CONGRESSMAN LORENZO "ERIN" TANADA III VISITS VIGAN

THE VIGAN INVESTMENT INCENTIVES CODE

Gone are the dark days when investors fear to take the risk in pouring in their money to Vigan and engage in business. I still remember when I was in grade school when people have to be in their homes before six o’clock in the evening or else get cross-fired by warring political factions. Young as I am then, I’ve heard people talk about local businessmen leaving Vigan and the country for another place due to the deterioration of peace and order and unfavorable business climate. How can I forget the literally dim Vigan due to inefficient power supply. The roads then were bumpy and rough due to scattered potholes. Despite Vigan’s charm, business investments then were few and limited. GONE ARE THOSE DAYS!

The Vigan of today is a growing business hub in Ilocandia. This can be attributed to its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Sites and Monuments. As a World Heritage Site it became more attractive not only for tourists but also to investors. Being also able to restore its status as a City, Vigan has now become a major tourist destination. It continues to attract more people to visit the place, to taste its authentic food, and to do business.

As the policy-making body the City, the Vigan City Council enacted the VIGAN INVESTMENT INCENTIVES CODE to attract more investors. This Code provides incentives for businessmen in the form of tax breaks, holidays, and discounts. Thus, the establishment of more businesses in Vigan can generate more employment opportunities. I consider Investment Incentives Code as basic in any local government unit. This is an indicator whether or not a place is ready for business. Defining a policy to regulate business through the exercise of police and taxing powers is a common concern but enticing investors to provide the economic impetus spells the difference.

VIGAN TRANSPORTATION CODE: Aiming for a law-abiding citizenry and an accident-free Vigan City

The completion of the VIGAN TRANSPORTATION CODE comes at a time when the transport industry is trying to keep itself afloat due to the weekly increase of the price of petroleum products attributed to the global oil crisis. However, the codification of transportation and traffic related ordinances has long been overdue. This is the City Council’s response to the ever growing complexity of Vigan’s Traffic Management. This code shall serve as a ready guide and reference for traffic enforcers and motorists as well.

The VIGAN TRANSPORTATION CODE is a welcome addition to the City Council’s collection of codified ordinances. I hope that this piece of legislation will hasten the development of a law-abiding citizenry and an accident-free Vigan City. The Vigan City Council shall always remain committed in the quest for a Globally Competitive World Heritage City.

Liberal Party President Senator Mar Roxas files Senate Bill No. 1962 which seeks a 6-month suspension on the collection of VAT on oil products

Prices of oil keeps on soaring and the rational clamor initiated by Senator Mar Roxas for government to suspend the imposition of VAT on oil remains unheeded. Hence, the Liberal Senator filed Senate Bill No. 1962 which seeks a 6-month suspension on the collection of VAT on oil products. This move is not only logical during these times but also practical considering that it would give us respite from the unstoppable increase of petroleum products. It would be unthinkable and unconscionable to reject this proposal. Roxas said he will continue to push for the suspension of the 12% EVAT on oil once Congress resumes session on July 28. "Now, more than ever, I appeal to the executive branch and the majority bloc in the Lower House to heed the people's clamor for immediate relief from high oil prices."

The local governments and civil society can do its share by coming up with resolutions and position papers supporting the move to suspend the VAT on oil. Maybe through a concerted action, the national government will listen to this plea. Would it make any difference if Mar Roxas is not a presumptive candidate for President in 2010? Your guess is as good as mine.

VOLARE by super mario brothers

LET'S TAKE ANOTHER BRAKE FROM THE $145 DOLLARS PER BARREL OF CRUDE OIL.

ORAS NA !

WHY THE PRICE OF OIL KEEPS ON SOARING?

Worldwide, the prices of oil reached unprecedented levels. The record-high $141 per barrel and its continous increase remains unabated. As a result, economic crises are everywhere and the most affected are Third World Countries like the Philippines. Why do we have an oil crisis? Is this something political or just machinations of a cartel?

THE 1973 OIL CRISIS
The 1973 oil crisis began on October 17, 1973, when the members of Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC, consisting of the Arab members of OPEC plus Egypt and Syria) announced, as a result of the ongoing Yom Kippur War, that they would no longer ship oil to nations that had supported Israel in its conflict with Syria and Egypt (the United States, its allies in Western Europe, and Japan). The same time, OPEC members agreed to use their leverage over the world price-setting mechanism for oil in order to raise world oil prices, after the failure of negotiations with the "Seven Sisters" earlier in the month. Because of the dependence of the industrialized world on crude oil and the predominant role of OPEC as a global supplier, these price increases were dramatically inflationary to the economies of the targeted countries, while at the same time suppressive of economic activity. The targeted countries responded with a wide variety of new, and mostly permanent, initiatives to contain their further dependency. (source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

THE 1979 OIL CRISIS
The 1979 (or second) oil crisis in the United States occurred in the wake of the Iranian Revolution. Amid massive protests, the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, fled his country in early 1979, allowing Ayatollah Khomeini to gain control. The protests shattered the Iranian oil sector. While the new regime resumed oil exports, it was inconsistent and at a lower volume, forcing prices to go up. Saudi Arabia and other OPEC nations, under the presidency of Dr. Mana Alotaiba increased production to offset the decline, and the overall loss in production was about 4 percent. However, a widespread panic resulted, driving the price far higher than would be expected under normal circumstances. In the United States, the Carter administration instituted price controls. In 1980, following the Iraqi invasion of Iran, oil production in Iran nearly stopped, and Iraq's oil production was severely cut as well. After 1980, oil prices began a six-year decline that culminated with a 46 percent price drop in 1986. This was due to reduced demand and over-production, and caused OPEC to lose its unity. Oil exporters such as Mexico, Nigeria, and Venezuela expanded. The US and Europe got more oil from Prudhoe Bay and the North Sea. (source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

THE PEAK OIL

The Earth's total endowment, before humans started using it, was roughly 2 trillion barrels of recoverable oil. About half of it is used up. Consumption is currently 31 billion barrels each year. Crunch the numbers and you will see that the oil will be gone in 32 years presuming the rate of consumption does not change. In reality, demand is increasing. Very little oil has been found within the past 30 years and the prospect of finding more is dim. (source: PLANETFORLIFE)

The Peak Oil issue was not so much given attention but was dismissed as alarmist and without basis. However, the consistent low production of oil and the spiralling prices made more people give a seroius consideration of this global concern. Logically, after the peak, oil production will become scarce and high demand will not be met. Gone are the days of the cheap oil era.

Why the price of oil keep on soaring? The answer is basically anchored on the Law of Supply and Demand. According to US Energy Secretary, Oil prices are hitting record highs because production has not kept pace with increasing demands.

ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF ENERGY

Governments should now consider a change of policy direction in so far as energy is concerned. Alternative sources of energy should now be tapped to address the issue of the coming global oil crisis. Non-fossil and renewable sources of energy such as solar, hydro, wind, biomass and the like have to be developed. The business sector should invest on these ventures to avert a worldwide economic recession due to high oil prices.

in the jungle (the lion sleeps tonight)

LIBERAL PARTY PRESIDENT MAR ROXAS URGES THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT TO SUSPEND THE VAT OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

(adopted from Senator Mar Roxas' official website)

Senator Mar Roxas renewed his call for the immediate suspension of the value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products, as fuel pump prices have yet again increased and is seen to continue increasing.

"When will the government start to listen, when consumers and the transport sector fall on their knees because they can't anymore carry the brunt of continued price increases? Government should now heed the call of the people for immediate relief now," he said.
Pump prices have increased 15 times already this year, when oil companies hiked the prices of diesel, gasoline and kerosene by P1.50 per liter this weekend. Roxas noted that diesel price has now gone up to nearly P50 a liter.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce pointed out how unjust it is for the government to earn windfall revenues at the expense of consumers and the transport sector. He noted that Dubai crude was only $35 a barrel when the expanded VAT law was passed, and it is now almost $125.

"Their answer to our repeated call for immediate relief is ‘we will subsidize this, we will subsidize that using our VAT windfall.' Instead of giving direct relief, the government chose to take a route that means more bureaucratic layers, more decision-making points, more avenues for leakages," he added.

"Instead of continuing to add to the people's burden, why not return to the people their hard-earned money? Ang isyu dito, kanino bang pera ito, at sino ang dapat magpasya kung saan ito gagastusin? (The issue here is, who's money are we talking about, and who should decide where this will be spent?) It's an issue of fairness," He said.

"It is better to leave the decision-making on how to use their money to the people themselves, because they're in the best position to know what their needs are," he stressed.

The Liberal Party President said he expects the government to yet again refuse to heed call for the immediate suspension of VAT on oil, but he would nonetheless continue to call for this, as the people's welfare and the economy, hit by a perfect storm of food and oil price hikes, is at stake.

"Para na tayong sirang plakang paulit-ilit na nananawagan sa gobyerno para agad na suportahan ang pag-suspindi sa VAT sa langis. Pero patuloy natin itong ipapanawagan, dahil ang bulsa ng Pilipino ang nakasalalay dito (We're like a broken record already in calling on the government to finally support the suspension of VAT on oil. But we'll not stop, because the people's pocket is what's at stake here)," he added.

MAR ROXAS' CHEAPER MEDICINE LAW: A TIMELY SOLUTION TO THE INACCESIBILTY OF QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE MEDICINES

Senator Mar Roxas, principal author of the Universally Accessible Quality and Affordable Medicines Law pushes for the immediate issuance of the law's Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) in order not to delay the delivery of quality health services to the poor. According to the senator, he will monitor the implementation of the law and vowed to prevent it from being diluted in the IRR.

The new law will allow the parallel importation of quality and cheaper medicines and empowers the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) to regulate its importation. The people will now have access to quality cheaper medicines compared to the present situation where the prices of quality medicines are prohibitive due to the monopoly of multi-national drug companies. This is a timely solution to the inaccesibilty of quality and affordable medicines.

WHEN GAS PRICES GO UP

My friend Hubert Paz of Davao City sent me this forwarded message and I find it very amusing. I took the liberty to publish these pictures in my blog so that we can have a respite of the continuos economic hardships that we are faced with.

VIGAN CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS VISIT CAOAYAN AND STA. CATALINA TO EXPLAIN THE METRO VIGAN CONCEPT

VM Franz Ranches explains to the members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Caoayan and Sta. Catalina the Metro Vigan Coordinating Council.

GEARING TOWARDS AN “IRA-FREE” VIGAN CITY

During the deliberations of the 2008 Budget of the City of Vigan, it was observed that 67.75% (Php 134,457,228.00) of the Annual Budget of Php 198,446,228.00 comes from the Internal Revenue Allotment(IRA) by the national government and only 32.25 %(Php 63,989,000.00) comes from local sources. This situation makes Vigan dependent on the National Government although the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) is its rightful share. This is the reason why the local government of Vigan has embarked on programs and projects that will minimize its dependency on the IRA.

The revision of the Vigan Revenue Code which updated the rates of outmoded regulatory fees and increased to reasonable levels the taxes on tobaccos, cockpit arenas, banks and other financial institutions, if properly collected is expected to give the City additional income of Five (5) Million Pesos. The recent approval in the City Council of a measure which seeks to revise the schedule of fair market values is expected to raise local revenues by Two(2) Million Pesos. However, we cannot keep on increasing local taxes since this will badly hurt the taxpayers of Vigan. Efficient collection and strengthening of the city’s economic enterprises are still the best options. The City’s proprietary function(engage in business) should be reasonably and innovatively exercised so as not to compete with the private sector but more importantly to address the issue of IRA(Internal Revenue Allotment) dependency.

TABLESCAPE'S ANGEL AQUINO AND CHEF BRUCE LIM

Ms. Angel Aquino and Chef Bruce Lim, hosts of Tablescape, a popular cooking show of Studio 23 are presently in the city to document Vigan Cuisines such as the pinakbet, bagnet, empanada, sinanglao, longganisa, lumo-lumo among others.

Vice Mayor Franz Ranches plays host to them

Visit of US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Paul Jones and wife Catherine

WHY METRO VIGAN? (Script of a Powerpoint Presentation)

Maybe you have heard of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC. These are organizations of independent countries in the international level.

The Proposed Metro Vigan Coordinating Council is more or less similar to these organizations, but on the level of the local government. It is hereby proposed that an aggrupation of local government units be created.

These local government units are not only adjacent and contiguous with each other but share common problems, concerns, needs and history. These are the bases of our unity.

Vigan has a rich historical link with the towns of Sta. Catalina, San Vicente, Caoayan, Bantay, San Ildefonso, Santa, and Sto. Domingo.

Caoayan was once a part of VIGAN until its foundation as a town way back 1825. It was then a major seaport being the entrance to Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan

Santa used to be a watch area for possible invaders of Ciudad Fernandina. The watch tower of nearby Sulvec and the fortified narrow road of Pideg Pass (formerly Agay-ayos) were significant landmarks where joint forces of Spanish and local Ilocano collaborationists repelled invaders from Pangasinan.

San Ildefonso - Bantaoay of San Ildefonso was the place where the historic Basi Revolt started. It culminated in Vigan leading to the public execution of rebel leaders.
San Vicente and Sta. Catalina were former visitas of Vigan.These towns have always been a part of Vigan until their foundation in 1795.

Bantay was the base of Agustinian friars. It was founded in 1593, a few years from the colonization of Vigan.

Sto. Domingo has always been a part of Vigan life. Old rich families of Vigan are still landowners of vast hectares of agricultural lands even up to this time. Politically, most of the legislators in Phil. Congress representing the 1st Dist. of Ilocos Sur hail from this town. These are the eight towns which will comprise the Metro Vigan Coordinating Council.

The following are the legal bases:

a) Art. X, Sec. 13 of the 1987 Constitution provides that, “Local Government Units may group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services and resources for purposes commonly beneficial to them, in accordance with law”

b) Art. 3, Sec. 33, of the Local Government Code of 1991 and the Art. 61 (b) of its IRR, provides that Local Government Units may, through appropriate ordinances, group themselves, consolidate, or coordinate their efforts, services and resources for purposes commonly beneficial to them. In support of such undertakings the LGU involved may, upon approval by the sanggunian concerned after a public hearing conducted for the purpose, contribute funds, real estate, equipments and other kinds of property and appoint or assigned personnel under such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the participating local units through Memoranda of Agreement.

c) Res. #10, S. 1994 of the the Sangguniang Bayan of Vigan – “A Resolution endorsing the creation of a Metro Vigan Coordinating Council for the effective, efficient and expeditious delivery of basic services for the towns of Vigan, Bantay, Sta. Catalina, Caoayan, San Vicente, and Santa.

d) Res. # 22, S. 1998 of the then Sangguniang Bayan of Vigan, “A Resolution requesting the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Sur to create the Metro Vigan Coordinating Council for the effective, efficient and expeditious delivery of basic services for the towns of Vigan, Bantay, Sta. Catalina, Caoayan, San Vicente and Santa.

e) Res. # 20, S. 2008 of the Vigan City Council, “A Resolution inviting the towns of Bantay, Sta. Catalina, Caoayan, San Vicente, San Ildefonso, Sto. Domingo and Santa, Ilocos Sur to explore the possibility of creating the Metro Vigan Coordinating Council.

The objective of this endeavor is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each local government unit to come up with a common agenda for development. The areas of cooperation are:

a) PUBLIC SAFETY & ORDER
- Peace and Order
- Fire Safety
- Disaster preparedness during Typhoons and other calamities.

b) WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Garbage disposal
- Waste segregation

c) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
- Cleaning/dredging of rivers
- Coastal management
- Air pollution management

d) TRANSPORTATION & COMMUNICATION
- Traffic management
- Public transport
- Access to information

e) HERITAGE CONSERVATION, TRADE & TOURISM
- Community-based Rural Tourism (CBRT)
- Protection/Promotion of traditional industries
- Cultural Mapping

To further appreciate on what’s happening in Vigan right now, allow me to present the City’s Vision Statement. Our vision is to work for a globally competitive world heritage city. These are Vigan’s vision for the immediate years to come some of which have been achieved:

- River rehabilitation, we want our rivers not only to be clean but also navigable and enjoyable, and we want to share this with you.

- The 10-hectare lot of the city presently used as waste management center is currently producing organic fertilizers through its bio-reactor. A sunflower farm was established as a demonstration farm to test the fertilizers. Right now, Vigan farmers are using organic fertilizers. We can share the experience with you.

- In an attempt to achieve zero waste, Styrofoams are now being converted into plastic tables for functional use such as tables for day care centers. We can share the technology with you.

- Vigan is now exploring to tap garbage as a source of electricity through a biomass power plant. If this will be achieved, affordable electricity will be made available to you.

- To address the issue on pollution and in compliance with the Clean Air Act, the city council passed an ordinance regulating two-stroke tricycles-for-hire. We also want to share the clean air with you.

These are some of the things that we want to do and we believe that we can achieve more if we work together through the Metro Vigan Coordinating Council. Rest assured that the territorial and political integrity and independence of each local government unit shall always be respected.

As the saying goes, NO MAN IS AN ISLAND, NO MAN STANDS ALONE. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO ISOLATE OURSELVES OR ELSE WE WILL BE LEFT OUT.

“Nowadays, companies and big businesses merge or group themselves together to survive in this competitive world. This is the effect of GLOBALIZATION.”

“New public management dictates that we as local government units have to join together and form a common group not only to protect our interests but to pursue developmental goals”

LET’S GO METRO, METRO VIGAN!

VIVA VIGAN FESTIVAL 2008 (Binatbatan Street Dancing)

LET'S GO METRO, METRO VIGAN!

I recently sponsored a Resolution inviting than towns of Bantay, San Vicente, Caoayan, Sta. Catalina, San Ildefonso and Santa to explore the possibilty of establishing the Metro Vigan Coordinating Council. The idea is to establish a coordinating body which will oversee the delivery of basic services and address issues common to all. Sharing of resources and sharing of responsibilities shall be one of the features of the metro council.

Article X, Section 13 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that, "Local government units may group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services and resources for purposes commonly benificial to them, in accordance with law." This provides the legal basis in creating a Metro Vigan Coordinating Council. Aside from this, the local government units of Vigan, Bantay, Sta. Catalina, Caoayan, San Ildefonso, San Vicente and Santa are adjacent to each other forming a contiguous area which could be classified as Metro Vigan.

The present demands of government administration in these local government units, particularly the delivery of basic essential services is too tasking especially if resources are limited. Hence, the sharing of resources among these local government units for purposes commonly beneficial to all is most wanting. The need to forge unity, cooperation and coordination among these local governments for the efficient delivery of basic services for its peoples is of utmost urgency.

The Vigan City Council has already approved a "Resolution Inviting the Towns of Bantay, Sta. Catalina, Caoayan, San Vicente, San Ildefonso and Santa, Ilocos Sur to Explore the Possibility of Creating the Metro Vigan Coordinating Council." I just hope and pray that the neigboring towns of Vigan will accept this invitation. LET'S GO METRO!

Roxas Calls For ASEAN Leaders’ Summit On Food Security: A Global and Liberal Solution (adapted from the Official Website of Senator Mar Roxas)

Senator Mar Roxas, chairman of the Senate trade and commerce committee, called on the Philippine government to take the lead in calling for an ASEAN Leaders' Summit to address the rice crisis and ensure food security in the region.

In a press release, Roxas announced that he would file a resolution on Monday expressing the sense of the Senate that the Philippines should take the lead in calling for such a special Leaders' Summit, to ensure food and rice security in the coming months.

"ASEAN has in its membership the world's two biggest rice exporters and the world's biggest rice importer. The proposed ASEAN Leaders' Summit has the opportunity to ease the fear and crisis that is gripping both the producing farmers and consumer families across ASEAN and the region. This kind of crisis is exactly why ASEAN exists. ASEAN must address and intervene in this crisis to prove to the world that it can take the lead in the political and economic integration of its member-nations" the former trade secretary said.

The Filipino leader said the proposed ASEAN leaders' summit could even include non-ASEAN neighbors as such as Japan, South Korea and China for an ASEAN Plus Three Summit as well as multinational financial institutions, which have a critical interest on both the consumer and producer sides of the current crisis.

"At the ASEAN Summit in Singapore last year, an ASEAN Charter was adopted. This document would be meaningless if the leaders of ASEAN cannot get together to ensure solidarity against hunger made worse by soaring rice and food prices," the former trade and commerce secretary explained.

Roxas said the Philippines can invoke a provision in the ASEAN Charter on Summits that allows its leaders to hold a summit to "address emergency situations affecting ASEAN by taking appropriate actions."

The president of the Liberal Party also quoted from the ASEAN Charter's preamble that resolved "to ensure sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations and to place the well-being, livelihood and welfare of the peoples at the centre of the ASEAN community building process."

Roxas cited the following precedents to back up his call for an emergency ASEAN Summit on the Rice, Food and Oil Crisis:

During the Special Leaders' Summit on SARS held in Bangkok, Thailand on April 29, 2003, ASEAN agreed to set up a regional information network and early warning system to help stop the spread of SARS, according to a joint declaration.

On January 6, 2005, it also held a Leaders' Special Meeting on the Aftermath of Earthquake and Tsunami disasters in Jakarta, Indonesia. This led to a joint declaration for the urgent mobilization of additional resources to meet the emergency relief needs of victims in the affected countries.

During that same Leaders' Special Meeting, the ASEAN leaders agreed to request the United Nations to appoint a Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to mobilize the international community to support the national relief emergency programs in the affected countries.

A LIBERAL SOLUTION TO THE PHILIPPINE FOOD CRISIS: SUSPEND THE 12% VAT ON OIL AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

The increase of the price of rice coupled with the price of gasoline is evident that a crisis looms in the Philippines. Since the prices of oil, rice and other food commodities are all inter-connected, Filipino families are adversely affected by this situation. According to Liberal Party President Senator Mar Roxas, prices of processed and canned meats would also go up due to several factors, such as tighter quantitative restrictions on imported meat, increasing prices of locally-produced meat and of tin cans as well as higher transport costs due to soaring oil prices. Prices of meat are also affected by the decreasing supply and increasing costs of feeds, such as wheat and corn.

The President of the Liberal Party said the government can heed the people's call for immediate relief by suspending the 12% VAT on oil and petroleum products. "Matagal na naming isinusulong ito, pero dahil ayaw ito ng administrasyon, hindi ito umuusad sa mababang kapulungan. Ngayong may krisis, mas kailangan ng taumbayan ang perang ipinahiram nila sa gobyerno (We've been advocating this for a long time already, but it has not progressed in the House because the administration does not want it. Now that there's a crisis, the people now need the money that they lent the government through taxes)," he said. "Hindi na puwedeng tingi-tingi ang mga solusyon ng gobyerno, dahil tali-tali ang ating mga problema (We can't live on the government's band-aid solutions because our problems are inter-related and affect each other)," he said.

Senator Mar Roxas' proposal to suspend the 12% VAT on oil and petroleum products is not only logical at this point in time in the Philippine setting but practical as well. It is a doable solution --- a LIBERAL one indeed!

SUBIC AUTHORITIES SHOULD ENGAGE THE SERVICES OF CONSERVATION ADVOCATES

The almost finished construction of two Korean condominium buildings in the middle of the protected rainforest of Subic is really out of tune! Subic authorities should have exercised diligence before it allowed the construction. The Subic rainforest is not only an environmental concern but it is somethimg which forms part of the country's natural heritage which deserves to be protected.

In conserving a natural heritage such as the Subic rainforest, it is not enough that the trees are protected from being cut. It's natural beauty and integrity must not be compromised. It's VISTA (view) must not be blocked or interfered. What happened in Subic is a great disrespect to the Philippines' rich legacy. Inviting investors to do business in our country is good but pleasing investors at the expense of our NATURAL HERITAGE is unforgivable. Subic authorities should engage the services of conservation advocates to have a better understanding of environmental protection.

COMMUNITY-BASED RURAL TOURISM: A TIMELY RESPONSE TO INCREASE INCOME IN THE COUNTRYSIDES

I recently attended the First Community-Based Rural Tourism Seminar in Cebu from March 26-28, 2008 and I saw light at the end of the tunnel which could possibly spur the Philippine economy to progress specifically in the rural areas. The idea is to actively promote Community-Based Rural Tourism (CBRT) by identifying unique, indigenous, natural, cultural, archaeological, agricultural or any other signficant local attractions which maybe in a form of sites, natural spots such as falls, rivers, mountains, rainforests and the like; customs and traditions; local practices; economic endeavors; agri-based activities; heritage structures such as churches, ancestral houses and even ruins; sports and adventures; food and many others which are locally available. Ably explained by Former Department of Tourism Secretary and now President of Philippine Small and Medium Business develoment Foundation (PHILSMED) Dr. Mina Gabor, the particpants felt a ray of hope in today's economic difficulties through the development of rural tourism.

The good thing about CBRT is the fact that it entails not only the promotion but also the protection of local attractions. It speaks of Heritage Conservation, Environmental Protection, Agricultural Development and Tourism Management.

4As of Rural Tourism

According to Dr. Mina Gabor, the basic characterestics of Communtiy-Based Rural Tourism(CBRT) are the following:

*Attraction (Natural/Mandmade)

*Activities (Adventure, Agritourism, Ecotourism, Cultural)

*Authentic Food, Products, Songs and Dances

*Amenities (Accomodations, Transport, Guides, etc.)

The local governments will be playing an important role in promoting CBRT. Tourism in the barangay level is a great challenge to pursue.

HOMESTAY PROGRAM

A hometay program could very well complement rural tourism. Through this program, visitors are given the chance to experience the life of the local folks in a given community. They live with a family in a local community during their stay in the host country. Learn their way of life, customs, traditions, culture and daily routines, eat or play with them, and be a part of the family.

Aside from earning income for these services, local families will be able to promote their community through tourism. Takers of this kind service are usaually foreign students who want to learn from experience.

THE VIGAN EXPERIENCE

Vigan has so much to offer when it comes to rural tourism. The idea of promoting Vigan as a tourist destination is communty-based in nature. It is not limited in showcasing its built heritage, the centuries-old ancestral houses, its immovable heritage such as its priceless religious statues and icons, furnitures and jewelry but also its traditional industries such as Jar(burnay)-making , pottery-making, and "abel" loomweaving. It boasts of having authentic good food, rich history & legacy, and a unique culture. Basic amenities such as hotel accomodations, transportation services, tour guides, internet access, automated teller machines(ATMs) and other necessary services are readily available. Activities and festivals such as the Longganiza festival, Binatbatan Street dancing, Semana Santa, Solidarity day, Viva Vigan festival, Heritage amazing race, traditional games, food festival amd many others in a year make Vigan a major tourist destination. Vigan is not only a World Heritage Site, it is a Better Place to Live In and a Better Place to Visit.

(The Hidden Garden of Bulala,Vigan. An example of community-based rural tourism)

Roxas To Gov’t: Be Transparent On Rice Situation (Adapted from the Official Website of Senator Mar Roxas)

I find this press release of LP President Mar Roxas worth publishing in this blog so that the Filipino people may know what's happening in our country.

Senator Mar Roxas called on the government to be more transparent about the impending problem of diminished rice supply and higher prices, and to focus on real solutions without skirting the issue. "Yung Secretary of Agriculure ay nagsasabi na kailangang magkalahating kanin na lang tayo, tapos sasabihin na wala tayong problema. Kailangang tanggapin natin na may problema tayo para makausad tayo at makahanap ng solusyon," Roxas, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce, said.

"Don't bring the nation to the edge of crisis. Hindi ito isang bagay na basta na lang mawawala. Kapag nakahanda tayo nang maaga ay mababawasan natin ang problema. Kung pumikit-mata na lang tayo ay baka dumating ang panahon na trenta pesos kada kilo ang bigas," he said. At present, regular rice is already being sold at about P24-P26 per kilo, he noted.

"I am raising a fair warning now because the people have the right to know whether we are facing a looming rice crisis. Government must tell the truth and be accountable," he added. Roxas, President of the Liberal Party, noted that this year's estimate for imported rice was 2 million metric tons, as part of the Philippines' 12 million-ton consumption of rice annually. However, he noted there was no longer a surplus for importation.

"Yung Thailand ay hindi na makaka-commit sa atin. Ang Vietnam naman ay nagsasabi na hanggang kalahati lang ng ating pangangailangan ang mabebenta nila sa atin. So it's not just a question of price, it's a question of supply," Roxas said.

The Senator has already urged the government to release the calamity fund for local government units, in order for those in the countryside to augment rice supply. "Kapag na-release ang calamity fund sa mga LGU para sa mga magsasaka, ay makakabili na sila ng mga seeds, fertilizer, pesticide at kung ano pang kinakailangan, na sa ganoon mapaparami yung crops natin," he said.

EXPERIENCE THE VIGAN HOLY WEEK

For those who have not yet been in VIGAN CITY especially during the HOLY WEEK, better visit Vigan now! Holy Week in Vigan is something different and unique. During Palm Sunday and Good Friday, centuries old, life-size statues mounted in carrozas depicting the LIFE AND PASSSION OF CHRIST can be seen during the procession. From Holy Monday to Easter Sunday, people come to Vigan to not only to pray but to also to feel and appreciate the charm of the old world.

Vigan has always been a favorite destination during the Holy Week (“semana santa”). This is not surprising because the City is the ecclesiastical center of the north. Spending the semana santa in Vigan gives one a chance to reflect and evaluate oneself. With the natural ambience of the old world, Vigan is a perfect place to have a respite of the busy schedule in the urban centers.

Vigan City Council members visit the Banaue Rice Terraces

MY KIND OF (WO)MEN

March is International Women's Month as declared by the United Nations. It cannot be denied that many women worldwide had been victims of gender bias in the form of sexual, phsyical, verbal, economic and other forms of abuses. The United Nations and the different governments have no choice but to exercise their police power. It is necessary for them to regulate human behavior especially how men treat, perceive, and love women. The following is an adaptation of my earlier article published in Manila Times Regional Paper, Vigan Edition. Of course this would not have passed the editorial standard of the paper without the assistance of an esteemed friend who happens to be a writer, Teddy Molina. Here's the article:

Let me not pass this chance to extol the women in our universe for their great achievements in society, the state, and throughout the global village. No, I’m not referring to the traditional view of women that simplifies them as a mothering group.
I like to believe that gone are the days when women were regarded as inferior to men, as was the case in ancient Japan when they would walk behind their men in public.

In fact, I’m afraid the day will come when men will end up as the marginalized sector in society. When that happens, the sexist and gender bias phrase, “behind the success or failure of a man is a woman”, will become obsolete and irrelevant. It would be the other way around!

The picture is scary. Past and present successes of women in fields dominated or had been lorded over by men are very telling. It can be said that some of these women achievers emerged in the “battle”, while men watched or, at least, dillydallied. Let me mention some of them whom

I admiringly call "my kind of women."

First in my list is Joan of Arc, a national hero in France. She lived between 1412 to 1431. She was on earth for only 29 years, yet hers was a life well-lived, making history in the process. At age 19, she commanded French soldiers and emerged victorious at the Battle of Orleans. The battle was part of the French struggle against British invaders.

I should take off my hat, too, to Rosa Parks who didn’t yield her seat to a white individual in a bus full of people as was the regulated practice in the US then. Her single act triggered the Montgomery Bus Boycott, highlighting the US Civil rights movement. She was a strong advocate of human rights concerns.

In the political world, I have special esteem for Indira Gandhi and Margaret Thatcher. Gandhi is India’s pride, while Thatcher, sometimes called “Iron Lady” for her consistency holds the distinction of being the first woman prime minister elected in Europe.

I yield to physical Marie Curie for her twin discovery of radioactivity and the element radium that gave her the distinction as the first woman to bag the Nobel Prize.

Amelita Earhart’s feat of being the first woman to fly across the Atlantic is remarkable. She was on her way to notch the distinction as the first person to fly around the globe when her plane went missing in the Pacific Ocean.

In the field of entertainment, I have Oprah Winfrey in my list, who is an accomplished woman. She is a powerful and influential woman, what with millions of viewers she has in the world! Recently, she had her dresses auctioned in her program, fetching great sums which she later donated to charity.

In the Philippines, we have Gabriela Silang (wife of Anti-Spanish rebel leader Diego Silang), who continued the struggle for Philippine Independence after the death of her husband. Leona Florentino brought honor to the Filipino women with her world-acclaimed poems, satires and writings. Both are nationalists.

I’m tempted to add to my list Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt and its last Pharaoh, who seduced Julius Ceasar and Mark Anthony and lorded over them. Never mind.

I’d rather go for Mother Teresa anytime, regarded as the world’s “Living Saint” before she died.

What do these women have in common? I’m reminded of Arthur Clarke’s wisdom: “The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible”

Senator Mar Roxas in Tide Commercial TVC30s (2008)

CZECH AMBASSADOR JARUSLAV LUDVA DELIVERS THE REPLICA IMAGE OF STO. NINO DE PRAGA

Czech Ambassador Jaruslav Ludva came to Vigan for the second time. Last year he was the guest of honor during a Special Lecture on the Life of Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. This time, he came to this City to personally deliver a replica of the image of Sto. Nino de Praga to Archbishop Ernesto Salgado of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. A catholic himself, the ambassador came with his wife, daughter and mother-in-law.

According to Anders Wong, the devotion to the Holy Child Jesus or Sto. Nino has long been a tradition of the Catholic Church for a very long time. This devotion is a venerati?on of our Lord's sacred Infancy. Many saints had a very strong devotion to the Divine Child, notably St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, and St. Teresa of Avila.

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic, which is at the very central of Europe with Germany, Poland, Russia and Austria as its neighbours. The history of the Infant Jesus of Prague started in the 17th century when a statue of the Infant Jesus was brought into Bohemia (now Czech Republic) and eventually was given to the Discalced Carmelites in Prague. Since then, the statue has remained in Prague and has drawn many devotees worldwide to go and honor the Holy Child. Many graces, blessings, favors and miraculous healings have been received by many who petitioned before the Infant Jesus.

Filipinos are avid Sto. Nino devotees. The presentation of the replica of the image in the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia makes the Ambassador's visit significant. It strenghthens the religious, cultural and civil ties between the Philippines and Czech Republic.

Happy Valentine's Day

WHY VALENTINE'S DAY SHOULD BE DECLARED A HOLIDAY

According to Wikipedia, the Free Encylopedia, Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14. In North America, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Fast Facts on Valentine's Day: (Wikipedia)
Also called
St Valentine's Day
Observed by
Western and Western-influenced cultures
Type
Cultural, multinational
Significance
Lovers express their feelings to each other
Date
February 14
Observances
Sending greeting cards and gifts, dating.
Related to
The Night of Sevens, a Chinese holiday that also relates to love. White Day, a similar holiday celebrated in Japan and Korea one month after Valentine's Day

The foregoing is a good justification why Valentine's Day should be declared a Special Holiday. I used to give little importance to the day of the hearts until I came across to its historical, spiritual and universal significance. Now I understand why there is this natural phenomenon to express one's love and affection during this day. I used to think that Valentine's day is a conconction of western minds to promote their business interests. I thought it was part of the commercialization of activities. I've realized that Valentine's Day is not only an emotional celebration but something which should be given importance. At least during this day, people is in the mood for loving. It is a good opportunity to have a respite from conflicts and wars. Why declare it a special holiday? Because, human nature dictates that people should be caring, understanding and loving. Why don't we give them a chance to celebrate their natural goodness.

THE NEED FOR POLITICAL MATURITY

The ouster of Congressman Joe de Venecia as Speaker of the House of Represenatives by his own partymates and allies only shows how weak the political party system is in the Philippines. Politics here has not really matured. Philippine politics is still based on personalities and patronage. I can't imagine a Congress controlled by the Majority party spent so much time debating to unseat a Speaker who also happens to belong to the same majority party!!! The intramurals among members of the Majority right then and there at plenary hall of the House covered by a national television makes one shake his head vigorously. The arguments should have been made in a caucus room and the decision smoothly executed in the session hall. The issue which had been debated upon was not of national interest but a personal battle of the former speaker who has fallen out from the graces of Malacañang. Shall we say that this is a case of politics of personalities or washing dirty linens in public?

Listening to the explanations of most of the congressmen, it seems that their votes are anchored on the premise that they should protect the interest of their respective congressional districts. I sense that they must be referring to the Countrywide Development Fund or "pork barrel". Many lawmakers cannot afford to loss their "pork barrel" or that a delay in its release be incurred or else the implementation of their projects will suffer. It is the executive branch through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) which has the authority to release such fund. It is not surprising that many congressmen have to see to it that they should not be at odds with Malacañang. This is a reality in Philippine politics. Shall we call this patronage or political phragmatism?

The issue on speakership at the House came on such a time that the United States is busy with its primary elections for the 2008 Presidential race. I can't help but compare the level of political maturity between theirs and ours. The obvious has always confronted us. There is really a need for political maturity.