^^
An illusive peace indeed. Do you happen to take this picture? Its a nice backdrop to imperial Manila government eneptness. Personally, I rather opt for a federal state envisioned by Reuben Canoy of Cagayan de Oro. Had we united before, we would not have this treachery on our face!

I did, several years ago (back in 2005) using my camphone...
I really wasn't expecting that this would be the outcome of my shot but this image is somehow giving a message.

Its illusive indeed...

^^
An illusive peace indeed. Do you happen to take this picture? Its a nice backdrop to imperial Manila government eneptness. Personally, I rather opt for a federal state envisioned by Reuben Canoy of Cagayan de Oro. Had we united before, we would not have this treachery on our face!

reading your post above, it seems like the problem is not "Imperial Manila" as you call it...but the local leaders.

vote for honest officials, and safeguard your freedom. also, guard where your taxes go.

^^
Sandman, I think you misunderstood how our history went!

Perhaps you never knew how much we value our territory more than what the Philippines claim it to be. To refresh the mind of the reading public, it was the call for independence in the 80's which prompted Manila government to take a closer look at Mindanao and its people. It used to be the rallying point between christians and muslims alike, as a remedy for the governments neglect. Why not managed our own? To save us trouble of fighting it out with Manila government they invited us instead to join their government to see how they worked and whether our claims was true. Sure we did. Prominent people include Aquilino Pementel who managed to land a senatorial seat and he waste no time drafting the local government code resulting to more equitable distribution of government wealth. A product of that is what you see now in Davao, Gensan, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and other Christian cities which managed to grow in leaps and bounds.

We did vote well on the leaders that run our territory at that time. Thats why we prosper. So why do Muslim enclaves failed to do replicate the growth in Christian Cities when we receive almost the same IRA? Our leaders invested it on Infrastructure. Their leaders invested the money on something else. When the infrastructures are laid, businesses come, and so are growth and jobs creation. Livelihoods to its people were created. When Christian enclaves were prospering, their cities were left behind. Why?

Later, they want greater territory than what they currently have, thinking that their Christian counterparts are making more money than what they are having. The national government granted it to them with the hope of uplifting the plight of its people. They failed again. They also failed to realized that it came from business activities which they always have difficulty of inviting, while it comes in droves in most Christian cities. Even Malaysian companies whose owners are also Muslims don't want to established their factories and plant in their controlled territories. Do you know where Petronas Plant is? Its nowhere near their territory. And look at the state college created for their welfare? its students were populated by Christian majority because nobody wanted to study, and if they even managed to go to school and professors fail them, they threatened them with kidnapping and death.

What kind of culture is that? Is that how you approach progress? Instead of arming them with knowledge, they prefer to bear arms. No wonder they want their people illiterate and stupid so that way their leaders would continue to pillage under their very own noses and abused their ignorance. For those Muslim brothers who managed to study, they prospered well in life and left their brethrens behind in dark ages. They also opted to join Christian communities because at least their government is run rationally.

And while Christians and Muslim brothers in Christian controlled areas are bound by gun ban they are not, and they carry it with impunity. I'm talking about attitude here. And where do carnapped vehicles in the Philippines end up? At their backyard and being registered in their territories too. And what did the national government do? nothing. Its supposed to be their job to run after these illegal trade but no. They let the business thrive and so that it can buy guns to fight them.

And now the national government are ceding our territory without even consultation from its people or the local leaders that represent them. Blame that on local government? What are you? They are supposed to protect the national integrity of the state and provide for security, instead the government is giving it for free at the expense of its local residents and government. Are we an Authoritarian State here? The last time I checked, we are still governed by rule of majority. And that is DEMOCRACY at work. But I guess it has changed by now.

But I think you are quite right on our national leader who steal the voice of the majority. Most of her dubious votes came from that place where the dead rise to cast their vote, but I don't know if the people of Davao would agree with you that they elected Duterte based on your proposition, or that the people of Cagayan de Oro elected Emano wrongly or that the actions of Lobregat in Zamboanga did not carry the sentiments of its people. Or maybe, you are not from Mindanao at all who does not share any of its sentiments. Just maybe. If you are right then people of North Cotabato should rally to oust Manny Pinol who blames manila for the mess.

Well, probably still, you might be right on your observations. But I stick to my guns!

^^
An illusive peace indeed. Do you happen to take this picture? Its a nice backdrop to imperial Manila government eneptness. Personally, I rather opt for a federal state envisioned by Reuben Canoy of Cagayan de Oro. Had we united before, we would not have this treachery on our face!

granting we have our own mindanao republic. is there a possibility of mindanao breaking into mini republics? i don't milf would just be sitting on the sidelines not having their own vision of an islamic nation? a civil war in the offing with mnlf getting into the action too? will the cpp-npa just observe? guys, what are your thoughts on this?

Here is a statement from a true blooded Mindanaoan himself.

On Target
Christian Mindanao up in arms

By Ramon Tulfo
Philippine Daily Inquirer (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20080807-153134/Christian-Mindanao-up-in-arms)
First Posted 00:54:00 08/07/2008


Is the government in Manila driving Mindanao to a civil war between Christians and Muslims?

This seems to be the drift after Presidential Peace Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. allegedly told North Cotabato Vice Gov. Manny Piñol that if the pact with the Moros to create a separate state does not push through, the military would not be able to protect Christian Mindanao from Moro attacks.

If he was quoted right, then he’s driving the Mindanao Christians to arm themselves!

That was the most irresponsible statement a top government official – and a peace adviser at that – could make!

As a former military officer who spent most of his years in the service in Mindanao, he should have known that without government intervention, there would have been carnage in the second biggest island a long time ago with the Christian majority having the upper hand.

What the Muslims are capable of doing, the Mindanao Christians can do eight times better or worse since Muslims comprise only 20 percent of the population in the island.

The silent Christian majority has been holding its peace and leaving it to the government to control the seemingly intractable Moro minority.

But if the government in Manila leaves the Christians to fend for themselves, all hell would break loose. It’s frightening to imagine the amount of blood that would be spilled in the island paradise.

Being from Mindanao, this writer knows the bad blood between the Christians and Muslims in the region, despite pronouncements by the government in Imperial Manila that the war in the south is political and not cultural in nature.

So please, Mr. Esperon, don’t add gasoline to the smoldering mutual hatred with irresponsible statements such as the one you allegedly made to Vice Governor Piñol!

Since you’re from Luzon, you don’t care about Mindanao. All you care about is finishing your job of negotiating with the Muslims for a lasting peace.

Mr. Esperon, you’re wrong to believe the Christian majority will swallow bitter medicine rammed down their throats by the government in Manila.

If you force the “medicine” on Christian Mindanao, you’re driving them to declare their own independence from the Republic of the Philippines.

Already, many local government officials have expressed their interest to join the Movement for Federal Republic of Mindanao of former Davao del Norte Congressman and Transportation and Communications Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez.

You’ll be surprised at the personalities who support the movement by Christian Mindanao to secede from the Republic.

I should know. I saw prominent Mindanaoans at a conference of the movement that I attended as a guest last year at the Eden Farm in Davao City.

The participants agreed in principle to quietly bring their independence aspiration before the United Nations.

A few wanted to discuss the possibility of forming a “Mindanao self defense force,” but the majority voted it down, fearing charges of sedition from the government.

But with Esperon’s thoughtless statement, things might change and the self-defense force could be formed.

* * *
I rest my case.

Assuming nga tinuod ang gi-ingun ni esperon kay vice-gov Piñol, ay napaka-iiresponsable pud aning tawhana. Nanganlan pa xa nga chief peace negotiator unya ingun ani ang taras, tsk,tsk,stk. Tma gyud, wa man gyud pa nahurot ang paxenxa s mga Christian mindanaons, pero dili gyud tana i-drain sa ubang grupo, sa atong gobyerno, ug si kinsa pa man kay ambot na lang gyud. :ohno::ohno:

P.S. Feeling pud sa mga dili taga-Mindanao asta na gyung gubota diri sa ato. Grabeh gyud ila misconception and to the extent discremination s mga taga-Mindanao. Kung ana man galing ila mentality, di muhiwalay na lang ta sa ila...

hindi tayo pwedeng humiwalay....ung lang po.

sus ko alam lang kung gaano ka united ang mindanao , if you all remember when Glo was on the verge of being ousted The Mindanaoans are willing to secede even Mayor Duterte doesn't care if the Head of State is a muslim as long the rights of the people of Mindanao are being respected. sino sumoporta ? the MILF, ARMM & even Nur Misuari who was in jail that time.

may flag ba ang Luzon or Visayas?

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7186/minflagsd5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

somehow, I can see where Esperon is coming from...the guy lost hundreds of soldiers in many years of battle...ilang pamilya na ang pinagbigyan nyan ng Philippine flag for the death of his soldier...baka malapit na yang bumigay sa combat fatigue..

kahit sino siguro, when you see men die, many you've develop friendship with over the years....talagang, masusuka ka na sa walang kabuluhang gulo. pero, as far as the Philippines is concerned, whether Esperon likes it or not, talagang they have to protect Mindanao as mandated by the constitution.

sus ko alam lang kung gaano ka united ang mindanao , if you all remember when Glo was on the verge of being ousted The Mindanaoans are willing to secede even Mayor Duterte doesn't care if the Head of State is a muslim as long the rights of the people of Mindanao are being respected. sino sumoporta ? the MILF, ARMM & even Nur Misuari who was in jail that time.

may flag ba ang Luzon or Visayas?

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/7186/minflagsd5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

pang federal na yang flag na yan ah...reading ready na...

United tlaga dapat tayo...the cause of Mindanao pride is the discrimination throughout the years...although, sometimes din naman nagiging cause ito na ikahiya ng ibang taga-Mindanao ang roots nila.

anyway, wag lang tayo humiwalay sa Philippines. :D
mag-federal na lang. where meron tayong Mindanao governor.

pang federal na yang flag na yan ah...reading ready na...

United tlaga dapat tayo...the cause of Mindanao pride is the discrimination throughout the years...although, sometimes din naman nagiging cause ito na ikahiya ng ibang taga-Mindanao ang roots nila.

anyway, wag lang tayo humiwalay sa Philippines. :D
mag-federal na lang. where meron tayong Mindanao governor.

Kung federal man, dapat ata at most 3 federal states ang mindanao. so that would be three governors.....

Kung federal man, dapat ata at most 3 federal states ang mindanao. so that would be three governors.....

yup yup..I agree.

siguro davao, northern mindanao, ARMM

yup yup..I agree.

siguro davao, northern mindanao, ARMM

Parang ganun na ngah...:):):):)

kaya lang naman umaalsa ang kapatid nating muslim dahil sa mistrust nila sa central gov't di lang pala sila halos karamihan yun lang nga mas takot ang Malacanang sa kanila.

dapat pag tuunan nila ng pansin ang Mindanao. hindi ko lang maintindihan ang tagal-tagal na na usapan yang GRP-MILF ngayon lang sila nag proprotesta .

pang federal na yang flag na yan ah...reading ready na...

United tlaga dapat tayo...the cause of Mindanao pride is the discrimination throughout the years...although, sometimes din naman nagiging cause ito na ikahiya ng ibang taga-Mindanao ang roots nila.

anyway, wag lang tayo humiwalay sa Philippines. :D
mag-federal na lang. where meron tayong Mindanao governor.

diba meron na ring anthem dati? as in ready talaga hehe

Yong name ata is Republic of Minsupala....Min (Mindanao), Su (Sulu Archipelago), and Pala (Palawan)....:):):)

dapat siguro ganito:

normin region
southmin region (easternmin would be included in southmin..)
westmin region
armm region...

that way 4 governors, 4 vice governors, 4 senates, 4 congress will rule. all independent of each other...kung baga federal na talaga. and each of these regions would have a representative to the national senate and the national congress...

dapat siguro ganito:

normin region
southmin region (easternmin would be included in southmin..)
westmin region
armm region...

that way 4 governors, 4 vice governors, 4 senates, 4 congress will rule. all independent of each other...kung baga federal na talaga. and each of these regions would have a representative to the national senate and the national congress...

CARAGA region will be a separate Federal State..

CARAGA region will be a separate Federal State..
i know caraga is spared from territorial claim, but how are butuan leaders nad public reacting to the recent developments on peace agreement?

i know caraga is spared from territorial claim, but how are butuan leaders nad public reacting to the recent developments on peace agreement?

though CARAGA Region has an immunity to whatever territorial agreements present or future as its creation is solidified by a Republic Act...and that CARAGA Region could NOT just become a part of anything (whether NorthMin nor SouthMin Federal states nor that celluloid Bangsamoro state) without going through the eye of both legislative chambers....

however any trouble that may happen in the south could also indirectly affect us here at the northernmost and easternmost part....Butuan Bishop is vocal about the MOA as he is bent on transparency issues why advocating sobriety among cityfolks and the city's Muslim minority..

i thought caraga are like any other non autonomous region. what made it diffirent?

*i bleive its how the media treat the issues, made all things worse.

i thought caraga are like any other non autonomous region. what made it diffirent?

*i bleive its how the media treat the issues, made all things worse.

its an administrative region just like any region in Mindanao and the Visayas except that of ARMM and the Cordilleras which are Autonomous in function...

but CARAGA is the only region in Mindanao and Visayas which was created by the act of Congress thru a Republic Act and not by an executive order...thus making it immune to geo-political maneuverings directly from Malacanang..

wherefore, its component provinces and cities could not just be alligned with any territory that might be created without congressional and constitutional move by this republic...

this can be an ideal move to seal our Minda Regions in Davao and North Min by a law...a legislative act by their congressmen to solidify their territorial boundaries by a Republic Act..thus protecting them from hapless creation of new territories out from their boundaries...

The current Bangsamoro Homeland deal have encroached to Comval and Davao Oriental in Davao Region and Iligan, Lanao del Norte and a few barangays in Bukidnon in NorMin...

its an administrative region just like any region in Mindanao and the Visayas except that of ARMM and the Cordilleras which are Autonomous in function...

but CARAGA is the only region in Mindanao and Visayas which was created by the act of Congress thru a Republic Act and not by an executive order...thus making it immune to geo-political maneuverings directly from Malacanang..

wherefore, its component provinces and cities could not just be alligned with any territory that might be created without congressional and constitutional move by this republic...
i see
*its like as if i understand copletely what it is all about*:lol:

but for like west mindanao region, any agreement on ceding territorial boundaries by the exective cannot be "final" without going through the approval of congress and referendum?

its an administrative region just like any region

The current Bangsamoro Homeland deal have encroached to Comval and Davao Oriental in Davao Region and Iligan, Lanao del Norte and a few barangays in Bukidnon in NorMin...
i learned its only the town of tarragona in davao oriental. looks like a small town that is still predominantly christian town. except for some muslim camp on part of its coast. sadly anywhere they havesettlements...

but its still moa guidelines sort of preparatory framedguidelines what are the terms to be negotiated. though its a concern the government panel is opening itself the risk on touchy and difficult to negotiate "demands" where i thought milf has strong bargaining options.

i see
*its like as if understand copletely what it is all about*:lol:

but for like west mindanao region, any agreement on ceding territorial boundaries by the exective cannot be "final" without going through the approval of congress and referendum?

Malacanang maintained their stand that the MOA is NOT an act of ceding a territory but a prelude for a possible expanded Muslim territorial Autonomy lang kuno...

..however most Congressmen saw that the elements of the MOA have all the trappings needed...and a very good prelude for easy ceding... for an eventual creation of a new separate and independent territorial entity...

i learned its only the town of tarragona in davao oriental. looks like a small town that is still predominantly christian town. except for some muslim camp on part of its coast. sadly anywhere they havesettlements...

the long term plan under the Tripoli Agreement shall eventually encompass the whole of Mindanao...I believe inorder to "seal and shield" these regions (NorMin and South Min and West Min) from new territorial creations and alignments is to solidify their respective regional boundaries by a Republic Act...

AFP chief assures Mindanao folk of protection (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080806136&type=2)
By James Mananghaya
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday assured the people of North Cotabato that they will be protected against attacks by rebel forces.

AFP chief Gen. Alexander Yano said the troops are under orders to defend the villages in North Cotabato against attacks by suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrillas.

Yano said the AFP has the constitutional mandate to protect the people against all internal and external threats.

The AFP had ordered troops to maintain an active defense stance due to the recent attacks staged by MILF guerrillas in the villages of North Cotabato.

Provincial Vice Gov. Emmanuel Piñol said the recent attacks by the rebels were meant to “project military might” while the MILF and the government are finalizing the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) that would include several villages in the province under the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE).

The agreement, which was supposed to have been signed Tuesday by the Philippine government and the MILF in Malaysia, was put on hold after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) upon the petition of Piñol and other local officials.

Critics charge that the agreement would have virtually given the MILF their own state in the south.

The proposed agreement has triggered massive protests in North Cotabato and other largely Christian areas in Mindanao amid fears the MILF could take control of their lands.

With the aborted signing of the MOA-AD, President Arroyo ordered troops to be on heightened alert in Central Mindanao.

Yano said the military was “closely monitoring and continuously assessing” the situation on the ground after the SC ruling.

“We have clear instruction from PGMA (President Arroyo) to be vigilant amid the recent developments,” Yano said. “We are likewise directed to take appropriate actions while upholding the primacy of the peace process.”

Yano stressed the troops are under strict orders not to provoke the MILF and adhere to the ceasefire agreement.

He assured the people that the troops are “capable to address the threats.”

Sources revealed the AFP has deployed 24 armored personnel carriers and 12 howitzer tubes in Davao City as part of the military’s plan of defense against possible rebel attacks.

“The arrival of that additional firepower was really for Central Mindanao and was supposed to take place in Cotabato City. But in order not to create further animosity with the MILF, the higher headquarters diverted the deployment to Davao City before these would be sent to Central Mindanao,” a ranking official said.

The deployment of additional firepower was prompted by recent developments, according to the official who also noted the statements made by Piñol that some villagers are arming themselves against the MILF.

Piñol revealed in an interview over ANC late Tuesday that he sent text messages to his constituents to defend themselves after being supposedly told by presidential adviser on the peace process Hermogenes Esperon Jr. that the AFP could not do it for them.

“I sent this text to our leaders so they will understand that we should not expect a lot from the Armed Forces because right now (the government’s apparent) attitude is they are willing to sacrifice us just to please the MILF,” he said.

“What are our options if the Armed Forces will not defend us according to Secretary Esperon, then we will be forced to defend ourselves, what else do we do?” he added.

‘Nothing to apologize’

Esperon later denied the allegations that he had threatened Piñol that the military would be unable to help them if the MILF attacks.

“What I could recall is that, Manny told me that they will file a TRO before the Supreme Court if the MOA contains this. We have been together before. I was the brigade commander of Carmen, North Cotabato during the all-out offense and Piñol was then the governor,” Esperon told radio dzMM.

Esperon added Piñol was well aware of the peace process and the people of North Cotabato were consulted on the issue.

Esperon recalled that as early as June 12, or four days before he took over as presidential adviser on the peace process, he went to Maguindanao provincial capitol and decided to drop by North Cotabato and meet Piñol.

“We had an exchange of ideas during that meeting and I formalized this when I met with Governor (Jesus) Sacdalan and with the members of the regional peace and order council last July 12.

“I was the one who briefed them regarding the peace process that I was doing with the MILF. We had an exchange of ideas there,” he said.

Esperon said he was puzzled by Piñol’s actuations while stressing the vice governor was apprised of the details of the MOA-AD.

Esperon also said he couldn’t recall warning Piñol that the military will not help them from rebel attacks.

He also denied saying sorry to Piñol since there was nothing to apologize for.

“I’m not angry,” Esperon said, adding it was Piñol, whom he fondly called his “kumpadre,” that became emotional about the issue. –With Edith Regalado, Jaime Laude, Paolo Romero, Jose Rodel Clapano

Back to top

Malacanang maintained their stand that the MOA is NOT an act of ceding a territory but a prelude for a possible expanded Muslim territorial Autonomy lang kuno...

..however most Congressmen saw that the elements of the MOA have all the trappings needed...and a very good prelude for easy ceding... for an eventual creation of a new separate and independent territorial entity...
but was that fully understood by milf panel? by the recent statements issued by milf after the tro, looks like grp conveyed the terms either vaguely, wrongly, or simply not keen on feeling the seriousness of the other side.

Mindanao ginugulo raw, Esperon pinasisibak! (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080806139&type=2)
Nina Malou Escudero At Joy Cantos
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Pinasisibak ng mga senador si Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Hermogenes Esperon Jr. dahil sa kapalpakan nito sa panukalang kasunduan sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at pamumu*wersa sa mga taga-Min* da*nao na suportahan ang Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on ancestral domain para sa pagtatayo ng Bangsamoro Juridicial Entity (BJE) sa rehiyon ng Mindanao.

Naniniwala ang mga senador na hindi na dapat magtagal pa sa kanyang posisyon si Esperon dahil sa pinasok na kasunduan sa MILF na posibleng maging daan upang ma*ging magulo ang Minda*nao.

“Hinihingi ko kay Pa*ngulong Arroyo na sibakin na si General Hermo*genes Esperon bilang Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process,” ani Sen. Mar Roxas.

Kinondena rin nina Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Sen. Francis Escudero at Sen. Panfilo Lacson ang pam*babraso ni Esperon upang masunod ang kagustuhan ng Malacañang mailusot ang peace accord.

Alinsunod sa nasabing MOA, mahigit 700 ba*rangay sa Mindanao ka*bilang ang ilang lugar sa Palawan ang mapapabi*lang sa BJE na iprinopro*testa ng mga lokal na opisyal at ng kanilang mga constituents.

Nagbanta pa umano si Esperon kay North Cota*bato Vice Gov. Emmanuel “Manny” Pinol na kapag na-TRO ang MOA ay walang tulong na ma*ibibigay ang gobyerno kapag nanggulo ang MILF sa balwarte ng mga ito.

Sinabi ni Escudero na hindi maganda kung to*toong tinakot ni Esperon ang mga taga-North Cota*bato na pababayaan ng militar kapag nilusob ng MILF.

Ipinaalala ni Lacson kay Esperon na isa na itong sibilyan at hindi na pinuno ng AFP kaya hindi na umano dapat umasta pang chief of staff.

Iginiit naman ni Sen. Rodolfo Biazon na hindi lamang dapat sibakin si Esperon, kundi dapat ring palitan lahat ang mga miyembro ng Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process kabilang na ang legal panel nito na nakikipag-usap sa MILF.

Sa isang pahayag ay nanindigan naman si Es*peron na hindi magbibitiw, maliban na lamang kung si Pangulong Arroyo mismo ang magpaalis sa kanya.

Samantala sa gitna na rin ng mainit na isyu, tiniyak ni AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano na mana*natili ang mga sundalo sa pagbibigay proteksyon sa mga sibilyan kabilang na sa posibleng paghahasik ng karahasan ng MILF rebels sa Mindanao.

Nilinaw ni Yano na wa*lang polisiya ang AFP na piliin lamang ang grupo ng mga komunidad tulad ng mga espekulasyon laban sa lahat ng uri ng mga ban*ta sa seguridad dahil ang inuuna ng mga sun*dalo ay kaligtasan ng mga sibilyan.

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the long term plan under the Tripoli Agreement shall eventually encompass the whole of Mindanao...I believe inorder to "seal and shield" these regions (NorMin and South Min and West Min) from new territorial creations and alignments is to solidify their respective regional boundaries by a Republic Act...
mr misuary just accused malacaniang of not fulfilling the 1996 agreement on the promise of freedom. territory covered then is limited to present geographic compositipn of armm. i doubt milf expanded version is part and complementing the existing territorial boundaries. misuary dinied involvement in the current talks. that means to me mnlf group. but then you can never tell"double talk" in between his statements

Conflict won’t escalate in Mindanao — OMA chief (http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/08/07/PROV20080807131844.html)



Gerry L. Gorit

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- A top official of the regional Office of Muslim Affairs based here told reporters conflict will not escalate in Mindanao even as the supposed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing between MILF and the government failed due to a Supreme Court issued Temporary Restraining Order.


OMA regional director Ombra Gandamra said the rumored conflict is only instigated by some quarters that are not supporting the resolution of peace in Mindanao. "I don’t think conflict will escalate in Mindanao just because the MoA signing did not push through," the regional director said.

He said he is confident the election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will also go on as scheduled. "I am very positive the election will push through since everything is already in order," he said

The other day Vice Governor Manny Piñol met with close to 10,000 people during a protest rally condemning the inclusion of North Cotabato to the expanded ARMM, saying there is no due process and the people in the region are not informed. He said the government did not even bother to conduct a plebiscite to know the pulse of the people in the area.

Piñol said they are willing to shed blood in defense of their place when the government is firm on their decision to include North Cotabato in the ARMM region.

Also in Iligan City, supporters of Mayor Lawrence Cruz also protested the inclusion of at least eight barangays in the expanded ARMM. He said such decision of the government is not based in due process. Like Piñol, the Iligan city mayor has also accused Malacañang of disinformation to the residents of Iligan who are affected by the problem.

Mayor Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga City also protested the inclusion of their city to the expanded ARMM. He said the government should be fair enough to consult the people before deciding to include them in the ARMM region.

Remember nyo ba na may bigay ang OIC thru Pres Khadafi na development fund para sa mindanao? The sum was something like USD 600M? Di kaya ito ang puno't dulo ng lahat ng nangyayari ngayon sa mindanao. Maybe some quarters want some piece of it. Just my two cents :)

Remember nyo ba na may bigay ang OIC thru Pres Khadafi na development fund para sa mindanao? The sum was something like USD 600M? Di kaya ito ang puno't dulo ng lahat ng nangyayari ngayon sa mindanao. Maybe some quarters want some piece of it. Just my two cents :)
Pwede, kabalo naman ka, when it comes to money, almost everybody is of the same religion...:ohno::ohno::ohno:

These are the things that desuade investors from Mindanao. Hopefully this will be resolved as soon as possible.

"Money is the root of all evil.":ohno:

^^
More accurate: The LOVE of money is the root of all evil. :lol:

^^
Even more accurate.
The obsession of money is the root of all evil.

Whats the difference?
Well, if you love it, you take it as it comes. When it doesn't, you find ways to have it by all means. That's obsession!:)

i love money:D

Gaisano Mall of Davao (expansion)
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/857/photo786lh9.jpg

Central park Hotel (12-storey construction)
http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/2465/ssc2028qn2.jpg

Commercial Building fronting Chimes Mall
http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/8611/ssc2022hc9.jpg

Ayala Center Davao (construction site)
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9471/photo673zh0.jpg

One Oasis Davao (construction site)
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/2919/photo743nr6.jpg

Not in picture:
Robinsons Cybergate Davao
SM North Davao
Magallanes Residences

Another condominium project in Davao City

;23903138']add nyo sa condos ng Davao

Noblesse Heights Condominium sa Bacaca

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g261/waway625/condo_finalwlogo.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g261/waway625/condo_aerialfinal2.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g261/waway625/condo_aerialfinalwlogo.jpg

:cheers:

guys post ko lang sana your city will join:


Surigao City invites cultural groups to join Bonok-Bonok Festival 2008

PIA.gov.ph | Wednesday, August 13, 2008

The Bonok-Bonok Culture and Arts Association, Inc. through the Surigao City Tourism Office is inviting all cultural contingents in the country to participate in the 2008 Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival on September 9 this year.

The Bonok-bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival is an ethnic Mardi gras marked by street dancing and stationary festivities held in line with the annual fiesta celebration of San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10.

The criteria for the Bonok-bonok Festival are storyline theme and concept—20%; choreography—20%; performance—25%; street dancing—25%; production design that includes costumes, music, props and sets—10%.

The dance entry shall take in the forms of street dancing (done during the parade in progressive steps) and the main dance drama or stationary dance will be performed in a place designated by the organizers.

The main dance/ritual shall be given an allotted time of 6 minutes excluding entrance and exit.

The dance entry may present a storyline or dance scenarios taken from the place being represented or inspired from various literary forms.

Prizes at stake are P250,000 plus trophy for the grand prize; P200,000 plus trophy for the 1st runner-up; P150,000 plus trophy for the 2nd runner-up; and P100,000 plus trophy for the 3rd runner-up. Participation prizes at P10,000 each and certificate of participation for non-winners.

Special awards for Best in Street Dancing is P50,000 plus trophy; Best Choreographer is P10,000 plus trophy; Best in Costume is P10,000 plus trophy and Best in Musicality is P10,000 plus trophy.

Sr. Tourism Officer Ms. Roselin Armida B. Merlin disclosed that all contingents will be provided with modest accommodation, food subsidy of P10,000 each and 5 containers of mineral water.

Interested groups who want to participate in the said festival may inquire from the City Tourism Office at Luneta Park, Borromeo Street, Surigao City for more details call the Bonok-bonok Festival 2008 Secretariat at telephone numbers (086)826-8064 or 232-7228, telefax (086) 826-4131. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)

MALACAÑANG:
All systems go for Charter change

Arroyo wants constituent assembly convened
By Christine Avendaño, Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
Philippine Daily Inquirer, INQUIRER.net
First Posted 01:53:00 08/13/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The Palace backed off two years ago from a “grand deception,” as the Supreme Court ruling put it.

Now, it’s all systems go for Charter change.

This was announced Tuesday by Press Secretary Jesus Dureza a day after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself said that she favored federalism to resolve a bloody Moro war for self-rule in Mindanao.

Dureza said Ms Arroyo was supporting a Senate resolution introduced by Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. seeking to turn the two chambers of Congress into a constituent assembly to amend the 1987 Constitution and adopt a federal system of government.

In a press briefing, Dureza said that 12 senators had signed Pimentel’s resolution that envisioned the creation of 11 federal states and that four other senators were supporting the measure.

Aside from Pimentel, other signatories to the resolution were Senate President Manuel Villar, Senators Edgardo Angara, Rodolfo Biazon, Pia Cayetano, Juan Ponce-Enrile, Francis Escudero, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Francis Pangilinan, and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

The shift to a federal type of government was discussed during the President’s meeting with the Cabinet security cluster Tuesday, Dureza said.

On Monday, Ms Arroyo told visiting Swiss President Pascal Couchepin that she was advocating “federalism as a way to ensure long-lasting peace in Mindanao.” Although she did not elaborate, Dureza later told reporters this would be done by amending the Constitution.

It was Ms Arroyo’s first public statement on federalism since the Supreme Court junked in October 2006 as a “grand deception” a signature campaign under the “people’s initiative” mode of amending the Constitution to introduce the parliamentary system.

Ms Arroyo’s remarks came after the Supreme Court stopped the Aug. 5 signing in Malaysia of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following protests by local executives over the inclusion of areas under their jurisdiction in an expanded Bangsamoro homeland.

Critics said that the MoA amounted to a dismemberment of the Philippine republic and the creation of a separate state. Some opposition senators and congressmen slammed the accord as a justification for amending the Constitution and prolonging Ms Arroyo’s term, which expires in 2010.

Full support of Senate resolution

“It’s systems go for Cha-cha (Charter change) and we are supporting Senate Joint Resolution No. 10,” Dureza said.

He said Malacañang was giving its “full support” to the Senate resolution “so that eventually it will be the way forward, especially on our work to set up a federal setup in southern Philippines to respond to the Bangsamoro aspiration.”

“The President strongly believes there must be a reform in our Constitution and downscaling the authority of central government and dissipating this to the local setup,” Dureza said, explaining that this was what she had campaigned for in the 2004 election.

“This will also debunk earlier comments by some sectors that when the President announces we are going into a federal trajectory—with due respects to the Inquirer—that the ‘cat is out of the bag’,” he said.

Dureza said Ms Arroyo took exception to the first line in the Inquirer’s banner story on its front page Tuesday on her resurrection of the Charter change bid.

“She said why is that so, when all along it has been there in the Senate and when we had been talking about it from the very beginning as if it’s coming out from her for the first time. So she said we are just supporting the pending Senate resolution,” he said.

Dureza said Ms Arroyo was “going to hasten the process by saying that we are going to look at this as a way forward, especially on our agreement that may take place with the MILF.”

‘Naughty insinuations’

Asked what prompted Ms Arroyo to make clear her endorsement of federalism, Dureza said: “It is because of the naughty insinuation that she is going for Charter change because she wants to extend her term of office.”

He said this was “unfair” to the President because “all her efforts in opening up the Constitution, coming up with an ancestral domain agreement, coming up with a final peace agreement with the MILF, is really to respond to a historic aspiration that had not been attended to.”

Dureza was also asked whether support for the Senate resolution meant the Palace was doing away with its earlier pronouncements for a “surgical amendment” to the Constitution to create the Moro homeland.

Bernas formula

He said that Malacañang would like to “look at all avenues to see to it that the establishment of a Bangsamoro entity will come about whether by surgical amendment as proposed by Fr. Joaquin Bernas or a federal state can be opened up for the country.”

When asked whether a timeline has been set to get the process going, Dureza said there was none and that the President was leaving the matter up to Congress.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said he personally did not think that the Bernas formula or surgical amendment of the Constitution will work and that a “careful study should be done.”

“To me a segmental federalistic system may not be in accordance with the Constitution ... it should be the entire country,” Gonzalez said. He also added that this could be done before the end of Ms Arroyo’s term.

11 federal states

The joint resolution aims to change the "highly centralized system of government" in Manila, which has "brought about a spotty development of the nation where preferential treatment has been given to localities whose officials are friendly with or have access to an incumbent administration."

It said the "lopsided arrangement has spawned a host of problems, including massive nationwide poverty to runaway insurgencies and rebellions that feed on the social inequalities in the nation."

"The federalization of the Republic would speed up the development of the entire nation and help dissipate the causes of the insurgency throughout the land, particularly the centuries-old Moro rebellions," the resolution said.

The 11 federal states called "centers of finance and development" to be created would be: Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Minparom (Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon), Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao, and the State of Bangsamoro.

Under the resolution, the President and the Vice President will be elected and will serve a term of six years with one re-election. The President and Vice President will be voted as a team.
The resolution also calls for the election of six senators in each of the 11 component federal states.

Nine other senators will be elected to represent the Filipinos overseas. This will expand the membership of the Senate from the current 24 to 75 members, according to the resolution.

Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives will be elected by district but limited to a maximum of 350.

The resolution provides that the senators will serve for a term of six years and congressmen, three years. The senators will be limited to two terms and congressmen, four terms.

Pimentel had said his proposed mode of electing senators would considerably lessen the cost of elections and keep victors from resorting to corruption to recover campaign expenses and pay off poll-related debts.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080813-154280/All-systems-go-for-Charter-change

PIA Press Release
2008/08/13

Davao Region's poverty incidence still lowest in Mindanao

by Prix D Banzon

Davao City (13 August) -- "With the poverty line going up in 2008 already we can predict maraming mahuhulog sa baba". This was the observation made by Estrella Turingan, regional head of the National Statistical Coordination Board XI in a recent business forum held at the Marco Polo Davao.

But Turingan said they do not make projections although she said given such trend then they can make rough estimates at maraming mahulog kasi tataas ang inflation. At dapat habulin ng increase sa income ang pagtaas ng poverty line.

She said if the income does not move faster than the poverty line then there will be more poor.

In a fact sheet released by NSCB as of March 31, 2008 it indicated that in 2006, poverty incidence of families, or the proportion of families with per capita income below the poverty threshold, increased to 30.6 percent compared with the 28.5 percent in 2003. This corresponds to an increase of 2.1 percentage points during the three years period.

It also showed that Davao region's poverty incidence is still the lowest in Mindanao in terms of the proportion of poor families.

Among the provinces in the region, Davao Oriental had the highest number of poor families in 2006, with 41 out of 100 families classified as poor. Davao del Norte, however, recorded the highest increase in poverty incidence among families.

In 2006, poverty incidence of the province increased to 37.7 percent from 30.3 percent in 2003, which corresponds to a 7.4 percentage points increase in three years span. Davao del Sur had the highest drop in poverty incidence.

Poverty incidence of families dropped by 1.2 percentage points in 2006, which made the province the least poor among the provinces in the region with only 23 out of 100 families categorized as poor.

The number of poor Davaoenos also increased. In 2006, 37 out of 100 Davaoenos were poor compared to 35 in 2003. Davao del Norte recorded the highest increase in poverty incidence among the population consistent with the trend of poverty incidence among families. Incidence of poor population in that province increased to 44.8 percent in 2006 from 36.8 percent in 2003, which corresponds to 8-percentage points growth.

Davao Oriental registered the largest number of poor among the provinces. In Davao Oriental, 49 out of 100 population were considered as poor in 2006, Davao del Sur had the least number of poor in 2006 with only 27 out of 100 population.

Davao Region's annual per capita poverty threshold increased from the P11,399 in 2003 to P14,942 in 2006, up by 31.1 percent during the period.

Thus, in 2006, a family of five members needed P6,226 monthly income or P205 daily income to sustain their minimum basic needs, both food and non-food. (PIA) [top]

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&rp=1&fi=p080813.htm&no=9&date=

'All systems go for Cha-cha' (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008081286&type=2)
By Paolo Romero
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Malacañang said yesterday it’s “all systems go for Charter change” as it declared its support for a pending Senate resolution calling for the creation of 11 federal states in the country.

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza made the announcement at a news briefing after attending a Cabinet security cluster meeting presided over by President Arroyo during which the decision to revive efforts to amend the Constitution was reached.

He said it was agreed during the meeting that the Arroyo administration will support Senate Joint Resolution No. 10 on the creation of federal states filed in May by Senate President Manuel Villar, and a mix of opposition and administration lawmakers including Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

“The Palace is supporting fully this particular resolution,” Dureza said.

The resolution envisions the creation of 11 federal states, namely the states of Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Minparom (Mindoro, Palawan and Romblon), Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao, and Bangsamoro, through the convening of Congress into a constituent assembly.

Metro Manila will be constituted as the Federal Administration Region under the resolution.

“The federalization of the Republic would speed up the development of the entire nation and help dissipate the causes of insurgency throughout the land, particularly centuries-old Moro rebellion,” the resolution said.

Dureza said the move to revive Charter change is also in response to “Bangsamoro aspirations” for an autonomous federal state in Mindanao as envisioned in the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The SC issued a temporary restraining order on the signing of the MOA in Malaysia early last week.

Mrs. Arroyo on Monday, in her speech during a luncheon in honor of visiting Switzerland President Pascal Couchepin, pushed for a federal system of government in Mindanao to help end the conflict and create a climate of lasting peace.

Dureza said full support for the Senate resolution would provide a “bigger opportunity for the country to avail of the federal set up” than a “surgical” amendment to the Constitution.

“She strongly believes there must be reform in the Constitution (to) downscale the authority of the central government and dissipating it in local set up and this is one of reform agenda we have been saying before,” Dureza said.

“She had been saying she is looking at federal setup and a constitutional amendment so it’s not correct that the cat is out of bag right now,” he said.

Skeptical Senate

Senators however are wary about President Arroyo’s declaration of support for Senate Joint Resolution 10.

Villar lamented that the peace process has been derailed by confusion caused by the Arroyo administration’s pronouncement that Cha-cha is needed for the peace process in Mindanao to succeed.

“That is why there is so much confusion. (Resolution 10) is pending at the upper house and this issue on federal system will have to be debated upon. We have yet to start the debates but if Malacañang will push for (Cha-cha) we should know for sure what are the real reasons and motives for it,” Villar said in an interview.

“What’s the real score here? This is serious. Nobody should ride on the issue of federal system. I don’t believe that the issue on peace process in Mindanao should be used as a reason to push for Charter change,” Villar added.

Pimentel, the proponent of the resolution, said he is keen on pursuing a federal system despite President Arroyo’s announcement. “Yes, not to back her agenda but only that of Resolution No. 10 to federalize RP for two things: to speed up economic development of the country and to dissipate causes of RP unrest especially in Mindanao,” Pimentel said.

Sen. Francis Escudero said the government has no moral ascendancy to push for Cha-cha while Sen. Francis Pangilinan said the Senate will “vigorously oppose Cha-cha if the same is to be undertaken before 2010.”

The Senate tackled yesterday the issue of federalism during plenary.

“They’re really pushing for an independent state within that, so I think I will back off and oppose the move to change our Charter now because the motives are suspect,” Sen. Loren Legarda, for her part, said.

“The Senate and the House (will meet separately) because the danger really is if we have a united deliberation in voting they will overwhelm us. Mas marami sila eh (they’re more in number),” Pimentel said.

“Considering the reality of the situation that they can run through what they want to do, if we are voting jointly. That’s why I put in my resolution voting separately,” Pimentel explained, adding, “GMA is not in my equation.”

Pimentel also argued that there is no extension provision on the President’s term in his proposal.

“What I’m saying is that it cannot happen in my resolution. Maybe in their resolution, but not in mine. I want the people to be a little more perceptive and discerning, not just reacting on a knee-jerk,” Pimentel said.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada does not find the timing appropriate for Cha-cha.

“I don’t think this is the proper time because of the conflict in Mindanao, the recent conflict with regard to the aborted signing of the MOA. I don’t think this is the proper time to talk about federalism,” Estrada said.

Estrada said he is supportive of Pimentel’s resolution but will have to rethink his position because Malacañang is riding on the issue.

Sen. Joker Arroyo also echoed his colleagues’ apprehension over the Palace’s plans, while Sen. Pia Cayetano said she is “totally shocked that the administration is using the war as a vehicle to push its agenda on Cha-cha.”

“I don’t mind that we discuss federalism by way of having the pros and cons out, but the timing is not good because obviously the administration has an agenda here,” Cayetano said.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said there is a need for senators to reach a consensus on the issue because the timing is suspect.

“We are all in favor of amending the Constitution but the timing is suspect. I think we have to wait for the perfect time. And I feel the perfect time will be after the elections of 2010,” Zubiri said.

Mixed reactions

Some House allies of the Arroyo administration have expressed misgivings about its latest pitch for Charter change but others have claimed widespread support for the initiative based on an “informal survey.”

Opposition lawmakers, meanwhile, were generally not in favor of Charter change as a step toward federalism.

“Even in a federal set-up, the MOA is unacceptable. A country cannot be half-slave and half-free, a democracy in a sultanate. That’s why Malaysia is not a real democracy. A federal system of government cannot just be limited in Mindanao,” Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin Jr. said. Locsin heads the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms.

Rep. Joel Villanueva of the Citizens Battle Against Corruption warned Mrs. Arroyo that history is replete with stories of ignoble ends of political dynasties and dictatorships, like those of Ferdinand Marcos and Suharto of Indonesia.

Even some senior House members have expressed caution.

“I think pushing for Cha-cha at this time when the country and our people are facing so many urgent problems is divisive and counterproductive. We should talk Cha-cha when there are no more hungry and jobless people,” said Aurora Rep. Sonny Angara.

“So far, I’m not convinced of the timing and the purpose. This matter needs to be thoroughly discussed,” said Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon, whose Liberal Party is allied with the opposition bloc.

“We have seen the problem in Mindanao for more than 40 years. During martial law, not even Marcos was able to solve the Mindanao conflict although he was instrumental in forging the Tripoli agreement,” Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga said.

“GMA was not the one who started proposing Charter change for federalism especially in Mindanao. Remember, it was Sen. Nene Pimentel who started the ball rolling and asking that we convert to federalism through Charter change,” Speaker Prospero Nograles said.

Iloilo Rep. Ferjenel Biron said he is in favor of Charter amendments, but “only through constitutional convention.”

“Definitely, I will strongly oppose any move to amend the Constitution at this time as the motive will be suspect in the eyes of the public,” Rep. Niel Tupas stressed.

Anak Mindanao Rep. Mujiv Hataman said he is in favor of Charter change but only if the main objective is to secure peace in Mindanao.

“I oppose Cha-cha because I fear that it will only perpetuate GMA’s rule and will open our Constitution to amendments that will further open our economy and patrimony to foreign interests,” said Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza.

“The US and GMA are using the peace talks with the MILF to pursue their respective agenda. For GMA to perpetuate herself in power, and for the US strategic interest of re-establishing permanent military bases in the country and intensify its plunder of our natural resources,” said Rep. Rafael Mariano of party-list Anakpawis.

La Union Rep. Victor Ortega, chairman of the committee on constitutional amendments, disclosed that 115 of the 123 lawmakers who responded to an “informal survey” were in favor of Charter change. He said eight of those surveyed opposed Charter change. A total of 238 congressmen were surveyed. – With Christina Mendez and Delon Porcalla

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[/B]

UN begins airlifting food aid to Mindanao (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008081297&type=2)
By Pia Lee-Brago
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The United Nations has begun airlifting food to Mindanao to avert a major humanitarian crisis as thousands flee fighting between Muslim rebels and troops, officials said yesterday.

Fighting continued as soldiers used artillery and helicopter gun ships to pound rebel positions around towns and villages in North Cotabato, a poor farming province in Mindanao.

The UN’s World Food Program (WFP) has begun airlifting 400 metric tons of rice worth $308,000 to assist 90,000 persons from conflict-affected communities in North Cotabato for at least one month.

The food support is WFP’s response to the request made by the provincial government of the province, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) still validating the number of the persons affected by the ongoing clashes.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said more than 129,819 people have been displaced from 42 villages in North Cotabato since fighting began last week.

The refugees are to be provided food support in at least 43 government evacuation centers in the province.

“WFP fully understands that the situation remains fluid, and we will continue to work closely with all concerned to further assess the total number of affected persons and adjust our response accordingly. WFP remains concerned over the growing number of persons displaced by the violence between the armed forces and the MILF,” said Stephen Anderson, WFP country director.

“Many of the affected population are women and children, and we are concerned for their well-being and stand ready to support humanitarian needs. We hope for peace, so that these families can return to their communities,” he said.

Anderson said WFP remains committed to providing support and technical expertise during emergencies and natural disasters.

The NDCC said 43 evacuation centers have been set up for the refugees but these are now overcrowded and fast becoming health hazards.

“This is turning into a humanitarian mess,” Rep. Risa Hontiveros said.

“The refugee crisis is an unacceptable cost of the government’s mismanagement of the peace process. A peace process should lead to the protection of life and property, and yet what’s happening is the opposite,” said Hontiveros, who has called for an immediate halt to the fighting.

Fighting began last week after the Supreme Court ordered the government to suspend plans to establish an extended Muslim homeland in Mindanao.

The decision saw around 1,500 heavily armed renegade Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels take control of mainly Christian villages and towns in North Cotabato.

Commission on Human Rights chairwoman Leila de Lima described the situation in North Cotabato as “serious” and called for an immediate ceasefire.

She told local television that evacuation centers needed urgent supplies of food and medicine for the refugees.

The government has said that the fighting will not disrupt the ongoing peace process and that the Supreme Court decision last week was a “temporary setback.”

Future uncertain

In Pikit, North Cotabato, nine-year-old Rakma Kasanuba sings lullabies to her baby sister as the infant tries to sleep in a makeshift hammock under a guava tree as mortars explode without end in the distance.

Her three other younger sisters sit on the muddy ground guarding their meager belongings while military attack helicopters thunder overhead searching for Muslim separatist rebels 400 meters away in a forested area.

At her tender age, Rakma is a veteran of evacuation camps.

“I don’t know why I am here,” she told AFP. “My family was told by the military to leave because they said Moros (Muslims) were advancing.

“We left at dawn, but my father had to stay behind to protect our house,” Rakma said. “My mother took us here, but she is away to look for food and relatives who were also told to evacuate.”

Rakma and her sisters are among 6,000 people forced to flee their homes in Tacepan, a mixed Christian-Muslim farming hamlet that is one of 22 villages being illegally occupied by a renegade group from the MILF.

In a town’s school, families are tightly packed in small classrooms, with no bedding.

Latrines are overflowing, while goats, cows and other farm animals taken by the refugees crowd the school lawn in a feeding frenzy on what little grass is left.

Though soldiers have been sent to protect them, they are not safe from indiscriminate mortar fire from the enemy side.

Social welfare officer Imelda Balios said urgent appeals for supplies have been sent to the government to avert a bigger humanitarian crisis .

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Working For A Just And lasting Peace (http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20080814070442)
Thursday, August 14, 2008 08:04:42 PM

A Statement of Solidarity of the Caucus of Mindanao and Palawan Governors.

We, the Provincial Governors of Mindanao and Palawan assembled in a caucus, after consultations and exchange of ideas and sentiments, unanimously agree and declare the following:

1. That regardless of party affiliations or religious persuasions, we remain united for peace and progress amidst the controversy arising from the proposed Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) prepared and initiated by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) Peace Panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which seeks to provide the preliminary parameters for the establishment of genuine and enduring peace in Mindanao.

2. That we fully support the peace process and the efforts of the GRP Peace Panel in pursuing measures that would finally put an end to more than 35 years of fratricidal conflict that have claimed the lives of so many people, destroyed billions worth of properties and brought untold sufferings to innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of the longest-running secessionist war.

3. That we appeal to the Supreme Court of the Philippines to resolve the issues related to the MOA-AD with dispatch to minimize misunderstanding and conflict among stakeholders and partners for peace.

4. That we call upon the GRP Peace Panel and MILF to adopt actions and decisions relative to the MOA-AD within the legal framework and the rule of law, and make them the foundation for subsequent agreements.

5. That we enjoin the GRP Peace panel to conduct wider and comprehensive consultations with local government units (LGUs) to help resolve issues that would affect the peace process in Mindanao.

6. That we urgently ask all our colleagues, particularly the leaders of the country at all levels, to exercise utmost restraint, prudence and statesmanship in their actions and statements pertaining to the present controversy considering that the MOA-AD is not the final Peace Agreement and will be always be (Ed. sic) to Congressional actions.

7. That we condemn in strongest terms any form of violence perpetrated by any group, party or individual that will undermine the pursuit of peace which tend to escalate the conflict and derail the Peace Process, and that we call upon the National Government to apply the full force of the law against these violators.

8. That we call on the National Government and the concerned LGUs to immediately provide all the needed assistance to the displaced and affected civilians in the areas of conflict.

14 August 2008
Pryce Plaza, Cagayan de Oro City


LEAGUE OF PROVINCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

PRESENT GOVERNORS, VICE GOVERNORS & CONGRESSMEN
(As of 12:39 PM)

1. Gov. Mamintal Alonto Adiong – Lanao del Sur
2. Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante – Agusan del Norte
3. Gov. Jum M. Akbar – Basilan
4. Gov. Aurora Cerilles – Zamboanga del Sur
5. Gov. Douglas Cagas – Davao del Sur
6. Gov. Miguel Domiguez – Sarangani
7. Gov. George Hofer – Zamboanga Sibugay
8. Gov. Oscar S. Moreno – Misamis Oriental
9. Gov. Loreto Leo S. Ocampos – Misamis Occidental
10. Gov. Maria Valentina Plaza – Agusan del Sur
11. Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo – Camiguin
12. Gov. AbduSakur Tan – Sulu
13. Gov. Rolando Yebes – Zamboanga del Norte
14. Gov. Joel Reyes – Palawan
15. Vice Gov. Elvis dela Merced – Dinagat Island
16. Vice Gov. Norris C. Babiera – Misamis Oriental
17. Gov. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo – Lanao del Norte
18. Cong. Bobby Dimaporo – Lanao del Norte
19. Gov. Jesus Sacdalan – North Cotabato

CABINET SECRETARIES

1. Sec. Gilberto Teodoro, DND
2. Sec. Gabby Claudio
3. Sec. Hermogenes Esperon
4. Sec. Rodolfo Garcia

GUESTS

1. PNP Region 10 Chief Teodorico Capuyan,
2. PDDG Emmanuel Carta – PNP NHQ
3. City Police Director Isagani Genabe

Another condominium complex in Mindanao :cheers:

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/986/linmarrtowerslogoac4.gif (http://imageshack.us)

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/679/linmarrtowersfeaturemaiiz2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/8559/linmarrtowersfeaturepicmy4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/3968/linmarrtowersfeaturepiclf7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/7866/linmarrtowersfeaturepicyn5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://linmarrdavao.com/Towers/Towers_Features.aspx

^^ wow! dumadami na ang condos sa mindanao :) a new era ng style ng pamumuhay para sa mga tiga Mindanao :cheers:

;24036002']^^ wow! dumadami na ang condos sa mindanao :) a new era ng style ng pamumuhay para sa mga tiga Mindanao :cheers:

hmmmm.....its not mindanao bai. its davao....remember....remember mindanao is not davao and davao is not mindanao.

Mindanao guvs mixed on MOA, united on peace (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/net/2008/08/15/mindanao.guvs.mixed.on.moa.united.on.peace.html)
Friday, August 15, 2008

By Danilo V. Adorador III

CAGAYAN DE ORO -- A closed-door meeting between government peace negotiators and Mindanao governors Thursday failed to sway those who opposed a deal on the size of a future expanded Moro homeland.

But 21 governors out of 27 unanimously declared their support for the continuation of the peace process, and condemned the latest violence in North Cotabato.

Visit the Beijing Olympics 2008 blog

In their communiqué, the governors also affirmed that the controversial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was "not yet final" in itself, but only "part and parcel in crafting a comprehensive final peace agreement."

"We, the Mindanao governors, uphold the people's right to plebiscite within the context of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE), and that we are one in the understanding that the MOA now pending before the Supreme Court still requires Congressional approval before it can be implemented," said Misamis Occidental Mayor Leo Ocampos, president of the Governors League of the Philippines.

Despite the reassuring tone, however, officials opposed to the MOA showed no signs of holding their horses.

"We support today's declarations on the need to continue the peace process. However, we remain supportive of the Supreme Court petition questioning the validity of the MOA," Zamboanga del Norte Gov. Rolando Yebes said.

With or without a plebiscite, Governor Yebes said his constituents - especially the native Subanens - see no reason why their province should be included in the BJE considering that "95 percent of our population consists of Christians and Lumads."

At least eight Zamboanga del Norte towns are included in the 'Special Intervention Areas" of the BJE, where a plebiscite is to be held not later than 25 years upon the signing of the final peace agreement.

North Cotabato Governor Jesus Sacdalan, one of the Mindanaoan politicians who filed the SC petition, said he hopes the High Court would invalidate portions of the MOA- especially to those pertaining to territory.

Meanwhile, GRP peace panel chairman Rodolfo Garcia apologized for the "gaffes" surrounding the dissemination of the MOA to local officials.

Garcia said both panels thought it best to temporarily keep under wraps the content of the agreement, pending the official signing in Malaysia.

But he said the confidentiality of the MOA was crucial to both parties, as it would "preserve the integrity of the agreement before its actual signing."


For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

(August 15, 2008 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.

NSA chief: US involvement in Mindanao limited to rehabilitation, development (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080814123&type=2)
By Edith Regalado
Friday, August 15, 2008
DAVAO CITY — National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales has admitted that the United States is involved in the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

However, it is limited to the rehabilitation and development aspect in Mindanao, he added.

Gonzales debunked reports that the US is involved in a conspiracy theory that is behind the issues now prevailing in Mindanao, pertaining to the aborted signing of the agreement on ancestral domain with the MILF and the fighting in central Mindanao between troops and separatist rebels.

“The US plays a major role in one aspect of the peace process which is the rehabilitation and development of Mindanao,” he said.

Gonzales cited the various projects of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mindanao, including the Growth with Equity for Mindanao program that provides assistance on infrastructure, education as well as livelihood in the conflict-affected areas in the south.

“The US has been very active in Mindanao,” he said. “They’ve been trying to help. But in the actual talks, they do not interfere. Definitely, the peace panel is not influenced by the US.”

Gonzales said the US does not interfere in whatever is taken up at the negotiating table.

“They play a very minor role if not, nothing at all,” he said.

However, United States Institute for Peace (USIP) Philippine Facilitation Project (PFP) former chief Eugene Martin wrote in his summary that through their activities, they were able to introduce concepts and approaches that were useful to both government and MILF peace panels.

“Despite the challenges, USIP managed to build productive relationships with both the GRP and the MILF, helped the parties come up with creative solutions to stubborn issues of ancestral domain, and started dialogue between disparate Moro ethnic groups,” he said.

“PFP’s multifaceted approach included directly sharing lessons learned by principals from other conflict areas around the world.”

The USIP launched the facilitation project in 2003 in accordance with a directive from the US State Department that sought the prevention of international terrorist groups from exploiting the conflict in the Philippines.

“The US State Department, seeking to prevent international terrorist groups from exploiting the conflict in the Philippines, engaged the (USIP) to facilitate a peace agreement between the government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the MILF,” Martin said in his summary and assessment of the implementation of the PFP from 2003 to 2007.

“The State Department felt that the Institute’s status as a quasi-governmental, ‘track one-and-a-half’ player would allow it to engage the parties more broadly than an official government entity could. To accomplish its mandate, USIP launched the (PFP).”

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Hermogenes Esperon Jr., on the other hand, said he sees nothing wrong with the US helping the Philippines in its peace negotiation with the MILF.

“What is wrong with that?” he told The STAR during a break in the same BUC meeting here at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao.

Back to top

With regard the recent MOA by the GRP-MILF panels, i cannot help but wonder why they include Palawan in that MOA.

Now, with the recent development as seen in the Gas and Oil Explorations in Palawan, I can only surmise that the supposed "peace negotiation" and "Bangsamoro Judicial Entity" is only about GREED IN MONEY AND POWER.

For one, the MILF want to get the 8 hinterland barangays of Iligan because of the gold and ore minerals in that area.

Let me quote a post by one of the forumers in Oil and Natural Gas Discoveries thread:

11.6 billion barrels off the northern coast of Palawan???

This is based just on seismic readings, not drilling. But it still indicates great promise.

--> LINK (http://www.sunherald.com/447/story/545193.html) <--
Posted on Wed, May. 07, 2008
Nido Identifies 11.6 Billion Barrels of Oil-in-Place Potential; Seeks a Strategic Partner
By Nido Petroleum Ltd

PERTH, Australia, May 7 -- Nido Petroleum Ltd ("Nido") is pleased to announce that after completing several large seismic surveys, its deepwater prospects and leads inventory in the NW Palawan basin has oil-in-place potential of 11.6 billion barrels.

Following recent positive responses from major oil companies, Nido is now commencing its formal search for a strategic partner to explore for oil and gas in the Philippines and is inviting industry players to submit Expressions of Interest to participate in a world-class offshore exploration program.

Nido Petroleum's website:
http://www.nido.com.au/

Here's their press release with more info. Pages 10-12 have some geologic and exploration history info:
PDF News Release (http://www.nido.com.au/files/asxannounce/Strategic%20Partner%20Announcement%20060508.pdf)

We’re for peace, not MOA with MILF, say governors (http://archive.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&story_id=155128)

First posted 01:14:42 (Mla time) August 17, 2008
Philippine Daily Inquirer




CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- One of the 17 Mindanao governors who met with Malacañang representatives here on Aug. 14 Saturday denied a statement they issued endorsed the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Zamboanga del Norte Gov. Rolando Yebes said the manifesto they signed, which was published in major newspapers including the Inquirer Saturday, was not an endorsement of the MOA-AD but only of the peace process.

“The manifesto does not endorse the MOA-AD, but it supports the peace process,” Yebes said, contradicting statements made by Misamis Oriental Gov. Leo Ocampos.

Yebes said that even if he had signed the manifesto of support for the peace process, he had some reservations and he made this known by affixing a note after his signature.

“Even Palawan Governor Jose Reyes expressed similar reservations when he signed the manifesto. Governor Reyes would want the barangays in his province excluded,” he said.

Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno said, “The bigger issue is peace. We cannot be fragmented. In effect, it was like ‘sige okay na lang’ since the MOA-AD is an avenue for peace.”

Ocampos, president of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, said the governors opted for the pursuit of peace and its components by signing the manifesto.

Agusan del Norte Gov. Erlpe John Amante, on the other hand, said that by signing the manifesto, he had openly declared his full support for the MOA.

“The MOA-AD is part of the peace process. The document is the first step towards a lasting peace in Mindanao,” Amante told the Inquirer by phone.

Amante said he understood that the opposition of some governors was due to the government’s failure to consult them on the issue. Grace Albasin, Franklin Caliguid and Julie Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao




Copyright INQUIRER.net. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

excuse me po. does anyone have updates on the current situation in LAnao del Norte. a group tha is suspected to have links with the milf have overrun kauswagan and kalambugan. some soldiers are dead and some houses have been burned. iligan seems to be a target too with two bombs already having gone off yesterday(?). buses in cagayan de oro are no longer allowed to travel the iligan route as of this hour. can anyone confirm this or offer more information? living in mindanao with this situation going on is really harrowing.

by the way, milf eid kabalu says they gave no clearance for the attacks

Hanjin will be back/The Mindanao Container Port

I just received word that Hanjin will be back next month. This was told to us by Nimfa Along Albania, the Administrator of Phividec Industrial Authority (PIA).

She said that she has been having weekly meetings with the President of Hanjin Mindanao and what is really delaying their comeback is the relocation of the 800 or so families in the area.

This, she said will be completed by the middle of September. Also, the construction of the school in the relocation site is going on.

She also reported that Hanjin has even increased the number of trainees that are enrolled in their training center. Those who have finished their training are now working in Subic and they will be back as soon as the Tagoloan/Villanueve operations will start.

This, indeed, is good news!

Amidst all the reports we receive on the Mindanao crisis brought about by MOA-AD with the MILF something good still seeps through and it simply changes the horizon.

I got all these info in an interview with Ms. Albania during the turnover ceremonies of the operations of the Phividec Container Port. The port has been operated by the Mindanao International Container Services, Inc. a company owned by ICSTI. Sounds familiar?

It is!

ICSTI is the company that operated the South Harbor, the International Port of Manila, and is owned by Enrique Razon, whose named has been mentioned in the ZTE controversy and reportedly a very close ally and friend of the first couple.

But, before minds go wild, the MICTSI won the bidding of the port fair and square in a long and very transparent process. Hey came up with the best deal and the best plan for the port.

Again, this was another piece of good news.

This means that both importers and exporters can now be assured of a first class handling of their cargoes. This was assured by Jose Manuel de Jesus who has assumed the position of General Manager of MICTSI.

Not only that, since they started operating the port in June 26, 2008, they have already attained 10% over their projected volume.

They believe that with the present projected capacity of the port of 270T TEU (the number of containers) they can increase this further to the level of 600 to 700T which he thinks can easily be attained with a minimal additional investment.

Isn’t this nice to hear?

One of the things we got from the turnover ceremonies was the narration of former PIA Administrator Gabby Evangelista on how he worked to get the construction of the port approved and funded. He said that for him it was a dream.

He encountered a lot of objections from both government and the private sector but, in the end, they were able to convince everyone, including NED and the cabinet, the benefits of the project.

Today the Mindanao Container Port is one of the most modern ports not just in the country but also throughout the world. This is something within our midst, just around the corner, and makes you feel proud that you are from the area.

My congratulations to Gabby, to Nimfa and to all the Phividec staff!

excuse me po. does anyone have updates on the current situation in LAnao del Norte. a group tha is suspected to have links with the milf have overrun kauswagan and kalambugan. some soldiers are dead and some houses have been burned. iligan seems to be a target too with two bombs already having gone off yesterday(?). buses in cagayan de oro are no longer allowed to travel the iligan route as of this hour. can anyone confirm this or offer more information? living in mindanao with this situation going on is really harrowing.

by the way, milf eid kabalu says they gave no clearance for the attacks

Kung makausap ko lang si eid kabalu, ingnon ko siya "kabalow ka gyod magminaro noh?

Tis is only I can say, history repeats itself! For the second time that MILF ravage some towns in LDN, IMO its too much! The first one was way back ERAP time (year 2000) that brought Mindanao into a war zone. If the MILF leaders can't control their men, there's no reason for the Bangsamoro land, there's no reason to continue the peace process to the MILF because they don't have the moral ascendancy. They don't have real ideology. They don't have wisdom on dealing with humanity. When will be the AFP modernization materialize to crush theses enemies?

State’s Misamis Oriental industrial zone vows to clear site for Hanjin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corp. (Phividec) Industrial Authority is determined to clear industrial areas in the towns of Tagoloan and Villanueva to give way for the return of South Korean industrial giant Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Ltd. next month.

.......

"We extended the memorandum, which will expire on Sept. 10," said Phividec administrator Nimfa Along-Albania last week.



http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW081808/content.php?id=043

Hanjin will be back in Sept

The Hanjin shipbuilding project in Tagoloan and Villanueve, Misamis oriental will be back in September, according to Phividec Administrator Nimfa A. Albania.
Albania said that she has been meeting with the President of Hanjin-Mindanao every week and the company is just waiting for the final relocation of the 800, more or less, that needs to be relocated.

“They are now building the school in the relocation site,” she said.



Hanjin will be back/The Mindanao Container Port

I just received word that Hanjin will be back next month. This was told to us by Nimfa Along Albania, the Administrator of Phividec Industrial Authority (PIA).

She said that she has been having weekly meetings with the President of Hanjin Mindanao and what is really delaying their comeback is the relocation of the 800 or so families in the area.



This, indeed, is good news!

Amidst all the reports we receive on the Mindanao crisis brought about by MOA-AD with the MILF something good still seeps through and it simply changes the horizon.

I got all these info in an interview with Ms. Albania during the turnover ceremonies of the operations of the Phividec Container Port. The port has been operated by the Mindanao International Container Services, Inc. a company owned by ICSTI. Sounds familiar?

It is!

ICSTI is the company that operated the South Harbor, the International Port of Manila, and is owned by Enrique Razon, whose named has been mentioned in the ZTE controversy and reportedly a very close ally and friend of the first couple.

But, before minds go wild, the MICTSI won the bidding of the port fair and square in a long and very transparent process. Hey came up with the best deal and the best plan for the port.

Again, this was another piece of good news.

This means that both importers and exporters can now be assured of a first class handling of their cargoes. This was assured by Jose Manuel de Jesus who has assumed the position of General Manager of MICTSI.

Not only that, since they started operating the port in June 26, 2008, they have already attained 10% over their projected volume.

They believe that with the present projected capacity of the port of 270T TEU (the number of containers) they can increase this further to the level of 600 to 700T which he thinks can easily be attained with a minimal additional investment.

Isn’t this nice to hear?

One of the things we got from the turnover ceremonies was the narration of former PIA Administrator Gabby Evangelista on how he worked to get the construction of the port approved and funded. He said that for him it was a dream.

He encountered a lot of objections from both government and the private sector but, in the end, they were able to convince everyone, including NED and the cabinet, the benefits of the project.

Today the Mindanao Container Port is one of the most modern ports not just in the country but also throughout the world. This is something within our midst, just around the corner, and makes you feel proud that you are from the area.

My congratulations to Gabby, to Nimfa and to all the Phividec staff!

thanks calyx2008 for this important update. it would seem that hanjin will push through. this is another triumph for cdeo and normin for a job well done especially to our vice-mayor, mayor, gov and other hard working officials. :banana: :banana: :banana::lol: :lol: :)

very good news indeed. sana di maapektuhan ang CDO sa latest bombings sa city of Iligan. my heart goes to all those affected Iliganon families. next week na ang CDO Fiesta, dapat alert ang city para ma-secure lahat sa gaganaping St Augustine Feast.

:okay: very good news in the midst of war in some parts of the island. :cheers:

The blogger from Mindanao

Monday, August 18, 2008

Once again, Mindanao has been getting screaming-headline treatment in the national media in the last couple of weeks. As usual, it’s mainly because there is expectation of general strife and mayhem in the proverbial Land of Promise.

Let’s make no bones about this: The only time media attention is focused in Mindanao is when there is something controversial, sensational, or contentious that’s breaking out (again!) in some part of the island.

And very often, it’s the kind of controversy that inevitably bolster the general perception That Mindanao is gasping at the throes of a major revolt; that it is a land where anarchists and barbarians hold court and threaten the supposed unity and sovereignty of the republic. Take your pick from the usual menu of news stories about Mindanao: Kidnapping, conflict, war, gunfight, poverty, etc. Thus, many among us, particularly those who have no physical or emotional connection with or to Mindanao, have gotten the impression that the Mindanao problem is nothing but a source of annoyance, a blight on our existence as a country.

This time, the intense media focus is over the controversial Memorandum of Agreement over Ancestral Domain between the peace negotiating panels of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The people who fancy themselves as pundits and as some kind of ultimate specialists on the “Mindanao situation” have been furiously peddling so-called expert opinions on the “problem.”

I’ve read many of these commentaries and quite frankly, as someone who grew up in Davao City and who continues to have a strong emotional attachment to Mindanao, I find most of these as nothing but intellectual swashbuckling (the description that I feel is more appropriate is the solitary sexual activity that most male adolescents indulge in, which unfortunately is not suitable for use in polite conversation).

Most of the gobbledygook that’s being spewed out there—and I must add, mostly by people who are from and in Imperial Manila—have only polarized the issues to the point of irrelevance. I don’t necessarily think that one has to possess an umbilical cord to Mindanao to be deemed qualified to write about Mindanao, but I wish that some people would at least try to acquire a multi-dimensional perspective of the issues before shooting their mouths off. There is so much about the issues that can only be understood through a comprehensive appreciation of the complex social, cultural and historical context of the struggles of the island and its people.

There is so much more about the “Mindanao issue” than the MILF problem. There is so much more about Mindanao than all the bad things that mainstream media finds newsworthy. The problem is that the other “content” about Mindanao is not getting equal media space.

Fortunately, there is now the blogosphere, hailed as the “new media.” And a number of bloggers from Mindanao have been proactively using the medium to debunk the bias treatment that Mindanao and its people are getting from the mainstream media.

At the forefront of the advocacy is Oliver Robillo, a blogger from Davao City who breathes passion and affection into anything Mindanao. I was in Davao City for work over the weekend and had the opportunity of sitting down with Robillo over coffee.

Robillo has the necessary academic pedigree and consulting portfolio to make it big in Manila or even in other major global centers, but he continues to live in Davao, occasionally shuttling to nearby Cagayan de Oro and General Santos cities for the much-needed change of atmosphere. He is the proverbial “big fish in a small pond” doing various odds and ends, from business and information technology consulting, to column writing, to teaching, etc. But more and more, he is gaining reputation as the “blogger from Mindanao.” The description highlights his two main preoccupations: Strengthening the power and influence of blogging as the new media, and Mindanao. Incidentally, that’s how he is billed in this year’s Media Nation forum scheduled this week in Tagaytay, where he has been invited to talk about, well, what else, but blogging.

Robillo is more popularly known in the blogosphere by his nickname Blogie, which many assume he co-opted when blogging became a phenomenon. It’s not true, of course—I’ve known the guy for more than a decade now and he has always been known as Blogie even before blogs became a fad. He manages a number of blogs in addition to acting out the role as informal gatekeeper of Mindanao blogs and bloggers.

Robillo and the network of bloggers from Mindanao aim to present to the world what is true about Mindanao, from the point of view of the people who are from Mindanao. Robillo is quick to assert though, that their goal is not to paint a sugarcoated, sterilized, photo-shopped, mirage of Mindanao. “Only the truth about Mindanao,” Robillo empathically declares.

The network now comprises about 380 individual bloggers from all over Mindanao, and hopefully growing each day. The blogs run the whole gamut of interests and topics —from politics, to information technology, to photography, to culture and arts, to personal reflections on a host of topics. It’s a rich and dazzling buffet of content about Mindanao enabling and ennobling readers to acquire a more candid, personal, and ultimately—balanced and accurate— portrayal of Mindanao. In short, the much-needed context for understanding the “Mindanao issue.”

True to the spirit of the medium, the network is mainly a virtual community. Robillo, who also dabbles in events management, has put together several events that have enabled bloggers from all over Mindanao to physically converge in one location to discuss issues of mutual interest and benefit, such the annual Mindanao Bloggers Summit. Robillo is also at the helm of Word Camp 2008, the first summit of bloggers who use wordpress as platform, scheduled on Sept. 6 at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Clearly, there are more perspectives about and from Mindanao other than the self-serving rhetoric that’s being regurgitated by politicians with narrow interests and by near-sighted media organizations and personalities. But thanks the blogosphere and to Robillo and the other bloggers from Mindanao— we’re at least seeing glimpses of the real picture out there.

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=bongAustero_aug18_2008

Mindanao cities tapping technology to cut red tape
08/19/2008 | 06:50 AM

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A few city governments under the US-funded Transparency Accountable Governance project have started tapping information and communications technology to reduce red tape, project consultant Ronnie V. Amorado said in an interview.

Mr. Amorado said some covered city governments in Mindanao, specifically General Santos City, Island Garden City of Samal and Surigao City, have started implementing computer-based programs that cut bureaucratic red tape.

The project covers the following cities in Mindanao: Butuan, Samal, Iligan, Malaybalay, Oroquieta, Panabo, Surigao, Tacurong, Zamboanga, Dipolog, Ozamis, Koronadal, Cotabato, Dapitan, Marawi, and Gen. Santos.

"If we can institutionalize these programs in all of the 16 cities, then it will be a big impact on their systems," said Mr. Amorado, noting that computerizing their systems has allowed these cities to grow their revenues and attract more investors.

Cleto B. Gales Jr., Island Garden City of Samal city administrator, said the local government has already established a procurement system that is nearly paperless. The city government also offers a tracking system for ordinances designed for citizens, development planners and researchers.

Mr. Gales said the city government will continue to find ways to improve its systems through computerization because this will not only improve its revenue collection, but should also result in a more efficient systems with minimized corruption.

Mr. Amorado admitted there are still city governments that are hesitant to tap technology because they consider it an expense with no clear returns. "But we told them that they have to think of this as an investmentto address red tape," he said, pointing out that by cutting red tape, every peso that a taxpayer pays goes to the coffers of the city government.

Mr. Amorado added that the anti-corruption project has also pushed constituencies of the 16 cities in the project to intensify their participation in governance, although he said that there has yet been no study on the magnitude of the impact.

Funded primarily by the Asia Foundation and the US Agency for International Development, with the Mindanao Business Council as the implementing arm, the project was first implemented in seven Mindanao cities but has been expanded to include nine new cities. The project fosters coordination among the city government, local business and civil society to formulate policies to curb red tape and corruption. — C. Q. Francisco, Businessworld

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/114583/Mindanao-cities-tapping-technology-to-cut-red-tape

The blogger from Mindanao

Monday, August 18, 2008

Once again, Mindanao has been getting screaming-headline treatment in the national media in the last couple of weeks. As usual, it’s mainly because there is expectation of general strife and mayhem in the proverbial Land of Promise.

Let’s make no bones about this: The only time media attention is focused in Mindanao is when there is something controversial, sensational, or contentious that’s breaking out (again!) in some part of the island.

And very often, it’s the kind of controversy that inevitably bolster the general perception That Mindanao is gasping at the throes of a major revolt; that it is a land where anarchists and barbarians hold court and threaten the supposed unity and sovereignty of the republic. Take your pick from the usual menu of news stories about Mindanao: Kidnapping, conflict, war, gunfight, poverty, etc. Thus, many among us, particularly those who have no physical or emotional connection with or to Mindanao, have gotten the impression that the Mindanao problem is nothing but a source of annoyance, a blight on our existence as a country.

This time, the intense media focus is over the controversial Memorandum of Agreement over Ancestral Domain between the peace negotiating panels of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The people who fancy themselves as pundits and as some kind of ultimate specialists on the “Mindanao situation” have been furiously peddling so-called expert opinions on the “problem.”

I’ve read many of these commentaries and quite frankly, as someone who grew up in Davao City and who continues to have a strong emotional attachment to Mindanao, I find most of these as nothing but intellectual swashbuckling (the description that I feel is more appropriate is the solitary sexual activity that most male adolescents indulge in, which unfortunately is not suitable for use in polite conversation).

Most of the gobbledygook that’s being spewed out there—and I must add, mostly by people who are from and in Imperial Manila—have only polarized the issues to the point of irrelevance. I don’t necessarily think that one has to possess an umbilical cord to Mindanao to be deemed qualified to write about Mindanao, but I wish that some people would at least try to acquire a multi-dimensional perspective of the issues before shooting their mouths off. There is so much about the issues that can only be understood through a comprehensive appreciation of the complex social, cultural and historical context of the struggles of the island and its people.

There is so much more about the “Mindanao issue” than the MILF problem. There is so much more about Mindanao than all the bad things that mainstream media finds newsworthy. The problem is that the other “content” about Mindanao is not getting equal media space.

Fortunately, there is now the blogosphere, hailed as the “new media.” And a number of bloggers from Mindanao have been proactively using the medium to debunk the bias treatment that Mindanao and its people are getting from the mainstream media.

At the forefront of the advocacy is Oliver Robillo, a blogger from Davao City who breathes passion and affection into anything Mindanao. I was in Davao City for work over the weekend and had the opportunity of sitting down with Robillo over coffee.

Robillo has the necessary academic pedigree and consulting portfolio to make it big in Manila or even in other major global centers, but he continues to live in Davao, occasionally shuttling to nearby Cagayan de Oro and General Santos cities for the much-needed change of atmosphere. He is the proverbial “big fish in a small pond” doing various odds and ends, from business and information technology consulting, to column writing, to teaching, etc. But more and more, he is gaining reputation as the “blogger from Mindanao.” The description highlights his two main preoccupations: Strengthening the power and influence of blogging as the new media, and Mindanao. Incidentally, that’s how he is billed in this year’s Media Nation forum scheduled this week in Tagaytay, where he has been invited to talk about, well, what else, but blogging.

Robillo is more popularly known in the blogosphere by his nickname Blogie, which many assume he co-opted when blogging became a phenomenon. It’s not true, of course—I’ve known the guy for more than a decade now and he has always been known as Blogie even before blogs became a fad. He manages a number of blogs in addition to acting out the role as informal gatekeeper of Mindanao blogs and bloggers.

Robillo and the network of bloggers from Mindanao aim to present to the world what is true about Mindanao, from the point of view of the people who are from Mindanao. Robillo is quick to assert though, that their goal is not to paint a sugarcoated, sterilized, photo-shopped, mirage of Mindanao. “Only the truth about Mindanao,” Robillo empathically declares.

The network now comprises about 380 individual bloggers from all over Mindanao, and hopefully growing each day. The blogs run the whole gamut of interests and topics —from politics, to information technology, to photography, to culture and arts, to personal reflections on a host of topics. It’s a rich and dazzling buffet of content about Mindanao enabling and ennobling readers to acquire a more candid, personal, and ultimately—balanced and accurate— portrayal of Mindanao. In short, the much-needed context for understanding the “Mindanao issue.”

True to the spirit of the medium, the network is mainly a virtual community. Robillo, who also dabbles in events management, has put together several events that have enabled bloggers from all over Mindanao to physically converge in one location to discuss issues of mutual interest and benefit, such the annual Mindanao Bloggers Summit. Robillo is also at the helm of Word Camp 2008, the first summit of bloggers who use wordpress as platform, scheduled on Sept. 6 at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Clearly, there are more perspectives about and from Mindanao other than the self-serving rhetoric that’s being regurgitated by politicians with narrow interests and by near-sighted media organizations and personalities. But thanks the blogosphere and to Robillo and the other bloggers from Mindanao— we’re at least seeing glimpses of the real picture out there.

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=bongAustero_aug18_2008

naiimagine ko na ang mga hayup na mediamen from Manila esp those from ABSCBN and GMA na nagpaparty ngayon at marami na naman silang "sensational" news na maibabalita..if i know, excited at masaya ang mga yan

^^ and i don't think they are illiterate when it comes to geography, example if calamity news they would specifically put " Drought in Central Mindanao" or "Eastern Mindanao being affected by Typhoon Gloring" but a small bombing of cell site it goes like this " NPA bombed cell sites in Mindanao " ..why? your guess is good as mine .

US to keep on pouring assistance to Mindanao despite MILF attacks

THE UNITED STATES remains committed to funnelling millions of dollars in development aid to Mindanao despite deadly Muslim rebel attacks, its ambassador said Tuesday.

Ambassador Kristie Kenney said she remained hopeful the government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would be able to return to the negotiating table and settle the 30-year-old dispute. "The important thing forthe Philippines is to find the right framework for lasting peace in Mindanao," she told reporters a day after heavy clashes there left scores dead.

"We’re not going to walk away just because there have been a few bad days," she stressed.

The US Agency for International Development has injected some $292 million into Mindanao from 1996-2006, officials have said. Further economic and military aid amounting to $25 million for the year is tied to the peace process between the MILF and the government. — AFP

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW082008/content.php?id=057

you guys know what i feel like? i feel like whenever bad things are happening to our peaceful island, its like the rest of the philippines want to wash their hands off like we dont belong to the rest of the philippines...

i already talked to several people from luzon... and whenever i talk about where i come from they always associate it with terrorists and stuff which is wrOng but the way things are going on right now, it seems just to reinforce their notions...

US interests in Mindanao (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=antonioAbaya_aug19_2008)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008


By Antonio C. Abaya

The Americans have two interests in the Mindanao-Sulu-Basilan theater of operations that are tied up with the controversy over the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines initialed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front last July 27.

That agreement would have been signed last Aug. 5 if the Supreme Court had not stopped it with a temporary restraining order, upon the petition of local government officials that they had not been consulted adequately and had not been told that part of their territory was being handed over to the MILF.

One. The Americans are worried by the expressed intention of the Jemaah Islamiyah, an Islamic extremist organization, to create a pan-Islamic state that would encompass the entire territories of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, plus the southern (predominantly Muslim) provinces of Thailand, and some of the (heavily Muslim) provinces of Mindanao-Sulu-Basilan in the southern Philippines.

Such an Islamic state, if successfully formed, would create a choke point through which pass most of the oil imports of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan, which collectively buy about 55 percent of US exports. On their prosperity depends the prosperity of the Americans. If these countries’ economies were to wither as a result of an oil embargo imposed by the JI, the US economy would also wither.

It is not just the free passage of oil that concerns the Americans. The area encompassed by the JI’s pan-Islamic state contains some of the richest petroleum and mineral deposits in the world, plus irreplaceable pools of indigenous technical and managerial manpower, as well as an established industrial infrastructure.

To keep this area away from the grasp of the JI, the Americans have established forward bases and listening posts in or off Sulu and Basilan, to monitor the activities of JI in Indonesia and Malaysia (where an American military presence would be resented by the locals), and from which they could launch pre-emptive strikes against JI in the future, if need be. (See my article Why the Americans are in Basilan and Sulu of June 6, 2002)

Two. The Americans see China as their next strategic enemy, after Islamic extremists, and are concerned about Chinese activities in the Spratly Islands, below which are believed vast deposits of petroleum and mineral ores.

Their forward bases and listening posts in Sulu and Basilan, though meant primarily to monitor JI activities in Indonesia and Malaysia, also serve their other purpose of monitoring Chinese activities in the Spratlys through intelligence-gathering ships and aircraft, as well as drones or pilot-less Predators.

These double-barreled operations in Mindanao-Sulu-Basilan in turn are dictated by a policy declaration by the neo-conservatives as early as September 2000—one year before 9/11 and four months before George W. Bush assumed the presidency in January 2001. This declaration, titled Rebuilding America’s Defenses, light was signed by the neo-cons gathered together as the Project for the New American Century.

The neo-cons were/are headed by Dick Cheney (who became vice-president), Donald Rumsfeld (who became defense secretary), Paul Wolfowitz (who became Rumsfeld’s deputy), Richard Perle (who became chairman of the Defense Board), Jeb Bush (brother of George W.), Scooter Libby (c-o-s of Cheney, now serving a sentence for perjury) and various other certified hawks, every one of whom, BTW, sought and received deferment from military service in Vietnam… the chicken hawks.

In this policy declaration, the neo-cons called for, among other things, a permanent military presence in the Middle East (hence the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and, possibly soon, Iran), regime change in Beijing (hence the constant putdowns against the Chinese), and increased US forces in Southeast Asia (hence the US presence in Mindanao-Sulu).

The chicken hawks also sought to “discourage advanced industrial nations from challenging our leadership or even aspiring to a larger regional or global role,” which may explain their efforts to defang Russia, by offering Nato membership to Georgia and Ukraine, and putting up “missile defense shields” in Poland, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, hence infuriating the Russians.

In the Philippine context, the neo-cons may have debated among themselves how their dual-purpose presence in Mindanao-Sulu can be maintained, given the unreliability of President Arroyo.

In July 2004, President Arroyo withdrew the 51-man Philippine contingent from the Coalition of the Willing in Iraq to save the life of Angelo de la Cruz. In October the same year, she signed an agreement with Beijing for the joint exploration for oil in the Spratlys, which caused the Heritage Foundation, one of the three think tanks that draft policies for the Republican Party, to call her “the weakest leader in Asia.”

It was at this point, I believe, that the neo-cons, led by VP Dick Cheney, schemed to remove President Arroyo from power, using the Hello Garci tapes (which were probably electronic intercepts of the US National Security Agency) to embarrass and weaken her.

I have several articles on this plot in 2005-2006, all archived in www.tapatt.org.

But President Arroyo proved too tough a nut to crack. She not only survived but even bounced back to sign 29 contracts with the Chinese in 2006-2007 for various projects, including one (the exceptionally corrupt ZTE broadband contract) that would have given the Chinese a ringside view of American moves and decisions in and about the Philippines. She was either tempting the fates or was nonchalantly unconcerned about the geopolitical implications of her decisions. Last week, she was witness to two new contracts with the Chinese, this time for the mining of nickel in Zambales.

The controversial agreement on ancestral domain between the government and the MILF may be a sign that the Americans have decided that the MILF is a more reliable partner in the war on terror than the vastly unpopular and Chinese-dominated Arroyo. They have deliberately suckered the GRP panel into the MoA-AD, knowing that the seriously flawed document would make Mrs. Arroyo more unpopular than she already is. And may lead to her downfall, as they had schemed to bring about in 2005.

Whether or not the MoA-AD leads to Bangsamoro independence is of no existential concern to the Americans, who have now established their bona fides with the MILF and can look forward to pursuing their twin goals in the region without too much hassle from the resident Muslims.

The “nationalist” politicians in Manila, who threw them out of their bases in 1991, can all go to hell in China. Certainly no asylum for them in San Francisco.

That is how the Chinese fortune cookie crumbles.

One Nation Under One Flag

Philippine Commemorative Flag, First Hoisting of RP Flag in Mindanao Historical Site, Rizal Park, Butuan City

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/2780235841_b6224a0ee7_b.jpg

Mindanao business tries to stay afloat amid battles
By Manuel T. Cayon
Business Mirror Reporter

DAVAO CITY—The Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) said the impact on business of the recent sporadic armed skirmishes in the Lanao and Sarangani provinces could not be immediately quantified but believes that it could be minimal, “especially if government could continue showing that it could respond appropriately and within the limits of law and order.”

“The impact on business and trading cannot be immediately measured. But I think there’s not much impact because the fighting was fairly recent,” Vicente Lao, president of the MinBC, said.

At the same time, amid calls from some sectors to arm themselves to be able to defend themselves, Lao stressed that the government “is responding quite well, and I think there should be no need for businessmen in areas near the conflict to arm themselves.”

The MinBC covers a membership of more than 40 business chambers in the cities and provincial capitals of Mindanao, and also includes affiliations of the industry associations in mining, trading, fishing and forestry.

“So far, our members have not reported any abrupt changes in their trading activities, and none of our suppliers and partners outside Mindanao have called us to inquire on the situation,” Lao told the BusinessMirror on Monday at the Marco Polo Hotel here.

The MinBC organized here a dialogue among members of the government negotiating panel, local government executives and business leaders from many parts of Mindanao to inform mainly the business sector on the details of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The business leaders in Mindanao have been seeking government assurance that it remains on top of the situation after incidents of violence broke out early this week.

On Sunday morning in Molundo town, Lanao del Sur, seven soldiers and government militiamen were killed in an ambush by armed men, but the MILF denied it was their unit. That night, in Iligan City, four persons were injured in two explosions at two travellers’ inns.

In Kolambugan town, Lanao del Norte, passengers of buses were abducted and armed followers of a local MILF unit attacked two other towns. In Maasim, Sarangani, alleged MILF guerrillas killed two persons while they also fired at a police station and ransacked a pawnshop and stalls in a public market.

“Business have wanted to be clarified on these incidents and when the MILF has told government that it has no control over these rogue groups, I believe the government has treated these incidents as terroristic and mere banditry and, therefore, responding to them within the legal limits,” Lao told a business forum at the MediSpa Clinic at the SM City Mall.

Streamers urging local residents to arm themselves sprouted in many interior towns of North Cotabato last week after the surge of fighting in the western part of the province since July.

Vice Gov. Emmanuel Piñol said he would not condone the call to arms among the populace but warned the national government, “that at situations like this, no one can prevent them from arming themselves to protect their communities.”

Lao has also recommended that government ought “to put up now proactive programs to prevent these kinds of occurrences [that] disturb the routine activities in Mindanao.”

“These may be expensive, though, and require more massive cooperation from both the armed forces and the police, and the civilians and that includes us, businessmen,” he said.

He said the programs would involve “strict frisking of people at checkpoints, aggressive aerial and land surveillance to detect movements of armed men.”

“Businessmen can be tapped here to provide information,” he said.But while the government responds militarily to the incidents, Lao suggested it should not abandon the quest for peace through negotiations.

This suggestion was joined in by a call from groups like the Initiatives for Peace in Mindanao (InPeace Mindanao), which asked the government “not to resort to all-out offensives in Central and Northern Mindanao in response to alleged MILF attacks.”

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=128776

Vol. XXII, No. 18
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

The Economy
Mindanao geothermal plant to resume operations in Oct.

ENERGY DEVELOPMENT Corp., or EDC — formerly known as Philippine National Oil Co.-EDC — said that it plans to use the 52-megawatt Mindanao 1 Geothermal Power Plant (M1GP) again by this October after its outage last month.

EDC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange yesterday that it expects that the 75-megavolt-ampere transformer, which had been damaged after an internal inspection and has caused the M1GP to stop operating since July, will be replaced and will be operational by October 15. The plant partially supplies the Mindanao grid and primarily services the Cotabato provinces.

Together with the 54-mw Mindanao 2 Geothermal Power Plant, M1GP forms part of the Mindanao Geothermal Production Field (MGPF) facilities at the foot of Mt. Apo in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

MGPF occupies 112 hectares out of the 701 hectares that the government reserved nationwide for geothermal development back in 1991.

The two power facilities are being operated jointly by EDC and Marubeni Corporation of Japan, one of two foreign groups which financed, designed and constructed the project under a build-operate and transfer (BOT) arrangement. The other foreign BOT operator, Oxbow Power Corp. of the United States, was earlier bought out by Marubeni, making the Japanese firm the sole BOT operator of the plants.

Full operation and ownership of the two power facilities will be turned over to EDC by June next year, when the 10-year BOT arrangement will have ended. — AKKA

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW082008/content.php?id=055

Kenney: US aid to Mindanao to continue despite conflict (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080819192&type=2)
By Pia Lee-Brago
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
US Ambassador Kristie Kenney yesterday stressed that the US government will not withdraw its $25 million development assistance to Mindanao despite the current clashes and the aborted signing of the ancestral domain agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Washington, Kenney said, will not abandon the Philippines because of negative developments in the area.

The US ambassador said she remains hopeful that the government and the MILF would be able to return to the negotiating table and settle the 30-year-old dispute.

She also urged the Philippine government to find a “right” framework to bring lasting peace to Mindanao after the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on ancestral domain was aborted because it was deemed unacceptable to different sectors and local governments that protested the possible inclusion of several villages in the so-called Bangsamoro homeland to be supervised by the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) under the MILF.

“We’re going to continue working with the people of Mindanao. I think we’ve seen over these last several difficult days the importance of continuing to work to inspire the people to education, to livelihood training, and we’re friends for life. We’re not gonna walk away just because there have been few bad days,” she said.

“That an important thing for the Philippines is to find the right framework for lasting peace in Mindanao and I’m hopeful that will be the focus and the violence that is currently destroying lives and properties and taking away the prospect of peace and prosperity will go away and all will continue to focus on the importance of peace,” Kenney told reporters at the symbolic signing of the covenant against human trafficking at the Sofitel Hotel.

Kenney also said the US government will not support or recognize a separate and independent Mindanao and Washington will not intervene in the ongoing conflict between the government and the MILF over the proposal for a Bangsamoro homeland in Mindanao.

The US government, she said, would leave the issue of the Bangsamoro homeland for the Philippine government to resolve since it is an internal issue.

Kenney had belied reports that Washington gave her instructions to influence the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF, particularly on the MOA on ancestral domain that was stopped by the Supreme Court due to constitutional questions.

Although she was among the foreign dignitaries invited to witness the signing of the MOA in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last Aug. 5, Kenney said it did not mean that the US government has any direct interest in the issue.

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Business goes on in Mindanao (http://business.inquirer.net/money/features/view/20080821-155901/Business-goes-on-in-Mindanao)


By Joji Ilagan-Bian
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:46:00 08/21/2008


(First of two parts)

As a Mindanaoan, I refuse to say that the entire Mindanao is in trouble. However, we cannot discount the fact that whenever the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is wounded, the whole of Mindanao bleeds.

We are angered and at the same time very disappointed with the way the peace issues and concerns are being handled.

There are just too many players from government, military, politicians with varied interests who are all dipping their hands into the problems.

And the irony is that most of them are not from Mindanao or have never even been to any of the ARMM areas.

I am very passionate about being from Mindanao. I always tell business people I meet about how beautiful and how comfortable life is in Mindanao—that Davao City is a perfect blend between urban and country life.

On Wednesday, I was interviewed for a magazine that will be published by Go Negosyo, in which 40 businesswomen will be featured. I was asked by the writer whether I planned to expand my school businesses in Manila. Without batting an eyelash, I said that my preschools, Tumble Tots and JiB eAcademy, would be my only schools in Manila.

I will expand in Mindanao only, because I believe in the potential of the island, and besides, I am a Mindanaoan.

Despite the bad publicity that it is getting due to the aborted signing of the controversial memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Mindanao’s business sector is upbeat.

As of 2007, Mindanao has a population of approximately 18 million and an inflation rate of 3 percent; much lower than the national inflation rate, which hit over 12 percent. Our balance of trade is $1.5 million; exports at $2.4 million and imports at $1.2 million.

Topping our agricultural exports are bananas at $401 million; coconut oil or copra , $366 million; pineapples, fresh and preserved, $160 million; desiccated coconut, $46 million and of course tuna at $54.55 million.

The top export destinations are Japan because of our bananas and tuna; United States, Netherlands, Korea, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Feeding Mindanao

The data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics showed that Mindanao posted increases in corn and rice production last year.

The data also showed that rice production last year increased by about 4.78 percent to 999,212 metric tons from 953,623 metric tons in 2006.

The highest growth in rice production was registered in the Caraga Region with 12.85 percent, although Central Mindanao was still the biggest producer during the period, accounting for 38 percent of the total production.

Corn production, on the other hand, was at a high of 883,409 metric tons in 2007.

Again, Caraga registered the highest growth at 56.55 percent, but Northern Mindanao produced 36 percent of the total production, followed by Central Mindanao with 32 percent.

Production of rice and corn is expected to be sustained as the national government is rehabilitating irrigation systems in the island that will cover 2,000 hectares of rice fields.

The data also revealed that fisheries production for Mindanao was at a high of P18.83 billion with about 618,976.03 metric tons. Highest contributor to the production during the period was aquaculture at 342,356.41 metric tons. In value, fish production during the first quarter this year hit P18.63 billion, although the biggest producers were the commercial fishing companies. To be continued.

Something that I've dug from the archives of my thesis:

Population Distribution Map Circa 1939
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Mindanao/Pelzer0002.jpg
from Karl Pelzer, Pioneer Settlements in Asiatic Tropics.

If you may notice in late 1930's, much of Mindanao's population was concentrated at Misamis & Lanao provinces.

A vast majority of Mindanao back then was unpopulated, especially Cotabato and Agusan areas.


and this was Koronadal Valley Settlements circa 1930's.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Mindanao/Pelzer0004.jpg

That's before the Ilocano and Ilonggo migration...Gov. Piñol is Ilocano....there are many Ilonggos in South Cotabato, which formed the dreaded Ilaga of Norberto Manero na kinatatakutan ng mga muslim...

Vast sea level, very fertile soil to toil, and abundance of Southern Mindanaon provinces had drawn large number of migrants from Luzon and Visayas that surpassed then the population of Northern Mindanao.

Okies, here is a much clearer view of the map with some modifications on it. As according to the 1939 map, Mindanao only composes of few yet big provinces:
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Mindanao/P8214417copy.jpg

And here's a clear picture of the Koronadal Valley settlements in South Cotabato.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Mindanao/southcotabato.jpg

Something that I've dug from the archives of my thesis:

Population Distribution Map Circa 1939
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Mindanao/Pelzer0002.jpg
from Karl Pelzer, Pioneer Settlements in Asiatic Tropics.

If you may notice in late 1930's, much of Mindanao's population was concentrated at Misamis & Lanao provinces.

A vast majority of Mindanao back then was unpopulated, especially Cotabato and Agusan areas.


and this was Koronadal Valley Settlements circa 1930's.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Mindanao/Pelzer0004.jpg

nice one.... at least i learned something from your data.

Mindanao bishops pray for peace (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080820123&type=2)
By Evelyn Macairan
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Mindanao bishops are praying for peace even as four of their priests and a seminarian were reported as among those abducted by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels but later escaped last Monday in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.

Marbel, South Cotabato Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, speaking in a media forum yesterday, said that people should hope for peace in the whole region even if hostilities are ongoing in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte.

“While violence elicits negativity, let us move forward,” said Bishop Gutierrez, whose diocese covers the Socsargen (South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos) provinces.

Gutierrez, who has been assigned to the Diocese of Marbel since 1981, said the violence has toned down as compared to previous incidents of hostilities in Mindanao.

The 69-year-old prelate believes that peace can be attained if everyone, from the highest official to the ordinary Filipino, would work toward attaining this goal.

When asked what was his message to President Arroyo, he said, “First, pray hard, second forget politics and continue flooding the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with basic services, good governance and dialogue.”

Malacañang earlier asked the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) to assist them in their peace efforts, but Gutierrez said they have been offering their services and assistance to the government for the past four years.

He said they are willing to act as advisers or consultants of the Chief Executive.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Permanent Council is also set to meet next month with the Mindanao situation and the efforts of the Arroyo government to revive Charter change would most likely be part of the discussions.

“Last month, a high government official told us in our meeting at the BUC that the MILF has lost the original paradigm which is the common good of the Muslims,” said Bishop Gutierrez.

This prompted the 75 members of the BUC to verify this information.

The BUC will hold its 35th general assembly on Nov. 18 to 21 in Jolo, Sulu, where they intend to discuss with leaders of the local Muslim community their intentions, needs, and desires.

They might not touch the issue on the MOA-AD since some of them might not have even heard of the memorandum. – With Jess Diaz

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Gov’t allots P3.13B for rehab of irrigation facilities (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=200808209&type=2)

Thursday, August 21, 2008
A total of P3.13 billion has been allocated so far this year for the rehabilitation or restoration of irrigation facilities covering over 84,500 hectares.

In a report to Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said P2.94 billion was released as of midyear to rehabilitate irrigation facilities servicing 32,000 hectares, and restore other systems covering 52,500 hectares.

For the first half of 2008, NIA Administrator Carlos Salazar reported that President Arroyo allocated P1.27 billion for the restoration and rehabilitation of irrigation systems in the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle (NLAQ), one of the five super regions.

Under the “super regions” development strategy, the country’s regions have been clustered into five growth centers, with each cluster specializing in a particular field of business based on the collective strength and comparative advantages of the provinces under it.

Salazar said that for the other super regions, the government allocated P361.74 million for Metro Luzon; P719.44 million for Central Philippines; and P779.69 million for Mindanao.

Salazar reported that the NIA has built irrigation projects covering 146,000 hectares and repaired old systems servicing another 980,000 hectares, raising total irrigated lands to a record 1.5 million hectares.

The DA, for its part, has constructed 4,000 kilometers of farm-to-market roads; installed 2,347 post-harvest equipment such as dryers; put up 33 mariculture parks and 134 fish sanctuaries; and gave 415 sets of post-harvest equipment to fisherfolk.

The repair, rehabilitation and construction of irrigation systems nationwide form part of President Arroyo’s FIELDS program for agriculture.

FIELDS stands for fertilizer, irrigation and other rural infrastructure, research and extension work, loans, dryers and other post-harvest facilities, and seeds. — Marianne Go

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Vol. XXII, No. 20
Friday, August 22, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

The Economy
Cagayan de Oro abuzz with economic activity despite worries

CAGAYAN DE ORO — Despite high inflation compounded further by security threats in Northern Mindanao after the Moro rebel attacks in nearby Lanao provinces, expectations on this city’s near-term economic prospects remain high.

Local officials and residents interviewed cited indicators such as emerging retail complexes and hotels, as well as a new airport, that will drive the city’s economic growth in near to medium terms.

Elsie A. Limosnero, senior trade and industry specialist of the regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry, said
Hopeful signs the city’s service sector is expanding, noting high growth observed in retail trade.

If new businesses come to the city, the need for housing will follow, she said, citing plans of Ayala Corp. and Korean firm I. F. Koresco Corp. in this city.

Ayala opened an upscale subdivision here a year ago and the latest buzz is that the Makati-based developer is considering a new commercial complex on a site owned by Davao’s Floirendo family in front of Gaisano shopping complex here.

The Ayalas and the Floirendos are partners in an ongoing Ayala mixed-use development in Davao that will be completed in 2012.

Koresco, meanwhile, has announced the construction of a $20-million 100-room casino-hotel in this city within the year. In addition, Limketkai Sons, Inc. is erecting a 250-room, 21-storey hotel, the tallest structure in Mindanao, near its shopping complex at this city’s Lapasan district. Both projects are hinged on a surge in tourism when the region’s international-class airport at nearby Laguindingan town is completed two years from now.

The city also has its share of the business process outsourcing boom, hosting four major call centers, namely: Link2Support, Arriba Telecontact, Inc., Tradetel Corp., and Concentrix. Smaller facilities, with seats below 50 are also operating here. (L2S and Concentrix are the same)

Jojie Ann O. Dolotina, a recruitment associate for contact center firm Concentrix, said recent rebel attacks in Central Mindanao will not hinder this city’s growth in the near term.

Sales are good

The city’s retail sector is still thriving, shop owners interviewed early this week noted.

A spokesman for Samsung’s consumer electronics shop at the Limketkai Center claims its Cagayan de Oro store is a leader among Samsung shops in the regions in terms of sales of mobile phones and LCD television sets. :applause:

Jelarmee Villareal, store manager of Toy Kingdom at the SM City Cagayan de Oro Shopping Mall, also claimed sales have been good these past months.

At the city’s Friday night tiangge in Divisoria district, the crowd has become bigger compared with last year’s.

A Maranao trader, however, noted the merchandise sold now, comprising mostly of ukay-ukay or used clothes and shoes, are cheaper compared with those available in previous years. "There are more buyers now probably because we’re selling our products cheap," she said.

While the general sentiment was that the recent attacks of the MILF in nearby Lanao del Norte province will have an impact on the local economy, traders — mostly Maranaos, a major Moro tribe — would rather forget those incidents.

For years, Moro traders have dominated sidewalk trade at this city’s Divisoria district selling items from used clothes and shoes, to cellular phone accessories and pirated video discs.

Reflecting what could be a preference of many here to disassociate this city’s prospects from the threat of a rebel attack, the local Trade department’s Mr. Limosnero said: "It is a very sensitive issueleave it as it is. Our role is only promotion."

But still worried

Still, Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno told reporters yesterday that the ongoing conflict could threaten the region’s growth prospects. "I could not figure out how Northern Mindanao and the rest of the island could recover from such a setback, politically and economically," he said.

He described the attacks of the MILF in the towns of Kauswagan, Kolambogan and Linamon towns in Lanao del Norte as a "serious blow" that the entire Mindanao will suffer from, including in terms of a sullied image in the eyes of prospective investors from abroad and from other regions.

The governor emphasized that in recent years, Northern Mindanao has been registering the fastest growth rate among regions on the island. Citing the 2005-2006 growth figures of the National Statistical Coordination Board, Northern Mindanao posted the highest growth rate in five years at 6.8%; followed by Central Mindanao, 6.7%; Caraga Region, 4.9%; Southern Mindanao, 4.4%; Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, 4.1%; and Western Mindanao at 2.1%. — Penny Lyn P. Cunanan and M. A. Zamora

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^^:applause::applause::applause::applause:

Yung Ayala na balita dyan panis na yan...:lol::lol: Matagal na tayong may alam nyan. Anyway, a very good news:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

^^anong panis? dito tayo hindi nagkasundo eh! can we just forget this feud and instead be united as one?

can we do that?

christian and muslim sisterhood...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/2784429054_5c564614e5.jpg?v=1219331802

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2783575873_82ea23ea82.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/2784446534_0ae1f7a518.jpg?v=0

she is one of my closest friends here in iligan city... we are both camwhores... sana the media will not focus on the bad side...:ohno: try niyo visit ng MSU-IIT where christians and muslims are in one community...

WHO SPEAKS FOR MINDANAOANS? (http://balatucan.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/who-speaks-for-mindanaoans/)
Mike Banos

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee69/diwata87/DSC05781.jpg
Mayor Jojo Lopez of Maasim Sarangani in his defensive position at the town’s municipal hall. Maasim, Sarangani was attacked by MILF simultaneous with the attacks in Lanao del Norte.


During last Thursday’s caucus of the League of Provinces of the Philippines at a local hotel in Cagayan de Oro to discuss its stand on the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Cagayan de Oro Press Club acting president Ed Montalvan asked the governors present what was easily the most intriguing question that afternoon:

“Why is the Moro Islamic Liberation Front speaking for the Moro people?”

Or to paraphrase it: Who appointed the MILF to speak on behalf of the Muslim people on the issue of Ancestral Domain?

The question was so politically charged that for a moment, non of the public officials present, who counted among them Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Political Affairs Gabby Claudio, Opapp Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr., GRP Peace Panel Chair Rodolfo Garcia and 14 provincial governors were unable to utter a word.

After signing a final peace agreement of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1996, everyone thought that peace would finally descend on Mindanao and make its tri-people realize the vast potentials of the island.

Alas and alack, the breakaway Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had other ideas and chose to stay in the boondocks, this time fighting for a “Bangsamoro Homeland.”

As interesting as the Ed Montalvan’s question on who chose the MILF to represent the Muslim people is the question of who indeed, represents the Muslim’s as a people? The Sultan of Sulu who still claims Sabah and a substantial portion of Mindanao as his domain, for one, wouldn’t agree that the MILF speak on behalf of his kin.

On the other hand, the lumads, the third definitely not the lesser of the island tri-people, are also asking why substantial portions of their ancestral domains have been incorporated into the “Bangsamoro Homeland.” It is equally quite evident, they have not appointed anyone to speak on their behalf, especially on the issue of ancestral domain. It has been already noted by quite a lot of historians and anthropologists studying Mindanao and its history that the core problem of the Muslim secessionist movement is land and neither religion nor ethnic origin. To have a such sensitive issue discussed behind closed doors, then sign an agreement regarding it, however well intentioned such a move may have been, just wasn’t very smart nor forthright for the people involved.

The resulting conflagration (perhaps tad too tame a word to describe it) that followed the attempted signing of the controversial MOA on ancestral domain just validates the suspicion that the MILF does not speak for the Muslim people’s, in the same manner that the GRP peace panel headed by Garcia does not speak for the peoples of Mindanao when the two groups started carving up the island to accommodate a Bangsamoro state.

The national government’s decision to disclose the details of the controversial MOA on ancestral domain to the governors and other chief executives of Mindanao is a step in the right direction. The LGU heads may now proceed to consult their constituents to find out their mind sets on the issue of a Bangsamoro homeland. We hope the MILF also undertakes a similar exercise dispel the notion that it does not speak for the very people whom it purports to represent.

Soldiers attack, die in Saranggani against MILF

News
August 24, 2008

13 soldiers died after they attacked the forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under the 107th Base Command – Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) at Barangay Pananag, Maasim, Saranggani Province .


This AFP casualty figure was taken from a source privy to where the dead soldiers were brought. An ambulance was used to ferry out the killed and wounded soldiers.

According to the source of information, the soldiers thought that they were brought or deployed in Mindanao purposely to help in maintaining secured, orderly, honest and peaceful ARMM elections.

This was the mission the young soldiers told their families that they left and not for any combat operation against the MILF forces.

The past days Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had been hunting down some elements of the 105th Base Command in the Province, who allegedly attacked the military in Maasim last week.

But at around 7am yesterday, instead of engaging the elements of the 105th Base Command the military attacked the forces of the 107th Base Command manning the Post 1 of their Camp Khalid Bin Walid at Pananag.

Fierce firefight took place until almost sunset yesterday. One was wounded from the MILF.

Several fighter planes, helicopter gunships and artillery were used by the AFP against the handful brave MILF fighters. Bombs and machine gun firings were launched from the air assets of the AFP to include OV 10 planes and other unidentified aircrafts.

Hundreds of individuals were recorded coming from the affected barangys of Pananag, Lumasal, Kanolo and Nomoh, all of Maasim.

These Internally Displaced Individuals (IDPs) are seeking relief assistance from Governor Miguel Dominguez who was reported to have fueled the military cleansing operations against the MILF.

Dominguez accordingly ordered the military to crush all the MILF based in Saranggani.

Meanwhile, a medical aide of the MILF was allegedly arrested by elements of 64th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army at Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan last August 22, 2008.

whoa, look at DC's population distribution, mas maraming tao sa may calinan hehe

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Mindanao/P8214417copy.jpg

I wonder what would be the headline if this occurred somewhere in Mindanao :cheers:


Globe cellsite in Tarlac torched
08/26/2008 | 04:17 PM

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga - Unidentified men burned the cabin of a Globe Telecommunication transmission cellsite located in Sitio Matalusad, Barangay Sto. Rosario, Concepcion, Tarlac over the weekend, police reports said.

Sto. Rosario Barangay Captain Abel Mallari said he was alerted by residents who informed him that thick smoke was billowing from the telecommunication transmission tower.

Police said a witness saw two unidentified men on board a motorcycle speeding away from the transmission tower shortly after the fire broke out.

Mallari called up Concepcion police and informed them about the incident.

Chief Insp. Rodrigo de Guzman, Concepcion police chief , and FO3 Placido Mallari, arson investigator, rushed to the scene and discovered that the perimeter fence of the cellsite was destroyed.

The transmission cabin door lock was also destroyed by the arsonists who reportedly poured gasoline inside the cabin before setting it on fire.

The Globe cellsite is located some eight kilometers away from the town proper of Concepcion.

Police and arson investigators are still investigating the case.

Initially, authorities are eyeing extortion as the motive for the burning of the cellsite. - Ashley Jay Manabat, GMANews.TV

Conflict starts affecting Mindanao’s development (http://www.bworldonline.com/BW082708/content.php?id=057)

DAVAO CITY — Conflict in some parts of Central and Western Mindanao has not only affected business, but has disrupted development efforts both of the government and foreign donor agencies.

Mindanao Economic Development Council Chairman Virgilio L. Leyretana said that his agency has already discussed with donor agencies and the National Government the possibility of expanding still their operations to communities most affected by the current conflict.

He said he made the appeal to foreign donor agencies, particularly amid reports that some of them were having doubts on staying in risky areas.

Mr. Leyretana, who once served as vice-mayor of Cotabato City before assuming his present position, said what must be done now for government is continue pouring development projects in areas that need the most attention.

"There is an inseparable relationship between peace and development," he said. "With or without peace agreement, the more we should upscale [sic] our efforts to accelerate the economy of the island."

It is good, he said, that donor agencies have not left the areas despite current clashes between government and Moro rebel forces, as some of them promise to continue their work in conflict-affected areas.

Both the United States Agency for International Development and the Australian Assistance for International Development have said they would continue development efforts that are geared to helping promote peace in Mindanao. The Australian aid agency has been involved primarily in the implementation of the Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao, a program that aims to address the gaps in education in most parts of the island.

Mr. Leyretana lamented that some local investors have also put in the backburner their planned expansion, while prospective foreign investors have continued to avoid investing in Mindanao.

Mindanao’s business leaders have taken pains to convince outsiders that normalcy pervades much of Mindanao.

Among others, the 17th Mindanao Business Conference will proceed, as scheduled, today and tomorrow in Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte.

Annual cultural festivals have also been held on schedule, including Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival last August 18-24, and the Kagay-an Festival in Cagayan de Oro that started with the Kahimunan Island Fair at the Limketkai Atrium last Aug.22 and includes the Higaonon Dance Festival 2008 yesterday and the Lamboagohan Fluvial Parade tomorrow. — CQF

WHO SPEAKS FOR MINDANAOANS? (http://balatucan.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/who-speaks-for-mindanaoans/)
Mike Banos

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee69/diwata87/DSC05781.jpg
Mayor Jojo Lopez of Maasim Sarangani in his defensive position at the town’s municipal hall. Maasim, Sarangani was attacked by MILF simultaneous with the attacks in Lanao del Norte.


During last Thursday’s caucus of the League of Provinces of the Philippines at a local hotel in Cagayan de Oro to discuss its stand on the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Cagayan de Oro Press Club acting president Ed Montalvan asked the governors present what was easily the most intriguing question that afternoon:

“Why is the Moro Islamic Liberation Front speaking for the Moro people?”

Or to paraphrase it: Who appointed the MILF to speak on behalf of the Muslim people on the issue of Ancestral Domain?

The question was so politically charged that for a moment, non of the public officials present, who counted among them Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Political Affairs Gabby Claudio, Opapp Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr., GRP Peace Panel Chair Rodolfo Garcia and 14 provincial governors were unable to utter a word.

After signing a final peace agreement of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1996, everyone thought that peace would finally descend on Mindanao and make its tri-people realize the vast potentials of the island.

Alas and alack, the breakaway Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had other ideas and chose to stay in the boondocks, this time fighting for a “Bangsamoro Homeland.”

As interesting as the Ed Montalvan’s question on who chose the MILF to represent the Muslim people is the question of who indeed, represents the Muslim’s as a people? The Sultan of Sulu who still claims Sabah and a substantial portion of Mindanao as his domain, for one, wouldn’t agree that the MILF speak on behalf of his kin.

On the other hand, the lumads, the third definitely not the lesser of the island tri-people, are also asking why substantial portions of their ancestral domains have been incorporated into the “Bangsamoro Homeland.” It is equally quite evident, they have not appointed anyone to speak on their behalf, especially on the issue of ancestral domain. It has been already noted by quite a lot of historians and anthropologists studying Mindanao and its history that the core problem of the Muslim secessionist movement is land and neither religion nor ethnic origin. To have a such sensitive issue discussed behind closed doors, then sign an agreement regarding it, however well intentioned such a move may have been, just wasn’t very smart nor forthright for the people involved.

The resulting conflagration (perhaps tad too tame a word to describe it) that followed the attempted signing of the controversial MOA on ancestral domain just validates the suspicion that the MILF does not speak for the Muslim people’s, in the same manner that the GRP peace panel headed by Garcia does not speak for the peoples of Mindanao when the two groups started carving up the island to accommodate a Bangsamoro state.

The national government’s decision to disclose the details of the controversial MOA on ancestral domain to the governors and other chief executives of Mindanao is a step in the right direction. The LGU heads may now proceed to consult their constituents to find out their mind sets on the issue of a Bangsamoro homeland. We hope the MILF also undertakes a similar exercise dispel the notion that it does not speak for the very people whom it purports to represent.


"Who appointed the MILF to speak on behalf of the Muslim people on the issue of Ancestral Domain?"

Akala ko dati sobrang OA lang ang mga mayors, governors and others concerned citizens who opposed the BJE. Bakit OA dahil meron pa namang plebesito kung payag ang mga tao sa naturang lugar na saklaw ng BJE. Pero nagkamali pala ako. Tama lang ang mga reactions ng mga tao in opposed of BJE. Dahil ang sagot ko sa tanong na yan, WALA. In other words, walang karapatan ang MILF para maging kinatawan sa buong bangsamoro people.

It’s Federalism or this country is bust! (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080827201&type=2)
SHOOTING STRAIGHT By Valeriano Avila
Thursday, August 28, 2008


Whether they believe it or not, it seems that the Arroyo Administration may have opened the Pandora’s box for self-rule or self-determination when they hatched that deal dubbed a memorandum of agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to create the so-called Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE). This is to be one of the biggest blunders of the Arroyo Administration because instead of getting peace for Mindanao, the exact opposite has happened. Thanks to our well-trained military, they have doused most of the MILF fires and hopefully neutralize all the armed groups in Mindanao.

This issue may now be water under the bridge because Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) herself has cancelled this ill-advised deal; however, this has not stopped the Lumads from demanding self-rule for themselves. The Lumads of Mindanao have more right than anyone to grab a piece of Mindanao because they were already in Mindanao more than any other claimants. Lumad is actually a Cebuano term for indigenous and they’re all over RP.

According to Wikipedia, there are eight Lumad ethnolinguistic groups in Mindanao: Ata, Bagobo, Banwaon, B’laan, Bukidnon, Dibabawon, Higaonon, Mamanwa, Mandaya, Manguwangan, Manobo, Mansaka, Subanon, Tagakaolo, Tasaday, Tboli, Teduray, and Ubo. According to the Lumad Development Center Inc., there are about 18 Lumad groups in 19 provinces in the Philippines. They comprise 12 to 13 million or 18% of the Philippine population and can be divided into 110 ethno-linguistic groups. One thing common with Lumads, is that most of them speak in Cebuano.

Long before we existed as a nation, the 7,000 or so islands of the Philippine archipelago were held by indigenous people with different languages and cultures. They were ruled by their tribal Kings or Rajahs within the parameters of their respective islands or mountain boundaries. Even Mactan had a different ruler. The Spanish Conquistadors who came were treated very well in Cebu by Rajah Humabon, but things turned sour for Ferdinand Magellan in Mactan where he met his untimely, but historical death.

Then came the voyage of Ruy Lopez de Villalobos (who sailed to Leyte and Mindanao but strangely missed Cebu despite having Gines de Mafra as his pilot who sailed with the Magellan voyage) in 1543, followed by the voyage of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565 who eventually established a settlement in Cebu and then checked out all the other islands until they reached the island of Luzon and established the City of Manila.

As the late Sir Max Soliven used to write, we had 400 years in the Convent and 50 years of Hollywood… then we got independence and today, all the cultures and tribes and the Lumads of this country pay tribute to Imperial Manila. In all truth, we really did not become a free nation until the Americans granted us our Independence on the 4th of July 1946. But are the Filipino people really and truly free? Not from Imperial Manila!

I reckon this is why the Muslims, the Lumads or us in Cebu want self-rule. Does this mean that they no longer want to be a part of this sick nation? Perhaps we’re all just sick and tired of having a nation that was once a proud second only to Japan after World War II, but now second to the last. This is why many of us in Cebu are lured by the promise of Federalism, where we still can have separate states hopefully united in one United Philippine nation. This could be our last call.

Today we have a unitary form of government where the center of power is in Imperial Manila; all the provinces kowtow to Manila. Those so-called Tagalog Nationalists have since ruled this nation, promoting only Tagalog interests, forcing all inhabitants of this archipelago to speak their native language, which is Tagalog. When they heard Cebuanos grumbling about this, they hastily repackaged the “National Language” into Filipino, which is actually 99.9% Tagalog.

Imperial Manila continues to exact tribute and send all the money to Manila and in return for collecting tribute for them, a political largesse was designed to supposedly spread the wealth in the form of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). It is for this reason why all Manila-based politicians, bureaucrats, economists, academe and even columnists oppose Federalism because the States would now get 80% (according to the plan of Sen. Nene Pimentel, Jr.) and remit only 20% to the Federal Government.

If we don’t push and demand a Federalized Philippines that would be operational after the 2010 elections, we could be seeing the balkanization of the Philippines. Meanwhile, Filipinos who are sick and tired of too much politics in this country have taken steps on their own, by living and working abroad where there is better pay, better life and better governance.

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Investors for P3-B halal hub proj sought (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080827173&type=2)
By Marianne V. Go
Thursday, August 28, 2008


The Department of Agriculture has started talks with Brunei and Kuwait for possible investments in a P3.04-billion halal hub planned for Mindanao.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said separate discussions with the ambassador of Brunei and officials from Kuwait were held on investment opportunities in the fledgling halal industry in the country, especially now that both the Visayas and Mindanao, besides Luzon, have been declared by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) or World Animal Health Organization as free from the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

Likewise, Yap said, the Philippines is also free from avian influenza or bird flu virus.

The proposed halal hub in Mindanao is estimated to cost P3.04 billion.

The plan is to develop the domestic halal industry and unlock its export potential.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Clayton Olalia said the halal food industry economic hub portfolio consists of the halal Economic Zone in Davao City and a halal model poultry farm in Cagayan De Oro City.

Olalia said the proposed Halal Economic Zone, which will cost at least P2.2 billion to establish, is the centerpiece of the halal investment portfolio being offered to overseas investors by the government.

To be located in Davao City, the zone is expected to generate 24,000 new jobs for Muslim Filipinos, and boost the Philippines’ export earnings by at least $200 million per year.

The other investment proposal packaged by the DA, Olalia said, is an P840-million project involving the establishment of a halal model poultry farm complete with research laboratories, abattoirs and other modern facilities.

Around 32,000 Muslim farmers and entrepreneurs in Mindanao are expected to benefit from the proposed investment.

Olalia, who is in charge of halal food development, said the government is offering this halal industry investment portfolio to interested investors in the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the USA.

Local business groups, Olalia said, may also consider other investment opportunities such as the production of halal animal feed, establishment of livestock and poultry halal farms, abattoir or slaughterhouse, processing, halal restaurants and food establishments, and halal food laboratory testing facilities.

“With the global halal food market valued at some $500 billion, the Philippines can earn at least $5 billion a year by initially tapping just one percent of this lucrative share through exports,” Olalia said.

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Malaysian peacekeepers to stay in Mindanao (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080826133&type=2)
By Pia Lee-Brago
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Malaysia assured the Philippines that the 12 Malaysian peace monitors would stay in Mindanao even if the two governments fail to adopt a new agreement for the International Monitoring Team (IMT), Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said yesterday.

Romulo said Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim gave the assurance during a meeting in Kuala Lumpur last week.

“When I was in Kuala Lumpur I talked with Foreign Minister Rais Yatim and he said Malaysia is desirous of retaining their peace monitors, so their 12 monitors will remain,” Romulo said in a press briefing.

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza earlier said the Philippine government is hopeful that local volunteers and civil society groups will help in securing peace in Mindanao if no meeting takes place with Malaysia for the new terms of reference (TOR) to extend the tour of duty of the IMT in Southern Philippines.

“The assurance to me is 12 will remain under old or new TOR,” Romulo added.

Dureza said the desire to continue working for a ceasefire between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is not lost.

“In a worst case scenario that there will be no meeting of the two panels (RP-Malaysia) and no new TOR is agreed to continue the functions of the IMT, both sides still want to continue the ceasefire committee. It is still on the ground and not erased because of the expiry of the TOR,” Dureza said.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the Philippine government is optimistic that a meeting will take place between Manila and Kuala Lumpur before the TOR expires on Aug. 31.

“We hope we could find time to meet between now and Aug. 31. We will regret this if we lose the services of this very important IMT. If there is no TOR before the 31st, the IMT will pull out,” Esperon said.

Aside from Malaysia, the IMT is also composed of peace monitors from Japan, Libya and Brunei.

Under the TOR, the IMT can stay beyond Aug. 31 if the parties make the request for extension.

Observers warned the people that the fighting between government troops and the separatist MILF rebels would escalate if the IMT withdraws completely from Mindanao.

“We hope we could retain at least the remaining 12 observers from Malaysia, six from Libya, eight from Brunei and two from Japan,” Esperon said.

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GMA: RP to seek Blair’s assistance in Mindanao peace process (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080826127&type=2)
By Paolo Romero
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
CLARK ECONOMIC ZONE – Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Swedish government will soon be helping the Arroyo administration jump-start peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that are currently stalled because of the fierce fighting in Mindanao, President Arroyo said.

During a dinner with Palace and Pampanga-based reporters, Mrs. Arroyo also said government negotiators will raise the issue of disarmament in possible future talks with the MILF, some of whose commanders have attacked villages and towns in Mindanao, leaving scores of people dead.

She said she proposed the matter of lending his expertise on forging peace with Blair during her visit to London in December last year. At the time, negotiations hit a snag on the issue of ancestral domain.

“We have to invite him (Blair),” Mrs. Arroyo said. “It is only now that this (helping in talks) is surfacing. I mean it was already there but with what happened now, we have to accelerate surfacing that issue.”

She explained that when she met Blair, they talked about negotiations with separatists in the predominantly Catholic Northern Ireland seeking to break away from Great Britain. The talks led to a final peace agreement and eventual disarmament of the separatist factions and the pullout of British troops from Northern Ireland.

Also to be invited are Swedish officials to help facilitate the government’s new tack in raising the issue of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) with MILF and other rebel groups, she said.

The President pointed out that the 1996 peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front did not include DDR, that is why up to now MNLF members continue to bear arms and troubles arise from time to time.

Sweden has pioneered DDR initiatives in the United Nations and regularly hosts the Stockholm Initiative on DDR.

“DDR must be part of the talking points. This early we must begin to talk about it,” she said, noting that the traditional approach in other countries was to talk about disarmament once a final peace agreement is forged.

She said the disarmament was not a precondition for the resumption of talks with the MILF.

At the House of Representatives, Lanao del Norte Rep. Vicente Belmonte Jr. urged the government to suspend peace negotiations with the MILF until its rogue commanders involved in recent atrocities are brought to justice. - Jess Diaz, Sheila Crisostomo, Pia Lee-Brago, Aurea Calica, Christina Mendez

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C Oro holds peace forum over Mindanao conflict (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/116576/C-Oro-holds-peace-forum-over-Mindanao-conflict)
08/28/2008 | 06:09 AM
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MANILA Philippines - As the armed conflict in Mindanao continue to rage, the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan will hold a peace forum Thursday to tackle alternative non-violent solutions to the armed confrontation.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said the forum would tackle the ancestral domain agreement between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

A statement on the CBCP website said the forum will be held 5 p.m. at the Little Theater, Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan Thursday.

Expected participants include Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, clergy, non-government organizations, academe, business sector, people from different parishes and the media.

"The forum is a good venue to facilitate discussion, bridging the gaps and discerning on a very critical understanding of the issue [at] hand," said Myrna Aboniawan–Siose, of the Archdiocesan Center of Concern, Empowerment and Social Services (ACCESS) office.

Siose said Cagayan de Oro City has the disposition to harmonize the people affected on the issue.

Government peace panel technical working group members Rudy Rudil and Camilio Montesa and MILF technical working group member Ismael Disoma will speak at the peace forum.

The forum will give an explanation of the history of Mindanao and tackle the challenges of the peace process and the content of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain.

An open forum and insight sharing would follow to encourage a participative discussion.

The forum is in partnership with Social Action Centers and Non-government Organizations under the Cagayan–Butuan-Surigao-Tandag and Malaybalay diocese (CABUSTAN) cluster.

[!]
The Media and Mindanao: The Dangers of Psychological Embedding and Armchair Punditry
PUBLISHED ON August 27, 2008 AT 9:25 AM

By Alan Davis
Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project

MINDANAO — In times of crisis, thinking often bunkers down and simplifies. Groups express no doubt and offer no quarter. Extremism blooms swamping calls for restraint and careful consideration.

In such times, media can act like the uranium core of a nuclear reactor. Pushed fully in, it can trigger a highly destructive chain reaction — providing the means and opportunity for countless and combustible neutron politicians and pundits to whiz around exciting and enraging others.

This seems to be happening in the Philippines with the crisis here in Mindanao. The Manila-centric media have their excitable neutrons of their own — those columnists and talk radio hosts who help provide an unstable mass which dominates the public space when it comes to discussion on where to go next now that the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) is in limbo.

The question we need to ask these pundits on the airwaves and in the populist print is how many of them are taking time out to come here to listen, learn and see for themselves at first hand the things they are talking about? How many are platforming their own personal prejudices in place of helping audiences to understand and appreciate more? What are their practical suggestions? War and killing?

Save for some very honourable exceptions the media may be in danger of psychologically embedding with rising anti-Moro elements. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) committee said precisely this at the press conference I attended over the weekend at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat. But of course they would say that, wouldn’t they? Certainly the killing of civilians and reported atrocities committed in Lanao del Norte by MILF forces only helps to fan the flames and may well turn out to be a massive own goal for the rebel leadership. It is also of course a crime against international humanitarian law.

The MILF leadership say they are revolutionaries and therefore don’t recognise Philippine law and will not surrender the suspected commanders. But international law is something else entirely. It was itself cited by the MILF leadership in front of me and others on Saturday in defense of the legal status of the MOA-AD.

The looming crisis was though best brought home to me on Sunday driving by the grounds of an old cassava starch plant off the main highway near Aleosan in North Cotabato. There I saw 120 new recruits drawn from surrounding barangays being put through basic drill parade by a Philippine Army sergeant major. These were new members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU). Their guns have yet to arrive but given their basketball outfits and the crowd of giggling youngsters watching, this might have been a typical Sunday afternoon warm-up for a game. Unfortunately, their appearance and training presages something far more serious.

In an ominous development, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has begun training new recruits drawn from mostly Christian communities around Aleosan town in North Cotabato. ALAN DAVIS
Ironically, the faces of these new CAFGU recruits along with plain clothes gunmen I took to be MILF forces seen cycling down very isolated and poor barangays in Liguasan Marsh — these were the only combatants and would-be fighters I saw over a three-day weekend who were not more than happy to stop awhile and talk. As individuals everybody is warm, friendly and generous. It is when they retreat into groups, bunker down and listen to the propaganda on all sides that the trouble starts.

Five miles further down the national highway from the impromptu training camp, you come across thousands of evacuees camped out on either side of the road under blue and orange tarpaulins which were gifts from aid organizations to refugees during the last humanitarian crisis which followed on from war here several years ago. When you are as poor as these people, you throw nothing away, not even old World Food Program rice sacks that can be ripped open and turned into impromptu shelters from the heavy rains. Many of the refugees have been there for two weeks and more — and most are refusing to go home fearful both of what they might find and too of being caught once more in the middle of the fighting.

The fighting was going on over the weekend and could be seen from an army observation post on a ridge less than a forty-minute jeep ride down a riddled track that leads off south from Midsayap into the huge flooded plain that is the Liguasan Marsh, a stronghold of the MILF.

The Maguindanao town of Datu Piang is currently reachable from the north only by small pump boat after a road bridge collapsed — or by air via an OV10 light bomber. The aircraft and artillery were both in action yesterday afternoon. From a distance of one or two miles away, the OV10 are tiny black specks and virtually invisible yet the sound of their 500-lb bombs going off is unmistakable as are the black plumes of smoke rising in the windless air. Being under or too close to them is something of course to be avoided at all costs — yet one unconfirmed report on Saturday said a mother and child had been killed by such an attack on Friday.

In many respects while people might still manipulate and exaggerate, the closer you get to the frontline, the more humanity you often see. The closer to battle, the more you hear people speak openly, honestly and truthfully as they see it. By contrast, the further away you get, the more inane people become and the less they have to say.

In Manila where it is safe, people speak and are heard far too much. By contrast, here in places like North Cotabato and Maguindanao where the crisis is, civilians, soldiers and Moro rebels are heard far too little.

The Philippine media could do a lot worse than try and redress the balance. Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project

(The author is the director of the Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project and the Special Projects director of the London-based Institute for War and Peace Reporting.)

Export prospects for abaca bright - FIDA

by Prix D Banzon

Davao City (30 August) -- There is bright prospect of the abaca industry especially in the export market as many are into shifting usage of products with the fiber as base material to replace the use among others plastic products. The price per kilo of the fiber is increasing with the premium variety pegged at P70 per kilo on the average.

Olympio B. Macarayan, Ph. D., OIC-Regional Director of Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA XI) said with the Philippines as the only abaca producer in the world, countries like Germany, USA, UK, Japan, China and Indonesia source their materials from us.

He said the Philippine contribution of the export market of abaca fiber is about US$ 84 million.

The price he said is increasing there are still a lot of work to catch to improve production.

On the average, the farmer only gets 500 kilos per hectare per year but Southern Mindanao hit 750 kilos per hectare per year although potential yield is at 3,000 kilos per hectare per year given the necessary and appropriate farm inputs.

But Macarayan said the farmers sell their products to traders on prices based on grade and class and color with S2, I and H grades priced between P68 to P70 per kilo. The JK classification is priced at P52 per kilo, S3 – P45, the Y at P32 a kilo and damaged P3 per kilo,

He said the premium fiber or Class A has a fine grade, white color and one meter in length.

But the trader buys the product all-in at P50 per kilo then they classify the products before they deliver them to the exporter that will now demand a high price based of the grade.

In Davao City he said the main buyer for raw fiber is the Ching Bee Trader Corporation. The other exporter, Tag Fiber a US based exporter, has still to wait for the reopening of the operations.

The country he said has six pulpers where Mindanao has only one in Iligan, the New Tech Pulp Company, two in Leyte, the Ching Bee Pulper and Agusan Mill, Bicol, 2 – the Isarog Pulp and Albay Development Corporation, and the Canlubang Pulp in Luzon.

Of the 153,000 hectares in the Philippines planted to abaca, Southern Mindanao covers about 14,000 hectares and the government is embarking into expanding the production areas.

"We are serious of the expansion project because we saw the potential in the world market," he said.

In fact in Davao City, the private and government sector is organizing the Davao City Abaca Industry Development Council in order to give focus on the revival of the abaca industry.

He said that in the 1940s during the Japanese time, areas planted to abaca covered some 40,000 hectares but now only 800 hectares were left mostly in Toril, Marilog and Paquibato that are being tended by the indigenous peoples.

"The Council will be able to intensify the advocacy and awareness on the abaca industry as many sector are tapping the fiber for their production," he said.

He cited as an example that bank notes and security papers of countries around the world already uses abaca fiber because of its durability where Japan and the US adopts about 60 percent while the Philippines only at 20 percent utilization. (PIA) [top]

http://www.pia.gov.ph (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080830.htm&no=20)

Saturday, August 30, 2008
Investors unfazed by skirmishes
By Joy Romares-Sevilla
Sunstar Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/08/30/bus/investors.unfazed.by.skirmishes.html)

DESPITE the negative perception of some investors in Davao City, not to mention the skirmishes in some parts of Mindanao, the director of the Cyberservices Group of the Commission on ICT (CICT) said there are still a lot of investors who show interest to come to Mindanao, particularly to Davao City to put up or expand BPO related businesses.

Patricia Abejo, Cyberservices Group director of the CICT, said that being included in the top 10 Asian Cities of the Future in terms of human resources in the Finance Direct Investment (FDI) magazine, and also named as one of the world's best investment sites for BPO industry and global offshore ICT hubs in an ICT research, Davao City has a lot more opportunity to offer.

In her presentation, entitled "Davao, The Leader City Gearing the Mindanao Cyberservice," Abejo said Davao has been a key player in the BPO industry and is the only city in Mindanao that earned an award and distinction.

"Negative perception about Mindanao can be felt and was really a concern especially last year, but I understand that this has been changed. The perception might be there, but there have been moves to address that challenge," Abejo said.

Abejo said the BPO industry in the Philippines has an average growth of 53 percent for the last three years. She said CICT hopes that the growth will continue on a steady pace.

"As of the end of 2007, 300,000 jobs were generated in the BPO industry," Abejo said, adding that the industry is targeting to generate 1 million jobs by 2010 and about US$13 billion revenue.

Abejo is one of the speakers during the BPO Human Resource and Recruitment Forum held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel Friday.

The forum was initiated by the ICT of Davao Inc. to address the issues and concerns in the industry and to further develop strong partnership between the BPO companies and the education and training institutions.

Sunday, August 31, 2008
Davao City also eyed as 'halal' hub of RP
Sunstar Online (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/08/31/bus/davao.city.also.eyed.as.halal.hub.of.rp.html)

FROM being built-up as the information technology (IT) hub of Mindanao, it looks like Davao City will also become the "halal" hub of the country.

This as the Department of Agriculture (DA) has reportedly held initial talks with officials of Brunei and Kuwait to discuss investment opportunities in the P3.04-billion "halal" hub being proposed by the Davao City Government.

The proposal, initiated by Councilor Peter Laviña, was sent to the Sultan of Brunei, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in February 22, 2007, offering Davao City as the site for this investment.

The city's excellent supply for halal meat products, being free from avian flu and the existence of Halal Food Council were cited in the proposal as main reasons for the city to be considered.

Laviña said Thursday that he furnished Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap with the proposal.

"I am glad that his office is pursuing the plan for the halal food processing center here in Davao," he said.

Reports from a national business paper said: "the government is offering foreign investors an investment proposal worth P3.04 billion to develop the domestic halal industry in Mindanao and enable local manufacturers to corner a chunk of the $500-billion world market".

"The Halal Food Industry Economic Hub project includes the Halal Economic Zone in Davao City and a halal model poultry farm in Cagayan de Oro City," the report stated.

The proposed Halal Economic Zone in Davao City, which will cost at least P2.2 billion to establish, is the core of the halal investment portfolio being offered to investors. (GLP)

^^good to wait for this project.

Cebu archdiocese helps war victims in Mindanao (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080830193&type=2)

Sunday, August 31, 2008


Starting today, the Cebu Archdiocese will be conducting special collections during Masses to raise funds to help the victims of war in Mindanao.

Cebu Archbishop Rircardo Cardinal Vidal has asked all the churches in the archdiocese to donate that will be used provide assistance to over 1,000 families reportedly affected by the turmoil. These families have already been evacuated in safe areas.

The fund that will be collected from the special collection will be given to affected families through the dioceses near the affected areas.

The Cebu Archdiocese said this is just one of the many ways being adopted by different church groups to assist the people who were affected by the on going clash between the MILF rebels and the government troops.

The Jesuits of Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, for example, has organized a fund raising drive.

Funds generated will be donated to the victims through the archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

Earlier, Vidal has urged all the Cebuano faithful to pray for peace and order in the war-stricken region.

The prelate has released an Oratio Imperata, or a mandated prayer that shall be implored in all churches in the archdiocese of Cebu through a “consolidated faith in God and concerted prayer to hopefully stop the cruelty and difficulty experienced by the victims of armed conflict in Mindanao.”

In the Lungsoranon, the official publication of the archdiocese of Cebu, Vidal expressed his grief and disappointment over the lighted tension in the south.

The cardinal was depressed on why the conflict rages on until now despite the efforts to find solutions to alleged neglected problems and concerns that pushes Muslim rebels to wage war against the government.

The chaos in Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato and Surangani erupted following the postponement of the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain.

The agreement provides additional territories to Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao which shall be called Bangsamoro Juridical Entity. — Jessica Ann Pareja/WAB

Back to top

kaBOOoom.... is the sound of of micro and SMEs booming all over CARAGA ^^

before it was DPWH cashing in on Caraga infra...then came DoT......now its DTI's turn :)

Businesses Boom in Caraga

DTI grants P169.65 M loans to 18,844 micro entrepreneurs

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO

BUTUAN CITY – Economic activities in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region) went into high gear as micro entrepreneurs were able to access some P169.65 million loans from the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion Program (RuMEPP).

Data gathered from the regional office of DTI also disclosed that about 18,844micro entrepreneurs were recipients of the RuMEPP program.

RuMEPP is a seven-year poverty alleviation project of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) based in Rome, Italy and the government of the Philippines with the DTI as the lead agency and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) as cooperating institution.

The objective of the program is rural poverty reduction through increased economic development, job creation and rural incomes for 200,000 poor rural households in 19 of the poorest provinces in the country.

The program has three components, namely: Microfinance Credit and Support, Micro Enterprise Promotion and Development and Programme and Policy Coordination.

Under the program’s Microfinance Credit Support Component, wholesale loans are provided to micro finance institutions (MFI) such as rural banks, cooperatives and non government organizations for lending to micro entrepreneurs through the Small Business Corp. (SBC), an attached agency of DTI.

RuMEPP loans are from the US$ 15 million IFAD funding which will be drawn by SBC over seven years at an annual average of US$ 2.14 million or P90 million (at P42:$ 1). SBC is committed to disburse in 2008 at least P100 million in IFAD-funded wholesale microfinance loans, and every year thereafter until the seventh year.

This year, SBC commits to move into the RuMEPP areas at least 70 percent of P70 million of the P100 million target disbursement.

RP, US soldiers turn over infra, dev’t projects to Patikul execs (http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/08/31/PROV20080831133907.html)



By ALI G. MACABALANG

JOLO, Sulu - Philippine and United States soldiers have finished and turned over various development and infrastructure projects for the villagers of nearby Patikul town.


The projects, which were inaugurated Thursday, are part of joint undertakings with the Sulu provincial government aimed at addressing basic needs of civilians in Patikul, which in previous years teemed with rebel elements, officials said.

Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, a Filipino marine officer, said four artesian wells have been handed to local officials in the villages of Timpook, Taung, Tanum and Liang, all in Patikul town.

Military and provincial officials led by Gov. Sakur Tan also inaugurated a new school building in the village of Bonbon and two road projects in Liang and Bud Datu, also in Patikul.

"The inaugurations are result of successful unity of efforts among the Joint Task Force Comet, Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines and the Provincial government in accomplishing these humanitarian goals," Sabban said.

Sabban said while development is the primary concern of the local government, there is growing recognition on the significant benefits derived from partnership and teamwork in the delivery of basic services to the people.

"We believe in a teamwork approach in fulfilling the aspirations of our people for basic necessities. The people’s welfare has always been our top priority, and is one to which the military has devoted time and energy," he pointed out in a press statement.

He added: "The local government officials deserve citation for their unrelenting support. And though there are still a variety of development challenges, we are very certain that we can brave the odds with everyone’s continued cooperation."

Gov. Tan, for his part, said he would continue supporting military humanitarian activities "to bring about change and hope for brighter future" among his people.

CREDIBILITY, NOT XENOPHOBIA HOUNDING MILF (http://balatucan.wordpress.com/2008/08/29/credibility-not-xenophobia-hounding-milf/)

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee69/diwata87/ZZZ_081108_1_b.jpg

“Maybe, but when you make a detailed scrutiny of the present miseries of our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters, many are self inflicted by their backward and even archaic socio cultural system, and their very feudal socio economic system-systems that breed class exploitation and treats the concept of rule of law as something coming from Mars.”

“Alberto Vicente”

While there is wisdom in recognizing the right of the Bangsamoro people to self determination, the urgent call of the time is for Mindanao to move on to the future and not get mired in the past. To a common Mindanaoan, gone are the days of “a good Moro is a dead Moro.” Only the ignorant and bigots still clings to this ridiculous idea.

You make a survey on the heads of offices or regional directors of national regional offices in Northern Mindanao, for example, and you would realize that majority of these offices are headed by a Muslim director (Mustapha Gandarosa of BIR, Mindangan Darimbang of LTFRB and John Maruhom of DARto name a few), be they Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, I dont care.

You go to the public markets and you see our traditional enterprising Maranao brotehrs and sisters doing business selling anything from malong to cheap pirated DVDs. You go to any university or college in the city and our Muslim brothers are as free to learn modern education as anyone else. There is opportunity for them.

Perhaps if seen in this context, peace and harmony in Mindanao is attainable. You go to Lanao del Sur, for example and you see blighted communities, ravaged by another armed conflict after another armed conflict, but not all due to the revolution for self-determination, mny by family or clan wars called rido.

Yes, in the last 100 years, land laws were implemented that disenfranchised our Bangsamoro brothers from their ancestral domain. We blame Manila, we blame the colonial US government, the Spaniards for it. But has anybody questioned why some of the rich Bangsamoro clan or families acceded to these laws and gave away their ancestral domain to transnational corporations and other rich settlers from Visayas and Luzon?

All the miseries of our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters are blamed on imperial Manila, but have anybody especially the so called vanguards of Bangsamorolandia like the MILF questioned the backward feudal system that pervades in their society? I would be accused of cultural insensitivity to question their other backward if not archaic practices.

Have any gun bearing bangsamoro revolutionary questioned where the billions of pesos of Filipino taxpayers money, official development aid-both grants and loans- have gone? Have anyone of them questioned why supposedly free and modern elections in their areas, like the infamous Sharif kabunsuan elections in 2007 where their politicians made idiots of everyone by having the entire result of an entire province disappear, making the democratic exercise in their area not just a joke but a national shame?

There are many well meaning Bangsamoros, especially the young, affluent and well educated youths. I know a number of them. But there seems to be a problem even among the ranks. Take the case of Adel Tamano who was one of the first to go to the Supreme Court to question the MOA-AD. Isn’t he one of them?

A local journalist questioned who the MILF are representing? I would say they have arrogated in themselves the fight of the Bangsamoro people to self determination based on the past facts and conjectures, and are very far out from present realities.

I would venture to ask: who are the MILF fighting against? Imperial Manila? Maybe, but when you make a detailed scrutiny of the present miseries of our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters, many are self inflicted by their backward and even archaic socio cultural system, and their very feudal socio economic system-systems that breed class exploitation and treats the concept of rule of law as something coming from Mars. I am not saying their political leaders are more corrupt than anyone but see for yourself, as they say res ipsa loquitor.

I am an advocate of dialog. I think genuine dialog should start in the grassroots, with the Bangsamoro members of the community talkint to other Mindanaoans. Educating most of us about their cultural traits and distinction as a people. Demonstrating to us their talents and leadership instead of sulking on one side and taking up arms on the other side.

(To be continued) The author is using the pen name “Alberto Vicente” for security reasons.

nicely presented story by ms arguillas


Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews
Sunday, 31 August 2008 16:53



DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/30 August) -- The Philippine government will no longer sign the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain “in its present form and in any other form” as it will no longer sit across the negotiating table with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) but with communities, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said.

Dureza told a gathering of Kusog Mindanaw late Friday afternoon that government will only negotiate with the MILF on DDR (disarmament, demobilization and reintegration).

On Saturday afternoon, August 30, Dureza in a statement said the MOA “that was originally presented was a step in crafting a final peace agreement.”

“By design, any MOA as part of a final peace agreement will undergo a thorough review as part of our constitutional processes since the MOAs will be part of the enabling law by Congress in a plebiscite to implement the entire agreement. The action by the Supreme Court is consistent with that process. Moving forward, we are committed to securing an arrangement that is both constitutional and equitable because that is the only way that long-lasting peace can be assured.”

Dureza added that “no matter what the Supreme Court ultimately decides, the government will not sign the MOA."

“In the light of the recent violent incidents committed by lawless MILF groups, the President has refocused all peace talks from one that is centered on dialogues with rebels to one of authentic dialogues with the communities, with DDR as the context of our engagements with all armed groups,” he said.

Presidential Legal counsel Sergio Apostol last Friday said the peace panel was not authorized to sign the MOA-AD with the MILF and that “even if the MOA was signed, it would have been useless in the absence of the proper permission from the Palace” (see separate story).

At the Kusog Mindanaw gathering on Friday at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Dureza announced, “we are not signing the MOA in its present form and in any other form.”

“In the light of the constitutional questions raised against the MOA, in the light of reactions coming from other sectors but more importantly in the light of the recent events, in Lanao and in the other areas where there were atrocities committed against civilians – by admitted MILF commanders – whether they were on their own or whether they were asked to do so to pressure government is of no moment. What was clear is they launched the attacks on innocent civilians and they are MILF leaders themselves. In the light of all this, therefore, questions of sincerity on the part of the MILF leadership are raised; questions as to whether or not if we sign an agreement can they control their people?” Dureza said.

“Evidently the last few days’ experience showed either they cannot control their people or they’re playing games with us,” Dureza added.

“In that light therefore…. the paradigm of the peace process will have to shift. The paradigm of the peace process is to negotiate with an armed group and from there craft a reform agenda for the nation or for the bangsamoro -- this has been our trajectory since -- I had been doing that until June 15 -- that a political settlement which is the MOA, the Ancestral Domain and the aspirations of the Bangsamoro must have to be therefore addressed, if we want to have sustainable peace.”

But Dureza said “all these recent developments have clouded all these and so the shape now will be, let’s continue work on the reform agenda still pursue efforts on the ancestral domain’s aspirations of the Bangsamoro but no longer from across a negotiations table with the MILF on the other side of the table. This will already be done with deep consultations now with the stakeholders, with the communities and whatever the results will be will determine the next steps that we will do,” he said.

Dureza asked what will happen if the government deals with the MILF and “later on the recalcitrants again will start complaining for example, (in) the plebiscite, we (will) ask people if they want to be in the BJE or out of the BJE. What if other elements of the MILF will not accept this?”

“We thought we have studied this very closely. The paradigm is, seeking societal reform should not be at the end of the barrel of a gun of another armed group, that an armed grouip cannot and should not represent the people or the Bangsamoro people, to get societal reforms. That is the paradigm that has developed not only overnight and the latest event showed this is the trajectory we are going to take,” he said.

He said this does not mean the government is stopping the peace process. “We are not stopping the peace process. But it will no longer be across the table with the MILF but with the stakeholders.”

Dureza said reforms and the Bangsamoro’s aspirations can be had without having to deal with an armed group.

Paul Paraguya of Kusog Mindanaw quoted to Dureza what Sarangani governor Miguel Dominguez said the night before at the forum, that this is not the time to pass blame on each other and that the gains of the peace process should not be sacrificed just because of 10% rogue commanders of the MILF. How can the peace process move forward?

Dureza had no categorical answer when asked if the new “paradigm” means disbanding the government peace panel.

Irene Santiago, executive director of the Mindanao Commission on Women and Mothers for Peace, asked Dureza, “how do you stop the violence? That is the reason why you negotiate. Now, if the avenue of peaceful negotiations is closed, what is the government’s stragetgy for ending that violence?”

Santiago was a member of the peace panel led by Dureza from 2001 to 2003. She also served as special consultant to Dureza while he was Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. Dureza became Press Secretary on June 16.

“Are we then to presume that the way to stop this violence as far as this government is concerned is the military solution? Is it all out war?” Santiago asked.

Dureza replied they would still talk to the MILF but only within the context of DDR.

“No right-thinking rebel will talk to you on DDR,” Santiago replied.

She did not wait for the forum to end.

Dureza explained they still consider the MILF “a partner in the peace process.”

He said MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, who was peace panel chair when Dureza was also peace panel chair, “wants a peaceful settlement.”

“The bigger part of the MILF leadership wants a peaceful settlement,” he said.

Datu Michael Mastura, a senior member of the MILF peace panel said DDR is “not applicable to the MILF negotiation process at this stage.. That’s more for MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) and the 1996 peace agreement.”

“The peace talks is in a state of purgatory. In limbo. What is important is we have a documentary proof that the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) does not behave according to standard diplomatic practices and norms of conduct in agreements…It has no business using ‘rogue’ (on MILF commanders Umbra Kato and Bravo) when its behavior is rude if not crude,” he said.

The two commanders are targets of government’s “punitive actions” for the attacks on villages in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte. (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)

kaBOOoom.... is the sound of of micro and SMEs booming all over CARAGA ^^

before it was DPWH cashing in on Caraga infra...then came DoT......now its DTI's turn :)

successful regions in industry clustering - UP study

Tabadda cited the successful Philippine industry clusters that have grown during the last few years: the vegetable clusters of Northern Luzon, the sardines industry of Dipolog, the food processing industry cluster of Caraga and the furniture industry cluster of Cebu. source (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2008/09/01/bus/davao.cited.best.region.for.industry.clustering..html)

taken from today's local daily....

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/2008/sultan.jpg

$3 Million Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
Kalangan 2, Cotabato City

CREDIBILITY, NOT XENOPHOBIA HOUNDING MILF (http://balatucan.wordpress.com/2008/08/29/credibility-not-xenophobia-hounding-milf/)

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee69/diwata87/ZZZ_081108_1_b.jpg

“Maybe, but when you make a detailed scrutiny of the present miseries of our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters, many are self inflicted by their backward and even archaic socio cultural system, and their very feudal socio economic system-systems that breed class exploitation and treats the concept of rule of law as something coming from Mars.”

“Alberto Vicente”

While there is wisdom in recognizing the right of the Bangsamoro people to self determination, the urgent call of the time is for Mindanao to move on to the future and not get mired in the past. To a common Mindanaoan, gone are the days of “a good Moro is a dead Moro.” Only the ignorant and bigots still clings to this ridiculous idea.

You make a survey on the heads of offices or regional directors of national regional offices in Northern Mindanao, for example, and you would realize that majority of these offices are headed by a Muslim director (Mustapha Gandarosa of BIR, Mindangan Darimbang of LTFRB and John Maruhom of DARto name a few), be they Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, I dont care.

You go to the public markets and you see our traditional enterprising Maranao brotehrs and sisters doing business selling anything from malong to cheap pirated DVDs. You go to any university or college in the city and our Muslim brothers are as free to learn modern education as anyone else. There is opportunity for them.

Perhaps if seen in this context, peace and harmony in Mindanao is attainable. You go to Lanao del Sur, for example and you see blighted communities, ravaged by another armed conflict after another armed conflict, but not all due to the revolution for self-determination, mny by family or clan wars called rido.

Yes, in the last 100 years, land laws were implemented that disenfranchised our Bangsamoro brothers from their ancestral domain. We blame Manila, we blame the colonial US government, the Spaniards for it. But has anybody questioned why some of the rich Bangsamoro clan or families acceded to these laws and gave away their ancestral domain to transnational corporations and other rich settlers from Visayas and Luzon?

All the miseries of our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters are blamed on imperial Manila, but have anybody especially the so called vanguards of Bangsamorolandia like the MILF questioned the backward feudal system that pervades in their society? I would be accused of cultural insensitivity to question their other backward if not archaic practices.

Have any gun bearing bangsamoro revolutionary questioned where the billions of pesos of Filipino taxpayers money, official development aid-both grants and loans- have gone? Have anyone of them questioned why supposedly free and modern elections in their areas, like the infamous Sharif kabunsuan elections in 2007 where their politicians made idiots of everyone by having the entire result of an entire province disappear, making the democratic exercise in their area not just a joke but a national shame?

There are many well meaning Bangsamoros, especially the young, affluent and well educated youths. I know a number of them. But there seems to be a problem even among the ranks. Take the case of Adel Tamano who was one of the first to go to the Supreme Court to question the MOA-AD. Isn’t he one of them?

A local journalist questioned who the MILF are representing? I would say they have arrogated in themselves the fight of the Bangsamoro people to self determination based on the past facts and conjectures, and are very far out from present realities.

I would venture to ask: who are the MILF fighting against? Imperial Manila? Maybe, but when you make a detailed scrutiny of the present miseries of our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters, many are self inflicted by their backward and even archaic socio cultural system, and their very feudal socio economic system-systems that breed class exploitation and treats the concept of rule of law as something coming from Mars. I am not saying their political leaders are more corrupt than anyone but see for yourself, as they say res ipsa loquitor.

I am an advocate of dialog. I think genuine dialog should start in the grassroots, with the Bangsamoro members of the community talkint to other Mindanaoans. Educating most of us about their cultural traits and distinction as a people. Demonstrating to us their talents and leadership instead of sulking on one side and taking up arms on the other side.

(To be continued) The author is using the pen name “Alberto Vicente” for security reasons.


I think the last one is what's needed at this moment. We need to talk and put into to terms of what the rest of the muslim populace think of the situation. Perhaps, the MILF are misrepresenting most of their muslim brothers in their battle cry. To think most muslims are not supportive of their acts now.

Caption says all. Ebay find and all.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture8-1.png

Caption says Road to Dock, Parang.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/mz607.jpg

ebay find, from activa:

This is a WONDERFUL, VINTAGE ORIGINAL PRESS PHOTO OF WWII, FIRE IN SANTA ANA DAVAO, MINDANAO PHILIPPINES

An item all Collectors must have, IT WAS PUBLISHED IN 1944.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture7-1.png

Ebay find, caption says: Philippines Moro Graves Mindanao ca 1910 Postcard #A155

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/bb45_1.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: THIS IS A REAL PHOTO STEREOVIEW BY KEYSTONE VIEW COMPANY THAT IS TITLED " ( T570 ) 24085T. BAMBOO WATER TANKS, ISLAND OF MINDANAO, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS."

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/S2400145.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/S2400146.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/S2400147.jpg

ebay find, caption says: Zamboanga,Mindanao,Philippines-scenic Waterfront 1911

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/6c74_1.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: 1910 Hospital Parang Mindanao Manila (?) Phillipine Islands

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/manilahosp.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: PHILIPPINES Mindanao Island MORO CARABAO SLED postcard

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/23478.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: Datto Piang, King of Mindanao, and American Officers. Ca. 1899-1900. B.W. Kilburn. Stereo. (War Dept.) Exact Date Shot Unknown

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/0321.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: RPPC Moro Village on Beach Parang, Mindanao, PI

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/21057.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: Native Moros, Taluk Samgay, Zamboanga Province, Mindanao. Gov. Capt. Finley in the center. 1900. (Army) Exact Date Shot Unknown NARA FILE #: 111-RB-1633.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/0320.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: PI MIndanao on the Rio Grande pc

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/ef47p.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: TYPICAL MANOBO HOUSES , DISTRICT OF DAVAO , ISLAND OF MINDANAO , PHILIPPINES

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/d8ca_1.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: VINTAGE POSTCARD MINDANAO PHILIPPINES RAILROAD DEPOT CE

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture9-1.png

Ebay find: San Mateo, Butuan

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/163178054_o.jpg

Maria Cristina Falls, early 20th century

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/527b_1.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/f0c1_1.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: This 3.5 x 5.5" Real Photo postcard shows the Maria Christiana Falls, Mindanao, Philippines. It is postally unused with a divided back and dated 1907-1914 by stamp block.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture10-1.png

Ateneo de Davao, Matina Campus - flickr, banyuhay

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/ateneo.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: Cantilan Mission Caraga Mindanao Philippines ca 1910

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/92e6_1-1.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: 1945 Mindanao PI 41st Div GIs Get Baptismal Certificate

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/0798.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: This is a black and white photo of Zamboanga, Mindanao, Philippines. It shows a beautiful view of Natives in Canoe alongside the Steamer of the Resolute World Cruise. This photo was published during the Resolute World Cruise in the 20s.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/1f5c_1.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: This is a colour postcard of Mindanao, Philippines. It shows a beautiful view of the Sultana of Magindanao with her Retinue. This postcard was published by YSL in the period 1906-1919.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/2a86_1.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: 1910s PC Philippines Docks of Zamboanga in Mindanao

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/0525.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: Jolo Avenue Sulu Mindanao Philippines stamps 1911

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/0a_1.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: Iligan rppc Lanao del Norte Mindanao Philippines c 1915

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/a16d_1.jpg

Ebay find, caption says: Jolo chromo litho Sulu Island Mindanao Philippines 1903

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/9a_1.jpg

BIMP-EAGA trade, tourism,
getting ASEAN’s attention

JAKARTA (MindaNews) – The Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) is seriously looking at the growing trade and tourism exchanges in the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) as a vital component of its ongoing efforts to integrate the economies of the region’s 10 member-states.

Dr. Termsak Chalerm-palanupap, special assistant to the ASEAN Secretary-General, said the ASEAN Secretariat is currently exploring possible linkages with the BIMP-EAGA stakeholders to help accelerate the sub-region’s cooperation and integration activities. “Theoretically, [BIMP-EAGA] should be our building block. Hopefully we can help them move faster,” he said at a briefing with visiting Southeast Asian reporters here.

During the last two years, Termsak said the ASEAN Secretariat has recognized BIMP-EAGA’s initiatives as part of ASEAN’s activities.

He said ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan has been attending BIMP-EAGA meetings and other official activities since he assumed office last January.

In June 2006, the ASEAN Secretariat initially opened consultations with the BIMP-EAGA, which identified the strengthening of linkages and coordination mechanism with the ASEAN as a component of its four-year development roadmap that will end in 2010.

A briefer released by the ASEAN Secretariat said the consultations covered discussions on ASEAN’s institutional set-up and operational and management practices; the feasibility of pilot-testing ASEAN’s agreements in the BIMP-EAGA; the coordination mechanism in fostering closer partnership between public and private sector; ASEAN’s practices and procedures in the implementation mechanism and monitoring and evaluation system; high-profiling of BIMP-EAGA’s development agenda into the ASEAN framework and the promotion of BIMP-EAGA’s activities and documents through ASEANWeb.

Termsak said the ASEAN Secretariat is currently planning to hold more consultations and formal collaborations with the BIMP-EAGA, specifically on economic integration efforts. Allen

Mindanao Daily Mirror (http://www.dailymirror.ph/Sept/business09042008&02.html)

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4083/2628710694b6892a879abhr3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Hilario "Ayong" De Pedro Jr. (left) with Rotary of Koronadal guests Filipino actress Lani Oteyza and Alquin Pastrano. Circa 1963.

Note: Lolita Carbon (in a raincoat) & Cesar Banares(sitting 2nd from right ) of Filipino rock group Asin


photo by GreatMindanaon

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11397615@N00/2628710694/

Ongoing Exhibit at Ayala Museum in Makati^^

The Butuan Golden Age : Gold of Our Ancestors
1000 AD There was No Philippines, But There was Butuan

An Ayala Museum Exhibit
Ayala Museum Special Collection, Fourth Floor Gallery


http://www.ayalamuseum.org/images/ayalamain/exhibitions/gold/binibini.png

http://www.ayalamuseum.org/images/ayalamain/exhibitions/feature/gold.png

By Ma. Isabel Ongpin (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/sep/05/yehey/opinion/20080905opi6.html)

Still disturbed by the concept of ancestral domain on which the recent Memorandum of Agreement was premised and failed, I have looked up historical sources. The best compendium of these I found in Horacio de la Costa’s Readings in Philippine History (Manila: Bookmark, 1965) described as Selected Historical Texts Presented with a Commentary. Fr. De la Costa was a Filipino Jesuit regarded as a foremost historian of Philippine Colonial History. In the first chapter, The Early Filipinos, he describes from Spanish contemporary sources the various accounts of the earliest Filipinos who were little black men whom the Spaniards called “negrillos” or “negritos.”

Eventually, Spanish historical documents based on oral history recounted by natives to early Spanish missionaries indicate a subsequent wave of seafaring Malays who are conjectured to have come from nearby Borneo, islands in Indonesia and further south, from the Malay Peninsula. Recently with the jade workshops of Batanes and their link to Taiwan, there is an added theory, that some of the earliest inhabitants of this country came from the Asian mainland before the Hans took over China. These are the earliest peoples in this archipelago. The second and subsequent waves took over the lowlands and river valleys. The Negritos (call them First Nation as this concept fits them most of all) took to the hills and forests which became their natural habitats.

Now in Mindanao the people of Maguindanao have by tradition acknowledged that the religion of Islam was brought to them from Johore in the Malay Peninsula by a nobleman called Sarip Kabungsuwan toward the end of the 15th century. From a manuscript in the possession of Datu Mastura of Maguindanao, cited and translated by Najeeb M. Saleeby in his Studies of Moro History, Law and Religion (Manila: Bureau of Printing, 1905) pp.23-24, it tells of the sea voyage from Johore that Kabung*suwan took with many followers in other ships but when they got to the open sea a strong wind (probably typhoon) scattered them and they lost each other. But Kabungsuwan found Ma*guindanao in the process. It is mentioned that he and his men, strangers to Maguindanao, had a mysterious power—they could kill someone by beckoning to him as they did to several parties that met them. It is quite possible that they brought what de la Costa conjectures was a new weapon, the gun, along with the new religion, Islam.

When they anchored at a river, they saw no one, but Kabung*suwan observed a taro plant and a cornstalk floating down, and presciently said, “There must be some people at the head of this river; let us wait until they come down.” Sure enough, the datu of Slangan came with seven men to fish. Kabungsuwan called them, but they did not understand him. “He beckoned to them, but one of them died on that account . . . ” This incident kept being repeated each time a group of inhabitants would be seen. De la Costa’s commentary on this historical text is, “The migrants from the Malay Peninsula do not seem to have come in large numbers; but by virtue of superior weapons and organization they were able to impose on the indigenous population both their religion and their rule.” To state the obvious, the ancestral domain that is Mindanao belonged to its indigenous people, not the Islamic migrants that came much later.

We need a peace treaty that will work and the first step is to get the premises on which it will be based right. The truth must predominate from which justice and fairness must follow. Otherwise, we will repeat the tragedy that is now occurring in Mindanao.

miongpin@yahoo.com

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you have a quite a treasure there animo.

ebay find, caption says: Zamboanga Moro Policemen Mindanao Philippines ca 1910

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/c2e6_1.jpg

images of asia find: Mindanao, Philippines 1910

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/colabato-valley.jpg

http://www.imagesofasia.com/html/philippines/colabato-valley.html

images of asia find: Walls at Jolo, Island of Jolo, Philippines

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/jolo-island.jpg

http://www.imagesofasia.com/html/philippines/jolo-island.html

images of asia find: Mindanao, 1910, Butuan Subprovince, Island of Mindanao. Philippines (Lake Mainit?)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/lake-region.jpg

http://www.imagesofasia.com/html/philippines/lake-region.html

ebay find, davao mission house (old brokenshire or is it the current site of UCCP davao?)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/kkk5.jpg

mouth of davao river

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/SCAN10020.jpg

ebay find, davao mission house (old brokenshire or is it the current site of UCCP davao?)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/kkk5.jpg

If that's the oldest i guess it's in Kapatagan Dvo del Sur, the first mission(UCCP) was established there.

puydi pud.

^^ but a second tot i see coconut nuts basig dii pud lol

Roxas wants to convert M’danao into a freeport (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008090417&type=2)

Friday, September 5, 2008


ILIGAN CITY, Davao — Sen. Manuel A. Roxas III proposed yesterday the conversion of Mindanao into a freeport and special economic zone to promote the island’s development and provide jobs and income for the people there.

Roxas, who was the guest of honor yesterday at the inauguration of Pilmico’s new feed mill facility here, said he has filed Senate Bill 2580 which seeks the creation of the Mindanao Special Ecozone and Freeport.

In an interview with The STAR, Roxas explained that converting Mindanao into a special ecozone and freeport would be a good, innovative socio-economic response to the ongoing conflict between the government and Islamic separatists.

Converting Mindanao into a special ecozone and freeport, Roxas said, would encourage continued investments in the region and would also provide livelihood to the people.

He said the proposed Mindanao free port, would cover 27 provinces in the six regions of Mindanao, namely Zamboanga peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao region, Soccsksargen, Caraga and the Autonomous Region of Muslim, Mindanao (ARMM).

The free ports would be managed by a Mindanao Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority.

Funding for the MSEZFA would come partly from the National Government.

Incentives for the special ecozone and free ports, Roxas said, would include income tax holiday, net operating loss carry over, a five-percent gross income tax in lieu of all other taxes except for real estate taxes. – Marianne Go

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mouth of davao river, ww2

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/mindanao-davao-river-lugger.jpg

old mindanao map including the fabled st john island.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/8194.jpg

can somebody identify this picture. murag mindanao royalty.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/492244-1.jpg

same.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture18.png

moro festival.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/old1.jpg

http://www.martialartsresource.com/filipino/oldpics.htm

moro homes, philippines.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/old2.jpg

http://www.martialartsresource.com/filipino/oldpics.htm

moro mountaineers, zamboanga, philippines

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/old4.jpg

http://www.martialartsresource.com/filipino/oldpics.htm

can somebody identify this?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/old10.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/old5.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/old6.jpg

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http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/old8.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/old9.jpg

http://www.martialartsresource.com/filipino/oldpics.htm

^^ wow uncle pol, ang sipag nyo po!!!! more old pix po!!!! :cheers:

hehehe. salamat kuya neyo.

needing identification.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/old11.jpg

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http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/spear.gif

paulino cuerpo's death by hanging, criminal offense: plagiarism :lol:

needing identification.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/old11.jpg

see caption.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/OldDavao1.jpg

Mindanao ~ Social Infrastructure


MRDP2 is on the way to implementation
by NC Pugoy

Butuan City (5 September) -- The Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) aims at increasing agricultural production and efficiency, improving rural incomes in a sustainable manner, improving food security among the poor, and providing sustainable mechanisms for rural development through improved institutional service delivery by the Local Government Units (LGUs) and the concern agencies in Mindanao.

It is composed of four components: Investment for Governance and Reforms; Rural Infrastructure; Community Fund for Agricultural Development; and Natural Resource management.

For this year CY 2008, the group created action plans in compliance with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Last May 29, 2008, a workshop for the guidelines and criteria was done at Davao City. And on last June 11-13, 2008, the second workshop on harmonization and standardization of criteria and guidelines in the evaluation and approval of NRMP and other project components was conducted in Zamboanga City.

This year, a series of consultation with DA-REDs, NRM coordinators, and Mayors will be done on the extent of DA interventions in the target municipalities. (BFAR-13/ PIA-Caraga)

A Mindanao young scholar speaks (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080905181&type=2)
PERSPECTIVE By Cherry Ballescas
Saturday, September 6, 2008


It is heartening to know that our articles encourage our readers to reflect, to react and to share their ideas with us.

Mr. Jan Lorenzo G. Alegado, a third year Political Science student from the University of the Philippines Cebu College handed us a thoughtful letter which he wrote in response to our article entitled “How much do we know about Mindanao?” published last August 30, 2008 in the Freeman newspaper.

His letter expressed his “concerns on the prospect of dismembering the Bangsamoro from the Philippines and the ensuing war in some parts of Mindanao, which really cost the lives of so many civilians.” Below are highlights of the letter of this young Mindanao scholar.

Although the MOA-AD has been junked by the Philippine government, it does not really ensure that no agreement would ever be forged again between the MILF and the Philippine government containing the same ideas found in the MOA-AD particularly that terror still reigns in some parts of Mindanao and the MILF has not yet given up their incessant desire to secede from the Philippines. In addition, there is a warning that the Philippine government would be facing a tribunal before the International Court of Justice had the MOA-AD been signed.

Notwithstanding the scrapping of MOA-AD, some parts of Mindanao still continue to serve as a battleground between the forces of the MILF and of the Philippine government with no immediate end in sight. I agree with most of your points particularly with the existing animosity and discord between the Moros and Christians population and how some of us are imperviously labeling our Muslim fellows as trouble-makers and terrorists.

The lack of substantial written history about the Moros and other indigenous people in the Philippines has unfortunately been ostensibly manifested through the assertion of the Christian majority to their claim as the rightful heirs of the Philippine soil and discrediting other minorities as inferior and unworthy. This contentious issue is already entrenched deep down into our culture ever since we were colonized by the Spaniards who made us fear and hate the Moros. But does that really excuse us, the majority Christians to treat our Moro brothers and sisters the way that we have treated them.

The problem, of course goes beyond the clamoring of the Moro people over their ancestral domains. It really boils down to the main fact that the Philippine resources are unevenly distributed to the whole public; Christians or non-Christians alike. Had the needs of the Moros been sufficiently addressed by our government, I am very positive that the Moros would not be demanding secession from the Philippines …

The proposal of the dismissed MOA-AD was a desperate political maneuver of the Arroyo administration to change our constitution because once the agreement was signed with Malaysia as the arbiter, the Philippines will be forced to change its domestic laws to comply with the new situation. In addition, the Arroyo administration would not be bothered anymore with the persisting impoverishment in Mindanao once it is already out of the Philippine responsibility.

I apologize if I contradict some of the points in your article particularly when you said Mindanao is an important food basket of the Philippines. It is true that Mindanao is rich in natural resources, no point of contending that one but the question is, are the natural resources in Mindanao really enjoyed by the greatest number of Filipinos for the longest period possible? I grew up in Mindanao and I must say I am in better position to also speak about the situation in Mindanao. I have experienced what is like to be living in a place wrongly believed to be the area of terrorists (though some parts are). I could safely claim that the Philippines is not enjoying the fruits of Mindanao since most of the lands are owned by multinational corporations, which grow products for export purposes notwithstanding the presence of many landowners who lord over their lands much to the disadvantage of the poor people.

Not contented with what’s happening in Central Mindanao, you go over the eastern part and you will witness the rampant and abusive practices of illegal loggers whose main benefactors are countries like Japan. If really Mindanao is abundant in natural resources then why should we import rice and other food products from other countries such as Thailand and Vietnam? For heaven’s sake, we are an agricultural country yet we are importing food products, which could have been easily produced domestically. That is why I would not wonder who would not become subversive to the Philippine government if those mentioned above are committed against the dissidents.

I am not saying that the MILF should continue to wage terror but if the government is really sincere in putting an end into this conflict, it should start giving real priorities on the marginalized people and not just sham words of promises stated in SONAs. We cannot stop this conflict unless we stop hating each other and unless the government is willing enough to initiate change.

* * *
Email: cherry_thefreeman@yahoo.com
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1,000 bagong pulis isasabak sa Mindanao (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008090595&type=2)

Saturday, September 6, 2008


Isang libong mga bagong recruits na pulis ang nakatakdang isabak ng Philippine National Police (PNP) sa mga kritikal na lugar na pinamumugaran ng mga bandidong Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) at Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) renegades sa rehiyon ng Mindanao.

Sa press briefing sa Camp Crame, inihayag ni PNP Spokesman Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome na sa lalong madaling panahon ay idedeploy ng PNP sa Mindanao ang unang batch ng mga recruits.

“They completed the 6 months marksmanship, basic course training, law enforcement, human rights modules,“ ani Bartolome sa mga bagitong pulis.

Kabilang sa mga kritikal na lugar ang Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato, Basilan at Sulu. (Joy Cantos)

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ebay find, caption says: Philippines Mindanao 1909 Postcard BOGOBO DANCE Dancers

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/e9327.jpg

same.

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from flickr of staticgoast.


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http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture21-1.png

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture22-1.png

the previous number of pages thanks to staticgoast of flickr. all thanks to you, hope you won't mind about these images being posted here.


* arrggg, what's with this? this should have been the last post.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture23-1.png

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture24.png

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture25.png

question is where is sayre highway?

question is where is sayre highway?

Sayre highway is the road traversing the province of bukidnon paul... ^^

thanks lan. so mao diay ng major highway sa bukidnon. interesting, it's opening my eyes to so many things.

^^Wow, tsadaha sa akong nahibaw-an @paul. Napakaimportante pala ng Bukidnon sa WW2 Japanese surrenders.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/Alingatong/SSC/past2.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/Alingatong/SSC/past1.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/Alingatong/SSC/past3.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture28.png

Note:

=1942- there are 1,000 Americans and 11,000 Filipinos prisoners in Casisang, Malaybalay.

=August 15. 268 Japanese gathered men and marched to Bugo, Cagayan de Oro for a three day voyage to Manila.*

*Meron di palang martsang nangyari dito sa Mindanao. Ang layo din from Malaybalay to CDO. Sa ngayon 2 hours ang biyahe sa sakyanan how much more kung maglakad lang at ang daan dati mas malayo pa kasi ang daming paikot-ikot.

Siguro sa Del Monte port sila sumakay ng barko.

=October 15. Camp Casisang closed and the remaining prisoners transfer to Davao.*

*huh, pano kaya nila natransfer ang libo-libong prisoners patungong davao? Naglakad ulit? Ang layo!

same.


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture16.png

Nuon pa pala walang puno ang Musuan peak. Mas maigi pa ngayon.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/boju4289/Buk/musuan.jpg

^^ nice thread, as we can see in the old structures in the pics., it's really true the Philippines is the pearl of the orient before WWII. Sayang di na naka bawi ngayon.. na unahan na tao ng Hongkong, Singapore iba pa...

Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/ph_matrix/dvsoria.jpg

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/ph_matrix/dv2.jpg

Somewhere in Iligan - CDO Highway

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/ph_matrix/highway.jpg

Singson says he will focus on Mindanao as deputy NSA (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080906130&type=2)

Sunday, September 7, 2008


Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, a losing administration senatorial candidate in the 2007 election, confirmed yesterday that he has been appointed by President Arroyo as deputy national security adviser (NSA).

Singson told ABS-CBN News that Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita informed him about the appointment on Friday.

Asked what he can contribute as deputy to NSA Norberto Gonzales, Singson said he will be “concentrating on our Muslim brothers in Mindanao.”

“Even if the MOA (Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain) has been scrapped, we should still talk to them,” the former Ilocos Sur governor said.

Singson said he has a lot to contribute in bringing peace to Mindanao because he is used to dealing with people in conflict areas.

“I know how to deal with people in problem areas. When I was young I used to be a chief of police in Vigan. I’m used to conflicts,” he said, adding he has a lot of friends in Mindanao.

Singson said he would have to meet with Gonzales first before joining the government’s peace effort in Mindanao.

The former governor was the fifth losing senatorial candidate of the administration’s Team Unity to be given a government post.

The others were former senator Ralph Recto as head of the National Economic and Development Authority; former congressman Prospero Pichay as administrator of the Local Water Utilities Administration; former senator Vicente Sotto III, head of the Dangerous Drugs Board and former presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor as task force head on the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

Not a welcome addition
Singson’s appointment apparently doesn’t sit well with people in the intelligence community.

Intelligence contacts have criticized Singson’s designation instead of welcoming him into their ranks.

“For us, we think he lacks the qualifications for the job. Security na ng bansa ang pinag-uusapan dito at hindi jueteng payola (We’re talking of national security here, not lottery kickbacks),” one security official, who requested anonymity, said.

Another security official bared that the intelligence community already learned about the rumor of Singson’s occupying the post as early as last week.

They also noted that Singson’s personal profile defeats the purpose of being a government top spook.

“Complete secrecy is the name of the game here. He might be too sensitive because he is a politician,” said an intelligence officer, adding, “Who could forget what he’d done to deposed President Estrada before?”

“So what else is new? For me it’s okay. But time will come he will be gobbled up by the principal,” another intelligence contact said, referring to Gonzales, Singson’s immediate boss.

Reported to be the drinking and gambling buddy of Estrada, Singson was instrumental in the latter’s downfall through the so-called jueteng-gate and payola scandal.

Proud Ilocanos
But Singson’s provincemates are ecstatic over the appointment of their former governor.

Deputy House Speaker Eric Singson and Governor Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano led those who welcomed the appointment, saying he will be an asset to the nation and citing his success in restoring peace to their violence-rocked province during the early l970s.

“With his experience in restoring peace and order in the province, I have no doubt that he will be of help in bringing about peace in troubled areas in our country,” the deputy speaker said.

He noted his predecessor’s vast connections nationwide and abroad as well as with Filipinos who have chosen to stay in foreign shores. “He can use his charisma to tap them to help bring about stability and national unity,” Savellano said.

‘Never handled a national position’
Estrada, on the other hand, questioned Singson’s qualifications.

In a telephone interview with The STAR, the former leader said Singson has served Northern Luzon in the entirety of his political career and is not familiar with the problem besetting the people in the South, particularly the secessionist movement in Mindanao.

“He is from the North and has served all his life in the North. The National Security Adviser is playing a big role in the peace process. He never handled a national position all his life,” he said.

“I will just leave it to the people to judge him although his qualifications will really be placed in question,” Estrada said.

The deposed leader, however, said he respect the prerogative of the president to appoint anyone of her choice.

Sen. Jamby Madrigal, on the other hand, said the appointment of Sigson defies the imagination and leaves all peace advocates in shock.

“It seems that Chavit does not have the credibility to seriously negotiate peace. But perhaps his love for guns and weapons and reputation as a tough guy qualify him in the eyes of Malacañang. God help us!,” she said. – Jose Rodel Clapano, Jaime Laude, Teddy Molina

Back to top

thanks guys for the post and images. let's make this thread grow so we know our past.

Somewhere in Iligan - CDO Highway

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff75/ph_matrix/highway.jpg

anong year ito? :cheers:

http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/2/photos/26/1200x1200/3/1963-Bukidnoon-Tatay-at-Airport-with-WB-Officials-004.JPG?et=C4bJgA63itrdnVCL%2BpqXIA&nmid=114328029

Bukidnoon Airport (ca. 1962) - Arrival of WB officials

Hi neyo. Welcome back. :cheers:

http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/2/photos/26/600x600/2/1960-Bukidnoon-Tatay-near-DBP.JPG?et=UdG4c3qlom1f4HOQJ2LhVg&nmid=114328029

Early 60's (DBP-CdO?)

^^ thanks.


http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/2/photos/26/1200x1200/4/1963-Bukidnoon-Tatay-at-Airport-with-WB-Officials-003.JPG?et=QdX0WvJCKWgtkDt7Qu8zoA&nmid=114328029

Bukidnoon Airport 1962 (original picture was in b&w, i converted it into sepia :lol: )

http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/2/photos/26/1200x1200/7/1966-Cotabato-Midsayap-PNB-Picture-009-Group.JPG?et=0mhHs0yI0GqqmBqzOnLZKw&nmid=114328029

Midsayap Townhall ca. 1963/1964

http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/2/photos/26/600x600/1/1964-Bukidnoon-Tatay-Speaks-01.JPG?et=UFEVvNwXKNW2wHqGkHuX7A&nmid=114328029

"We will have the tallest building in Mindanao" :lol:

http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/1/photos/18/600x600/61/1942davaostructures.jpg?et=liF3H80HvAPqhaZLbNQEEQ&nmid=82457475

http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/1/photos/18/1200x1200/64/sanpedrochurcholdcut.jpg?et=gp1IOjTt1hYLR7SbEaX8Sw&nmid=82457475

san pedro church 1901

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa35/gors_iligan1/30366774.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa35/gors_iligan1/b7c83c2f.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa35/gors_iligan1/oldplaza1.jpg

Rizal Park (Iligan City Public Plaza)

Looks like all DBP has the same design, same design din sa butuan..

http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/2/photos/26/600x600/2/1960-Bukidnoon-Tatay-near-DBP.JPG?et=UdG4c3qlom1f4HOQJ2LhVg&nmid=114328029

Early 60's (DBP-CdO?)

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa35/gors_iligan1/0ab6b91f.jpg
Mandulog Bailey Bridge 1948 (Iligan)

Built by the Americans after World War II

Repost..

Macajalar Bay 1946

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/another/ILIGAN/macajalar_bay_1946.jpg

Bugo Docks (now Del Monte Cannery) 1946

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/another/ILIGAN/bugo_docks_mindanao_1946.jpg

American G.I. Bob Webber on a local horse carriage (tartanilla) 1946
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/another/ILIGAN/cagayan_de_oro_26feb1946.jpg

source (http://home.pcisys.net/%7Epwebber/31_id/rtw_comment.htm)

Probably after the war ...

anong year ito? :cheers:

Not in our history books..

Fr Datto Piang of Mindanao & American Officers - NARA
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/4149/54frdattopiangofmindanaga2.jpg



Meeting Between the Rajah Muda and General Bates
http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/7205/meetingbetweentherajahmek2.jpg


Maguindanao datu with retinue
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9022/maguindanaodatuwithretigt8.jpg


Sultan of Sulu arrives to sign the Bates Agreement
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/5783/sultanofsuluarrivestosihy3.jpg

Yakan (Basilan Samal) ladies of the upper class (ca 1900)
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/355/yakanbasilansamalladiesrf8.jpg

Coat of Armshttp://img128.imageshack.us/img128/2162/27thinf1922coatofarmsvb3.gif

ilike their outfit ha. seems like pinoys have more originality then than now

Not in our history books..
Fr Datto Piang of Mindanao & American Officers - NARA
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/4149/54frdattopiangofmindanaga2.jpg


i like this shot.... (friendly GI with ferocious looking kids :lol: )

Monday, September 08, 2008
First Mindanao investment gab to push through: DTI

THE director of the National Economic Research and Business Assistance Center (Nerbac), a special unit of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Southern Mindanao, announced Sunday that they will push through with the staging of the 1st Mindanao Investment Forum this year.

In a text message, Teolulo T. Pasawa, Nerbac director and DTI-Southern Mindanao provincial director, told Sun.Star that they hope to conduct the forum on the last week of October or early November.

"We are awaiting approval of budget, so the date is still tentative," Pasawa said, adding that the budget will be approved by DTI Undersecretary Merly Cruz.

Pasawa said this will be the biggest investment forum this year which aims to gather all investors and stakeholders in Mindanao to tackle potential investment destinations and business ventures.

"Last year an investment forum was also conducted, but it was dubbed as the Bimp-Eaga Investment Forum," Pasawa said.

He added that the conduct of the Bimp-Eaga Investment Forum last year, also held in Davao City, had drawn positive impact from both foreign and local investors.

Davao, the host city, also benefited from the event as guests of the same forum occupied hotels in the city, avail of the transportations, thus contributing to its economic growth.

Meanwhile, with Davao City hosting the first Mindanao Investment Forum, Pasawa said this will be another good opportunity and chance for the private sector and the government to project how safe Davao City is as a destination for business expansion or new investments.

He said despite armed conflicts happening in some parts of Mindanao, the island has still so much to offer to new investors as it has rich natural resources, some of them even remained to be untapped.

"In any business there is a risk, investors knew that. We should also consider the fact that terrorism does not only happen in Mindanao, but also in other places which we thought safe in the past," Pasawa said. (JGRS)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/index.html

Jica bullish on Minda mango output (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2008/09/08/bus/jica.bullish.on.minda.mango.output.html)
By Aurelio A. Pena
Contributor

BRIGHT prospects for bigger exports of Philippine mangoes from the southern island of Mindanao are expected in the next few years once mango growers are united under a strong, robust industry cluster, according to a Japanese industry expert.

Tetsuo Inooka, chief advisor for industrial development of Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), said the volume and quality of fresh mangoes from the southern island could rise to meet global standards and meet surging world demand for the tropical fruit.

What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers

"All it takes is a deep commitment and dedication from each grower to work towards a common strong vision and clear goals to make this industry grow," Inooka told industry participants of the Davao Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Program (Diccep), a three-year project jointly sponsored by the region's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Jica.

Covering an area of 56,000 hectares planted to mango in seven provinces, the island of Mindanao supplies about 30 percent of the total yearly export volume of Philippine mangoes. Export-quality mangoes harvested in Mindanao come from some 800 growers in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, North Cotabato and Misamis Oriental.

Japan is the biggest market for mangoes coming from Mindanao mango plantations. Last year, the southern island shipped 1,092 metric tons of high-grade fresh mangoes valued at US$2.7 million direct to Japan, according to data from the National Statistics Office (NSO).

The island's biggest growth was registered in 2006-2007 when the total volume of fresh mango exports surged to nearly 47 percent while the value of mango exports doubled from US$1.8 million to US$3.6 million during the same period.

Rising problems bugging the entire Philippine mango industry, however, are affecting the combined mango production of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Philippine mango exporters are expecting a shortage of 40 percent on fresh mango exports and 30 percent on processed mangoes this year due to natural disasters wrought by two strong typhoons Cosme and Frank that battered many mango farms in central and northern parts of the country during the last few months, according to industry sources.

But Mindanao mango growers are unfazed by these two strong typhoons since the island is virtually typhoon-free. "Mindanao growers can still produce a lot of mangoes from July to December after those typhoons hit Luzon and the Visayan regions. That's our advantage here in the south," said Antonio Teh, chairman of the Southern Mindanao Mango Industry Council (SMMIC), one of the participants of Diccep's series of lectures and workshops held daily at the Apo View Hotel in Davao.

Lack of financing and rising costs of fertilizers, however, are hurting many Mindanao growers who blamed government and banks for neglecting the needs of the industry, The price of fertilizer, according to Teh, has risen sharply from 30 to 50 percent from last year, ranging from P1,600 to P2,000 pesos a bag, while most banks rejected loan applications of many mango growers in the south.

"It's a double whammy problem for all of us growers and many of us can no longer cope with these problems," Teh said.

Mango production in the island dropped 14.5 percent to 780, 540 metric tons from January to June this year from 912,590 metric tons last year, according to NSO.

Teh blamed the decline on the drought in January, the heavy rains in June and July and the surging cost of fertilizers.

Trade Undersecretary Merly Cruz said all these problems can be met head-on by the industry stakeholders - the growers, local government units, academe, government agencies, etc, who are expected to discuss these problems and come up with an industry business plan for the industry to grow and move forward to solve the problems now bugging the industry.

"Once a strong industry cluster for mango(es) is in place, every stakeholder can work out effective ways to lick all these problems," Cruz said.

Palace to include NSC in LEDAC meet on peace process, Mindanao situation (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080907110&type=2)
By Paolo Romero
Monday, September 8, 2008

Malacañang is considering including the National Security Council (NSC) in the coming Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting that would discuss the peace process and the developing security situation in Mindanao.

Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio said the Palace believes that members of the security cluster should attend the LEDAC since the main agenda would be the peace and order situation in southern Philippines.

He, however, admitted that no date yet has been set for the LEDAC.

President Arroyo was supposed to convene a special expanded LEDAC last month following a spate of attacks staged by some commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mindanao that killed scores of people and displaced thousands of families.

The violence came after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between the government and the MILF that was supposed to be signed by both sides in Malaysia early last month.

The meeting was aimed at consulting Congress on the next move of the government after the peace talks with the MILF had stalled.

It was, however, called off since the executive branch and lawmakers decided to wait for the decision of the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the MOA.

In the meantime, Mrs. Arroyo issued a new policy directive on the peace process whereby the government would no longer negotiate with armed groups and shift the dialogue to communities and stakeholders.

Any fresh negotiations with rebel groups, including the MILF, should discuss first their disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, she said.

“We’re anxious to have (the LEDAC) as early as possible, but we’re consulting with NSC for possible combined LEDAC-NSC meeting since there is priority interest among legislators and the general public in the Mindanao peace process,” Claudio told The STAR.

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza earlier said the situation in Mindanao “is serious enough for the President to call for (a) multi-sectoral, wide-ranging group of leaders who can advise us on this problem.”

He said other stakeholders would be invited in the expanded LEDAC meeting.

Dureza said the President wants to hear the recommendations of all sectors and come up with a consensus on how to deal with the Mindanao problem.

“The main agenda item is under the phrase to discuss and take a look and come up with probable consensus or recommendations on the present Mindanao situation,” he said.
Back to top

http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/2/photos/26/600x600/2/1960-Bukidnoon-Tatay-near-DBP.JPG?et=UdG4c3qlom1f4HOQJ2LhVg&nmid=114328029

Early 60's (DBP-CdO?)

your dad?:lol:

oopps, edit. naa na diay.

http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/1/photos/18/1200x1200/64/sanpedrochurcholdcut.jpg?et=gp1IOjTt1hYLR7SbEaX8Sw&nmid=82457475

san pedro church 1901

if only san pedro cathedral can have a museum of it's own. it should at least display it's own historical documents (or even publishing a book). sayang kung nakatago lang.

http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/7/photos/22/600x600/6/dvo-22444323223.JPG?et=FYR%2BxfVGHy%2BGxDlYvcUoMQ&nmid=83432565

can somebody identify this?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/storyphilippineshalstead4.jpg

^^ mahirap po ang request nyo :lol:

anyways... yoong suot nilang pantalon ay parang may butas sa pundilyo :lol: ano yan parang aircon ? :lol:

kani kaha?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/storyphilippineshalstead20.jpg

ebay find: Légendée : TYPICAL MANOBO HOUSES , DISTRICT OF DAVAO , ISLAND OF MINDANAO , PHILIPPINES

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/d8ca_1.jpg

is this mindanaoaon?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/storyphilippineshalstead25.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/storyphilippineshalstead27.jpg

apil na lang nako ang jolo.

ebay find: Philippine Islands, Jolo, RPPC,Blacksmith Shop,Interior

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/vpm44877.jpg

ebay find: philippines, Sulu JOLO, Moro Wedding, Costumes 30s RPPC

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/c4f4_1.jpg

nope!!!

is this mindanaoaon?
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/storyphilippineshalstead27.jpg

ang cute ng costume ng guy, parang binalot yoong kanya ng dahon ng saging :lol:

ebay find: 1922 Filipino, Goverment Building of Jolo Philippines

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/yn84.jpg

nope!!!



ang cute ng costume ng guy, parang binalot yoong kanya ng dahon ng saging :lol:

but the ladies on the side looks mandaya or mansaka.

ebay find: 1922 Many Filipinos at Bull Fight in Jolo Philippines

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/yn77.jpg

but where's the bull?

ebay find: H321 Jolo Philippines city of jolo island of jolo

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/H321A.jpg

Mindanao economy improves - MEDCO (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&rp=1&fi=p080910.htm&no=2&date=)
by Prix D Banzon

Davao City (10 September) -- The island of Mindanao registered improvements in its performance as reported by the Mindanao Economic and Development Council (Medco).

The Medco report indicated that growth in the economy of Mindanao posted acceleration in 2007 with a 7.2 growth percent in 2006. Same performance is expected in 2008, it said.

In last year's performance Caraga was the best performer as its economy propelled with the entry of mining investors.

Its economy soared to an 8.6 percent growth in 2007 from 6.0 percent in 2006 due to the outstanding performance of the industry sector, particularly mining.

A hefty 76.1 percent growth was posted in mining and quarrying as a result of the continuing increase in nickel production.

A downtrend was reported in manufacturing in the Caraga region as its performance worsened with a reversal from a positive 6.4 percent growth in 2006 to negatrive 4.6 percent in 2007.

Meanwhile construction accelerated by 15.2 percent in 2007 from 7.0 percent in 2006. The growth of electricity and water decelerated from 0.9 percent to 0.5 percent.

On the other hand, the Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry (AFF) sector in Mindanao contributed 34.5 percent to the total output of the country's AFF sector, the second highest share among the island groups, next to Luzon.

The AFF in Caraga which accounted for 35.2 percent of the regional economy, increased by 3.8 percent last year from a negative growth of 1.4 percent. This was brought about by a 7.3 percent increase in agriculture and fishery subsector in 2007, compared to a 1.2 percent increase in 2006.

The other driver of the Mindanao economy was the industry sector where it exhibited a very impressive performance as it posted a double-digit growth of 10.3 percent in 2007 from 7.1 percent in 2006. It comprised 15.3 percent of the total gross value added (GVA) of the industry sector in 2007. Mindanao contributed 1.5 percentage points to the 7.1 percent growth of the sector.

The Medco report however indicated that despite the upward trend in growth, the share in Mindanao to the country's total Growth Domestic Product (GDP) remained fixed at 17.7 percent over the period 2005 to 2007.

Northern Mindanao and the Davao Region registered minimal changes in their shares, from 4.8 percent in 2005 to 4.9 percent in 2007, and from 4.6 to 4.5 percent, respectively. The shares of the other four Mindanao regions remain unchanged. (PIA) [top]

Small Mindanao banana players boost up (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2008/09/10/bus/small.mindanao.banana.players.boost.up.html)

SMALL banana farmers all over Mindanao growing all kinds of bananas like cavendish, cardaba, lakatan, binangay, etc. are set to band together as one "industry cluster" to avoid being cheated by low buying prices of traders, consolidators, and multinational exporters.

Ireneo Dalayon, chief executive officer of the Federation of Banana Cooperatives in Mindanao (Fedco), said the time has come for all small banana farmers in Mindanao to unite as "one strong industry cluster" and get the courage to start dictating their own banana prices instead of being shortchanged all the time by the industry's big players.

What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers

Dalayon is one of the participants of the Davao Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Program (Diccep) jointly undertaken this year by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) and the region's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The program was designed to boost the productivity of various Davao industries like banana industry, mango industry, seaweed industry, as well as wood, mining, tourism, and information technology industries.

As head of Mindanao's biggest federation of banana coops now supplying the fruit to multinational firm Unifruitti, Dalayon is now urging all banana farmers in this southern island producing all kinds of bananas, to join the newly formed group called the Mindanao Banana Growers and Exporters Association (MBGEA).

This new organization will be the farmer's counterpart to the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), which is run ironically by foreigners and multinationals -- Dole, Del Monte, United Fruit, Sumitomo who are the big players in the banana industry, according to Dalayon.

"This is the only way we can fight back as banana farmers to get better prices for our fruit," said Dalayon who also runs his own small cavendish banana farm.
As a well-organized group, we'll have the bargaining power to dictate our own prices to all buyers of bananas."

Fedco for many years had been supplying fresh cavendish bananas to Dole Stanfilco which packs the fruit under the "Dole" label. Last year, the federation junked the supply deal with Dole at renewal time and switched to a new, better pricing deal with Unifrutti which packs the fruit under the "United Fruit" label, according to lawyer Koronado Apuzen, chairman of Farmcoop, management arm of Fedco. (Press release)

Mindanao confident of 10% raise in investment pledges
09/11/2008 | 03:29 AM
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MANILA, Philippines - The Davao-based Board of Investments (BoI) extension office covering regions 9, 11 and 12 — Western, Southern and Central Mindanao, respectively — is optimistic that investment pledges in the area will increase by at least 10% to as much as P10 billion by yearend despite the Central Mindanao conflict.

The forecast comes even as an investor deferred an P8-billion investment for a banana plantation in Central Mindanao, the BoI office said in a statement yesterday.

Division Chief Gil M. Dureza said in a telephone interview that a Japanese investor looking to invest roughly P8 billion is expected to make up for the postponed venture. "They want to put up a banana plantation [too], maybe in Davao del Sur. They’re scheduled to visit the area this month," Mr. Dureza said.

Investment pledges for the said regions amounted to around P900 million as of last July. The total includes the P400-million infusion for the expansion of gasoline retailer Flying V, a P260-million low-cost housing project in Davao City, and a P174-million investment by food manufacturer A&J Processing in General Santos City. Hog Tech Corp. also pledged a P6-million investment, while banana chips producer Mokayo Commodity Corp. pledged P4 million.

More investments are expected, Mr. Dureza said, citing his recent meeting with an India-based business processing operator last Friday. The BPO firm, he said, plans to open a contact center with an initial project cost of P60 million for 250 seats.

"Applications [for incentives] for smaller investments from robotics, housing, tourism, and food processing firms are on my desk right now," Mr. Dureza said in Filipino. "[The investors] are not afraid. They tell us, ’We need to do business’."

Mr. Dureza said the P8-billion investment pledges in the three regions last year were roughly 4% of the total P215.3 billion nationwide tally. — Jessica Anne D. Hermosa, BusinessWorld

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/119486/Mindanao-confident-of-10-raise-in-investment-pledges

ebay find: Bagobos of Mindanao PI postcard

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/a10779.jpg

Landco bidding war erupts
By Jenniffer B. Austria
Source (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business1_sept12_2008)

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., the local unit of Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd., yesterday said it will agree to take over Landco Pacific Corp. if its partners fail to launch a similar bid.

Metro Pacific said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that the company and its joint venture partners in Landco—AB Holdings Corp. and Alfred Xerez Burgos—had agreed to a third party valuation of the property firm.

AB Holdings and Burgos, under the agreement, have until Oct. 31 or not later than Nov. 30 to give notice that they will buy Metro Pacific’s shares in Landco. If AB Holdings and Burgos agreed to purchase Metro Pacific’s shares, they have until Dec. 28 to acquire the stocks.

However, if AB Holdings and Burgos failed to give the notice and acquire the shares despite its declared intention, Metro Pacific, under the agreement, will have the right to purchase all the shareholdings of the two groups.

“The purchase price of either the shareholdings of Metro Pacific or the shareholdings of each AB Holdings and Burgos in Landco is not yet known at this time and is dependent on the results of the Landco valuation which shall be completed no later than Oct. 15,” Metro Pacific said.

Metro Pacific, meanwhile, said it would extend P500 million in short-term loan to Landco pending the valuation to enable it to meet maturing obligations and fund working capital.

Metro Pacific chairman Manuel Pangilinan last month said the company was making a strategic review of its real estate business, including its possible sale.

“We don’t know if we still want to be in that business,” Pangilinan told reporters earlier.

Pangilinan said Landco was facing tough competition from other big players in the industry, like Ayala Land, Robinsons Land and Megaworld. Landco also faces the usual cycle risk of the property industry.

Pangilinan, though, noted that Landco had succeeded in creating a niche market and established a good brand name in the property sector.

Landco has several huge projects in the pipeline. Landco earlier said it would spend P3.5 billion this year to finance construction of new leisure communities as well as hotel and residential projects.

It is set to unveil the first phase of the Playa Laiya project in San Juan, Batangas. The 129-hectare development is envisioned to be one of the largest beach communities in the Pjilippines.

Another leisure community it is launching this year is the Playa Azalea in Samal Island in Davao. Landco is developing the 33-hectare project in joint venture Anflocor of the Floirendos.

Landco will also offer two high-end residential projects in Pampanga and Zamboaga del Norte.

The real estate company is venturing into hotel development with a planned 200-room hotel in Playa Calatagan in Batangas estimated at P600 million.

Post away folks! :colgate:

Link to Thread 3 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=592070) in the Archives. :okay:

OT: Long Live Republic of Estonia!

wow, congratulations for the Mindanao 3rd thread!!!

‘Macho approach’ will not solve armed conflicts -- Satur (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080912-160266/Macho-approach-will-not-solve-armed-conflicts----Satur)

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 17:20:00 09/12/2008

ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo on Friday called on the government to learn the lessons from the “failed total war" policies in dealing with rebel groups.

Ocampo also raised concern over the mounting civilian casualties in military operations against Moro rebels.

"The total war or a primarily military approach to rebel groups failed during more than 20 years of the Marcos dictatorship. It also failed under Erap (ousted president Joseph Estrada). It will fail again under the Arroyo administration," Ocampo said in an interview on the sidelines of a forum here.

Ocampo was reacting to the statement of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro that the government was now focusing on using force against rebel groups after peace negotiations with Moro rebels collapsed.

He said the government's framework of "disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation (DDR)" in dealing with rebel groups, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the National Democratic Front, would not result in the long-term resolution of the armed conflicts.

"Disarmament and demobilization before substantial issues are tackled and resolved would be unacceptable to the MILF and NDF. And this would mean that the armed hostilities will continue," said Ocampo, who was among the NDF negotiators during the failed GRP-NDF peace negotiations in 1986 after the fall of the Marcos dictatorship.

Peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels have bogged down due to disagreements, including the implementation of previous agreements signed by the negotiating panels.

Ocampo said the government's shift in its framework in dealing with rebel groups would require more soldiers and arms to be poured into areas with rebel presence.

"This would also mean more human rights violations, civilian casualties and displacements of communities caught in the crossfire," Ocampo said.

He said the alleged violations committed by MILF commanders Ameril Ombra Kato and Abdulla Macapaar were a "police matter" and should not be pursued through massive military operations.

The two commanders were accused of leading their troops in a rampage in several Central Mindanao towns, including the killing of civilians and the burning of houses.

Ocampo said the alleged violations of the MILF commanders should have been brought to the attention of the ceasefire monitoring committee of the MILF-GRP panels.

"The government should not adopt a macho approach. Negotiations should be resumed because of the mounting civilian casualties," he said

EU envoys say Mindanao crisis ‘never irreversible’ (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080912-160274/EU-envoys-say-Mindanao-crisis-never-irreversible)

By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:13:00 09/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Despite sporadic clashes between government troops and Moro rebels, Europe's top diplomat in the country Alistair MacDonald said he remains optimistic the two can still return to the negotiating table and talk peace.

"The situation is never irreversible because people need peace, people want peace. Maybe there will be a lot of trouble going through before that stage is achieved," he said in an interview before the opening of the Cine Europa 11 at Edsa Shangri-La.

French Ambassador to Manila Gerard Chesnel, meanwhile, is "moderately optimistic" the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will still move forward.

"I saw that on both sides, people have been very responsible, and that it will be either the government or the MILF didn't want to create a situation which will be irreversible," the French ambassador said.

France is the current chair of the European Union.

"Unfortunately, some people have become impatient and resort to violence. Of course, we condemn violence whatever it comes from. But, we hope that the dialogue can resume very soon and that will have an agreement signed as soon as possible," Chesnel said.

MacDonald, head of the Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines, said he was saddened by the abrupt change in the situation in Mindanao after August 4, when the Supreme Court stopped the signing of the expanded Moro homeland deal.

"It was very sad to hear that [the peace process] seemed to be interrupted. I can only hope that it is only a temporary interruption and that the dialogue will resume again shortly," he said.

MacDonald said the sad part about the resumption of armed conflict in Mindanao is the death of a number of people and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents. The United Nations' World Food Programme put the number of displaced people to some half a million.

"We don't want to see the development of Mindanao put at risk because of the renewed conflict. We really do hope that a dialogue leading to a peace agreement can be resumed as soon as possible and in particular, that the violence will be brought to an end so that people can return to their homes," the EU ambassador said.

He noted that over the past decade, his government has given Є110 million euros (about P8 billion) in development aid in Mindanao.

MacDonald said the root of the problem in Mindanao is not religion nor secessionism, but poverty.

"When you look at some of the human development indicators for parts in Mindanao, things like health, nutrition, education, the Philippines should be ashamed to such low levels of basic social indicators," he pointed out.

He urged the Philippine government to implement more development projects in Mindanao, saying the region has a tremendous potential to develop for the benefit of its people and of the country in general, but "without peace, development can't happen."

Apart from development assistance, MacDonald said that EU has provided Є26 million to aid displaced persons in Mindanao over the past 10 years.

"That is not something we want to do. We do it because we have to. We do it because these people need this help. We would very much prefer to use our money for real, long-term development," the EU ambassador said.

Asked about his opinion on the new peace tack that the government is taking, the DDR or disarmament, demobilization, and rehabilitation framework, MacDonald, who had just arrived from a vacation, begged off.

Both MacDonald and Chesnel said the EU is keen and ready to launch new development projects in Mindanao when the situation in the restive region stabilizes.

Kahimunan Mindanao 2008: A success for Mindanao MSMEs

Cagayan de Oro City (12 September) -- The Kahimunan Mindanao 2008: Mindanao Island Fair highlighted the potentials of Mindanao SME's best products to capture a significant market in a four-day exposition last August 22-25, 2008 at the Atrium, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

Preliminary reports showed that total sales generated during the event amounted to 26.45 million pesos, 32.7% higher than the targeted sales of 20 million pesos.

Region 12 earned the highest sales amounting to 10.8 million pesos, which is 40.82% of the total sales. Region 10 ranked second with 7.96 million pesos or 30.10% of the total sales. CARAGA region followed at 6.55 million pesos, 24.78% of total sales.

Among the products highlighted during the fair, the gifts and handicrafts sector like the t'nalak, handmade paper and sinamay-based products got the biggest share of 61.89% of the overall sales.

The processed food products, examples of which are the tuna value-added products and the processed meat earned 35.72% of the total sales.

A total of 123 exhibitors from Regions 9, 10, 11, 12 and CARAGA converged and displayed assorted products at the Kahimunan Mindanao 2008.

Two prestigious groups of buyers coordinated by the Bureau of Domestic Trade (BDT) and the Advocate of Philippine Fair Trade, Inc. (APFTI) graced the event and had business matching sessions with the producers. Booked sales from the business matching activities accounted to more than 80% of the total sales generated.

Regional day presentations, technical sessions and financing services marked the first three days of the trade fair.

The One Barangay One Product (OBOP) Program of Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez of the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro was launched during the fair. Congressman Rodriguez emphasized that he was impressed and inspired by the success of the One Town One Product (OTOP) Program, thus the launching of the OBOP in his district.

The live talk show, which was guested by five successful SMEs from the regions was very informative especially to those who plan to open up their own businesses. Their humble beginnings and their triumphs were discussed during said talk show, which was hosted by the GMA Kapuso DJs.

Organized by the DTI-Northern Mindanao, Kahimunan Mindanao 2008 was conducted in partnership with Promote CDO Foundation, Advocate of Philippine Fair Trade Inc., the Bureau of Domestic Trade, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport)-Northern Mindanao, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Ayala Alegria Hills, and GMA Network.

The Kahimunan Mindanao 2008 was supported by the Regional Development Council of Region 10 (RDC 10) headed by Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo of Camiguin, the LGUs all over Mindanao, Congressman Teofisto Guingona III, 2nd District of Bukidnon, Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez, Governor Oscar Moreno of Misamis Oriental, and the host, City Mayor Constantino Jaraula. (DTI-10)

PIA (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080912.htm&no=97)

first quarter2008 visitor arrivals in mindanao

1. zamboanga city- no data

2. butuan city- no data

3. general santos city

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/gensan.jpg



4. cdo city and misamis oriental combined

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/cdo-1.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/cdo1.jpg

cdo city "total number of tourists coming in the first quarter this year was only 5,305 travelers." (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2008/09/13/news/two.biz.events.postponed.due.to.war.jitters.html)


5. davao city

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/dvo-7.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/dvo1-3.jpg


http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/cdo2.jpg

http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/1/photos/15/1200x1200/19/cottabatonatives-25-0001-1880s.jpg?et=QHBPv3gWDsTC0DFlL7OnFQ&nmid=82343370

Cotabato Natives with a conquistador (ca. 1860's)

http://images.akoniuy.multiply.com/image/1/photos/15/600x600/25/1955DavaoJonesCircle.jpg?et=jfZVbE7odMV4kWWUdx%2B1MQ&nmid=82343370

Iyong provisional Flag ng Federal Republic of Mindanao, declared by MIM(Mindanao Independence Movement) noong April 1986 ay may nakalagay na map ng Palawan at Sulu Archipelago.
Sana kung gagawa sila ulit ng mapa, isama na nila ang imahe ng buong isla ng Kalimantan.

‘Macho approach’ will not solve armed conflicts -- Satur (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080912-160266/Macho-approach-will-not-solve-armed-conflicts----Satur)

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 17:20:00 09/12/2008

ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo on Friday called on the government to learn the lessons from the “failed total war" policies in dealing with rebel groups.

Ocampo also raised concern over the mounting civilian casualties in military operations against Moro rebels.

"The total war or a primarily military approach to rebel groups failed during more than 20 years of the Marcos dictatorship. It also failed under Erap (ousted president Joseph Estrada). It will fail again under the Arroyo administration," Ocampo said in an interview on the sidelines of a forum here.

Ocampo was reacting to the statement of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro that the government was now focusing on using force against rebel groups after peace negotiations with Moro rebels collapsed.

He said the government's framework of "disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation (DDR)" in dealing with rebel groups, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the National Democratic Front, would not result in the long-term resolution of the armed conflicts.

"Disarmament and demobilization before substantial issues are tackled and resolved would be unacceptable to the MILF and NDF. And this would mean that the armed hostilities will continue," said Ocampo, who was among the NDF negotiators during the failed GRP-NDF peace negotiations in 1986 after the fall of the Marcos dictatorship.

Peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels have bogged down due to disagreements, including the implementation of previous agreements signed by the negotiating panels.

Ocampo said the government's shift in its framework in dealing with rebel groups would require more soldiers and arms to be poured into areas with rebel presence.

"This would also mean more human rights violations, civilian casualties and displacements of communities caught in the crossfire," Ocampo said.

He said the alleged violations committed by MILF commanders Ameril Ombra Kato and Abdulla Macapaar were a "police matter" and should not be pursued through massive military operations.

The two commanders were accused of leading their troops in a rampage in several Central Mindanao towns, including the killing of civilians and the burning of houses.

Ocampo said the alleged violations of the MILF commanders should have been brought to the attention of the ceasefire monitoring committee of the MILF-GRP panels.

"The government should not adopt a macho approach. Negotiations should be resumed because of the mounting civilian casualties," he said


yeah right mr communist.....:ohno: (i am being sarcastic)....even when the time comes when the pig can fly, i still will not believe this communist....:ohno:

ebay find:
PHOTO PHILIPPINE AMERICAN WAR, MADILINE FALLS, MINDANAO
Philippine Islands. Photo snapshot measuring 4 1/2" x 3 1/2". Philippine American War, also known as Philippine Insurrection 1899 - 1913. View of Madiline Falls on the road to Camp Vicars, Mindanao, ca 1904. Army trooper standing at left.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/9f64_1.jpg

can somebody tell me where camp vicars is?

ebay find: Spanish-American war barracks left Mindanao Philippines

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture1-3.png

ebay find.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture2-4.png

The Miss CDO in old times

http://images.mwamaarkhh.multiply.com/image/7/photos/140/500x500/1/29h-roa1.jpg?et=gk0NlclrBVCTtxDAnhEWqg&nmid=112688970
The 1925 Miss Cagayan and her Egyptian inspired court of honor

http://images.mwamaarkhh.multiply.com/image/9/photos/140/500x500/2/29h-roa.jpg?et=rUnen0p7QuFECYXuZ0IHEw&nmid=112688970
The 1927 Miss Cagayan Felicidad Velez and her escort, Dr. Gaudencio Piit

http://images.mwamaarkhh.multiply.com/image/5/photos/140/500x500/3/29h-roa2.jpg?et=xRyQ7aKY5TgZBT2oiXpoPw&nmid=112688970
the civic military parade in Divisoria, August 28, 1949

Miss Cagayan 1945
http://images.mwamaarkhh.multiply.com/image/10/photos/128/500x500/2/aug252008a.jpg?et=nyyE5YgAbWISOsTk3rmMdg&nmid=112055786

http://images.mwamaarkhh.multiply.com/image/13/photos/128/500x500/3/aug252008b.jpg?et=S3xFopIdJeS3D9Dogk02JA&nmid=112055786

thaanks for that boju and gearx.

ebay find.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/Picture2-4.png

Fernando Keithley was killed by the Moros in the Philipines in November, 1903. In honor of his bravery an Army camp was named Camp Keithley (Marawi City) January 16, 1905. Fernando Keithley was from Missouri.

ebay find:
PHOTO PHILIPPINE AMERICAN WAR, MADILINE FALLS, MINDANAO
Philippine Islands. Photo snapshot measuring 4 1/2" x 3 1/2". Philippine American War, also known as Philippine Insurrection 1899 - 1913. View of Madiline Falls on the road to Camp Vicars, Mindanao, ca 1904. Army trooper standing at left.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/9f64_1.jpg

can somebody tell me where camp vicars is?

http://styluxcollection.com/W1/W1C041.jpg

Camp Vicars was established about a thousand yards to the south of Fort Pandapatan. It was situated on a plateau about three thousand feet above sea level and one thousand feet above Lake Lanao. The site overlooked the lake and the sea across rolling and very fertile country rather densely populated. Lake Lanao itself was very beautiful, in the crater of an old volcano with abrupt shores a thousand feet high on the south side and high mountains some distance from the lake on the north and east. The lake was fifteen miles long by about ten miles in width.

The camp was named in memory of First Lieutenant Thomas A. Vicars, Twenty-Seventh Infantry, killed in action at Fort Pandapatan.

The command assembled at Camp Vicars consisted of Companies "C", "F", "G" and "M", Twenty-Seventh Infantry, Troops "G" and "L", Fifteenth Cavalry, and the Seventeenth and Twenty-Fifth Batteries of Field Artillery. Roads and trails were built and repaired, such as the Macadar Trail and the trail to the Matiling River. Companies changed station frequently on various assignments, and in spite of the lesson of Bayan, there remained some datos who resented the presence of the Americans.

second quarter2008 visitor arrivals in mindanao

1. zamboanga city- no data

2. butuan city- no data

3. general santos city

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/gensan.jpg



4. cdo city and misamis oriental combined

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/cdo-1.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/cdo1.jpg



5. davao city

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/dvo-7.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/dvo1-3.jpg


http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/cdo2.jpg

Naku po! Ano bang meron sa Northern Mindanao at dinadagsa ng sangkatutak na turista? Ano po bang ibig sabihin nito? Ni hindi pa nga masyadong kilala ang mga lugar ng NorMin. Paano na lang kung i-propromote ng todo? :ohno: :cheers:

At ang ganda ng distribution ng mga turista sa mga probinsya. :) Dami kasing ports of entry ng Northern Mindanao. Maraming choices ang mga turista. The more, the merrier! Nakakapraning! at lalong nakaka-challenge! :lol:

Davao Region to feel pinch of high unemployment rate

DAVAO CITY — A confluence of students graduating in October and migration of people from conflict-stricken areas is expected to put pressure on the limited employment prospects in Davao Region.

Official data showed the number of underemployed workers in the region grew 24.4% in the first half compared to 18.6% in the same period last year.

With a work force of 1.788 million, the region’s 6.3% unemployment rate is the highest in Mindanao, followed by Caraga at 5.5% and Northern Mindanao at 5.%.

Ofelia B. Domingo, Labor assistant regional director, said there has been a notable rise in unemployment figures in Davao City since many evacuees expect to find jobs in one of the few urban centers in Mindanao.

The labor department is also linking with guidance counselors in high schools and universities to address the jobs-skills mismatch.

In response, the research arm of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. — Universal Access to Competitiveness and Trade (U-ACT) — will set up a database to address the problem in partnership with the Presidential Task Force for Education, industry groups, foreign chambers and academe.

Donald G. Dee, U-ACT chairman, earlier said they will present the database to schools so that they can tailor-fit the curricula to fir industry needs. He said Philippine schools are good in theory, but poor in application. — JBE


http://www.bworldonline.com/BW091308/content.php?id=053

Peace shrine as center for dialogue, healing in Mindanao

By Ma. Cecilia Rodriguez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:38:00 09/14/2008


EL SALVADOR CITY, Misamis Oriental, Philippines—The faithful come by the thousands every day in this quiet city west of Cagayan de Oro to pray and marvel at the 75-foot Shrine of the Divine Mercy, said to be the tallest of its kind in the world.

Sitting on a hill 500 feet above sea level, the shrine looks out to Macalajar Bay and a view of the embattled villages in the mountains of Lanao.

The location is not deliberate, the priests, who take care of the shrine, say, adding that God chose the place to be a center for dialogue and healing for the people of Mindanao.

On Sept. 8, more than 10,000 devotees from all parts of the country and the world, some from Poland and the United States, flocked to this place for the shrine’s dedication and blessing.

The big event, organized by the Divine Mercy Foundation Philippines, gathered all Mindanao bishops and officials of the Divine Mercy congregation to lead prayers for peace and air calls to stop the fighting in Mindanao.

Work of art

Many visit the shrine out of curiosity and are awed by the gigantic statue of Jesus Christ made by sculptor Nick Reyes and architect Jun Palafox.

The statue represents the Divine Mercy which shows Jesus Christ’s heart illuminating the world. Stainless steel and stained glass pasted on cement make up most of the shrine, giving it a glow that does not hurt the beholder’s eyes.

The designers also made the statue a functional altar and confessional. The rays coming out of the heart of Jesus Christ were made into 100-step stairs, some on the left and another set on the right.

The stairs on the right go up to the altar and are painted red to symbolize people’s sins. The stairs on the left are taken when going down from the confessional. They are painted white to symbolize the cleansing of the spirit.

Construction of the shrine began in 2004 and ended in time for its blessing.

Sculptor Reyes said he and his team traveled from Luzon to Mindanao for the project and for four years endured being away from home.

He took the job to escape the urban jungle and experience peace and quiet. “I never thought of it that way, but yes, maybe it’s a legacy from me,” he says, adding that while he was not religious, he found inspiration from his 82-year old grandmother, a devotee of the Divine Mercy for decades.

The Divine Mercy Foundation-Philippines, its counterparts in the United States and Europe, pooled resources to fund the shrine. It gathered more than P27 million, enough to buy the 10-hectare lot, build the statue and begin the chapel.

Spiritual center

Butch Olano, Divine Mercy Foundation Philippines chapter director, says the shrine would be developed as a spiritual center. Another P40 million is needed.

“We are soliciting from all over the world to finish the center, which will include life-size Stations of the Cross, Mama Mary’s garden, a hospice for the poor and the aged, a conference area and a healing chapel,” he says.

Fr. Joseph Roesch, general councilor of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception in Italy, says his congregation is the official custodian of the shrine.

He offered the place as a venue where dialogues between Christians and Muslims could be held.

“This can be a place of dialogue and mercy. There’s such a need for a place like this and rightly so because we are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of God,” he says.

“It is possible that people will come from overseas and be attracted here,” he says, predicting that the place will be an inter-diocesan shrine for Mindanao. The shrine is under the archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

Inquirer Mindanao (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20080914-160511/Peace-shrine-as-center-for-dialogue-healing-in-Mindanao)


Naku! Lalong dadagsa ang mga turista't deboto dito sa NorMin. Ano ba naman yan! :ohno:

Secretary Taft visited Jolo, August 17, 1905


http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/34442/2291476870104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2291476870104006805AAkdIU)

http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/40572/2697280650104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2697280650104006805EcopQK)

http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/12107/2287897960104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2287897960104006805cWekFT)

http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/8684/2202925670104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2202925670104006805qTNNep)

http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/6477/2486692190104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2486692190104006805VTfsJI)

http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/43788/2726819140104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2726819140104006805ywrfnp)

http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/42677/2057947090104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2057947090104006805wfTNVB)

http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/43130/2123144880104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2123144880104006805puhSNU)

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/14082/2905057240104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2905057240104006805zxLdpU)

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/25309/2413848840104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2413848840104006805HwzGXU)

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/41425/2993379480104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2993379480104006805dnkVLs)

http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/19347/2106158360104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2106158360104006805dLloyI)

http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/40587/2254989150104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2254989150104006805GsObLG)

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/41026/2444354120104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2444354120104006805LUvecG)

http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/41303/2787304170104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2787304170104006805GgoCii)

http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/42388/2737573480104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2737573480104006805TpNwUc)

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/43345/2385160920104006805S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2385160920104006805pXgkTz)

_______________________________
Paradise Town of Hinunangan

Visit Na!..

second quarter2008 visitor arrivals in mindanao

1. zamboanga city- no data

2. butuan city- no data

3. general santos city

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/gensan.jpg



4. cdo city and misamis oriental combined

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/cdo-1.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/cdo1.jpg



5. davao city

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/dvo-7.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/dvo1-3.jpg


http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h73/davao_world/cdo2.jpg

thanks for these data Apo

as for Butuan and CARAGA, here is a news item I got from DOT CARAGA site

Tourist arrival sa Caraga Region, Misaka
8/12/2008 2:43:44 PM

BUTUAN CITY - Misaka og 5-porsiento ang tourist arrivals ning rehiyon sa Caraga sa nakabalay'ng pito ka bulan ning tuiga.

Gikumpirmar kini ni Mrs. Maryjane Camarin-senior tourism officer sa Department of Tourism-Caraga.

Gibutyag sa opisyal nga misaka ang tourist arrival ning rehiyon bisan pa man sa kalisod, tungod sa ilang mga gipatumang programa nga nag-promote sa atong mga tourist spots.

Gila-uman nga magpadayon ang pagsaka sa tourist arrivals sa musunod pang mga bulan ning tuiga ilabina ang pagdalikyat sa mga langyaw tungod sa mga programang ilang gipatuman uban sa pag-abag sa mga line agencies