September 2015

Tao ang Nagpapasama sa Relihiyon, Ideyolohiya

At Magandang Adbokasiya

ni Apolinario Villalobos

Walang masamang ideyolohiya tulad ng Komunismo o Demokrasya kung maganda at maayos ang pagpapatupad ng mga namumuno. Walang masamang relihiyon o pananampalataya kung ang ituturo ng mga namumuno ay pawang pagmamahal sa Diyos, o “diyos”, at kapwa tao. Walang masamang adbokasiya kung hindi ito gagamitin sa masama lalo na sa panlalamang ng kapwa. Tao ang dahilan kung bakit may mga kaguluhan sa mundo, dahil sa pagpapairal niya ng kasakiman at kayabangan.

Napakaganda sana ang layunin ng Demokrasya, kung ang nakaupong Presidente, halimbawa, ng isang bansang may ganitong ideyolohiya ay hindi bobo, sakim o kawatan. Ganoon din ang Komunismo, kung ang Chairman ng bansang may ganitong uri ng pamahalaan ay hindi malupit at gahaman sa kapangyarihan, at hindi sagad -buto ang ugaling mapangkamkam.

Sa Demokrasya, lahat ng mga prinsipyo at alituntunin na may kinalaman dito ay pawang kabutihan ang pakay. Halimbawa na lamang ay ang mga batas ng Pilipinas na mismong mga taga-Kongreso at Senado ang may gawa.  Dahil ampaw ang pagkagawa nila ng mga batas, nagawa din nilang paikutan ang mga ito upang makapagnakaw sa kaban ng bayan. Ang kapangyarihan ng isang Presidente ng demokratikong bansa ay para sana sa kapakanan ng taong bayan at ng bansa mismo, sa kabuuhan nito. Subalit, dahil sa panunulsul ng mga tiwaling umaalalay sa kanya, nagawa niyang lokohin ang mga mamamayan. Ang masisisi sa pagkakaroon ng maraming kapalpakan sa isang bansa ay ang Presidente at ang kanyang mga kaalyado, at hindi ang kanilang mga “puwesto” na ginamit nila sa paggawa ng masama.

Ang relihiyon naman ay naimbento ng tao dahil sa kanyang pananampalataya sa kinikilalang Diyos o “diyos”. Bago pa man nagkaroon ng mga relihiyon na nagsanga mula sa pananampalataya ni Moses at Abraham sa disyerto ng Gitnang Silangan, mayroon nang mga pananampalataya sa “lakas” ng iba’t ibang “diyos” na pinaniwalaan ng mga pagano. Pinagkaisa ng mga pananampalatayang ito ang mga tao, yon nga lang ay kanya-kanyang kumpulan ang nangyari at nagtagisan sila ng lakas, na naging sanhi ng kaguluhan. Pinairal kasi nila ang kayabangan at pagkagahaman sa kapangyarihan.

Isa ang Kristiyanismo sa mga naging sanga ng pananampalataya na sinimulan ni Moses sa disyerto ng Gitnang Silangan. Habang napanatili ng mga Hudyo ang pagsunod sa mga sinimulan ni Moses, ang iba naman ay nagpasimula ng sarili nilang relihiyon batay sa mga itinuro ni Hesukristo kaya nagkaroon ng Kristiyanismo. Subali’t kalaunan, nang gamitin ng mga Romanong Emperador ang Kristiyanismo upang mapalawak ang kanilang nasasakupan at mapalakas ang kanilang kapangyarihan, ang naging katawagan dito ay naging “Romano Katoliko”, na  hinaluan nila ng mga ritwal na pagano, dahil ang mga ito ang tinutumbok ng kanilang layuning mahikayat. Nahati rin ang simbahang Katoliko sa dalawa kaya nagkaroon ng “Orthodox” na humiwalay sa “Romano”. Pinatili ng “Orthodox” ang mga orihinal na gawi, samantalang maraming binago ang “Romano”.

Noong panahong mismong mga emperador ng Roma ang naging “papa” o “pope”, nagkabentahan pa ng indulhensiya o indulgence upang “mawala” daw ang kasalanan ng mga mananampalatayang bibili nito! Ang mga nagsulputang grupo ng “Bagong Kristiyano” naman ay malabnaw  ang pagkilala kay Maria na “ina” ni Hesus. Dahil sa mga nagsuluputang sekta at kulto sa kasalukuyang panahon, lalong nagkaroon ng kalituhan sa pananampalataya dahil bawa’t grupo ay nagpipilit na sila ang “tama”.

Samantala, ang adbokasiyang pagtulong sa kapwa ay nagbunga ng mga Non-governmental Organizations o NGO. Sa simula, ang pondo ay galing sa mismong bulsa ng mga pilantropong nagtatag ng mga NGO. Kalaunan, sila ay tinulungan ng ibang mas malaking NGO. At, kalaunan pa, tumulong din ang mga NGO sa gobyerno upang mabilis na maipaabot ang tulong sa mga taong mahihirap, kaya “pinadaan” sa kanila ang pondo ng mga proyekto. Ang paraang “pagpapadaan” ng pondo sa mga NGO na may layuning malinis ay “nasilip” ng mga gahaman upang magamit sa pagnakaw ng pera mula sa kaban ng bayan. Nagkaroon ng kutsabahan sa pagitan ng mga taga-gobyerno at may-ari ng NGO, kaya ngayon ay may mga kasong tulad ng kinakaharap ni Napoles na may kinalaman sa pagnakaw nila ng bilyon-bilyong pera mula sa kaban ng bayan!

Sa bandang huli…ang katanungang maibabato na lang natin sa hangin, kasabay ng isang malalim na buntong hininga  ay, “…tao…tao…bakit ka pa ginawa upang mabuhay sa mundo?”

Ang Mag-asawa sa Quiapo

…at ang malakas nilang sampalataya sa Diyos

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Una kong nakilala sina Mang Rudy (Rodolfo Mina, Jr.) at Aling Auring (Aurora Aguirre), nang kumain ako sa kanilang maliit na karinderya sa Quiapo, malapit sa Islamic Center. Sa iisang mesa nakalagay ang mga pagkain, kaya ang kakainang pinggan ay halos hindi na kasya sa mesa. Ang ginawa ko ay inihalo na lang ang ulam sa pagkain – “toppings” style, nagkamay ako habang ang kaliwang kamay ko ay nakahawak sa pinggan upang hindi mahulog. Habang kumakain ako, nasilip ko si Mang Rudy na nanggugupit sa maliit na kuwarto sa likod ni Aling Auring. Nang hindi sinasadyang tumingin siya sa akin, muntik na akong mabilaukan sa gulat….wala pala siyang ilong!

Hindi na ako nagtanong kay Aling Auring kung saan napunta ang ilong ng kanyang asawa bilang respeto. Naalala ko tuloy ang nabasa kong kasaysayan ng ibang bansa na ang isa sa mga parusang pinapataw sa mga nagkasala ay pagtanggal ng ilong nila. Mula noon, tuwing titingnan ko si Mang Rudy ng matagal, hindi na sumesentro ang atensiyon ko sa dalawang butas sa kanyang mukha na dapat sana ay natatakpan ng ilong. Maliksing kumilos si Mang Rudy. Siya ang nagbibigay ng pagkain kung wala ang asawa niya tuwing kakain ako sa kanila at nagkukuwentuhan pa kami tungkol sa mga karanasan niya noong bago pa lang siya sa Maynila. Yon nga lang ngogo ang kanyang pagsasalita na natutuhan ko ring maunawaan sa katagalan.

Nang huling kumain ako sa kanila, napansin kong medyo sarado ang pinto ng kuwarto kung saan nanggugupit si Mang Rudy kaya tinanong ko si Aling Auring kung umuwi sa probinsiya ang kanyang asawa. Nagulat ako nang sabihin niyang nasa loob lang at nakahiga sa sahig dahil inatake daw sa puso, subalit naagapan namang madala agad sa ospital. Ang malas nga lang ay nang ilabas na niya ito, dahil noong pasakay na sila dyip, kahit hindi pa nakakaupo sa bandang hulihan si Mang Rudy ay biglang pinaharurot ng drayber ang sasakyan kaya nahulog ito. Unang bumagsak ang kanyang balakang. Mabuti na lang at tinulungan sila ng drayber na nagbayad para sa mga gamot at x-ray.

Noong araw na nalaman ko ang nangyari kay Mang Rudy, idinagdag pa ni Aling Auring na kailangan din ng asawa niya ang regular na check-up dahil lalong lumala ang pananakit ng kanyang balakang kaya hindi na rin ito halos makakilos sa pagkakahiga. Nag-alala ako dahil binabaha ang tinitirhan nila at sa sahig lang nakahiga si Mang Rudy. May balak naman daw magpagawa si Aling Auring ng makitid na kama upang magkasya sa maliit na kuwarto kaya pinag-iipunan niya ito. Ini-imagine ko kung paanong pag-ipon ang gagawin niya dahil sa kamurahan ng kanyang paninda at kamahalan ng mga bilihin, halos wala na siyang tinutubo, dagdag pa rito ang upa, tubig at ilaw.  Nabasa yata niya ang nasa isip ko dahil sinabi niyang, “alam kong hindi kami pababayaan ng Diyos”. Natulig ako sa sinabi niya at napahiya dahil kung minsan ay nawawalan ako ng tiwala sa Diyos, kapag halos hindi ko na kaya ang bigat ng dinadala kong mga problema…nakakalimutan kong nandiyan lang pala Siya.

Nang bumalik ako uli sa kanila, wala pa ring nagagawang kama. Upang lumaki ang kita ni Aling Auring, mula noon, halos inuubos ko na ang mga ulam niya na iilang klase lang naman. Sa halip na iisang tasang kape ang inoorder ko, dinadalawa ko na upang tumagal pa ang aming usapan. Ang sukli ay hindi ko na rin kinukuha. Kung napapansin kong may tutong na ayaw kainin ng ibang kostumer, binibili ko na rin upang maisangag namin ng mga kaibigan ko sa Tondo. Ayaw kong masira ang sampalataya niya sa kanyang sariling kakayahan kaya dinadaan ko na lang sa pagbili ang dapat sana ay iaabot na lang basta na tulong. At, ang nakakatuwa ay wala akong makitang kalungkutan o pag-alala sa kanyang mukha dahil laging nangingibabaw ang kanyang ngiti. Sa kabila ng lahat, alam kong kailangan pa rin nila ng tulong para sa mga gamot at regular na pangpa-check up ng kanyang asawa.

Si Mang Rudy ay 80-taong gulang na at si Aling Auring ay 76-taong gulang naman. Ilang buwan mula nang  dumating sa Maynila si Aling Auring noong 1968, sila ay nagsama pagkalipas ng maikling ligawan. Wala silang anak at umaasa lamang sa alalay ng mga pamangkin na nakakapasyal sa kanila kung minsan. Ang sabi ni Aling Auring sa akin na hindi ko makalimutan maliban pa sa unang nabanggit kong “hindi sila pababayaan ng Diyos”, ay: “lahat ng tao ay may pagsubok, hindi nga lang magkakapareho, kaya hindi dapat sumama ang loob ko dahil sa dinadanas namin ngayon dahil alam kong mas mabigat pa ang problema ng iba”.

Pope Francis deserves to be Left Alone

By Apolinario Villalobos

The new pope is not being political when reaches out to people, and in so doing, travels around the world. He does not choose who to hold or hug or kiss. He does not preach about the magnificence of the papacy and the Vatican…in fact, he is obviously, embarrassed about them. He does not preach to convert, but speaks about universal love and compassion. This is how evangelization should be done, by not talking about the church to which one belongs, but letting other people read his intentions through his actions and pronouncements.

It should be recalled that Francis, upon his assumption of his papal post, started his campaign for the practice of humility when he chose to live in an austere apartment, rather than the luxurious suite reserved for popes. He wanted to be just like anybody else, so he has no qualms about carrying his meal tray when he dines in the canteen with the rest of lay people. He has no aides at his side 24/7, except when on official trips. And, he carries his own bag when he travels!

Instead of bashing him on the internet, those who are anti-pope, anti-Christ, anti-Vatican, and anti-Roman Catholic should try to understand his messages first. They should view the new pope as Francis, a former bishop, an ordinary guy, who assumed the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church which was not his choice in the first place. Francis is not presenting himself as the new Messiah or Prophet. His mission is to spread love and not hatred. He is not even asking to be loved, but for others to include him in their prayers.

Why can’t the bashers just write something about the devilish leaders of nations whose selfish acts trespass other nations’ rights? Why can’t they exhaust their effort in condemning the acts of ISIS advocates who are now being loathed by their fellow Muslims? Why can’t they just write about the conscienceless terrorists who sow fear throughout the world? Why can’t they look around them and paint with words the gruesome poverty and splash them on the internet for the world to see?

Pangarap

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang pangarap ay hindi maiwawaksi ninuman

Dahil itong bahagi ng diwa’y may kahalagahan

Nagpapalakas ng loob sa maalab na pagsikhay

Lakas na kailangan, habang tayo ay nabubuhay.

May nangangarap ng buhay sa loob ng kaharian

Kunwari’y hari, sa ubod-saya niyang  kapaligiran

Sa isang ungos, mga alipi’y  ‘di magkandaugaga

Sa pagsilbi’t pagkilos, lahat ay  nagkakandarapa.

May nangangarap ng yamang hindi mapantayan

Kaya’t lahat na lang ay gagawin, ano mang paraan

Mayroong gumagamit na ng katawan, hindi talino

HIndi bale nang mabuntis, makamit lang ang gusto.

Yong ang hangad ay madaling makuhang yaman

Ang puntirya ay kahit anong  pwesto sa pamahalaan

Naisip kasi nila, saan man sa pamahalaan ay may kita

Depende sa proyektong “lalagakan” ng nakaw na pera.

Mga batang iskwater, aking nakausap naman minsan

Simpleng mga pangarap, laman ng kanilang kaisipan

May gustong maging titser, isa’y pulis, isa’y mensahero -

Mayamang kapitbahay kasi, sa Customs, yon ang trabaho!

Ang pangarap, ‘di lang umiinog sa pera o kaginhawahan

Pati rin sa esperitwal na bagay, o mga gawaing simbahan

Mga pari’y nangangarap din, sana’y dumami ang bumalik

Sa piling ng Diyos, para sa buhay na maaliwalas at tahimik.

Mangarap lang tayo, ito naman ay libre, walang kabayaran

Sa masayang pangarap ang magulong iniisip ay ating palitan

Mahirap kasing sa kaiisip natin ng problemang ubod ng bigat

Baka maikling pisi ng katinuan ay bumigay, dahil ‘di ito sapat!

Bonifacio E. Valdez: an image of hard-earned success

By Apolinario Villalobos

Friends call him “Boni”, lanky and tall, though, with a sure gait when he walks. He was the Corp Commandeer of the PMT in high school, aside from being an orator, debater, athlete, and as expected, valedictorian in their high school batch of 1972. Born to a farming couple, he and his siblings were disciplined in the ways of Ilocano – thrifty and hardworking.

Life after graduating from high school was not as rosy as he expected, especially, because he had to deal with culture shock when he left Tacurong which was a typical third-class municipality at the time, to live in Manila, where he took BS General which he finished in 1976. It prepared him for a medical course which he finished in the Lyceum Northwestern University of Dagupan in 1980.

He went back to Manila in 1981 for an internship at Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center and later transferred to another hospital in Teresa, Rizal, then moved on to the Medical Center- Manila. During those years, he sold drugs on the side, the earnings from which augmented his meager allowance as an intern. Finally, he was taken in, as a company physician by the First Holdings Company, his first full-time job.

To enhance his calling, he took up Anesthesiology as a Fellow at the University of the Philippines Anesthesiologist Center for Western Pacific. His endeavor pushed him further when he got employed at the Ministry of Health, in the Sultanate of Oman where he honed his medical profession from 1987 to 1991. Another opportunity knocked at his door, this time, a better job in the United States, but he opted to go home to Tacurong where he had been dreaming to build a school.

To better prepare himself as an educator in the field of medicine, he took time to refine his skill in anesthesiology in the different hospitals of Tacurong, neighboring towns, as well as, the Davao Medical Center, now, the Southern Philippines Medical Center, a high-tech medical facility in Davao City. During his stint at the aforementioned medical center in Davao City, he sacrificed going home Tacurong on weekends to be with his family.

His struggle paid off when he finally established his school, the VMMC in 2002, with a system derived from what is currently prevailing in the United States. Initially, the VMMC trained caregivers for Canada where he had established tie-ups with healthcare agencies. The long-ranged planning of Dr. Valdez, earned for VMMC a reputation as the first institution in the province of Sultan Kudarat to offer an immediate employment abroad after several months of training. Today, the VMMC also offers basic education and TESDA courses, aside from functioning as a hospital.

In recognition for his achievements, he is currently involved in the different undertakings that pertain to education, health care, and medicine. He is the Vice-President of the Higher Education Institutions in Region 12; Chairman of the Red Cross - Sultan Kudarat Chapter; Board Member of the Mindanao Technical, Vocational and Educational Training; President of the Sultan Kudarat Association of Private and Technical Institutions; and Board Member of the Regional Technical Skills Development Council for Region 12.

Over a simple lunch in  an Adriatico mall, Malate, Manila, we relished the happy days in the campus of the Notre Dame of Tacurong College during its struggling days. He also shared with a hearty laugh, his experience in Manila, especially, during the twilight days of the Marcos-imposed Martial Law. He was seriously engrossed in his political activities that his name got included in the “hot list” of student activists. To save his neck, he bid his comrades goodbye and went home.

The indefatigable Dr. Valdez confided that he has other plans for his beloved birthplace. It is not surprising for a guy whose dreams and struggle brought him far despite his family’s financial handicap. Being used to a simple life, he added that he is contented with his frugal lifestyle and foremost in his mind today, is on how he could share the blessings that he earned by dint of hard work. From being a farmer’s son once, he is now an educator, resource person on community leadership and holistic health, and a medical practitioner, though, with a bigger dream….and of course, with his fellow Tacurongnons still in mind.

Transforming the Negative into Positive

Can be a Practical Norm for Survival

By Apolinario Villalobos

A negative mind can cause stress and eventually result to diseases such ulcer, depression, and cancer. A person can harbor a negative mind if he immerses it in problems that are beyond his capability to solve, thereby, resulting to endless worrying.

While financial inadequacy can be a problem, those affected by it should think only of doable things that will give helpful results and relief. They should not wish for unrealistic opportunities that will result to disappointment due to failure in attaining them. The mentioned shortcoming should be treated as an inspiration to exert more effort, even if it means a simple job, for instance, with minimum pay. That is better than longing for a job with a high remuneration, but waiting for which could result to months of idleness.

Sometimes, injecting humor to make the negative more acceptable can work. What I did when I was a struggling student was considered myself lucky for being poor. I kept on telling myself that by being poor, I would be used to hunger and financial deficiencies in life later on, hence, prepare me for a simple life without frills. It worked as I am leading that kind of life today and I am happy and contented.

But life today, in a way is very much different from what was lived many years ago in view of the so-called progress brought about by the continuing transformation of civilization. Complexities are brought by the transformation that can cause havoc to the weak in body. Take for instance the pollution, traffic, and ever rising prices of prime commodities. To counter them, one needs to be resourceful in order to survive, or at least prevent the thinning string of patience from snapping.

Along this line, a Catholic who is driving and gets caught in the snarl of traffic can pray the rosary. And, since the Church says that indulgence depends on the sacrifice, then, the more rosary prayed, the more indulgence that he can earn. In the same situation, a New Christian can review passages in the Bible that can be shared with new prospects for conversion. Still, while waiting for the traffic to continue its snail’s pace, a composer can already put substance to the framework of musical ideas that may have been bugging him for days. Also, an inveterate smoker who has ran out of cigarette can be forced to endure such longing, and, perhaps be weaned from such vice as he gets snarled in more traffic on his way to the office every day of the weeks that will follow.

Do not be very negative about the meager take home pay. The plump wife can now have the opportunity to reduce by distributing half of her meal share to her husband and children. With a limited budget for grocery, the children in the family will now be forced to eat local vegetables instead of hot dogs, steaks and other carcass-based dishes, or they go hungry. With lesser trip to movies and malls, the family can now have more time for each other, and the children shall be forced to study their lessons, as no extra money is left for their trek to internet cafes.

The frenzied atmosphere in the MRT and LRT can also be transformed into something pleasurable. But first, one must make sure that he has enough time to spare. For the imaginative, the stations and the trains, teeming with commuters are classic worlds in themselves worth observing. Enjoy the different expressions of despair – rolling eyes, closed eyes, teary eyes, pouting lips, pursed lips, half-agape lips, and the nonchalant faces of those who have finally accepted their fate being squeezed in the throng that permeates with various smell. Those with weak olfactory attribute can find relief with a quick snuff of White Flower to counter the mind-whirling incomprehensible whiff that pervades the trapped air. One will know that he has survived if at his destination, he has been carried out the door by the sardine-packed fellow commuters.

Surviving, means going with the current of life, as swimming against it can be exhaustive and the failure to endure can just pull us down to the bottom. For this effort to survive, our resourcefulness can help, if we use means other than our arms and legs. With those means, we can be emboldened to finally counter the current to reach our destination at all cost!

The Deceitful “Growth” of the Philippine Economy

by Apolinario Villalobos

When President Pnoy Aquino made reports about the “phenomenal” growth of the Philippine economy under his administration, many shrugged their shoulders, as the latter believe otherwise in view of the very obvious poverty that scars the economic landscape, like a creeping amoeba. Pnoy sincerely believes the “truth” in the result of the surveys, which many times have been proven unrealistic, hence, unbelievable. Development should result to fair and real benefits for the appropriate parties. So, whether the Filipinos are, indeed, benefiting from these foreign investments in the country or not, still remains a big question that Pnoy should answer – truthfully.

The Filipino industry is dead long ago, when the country joined the global commerce that enslaved it to one-sided provisions due to quotas involved, favoring giant industrial nations. The Philippines has become the dumping ground of cheap products, especially, those from China and the United States, and woefully, even garbage from Canada! Not even the agriculture industry is spared, as rice and corn fields gave way to subdivisions and business centers. The forests are exploited by loggers financed by foreigners, and so are the mining areas. Manufacturing in the country has become the exclusive venture of foreign investors with Filipinos slaving it out along the length of the assembly lines, and tied to 5-month contract for a measly wage.

The volume and the gross monetary returns of these investments get reported, but the details of the “real profit” are not, because they are hauled back to the countries of the foreign investors. Meanwhile, the only tangible and direct benefit from contractual employment which is the measly wage, is what’s left to Filipinos!...yet, the President Pnoy has the courage to report that the country under his administration has “moved forward” on his “tuwid na daan” (straight path), and that poverty has been decreased!...and very proudly at that!

Pnoy Aquino should stop warbling about “developments” under his term, so that he will not be overwhelmed with criticisms, as he is just basing his claims on questionable survey results. He should not worry, because presidents who preceded him are equally guilty. Just like him, they forgot that the Philippines, is first and foremost, an agricultural nation, yet, this particular segment of the economy was woefully neglected. Instead of preserving what remained of the dastardly exploited natural resources since the American regime, these are left to be further exploited not only by corrupt government officials but by foreign financiers through their dummies, as well.

Public lands were sold, supposedly for their revenue to be used in upgrading government facilities, such as those in the Armed Forces, but nothing happened of it. So, today, the archipelagic Philippines is a miserable sight in the eyes of other nations due to her Navy’s rusty and outmoded ships; the Army’s doleful and inadequate arms and ammunitions; and, the Air Force’s shabby picture with its rickety aircrafts. There are reports that acquisitions have been made…but similar reports were made many years ago…and, remained as just reports.

By the way, though known to be a dictator, Ferdinand Marcos , at the early part of his first term as president, was honest enough to admit the sorry state of the nation with its deteriorating economy. Nobody among the rest of the presidents, including Quezon, the Commonwealth president had the courage to do it.

The situation today is worsened by the obvious cover-up of what are really happening, a gross act of dishonesty. Meanwhile, the country still wallows in the corrupted government system that benefits only a few.

To Blog and Risk Losing Life, Friends and Kinsfolks

Or Not to Blog and Remain Nice to All…and Stay Alive

By Apolinario Villalobos

The difference between “blogging” and “contributing” is that while the former gets published in the web of the information technology, the latter gets printed on papers. However, their common denominator is the “purpose” which is to “share”…a risky endeavor, especially, if what are shared concern politics, corruption, and religion. The risk is on losing one’s life, kinsfolks, and longtime friends.

In our province, Marlene Garcia Esperat, a courageous mediaperson lost her life when she exposed anomalous transactions in a government agency. The obviously hired killer had the gall to enter her house and pumped bullets into her head, to make sure that she was disabled for life. That’s one risk, made real – losing one’s life. Similar stories get splashed on pages of tabloids and broadsheets that many people do not take seriously, as they are perceived to be just ordinary incidents akin to road accidents and apprehension of drug pushers.

Bloggers cannot limit themselves with shares about fashion, literary, foods, travel, photography, etc. Sometimes they have to touch on controversial matters, such as politics that include corruption, and religion.  Blogs on these topics may affect the bloggers’ sensitive relatives and friends. Bloggers, therefore, wonder why, all of a sudden, some relatives and friends shy away from them. Some find themselves ignored by friends and buddies since grade school, as well as beloved relatives.

This unfortunate reality is happening to all bloggers. I found this out when I attended a small gathering of bloggers, during which blogging updates were passed around. Two bloggers shared that their sites were hacked, and another started getting threats via facebook messages when he uploaded blogs shared from other sites, about a controversial politician from their province in the north. Expectedly, the sender uses a fictitious personality.

Bloggers are just human instruments of the information technology, so that what they do should not be taken against them. A lot of sacrifice is made, aside from exhaustive effort in coming up with blogs, not to mention the precious time spent and money saved from scrimping on other necessities. Some bloggers earn, but most do not…as they bring out ideas, mainly due to their ardent love for writing and sharing.

Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan, Almost Got Separated

From the Jurisdiction of the Philippine Government

…during the American Regime

Apolinario Villalobos

In November 1923, the American Chamber of Commerce of Mindanao and Sulu made a proposal to make the Muslim area as an unorganized domain directly under the rule of the Americans. A distinct system of government suited for the area was suggested. However, the proposal was not given much attention, until the Bacon Bill revived the issue.

The sponsors of the Bacon Bill expressed that they just wanted to protect the “defenseless and unarmed, though proud and self-respecting Moros”. As expected, the Filipino leaders opposed the Bill, as they saw the hidden motive behind it which was the exploitation of the areas for rubber production in favor of the American interest. During the time, about more than three million hectares of land in Mindanao were suitable for the cultivation of rubber tree. The Filipinos vehemently insisted that, would there be foreign investors interested in seizing the opportunity of cultivating rubber in Mindanao, it should be fairly done under the administration of the Philippine Government.

As a last desperate argument, proponents of the proposal also insisted that the Moros in Mindanao were never desirous of independence, but prefer to remain under the sovereignty and protection of the Americans. They cited an incident in the past, whereby, Moro leaders supposedly, petitioned the Governor General and the US Congress about such desire. Unfortunately, this allegation was not factually established, as some parties insisted that Filipino Muslims did not really want to separate from their Christian brothers and sisters, but to have independence with them.

The importune Bacon Bill, fortunately, did not illicit support from then, President Collidge and the US Congress. Lately, there’s another move to separate the Moroland from the archipelago via the “original” Bangsamoro Basic Law but was fortunately reviewed for revision before it got implemented. The separation proposal was championed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, under Iqbal, and ably supported by Ferrer and Deles, two government representatives in the negotiation panel for peace in Mindanao. The proposal is now assuming another name, “Basic Law for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region” which is more appropriate to be consistent with the rest of the other autonomous regions that are already in place. History repeats itself, indeed….

The Elitist Segment of the Filipino Society

by Apolinario Villalobos

Before the Spaniards came during the 1500s, the inhabitants of the Philippine Archipelago were living according to the norms of the “datu system”. The “datu”, being the wealthy and landed ruled over the rest of the members of the community. For protection, lesser “datus” came under the rule of the “Sultan”. Within the communities, the lower members were further classified into different levels, such as slave and serf.

For their convenience the Spanish colonizers, adopted the “datu system”, so that communities were ruled through their respective “datu”. Some prominent Spaniards who were part of the colonizing expeditions were awarded portions of land under the “encomienda system”, although they, as “encomenderos” were mandated by the Spanish king to take care of the natives, referred then, as “casiques” who were within their domain. Later on, even the “datus” became victims of the system when their lands were eventually appropriated for inclusion in the encomiendas. In exchange for their “noble authority” as “datus”, they were given privileges. This system was prevalent in Luzon and Visayas where until today, plantations still exist.

When the Philippine Archipelago was ceded by the Spaniards to the Americans by virtue of the Treaty of Paris, signed in December 10, 1898, the encomienda system had become well-entrenched in the culture of the Filipinos. Spanish encomenderos intermarried with natives and their mestizo offspring took over the ownership of vast tracts of land. The Americans who saw the effectiveness of the encomenda system, continued its use, although, the task was not easy in some parts of the archipelago.

While the encomenderos of Panay and Negros Islands, practically, offered the administration of their communities to the Americans, in exchange for which, they shall be allowed to maintain ownership of their lands, in Luzon and Mindanao, imposition of authority had to be made forcefully and bloodily due to skirmishes that ensued.

The heat of liberalism felt by the educated natives during the latter part of the Spanish rule was intensified when the Americans came because of the educational system and liberal administration that they introduced. From then on, educated Filipinos competed with the landed elite in hugging the limelight in the political arena.

The misfortune that befell the sugar industry, however, eased out the landed gentry, almost totally, from political scene which is now occupied not only be the educated segment but by the adventurous who view politics as a lifetime career….personalities who, in time became the so-called “traditional politicians” (trapos). They usually start their political career as barangay, municipal or city councilors, moving up to the position of vice-mayor, mayor, governor, congressman, senator…and still aiming for the highest political position in the land.

Today, the Filipino elite, aside from the heirs of hacienderos, also includes educated native Filipinos and naturalized foreign business tycoons who consistently maintain their position in the list of the “Who’s Who” of the corporate world, and the “trapos” who became rich overnight, thanks to politics, because some of these “tycoons” have actually been or still are dummies of the rich “trapos”.

The “Overwhelming” Papal Power

By Apolinario Villalobos

As every Christian knows, the Apostles spread themselves to proclaim the teachings of Jesus Christ. Congregations were addressed by authors of Epistles in the New Testament, and these messages contained instructions. Among these congregations were those located in Rome where, Christianity was supposed to have been planted after the Pentecost. Traditionally, the congregations had elders who served as administrators, but nobody among them acted superior than the rest. The elders acted with equal authority, during which time there was no so-called “bishop” or “pope”, yet.

The development of the “monarchial” leadership was during the second century. But the title “pope” was first used by the Bishop of Rome, Callistus, during the third century. Later, the title evolved as a firm official reference to the Bishop of Rome exclusively, as insisted by Pope Leo I. He also used the pagan title “Pontifex Maximus”, which is still used until today, although, such title was also used by the pagan Roman Emperors until the end of the fourth century. Leo I based his insistence on what Jesus said about Peter as the first among the Apostles, therefore, the St. Peter’s Church in Vatican should be the premier Church among the rest of Catholic Churches. With this basis, it was made clear that while “the emperor held temporal power in Constantinople in the East, the pope exercised spiritual power from Rome in the west”. Such authority was manifested when Charlemagne was crowned by Pope Leo III as the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

Governments around the world viewed the pope, as the “ruler” of a separate sovereign state – the Vatican City. In this view, the Roman Catholic Church unlike the rest of religions, has the privilege to send officials vested with diplomatic authority to duly recognized governments around the world. Among the titles of the pope are: Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor to the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Sovereign of the Vatican City. When attending official ceremonies, he is accorded with pompous honor, appropriate for the Head of a State.

Could the current pope, Francis, have realized the overwhelming papal power that he cringed with remorse, thereby, deciding to live in an “apartment” rather than the “palatial” official residence? Compassion is among his advocacies…and this can only be done if he lives among his “flock”.

Pagtatakda ng Pananampalataya

na may Bagong Pananaw Sa Mundo ng mga Dukha

ni Felizardo “Ding” Lazado

The Philippines During the American Regime

By Apolinario Villalobos

With the downfall of the short-lived First Philippine Republic under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the Americans took over to directly rule the archipelago using the governance known as “Insular System”, guided by what were contained in the report of the Schurman Commission in 1899.

Appointments to the public offices were made based on the result of civil service examination taken by aspirants, and not on the basis of family relationship and friendship. Taxes were paid by the “citizens” to the government and in return, they received benefits in many forms. Educational system was initially implemented through the “Thomasites”, the first group of American teachers who were also Protestant evangelists. (Much later, the group was supplanted by the “Peace Corp Volunteers”).

The traditional units of government were maintained, although, their heads were given different references. For the village or barrio, the former “cabeza de barangay” or “teniente del barrio” of the Spanish time, was replaced by the municipal councilor. The “gobernadorcillo” as head of the town was replaced by the “president”. And, on provincial level, the head retained the same title as “provincial governor”.

The Provincial Court was referred to as the Court of First Instance, headed by a Judge, and appointed by the American Governor General. The central or national government was called “Insular Government”, which initially was controlled by a Commission headed by the Governor General. In 1907, however, the Philippine Assembly was created to help the Commission in making laws. It was composed of Filipinos elected by the people. Nine years later, in 1916, the Legislature, composed of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives, was created and empowered with the formulation of laws. The members of the two houses were elected by the people.

The highest court of justice during the Spanish time, the “Audiencia”, became the Supreme Court of the Philippine Islands, with Americans as majority of its justices, although, the Head was always a Filipino. All of the justices were appointed by the US President.

Personal rights which had been the focus of the Filipino demands during the Spanish regime, were finally, granted by President McKinley in 1900, and later, officially contained in two Acts of the US Congress. These were the Organic Act of July 1, 1902 and the Autonomous Act or Jones Law of August 29, 1916. The Bill of Rights for the Filipinos enacted by the US Congress was very similar to the principles contained in the Malolos Constitution adopted in 1898, under the First Republic, at the helm of which was Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

Unfortunately, what has been initially formulated as an ideal Philippine Constitution was stained by the Parity Rights, insisted on by the United States, giving equal rights to the Americans in the exploitation of natural resources and in all other opportunities in the whole country. The insertion was made during the Administration of President Manuel Roxas in 1947.

Photo Opportunity: Insult that adds pain to injury

By Apolinario Villalobos

Photo opportunity or “photo-ops” refers to the taking of pictures of an activity, person or group with their consent. Politicians and those in the show business, or just anybody who want to draw attention delight in this kind of opportunity which has given birth to “selfies”. Relief institutions need this to show their benefactors where their donations went. In facebook, we are amused by black and white photos taken during our youthful days, also of important events in our life, such as nuptial, baptism, and just plain family bonding.

Not all photo opportunities are delightful. Some can be insulting that can add pain to injury. This happens during the aftermath of a disaster or calamity. It is alright to record the ruins and other effects of the catastrophe. But to delay the distribution of relief goods until the arrival of the president, or the highest official of the locality, or the secretary of the government relief agency or foreign dignitaries who “must” be part of the “photo-op”, is not. It is disheartening to learn that disaster victims who hiked over hills and trekked kilometers of distance to reach a designated relief distribution area, and who missed meals in the process, are made to wait under the searing heat of the sun until the VIPs have arrived. Suffering people who are in need of immediate assistance are also victims of this opportunistic act, as their faces contorted by agony are shamelessly splashed on the pages of dailies, magazines, and TV screens.

My friends who live in a depressed area told me how they were “invaded and made fools” by students researching on poverty, disease, corruption, and their photos taken as evidence of the government’s neglect. They were promised help by the “sympathetic” researchers who, after a couple of days were never heard again. The following year, two NGOs came to do similar interviews highlighted by photo-ops. Just like the students, they were never heard again. Still, the following year, another group came and distributed condoms and family planning pills, complete with photo taking. Couples with many children were promised relief goods and financial assistance which never materialized. What hurt my friends was what the opportunistic groups did – make promises that were never kept. All they could have done was just mentioned their purpose as my friends were willing to cooperate, anyway.

The poverty and neglect suffered by the oppressed are painful enough to bear. Taking their photos and making a fool of them with never kept promises, just add insult to the injury that may need much time to heal. 

The Philippines: from Commonwealth

to the Present

By Apolinario Villalobos

From the Philippine Commonwealth that evolved into Republican form, despite the many years that transpired, until the current administration of Pnoy, the promises of presidential candidates did not change their course which is supposedly towards the uplift of Filipinos and the advancement of the country, but nothing happened of them. The graft and corruption in the government just got worse, much more with poverty.

The Commonwealth government under Quezon was cut short by the WWII. But during his time, the Americans already observed the culture-based administration of the government which was hinged on “gratitude”, “brotherhood”, and “kinship”. The Post-war era of independence saw the granting of independence to the country, transforming the Commonwealth to Republican under Osmeῆa. As the country was still reeling from the effects of the WWII, it was in total disarray. This situation bred profiteering on the part of the businessmen and graft on the part of the government officials, resulting to the much dissatisfaction and dismay of the masses.

The dissatisfaction of the Filipinos was perceived as an opportunity of enterprising and ambitious politicians for grabbing the power from Osmeῆa. As a last effort, Osmeῆa reorganized the government by signing an Executive Order in March 7, 1945, restoring the Executive departments. Unfortunately, Osmeῆa was perceived as lame by the then, Governor-General, MacArthur, who coerced him to convene Congress. Many were against the convening of Congress, then, as it might fall into the hands of the “collaborators” of the WWII, one of whom was Manuel Roxas who fortunately, despite his being a former “collaborator”, was favored by the support of MacArthur.

Among those that the newly-convened Congress approved was a three-year back pay to its members, which was equivalent to the three-year Japanese occupation of the country. It was a telling premonition of more self-serving Congressional actions to happen. The employees followed suit with their own demand for similar back pay covering the same period but was not granted due to unavailability of fund. The cunning Roxas perceived the dissatisfaction of the employees as an opportunity to back up his bid for presidency. He authored the Back Pay Law which was eventually passed in 1948. It gave three years back pay to all pre-war government employees in 1958, after a ten-year period during which the government would have already saved enough funds.

The country did not gain much from Roxas when he held the reins of the government. Graft and corruption still proliferated. But his prominence became more pronounced when the provision on Parity Rights of the Americans was inserted in the Philippine Constitution. Hours before he died, he again committed the loyalty of the Filipinos to the Americans. His true color as “collaborator”, first with the Japanese during WWII, and later, with the Americans, surfaced till the time he drew his last breath.

Quirino took over the presidency when Roxas died. He promised “government reorganization to achieve efficiency at all levels of the bureaucracy, immediate increased production to give employment to thousands of idle laborers, vigorous and honest enforcement of tax laws, the preservation of the national integrity, and continued friendly relations with the countries of the world”. The Hukbalahap movement just became active because of unresolved agrarian issues during Quirino’s administration, and due to the worsening corruption. He wisely gave an all-out support to his Secretary of National Defense, Ramon Magsaysay who was perceived as honest and with unquestionable ability to lead, who somehow mellowed the administration’s strong image of ineptness . The charisma of Magsaysay brought him nearer to the masses.

When Magsaysay became president with the help of the CIA, he unfortunately, went beyond the tolerable treatment of the masses. His pampering of the masses, made them over-dependent to the government, resulting to their idleness. He went to the extent of opening the gates of Malacaῆan to them, practically resulting to the presidential official residence’s transformation into a “park”.  During his term, he promised, the improvement of the land tenure system with land resettlements, easy-term credit for the peasants, intense community development founded on self-help. To support those promises, the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) in Palawan was established in 1955, as well as, the Farmers’ Cooperative and Marketing Association (FACOMA). It was also during this time that Visayans and those from the north, rushed to Mindanao to clear cogon-covered fields. To date, among the results of the resettlement effort were General Santos and Koronadal cities. General Santos City was formerly, “Dadiangas”, while Koronadal City was formerly, “Marbel”.

Magsaysay realizing his mistakes for pampering the common “tao”, was reported to have lost his temper several times, one of which was when he “exploded”, saying: “the people want me to do everything for them!”. His ten-point program was never realized when he met an accident while on board the presidential airplane in March 17, 1957 on the way back to Manila from a speaking engagement in Cebu. The ill-fated airplane was later found on Mt. Manunggal in Cebu. Vice-President Carlos P. Garcia took over the presidency with the demise of Magsaysay. It was alleged that Magsaysay did a corrupt act by posting newspapermen in important government offices, as well as, extended to them favors that not even government officials were lucky to have a share.

The presidential election in 1957 confirmed the presidency of Garcia, although, the said process was said to be the noisiest and most expensive in the country’s history until the time. It was during this time that the Catholic Church was dragged into the chaos, which however, proved that the votes of the Catholics were not reliably solid. Diosdado Macapagal who belonged to the opposition won as Vice-President.

During his term, Garcia promised: “to complete the Philippine economic independence through the adoption of the Filipino First Policy….; to establish Filipino dignity as a free people by dealing with foreign powers on terms of sovereign equality; to achieve a balanced economy by providing equal impetus to agriculture and industry; to promote social justice and the general welfare of the masses, and; to minimize and, if possible, to eradicate graft and corruption”. Just like his predecessors however, Garcia also failed, as the poor not only multiplied but continued to suffer from poverty, while the economy was at its worse.

The people’s disillusionment of how Garcia administered the government, steered Diosdado Macapagal towards victory when he made a bid for presidency. Graft and corruption were the focus of all issues against Garcia which Macapagal used to his advantage. When he won, Macapagal promised: “the immediate restoration of economic stability, alleviate the common man’s plight, and establish a dynamic basis for future growth.” He added to strengthen the deteriorating moral fiber of the people. Unfortunately, a few months after he was sworn in, his province mates indulged in extravagant celebrations, with him and his family at the center. Such flagrant show of opulence went on which slighted the Filipinos much. Macapagal will however, be remembered with his nationalistic decision to move the Philippine Independence Day from July 4 to June 12, and the Land Reform Code which unfortunately was not implemented effectively.

The nepotism, graft and corruption issues were used by Ferdinand Marcos against Macapagal when the former ran for president. The Filipinos, for having no choice and who had been clamoring for change, voted for him.

Among the presidents, it was Marcos who openly admitted that the country was in a dire crisis situation, and to arrest the further deterioration of the country, he promised: “self-sufficiency in the production of rice and the diversification of crops, implementation of the land reform program, and intensification of the community development program. During his time, the country experienced a phenomenal infra-structure boom, to support the drummed up tourism and industrialization efforts of the government. Not satisfied with the Constitution-mandated tenure, he declared Martial Law, to supposedly prevent the Communist take-over of the country. The drastic move was accepted for several years by the Filipinos, until the issue on the murder of Benigno Aquino erupted.

The People Power Revolution in 1987 toppled the dictatorship of Marcos and installed Cory Aquino as President. Issues that her administration faced were recovery of the people’s money, replenishment of the dried up budget, and corruption that was not totally swept out of the system. Her tenure did not accomplish much for the recovery of the country until she was taken over by Fidel Ramos during whose administration there was a spree of privatization and selling of government properties. As the Filipinos got tired of the same economic and political mishaps of presidents, they gave a chance to Joseph Estrada from the movie world, and who promised “heaven”, and something “new”…indeed, corruption with a “new” face, that just got worse. The recurring despair of the people brought Gloria Arroyo to power. Despair again made the Filipinos look for another leader, and this time they bit the bait dangled by the old-time crooks who used the “martyrdom” of Ninoy Aquino to push the presidency of Pnoy Aquino….

The rest is history, literally, because as stated in the pages of the Philippine history, the same problems are the issues today– graft, corruption, nepotism, poverty, colonial attachment to the United States, and weak leadership.

Ang  ala-Showbiz at Mapangarap

na Talumpati nina Grace Poe at  Chiz Escudero

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Malalaman ang katapatan ng isang pulitiko sa kanyang mga layunin kung sa mga talumpati niya ay iiwasan niyang gumamit ng mga corny at  “matulaing” mga pangako. Parehong maraming ipinangako sina Poe at Escudero, kaya lumabas tuloy na para silang nagbasa ng mahabang “wish list”. Mga napaka-imposibleng matupad ang ipinangako nila, kahit pa sasabihing makikipagtulungan ang mga Pilipino. Sa anong paraan? Upang mabawasan ang gutom, gusto yata nila ay isang beses na lang sa maghapon kakain ang mga mahihirap na tao. Upang masabi lang na may trabaho, gusto yata nila ay tanggapin na lang ng isang ama ng tahanan ang trabaho na ang sweldo ay kulang pa sa pamasahe niya sa pagpasok at pag-uwi.

Maraming nakalimutan ang dalawa, habang animo ay nakalutang sa alapaap nang magtalumpati:

Una, hindi sigurado kung may magagamit na pondo ang bagong administrasyon dahil sa ginawang pangungurakot sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang administrasyon ay halos wala nang natirang pera, kaya nga ang mga proyekto sa kasalukuyan ay pinonduhan ng mga bagong inutang. Hindi mawawala ang korapsyon dahil maski matanggal ang mga korap na namumuno sa mga ahensiya, ang mga “ugat” – mga kawaning may kinalaman ay maiiwan.

Pangalawa, walang napilit maipatupad na mga proyekto na saklaw ng kani-kanilang mga komite sa Senado sina Poe at Escudero bilang mga senador. Ang boses nila ay narinig nitong huling mga buwan lamang kung kaylan ay naghahanda na sila para sa kanilang pagtakbo. Sa nakalipas na maraming buwan at taon, sa kabila ng sunud-sunod na problema ng bayan, wala man lang silang ibinahaging kahit pakunswelong mga solusyon bilang mga mambabatas, hindi tulad ni Senador Miriam Santiago, na sumasawsaw sa halos lahat ng isyu, kahit pa ikasasama ng kanyang kalagayan dahil sa kanyang sakit.

Pangatlo, ang kawalan ng disiplina ng mga Pilipino, isang masakit na katotohanan na nagkaanak pa ng ugaling “palusot”…lahat na lang ay gagawin upang kayaning lumusot. Kahit na anong ganda ng proyekto, kung iiral ito, mawawalan din ng saysay. Ang mga halimbawa para dito ay ang hindi pagsunod sa alituntunin sa pagtawid ng kalsada at paninigarilyo sa mga lugar na pampubliko. Hanggang saan aabot ang hinihingi nilang tulong mula sa mga mamamayan?

Pang-apat, ang ugaling ningas-kugon na nakadikit sa kultura ng Pilipino. Magaling lang sa simula ng mga proyekto dahil may mga kodakan at press release na nangyayari kaya marami ang gustong makibahagi. Makaraan ang ilang buwan at taon, “nalanta” na ang proyekto. Tingnan na lang ang LRT at MRT na sa simula ay “nangingintab” sa ganda, subalit bandang huli ay nanlilimahid na, naging dugyot – marumi, palyado. Ang mga ‘tree planting” projects na para makatulong sa Inang Kalikasan, yong mga lugar na malalapit sa lunsod o bayan, ni hindi nadamuhan at hindi man lang o nadiligan, kaya walang nangyari sa mga tanim. Ang pagpapaganda ng mga center island ng mga kalsada na tinamnan ng mga bulaklak, pagkatapos ng kodakan, naging tapunan ng basura. Ang project para sa Pasig river, hanggang kodakan lang din ang inabot. Ang paglinis sa Roxas Boulevard at mga daluyan ng tubig ng Manila, hindi rin consistent. Etc. etc. etc.

Panglima, ang kanilang mga talumpati ay namumutiktik ng mga pantukoy sa kanilang mga “inspirasyon”. Ang kay Grace Poe ay sa kanyang tatay na si Fernado Poe, Jr., isang aksiyon star ng mga pelikulang may kabayanihan, na animo ay pelikulang “Panday” ang mga tema. Kaya halos bawa’t talata ng kanyang talumpati ay may salitang “magpanday”, sa halip na “gumawa” o “humubog”, upang simple lang sana ang dating. Si Chiz Escudero naman ay hindi nagpatalo – gumamit ng  “puso”, tulad ng pagsabi halimbawa ng “mga proyektong may puso”, etc. Gagawin pang tanga ang mga nakikinig ganoong ang pinapatungkulan niya ng “puso” ay si “Heart Evangelista”, asawa niya! Hinaluan pa ng showbiz ang pulitika! Siguro ang mga speech writers nila ay mga script writers ng pelikula, kaya ang laman ay pang-pelikula ang dating! Ganyan ang nangyari nang mangampanya si Erap, at nang umupo, karamihan ng mga itinalaga sa puwesto ay mga artista. Ang hindi ko makalimutan ay ang itinalaga niyang matabang komedyante sa PAGCOR na nagsabi ng “weather weather lang yan”, kaya walang naipakitang ambag ang nasabing pasugalan para sa bayan na siya nitong layunin, kung saan napunta ang pera, siya lang ang nakakaalam.

Kung babasahin ang kasaysayan ng bansa, ang mga pinangako ng dalawa na pagsugpo sa katiwalian, kriminalidad, gutom, etc. ay mga pangako din ng mga pulitiko noon pa mang binigyan ng mga Amerikano ng kalayaan ang mga Pilipino na nagkumahog sa pag-upo sa mga puwesto sa gobyerno. Walang natupad sa mga pinangako nila sa mga kampanya dahil tuloy pa rin ang korapsyon sa gobyerno at kagutuman sa bansa, at lalo pang tumindi sa pag-usad ng panahon. Ngayon, binabanggit na naman nina Poe at Escudero ang mga problema na saang anggulo man tingnan ay talagang hindi mawawala, hangga’t hindi napapalitan ang sistema ng gobyerno upang maaalis ang mga tiwaling mambabatas na gumagawa ng mga batas para sa kanilang kapakanan. Samantala, pwedeng asahan ang “tulong” ng mga korap na ito subalit siguradong may kapalit. Ang isang pruweba ng masamang ugali ng mambabatas ay ang kawalan palagi ng quorum sa Kongreso kaya hindi matapos-tapos ang pagtalakay sa Basic Law para sa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region….sabi nga ng iba, naghihintay yata sila ng “regalo” mula sa presidente, na siya nilang nakagawian.

Paanong matitigil ang kriminalidad kung mismong sa hanay ng kapulisan at ibang opisyal ng gobyerno ay may kakutsaba ang mga sindikato lalo na sa droga? May mga kuwento pang lumalala ang mga kidnapping tuwing panahon ng kampanyahan dahil kailangan daw ng mga financier na pulitiko ang pera para sa pagtakbo nila sa eleksiyon. Paanong matitigil ang gutom kung ang mga ahensiyang nagpapatupad ng mga programa para dito ay korap? Paanong masugpo ang nakawan sa kaban ng bayan kung ang mga batas na dapat nagpopotrotekta dito ay tadtad ng mga butas na sinadyang ginawa upang mapaikutan ng mga opisyal, nang maluwag silang makapagnakaw? Paanong mapaayos ang sistema ng edukasyon, kung kinukunsinte ng mga ahensiya ng gobyernong may kinalaman dito ang pagsulputan ng mga kursong wala namang pakinabang, kundi mapagkitaan lang ng mga kolehiyo at unibersidad, pati na ang pag-commercialize ng mga textbooks?

Nakakapangamba ang mangyayari sa darating na eleksiyon dahil sa simula pa lamang ng kampanyahan ay puro “pangarap” na ang mga sinasambit ng mga may masidhing layunin “daw” na mag-angat sa kalagayan ng Pilipinas at mga Pilipino! 

Man’s Life Revolves around Reasons

By Apolinario Villalobos

Everything that man does is founded on reason. There is always a reason for everything he does, and the following are just some of them:

For stealing- to save the family from starving to death, or for those in the government, just

for the heck of it because colleagues  do it.

For saving - to purchase a car, house, food, or gun to avenge the death of a loved one,

or hold others up for their money and become rich.

For committing suicide - to end the agony of depression and bid goodbye to the cruel world.

For making love - to consummate marriage or close relationship (even of same sex),

or sometimes to procreate, or more simply, to enjoy life.

For killing- to defend life and property, or just for fun, while under the influence of illegal drugs and liquor.

For drinking liquor- to drown sorrow and float on euphoric bliss.

For indulging in Bacchanalian splurges (uncontrolled eating and drinking)- to divert attention from loneliness, and for those in the government, while there is money left in the coffer.

For becoming a religious evangelist- to achieve a triple indulgence, such as money, spiritual fulfillment and fame, the better to attract candidates who want sure votes during elections in the Philippines.

For becoming a teacher- to show the world that even an average or below average guy can mold a future president, congressman, senator, lawyer, physician, priest, dictators, robbers, drug dealers, etc.

For becoming a Certified Public Accountant- to manifest love for numbers that can be juggled when keeping the book of earnings of businessmen, and of course, earn more numbers with monetary sign for keeping their two books – sure way to get rich quick.

For becoming a policeman- to arrest criminals, thefts, as well as, drug dealers, and confiscate their “goods” for “safekeeping” and “appropriate action” later on. Not all does the last reason…many are still straight.

Finally, the reasons why man is born are: LOVE that binds honest, sincere, and faithful couples; and LUST…of the rapist, adventurous teen-aged sweethearts, and irresponsible parents.

My Talakudong...your Talakudong…our Talakudong

(History of  Talakudong Festival of Tacurong

and its Transformation into a Multi-awardee Celebration of Life)

By Felizardo “Ding” Lazado

The festival has a shade of art and voice of history- elements that echo the culture of Tacurongnons. To give substance to the concept of the festival, historic information were culled from different sources, such as: interviews of the late Mr. Fructuso Buenacosa (Tiyo Putoy), historian and “walking encyclopedia” of Tacurong City, and Mrs. Josefina Lechonsito, History professor of Notre Dame of Tacurong College; Master’s Thesis of Mr. Morito Parcon, History and Political Science professor of the Notre Dame of Tacurong College; and, Cotabato Guidebook of Mr, Simeon Millan of Cotabato City.

From the above-mentioned sources, stories gave form to the “story line”, enthusiastic members committees provided a strong foundation to the “organizational structure”, the painstakingly gathered materials by dint of resourcefulness became the “requisites” that comprised the substance, youthful creativity and design provided color and allure to the format and systems, and most of all, the verve of cohesive leadership, highlighted the merriment that surrounded the First Talakudong Festival, a fitting commemoration of the 25^th Foundation Anniversary and Silver Jubilee Year of the city in August 3, 1976.

As early as 8:00 in the morning of that day, the town’s thoroughfares were already swarmed with people- both paraders and promenaders. In anticipation of the throng of people who would swell the streets, paraders were made to assemble only in front or along the street near their schools or origin. Only the barangay officials, municipal/provincial/national agencies in Tacurong, civic and religious organizations participants were allowed to assemble at the municipal plaza. When siren sounded at 8:30 AM, the plaza paraders led by the local police force moved towards Lapu-lapu Street. Reaching Lapu-apu, the Notre Dame contingents (College, High School, and Elementary) had their hundred boys let off the “tultugan” (bamboo drums) that rent the air – producing ear-splitting sound.

Donned in Visayan-Ilonggo outfits, women and girls wore “patadiong” and “kimona”. Everybody had either turban, “kalo”and “sadok” on their head, some girls on their hips were “nigo” or “kalalaw” laden with fruits and vegetables. They followed the end portion of plaza paraders. The parade started to swell up as it approached the “round ball” where the Muslim groups were crowding… hard-beating of gongs and “kulintang” prevailed. The QCSP contingents in glittering “malong” and “banggala” while the men in “kopia”, “salakot”, and “tubaw”, appeared more colorful with the dancing dragon.

The air seemed to have lost its lane as the beating of gongs and kulintang and the hard striking of tultugan were fused into unrecognizable communion or commotion of sound and music. The parade continued, inching toward along Alunan Highway and gained headway in front of the Tacurong Municipal High School and Tacurong Pilot Elementary School areas. Another thousand paraders were awaiting to find a space in the parade to occupy. Chanting children with flaglets inscribed with MABUHAY TACURONG SILVER JUBILEE YEAR were in Visayan-Ilonggo costume. From a distance, at the north, could be seen another crowd of people waiting. It was the all-Ilocano Magsaysay Memorial College contingent. All the women in ‘baro at saya” while men wore “kalogong”.

As the parade turned left passing Rizal Avenue, Agustin Carvajal led the dozen Ilocano “tangguyob” (Ilonggo: budyong) or shell trumpet blowers sending to the air a nostalgic loud cooing sound. The “tangguyob” blowing that infiltrated the cacophony of “kulitang”, gong and “tultugan” sounds, brought to the thousand ears a new kind of noise, though musical , the “TANGKULGONGTUL” – the festival’s own sound.

Moving along Bonifacio to Alunan, back to Lapu-lapu, then, to the National Highway, the parade moved past the “round ball” junction, as it proceeded to Burgos Street junction. The parade had to divert from its planned route so as not to make its head “overtake” its “tail”. A standstill of less than half an hour was made. The sun was getting high and the heat was scorching. The humid air under the searing sun was unpleasant…what of the sweat plus the evaporizing smell of pomade pasted on young boys’ heads.

All hassles, however, slipped off, as kaleidoscopic reflection of multi-colored, multi-sized and multi-fabric head coverings reigned supreme outsmarting the weariness of everybody. The parade ended at the Resort Area which was already overflowing with people where the “ritual” to commemorate the “recognition” of Tacurong as a separate town by her “mother town” was immediately held.

Mayor Jose Q. Barroquillo, Jr., handed to Mayor Samad Mangelen of Buluan a brand-new Vargas plow. In turn, Mayor Samad Mangelen, placed the gold-colored “kopia” on the head of Mayor Barroquillo, and the following thunderous clapping of the audience reddened the “ritual of friendship, understanding, and cooperation”, as well as, the recognition of Tacurong as a separate town. The Notre Damians, Jorge Plasabas and Juliet Garces took center stage and danced the “binanog”. Magsaysasay Memorial Collegian dancers skillfully performed the “sayaw sa bangko”, and the colorful and exotic “singkil” , by the students of the QCSP students. Teachers from the Tacurong Pilot Elementary School followed, with Mrs.Teresita Carnaje and Mrs. Emma Bautista rendering the musical numbers from doxology, “Lupang Hinirang”.  That was Talakudong Festival in August 3, 1976….

For the initial conceptualization and planning that led to the development of the festival, about thirty (30) representatives from private and public schools, civic and religious organizations, municipal and national agencies were invited in September 10, 1975. I was then connected with the Department of Public Information during the time. As recalled, Mayor Jose Barroquillo explained the rationale of the Silver Jubilee celebration. Soonest as he was finished, Engr. Miguel T. Jacalan stood up and said, “I highly recommend (not nominate), that Mr. Ding Lazado of DPI be the one to conceptualize the plan”. Mr. Pedro Samson of Tacurong Pilot Elementary School supported the recommendation of Engr. Jacalan.

Couldn’t it be called a lightning strike?... but it happened that way, catching me by surprise! I didn’t know what happened next, but I found myself doing the task for three months. On the very first working day of New Year 1976, the same people were gathered at the Resort Area where we detailed the concept of the Talakudong Festival that would finally, highlight the town’s 25^th Foundation Anniversary. The rest of the years that followed saw the full celebration that metamorphosed to include street dancing.

Still looking back, for 18 years, from 1976 to 1994, the Talakudong Festival was largely shown in street parade with intermittent Agro-Industrial Fair. The first search for “Mutya ng Tacurong” took place in 1978. But my passion to put Tacurong on the map of tourism, cultural enhancement and festivals of the Philippines pushed me to get things done as aspired. Thus in 1995, with full support of the Municipal Council and blessing of then, Mayor Geronimo Arzagon, when the Talakudong Festival was put back to the main thoroughfares, it has been enhanced with new format and style-  street dancing and “showdown” or competition among participating contingents, at the town plaza. As the festival refers to head covering or hat, added feature that enhanced the activities was the Talakudong-making Contest with the following categories: Most Attractive, Most Elegant, Most Original, Most Indigenous, Most Artistic, the Biggest, The Smallest. The Board of Judges picked out only three: The Most Elegant, won by Enrique Saulog; The Biggest, won by Gerardo Magno; The Smallest, won by Salvacion Cerbas.

In 1998, the “Talakudong Tribe”, upon invitation, joined the Kadayawan Festival of Davao and brought home the Third Prize in “Indak-indak sa Dalan”. For the subsequent Kadayawan Festival, the tribe won Second Place, and finally, brought home the grand trophy for the same category during the later year of the Davao’s festival.

This year, 2015, “My Talakudong, Your Talakudong, Our Talakudong” captured the heart of the Ilonggos when it showed its splendor in Iloilo during the Dinagyang Festival. This new face of Talakudong Festival would be without beauty, had it not been for the full support of the mayors of the  City of Tacurong – from the time of Roncal Montilla, Nono Arzagon, Lino Montilla and currently, Lina Montilla. Doubtlessly, all of them are one in bringing the name and fame of Talakudong Festival into greater heights of national recognition.

Lest we forget, responsible also for the consistent success of the festival, are the supportive hands of Hon. Rodrigo Jamorabon, the Talakudong Fest Committee Chairman; Hon. Cajandig, Hon. Fely Segura, Eduardo Nicolo, Allan Freno, Emelie Jamorabon and dozens more of local officials.

For the early choreography, kudos goes to Petok de la Peῆa, Pediong Fernandez, Gerry Magno, Juarien Javier, Richard Paclibar, G. Ochinang, Joseph Pilotos, Anthony Elvas, and many more. Original musicians were Joseph Glenn Lazado, Ryan Mosqueda, Val Gunay, and Rona Nava. Non-alumni of Notre Dame but also extended helping hands were, Enrique Saulog and Bong Gallego.

On September 18, 2003, on the Third Anniversary of Tacurong as a city, a Certificate of Recognition signed by then, Mayor Lino O. Montilla was presented to me, as the FATHER/FOUNDER OF THE TALAKUDONG FESTIVAL.

The Mindanao Resistance Against

the American Colonizers

By Apolinario Villalobos

The Filipinos who fought the Americans were never called “rebels”, but “outlaws”, “pulahanes”, “tulisanes”, and bandits. It was an unfair reference because the Filipinos who went to the mountains and banded together to fight the aggressors just wanted freedom. This nationalistic sentiment spread as far down as Mindanao.

In March 23, 1903, a group of Filipino rebels attacked an American Constabulary station in Surigao under the command of a certain Captain Clark who was killed, and the guns taken by the attackers. Later on, 75 of the guns were taken back, with many rebels captured and tried. Those who were found to have committed the killing of Clark were hanged. This was during the time of President Theodore Roosevelt.

The Moro resistance in Lanao was led by Sajiduciman, Ampuanagua, and Datu Grande. In June 1902, Datu Tungul of Onayan attacked Camp Vicars, for which the Sultan of Binidayan was suspected to have had a hand. Despite his effort to prove his innocence, the Americans did not believe him, and in desperation, he “ran amuck” which eventually led to his death. The incident further caused hatred against the Americans so that at Maciu, Sultan Tanagan and Sultan Ganduli with about 200 followers clashed with the Americans.

As in mainland Mindanao, the Sulu Muslims were also vehemently against the Americans, harboring the same hatred that they had against the Spaniards. As a peaceful measure, the Americans used the Sultan of Sulu to fulfill their objective of subjugating his subjects. A so-called Bates Treaty was signed, although it was not binding to those who still refused to recognize them (Americans). Among these were Datu Julakanain and Datu Kalbi of Patikul who refused to join the Sultan. Eventually, due to the ineffectiveness of the treaty, it was annulled, as from 1903 to 1905, the fierce resistance of the two aforementioned datus continued. Hassan was killed finally in an encounter at Bud Bagsak. The death of Hassan inspired other nationalistic Muslims in Sulu to carry on their fight against the Americans, such as Pala and Jikiri.

In Cotabato, Datu Ali defied the Americans. He was the successor of Datu Utu, and son-in-law of Datu Piang. Unfortunately, the elder Datu Piang, instead of supporting his son-in-law, collaborated with the Americans, by providing them with all necessary information that they needed. The collaboration finally led to the killing of Datu Ali at Simpetan, in October 31, 1906, together with his 13 followers and three sons.

Following the death of Datu Ali, Datu Alamada with 300 followers and supported by thousands of adherents continued the resistance. His movements, though, were limited around Buldon and Upper Cotabato. Unfortunately again, collaboration led to the downfall of the gallant datu. The collaborators were led by Datu Inuk.

Just like in Luzon and Visayas, the history of Mindanao is tinted with heroic resistance of Muslims, though, with different culture and religion. All of these gallant rebels, however, were bound by one common cause – love of freedom!

The Bicol Uprising and Concentration System

During the American Occupation

Resulting to 300,000 Casualties

By Apolinario Villalobos

In 1903, Simeon Ola with about 1,500 supporters continued the uprising in Albay against the Americans after the fall of Aguinaldo. In answer to such insurrection, the Americans resorted to the concentration of the villagers resulting to the casualty of about 300,000 due to the inadequate supply of food and unhealthy accommodation. Hunger and diseases caused the deaths.

Governor Taft vehemently insisted that the move was necessary to “save” the villagers from the supposedly terroristic activities of Ola, an accusation which was denied by those affected of concentration. What followed was the ceaseless negotiation for his surrender. Aside from Vice-Governor Luke Wright, Pardo de Tavera was also involved in the negotiation for the surrender of Ola for which conferences were held and promises were made by the American government.

As a last resort, On September 22, 1903, Col. Bandholtz purportedly signed an agreement with Ola “promising him immunity” and other conveniences. When the band of Ola surrendered, the Americans denied having signed an agreement with him. Instead, the colonizers spread the story that Ola surrendered finally, as he found it futile to continue going against the superior forces of the Americans who were really resolute in apprehending him at all cost. This denial tactic was used also against Aguinaldo when he conferred with Dewey just before the outbreak of the Spanish-American war.

To further pin Ola down, the American authorities also spread stories that Ola turned witness against his band, for which, he was given an “executive clemency”. The hearing was presided over by Judge James Blount and Judge Adam C. Carson, assisted by Prosecutor James Rosa. The proceeding resulted to the release of some of Ola’s followers, others were sentenced for vagrancy, while the rest were charged for sedition. Some got the heaviest penalty which was death, under the Brigandage Act. Ola was slapped with imprisonment for 30 years...ironically, despite his cooperation. Ola was clearly another victim of the American treachery.

Embarrassing Prides of Manila -

Roxas Boulevard and Macapagal Avenue

By Apolinario Villalobos

Roxas Boulevard is considered as one of the main arteries of Metro Manila. Along this strip of avenue, flow traffics to the airport, southern destinations, Rizal Park, Makati business district, and city proper of Manila. Unfortunately, the boulevard is being used for special events, hence, closed for as long as half day, posing a problem to motorists. Traffics get snarled along secondary streets where the motorists are redirected. The length of the boulevard is shared by Manila City, Pasay City and Paraῆaque City. None of them ever thought of sitting down to discuss options on how to solve the problem, one of which is using the reclaimed area now being developed into an “Entertainment City”. Its streets are more than enough to accommodate running events, as they are wide without any impediment, especially on Sundays. Meanwhile, for as long as this problem is not solved by the “three heads”, the historic strip shall remain an embarrassment to the government.

Then, there’s the Macapagal Avenue, right in front of the Dream City, with its giant potholes. For several months now, the road made useless by these traffic obstacles, have not been touched by the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), headed by its General Manager, Peter Anthony Abaya, who is incidentally, brother of Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Jun Abaya. President Aquino always refers to the whole area where a forest of modern structures has sprung up, as the next “Entertainment City of Asia”. But, even with the simple retouch to a short length of road not applied, will it happen?…or remain just to be a dream.