Friday, April 15, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
PANGINOON NG KWENTONG-BUHAY
ni Renne F. Gumba
3/30/2011
Ako’y isinilang di man lang nagkulang kalinga’t alaga ng mga magulang.
Kahit kahirapan hindi naging hadlang upang makapag-aral, di maging mangmang!
Hinubog ang buhay ng mga kapatid na sa karanasan mas nakakabatid.
At ang mga pagsubok o daang makitid, sa pala-kaibigan di naging balakid!
Namulat sa buhay, saka napagmasdan: madalas sa lipunan mga tunggalian,
laganap na hirap at katiwalian, malaking kawalan ng pagmamahalan!
Nayanig, nawala ang katiwasayan. Lumahok pumanig sa mga digmaan
ng mga konspeto at mga kilusan, mga pamayanan at ng pagawaan!
Minsan ding umigpaw sa daang di-tuwid, sumabay sa daloy saka naging manhid!
Sa ginhawa’t sarap minsan ding nabulid. Pero di rin sapat pag dangal may bahid!
Ngayong nagkaedad at pumuting buhok, ako”y natigilan at nais matarok:
Saan patungo at ano ang tuktok tinahak kong landas at inakyat na bundok?!
Ngayong binalikan at muling sinuri karanasang mali at mga papuri,
Nakita lumitaw saking pakiwari ang buhay na ito’y di ko pag-aari!
Kapag nadadapa ako’y binubuhat! Mayroong katuwang pag pasan bumigat!
Gabay sa matuwid kapag nalilingat! Kuwentong-buhay ko, Diyos palang sumulat!
MADALAS MALIMOT, IPAGPAUMANHIN! ANG MGA GAWA MO PALAGING DI PANSIN!
NGUNIT ALAM MO NA ANG LAHAT SAAKIN. AKO PO’Y GABAYAN, SAMAHAN, AKAYIN!
IKAW PANGINOON NAGBIGAY NG BUHAY, NARARAPAT LAMANG NA SAIYO IALAY
BUONG KASAYSAYAN, KATAWAN, AT MALAY NITONG ABANG BUHAY NA IKAW ANG PANDAY!
3/30/2011
Ako’y isinilang di man lang nagkulang kalinga’t alaga ng mga magulang.
Kahit kahirapan hindi naging hadlang upang makapag-aral, di maging mangmang!
Hinubog ang buhay ng mga kapatid na sa karanasan mas nakakabatid.
At ang mga pagsubok o daang makitid, sa pala-kaibigan di naging balakid!
Namulat sa buhay, saka napagmasdan: madalas sa lipunan mga tunggalian,
laganap na hirap at katiwalian, malaking kawalan ng pagmamahalan!
Nayanig, nawala ang katiwasayan. Lumahok pumanig sa mga digmaan
ng mga konspeto at mga kilusan, mga pamayanan at ng pagawaan!
Minsan ding umigpaw sa daang di-tuwid, sumabay sa daloy saka naging manhid!
Sa ginhawa’t sarap minsan ding nabulid. Pero di rin sapat pag dangal may bahid!
Ngayong nagkaedad at pumuting buhok, ako”y natigilan at nais matarok:
Saan patungo at ano ang tuktok tinahak kong landas at inakyat na bundok?!
Ngayong binalikan at muling sinuri karanasang mali at mga papuri,
Nakita lumitaw saking pakiwari ang buhay na ito’y di ko pag-aari!
Kapag nadadapa ako’y binubuhat! Mayroong katuwang pag pasan bumigat!
Gabay sa matuwid kapag nalilingat! Kuwentong-buhay ko, Diyos palang sumulat!
MADALAS MALIMOT, IPAGPAUMANHIN! ANG MGA GAWA MO PALAGING DI PANSIN!
NGUNIT ALAM MO NA ANG LAHAT SAAKIN. AKO PO’Y GABAYAN, SAMAHAN, AKAYIN!
IKAW PANGINOON NAGBIGAY NG BUHAY, NARARAPAT LAMANG NA SAIYO IALAY
BUONG KASAYSAYAN, KATAWAN, AT MALAY NITONG ABANG BUHAY NA IKAW ANG PANDAY!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Death penalty in China
Three Filipino citizens separately arrested in China and convicted of drug trafficking will be meted the death penalty today. Elizabeth Batain, 38, Ramon Credo, 42, and Sally Villanueva, 33 will face China's harsh punishment for drug trafficking.
Unfortunately, the Philippine government cannot intervene in the judicial process of a sovereign state.
And worse, the lessons implied by the fate of these Filipinos reflect the state of poverty of our countrymen, the extent of drug syndicates' operations in and out of the country, and the quality of protection our government provides for the Filipino people.
Apalling dimensions of poverty continue to haunt our people, both in the urban and rural areas. Lack of food, shelter, education, and livelihood are some of the most common experiences. In this situation, hundreds of thousands Filipinos have opted to work abroad in the hope of a better life. Unfortunately, it is also at this point when predators such as trafficking syndicates descend upon our impoverished people. And so many of our poor people indeed become captive preys, devoured and torn to pieces.
At the same time, we realize the extent of drug abuse problem in this situation. It is not a problem that is localized in the Philippines. It goes beyond borders. In fact some drug syndicates may even parallel perhaps the leading transnational corporations in the scope and extent of their operations. It is not also a problem that is concentrated on one sector. It transcends social stratification.
And even the government is affected when you have a lawmaker caught overseas with illegal drugs!It is not surprising then that "narco-politics" and even the prospects of a "narco-state" is becoming a very clear, alarming scenario for the Philippines.
The fate of Credo, Batain, and Villanueva reflects the quality of protection the government provide our citizens. In the Philippines, we cannot prevent drug syndicates from smuggling drug mules out thru our airports and sea ports. And when the Filipino citizens exploited by these syndicates are trapped in other countries, we go begging for mercy!
When will this cruel cycle end? How many more will have to die in foreign soil before we become more competent in protecting our citizens?
Unfortunately, the Philippine government cannot intervene in the judicial process of a sovereign state.
And worse, the lessons implied by the fate of these Filipinos reflect the state of poverty of our countrymen, the extent of drug syndicates' operations in and out of the country, and the quality of protection our government provides for the Filipino people.
Apalling dimensions of poverty continue to haunt our people, both in the urban and rural areas. Lack of food, shelter, education, and livelihood are some of the most common experiences. In this situation, hundreds of thousands Filipinos have opted to work abroad in the hope of a better life. Unfortunately, it is also at this point when predators such as trafficking syndicates descend upon our impoverished people. And so many of our poor people indeed become captive preys, devoured and torn to pieces.
At the same time, we realize the extent of drug abuse problem in this situation. It is not a problem that is localized in the Philippines. It goes beyond borders. In fact some drug syndicates may even parallel perhaps the leading transnational corporations in the scope and extent of their operations. It is not also a problem that is concentrated on one sector. It transcends social stratification.
And even the government is affected when you have a lawmaker caught overseas with illegal drugs!It is not surprising then that "narco-politics" and even the prospects of a "narco-state" is becoming a very clear, alarming scenario for the Philippines.
The fate of Credo, Batain, and Villanueva reflects the quality of protection the government provide our citizens. In the Philippines, we cannot prevent drug syndicates from smuggling drug mules out thru our airports and sea ports. And when the Filipino citizens exploited by these syndicates are trapped in other countries, we go begging for mercy!
When will this cruel cycle end? How many more will have to die in foreign soil before we become more competent in protecting our citizens?
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Impeachment Trial
The Senate again! This time acting as a tribunal to decide on the impeachment case (which the lower house overwhelmingly endorsed) against the Ombudsman!
Im tempted to say I have seen this before and I have heard this before - in the impeachment trial of former President Estrada. But maybe that will be very simplistic and sweeping. After all, this is a different senate in terms of composition.
But still, I am apprehensive about the process. The simple process of deciding on the rules may take forever. There are also many possibilities for a deadlock in the trial process, like what happened to the "envelope issue" in the Estrada trial. Will this case warrant a popular mobilization if it gets to that?
Or will President Aquino's alleged popularity and influence again come to play, as it did in securing positive votes for the impeachment in the Lower House? This I will be monitoring closely as the trial nears.
Many analysts are now starting to scrutinize each senator and examine the prospects of a conviction. Including that of Senator Lacson. But everyone seems to be wary at this point and no concrete pattern is discernible.
What can be perceived from this predicament is the prominent divide between the allies of and former President GMA herself on one hand, and that of the incumbent President Noynoy Aquino on the other.
Who will prevail?
Im tempted to say I have seen this before and I have heard this before - in the impeachment trial of former President Estrada. But maybe that will be very simplistic and sweeping. After all, this is a different senate in terms of composition.
But still, I am apprehensive about the process. The simple process of deciding on the rules may take forever. There are also many possibilities for a deadlock in the trial process, like what happened to the "envelope issue" in the Estrada trial. Will this case warrant a popular mobilization if it gets to that?
Or will President Aquino's alleged popularity and influence again come to play, as it did in securing positive votes for the impeachment in the Lower House? This I will be monitoring closely as the trial nears.
Many analysts are now starting to scrutinize each senator and examine the prospects of a conviction. Including that of Senator Lacson. But everyone seems to be wary at this point and no concrete pattern is discernible.
What can be perceived from this predicament is the prominent divide between the allies of and former President GMA herself on one hand, and that of the incumbent President Noynoy Aquino on the other.
Who will prevail?
Senate Investigation
As the daily media coverage of the on-going Senate investigation into alleged anomalies in the military bombarded my senses, I cant help but get a certain feeling of dejavu. Been there, seen that...?
Consequently, these questions pop up in my head: Where is this investigation, with all the media hype, taking us? What legislative measures, if any, will be enacted after this investigation is completed? What will be the predicament of the personalities involved, both the accused and the witnesses?
And relating these questions to previous senate investigations,where have those investigations taken us, aside from the daily media attention generating public opinion? What legislative measures had been enacted, upon being "aided" by those investigations? What has become of the witnesses and personalities paraded in front of the television cameras and splashed into the newspaper frontpages?
Thinking aloud now, I believe we should be a little bit more critical of the processes being undertaken in the legislature, and a little bit more demanding on the accountabilities of senators and congressmen to the Filipino people.
After all, these democratic institutions (such as the legislature) are supposed to be the agencies through which our will as a people is expressed, formulated, and carried out.
Consequently, these questions pop up in my head: Where is this investigation, with all the media hype, taking us? What legislative measures, if any, will be enacted after this investigation is completed? What will be the predicament of the personalities involved, both the accused and the witnesses?
And relating these questions to previous senate investigations,where have those investigations taken us, aside from the daily media attention generating public opinion? What legislative measures had been enacted, upon being "aided" by those investigations? What has become of the witnesses and personalities paraded in front of the television cameras and splashed into the newspaper frontpages?
Thinking aloud now, I believe we should be a little bit more critical of the processes being undertaken in the legislature, and a little bit more demanding on the accountabilities of senators and congressmen to the Filipino people.
After all, these democratic institutions (such as the legislature) are supposed to be the agencies through which our will as a people is expressed, formulated, and carried out.
Monday, March 28, 2011
The Lacson "Strategy"
Philippine Senator Lacson's action, wherein upon learning of an arrest warrant issued against him, went "underground" and "resurfaced" only when the said warrant has been quashed, provoked mixed reactions from citizens of the Philippines.
But to my mind, this is a painful illustration of how even the country's justice system can be perceived as subjects of politician interests and maneuvers. As Lacson himself, a senator of the republic, competently demonstrated by his actions.
Lacson refused to be subjected to the legal process in a context wherein the political leadership is an opponent. Does it imply that the court can be used by malacanang, or whoever is in power?
Lacson resurfaces after the warrant has been quashed, and a new political leadership is in place. Does it imply that the court then can be used by malacanang, or whoever is in power?
This scenario has left me wondering: How do we really insulate the country's legal system from partisan politics?
If we cannot do that immediately, the Lacson "strategy" may very well be a popular "legal" strategy.
But to my mind, this is a painful illustration of how even the country's justice system can be perceived as subjects of politician interests and maneuvers. As Lacson himself, a senator of the republic, competently demonstrated by his actions.
Lacson refused to be subjected to the legal process in a context wherein the political leadership is an opponent. Does it imply that the court can be used by malacanang, or whoever is in power?
Lacson resurfaces after the warrant has been quashed, and a new political leadership is in place. Does it imply that the court then can be used by malacanang, or whoever is in power?
This scenario has left me wondering: How do we really insulate the country's legal system from partisan politics?
If we cannot do that immediately, the Lacson "strategy" may very well be a popular "legal" strategy.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
CAMPAIGNS AGAINST DRUG ABUSE IN NAGA CITY
NAGA CITY LAUNCHES COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL
OF DRUG ABUSE, ESTABLISHES THE NAGA CITY DANGEROUS DRUGS BOARD!
The Naga City Government, under the leadership of Mayor John Bongat, recently launched its comprehensive program for combating drug abuse in the city. The Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (NCDDB) has been constituted and activated to coordinate and implement the various projects and activities under the city’s comprehensive antidrug abuse program.
NCDDB is composed of directors and heads of concerned government agencies, department heads of the local government, and representatives of the academe, religious, private sector, and NGO/PO.
NCDDB shall serve as the exclusive policy-making, monitoring, and coordinating body on the prevention and control of drug abuse in Naga City. It will execute programs and projects for formulating and implementing short-term, long-term, and sustainable solutions to the drug abuse problem.
The City Mayor is the chairman of the Board and Hon. Raoul Rosales has been designated as Presiding Officer. The Board shall constitute among themselves an Executive Committee and at least three Working Committees focusing on the following areas: (1) public information, campaign, and education; (2)intelligence, enforcement, and prosecution; and (3)early intervention and rehabilitation.
After having conducted two(2) consecutive meetings, one in November 2010 and another in January 2011, NCDDB is scheduled to be meeting on a quarterly basis.
The operations of the NCDDB shall be supervised by its Executive Committee through the Secretariat.
LIFE IMPROVEMENT THRU FRIENDLY EDUCATION (LIFE) COUNSELING CENTER NOW OPEN
FOR DRUG ADDICTS AND CONCERNED RELATIVES IN NAGA CITY!
Anchored on the compassion for the victims of drug abuse and as a support mechanism for those who are concerned with the predicament of drug addicts, the LIFE Counseling Center is just a phone call away! Alternatively, a more personalized face-to-face interaction with volunteer counsellors can be conveniently arranged.
The LIFE Counseling Center was created by Naga City ordinance No.2001-065 authored by then City Councilor and now Mayor John Bongat. It calls for the establishment and operation of a center that shall provide “confidential, competent, and reliable counselling services to drug users who have not yet reached the stage of drug addiction or dependence and are ready and willing to totally abandon drugs and return to normal life.”
The Center shall provide the following services: (1) provide free, confidential, competent and reliable counselling to drug users, particularly those who have not yet reached the stage of drug dependence; (2)refer to appropriate government agencies for rehabilitation, after compliance with procedural and judicial requirements, clients who can no longer be treated by means of counselling; and (3)recommend to the NCDDB such measures to improve the services.
The operations of the LIFE Counseling Center shall be managed and supported by the Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (NCDDB) thru its Early Intervention and Rehabilitation Committee.
CITY GOVERNMENT PUSHES FOR THE CREATION
OF THE BARANGAY ANTIDRUG ABUSE COUNCILS (BADAC)
Barangays are the local government units directly affected by and confronting the consequences of drug abuse-related problems. Along this line, the Naga City Government is pushing for the creation of the Barangay Antidrug Abuse Councils (BADAC) in the city’s twenty-seven barangays.
As mandated by Memorandum Circular No.98-227 of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), BADAC shall be composed of the following: Punong Barangay as Chairperson, Barangay Kagawad /Chairperson of the Peace and Order Committee as Vice-Chairperson, SK Chairperson, School Principal, Barangay Tanod Executive Officer, Representatives of NGO-PO, Parents-Teachers Associations, and Religious Organizations as members.
The primary role of BADAC is to plan, implement, and evaluate drug abuse prevention programs. Consequently, it shall be a mechanism for: (1) coordination of existing and planned services and programs, (2)obtaining funds, volunteers, facilities, and technical expertise, and (3)performance of other related responsibilities as may be assigned by competent authorities.
Initially dubbed as “Action Against Drug Addiction”, the Reorganization and Orientation Seminar of BADAC was conducted last August 11, 13, and 20, 2010 at the Naga City Youth Center. The seminars featured lectures and inputs from the DILG officials and anti-drugs advocates in Naga City.
Majority of the barangays in the city have already reorganized their respective BADAC’s. A city-wide general assembly of all BADAC members shall be conducted on 28 February 2011.
A representative of the BADAC shall sit as member of the Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (NCDDB).
OF DRUG ABUSE, ESTABLISHES THE NAGA CITY DANGEROUS DRUGS BOARD!
The Naga City Government, under the leadership of Mayor John Bongat, recently launched its comprehensive program for combating drug abuse in the city. The Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (NCDDB) has been constituted and activated to coordinate and implement the various projects and activities under the city’s comprehensive antidrug abuse program.
NCDDB is composed of directors and heads of concerned government agencies, department heads of the local government, and representatives of the academe, religious, private sector, and NGO/PO.
NCDDB shall serve as the exclusive policy-making, monitoring, and coordinating body on the prevention and control of drug abuse in Naga City. It will execute programs and projects for formulating and implementing short-term, long-term, and sustainable solutions to the drug abuse problem.
The City Mayor is the chairman of the Board and Hon. Raoul Rosales has been designated as Presiding Officer. The Board shall constitute among themselves an Executive Committee and at least three Working Committees focusing on the following areas: (1) public information, campaign, and education; (2)intelligence, enforcement, and prosecution; and (3)early intervention and rehabilitation.
After having conducted two(2) consecutive meetings, one in November 2010 and another in January 2011, NCDDB is scheduled to be meeting on a quarterly basis.
The operations of the NCDDB shall be supervised by its Executive Committee through the Secretariat.
LIFE IMPROVEMENT THRU FRIENDLY EDUCATION (LIFE) COUNSELING CENTER NOW OPEN
FOR DRUG ADDICTS AND CONCERNED RELATIVES IN NAGA CITY!
Anchored on the compassion for the victims of drug abuse and as a support mechanism for those who are concerned with the predicament of drug addicts, the LIFE Counseling Center is just a phone call away! Alternatively, a more personalized face-to-face interaction with volunteer counsellors can be conveniently arranged.
The LIFE Counseling Center was created by Naga City ordinance No.2001-065 authored by then City Councilor and now Mayor John Bongat. It calls for the establishment and operation of a center that shall provide “confidential, competent, and reliable counselling services to drug users who have not yet reached the stage of drug addiction or dependence and are ready and willing to totally abandon drugs and return to normal life.”
The Center shall provide the following services: (1) provide free, confidential, competent and reliable counselling to drug users, particularly those who have not yet reached the stage of drug dependence; (2)refer to appropriate government agencies for rehabilitation, after compliance with procedural and judicial requirements, clients who can no longer be treated by means of counselling; and (3)recommend to the NCDDB such measures to improve the services.
The operations of the LIFE Counseling Center shall be managed and supported by the Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (NCDDB) thru its Early Intervention and Rehabilitation Committee.
CITY GOVERNMENT PUSHES FOR THE CREATION
OF THE BARANGAY ANTIDRUG ABUSE COUNCILS (BADAC)
Barangays are the local government units directly affected by and confronting the consequences of drug abuse-related problems. Along this line, the Naga City Government is pushing for the creation of the Barangay Antidrug Abuse Councils (BADAC) in the city’s twenty-seven barangays.
As mandated by Memorandum Circular No.98-227 of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), BADAC shall be composed of the following: Punong Barangay as Chairperson, Barangay Kagawad /Chairperson of the Peace and Order Committee as Vice-Chairperson, SK Chairperson, School Principal, Barangay Tanod Executive Officer, Representatives of NGO-PO, Parents-Teachers Associations, and Religious Organizations as members.
The primary role of BADAC is to plan, implement, and evaluate drug abuse prevention programs. Consequently, it shall be a mechanism for: (1) coordination of existing and planned services and programs, (2)obtaining funds, volunteers, facilities, and technical expertise, and (3)performance of other related responsibilities as may be assigned by competent authorities.
Initially dubbed as “Action Against Drug Addiction”, the Reorganization and Orientation Seminar of BADAC was conducted last August 11, 13, and 20, 2010 at the Naga City Youth Center. The seminars featured lectures and inputs from the DILG officials and anti-drugs advocates in Naga City.
Majority of the barangays in the city have already reorganized their respective BADAC’s. A city-wide general assembly of all BADAC members shall be conducted on 28 February 2011.
A representative of the BADAC shall sit as member of the Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (NCDDB).
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Election, election, and election!
2010 is election year indeed!
The sycnchronized national and local elections was conducted in 10 May 2010. Then a few months later, in October, the election for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials was also held nationwide.
The CASURECO 2 also conducted elections for its Board of Directors from the districts of Calabanga, Canaman, Milaor, and Tinambac/Siruma in November 13. This was followed also by a similar elections for CASURECO 1 Board of Directors!
The SK and Liga ng mga Barangay then elected their federation officials December 4 and 7 respectively!
Whew! Election season indeed! 2010 is election year!
The sycnchronized national and local elections was conducted in 10 May 2010. Then a few months later, in October, the election for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials was also held nationwide.
The CASURECO 2 also conducted elections for its Board of Directors from the districts of Calabanga, Canaman, Milaor, and Tinambac/Siruma in November 13. This was followed also by a similar elections for CASURECO 1 Board of Directors!
The SK and Liga ng mga Barangay then elected their federation officials December 4 and 7 respectively!
Whew! Election season indeed! 2010 is election year!
RENNE F. GUMBA
RENNE F. GUMBA is presently the Executive Director of the Institute of Politics, Ateneo de Naga University. He is also a faculty of the Political Science Program in the Department of Social Sciences of Ateneo.
Mr. Gumba is a well- known political analyst. A favourite resource speaker for many trainings and conferences among non-government and government organizations. He is a well-travelled lecturer, having taken part in many conferences in the local, national, and international level.
His work experiences included stints in the Ateneo Social Science Research Center as a Research Associate, in the House of Representatives as Political Affairs Officer, and in the Ateneo de Naga as faculty of the Social Sciences.
Mr. Gumba took AB Political Science and graduated magna cum laude and valedictorian of the Ateneo College Graduates of 1992. He was a consistent first honor student From Kinder to High school, and completed both his elementary and secondary education as the Class Valedictorian in the Naga College Foundation.
He was also a seminarian in the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary Pre-College Formation Institute and eventually joined the Jesuit Pre-Novitiate Program in his college days. He is now married and has three children.
Mr. Gumba is a well- known political analyst. A favourite resource speaker for many trainings and conferences among non-government and government organizations. He is a well-travelled lecturer, having taken part in many conferences in the local, national, and international level.
His work experiences included stints in the Ateneo Social Science Research Center as a Research Associate, in the House of Representatives as Political Affairs Officer, and in the Ateneo de Naga as faculty of the Social Sciences.
Mr. Gumba took AB Political Science and graduated magna cum laude and valedictorian of the Ateneo College Graduates of 1992. He was a consistent first honor student From Kinder to High school, and completed both his elementary and secondary education as the Class Valedictorian in the Naga College Foundation.
He was also a seminarian in the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary Pre-College Formation Institute and eventually joined the Jesuit Pre-Novitiate Program in his college days. He is now married and has three children.
CONFRONTING THE DRUG ABUSE MENACE!
Naga City has organized the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC) in the city’s twenty seven (27) barangays. BADAC is mandated by a Memorandum Circular from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The officers and members of BADAC will soon be taking their oath to be effective instruments in a community-based approach to combating the abuse of illegal drugs.
The initiative to re-orient and set up BADAC was undertaken by Mayor John Bongat with the assistance of city councillors Raoul Rosales and Rey-An Cedric Rentoy. The City Government is also assisted by the Naga City peoples Council and the Institute of Politics of the Ateneo de Naga University.
An ordinance that created the Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) is also being reviewed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod . The DDB is expected to coordinate, plan and implement various anti-drug abuse programs.
Naga City has organized the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC) in the city’s twenty seven (27) barangays. BADAC is mandated by a Memorandum Circular from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The officers and members of BADAC will soon be taking their oath to be effective instruments in a community-based approach to combating the abuse of illegal drugs.
The initiative to re-orient and set up BADAC was undertaken by Mayor John Bongat with the assistance of city councillors Raoul Rosales and Rey-An Cedric Rentoy. The City Government is also assisted by the Naga City peoples Council and the Institute of Politics of the Ateneo de Naga University.
An ordinance that created the Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) is also being reviewed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod . The DDB is expected to coordinate, plan and implement various anti-drug abuse programs.
WHY BICOL AUTONOMY?
Some people are wondering why there is BICOL AUTONOMY MOVEMENT (BAM) in spite of the perceived shortcomings in the country’s autonomous regions.
I wish to cite at least two considerations glimpsed in recent discussions why autonomy is still an option: (1)some of the autonomous set up in the country are really intended as anti-insurgency mechanism and did not effectively generate the consensus of the people towards autonomy, and (2)no genuine autonomy was really granted to the regions.
Thus, for the BAM to be effective, autonomy must be born out of peoples’ consensus, generate development directions, and provide meaningful economic as well as political autonomy.
Some people are wondering why there is BICOL AUTONOMY MOVEMENT (BAM) in spite of the perceived shortcomings in the country’s autonomous regions.
I wish to cite at least two considerations glimpsed in recent discussions why autonomy is still an option: (1)some of the autonomous set up in the country are really intended as anti-insurgency mechanism and did not effectively generate the consensus of the people towards autonomy, and (2)no genuine autonomy was really granted to the regions.
Thus, for the BAM to be effective, autonomy must be born out of peoples’ consensus, generate development directions, and provide meaningful economic as well as political autonomy.
BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (BAC) MUST HAVE OBSERVERS!
The Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA) has mandated, among others, the creation of BAC with observers from the civil society, non-government, and peoples organizations. It also required the posting of the notices related to bids and awards in the PHILGEPS, a web portal for all government procurement transactions. Unfortunately, this is not consciously observed by many local government units and government agencies.
The initiative of the Procurement Watch Inc. to network with other organizations nationwide and train BAC observers to be effective in their mandates is a welcome initiative. The Naga City Peoples Council and PWI had trained and deployed observers in the BACs of several agencies and LGUs in the province since October of this year.
There is now a clamour for more organized network of trained and accredited observers that will provide institutional support for observers, including legal assistance in cases of anomalies and irregularities in the bidding process.
The Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA) has mandated, among others, the creation of BAC with observers from the civil society, non-government, and peoples organizations. It also required the posting of the notices related to bids and awards in the PHILGEPS, a web portal for all government procurement transactions. Unfortunately, this is not consciously observed by many local government units and government agencies.
The initiative of the Procurement Watch Inc. to network with other organizations nationwide and train BAC observers to be effective in their mandates is a welcome initiative. The Naga City Peoples Council and PWI had trained and deployed observers in the BACs of several agencies and LGUs in the province since October of this year.
There is now a clamour for more organized network of trained and accredited observers that will provide institutional support for observers, including legal assistance in cases of anomalies and irregularities in the bidding process.
WHAT AILS OUR ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES?
Much has been said and done about the predicament of the electric cooperatives. But still, there is a lingering sense of trouble and unease, particularly among the consumers. Where is this coming from?
Many of the things that bother the consumers come from what they do not know. And in this area, a lot can be cited. Is the CASURECO2 a cooperative? How does CASURECO2 conduct its projects and procurements? What is really the role of the consumers in CASURECO 2?
Many of the things that bother the consumers also come from what they know. Consumers are paying high electricity cost partly due to incompetence of some leaders in electric cooperatives. Many contracts are entered into without the awareness of member-consumers. Elections, it seems, are influenced by entrenched politicians. And as far as consumers are concerned, they are made to feel like mere end-users or “buyers”, not owners of the electric cooperative.
Much has been said and done about the predicament of the electric cooperatives. But still, there is a lingering sense of trouble and unease, particularly among the consumers. Where is this coming from?
Many of the things that bother the consumers come from what they do not know. And in this area, a lot can be cited. Is the CASURECO2 a cooperative? How does CASURECO2 conduct its projects and procurements? What is really the role of the consumers in CASURECO 2?
Many of the things that bother the consumers also come from what they know. Consumers are paying high electricity cost partly due to incompetence of some leaders in electric cooperatives. Many contracts are entered into without the awareness of member-consumers. Elections, it seems, are influenced by entrenched politicians. And as far as consumers are concerned, they are made to feel like mere end-users or “buyers”, not owners of the electric cooperative.
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