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

Aquilino Pimentel III proclaimed senator

Aquilino Pimentel III proclaimed senator   (please click here)

ZUBIRI'S RESIGNATION PRE-EMPTED KOKO PIMENTEL'S TAKEOVER

The resignation of Migz Zubiri as Senator of the Philippines could have been recorded in our history as a noble act of statesmanship if it was done with utmost sincerity. I could only surmise that the resignation of Senator Zubiri was more of face-saving and a propaganda in preparation for the 2013 elections. Although he mentioned that he has nothing to do with the alleged fraud in the 2007 elections, he should have stated that if he was a benificiary to the alleged manipulaton of the elections specifically in Maguindanao, he was resigning out of delicadeza.   

However, his resignation speech tend to undermine the assertions of his adversary, lawyer Koko Pimentel. He could have been appreciated more if he mentioned that his resignation is irrevocable. The statement of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile that he will study the matter (Zubiri's resignation) sent a wrong signal to the ordinary Filipino. As if everthing is "moro-moro."

Humility should have spelled the magic in Zubiri's resignation. But, the lack of it made the affair a tactical move to pre-empt the possible assumption into office of  Koko Pimentel as senator.

For others, Zubiri's resignation is an implied admission that he did not really win the 2007 senatorial race.

Roxas will have hands full at DOTC | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

Roxas will have hands full at DOTC | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

WATER POLLUTION MIGHT BE THE REAL CAUSE OF FISHKILL

Up to this this time, there is no official word from experts and authorities as to the real cause of fishkill in Batangas and Panagasinan. This is not the first time that fishkill occured in different parts of the country. However, it seems that we only get alarmed by this when it is already happening, when the disaster is right before our eyes. A logical conclusion that comes to one's mind is that most of the bodies of water like rivers, seas, lakes and the like are polluted. Government, especially the local governments units can do something about this. Waste water directed into our rivers and seas should be regulated properly. Waste water treatment should be employed by the local governments. If local officials allot millions of pesos for roads and public buildings, they should also focus on environmental protection such as the promotion of clean water.

Waste water treatment like the reverse osmosis system is nowadays affordable. Taxpayers won't mind if public funds are spent to protect our waters. The money is worth spending to make our rivers, seas, and bodies of water clean and unpolluted. If this happens, the bounty of our aquatic resources will become sustainable. Fishkill will just become a thing of the past.

Tribes ask SC to stop Surigao mining

Tribes ask SC to stop Surigao mining

RH BILL DEBATE: MOOT AND ACADEMIC?

Salient provisions of the Reproductive Health bill have found its way in the respective gender and development code of many local government units. Coupled with a memorandum circular mandating for the passage of a gender code, pro forma ordinances were distributed by the DILG several years ago which were adopted by various local government units. If local laws have been passed to this effect, the on-going debate might already be moot and academic.

400 YEARS OF UST: A Visit to my Alma Mater

2009 Wear a helmet campaign

ALL THE BEST IN 2011

December 10 is International Human Rights Day

Respect for Human Rights starts with the recognition of the right to life, liberty and property. The right to life includes the right to a happy and prosperous life. Right to Liberty is not just simple physical freedom but it also encompasses economic freedom. Freedom must be exercised responsibly. Right to property is a basic necessity. Property rights must always be respected. It gives dignity to an individual. It is a tool for development.

REMEMBERING THE FIRST ILOCANO PRESIDENT: ELPIDIO R. QUIRINO

Quirino, Elpidio - WikiPilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia

VIGAN CITY COUNCIL APPROVES ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR 2011 AMOUNTING TO PHP 86,500,000.00

The Vigan City Council has just recently approved the Annual Development Plan of Vigan for 2011 amounting to Php 86,500,000.00, details of which can be found above.

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN THE FILIPINO WAY

Celebrating the western-type of halloween in the Philipines does not speak well of being a Filipino, we just imitated it from our American idols. Worst, it has become commercialized and UnFilipino. We should come up with our own unique celebration without prejudice to the party mood and merriment. In the Philippine setting, "Trick or Treat" should be replaced with "Pangangaluwa" wherein groups or individuals can visit the different houses in their communities and serenade the owners for a token fee or food treat. Halloween Costumes should be something Filipino. Instead of witches, draculas, and foriegn-inspired characters, we should come up with costumes depicting a "Kapre", "Tikbalang", "Aswang", "Mangkukulam" or anything identifed with the Filipino.

Halloween according to Wikepedia, is a holiday celebrated every October 31 in places like the United States, Canada, Ireland and UK. The Filipino Halloween on the otherhand is the celebration of All Saints' Day every November 1 and All Soul's Day every November 2. These have been associated with the Catholic Church. The Filipino tradition is to visit the tombs of their departed loved ones on these days, bringing flowers and candles including food as offerings. It is also during this time that Filipino families gather together and offer prayers for the dead, after which a family picnic in the cemeteries and memorial parks take place.

A long time ago, the "Pangangaluwa" every October 31 had been a Filipino practice in several provinces in the Philippines. However, this has been forgotten and this Filipino culture and tradition was overetaken by the "Western Halloween". Parties and merriment during the halloween are acceptable, but Filipinos should do it without appearing as cheap copycats and imitators of a culture which do they not own. Identity crisis has always been a problem for the Pinoy.


Let us start reviving and appreciating our own traditions and customs. In this way, we will be contributing to the country's cultural development towards economic prosperity.