LEGAZPI CITY – A high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) official was wounded after her convoy was ambushed by the members of the communist rebels in Guinobatan town, Wednesday morning, said a military spokesperson.
Iglecero Pernia alias “Ka Choy”, together with his police convoy was plying the Maharlika highway at Barangay (village) Lower Binogsacan, Guinobatan, Albay when undetermined number of communist rebels attacked their patrol jeep and attempted to rescue him from the police., said Captain Razaleigh Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion, in a text message.
Bansawan added that Ka Choy on board the 501st patrol jeep was on the way to attend a court trial in Ligao City when the incident happened at around 10:00 a.m.
However, three jail guards on board in another vehicle from Ligao City, after attending the court hearing was also ambushed by the rebels, leaving PO1 Rommel M. Aringo wounded, said Bansawan.
Ka Choy, on the other hand, was safely brought back to Albay provincial jail, while Aringo is now being treated at the Aquinas University hospital here.
The joint elements of Albay PPO the 901st Infantry Battalion are presently conducting pursuit operations against the feeling NPAs. Johana Vi Gasga
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Southern Luzon bids Cory farewell
By Inquirer Southern Luzon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:08:00 08/05/2009
Filed Under: Obituary, death notices, Cory Aquino
MANILA, Philippines—Yellow ribbons tied around fences of schools and other government buildings in Albay expressed the Albayanos’ sympathy with the family of former President Corazon Aguino on her burial, as they preferred to stay in their homes watching live coverage on television of her funeral procession and burial.
Monsignor Ramon Tronqued, vicar general of the Diocese of Legazpi, said 47 Albay parishes offered memorial Masses Wednesday afternoon for the repose of Aquino's soul.
“We will toll our church bells three times while she's being buried just like what our common practices during burial Masses. This would be our tribute to the late Cory Aquino,” Tronqued said in Filipino earlier during the day.
A plain black cloth had been hanging in front of the Albay provincial capitol to show that the Albayanos were also in grief over Ms Aquino's death.
Students of the Bicol University had a simple activity honoring the former President. Donned in yellow shirts, some students let loose 24 balloons with a printed message: “Maraming Salamat, Tita Cory, at Paalam,” at the BU grounds.
They also held a short prayer vigil “to pray for her soul and reminisce her contributions in our country,” said Tarrah Diandra Bulawan, BU college student council president.
For 76-year-old Lilia Barce of Daraga town, who became one of Ms Aquino's avid supporters during her presidency, the death of the former President marked the binding together of the Filipinos as one. “We should live by her example.”
A short power interruption in Daraga town annoyed some viewers as they were at the middle of watching the funeral procession on television.
Even jeepney and tricycle drivers here observed Aquino's funeral by tying yellow ribbons to their vehicles.
In San Pedro, Laguna, just when Lea Salonga sang “Bayan Ko,” Arjay Salgado from Calamba City sent text messages to his friends, saying “Kinanta pa yun. Sabog na lalo luha!”
He said he himself held his tears back, feeling a sense of patriotism, as he watched Aquino's burial on television.
In a neighborhood, someone in the street shouted “Mabuhay si Cory!” just as the song was being sung.
Since early Wednesday, store owner Marissa Bantug, 51, monitored the live coverage on television of the national event. She , said she was saddened when she heard in a report that singer Charice Pempengco was not allowed to enter the church and witness the Mass.
In the University of the Philippines Los Baños, yellow ribbons were tied around palm trees surrounding the Oblation statue since Tuesday.
UPLB Vice Chancellor Bert Rañola said the yellow ribbons were not planned during their meetings, so these were likely "individual initiatives.”
At about 1:30 p.m., from Nichols to Bicutan and Sucat, people in yellow shirts or with ribbons were lining up the streets, rendering the SLEx narrower for vehicles as they waited for Aquino's cortege.
People, young and old, crowded the Sucat tollgate exit to catch a glimpse of 10-wheeler truck bearing the casket of the former President.
Fe Fernandez, a housewife in Lucena City, wept in front of a television showing the live broadcast of the funeral for her failure to join the funeral march for her “heroine.”
“I joined the thousands of Filipinos during the funeral of Ninoy. I was then a house help in Manila. I planned to also join the funeral march for Cory but I was not allowed by my family due to my hypertension,” she said.
A lighted candle was sighted in the family altar. “We will pray after the funeral,” she said.
Reports from Johana Vi Gasga, Maricar Cinco, Romulo Ponte and Delfin T. Mallari Jr. Inquirer Southern Luzon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:08:00 08/05/2009
Filed Under: Obituary, death notices, Cory Aquino
MANILA, Philippines—Yellow ribbons tied around fences of schools and other government buildings in Albay expressed the Albayanos’ sympathy with the family of former President Corazon Aguino on her burial, as they preferred to stay in their homes watching live coverage on television of her funeral procession and burial.
Monsignor Ramon Tronqued, vicar general of the Diocese of Legazpi, said 47 Albay parishes offered memorial Masses Wednesday afternoon for the repose of Aquino's soul.
“We will toll our church bells three times while she's being buried just like what our common practices during burial Masses. This would be our tribute to the late Cory Aquino,” Tronqued said in Filipino earlier during the day.
A plain black cloth had been hanging in front of the Albay provincial capitol to show that the Albayanos were also in grief over Ms Aquino's death.
Students of the Bicol University had a simple activity honoring the former President. Donned in yellow shirts, some students let loose 24 balloons with a printed message: “Maraming Salamat, Tita Cory, at Paalam,” at the BU grounds.
They also held a short prayer vigil “to pray for her soul and reminisce her contributions in our country,” said Tarrah Diandra Bulawan, BU college student council president.
For 76-year-old Lilia Barce of Daraga town, who became one of Ms Aquino's avid supporters during her presidency, the death of the former President marked the binding together of the Filipinos as one. “We should live by her example.”
A short power interruption in Daraga town annoyed some viewers as they were at the middle of watching the funeral procession on television.
Even jeepney and tricycle drivers here observed Aquino's funeral by tying yellow ribbons to their vehicles.
In San Pedro, Laguna, just when Lea Salonga sang “Bayan Ko,” Arjay Salgado from Calamba City sent text messages to his friends, saying “Kinanta pa yun. Sabog na lalo luha!”
He said he himself held his tears back, feeling a sense of patriotism, as he watched Aquino's burial on television.
In a neighborhood, someone in the street shouted “Mabuhay si Cory!” just as the song was being sung.
Since early Wednesday, store owner Marissa Bantug, 51, monitored the live coverage on television of the national event. She , said she was saddened when she heard in a report that singer Charice Pempengco was not allowed to enter the church and witness the Mass.
In the University of the Philippines Los Baños, yellow ribbons were tied around palm trees surrounding the Oblation statue since Tuesday.
UPLB Vice Chancellor Bert Rañola said the yellow ribbons were not planned during their meetings, so these were likely "individual initiatives.”
At about 1:30 p.m., from Nichols to Bicutan and Sucat, people in yellow shirts or with ribbons were lining up the streets, rendering the SLEx narrower for vehicles as they waited for Aquino's cortege.
People, young and old, crowded the Sucat tollgate exit to catch a glimpse of 10-wheeler truck bearing the casket of the former President.
Fe Fernandez, a housewife in Lucena City, wept in front of a television showing the live broadcast of the funeral for her failure to join the funeral march for her “heroine.”
“I joined the thousands of Filipinos during the funeral of Ninoy. I was then a house help in Manila. I planned to also join the funeral march for Cory but I was not allowed by my family due to my hypertension,” she said.
A lighted candle was sighted in the family altar. “We will pray after the funeral,” she said.
Reports from Johana Vi Gasga, Maricar Cinco, Romulo Ponte and Delfin T. Mallari Jr. Inquirer Southern Luzon
Indian national shot dead in Albay town
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 15:25:00 08/04/2009
Filed Under: Crime
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines -- An Indian national was shot dead by an unidentified male suspect in Albay province, a police official said Tuesday.
Nachhatar Singh, a resident of Sunrise Subdivision in Legazpi City, was killed inside his light brown Honda City sedan parked in front of a store in Ubaliw village, Oas town at around 10:15 a.m. Monday, said Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Singh was about to collect money from his customers when the suspect, on board a red Honda XRM motorcycle approached him and shot him twice, Natuel said.
The suspect fled towards Ilaor Sur village also Oas. Two empty shells from .45-caliber pistol were recovered from the crime scene, Natuel said.
Johana Vi Gasga, Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 15:25:00 08/04/2009
Filed Under: Crime
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines -- An Indian national was shot dead by an unidentified male suspect in Albay province, a police official said Tuesday.
Nachhatar Singh, a resident of Sunrise Subdivision in Legazpi City, was killed inside his light brown Honda City sedan parked in front of a store in Ubaliw village, Oas town at around 10:15 a.m. Monday, said Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Singh was about to collect money from his customers when the suspect, on board a red Honda XRM motorcycle approached him and shot him twice, Natuel said.
The suspect fled towards Ilaor Sur village also Oas. Two empty shells from .45-caliber pistol were recovered from the crime scene, Natuel said.
Johana Vi Gasga, Inquirer Southern Luzon
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Mga Albayano nakipagdalamhati sa pagkamatay ni Cory
1:05 p.m
August 5, 2009
LEGAZPI CITY – Loose streets adorned with yellow ribbons around fences of schools and other government edifices here sympathize Tita Cory’s last day on earth, as Albayanos prefer to stay in their homes watching live coverage on television of her funeral procession and burial today.
Monsignor Ramon Tronqued, Vicar general of the Diocese of Legazpi said that 47 Albay parishes will offer memorial mass this afternoon to pray for Tita Cory’s soul as she bid farewell to the Filipinos.
“We will toll our church bells three times while she’s being buried just like what our common practices during burial masses. This would be our tribute to the late Cory Aquino,” Tronqued told the Inquirer in Filipino.
A plain black cloth have been hanged over the front face of the Albay provincial hall show that solid Albayanos are also in grief in this time of Aquino’s death.
On the other hand, students of Bicol University have started gearing up for their simple activity to give honor for the icon of democracy Cory Aquino.
Donned in yellow shirts, some students will fly 24yellow balloons with a printed message: Maraming Salamat Tita Cory at Paalam, to be held at the BU grounds.
“And we will be giving a short prayer vigil to pray for her soul and reminisce her contributions in our country,” said Tarrah Diandra Bulawan, BU college student council president.
For a 76-year-old Lilia Barce of Daraga town, who becomes one of Cory’s avid supporters during her presidency, said the death of Cory marks the binding of the Filipino into closer love for the country. “We should go on live by her example, magka-isa sa magandang layunin.”
A short power interruption in Daraga town made some viewers annoyed as they were at the middle of watching the funeral procession on television.
Even jeepney and tricycle drivers here commiserate for the Aquino’s death which is shown in their yellow tied ribbons on top of their public vehicles despite declared non-working holiday. Jhogs at your service
August 5, 2009
LEGAZPI CITY – Loose streets adorned with yellow ribbons around fences of schools and other government edifices here sympathize Tita Cory’s last day on earth, as Albayanos prefer to stay in their homes watching live coverage on television of her funeral procession and burial today.
Monsignor Ramon Tronqued, Vicar general of the Diocese of Legazpi said that 47 Albay parishes will offer memorial mass this afternoon to pray for Tita Cory’s soul as she bid farewell to the Filipinos.
“We will toll our church bells three times while she’s being buried just like what our common practices during burial masses. This would be our tribute to the late Cory Aquino,” Tronqued told the Inquirer in Filipino.
A plain black cloth have been hanged over the front face of the Albay provincial hall show that solid Albayanos are also in grief in this time of Aquino’s death.
On the other hand, students of Bicol University have started gearing up for their simple activity to give honor for the icon of democracy Cory Aquino.
Donned in yellow shirts, some students will fly 24yellow balloons with a printed message: Maraming Salamat Tita Cory at Paalam, to be held at the BU grounds.
“And we will be giving a short prayer vigil to pray for her soul and reminisce her contributions in our country,” said Tarrah Diandra Bulawan, BU college student council president.
For a 76-year-old Lilia Barce of Daraga town, who becomes one of Cory’s avid supporters during her presidency, said the death of Cory marks the binding of the Filipino into closer love for the country. “We should go on live by her example, magka-isa sa magandang layunin.”
A short power interruption in Daraga town made some viewers annoyed as they were at the middle of watching the funeral procession on television.
Even jeepney and tricycle drivers here commiserate for the Aquino’s death which is shown in their yellow tied ribbons on top of their public vehicles despite declared non-working holiday. Jhogs at your service
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Albay youth calls to register, vote in 2010 elections
LEGAZPI CITY – “In a land called the Philippines, amidst one great battle for freedom against colonizers, a wise man who used ink to spark revolution said the ‘youth is the hope of the fatherland’.”
This excerpt from a tale told by one of its members has tapped social awareness to some proactive young people and dared to form a movement, calling the Bicol youth to register and vote in the 2010 elections.
Not known by many, a group of goal-oriented young people in Bicol has been playing with words and has finally formed the YouthInk Movement (YM) that could spell a significant CHANGE for this country, according to them.
Jonathan Jaime Guerrero, 20, a BS Biology graduate of Bicol University (BU) and concurrent director of the alliance, along with the student leaders from BU, Aquinas University of Legazpi and Divine Word College of Legazpi has formally launched the YouthInk Movement last Friday (July 24).
Their objectives: Reaching as many youth as possible and encouraging them to register and vote based on concerns and issues, not on personalities.
“We chose July 24 for its launching because this is a hundred days before the last day of registration on October,” Guerrero explained.
Youth as “thinking vote”
Geared towards youth empowerment, the YouthInk Movement is a non-partisan youth-led group, calling for clean and honest elections, while raising a significant number from the first-time voters, particularly the youth this 2010 elections.
It also aims to scrutinize candidate for local and national positions.
“The YM is a localized version of the Youth Vote Philippines Movement. Although, it is not a regional chapter of the YVote, our movement encourages the youth and more importantly first-time voters to register and ultimately vote in theupcoming elections,” said Guerrero, who was one of the awardees of the 2009 Regional Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.
Out of jumbled words: You, Youth Think and Ink, the movement’s banner name was formed last May summer by four restless young individuals who were just playing characters inside a room yet ended up with a powerful YouthInk (combined word), which calls a move from the youth sector.
“At first, I came up with the name Bagong BUwan, but I realized lately that its scope is limited only within BU students,” Guerrero recalled.
The YM sprang from the idea of youth ink which is a symbolism of an indelible ink of the youth’s right to suffrage, while believing that the youth is a thinking vote – an intelligent bloc which could spell change.
Hence, “it is proper that you think before you vote,” he stressed.
Volunteers’ initiatives, caravans
Armed with their convictions to make a change in past electoral frauds, Guerrero, Jommel Grutas, Raymond Ordan and Edward Arellano, senior students from different college departments in BU, initiated the movement through their school-based and community-based campaigns.
The YM movement is partnered by internal college-based organizations, including the BU University Student Council; National Service and Training Programs (BU NSTP); four BU colleges: College of Business, Economics and Management; College of Nursing; College of Social Sciences and Philosophy; Bicol Organization of Neo-Journalists; supreme student councils of Aquinas University of Legazpi and Dive Word College of Legazpi.
Their objectives have been carried out through various ways such as for a, voters’ education workshops, live concerts and caravans to reach the youth in the rural communities in the region as well.
“We are still looking for more members who would serve as facilitators in the training workshops to encourage more students to register,” Guerrero said in Filipino.
He added that they have also information dissemination drive being conducted to far-flung villages, which is part of their activities for the formal establishment of the movement in the locality.
From being a local alliance, the YM is now on its regional level with affiliates from Ateneo de Naga University in Camarines Sur and working on in other colleges and universities around six provinces of Bicol.
On their first caravans, they conducted voters’ education forum last June 28 in local parish youth councils in Irosin, Magallanes and Casiguran in Sorsogon province. More facilititators’ training to those who want to devote their leisure time in community services were held in Ligao and Oas, Albay last July 19.
“We are increasing our members by establishing our chapters in the community,” Guerrero further said.
While the group has been making moves to call for more members and build one powerful youth alliance, it has also extended their partnership with external organizations. These include the National Youth Parliament (7th batch), Japan East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth (JENESYS), Oikos (environmental organization), Ayala Young Leaders, Sirang (Bicol winners of 10 outstanding students in the Philippines), Brotherhood of Destiny (BROOD) and, the Kabataan Party List.
“All of these emanate from our concrete vision of a clean and honest election and a more in depth immersion of the youth into civic and government affairs in this country,” remarked Guerrero.
Resolute, unyielding voice
The move places a key part in raising awareness of the electorate, particularly the youth to towards a responsible democratic and sustain participants in electoral and governance processes, said NSTP Director Rowena Zoilo.
With more than 3,000 students enrolled in the NSTP program this semester, Zoilo added: “I will be requesting all the colleges in BU to have voters’ education as one of the activities in field immersions.”
“We believe in the competence of the youth on making positive changes in our government and the YM will serve as our partner in the implementation of the voters’ education,” she told the Inquirer.
As a resolute voice, Junne Garcia, internal vice president of the BU-USC said that young people has been patronized largely by multisectoral groups in the country, which could be an instrument to educate first-time and regular voters.
“Like Santino of May Bukas Pa and Goin’ Bulilit, the youth is being heard and watched by many to make great changes in the country,” Garcia added in Filipino.
“With that, there is something more they could still do”, the 20-year-old Iden Rojero of the DWCL College Executive Board urged that students’ responsibilities are not just bound within their comfort zones. “It is not just for us, for our family, but this is for the society, for the nation as a whole,” she remarked.
According to the Youth Vote Philippines (YVP), 54 percent or 34 million of the voting population in the 2010 falls under the youth sector and only 20 percent of the potential youth vote had registered, said Ma. Acela Katrina Padua, a representative of the YVP said.
As she conducted facilitators’ training at Bicol University, Padua believes the youth vote is such an influence that could set the tone and agenda for the 2010. “We must register now and not wait until October 31 because the biometrics can only accommodate 200 persons per day.
Juana Change videos
In workshops, Padua uses Juana Change videos, which are based on political scandals shaking the country, hoping to awaken Filipinos from apathy.
Juana Change, portrayed by Mae Paner, is a character who became famous because of her political mockery uploaded in YouTube. Some of her roles include a coy Sto. Niño, a government fixer, a ridiculous jail warden and a domestic helper.
Materials of the YVP are copyleft modules. “Copyleft because it is the reverse of the copyright law which is preventing (the public) to use the very same material without the permission of the producer and claim it as your own,” Padua explained.
“’Copyleft’ because at the end of the day, our voice is not to recognized ourselves but to recognize every Filipino youth,” she added. “We want everyone to copy our material so that one could share it to others and what he has shared to others would give the same effect,” the young volunteer stressed
Satellite Registration
COMELEC Regional Director Zacarias C. Zaragoza Jr. said the satellite registration is a “pilot” or mobilized form of registration.
He said that the COMELEC has a resolution wherein the election officers are allowed to set up satellite stations in “populated places.” An election officer determines where (satellite registration) to set up so the COMELEC could provide convenience to those applicants who would like to register and vote,’’
However, the 17-year-old Mary Grace Imperial, a sophomore student of the DWCL and the members coordinator of the alliance said they were disappointed when the Comelec Legazpi pulled out the mobile registrations in colleges and universities after it was found defective.
“Computers are very delicate tools. What if our computer breaks down because it was not handled well?” said the regional director.
“It happened in our Legazpi City machine (biometrics) and we have repaired it for two days,” said Zaragoza, noting the residents of the city could not register at that time. He further said that they could “only capture” a very minimal turnout in satellite registration conducted in schools. Johana Vi E. Gasga/Inquirer Sothern Luzon
This excerpt from a tale told by one of its members has tapped social awareness to some proactive young people and dared to form a movement, calling the Bicol youth to register and vote in the 2010 elections.
Not known by many, a group of goal-oriented young people in Bicol has been playing with words and has finally formed the YouthInk Movement (YM) that could spell a significant CHANGE for this country, according to them.
Jonathan Jaime Guerrero, 20, a BS Biology graduate of Bicol University (BU) and concurrent director of the alliance, along with the student leaders from BU, Aquinas University of Legazpi and Divine Word College of Legazpi has formally launched the YouthInk Movement last Friday (July 24).
Their objectives: Reaching as many youth as possible and encouraging them to register and vote based on concerns and issues, not on personalities.
“We chose July 24 for its launching because this is a hundred days before the last day of registration on October,” Guerrero explained.
Youth as “thinking vote”
Geared towards youth empowerment, the YouthInk Movement is a non-partisan youth-led group, calling for clean and honest elections, while raising a significant number from the first-time voters, particularly the youth this 2010 elections.
It also aims to scrutinize candidate for local and national positions.
“The YM is a localized version of the Youth Vote Philippines Movement. Although, it is not a regional chapter of the YVote, our movement encourages the youth and more importantly first-time voters to register and ultimately vote in theupcoming elections,” said Guerrero, who was one of the awardees of the 2009 Regional Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.
Out of jumbled words: You, Youth Think and Ink, the movement’s banner name was formed last May summer by four restless young individuals who were just playing characters inside a room yet ended up with a powerful YouthInk (combined word), which calls a move from the youth sector.
“At first, I came up with the name Bagong BUwan, but I realized lately that its scope is limited only within BU students,” Guerrero recalled.
The YM sprang from the idea of youth ink which is a symbolism of an indelible ink of the youth’s right to suffrage, while believing that the youth is a thinking vote – an intelligent bloc which could spell change.
Hence, “it is proper that you think before you vote,” he stressed.
Volunteers’ initiatives, caravans
Armed with their convictions to make a change in past electoral frauds, Guerrero, Jommel Grutas, Raymond Ordan and Edward Arellano, senior students from different college departments in BU, initiated the movement through their school-based and community-based campaigns.
The YM movement is partnered by internal college-based organizations, including the BU University Student Council; National Service and Training Programs (BU NSTP); four BU colleges: College of Business, Economics and Management; College of Nursing; College of Social Sciences and Philosophy; Bicol Organization of Neo-Journalists; supreme student councils of Aquinas University of Legazpi and Dive Word College of Legazpi.
Their objectives have been carried out through various ways such as for a, voters’ education workshops, live concerts and caravans to reach the youth in the rural communities in the region as well.
“We are still looking for more members who would serve as facilitators in the training workshops to encourage more students to register,” Guerrero said in Filipino.
He added that they have also information dissemination drive being conducted to far-flung villages, which is part of their activities for the formal establishment of the movement in the locality.
From being a local alliance, the YM is now on its regional level with affiliates from Ateneo de Naga University in Camarines Sur and working on in other colleges and universities around six provinces of Bicol.
On their first caravans, they conducted voters’ education forum last June 28 in local parish youth councils in Irosin, Magallanes and Casiguran in Sorsogon province. More facilititators’ training to those who want to devote their leisure time in community services were held in Ligao and Oas, Albay last July 19.
“We are increasing our members by establishing our chapters in the community,” Guerrero further said.
While the group has been making moves to call for more members and build one powerful youth alliance, it has also extended their partnership with external organizations. These include the National Youth Parliament (7th batch), Japan East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth (JENESYS), Oikos (environmental organization), Ayala Young Leaders, Sirang (Bicol winners of 10 outstanding students in the Philippines), Brotherhood of Destiny (BROOD) and, the Kabataan Party List.
“All of these emanate from our concrete vision of a clean and honest election and a more in depth immersion of the youth into civic and government affairs in this country,” remarked Guerrero.
Resolute, unyielding voice
The move places a key part in raising awareness of the electorate, particularly the youth to towards a responsible democratic and sustain participants in electoral and governance processes, said NSTP Director Rowena Zoilo.
With more than 3,000 students enrolled in the NSTP program this semester, Zoilo added: “I will be requesting all the colleges in BU to have voters’ education as one of the activities in field immersions.”
“We believe in the competence of the youth on making positive changes in our government and the YM will serve as our partner in the implementation of the voters’ education,” she told the Inquirer.
As a resolute voice, Junne Garcia, internal vice president of the BU-USC said that young people has been patronized largely by multisectoral groups in the country, which could be an instrument to educate first-time and regular voters.
“Like Santino of May Bukas Pa and Goin’ Bulilit, the youth is being heard and watched by many to make great changes in the country,” Garcia added in Filipino.
“With that, there is something more they could still do”, the 20-year-old Iden Rojero of the DWCL College Executive Board urged that students’ responsibilities are not just bound within their comfort zones. “It is not just for us, for our family, but this is for the society, for the nation as a whole,” she remarked.
According to the Youth Vote Philippines (YVP), 54 percent or 34 million of the voting population in the 2010 falls under the youth sector and only 20 percent of the potential youth vote had registered, said Ma. Acela Katrina Padua, a representative of the YVP said.
As she conducted facilitators’ training at Bicol University, Padua believes the youth vote is such an influence that could set the tone and agenda for the 2010. “We must register now and not wait until October 31 because the biometrics can only accommodate 200 persons per day.
Juana Change videos
In workshops, Padua uses Juana Change videos, which are based on political scandals shaking the country, hoping to awaken Filipinos from apathy.
Juana Change, portrayed by Mae Paner, is a character who became famous because of her political mockery uploaded in YouTube. Some of her roles include a coy Sto. Niño, a government fixer, a ridiculous jail warden and a domestic helper.
Materials of the YVP are copyleft modules. “Copyleft because it is the reverse of the copyright law which is preventing (the public) to use the very same material without the permission of the producer and claim it as your own,” Padua explained.
“’Copyleft’ because at the end of the day, our voice is not to recognized ourselves but to recognize every Filipino youth,” she added. “We want everyone to copy our material so that one could share it to others and what he has shared to others would give the same effect,” the young volunteer stressed
Satellite Registration
COMELEC Regional Director Zacarias C. Zaragoza Jr. said the satellite registration is a “pilot” or mobilized form of registration.
He said that the COMELEC has a resolution wherein the election officers are allowed to set up satellite stations in “populated places.” An election officer determines where (satellite registration) to set up so the COMELEC could provide convenience to those applicants who would like to register and vote,’’
However, the 17-year-old Mary Grace Imperial, a sophomore student of the DWCL and the members coordinator of the alliance said they were disappointed when the Comelec Legazpi pulled out the mobile registrations in colleges and universities after it was found defective.
“Computers are very delicate tools. What if our computer breaks down because it was not handled well?” said the regional director.
“It happened in our Legazpi City machine (biometrics) and we have repaired it for two days,” said Zaragoza, noting the residents of the city could not register at that time. He further said that they could “only capture” a very minimal turnout in satellite registration conducted in schools. Johana Vi E. Gasga/Inquirer Sothern Luzon
Bicol militants spice up SONA protests
7.26.09
LEGAZPI CITY – Armed with bell pepper-shaped placards, thousands of sizzling protesters marched along key cities in Bicol, condemning Charter Change, few hours before President Macapagal-Arroyo deliver her State of the Nation Address this afternoon.
More than 20, 000 rallyers from six provinces of Bicol converged in front of their city halls to express opposition on the eyed plan of extending Arroyo’s term, airing present administration flaws within the nine-year of her term, according to Tessa Lopez, public information officer of BAYAN-Bikol.
“Many of us have brought bell pepper shaped (sili) placards as a symbol of the spicy protest here in the region. This is the Bicolano people’s way of adding their voice to the nationwide clamor against Cha-cha and to put an end to the US-Macapagal-Arroyo regime,” Lopez said in a statement.
As of press time, Lopez said in a text message that there are 12,000 militants who rallied in Masbate; 4,000 in Sorsogon; 1500 in Albay; 300 in Camarines Sur and 200 in Catanduanes. But she mentioned that the militant organizations in Camarines Norte will just be starting this afternoon.
“Here in Legazpi City , we also have an effigy of Gloria-Macapagal-Arroyo, on top of Malacanang trying to stay forever, with the hat of Uncle Sam on one hand and House Resolution 1109 on the other. These show the continuing servility of this administration to US interests as well as its hell bent desire to remain in power,” added Lopez.
Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson told the Inquirer that Bicol police are now on full alert if any untoward incidents happen.
“Around 300 region V personnel are ready to be deployed to Metro Manila if there are augmentations,” Natuel added.
On the other hand, Lopez said that whatever its plans and tricks are, they will do everything to stop to stop it.
“The key to stopping the regime in selling our patrimony and staying in power is for all of us to be ever vigilant and to fill the streets whenever necessary,” ended Lopez.
LEGAZPI CITY – Armed with bell pepper-shaped placards, thousands of sizzling protesters marched along key cities in Bicol, condemning Charter Change, few hours before President Macapagal-Arroyo deliver her State of the Nation Address this afternoon.
More than 20, 000 rallyers from six provinces of Bicol converged in front of their city halls to express opposition on the eyed plan of extending Arroyo’s term, airing present administration flaws within the nine-year of her term, according to Tessa Lopez, public information officer of BAYAN-Bikol.
“Many of us have brought bell pepper shaped (sili) placards as a symbol of the spicy protest here in the region. This is the Bicolano people’s way of adding their voice to the nationwide clamor against Cha-cha and to put an end to the US-Macapagal-Arroyo regime,” Lopez said in a statement.
As of press time, Lopez said in a text message that there are 12,000 militants who rallied in Masbate; 4,000 in Sorsogon; 1500 in Albay; 300 in Camarines Sur and 200 in Catanduanes. But she mentioned that the militant organizations in Camarines Norte will just be starting this afternoon.
“Here in Legazpi City , we also have an effigy of Gloria-Macapagal-Arroyo, on top of Malacanang trying to stay forever, with the hat of Uncle Sam on one hand and House Resolution 1109 on the other. These show the continuing servility of this administration to US interests as well as its hell bent desire to remain in power,” added Lopez.
Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson told the Inquirer that Bicol police are now on full alert if any untoward incidents happen.
“Around 300 region V personnel are ready to be deployed to Metro Manila if there are augmentations,” Natuel added.
On the other hand, Lopez said that whatever its plans and tricks are, they will do everything to stop to stop it.
“The key to stopping the regime in selling our patrimony and staying in power is for all of us to be ever vigilant and to fill the streets whenever necessary,” ended Lopez.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Mayon activity baffles scientists
By Johana Vi E. Gasga
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 16:17:00 07/19/2009
Filed Under: Disasters (general), Local authorities, Military
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines -- Mayon Volcano is not showing signs of increased or decreased activity, baffling scientists who have warned last week that an eruption was forthcoming.
"The dilemma right now is that Mayon is not showing any sign of significant information, if it is going up or down. It has maintained its behavior during the past week," volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta said on Sunday.
Volcanologists maintained alert level 2 on Mayon Volcano as of Sunday, Laguerta said, meaning there was "moderate unrest," and that ash explosions were possible.
However, Laguerta said that at any time, smaller explosions -- which some volcanologists call "throat clearing" -- could lead to a big explosion.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has monitored up to 14 earthquakes around Mayon per day, Laguerta said, adding the tremors were "common" for an "abnormal" volcano like Mayon.
"There was no new intrusion of molten materials or magma to the surface," he added.
The military-led Task Force Mayon continued its information drive on Mayon among residents. Rescue personnel had been making an inventory of residents who live within the six-kilometer radius of the volcano, which is a permanent danger zone.
Fifteen M-35 trucks, which can load 30 persons each, were placed on standby at Camp Simeon Ola here, said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion.
Army troops inspected the lava front in Mabinit village on Saturday, Bansawan said.
The military and the police have been conducting checkpoints in 12 villages in key cities and towns in Albay province surrounding the six-km danger zone, the spokesman said.
These include the villages of Budiao, Bañadero, Salvacion and Matnog in Daraga town; Quirangay in Camalig town; Mabinit in Legazpi City; San Andres in Sto. Domingo town; Mayon Skyline Park in Tabaco City; and upland villages of Guinobatan and Polangui towns and Ligao City.
"We are also expecting five military vehicles from the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force in case we need to make urgent rescue operations," said Bansawan.
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 16:17:00 07/19/2009
Filed Under: Disasters (general), Local authorities, Military
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines -- Mayon Volcano is not showing signs of increased or decreased activity, baffling scientists who have warned last week that an eruption was forthcoming.
"The dilemma right now is that Mayon is not showing any sign of significant information, if it is going up or down. It has maintained its behavior during the past week," volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta said on Sunday.
Volcanologists maintained alert level 2 on Mayon Volcano as of Sunday, Laguerta said, meaning there was "moderate unrest," and that ash explosions were possible.
However, Laguerta said that at any time, smaller explosions -- which some volcanologists call "throat clearing" -- could lead to a big explosion.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has monitored up to 14 earthquakes around Mayon per day, Laguerta said, adding the tremors were "common" for an "abnormal" volcano like Mayon.
"There was no new intrusion of molten materials or magma to the surface," he added.
The military-led Task Force Mayon continued its information drive on Mayon among residents. Rescue personnel had been making an inventory of residents who live within the six-kilometer radius of the volcano, which is a permanent danger zone.
Fifteen M-35 trucks, which can load 30 persons each, were placed on standby at Camp Simeon Ola here, said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion.
Army troops inspected the lava front in Mabinit village on Saturday, Bansawan said.
The military and the police have been conducting checkpoints in 12 villages in key cities and towns in Albay province surrounding the six-km danger zone, the spokesman said.
These include the villages of Budiao, Bañadero, Salvacion and Matnog in Daraga town; Quirangay in Camalig town; Mabinit in Legazpi City; San Andres in Sto. Domingo town; Mayon Skyline Park in Tabaco City; and upland villages of Guinobatan and Polangui towns and Ligao City.
"We are also expecting five military vehicles from the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force in case we need to make urgent rescue operations," said Bansawan.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)