“Fuel rationing is not an action plan.”
This is according to Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Luz Ilagan as she called for concrete and immediate action for the Aquino government to address head-on a potential oil crisis that would inevitably further push oil prices to unimaginable heights, as an offshoot of intensifying crisis in Iran and the Middle East.
“The government cannot feign helplessness in this situation and limit its role to oil price projection and monitoring while leaving the purchase and importation of petroleum products to big oil companies ready to pounce on the opportunity to make huge profits in crisis situations,” said Ilagan.
Earlier today, Petron and Chevron increased retail prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene products by P1 per liter. Eastern Petroleum also imposed a P1.75 per liter increase in the prices of gasoline while diesel prices will go up by P1.50 per liter. The Department of Energy had projected a P1.30 per liter increase on diesel and P1.75 per liter increase on unleaded gasoline.
The Gabriela solon said, “it is high time that Congress tackles the repeal of the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act (RA 8479) that not only allows oil companies to indiscriminately increase prices of petroleum products, it also creates a toothless government that is tolerant of overpricing despite appeals from a poor population forced to endure price increases not just in oil products, but in basic commodities as well.”
“Because we have allowed oil multinationals to dominate for decades, we are now extremely vulnerable. This is a situation that should immediately be rectified. Steps must be taken towards the dismantling of the oil cartel and the nationalization of the oil industry.”
In January 2011, Ilagan and fellow Gabriela representative Emmi De Jesus filed House Resolution 880 directing the Committee on Energy to investigate the price monitoring and regulatory system instituted by the Department of Energy in the light of allegations of overpricing by oil companies. They also called for the creation of mechanisms to protect consumers against the ill effects of oil price increases and the immediate repeal of the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act (RA 8479). Jang Monte, Public Information Officer, REP. LUZVIMINDA C. ILAGAN
Tuklasin Natin Adverts
Tuklasin Natin Adverts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
GABRIELA SOLON CONDEMNS THE VIOLENT DEMOLITION OF SAN JUAN RESIDENTS
Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Luz Ilagan condemned today the violent demolition of homes in Bgy. Corazon de Jesus in San Juan injuring several residents are resisting eviction and transfer to Rodriguez, Rizal.
“This heartless and violent demolition clearly illustrates how the San Juan local government and the Aquino administration view informal settlers like rats. This betrays its inhumanity and lack of sincerity in pursuing a comprehensive program that will provide decent housing and social services to the poor,” said Ilagan.
The Gabriela solon stressed residents’ appeals and proposals for in-city relocation in lieu of their transfer to Rodriguez, Rizal were ignored.
“Residents are being forced to relocate where jobs, electricity and water are scarce. Demolitions and forced evictions automatically translate to workers having to leave their sources of income and children having to stop going to school. The violent demolition of homes and forced eviction of urban poor residents amid worsening poverty, unemployment and the depravation of basic social services is the height of social injustice.” Jang Monte, Public Information Officer, REP. LUZVIMINDA C. ILAGAN
“This heartless and violent demolition clearly illustrates how the San Juan local government and the Aquino administration view informal settlers like rats. This betrays its inhumanity and lack of sincerity in pursuing a comprehensive program that will provide decent housing and social services to the poor,” said Ilagan.
The Gabriela solon stressed residents’ appeals and proposals for in-city relocation in lieu of their transfer to Rodriguez, Rizal were ignored.
“Residents are being forced to relocate where jobs, electricity and water are scarce. Demolitions and forced evictions automatically translate to workers having to leave their sources of income and children having to stop going to school. The violent demolition of homes and forced eviction of urban poor residents amid worsening poverty, unemployment and the depravation of basic social services is the height of social injustice.” Jang Monte, Public Information Officer, REP. LUZVIMINDA C. ILAGAN
DENR workers pooled P2.6 million cash aid for co-workers affected by ‘Sendong’
A total of P2,619,892.00 has already been raised by employees of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to aid some 249 co-workers in Cagayan De Oro City (CDO) affected by typhoon “Sendong” last December 17, 2011.
DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje turned over the initial amount of P2 million in manager’s check to DENR-Region 10 employees union president Felixberto Capadocia in simple rites held Monday (January 9) during the flag raising ceremonies at the DENR Central Office grounds in Quezon City .
“More relief goods and cash donations are still coming in and these will be turned over to ease the suffering of our co-workers in Cagayan de Oro City,” said Paje.
Some 40 boxes containing of essential daily items like clothings, footwear, toiletries, and beddings have already been either shipped or are ready for transport to CDO for distribution to the victims.
"We do hope that our modest contribution would go a long way in easing the suffering of our affected co-workers and their families,” Paje said, lauding the humanitarian gesture of the members of the K4-DENR Employees Union (DENREU) who pooled together their resources in response to the fund-raising campaign he launched last December 21, 2011.
K4-DENREU is the association of all union chapters of the department’s employees, numbering around 18,525 nationwide.
Paje likewise cited the response from the DENR’s staff and line bureaus which pooled a total donation of P1,198,850.
“The outpouring of aid spawned responses even from private loan and saving cooperative body organized by some DENR employees,” Paje said, referring to the Forestry Saving and Loan Association (FOSLA) which gave P8,000. PAO-DENR
BSWM to establish more Agromet Stations using Automatic Weather Station (AWS)
With the effects of climate change threatening the agriculture sector, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) is proposing a program that seeks to upgrade and increase the number of its Agro-Meteorological (Agromet) Stations in highly vulnerable agricultural areas.
The project, BSWM Executive Director Dr. Silvino Tejada said, will provide farming communities a tool for climate change adaptation and the development of a local early warning system for weather disturbances. The project will cost P175 million and will have a duration of three years. It will involve the following: Regional Field Units (RFUs) of the Department of Agriculture (DA); National Agricultural and Fishery Council; concerned local government units (LGUs); Agricultural State Colleges and Universities (ASCUs); Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA); Advanced Science and Technology Institute; and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
“While PAGASA already has weather stations in many parts of the country, there is a need to establish Agromet Stations in highly vulnerable agricultural areas which are not saturated by the domestic weather agency,” Tejada said.
In his report to DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, the BSWM is proposing to upgrade 10 of its 16 Agromet Stations to Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and to establish an additional 84 AWS nationwide using the latest weather tracking technology. The program is now approved and was funded under US PL-480 grant. This will result in the country having more 100 AWS in highly vulnerable agricultural areas, like those located in the uplands.
The new AWS will be located in the offices of the 16 RFUs of the Department of Agriculture, the campuses of selected ASCUs, and LGUs that have highly vulnerable agricultural areas, among others.
Each of the new AWS and upgraded agromets will have one climatic data observer/encoder and one alternate who both will be trained in the operation of the weather instruments and the upkeep of the stations.
The weather data generated will be sent to the central server in the BSWM on real time basis through GSM, and can be accessed by the stations, DA-RFU’S and PAGASA through coded password.
The objectives of the program are:
1.) Develop a national base of agro-meteorological data that will cater to the needs on the design, development and management of water resources projects for the agricultural sector as a tool for mitigation and adaptation for climate change;
2.) Develop an enabling environment in the rural areas by engaging the services of DA-RFUs, ASCUs and LGUs to operate and maintain the 100 AWS/Agromets by 2012;
3.) Develop a strategy on the awareness and preparedness on disaster risk reduction management at the local community influenced by the station through trainings; and
4.) Develop the agro-ecological cell/zone in the influenced area of the weather stations by updating the soil map in the areas as database for crop planting and management in preparation for the adaptation to climate change.
“This project is expected to help make communities in highly vulnerable agriculture area to adapt to climate change based on hard data. Naturally, the BSWM, DA-RFUs, ASCUs and LGUs will take the lead in helping these vulnerable farming communities take the necessary steps in adapting to climate change based on the data gathered or processed from the weather stations,” Tejada said.
In the second or third year of the program, two Climate Field Schools will be established for each weather station, where members of irrigators associations and cooperatives will be trained on weather and climatic elements in relation to plant growth and disaster risk reduction management.
“What this program also intends to do is make the small farmers more aware of the effects of climate change on agriculture, and for him or her to be proactive in dealing with the effects of climate change,” Tejada added. Veron Hernandez, PSciJourn Mega Manila
The project, BSWM Executive Director Dr. Silvino Tejada said, will provide farming communities a tool for climate change adaptation and the development of a local early warning system for weather disturbances. The project will cost P175 million and will have a duration of three years. It will involve the following: Regional Field Units (RFUs) of the Department of Agriculture (DA); National Agricultural and Fishery Council; concerned local government units (LGUs); Agricultural State Colleges and Universities (ASCUs); Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA); Advanced Science and Technology Institute; and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
“While PAGASA already has weather stations in many parts of the country, there is a need to establish Agromet Stations in highly vulnerable agricultural areas which are not saturated by the domestic weather agency,” Tejada said.
In his report to DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, the BSWM is proposing to upgrade 10 of its 16 Agromet Stations to Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and to establish an additional 84 AWS nationwide using the latest weather tracking technology. The program is now approved and was funded under US PL-480 grant. This will result in the country having more 100 AWS in highly vulnerable agricultural areas, like those located in the uplands.
The new AWS will be located in the offices of the 16 RFUs of the Department of Agriculture, the campuses of selected ASCUs, and LGUs that have highly vulnerable agricultural areas, among others.
Each of the new AWS and upgraded agromets will have one climatic data observer/encoder and one alternate who both will be trained in the operation of the weather instruments and the upkeep of the stations.
The weather data generated will be sent to the central server in the BSWM on real time basis through GSM, and can be accessed by the stations, DA-RFU’S and PAGASA through coded password.
The objectives of the program are:
1.) Develop a national base of agro-meteorological data that will cater to the needs on the design, development and management of water resources projects for the agricultural sector as a tool for mitigation and adaptation for climate change;
2.) Develop an enabling environment in the rural areas by engaging the services of DA-RFUs, ASCUs and LGUs to operate and maintain the 100 AWS/Agromets by 2012;
3.) Develop a strategy on the awareness and preparedness on disaster risk reduction management at the local community influenced by the station through trainings; and
4.) Develop the agro-ecological cell/zone in the influenced area of the weather stations by updating the soil map in the areas as database for crop planting and management in preparation for the adaptation to climate change.
“This project is expected to help make communities in highly vulnerable agriculture area to adapt to climate change based on hard data. Naturally, the BSWM, DA-RFUs, ASCUs and LGUs will take the lead in helping these vulnerable farming communities take the necessary steps in adapting to climate change based on the data gathered or processed from the weather stations,” Tejada said.
In the second or third year of the program, two Climate Field Schools will be established for each weather station, where members of irrigators associations and cooperatives will be trained on weather and climatic elements in relation to plant growth and disaster risk reduction management.
“What this program also intends to do is make the small farmers more aware of the effects of climate change on agriculture, and for him or her to be proactive in dealing with the effects of climate change,” Tejada added. Veron Hernandez, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Enhanced SSS program ensures pensions to rightful payees
Social Security System (SSS) pensioners will be required to report to their depository bank or any SSS branch starting this year to validate their eligibility to continue to receive pensions, a top official said.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said changes in the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) program, which the SSS introduced in 2004, aims to protect the fund from undue pension payments and fraudulent claims.
"The ACOP protects members’ contributions by ensuring the integrity of the SSS fund," he said. "We want SSS benefits to go to the right members and beneficiaries."
De Quiros said SSS will give special consideration to those unable to make a personal appearance, such as pensioners based overseas, under confinement or physically unable to travel due to health conditions or old age.
"We will accept requests for home visits and documents such as medical records and official certifications sent via mail or through representatives. Pensioners residing abroad only need to send the required documents," he said.
The institution provides lifetime pensions for retirement, total disability and death to over 1.6 million pensioners. Under the law, pensions are stopped when the member dies, recovers from disability or becomes re-employed if below age 65, or when the surviving spouse remarries.
"SSS will mail a notification letter two months before the member’s month of retirement, death or disability. Pensioners have three months, which will end on the last day of their contingency month, to make a one-day personal appearance at their savings bank or any SSS branch," De Quiros said.
The ACOP requires retiree pensioners and beneficiaries of deceased members to present their notification letter to their depository bank once a year. Total disability pensioners will present SSS’ letter and report to any SSS branch for a yearly medical check-up.
"Those receiving pension checks must present their letter to the SSS office nearest them as ACOP compliance," De Quiros said.
After SSS stopped the ACOP in 2006, pensioners with ATM pension accounts change their PIN code at their depository bank every year while total disability pensioners go to SSS for an annual physical examination.
"SSS requires banks to submit an annual list of pension accounts without any withdrawal for the past 12 months, which we use to investigate if a pensioner still exists," De Quiros said. Sigfredo Ibay, SSS
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said changes in the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) program, which the SSS introduced in 2004, aims to protect the fund from undue pension payments and fraudulent claims.
"The ACOP protects members’ contributions by ensuring the integrity of the SSS fund," he said. "We want SSS benefits to go to the right members and beneficiaries."
De Quiros said SSS will give special consideration to those unable to make a personal appearance, such as pensioners based overseas, under confinement or physically unable to travel due to health conditions or old age.
"We will accept requests for home visits and documents such as medical records and official certifications sent via mail or through representatives. Pensioners residing abroad only need to send the required documents," he said.
The institution provides lifetime pensions for retirement, total disability and death to over 1.6 million pensioners. Under the law, pensions are stopped when the member dies, recovers from disability or becomes re-employed if below age 65, or when the surviving spouse remarries.
"SSS will mail a notification letter two months before the member’s month of retirement, death or disability. Pensioners have three months, which will end on the last day of their contingency month, to make a one-day personal appearance at their savings bank or any SSS branch," De Quiros said.
The ACOP requires retiree pensioners and beneficiaries of deceased members to present their notification letter to their depository bank once a year. Total disability pensioners will present SSS’ letter and report to any SSS branch for a yearly medical check-up.
"Those receiving pension checks must present their letter to the SSS office nearest them as ACOP compliance," De Quiros said.
After SSS stopped the ACOP in 2006, pensioners with ATM pension accounts change their PIN code at their depository bank every year while total disability pensioners go to SSS for an annual physical examination.
"SSS requires banks to submit an annual list of pension accounts without any withdrawal for the past 12 months, which we use to investigate if a pensioner still exists," De Quiros said. Sigfredo Ibay, SSS
Friday, January 6, 2012
UP lawyer to SC spokesman: Shut up and ship out
UP Law Professor and human rights lawyer Harry Roque assailed Supreme Court Administration and Spokesman Midas Marquez for acting as the personal spokesman of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona.
“Marquez has no business serving as the personal apologist of the embattled Chief Justice. He should be speaking for the entire Supreme Court, not just Corona, and explaining collegial decisions, not just the views of his boss,” Roque said.
“Worse, by defending Corona to the hilt using the Supreme Court as his platform, Marquez is practically saying that there’s nothing wrong with culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of the people’s trust and graft and corruption for which Corona now faces an impeachment trial by the Senate,” Roque pointed out.
Roue added also reminded Marquez that “the impeachment of CJ Corona has absolutely nothing to do with the workings or decisions of the SC, thus he has no business speaking out on Corona’s impeachment in his capacity as SC spokesman.”
“Marquez has blatantly blurred the lines separating the duties of an SC spokesman from that of a private spokesman or lawyer who should be doing the talking for CJ Corona pertaining to his impeachment,” he stressed.
“Let Corona’s designated private lawyers speak for him, not someone who is paid his salary with taxpayers’ money,” Roque said.
Roque added that Marquez may even be held criminally liable for overstepping the bounds of his duties. “After all, the personnel, offices and other resources of the SC cannot be conscripted or used in defense of any members of the high court facing impeachment, whether he be the Chief Justice.”
“Marquez will end up a towering disgrace to the lawyering profession if he insists on acting as Corona’s spokesperson and repeating the same chicanery and falsehoods peddled by his boss,” Roque said.
“From one lawyer to another, here’s my friendly advice to Midas: ‘Shut up and ship out’. Either you resign and join Corona’s legal team or shut up and stop dragging the entire Supreme Court in your obvious attempt to please your boss”, Roque said. Aileen R. Garcia, Program Officer, Center for International Law (CenterLaw)
“Marquez has no business serving as the personal apologist of the embattled Chief Justice. He should be speaking for the entire Supreme Court, not just Corona, and explaining collegial decisions, not just the views of his boss,” Roque said.
“Worse, by defending Corona to the hilt using the Supreme Court as his platform, Marquez is practically saying that there’s nothing wrong with culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of the people’s trust and graft and corruption for which Corona now faces an impeachment trial by the Senate,” Roque pointed out.
Roue added also reminded Marquez that “the impeachment of CJ Corona has absolutely nothing to do with the workings or decisions of the SC, thus he has no business speaking out on Corona’s impeachment in his capacity as SC spokesman.”
“Marquez has blatantly blurred the lines separating the duties of an SC spokesman from that of a private spokesman or lawyer who should be doing the talking for CJ Corona pertaining to his impeachment,” he stressed.
“Let Corona’s designated private lawyers speak for him, not someone who is paid his salary with taxpayers’ money,” Roque said.
Roque added that Marquez may even be held criminally liable for overstepping the bounds of his duties. “After all, the personnel, offices and other resources of the SC cannot be conscripted or used in defense of any members of the high court facing impeachment, whether he be the Chief Justice.”
“Marquez will end up a towering disgrace to the lawyering profession if he insists on acting as Corona’s spokesperson and repeating the same chicanery and falsehoods peddled by his boss,” Roque said.
“From one lawyer to another, here’s my friendly advice to Midas: ‘Shut up and ship out’. Either you resign and join Corona’s legal team or shut up and stop dragging the entire Supreme Court in your obvious attempt to please your boss”, Roque said. Aileen R. Garcia, Program Officer, Center for International Law (CenterLaw)
P-NOY TO LEAD TANDANG SORA BICENTENNIAL RITES
President Benigno Aquino III will lead tomorrow (January 6) the bicentennial celebration of the birthday of Melchora Aquino, or Tandang Sora, which will highlighted by the re-interment of the heroine’s remains at the Tandang Sora shrine at Banlat Road in Quezon City.
President Aquino, who has been invited as guest of honor and speaker, will be joined by Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte in the commemorative program and re-interment ceremony jointly prepared by the QC government and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
The commemorative program will be highlighted by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tandang Sora shrine that will be participated by President Aquino, Mayor Bautista and Vice Mayor Belmonte.
The re-interment of Tandang Sora’s remains will be held between 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The ceremony will include the blessing of the heroine’s tomb and firing of the 21-volley of musketry.
Rev. Fr. Antonio Tobias will officiate the blessing of tomb.
Tandang Sora’s remains were exhumed on the eve of her 200th birthday at the Himlayang Pilipino which has been the heroine’s burial grounds for the past 42 years. The Himlayang Pilipino administration, through its president, Alberto Albano, recently acceded to the request of the Quezon City government and the family of Tandang Sora to have the heroine’s remains exhumed for permanent burial in her birthplace.
“The move of Himlayang Pilipino is for the greater good,” said Albano.
Meanwhile, in an earlier statement, Mayor Bautista said the events that will transpire during the Tandang Sora bicentennial celebration shall serve as a big step towards the development of the Tandang Sora area.
“Tandang Sora is part of the boom at the Visayas Avenue area,” said Mayor Bautista.
After exhumation, Tandang Sora’s remains were placed in a flag-draped wooden receptacle to be carried by a horse-drawn carriage during a funeral procession from the Himlayang Pilipino to Quezon City Hall.
Mayor Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte will lead city officials in welcoming the remains of Tandang Sora, which will arrive today (January 5) at the QC Hall.
Military and police personnel will provide escort to the funeral procession.
In addition, about 100 traffic enforcers and 20 motorcycle units from the QC department of public order and safety have also been mobilized to direct traffic flow during the funeral procession.
At QC Hall, there will be a funeral ceremony where people will have the opportunity to offer their final respects to Tandang Sora, who has been recognized for her exceptional heroic contributions to the struggle for Philippine Independence despite her advanced age
City hall officials will be joined by descendants of Tandang Sora, especially officers and members of the “Mga Apo ni Melchora (Tandang Sora) Aquino Association Inc., in welcoming the heroine’s remains.
An overnight vigil will also be held at QC Hall hosted by the cultural and tourism affairs office, office for senior citizens affairs, scholarship and youth development program, general services department and the Liga ng mga Barangay.
A memorial mass in honor of the heroine will be held in the morning of January 6 at the QC Hall before her remains will be finally transferred to the Tandang Sora shrine for re-interment.
Tandang Sora’s remains will also be carried by a horse-drawn carriage during a funeral procession, this time, from QC Hall to the Tandang Sora shrine.
Senior adviser to the Mayor, Dr. Manuel Alba, has been tapped by Vice Mayor Belmonte, to handle the negotiation for the transfer of the remains of Tandang Sora from Himlayang Pilipino to the Tandang Sora shrine at Banlat Road.
The year 2012 has been declared as Tandang Sora Year by the QC government through Ordinance No. SP-2092, S-2011.
Vice Mayor Belmonte, who also sits as chairperson of Task Force Tandang Sora said various activities will be mounted by the city government to highlight the celebration of the Tandang Sora Year.
These include, among others, production of a documentary on the life of Tandang Sora, a travelling photo exhibit and mounting of the Gawad Tandang Sora award that will be given to outstanding women who best exemplify the ideals espoused by Tandang Sora.
According to the Vice Mayor, the city government will seal partnership with SM for the travelling exhibit and, with the History Department of the University of the Philippines – Diliman for the production of the Tandang Sora documentary.
National Geographic is also working on a documentary on the life of Tandang Sora, said Vice Mayor Belmonte.
Born on January 6 – Epiphany Day, in 1812, Melchora Aquino was named after one of the Three Wise Men. It can be recalled that despite her old age, Melchora Aquino, better known as Tandang Sora, opened her doors to Katipuneros who risked their lives during the revolution. She kept the spirits of the Katipuneros alive by providing them with food, clothing and shelter.
Charged with aiding the Katipunan on August 20, 1896, Tandang Sora was arrested by the Guardia Civil and jailed at the Bilibid Prison. In complete disregard of her age and sex, the Spanish authorities exiled her to Guam, where she stayed for seven years as a servant.
Tandang Sora came home to her native land on February 26, 1903 at the age of 91. She died on February 19, 1919 at the age of 107. Precy/ Ramir/ Maureen Quiñones, PAISO
President Aquino, who has been invited as guest of honor and speaker, will be joined by Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte in the commemorative program and re-interment ceremony jointly prepared by the QC government and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
The commemorative program will be highlighted by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tandang Sora shrine that will be participated by President Aquino, Mayor Bautista and Vice Mayor Belmonte.
The re-interment of Tandang Sora’s remains will be held between 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The ceremony will include the blessing of the heroine’s tomb and firing of the 21-volley of musketry.
Rev. Fr. Antonio Tobias will officiate the blessing of tomb.
Tandang Sora’s remains were exhumed on the eve of her 200th birthday at the Himlayang Pilipino which has been the heroine’s burial grounds for the past 42 years. The Himlayang Pilipino administration, through its president, Alberto Albano, recently acceded to the request of the Quezon City government and the family of Tandang Sora to have the heroine’s remains exhumed for permanent burial in her birthplace.
“The move of Himlayang Pilipino is for the greater good,” said Albano.
Meanwhile, in an earlier statement, Mayor Bautista said the events that will transpire during the Tandang Sora bicentennial celebration shall serve as a big step towards the development of the Tandang Sora area.
“Tandang Sora is part of the boom at the Visayas Avenue area,” said Mayor Bautista.
After exhumation, Tandang Sora’s remains were placed in a flag-draped wooden receptacle to be carried by a horse-drawn carriage during a funeral procession from the Himlayang Pilipino to Quezon City Hall.
Mayor Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte will lead city officials in welcoming the remains of Tandang Sora, which will arrive today (January 5) at the QC Hall.
Military and police personnel will provide escort to the funeral procession.
In addition, about 100 traffic enforcers and 20 motorcycle units from the QC department of public order and safety have also been mobilized to direct traffic flow during the funeral procession.
At QC Hall, there will be a funeral ceremony where people will have the opportunity to offer their final respects to Tandang Sora, who has been recognized for her exceptional heroic contributions to the struggle for Philippine Independence despite her advanced age
City hall officials will be joined by descendants of Tandang Sora, especially officers and members of the “Mga Apo ni Melchora (Tandang Sora) Aquino Association Inc., in welcoming the heroine’s remains.
An overnight vigil will also be held at QC Hall hosted by the cultural and tourism affairs office, office for senior citizens affairs, scholarship and youth development program, general services department and the Liga ng mga Barangay.
A memorial mass in honor of the heroine will be held in the morning of January 6 at the QC Hall before her remains will be finally transferred to the Tandang Sora shrine for re-interment.
Tandang Sora’s remains will also be carried by a horse-drawn carriage during a funeral procession, this time, from QC Hall to the Tandang Sora shrine.
Senior adviser to the Mayor, Dr. Manuel Alba, has been tapped by Vice Mayor Belmonte, to handle the negotiation for the transfer of the remains of Tandang Sora from Himlayang Pilipino to the Tandang Sora shrine at Banlat Road.
The year 2012 has been declared as Tandang Sora Year by the QC government through Ordinance No. SP-2092, S-2011.
Vice Mayor Belmonte, who also sits as chairperson of Task Force Tandang Sora said various activities will be mounted by the city government to highlight the celebration of the Tandang Sora Year.
These include, among others, production of a documentary on the life of Tandang Sora, a travelling photo exhibit and mounting of the Gawad Tandang Sora award that will be given to outstanding women who best exemplify the ideals espoused by Tandang Sora.
According to the Vice Mayor, the city government will seal partnership with SM for the travelling exhibit and, with the History Department of the University of the Philippines – Diliman for the production of the Tandang Sora documentary.
National Geographic is also working on a documentary on the life of Tandang Sora, said Vice Mayor Belmonte.
Born on January 6 – Epiphany Day, in 1812, Melchora Aquino was named after one of the Three Wise Men. It can be recalled that despite her old age, Melchora Aquino, better known as Tandang Sora, opened her doors to Katipuneros who risked their lives during the revolution. She kept the spirits of the Katipuneros alive by providing them with food, clothing and shelter.
Charged with aiding the Katipunan on August 20, 1896, Tandang Sora was arrested by the Guardia Civil and jailed at the Bilibid Prison. In complete disregard of her age and sex, the Spanish authorities exiled her to Guam, where she stayed for seven years as a servant.
Tandang Sora came home to her native land on February 26, 1903 at the age of 91. She died on February 19, 1919 at the age of 107. Precy/ Ramir/ Maureen Quiñones, PAISO
Paje reiterates appeal to LGUs: Read geohazard maps, stop issuing small-scale mining permits
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje today reiterated his appeal to all local government officials to revisit the geohazard maps distributed by the agency and institute mitigating measures to shield communities from danger.
At the same time, he asked the same officials to cease from further issuing small-scale mining (SSM) permits as the DENR no longer issues environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for SSM.
Paje sounded off the appeal in the wake of the Pantukan landslide early Thursday morning, which has already reportedly claimed 25 lives as of press time.
The DENR chief said that he has already dispatched a team of geologists to assess the area for possible dangers posed on rescuers, warning them of the possibility of further landslides due to the condition of the soil as well as holes caused by small-scale mining.
He said that he, along with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, had visited in April 2011 and found cracks along the mountain ridges. “The area continues to act as a magnet to as many as 200,000 individuals during a gold rush,” he said. They had then warned the LGU that it would only be a matter of time before the mountainside would collapse. PAO-DENR
At the same time, he asked the same officials to cease from further issuing small-scale mining (SSM) permits as the DENR no longer issues environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for SSM.
Paje sounded off the appeal in the wake of the Pantukan landslide early Thursday morning, which has already reportedly claimed 25 lives as of press time.
The DENR chief said that he has already dispatched a team of geologists to assess the area for possible dangers posed on rescuers, warning them of the possibility of further landslides due to the condition of the soil as well as holes caused by small-scale mining.
He said that he, along with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, had visited in April 2011 and found cracks along the mountain ridges. “The area continues to act as a magnet to as many as 200,000 individuals during a gold rush,” he said. They had then warned the LGU that it would only be a matter of time before the mountainside would collapse. PAO-DENR
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