OPAPP brings ‘Projects for Peace’ to Davao City today

THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) travels to the South today (Friday, 29 Jan 2010) as it brings the “Projects for Peace” program to Davao City.

 

The Davao sojourn is the second leg of the three-part “Projects for Peace” program which kicked off last Wednesday at the Astoria Plaza Hotel in Ortigas Center , Pasig City .

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Annabelle Abaya said the “Peace Partners’ Forum” is designed to strengthen the participation of people down to the grassroots in the peace process undertaken by the government.

The government program aims to tap civil society as partners in the implementation of projects that would help in peace-building measure.

“The civil society knows best in identifying what projects are to be undertaken in their own locality that would redound to the benefit and welfare of the people in their respective communities,” Abaya pointed out.

Abaya said participants will be updated on the status of the implementation of the National Peace Plan (NPP) and the current thrusts and direction of the comprehensive peace process.

“They will also be briefed on the ‘Project for Peace’ as a comprehensive program of partnership between government and civil society,” she added.

In line with government’s efforts to forge peace agreements with rebel groups, the OPAPP engages partners from civil society in line with the continuing government’s efforts putting the peace process at the forefront.

Secretary Abaya said the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is working hard to forge separate peace accords with two main rebel groups -- the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF).

Davao City lawyer likens Ampatuans to crucified Christ

Slams media for unfair reporting

By ROGER M. BALANZA

A Davao City lawyer counseling for the Ampatuans has likened Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. and the rest of the Ampatuans to Jesus Christ, “nailed on the cross without due process.”

For this idiotic and blasphemous remark, lawyer Philip Pantojan was “crucified “ by irate Dabawenyos in phone-in comments on ABC/CBN’s DXAB morning program Banat as soon as his statement was aired.

Andal Jr. is facing 41 counts of murder for the slaughter of 57 people, including 31 journalists, on November 23, 2009 in Maguindanao where his Muslim clan holds power.

His father, Andal Ampatuan Jr., former Maguindanao governor, and brother Zaldy Ampatuan, governor of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and several other relatives have been linked to the killing.

Andal Jr. is said to have led about 100 militiamen serving as army of the politically-powerful clan in the worst politically-motivated mass murder. The victims were aboard a convoy of vehicles to file the certificate of candidacy for governor of Buluan vice mayor Esmael Mangudadato, a political rival of the Ampatuans, when they were stopped and massacred and their bodies buried in a mass grave hurriedly dug up by an excavator.

Pantojan, is one of a battery of 80 lawyers reportedly hired by the Ampatuans, who are also facing rebellion charges.

From the start, my clients have been nailed on the cross without due process, Pantojan told DXAB reporter James Galay Wednesday night as Pantojan tried to prevent military and police from implementing a search warrant in an Ampatuan house in Dona Luisa Village, one of a dozen expensive residences built here by the Ampatuans of Maguindanao.

Galay played up the audio tape in a report on the Banat program hosted by Allan Abais on Thursday and sparked a flood of telephone calls from listeners lambasting the Davao City lawyer for his “idiotic and blasphemous remarks.”

Majority of the irate callers and text message senders, accused Pantojan of selling his profession for millions of pesos to defend the “killers.”

In the Wednesday interview by Galay, Pantojan also minced no words in lashing at media for allegedly “unfair reporting” against the Ampatuans since the November 23 massacre.

'Gibo' keeps lead in online survey

Results of the latest online survey in the social networking site “Facebook” show Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. consolidating his lead among the presidential candidates in the May 10, 2010 elections.

As of Wednesday noon, voting results for Round No. 8 of the Facebook application "Election 2010," which had 1,833 online ballots counted, featured the bar topnotcher and Harvard-trained lawyer maintaining his lead with 34.17 percent of the votes.

Teodoro is followed by Bro. Eddie Villanueva, with 30.92 percent; Senator Richard Gordon, 17.80 percent, and Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, with 12.04 percent. Round No. 8 started last January 5.

Teodoro had surpassed his third-place finish during the first round last year. He surged to the top during Round No. 5 where he had 46.07 percent of the total 2,062 votes, while Aquino had 20.85 percent.

A mock poll conducted last month by the Manila Standard Today also showed that voters are convinced that Teodoro is the most competent and qualified presidential candidate.

"Teodoro voters resolutely see him as smart, intelligent and capable," Pedro Laylo, the broadsheet's resident pollster, said, commenting on a poll result of 2,500 respondents throughout the country.

Also commenting on the Facebook’s simulated election results, Teodoro’s supporters said the results are hardly surprising.

In his comment, Ryan del Rosario pointed out that "Intelligent voters will really pick G1BO," adding that "Gibo Teodoro's campaign is based on positive change, solutions, track records, decency and competency."

Another comment made by Ringo N. Cielo Perezi stated that he voted for Teodoro because “amongst the presidentiables, I think he is the only one that can deliver what he says... he looks sincere and intelligent to me."

Likewise last month, a poll by the online edition of the country's oldest newspaper, the Manila Bulletin, saw a significant boost for Teodoro whom the thinking crowd described as the most competent among the presidential hopefuls.

The result of the online poll in the Manila Bulletin website (http://www.mb.com.ph/home) at the time showed Teodoro posting a steady lead over the other contenders with 45 percent (25,814) of the total 57,578 "votes" from those who participated in the poll.

Teodoro was followed by Senator Aquino (39 percent or 22,191 votes), Senator Manny Villar (10 percent or 5,821 votes), and former President Joseph Estrada (3 percent or 1,635 votes).

The Manila Bulletin online poll asks visitors to its site the question: "Which presidential candidate for the May 2010 elections is most capable of handling the duties as the Philippines' next leader?" (PNA)

Businessman bats for promotion of Davao City as Southern Mindanao industrial hub

City losing out to Panabo, Tagum in luring investors in manufacturing

Davao City needs a stronger promotion as Southern Mindanao’s industrial hub even as it remains a favorite destination for investors.

The Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) in a year-end report said about P5.9 billion had been invested in the city in 2009 mostly on tourism and property development.

There is one aspect in the promotions that has been left out, said businessman Angelo Aportadera from the city’s industrialized zone of the Second District.

Aportadera, who is taking a crack at a seat at the Davao City Council in the coming May elections, said while Davao City has a strong agricultural base and a booming industry in real estate development and tourism, its potential as Southern Mindanao’s industrial center must also be fully exploited.

We need massive promotion as an industrial center, he said, noting the number of manufacturing plants in the Second District has been in the doldrums for years.

The Second District has all the amenities for manufacturing industries to thrive, said Aportadera who is running under the council slate of mayoral aspirant Speaker Prospero Nograles.

Aportadera said he would focus on promoting his district to lure manufacturers if given a chance to make it in the coming polls.

We have an international standard government port in Sasa Wharf and several private wharves that are key factors in luring investors, he said. “Add to this, we have a large workforce that could respond to needs for manpower for new investors.” He noted that the district is now home to a booming socialized housing industry where residents could be tapped as source of manpower for new industries.

Aportadera said without massive promotion, Davao City could lose to Tagum City and Panabo City in luring new manufacturing investments sourcing their products in provinces in Southern Mindanao. (APOnews)

MT. KITANGLAD NOW AN ASEAN HERITAGE PARK

Bukidnon peak is the third highest peak in the Philippines after Mount Apo in Davao in Southern Mindanao Region and Mt. Iglit-Baco in Oriental Mindoro.

MALAYBALAY CITY-- The estimated 30,642 hectares Mount Kitanglad in Bukidnon province in Northern Mindanao was declared as an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Heritage Park.

The declaration of Mount Kitanglad Range Protected Area was declared during late December’s 11th annual meeting of ASEAN ministers of environment in Singapore, it was learned.

Mt. Kitanglad range contains a wide range of biodiversity and is one of the priority protected areas in the Philippines established by law.

Mt. Kitanglad is the third highest peak in the Philippines after Mount Apo in Davao in Southern Mindanao Region and Mt. Iglit-Baco in Oriental Mindoro.

Mt. Kitanglad also joins 27 other ASEAN Heritage Parks.

Mt. Kitanglad covers seven municipalities and a city in Bukidnon province, namely: Talakag, consisting of 4,945 has., Baungon (3,157 has.), Libona (6,196 has.), Manolo Fortich (595 has.), Sumilao (3,532 has.), Lantapan (7,912 has.), Impasug-ong (1,985 has.) and Malaybalay City (2,317 has.).

Mt. Kitanglad was declared a protected area in 2000 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8978. It is the habitat of the Philippine Eagle, which is considered one of the largest eagles in the world and the most endangered. It is also where rafflesia, the biggest flower in the world, is found.

Record from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) showed that about 80 percent of the residents in the area are populated by indigenous peoples, such as Manobos, Talaandig, Higaonon, Matigsalug and Umayamnon.

It was gathered from the DENR that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was very “optimistic" that the declaration will further enhance the government's efforts in not only conserving the country's biodiversity but also in preserving the culture and tradition of the region.

According to DENR, scientists have discovered a source of anti-malaria drug in the bark of “Cinchona tree” which can be found in the area.

It was further gathered that Mt. Dulang-dulang, the highest point in the Mt. Kitanglad range at 2,938 meters above sea level, is a sacred place where indigenous people hold rituals of thanksgiving to the spirits.

Under the ASEAN Heritage Parks program, protected areas with unique, diverse, and outstanding value are given the highest recognition as an ASEAN Heritage Park.

The program aims to promote conservation of the region's natural heritage.

The DENR in Northern Mindanao, particularly the Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENRO, CENRO) in Bukidnon and Malaybalay City deployed more forest rangers this year to continue implementing the environment preservation and forest protection in the area. (PNA)

‘Child rapist’ congressman making up for his sins

Jalosjos to build billion-peso theme park

DAPITAN CITY – Saying he has a heart for the less privileged, former Zamboanga del Norte congressman Romeo Jalosjos, who had served more than a decade for statutory rape, is building what could be the Philippines’ version of Disneyland.

Jalosjos had recently gained a parole from President Arroyo after serving 13 years in jail for the rape of an eleven year old child.

 

And it could be payback time for the former congressman: He is naming the P2-billion peso theme park to rise in this city after President Arroyo, a longtime political ally.

In a recent news conference, Jalosjos said Gloria's Fantasyland, with interactive rides as its main features, has already started construction and would be opened soon.

This is going to be the Disneyland of the Philippines for the less privileged who can experience the excitement without having to go to Hong Kong, Japan, or the United States, said Jalosjos, whose sexual trysts with the minor girl made him a most hated celebrity.

The theme park would be located near the Gloria de Dapitan entertainment complex, and a bank has approved initially funding of P500 million for the project.

Fantasyland would feature brand-new imported rides, like the giant roller coaster, mini train, choco cup ride, midi flume ride, carousel, Apollo, bumper car rides, horror house, and swinger, said Dindo Ilagan, park director of Gloria de Dapitan.

The theme park will open tentatively on May 29, on opening of the Hudyaka ZaNorte Festival, being hosted for the first time by Dapitan City.

Bayan disowns wanted militant leader

AFP: Luque proved Bayan is a communist front

By ROGER M. BALANZA

DAVAO CITY - The militant group Bayan Muna was at a loss to explain the presence of wanted militant leader Alvin Luque in a celebration of the founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines.


The military said Luque’s presence proved connections of militant groups to the communist movement.


Joel Virador, vice president for Mindanao of Bayan Muna, said Luque, also known as Kumander Venus in the military circle, is no longer connected with Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), the umbrella of several cause-oriented and progressive groups here.


Luque, former secretary general of Bayan, while facing trial for rebellion and arson before a Davao City court here, has jumped bail with an un-served warrant of arrest.


While disowning Luque, Virador credited him for his contribution to Bayan, Bayan Muna and other progressive groups.


Luque attended the 41st anniversary celebration of the CPP somewhere in Southern Mindanao presided by National Democratic Front (NDF) spokesman Jorge “ Ka Aris” Madlos.


Brig. General Eduardo del Rosario said Luque’s presence at the CPP celebration had proven his links with the communist movement and the charges of rebellion and arson. In court records, a former New People’s Army rebel had fingered Luque as leading communist rebels in the burning of a public utility bus in Davao del Sur.


It has also bolstered our position that the CPP/NPA and the NDF organizations and party list groups belong to one organization, which aims to supplant democracy with communists through armed and legal struggles, del Rosario told Davao journalists following reports of Luque’s appearance at the CPP anniversary.


Virador said del Rosario’s tale about progressive groups being linked to the communists movement is an old tale that dates back to the time when the military officer was commander of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion.


Del Rosario had also served as the special Army continent Task Force Davao, when his favorite line was that progressive groups in the city were communist fronts. He has recently been named as commanding officer of a brigade covering Southern Mindanao.


Del Rosario, with the elections approaching, also warned about communists plan to embed their members in government by having them run in the elections.


Before he was issued a warrant, Luque had run for Davao City councilor in the 2004 elections but lost.


Del Rosario said Virador and Ariel Casilao and Lea Librado, who are from the militant groups, are following the footstep of Luque.


Luque is now unmasked as a communist. He disappeared to join the underground when he was charged and issued a warrant of arrest. Virador, Casilao and Librado are now following his footstep by joining the election. Our people must no be deceived, he said.

Drought creeping into Davao Region

El Nino forecasts alarm Davao farmers

Banaybanay, Davao Oriental --- Farmers in this rice-producing province were alarmed with the recent Pag-asa forecast which projected an El Nino dry spell by mid2010 that will devastate at least of  nine of its 14 barangays.

The Davao region was classified as “moderately vulnerable” to the impact of the El Nino phenomenon which meant lesser rainfall this year.

“Dugang kalisod sa mga mag-uuma ang mamahimong epekto sa El Nino taliwala sa nagkagrabeng krisis sa agrikultura. Ang mga mag-uuma sa Banaybanay nga nagatikad sa kapin kon kulang 5,000 ektarya dugay na nga nakasinati og grabeng kalisud tungod sa kawad-on og yuta, sa pagkalubong sa utang sa Land Bank, sa kamahalon sa pestisidyo nga gikinahanglan sa mga hybrid nga humay," said Lito Lao, chairperson of the of the Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Sidlakang Dabaw (ALMASID) – Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP)

Banaybanay produces an annual yield of 36,000 tons of rice and benefits more than 60,000 families. 

He added further, “Kun adunay madaot nga pananom karong tuiga, walay laing maapektuhan kun dili ang mga gagmay nga mag-uuma ug mga kabus nga mamamalit nga naga-antos sa padayong pagsaka sa presyo sa bugas.”

With this, farmers groups are demanding for long term and more effective solutions and called for an end in the the Arroyo government’ importation program saying that it will worsen the impact of the El Nino Mitigation Program.

For his part Pedro Arnado, regional coordinator of ANAKPAWIS partylist criticized the Department of Agriculture saying “the DA has claimed to have identified steps to mitigate the impacts of El Nino and yet it has continued with massive rice importation despite its negative impact to the country’s rice and agricultural industry”.

Arnado said that in December last year, the National food Authority (NFA) has awarded four foreign bidders a contract allowing them to supply the country a total of 509, 950 metric tons of rice.

“How can the local rice industry progress or even recover from its slump when the Arroyo government stubbornly refuses to support our own farmers and increase local rice production? Worst, Mrs. Arroyo has refused to initiate a genuine land reform program and has instead enforced the inutile CARP extension with reforms which has only worsened the anti-farmer policies of the old CARP,” said Arnado.

As a long term solution to the problem of food insecurity wrought by climate change impact and agricultural crisis, Anakpawis called for the enactment of the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB) or House Bill 3059 which to date remains hanging in the Lower house that is comprised of a majority of “landed-elites.”