable fact that no lasting solution has ever been made to solve this. The current mindset is all about output...never the outcome. Government agencies and LGU's flood control program consists of regularly dredging canals and cleaning up of esteros which are necessary services (outputs) but these will not produce the desired outcome - that is to minimize if not totally prevent flooding. Solutions should be made and implemented to manage the rapid urban expansion, improve river channel capacities (and remove informal settlers living along these channels), provide equipment for sufficient maintenance of drainage facilities which are persistently clogged by squatters and their waste. Typhoon Pedring (Nesat) has brought flooding not only to the usual places in Manila but even in places which rarely experience high water. Roxas Boulevard based on the 6:00 news this evening is waist deep in water, including the US Embassy and Manila Hotel.

US Embassy, Roxas Blvd, Manila

This is surprising because it is one route where vehicles divert to when heavy rains or typhoons hit Manila. This area was basically flood free even in the hardest rain. I remember in the late 70's coming from Bulacan and our bus could not enter the Balintawak cloverleaf, so we took the road to Novaliches which I later found out was Tandang Sora, took us all the way round to Katipunan, Aurora Blvd and then back to Quezon Avenue to drop us all in one corner in Dapitan St. which was also already partly under water. Being young and fearless, I decided to go home to my grandmother's house in Pasay and rode a taxi shared with 2 other persons. To avoid the flooded areas, our driver decided to take the back roads through Jose Abad Santos and Claro M. Recto crossing the Del Pan bridge where my 2 companions got off. From there we proceeded to Roxas Blvd. turning into Vito Cruz, then Donada, back to FB Harrison, then down Galvez (corner of Phil. School for the Blind), turning right at Park Avenue, left at Sanchez and finally home sweet home at P. Villanueva at past 10 in the evening. The whole trip took more than 3 hours. Of course, my grandmother was not pleased to say the least, because I could have just stayed at the UST Clinical Division where I was a bedspacer. I really did not mind the flood when I was studying in Manila...it was actually a time of adventure, safety was never a consideration...at that point in my life. But I guess as one gets older adventure turns to horror. By the time I graduated, I couldn't wait to get back to the province (Negros Occidental)...metro living was not for me. I fervently pray that the national government, the LGU's concerned makes real solutions soon and hopefully in my lifetime otherwise, unless absolutely necessary, I will continue to stay away from Manila...ironically, the place of my birth.

On Why Marcos Should Never be Buried in The Libingan ng Mga Bayani.

2011-02-25T13:23:00.003+08:00

What are these talks about Marcos being buried at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani? It seems that the son of the late dictator is now resurrecting the issue after Gen. Angelo Reyes was buried there. And the response? We will study it. What? We just celebrated the 25th anniversary of EDSA One! If this burial is allowed of a man who put back the Philippines a hundred years in terms of economic and social progress behind other Asian countries, what do we celebrated EDSA for? The mere idea that this is a possibility is enough to make me break out in hives! And that there are even some sectors who seem to favor this is beyond comprehension. I shake my head in disbelief. How short our memory is. I was 16 when Marcos declared Martial Law and 29 going on 30 when he left the country...that is 14 years of my life. A life lived in fear and trepidation. I was in first year college and I remember being told to be careful with what I say, do or even look like. Friends were picked up by the military for arbitrary reasons. Travel was restricted, curfew was in place for all and we could not move around as we wished. As time passed, we got used to this lifestyle and maybe even forgot what life was like before. Pockets of dissent still existed and contrary opinions were whispered but life went on and if people's lives suffered, nobody dared complain. Corruption was rampant and because of this, moral degeneration among the people became an obvious consequence...people learned to live and deal with it and this became a culture that continues to this day. The "Bagong Lipunan" (New Society) that Marcos envisioned never came to be. What happened instead were years of political repression, crony capitalism, graft, unbridled corruption, racketeering, human rights violations, bribery, embezzlement, land grabbing, control of the press and many more abuses, the name of some are not even invented . People became poorer while Marcos, his cronies and cult followers became richer. And then, they murdered Ninoy Aquino.

So, NO, please, please NO...do not even consider giving Marcos a place in the Libingan ng Mga Bayani...this will be an act of betrayal against all Filipinos who suffered the despotic Marcos years. Those were our lost years...years when we could have become the people and country that we deserve to be...time lost that will never come back again. Even for that alone, Marcos should never be buried in the place of heroes.

Memories of People Power - EDSA I

2011-02-25T10:57:00.000+08:00

We haven't slept straight for 4 nights...my parents and brothers were all huddled over our radios listening to what was happening in Manila. The atmosphere in the province was tense and everyone stayed at home waiting to see what would happen. Those of us who volunteered for Namfrel during the snap election two weeks before were waiting for the signal to gather. I remember it very clearly...it as around 8 or 9 PM, we just had dinner and my family and I were all gathered at the dinner table listening to the news...then the commentator calmly said..."wala na si Marcos?"...we all looked at each other thinking...are we hearing it correctly? And then, a stronger voice..."The Marcoses have left Malacañang!" and then, another "It's over! Marcos is gone"! I could feel the tears coming and then I saw my Dad with his silly grin, a look he had every time he felt strong emotions and to keep himself from crying...my mom was in tears and we all started hugging each other and jumping for joy. Then the church bells started to ring and my dad took the car keys, got us all into the car to go to the city center...upon reaching the area...we can see hundreds of people laughing, jumping, hugging and shaking each others' hands. Almost all were in their night clothes and even one neighbor did not have her teeth on! The church bells kept on ringing and car horns were honking. As I write this, all those memories comes back and even until now, I could not describe the feeling...a feeling of happiness that until today, 25 years later remain unsurpassed.

On Why I Do Not Support The RH Bill

2011-02-23T20:55:00.007+08:00

I finally got down and wrote my thoughts about the RH Bill on my Facebook page. Since I already talked about this last year, I decided to copy the note here too.

There is a lot of conflict going on today regarding the the RH Bill and so many people pro and con talk about it, asks my opinion, that I felt I should put on record where I stand. First, I want to be clear that I am for family planning and responsible parenthood. I agree that reproductive health, especially maternal and child care are important. But I do not agree with the way the RH Bill is worded and made. So simply put, I do not support the RH Bill...which one?...frankly, I don't know anymore which RH bill people are talking about because there are so many. So I will just limit myself to the one I am familiar with and that is RH Bill No. 5043, 2008 version. As someone coming from the health sector and familiar with the DOH programs on reproductive, maternal and child health, one does not need to read further to see and understand the real purpose of this so called "new" bill. I could take it apart point by point.

From it's very title...AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. The other purposes here being: to promote gender equality, women empowerment and human rights, specifically reproductive health rights.

But what about Republic Act 6365 which is AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL POLICY ON POPULATION, CREATING THE COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES ... doesn't it state that it is a "national policy" as well? and there's PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 79 December 8, 1972 REVISING THE POPULATION ACT OF NINETEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-ONE. There is also Republic Act 7600 which is The Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act of 1992 and Executive Order 209 or THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES as well. Plus the RA 9710 or The Magna Carta for Women, as well as the Violence against Women and Children laws.

Is there a difference between these laws and the RH Bill? If you read through all of them, I would say not much and fact is, the RH bill more less just summarizes them all. All the above previous laws addresses population, gender equality and equity, reproductive health care, et al. Now I am not a lawyer, nor do I profess to know the law but in my layman's opinion, this RH Bill actually reads more like an inadequate and ambiguous IRR of all of the above laws rather than a law itself! It is redundant to say the least.

I find the following sections coercive and dictatorial. Are we not allowed conscientious objection here?

SEC. 9 of the RH Bill states: Hospital-Based Family Planning. -Tubal ligation, vasectomy, intrauterine device insertion and other family planning methods requiring hospital services shall be available in all national and local government hospitals, except: in specialty hospitals which may render such services on an optional basis. For indigent patients, such services shall be fully covered by PhilHealth insurance and/or government financial assistance.

So, what happens if there doctorsdo not want to do these procedures?

And SEC. 10 states: Contraceptives as Essential Medicines. – Hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices, injectables and other allied reproductive health products and supplies shall be considered under the category of essential medicines and supplies which shall form part of the National Drug Formulary and the same shall be included in the regular purchase of essential medicines and supplies of all national and local hospitals and other government health units.

This one does not even need to be included here. WHO has already listed contraceptives, IUDs, injectable hormonal contraceptives in their model list of essential drugs. My issue on this is simple. Why in heavens name should hospitals include contraceptives in their regular procurement of essential drugs when they cannot even provide the complete course of antibiotics and other life-saving medicines? Why should our taxes pay for contraceptive use which is basically cheap and available over the counter when our hospitals are in dire need of upgrading their facilities and services? Why should I, a taxpayer pay for other people's birth control?

And then, this...

SEC. 21. Prohibited Acts. – The following acts are prohibited:

a) Any health care service provider, whether public or private, who shall:

1. Knowingly withhold information or impede the dissemination thereof, and/or intentionally provide incorrect information regarding programs and services on reproductive health including the right to informed choice and access to a full range of legal, medically-safe and effective family planning methods;

I interpret this as meaning that if I advise the patient on family planning/ responsible parenthood programs that I adhere to and not on other methods, then I am violating this law. Whatever happened to my rights?

2. Refuse to perform voluntary ligation and vasectomy and other legal and medically-safe reproductive health care services on any person of legal age on the ground of lack of spousal consent or authorization.

Very indiscriminate and random! So, if a 21 year old with 2 children whose ages are 1 and 3 wants to undergo tubal ligation, this should be done just because?

3. Refuse to provide reproductive health care services to an abused minor, whose abused condition is certified by the proper official or personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or to duly DSWD-certified abused pregnant minor on whose case no parental consent is necessary.

What exactly does "reproductive health services" constitute here?

4. Fail to provide, either deliberately or through gross or inexcusable negligence, reproductive health care services as mandated under this Act, the Local Government Code of 1991, the Labor Code, and Presidential Decree 79, as amended; and

What can I say....we cannot provide what we do not have in terms of skills, manpower and facilities. Does that constitute deliberate, gross or inexcusable negligence on our part or the government's?

5. Refuse to extend reproductive health care services and information on account of the patient’s civil status, gender or sexual orientation, age, religion, personal circumstances, and nature of work; Provided, That all conscientious objections of health care service providers based on religious grounds shall be respected: Provided, further, That the conscientious objector shall immediately refer the person seeking such care and services to another health care service provider within the same facility or one which is conveniently accessible: Provided, finally, That the patient is not in an emergency or serious case as defined in RA 8344 penalizing the refusal of hospitals and medical clinics to administer appropriate initial medical treatment and support in emergency and serious cases.

Ask ko lang....since when did contraception fall under emergency medicine? Meron ba? Has there ever been a case of "contraceptive emergency"? SO WHAT FALLS UNDER "EMERGENCY AND SERIOUS CASES"? Maybe in cases of bleeding due to an IUD but otherwise, seeking reproductive health service specifically for tubal ligation, IUD insertion, et al... are all classified under elective procedures. There are already laws addressing emergency cases and penalties for doctors and hospitals refusing to treat such cases. This provision will only result in arbitrary interpretations and only create confusion.

b) Any public official who prohibits or restricts personally or through a subordinate the delivery of legal and medically-safe reproductive health care services, including family planning;

c) Any employer who shall fail to comply with his obligation under Section 17 of this Act or an employer who requires a female applicant or employee, as a condition for employment or continued employment, to involuntarily undergo sterilization, tubal ligation or any other form of contraceptive method;

d) Any person who shall falsify a certificate of compliance as required in Section 14 of this Act; and

e) Any person who maliciously engages in disinformation about the intent or provisions of this Act.

SEC. 22. Penalties. – The proper city or municipal court shall exercise jurisdiction over violations of this Act and the accused who is found guilty shall be sentenced to an imprisonment ranging from one (1) month to six (6) months or a fine ranging from Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) to Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court. If the offender is a juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the president, treasurer, secretary or any responsible officer. An offender who is an alien shall, after service of sentence, be deported immediately without further proceedings by the Bureau of Immigration. An offender who is a public officer or employee shall suffer the accessory penalty of dismissal from the government service. Violators of this Act shall be civilly liable to the offended party in such amount at the discretion of the proper court.

==================================================================

The Department of Health have programs in place for reproductive health, responsible parenthood, population development for the longest time. The problem is efficient implementation and budget. A new law to address all these is unnecessary and redundant. Take a look at these DOH programs:

Family Planning
Breastfeeding Program / Mother and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
Natural Family Planning
Child Health
Adolescent and Youth Health and Development Program
Safe Motherhood and Women's Health Project
Newborn Screening

Moreover, the rate of population growth in the Philippines decreased from 3.1% in 1960 to 1.8% in 2009. This rate remained comparatively steady, and was consistent with the decrease in population growth rate worldwide. A paper published in 2003 asserted that the population program was "ineffectual," not because of lack of population programs and policies but beacuse of "inadequate institutional and financial support".

(Retrieved from http://www.consciencelaws.org/issues-legal/legal055a.html)

And what about the Catholic Church?

The argument by pro-RH people is that the reason why responsible parenthood is (as they perceive) not working is because of the Catholic Church. Huh? What is the evidence for that pronouncement? I invite you to visit the OB wards in hospitals and you will find that 75 to 80% of mothers giving birth in the hospital does not regularly attend mass, do not know their priest, have not gone back to confession since their first confession, are totally unaware of what actions the Church is doing against the RH bill. So what has the Church got to do with the failures of the population program? In fact surveys show that Catholic women are very much aware of family planning methods and only a mere 5% has cited religion as their reason for not using contraception. This further tells me that the Church is actually ineffective in advancing Catholic teaching on contraception and sterilization.

So, is there a need for the RH Bill? For me, a definite No.

The RH Bill is something our lawmakers and government is pushing for to cover up for past failures in the implementation of their population program. It is also a way of diverting attention from the real problems of this country. If they are serious about population management, then they should realize that what is needed is proper implementation, enough budget, committed health workers who will make these family planning services available during all working days of the week. Information, accessibility, and availability of services is the key to success...not a new law. People who want to avail of the services should have access to them. A older friend told me that the law is needed to ensure implementation...that LGU's will now be compelled to implement the law. I think not. This country has too many laws and more often than not, implementation is sadly lacking. What is needed is political will and commitment to make any health program work. What is needed is good education, accessibility to the poor of effective health services, transparency in governance and no to graft and corruption. Only then can we minimize poverty...and then, the problem of overpopulation becomes moot and academic. This law is not empowering women, rather it disrespects them.

Related Post: The Filipino and Catholicism

Universal Health Care for All Filipinos

2011-01-20T14:47:00.000+08:00

Can we do this? Will it happen?

I just got back from attending the 1^st Health Financing Summit in Cebu entitled “Universal Health Care: The Role of Health Financing in Achieving Universal Health Care” at the Cebu Institute of Medicine Amphitheatre. This was made possible upon the invitation of Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go of Center for Development Management of the Asian Institute of Management. The summit was attended by local government officials, party-list representatives, the academe and NGO's. The British ambassador was there to share the National Health Service experience as well as the WHO Country Representative who talked on our country statistics and the Millenium Development Goals. Local speakers were also tapped to speak on the Philippine Health system. The summit's goal was to show that universal health care for Filipinos is very much possible if only we can all get our acts together. The money is there...it just needs to be tapped and budgeted wisely. The work force is there...it just needs to be motivated and given just compensation. The law is there...it just needs political will and implementation.

The Filipino and Catholicism

2010-10-01T16:21:00.001+08:00

Last Thursday, Carlos Celdran, the original walking tour guide, artist, blogger, activist and Reproductive Health (RH) Bill supporter did the unthinkable in this largely Catholic nation...he disrupted a holy mass and was promptly thrown in jail! A lot of comments and reactions were made, both good and bad, but what struck me was the validation of a personal observation. I am not a religious person and I often forget to pray...but I have always had both a strong faith and conscience. Still, I never really had deep thoughts about God and religion until maybe in my mid 30's when life-changing experiences propelled me to seek more purpose and meaning in my life...which logically (at least for me) led me to understanding why I was a Catholic Christian. But for the majority of Filipinos, Catholicism is nothing more but trappings. They were born to Catholic parents, baptized at birth or usually before they learn to walk or talk, undergo catechism and have their first communion, get confirmed before they get married in church and the cycle continues. How many of these Filipino Catholics really understand and know the religion they practice? Thus, people like Carlos Celdran do irrational things and even get supporters! Perhaps if people understood clearly why the Catholic Church takes a stand against policies like the RH Bill, disrespectful and irreverent acts against the Church would not happen. The Bishops and the clergy need to go down to the level of understanding of the people and do better in their pastoral role. They should stop talking in abstract language and putting out thoughts only they understand. They should begin talking in the language of the people in order to avoid wrong perceptions. They should do as Jesus did...teaching in parables, something that people at that time understood, bringing His message across. A lot of comments regarding Celdran made free use of the word "dogma" in relation to church teachings on contraceptive use, a clear indication of the lack of understanding for the word. Media played it up further by declaring that the Bishops will advocate "civil disobedience"... encouraging people not to follow the RH bill hardly constitute civil disobedience! Unfortunately, like the rest of humanity, the Church itself is not perfect...there are so many problems besieging it that pastoral work suffers...and in the end, the conflict between church teachings and the world continues.

And the Reproductive Health Bill? Being in the medical profession, I am for planned and responsible parenthood. However, because I know what I am talking about in terms of maternal and child health, I also believe that another bill addressing Reproductive Health is unneccesary, redundant and will only add to the confusion of the already confused populace. The RH bill suggests that there is a need to address reproductive health issues of women because the country lacks services for these, when in fact all these are already in place in Department of Health Programs namely: Family Planning, Natural Family Planning , Safe Motherhood and Women's Health, Breastfeeding Program / Mother and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, and Adolescent and Youth Health and Development Program . It's ridiculous to have another law when the old laws cannot even be implemented well. The answer to our population problem is not birth control. Birth control distribution and availability will not prevent fetuses found in garbage cans...it will not end the problem of abandoned babies... nor will it create a more stable economy for the country. Anybody who believes the last one should live in Cuba or Mongolia...both have a low fertility rate and birthrate but you don't see their economy growing any faster. What it will inevitably result to and this is evidence-based as shown by US statistics is more separations/annulment or divorce, more adultery, increasing STDs, and yes, plummeting birth rates eventually ,which shouldn't really make everyone happy as its negative effects far outweigh the positive. So if not contraceptives, what then? How about good old abstinence? I know it's hard but it works! Or maybe we should just follow the Brazilians.

100 BEST THINGS ABOUT BEING PINOY

2010-09-28T11:07:00.000+08:00

(Author: Unknown/ source: PDI, 1998)

FROM the 1896 Revolution to the first Philippine Republic, the Commonwealth period, the EDSA Revolt, and the tiger cub economy, history marches on. Thankfully, however, some things never change. Like the classics, things irresistibly Pinoy mark us for life. They’re the indelible stamp of our identity, the undeniable affinity that binds us like twins. They celebrate the good in us, the best of our culture and the infinite possibilities we are all capable of. Some are so self-explanatory you only need mention them for fellow Pinoys to swoon or drool. Here, from all over this Centennial-crazed country and in no particular order, are a hundred of the best things that make us unmistakably Pinoy.

1. Merienda.Where else is it normal to eat five times a day?

2. Sawsawan. Assorted sauces that guarantee freedom of choice, enough room for experimentation and maximum tolerance for diverse tastes. Favorites: toyo’t calamansi, suka at sili, patis.

3. Kuwan, ano. At a loss for words? Try these and marvel at how Pinoys understand exactly what you want.

4. Pinoy humor and irreverence. If you’re api and you know it, crack a joke. Nothing personal, really.

5. Tingi. Thank goodness for small entrepreneurs. Where else can we buy cigarettes, soap, condiments and life’s essentials in small affordable amounts?

6. Spirituality. Even before the Spaniards came, ethnic tribes had their own anitos, bathalas and assorted deities, pointing to a strong relationship with the Creator, who or whatever it may be.

7. Po, opo, mano po. Speech suffixes that define courtesy, deference, filial respect–a balm to the spirit in these aggressive times.

8. Pasalubong. Our way of sharing the vicarious thrills and delights of a trip, and a wonderful excuse to shop without the customary guilt.

9. Beaches! With 7,000 plus islands, we have miles and miles of shoreline piled high with fine white sand, lapped by warm waters, and nibbled by exotic tropical fish. From the stormy seas of Batanes to the emerald isles of Palawan–over here, life is truly a beach
.
10. Bagoong. Darkly mysterious, this smelly fish or shrimp paste typifies the underlying theme of most ethnic foods: disgustingly unhygienic, unbearably stinky and simply irresistible.

11. Bayanihan. Yes, the internationally-renowned dance company, but also this habit of pitching in still common in small communities. Just have that cold beer and some pulutan ready for the troops.

12. The Balikbayan box. Another way of sharing life’s bounty, no matter if it seems like we’re fleeing Pol Pot every time we head home from anywhere in the globe. The most wonderful part is that, more often than not, the contents are carted home to be distributed.

13. Pilipino komiks. Not to mention “Hiwaga,” “Aliwan,” “Tagalog Classics,” “Liwayway” and”Bulaklak” magazines. Pulpy publications that gave us Darna, Facifica Falayfay, Lagalag, Kulafu, Kenkoy, Dyesebel, characters of a time both innocent and worldly.

14. Folk songs. They come unbidden and spring, full blown, like a second language, at the slightest nudge from the too-loud stereo of a passing jeepney or tricycle.

15. Fiesta. Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow is just another day, shrugs the poor man who, once a year, honors a patron saint with this sumptuous, no-holds-barred spread. It’s a Pinoy celebration at its pious and riotous best.

16. Aswang, manananggal, kapre. The whole underworld of Filipino lower mythology recalls our uniquely bizarre childhood, that is, before political correctness kicked in. Still, their rich adventures pepper our storytelling.

17. Jeepneys. Colorful, fast, reckless, a vehicle of postwar Pinoy ingenuity, this Everyman’s communal cadillac makes for a cheap, interesting ride. If the driver’s a daredevil (as they usually are), hang on to your seat.

18. Dinuguan. Blood stew, a bloodcurdling idea, until you try it with puto. Best when mined with jalape¤o peppers. Messy but delicious.

19. Santacruzan. More than just a beauty contest, this one has religious overtones, a tableau of St. Helena’s and Constantine’s search for the Cross that seamlessly blends piety, pageantry and ritual. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to show off the prettiest ladies–and the most beautiful gowns.

20. Balut. Unhatched duck’s embryo, another unspeakable ethnic food to outsiders, but oh, to indulge in guilty pleasures! Sprinkle some salt and suck out that soup, with gusto.

21. Pakidala. A personalized door-to-door remittance and delivery system for overseas Filipino workers who don’t trust the banking system, and who expect a family update from the courier, as well.

22. Choc-nut. Crumbly peanut chocolate bars that defined childhood ecstasy before M & M’s and Hershey’s.

23. Kamayan style. To eat with one’s hand and eschew spoon, fork and table manners–ah, heaven.

24. Chicharon. Pork, fish or chicken crackling. There is in the crunch a hint of the extravagant, the decadent and the pedestrian. Perfect with vinegar, sublime with beer.

25. Pinoy hospitality. Just about everyone gets a hearty “Kain tayo!” invitation to break bread with whoever has food to share, no matter how skimpy or austere it is.

26. Adobo, kare-kare, sinigang and other lutong bahay stuff. Home-cooked meals that have the stamp of approval from several generations, who swear by closely-guarded cooking secrets and family recipes.

27. Lola Basyang. The voice one heard spinning tales over the radio, before movies and television curtailed imagination and defined grown-up tastes.
28. Pambahay. Home is where one can let it all hang out, where clothes do not make a man or woman but rather define their level of comfort.

29. Tricycle and trisikad, the poor Pinoy’s taxicab that delivers you at your doorstep for as little as PHPesos3.00, with a complimentary dusting of polluted air.

30. Dirty ice cream. Very Pinoy flavors that make up for the risk: munggo, langka, ube, mais, keso, macapuno. Plus there’s the colorful cart that recalls jeepney art.

31. Yayas. The trusted Filipino nanny who, ironically, has become a major Philippine export as overseas contract workers. A good one is almost like a surrogate parent–if you don’t mind the accent and the predilection for afternoon soap and movie stars.

32. Sarsi. Pinoy rootbeer, the enduring taste of childhood. Our grandfathers had them with an egg beaten in.

33. Pinoy fruits. Atis, guyabano, chesa, mabolo, lanzones, durian, langka, makopa, dalanghita, siniguelas, suha, chico, papaya, singkamas–the possibilities!

34. Filipino celebrities. Movie stars, broadcasters, beauty queens, public officials, all-around controversial figures: Aurora Pijuan, Cardinal Sin, Carlos P. Romulo, Charito Solis, Cory Aquino, Emilio Aguinaldo, the Eraserheads, Fidel V. Ramos, Francis Magalona, Gloria Diaz, Manuel L. Quezon, Margie Moran, Melanie Marquez, Ninoy Aquino, Nora Aunor, Pitoy Moreno, Ramon Magsysay, Richard Gomez, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Sharon Cuneta, Gemma Cruz, Erap, Tiya Dely, Mel and Jay, Gary V.

35. World class Pinoys who put us on the global map: Lea Salonga, Paeng Nepomuceno, Eugene Torre, Luisito Espinosa, Lydia de Vega-Mercado, Jocelyn Enriquez, Elma Muros, Onyok Velasco, Efren “Bata” Reyes, Lilia Calderon-Clemente, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Josie Natori.

36. Pinoy tastes. A dietitian’s nightmare: too sweet, too salty, too fatty, as in burong talangka, itlog na maalat, crab fat (aligue), bokayo, kutchinta, sapin-sapin, halo-halo, pastilyas, palitaw, pulburon, longganisa, tuyo, ensaymada, ube haleya, sweetened macapuno and garbanzos. Remember, we’re the guys who put sugar (horrors) in our spaghetti sauce. Yum!

37. The sights. Banaue Rice Terraces, Boracay, Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, Corregidor Island, Fort Santiago, the Hundred Islands, the Las Pi?s Bamboo Organ, Rizal Park, Mt. Banahaw, Mayon Volcano, Taal Volcano. A land of contrasts and ever-changing landscapes.

38. Gayuma, agimat and anting-anting. Love potions and amulets. How the socially-disadvantaged Pinoy copes.

39. Barangay Ginebra, Jaworski, PBA, MBA and basketball. How the verticaly-challenged Pinoy compensates, via a national sports obsession that reduces fans to tears and fistfights.

40. People Power at EDSA. When everyone became a hero and changed Philippine history overnight.

41. San Miguel Beer and pulutan. “Isa pa nga!” and the Philippines’ most popular, world-renowned beer goes well with peanuts, corniks, tapa, chicharon, usa, barbecue, sisig, and all manner of spicy, crunchy and cholesterol-rich chasers.

42. Resiliency. We’ve survived 400 years of Spanish rule, the US bases, Marcos, the 1990 earthquake, lahar, lambada, Robin Padilla, and Tamagochi. We’ll survive Erap.

43. Yoyo. Truly Filipino in origin, this hunting tool, weapon, toy and merchandising vehicle remains the best way to “walk the dog” and “rock the baby,” using just a piece of string.

44. Pinoy games: Pabitin, palosebo, basagan ng palayok. A few basic rules make individual cunning and persistence a premium, and guarantee a good time for all.

45. Ninoy Aquino. For saying that “the Filipino is worth dying for,” and proving it.

46. Balagtasan. The verbal joust that brings out rhyme, reason and passion on a public stage.

47. Tabo. All-powerful, ever-useful, hygienically-triumphant device to scoop water out of a bucket _ and help the true Pinoy answer nature’s call. Helps maintain our famously stringent toilet habits.

48. Pandesal. Despite its shrinking size, still a good buy. Goes well with any filling, best when hot.

49. Jollibee. Truly Pinoy in taste and sensibility, and a corporate icon that we can be quite proud of. Do you know that it’s invaded the Middle East, as well?

50. The butanding, the dolphins and other creatures in our blessed waters.
They’re Pinoys, too, and they’re here to stay. Now if some folks would just stop turning them into daing.

51. Pakikisama. It’s what makes people stay longer at parties, have another drink, join pals in sickness and health. You can get dead drunk and still make it home.

52. Sing-a-long. Filipinos love to sing, and thank God a lot of us do it well!

53. Kayumanggi. Neither pale nor dark, our skin tone is beautifully healthy, the color of a rich earth or a mahogany tree growing towards the sun.

54. Handwoven cloth and native weaves. Colorful, environment-friendly alternatives to polyester that feature skillful workmanship and a rich indigenous culture behind every thread. From the pinukpok of the north to the malong of the south, it’s the fiber of who we are.

55. Movies. Still the cheapest form of entertainment, especially if you watch the same movie several times.

56. Bahala na. We cope with uncertainty by embracing it, and are thus enabled to play life by ear.

57. Papaitan. An offal stew flavored with bile, admittedly an acquired taste, but pointing to our national ability to acquire a taste for almost anything.

58. English. Whether carabao or Arr-neoww-accented, it doubles our chances in the global marketplace.

59. The Press. Irresponsible, sensational, often inaccurate, but still the liveliest in Asia. Otherwise, we’d all be glued to TV.

60. Divisoria. Smelly, crowded, a pickpocket’s paradise, but you can get anything here, often at rock-bottom prices. The sensory overload is a bonus.

61. Barong Tagalog. Enables men to look formal and dignified without having to strangle themselves with a necktie. Worn well, it makes any ordinary Juan look marvelously makisig.

62. Filipinas. They make the best friends, lovers, wives. Too bad they can’t say the same for Filipinos.

63. Filipinos. So maybe they’re bolero and macho with an occasional streak of generic infidelity; they do know how to make a woman feel like one.

64. Catholicism. What fun would sin be without guilt? Jesus Christ is firmly planted on Philippine soil.

65. Dolphy. Our favorite, ultra-durable comedian gives the beleaguered Pinoy everyman an odd dignity, even in drag.

66. Style. Something we often prefer over substance. But every Filipino claims it as a birthright.

67. Bad taste. Clear plastic covers on the vinyl-upholstered sofa, posters of poker-playing dogs masquerading as art, overaccessorized jeepneys and altars–the list is endless, and wealth only seems to magnify it.

68. Mangoes. Crisp and tart, or lusciously ripe, they evoke memories of family outings and endless sunshine in a heart-shaped package.

69. Unbridled optimism. Why we rank so low on the suicide scale.

70. Street food: Barbecue, lugaw, banana-cue, fishballs, IUD (chicken entrails), adidas (chicken feet), warm taho. Forget hepatitis; here’s cheap, tasty food with gritty ambience.

71. The siesta. Snoozing in the middle of the day is smart, not lazy.

72. Honorifics and courteous titles: Kuya, ate, diko, ditse, ineng, totoy, Ingkong, Aling, Mang, etc. No exact English translation, but these words connote respect, deference and the value placed on kinship.

73. Heroes and people who stood up for truth and freedom. Lapu-lapu started it all, and other heroes and revolutionaries followed: Diego Silang, Macario Sakay, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino, Gregorio del Pilar, Gabriela Silang, Miguel Malvar, Francisco Balagtas, Juan Luna, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Panday Pira, Emilio Jacinto, Raha Suliman, Antonio Luna, Gomburza, Emilio Aguinaldo, the heroes of Bataan and Corregidor, Pepe Diokno, Satur Ocampo, Dean Armando Malay, Evelio Javier, Ninoy Aquino, Lola Rosa and other comfort women who spoke up, honest cabbie Emilio Advincula, Rona Mahilum, the women lawyers who didn’t let Jalosjos get away with rape.

74. Flora and fauna. The sea cow (dugong), the tarsier, calamian deer, bearcat, Philippine eagle, sampaguita, ilang-ilang, camia, pandan, the creatures that make our archipelago unique.

75. Pilipino songs, OPM and composers: “Ama Namin,” “Lupang Hinirang,” “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal,” “Ngayon at Kailanman,” “Anak,” “Handog,”"Hindi Kita Malilimutan,” “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit”; Ryan Cayabyab, George Canseco, Restie Umali, Levi Celerio, Manuel Francisco, Freddie Aguilar, and Florante–living examples of our musical gift.

76. Metro Aides. They started out as Imelda Marcos’ groupies, but have gallantly proven their worth. Against all odds, they continuously prove that cleanliness is next to godliness–especially now that those darned candidates’ posters have to be scraped off the face of Manila!

77. Sari-sari store. There’s one in every corner, offering everything from bananas and floor wax to Band-Aid and bakya.

78. Philippine National Red Cross. PAWS. Caritas. Fund drives. They help us help each other.

79. Favorite TV shows through the years: “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” “John and Marsha,” “Champoy,” “Ryan, Ryan Musikahan,” “Kuwarta o Kahon,” “Public Forum/Lives,” “Student Canteen,” “Eat Bulaga.” In the age of inane variety shows, they have redeemed Philippine television.

80. Quirks of language that can drive crazy any tourist listening in: “Bababa ba?” “Bababa!”

81. “Sayang!” “Naman!” “Kadiri!” “Ano ba!?” “pala.” Expressions that defy translation but wring out feelings genuinely Pinoy.

82. Cockfighting. Filipino men love it more than their wives (sometimes).

83. Dr. Jose Rizal. A category in himself. Hero, medicine man, genius, athlete, sculptor, fictionist, poet, essayist, husband, lover, samaritan, martyr. Truly someone to emulate and be proud of, anytime, anywhere.

84. Nora Aunor. Short, dark and homely-looking, she redefined our rigid concept of how leading ladies should look.

85. Noranian or Vilmanian. Defines the friendly rivalry between Ate Guy Aunor and Ate Vi Santos and for many years, the only way to be for many Filipino fans.

86. Filipino Christmas. The world’s longest holiday season. A perfect excuse to mix our love for feasting, gift-giving and music and wrap it up with a touch of religion.

87. Relatives and kababayan abroad. The best refuge against loneliness, discrimination and confusion in a foreign place. Distant relatives and fellow Pinoys readily roll out the welcome mat even on the basis of a phone introduction or referral.

88. Festivals: Sinulog, Ati-atihan, Moriones. Sounds, colors, pagan frenzy and Christian overtones.

89. Folk dances. Tinikling, pandanggo sa ilaw, kari?sa, kuratsa, itik-itik, alitaptap, rigodon. All the right moves and a distinct rhythm.

90. Native wear and costumes. Baro’t saya, tapis, terno, saya, salakot, bakya. Lovely form and ingenious function in the way we dress.

91. Sunday family gatherings. Or, close family ties that never get severed. You don’t have to win the lotto or be a president to have 10,000 relatives.
Everyone’s family tree extends all over the archipelago, and it’s at its best in times of crisis; notice how food, hostesses, money, and moral support materialize during a wake?

92. Calesa and karitela. The colorful and leisurely way to negotiate narrow streets when loaded down with a year’s provisions.

93. Quality of life. Where else can an ordinary employee afford a stay-in helper, a yaya, unlimited movies, eat-all-you-can buffets, the latest fashion (Baclaran nga lang), even Viagra in the black market?

94. All Saints’ Day. In honoring our dead, we also prove that we know how to live.

95. Handicrafts. Shellcraft, rattancraft, abaca novelties, woodcarvings, banig placemats and bags, bamboo windchimes, etc. Portable memories of home. Hindi lang pang-turista, pang-balikbayan pa!

96. Pinoy greens. Sitaw. Okra. Ampalaya. Gabi. Munggo. Dahon ng Sili. Kangkong. Luya. Talong. Sigarillas. Bataw. Patani. Lutong bahay will never be the same without them.

97. OCWs. The lengths (and miles) we’d go for a better life for our family, as proven by these modern-day heroes of the economy.

98. The Filipino artist. From Luna’s magnificent “Spoliarium” and Amorsolo’s sun-kissed ricefields, to Ang Kiukok’s jarring abstractions and Borlongan’s haunting ghosts, and everybody else in between. Hang a Filipino painting on your wall, and you’re hanging one of Asia’s best.

99. Tagalog soap operas. From “Gulong ng Palad” and “Flor de Luna” to today’s incarnations like “Mula sa Puso”–they’re the story of our lives, and we feel strongly for them, MariMar notwithstanding.

100. Midnight madness, weekends sales, bangketas and baratillos. It’s retail therapy at its best, with Filipinos braving traffic, crowds, and human deluge to find a bargain.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer Magazine ( December 1998 )

LITERACY = PROGRESS?

2010-09-28T10:56:00.000+08:00

I wrote this in March 2009 in my soon to be closed wordpress blog, and so I am copying it here in toto. My opinion then remains the same as now.

The literacy rate of the Philippines is more or less 94% since 1994 to the present time. We have one of the highest literacy rates among developing countries but what does that do for us? Does having “literate” citizens translate to progress for the country? I’m afraid not. Being literate does not remove ignorance…it does not make people less corrupt. I have always maintained that for us to progress we need better education. What do I mean? Better education does not mean a high literacy rate. So what, if you can read and write? Will that make you a good citizen? Better education means a wholistic education. While it is true that there is free elementary and high education in the country, there is also a very high drop-out rate by the time children reach grade 6 to 2nd year high school. These children can read and write English and Pilipino but it does not mean they can understand what they are reading. Basic comprehension is poor. On the other hand, children of middle-income and upper-class families finish their education and reach university and even post-graduate levels but becoming part of the educated elite does not guarantee a moral character. So in essence, the education I advocate is one that is geared to developing not only the intellect but the heart and conscience as well. For progress to happen, government must guarantee that all children finish their elementary and high education. Technical education should be incorporated in high school so that these children who could no longer afford a college education can continue to be trained in skills appropriate for them, in technical schools that government should provide for free. Moral Values, Ethics , Conscience and Basic Rights should be taught and lived beginning from elementary to college. Education and Moral Recovery is the only way to progress. The Department of Education and CHED should see this before its too late.

Political Dynasty & Transitions:It's Implications for Civil Servants

2010-08-12T15:19:00.000+08:00

The May 2010 elections brought a diverse mix of personalities entering politics. What was obvious and apparent though is the unshakable presence of political dynasties in both the national and local government. That majority of these political families won the contested seats was no surprise. But does belonging to the same political family denote that character, values and approach to governance be the same? What kind of president will P-Noy be? Will he be like his mother? or the president his father could have been? or will he be his own person? These questions applies to other elected officials as well who have come to an elective office used to be held by a parent, brother, sister, uncle...etc. Will they do better? Will they be the same? Will they do worse? or...Will they be completely different?

It has only been 30 days since their assumption to office, too early to make a comparison but from what I have seen and experienced these past few days, people even if they share similar genes, upbringing or values are basically his or her own person, with his or her own style, reactions and personality. So if we are all looking for continuity in these political transitions...for these new leaders to have similar leadership and management styles as their family members...don't look too long because for sure, they won't be the same and instead of griping about it, we should be ready to cope with the difference and significant changes to come. In fact it has already started. We in the civil service can only hope that our new bosses practice impartiality, fair dealings and equal opportunity for all.

The Filipino Mentality

2010-06-16T21:11:00.000+08:00

A blogger of Anti-Pinoy.com named ChinoF wrote an article that suggested that most Filipinos have a free-loading nature and also gave the conclusion that we are basically a lazy group of people. I am inclined to agree with many of his suppositions except for the laziness argument. Personally, I don't think the Filipino is lazy, as laziness is defined in Wikipedia as a disinclination to activity or exertion despite having the ability to do so...but rather, the Filipino has a certain kind of mentality unique to himself. And what is this so called Filipino Mentality? Most people equate Filipino mentality with colonial mentality. I don't think it's as simple as that, although it may be part of it... rather, I am referring more to Filipino attitudes, values and outlook in life. I can name several outright...

First on my list is COMPLACENCY. It is defined as a feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, especially when coupled with an unawareness of danger, trouble, or controversy. Filipinos fit this to a T! Are we not called "contented cows" and isn't the statement "pwede na" both evidence of this complacent mentality? Ambition and drive is not high on our list of desirable traits and we are experts in looking for short cuts in our way doing things.

Second is DEPENDENCE...which may be interpreted as laziness. But I think we were raised to be dependent...parental authority is still very much evident in our familial structure and children are not taught decision making and responsibility. I see parents still helping out their adult children in the schooling of their grandchildren...in hospitalizations...even in day to day living.

Next is MISPLACED SELF-ESTEEM. I say misplaced, because Filipinos don't know when to be proud, humble, shy or assertive. For example, we say disparaging things against our culture and government in the mass media, internet and other public forum ...then we get angry when some foreigner writes a satire about them...duh.

Another trait is MATA POBRE...a spanish derived word meaning "snobbish" or a snob. It is the feeling of superiority over others because the perception of a person who is "mata-pobre" is that these others are inferior to him. It is also a form of discrimination. It has been written that this haughtiness was borne not from achievement or superior knowledge but from being members of the ruling class...but I disagree. I think it is a very common Filipino trait regardless of circumstance of birth. Because I have seen and heard poor people discriminate even amongst themselves. Our house helpers for example would treat paupers or street sellers who come to our gate in a lowly and dismissing manner from people whom they perceive as better off or who impresses them. And in our places of work, the poor is always treated differently from those who are perceived to be educated, prosperous or well-connected.

And of course the ever omnipresent COLONIAL OUTLOOK...the love for anything and everything imported and the perception that what is imported is good and better. It has been 112 years since our independence from Spain and 65 years since the Americans turned over the reigns of government to the Filipinos...but that's about all that has happened...Filipinos are still basically Spanish in thinking and Americans in inclination. Is it because our gene pool has been terribly diluted that we no longer know what we really are. Who were we before all these foreigners came to our land? Did we even exist? Or was this nation built by immigrants from our Indonesian, Malay, Chinese and Indian neighbors?

So it is no wonder that we do not have a true culture...we started as a melting pot...and we continue to evolve in the same manner. The Filipino mentality is such because there was no single culture from the beginning...our attitudes, values and way of thinking is a product of all the cultures that have landed in our soil. This is also the reason why we assimilate so well in any society, in other cultures and in foreign countries that we find ourselves in, even to the point of being mistaken as a native of that country.......because each of these places have a bit of Filipino in them ;)

How Do We Solve A Problem Like The Philippines? Simple! Fix The Traffic!

2010-05-28T16:20:00.000+08:00

Year in and year out since the Philippines became an independent country, government and aid agencies, technocrats, NGO's and who else is there have analyzed, over-analyzed, made plans, recommendations, etc...on how to solve the ills of the country. But so far, not one has been successful. In fact, our problems have only worsened through the years. We blame everybody but ourselves...from our government to our politicians, to our families, to our neighbors, to foreign intervention, etc...etc...and even the non-living things around us! And because we do not see that WE are part of the problem...nothing has changed AND unless we see ourselves in the problem equation...things will only worsen for the country.

So where and how do we start?

I drive everyday and let me just say that driving in the Philippines is enough to give any rational human being several ulcers! I believe that the Filipino driver must be all or any the following:

Blind to the color yellow and white, because they cannot seem to recognize pedestrian lanes (ex. stopping/parking on them), the no overtaking yellow paint dividing the lanes, the white lines indicating the bike and cycle lanes, etc.
Poor reflexes and vision because they rarely give way to pedestrians, and do not follow traffic signs
Ambidextrous because they think right and left side are interchangeable,
Excellent calculation skills since they can convert a 2 lane road to 3 and even 4 lanes, effectively blocking the right turn slot AND can convert any vehicle to 200% it's sitting capacity!
Expert racing and driving video game player because they can move in and out of traffic without regard for other vehicles
Thinks that cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, tricycles, trisikads, bikes, skateboards are all in the same category...as long as it moves forward, it can be driven the same way and manner in any kind of road, in any traffic condition all over in the country,
And last but not the least, believes that traffic rules are suggestions and recommendations.

(2nd-4th Photos courtesy of http://keithlane.com/page25.htm)

But if there is a Filipino driver, there must be a Filipino pedestrian! If in other countries, the norm is well-disciplined and law-abiding pedestrians...in the Philippines, they are a rarity. Pedestrians in the Philippines are usually one of the following.

They think roads are part of malls where they can just walk leisurely anywhere,
They think those white lines are street graffiti or maybe they think it indicates "do not step" here...because I often see them crossing alongside a pedestrian lane,
They see traffic lights as only for drivers but not for them to follow,
They believe they are faster than the speed of light because they love to out run vehicles on the road,
They believe they have superpowers just by putting their hand up and make vehicles stop,
They think PED XING is a foreign word meant for Chinese or Koreans,
And finally, they too like the drivers believe traffic rules are only suggestions.

I have been thinking seriously about this and I believe now more than ever that if we are able to fix our traffic, then we are taking the first important step for change to happen in this country. The way I look at it, our traffic situation is a clear reflection of our flawed culture and moral apathy. If we, the people cannot obey simple rules, what more the bigger laws? If people can start to follow simple traffic rules and regulations, would it not be a logical consequence that we will eventually learn to be more productive citizens of our country and be part of the change that we dream of?

I made a video last year using Noel Cabangon's Ako ay Isang Mabuting Pilipino. I liked the message of the song. We complain so much about government but do we realize that many of the problems of this country is largely our fault too? That if we want change to happen, then change begins in us...we have to start by becoming good citizens...how? Obey traffic rules.

Here is the video, no copyright infringement intended.

An open letter to Noynoy from F Sionil Jose

2010-05-23T23:13:00.000+08:00

Dear Noynoy,

You are now swamped with suggestions and advice, but just the same, I hope you’ll have time to read what this octogenarian has to say.

You were not my choice in the last election but since our people have spoken, we must now support you and pray that you prevail. But first, I must remind you of the stern reality that your drumbeaters ignore: you have no noble legacy from your forbears. It is now your arduous job to create one yourself in the six years that you will be the single most powerful Filipino. Six years is too short a time — the experience in our part of the world is that it takes at least one generation — 25 years — for a sick nation to recover and prosper. But you can begin that happy process of healing.

Bear in mind that the past weighs heavily on all of us because of the many contradictions in it that we have not resolved, whose resolutions would strengthen us as a nation. This past is now your burden, too. Let us start with the fact that your grandfather collaborated with the Japanese. Your father was deeply aware of this, its stigma, its possibilities. He did not leave any legacy because he did not become president. He was a brilliant and courageous politician. He was an enterprising journalist; he had friends in journalism who can attest to his effulgent vision, who did not profit from his friendship, among them Nestor Mata, Gregorio Brillantes — you may consult them. I cannot say I did not profit — he bought many books from my shop and when he was in Marcos’s prison, your mother brought books from my shop to him.

Forgive me for giving you this unsolicited advice. First, beware of hubris; you are surrounded by panderers who will tell you what is nice to hear. You need to be humble always and heed your conscience. When Caesar was paraded in ancient Rome before the cheering multitudes, there was always a man chanting behind him: “Remember, you are mortal.”

I say to you, remember, the poor — some of them in your own hacienda — will be your ultimate judge.

From your comfortable and privileged cocoon, you know so little of our country and people. Seek the help of the best — and the best do not normally want to work in government and neither will they approach you. You have to seek them.

Be the revolutionary your father wanted to be and don’t be scared or wary of the word “revolution.” It need not be always bloody. EDSA I was not. Your father wanted to destroy the most formidable obstacle to our progress — the Oligarchy to which you and your family belong. To succeed, you have to betray your class. If you cannot smash the oligarchy, at least strive to have their wealth develop this country, that they bring back the billions they stashed abroad. You cannot do this in six years, but you can begin.

Prosecute the crooks. It is difficult, thankless and even dangerous to do this. Your mother did not do it — she did not jail Imelda who was the partner in that conjugal dictatorship that plundered this nation. Watch her children — they were much too young to have participated in that looting but they are heirs to the billions which their parents stashed abroad. Now the Marcoses are on the high road to power, gloating, snickering at our credulity and despicable amnesia.

You know the biggest crooks in and out of government, those powerful smugglers, thieves, tax cheats — all you really need is guts to clobber them. Your father had lots of it — I hope he passed on to you most of it.

And most of all, now that you have the muscle to do it, go after your father’s killers. Blood and duty compel you to do so. Cory was only his wife — you are the anointed and only son. Your regime will be measured by how you resolve this most blatant crime that robbed us of a true leader.

And, finally, your mother. We loved her — she united us in ousting an abominable dictator. But she, too, did not leave a shining legacy for her presidency was a disaster. She announced a revolutionary government but did nothing revolutionary. She promised land reform but did not do it. And most grievous of all — she transformed the EDSA I revolution into a restoration of the oligarchy.

She became president only because her husband was murdered and you became president elect only because your mother died. Still, you are your father’s son and may you now — for the good of this country and people — scale the heights he and your mother never reached.

I am 85 and how I despair over how three generations of our leaders failed! Before I go, please let me see this unhappy country begin to be a much better place than the garbage dump our leaders and people have made it. You can be this long awaited messiah but only if you are brave enough and wise enough to redeem your father’s aborted promise.

Hopefully yours,

F. Sionil Jose

From May 23, 2010 The Philippine Star

Why We Are The Way We Are Part 2

2010-05-23T22:33:00.000+08:00

What was the Filipino like before the Spaniards came? How did all the influences through the centuries affect the character of the present day Filipino?

It has already been established that before we became known as the Philippines, our archipelago was first inhabited by the Negritos and soon after came the arrival of the Austronesian people who brought with them influences from the Malay, Hindu and Islamic cultures. The native culture of Austronesia is diverse, varying from region to region, although from what is known, they were basically seafarers. This diversity can be seen up to the present time as evidenced by the over 150 languages scattered throughout more than 7000 islands. Simply put, the Filipino culture is complex and confusing...a modern day Tower of Babel.

From our written history we are told that in spite of the Spanish, American, Chinese, Indian and Arab influences, the native Filipino has retained a distinct culture, positive traits like strong religious faith, respect for authority, high regard for amor proprio (self-esteem) and desire for smooth interpersonal relationships. These traits however made the Filipinos vulnerable to conquest and dominance. Why? Because when taken to extremes, these traits can result to fatalism, authoritarianism, clannishness and a willingness to sacrifice personal integrity making the Filipino an easy target for exploitation by the more sophisticated foreign colonizers: first, Spain and later, the United States of America. Spanish and American culture blended with our native customs creating a way of like that implies an identity crisis of sorts... Doña Victorina is as common today as yesterday. So is the way we are today the fault of our foreign colonizers? Of course not...they saw our weakness and exploited it like any good colonizer. We were ignorant, naive, trusting...and these worked against us in the 16th century. The tragedy of the Filipino people lies not in the fact that we were colonized but the fact that we have not learned anything from our past...we are still ignorant, naive, trusting...it is like time stood still for us. The Marcos dictatorship, our politicians, the media, the communists, and who else is there, are our modern day colonizers...

Today is Pentecost Sunday...we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Catholic Church. As Asia's only Catholic country, the Philippines will do well to heed the voice of the Spirit. The priest in the evening mass I attended stated that the cultural and language diversity of our country makes it hard for us to attain unity unless we practice using the universal language. And what is that language? It is the language of LOVE...love for country and love for others...because with love all things are possible.

Why We Are The Way We Are Part 1

2010-05-23T10:40:00.000+08:00

There are so many websites that write about Filipino culture and most of these say the same things...about the country's diversity in terms of culture and language, the Filipino's penchant for personal alliances, the similarities with the Malay and Indonesian culture, the influence of the Spanish and American colonizers, not to mention the Chinese, Indians etc. Our hospitable nature and easy acceptance of other cultures have created a way of life that blends foreign with native customs. And so, it is no wonder that we are the way we are today.

What are we today? This thoughtful piece I found in Anti-Pinoy by Chino explains maybe 60% of the problem. He says that "we have a libre me this, libre me that culture, that it is a culture of dependence on or desire for dole-outs. He also believes that Filipinos, most of them for that matter, are lazy. And laziness can be found in all classes, from the richest to the poorest."

There is a lot of truth in that statement. But why? And how do we solve it? And what is the other 40%?

As The Dust Settles...

2010-05-14T18:05:00.000+08:00

So now we have a new president...yep, it's Noynoy. As for the VP...it's too close to call as of today. The billboards in the plaza have been taken down, street-cleaners are seen taking down the posters...life is slowly getting back to normal. I went to the mall today, and it's eerie because it seems that after May 10...people stopped talking about the election. It's as if...okay, now that is done...lets go back to doing what we were doing before the election. Hmmmm...abangan!

Elections 2010

2010-05-07T20:40:00.000+08:00

May 10, 2010, Monday is Election Day. This year's campaign is probably one of the most confusing, most contentious, most polarized ever in recent history. For one there are just too many political parties; second, there has been too many shifts among politicians...the right mingling with the left...making for strange bedfellows; and third, there is no unity among families as to which candidate to support. After the dust settles, we will be left with a winner...I hope whoever it is, he will advocate the change the people of this country need to make for this Philippines to take back its place as one of Asia's rising stars. May God have mercy on us all.

A Political Issue Called Kris

2010-01-18T16:18:00.000+08:00

I really don't want to talk about Kris Aquino and her domestic problems and how this is being used against Noynoy's presidential bid but somehow I find myself doing exactly that. Why? Because frankly, she is one of the reasons why I am still very undecided on whether to go for her brother or not. I know, I know...Kris is not her brother and vice versa. And yes, it's all about perception but hey, I'm just human. Whether Kris likes it or not, her brother will always be identified with her, so that even though how much Noynoy disapproves of her behavior and lifestyle whatever she does will continue to reflect on him...not fair? oh yes...but then that's life....and that is human nature. I feel a little sorry for Kris but with that mouth of hers, she will more than be able to fight her battles. Mayen Austria and her family will soon enough realize that by talking to media, they will get more than what they bargained for...

As for James Yap...either Kris enrolls him in a crash course in intelligent reasoning and conversation or just send him home to his mother...as one comedian once said. This union was doomed from the start...an intelligent, affluent, smart-mouthed, sophisticated older female marrying a not so bright, not so articulate, promdi, much younger basketball player whose only common denominator is their being celebrities....tsk...tsk...

God help the Philippines...ehe! hindi pala...God help Noynoy =)

What Happened in Maguindanao?

2009-11-30T11:30:00.000+08:00

I was Iloilo City when the news broke out, in fact I was not aware of it till noontime of November 24, 2009 when my mom informed me. At first, I thought...oh well, another politically motivated murder and thought no more about it. I was more concerned about the fact that I could not go home to Bacolod that day...why? Well, because PAG-ASA raised Signal No. 1 over clear and sunny Panay, Negros and Cebu prompting the Philippine Coast Guards to cancel all ferry trips...big sigh, but that's another story. Since I was stranded, I decided to check into a hotel and after settling in, I clicked on the TV and saw it...bodies everywhere...I felt my stomach turn and watched horrified at the brutality of it all. I could not believe that in this century and in this country such barbaric and uncivilized acts were done. The images will be something I will never forget for as long as I live...the inhumanity of it all. If I felt that way, I can only imagine the great despair, rage and pain that the families of the victims must be feeling. To lose a loved one in this cruel and evil way...something even I would not wish upon my enemies. Why was so much power given to these people? They bring shame to the modern day Datu...These people are nothing more than barbaric warlords and this government should be held accountable for allowing them to maintain a shogun-like existence in Mindanao. To have allowed private armies, a feudalistic and autocratic rule, lawlessness among the powerful is incomprehensible...and irresponsible!

What happened in Maguindanao is a tragic consequence of the failure of this government to govern and be a model to the people. Still, it is an undeniable fact that each of us have contributed to this failure. For decades, we fail to elect leaders that can lead us to greatness. We fail because, we as a people do not know how to respect ourselves...we say we love our country yet we do not do anything to show this love. This is so obvious in the way we conduct our daily lives... when we fail to even follow the simplest traffic rule like crossing the street...when we refuse to fall in line even during communion...when we do not give official receipts to customers unless they ask for it...and a million other things! I dream of the day where each and every Filipino have become citizens who live with honesty, integrity, hard work and true compassion for others. That each one of us will have a strong sense of responsibility and be accountable for our individual actions...that we take charge of our future, elect good people who are honest as well, to be our leaders, and that we do things not because we are made to do it or we are paid to do it or because we can get punished...but because IT IS RIGHT and it is for the good of all.

Then and only then can tragedies like what happened in Maguindanao be stopped and ended.

Filipino

2009-10-21T22:58:00.000+08:00

I have been Filipino all my life and I thought I understood what, who and why Filipinos do the things we do and act the way we act. There are already many blogs discussing the ills of Philippine politics and I thought to myself, discussing them...will not solve anything. The things happening to the country, the diaspora of the people, the political instability...all these I thought can be explained by the very nature of the Filipino. A nature corrupted by years of colonialism and exploitation by Spain and United States (as well as the British and the Japanese occupations)...simple enough...or not? So began my on-line research on the origins of the Filipino and to my consternation, the data I find tells me that what was taught when I was in school based on our Filipino history books were not completely accurate and some were eventually revealed as hoaxes! For example, we were taught that the first Filipinos were the Negritos...well, surprise, surprise...not anymore. I discover that the original Filipinos are actually Austronesian people specifically Taiwanese aborigines and that this fact is evidenced by a Stanford University study conducted during 2001 that revealed that Haplogroup 03-M122 (labeled as "Haplogroup L" in this study) is the most common Y-chromosome DNA haplogroup found among Filipinos. This particular haplogroup is also predominant among Chinese, Koreans and Vietnamese. Another haplogroup, Haplogroup 01a-M119 (labeled as "Haplogroup H" in this study), is also found among Filipinos. The rates of Haplogroup O1a are highest among the Taiwanese aborigines and Chamic-speaking people. Overall, the genetic frequencies found among Filipinos point to the Ami tribe of Taiwan as their nearest genetic ancestors. [1] These findings are consistent with the theory that ancestors of the Filipino people have originated on continental East or Southeast Asia before migrating to the Philippines via Taiwan (source: Wikipedia). And this is just the beginning...

Mabuting Pilipino

2009-10-10T22:46:00.000+08:00

Last Thursday, I went together with family and some friends to a symposium featuring Live! Senators Nonoy Aquino and Mar Roxas. Earlier, we had a chance encounter with them at the Bishop's palace where my mom had a meeting, and had the opportunity to shake hands, exchange a few words and wished them luck. Anyway, this entry is not about them, or what they said or the questions thrown at them or their answers...I am writing about the song that was sung during the symposium by none other than its writer, Greenpeace supporter, activist, idealist and acoustic artist, Noel Cabangon. The song's message is straightforward and I'm sure hit home even for many people in the audience...people in yellow professing to be "good citizens" of the country. Listening to it made me remember what has been written before by Alex Lacson, author of the local bestseller, "12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country". Here they are in summary -

1) Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.
2) Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always ask for an official receipt.
3) Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino.
(Or, at the most buy 50-50).
4) When you talk to others, especially foreigners speak positively about us and our country.
5) Respect your traffic officer, policeman and soldier.
6) Do not litter. Dispose your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.
7) Support your church.
8) During elections, do your solemn duty.
9) Pay your employees well.
10) Pay your taxes.
11) Adopt a scholar or a poor child.
12) Be a good parent. Teach your kids to follow the law and love our country.

Simple enough?...but knowing how Filipinos living in the Philippines are...these "little things" are not as simple as it seems to be. This book was written in 2004 and by all accounts is a bestseller and is now on its 8th printing, due to many companies, schools, organizations and individual orders of the book. So if it is so popular, so widely read...what is the relevance of Noel Cabangon's AKO'Y ISANG MABUTING PILIPINO now? This time, the answer is simpler...because inspite of all the best efforts of people like Alex, Filipinos living in the Philippines are one of the most undisciplined group of people in...dare I say...the world! So undisciplined that a song like this needs to be sung in rallies and concerts for people to get the message... na kailangan natin maging mabuting Pilipino para sa ikauunlad ng bayan. The Marcos era was a time that brought the country to it's lowest point, so it is with a sense of irony that I recall the martial law slogan "Sa ikaaunlad ng bayan, Disiplina and kailangan" perhaps because this is the only statement of that era that I would give credence to...indeed to this day, disiplina ang kailangan! To Noel, I say...don't stop singing...sing it loud, sing it clear and I promise to help bring the message across. Mabuhay and Pilipinas!

AKOY ISANG MABUTING PILIPINO

Ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang Bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkunin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin

Tumatawid ako sa tamang tawiran
Sumasakay ako sa tamang sakayan
Pumipila at hindi nakikipag-unahan
At ‘di ako pasiga-siga sa lansangan.

Nagbaba at nagsasakay ako sa tamang sakayan
‘di na makahambalang parang walang pakiaalam.
Pinagbibigyan Kong mga tumatawid sa kalsada
Humihinto ako kapag ang ilaw ay pula.

‘pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin

‘Di ako nagongotong o nagbibigay ng lagay

Ticket lamang ang tinatangap kung binibigay

Ako’y nakatayo dun mismo sa kanto
At ‘di nagtatago sa ilalim ng puno.

‘Di ako nagkakalat ng Basura sa lansangan.
‘di bumubuga nga usok ang aking sasakyan
Inaayos kong mga kalat sa basurahan
Inaalagan ko ang ating kapaligiran

‘Pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin

Lagi akong nakikinig sa aking mga magulang
Kaya’t pag-aaral ay aking pinagbubutihan
‘di ako gumagamit ng bawal na gamot.
O kaya’y tumatambay at sa eskwela’y di pumapasok.

Pinagtatangol ko ang aking karangalan
‘pagkat ito lamang ang tangi kong kayamanan
‘di ko binabenta ang aking kinabukasan
Ang boto ko’y aking pinahahalagahan.

‘pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin
Ako ilang tapat at totoong lingkod ng bayan
Pabor o lagay ay ‘di ko pinapayagan
Tapat ang serbisyo ko sa mamamayaan
Di ko binubulsa ang pera ng Bayan

Pinagtatangol ko ang mamamayang Pilipino
Mga karapatan nila’y kinikilala ko
Ginagalang ko ang aking kapwa tao
Pinaglalaban Kong ang Dangal ng bayan ko.

‘pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin.

Pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino

Pagkat ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino

Ako’y isang mabuting Pilipino
Minamahal ko ang bayan ko
Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin
Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin
Pagkat ako’y ilang mabuting Pilipino

Panatang makabayan
Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas
Ito ang lupang sinilangan
Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi
Ako’y tkanyang kinukopkop
At tinutulungan upang maging malakas
Maligaya, at kapakipakinabang
Bilang ganti diringin ko
Ang payo ng aking mga magulang
Sunsundin ko ang mga tungkulin ang aking paaralan
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin
Ng isang mamamayng makabayan
Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan
Ang walang pagiimbot at buong katapan
Sisikapin ko maging isang tunay na Pilipino
Sa isip sa salita at sa gawa

raison d'être

2009-10-03T22:45:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I was having a really interesting discussion with some people about the state of the nation...or more specifically, the state of the Filipino people. You could say that this conversation is the inspiration for this new blog...although for the longest time now I have been mulling the idea of writing about the many things on the Philippines that interest me...specifically, it's history, it's culture and it's politics...so no, that short talk is not entirely the reason, but it sort of got me going because one of them, a Scot, said something really interesting. He apologetically called it "being nasty" but I think he was just being very observant. He said that the Filipinos instead of absorbing the good values of our colonizers, learned their bad habits instead. So that these learned aberrations met at the middle and produced the present day Filipino culture. That statement made a lot of sense to me...we have become a people who have no concept of national identity, no sense of accountability for the future of our country. We lack of direction, discipline and unity...this last calamity, the epic flooding caused by Typhoon Ondoy had glaringly shown this lack. It was pure chaos! Rescue efforts were uncoordinated...each and every agency from the NGO's, the government, the media were moving on their own...and the NDCC (National Disaster Coordinating Council) which was the lead agency supposedly coordinating the whole thing suddenly became just one of those agencies helping out. Why is that? Why are we so polarized as a people? Why have we become like this? What happened to us? As the days go by...I will attempt to answer that. God help me!