Here are another set pictures sent to us by Mr. Roberto Acevedo on what happened in Iloilo after Typhoon Frank hit the province.
If you have pictures on what happened in your province after Typhoon Frank hit the country, please do send it to us at my personal email kevinraychua@gmail.com.
.jpg)
Before the event, I was in Hidden Valley, that's in Lamac, Pinamungajan, Cebu for a Leadership Traning Workshop together with my friends. The name of the place speaks for itself. It's really a hidden wonder! It's very far from the highway and mostly motorcycles for commuting called "habal-habal" are frequent in the area. Supposedly, the event was slated for June 28-29 but I really need to attend the bloggers' meet-up as promised. So, I cut short my attendance to the event. I rode a "habal-habal" at 10:30 AM but as we went along the road going to Lutopan, Toledo City, the motorcycle stopped for 5 times because of engine problems. I was pissed off! I got wet and dirty because of that. Even though I still didn't reached the Lutopan terminal, they dropped me in the market, which was 500 meters away, and told me to ride another motorcycle. Grrr!! What made me even more angry was that, they let me paid P100 instead of the negotiated payment of only P60! Then, when I arrived in the terminal, I waited for almost 30 minutes inside a V-Hire that would bring me back to the city. After almost 1 hour of the trip (I even slept), I arrived in One Citi-Link Terminal (the area where these V-Hires settle), I immediately went to V. Rama Avenue to ride a 12-L jeepney which passes by Fuente Osmeña. When I embarked from the jeepney, I walked from G. Garcia Street to Bo's Coffee Club. It was still 1:40 PM though, so I took a rest.
I attended the most-awaited meet-up (which was very successful) of Cebu and Davao bloggers here in Cebu. The informal event, held at Bo's Coffee Club in front of Cebu Doctor's Hospital at 2 PM, was organized by two of Davao's prominent bloggers, namely Blogie Robillo and Winston Almendras. Winston, Mark Monta and yours truly had already met before in SM and talked about the status quo of the Cebu Bloggers' Society. Though yesterday, Mark texted me that he can't attend the event. The event was the second that I attended. The first was the one with Ma'am Janette Toral.
The attendees, Wilson Ng, Paul Winston Villacorta, Xerxes Bernadez, Max Limpag, Aldrin Ponce, Rio Calle, Aileen Estoquia, Wilhelmina Sarawi, Mark Abitona, Rodelio Lagahit, Francis Daniel Maning, were very happy that finally, the event would be the start in organizing the blogging community here in Cebu and later, in the entire Visayas hopefully. We had met each other and shared our blogging insights. It was a lively meet-up. I just hope that these event would be a habit for Cebuano bloggers just like the Davao bloggers. I am part of the team consolidating the Cebu bloggers to form an organization same as the successful Mindanao Bloggers, Inc."Our government must now speed up the processing of the necessary documents so that the thousands of typhoon victims who have lost their homes, property and loved ones can receive some relief to help them rebuild their lives," said Roxas, a former representative of Capiz, which was among the provinces in the Western Visayas region that were ravaged by the storm.
"I thank PAG-IBIG President Miro Quimbo for his responsiveness to my call for expeditious assistance to the typhoon victims. This will go a long way in helping them, and I hope other government offices follow suit," he said, adding that he will also seek the assistance of the Social Security System (SSS).
"The destruction and mounting number of casualties because of typhoon 'Frank' is heartbreaking. We all need to pitch in and help to give rays of hope to those affected by the storm and floods," he said.
I would like to thank Jan Alvin Dimla of Blog Tambayan, Scarlett of Politique Economica and Ryan of Another Blogista on the Spot for nominating this blog as one of their Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2008, a writing project initiated by Ma'am Janette Toral to identify new and emerging blogs that are making an impact to its readers in 2008. These are blogs that started anytime from July 1, 2007 to the present. This blog started last July 29, 2007, thus it's very qualified for the search!
If you are a blogger and you think that this blog is worthy of being named as one of the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2008, then check out the Influential Blogger blog for more details.
We are now in the 6th spot as of Week 9! Help us stay in the Top 10!
I would also like to thank again Filipinayzd, Flowell, Mark, Jehz, Myk, Francis, Lugud, Kay JD, Dexter, Rhodilee, Cecile, Richard the Adventurer, Richard D., Joan, Ederic and Jaypee for nominating this blog.
ORAS NA!
Here are pictures sent to us by Mr. Roberto Acevedo on what happened in Kalibo, Aklan after Typhoon Frank hit the province with pictures also of Senator Mar Roxas' inspection in the area.
"We need a massive campaign to educate the public and ensure that mechanisms are in place to maintain the integrity of the ballot. We all want social and economic reforms and we continue to wait for that paradigm shift to a politics of substance from a politics of popularity," Mr. Varela saidMr. Varela has a point. The upcoming election would really matter and would determine on how we can shift our country from the failed policies of this administration. We can just be sitting there, as if we didn't felt the sufferings. We need to do something and compel our leaders to do their job.
"We believe that the choice we will make in 2010 is so critical that we have to start early in assessing our potential leaders.That's one of the main point why this blog was launched. We need to make the Filipinos have a mindset that there will and should be an election in 2010. Charter change would not be an excuse for postponing the elections nor another declaration of martial law. The other point also is to open the minds of the Filipinos and give them an ample time to take a look at our bet, Senator Roxas. In this way, we can exhaust ourselves to do everything and prove to them that Senator Roxas would be the best among the rest. We may be insulted by some people for having this too early but we are determined on changing how elections work in the Philippines starting here in the cyberspace.
"One of the questions to ask is, are we really having an election in 2010? If we are, who are the best candidates? It will also be interesting to look into the real power of different sectors and the new media in influencing voters’ decisions."
The 2010 Presidential elections will be a pivotal moment for the Philippines, and right now your feedback will help guide me on how to improve our draft Mar Roxas campaign.Your feedback is crucial. Whether you've been involved heavily or just a bit, been a supporter since the beginning or are new to this movement, your feedback will inform the planning for our draft Mar Roxas campaign:
Little by little, people across the country and in different parts of the world have been engaged in this campaign at the grassroots level.
Your work, your passion, and your stories will define this campaign and will be instrumental in our success -- and as we go forward, your input is more valuable than ever.
Share your feedback now -- it's essential to moving our campaign forward:
We've learned a lot together over the past 11 months, but we're preparing for a journey more demanding than any challenge we've faced.
Yet in this challenge we also have an opportunity to run this trailblazer campaign in Philippine history.
Thank you in advance for your participation in this important survey. You and people like you in communities across the country are the heart of this campaign.
Thank you,
Kevin Ray N. Chua
Blogger
Mar Roxas for President in 2010
"It's not enough to know the damage in peso terms but on how this will manifest itself in terms of rice and food prices and supply. Let's be more open and transparent about this and other problems, to come up with an integrated plan for rehabilitation and mobilization of resources in the wake of typhoon 'Frank'," he said.Roxas has been aiding in and coordinating with different agencies on relief and rehabilitation efforts in Capiz and Iloilo since Friday.
"Typhoon 'Frank' shows how vulnerable our food supply and its affordability are to internal shocks caused by weather disturbances and natural calamities. All the more we need to invest in our farmers and make sure that they get the support needed to recover from this latest setback," he added.Roxas also called on the Department of Trade and Industry to activate the National Price Coordinating Council as an initial step to preventing unjustified price increases of goods and services by unscrupulous traders.
I am a politically-inclined person since I was 7 years old. I like talking about politics. I never realized that someday, I would be a trailblazer someday in this niche (as what Ederic Eder used to described my blog). As part of my enthusiasm with it, I tried to join the system. Here in Cebu, when I was in Grade 6 elementary, as part of the Know Your Barangay Month, I was nominated as a Barangay Councilor and represented our school (Punta Princesa Elementary School) in our one-day representation in the Barangay Council. It was fun!
I was thinking already of 2010. Then, the names Chiz Escudero, Manny Villar and Mar Roxas came into my mind. I was asking myself, who would be the best choice for President in 2010? I contemplated for it a couple of times knowing that I am a blogger since 2004, I can do a blog for that person and I am willing to give my time to make that person win in 2010. Chiz Escudero, although my top bet then, was still a neophyte for the job and he needs a little bit of experience (then came Barack Obama in 2007). Although his credentials were plausible, still, he needs to spend his time for Senator yet. We still need to see him as a Senator and 3 years would be not enough. So, it was Manny Villar and Mar Roxas playing tug-of-war in my mind. Both of them are related to "palengke" (wet market) but something broke the deadlock. Manny Villar grew up in the palengke and boasts his rags to riches story but never made importance to it until the 2007 Midterm Elections came while Mar Roxas didn't grew in the palengke actually (although they own the Farmer's Market), but has a heart for it. Since he was a Congressman until he became DTI Secretary and now as a Senator, he advocated for consumer protection. That was the deciding factor."Despite my occasional digs at Mar Roxas, I could still see that he's one of the most eligible candidates for the presidency in 2010. However, I would like to see the day when he stands up and lead us, all consumers, to a rally against rising oil and food prices. Enough of this palengke tours. Roxas should be like her grandfather who stood up against our oppressors for the benefit of the people.Thanks again!
Mar, lead us. Be presidential, like Barack Obama."
Senator Mar Roxas called on the government and private groups to help in relief efforts in Panay Island and neighboring provinces, which have been battered and continue to be battered by tropical storm “Frank” over the past couple of days.“I ask the National Disaster Coordinating Council and the Departments of Social Welfare and Development and of Interior and Local Government, as well as private individuals or organizations, to provide assistance to these areas in Visayas most affected by typhoon “Frank”,” the Senator and former Capiz representative said.Roxas arrived in Capiz yesterday, Friday, for the opening ceremonies of a 15-megawatt diesel power plant in Panit-an, but this was canceled due to the bad weather.
“The DILG should help the local governments under a state of calamity, while the NDCC and DSWD should look at temporary shelter, food and health needs of those whose homes were destroyed or are in flooded areas,” he said.
“If there are relief items to give, these should be sent to offices of the Provincial Governor or City Mayor,” he advised the public.
The storm is still ongoing, and the affected areas are suffering from a power outage. Communication is limited, with little or no cellphone signal reception as well.
Senator Mar Roxas called on his colleagues in Congress to act on the bill seeking to decriminalize libel and the proposed Free Information Act once session resumes in July, in order to lessen the risks faced by journalists.“The harrowing experience of Ces Drilon and her crew underscores the hazards that professional journalists face in their line of work. On a daily basis, however, they also risk harassments from powerful persons who prefer to operate in the shadows and outside the margins of the law,” he said.The two bills, he said, would ensure that the people’s right to know will be unfettered.
“Decriminalizing libel and ensuring public access to government documents are vital steps in upholding the principles of transparency and press freedom,” he added.”
“In order to reform our public institutions, we have to first make sure that there is a system of transparency and accountability in the flow of information,” he said, while also noting that Martial Law was able to flourish in part due to a controlled press.Roxas noted that a Supreme Court case is still pending, wherein he and his fellow LP stalwart Sen. Noynoy Aquino are seeking the disclosure of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) documents relating to the controversial National Broadband Network, whose P15-billion cost was to be funded by taxpayers until it was canceled due to public uproar.
“If only our agencies had strict and definite guidelines to follow on the release of public information, this whole NBN debacle may have never happened,” he said.
“To keep the economy moving, we must provide immediate relief to consumers. Otherwise we face a triple whammy of runaway inflation, high unemployment and widespread hunger,” he warned.The senator authored Senate Bill No. 1962 which seeks to suspend the 12% VAT on oil to give consumers a much-deserved respite from soaring prices.
“Ngayon, higit na kailangan ng mga mamimili ang pera nila. Sila ang higit na nakakaalam sa kanilang mga pangangailangan, kaya mas mainam na maiwan sa bulsa nila ang perang ito kaysa mapunta pa sa mga leakages sa gobyerno,” he said.
“They say that good things come in threes. Unfortunately, the administration has limited its options to subsidies for certain sectors. It continues to ignore the fact that a temporary removal of the VAT on oil will be felt directly by each consumer with no cash out from the government,” Roxas added.The newly-signed Republic Act No. 9504 will provide minimum wage earners in the private sector, as well as government workers with the equivalent of a minimum wage salary, with an additional take-home pay of P34 per day, or P750 per month, by exempting them from income taxes. It also increases the personal exemptions of all individual taxpayers.
The planned three-year P316-billion "Noah's Ark" subsidy program can only work if the subsidies reach the pockets of the poorest of the poor rather than the leather wallets of corrupt officials, Senator Mar Roxas said."If they insist on this three-year subsidy plan, then they must prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that these subsidies will go to the poor. They must show us built-in anti-corruption safeguards, credible delivery mechanisms, and a comprehensive list of all target beneficiaries before we even seriously consider having this Ark discussed in the Senate," he stressed.The Chairman of the Senate Trade Committee said without a credible ‘Noah' figure to lead this program, the subsidies will just be parceled out to different agencies and departments without transparency, accountability and effective monitoring.
"Sa Noah's Ark, naroon si Noah para magdesisyon kung sino ang dapat sumakay sa barko at sino ang maiiwan sa lupa. Dito sa ‘Noah's Ark' na pinaplano ng pamahalaan sino ang gaganap na Noah? (In the biblical story, Noah was there to decide on who should ride his Ark. In the government's planned ‘Noah's Ark' program, who will act as Noah?)" he said.
"Sino si Noah na siyang magsasabing time-out sa politika at korapsyon dahil ang pondo na ito ay para sa mahihirap? Baka mas marami pang butas ang Arkong ito kesa sa bilang ng mga natulungan," he added.Roxas has repeatedly said the better subsidy package at this time of crisis is to suspend the value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products, so the savings would redound directly to consumers, who are in the best position to know where to spend these. However, the government has repeatedly refused this proposal.
"Hindi ito ‘Noah's Ark' pero ito ay matibay na salbabida para sa lahat ng consumers. Pati ang mga nasa transport sector ay makikinabang dahil liliit ang kanilang ibinabayad sa diesel at gasolina. Bakit hindi ito ang unahin natin? Matagal na itong nasa Lower House pero hindi umuusad dahil ayaw ng administrasyon na mabawasan ang kanilang kikitain mula sa EVAT (This is not like ‘Noah's Ark' but this is a strong lifevest for all consumers. Even those in the transport sector stand to benefit because what they pay for diesel and gasoline would be reduced. Why not prioritize this? This has been pending in the Lower House, and has not moved since because the administration does not want its revenues from EVAT reduced)," he said.
In behalf of my blog readers and subscribers, I would like to greet everyone a Happy Father's Day. Today, we honor our heroes we call father, papa, dad, daday, itay, tatay and so much more. We thank them for having us in this world.Senator Mar Roxas condemned the attack on Biliran Rep. Glenn A. Chong's father on Saturday evening, resulting in the death of two security escorts.
"We condemn this attack on Rep. Chong's father in the strongest terms. It is an affront to democracy, the rule of law and our civilized ways of living," the Liberal Party President said.
According to news reports, four armed men fired their guns at Charlie Chong when he was just about to enter his house after arriving from work. Two of his security escorts died in the assault.
"I call on the Department of Interior and Local Governments to step in and order an immediate investigation into this despicable act of violence," Roxas said.
He also expressed concern over the safety of the Chong family while the perpetrators remain unidentified.
Rep. Chong, 32, is a Liberal Party stalwart and a first-term congressman. His father was able to survive the ambush unhurt.
"To win the war against unjust drug prices, the government must set aside at least P1 billion for parallel importation of essential maintenance drugs. Ensuring wide public access to affordable medicines is underpins a national strategy for longer and healthier lives," he said.Roxas said government agencies must finalize the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) at the soonest possible time. In drafting the IRR, he said the broadest sectors must be involved and consulted with by the government to thwart any efforts to derail the noble intentions of the law.
"Our battle does not end with the skirmishes we won in Congress. Those with vested interests have the money and power to see to it that the law will fail. The war for more affordable medicines can be won if we put up a united front against those who prefer to keep the status quo," the chair of the Senate trade and commerce committee said.Yesterday, Roxas met with leaders of various labor groups and discussed how they could bring in more affordable medicines for their members, be it through the Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC) or by themselves engaging in parallel importation. He reported that the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines expressed interest in pursuing parallel importation of essential drugs for its members.
"I am optimistic that the different sectors will rally behind the crusade for affordable medicines. TUCP Secretary-General Ernesto Herrera will sit down next week with PITC officials to concretize the initial steps toward parallel importation. I will continue to work with other sectors that are wiling to use this law to promote better health among their members," he said.The Liberal Party President stressed that his 10-year battle for quality and affordable medicines does not end today with the enactment of the law. He said passing this law is just the first step; making sure that the government uses all the tools available under the law and pooling the support of the broader sectors would be the next campaign.
"Our war for more affordable, accessible and quality medicines for our people continues. On my part, we will meet with various civil society groups, labor groups, private entities, among others, to pull them in and be involved in bringing down prices of medicines," he said.
"Wow!!!! Sigurado panalo ka na Mr. President. Uuwi ako sa Caraga Region para campanya kita doon."Alan Burgos said...
"The most charismatic presidentiable with unquestioned political background. I like to see him as the next president. ABANTE PILIPINAS!"Monalisa Flores said...
"You (Sen. Roxas) can count on me this coming election 2010... Good luck and God bless... Stay as what you are..."Chit said...
"Lets help Philippines to be a more progressive and more jobs for all the people!"Nestor said...
"Ang isang public official na katulad mo ang gusto kong mamuno sa ating bansa. I 100% support for Mar Roxas for President this coming 2010 national election."Laling Demingoy Legg said...
"We need to support Mar Roxas not only because he is our own but he is the best for the people and the government."Corina A. Yotoko said...
"I would like to see Mar as the first single president of the Republic of the Philippines. And no doubt Mar will make a great untainted president!!"Ian Rommel Retuya said...
"I support the desire of Mr. Mar Roxas to become the next president of the philippine republic come 2010. Our country needs a man like him. Has a heart for the poor, vision for the youth, honesty and integrity. Mr. Mar, please ask my uncle Kiko Pangilinan to be your running-mate."Bari Melano said...
"The man I entrust to steer the wheel for good governance... Mar Roxas for President, 2010."Bub Ong said...
"Let us start the change we want to see... Let us bring principled politics back to our country!"Honesto L. Romero said...
"Mar Roxas is very capable indeed to be our next president."Roderick P. Ybardolaza said...
"Impeccable political pedigree, unsullen reputation, economic expert, highly educated... kumpleto rekado. Mar Roxas sa 2010."Ginalyn Lipardo-de Guzman said...
"I believe that Sen. Roxas has the ability and the capacity to be the next pres. It will be a better Philippines under him. As a CAPIZENO, I strongly support him. I just hope he will run. More power and God bless!"Erlo Bornales said...
"We support you together with my whole family."Avel Manansala said...
"We need Mar Roxas to put our country back into its orbit! Ayoko na ng gulo!"Selvie dela Cena said...
"The TOP leader of the country's future!"Dodie Enriquez said...
"Let's bring back trust to our government. Let's bring Roxas to presidency."Alexei said...
"I'd just like to express my support for the good senator. I hope he will really consider running for the Presidency in 2010. The country needs more people like him."Aileen Salita said...
"Mar Roxas is not corrupt. He has done great deeds for our fellow countrymen without boasting them on the TV or print ads, he stays quiet and low profiled inspite of all his achievements."Jeanette Santos-Carrillo said...
"Mar is the man! I believe in his capability to make a difference in our country. Will definitely campaign for him."
“More than 90% of businesses are MSMEs, and they employ 70% of the workforce. On the other hand, due to limited financial resources, their contribution to national productivity is limited to 30%,” he said.Under the said law, banks and other lending institutions will be mandated to allot a minimum 8% of their loan portfolio for micro and small businesses. At present, the minimum allotment is only 6%.
“The law seeks to develop MSMEs, to increase their capability to provide employment and to increase their contribution to the economy. But all of these will only be realized if the implementation plan would be immediate, clear and ‘down to the last centavo,” he said.
