November 11, 2009
Advocacy, Business, Commentary, Controversial, Corporate, Cotabato, Culture, Davao City, Koronadal, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Soccksargen, Socsksargen, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Weird
Yes, you read that right. A mining company operating in the Municipality of Tampakan has hired Danny Javier of the popular group APO Hiking Society. Javier is now a “strategist” for Sagittarius Mines, Inc., a gold and copper mine.
As a “strategist,” Javier is reportedly supposed to help SMI develop a “better image.” It can be recalled that the said mining company, which has business interests in three large areas in Mindanao namely South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur, has and still is facing strong opposition especially from the Church. A lot of non government organizations which advocate environmental sustainability have also expressed their opposition against the operation of Sagittarius Mines.
What makes this development noteworthy is that Danny Javier of APO Hiking Society is part of a trio that also pushes for many pro-people issues. Javier and his mates Buboy Garovillo and Jim Paredes are known advocates of ecological conservation. They lead a lot of tree planting sessions and they also spread reminders about the environment and how society can help protect nature.
So of course, quite naturally, a lot of people now see Javier’s entry to SMI as being “inconsistent.”
So my question is…can we take this against Danny Javier?
While I’m dismayed that Javier accepted this job even though he’s supposed to be an environmentalist, I can also understand why he accepted the job offer. A job is a job. It provides food on the table. Whether Javier accepted the job for the sake of practicality or because he wanted to face another challenge in his life, I can understand and can cut him some slack. IMHO, we cannot take this against the guy. Again, a job is a job and he may also have “good” intentions. Hopefully.
Javier said that his father used to work in the mining industry so his new job as a “strategist” for Sagittarius Mines isn’t really something new for him. Instead, he’s taking his new role as a challenge.
The APO Hiking Society singer said that he will immerse himself in the communities very soon in order to have a deeper grasp of the Mindanao culture. He was also quoted as saying that he will ensure that the company complies with environmental standards.
How I wish that could be followed and done.
For now, I’ll give Danny Javier benefit of the doubt. Let him work and let him prove that he will really carry the voice of Mindanaoans – especially those from the B’laan tribes and other groups that will be affected by the operations of Sagittarius Mines – and that he will really raise the issues with the company execs.
In the meantime, let’s also take this as a challenge, fellow Mindanaoan. Companies are wiser these days. They can hire just about anyone who can be “the face” of their programs and business dealings. They can now all the more hire popular singers, actors, actresses and even boxers to speak in their behalf. Let’s not be swayed. Instead, let’s observe and listen. Apathy should no longer be a part of our lives.
LikeSeptember 25, 2009
Advocacy, BIMP-EAGA, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, armm, blogging
Independent Senator Richard Gordon probably has too much time on his hands. This was the very first thing that came to my mind when this Mindanaoan blogger learned that Senator Dick Gordon filed a proposal before the Senate to add a ninth ray to the sun in the Philippine Flag.
Yes, you read that right. A ninth ray to the sun in the Philippine Flag.
According to him, the additional ray will symbolize his “advocacy to champion reforms in Mindanao.”
Now don’t ask me exactly how a 9th ray can make a whole lotta difference but if you ask the senator (who, I think, also has plans to run for president come May 2010), he says this move is part of his many advocacies for “peace and continuous growth and development not only for the Muslim people but also for the whole of Mindanao.”
The measure aims to recognize the contribution of Muslim Filipinos in the country’s fight against colonial rule. But more than that, the ninth ray would signal the start of new efforts for peace and development in Mindanao by fostering respect, understanding and acceptance between Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos.
* photo courtesy of MLQ3
A statement from Senator Dick’s office sent to Mindanaoan also states:
We are a country that has had a conflict with our Muslim brothers for the last so many decades. It is time that we take the necessary steps to recognize the contribution of our Muslim brothers in our history.
Honestly, I can understand the senator’s objective. I mean, we here in Mindanao would definitely welcome any move or legislation or proposal that can contribute to the progress of this island. No doubt about that. Mindanaoans have longed for lasting peace and development and slowly but surely, we’re getting there. Yes, yes, yes.
What I’m concerned about, though, is the timing of Senator Gordon’s proposal.
At a time when there are just so many pressing matters to attend to, is a proposal for a 9th ray to be added to the sun on the Philippine flag something we all want to hear and discuss these days?
Seriously now.
To quote Lea Salonga — the flag can wait! It really can!
On the other hand, this so-called proposal to “champion Mindanao reforms” may just be one of the senator’s way of attracting media attention. After all, the more odd a proposal sounds, the more attention it gets from the media…and publicity, whether good or bad, is still publicity. And publicity is always part of a politician’s priority list.
On another note – the senator from Olongapo also proposed an act creating the Mindanao Economic Development Authority or MEDA. This agency will reportedly be the implementing office for Mindanao-specific inter-regional and Mindanao-wide programs and projects, including Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects.
Question – how will MEDA be different from the existing councils and agencies that oversee ODA and other projects in Mindanao? Will there not be an overlap of duties and responsibilities? What will happen to the existing councils? More importantly — do we really need yet another government agency?
What are YOUR thoughts, fellow Mindanaoan?
August 7, 2009
Controversial, Internet, Journalism, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Technology, Videos
I just knew that it would only take a matter of time before Joey de Leon, one of the hosts in the GMA 7 noontime show “Eat Bulaga,” gives his (violent) reaction on the controversial decision of Willie Revillame to have the live feed of President Cory Aquino’s cortege from La Salle Greenhills to Manila Cathedral removed. The cortege was aired simultaneously with Revillame’s noontime show “Wowowee” aired via ABS CBN Channel 2.
We all know that Joey and Willie aren’t exactly “good friends” so I guess this “parinig” that he made, along with co-host Vic Sotto, is but expected of Joey de Leon. Check out the video below.
Notable line — “ang baboy, kahit pagsuotin mo pa yan ng ginto, baboy pa rin”
OUCH.
July 2, 2009
Business, Cagayan de Oro City, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Society, Weird, northern mindanao
The banner story of a Mindanao regional newspaper yesterday, July 1, 2009, may have been surprising for many (shocking even) but for a Mindanao journalist like me who has been working around politicians for quite a while, it was really nothing new. The same thing, although probably not as “worse,” has been happening not only in the local city councils but also even down to barangay councils and even in the Senate and Congress.
According to Mindanao Gold Star Daily, Cagayan de Oro City Vice Mayor Vicente Emano has reportedly incurred 99 absences out of 100 council sessions. That means Emano has presided only ONCE since assuming office. Emano reportedly only attended the inauguration of the present Cagayan de Oro City council and that was it.
And as if to really add “more color” to an already controversial issue, Emano’s arch-rival at the council, Councilor Zaldy Ocon, a former radio broadcaster, tore to shreds Emano’s “excuse letter” addressed to the council, which reportedly claimed that the vice mayor was on official business…which then led to Councilor Alfonso Goking calling on his fellow legislators to “punish” Ocon for tearing up a copy of Emano’s letter which is considered an official document.
As expected, Ocon stood firm. He even challenged his fellow councilors to sanction him if they think what he did was wrong. The former broadcaster, known for his tirades against Emano and usually hit by critics for “grandstanding,” said that the council was free to exercise disciplinary actions against him if he really was at fault. Fortunately for Ocon, he found a “kakampi” in Councilor Teodulfo Lao, who thought that the shredding of the excuse letter was a mere “freedom of expression” and that it was based on “the essence of democracy.”
IMO, Ocon has the right to get mad. After all, the tax-paying public does expect that the “public servants” they entrusted their votes with should do their jobs, yes? And that includes regularly attending sessions, meetings etc. Ocon knows that Emano’s absences can be a good reason to stir up controversy, to show to the public that he has been right all along in criticizing Emano and his brand of politics. Ocon knows that Emano’s absences can be a good controversy to bank on — he can raise valid points during council sessions, question Emano’s so-called “on official business” excuses and can even get away calling the city vice mayor as “mangingilad” (deceiver) during the session proper.
Unfortunately for Ocon, he also knows very well that he’s virtually alone in his quest – with most of his fellow legislators on Emano’s side. And because of political alignments and politicians defending partymates, the root problem has yet to be addressed.
It’s a David versus Goliath war, really. And the only ones at the losing end is the public.
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If Pampanga has a Fr. Panlilio, Bukidnon has a Fr. Tabios
December 3, 2009
Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Society
(No comments)
It seems there’s no stopping priests from joining politics these days.
If Pampanga has a Fr. Eddie Panlilio, Bukidnon Mindanao has a Fr. Diosdado Tabios. Tabios, the former parish priest of Valencia City, Bukidnon, is set to run for governor in Bukidnon come May 2010. He’s set to face incumbent Bukidnon Vice Governor Alex Calingasan (LAKAS CMD KAMPI), who will run for the gubernatorial position, his relative Ernesto Tabios (Liberal Party) and Delfina Bicatulo (Alpha Omega 9K Party).
While re-electionist Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio has reportedly filed a petition asking that he leave his priestly duties as he pursue his political plans, Tabios has yet to formally file a written petition. He has, however, spoken to Bishop Honesto Pacana of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and the latter said that Tabios will be suspended from performing priestly duties.
In 2007, Tabios left for the Netherlands to pursue further studies. He was reportedly a scholar under the Ford Foundation. Upon his return to Bukidnon this year, he became an assistant to the administrator of the San Isidro Cathedral in Malaybalay City.
Nacionalista Party, through their spokesperson Gilbert Remulla, issued this statement about Tabios’ candidacy.
This matter is actually very, very interesting.
For one, Tabios is the first priest in the Diocese of Malaybalay to ever run for public office.
Secondly, he will be up against Calingasan, who’s heavily favored to win. Calingasan, who’s now on his third term as Bukidnon Vice Governor, enjoys incumbent Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri’s support and the political backing of LAKAS CMD KAMPI. In other words, whoever Zubiri “anoints” is highly considered the “shoo in.” With Tabios’ entry, however, does this mean that Bukidnon voters will finally say, “tama na, iba naman” through their votes?
Thirdly, (and I reckon the most controversial reason as to why Mindanaoans should find this whole Bukidnon thing interesting) Tabios also has “skeletons in the closet” to deal with, so to speak. Considered a controversial priest who garnered the ire of so many people during his term as Valencia parish priest (his name was involved in several money-related problems), Tabios also allegedly has several children.
YEP, YOU READ THAT RIGHT.
Children.
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