Wednesday, December 20, 2006
MILF Firm On Demand, Ready To Resume Peace Talks With Manila
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Mindanao Teachers Lack PCs, Call It Happy Problem
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mike Banos / 20 Dec) - Teachers in the Mindanao State University MSU-System of High Schools and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have what EduQuest, Inc. general manager Teresita Medado calls a "happy problem". They don't have enough computers and peripherals to integrate computers and the internet into classroom instruction.
During the Recognition and Awards Night for the IBM eMentor Scholarship program held recently in Cagayan de Oro, Maryam Manalundong, who was cited as the "Best Trainer" among the 27 graduates of the program, said they don't have enough computers to enable students to learn "hands-on".
They also lacked LCD projectors to make up for the lack of PCs by projecting their lessons to the board for all students to see.
But Medado called this is a "happy problem" because that particular batch of eMentors have "found good use for their PCs" and said she "wanted it recognized." Apparently, EduQuest worked with other schools before which "over-invested" in hardware and software but eventually found little use for it.
Even prior to that, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) program already recognized the need to develop the "humanware" for this project by bringing in the IBM eMentor scholarship program for its Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC) program.
CLIC aims to promote computer literacy and the use of information and communications technology (ICT) among students and teachers in the ARMM and other conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. It provides internet-linked computers, software, printers, reference materials on computers and the internet, and training on basic troubleshooting and repairs to CLIC-beneficiary schools.
To improve the quality of ICT-facilitated learning in the ARMM, IBM and USAID through GEM launched the IBM eMentor Scholarship Program (also known as the IBM eMentor Teacher Professional Training and Practicum Program) in the ARMM and the MSU System of High Schools.
The IBM eMentor Scholarship Program is implemented and managed by EduQuest, Inc., an affiliate of Asia Pacific College, an institution founded by IBM Philippines and the SM Foundation.
As a training provider and consultant on teaching strategies and tools, EduQuest designed the training course and certified the acquisition of competencies gained by teachers through the program. It was also responsible for monitoring the implementing the program by qualified and trained teachers in their own schools.
The program was developed with the rationale that improving the quality of education in the ARMM would help accelerate economic growth in Mindanao, improve the quality of life and bring about a just and lasting peace in the region.
In January 2006, at least 30 teachers were selected from a pool of 85 program applicants using a highly competitive process managed by GEM. Selection criteria included reading diagnosis rating, technology skill level and professional qualifications.
As program beneficiaries, each teacher-scholar committed to share the skills they acquired with at least 10 teachers from their schools within 7-10 months after graduating from the program.
From the original pool of 30 qualified applicants, 28 teacher-scholars went through an intensive 8-day training program at the STI computer laboratory in Davao City last January.
The training taught them how to maximize ICT applications, tools and resources in the classroom to inspire greater interest and increase the motivation to learn of students, thus increasing the quality of classroom instruction in the region (which has among the lowest literacy rate in the entire country) and also improved their ability to facilitate community participation in the learning process. Outputs and peer feedback were discussed on the last day of training.
Upon returning to their respective schools, the teacher-scholars now turned mentors applied their newly acquired skills and trained at least 10 other teachers, thus increasing the base of trained and qualified teacher-users for CLIC-partner schools.
Through the next 10 months, CLIC and IBM, through EduQuest, monitored and evaluated the implementation of the teacher-mentors' portfolio in their own schools.
Twenty seven teacher-mentor scholars completed the requirements of the program just this month.
The three highest achieving teacher-scholars and who excelled in their specific fields were recognized with awards from IBM and EduQuest. The teacher-mentors were evaluated based on three major criteria: Development and Implementation of Instructional materials using ICT; re-echo training or passing on what they have learned from the IBM eMentor program to their co-teachers, and teacher collaboration through various tools in the internet.
The 27 IBM eMentor Teacher-Scholars were Kusain M. Abas, Leticia S. Adjaril, Ma. Venus P. Aman, Floravel K. Ambas, Saliah Datucali H. Amin, Nor-ain M. Ampang, Aquil S. Andog, Arnold B. Asotigue, Achmad Dimalutang, Camaro T. Edzraphil, Arnel B. Hajan, Renette H. Jecostan, Aidyl Jeffrey A. Jikiri, Florida D. Maddie, Ma. Corazon G. Maguate, Mayleen P. Malagamba, Maryam Q. Manalundong, Caroline T. Marohom, Barbara Ann E. Pangcoga, Ranilo R. Remonde, Jemima O. Ruiz, Rheinjohn A. Sampang, Mariam A. Sunggod, Reynald L. Sykimte, Arlene B. Tawan, Ricardo B. Tarro and Nazer K. Usman.
Recognized as the top eMentor Scholars were Maryam Q. Macalundong, MSU Balindong, Lanao del Sur (1st place); Caroline T. Marohom, Malabang National High School, Lanao del Sur (2nd Place) and Nor-Ain M. Ampang, MSU Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
Also granted special awards were Marohom (Best in Classroom Demonstrations), Manalundong (Best Teacher's Portfolio, Overall Best Online Discussant, Best Online Discussant/IBM Mentor Place, Best Online Discussant/IBM Yahoo group, Best Trainer), Edzraphil (Simplest Use of Technology to Achieve Maximum Impact) and Mr. Aquil S. Andog (Best Online Discussant/IBM eMentor Blogspot).
Although the program partners committed to continue supporting CLIC through the program, a formidable obstacle over which they basically have no control continues to hound the integration of computers and the internet in the ARMM, especially in Lanao del Sur: inadequate and unstable supply of electricity.
Ricardo de Leon, MSU-System President, acknowledged this problem but said the National Transmission Corporation (Transco) can hopefully address it in the near future upon the completion of a 69KV transmission line in Lanao del Sur aimed at stabilizing the power supply.
Ironically, Lanao del Sur and Iligan City, are hosts communities for the Agus hydro-electric power complex which supplies over half of Mindanao's present power needs.
The CLIC program in the ARMM is managed by Arcille Catherine Raagas, herself a former teacher and mentor based in Cagayan de Oro City. (Contributor, Kagay-an.com)
During the Recognition and Awards Night for the IBM eMentor Scholarship program held recently in Cagayan de Oro, Maryam Manalundong, who was cited as the "Best Trainer" among the 27 graduates of the program, said they don't have enough computers to enable students to learn "hands-on".
They also lacked LCD projectors to make up for the lack of PCs by projecting their lessons to the board for all students to see.
But Medado called this is a "happy problem" because that particular batch of eMentors have "found good use for their PCs" and said she "wanted it recognized." Apparently, EduQuest worked with other schools before which "over-invested" in hardware and software but eventually found little use for it.
Even prior to that, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) program already recognized the need to develop the "humanware" for this project by bringing in the IBM eMentor scholarship program for its Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC) program.
CLIC aims to promote computer literacy and the use of information and communications technology (ICT) among students and teachers in the ARMM and other conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. It provides internet-linked computers, software, printers, reference materials on computers and the internet, and training on basic troubleshooting and repairs to CLIC-beneficiary schools.
To improve the quality of ICT-facilitated learning in the ARMM, IBM and USAID through GEM launched the IBM eMentor Scholarship Program (also known as the IBM eMentor Teacher Professional Training and Practicum Program) in the ARMM and the MSU System of High Schools.
The IBM eMentor Scholarship Program is implemented and managed by EduQuest, Inc., an affiliate of Asia Pacific College, an institution founded by IBM Philippines and the SM Foundation.
As a training provider and consultant on teaching strategies and tools, EduQuest designed the training course and certified the acquisition of competencies gained by teachers through the program. It was also responsible for monitoring the implementing the program by qualified and trained teachers in their own schools.
The program was developed with the rationale that improving the quality of education in the ARMM would help accelerate economic growth in Mindanao, improve the quality of life and bring about a just and lasting peace in the region.
In January 2006, at least 30 teachers were selected from a pool of 85 program applicants using a highly competitive process managed by GEM. Selection criteria included reading diagnosis rating, technology skill level and professional qualifications.
As program beneficiaries, each teacher-scholar committed to share the skills they acquired with at least 10 teachers from their schools within 7-10 months after graduating from the program.
From the original pool of 30 qualified applicants, 28 teacher-scholars went through an intensive 8-day training program at the STI computer laboratory in Davao City last January.
The training taught them how to maximize ICT applications, tools and resources in the classroom to inspire greater interest and increase the motivation to learn of students, thus increasing the quality of classroom instruction in the region (which has among the lowest literacy rate in the entire country) and also improved their ability to facilitate community participation in the learning process. Outputs and peer feedback were discussed on the last day of training.
Upon returning to their respective schools, the teacher-scholars now turned mentors applied their newly acquired skills and trained at least 10 other teachers, thus increasing the base of trained and qualified teacher-users for CLIC-partner schools.
Through the next 10 months, CLIC and IBM, through EduQuest, monitored and evaluated the implementation of the teacher-mentors' portfolio in their own schools.
Twenty seven teacher-mentor scholars completed the requirements of the program just this month.
The three highest achieving teacher-scholars and who excelled in their specific fields were recognized with awards from IBM and EduQuest. The teacher-mentors were evaluated based on three major criteria: Development and Implementation of Instructional materials using ICT; re-echo training or passing on what they have learned from the IBM eMentor program to their co-teachers, and teacher collaboration through various tools in the internet.
The 27 IBM eMentor Teacher-Scholars were Kusain M. Abas, Leticia S. Adjaril, Ma. Venus P. Aman, Floravel K. Ambas, Saliah Datucali H. Amin, Nor-ain M. Ampang, Aquil S. Andog, Arnold B. Asotigue, Achmad Dimalutang, Camaro T. Edzraphil, Arnel B. Hajan, Renette H. Jecostan, Aidyl Jeffrey A. Jikiri, Florida D. Maddie, Ma. Corazon G. Maguate, Mayleen P. Malagamba, Maryam Q. Manalundong, Caroline T. Marohom, Barbara Ann E. Pangcoga, Ranilo R. Remonde, Jemima O. Ruiz, Rheinjohn A. Sampang, Mariam A. Sunggod, Reynald L. Sykimte, Arlene B. Tawan, Ricardo B. Tarro and Nazer K. Usman.
Recognized as the top eMentor Scholars were Maryam Q. Macalundong, MSU Balindong, Lanao del Sur (1st place); Caroline T. Marohom, Malabang National High School, Lanao del Sur (2nd Place) and Nor-Ain M. Ampang, MSU Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
Also granted special awards were Marohom (Best in Classroom Demonstrations), Manalundong (Best Teacher's Portfolio, Overall Best Online Discussant, Best Online Discussant/IBM Mentor Place, Best Online Discussant/IBM Yahoo group, Best Trainer), Edzraphil (Simplest Use of Technology to Achieve Maximum Impact) and Mr. Aquil S. Andog (Best Online Discussant/IBM eMentor Blogspot).
Although the program partners committed to continue supporting CLIC through the program, a formidable obstacle over which they basically have no control continues to hound the integration of computers and the internet in the ARMM, especially in Lanao del Sur: inadequate and unstable supply of electricity.
Ricardo de Leon, MSU-System President, acknowledged this problem but said the National Transmission Corporation (Transco) can hopefully address it in the near future upon the completion of a 69KV transmission line in Lanao del Sur aimed at stabilizing the power supply.
Ironically, Lanao del Sur and Iligan City, are hosts communities for the Agus hydro-electric power complex which supplies over half of Mindanao's present power needs.
The CLIC program in the ARMM is managed by Arcille Catherine Raagas, herself a former teacher and mentor based in Cagayan de Oro City. (Contributor, Kagay-an.com)
Zamboanga Gets New Power Plant
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Darwin Wee / 20 Dec) – To prevent power shortage and fully meet the growing electricity demand in Zamboanga City, the state-owned National Transmission Corporation (Transco) said it is fast-tracking the construction of a 100-megavolt ampere power sub-station and a new 138-kilovolt transmission lines in January.
Transco officials said the P1-billion electric project will augment the power supply generated by the 100-megavolt Sangali sub-station, which currently supply the entire city's electric demand.
"With the fast-rising numbers of households, malls, and factories in Zamboanga City, substation in Sangali can no longer service the increasing power demand in the city," Transco's North Western Mindanao project manager Gualberto Geonzon told the Mindanao Examiner.
He said Zamboanga city is increasing an average of 8 megawatt of electric consumption every year. Currently, Zamboanga's demand of power is pegged at 72 MW, but this could be higher because of the Christmas holiday where consumers use more electricity.
He said the construction of the new 100 MVA power sub-station in Pitogo district will supply the electricity to the city’s western part, where most of the major canning factories and industrial plants are located.
The existing Sangali sub-station will now supply the electric demands of the eastern part of Zamboanga, including the city’s business district. "The two sub-stations will now share the electric load of 40 MVA each," he explained.
The new 138-KV double circuit transmission line, on the other hand, is expected to help sustain the Sangali sub-station which serves as the end point of the Mindanao Grid.
Geonzon said Transco is currently negotiating with land owners affected by the constructions of the 138-KV double circuit transmission by-pass line to allow them to put up steel towers for the 67-km long project from Sangali to Pitogo.
"Although, at least 80 percent of the affected lot owners have agreed to let us use their lands temporarily,” he said. "We cannot afford to delay this project as this will significantly affect the power supply in this city."The project costs about P1-billion under the so-called Miyazawa Fund, a loan from Japan. (Mindanao Examiner)
Transco officials said the P1-billion electric project will augment the power supply generated by the 100-megavolt Sangali sub-station, which currently supply the entire city's electric demand.
"With the fast-rising numbers of households, malls, and factories in Zamboanga City, substation in Sangali can no longer service the increasing power demand in the city," Transco's North Western Mindanao project manager Gualberto Geonzon told the Mindanao Examiner.
He said Zamboanga city is increasing an average of 8 megawatt of electric consumption every year. Currently, Zamboanga's demand of power is pegged at 72 MW, but this could be higher because of the Christmas holiday where consumers use more electricity.
He said the construction of the new 100 MVA power sub-station in Pitogo district will supply the electricity to the city’s western part, where most of the major canning factories and industrial plants are located.
The existing Sangali sub-station will now supply the electric demands of the eastern part of Zamboanga, including the city’s business district. "The two sub-stations will now share the electric load of 40 MVA each," he explained.
The new 138-KV double circuit transmission line, on the other hand, is expected to help sustain the Sangali sub-station which serves as the end point of the Mindanao Grid.
Geonzon said Transco is currently negotiating with land owners affected by the constructions of the 138-KV double circuit transmission by-pass line to allow them to put up steel towers for the 67-km long project from Sangali to Pitogo.
"Although, at least 80 percent of the affected lot owners have agreed to let us use their lands temporarily,” he said. "We cannot afford to delay this project as this will significantly affect the power supply in this city."The project costs about P1-billion under the so-called Miyazawa Fund, a loan from Japan. (Mindanao Examiner)
Photo: Islamic School In Southern Philippines
An Arabic teacher, Harun Mohammad, is seen from a hole of a plastic wall in his dilapidated school room as he lectures students at the Ma'had Da'wa al Islamie in Taluksangay village in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines. Mohammad says the school lacks rooms and has no library. Government support to Muslim schools in the south is almost nil. (Mindanao Examiner)
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Mindanao Examiner Partners With Monad Studio, Signs Up With Int'l News Providers
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Mindanao Examiner partnered with the Manila-based Monad Studio to promote independent film making in the southern Philippines.
Monad Studio, whose director Patrick Almaden and brother Paco, was behind the short film El Amor Di Pilar, shot in Zamboanga and Manila and other locations in the Philippines.
The highly acclaimed El Amor Di Pilar is a story about a Manila man whose Zamboanguena wife died in a road accident. Devastated and lonely, he later fell in love with another woman, his sister-in-law and the conflict with the girl's family begins.
Monad Studio has produced numerous award winning films.
The Mindanao Examiner, which maintains an online news media and a weekly newspaper, has been promoting independent film making and is currently working – in collaboration with Monad Studio and Moro Films - on a series of seminars and workshops in video productions and photography lectures in Zamboanga.
Aside from partnering with Monad Studio, the Mindanao Examiner also entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce to provide news stories and images for its World News Service.
The Mindanao Examiner also signed up with Scoopt and Blogburst for its articles and photographs.
Avian Flu Virus: Unabated Smuggling Of Wild Birds Put RP At Risk
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Darwin Wee / 19 Dec) - The continued smuggling of wild birds in the country and the lack of public awareness about the dreaded Avian Flu virus are putting the Philippines at risk of contamination, a government environmental official warned.
Although, the country is still free from the Avian Flu or H5N1 virus, the Philippines remains vulnerable to the deadly strain unless the smuggling stops and a massive education campaign begins to raise public awareness about the danger pose by infected birds.
"Since the country is on the defense mode, we should also take necessary precautions on the unmonitored slip of illegal wild birds in the country. A proper knowledge of the disease and its symptoms is vital for the country to be free from the bird flu," said specialist Carlo Custodio, chief of the ecosystems management, of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
"Since the country is on the defense mode, we should also take necessary precautions on the unmonitored slip of illegal wild birds in the country. A proper knowledge of the disease and its symptoms is vital for the country to be free from the bird flu," said specialist Carlo Custodio, chief of the ecosystems management, of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Custodio said that Indonesia, Thailand and other Asian countries have been affected by the outbreak of Avian Flu because of migration of wild birds.
"The spread of the disease is still continues because of bird to human contacts. From shipping to handling, humans are vulnerable to the disease,” he said.
"Seaports, airports, terminals, and other congested places are more at risk as far as the virus is concerned than wetlands where migratory birds temporarily set their homes during the winter season.”
He also cited the lack of basic knowledge about the Avian Flu among government environment workers, particularly those in the provinces. "Even those agencies working in the forefront don't have enough understanding about the Avian Flu virus. If they don’t know anything about it, the risk is even greater for everybody,” Custodio said.
Dr. Miriam Vito, the regional avian influenza coordinator of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said there is low participation among local government units on how to combat the threats of the disease or human contamination.
"Some local government units in the country do not even have their own action plans to prevent the disease. This includes the creation of local task force against avian influenza." she said.
“There is no adequate concern among the Filipinos because they haven't yet realized the negative impact of the disease both economically and socially."
Vito revealed an increasing number of countries inflicted with the H5N1 virus in this year alone.
At least 20 European countries reported to have a "first out-break" cases of Avian Flu since early this year. In Africa, 8 more countries are also affected with the virus; 5 in the Middle East and three in Asia, she said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Sulu Sultan Congratulates New Malaysian King
Malaysian King Mizan Zainal Abidin. (Brunei Times)ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 19 Dec) – A Sultan of Sulu, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, on Tuesday congratulated Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, the newly crowned King of Malaysian.
The 44-year old Sultan Abidin was crowned last week as the 13th king of Malaysia in a fitting ceremony broadcast on national television.
“The influential Sultan of Sulu Archipelago, Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Muhammad Pulalun, astanah darus Sharif Parang Sulu, and his family, including the members of the Romah Bischara extend their warmest congratulation to the newly crowned King of Malaysia, his Highness Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.”
“On behalf of my people, I wish the newly crowned King of Malaysia peace, happiness and good health,” his spokesman, Samuel Tanjil, said in a statement.
Sultan Abidin, the second-youngest king ever, is to serve a five-year term in the capital Kuala Lumpur after he was sworn in at a solemn ceremony at the king's palace, according to the regional newspaper Brunei Times.
The new king was educated in Malaysia and Australia and is an equestrian and martial arts enthusiast.
Malaysia has a unique revolving monarchy, when each of nine hereditary state rulers occupies the throne for five years, it said.
The king's role in Malaysia is largely ceremonial, as power belongs to parliament and the prime minister. And so is the role of the Sultan of Sulu in the Philippines.
Tanjil said: “Sultan Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun reiterates his continued support to efforts of the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia to work for peace and stability of the region for progress and prosperity for all people of our great nations.”
All the four countries are members of the regional trade block called the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA. The four countries, along with Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam also composed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN.
Brunei and Malaysia and Libya have sent truce observers in Mindanao that composed the International Monitoring Team. It has 41 officers from the Malaysian Defense Forces, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Prime Minister's Department and is also supported by 10 military officers from Brunei Darussalam and 5 from Libya. (Mindanao Examiner)
DTI Assists Subanon Miners In Zambo Norte
Government officials led by Trade regional director for Western Mindanao Nazrullah Manzur, in red shirt, poses with TVI people in Siocon town in Zamboanga del Norte in Mindanao.ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE - Aware that indigenous peoples face initial challenges in the management of royalties from resource development firms that operate in their ancestral lands, government agencies led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have pledged full support for the Subanon natives in the remote mountain village of Canatuan in Siocon town in Zamboanga del Norte province.
Help will focus on the planning and implementation of livelihood and community development projects to be identified by the IPs themselves and funded from royalty payments they get from TVI Resource Development Philippines, Inc. (TVIRD).
DTI regional director for Western Mindanao Nazrullah Manzur made this commitment when he – along with several top officials of DTI, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – inspected the Canatuan gold and silver mine of TVIRD and met with the leaders of company’s host IP community, represented by the Siocon Subanon Association, Inc. (SSAI).
“It was a good opportunity for us to meet the IPs. There is a need for them to put their acts together,” Manzur said, referring to the Subanons. There may be a lot of livelihood opportunities for them in Canatuan that we are not aware of."
"We can discuss this subject further with them so that we will know the necessary intervention we in the DTI can provide. The intervention may be in the form of training, capacity building, marketing, among others," he said.
Apart from Manzur, the other government officials who met with SSAI officers were DTI provincial director Noel Bazan, DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Carlito Tuballa, and PCA provincial manager Ralph Hamoy.
They were joined by Ernesto Rojo, executive director of the Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Maridel Palpagan, DTI chief of Business Development Division, and staff members Luis Paloma, Jr. and Nick Nacaytuna.
Hamoy said he will explore with SSAI, specifically with its hired agriculturist, the feasibility of engaging the IPs in coconut farming, considering that the Philippine government has announced that it will promote biodiesel, a coconut by-product, as an alternative energy source in the near future.
SSAI, the legal representative of the 1,200-strong Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title holders of Canatuan, has received royalties of P5 million in 2005 and an additional P10 million from January to September 2006 from TVIRD.
Company officials estimate that the Subanons will get a total of P14 million, net of tax, for the whole of 2006. Under a Memorandum of Agreement forged with SSAI in 2002, the Company has no influence over how the Subanons will invest their royalty.
The IPs and the group of government agencies to be gathered by Manzur are set to meet again in January 2007 to discuss the assistance needed for SSAI to efficiently utilize the royalty its members have been receiving from TVIRD.
Officials also visited the Canatuan open pit mine; the Tanuman settlement village to be built by TVIRD for the Subanons; the proposed school site for Subanon children; as well as the P170 million Gossan Tailings Dam.
Accompanying the officials are Rocky Dimaculangan, TVIRD public affairs director; Mae Villar, TVIRD environment officer; and Vic Quintana, TVIRD metallurgist. Delegation members expressed their approval of and admiration for the company’s conscientious mining practices. According to Bazan,
“If you are a nature-lover, you will really love it,” referring to TVIRD’s environmental management and protection initiatives in Canatuan.
During an exit conference with company officials led by TVI Canatuan general manager Magi Bagayao, Manzur said “it was a very good experience to have witnessed the actual mining operations of TVIRD. As far as the government requirements are concerned, I believe they are all met by the Company.”
For his part, Tuballa said he will recommend to the Canatuan Multi-partite Monitoring Team the inclusion of other non-government organizations in the team to ensure TVIRD’s continued compliance with mining laws, to further promote transparency in the company’s operations, and to encourage dialogue between the TVI and its various stakeholders. (R. Patangan/TVI)
Help will focus on the planning and implementation of livelihood and community development projects to be identified by the IPs themselves and funded from royalty payments they get from TVI Resource Development Philippines, Inc. (TVIRD).
DTI regional director for Western Mindanao Nazrullah Manzur made this commitment when he – along with several top officials of DTI, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – inspected the Canatuan gold and silver mine of TVIRD and met with the leaders of company’s host IP community, represented by the Siocon Subanon Association, Inc. (SSAI).
“It was a good opportunity for us to meet the IPs. There is a need for them to put their acts together,” Manzur said, referring to the Subanons. There may be a lot of livelihood opportunities for them in Canatuan that we are not aware of."
"We can discuss this subject further with them so that we will know the necessary intervention we in the DTI can provide. The intervention may be in the form of training, capacity building, marketing, among others," he said.
Apart from Manzur, the other government officials who met with SSAI officers were DTI provincial director Noel Bazan, DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Carlito Tuballa, and PCA provincial manager Ralph Hamoy.
They were joined by Ernesto Rojo, executive director of the Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Maridel Palpagan, DTI chief of Business Development Division, and staff members Luis Paloma, Jr. and Nick Nacaytuna.
Hamoy said he will explore with SSAI, specifically with its hired agriculturist, the feasibility of engaging the IPs in coconut farming, considering that the Philippine government has announced that it will promote biodiesel, a coconut by-product, as an alternative energy source in the near future.
SSAI, the legal representative of the 1,200-strong Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title holders of Canatuan, has received royalties of P5 million in 2005 and an additional P10 million from January to September 2006 from TVIRD.
Company officials estimate that the Subanons will get a total of P14 million, net of tax, for the whole of 2006. Under a Memorandum of Agreement forged with SSAI in 2002, the Company has no influence over how the Subanons will invest their royalty.
The IPs and the group of government agencies to be gathered by Manzur are set to meet again in January 2007 to discuss the assistance needed for SSAI to efficiently utilize the royalty its members have been receiving from TVIRD.
Officials also visited the Canatuan open pit mine; the Tanuman settlement village to be built by TVIRD for the Subanons; the proposed school site for Subanon children; as well as the P170 million Gossan Tailings Dam.
Accompanying the officials are Rocky Dimaculangan, TVIRD public affairs director; Mae Villar, TVIRD environment officer; and Vic Quintana, TVIRD metallurgist. Delegation members expressed their approval of and admiration for the company’s conscientious mining practices. According to Bazan,
“If you are a nature-lover, you will really love it,” referring to TVIRD’s environmental management and protection initiatives in Canatuan.
During an exit conference with company officials led by TVI Canatuan general manager Magi Bagayao, Manzur said “it was a very good experience to have witnessed the actual mining operations of TVIRD. As far as the government requirements are concerned, I believe they are all met by the Company.”
For his part, Tuballa said he will recommend to the Canatuan Multi-partite Monitoring Team the inclusion of other non-government organizations in the team to ensure TVIRD’s continued compliance with mining laws, to further promote transparency in the company’s operations, and to encourage dialogue between the TVI and its various stakeholders. (R. Patangan/TVI)
Monday, December 18, 2006
Sulu, Gagawin Peace Zone
Bakas sa mukha ng sundalong ito ang lungkot. Mahirap ang malayo sa sariling pamilya ngunit ang sinumpaang tungkulin sa bayan ang nasa dibdib pa rin ng bawat isang sundalong nakikipaglaban sa terorismo para sa kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan. (Larawan ng pahayagang Mindanao Examiner)
JOLO (Mindanao Examiner / 18 Dec) – Isinusulong ngayon ng pamahalaan at militar ang development ng magulong lalawigan ng Sulu, partikular sa mga dating kampo ng Moro National Liberation Front.
Sinabi kahapon ni Brig. Gen. Mohamad Dolorfino na gagawin peace community ang mga nasabing lugar sa ibat-ibang bahagi ng Sulu upang makatulong rin sa mga dating rebelde.
“Ito ang pinagkakaabalahan ng pamahalaan at ng Armed Forces, ang maitaguyod ang kapayapaan sa Sulu. Gagawin natin peace zone ang mga dating kampo ng MNLF,” ani Dolorfino.
Si Dolorfino rin ang nakikipagusap sa MNLF sa tuwing may labanan sa Sulu.
Kamakailan lamang ay sinamahan nito si Nur Misuari, ang pinuno ng MNLF, ng ito’y magparehistro sa Sulu. Balak umanong tumakbo ni Misuari sa lalawigan bilang gobernador.
Hindi naman sinabi ni Dolorfino ang mga lugar na balak gawing peace community ng pamahalaan. (Mindanao Examiner)
Islamic School In Zamboanga Needs Help
Two children walk past the historic Talusangay Mosque, built in 1885, in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 18 Dec) – While politicians in the southern Filipino port city of Zamboanga brag about a robust economy and more development projects than ever, many Muslim enclaves here still remain poor compare to Christian areas where much of government projects are diverted.
“Where is equality?” many Muslim villagers ask.
“Many of our children are uneducated because we don’t have enough schools. There is no opportunity for us to live a descent life. We are discriminated and have no government support,” one Muslim man tells the Mindanao Examiner.
In the Muslim village of Taluksangay, about 30 kms east of Zamboanga, male and female students crowd four small rooms at the Ma’had Da’wa Al Islamie School. “We have no enough rooms. This is taboo. We cannot be together with the boys, but there is nothing we can do,” a female student says.
Their school rooms are dilapidated. They have no library, not even a computer set for each room, not even a wall clock.
Villagers live a naïve life in the Taluksangay, site of one of the oldest mosque in the Philippines, but many Muslims say they are hungry and there is not enough food for everyone in the family. Worse, there is no opportunity for a descent job, they say.
“As you can see, we live a simple life here. We sell corn and vegetables and fish and we pray a lot that help would someday come to us and education for our children,” one Muslim woman, Amina, tells the Mindanao Examiner. “Life is hard, real hard for Muslims in Zamboanga, she says. (Mindanao Examiner)
“Where is equality?” many Muslim villagers ask.
“Many of our children are uneducated because we don’t have enough schools. There is no opportunity for us to live a descent life. We are discriminated and have no government support,” one Muslim man tells the Mindanao Examiner.
In the Muslim village of Taluksangay, about 30 kms east of Zamboanga, male and female students crowd four small rooms at the Ma’had Da’wa Al Islamie School. “We have no enough rooms. This is taboo. We cannot be together with the boys, but there is nothing we can do,” a female student says.
Their school rooms are dilapidated. They have no library, not even a computer set for each room, not even a wall clock.
Villagers live a naïve life in the Taluksangay, site of one of the oldest mosque in the Philippines, but many Muslims say they are hungry and there is not enough food for everyone in the family. Worse, there is no opportunity for a descent job, they say.
“As you can see, we live a simple life here. We sell corn and vegetables and fish and we pray a lot that help would someday come to us and education for our children,” one Muslim woman, Amina, tells the Mindanao Examiner. “Life is hard, real hard for Muslims in Zamboanga, she says. (Mindanao Examiner)
Saturday, December 16, 2006
American Soldiers Distribute Gifts To Children In Jolo Island
JOLO ISLAND (Mindanao Examiner / 16 Dec) - U.S. troops deployed in the southern Philippines distributed gifts to more than 100 children on the Muslim island of Jolo, where American forces are involved in humanitarian missions, a U.S. military spokesman said on Saturday.
Major John Redfield said U.S. troops assigned to the Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines had collected donations from among the unit and then purchased gifts for more than 100 children who live inside a Philippine Army base in Jolo town, about 950 kms south of Manila.
He said a U.S. sailor also played Santa Claus and brought cheer to the children during the gift giving held this week.
"Santa Claus continued bringing cheer to the children of the southern Philippines when he was joined by U.S. military members in presenting Christmas gifts to children here," he said.
He said the Santa also made appearances in Zamboanga on Dec. 9 and 10 and would be back again next week in Zamboanga City to visit an orphan house and a popular night market.
Other members of JSOTF-P based in zamboanga city and Manila will be presenting gifts to underprivileged children later this month, he said.
"Those from Zamboanga will continue their relationship with the Reception and Study Center for Children (in Talon-Talon village), while those in Manila will share Christmas spirit with the White Cross Children's Home in San Juan City," Redfield said.
U.S. troops are also advising and assisting Filipino soldiers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines on counter-terrorism activities. (Mindanao Examiner)
Major John Redfield said U.S. troops assigned to the Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines had collected donations from among the unit and then purchased gifts for more than 100 children who live inside a Philippine Army base in Jolo town, about 950 kms south of Manila.
He said a U.S. sailor also played Santa Claus and brought cheer to the children during the gift giving held this week.
"Santa Claus continued bringing cheer to the children of the southern Philippines when he was joined by U.S. military members in presenting Christmas gifts to children here," he said.
He said the Santa also made appearances in Zamboanga on Dec. 9 and 10 and would be back again next week in Zamboanga City to visit an orphan house and a popular night market.
Other members of JSOTF-P based in zamboanga city and Manila will be presenting gifts to underprivileged children later this month, he said.
"Those from Zamboanga will continue their relationship with the Reception and Study Center for Children (in Talon-Talon village), while those in Manila will share Christmas spirit with the White Cross Children's Home in San Juan City," Redfield said.
U.S. troops are also advising and assisting Filipino soldiers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines on counter-terrorism activities. (Mindanao Examiner)
Filipino Lawmaker, Bodyguard Killed In Attack
MANILA (Bert Laride / 16 Dec) - Unidentified gunmen on Saturday shot dead a Filipino lawmaker and his bodyguard in an attack just outside a Catholic church in Quezon City, police said.
Police said Rep. Luis Bersamin, of Abra province, was shot in the head shortly after he stepped out of the Mt. Carmel Church in New Manila at around 5.30 p.m. The 62-year old politician was instantly killed. His bodyguard was able to fire on the attackers before he died. His driver, Allan Sumatan, was also shot and wounded in firefight with gunmen.
One boy was also hit by a stray bullet."The boy is wounded. They shot the boy," Sumatan told reporters.
He said the politician attended a wedding of a relative at the Mt. Carmel Church and was walking towards his car when the gunmen attacked. "They escaped on motorcycle, Sumatan said.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack and police said it was investigating the killings. There were no immediate statement from either of Bersamin's family or relatives.
Police investigators said they recovered empty shells of .45-caliber pistol from the scene. Bersamin was a known ally of President Gloria Arroyo, but it was unknown if the attack had anything to do with politics. The killing of the Bersamin occurred just before Filipinos would elect their congressmen and senators in a national elections set in May.
The attack cxame just a day after authorities said it uncovered a plot by an unknown group to assassinate Rep. Prospero Nograles, of Davao City. Just early this week, another lawmaker, Robert Jaworski Jr., narrowly escaped death when his car, believed rigged with a bomb, exploded.
Both Nograles and Jamorski are supporters of Arroyo, whose presidency has been questioned by militant and civil groups and opposition politicians, who accused her of cheating in the 2004 national elections. Arroyo has repeatedly denied the accusations. (Mindanao Examiner)
Police said Rep. Luis Bersamin, of Abra province, was shot in the head shortly after he stepped out of the Mt. Carmel Church in New Manila at around 5.30 p.m. The 62-year old politician was instantly killed. His bodyguard was able to fire on the attackers before he died. His driver, Allan Sumatan, was also shot and wounded in firefight with gunmen.
One boy was also hit by a stray bullet."The boy is wounded. They shot the boy," Sumatan told reporters.
He said the politician attended a wedding of a relative at the Mt. Carmel Church and was walking towards his car when the gunmen attacked. "They escaped on motorcycle, Sumatan said.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack and police said it was investigating the killings. There were no immediate statement from either of Bersamin's family or relatives.
Police investigators said they recovered empty shells of .45-caliber pistol from the scene. Bersamin was a known ally of President Gloria Arroyo, but it was unknown if the attack had anything to do with politics. The killing of the Bersamin occurred just before Filipinos would elect their congressmen and senators in a national elections set in May.
The attack cxame just a day after authorities said it uncovered a plot by an unknown group to assassinate Rep. Prospero Nograles, of Davao City. Just early this week, another lawmaker, Robert Jaworski Jr., narrowly escaped death when his car, believed rigged with a bomb, exploded.
Both Nograles and Jamorski are supporters of Arroyo, whose presidency has been questioned by militant and civil groups and opposition politicians, who accused her of cheating in the 2004 national elections. Arroyo has repeatedly denied the accusations. (Mindanao Examiner)
U.S. Troops Distribute Gifts To Pinoy In Remote RP Island
BASCO ISLAND - After two failed attempts to land over the past two months due to weather, a small group of U.S. Marines from Okinawa, Japan, with a large payload made a short side trip to the Philippine island of Basco with about 2,200 pounds of food, health care items, clothes, sporting goods and toys.
"The third time's a charm," Marine Colonel Gary Shaw, deputy wing commander of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, said in a statement Saturday."We always refuel our helicopters here on the way to bilateral exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the people of Basco always welcome us. We really wanted to get in here and thank them again this year," he said.
The U.S. Marines were on their way to Luzon province as part of the annual "Operation Goodwill Delivery" with more than 20,000 pounds of goodwill items and about 400,000 Philippine pesos ($8,000 U.S.) destined for communities and charitable organizations in Palawan and Northern Luzon up to Tuesday next week.
The Marines are planning a second half of Operation Goodwill Delivery in mid-January to communities and organizations in Zamboanga, Negros and Leyte.
The U.S. Marines, service members, and their families in Okinawa created this program in 2003 to show appreciation to the children and families of the Philippines for welcoming U.S. Marines during annual bilateral exercises.
The U.S. Marines work each year with their families to gather donations and then deliver toys and supplies to Filipino children over the holiday season.
About two hundred local Filipinos, including town leaders, gathered at Basco's airport to greet the Marines and Santa, who was immediately engulfed by about 30 children as he handed out candy.
"The third time's a charm," Marine Colonel Gary Shaw, deputy wing commander of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, said in a statement Saturday."We always refuel our helicopters here on the way to bilateral exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the people of Basco always welcome us. We really wanted to get in here and thank them again this year," he said.
The U.S. Marines were on their way to Luzon province as part of the annual "Operation Goodwill Delivery" with more than 20,000 pounds of goodwill items and about 400,000 Philippine pesos ($8,000 U.S.) destined for communities and charitable organizations in Palawan and Northern Luzon up to Tuesday next week.
The Marines are planning a second half of Operation Goodwill Delivery in mid-January to communities and organizations in Zamboanga, Negros and Leyte.
The U.S. Marines, service members, and their families in Okinawa created this program in 2003 to show appreciation to the children and families of the Philippines for welcoming U.S. Marines during annual bilateral exercises.
The U.S. Marines work each year with their families to gather donations and then deliver toys and supplies to Filipino children over the holiday season.
About two hundred local Filipinos, including town leaders, gathered at Basco's airport to greet the Marines and Santa, who was immediately engulfed by about 30 children as he handed out candy.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: A GOOD SAMARITAN FROM FLORIDA, U.S.A.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Tampabay.rr.com
Hi,
Assalamu alaikum from Florida, USA.
I’ve seen the video on youtube.com from the Muslimah sister asking for help to raise money & or literature for the children @ the local school there …
I was wondering how I could reach this sister by phone so my wife can discus with her how we may be able to help your current situation there…
If you can be kind enough to help me acquire more information about the school that she is principle of & how we may contact her we may be able to give some assistance Inshallah.
It is a very difficult time for everyone, but the children need education & Islamic material to read God Knows …
So hopefully I will hear back from you regarding this & we can unite as the Ummah should to help each other in a time of need …
Take care Inshallah Allah will Bless you & your family there ..
Allahmak...
Assalamu Alaikum...
Bro
Rashid
--------------------
Dear Brother Rashid,
Assalamu alaikum!
Thank you for your letter and I feel so happy that somebody had seen the video of Salamona Hakim, the school principal at the former Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebel base-turned-Muslim community, Camp Abubakre As-Siddique in Barira town in Maguindanao province.
Our poor children in Camp Abubakre are suffering. There is almost no government assistance at all and most of the help they receive come from private corporations and NGOs, but they are not enough.
I was there and saw their situation. The children need education. They don't even have a descent school rooms, but use an empty and dilapidated house as school.
They don't have electricity and use only oil lamps and candles in everyday they do. They need not money, but books and medicines and vitamins.
Here is the mobile phone of Muslimah sister Salamona Hakim +63921 6306433 and her daughter Kat Hakim, who also, like her, teaches the children as volunteer and her mobile phone is +63921 6080816.
Shukran!
Brother Al Jacinto
editor-in-chief
+63918 9180895
mindanaoexaminer.com
about us
reference: help our muslims in southern Philippines http://www.youtube.com/v/bEKNETMQb2o
Tampabay.rr.com
Hi,
Assalamu alaikum from Florida, USA.
I’ve seen the video on youtube.com from the Muslimah sister asking for help to raise money & or literature for the children @ the local school there …
I was wondering how I could reach this sister by phone so my wife can discus with her how we may be able to help your current situation there…
If you can be kind enough to help me acquire more information about the school that she is principle of & how we may contact her we may be able to give some assistance Inshallah.
It is a very difficult time for everyone, but the children need education & Islamic material to read God Knows …
So hopefully I will hear back from you regarding this & we can unite as the Ummah should to help each other in a time of need …
Take care Inshallah Allah will Bless you & your family there ..
Allahmak...
Assalamu Alaikum...
Bro
Rashid
--------------------
Dear Brother Rashid,
Assalamu alaikum!
Thank you for your letter and I feel so happy that somebody had seen the video of Salamona Hakim, the school principal at the former Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebel base-turned-Muslim community, Camp Abubakre As-Siddique in Barira town in Maguindanao province.
Our poor children in Camp Abubakre are suffering. There is almost no government assistance at all and most of the help they receive come from private corporations and NGOs, but they are not enough.
I was there and saw their situation. The children need education. They don't even have a descent school rooms, but use an empty and dilapidated house as school.
They don't have electricity and use only oil lamps and candles in everyday they do. They need not money, but books and medicines and vitamins.
Here is the mobile phone of Muslimah sister Salamona Hakim +63921 6306433 and her daughter Kat Hakim, who also, like her, teaches the children as volunteer and her mobile phone is +63921 6080816.
Shukran!
Brother Al Jacinto
editor-in-chief
+63918 9180895
mindanaoexaminer.com
about us
reference: help our muslims in southern Philippines http://www.youtube.com/v/bEKNETMQb2o
Friday, December 15, 2006
Muslim Killed In Zamboanga Shooting
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 15 Dec) – Two masked gunmen shot dead a young Muslim man and wounded another in an attack just outside their school in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines, police said Friday.
Police said the attack occurred late Thursday in front of the Universidad de Zamboanga in the village of Tetuan. The gunmen escaped on a motorcycle after the shooting, witnesses told police investigators.
“Witnesses claimed they saw two men, their faces covered, and that one of them shot the victims who were just talking in front of the school. The assailants escaped on motorcycle,” said police investigator Romeo Katimbang.
He said the victims were shot in the face and body. No group or individual claimed responsibility for the latest attack, but Katimbang said they were investigating the motive of the shooting.
Gunmen had killed dozens of people in separate attacks the past months in Zamboanga but police blamed the proliferation of illegal weapons and family feud in the spate of attacks. But many of the killings were believed carried out by the Abu Sayyaf group. (Mindanao Examiner)
Police said the attack occurred late Thursday in front of the Universidad de Zamboanga in the village of Tetuan. The gunmen escaped on a motorcycle after the shooting, witnesses told police investigators.
“Witnesses claimed they saw two men, their faces covered, and that one of them shot the victims who were just talking in front of the school. The assailants escaped on motorcycle,” said police investigator Romeo Katimbang.
He said the victims were shot in the face and body. No group or individual claimed responsibility for the latest attack, but Katimbang said they were investigating the motive of the shooting.
Gunmen had killed dozens of people in separate attacks the past months in Zamboanga but police blamed the proliferation of illegal weapons and family feud in the spate of attacks. But many of the killings were believed carried out by the Abu Sayyaf group. (Mindanao Examiner)
Japan Launches Aid Program In Mindanao
MANILA (Mitchel Confesor / 15 Dec) – The Japanese government has launched a program for Central Mindanao to build classrooms and buildings in eight schools, a couple of water systems, a complete set of post-harvest facilities, and a training center for Muslim women worth some USD624,000.
The program, called the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development or J-BIRD, will renovate and build classrooms among other projects in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.
Bangsamoro refers to Muslims inhabitants of Mindanao.
The J-BIRD program will also construct in Maguindanao two potable water systems and a livelihood center for Muslim women, and a warehouse, solar dryer and purchase post-harvest equipment and farm machineries in North Cotabato.
The Japanese ambassador to Manila Ryuichiro Yamazaki has already signed the contracts for each of the twelve J-BIRD beneficiaries as part of the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects or GGP of Japan in the Philippines.
Tokyo earlier sent a development expert Masafumi Nagaishi to join the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Cotabato City in Maguindanao to form the so-called Mindanao Task Force (MTF).
The task force is composed of representatives from the Japanese Embassy, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
Japan, through JICA, and the Philipines’ Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) under Secy. Jesus Dureza have spearheaded a series of capability-building seminars throughout Mindanao in partnership with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), the economic arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is currently negotiating peace with the Arroyo government.
The program, called the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development or J-BIRD, will renovate and build classrooms among other projects in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.
Bangsamoro refers to Muslims inhabitants of Mindanao.
The J-BIRD program will also construct in Maguindanao two potable water systems and a livelihood center for Muslim women, and a warehouse, solar dryer and purchase post-harvest equipment and farm machineries in North Cotabato.
The Japanese ambassador to Manila Ryuichiro Yamazaki has already signed the contracts for each of the twelve J-BIRD beneficiaries as part of the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects or GGP of Japan in the Philippines.
Tokyo earlier sent a development expert Masafumi Nagaishi to join the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Cotabato City in Maguindanao to form the so-called Mindanao Task Force (MTF).
The task force is composed of representatives from the Japanese Embassy, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
Japan, through JICA, and the Philipines’ Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) under Secy. Jesus Dureza have spearheaded a series of capability-building seminars throughout Mindanao in partnership with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), the economic arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is currently negotiating peace with the Arroyo government.
Manila Backs Down On Misuari's Political Ambition
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 15 Dec) – The Philippine government said it had no hand on the decision of detained Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebel leader Nur Misuari to run for governor in Jolo island in next year’s polls.
Misuari was allowed to return to his hometown Jolo on Thursday and registered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
A local court granted Misuari permission to register in Jolo island, about 950 km south of Manila. "He is running for governor (in) next year's elections," Jamasali Abdurahman, an aide of Misuari, said.
Secy. Jesus Dureza, Presidential peace adviser, facilitated Misuari’s trip to Jolo, but he was quick to say that the government had no hand about the political plan of the former rebel leader.
"We are not privy to or involved in Chairman Misuari’s future political plans. Our participation was only to uphold and ensure the exercise of his right to suffrage,” Dureza said.
He said Misuari previously requested to register at the COMELEC central office in Manila, but this had been turned down by poll officials, saying, he should register instead in Jolo where he resides.
Some supporters of the MNLF chieftain said the government could be behind Misuari's political ambition to influence or persuade Muslims to support President Gloria Arroyo in Jolo, a known opposition stronghold.
Authorities did not allow Misuari to speak to reporters and government escorts prevented journalists from interviewing him. Security was tight in Zamboanga and Jolo during Misuari’s brief stay.
Although Misuari has still a few hundred supporters in Jolo, his popularity is fast diminishing among the locals. They said Misuari failed to bring developments on the island and uplift the poor living standards of Muslims in Mindanao when he was governor of the five-province Muslim autonomous region.
Among the most prominent politician also running for governor in Jolo island is the influential Abdusakur Tan, who was the island's previous congressman and governor. It was unknown whether the incumbent governor, businessman Benjamin Loong, would seek reelection.
Misuari also returned Thursday in Manila, where he is facing rebellion charges after a failed MNLF uprising on Jolo island and Zamboanga City in 2001.
He fled to Malaysia in 2001 but was arrested and deported back to the Philippines.
The government accused Misuari of allegedly masterminding the attacks in Jolo and Zamboanga, but the former Libyan firebrand had repeatedly denied the accusations.
Misuari signed a peace agreement with Manila on Sept. 2, 1996, but many rebels were disgruntled with the accord and accused the Arroyo government of reneging on the peace deal and for failing to uplift the living standards of Muslims in the strife-torn Mindanao island. (Mindanao Examiner)
Misuari was allowed to return to his hometown Jolo on Thursday and registered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
A local court granted Misuari permission to register in Jolo island, about 950 km south of Manila. "He is running for governor (in) next year's elections," Jamasali Abdurahman, an aide of Misuari, said.
Secy. Jesus Dureza, Presidential peace adviser, facilitated Misuari’s trip to Jolo, but he was quick to say that the government had no hand about the political plan of the former rebel leader.
"We are not privy to or involved in Chairman Misuari’s future political plans. Our participation was only to uphold and ensure the exercise of his right to suffrage,” Dureza said.
He said Misuari previously requested to register at the COMELEC central office in Manila, but this had been turned down by poll officials, saying, he should register instead in Jolo where he resides.
Some supporters of the MNLF chieftain said the government could be behind Misuari's political ambition to influence or persuade Muslims to support President Gloria Arroyo in Jolo, a known opposition stronghold.
Authorities did not allow Misuari to speak to reporters and government escorts prevented journalists from interviewing him. Security was tight in Zamboanga and Jolo during Misuari’s brief stay.
Although Misuari has still a few hundred supporters in Jolo, his popularity is fast diminishing among the locals. They said Misuari failed to bring developments on the island and uplift the poor living standards of Muslims in Mindanao when he was governor of the five-province Muslim autonomous region.
Among the most prominent politician also running for governor in Jolo island is the influential Abdusakur Tan, who was the island's previous congressman and governor. It was unknown whether the incumbent governor, businessman Benjamin Loong, would seek reelection.
Misuari also returned Thursday in Manila, where he is facing rebellion charges after a failed MNLF uprising on Jolo island and Zamboanga City in 2001.
He fled to Malaysia in 2001 but was arrested and deported back to the Philippines.
The government accused Misuari of allegedly masterminding the attacks in Jolo and Zamboanga, but the former Libyan firebrand had repeatedly denied the accusations.
Misuari signed a peace agreement with Manila on Sept. 2, 1996, but many rebels were disgruntled with the accord and accused the Arroyo government of reneging on the peace deal and for failing to uplift the living standards of Muslims in the strife-torn Mindanao island. (Mindanao Examiner)
UN Funds Needed For Philippines
MANILA - The United Nations country team in the Philippines has requested $2.6 million for rapid response projects from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) after several typhoons wreaked havoc on the country in recent weeks.
“Our priority is to work with our partners to provide affected communities with emergency shelter, clean water and food, and urgent healthcare,” Nileema Noble, UN Resident Coordinator for the Philippines, said in a statement released on Friday.
Typhoon Utor on December 9 brought renewed suffering to those struggling to recover from Typhoon Durian, which struck less than two weeks earlier.
Over 1,400 people have been reported dead and close to 110,000 others have sought refuge in evacuation centres. And more than seven million people have been affected by the storms, with death tolls rising as communication lines are restored to remote areas.
Ms. Noble warned that: “Adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities are needed for people living in crowded conditions, especially children and the elderly, to prevent the spread of disease, while emergency power generation is crucial for medical facilities to continue vital functions.”
Mudslides, flooding and landslides have destroyed much of the permanent infrastructure in the worst affected areas.
The UN praised the quick response of the Philippines Government in urgently providing assistance to stricken communities. The UN with its humanitarian partners has also been carrying out relief assistance and assessments on immediate needs in the region.
The humanitarian community, in conjunction with local government, is working to ensure a coordinated approach to assistance and effective use of resources. Many communities, particularly in the Bicol region, remain in a precarious situation.
A detailed appeal, in coordination with the Filipino government, will be launched in the coming months to enable people to rebuild their lives and support their families.
“Our priority is to work with our partners to provide affected communities with emergency shelter, clean water and food, and urgent healthcare,” Nileema Noble, UN Resident Coordinator for the Philippines, said in a statement released on Friday.
Typhoon Utor on December 9 brought renewed suffering to those struggling to recover from Typhoon Durian, which struck less than two weeks earlier.
Over 1,400 people have been reported dead and close to 110,000 others have sought refuge in evacuation centres. And more than seven million people have been affected by the storms, with death tolls rising as communication lines are restored to remote areas.
Ms. Noble warned that: “Adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities are needed for people living in crowded conditions, especially children and the elderly, to prevent the spread of disease, while emergency power generation is crucial for medical facilities to continue vital functions.”
Mudslides, flooding and landslides have destroyed much of the permanent infrastructure in the worst affected areas.
The UN praised the quick response of the Philippines Government in urgently providing assistance to stricken communities. The UN with its humanitarian partners has also been carrying out relief assistance and assessments on immediate needs in the region.
The humanitarian community, in conjunction with local government, is working to ensure a coordinated approach to assistance and effective use of resources. Many communities, particularly in the Bicol region, remain in a precarious situation.
A detailed appeal, in coordination with the Filipino government, will be launched in the coming months to enable people to rebuild their lives and support their families.
INTO THE BREACH AGAIN: US looks to Filipinos by Cher Jimenez
MANILA - When the United States moves to downsize its military facilities in Okinawa, Japan, and begin construction on new military bases designed to house 8,000 marines and their families on the Pacific island of Guam, Filipino construction workers will likely do most of the heavy lifting.
In September, Philippine labor officials accepted an invitation from Guam - a US territory - to discuss hiring 15,000 Filipino construction workers to work on the new military facilities, including barracks, administration buildings, schools, training sites, runways and entertainment establishments. On-land construction activities on Guam are set to begin early next year and the estimated US$10 billion project is scheduled for completion in 2014.
The US Congress' Overseas Basing Commission had earlier estimated that the cost of relocation and building the new base in Guam,including facilities for a new command post and housing for the marines' family members, at about $2.9 billion. For undisclosed reasons, the US military now says the total cost will be closer to $10 billion, of which Japan has agreed to shoulder 59% of the bill. Cheap Filipino labor, it is believed, will help bring down those spiraling costs.
If the deal is done, it will mark the latest big hire of Filipino workers by the US military and its affiliated business interests. The US has employed more than 7,000 Filipino workers - nearly half of them undocumented - in its four main military camps in Iraq, according to Philippine labor officials. Neither the Philippine nor US governments has publicly owned up to how thousands of Filipino workers have slipped into Iraq and found work on US military facilities.
US federal policy prohibits the employment of non-Americans inside US military facilities, but the Bush administration's heavy use of private contractors has blurred the lines between public and private functions. After a Filipino truck driver killed in Iraq caused a domestic uproar against the Philippines' participation in the United States' war effort, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in July 2004 banned any new deployments of Filipino workers to Iraq.
Philippine-based non-governmental organizations tracking Arroyo's support to the United States' global counter-terrorism campaign contend that Washington and Manila have quietly decided to ignore the official ban to maintain the steady supply of cheap, English-speaking Filipino workers in Iraq. Washington clearly seems to favor Filipinos over other English-speaking nationalities for its most crucial and sensitive military-related construction projects.
In March 2002, Washington and Manila secretly processed the papers of 250 Filipino construction workers to help build new or overhaul old detention facilities now in use at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where the US controversially holds hundreds of suspects as part of its "global war on terror" campaign, according to Philippine officials. For their efforts, Filipino workers received a $1,000 monthly salary - far below what it would have cost the US military to employ US citizens.
Local labor recruiters have been told by government officials that the Guam assignment is a US reward for the Arroyo administration's strong support for its "war on terror". There is also an element of trust: US soldiers frequently train with their Philippine counterparts and US advisers are currently training and providing logistical support to Arroyo's campaign against Muslim separatists in the southern Philippines.
Philippine officials estimate that if and when Filipino workers are deployed to work in Guam, they will earn wages similar to those paid for the Guantanamo operation. From the United States' perspective, hiring cheap Filipinos makes good economic sense at a time when the US military budget has spiraled out of control with the mounting expense of operations in Iraq and to a lesser degree Afghanistan.
It also appears to be part of a quiet outsourcing process: the US Department of Defense's 2005 base realignment and closures recommendations aimed to pare "unnecessary management personnel" at Guam's existing facilities, including "military, personnel and contractor personnel", to the tune of 174 lost jobs over the period spanning 2006-11.
Cheaper Filipinos are expected to fill some of the lost contractor positions, Philippine labor sources say. And they will be charged with building facilities alongside some of the most advanced and important assets the US military maintains outside the continental US. This includes Andersen Air Force Base, which can handle aircraft ranging from unmanned aerial vehicles to long-range strategic bombers, and Apra Harbor, which services everything from nuclear submarines to aircraft carriers. Andersen's special hangar facilities are designed specifically to protect the special radar-evading skin of B-2 bombers.
Sources from the Philippine recruitment industry say that, apart from their low cost, Filipino construction workers are "highly favored" by the US because of their English-language skills. According to industry sources, Middle Eastern companies that have recently hired large numbers of Filipino construction workers there are often subsidiaries of or somehow affiliated with big US reconstruction firms, including Halliburton, Bechtel and Flour Daniel.
"Americans favor Filipino workers because we can understand them and they speak English," said Loreto Soriano, president and chairman of the board of LBS eBusiness, a Manila-based recruitment firm.
"Construction manuals and plans are written in English, so we can follow easily, and that's what they like."
Their overall skill sets, including their ability to work with modern construction technology, however, are very much in question. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) recently said that from 2001 to 2005 it was only able to meet 56% of global orders for 103,167 construction workers because of their low skills, including their inability to operate modern construction technology.
Much of that demand has come from the Middle East, where booming oil prices have led to a flurry of new construction and infrastructure projects.
Soriano said the Philippines generally could not meet the surging demand for highly qualified construction workers, including welders, flame cutters, plumbers, pipe fitters and carpenters. For the past few months, job advertisements for construction workers and engineers rose by almost 29%; there were new requests for 4,000 overseas placements in September, according to official statistics.
As of 2005, the Professional Regulation Commission registered 312,478 construction-sector professionals, where nearly one-third was listed as qualified civil engineers. However, the POEA, the government agency that oversees labor deployment abroad, had registered only 737 professionals over the period spanning 2002-04. Now, local employers are complaining about the growing number of construction workers who leave their jobs without notice after they have been placed overseas.
Some in Manila fear that if the government paves the way for 15,000 workers to take jobs in Guam, the already labor-strapped local Philippine construction could come to a total grinding halt.
However,that could also happen to the planned new military facilities in Guam if Filipino workers lack the skills to implement US building designs effectively and efficiently. (Cher S Jimenez is a Manila-based journalist with the BusinessMirror newspaper. She recently received a grant from the Ateneo de Manila University to conduct investigative journalism on illegal workers in the United Arab Emirates.) Copyright 2006 Asia Times Online Ltd. All rights reserved.
In September, Philippine labor officials accepted an invitation from Guam - a US territory - to discuss hiring 15,000 Filipino construction workers to work on the new military facilities, including barracks, administration buildings, schools, training sites, runways and entertainment establishments. On-land construction activities on Guam are set to begin early next year and the estimated US$10 billion project is scheduled for completion in 2014.
The US Congress' Overseas Basing Commission had earlier estimated that the cost of relocation and building the new base in Guam,including facilities for a new command post and housing for the marines' family members, at about $2.9 billion. For undisclosed reasons, the US military now says the total cost will be closer to $10 billion, of which Japan has agreed to shoulder 59% of the bill. Cheap Filipino labor, it is believed, will help bring down those spiraling costs.
If the deal is done, it will mark the latest big hire of Filipino workers by the US military and its affiliated business interests. The US has employed more than 7,000 Filipino workers - nearly half of them undocumented - in its four main military camps in Iraq, according to Philippine labor officials. Neither the Philippine nor US governments has publicly owned up to how thousands of Filipino workers have slipped into Iraq and found work on US military facilities.
US federal policy prohibits the employment of non-Americans inside US military facilities, but the Bush administration's heavy use of private contractors has blurred the lines between public and private functions. After a Filipino truck driver killed in Iraq caused a domestic uproar against the Philippines' participation in the United States' war effort, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in July 2004 banned any new deployments of Filipino workers to Iraq.
Philippine-based non-governmental organizations tracking Arroyo's support to the United States' global counter-terrorism campaign contend that Washington and Manila have quietly decided to ignore the official ban to maintain the steady supply of cheap, English-speaking Filipino workers in Iraq. Washington clearly seems to favor Filipinos over other English-speaking nationalities for its most crucial and sensitive military-related construction projects.
In March 2002, Washington and Manila secretly processed the papers of 250 Filipino construction workers to help build new or overhaul old detention facilities now in use at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where the US controversially holds hundreds of suspects as part of its "global war on terror" campaign, according to Philippine officials. For their efforts, Filipino workers received a $1,000 monthly salary - far below what it would have cost the US military to employ US citizens.
Local labor recruiters have been told by government officials that the Guam assignment is a US reward for the Arroyo administration's strong support for its "war on terror". There is also an element of trust: US soldiers frequently train with their Philippine counterparts and US advisers are currently training and providing logistical support to Arroyo's campaign against Muslim separatists in the southern Philippines.
Philippine officials estimate that if and when Filipino workers are deployed to work in Guam, they will earn wages similar to those paid for the Guantanamo operation. From the United States' perspective, hiring cheap Filipinos makes good economic sense at a time when the US military budget has spiraled out of control with the mounting expense of operations in Iraq and to a lesser degree Afghanistan.
It also appears to be part of a quiet outsourcing process: the US Department of Defense's 2005 base realignment and closures recommendations aimed to pare "unnecessary management personnel" at Guam's existing facilities, including "military, personnel and contractor personnel", to the tune of 174 lost jobs over the period spanning 2006-11.
Cheaper Filipinos are expected to fill some of the lost contractor positions, Philippine labor sources say. And they will be charged with building facilities alongside some of the most advanced and important assets the US military maintains outside the continental US. This includes Andersen Air Force Base, which can handle aircraft ranging from unmanned aerial vehicles to long-range strategic bombers, and Apra Harbor, which services everything from nuclear submarines to aircraft carriers. Andersen's special hangar facilities are designed specifically to protect the special radar-evading skin of B-2 bombers.
Sources from the Philippine recruitment industry say that, apart from their low cost, Filipino construction workers are "highly favored" by the US because of their English-language skills. According to industry sources, Middle Eastern companies that have recently hired large numbers of Filipino construction workers there are often subsidiaries of or somehow affiliated with big US reconstruction firms, including Halliburton, Bechtel and Flour Daniel.
"Americans favor Filipino workers because we can understand them and they speak English," said Loreto Soriano, president and chairman of the board of LBS eBusiness, a Manila-based recruitment firm.
"Construction manuals and plans are written in English, so we can follow easily, and that's what they like."
Their overall skill sets, including their ability to work with modern construction technology, however, are very much in question. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) recently said that from 2001 to 2005 it was only able to meet 56% of global orders for 103,167 construction workers because of their low skills, including their inability to operate modern construction technology.
Much of that demand has come from the Middle East, where booming oil prices have led to a flurry of new construction and infrastructure projects.
Soriano said the Philippines generally could not meet the surging demand for highly qualified construction workers, including welders, flame cutters, plumbers, pipe fitters and carpenters. For the past few months, job advertisements for construction workers and engineers rose by almost 29%; there were new requests for 4,000 overseas placements in September, according to official statistics.
As of 2005, the Professional Regulation Commission registered 312,478 construction-sector professionals, where nearly one-third was listed as qualified civil engineers. However, the POEA, the government agency that oversees labor deployment abroad, had registered only 737 professionals over the period spanning 2002-04. Now, local employers are complaining about the growing number of construction workers who leave their jobs without notice after they have been placed overseas.
Some in Manila fear that if the government paves the way for 15,000 workers to take jobs in Guam, the already labor-strapped local Philippine construction could come to a total grinding halt.
However,that could also happen to the planned new military facilities in Guam if Filipino workers lack the skills to implement US building designs effectively and efficiently. (Cher S Jimenez is a Manila-based journalist with the BusinessMirror newspaper. She recently received a grant from the Ateneo de Manila University to conduct investigative journalism on illegal workers in the United Arab Emirates.) Copyright 2006 Asia Times Online Ltd. All rights reserved.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Fund For Heroes Assured
Manila (Bert Laride / 14 Dec) - President Gloria Arroyo has released more than P160 million in aid to assist families and beneficiaries of soldiers and policemen who were either killed or wounded in line of duty, the official Philippine Information Agency said Thursday.
The money, it said, was from Arroyo's President’s Social Fund (PSF) released since July 2001.
"Families of soldiers and policemen who are either wounded or killed in action in various military operations nationwide may now be assured of a stable future."
"President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been providing financial assistance in recognition of the gallantry and bravery of these men-in-uniform in ensuring the country’s peace and order and security," it said.
The aid provided financial assistance to some 3,435 beneficiaries, including families of Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members who died or injured in battle.
Other government agencies and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police were also providing similar assistance to beneficiaries of soldiers and policemen. (Mindanao Examiner)
The money, it said, was from Arroyo's President’s Social Fund (PSF) released since July 2001.
"Families of soldiers and policemen who are either wounded or killed in action in various military operations nationwide may now be assured of a stable future."
"President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been providing financial assistance in recognition of the gallantry and bravery of these men-in-uniform in ensuring the country’s peace and order and security," it said.
The aid provided financial assistance to some 3,435 beneficiaries, including families of Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members who died or injured in battle.
Other government agencies and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police were also providing similar assistance to beneficiaries of soldiers and policemen. (Mindanao Examiner)
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