PANIC BUYING AND RICE RATIONING IN CAGAYAN DE ORO, DAVAO CITIES

Panic buying and rice rationing starts in cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro

06/02/2008 | 01:17 AM
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Panic buying of government subsidized rice has started in Mindanao, specifically in the cities of Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

While Davao’s National Food Authority (NFA) office has restricted selling of government rice to one kilo daily per buyer, panic buying has started in Cagayan de Oro City’s largest public market on Sunday morning.

In Cagayan de Oro’s Cogon market, thousands trooped to NFA rice outlets in reaction to rumors that prices of state-subsidized rice would be increased this coming week from the current price of P18.25 per kilo.

In previous days, commercial rice varieties here have also increased as private traders reduced release of their stocks to retailers.

Only two retailers in the Cogon public market were selling government rice. The NFA is providing additional stocks to accommodate the long line of people.

In Davao City, the NFA ordered all its accredited outlets to limit rice purchases to one kilo per family as officials try to contend with the growing number of people queuing up to buy cheap rice.

Rogelio C. Chio, NFA regional executive director, traced the anomaly to millers who stopped their operations because they were expecting prices to go up. Other than that, Mr. Chio said they are at a loss as to why the price of rice increased by P10 per kilo “in less than a week.”

Salvio F. Arguelles, auditor of the Grains and Retailers Confederation (Grecon), traces the perceived supply of rice in the city to “rumors” which could be quelled with correct information by government agencies. — G. P. Alba and J. B. Escovilla, BusinessWorld

 

NEW PEOPLE’S ARMY STATEMENT ON PASTOR APOLLO QUIBOLOY

From: durianpost

Apollo Quiboloy’s tirade against the New People’s Army (NPA) has all the more exposed his true color. In his desperate bid to muddle legitimate issues leveled against him and his Task Force Davao/73rd Infantry Battalion-AFP protectors as an offshoot of the Barangay Guianga attempted massacre and killing, the truth is gradually but clearly emerging.

As he tries to divert public attention from real issues that has put him in a very bad light, he further invites attention to the injustice that prevails and incites people to let out sentiments that range from ridicule to denunciation.

First, he berates media people for supporting the cries of the Diarog family and threatens them with eternal damnation. Then, fashioned after Pontius Pilate, he makes a blanket, albeit, baseless denial of any involvement in the cold-blooded massacre. But bereft of any courage to face the lumad victims, he hides behind the legalistic mantra of his lawyer. Now he warns of a 20,000-strong armed offensive against the NPA.

Freedom of worship is a right upheld by the revolutionary movement. This is enshrined in the 12-Point Program of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). But to exercise such freedom as an instrument to oppress and exploit the people is an altogether different matter. Apollo Quiboloy is free to bask in illusions of grandeur, live the royal lifestyle of the rich and famous while preaching his religious beliefs. But to utilize his religious, economic, political and military influence to establish and expand his estate, cause the evacuation of lumads from their ancestral lands and add misery to poor peasants constitute sinister acts that justly deserve condemnation.

If he desires to be a warlord, aside from being a tree plantation owner, real estate developer, eco-tourism advocate, media mogul and padrino-traditional politicians while moonlighting as a luxury car collector, practical shooting enthusiast and aspiring helicopter pilot, then let him be. If he dreams of fortifying his vast mountainous estate in Calinan by organizing a Quiboloy Brigade, shuttling from the pulpit to the machinegun post, then let him be. Marcos’s martial law, the past regime’s total war and Arroyo’s Oplan Bantay Laya 1 failed. Despite being hard-pressed by Gloria Arroyo to fulfill her pipe dream of eliminating the NPA by 2010, Oplan Bantay Laya II is fast turning to be one big and expensive frustration for the AFP. Thus, Apollo Quiboloy’s verbal antics is of no consequence to the people’s army.

 

REDISTRICTING MANIA

Junkshop in Butuan City

2010 elections is just more than 2 years away, but certain people are now seem to chart their political future which may be adverse to the interest of taxpayers. The frenzy peaked when the National Statistics Office conducted its census last year. There’s a buzz in redistricting everywhere.

Iligan and Lanao del Norte. Rep. Vicente Belmonte filed HB 3164 which aims to separate Iligan City district from the 1^st District of Lanao del Norte. On the other hand, Rep. Bobby Dimaporo filed HB 2824 which will reapportioned Lanao del Norte into two districts. At present, the 1^st District of Lanao del Norte is composed of some municipalities including Iligan City. Belmonte however admitted that he refrained from filing a bill creating another district for Lanao del Norte because it will not meet the requirement of 250 thousand voters since Iligan City will separate from the said district.

Davao City. Davao City Councilor Peter Lavina said Davao City has a population of 1.36 million which qualified the city to have at least five congressional districts. The city has currently three congressional districts. Lavina said Congress should immediately pass an enabling law so that the new districts could be in place for the 2010 elections (dagan dayun sehal!). He said this constitutional provision should be implemented to follow the dictum “no taxation without representation.” He said reapportionment is a better means to create new districts rather by case to case basis law based on individual requests of provinces and cities.

Surigao City and Surigao del Norte. There is much noise about the proposal to create another congressional district out of the 2^nd district of Surigao del Norte. The proposed district will comprise Surigao City and the municipalities of Sison, San Francisco and Malimono which is part of the 2^nd District of Surigao del Norte. The idea came after Surigao City Mayor Pons Casurra intimated that Surigao City should be allotted one congressional seat. However, with this proposal, it seems that the population requirement will not be met by Surigao City alone that it has to include the 3 municipalities so as to create another district. There might be negotiations now with Rep. Jun Romarate for this proposal. This is appealing to both parties. For any congressional aspirant, it will open a golden opportunity to become a member of Congress. For Jun Romarate, his hold on the 2^nd district will be much more secure as his potential rivals come from Surigao City. With only 8 municipalities to concentrate and sans Surigao City, Romarate can now carve a bailiwick and a political dynasty of his own.

Cotabato City. Mayor Muslemen Sema said its high time for Cotobato City to have a separate representation in order to give more support to Cotabato for improvement. This after the latest census showed that Cotabato City has a population of 259,153, just a little over 250,000 limit for a certain locality to be entitled to at least one Congressman. But perhaps the best argument was expressed by Congressman Digs Dilangalen in opposing the creation of another Congressional seat in Cotabato City. According to him, he does not believe that Cotabato City will improve when there is a separate representation.

Applying it generally, more representation doesn’t mean better representation. In most cases, it will only benefit a few who have vested interest who will assume another position of power and will prejudice the taxpayers whose money will be spend just to support another batch of patronage politicians.

 

DUTERTE BREAKS UP WITH ARROYO

Duterte breaks up with Arroyo

Cris DiazMarch 24,2008

Mindanao Gold Star Daily 

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City reportedly announced last week his break up with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Duterte’s decision to part ways with the President was understandable. I would say that the decision was an offshoot of Davao Rep. Prospero Nograles’ election as Speaker of the House.

As Speaker of the House, Nograles is a step closer to Arroyo than Duterte, so to speak. And Duterte knows this. Of course, it is of public knowledge that Duterte and Nograles are not in good terms-politically and personally.  Apart from this, there are other more-than-meets-the-eye arguments.   

Perhaps, Duterte is turning his back against Arroyo not for the sole reason of Nograles being closer to her.  Apparently, the allegation of Arroyo’s corrupt administration could be one of the heaviest reasons on why Duterte’s emotions drifted away from the Palace.  The scandal plaguing the Arroyo administration is too much for Duterte to bear as more people are calling for her resignation. Thus, Nograles, an archrival protagonist (I would not say enemy), being closer to the President and as Speaker of the House could not be the primary reason on Duterte’s parting with Arroyo.  

But will a ruptured relationship with the President cause a debilitating effect on Mindanao’s political economy? Will this strained relationship have some effects on Arroyo’s resolve to develop Mindanao to the fullest? Will Nograles now be headstrong in pouring everything for Mindanao? For now, it appears though that Nograles has the respect of the Lower House but don’t have the support of the people of Davao.   

At the moment some local leaders in Mindanao may never care less. So what if Nograles and Duterte are quarreling.  So what if Duterte parted ways with Arroyo? These could be some affirmative questions which local leaders outside Davao are thinking of.  But others see the Duterte-Arroyo breakup as a bad omen for the Arroyo government.

 

“I AM NOT GLORIA ARROYO’S VICE PRESIDENT” - NOLI DE CASTRO (WHEW!)

“Di ako bise presidente ni Pangulong Gloria, bise presidente ako ng buong bayan … Iba ang kaalyado at katulong ng presidente (I’m the vice president not of Gloria but of the Filipino people. Don’t confuse my helping government programs with being allied with her),“Dapat maging transparent ang pamahalaan … Mahirap magsalita ang di pa nasusubukan. Ako ang constitutional successor, alam ko ang aking gagawin kung sakasakali po (I know government must be transparent. But it is hard for someone who is not yet there to speak out. I know I am the constitutional successor, I know what to do when the time comes)”

More on this statement.

Even Davao Mayor Rody Duterte vows loyalty to the people, not Arroyo. 

The mayor said he sympathizes with the people who are demanding the resignation of Arroyo, but at the same time pointed out that the President must be given the chance to prove her innocence.

“I am not ready to demand the resignation of the President because wala akong makitang dahilan (I see no reason to). Let us just wait for the result of the investigation. There is no need to defend the President if she’s telling the truth.”

Duterte assured Dabawenyos he will act accordingly to what the truth is and will not allow anyone to use him for their selfish end.

“Di ko pagamit nila. Mas maayo pang ako na lang mu-resign una kung gamiton lang ko nila (I will not let others use me. I would prefer to resign than be used),” he said. - Sun.Star

 

“AT THE RIGHT TIME, FOR THE WRONG REASONS.”

Finally, Mindanao had its first Speaker, thanks to the KAMPI led coup against JDV, Davao City Congressman Prospero Nograles was pushed to the limelight. We had our first speaker. The first in over 100 years. Its historic! Should I clap my hands now? Should I jump for joy? Does it mean a thing?

Speaker Nograles assume the post not because there is a genuine desire for reform in the House. He did not come to the fore to effect meaningful change or even assert the independence of Congress from the iron grip of the Executive. Instead, Nograles assumption cemented the control of the Presidency over the House where appropriations originate. Mindanao is again shortchanged.

Nograles assumption also sends a strong message that anyone who would mess with the powers that be will suffer dire consequences. JDV paid a heavy price for trying to assert his independence and morality a little bit. A sad story. For one to stay as Speaker he must at all time show that he is a stooge or else the confidence and trust of the powerful will be lost.

JDV was a willing puppet hours before he was ousted. He turned patriotic when his position was on the line. Fine. Better late than never. He shielded his President for this long against her adversaries. Sad thing, his loyalty was not good enough. “Why he is just squealing now?” Idiots! He just said he protected her!

As for Nograles, well, he is a brand new puppet replacing an old, unreliable and malfunctioning one which is good for trash bin.

 

DAVAO CITY TO SEPARATE FROM DAVAO DEL SUR

Ampayon Rotunda, Amapayon, Butuan City; going south to Davao; going East to Surigao City

The City Council of Davao has passed a resolution requesting the President to direct national government agencies to separate all data of Davao City from that of Davao del Sur saying the city is independent and not part of the latter.

Councilor Peter Laviña believes that the national government will act favorably on the request to correct this historical error. In March 1, 1937, Davao City was inaugurated as chartered city during Pres. Manuel L. Quezon’s time. It was subdivided later into 3 government units as Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental.

***

The Davao City Council passed on second reading an ordinance which will provide seats for women workers in malls and departments stores. Authored by Councilor Edgar Ibuyan aims to avoid detrimental effects on long periods of standing such as heart risks, stroke, foot, leg and back pains, circulatory problems, difficulties in pregnancy and birth defects. Health aside, prolong standing is inhuman. Its pity to see ladies subjected to that ordeal.

***

Looks like there will be more military and police checkpoints in Misamis Oriental highways to thwart terrorism and other criminal activities. The City Council of Cagayan de Oro has requested the setting up of checkpoints in the national highways in Iponan (coming from Lanao areas), Bugo (coming from East of Misamis Oriental), Upper Puerto (coming from Bukidnon) and Lumbia (coming from Lanao Sur, and Talakag areas).

***

The Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro will open a new museum in addition to the Museo de Oro located inside Xavier University. The second museum, which will be named as Museum of Three Cultures, will be more regional in scope which will showcase Maranao antiquities, gallery of Cagayan de Oro ethnohistory, Butuan archeological artifacts, lumad arts and crafts from the Higaonon and Manobo cultures, a treasure of Christian era artifacts and Spanish memorabilia.

***

Politics is the cause behind the long delayed Cagayan de Oro International Convention Center. Expected to have a seating capacity of 7,700, it would be the CDO’s first government owned convention center. Though CDO has the reputation as a convention city in the Philippines, most of the gatherings are held in hotels and malls function areas. The 64 million COICC is the brainchild of Senator Nene Pimentel but the funding of the project was stopped during the time when the Senator and the Gloria Arroyo had a falling out. Last elections, it was used as an issue by the administration allies against Koko Pimentel and his father. The project was supposed to be completed in 2004. Later it was due to be completed by November 2007 but according to the DPWH Region 10, the project was never completed because of the delay in the release of 100 million additional funding.

 

FALCON, BB PIMENTEL ALLIANCE CRUMBLE

Former Surigao del Sur 2^nd District Congressman Jessnar Falcon had a falling out with Governor Vicente Pimentel. This accordingly stems from the negative comments from the Governor when Falcon was trounced by his congressional rival, Florencio Garay. Even former Congressman Butch Pichay confirmed of this rift. The news is that Falcon will make a run for Governor in the coming 2010 elections. He will possibly face Johnny Pimentel, the present Provincial Administrator and the younger brother of the Governor. Earlier, Governor Pimentel is set to challenge the seat of Cong. Florencio Garay. Will this lead to the alliance of Falcon and Garay, erstwhile political opponents against a common adversary which are the Pimentels? Politics will bring strange bedfellows.

***

Its final. The COMELEC dismisses the appeal of El Salvador Mayor Emelita Almirante on technicalities. According to the poll body, Almirante failed to pay the required 3 thousand appeal fee within the period for the filing of notice of appeal and thus failed to perfect her appeal within the required period. However according to the Almirante camp, the decision will not result in the automatic installation of rival Nilo Pates. “As long as the COMELEC will not order the lifting of the restraining order they previously issued, Mayor Almirante will sit and continue to serve as Mayor of El Salvado City in Misamis Oriental.

***

Cagayan de Oro Vice Mayor Vicente Emano criticized the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) for driving sidewalk vendors around Cogon market. The clearing operation was ordered by Mayor Tinnex Jaraula. He criticized the act as “inhuman” when goods were spoiled, damaged or destroyed and some lost their day’s earning. “Mga itlog nangabuak. Moabot ra gihapon ang gaba kanila. RTA justified that the demolition is part of their mandate to keep the city streets clean and orderly.

***

How true? Manny Pacquiao will try his luck again in politics this time against General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon. Looks like Manny has not learned his lessons. Manny Pacquiao have a big chance of beating Charlene Antonino-Custodio in the Congressional race than unseating Mayor Acharon. Besides does Pacquiao have administrative experience to lead a big city like Gen San? Instead of dipping his fingers again in politics, Pacquiao should concentrate on boxing first and attend to his some of his personal problems which bring negative publicity these days. Lately, a businesswoman from Davao Geraldine Valdivieso complained of unpaid accounts of Manny Pacquiao for the puchase price of a SUV bought by Pacquiao for his wife Jinky’s uncle. The businesswoman have repeatedly demanded for the balance of the purchase price but the same were just responded by Manny with denial and some threats. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

***

Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte is reported to have resigned from his post as the head of the Regional Peace and Order Council. The resignation was irrevocable but the LGU heads of Davao Region led by Gov. Arturo Uy of Compostela Valley seems to initiate a last ditch effort to dissuade the Mayor from resigning.

***

Its not only in Surigao del Sur that political allies will square off. Talks are persistent that Del Rosarios and the Floirendos of Davao del Norte have parted ways and is headed to a collision course in 2010 elections. After vanquishing different respective rivals in the past, it has come to this point that they will finally turn against each other.

***

In the program Korina Today, Koko Pimentel and his lawyer, Leila de Lima narrated in detail and discuss the legal implications of the discovery of empty ballot box in Sultan Kudarat town in Shariff Kabunsuan. In the Maguindanao recount, although there were ballots, it was observed that the ballots were fake and that it was not accompanied with tally sheets and Election Returns. The camp of Miguel Zubiri seems lost in how to deal with these latest development. They will asked the Senate Electoral Tribunal to investigate the matter. But is that still the function of the SET? The SET’s function is to rule and not investigate. This duty to investigate should fall on the Zubiri camp to defend their position. Also, Zubiri should stop portraying himself as the victim. How can he be the victim when he is the one sitting in the Senate and Koko waging a protest outside. The way Zubiri justified the absence of the ballots, he seems like he is putting the blame on the local warring politicians in Sharif Kabunsuan. In the entire stretch of the program, the people waited for a plausible explanation from the Zubiri camp of the missing ballots, but all they got were side stories and other extraneous topics that skirt the real issue which is the missing ballots.

Zubiri’s position in the Senate is imperiled. Majority of the SET officials are coming from the opposition and with evidence overwhelmingly favor on Koko, the fate of Migs is sealed. This explains also that after half a year in the Senate, Migs seems to avoid confrontation with his colleagues and opt to attend to local concerns. Migs is frequently seen in public functions in Cagayan de Oro and in Bukidnon. Although it is expected that Migs lawyer will do whatever they can to prevent Koko from assuming the post of Migs. If that’s the case, the true will of the people is thwarted.

 

RUFUS RODRIGUEZ SAYS UY A BIG LOSS TO THE OPPOSITION

One of the persons who was greatly saddened by Uy’s defection to the administration party is Cong. Rufus Rodriguez (2^nd Dist. Cagayan de Oro City, PMP). Rodriguez said that Uy’s joining the Lakas CMD party is a big loss to the opposition. Nevertheless, Rodriguez respects Uy’s decision since defecting to the administration mean more projects for his constituents.

Although he won as an independent candidate, Uy was perceived to be more with the opposition since his parting ways with his erstwhile mentor Vice Mayor Dongkoy Emano

***

The Cagayan de Oro City hall reacts to the allegation that Atty. Noel Guibone was fired. In a letter published in the Mindanao Gold Star Daily by Erwin Culanag, ity Information Officer, City Hall explained its side on the allegation.

“ In the case of LGU consultant Noel Guibone, let it be known that it was the personal request of Atty. Guibone not to be renewed as a consultant because of health reasons as he himself would like to attend to. It is therefore unfair to imply that Mayor Jaraula fired Guibone. It is along this note that Mayor Jaraula appeals to those who are out to sow intrigues to the local government administration to stop such acts that bear no positive fruit but instead fuel the flame of divisiveness among the local leaders. Let it be known that Mayor Jaraula’s administration works wholesomely as one team, promotes the spirit of unity and cooperation and always respect the value of human dignity among all its workers regardless of socio-economic status or political inclinations.”

***

Paolo Duterte taken from Davao Today.com

In Davao City, another Duterte sits in the City Council as his son Paulo Duterte became the President of the Association of Barangay Chairman in Davao City. Paolo will join her sister, Sara Duterte-Carpio, the Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer in the said council. According to Mayor Rody Duterte he is not building a dynasty, .

“Paolo was selected by the people, ang iba nga diyan, pinapasok lang, akin elected.” (the others just came in, my son was elected).

In neighboring North Cotabato, another Piñol became a public official after Socrates Piñol became the President of the Association of Barangay Chairmen in the province and thus become an ex officio member of the Provincial Board. Socrates Piñol is the fifth in the family holding elective position after former Governor and now Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol, Bernardo Piñol (2^nd District Congressman), Mayor Joselito Piñol, (M’lang ) and Mayor Efren Piñol (Magpet).

Like Mayor Duterte, Vice Governor Manny Piñol said their family is not building a dynasty, the fate of his brothers in politics “depends on the people who voted and put them in various political positions.”

Family members in various elective positions not a dynasty? I don’t know. But as far as I am concerned when you have families in different positions in government making the public service too family oriented, it’s a dynasty regardless whether they are elected or appointed. There’s no difference.

 

BEYOND REPAIR

The GMA government is bent on recycling rejected Cabinet officials by re appointing them. The bypassed Cabinet men who are set to be reappointed are Raul Gonzalez (justice), Angelo Reyes (energy), Hermogenes Ebdane (public works), Nasser Pangandaman (agrarian reform), Rolando Andaya Jr. (budget), Joselito Atienza (environment), Ronaldo Puno (interior), Margarito Teves (finance) and Francisco Duque Jr. (health). One of them, Angelo Reyes, was not only by passed several times but appointed several times as Secretary for local government, defense, environment and now energy. Gloria Arroyo must have been greatly indebted to this man that she just can’t let go of him despite issues of competence to the offices he is appointed to keep on hounding him.

Senator Panfilo Lacson appropriately described the knack of the Arroyo administration to re appoint its bypassed Secretaries.

“Less and less decent and highly qualified people from the private sector choose not to join government under her administration. High degree of corruption yet unsurpassed by any administration in our country’s history provides the biggest disincentive for joining government service. Never before has it become a bane to be associated with a high executive position in government. We will soon be led and managed by mediocre and self-aggrandizing government officials of government whose only remaining virtue would be blind loyalty to the appointing authority.”

Indeed, there seems to be no pride in accepting government post nowadays. When one is a high ranking official right now or even a newly appointed official, the prevailing perception is that the appointment came either because of one’s connection to the powers that be or that the appointing authorities owe something which has to be re-paid , rather than based on merit and fitness to the job. The reputation of the government is so low that the self esteem of sincere and honest government officials are at its all time low.

However, I share the majority opinion that even how GMA will try to reinvent her government, nothing can cure its inherent defects anymore. The actions of the GMA of the past three years brought substantial damage to its institutions that it was stripped of any pretensions of credibility to govern. What is happening now is that it was simply coasting along until it will reach its destination in 2010 rather than honestly concern itself of real governance. On the other hand, the people were just trying to shrug the excesses of the administration hopeful that in three years time, all the sufferings and the outrage would finally come to an end.

The pre occupation of survival is very evident and vividly magnified by the administration’s penchant for public relations stunt and photo opportunities rather than addressing the real issues of the day. Take for example the massive propaganda effort to portray a stable economy and strong leadership. The “strong peso” boast that now backfired since most of the OFWs are now feeling the pain of reduce peso value of their dollar remittances. Or the photo opportunities of gift giving activities in the impoverished areas of the country euphemistically called as “Pamaskong Handog.” And who could forget the rice distribution activity at an elementary school a day after an SWS survey showed that the hunger incidence in the country has declined. These and more lend credible exhibits that this administration is engage more on image make over rather than honestly embarking a genuine effort to reform itself for a more transparent and accountable government to its people.

The hopelessness of the Arroyo government is adequately portrayed by Senator Nene Pimentel, whose son Koko Pimentel fall prey to a vice that this administration is known for,

“Kahit ano’ng gawin niya sa Cabinet, ganun pa rin ang mangyayari. Nakawan, patayan, forced disappearances (at) hawak siya ng ilang mga generals”

***

The 15 man city council of Cagayan de Oro recetly voted 12-3 in approving a Simeon Licayan sponsored ordinance for the release of P28 million subsidy for the operations of the Cogon and Carmen markets which was viewed by the local opposition more as a ploy to pay UKC builders, the alleged “favorite contractor” of the past Emano administration. The said ordinance was passed during the last regular session for the year 2007 and while Mayor Tinnex Jaraula was vacationing abroad. In Jaraula’s absence, Vice Mayor Emano assumed as acting mayor and had the authority to sign checks in behalf of Jaraula. Despite strong objections from the opposition councilors, the measure was approved which led opposition councilor Teodulfo Lao Jr. to lament,

“Its very disgusting. What happened was a case of when the cat is away, the mouse will play.”

***

The Cagayan de Oro Press Club (CPOC) tagged Davao City as the “most dangerous city for journalist” in the country. This after Davao’s hard hitting commentator Ferdie “Batman” Lintuan on the eve of Christmas day. The organization attributes this killing to the dreaded “Davao Death Squad”. The killing of Lintuan delivers a chilling message to the media. “ They cower in fear because the few courageous ones are now mere statistics.”

Lintuan has allegedly criticized government projects in Davao City. One of them is the so called “People’s Park” which reeked of corruption that he called it instead as “Crocodile’s Park.”

***

In Caraga region, 7 out of 10 births occurred at home rather than in hospitals according to a study by the Population Commission (Popcom). The study also revealed that 77 percent of mothers received minimum pre natal check ups while only 59 percent receive post natal care. The Popcom stressed that husbands should ensure that the wife is given complete pre and post natal check ups and deliver the baby assisted by midwives or doctors. “ It just amounts to saving the life of the mother and child and showing how much the husband cares for his wife.”

Well, while Popcom is giving lectures about men being more involved in maternal health and responsible parenting, it didn’t take into consideration the financial status of families in Caraga region. Caraga region has long been marked as a priority area for poverty alleviation interventions being determined as one of the poorest regions in the country. If I could hazard a guess, men out there really care for their wives as others do but only that the priority of the men is how to earn a living just to meet the daily needs for food, clothing and shelter. Between looking after maternal health and feeding their grumbling stomach, most men have to satisfy the latter first.

Is it not the high time also that the government, instead of just making studies and lectures about reproductive health must do more concrete and immediate solutions to address this imbalance? Why not provide funds for free maternal health care needs such as pre natal and post natal check ups? Government officials such as Governors, Mayors and Congressmen could provide funds to appropriate agencies for this basic service with their pork barrels and other discretionary funds at their disposal. The appropriate agencies of the government then should go around the villages, like a clinic on wheels on a given schedule and conduct field maternal check ups. So many moneys were wasted to corruption, to bribery and for ghost projects instead of implementing projects which will have great impact on the people. A mobile maternal and reproductive health clinic could be a great help to our people in the countryside who don’t have adequate access to this kind of services due to financial inadequacies.

If the claim of economic take off were true, then the government must share that take off to our impoverished countrymen by providing at least free, quality and basic services such as maternal health. There’s more to maternal health than distributing condoms and implanting IUDs.