AMAZING PLACES

CALLE CRISOLOGO, VIGAN CITY, PHILIPPINES

ZERMAT, SWITZERLAND (PHOTO BY TREY RATCLIFF)

The Call - Regina Spektor (Prince Caspian)

NAPC, KONSENSYA TI VIGAN CONDUCT ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

(Atty. Ever Molina, Konsensya Ti Vigan president welcomes the participants.)

 The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) in cooperation with the Konsensya Ti Vigan, held a Roundtable Discussion on the Role of Civil Society Organizations in Local Development Planning last Septemeber 24, 2012 at the Max's restaurant in City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. The event was attended by Non-Government Organizations from different sectors such as students, media practitioers, civic organizations, interest clubs, professional groups, and the agricultural sector.

(Dr. Ferdie Lamarca of UNP shares his views on development planning.)

The First Round Table Discussion  was a breakthrough in terms of enlightening the local NGOs. The activity was an opportunity for the members of the civil society to engage in a healthy discussion among equals.

Development Planning in general and within the context of the Local Government Code (R.A. 7160) was ably explained by the facilitators. Focus was also given on Transparency, Accountability, Participation, and Predictability, the essential requisites of Good Governance. During the discussion, Civil Society Organizations were encouraged to apply for accreditation by local government units so that they can become members of local special bodies like the Local Development Council, the planning arm of a local government unit, and can have the chance to constructively engage the local government in charting the destiny of the community.

During the discussions, it was observed that students and members of youth organizations were very dynamic in their participation. Their inputs reflect the youth’s idealism. It was clear to them of their role as catalysts for change.

(Mr. Amado Valdez, President , Vigan City Press Corps asks questions during the forum)

After the discussions, it was resolved that there is a need to raise  the level of  awareness of  civil society organizations of Vigan City and empower them to actively participate in an honest-to-goodness bottom-up planning and budgeting.  The holding of a round table discussion on the role of civil society organizations is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

KONSENSYA TI VIGAN: A Movement for Good Governance

In celebration of the 114th Philippine Independence day on June 12, 2012, concerned citizens of Vigan City  and other local government units of  Ilocos Sur have come together to organize themselves into a Movement for Good Governance. KONSENSYA TI VIGAN  was re-launched as development-oriented Non-Government Organization, promoting the rule of law, participatory governance, balance of power, and human rights. It shall serve as a political watchdog and  commited to take a stand on issues affecting Vigan and the whole Province of Ilocos Sur. The Konsensya Ti Vigan of yesterday has evolved to become a catalyst for total human development and a  movement for good governance.

Konsensya Ti Vigan's objectives are the following: to promote a movement for meaningful change; to establish an advocacy group for good governance; to act as a think tank for public management; to serve as a forum for free thinking; and to become a tool for political education.

DEPUTY SPEAKER LORENZO "ERIN" TANADA lll VISITS VIGAN CITY

 Cong. Erin Tanada is welcomes by the faculty members and students of Ilocos Sur National High School

 Vigan City Mayor Eva Medina and Cong. Erin Tanada

 Cong. Erin Tanada, Mayor Eva Medina, and incumbent and former members of the Vigan City Council

Vigan City employees pose with Cong. Erin Tanada

PHILIPPINE GOV'T SHOULD INVOKE RP-US MUTUAL DEFENSE PACT

It seems that China is determined to bully the Philippines when it comes to the Scarborough Shoal issue despite diplomatic efforts to resolve the impasse. I'm not an expert on international law and foreign affairs but logic dictates that the option left for the country is to invoke the RP-US Mutual Defense Pact. Under said treaty, both the United States and the Philippines have committed to defend  each other in times of threat from external aggression.

I might sound exaggerated or one might say that it is still premature to go that far but the Philippines should send a clear signal to China that the Filipino nation is determined to assert its sovereignty and in so doing, it should exhaust all available resources and avenues to stand-up against a bully neighbor.  A show of force by the Philippines by requesting the United States to deploy one of its aircraft carriers might make China re-think of its position. 

Invoking the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty should not be construed as being too dependent on the United States, because the Philippines and the US are supposed to be allies. China, an emerging superpower should abandon an expansionist policy.

Pres. P-Noy's State of Grace | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Pres. P-Noy's State of Grace | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

HAPPY VALENTINE'S

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI ! ENTER THE DRAGON