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MAY 2012

Haunted by gHosts?

Three Strong Years of the Citys Magazine!

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editors note

Ways to slay tHe gHosts tHat Haunt us

PUBLisHers PersPectives

lets confront corruption

hile the Aquino Administration has made Matuwid na Daan the centerpiece of his governance agenda, a lot has yet to be done. From what we have seen this month on the ghost employee issue, it is clear that stakeholders are not prepared to face a vital issue of governance. laymans terms which should be followed by an aggressive and ceaseless communications of gains in anti-corruption efforts in the trimedia and at the barangay levels. It should also open hotlines for reporting cases of corruption and it should publish names of people with cases of graft and the resolutions of the cases filed against accused persons. The business sector must be actively encouraged to participate in anti-corruption activities like inviting them to sit in bidding and business awarding of the sectors initiatives that contribute to anti-graft efforts. Media must also be responsible in reporting corruption cases and also include reporting of anti-corruption initiatives. Should corruption be a focus of a media outfit, it should also include corrupt businessmen and corrupt private individuals. Finally, civil society including private individuals must assist in info-dissemination on ways to prevent corruption. It also helps to be critical of government lapses but a proactive effort and suggestions to help curb corruption should also be extended. Participation in bidding and awards processes could also improve the state of corruption in the bureaucracy. There are things that we need to forget in order to move on. But moving on does not mean remaining afloat without consideration of the lessons in the past. Now is the time to prove that our City is mature enough to cull the lessons as we enter a new governance era when the electorates cast their votes in 2013 lest we want to maintain the ghosts in the past. Now, thats the real horror story that only we can choose to obliterate or nurture.

That Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte stood by their councilor, despite having different political affiliations, can be seen as a magnanimity from the leadership of the local government. The slogan -- never to leave your soldiers behind - might be the principle that continues to bind this local government but may, in the long term also be the same reason of its disintegration. The accused camp says the reasons may be politically-motivated, saying they are strong contenders for the next electoral bid. While this might be true, the local government and other stakeholders as well should also ensure that the investigation be pursued. Statements that give sides or clearing accountabilities of government offices before a case has been closed could pre-empt the conduct of an independent fact-finding corruption effort, especially when the sources of information are government data. Its a shame If the news that Jimmy Lee Davis has indeed withdrew the complaint that he filed to the Field Investigation Office of the Ombudsman against Councilors Roderick Paulate and Francisco Calalay Jr,. The amount P3.3 million that allegedly went to ghost employees would never be cleared and we could never test the maturity of our political institutions and leaders to open its doors to investigation and save public trust. Should the case be closed and be forgotten, stakeholders including the local government, media, and civil society must embark on an anti-corruption campaign to show its sincerity in responding to issues of corruption. The local government must have a clear, comprehensive and inter-linked local government plan for combating corruption and disseminate to the public in simple

hy is the Philippines poor? This is a perennial quesionquestion that every politician should be thinking about. Our country is endowed with more than 7,000 islands with rich natural resources. During the 1950s 1960s the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) was among the highest in South East Asia. It was even higher than that of China and Thailand. So logically it is hard to see why the Philippines had been left behind by its neighbors in terms of economic progress. A study conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2007, however states that in the last 50 years, the Philippines economic growth has slowed down compared to its neighbors. commodities including health care, education and even safety. Corruption hinders the Philippines from having access to free medicines and supplies. According to a study by Transparency International, for every 10 percent increase in corruption, immunization rate drops to 20 percent. It deprives the children from having quality education that can give the country hope for a better future. An investigation conducted by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) in 2009 found that corruption in all levels in the educational system is widespread; starting from the central office of the Department of Education to the public schools in remote islands. It can also compromise the safety of the public due to low quality infrastructure and services. We should be vigilant about corruption not only on the amount of pesos lost for social services and its lost contribution to sustainable development, but also on the intangible impacts of corruption. Lost trust and confidence in our political insititutions and democracy has a long-term impact in governance. How many governments have been ousted in the spectre of corruption? Citizens get dismayed in paying taxes, voting, and following rules of peace and order. Low-morale among the bureaucracy itself has a high price tag for local government confronting many concerns on a daily basis. Hence, the tact we have to make right now is the direction following the rule of law. Let the watchdogs do their role. Let the accused respond and prove their innocence. Let the bureaucracy open its information and lay down a comprehensive plan for corruption. We need a corruption-proof city not a fraternity of politicians.

According to the 2011 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency International-Philippines, our country has had slight improvements in battling corruption. The survey spanned from 2009 to 2011, a period attributable to the President Benigno Aquino III. The CPI score indicates the perceived level of public sector corruption on a scale of 0 -10, where 0 means that a country is perceived as highly corrupt and 10 means that a country is perceived as very clean. But what does a slight improvement mean to us? A progress in ranking is good for the country but it did not help in making the lives of Filipinos better. To illustrate these rankings, when the Philippines corruption index improved, it was as good (or as bad) as the corruption in Bangladesh, the Baltic State of Belarus, and Pakistan. Corruption is detrimental to every citizens survival. However it is also Filipino culture that tolerates and permits corruption to prevail. It is important that the Filipino people will know the vitality of putting an end to the cancer which is crippling the society and gnawing at the peoples basic needs for survival. This then will determine the course of action that needs to be taken towards alleviating the countrys economy and thus improve the peoples lives. Political Corruption is commonly defined as the abuse of public office for personal enrichment . The most common forms of corruption that are prevalent in the Philippines are lagay system, extortion, collecting tong, rigged bidding, overpricing, nepotism, cronyism, and ghost employees. Corruption hampers the development of a country. It strips the people of basic

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Haunted by ghosts?

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Events

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Art and culture and the

Ripples: a haven for transformation, evolution

Community News

children with lead-free parks ecological awareness

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QC painting the town red for Earth Day 2012 City raises

Coming Together

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Publisher Bayan dela Cruz Editor-in-ChiEf Miriam Azurin MarkEting dirECtor Pio Granada graphiC Editor Alvin Villamor tEChniCal Editor Agadel Guerrero C o n s u lta n t s Aldwin Requejo Brian Lu

Compressed

Natural Gas (CNG): Alternative Fuel for a Green Future Know your Candidate

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Places To Go In The City

The Quezon CiTy TiMeS magazine is published by Gorilla Trading ground Floor, Francesca towers sct. Borromeo st. corner eDsa, Brgy. south triangle, Quezon city The Quezon City Times May 2012 Issue email: thequezoncitytimes@yahoo.com Tel.: 355-9811 for suggestions, comments, and contributions, please write to the Editor-in-Chief via thequezoncitytimes@yahoo.com

HauNTED By gHOSTS?

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The Quezon CiTy The Quezon CiTy

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cover story
Do you believe in ghosts?

Haunted by gHosts?
Angelica Carballo

ovember is still a few months away but if the Office of the Ombudsman is to be believed, a horror story is happening inside the Quezon City hall after it reported that two city councilors deserve the axe for keeping ghost employees in their respective payrolls. according to the Ombudsman, QC councilors Roderick Paulate from the second district and Francisco Calalay Jr. from the first district have been found to have maintained job order personnel under their respective offices which turned out to be fictitious persons for the period July 2010 to November 2010. The alleged fictitious personnel received a salary ranging from P 2,500 to P 5,000 monthly. Paulate was said to have disbursed P 1,125,000 while Calalay disbursed P 2,175,000 in wages, and was made possible through the submission of spurious Personal Data Sheets and payrolls. a certain Jimmy Lee Davis an insider and whistleblower according to the Ombudsman, with the help of former senator aquilino Pimentel Jr., filed the complaint. The two councilors were charged with malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents, violation of section 3(e) of republic Act No. 3019 and administrative charges for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and falsification of official documents. This is not the first time, though, for local officials to be charged and suspended for allegedly keeping ghost employees under their ward. In 2006, then Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay was suspended for being accused of keeping 500 non-existent employees on the city payroll and disbursed over P128 million in salaries. He was slapped with a 60-day preventive suspension. Suspended along with him was then Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado and 16 other councilors.

employing inexistent employees, among many. And though Philippine indices show that we have a big problem on corruption, particularly ghost employment, news reports show that it also happens in other countries. In Nigeria, no less than 17,000 ghost workers have been revealed to belong to the payroll of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria. There were also reports of local government officials in the united States that benefit from ghost employees. yet, this is not an excuse for the practice, which is common, if observations are correct. Those that have been reported were only the tip of the iceberg, and more money are being poured to the wrong pockets. The sad part is, many knew about this practices, but were either too afraid or simply do not care as long as it does not directly harm them. Corruption, in its many facets, hurt many sectors. The $2 billion that could have been spent on social services like health, education, poverty reduction, job creation, etc, would have yield more investments, economic growth, and lesser people leaving home for better jobs and opportunities abroad. The national picture can also be said in the local level. If allegations against Paulate and Calalay were true, the P3.3 million that were stolen from the public funds of Quezon City could have been spent on education, better health services, infrastructure, and other worthwhile projects. But if not, then the people behind these schemes should be dealt with the full extent of the law for smearing reputations and disrupting the work of honest government officials.Paulate vehemently denied the allegations hurled by the Office of the Ombudsman, with no less than Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte supporting his claims. Paulate refutes reports that a suspension has been served saying he has not received any notice yet. The first time councillor also cleared that he has no ghost employees and said that the allegations are meant to politically intimidate him.
The Quezon CiTy

public coffers. a public official would submit fictitious names and would claim paychecks for them. For the scheme to work, an employee is added to the payroll, time keeping and wage rate information are collected, paychecks are issued, and the check, or any form of monetary compensation are collected by the perpetrator. In many cases, the so-called ghost employees were mostly non-nexistent, or were either friends or relatives of the perpetrators or their cohorts. In the case of Paulate and Calalay, the Ombudsman said they did not find any records to show the proof of existence of almost 60 employees that allegedly worked in their respective offices. These proofs of existence could be birth certificates, tax identification numbers, NBI or police clearances, or voters registration. according to the Ombudsman, the names on the employees list were not even known in their respective barangays, and some addresses do not exist.

Calalay, on the other hand, accuses Quezon City First District rep. Vincent Crisologo as the mastermind of his suspension to tarnish his reputation as his strong opponent for the 2013 congressional bid.

Solutions at hand
The Philippines has had its fair share in terms of problems in corruption. Many moves initiated by civil society organizations have been started since way back to combat corruption in every possible level. The problem that comes with ghost employees and workers poses a serious threat to our existence as a community. The evils of corruption a multi-faceted one should go beyond the usual punitive and prosecutorial approach. as a community, we should encourage proactive citizen engagement and workable preventive approaches. In most government agencies, for example, the adoption of biometrics instead of bundy clocks are baby steps in achieving these goals. In the end, corruption cannot be fought by systemic and bureaucratic approaches though it helps. The war with corruption can be won by winning the hearts and minds of the constituency and creating advocates among them. all citizens not only in Quezon City, or in Makati, or aRMM should participate and remain vigilant. after all, we are the victims, and corruption bleeds us and our children all dry.

Last month, the newly appointed autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ArMM) governor Mujiv Hataman disclosed that over P 50 million of aRMM funds were lost to ghost employees.

Worldwide problem
In 2011, the Philippines was ranked as the 52nd most corrupt country in the world, with a Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of 2.6, according to Transparency International. CPI is the perceived level of public sector corruption, with a score of 0 being highly corrupt and 10 being clean. Different agencies estimate that at least 13% of the national budget or over $ 2 billion are lost to corruption. And by corruption, we mean bribery, red tape, overpricing, and

What is a ghost employee

The problem of ghost employees have been around for decades, and has been commonly observed in local government units, stripping away millions of pesos from

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art, culture and tHe bureaucracy

insigHts
The creative community was in the limelight last year because of the controversy behind the Poleteismo art exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The hornets nest was stirred because of the installation art work of Mideo Cruz presenting a portrait of Jesus Christ with an attached phallic symbol on the face. And that started the whole fiasco. The unprecedented event merited an investigation of the Senate Blue ribbon Committee to appease the roman Catholic believers, who were the prime complainants on the issue. The brewing battle subsided, but not till after Mideo et al were slapped a criminal case by the roman Catholic moral crusaders. Last year also, the creative community pursued a not so controversial issue but still a significant one, by espousing the creation of a Design Council of the Philippines, through Senate Bill 2930, which was sponsored by Senator Teofisto Tg guingona. The proposed Design Council will be the official body responsible for the promotion and development of various sectors that comprise the Philippine design industry. TG aims to achieve this through the formulation of a comprehensive national design policy, in consultation with concerned government agencies and design practitioners. Once signed into law, the Design Council would be under the jurisdiction of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Today, we have the Design Center Philippines under the DTI which was established during the Marcos administration. It was precisely conceived to help in harnessing the design requirements of the local as well as the export industries which have a promising and expanding market abroad. In its early years of operation, they were active in launching design clinics everywhere in the country to help local cottage industries that will boost local economies. They have also linkages in most advanced and developed countries to foster cultural exchange programs that will harness the creative powers of our local designers. As China and our neighboring countries in Southeast Asia entered the world market the countrys export industry began to wane. Since our government has no clear economic philosophy or policy even during the time of the President Cory aquino, our export industry has become a headless chicken, so to speak. In the post-Marcos period, DTI created other export support sections that was almost redundant to the existing Design Center Philippines which in itself today can be considered an endangered species with no clear mandate. We are not like our neighbors in Asia in terms of pursuing a niche in the world market simply because we dont have a local industry to speak of that is at par with those of Indonesia and Malaysia. our local furniture manufacturers cannot even compete with those in Indonesia and Malaysia in terms of market prices. Although furniture is one of our top 10 export industries, we dont have a comprehensive plan that is, one that includes raw materials to state-of-the-art technology in manufacturing, Most of these are imported. We are in a state of jigsawtools technology, as some exporters might say in jest. So how can a design council function in the industry if we dont have a local industry to speak of? We might be servicing the needs of foreign investors who are doing business in the country but not the local ones who should be the beneficiaries. Right now, well-known members of our creative community are advocating the creation of a Department of Culture, the purpose of which shall be formulating primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, regulating, and administrating to promote, develop, and instill pride in the countrys culture and heritage. My worry about the creation of this proposed bill is that, while it gives due importance to the significance of art and culture in nation building, it may only breed too many layers of bureaucracy, parochialism, political patronage, and corruption even in this respect. We all know that the National Commission for Culture and the arts (NCCa) went through a financial crisis after the past administration left the stewardship of the commission, leaving the agency with an almost bankrupt status. Most officials treat positions as spoils for the new administration. In effect, the advocacy for the enrichment of our art and culture in the commission becomes an enterprise and a milking cow for some political opportunists. Since the proposed department agency will not be an independent constitutional body, most likely it will breed political patronage in the agency, assuming that it could get a sufficient chunk of budget from the national coffers. The gruelling task of defending the fiscal budget in front of many politicians in the Congress will definitely boil down to political compromises and tradeoffs. This will only politicize the ranks of many cultural advocates and activists instead of unifying them in the name of art and culture. My fear is that the government is not really serious in upholding, much less supporting, the plight of the art community. They are not in the priority list of concerns of the powers that be. Is the government really serious in harnessing our culture? But then, look at what happened to our national language. It has become a second class citizen in its own country. From Quezon to PNoy, we have not yet decided on how to settle our differences on the formulation of a national language. Look how much support the NCCA is getting from the government that depends only on the taxes coming from the entertainment sector. up to now, even the Commission on Higher Education is not keen on implementing the provision for the establishment of a Center for Excellence and a Center of Development in the field of fine arts, while other disciplines have come a long way in utilizing their grants as beneficiaries almost a decade ago. I remember during the controversy surrounding Mideos art work exhibited in the CCP when most politicians were trying to threaten the Board of Trustees that their budget would be cut off if they would not do something about the crisis. It goes to show that the politicians were not aware that CCP is not getting its budget from the national coffers but through donations and rental from its complexes. Thats why it cannot even meet the required budget for its maintenance. Thats why the CCP is fast deteriorating structurally. art, culture and bureaucracy dont mix.

Professor Leonilo Doloricon is a respected and awarded artist, a cultural activist and former dean of the College of Fine Arts at the UP Diliman. He currently serves in the Board of Trustees of the Concerned Artist of the Philippines.

My fear is that the government is not really serious in upholding, much less supporting, the plight of the art community. They are not in the priority list of concerns of the powers that be. Is the government really serious in harnessing our culture? But then, look at what happened to our national language. It has become a second class citizen in its own country. From Quezon to PNoy, we have not yet decided on how to settle our differences on the formulation of a national language.

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commUnit y enterPrises

ripples: a Haven for transformation, evolution

Noel Sales Barcelona
People come to Ripples not only to buy things, but to have their lives transformed.

obinsons galleriaamidst the city noises, one will find peace and serenity in that small nook at the East Wing of that mall, just across the countrys labor export agency and beside the church erected on the place that witnessed the miracle of people power in 1986. It was almost a year ago when Ms. yasmin S. Nuo, had decided to put up a metaphysical book shop. She said, in an informal sharing during the 1stanniversary celebration of the founding of the store, the idea came in the 90s when she was in the crossroads of her life. I was in Bath, England then when I saw this hole-in-thewall metaphysical bookstore. The two words that struck me were upper astral. and I said to myself, I wish that theres a store like this in the Philippines. I want to have a feelgood store like this, the visionary entrepreneur and family counselor told a handful of people inside one of the rooms of the store, including the famous John Calub, the money magnet man of the Philippines.

Noel Resella, a reiki master and the store owner, Yasmin Nuo. Customers flock at the 1st Anniversary sale of Ripples.

Each seminar and workshop at ripples help participants examine the life that they currently have, and how the forces that are not known or cannot be known easily simply by the five senses, affect their daily living, Ishilta said. almost every week, they have seminars about personal healing, self-discovery, and life transformation. These seminars are handled by experts from aforementioned fields: life consultants, psychics and metaphysical healers, psychologists, family counselors, and seasoned writers. This month, they have the famous Jaime T. Licauco as one of their speakers and he would talk about Soulmates, Karma and reincarnation.

She said, she knows how it feels to be a pilgrim trekking the road less traveled. The path of self-discovery can be both exciting and challenging. Everyone has their own unique paths that they both discover as well as create, she said. and that realization had led her in founding the store, which is now attracting customers from different walks of life. However, at first, she resisted the idea of putting her store inside a mall, the symbolism of consummerism. I did not want it inside the mall, I just wanted a small lungga (place), she said. However, it was her husband that pulled her out of her shell and convinced her to put ripples inside the mall. He said, Nuo shared, if you want to help more people, you will have to put it in a place where you can reach many. The store is cozy and serene. It offers a lot of selftransformation and life learning seminars. Inside its seminar rooms, many souls have been touched and many minds and hearts opened and awakened. One of those was Nia Lopz, a woman in her 30s. Ripples, she said, had helped me in starting my spiritual journey through their crystal awareness seminar with Noel resella. one might say that the ripples Books and Gift Store is just another New Age store that caters ones curiosity to the unknown. But Ishilta, its intuitive marketing specialist, is quick in correcting the misconception.
Ripples: a unique store in Galleria.

Nevertheless, the intuitive side of knowledge, Ishilta revealed, is the one that attracts herds of customers. asked why that is so, the answer Ishilta gave this author is simple: as human beings, we are naturally inclined to fear the unknown. and as Filipinos, we are naturally curious in the unseen. Moreover, the stores friendly staff is also a magnet to people that they keep on coming back to check on the the bulletin boards near the door for updates on upcoming seminars, and the shelves for new books and other niceties. It is now safe to say, Ripples is a new haven for the seekers of higher wisdom and knowledge that can transform life for the better the kind of knowledge that are beyond everyday mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry. More appropriately called applied spiritualscience. It is also nice to know that amidst the chaotic and dense energies of our fast paced modern life, there can be a place where you can find things that are calming and uniqueand those which can lead you to a deeper understanding of human nature and the interconnection of the physical and spiritual selves to other selves or persons. Furthermore, just like the ripples in the water when a pebble has been thrown in, this author thinks and feels that the wisdom and the comfort that this store offered would soon touch your heart and soul, just like what happened to him, only in just a few visits.

Ripples: a unique store in Galleria.

yes it is true in one sense, but it is not what the store is all about. It is about personal transformation, selfempowerment, conscious lifestyle, giving our daily existence a different twist, he said, in an earlier interview in a quiet afternoon of May 8. one of the primary attractions of the store is not only its homey and peaceful ambience but its collection of selfgrowth books that will guide you in your spiritual journey, and the seminars that they are offering for a very low price. Ripples, Ishilta said, had been offering seminars that focus on understanding the persons inner self, in its wholeness and uniqueness; and how this self can relate to others in order to bring something good to the world.
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The leaders expressed alarm on the ongoing surveys and consultations being conducted by the City government under the recovery of right-of-way component of the project that spells demolition to the urban-poor communities. The project is foreseen to be completed in three years. They also questioned the real interest behind the project. While it is purported to deliver safer and more reliable water supply to the residents in the metropolis, the leaders questioned the nature of the project being within the framework of public-private partnership. The project which is being funded by several foreign banks and financial institutions ( P 1.45 billion), Export-Import Bank of China (P 5.75 billion), and asian Development Bank ($559 million) and will be built and operated by foreign and private companies, will later on be billed on the national coffers. The leaders call the project a brazen step to privatize the water resources and supply of the people. They said experiences in privatization proved to only make basic utilities more inaccessible to the people as private interest for profit contradict with the peoples basic right to social services. alsa Daang Tubo also threw suspicion on the transparency and integrity of the deals and contracts made regarding the project, it being part of the seven-project deal clinched by the Arroyo administration with China in 2008 which include the anomalous NBN-ZTE project. At the height of the Congress inquiries on the NBN-ZTE deal, the aquaduct project was suspended but was resurrected when the contract was awarded to China International Water and Electricity Company in July 2009. They expressed concern that the project may be a big source of corruption for the powers-that-be. They also questioned the apparent favor being given to the Ayala and Lopez families to whom the construction contracts for reservoirs have been awarded, especially so that the two families are known allies of the present Aquino administration. The alliance planned for series of activities and actions to push forward its advocacy-campaign of opposing the project.

community-based disaster preparedness trainings held

information drive on child pornography kicks off

alsa daangtubo sponsors formation of alliance against aqueduct project

n response to the series of natural disasters occurring in the country and around the globe due to climate change, the Community-Based Disaster Preparedness (CBDP) with Akap Bata Institute facilitated a series of community-based disaster preparedness trainings in the barangays of old Balara, Libis and Bagong Silangan in Quezon City to provide the residents of basic knowledge on disaster risk reduction and preparedness upon the occurrence of natural and manmade calamities. In the whole-day trainings, participants were provided with theoretical and practical insights on the different kinds and nature of calamities, how to minimize the impacts of the calamities by getting prepared and how to conduct contingency planning in times of hazards. Community drills were also conducted the next day of the training to test if the inputs have been effective in educating the participants. About 30 representives of families participated in each session in every barangay. They were urged to impart the information they learned in the training to other family members as the family is the most natural and smallest support and defense system in times of disaster.

arents and children alike from San Bartolome attended a community forum discussing child pornography in an activity organized by the Center for Peoples Action and Development (CPaD) in line with its anti-Child Pornography Campaign (ACPC). Concerned parents eagerly participated in the discussions wherein they aired their worries over the proliferation of internet shops in the communities while there are no strong regulatory measures being implemented to protect children from unscrupulous individuals who make business out of child pornography. To heighten the community peoples awareness on the issue, CPaD oriented the audience on the nature and different forms of child pornography being utilized today. They were also given tips on how to shelter their children against its ill effects and what to do when they encounter child pornography cases in the community. The residents were also urged to push for local legislations addressing the child pornography problem and support lobbying efforts for a substantive national law against this social problem.

eaders of different home-owners and socio-civic organizations from several communities in Quezon City met to form the alsa Daang-Tubo, a broad alliance of residents who oppose the impending multi-billion-peso Aquaduct project in the metropolis. The alliance was formed in an All Leaders Forum held on March 30 to discuss the breadth and nature of the Angat Water Utilization and Aqueduct Improvement Project (AWUAIP) and its imminent impacts to the lives, homes and livelihood of some 20,000 residents who will be displaced from their homes and worksites once the project is completed. The Center for People action and Development (CPaD) sponsored the meeting. The meeting also served as a consultation to substantiate the ill effects of the project to the urban poor communities that will be affected. The community leaders shared the current situation in their communities and gave their insights on how the project will only worsen the problems of joblessness, homelessness and poverty in their area. The Aquaduct project that consists of rehabilitating and connecting the five major water pipelines in the metropolis, and of building a new one which will serve as an alternate line while the project is in progress which will cover 11 barangays in Quezon City

peoples forum on demolition held

bout 200 residents of Barangay University of the Philippines (UP) Campus and other near barangays who face demolition due to the governments project gathered in a peoples forum to discuss the actions they will take to defend their right to their homes on March 25, 2012 at Libis, uP Diliman. The activity which was organized by the local organization Sambayanang Magkakadaupampalad Inc was held in partnership with the campaign alliance aklas C-5 and the Center for Peoples action and Development (CPaD). Leaders of the aklas C-5 gave updates on the progress of

the C-5 extension project which is a 22-kilometer highway project that aims to connect the South Luzon Expressway and the North Luzon Expressway from the two opposite ends of the metropolis. It will traverse through 10 barangays in Quezon City and projects to demolish the homes and livelihood of some 40,000 residents. Common residents of Barangay UP Campus and leaders of local organizations gave testimonies on how the local government and national governments housing agencies collaborate to convince them to evacuate their homes and transfer to a farflung relocation site wherein livelihood is very unsure.

Two-years into the campaign, the residents agreed to step up their efforts and bring to the national attention their plight. They concurred on enhancing their lobby efforts among national government leaders to make and stand and speak on the issue, in favor of the urban-poor whose lives will be run over by the highway project. They also agreed to putup a campaign center in the community which will be an information post wherein residents could report on incidents in connection to the project and wherein a quick-reaction team may be dispatched to aid them when they encounter problems with agencies that pursue the project.

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ng mga proyektong pangkaunlaran sa ilalim ng gobyernong aquino, malawakang demolisyon sa paninirhahan at lugar ng mga kabuhayan ang mararanasan sa pagpapatupad ng recovery of right of way sa mga komunidad na may mga aqueducts na naguugnay sa mga dams at water reservoir. Matatandaan nuong nakalipas na administrasyon ng dating Pangulong arroyo, ay walang habas ang pagpapalayas sa mga komunidad ng mga maralita, humigit kumulang 40,000 pamilya ang apektado sa 10 barangay ng lungsod Quezon sa pagpapatupad ng proyektong C-5 NSEP, sa planong QCBusiness District ng local government unit sa ilalim ni SB, NgC Privatization, Danger Zone at iba pa. Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, hindi pa din nalulutas ang mga batayang suliranin ng mga mamamayan, papalaki ang bilang ng tanggalan at kawalan ng ikinabubuhay, untiunting pagpapalayas sa mga komunidad ng maralita sa QC at NCr papataas na singil sa matrikula at mga bayarin sa eskuwelahan, papataas na presyo ng batayang bilihin, dagdag buwis sa petrolyo, at iba pa na lalong titindi sa kasalukuyang administrasyon ni Aquino. Tumitindi ang panawagan para sa kabuhayan, paninirahan, karapatan, serbisyo, katarungan at tunay na pagbabagong panlipunan, hindi lamang sa hanay ng apektadong residente sa kahabaan ng mga Daangtubo sa Lungsod Quezon. Dito nalikha ang isang malapad na koalisyon para sa maralitang tagalungsod, ang alsa Daangtubo.

commUnit y news
a productive and educational activity that would encourage them in contributing their talents to community and nation building and shun them away from anti-social activities. The event was organized by art that People Make, a metrobased network of artists that pursues contemporary social realism in their works, with the support of the Center for Peoples action and Development. Respected visual artists, filmmakers, writers, musicians and stage actors gave theoretical lectures on their crafts and on the arts, culture and society. The lectures provided the participants of a deeper understanding of the arts and basic techniques in executing different art forms. The art camp catered to the belief that the lives of the poor are a rich source of and inspiration for excellent art pieces. outputs of the workshops showcased the urban poor youths deepest sentiments and sharp social commentaries executed in various artistic modes. Intermediate workshops and exhibits of the outputs are planned to follow the art camp.

alsa daangtubo, binuo ng maralitang tagalungsod

artistic urban poor youth honed in art camp

itong mga nakaraang mga taon sumambulat sa buong daigdig ang pagbagsak at pagdausdos ng ekonomiya ng US at iba pang mga kapitalistang bansa. Kabilang ang Pilipinas, sa apektado ng krisis at pasanpasan ito ng mga manggagawa at mamamayang pilipino hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Malawakang tanggalan sa trabaho ang naging resulta ng krisis. Milyong bilang na pilipino ang walang hanap buhay habang tumitindi naman ang pleksibilisasyon sa paggawa, kontraktwalisasyon, mababang pasahod, kawalan ng benipisyo at paglabag sa mga karapatang pangmanggagawa tulad ng pagdurog sa mga unyon at pagsasabalewala ng CBA. Habang patuloy ang pagwasak sa mga pwersa sa produksyon, Sa lungsod, hindi pa din ligtas ang mga maralita at mamamayang naninirahan sa kasalukuyang pagpapatupad

ome 100 arts, music and theater-inclined youth from urban poor communities joined in the art and Society Camp, a week-long training-workshop on different artistic disciplines held in Brgy. Manresa in Quezon City on April 1. The activity aims to offer to the marginalized youth the skills training and talent development that is only usually available for those who can afford them. It also intends to discover among the poor potential talents that could rise as great artists in the future. Further, it aims to provide the youth

Propesor JMS sa hanay ng malawak na inoorganisang masa at ng mga aktibista mula sa mga kasapi at alyadong organisasyon ng Bayan-QC. Kung kaya, hindi pinapalitan, bagkus ay pagsuhay pa sa Pambansa Demokratikong Paaralan (PaDePa), o katumbas nito, na pawang sistematiko at sustenidong pag-aaral sa loob ng mga pambansang demokratikong organisasyong masa sa ilalim ng Bayan-QC. Nakikita ng Bayan-QC ang silbi ng Paaralang JMS sa konteksto ng pakikibaka ng mamamayang Pilipino para sa tunay na demokrasya at kalayaan, lalo na sa harap ng walang humpay na paghahabi ng imperyalismong US (at pagtatambol ng mainstream media) sa ilusyon ng pag-asa sa rehimeng USNoynoy Aquino; sa harap ng pag-igting ng kronikong krisis ng malakolonyal at malapyudal na lipunang Pilipino; at sa harap ng ibayong paglalim ng krisis sa ekonomya at pinansya ng US at mga imperyalistang bansa. Ang pag-aaral sa mga akda at aklat ni Propesor JMS ay tiyak na makapaglilinaw sa batayang suri sa lipunang Pilipino bilang malakolonyal at malapyudal at sa pangangailangan sa tiyak na pagtatagumpay ng pambansang demokratikong rebolusyon sa hinaharap. Tinatanaw ng Bayan-QC na magkaroon ng pangrehiyong pisikal na sentro para sa Paaralang JMS; gayundin na magkaroon ng kahalintulad na sentro ang mga organisasyong masa na kasapi ng Bayan-QC, at mga balangay nito sa antas syudad.

LegisLAtive news

senate oKs bill for 2 neW Quezon city districts on 3rd reading
Marvin Sy

paaralang Jose ma. sison, ilulunsad

he Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill creating two new congressional districts and 12 city council seats in Quezon City.

This would take effect in the next local elections after the bill is signed into law and takes effect. as a result of the bill, the city council would also have 12 additional members, based on the law mandating the election of six councilors for each of Quezon Citys legislative districts. With the enormous size of the populations of the second congressional district of Quezon City, which is larger than some of our provinces, the people of Quezon City deserve more district representatives to promote their welfare, Marcos said. Quoting constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas, Marcos said the rule on reapportionment is based on the principle of equality and representation. This means that larger representative districts should be entitled to more representatives in Congress, Marcos said.

asisimulan ng Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Quezon City (Bayan-QC) ang Paaralang Jose Ma. Sison, na tatawaging Paaralang JMS sa Abril 2012. Ito ay bilang pagpupugay kay Propesor JMS sa kanyang ika-50 taon ng maningning na paglilingkod sa mamamayang Pilipino; sa kanyang hindi mapapantayang ambag sa pambansang demokratikong kilusan sa Pilipinas; at sa kanyang mga sulatin tungkol sa pakikibaka ng sambayanang Pilipino para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya; sa pakikibaka ng mamamayan ng daigdig laban sa imperyalistang pandarambong at gera; at gayundin, sa pilosopiya at unibersal na teyorya at praktika ng MarxismoLeninismo-Maoismo. Ang Paaralang JMS ay nakaturol sa pag-aaral at pagsasanay ng paparaming bilang ng mga instruktor sa ibat ibang edukasyong pampulitika partikular ng mga akda at aklat na isinulat ni

With a vote of 14 to zero, the Senate adopted House Bill 4245, which would increase the legislative districts of Quezon City from four to six. Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the sponsor of the bill, noted that Quezon City has grown in size in terms of population to 2,761,720 based on the 2010 census of population and housing conducted by the National Statistics Office. The same census showed that the second district of Quezon City has a population of 1,611,488. Based on House Bill 4245, the second legislative district of Quezon City would be reapportioned to create two new districts to be known as the 5th and 6th congressional districts.

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isusteni ang daloy at pasok ng mga dayuhang pautang para patuloy na magkamal ng malaking ganansya ang mga dayuhang bangko gaya ng aDB at WB, pribadong contractor ng kalsada gaya ng BHC at Tollway operator na Metropolitan Tollways Corp. at napapalalim pa ang balon ng burukratikong korupsyon. Ang mga ipinapatupad na mga proyekto ay alinsunod sa binalangkas ng Medium Term Development Plan 2005-2010 subalit sinimulan na sa panahon ng gobyernong Estrada. It is very clear that the current government has no plans of developments that include and are for the poor people. What the government has are development projects that will not only destroy the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos, but are in direct observance to foreign investors demands. The government itself announced last year, through Department of Interior and Local goverment Secretary Robredo, that there will be a massive relocation of more than 556, 000 families from the National Capital Region alone. For us, this only means one thing demolition. and with demolitions comes nothing but the destruction of our lives, our homes, our livelihoods, says Cecil Cari, KaDaMayQC Chairman. It may be recalled that the government issued the said statement last year in lieu of the various PPP Programs that are on its plan of implementation to fulfill its Philippine Development Plan. These PPP Programs include the reclamation of the Freedom Island and LrT 1 extension in Paraaque-Las Pias, the constructions of the North Bay Boulevard Business Park in Navotas, the National government Center and Central Business District in Quezon City, the MRT 7 extension in Pangarap Village, amongst the list of more than 50 PPP Programs. Recently, the National Economic and Development authority (NEDa) said government has approved 12 massive PPP Projects amounting to 133 Billion pesos, one of which is the LRT 1 extension that will run from Baclaran to Bacoor, Cavite. The said PPP Project alone will destroy and demolish more than 27,000 families, plus an additional 3,000 families that will be affected due to road widening to cater to the beautification of the LRT1 extension. Cari also added, aside from the constant threat of demolitions and forced evictions, the poor people are also gravely affected by increasing oil and petroleum and other basic commodities and services price hikes. It is not enough for the government to destroy our physical abode and means of livelihood and subsistence. With its other antipeople, pro-businessmen and capitalists policies such as the Oil Deregulation Law and 12% E-Vat on basic commodities and oil products, they are placing far more burden for the poor people to shoulder. But the people will no longer carry further burdens passed by the government. Various militant groups will assemble and march from their local communities going to the Supreme Court of the Philippines where they will file their cases vs. PNoys government and will join us one in Mendiola to demand the immediate action of the government to repeal uDHa and to scrap the Oil Deregulation Law and 12% EVaT on basic commodities and oil products. Cari ended.

alyansa ng mamamayan laban sa proyektong c-5 (aKlas c5), itinayo

apalaki ang banta ng pagkawala ng kabuhayan at katiyakan ng paninirahan sa 8 barangay ng Quezon City dahil sa patuloy na pagpapatupad ng proyektong tulad ng pagtatayo ng 22-kilometrong C-5 Extension Project mula sa C.P. Garcia St. ng Brgy. UP Campus hanggang sa Brgy. Talipapa ng Novaliches, Quezon City. Naging kasabwat ng dating gobyernong GMA at mga ahensya nito proyektong imprastruktura sa pagpasahol sa kahirapan at kagutuman at pagwasak sa mga pamayanan ng mararalitang lunsod ang Metro Manila Development authority (MMDa) at ang kontraktor na Benpress Holdings Corp. (BHC) na pinagmamay-arian ng pamilyang Lopez. Pinagiibayo ng dating gobyernong GMA ang pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong pangkaunlaran kagaya ng kalsadang C-5 Extension kapalit ng malawakang dislokasyon sa paninirahan at pagsahol sa kahirapan at kagutuman ng mga maralitanglunsod at mamamayan sa 8 barangay ng Quezon City para

ang mga naganap na demolisyon sa C5 at mga banta pang demolisyon ay dagdag na pahirap sa libo-libong pamilya ng maralitat mamamayan ng Quezon City na ngayoy dumaranas na ng kawalan ng sapat na kabuhayan, mabigat na pasanin dulot ng patuloy na pagtaas ng mga bilihin, batayang panlipunang serbisyo, kuryentet tubig, dagdag na buwis na Expanded Value added Tax (EVaT,) at panunupil sa mga demokratikong karapatan. Hindi maasahan ang kasalukuyang gobyerno na pigilan pa ang malawakang demolisyon na kagyat na nagresulta na sa dislokasyon ng kabuhayan at paninirahan ng libo-libong pamilya ng maralitang-lunsod at mamamayan dahil sila mismo ang tagapagpatupad ng mga programat plano ng kaunlaran na ang kakambal ay demolisyon ng pamayanan at kaakibat na dislokasyon para sa mamamayan. ang alyansa Laban sa C-5 ay isang alyansa na kinapalooban ng mga nakatayo ng mga alyansa at mga lokal na organisasyon o samahan ng mga maralitang-lunsod at mamamayan na apektado ng kontra-mamamayang C-5 Extension Road at Access roads.

urban development and Housing act (udHa) lambasted by urban poor group

housands of people from different militant urban poor groups continue their series of protest against the implementation of urban Development and Housing act (uDHa). This militant sector said the law, implemented on March 24, 1992, legalized the demolitions, forced evictions, arsons and various forms of destruction of the lives and livelihoods of the people to give way to various projects and businesses of foreign investors. Since its enactment, uDHa had been referred to by various government officials as an added excuse to implement government developmental projects. But uDHas existence for the past 20 years did nothing but to further the attacks on the lives and livelihoods of the poor. Groups says the law did not serve the people, rather, it served big businessmen and capitalists, the likes of Ramos, arroyo, aquino, and foreign investors. It legalized demolitions and was a policy made according to the dictate of foreign investors and local capitalists in the form of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects.

bantay Karapatan

a harap ng sumisidhing krisis sa pandaigdigan at pambansang saklaw ay ipinagpatuloy ng gobyernong Aquino ang pagpapatupad ng mga pangunahing nakasalig-sa-utang at kontra-mamamayang proyektong pang-imprastruktura, pribatisasyon ng mga pag-aari at kontrol ng gobyerno, at ng mga patakaran sa murang pasahod at kontraktwalisasyon ng mga manggagawa ng dating rehimeng US-Arroyo upang maitaguyod ang interes sa tubo ng mga malalaking dayuhan at lokal na mga mamumuhunan sa bansa. Sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatupad ng proyektong Angat Water Utilization and Aqueduct Improvement Project (AWUAIP) Phase II at ang kaakibat na Acquisition of road rightof-Way (aRROW) sa ibabaw na lupain ng mga aqueduct mula Bicti, Norzagaray tungo sa Novaliches Portal at hanggang sa East at West Distribution System sa buong Metro Manila, pagpapalapad ng saklaw ng C-5 North Extension Propject (C5NEP), sa pribatisasyon ng National government Center (NgC), isailalim sa eco-tourism ang Payatas, paglilinis ng mga komunidad sa estero, kanal at sapa ay pinapabilis ng sabwatan ng gobyernong Aquino at ng mga pribadong mamumuhunan ang ang kampanya ng demolisyon sa maraming maralitang komunidad at maliliit na subdivision sa Lungsod Quezon.

Sa pagpapatuloy ng pagpapatupad ng patakaran ng mga nakaraang rehimen sa murang pasahod at kontraktwalisasyon ng gobyernong aquino, patuloy ang pag-iral ng kakulangan sa pasahod at kawalan ng benepisyo, naging laganap ang tanggalan at naging kasanayan na ang mawalan ng trabaho pagkatapos ng limang buwan ang mga manggagawa sa mga manupaktura at mga komersyal na establisimento. Dahil sa kalagayang ito, isang napakahalagang hamon ng panahon, ayon sa mga alyansa, ang paglaban ng mga maralitang lungsod na kinabibilangan ng mga manggagawa, mala-manggagawa at iba pang demokratikong sektor upang maiguhit ang makatarungang kahilingan ng maralitang lunsod sa disenteng pabahay, laban sa disempleyo at para sa disenteng kabuhayan sa harap ng sumisidhing kahirapan na ipinapatupad n gobyernong Aquino at kasabwat nitong mga dayuhan at lokal na mamumuhunan.

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city painting tHe toWn red for cHildren WitH lead-free parKs
Noel Sales Barcelona

he Quezon City Government had started its routine check on the safety of playground equipment at the Quezon City Circle as there were reports that the paints used on swings and other park implements had a high content of lead, a chemical that is considered a health hazard. Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that hurts almost all body organs, particularly the kidneys, red blood cells, and central nervous system. In young children, lead retards the development of the central nervous system and brain. Earlier, environmental watchdog, Eco-Waste Coalition had identified 19 out of 25 equipment-on-use at QMC do have a high level of lead on it. In a statement, Mayor Herbert Constantine Bistek M. Bautista said, he has already issued a marching order to park personnel to scrape the paints of some park exercise equipment and replace it with a lead-free type of paint. Eco-Waste Coalition, meanwhile, will help the QC Circle maintenance team to identify if the paint used in certain equipment is health-friendly. By means of X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer, one would know if the equipment has a high level of lead in it. We have to make sure that all city-operated parks, especially the QMC, should be maintained as lead-free zones, says Bautista.

What can be done to prevent exposure to lead?

Talk to your state or local health department about testing paint and dust from your home for lead. Make sure your child does not have access to peeling paint or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint. Pregnant women and children should not be present during house paint renovations or in cleaning up paint debris after work is completed. Create barriers between living/play areas and lead sources. until environmental clean-up is completed, parents should clean and isolate all sources of lead. They should close and lock doors to keep children away from chipping or peeling paint on walls. you can also apply temporary barriers such as contact paper or duct tape, to cover holes in walls or to block childrens access to other sources of lead. regularly wash childrens hands and toys. Hands and toys can become contaminated from household dust or exterior soil. Both are known lead sources. Regularly wet-mop floors and wet-wipe window components. Because household dust is a major source of lead, parents should wet-mop floors and wet-wipe horizontal surfaces every 2-3 weeks. Windowsills and wells can contain high levels of leaded dust. They should be kept clean. If feasible, windows should be shut to prevent abrasion of painted surfaces or opened from the top sash. Prevent children from playing in bare soil; if possible, provide them with sandboxes.Parents should plant grass on areas of bare soil or cover the soil with grass seed, mulch, or wood chips, if possible. until the bare soil is covered, parents should move play areas away from bare soil and away from the sides of the house.

Lead poisoning is one of the top environmental health risk facing children. In the united States, more than three million children age six and younger-- thats one out of every six children -- already has toxic levels of lead in their bodies. Paint is one of the sources of lead poisoning among children. In 2009, a global study conducted by the International PoPs Elimination Network (IPEN) entitled The Lead in New Decorative Household Paints, which revealed that out of the 25 paint samples from the Philippines, 15 of which were enamel and 10 were plastic paints, 40 percent registered lead concentrations higher than the recommended limit of 90 ppm (parts per million), and 36 percent had lead content higher than 600 ppm. The City Governments move to jumpstart a lead-free community for children is laudable, it is also important for other institutions including families to ensure that children are free from lead in their own homes and schools.

Source: uS Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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for tHe common good

eartH day 2012

city raises ecological aWareness

Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and the QC Liga ng mga Barangay, headed by Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica. The workshop was attended by barangay captains and kagawads and was concluded by the identification of immediate environmental issues and challenges faced by each district with their corresponding plan of action. Meanwhile, the first of two Seminar Workshops on the Environmental and Health Impacts of Handling E-waste by the Informal Sector in Solid Waste Management was held on april 18 at the Novaliches District Center (NDC). Junkshop owners from District II attended the workshop. The event was graced by Ms. Elizabeth Cario, a Science Research Specialist of the Hazardous Waste Management Section of DENR-EMB. The second seminar workshop followed on May 2 with districts I, III and IV junkshop owners as participants. Free emission tests were also conducted as part of the Transport Summit Project of the EPWMD to enforce compliance to the Clean Air Act. A Green Fleet Management Seminar was successfully conducted on april 19 at the EPWMD Conference room and was attended by QC employees in charge of the maintenance of the city-owned vehicles along with vehicle custodians and mechanics. Michael alunan, Technical Consultant of a number of Transport Groups and a Member of atin to Development Services talked about the Health Effects of Air Pollution. Licensed Mechanical Engineer David garcia, also a Technical Consultant of Metro Manila Tricycle Coalition, discussed alternative Technologies for Motorcycles and Diesel Engine Emission Control Systems. On the other hand, the Manager of Operations/Technical Support Department of Pilipinas Hino, Inc., Mechanical Engineer Percibal Ronario, talked about Motor Vehicle Maintenance Program. The Hakot Bulasi sa Barangay capped the week off with another booming campaign on waste reduction. on April 20, barangays, homeowners associations and offices were asked to bring their recyclable materials and sell them to the twelve (12) recyclers invited by the city. and finally, an Info Caravan was held from april 16 - 30. residents in different pilot barangays got a chance to meet Dodong Masinop , Christina Compostina, Tintin Kutingting as they perform while campaigning for a cleaner environment through recycling, reusing and composting waste. Residents were treated with a fun filled day with dance numbers and role playing and almost everyone got an ecobag with info materials inside. Quezon City will always participate in Earth Day events and efforts in the protection of Mother Earth will continue throughout the rest of the year. This goes to show the citys vigilance in creating a clean, green and pleasant Quezon City today and in the many years still to come.

uezon City has shown that every day is truly dedicated to Mother Earth with a full schedule of activities last april in celebration of Earth Day 2012.

Quezon City was vigilant in its participation during the Earth Hour. On March 31, significant portions of the Quezon City Hall Compound, the Quezon Memorial Circle and streetlights all around the city were turned off in an hour. Private establishments, big and small, and residences also participated. But in the dimness of it all, one can see flashes of light from digital cameras of photographers who joined the first ever Quezon City Earth Hour 2012 Photo Contest. Out of those flashes, 18 finalists emerged in top luster and had their pictures showcased in the photo exhibit which was formally launched on April 16. Grand winners were awarded their prizes and had their pictures taken with the Honorable Mayor Herbert Bautista during the flag ceremony on april 23. a total of P50,000 was awarded to finalists and winners of the photo contest.

On april 16, the Eco-livelihood Exhibit was also formally launched by the City government. Still part of the Earth Day Celebration was the display, selling and exhibit of products from recycled materials and the benefits of recycling by eight (8) partner non-government organizations and QC Huwarang Barangays. The exhibit included accessories and bags created from doi packs, used tarpaulin, denims, katya, used paper and recycled plastics. Eco-livelihood Training for the Street Sweepers were also conducted daily from April 16-20 where a number of institutions taught different crafts to the audience which reached more than 500 participants at the end of the week. Speakers invited were from Kababaihang Iisa ang Layuning Umunlad ang Sambayanan Foundation Inc. (KILuS), Caritas Manila, Paraaque Development Foundation Inc. (PDFI), Buklod-Tao and Polystyrene Packaging Council of the Philippines (PPCP). On april 17, the Liga Para sa Klima Workshop was held at the Ateneo de Manila University with the help of the World

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peoples caravan For Jobs, homes and JustIce

The journey continues . . .

coming togetHer
bIYaYanG tulonG FoundatIon
The BIyAyANG TULoNG Foundation envisions to create a full grown tree of more selfreliant communities and to achieve a more equitable distribution of income through strong programs in entrepreneurship, small enterprise development, community credit projects and community organizing. The Foundation led by Engr. Boye Tabora as president, aims to mobilize, train, organize and assist the Foundations growing clientele of micro, cottage, and small enterprises and associations in the region by offering the following programs and activities : seminars and mini-courses on subjects useful for small enterprise owner-manager; publications to meet the information needs of small businessmen; provide consultancy services on areas such as personnel, financial and marketing management; spearhead dialogues among entrepreneurs belonging to the same industry to motivate them to unite and work out solutions to common problems and conduct feasibility studies for businesses that need to be appraised for people desiring to go into or expand their businesses.

Peoples Caravan for Truth Justice and Change is a people- based organization which aims to heighten awareness on the three basic concepts mentioned above through dramatic methods focusing on socio-cultural- political activities namely, Campaign, advocacy, Research, awareness, Volunteer Recruitment and Networking. Peoples Caravan which was launched in 2008 has been successful in its advocacies to expose social and cultural inequities and violation against human and legal rights of people. It campaigned against the glaring demolition of thousands of urban poor residents in violation of their right to shelter while dislocating them from their abodes and work sources in various places in the metropolis under Pnoys Public Private Partnership. Contractualization has also become a social scourge as showcased in the ongoing Philippine Airlines labor issue and the plight of some 160 janitors who stand to lose their jobs under contractualization. Email address peoples caravan 2008@yahoo.com; website www.peoples caravan.multiply.com

cItY-level rIGhts Watch

To stitch together the strength of different campaign alliances that actively defend the rights to livelihood, housing and social justice of the residents of Quezon City, the Rights Watch Network was formed in an all Leaders Forum held on april 3, 2012 at Brgy. Hall of Brgy. Project-6. Conveners of the network include the aklas C-5, alma Daang Tubo, Kilos and city formations of progressive party-lists Bayan Muna, gabriela Womens Party. The activity was launched. Speakers from different communities gave a situation in their respective areas, focusing on how their rights to livelihood, housing and social justice are being threatened by the national and local development projects. after a resolution calling for the formation of the network was approved, a plenary to define the nature and tasks of the network was conducted. The participant agreed that the network will be a peoples movement in the city level that will serve as a coordinating body and support system for each and every community that faces threats to their rights. They concurred in inviting more groups and organizations to the network, giving special attention to friendly local government leaders, church people, other institutions and professionals whose support are imperative to the advancement of their objectives.

an Kablas the poor

The aN KaBLaS, a waray word which means The Poor, is a non-stock and non-profit Foundation dedicated to serve the marginalized and depressed communities, organizations and sectors. It is duly-registered with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). as part of the efforts to address the peoples concerns, the aN KaBLaS (THE POOR) led by Junio Braga as president and a board of directors from highly respected multisectoral backgrounds was established to undertake several programs and projects suited to the actual needs of the underprivileged and marginalized sectors. To achieve its vision and mission, the aN KaBLaS with its present office on No. 14 Katuparan St. Commonwealth Ave along Quezon City is on the process of facilitating the delivery of its multi- tiered community based programs.

QuarKs technoloGIes
QUArKS TECHNoLoGIES is a people- centered organization seeking to enhance the quality of life of the people by empowering them to employ and safeguard resources. Headed by Mark Palad as Executive Director, the group aims to promote and facilitate the transfer of appropriate technology for international understanding; influence policy-makers, planners and practitioners on sustainable development issues and develop effective networking strategies and mechanisms for cooperation and sharing. Information technology, women issues and livelihood technology programs are also tackled.

communItY netWorK For dIsaster and rIsK reductIon, Inc.

The Community Network for Disaster and Risk Reduction Inc. (CNDRR) is a community based environmental organization aimed at protecting Gods given natural and human resources and their natural habitat through rational planning and management, utilizing different levels of networking including local, national and international groups who share common goals, objectives and vision. Specifically, CNDRR under the present leadership of Mr. Ben Cordero, as Executive Director believes in implementing plans and programs which will reduce pollutants in the air, provide a healthy work environment for workers and tap the advantages of educational and scientific programs in the furtherance of its goals and vision. The organization likewise aims to provide communities with the capacity to respond actively (Bayanihan style) to natural calamities spurred by global warming and other climactic occurrences by tapping private and public sector organizations and individuals who have developed social responsibility and awareness.

Intact phIlIppInes
Intact Philippines is a people centered organization aiming to be accredited by government as responsible cellphone specialists and shop owners wanting to protect the integrity of their business and profession. The organization led by Prime Mejia as president aims to extend financial and legal assistance to its qualified members through its organizations fundings and outside sources.

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feAtUre ArticLe

compressed natural gas: alternative fuel for a green future

Ellen Landicho

he spate of recent oil price increases topped by the rise of prices in commodity has stirred another wave of mass protests and transport strikes all over the country. While the drivers and operators are calling for an end to these unending spike to fuel costs, the government seems helpless in addressing the crises that has its roots in international problems and tensions between the oil producing nations. International oil importation has become politicized due to regional tensions therefore affecting the supply chain all over the world. International oil prices started to go up therefore affecting our economy in a drastic way.

of these vehicles plying its route daily which further adds contaminants in the air. We clearly need fuel for our transportation and industry, but we can no longer use such expensive and dirty fuels. That is where Compressed Natural Gas or CNG becomes a necessity.

Clean
Reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 20% to 30% Reducing carbon monoxide (CO) emissions up to 75% Reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by approximately 50% Reducing up to 95% of particle matter (PM) emissions Reducing volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions by 55%

Fuel for the Future

CNG has been dubbed as the fuel of the future and has been used in many countries including the uS, Canada, australia, Middle east, China and South East asia. Because of its low greenhouse emission, it has become the international clean fuel standard that will not only benefit the users but the environment as well. The development of CNG has been around for almost three decades, it started as early as 1994 in some countries like IrAN and the middle east. These countries have placed laws that provide incentives and regulatory functions in CNG production within the transport sector.

CNG is a readily available alternative to gasoline thats made by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. Consisting mostly of methane, CNg is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Its drawn from domestically drilled natural gas wells or in conjunction with crude oil production.

Clean Air versus Fuel Consumption

Petroleum products are the dirtiest forms of fuel when burned. They emit a thick cloud of carbon monoxide, lead and other harmful chemicals which the environmental advocates blame as the main cause of pollution in the world andd is now the main cause of climate change. Here in metro manila alone, busses, jeeps and private vehicles all contribute to the worsening state of the environment. Commonwealth and EDSa alone has thousands

CNG in the Philippines

In the Philippines, CNg has been developed slowly for over a decade starting with the discovery of the Camago deposit and later the Malampaya Natural gas field. In its current state, it is producing an amount of almost 2,700 megawatts of power which can reach up to 8,000 megawatts in full production. this energy source is capable of supplying 40-70% of the Luzon power requirements and is also able to supply parts of Visayas and Mindanao. The CNG deposits found in Malampaya and other adjacent areas can easily meet the energy requirement of Luzon which includes not only electricity but also fuel for transportation, industrial fuel requirements and other uses. Currently, the government has accumulated a total of P25 Billion in savings and income from the Malampaya operations within the decade. This amount earned is large enough considering that it is not operating in full capacity and the deposits have not been fully utilised. This Malampaya fund can be used in further developing the CNG distribution network, the pipelines, the facilities and other support structures, manpower trainings and conversions needed to meet the growing demand that CNG production will produce. CNG is the energy of the future because it is more advantageous in all aspects such as price, availability, emission levels and safety that our reliance with imported oil will diminish and we shall become independent of foreign control in terms of energy production. The only way for this to flourish is for the government to have enough political will in order to enact laws that will support the creation of the CNG industry. We as citizens also have the responsibility of campaigning for CNG and informing our legislators, local politicians and our fellow citizens to support in such endeavor. All of this efforts will be part of the green future ahead and for the economic success of our nation for years to come.

Abundant
This offshore oil well called the Malampaya Gas Field off the coast between Mindoro and Palawan has been operational for over ten years within an estimated life span of 20 years. This huge amount of reserve has been operating at a total generating capacity of 2,700 Megawatts in Ilihan power plant off the coast of Batangas to provide 40-45% of Luzons power generation requirements.

Affordable
according to the DOE, CNg would cost the consumer just P14-P18/liter because of the abundance of CNG. Less production and processing cost is also a major factor in its affordability. Because the gas can be distributed and utilized straight out of the oil well in its natural state, fewer refining and production process is necessary therefore making it less expensive than its counterparts. Infrastructures can therefore be focused on the immediate distribution and can be easily transported through pipelines.

Safe
although CNg is flammable, it has a narrow flammability range, making it an inherently safe fuel. Strict safety standards make CNG vehicles as safe as gasoline-powered vehicles. In the event of a spill or accidental release, CNg poses no threat to land or water, as it is nontoxic. CNg also disperses rapidly, minimizing ignition risk when compared to gasoline. Natural gas is lighter than air and will not pool as a liquid or vapor. Nevertheless, indoor leaks can form a flammable mixture in the vicinity of an ignition source. Reported incidents of CNg bus fires are related to engine failures, not the use of natural gas. Natural gas buses have onboard gas detectors and other safety devices such as tank safety valves that only allow fuel flow when the engine is on.

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Aquinos open skies policy

Quezon Citys

rom its first outlet in Project 8, Quezon City which opened in November 1985, the number of Baliwag Lechon Manok outlets has grown to nearly 200 to this date. These outlets are strategically located to be easily available to all consumers, from those living in rural provinces to those working in the most highly developed cities.
The classic and highly beloved Baliwag Lechon Manok and Liempo (roasted chicken and roasted pork) are getting some very tough competition from the recent additions of new items sold in their outlets. The Crispy Pata (deep fried pork leg) has been traditionally reserved by the family for special occasions such as anniversaries or weddings. Now, in a matter of a few minutes and at the most affordable price available, Mom or Dad can conveniently buy hot, fresh, and juicy Crispy Pata for them to share with their kids at home any day of the week. Also, the Regular and Spicy Chicharon (deep fried pork skin) has immediately gained popularity from the first time it was

Lechon Manok
introduced in 2006. It has been enjoyed either as a complement to the Lechon Manok and Liempo, or as a filling snack to be dipped in Baliwags special vinegar. Other popular additions include the pork barbeque, siopao, and bottled atchara. n

An Open Invitation to the Destruction of the Local Airline Industry

Dindo Enriquez

he national economic Protectionism Association (nePA) welcomes Lance Gokongweis position on the Aquinos administrations open skies policy by the Aquino Administration.
As correctly pointed out, Aquinos executive order opens the countrys skies without any measure of reciprocal gesture from foreign countries. nePA had long advocated for the protection and promotion of local industries so that they can compete within and out of the country. unfortunately, neo-liberal

like the Philippine Airlines during the Marcos years. it must be pointed out, however, that a level playing field is illusory in the airline business if one takes into consideration that the policies had already virtually united States (and France ) have wiped out the countrys industri- a virtual monopoly in the producal, manufacturing and agricultur- tion, sales and rental of aircrafts in al sector. The Aquino administra- this part of the world. tions open skies policies policy, Moreover, the uS and among other ill-advised programs French government extend will severely damage what re- strong support for their airline mains of the service sector. and aircraft business - cajoling Gokongwei stressed that what and bullying other countries they are seeking is equal, and not to expand and develop their favorable, treatment. nePA, too world monopoly. This contrasts do not advocate protectionism if sharply to the support our govit means protection of monopolies ernment had show its ours.

The reality of globalization is an inescapable fact of our economic and business life. however, globalization does not mean the lack of protection of local industries. up till now, the present administration has shown a remarkable penchant in promoting foreign interests to the detriment of our own. We need more Gokongweis speaking out in behalf of Filipino businessmen and genuine Filipino interests. Most other business groups and businessmen sound and act like lobbyists for foreign interest. Kudos Lance! n

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Know yoUr cAndidAte

aliaH dimaporo
PERSONAL INFORMATION
at present, Rep. Dimaporo of the 2nd District of Lanao del Norte is laying the groundwork for the launch of a national movement called the young Leaders for one Philippines (y1P). One of the y1P thrusts, she says, will be the conduct of sports activities for the young people to promote peace. Unity is an essential element of peace and throughout history, sports has proven to be one effective, universal, tool for its promotion. She cites the phenomenal influence of sports stars like the azkals, the Philippine Dragon Boat racing Team and her colleague in Congress, Rep. Manny Pacquiao, in promoting unity and national pride among Filipinos. our excellence in sports has opened the world to the Filipino and has united us in national pride. Sport builds nations, brings pride to a country, and unites people in diversity. among other benefits, the young solon also adds that sports also helps in the development of social skills and promotion of values, such as the responsibility and leadership in teamwork, respect and humility in sportsmanship, and discipline and perseverance in play. Dimaporo admits that she has become an ardent promoter of peace for personal reasons. I am a product of peace. My forebears were from two warring factions and were literally killing each other until the marriage of my parents, through their union, put an end to it in 1977. Aliah graduated magna cum laude in Sociology at the Mindanao State University. Before joining Congress, she was the Executive Director of World youth alliance Foundation Inc, in New york City, New york. Date of Birth: 12 March Place of Birth: San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines Nationality: Filipino Parents : Mother: Imelda Quibranza- Dimaporo Father: abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo

ADVOCACIES
I. Mindanao NOW!
Pegged by Manila Bulletin as Mindanaos Child of Peace (Pamaran, M. 9 October 2011), having been born to parents coming from previously warring families, Rep. aliah Dimaporo is introducing a campaign she calls Mindanao Now! that focuses on the awareness of Mindanao arts and crafts, fashion, traditional cuisine and tourist sites, particularly in the predominantly Muslim areas. II. To Forge Peace Through Sports Rep. aliah Dimaporo, one of the youngest solons at the House of Representatives, is pushing for the promotion of sports among the young people as one avenue to foster unity and peace in Mindanao and other conflictridden areas of the country.

EDUCATION
Graduating 2012 MSc Sustainable Agriculture and rural Development, university of London, Distance Learning Programme 2000 2002 Ba Sociology, Mindanao State university Magna Cum Laude Undergraduate Thesis: A Sociodemographic Profile of Families with Children Deaths in the Municipality of Magsaysay, Lanao del Norte

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
2010 January June Executive Director, Wya Foundation Inc., New york City, New york 2008 2010 International Director of Operations, World youth alliance, New york City, New york 2007 July November

BILLS

Author of 15 House Bills; Co-author of 61 House Bills

SPONSORED BILLS
1. HB04658- AN ACT DECLARING THE MT. INAYAWAN RANGE, LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF NUNUNGAN, PROVINCE OF LANAO DEL NORTE, AS A PROTECTED AREA, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Status: Pending with the Committee on NATURAL RESOURCES 2. HB-05021- AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE PHILIPPINE SPORTS ACADEMY IN THE CAPITAL TOWN OF TUBOD IN THE PROVINCE OF LANAO DEL NORTE AND ALLOCATING FUNDS THEREFOR. Status: Pending with the Committee on YOUTH AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT 3. HB05412- AN ACT BANNING THE CATCHING, SALE , PURCHASE, POSSESSION AND TRADE OF ALL SHARKS AND RAYS, THEIR DERIVATIVES AND BY-PRODUCTS IN THE PHILIPPINES.

FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 3. AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT BY PROHIBITING THE DUMPING OF SEWAGE SLUDGE AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE INTO THE SEA.

HOUSE RESOLUTION
1. HR01056 - A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING, COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING FILIPINO-AMERICAN PRODUCERS GIGI DEMENT, STEFANIE WALMSLEY AND STEPHEN DYPIANGCO FOR WINNING THE BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM AWARD DURING THE 83RD ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS.

PRIVILEGE SPEECHES
1. POWER CRISIS IN MINDANAO talked about the power crisis in Mindanao and the need for government to actively search for alternative sources of energy. Discussed the impo rtant role of electricity consumption to economic development. Urged the House of representatives to initiate pro-poor and productivity-oriented legislations, such as the revision of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). 2. ON PRIORITIZING THE YOUTH Talked on the role of family in the protection of youth.
The Quezon CiTy

CO-AUTHORED BILLS
1. AN ACT PROMOTING RURAL FARM SCHOOL AS AN ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY MODE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION. 2. AN ACT CREATING THE PHILIPPINE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT FUND, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND
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16 places to go in tHe city

LeisUre

trinoma

Sitting at the juncture of EDSa, the main highway of Metro Manila, and North avenue, a major thoroughfare, TriNoma is a refuge of greenery in the heart of Quezon City. An array of choices of old favorites and new flagship stores are fit to this discriminating market. Providing a place for new childhood memories, the main activity center brings a variety of unique events for the families of the suburban North. TriNoma also boasts of a bi-level hectare of rooftop gardens and elaborate water features in a location for intimate dinners alfresco. Truly a colorful addition to the distinctive hue of this locale.

2 sm city north edsa

SM City North EDSa is the first SM Supermall operated by SM Prime Holdings, which is the largest retail and mall operator in the Philippines. With a gross floor area of 424,691 square meters, SM City North Edsa is the Philippines largest mall and the third largest in the world. It is located at the intersection of North Avenue and Epifanio de los Santos avenue (EDSa) in Quezon City. It has grand groceries, a food court, a Sky garden, an amphitheater an entertainment stage for events with more than 1200 seats, a 12-cinema complex, and over 800 shops. It offers more than 4,000 parking slots and valet services on three strategic locations. With these features, the mall has influenced the residents lifestyle and social activities.

Quezon memorial circle

History reveals that Batasan was the former Parliament of the Philippines that was established as an interim assembly in 1976 and then in 1981 became an official body. It was in 1973 that it replaced the former Congress established under the 1935 Commonwealth Constitution. Today the term Batasan signifies the Batasang Pambansa Complex where the Lower House holds the sessions. The Quezon Memorial Circle, located between the Ninoy aquino Park and the university of Philippines, features a monument built in memory of Manuel Luis Quezon (the founder father of Quezon City). The memorial monument itself consists of a 66-foot high marble structure with three pylons. The memorial structure also serves as an observation point from where you can get lovely views of the Memorial Circle.

MAY 2012

ninoy aquino parks and Wildlife center

The Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center is another place where you can enjoy a bit of natural scenery and a relaxing stroll. The park features a zoo with an animal rescue center for injured animals. Apart from checking the animals and the natural greenery, one can take a nice walk along the park and enjoy a nice picnic by the edge of the lagoon. The Ninoy Park is located adjacent the Quezon Memorial Circle (3 miles south of Quezon city center).

eastwood

Located at the southeastern corner of Quezon City, Bagumbayan is one of the newly developed commercial areas in the City. The Eastwood City Business Center is situated here. It consists of several office and residential skyscrapers, including many local IT and consumer electronic firms. Numerous bars and restaurants have been put up since 2000 along E. Rodriguez Jr. avenue (C-5). Many of which are open-air restaurants and coffee shops reminiscent of Paris boulevards, but with a modern architecture. With this, Libis is fast becoming one of the hippest areas for night entertainment, similar to the Malate and Ermita districts of Manila.

batasang pambansa complex

Batasang Pambansa in Manila is the place where the members of the House of representative or the Lower House hold the sessions. This monument in Manila is the symbol of democracy where the members discuss and argue social, economic and other issues of national importance. The National Assembly is also known as Batasan.

sto. domingo church

Sto. Domingo Church where the october Festival of La Naval de manila is celebrated

edsa shrine

Transferred from Intramuros, Manila to its present location in Quezon avenue, the Sto. Domingo Church was built by Dominicans on 1588 and until now continues to be a site for religious activity. It is home to the four-century old image of Nuestra Seora del Santisimo Rosario (Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary), patroness of Quezon City. (Ibid) In this church once lied the remains of Martial Law martyr Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1984.

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The EDSa Shrine, located at the crossroads of Epifanio de los Santos avenue (EDSa) and ortigas Avenue in Quezon City, is formally known as the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace (our Lady of EDSa), It is dedicated to our Lady who has miraculously interceded to oust the dictatorship in a peaceful and bloodless uprising that is now world renowned as the People Power Revolution of 1986. On December 15, 1989, the EDSa Shrine was established with then rev. Fr. Socrates B. Villegas as Rector. Since then, the Church has grown with the help of volunteers who now have formally organized themselves into the EDSa Shrine Community. His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin described the EDSa Shrine as Holy ground when another miracle, the second peaceful People Power took place in January 2001. With the help of the Blessed Mother and Santo Nio, the peoples prayer for a moral leadership was answered. A Holy Ground marker was inaugurated at the EDSa Shrine on February 25, 2001 during the 15th anniversary of the first EDSa People Power.

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LeisUre

la mesa eco-tourism park

If you are looking to explore the natural scenery and enjoy fun outdoor activities, La Mesa Eco-park is located just outside the city center (a mile away northeast). Apart from picnicking and trails for hiking and biking, the parks lagoon offers boating opportunities such as taking a paddle boat ride or canoeing.

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broadcasting and communications

university of the philippines

one of the most popular things to do in the City is to visit the University of Philippines stunning campus. The campus is located on a beautiful wide open woodland space and features lovely acacia trees and lovely gardens.

Major TV stations and broadcasting networks converge here. ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation in Mother Ignacia Street; PTV 4 of the national government at Visayas avenue; aBC 5 at San Bartolome; gMa 7 at Timog Corner EDSa; RPN 9 and IBC 13 at Broadcast City Capitol Hills are all concentrated in Quezon City. radio Veritas, the oldest running radio station first to go on air internationally had its beginnings in Quezon City. Some 10 other radio stations and 5 print media offices are found in Quezon City.

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MAY 2012

manila philippines temple

The Manila Philippines Temple is the 29th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On april 1, 1981, it was announced that a Mormon temple would be built in the Philippines. The groundbreaking and site dedication for the temple were on august 25, 1982. Back in January of 1981, the LDS Church had purchased land in Quezon City, in the Metro Manila area. The site was partly chosen because of its accessibility to members throughout the temple district. On September 25, 1984, President gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Manila Philippines Temple. The temple serves half a million members of the LDS Church in the Philippines, Micronesia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, India, and part of Burma. The temple has four ordinance rooms and three sealing rooms and has a total floor area of 26,683 square feet.

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ateneo de manila university

The Ateneo de Manila University (also referred to as Ateneo de Manila or simply the Ateneo; Filipino: Pamantasang Ateneo de Manila) is a private teaching and research university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. It began in 1859 when the City of Manila handed control of the Escuela Municipal de Manila in Intramuros, Manila, to the Jesuits. It was then a statesubsidized school. It became a private school during the american occupation of the Philippines, and has moved from Manila to its current location

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cubao

Cubao is an important commercial area in Quezon City, Philippines. At its heart is the Araneta Center, along EDSa (C-4) and Aurora Boulevard (r6). It houses a number of shopping malls catering to the middle-class Filipinos, such as the ali Mall (named after the boxing legend Mohammad ali), The Farmers Plaza, and the modern gateway Mall. Department stores and retail centers can also be found here, such as Plaza Fair, Rustans, Shopwise Supercenter, and Makro. at the center is araneta Coliseum, often called the Big Dome. Many musical concerts, religious crusades, wrestling, cock-fighting and basketball games are held in this 50,000-capacity coliseum. a string of art shops and bars at Cubao Expo can also delight your senses.

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mowelfund film institute

MOWELFUND stands for Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc., a nonstock, non-profit social welfare, educational, and industry development foundation organized and established in 1974. It is the leading film and resource center manned by competent, creative and compassionate staff, workers and officers working under a visionary and value-based leadership that contributes to the overall improvement of the Philippine film industry and the empowerment of the communities it serves. you can see the schedules for workshops, movie screenings or meet-ups with artists.

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sanctuario de san pedro bautista

Located at the heart of Frisco is the second oldest church still surviving in the Philippines-San Pedro Bautista Church in honor of the founder of the church whose relic peacefully lies beneath the cathedral. It houses 16th century religious icons from Spain and other memoirs of the ancient Philippines. It has also preserved the century-old meditation cave, sacristy, patio, and convent. (QC Visitors guide, QC Tourism Council and Cultural and Tourism affairs Office) Blocks composing the thick and preserved walls of the church reflect the type of architectural and interior design predominant in 1590 when the church was built.

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Driving the

he 2011 Ford Escape is considered to be a middle of the road value. While some changes for the seasons model have increased its quality there are some issues that are still prevalent and could use some attention from the designers. For consumers looking for a reasonably priced SUV without a lot of bells and whistles, the 2011 Ford Escape is a good deal.
The 2011 Ford Escape is an attractive model, with exterior and interior design features that make the entire SUV appealing to the eye. Originally, the Escape was considered the must have SUV, but with increase in the competition its hard to say exactly where the Escape fits now. One of the cooler, more appealing features isnt found under the hood, but it is found in your voice. Ford has created a Sync system that promotes hands free operation of everything that tends to be most distracting to drivers on the road. Cell phones, navigation systems, and MP3 players can be linked to the Sync system and voice controlled when driving, making being behind the wheel and doing the everyday things drivers tend to so a much safer prospect. The system even allows the driver to have weather and traffic reports delivered on voice command. You can even check the time for the movie and sports scores. The MyKey feature is one that is definitely keeping Ford in the competition. Parents can create limits for speeds as well as preset the volume for the stereo to help make teen driving a much safer event as well. If you are one of the millions who barely passed the parallel parking portion of the driving test, youll love the Auto Park availability. This is a feature that controls the wheel during a parallel parking session while the only thing the driver has to take care of is the gas pedal and the braking pedal. The biggest disappointment with the 2011 Ford Escape isnt in its technology but in its practicality. Without reclining or folding rear seats the Ford Escape requires the owner to physically remove the seat. The drum brakes are not going to provide the same stopping stability that disc brakes offer, and the lack of a telescoping steering column means that the Ford Escape isnt going to provide the same level of driving comfort that other SUV and crossover designers have considered. The 2.5 liter 171 horsepower engine can come with a manual transmission, which is a huge bonus for many. This is only available on certain models, however, and you need the 3.0 liter 240 horsepower engine in order to tow the full 3500 pound capacity that the Ford Escape is known for. Fuel efficiency starts at 20 city miles per

Ford ESCAPE
gallon and 28 highway miles per gallon. With all wheel drive, full towing capacity, or a bigger engine the efficiency drops to about 18 city miles and 25 highway miles per gallon. Overall, the 2011 Ford Escape provides a lot of technological features that will keep it popular among some consumers while it lacks the less technical features that would make it popular across the board. Whether or not you find the Ford Escape a good value will depend on what youre really looking for in an SUV. n

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