Sa mga kasinungalingang ipinagkakalat ng mga walang basehang ulat at sa malisyosong privilege speech na hindi sumailalim sa maingat na pananaliksik sapagkat ang tanging pinagbatayan ay ang ambisyon para sa pansariling kapakanan kung kaya’t walang naging pagsasaalang-alang sa dalisay na katotohanan.
Sa ngalan ng patas na paglilinaw ang tuklasin ang katotohanan sa likod ng mga akusasyon na inihayag ng ulat at privilege speech hinggil sa Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape Act (HB 4299, SB 2392).
KASINUNGALINGAN - Magiging daan ang nasabing batas upang sumailalim sa
landscaping process ang Mt. Banahaw at Mt. San Cristobal.
KATOTOHANAN -Dapat mabatid ng lahat na ang tinutukoy na “Landscape” sa
Protected Landscape Act ay ang preserbasyon at pangangalaga
sa likas o natural na anyo ng mga nasabing kabundukan upang
hindi magambala ng tao o pinsalain ng kaunlaran.
KASINUNGALINGAN -Magtatayo ng golf course at cable car facilities sa lugar.
KATOTOHANAN -Mahigpit ang tagubilin ng mga probisyon at tadhanain ng
panukalang batas ukol dito, na ngayon pa lang sa ilalim ng
NIPAS (National Integrated Protected Area System Act of
1992, RA 7586) ay hindi na ito pinapayagan. Mas ispisipiko
tinukoy sa HB 4299 at SB 2392 na bawal at may katapat na
kaparusahan sa mga lalabag.
KASINUNGALINGAN - Walang konsultasyon o walang naganap na public hearing sa
HB 4299 at SB 2392.
KATOTOHANAN - May mandato ang NIPAS sa pagbubuo ng PAMB (Protected
Area Management Board) na kinabibilangan ng mga taga
DENR, PENRO, CENRO, MENRO, mga barangay sa paligid
ng mga nasabing bundok, mga NGO at mga iba pang peoples
Organization. Sila ang policy governing body at
tagapagpatupad ng batas. Sila ang patuloy na kumukunsulta
sa komunidad at nagpapaliwanag ng mga batas sa pag-
gugubatan.
KASINUNGALINGAN - Limampung (50) pamilya na ang kinawawa’t pinalikas mula
Sa Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal.
KATOTOHANAN - Sa kasalukuyan ay 31 istraktura lang ang may notice to vacate
sapagkat mapaminsala sa kalikasan ang patuloy nilang
pamamalagi doon. Noong Nobyembre, 2008, ay 15 ang
tumanggap ng notice sa pamamagitan ng Protected Area
Superintendent (PASu) bilang pagsunod sa kautusan ng
PAMB. Bumalik ang PAMB noong Pebrero, 2009, kung
saan may natagpuan silang dalawang (2) abandonadong
istraktura na pinagpasyahan nilang tuluyang idimolis. Sa
ngayon ay ito pa lamang at hindi pa nadaragdagan.
KASINUNGALINGAN- Napagtibay ang panukalang batas sa loob lang ng iisang araw.
KATOTOHANAN - Kung naging makatwiran lamang ang ginawang pananaliksik
at pinawi sa isipan ang supreme prejudice sanhi ng pulitika
ay madali nating malalaman na ang panukalang batas na ito
ay nagsimula pa noong 13th Congress at ini-refile lang
ngayong 14th Congress. “Dapat ding malaman ng lahat na
may prosesong sinusunod sa pag-akda ng batas at imposible
na matapos ito sa isang araw” ayon kay Quezon 2nd District
Cong. Proceso Alcala.
Ang mga paglilinaw na ito’y hinalaw sa konsultasyong isinagawa ng Tanggapan ni Laguna 3rd District Congresswoman Ma. Evita Arago sa mga resource person na kinabibilangan nina Quezon 2nd District Congressman Proceso Alcala, DENR Regional Executive Director at PAMB Chairman Nilo Tamoria, PENRO Isidro Mercado, PASu Sally Pangan, sampu ng mga punong barangay at NGOs na bumubuo sa PAMB kamakailan.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
SOLON APPEALS FOR SOBRIETY
A Laguna solon said enough is enough over the continuous tirades of the provincial dad that started three weeks ago from the privilege speech at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan absurdly based on wrong premise on the provisions of Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape Act (HB 4299) which she co-sponsored at the Lower House.
In spite of the fact that Laguna Third District Congresswoman Maria Evita Arago knew she was the real object of the rampage by Board Member Katherine Agapay on said privilege speech, she (Arago) remained calm thinking that the board member would soon reconsider previous position over the matter to save face upon knowing it was otherwise.
On said privilege speech Agapay interpreted the word “Landscape” on HB 4299 as artificial landscaping process that would lead to conversion of said mountains to a golf course and eventual construction of cable car facilities to be financed by foreign investors.
The speech also alleged that HB 4299 was filed, read and referred to Committee on Rules, and the Committee Report submitted in just one day – June 10, 2008, which resulted to displacement of 50 families now settled in a private lot in San Pablo City.
There was no let up even though it was already clarified by Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), an office created under National Integrated Protected Area System Act of 1992 (NIPAS, RA 7586) to govern and supervise the two sites as protected area ably supplemented by Presidential Proclamation No. 411 in 2003 confirming Mts. Banahaw and San Cristobal as protected zones.
PAMB thru Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Saludo Pangan and the principal author of the bill, Quezon Second District Congressman Proceso Alcala have denied earlier such thing as farce although they admitted to have issued notice to vacate the 31 illegal structures in the area.
Alcala said that the notices reached 15 illegal structures owners on November, 2008, and on the month of February this year PAMB returned to occupant restricted area wherein they discovered two abandoned structures which they eventually demolished. It was what they had accomplished so far and can not recall displacing 50 families as alleged.
Despite this clarificatory information Agapay remained naïve as she continuously airs her privilege speech at a local cable-tv channel in Laguna as if it profess the gospel truth on the issue, and at one time presented to the media the supposed to be 50 displaced families. They however admitted to be still staying at the area though.
Environmentalist is of the opinion that HB 4299 complimented by SB 2392 are landmark legislations that will surely preserve and conserve both mountains biodiversity and ecological importance. It was learned that the area began to show a new lease of life when PAMB enforced a ban on visitors and mountain climbers to said mountains. Flora and Fauna was restored, flowers started to bloom and water started flowing on its dried-up creeks.
These according to Arago were enough motivation for her to continue pushing for the bill and no amount of baseless accusations will hinder her commitment to this landmark legislation as it concern future generation.
Meanwhile Agapay has announced earlier her candidacy as congressman in Laguna’s Third District.
In spite of the fact that Laguna Third District Congresswoman Maria Evita Arago knew she was the real object of the rampage by Board Member Katherine Agapay on said privilege speech, she (Arago) remained calm thinking that the board member would soon reconsider previous position over the matter to save face upon knowing it was otherwise.
On said privilege speech Agapay interpreted the word “Landscape” on HB 4299 as artificial landscaping process that would lead to conversion of said mountains to a golf course and eventual construction of cable car facilities to be financed by foreign investors.
The speech also alleged that HB 4299 was filed, read and referred to Committee on Rules, and the Committee Report submitted in just one day – June 10, 2008, which resulted to displacement of 50 families now settled in a private lot in San Pablo City.
There was no let up even though it was already clarified by Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), an office created under National Integrated Protected Area System Act of 1992 (NIPAS, RA 7586) to govern and supervise the two sites as protected area ably supplemented by Presidential Proclamation No. 411 in 2003 confirming Mts. Banahaw and San Cristobal as protected zones.
PAMB thru Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Saludo Pangan and the principal author of the bill, Quezon Second District Congressman Proceso Alcala have denied earlier such thing as farce although they admitted to have issued notice to vacate the 31 illegal structures in the area.
Alcala said that the notices reached 15 illegal structures owners on November, 2008, and on the month of February this year PAMB returned to occupant restricted area wherein they discovered two abandoned structures which they eventually demolished. It was what they had accomplished so far and can not recall displacing 50 families as alleged.
Despite this clarificatory information Agapay remained naïve as she continuously airs her privilege speech at a local cable-tv channel in Laguna as if it profess the gospel truth on the issue, and at one time presented to the media the supposed to be 50 displaced families. They however admitted to be still staying at the area though.
Environmentalist is of the opinion that HB 4299 complimented by SB 2392 are landmark legislations that will surely preserve and conserve both mountains biodiversity and ecological importance. It was learned that the area began to show a new lease of life when PAMB enforced a ban on visitors and mountain climbers to said mountains. Flora and Fauna was restored, flowers started to bloom and water started flowing on its dried-up creeks.
These according to Arago were enough motivation for her to continue pushing for the bill and no amount of baseless accusations will hinder her commitment to this landmark legislation as it concern future generation.
Meanwhile Agapay has announced earlier her candidacy as congressman in Laguna’s Third District.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
NAGPAPAGALING BA ANG DIYOS SA NGAYON
Kamakailan lamang ay namatay ang hipag ko. Sinabi ng kapatid ko na hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit nagkaganoon ang asawa niya. Sila ay talagang vegetarian, at ayon sa tinatawag na Gerson Diet, ang mga kumakain ng gulay lamang ay malayong magkasakit ng cancer. Nang sinabi ng mga doctor na malabo na ang pag-asa ng kanyang asawa, lahat ng madadasalan ay dinasalan nila. Ang iksaktong mga pananalita ng kapatid ko ay “they have to try whatever may work”.
Marami talaga sa ngayon ang nagtatanong kung ang Diyos ay nagpapagaling pa. may mga nagsasaging dahilan sa “mature: na ang simbahan, ang pagpapagaling ay inalis na ng Diyos sa mga benepisyo ng mga Kristiyano. Ginagamit dito ang sinulat ni Apostol Pablo sa Unang Corinto 13:8 na sinasabi doon, na ang “Pag-ibig ay hindi mabibigo kailanman” subalit ang ibang kaloob ay aalisin at mawawala kapag dumating na ang kasukdulan.
Papaano naman yung mga nakikita nating gumagaling? Ang paliwanag dito ay isang mabilis na peke lang yun o kung hindi man yun peke, yun ay sa demonyo nanggaling para malinlang ang tao.
Teka muna, may mga kaso na totoong gumaling ang isang maysakit, at pinatunayan ng mga doctor na ang tao ay maysakit, ito ay gumaling, at hindi nila malaman kung papaano ito gumaling. Peke ba yun? Ang mabilis na sagot ng mga ito ay galing yun sa demonyo.
Hindi ba nang minsan ay nagpunta ang mga alagad ni Juan Bautista kay Jesus at tinanong Siya kung Siya na talaga ang Kristo o may hihintayin pa silang iba. Ang sagot sa kanila ng Panginoon, ay sabihin niyo kay Juan ang inyong nakitang mga pagpapagaling at mga narinig nila tungkol sa mga taong gumaling at mga patay na nabuhay uli. Hindi sila sinagot ni Jesus ng tahasan, bagkus ay pinakitaan sila ng mga pagpapagaling (Mateo 11:2-6).
Magaling ang ginawa ng Panginoon, pero para sa mga Pariseo, ang mga gawaing ganito ay kay Beelzebub lamang manggagaling (Mateo 12:24-27). (Ang Beelzebub ay ibang pangalan para kay Satanas.) Isipin ninyo, pinagbintangan pa nga mga Pariseo ang Panginoong Jesus bilang kampon ni Satanas! Sa pagpapatuloy, idiniin ng Panginoong Jesus, na hindi magagawa ni Satanas ang gumawa ng mabuti, sapagka’t ang paggawa ng mabuti ay labag sa simulain ng demonyo. Alam din ni Jesus na alam ni Juan na ang Diyos lamang ang gumagawa ng pagpapagaling.
Kung may pagpapagaling pa hanggang sa ngayon, bakit hindi tayo nakapagpapagaling o gumagaling sa pamamagitan ng dasal lamang?
Ang mga apostol ay binigyan ng kaparehong kapangyarihan tulad ng kay Jesus, ngunit kung inyong maaalala pumaltos ang mga ito sa pagpapagaling. Pagkatapos pa lamang ng pagbabago ng anyo ng Panginoon, nang may lumapit sa kaniyang isang ama at ipinapagamot ang kanyang anak na inaalihan ng demonyo? Nang gumaling na ang bata, nagtanong sa kanya ang mga alagad kung bakit hindi nila magawa ang kaparehong bagay? Sinabi ng Panginoon, na masyadong mahina ang kanilang pananampalataya (Mateo 17:14-20).
Sabi nga ng kanta “Mahiwaga ang buhay ng tao, ang bukas ay di natin piho…” ang mahalaga ay hindi tayo nawawalan ng pag-asa. Ang problema sa atin ay tulad ng problema ng mga apostol – hindi sapat ang kanilang paniniwala para magpalayas ng mga demonyo. Ang Diyos lamang ang nagpapagaling. Wala ng iba pa. ang pagpapagaling ay maaaring dumating sa maraming paraan, maaaring gumamit Siya ng isang doctor o gamut, ang mahalaga ay palagi nating isipin na ang ating kagalingan ay hindi magbubuhat sa doctor o gamut kundi ang lahat ng ito ay magbubuhat sa Diyos. Ang doctor nga ang nag-oopera, siya ang may hawak ng scalpel, pero alalahanin natin na ang Diyos ang gumigiya sa kamay ng doctor. Maaaring masabing ang isang gamut ay mabisa, pero tandaan mo na ang Diyos ang naglagay ng bisa sa gamut na yaon.
Huwag natin kalian man gawing “last resort” ang Diyos o “ang pagtawag sa kanya ay insurance lamang o isang pagbabakasakali lamang.” Ang isang taong may malakas na pananampalataya ay unang tatawag sa Diyos para sa patnubay. Ano man ang mangyari, alam niya na ito ay nangyayari para sa ikabubuti natin… “Ama gawin ang kalooban mo” sa buhay ko para sa kapurihan Mo magpakailan pa man. (Francis Jehu C. Sebastian)
Marami talaga sa ngayon ang nagtatanong kung ang Diyos ay nagpapagaling pa. may mga nagsasaging dahilan sa “mature: na ang simbahan, ang pagpapagaling ay inalis na ng Diyos sa mga benepisyo ng mga Kristiyano. Ginagamit dito ang sinulat ni Apostol Pablo sa Unang Corinto 13:8 na sinasabi doon, na ang “Pag-ibig ay hindi mabibigo kailanman” subalit ang ibang kaloob ay aalisin at mawawala kapag dumating na ang kasukdulan.
Papaano naman yung mga nakikita nating gumagaling? Ang paliwanag dito ay isang mabilis na peke lang yun o kung hindi man yun peke, yun ay sa demonyo nanggaling para malinlang ang tao.
Teka muna, may mga kaso na totoong gumaling ang isang maysakit, at pinatunayan ng mga doctor na ang tao ay maysakit, ito ay gumaling, at hindi nila malaman kung papaano ito gumaling. Peke ba yun? Ang mabilis na sagot ng mga ito ay galing yun sa demonyo.
Hindi ba nang minsan ay nagpunta ang mga alagad ni Juan Bautista kay Jesus at tinanong Siya kung Siya na talaga ang Kristo o may hihintayin pa silang iba. Ang sagot sa kanila ng Panginoon, ay sabihin niyo kay Juan ang inyong nakitang mga pagpapagaling at mga narinig nila tungkol sa mga taong gumaling at mga patay na nabuhay uli. Hindi sila sinagot ni Jesus ng tahasan, bagkus ay pinakitaan sila ng mga pagpapagaling (Mateo 11:2-6).
Magaling ang ginawa ng Panginoon, pero para sa mga Pariseo, ang mga gawaing ganito ay kay Beelzebub lamang manggagaling (Mateo 12:24-27). (Ang Beelzebub ay ibang pangalan para kay Satanas.) Isipin ninyo, pinagbintangan pa nga mga Pariseo ang Panginoong Jesus bilang kampon ni Satanas! Sa pagpapatuloy, idiniin ng Panginoong Jesus, na hindi magagawa ni Satanas ang gumawa ng mabuti, sapagka’t ang paggawa ng mabuti ay labag sa simulain ng demonyo. Alam din ni Jesus na alam ni Juan na ang Diyos lamang ang gumagawa ng pagpapagaling.
Kung may pagpapagaling pa hanggang sa ngayon, bakit hindi tayo nakapagpapagaling o gumagaling sa pamamagitan ng dasal lamang?
Ang mga apostol ay binigyan ng kaparehong kapangyarihan tulad ng kay Jesus, ngunit kung inyong maaalala pumaltos ang mga ito sa pagpapagaling. Pagkatapos pa lamang ng pagbabago ng anyo ng Panginoon, nang may lumapit sa kaniyang isang ama at ipinapagamot ang kanyang anak na inaalihan ng demonyo? Nang gumaling na ang bata, nagtanong sa kanya ang mga alagad kung bakit hindi nila magawa ang kaparehong bagay? Sinabi ng Panginoon, na masyadong mahina ang kanilang pananampalataya (Mateo 17:14-20).
Sabi nga ng kanta “Mahiwaga ang buhay ng tao, ang bukas ay di natin piho…” ang mahalaga ay hindi tayo nawawalan ng pag-asa. Ang problema sa atin ay tulad ng problema ng mga apostol – hindi sapat ang kanilang paniniwala para magpalayas ng mga demonyo. Ang Diyos lamang ang nagpapagaling. Wala ng iba pa. ang pagpapagaling ay maaaring dumating sa maraming paraan, maaaring gumamit Siya ng isang doctor o gamut, ang mahalaga ay palagi nating isipin na ang ating kagalingan ay hindi magbubuhat sa doctor o gamut kundi ang lahat ng ito ay magbubuhat sa Diyos. Ang doctor nga ang nag-oopera, siya ang may hawak ng scalpel, pero alalahanin natin na ang Diyos ang gumigiya sa kamay ng doctor. Maaaring masabing ang isang gamut ay mabisa, pero tandaan mo na ang Diyos ang naglagay ng bisa sa gamut na yaon.
Huwag natin kalian man gawing “last resort” ang Diyos o “ang pagtawag sa kanya ay insurance lamang o isang pagbabakasakali lamang.” Ang isang taong may malakas na pananampalataya ay unang tatawag sa Diyos para sa patnubay. Ano man ang mangyari, alam niya na ito ay nangyayari para sa ikabubuti natin… “Ama gawin ang kalooban mo” sa buhay ko para sa kapurihan Mo magpakailan pa man. (Francis Jehu C. Sebastian)
PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF SEN . PIA CAYETANO
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues:
Our country has been blessed with incomparable natural resources that are so biologically rich and diverse. Truly, if ecological wealth is the basis of power politics, we could have been a superpower. With our forests, watersheds, and bodies of water which house our exceptional flora and fauna, it is undisputable that the Philippines is indeed the “Pearl of the Pacific.” Or perhaps, it is more appropriate to say that the Philippines was once the Pearl of the Pacific. Because today the luster of the pearl is slowly perishing as people continue to ruin the gift of nature with their rapacious attitude and behavior.
Sadly, our natural resources are at the mercy of destructive human intervention. As the case may be for Mts. Banahaw- San Cristobal– the ‘holy mountain’ that did not escape the perils of human destruction. It seems that most people who visit the mountain, especially the huge number of devotees during Lenten Season, do not take special care to preserve the natural environment of the mountain. In fact, about 90 tons of garbage is collected from the mountains annually, contributing to the decline of the mountains’ ‘glory’.
In March 2004, its interim Protective Area Management Board (PAMB) temporarily closed certain parts of the mountain from the public for the next five years. Since then, there have been evident signs of restoration of its flora and fauna. The rafflesia, one of the biggest flowers in the world, started to reappear in the mountain. Just March of this year, it was also reported that the dried falls namely, Kristalino, Suplina and Salaming-Bubog, are now filled with flowing water.
But, the Philippine story is not limited to tales of environmental destruction and degradation because with sad tales come hope. Among others are the majestic and world renowned Tubbataha and Apo Reefs. As of today, the Tubbataha Reefs ranks number two (2) in the race to be recognized as one of the new seven (7) wonders of nature. Not far behind in its magnificence is the Apo Reef. The Apo Reef hosts the largest coral atoll-like reef in the Philippines, a sub-triangular coral atoll formation. Both of these reefs are considered as Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) in the country. These are only two of our country’s most prized natural gems.
With these tales of destruction and tales of hope, I therefore rise to seek your support for the passage of SB No. 2392 “an Act declaring Mountains of Banahaw and San Cristobal as a protected landscape” under CR No. 73, SB No. 2394 “an Act establishing the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park” under CR No. 75 and SB No. 2393 “an Act establishing the Apo Reef Natural Park” under CR. No. 74.
Mts. Banahaw- San Cristobal
This covers 10,900 hectares spanning the provinces of Laguna and Quezon. It was declared a protected area by Presidential Proclamation 411 in 2003. Its rich biodiversity that demands our protection includes 578 animal species, 28% of which are categorized as endemic and 2% threatened with extinction, and 56 species of plants classified as endemic. The whole area is a critical watershed that drains into Laguna de Bay and Tayabas, supporting the Botocan Hydroelectric Power Plant in Majayjay and Luisiana, Laguna and sustaining the water needs of at least one million people. It is considered sacred ground by various religious sects.
Tubbataha Reefs National Park
In August 2006, Presidential Proclamation 1126 declared its reef area of 96,828 hectares as protected sanctuary of diverse marine life. Located within Central Sulu Sea, Tubbataha is under the municipal jurisdiction of Cagayancillo, Palawan. The reefs themselves are estimated to cover an area of 100 square kilometers, with the larger north reef measuring about 16 kilometers long and 4.5 kilometers wide and the south reef measuring about five kilometers long and three kilometers wide. The Tubbataha Reefs is regarded as one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. Researchers have recorded 396 species of corals- 85% of all hard coral species in the entire country. This 1993 UNESCO World Heritage Site and top SCUBA diving destination is also a RAMSAR site under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands which identified it as “Extremely High” for marine biodiversity conservation.
Apo Reefs Natural Park
Located in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, this bio-geographic zone spans a core area of 15,792 hectares and a buffer zone of 11,677 hectares. Aside from its reef, it also has a mangrove forest and lagoon that provide the habitat of the endangered Nicobar Pigeon and a beach that serves as nesting areas of the likewise endangered Green Sea Turtle and Hawksbill Turtle. ARNP is one of the ten (10) Priority Sites under the Conservation of Priority Protected Area Project (CPPAP), a project funded under the World Bank. It also an important area for the conservation of biological diversity being rated as High for conservation priority area for reefs fishes and corals based on the results of the National Biodiversity Conservation Priority Setting Project undertaken by Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau jointly with Conservation International and UP-CIDS.
Legislative Enactment
Mr. President, each of these three bills contain standard provisions patterned after the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 or NIPAS act. However, the particular characteristics and peculiar level of protection needed to manage the three ecosystems are elucidated in each of these three bills. In particular, these bills provide the following elements necessary to achieve our utmost goal of biodiversity protection and preservation:
1. declaration of land classification, scope and boundaries;
2. creation of a Protected Area Management Board;
3. establishment of a Protected Area Fund;
4. identification of prohibited acts and their corresponding penalties.
In sum, these three bills underscore the imperative need to protect our God-given heritage before it is too late. These three bills gone through the hearing and technical working group process of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. There have also been extensive consultations with the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of DENR and other concerned groups during the 13th and 14th Congress.
Conclusion
Mr. President, let us continue the job that Congress set forth with NIPAS in 1992 which is to protect the environment, conserve resources and restore the habitat. By establishing additional urgent protected areas around the country, we conserve the uniqueness of a site’s biological and physical features and foster partnership between government, non-government and people’s organizations to preserve ecosystems in their natural state.
Mr. President, we cannot wait for Mts. Banahaw- San Cristobal to be vulnerable again to destruction as the PAMB’s safeguard lapses in the coming year. Nor can we wait for Tubbataha Reefs and Apo Reefs to remain at risk of environmental devastation. If we allow such, we do not only allow the tragic death of these precious gifts of nature but we also, as legislators, go against our sworn duty to look after the best interest of our people and go against, as stewards of nature, our primary responsibility to ensure the protection and conservation of nature for our future generation.
They need our legislative intervention. Let us not deprive Mts. Banahaw and San Cristobal the opportunity to regain its glory or the Tubbataha and Apo Reefs’ opportunity to maintain its glory. It is crucial that we act NOW on these to ensure that our children and the succeeding generations will inherit a living earth with all of its bountiful natural resources and vibrant wildlife. Let us not deprive our future generation from waking up to these wonders or wait for the day that all we have are memories of the beauty that was.
Once again, I rise to seek your support for the passage of Senate Bill Nos. 2392 under CR No. 73, 2394 under CR No. 75, and 2393 under CR. No. 74. By voting to approve these three bills, we cast a vote for the future today.
Thank You.
Our country has been blessed with incomparable natural resources that are so biologically rich and diverse. Truly, if ecological wealth is the basis of power politics, we could have been a superpower. With our forests, watersheds, and bodies of water which house our exceptional flora and fauna, it is undisputable that the Philippines is indeed the “Pearl of the Pacific.” Or perhaps, it is more appropriate to say that the Philippines was once the Pearl of the Pacific. Because today the luster of the pearl is slowly perishing as people continue to ruin the gift of nature with their rapacious attitude and behavior.
Sadly, our natural resources are at the mercy of destructive human intervention. As the case may be for Mts. Banahaw- San Cristobal– the ‘holy mountain’ that did not escape the perils of human destruction. It seems that most people who visit the mountain, especially the huge number of devotees during Lenten Season, do not take special care to preserve the natural environment of the mountain. In fact, about 90 tons of garbage is collected from the mountains annually, contributing to the decline of the mountains’ ‘glory’.
In March 2004, its interim Protective Area Management Board (PAMB) temporarily closed certain parts of the mountain from the public for the next five years. Since then, there have been evident signs of restoration of its flora and fauna. The rafflesia, one of the biggest flowers in the world, started to reappear in the mountain. Just March of this year, it was also reported that the dried falls namely, Kristalino, Suplina and Salaming-Bubog, are now filled with flowing water.
But, the Philippine story is not limited to tales of environmental destruction and degradation because with sad tales come hope. Among others are the majestic and world renowned Tubbataha and Apo Reefs. As of today, the Tubbataha Reefs ranks number two (2) in the race to be recognized as one of the new seven (7) wonders of nature. Not far behind in its magnificence is the Apo Reef. The Apo Reef hosts the largest coral atoll-like reef in the Philippines, a sub-triangular coral atoll formation. Both of these reefs are considered as Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) in the country. These are only two of our country’s most prized natural gems.
With these tales of destruction and tales of hope, I therefore rise to seek your support for the passage of SB No. 2392 “an Act declaring Mountains of Banahaw and San Cristobal as a protected landscape” under CR No. 73, SB No. 2394 “an Act establishing the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park” under CR No. 75 and SB No. 2393 “an Act establishing the Apo Reef Natural Park” under CR. No. 74.
Mts. Banahaw- San Cristobal
This covers 10,900 hectares spanning the provinces of Laguna and Quezon. It was declared a protected area by Presidential Proclamation 411 in 2003. Its rich biodiversity that demands our protection includes 578 animal species, 28% of which are categorized as endemic and 2% threatened with extinction, and 56 species of plants classified as endemic. The whole area is a critical watershed that drains into Laguna de Bay and Tayabas, supporting the Botocan Hydroelectric Power Plant in Majayjay and Luisiana, Laguna and sustaining the water needs of at least one million people. It is considered sacred ground by various religious sects.
Tubbataha Reefs National Park
In August 2006, Presidential Proclamation 1126 declared its reef area of 96,828 hectares as protected sanctuary of diverse marine life. Located within Central Sulu Sea, Tubbataha is under the municipal jurisdiction of Cagayancillo, Palawan. The reefs themselves are estimated to cover an area of 100 square kilometers, with the larger north reef measuring about 16 kilometers long and 4.5 kilometers wide and the south reef measuring about five kilometers long and three kilometers wide. The Tubbataha Reefs is regarded as one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. Researchers have recorded 396 species of corals- 85% of all hard coral species in the entire country. This 1993 UNESCO World Heritage Site and top SCUBA diving destination is also a RAMSAR site under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands which identified it as “Extremely High” for marine biodiversity conservation.
Apo Reefs Natural Park
Located in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, this bio-geographic zone spans a core area of 15,792 hectares and a buffer zone of 11,677 hectares. Aside from its reef, it also has a mangrove forest and lagoon that provide the habitat of the endangered Nicobar Pigeon and a beach that serves as nesting areas of the likewise endangered Green Sea Turtle and Hawksbill Turtle. ARNP is one of the ten (10) Priority Sites under the Conservation of Priority Protected Area Project (CPPAP), a project funded under the World Bank. It also an important area for the conservation of biological diversity being rated as High for conservation priority area for reefs fishes and corals based on the results of the National Biodiversity Conservation Priority Setting Project undertaken by Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau jointly with Conservation International and UP-CIDS.
Legislative Enactment
Mr. President, each of these three bills contain standard provisions patterned after the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 or NIPAS act. However, the particular characteristics and peculiar level of protection needed to manage the three ecosystems are elucidated in each of these three bills. In particular, these bills provide the following elements necessary to achieve our utmost goal of biodiversity protection and preservation:
1. declaration of land classification, scope and boundaries;
2. creation of a Protected Area Management Board;
3. establishment of a Protected Area Fund;
4. identification of prohibited acts and their corresponding penalties.
In sum, these three bills underscore the imperative need to protect our God-given heritage before it is too late. These three bills gone through the hearing and technical working group process of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. There have also been extensive consultations with the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of DENR and other concerned groups during the 13th and 14th Congress.
Conclusion
Mr. President, let us continue the job that Congress set forth with NIPAS in 1992 which is to protect the environment, conserve resources and restore the habitat. By establishing additional urgent protected areas around the country, we conserve the uniqueness of a site’s biological and physical features and foster partnership between government, non-government and people’s organizations to preserve ecosystems in their natural state.
Mr. President, we cannot wait for Mts. Banahaw- San Cristobal to be vulnerable again to destruction as the PAMB’s safeguard lapses in the coming year. Nor can we wait for Tubbataha Reefs and Apo Reefs to remain at risk of environmental devastation. If we allow such, we do not only allow the tragic death of these precious gifts of nature but we also, as legislators, go against our sworn duty to look after the best interest of our people and go against, as stewards of nature, our primary responsibility to ensure the protection and conservation of nature for our future generation.
They need our legislative intervention. Let us not deprive Mts. Banahaw and San Cristobal the opportunity to regain its glory or the Tubbataha and Apo Reefs’ opportunity to maintain its glory. It is crucial that we act NOW on these to ensure that our children and the succeeding generations will inherit a living earth with all of its bountiful natural resources and vibrant wildlife. Let us not deprive our future generation from waking up to these wonders or wait for the day that all we have are memories of the beauty that was.
Once again, I rise to seek your support for the passage of Senate Bill Nos. 2392 under CR No. 73, 2394 under CR No. 75, and 2393 under CR. No. 74. By voting to approve these three bills, we cast a vote for the future today.
Thank You.
Friday, August 7, 2009
PAMAMAALAM NI KAGAWAD KAWAD (SANDY BELARMINO) SA LAGUNA COURIER
Ang buhay ng tao ay binubuo ng iba’t-ibang bahagi na tumatalakay sa magkakaibang sangkap ng kaanyuan sa kung ano ang tinahak, tinatahak at nakatakda pang tahakin, at kinapapalooban ng mga antas na nagpapasaya o nagbibigay lungkot sa isang nilalang.
Kasama rito ang ilang bagay na nagbibigay tamis sa ligaya at pait na may hapdi sa mga hilahil na magkaminsa’y kinakailangan mong malampasan.
Nangangailangan ito ng lalim sa pagpapasiya sabihin mang may katapat na lungkot tulad sa paglubog ng araw sa takipsilim dahil batid mong sasapit na ang dilim na kakaiba sa sayang dulot ng banaag sa madaling araw.
Mahirap ang magpaalam sapagkat katulad din ng dapit hapon ay kaakibat nito ang panibagong pakikibaka na bagama’t isang hamon ay kalungkutan ang iyong madarama sanhi ng iyong mga maiiwan.
Sa nakalipas na humigit kumulang na limang taon ay kinasabikan ni Kagawad Kawad ang bawat kabanata ng kanyang pakikipagtalastasan sa mga matiyagang tagasubaybay na kinabibilangan ng kanyang mga natulungan at napasaya, nabigyan ng agam-agam dahil sa natawagan ng pansin o simpleng napagkalooban lang ng munting kabatiran.
Dito uminog ang mundo ni Kagawad Kawad sa mga panahong nagdaang iyon, na mabigat man ang mga paa upang lumisan ay hindi na maiiwasan sapagkat ito ang hinihingi ng pagkakataon masakit.
Ngunit bago ko tuluyang itiklop ang tabing ni Kagawad Kawad ay nais kong magpasalamat sa inyong lahat, partikular sa mga kasamahan ko sa Laguna Courier dahil sa unawa at ginawang pagtitiyaga sa akin, ganoon din sa mg mambabasa nito na matagal ko ring nakapiling.
PAALAM PO AT MARAMING SALAMAT SA INYONG LAHAT. (Sandy Belarmino)
Kasama rito ang ilang bagay na nagbibigay tamis sa ligaya at pait na may hapdi sa mga hilahil na magkaminsa’y kinakailangan mong malampasan.
Nangangailangan ito ng lalim sa pagpapasiya sabihin mang may katapat na lungkot tulad sa paglubog ng araw sa takipsilim dahil batid mong sasapit na ang dilim na kakaiba sa sayang dulot ng banaag sa madaling araw.
Mahirap ang magpaalam sapagkat katulad din ng dapit hapon ay kaakibat nito ang panibagong pakikibaka na bagama’t isang hamon ay kalungkutan ang iyong madarama sanhi ng iyong mga maiiwan.
Sa nakalipas na humigit kumulang na limang taon ay kinasabikan ni Kagawad Kawad ang bawat kabanata ng kanyang pakikipagtalastasan sa mga matiyagang tagasubaybay na kinabibilangan ng kanyang mga natulungan at napasaya, nabigyan ng agam-agam dahil sa natawagan ng pansin o simpleng napagkalooban lang ng munting kabatiran.
Dito uminog ang mundo ni Kagawad Kawad sa mga panahong nagdaang iyon, na mabigat man ang mga paa upang lumisan ay hindi na maiiwasan sapagkat ito ang hinihingi ng pagkakataon masakit.
Ngunit bago ko tuluyang itiklop ang tabing ni Kagawad Kawad ay nais kong magpasalamat sa inyong lahat, partikular sa mga kasamahan ko sa Laguna Courier dahil sa unawa at ginawang pagtitiyaga sa akin, ganoon din sa mg mambabasa nito na matagal ko ring nakapiling.
PAALAM PO AT MARAMING SALAMAT SA INYONG LAHAT. (Sandy Belarmino)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
JATROPHA PROJECT YIELDS POTENTIAL
Lucena City – the Jatropha planting project, one of the flagship advocacy of the provincial government of Quezon in the field of agriculture has started to bear its potential when it received the much needed financial assistance from Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) recently.
Said financial assistance was realized through the initiative of Governor Rafael P. Nantes where the provincial government entered into agreement with PNOC Alternative Fuel Corporation to make use 250,000 hectares of idle lands in the province for jatropha plantation, wherein group of farmers were bonded together to form corporations for the said purpose.
Earlier on, Nantes created the Quezon Jatropha Development Board under the Economic Enterprise Unit of the Provincial government. Headed by the governor himself, its vice-chairman is Oscar Bunyi, Francisco Sevilla Jr. is executive director, and Abner Punzalan, June Lee, Aristeo Flores and Dennis Guerrero as members of the board.
The PNOC-AFC P25 million financial assistance will be equally distributed to farmer cooperatives that pioneered to the jatropha venture.
It can be recalled that jatropha project became the governor’s priority concern upon the enactment of RA 9367 more known as Biofuels Act of 2006, that upon signing of memorandum of agreement to concerned government agencies, Nantes allocated 100,000 hectares from its vast idle lands.
Studies showed that the oil from the jatropha seeds is an effective additive for diesel fuels, and the government is aiming that it will fill up to 20% as fuel component for the next ten years, thus making it as future multi-billion peso industry. (Gwen Moreno)
Said financial assistance was realized through the initiative of Governor Rafael P. Nantes where the provincial government entered into agreement with PNOC Alternative Fuel Corporation to make use 250,000 hectares of idle lands in the province for jatropha plantation, wherein group of farmers were bonded together to form corporations for the said purpose.
Earlier on, Nantes created the Quezon Jatropha Development Board under the Economic Enterprise Unit of the Provincial government. Headed by the governor himself, its vice-chairman is Oscar Bunyi, Francisco Sevilla Jr. is executive director, and Abner Punzalan, June Lee, Aristeo Flores and Dennis Guerrero as members of the board.
The PNOC-AFC P25 million financial assistance will be equally distributed to farmer cooperatives that pioneered to the jatropha venture.
It can be recalled that jatropha project became the governor’s priority concern upon the enactment of RA 9367 more known as Biofuels Act of 2006, that upon signing of memorandum of agreement to concerned government agencies, Nantes allocated 100,000 hectares from its vast idle lands.
Studies showed that the oil from the jatropha seeds is an effective additive for diesel fuels, and the government is aiming that it will fill up to 20% as fuel component for the next ten years, thus making it as future multi-billion peso industry. (Gwen Moreno)
UNSOLICITED ADVICE TO KON. ANGIE
Kalat na ang ugong ng pagtakbo ni Konsehala Angie Yang sa pagka vice-mayor ng Lunsod ng San Pablo, na marahil ay bahagi ng kanyang pangako sa yumaong kabiyak Bokal Danny “D.Y” Yang na sa panahon ng maagang pagkamatay ay isa sa mga pangunahing kandidato bilang bise-alkalde.
Siguro naman ay buo pa rin ang network na itinayo ni D.Y. upang maging behikulo ni Angie sakali mang magpasya siyang ipagpatuloy ang nauntol na laban ni D.Y.. Halos sariwa pa sa alaala ang mga commitment ng mga lider pulitika na nangako ng suporta sa kanyang namayapang asawa at marahil ay makabubuting dito si Angie magsimula.
Kinakailangan ang maagang pagkilos tungkol sa mga bagay na ito, na parang pagrepiti sa naunang pangako nila kay D.Y..
Ang tanong lang marahil ay wala kayang sagwil sa pagbakas ng mga commitment na ito, tulad halimbawa nang sa pagkawala ni D.Y. ay wala pang ibang lumalapit sa mga naiwan niyang lider, o dili naman kaya’y nakasama ni D.Y. sa pagyao ang pagpanaw ng loyalty ng kanyang mga lider?
Wala namang mawawala kay Angie kung kanyang susubukan na pagbalikan ang mga lider ni D.Y. o mga kasama na dati nilang kaibigan at mga supporter. Ang kailangan lang ay magawa ito nang mabilisan, na kung hindi ay nandiyan ang panganib na maubusan siya ng panahon.
Kailangan ding tandisin ni Angie ang kanyang paninindigan sa kabila ng naglalabasang ulat na may mga pwersa sa kanyang paligid na naghihilahan o nagtutunggali upang siyang masunod sa bago niyang buhay sa larangan ng pulitika. Wasto palagi dapat ang kanyang pagpapasya sa pagitan ng dalawang isyu na ang resulta ay dapat ding tumpak.
Ano pa’t dapat malaman ni Angie na nakasalalay sa kanya na tanging-tangi ang kinabukasan niya sa pulitika, kaya’t ibayong pag-iingat sa galaw o pagsunod sa kanyang mga tagapayo. Ang kailangan dito ay ang mahusay niyang pagtitimbang sa lahat ng bagay sapagkat ang higit na kinakailangan sa daigdig ng pulitika ay ang balansyadong katwiran.(SANDY BELARMINO)
Siguro naman ay buo pa rin ang network na itinayo ni D.Y. upang maging behikulo ni Angie sakali mang magpasya siyang ipagpatuloy ang nauntol na laban ni D.Y.. Halos sariwa pa sa alaala ang mga commitment ng mga lider pulitika na nangako ng suporta sa kanyang namayapang asawa at marahil ay makabubuting dito si Angie magsimula.
Kinakailangan ang maagang pagkilos tungkol sa mga bagay na ito, na parang pagrepiti sa naunang pangako nila kay D.Y..
Ang tanong lang marahil ay wala kayang sagwil sa pagbakas ng mga commitment na ito, tulad halimbawa nang sa pagkawala ni D.Y. ay wala pang ibang lumalapit sa mga naiwan niyang lider, o dili naman kaya’y nakasama ni D.Y. sa pagyao ang pagpanaw ng loyalty ng kanyang mga lider?
Wala namang mawawala kay Angie kung kanyang susubukan na pagbalikan ang mga lider ni D.Y. o mga kasama na dati nilang kaibigan at mga supporter. Ang kailangan lang ay magawa ito nang mabilisan, na kung hindi ay nandiyan ang panganib na maubusan siya ng panahon.
Kailangan ding tandisin ni Angie ang kanyang paninindigan sa kabila ng naglalabasang ulat na may mga pwersa sa kanyang paligid na naghihilahan o nagtutunggali upang siyang masunod sa bago niyang buhay sa larangan ng pulitika. Wasto palagi dapat ang kanyang pagpapasya sa pagitan ng dalawang isyu na ang resulta ay dapat ding tumpak.
Ano pa’t dapat malaman ni Angie na nakasalalay sa kanya na tanging-tangi ang kinabukasan niya sa pulitika, kaya’t ibayong pag-iingat sa galaw o pagsunod sa kanyang mga tagapayo. Ang kailangan dito ay ang mahusay niyang pagtitimbang sa lahat ng bagay sapagkat ang higit na kinakailangan sa daigdig ng pulitika ay ang balansyadong katwiran.(SANDY BELARMINO)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
