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.

PILIPINAS KONG MAHAL : HOW FUNNY!

The recents events here in the Philippines qualify not in the Guiness World Record but in the Most Amazing and Funniest Videos. Let's look into these:


FORMER PRESIDENT JOSEPH "ERAP" ESTRADA WAS CONVICTED OF PLUNDER. The world was amazed, the conviction of a former president which has happened normally in more developed and disciplined countries like South Korea and Japan became a reality here in the Philippines. Although the Filipino Nation seemed divided, my beloved Philippines(Pilipinas kong Mahal) was able to uphold the rule of law ---- for a while.

PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO PARDONED "ERAP". The Filipino people were amazed and the world was shocked! After only several weeks from the time of conviction, without waiting for it to become final, former President Joseph Ejercito-Estrada accepted the presidential pardon given by President Arroyo. Some say that this is in the spirit of "political reconciliation." Estrada is again a free man! Don't you find it funny?

Last thursday, November 29, 2007, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, staged another seige at Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati after walking-out from a Makati court hearing on rebellion charges for the Oakwood Hotel Mutiny. The young senator together with General Danilo Lim and their supporters were calling for the resignation of the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The Trillanes caper was immediately crushed by the joint forces of the military and police. It seems that the Magdalo group of Trillanes are fond of hotels to stage their rebellion. Very funny!

Popular support for the group did not come. Only a handful of civilian sympathizers like former Vice President Teofisto Guingona came to show openly their support. I can surmise that the Filipinos are tired of coup d' etats, mutinees, and rebellions. They want signifcant change through peaceful means. The Trillanes act is uncalled for, it became a personal battle instead of an advocay to address the plight of the common man.

I really love my country, living in the Philippines is having a good sense of humor despite the odds of life. Sometimes being Filipino is being FUNNY.

WHAT MAKES THE PESO STRONG?

The Philippine peso apparently is gaining strength against the US dollar. Consistently, it became stronger over the past few months. Is this a sign that the Philippine economy is improving? Does this make the average Juan dela Cruz happy because the purchasing power of the peso has gone up?

Economists say that the Philippine economy is not growing, in fact, the average Filipino cannot really feel the benefits of a truly stable economy. Majority of the Filipinos remain poor. What makes then the Philippine Peso strong? The weak U.S. dollar makes the peso strong. The Philippine economy is not growing. It is still basically the same. It's the U.S. dollar which is getting weaker and this makes the peso apparently strong.

46 FRUITFUL YEARS

I quietly celebrated my 46th Birthday last November 15. Indeed, time flies so fast. Years ago, I was learning then the basics of politics way back in my college days as a poltical science student in the University of Santo Tomas(the oldest University of Asia), and trying to understand the realities of Philippine politics after I finished my course and became an activist espousing the removal of U.S. military bases in the hope that the Philippines would become truly independent. Now, I'm here heading the policy-making body of the City Government of Vigan as a Presiding Officer of the City Council in my capacity as a Vice Mayor. I can say that a substantial portion of my life has been spent to politics.

I started young in politics, not in the traditional sense but the REAL one. Politics as an institution and as an art of governance. Now, I remain committed to an advocacy to make politics a respectable calling. Political maturity is still something to be seen in our country. We have yet a long way to travel. It is still an elusive dream.

As an elected local official of the Heritage City of Vigan who has served for more than 18 years, I can humbly say that I have modest contributions to what Vigan is right now. As a legislator, I took the lead in the crafting and eventually in the passing of the Vigan Conservation Ordinance which seeks to protect the Ancestral Houses of Vigan, the very reason why it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list of sites and monuments.

I have no regrets becoming a poltician. Life became meaningful when I entered public service. Seeing things done and substantial changes being undertaken to improve my beloved city gave me a sense of contenment and pride. I thank God for the 46 fruitful years, and I pray to Him to give me more. To whatever modest achievements gained, I dedicate it to my family. If setbacks have come along the way, I must say that Life must go on.

MANNY PACQUIAO: World Boxing Champion, Adopted Son of Vigan

GOOD GOVERNANCE MATTERS

(Speech delivered during the 42nd Foundation Anniversary Celebrations of the University of Northern Philippines on October 14, 2007 at the UNP Auditorium)

AS WE CELEBRATE THE 47 YEARS OF THIS INSTITUTION, LET US TRAVEL BACK IN TIME. IF WE DIG DEEPER THE EARLY BEGINNINGS OF THE UNIVERSITY, IT CAN BE TRACED AS FAR AS 1800.

IN 1880, A STRUCTURE ALONG FLORENTINO STREET WAS BUILT TO HOUSE THE ILLUSTRE COLLEGIO DE ABOGADO DE VIGAN. IN 1902, AFTER THE SPANISH REGIME, IT BECAME THE ILOCANO UNIVERSITY. WHEN THE VIGAN HIGH SCHOOL WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1906, THE NEW SCHOOL OCCUPIED THE BUILDING, THE ILOCANO UNIVERSITY WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE HOUSE OF A CERTAIN DR. ANTONIO JIMENEZ WHO WAS THEN THE HEAD OF THE UNIVERSITY. IN 1927, THE VIGAN HIGH SCHOOL BECAME THE VIGAN TRADE SCHOOL HAVING THE FIRST BATCH OF STUDENTS GRADUATING IN 1931.

IN 1931, THE VIGAN TRADE SCHOOL BECAME THE ILOCOS SUR TRADE SCHOOL. TEN YEARS AFTER, THE SCHOOL WAS CONVERTED INTO A REGIONAL TRADE SCHOOL BY THE LATE PRESIDENT MANUEL L. QUEZON THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF ASSEMBLYMAN BENITO SOLIVEN AND GOVERNOR PEDRO SINGSON REYES. HOWEVER, THE SECOND WORLD WAR PREVENTED ITS IMPLEMENTATION. IN 1951, THE ILOCOS SUR TRADE SCHOOL WAS CONVERTED INTO THE NORTHERN LUZON SCHOOL OF ARTS AND TRADE TROUGH REPUBLIC ACT 547, AND IN 1960 BY VIRTUE OF REPUBLIC ACT 2700 AND SUBSEQUENTLY IN 1964, REPUBLIC ACT 4449, THE NORTHERN LUZON SCHOOL OF ARTS AND TRADE WAS CONVERTED INTO WHAT WE KNOW NOW AS THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES. FOR SOME TIME, THE STRUCTURE BECAME THE VIGAN SPORTS COMPLEX WHEN UNP WAS ESTABLISHED IN BARANGAY TAMAG.

TODAY, THE ORIGINAL STRUCTURE STILL STANDS AT THE HEART OF THE CITY AND IS THE PRESENT SITE OF THE VIGAN CULTURE AND`TRADE CENTER, AN EXAMPLE OF CONSERVATION ARCHITECTURE AND ADAPTIVE RE-USE OF AN OLD BUILDING.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THIS IS HOW RICH THE HERITAGE OF VIGAN IS. FROM THE CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS, WE CAN SEE GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE PHILIPPINE BUREAUCRACY AT WORK.

EACH AND EVERYONE OF US HAS HIS OR HER AMBITION IN LIFE, THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION WHEN WE WERE STILL CHILDREN AND WE KEEP ON ASKING TO THE CHILDREN OF TODAY IS “ANAK ANONG GUSTO MONG MAGING PAGLAKI MO?” THE READY ANSWER IS, “I WANT TO BE A NURSE”, I WANT TO BE A DOCTOR”, “I WANT TO BE A LAWYER”, “I WANT TO BE AN ENGINEER”. IF SOMEBODY SAYS, “I WANT TO BE A POLITICIAN”, WE TEND TO DISCOURAGE THE CHILD. MOST OF US WILL SAY, “HWAG ANAK KASI MARUMI ANG PULITIKA” , “POLITICS IS BAD.”

BUT, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS DIRTY POLITICS BECAUSE POLITICS IN THE REAL SENSE IS THE ART OF GOVERNANCE. IT IS THE SYSTEMATIC MANNER OF MANAGING THE AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT. WE DO NOT HAVE BAD POLITICS, ONLY BAD OR UNDESIRABLE POLITICIANS. POLITICS WILL ALWAYS BE HERE TO STAY AS LONG AS GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS CONTINUE TO BE OPERATIONAL.

GOOD GOVERNANCE MATTERS A LOT FOR ALL OF US. IT IS AN INDICATOR THAT GOVERNMENT IS FUNCTIONING WELL FOR THE GENERAL WELFARE. IT MAKES US FEEL CONFIDENT OF OUR GOVERNMENT. MAYBE, THE BEST UPDATE OF GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE PHILIPPINE BUREAUCARACY IS THE CONVICTION BY THE SANDIGANBAYAN OF FORMER PRESIDENT JOSEPH ESTRADA FOR PLUNDER. ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT YET FINAL, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT A PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT HAS BEEN INDICTED FOR A CRIME INVOLVING GRAFT AND CORRUPTION. WE HAVE YET TO SEE MORE PROSECUTIONS OF HIGH-RANKING PUBLIC OFFICIALS AMIDST SCANDALS SUCH AS THE ZTE BROADBAND DEAL.

ON THE LOCAL FRONT, I BELIEVE THAT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE BECOME THE SAVING GRACE OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. WITH THE ADVENT OF EFFECTIVE AND INNOVATIVE MANAGERS IN THE DIFFERENT PROVINCES, CITIES, MUNICPALITIES AND BARANGAYS, DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED INITIATIVES BECAME SOURCES OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION FOR THE PEOPLE. BEST PRACTICES ON LOCAL GOVERNANCE ARE EVIDENT IN MANY AREAS OF THE COUNTRY. MAYBE LET’S GIVE FEDERALISM A SECOND THOUGHT.

IN THE CITY OF VIGAN, WE ARE NOW IN THE PROCESS OF EXPANDING THE CONCEPT OF HERITAGE CONSERVATION. WE WILL NOT BE ONLY FOCUSING ON THE PROTECTION OF BUILT HERITAGE BUT WE WILL NOW ALSO CONSERVE THE OTHER FORMS OF HERITAGE SUCH AS THE INTANGIBLE HERITAGE, MOVABLE HERITAGE, AND THE NATURAL HERITAGE. WE HAVE REALIZED THAT WE HAVE TO GRADUATE FROM BEING DEPENDENT ON THE INTERNAL REVENUE ALLOTMENT, THAT IS WHY WE CAME UP WITH A REVISION OF THE VIGAN REVENUE CODE TO UPDATE OUTMODED RATES OF REGULATORY FEES AND SELECTED TAXABLE ACTIVITIES. RIGHT NOW, WE ARE REVIEWING THE INCOME REALIZED FROM REAL PROPERTY TAXES. SINCE WE DO NOT WANT TO FOCUS OUR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION ON LOCAL TAXATION, WE ARE PREPARING TO UPGRADE THE CAPACITY OF OUR ECONOMIC ENTERPRISES SUCH AS THE MARKET, SLAUGHTERHOUSE, PLAYA DE ORO RESORT, MIRA HILLS PARK, VIGAN CULTURE AND TRADE CENTER AND OUR PROPERTY IN TAGUIG TO EARN INCOME FOR THE CITY.

ON THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED TRICYCLE SUMMIT, WE HAVE AGREED UPON TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES SURROUNDING THE TRICYCLE INDUSTRY SUCH AS NOISE AND SMOKE POLLUTION BY REGULATING 2-STROKE TRICYCLES FOR HIRE. COMPLAINTS AND COMMENDATIONS FORM WILL BE READILY AVAILABLE TO THE RIDING PUBLIC SO THAT PEOPLE WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO AIR THEIR GRIEVANCES AGAINST ERRING AND ABUSIVE TRICYCLE DRIVERS AND OPERATORS BUT AT THE SAME TIME CAN COMMEND THOSE THAT MANIFEST EXAMPLARY CHARACTER.

AS THE HUMBLE PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE CITY COUNCIL, I WISH TO INFORM YOU THAT WE HAVE BEEN ADJUDGED AS THE OUTSTANDING SANGGUNIAN OF ILOCOS SUR AND WE HAVE BEEN OPERATING THROUGH OUR ELECTRONIC SESSION WHICH IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR THE SAKE OF TRANSPARENCY. WE MAINTAIN TO BE A DELIBERATIVE BODY, WHERE DEMOCRACY IS AT WORK. THESE ARE SOME OF THE UPDATES ON GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE CITY OF VIGAN.

ANOTHER WELCOME DEVELOPMENT IS THE NEWS THAT THE SYNCHRONIZED BARANGAY ANG SK ELECTIONS WILL PUSH TROUGH THIS OCTOBER 29, 2007. THIS IS LONG OVERDUE, LET US GIVE A CHANCE FOR THE PEOPLE TO RE-ELECT THOSE THAT ARE DESERVING AND CHANGE THE UNDESIRABLES. LET THE YOUTH REPLACE THE OVER AGE SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN WITH A FRESH SET OF YOUTH OFFICIALS. LET US SHOW TO THE WORLD THAT GOOD GOVERNANCE STILL EXISTS IN THIS COUNTRY.

IN CLOSING I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE UNP COMMUNITY FOR A VERY SUCCESSFUL CELEBRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY’S FOUNDATION DAY.

THE BARANGAY ELECTIONS MUST PROCEED

The attempt to postpone the synchronized Barangay and SK elections is politically unacceptable. It does not go well with a democratic society like the Philippines. The holding of these elections is long overdue, considering that it was previously re-set. The elected barangay leaders, councilmen and youth leaders have been serving their terms since 2002. The lawfully scheduled Oct. 31, 2005 election mandated under RA 9164 was already postponed through another law - RA 9340. Their term of office was already extended by two years.

In a free and democratic society, citizens are given the chance to participate in governance. Leaders should not perpetuate themselves into power. They should be instruments in making the community grow by shunning monopoly of ideas and tyranny of the few. Genuine development can only be attained if people are politically, socially and economically free. The people's basic right to choose their leaders must be upheld.

Senate's act of technically abandoning the move by the House of Representatives to postpone the Barangay and SK elections is a welcome development. The people in the barangays will now have the chance to elect their leaders. Let the deserving be re-elected and the undesirables be replaced, let the barangays be truly empowered by electing qualified village leaders with a vision and solid program of government. Let the youth chart their destiny by allowing them to change the old ones with a fresh set of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials.

The October 29, 2007 Barangay and SK elections must proceed as scheduled. This political exercise will put to rest the perception that the Philippines is not capable of upholding its own laws. Amidst numerous national crises and scandals, the holding of the synchronized elections will help boost our country's image as the bulwark of democracy in Asia.

CHEER DANCE COMPETITION DURING THE FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION ON OCT. 5, 2007

THE LEGENDARY RED TEAM: UNDERRATED AND UNDEFEATED

Composed of several departments of the City Government of Vigan such as the Offices of the City Vice Mayor, City Council, Engineering, Civil Registrar, Productivity Center, Parking Terminal and Market Annex, and the Department of Interior and Local Government, the LEGENDARY RED TEAM although underrated has always been in high spirits. Conquering the other teams (Yellow, Orange and Green) in Volleyball(w), Basketball (w), Badminton(w), Table Tennis(w), darts, chess, and the traditional games of dama and sungka; the team was a hairline shy away from winning the Cheer Dance competition during the family day celebration of the City of Vigan on October 5, 2007 at the Mira Hills park. But, the team remains proud and tall, the members of the cheering squad had this to say, "maybe the judges failed to see and appreciate how we performed in the cheer dance competition, in so far as we are concerned, we did our best and we are winners in our own right."

The red team landed second in the overall standing, next to the yellow team. This was readily accepted by the red sox when it was announced in the family day affair. After all, it was only a game and the team's spirit is undefeated.

MEMBERS OF THE ANTIQUE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL COUNCIL VISIT VIGAN

Led by its President, Former Board Member Zoilo Tubianoso, the members of the Antique Historical and Cultural Council came to Vigan for a visit and a short exchange of ideas on how to continue protecting Philippine Heritage. I attended the interaction together with the Vigan Cultural Mappers such as Councilor Ever Molina (President, Sociedad Historica de Vigan), Architect Abel Navarro, (UAP Fernandina Chapter), Architect Rey Florentino (UAP Ylocos Chapter), Fr. Bobit Abiera of Antique, Dr. Nenita Pacis and Dr. Julita Adriatico, both of the Department of Education(Vigan District) and secondary students from St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur.

ESTABLISHMENT OF VIGAN STIMULATION AND THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY CENTER (STAC): A CHILD-FRIENDLY ENDEAVOR

Every time I attend the 5 o’clock mass in the afternoon of Sundays, the presence of small children always catches my attention. Pre-schoolers ages 0-5 innocently and happily doing their thing as if the church is their playground. I feel amused observing these toddlers. In fact, I remember my own kids when they were at that age. I also remember those that I’ve seen as students but have become grown-ups and still attending the same 5 o’clock mass, now with their own children.

I consider these children relatively lucky. At least, they are free from disabilities, but what if the unexpected happens? What if despite preventive efforts, our children become disabled due to disease? What if our children are inflicted with disabilities due to accidents?

The city of vigan is not only sensitive to the infrastructure and economic needs of the biguenos but also to the special needs of children particularly those with disabilities. The establishment of the Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center is indeed a manifestation that Vigan is truly a child-friendly city. This is a welcome development for all us. This is giving importance to the children as hope of the motherland. If I may paraphrase the song, The Greatest Love of All, “ the children are really our future, teach them well and let them lead the way, show them all the beauty they posses inside, give them a sense of pride, let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be, LET THE CHILDREN GROW IN NORMAL CONDITIONS, LET THOSE WITH DISABILITIES FEEL THAT THEY TOO CAN BECOME PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this inauguration!

(Welcome Message delivered on October 1, 2007 at the Inauguration and Launching of the Vigan Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center located at the Market Annex)

NORTH COTABATO VISITORS OBSERVE THE ELECTRONIC SESSION OF THE VIGAN CITY COUNCIL

Visitors from North Cotabato Province came to Vigan last September 8-10, 2007 primarily to observe the electronic session of the Vigan City Council. The delegation headed by Board Member, Atty. Celestino Rapacon consisted of the legislative staff of the Provincial Board of North Cotabato. The visit coincided with Vigan's celebration of the World Heritage Solidarity Day.

SAVE BANAUE RICE TERRACES, SAVE THE FILIPINO HERITAGE

The Banaue rice terraces in Ifugao is a natural heritage and considered as one of the eight wonders of the world. Because of its unique physical features, it has attracted local and foreign visitors. It has become a world heritage site because of its universal value. Thus, a source of pride for Filipinos. Now, it is in the brink of being delisted from the prestigious Unesco world heritage list of sites and monuments due to the fact that its integrity as a natural attraction is being disturbed by the unregulated construction of concrete houses right on the rice terraces itself. Moreover, the new generation of Ifugaos is not so keen in tilling their ancestral lands that most of them try to migrate elsewhere to seek for greener pasture.

The lack of awareness on the significance of the rice terraces and the quest for economic deliverance are contributory in Banaue’s inclusion in the endangered list of heritage sites. This is a challenge to the local government of Ifugao and the Philippine national government. The local officials of Ifugao should have relentlessly educated their constituents on the value of their ancestral lands. The history of the place, customs and traditions, and the awesome view of the rice terraces which was painstakingly etched from the mountains by their ancestors centuries ago are enough reasons to make one proud of its rich legacy and identity. The local officials should have exercised its regulatory powers in order to conserve this heritage site. The people should have realized that without Banaue rice terraces, Ifugao won’t have the kind of international recognition and distinction that it has now.

As in any other heritage site, the perennial issue is how to increase revenues through heritage conservation and improve the lives of the people. The effects of heritage conservation must trickle down to the poor. This has to be addressed in order to enlist the support of the populace. As the saying goes, “you cannot educate a hungry stomach.” Awareness and appreciation entails education.

The call of the hour is not only to save Banaue from being delisted from the UNESCO World Heritage List but to save it from natural and man-made disturbances. We should not allow the pristine and breath-taking beauty of the site to disappear forever or else the next generation will have nothing to appreciate.

SOLIDARITY DAY INTERACTIVE PARADE DEPICTS VIGAN HISTORY

LET'S CELEBRATE SOLIDARITY DAY

On september 8, 1993, the Organization of World heritage cities was founded in Fez, Morocco. The organization served as an umbrella group of all heritage towns and cities inscribed by UNESCO. As of December, 2001, the organization was made up of 203 Cities. Of the member cities, seven are located in Africa, 36 in Latin America and the Caribbean, , 120 in Europe and Canada, 20 in the Arab States, and 20 in Asia and the Pacific, including our beloved VIGAN. This brings pride and prestige for all of us, This is indeed a cause to celebrate, that’s why we are gathered here this afternoon.

As we celebrate solidarity day with the rest of the world, we also renew our commitment to protect the rich legacy of the past. We have started making Vigan a livable city, the challenge for all us now is to make our city globally competitive. Efforts have been exerted to conserve the ancestral houses of vigan. The challenge now is to protect other forms of heritage such as the intangible, the natural and the movable. Vigan has become one of the favorite destinations of tourists, the challenge now is to come up with an organized tourism promotion to attract both local and foreign visitors. We now have to change the mind set that Vigan is just one of the attractions. Let’s view Vigan as a corporate entity, which is a source of economic opportunities.

Lets celebrate solidarity day, I welcome all of you in this celebration. Let's all say Viva Vigan!

DILG UNDERSECRETARY MARIUS CORPUZ TURNS-OVER A FIRE TRUCK TO THE CITY OFFICIALS OF VIGAN CITY