JOSE RIZAL'S LINK TO VIGAN

December 30 is not only the Death Anniversary of the National Hero of the Philippines but a time to prepare for the ushering of the New Year. Historically, Dr. Jose Rizal's link to the City of Vigan can be traced by the fact that a Bigueño (native of Vigan) inspired him to pursue his advocacy that the Philippines be recognized by Spain. Through his brother Ponciano, Rizal learned his first lessons on nationalism from Padre Jose Burgos, a son of Vigan. Another significant link is Poetess/Satirist Leona Florentino who hails from Vigan and happens to be the distant cousin of Rizal.

Let us remember our National Hero on this day. The people of Vigan must draw inspiration from him in the same manner that he drew inspiration from a fellow Bigueño. As we bid farewell to 2007 and prepare for 2008, let us reflect on the heroic acts of Dr. Jose Rizal, Padre Jose Burgos and Leona Florentino. We need their wisdom in working for a globally competitive World Heritage City and a better Philippines.

Auld Lang Syne -- Traditional New Year - Karaoke Song Track

IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS!

The Vigan City Council team once again displayed its competitivenes by placing 2nd runner-up in the recently concluded Christmas Street Dancing Contest. Participated by the different departments of the Vigan City Government, this activity is the Filipinos' way of upholding a tradition --- to celebrate Christmas despite the odds of life!

Vigan City Employees Christmas Street Dancing Contest

THE NEED FOR LIBERAL YOUTH

The recent election of Sangguniang Kabataan(Youth Council) officers in the different barangays all over the country made me ponder on the Philippine Youth Situation. The following questions kept bugging my mind:

> Is the Sangguniang Kabataan truly representative of the youth in the barangays considering that the age bracket of the SK is limited only to 15-17 years old?


> Why is it that only few registered as members of the Katipunan ng Kabataan in the the different barangays?



> Why is it that traditional partisan politics like vote-buying, hate campaign and machinations marred the SK elections in general?



> Are the Youth of today being trained to become traditional politicians of tommorow?



> Are the SK Chairpersons all over the country ready and capable to perform their role as local legislators?



> Is there ample representation of the Youth in Congress?



> Is the existence of the National Youth Commission felt by the Filipino Youth in general particularly the Out-of-School, the poor, the deprived and the oppressed?



> What is the real state of the Filipino Youth?

These are issues and concerns that confront the Filipino Youth of today. I believe that a liberal solution can address these. The need for a Liberal Youth orientation is timely at this moment. As manifested in the orientation of the KABATAANG LIBERAL NG PILIPINAS (KALIPI),

A LIBERAL believes that the Filipino Youth is an agent of social, political and economic change and in them lies the future of this nation.

- a liberal therefore, aims to harness the vast potential of the youth for the end view of making them active participants in charting the nation’s destiny.

A LIBERAL believes that access in government must be afforded the youth to enable them to become more relevant and meaningful particpants in Philippine society.

- a liberal therefore, endeavors to motivate the youth to enter government service not as a mere option but as a career decision.

A LIBERAL believes in a new brand of politics that depart from traditional politics, which is personality oriented, to a politics based on liberalism and the rational presentation and discussion of all issues, programs and ideologies.

- To this end, a liberal, therefore, encourages healthy exchange of ideas, greater consultation with the people, wider participation by the citizenry, and resolution of ideas that affect all sectors in the Philippine society and the pursuit of programs that advance the total development of all Filipinos.

A LIBERAL shall propagate a type of politics that promotes and encourages a healthy plurality of political visions and options.

- In this connection, a liberal strives to instill the concept of youth empowerment, which sees the Filipino youth taking an active role in the political arena and infusing young, energetic and fresh blood in all government branches.

A LIBERAL believes that each Filipino has a responsibility from which he/she derives his/her cultural and historical identity.

- a liberal therefore, aims to unite all Filipinos, especially the youth, regardless of origin, status and creed, towards the promotion and preservation of the nations sovereignty and the right to self-determination.

A LIBERAL believes that collective Filipino identity can only be developed through instilling national pride.

- to this end, a liberal is dedicated to the enhancement and development of progressive and nationalistic leadership among the youth, constantly reminding them of their historical role n the pursuit of freedom and democracy against colonizers and dictatorships.

A LIBERAL believes the pursuit of this objective requires the organized and effective participation of the broadest sectors of the Philippine society.

_ a liberal therefore, therefore, aims to establish its presence in all political and geographical units as well as in all academic institutions nationwide. Moreover, KALIPI is committed to cooperate with all progressive sectors of Philippine society.

A LIBERAL believes in development program that is systematic, rational, sustainable and nationwide.

- liberal is committed to the implementation of a development program which extends not only to urban areas but to the countryside as well; a program that will strengthen and develop both the country’s agricultural and industrial bases and enable the country to become self-sufficient.

A LIBERAL pursues peace based on social justice.

- to this end, a liberal is committed to the consolidation of democracy in our country through equal access towards economic upliftment and self-improvement.

A LIBERAL believes that the country, being part of the international community of nations, can learn some lessons from experience of other countries as well.

- a liberal therefore, endeavors to preserve and promote international solidarity among nations.

A LIBERAL believes in protection of the environment and natural resources to ensure sustainable development.

- in this vein, a liberal is committed to take an active and meaningful role in fostering environmental consciousness and incumbent upon the present generation to ensure that the succeeding generations will be heir to a clean, healthy and safe environment.

A LIBERAL believes that all Filipinos must be accorded to equal access to education.

- a liberal, therefore is committed and shall work for a relevant, liberal and nationalist education that is consistent with the needs for national development.

Indeed, there is a need for liberal youth!

POLITICAL EDUCATION FOR NEWLY-ELECTED SK PRESIDENTS OF VIGAN

THE THIRD CITY COUNCIL, 2007-2010

The Vigan City Council after two consecutive terms welcomes the members of the THIRD CITY COUNCIL. Composed mainly of re-electionists and returning councilors headed by yours truly as Presiding Officer, the new set of legislators can be considered as the "veterans" and the more experienced type. After undergoing three strategic planning-workshops under different occasions and mentors, the city council has set its focus on legislating to protect the heritage City of Vigan.

Legislating is not an easy task. It does not only entail in the mere passage of ordinances or resolutions. Lawmakers must see to it that these are translated into policies which are relevant and responsive to the needs of the people. Policies which will redound to the benefit of the general welfare. This is in accordance with its Mission:

To enact relevant ordinances and approve functional resolutions for the general welfare;

To appropriate funds for the effective management of the city government and development programs for community development of the city;

To review and approve the investment plan for the sustainable development of the city;

To ensure check and balance in both legislative and executive branches to enhance good governance;

To create a mechanism involving the civil society and the government to formulate necessary strategies to implement this mission.

As a policy-making body, the Vigan City Council is reponsible for the review and approval of the two most important pieces of legislation needed in effectively managing the city, the BUDGET AND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. These make lawmaking a really serious work. Local legislators as politicians have to engage each other in a healthy debate and have to consult the public through committe meetings and public hearings.

There are big challenges ahead for the Third City Council. It has to come up with a Comprehensive Conservation Code to protect not only the built heritage of the city but all other forms of heritage as well. The passage of the Environment Code, Tourism Code, Health and Sanitation Code, Public Safety and Order Code among others is envisioned to make Vigan a truly livable city. With the launching of its website (http://citycouncil.vigancity.gov.ph), the Third City Council is now bracing itself to become globally competitive.

Liberal Party of the Philippines AVP

REVITALIZED LIBERAL PARTY

LIBERAL PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES: "ORAS NA!"

The election of Senator Mar Roxas as President of the Liberal Party of the Philippines last November 26, 2007 ushers his coming as standard-bearer of the party in the 2010 presidential race. The well organized political gathering at historic Club Filipino in Grenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila was well attended by Liberal senators, congressmen, local officials, business leaders, members of the civil society, youth leaders, party leaders and members. The presence of Former Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino made the affair more symbolic considering that her late husband former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. , a LP stalwart, was a staunch advocate of Liberalism.

Having ORAS NA!(The time has come) as its theme, the crowd was overwhelmed by Robert Sena's rendition of the song, THIS IS THE MOMENT. Indeed, the time has come for the Liberal Party, which has produced three Philippine Presidents (Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino, and Diosdado Macapagal), to lead the nation again.

In his nomination speech, Senator Noynoy Aquino, described how the party contributed in shaping the nation's destiny. Notable is the party's struggle against tyranny and foreign intervention. Governor Grace Padaca's (Isabela) second to the motion statement sent the people inside the hall speechless, motionless and teary-eyed with her candid and sincere endorsement of Mar Roxas as the next leader of the Liberal Party and the Filipino Nation.

In his acceptance speech, Senator Mar Roxas thanked party members and supporters. He convincingly stated, “ORAS NA.” It is time for change, a time for renewal. He mentioned that we owe the freedoms that we enjoy today to LP stalwarts. “LP leaders were prepared to wage lonely battles for their beliefs, suffer humiliation and isolation and even face imprisonment and death with calm acceptance of the consequences of their actions.”

He went further by saying that “when policy is wrong, we are the party that will say no!, and make an honest and determined effort to provide solutions. We will reach out to all individuals and groups who will fight with us --- for freedom, for fairness, for tolerance and for redeeming our faith in our future. These are the battles that I will fully engage in as your party president.”

Senator Mar Roxas manifested his conviction of accepting the burdens of leadership and the solemn duty of securing the best future of our country through the leadership of the Liberal Party. In closing he said “ngayon ay oras na para tayo naman ang humarap sa hamon ng kasaysayan upang manindigan at lumaban.” “Let us when we must, rage against the dangers of the night; but remain hopeful and ready to embrace the blessings of a new dawn. We will win because we are fighting for the poor, the helpless, the discouraged, all who only want a decent life and a chance to make their way in this world. In this and in the many battles ahead of us, I shall not let you down.

ORAS NA!

Mar Roxas has grown from his image as Mr. Palengke into a leader of a party with principles ready to serve our nation.