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nvestigation of logs at tributaries of Agus River urged
Rudy A. Arizala
Hereunder is the news report from The Philippine Daily Inquirer of 27 September 2005, subject-matter of my email message of 27 September 2005, wherein I respectfully suggest, if not yet done:
1. It should be investigated whether the logs at the tributaries of Agus River in General Nakar, Quezon are really still the results of the flash-floods last November 2004 or if they are newly-cut illegal logs to be floated down the Agus River.
2. Whether they are the logs of the flash-floods or newly-cut illegal logs, methinks they should be used in the reconstruction of homes of those victims of the flash-floods in Reina last November 2004. Also be used in the construction of classrooms in the barangays destroyed by floods and typhoons, bridges across rivers and streams so that school children in rural areas could reach their school without much difficulty especially during rainy days.
3. Deputize the armed forces as forest rangers if it is true that there are not enough forest rangers in the Sierra Madre mountains.
4. Those who cut logs should be mandated by law to engage in reforestation projects.
5. Funds for reforestation projects maybe secured from a Foundation c/o Atty. Luna-Severino at www.gubat.org Said foundation works through the auspices of the UN . It is a fund set up from the reduction of RP loans to the US. The foundation will be receiving $8.25 million over the course of 14 years from RP interest payments and its mandate is to give these funds as grants to organizations undertaking tropical forest conservation.
I have previously communicated this information to the Office of the Governor of Quezon Province, Lucena City and to Fr. Francis of ICDAI, Infanta, Quezon on 18 September 2005.
First posted 02:20am (Mla time) Sept 27, 2005
By Delfin Mallari Jr.
Inquirer News Service
GENERAL NAKAR, QUEZON&emdash;Thousands of drifted logs are still scattered in the upper tributaries of the Agos River in the bosom of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. This poses another threat to lowland communities, the indigenous Dumagat tribe warned.
"There are still plenty of scattered logs up there, in several tributaries of Agos river, probably still millions of board feet waiting to be collected and hauled down to assure the safety of lowlanders. We fear that those logs could roll down again and create another calamity," Bayani Azcarraga, Dumagat tribal leader, said.
The tribe members refuted the findings of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during its recent aerial survey that what were left of the drifted logs were good only for firewood.
"Apparently, what the DENR official had seen was the long stretch of Agos River, which had been naturally cleaned up of drifted logs because of previous strong rains," said Thelma Aumentado, Dumagat tribal governor.
"What we're referring are those pile of logs along several river tributaries upstream of the river in the upper portion of the mountain."
"Those drifted logs could not be seen from the helicopter," she said.
She urged DENR officials to visit their villages to personally see the volumes of drifted logs that need to be gathered and disposed.
"We're just waiting for the documentor from our allied non-government organization to take videos and photos of the logs to support our claim," Aumentado said.
To reach the tribal villages of Sablang, Maligaya, Canaway and Pagsangahan in the bosom of Sierra Madre, one has to hike for five days, according to Azcarraga.
Last Aug. 2, Environment Secretary Michael Defensor issued a memorandum allowing the retrieval and movement of logs and wood products in Quezon and Aurora for 60 days as part of the government disaster preparedness program.
The order expires on Oct. 2.
During a dialogue with local officials, leaders of the wood-based industry and the DENR, the Dumagats pushed for the extension of the order.
"Due to severe lack of financial resources, we have yet to dispose of the millions of board feet of drifted logs still scattered around our tribal communities," according to Aumentado.
She said they need capital to cut the drifted logs, move them down through the Agos River and transport them to buyers in Manila
Kabayan …
Ni Norman Taniegra
Ito na naman po ako at may ikukuento lang ako. Baka nga ito na ang huling padala ko ng kanta kasi busy na rin ako.
Last week galing po ako sa Hongkong para mag exit at mag-renew ng visa ko. Tumuloy ako sa bahay ni Pareng Ted(Recio) at D oris. Ang bait ng mag-asawa at napakaganda ng accomodation nila sa akin. Nag tren na lang ako pabalik sa Shanghai(26 hrs)!
Sabi ni Pareng Ted. "Gumawa ka na lang ng kanta para di ka mainip." So, ang kantang ito ay para sa mga kagaya ko na nagtatrabaho sa abroad. Kay pareng Ted at Doris, Menard, sa kapatid ko sa Canada(Glenda), kay Kuya rRc at Ate Aba at sa kaibigan kong si Novelyn at sa lahat ng mga kababayan ko..
INFANTA ( AWIT NG PUSO )
NAIS KITANG MATANAW , LUPA NG AKING KAMUSMUSAN
NAIS KITANG MAYAKAP AT MULING MAHAGAKAN...
NAIS KO RING MAGLANGOY SA BUGHAW NA DAGAT
AT MAGTAMPISAW...
NAIS KO RING MAGLAMBING SA PARANG AT BUKIRIN...
REFRAIN:
HINDI KA MAWAWALAY SAAN MAN AKO MAPADPAD
MANANATILI KA KAILANMAN SA AWIT NG PUSO KO...
NAIS KITANG PAGMASDAN
IGUHIT SA AKING ISIPAN
ANG LAMBING NG 'YONG GANDA...
SA TUWINA'Y HINAHANAP KA...
(REPEAT REFRAIN 2 X)
Former Amb. Rudy Arizala alerted us about threats of flash floods as reported in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
The news report below is from The Philippine Daily Inquirer of 16 September 2005.
Let us hope and pray that there would be no flash-floods again in ReIna towns.
"Metamorphosis of Words"
A response by former Amb. Rudy Arizala to Malaya column by Ms. Dahli Aspillera
Dear Ms.Aspillera:
Your column "Metamorphosis of Words," which appeared in the Malaya newspaper of 14 September 2005, is not only funny but also contain interesting information on how language affects the culture of Filipinos even in mundane things such as foods and restaurants..
Even my small hometown of Infanta, Quezon engages in the "metamorphosis of words." If you have in Metro Manila "Caintacky Fried Chicken" and a burger place called "Mang Donald´s," in Infanta, province of Quezon, recentlly affected by flash-floods, we have eating places called: "Infanciteria". It is short name for "Infanta Panciteria". Aside from "pancit" it also serves dishes such as "Gising-gising," a spicy hot soup guaranteed to wake you up and "Gokong soup", a tribute to the Filipino-Chinese billionaire?. This soup is made of chicken feet simmered in dark broth. Another eating place near the municipal building is called: "SM Go to Plaza" which is open 24 hours. Its announced specialty are "Goto" and "Arroz caldo."
The closest Infanta has to a formal restaurant is called "Queen Cakes" Its catchword is "dining with a difference." It treats its customers "like queen and king. " A school supplies and bookstore near the public market is called: "Gibsons" ostensibly a short for "give to your sons" school supplies and books. There is also a flower shop called "Kulasa Flower Shop", Despite its name which suggests a shoddy woman, the place smells sweet due to fragrant fresh flowers sold in that shop.
All these information and colored photographs are immortalized in a coffee table book ttiled: "INFANTA Passage to the Pacific" published by the BPI Foundation, Inc., Makati City, 2004.
With best wishes and regards.
Sincerely yours,
RODOLFO A. ARIZALA
Posted Sept. 24, 2005
|
MCHS Alumni Batches |
Received |
Balance |
|
Batch 1970 |
70 |
430 |
|
Batch 1973 |
268.34 |
231.66 |
|
Batch 1984 |
200 |
300 |
There are more than 30 batches of graduates from Mt. Carmel High School in Infanta. To date only three batches have come forward to help us meet the $20,000 goal to help rebuild the Mt. Carmel School buildings damaged by the typhoons of Nov. 29-Dec. 4.
Hurricane Katrina in the gulf coast reminded us of the horrific damage the four typhoons left in our beloved hometown. Americans are showing their concern for Katrina's victims in real dollars. In fact U.S. government has appropriated more than 60 billion USD and ordinary citizens are raising billions more through many national and local nonprofit organizations. And let us not forget the entertainers who acted immediately with concerts to raise funds for the victims.
Our goal is nowhere near the above, but if all of us will give even a small amount, we can reach our goal. The list below shows many who already have made a contribution. But read on to see who are from Metro Infanta, and you will notice many names missing. Are you one of those. If you have already contributed and you have the capacity to give more, please do so. We need another $12,000 to reach our goal. Let us show that we too are concerned about the welfare of our kababayans. Let us show that in action and not just in words.
Posted Sept. 19, 2005
KATRINA
By Rudy A. Arizala
K - ingly homes under water A - nd winds blowing stronger T - oppling trees, houses, towers R - aindrops pouring all over I - n towns cities, lakes, rivers N - ew Orleans City quiver A - s hurricane came over.
Posted Sept. 16, 2005
Confused vision or none at all?
By Rudy A. Arizala
The information in the column of Prof. Randy David "Confusion and Vision," (The Philippine Daily Inquirer of 11 September 2005) about a student leaders´conference in the University of the Philippines is indeed timely and worth the attention of all concerned.
In said Conference it was discovered that eighty percent of the students are confused as to what is going on in or country; that they don´t know who is telling the truth about the alleged cheating in the last presidential elections. In the words of the columnist: "They are not sure who is right or wrong; or what morality means in politics. They do not know whom to trust among the country´s leaders. They do not know what feelings they should have, and how they should act."
Columnist Randy David opined that "it is not just confusion we are battling here. We are also up against cynicism, fear, despair, and the pull of blind affinities." And how do we solve these problems? He suggests that we might be able to overcome these if we could perceive or know what kind of government we want. And "that is self-reliant (government) and capable of governing itself, is run by leaders who inspire trust in their people, who in turn have a reason to be proud of their identity and heritage and fully embrace their responsibilities as citizens."
All these years since we became an independent and sovereign nation, judging from the speeches and policies laid down by various Philippine Presidents, I have thought that we have already such vision for our country.
As to the youth of the land, I have also the impression that the students of the State University (U.P.) are the most well-informed, articulate, independent-minded and alert segments of our society. It has been said that whenever the late Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon would like to test public opinion or know the public pulse as to certain policies he would launch, his testing ground was the U.P. campus. In other words, U.P. was the barometer of our economic, social and political climate.
I was, therefore, surprised, if not shocked and made me feel sad when I learned that the U.P. students at a recent Student Leaders´Conference, are confused on our political situation; what morality means in politics; and "they do not know what feelings they should have, and how they should act."
I was taught since in the grade school through high school and up to the university level that the foundations of our family, society and government are the home, church and school. These triumvirate institutions are supposed to be the ones to mold the personality, character and future of a person. At home we are supposed to be taught love of family, right conduct and morality. The church is to teach us love of God, of thy neighbor, the concept of right and wrong, morality and justice; and the school love of country, good manners and right conduct, patriotism, system of government, our national identity, pride in our country, race, civic efficiency, responsibilities and about the lives of our national heroes aside from the "three R´s" -- reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic. And in college or university, we are supposed to consolidate and strengthen all what we have learned in the lower level of education to adequately prepare us for our respective professions or careers in life.
Have these three institutions -- home, church and school -- failed in their tasks because recently, 80 percent of students at the University of the Philippines are confused, do not know who is telling the truth, or what the truth is, what morality means in politics; and they do not know what feelings they should have, and how they should act?
And last but not the least, despite Rizal´s writings, Mabini´s True Decalogue, and Quezon´s Code of Citizenship and Ethics, does it mean the youth of our land have failed to grasp or remember what our vision should be? As stated in Mr. Randy David´s column a nation that is: a self-reliant and capable of governing itself; run by leaders who inspire trust in their people; a citizenry proud of their identity and heritage and fully embrace their responsibilities.
There is a need to reexamine our institutions to be able to adopt remedial measures and achieve the vision we have for our beloved country. Let us go back to the basics. The foundations of good, efficient, honest and just government are the home, church and school.
In a Pastoral Letter entitled "To the People of God", the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has declared Sept. 12, 2005 as a Day of Prayer for the Philippines. It was signed by Archbishop Fernando Capalla, president.
" Upon the request of Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of the Archdiocese of Lipa, and after consulting the CBCP Permanent Council, we declare 12 September 2005 as a day of Conversion, Reparation and Consecration. On that day, all Filipinos regardless of religious persuasion are encouraged to return to God (conversion), work together for a better nation (reparation), and declare a commitment to God to seek always what is good for all humanity (consecration).
"We are inviting everyone to join the Day of Pilgrimage and National Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which will be held on September 12 in the Carmel of Lipa. In the concluding Eucharist in the afternoon, His Eminence, Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop of Cebu, will lead the Consecration of the Philippines to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace."
For more details, please click here.
Ni Rudy A. Arizala
Bumuhos malaking baha Sa New Orleans, Louisiana Mississippi, Alabama Daming tao, nasalanta. Uhaw, gutom, pagdurusa Ng mga bata, matanda Ang sinapit ng balana Dahil sa bagyong "Katrina". Bakit hindi nakahanda Sa kabila ng babala Upang ligtas sa sakuna Ang sambayanang lahat na? Ito ba bansang Amerika Napaka yaman, sagana Di agad nakapagdala Tulong sa mga biktima? Ikaw tutulong rin pala Bakit ba hating-gabi na Nang dumating ang ayuda? Sa tao na nagdurusa? Ang lungsod na pinagpala Sa timog ng Amerika Naging lasong-tubig lawa "Toxic Gumbo", tawag nila.
by Rudy Arizala
May I share with you my exchange of info / views with my friends and former colleagues in the foreign service.
It is lamentable that all the blessings we received from Spain, the U.S. and other cultures with which we got in touched with, we took them for granted and even threw them out of the window.
The glaring examples are our knowledge of Spanish and English and the culture of "urbanidad" and "palabra de honor" or of being a "caballero" (gentleman). We seem to be oblivious of the fact that we already gave a death blow to Spanish language out of false sense of nationalism and our knowledge of English is deteriorating rapidly (including mine) and we are not doing anything about it. We continue on our "Bahala Na" attitude or to live like "Juan Tamad" who just lie down under a guava tree waiting for the ripe guava fruit to fall into his mouth.
The Chileans who historically did not have any contacts with China nor have geographical proximity like us as neighbors of China are learning Chinese Mandarin, and of course English.
Again, historically, Chileans had no cultural and political contacts with the U.S. yet, they are implementing, as a national policy, to learn English also. Every Sunday issue of their national newspaper El Mercurio there is one whole page devoted to lessons in English.
Our neighbors, like Thailand and Vietnam, are also learning English language, while Malaysia was desirous of imbibing Spanish culture. As a matter of fact they honored Rizal by hosting a seminar on the live and works of Rizal in Kuala Lumpur. Remember the book of Pascual which your late father had: "Pride of the Malay Race." ? The Malaysians being of Malay racial stock take pride of Rizal´s life and works because, indeed, to them, Rizal is the "pride of the Malay race" who did not hesitate to receive Spanish education but even went to Madrid and other cities of Europe to widen his cultural knowledge and education.
What is happening to our educational system? We erased from our curricula the learning of Spanish before one could graduate from college or university degree. And recently, we also did way with ROTC which the late MLQ instituted to instill in the minds and hearts of our youth not only physical fitness and military preparedness in defense of our country against invaders but also to instill spirit of patriotism.
Our youth, not due to their fault but of their elders, are becoming a "soft" or "cry baby" generation. In the worlds of Balagtas: "Pagibig anaki´y aking nakilala / Di dapat palakhin ang bata sa saya / Sa katuwaay kapag namihasa / Kung lumaki´y walang hihinting ginhawa / Gaya ng halamang lumaki sa tubig / Daho´y malalanta munting di madilig / Ikinalulouy ang sandaling init / Gayon din ang batang sa tuwa ay maniig.
A Rainbow Would Appear
by Rudy Arizala Those of you of who have been viewing and hearing news about the floods in New Orleans via CNN must have been reminded also of what happened last year (November 29, 2004) in Infanta, Real and Gen. Nakar, Quezon, when one evening while people were sleeping flash-floods came silently without warning destroying homes, farms, streets, bridges, and thousands of people were either killed or perished. Worse, with the flash-floods came logs and rocks rolling down the slopes of the mountains burying homes and people alive. After the water was gone, the town and countryside were covered by slime, mud, rocks and logs. People were wet and cold, without homes, no water to drink and food to eat. Despite such disaster, in Reina, there were no looting, rioting, and no army was called to keep law and order. The people prayed and waited patiently to receive whatever the government and NGO´s could give them in terms of bottled water, packets of noodle, a kilo of rice for each family and some canned goods or sardines. Those who have foods shared them with others. Whatever house or home remained standing became shelter also for those unfortunate ones who lost their homes. The President, provincial governor and other officials, nurses and doctors immediately came via helicopter to supervise and render whatever necessary aids could be given to the victims. Relief goods came by air and water. Soldiers were sent not to maintain law and order but to help clear the mountain road of slime and mud, rocks and debris as well as help look for survivors or victims buried under buildings or rocks. The Infantahins themselves tried to fend for themselves, look for their dead, bury them, rebuild their homes from ruins Those who are abroad quickly organized themselves and in groups or individually sent money, relief goods to the people of Infanta, Real and Gen. Nakar, Quezon aside from those organized in Manila or elsewhere outside of the disaster area. We deeply sympathize with the victims and people of New Orleans affected by hurricane Katrina. We understand the frustrations if not impatient anger of Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans, who through a radio / TV interview this morning (2 Sept. 2005), was practically begging for "reinforcements", "buses" and that prompt and necessary aid and relief goods be extended immediately by the State and Federal Governments. The people of Reina undoubtedly have strong faith in the Lord plus the will to help themselves for they do not forget the Lord´s Covenant after the great deluge: "When I bring a cloud over the earth, then the rainbow shall certainly appear in the cloud. And I shall certainly remember my covenant which is between me and you and every living soul among all flesh, and no more will the water become a deluge to bring all flesh to ruin." (Genesis 9:14-15). As restated in the Infanta coffee table book: INFANTA Passage to the Pacific published by the Bank of the Philippine Islands Foundation, Inc., in 2004, "Whenever distress comes to Infanta, a rainbow would appear in the sky." We are confident that "a rainbow would (also) appear in the sky" of New Orleans and other devastated areas. We pray for them. Editor's Note: anyone wishing to help, please direct your contributions to the nonprofit organizations nearest you, specifically the Catholic Charities USA and American Red Cross. They can use all the help we can give them. If you wish to give through Metro Infanta Foundation, please do so. It may not be a bad idea to show solidarity with the people of Alabama, Louisianna and Mississippi.Also, do you know if any of our kababayans are from the disaster stricken areas? Please let us know.
Rehabilitation of victims' livelihood
Editor's Note: This is the second of a Project Report issued to all funding agencies of the Disaster Aid, which include the Metro Infanta Foundation. The Social Action Center (SAC) issued this report.
Three villages in General Nakar and two in Real have completely recuperated their irrigation systems using the Food-for-Work program. They received seeds, plants and animals. Their food security has improved beyond the pre-disaster situation. In Nakar they are brining their products to the market in Infanta with the new boats (bangkas) they received through the SAC. In Infanta the irrigation system depends on the Agos River. See below for further information.
A fisher-folks organization in Infanta with 100 family members has been able to regenerate their bangus-fry income-generating program. They have determined that the initial capital they received will be paid back in order to generate an emergency fund for their members. SAC that will administer the fund and monitor its implementation received the first 10,000 monthly payment. This scheme of back-payment in order to generate seed- and emergency-capital is also used by many other fisher-folks organizations in the three towns. Experiments with cooperatives have been started in Real. So far through SAC more than 50 bangkas have been provided. Another 90 bangkas, completely equipped, are needed.
A very promising pig-dispersal program has been initiated in the three towns. The feeding of the pigs will be totally herbal. Therefore they are called Herbaboy. This new scientifically elaborated approach guarantees healthier pigs and healthier meat and it reduces the expenses of feeding enormously. The enthusiasm of the poor for this program is contaminating! Also disturbed were kalabaw (water buffalo), small chickens, ducks and goats. Many more animals are needed.
The rehabilitation of the agricultural sector is probably our greatest challenge. SAC initiated a rice-testing program in order to find out what varieties grow best on he soil that was washed down from the mountains that cover the major part of our rice fields. The 40 varieties are in their second month and are measure and monitored constantly. Moreover, an agreement has been made with the development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) that a group of experts will give concrete proposals on how best to use the mud-covered rice fields. SAC hired an agriculturalist expert on sustainable agriculture. In many villages the farmers are trying alternative crops like corn, different vegetables and upland rice. An intensive program of sustainable agriculture has started. SAC bought the biggest shredder available in order to make tons of biomass to enrich the soil. Many poor victims are helped the Food-for-Work program making biomass. The rehabilitation of the agricultural sector will probably demand three years.
A comprehensive disaster preparedness program has been initiated in line with the efforts of the Local Government Unit (LGU). The SAC will make great effort that this program will reach all families even in far-out places. The BCC/MSK network will play a crucial role. Our present Christian Aid consultant is an expert on the subject, which is a great help in our efforts. We are still drawing up the material needs in order to make our communities really disaster-prepared. The budget will follow.
The Agos River rehabilitation is a project goes beyond the scope of the SAC. however, we are part of the efforts of the LGU of Infanta to find a concrete scientific solution. A team of civil engineers in the Netherlands is studying the materials we continuously send them. Christian Aid has committed to find funding, when a proposal proves feasible.
The shelter program mentioned before will continue until all victims are housed in shelter that are acceptable in humanitarian standards. At least 1,000 shelters are still needed, which means at least an additional amount of 10 million pesos. NASSA has initiated a housing project on a 10 hectares piece of land in Nakar. In this village 400 families will eventually find decent housing. The Prelature of Infanta will own the land. The people will acquire their houses through small contributions over a long period of time. The counterpart of SAC will be the wood needed in the construction and the Food-for-Work for the house owners.
The health situation continues to be an area of great concern. The poverty of the people and the special health hazards created by the disaster needed constant health care programs. Luckily we have many good doctors who volunteer to help via medical missions ad roving teams that visit eve far away villages. Transportation, food, medicines and equipment will be needed.
Another effort in this field is the psycho-emotional needs of the victims. MedNet has worked out beautiful projects and Inam combines its efforts with acupuncture. However, we did not yet find the funds to implement these very necessary and promising programs.
To initiate, monitor, evaluate and report on all these programs and projects the Social Action Center in Infanta and the parish-based Social Action offices in the region need professionals who are dedicated and well-equipped for their tasks. They need allowances in order to feed themselves and their families. They need equipment and office supplies. In short, all these projects will not succeed unless accompanied by Social Action staff members who wholeheartedly give themselves with energy and the right spirit(uality) to this demanding task. The funds for the administrative part of programs are very limited. Financial support is also needed for this necessary part to complete the whole.
May God bless you always.
Editor's Note: We hope that those who have yet to make a contribution to help aid our hometown will make a donation now! As the above report describes, there more more work to be done. Those who do medical mission, please consider the Prelature of Infanta in your next planning. They need your help and we're sure you have a need to help them.
Hurrican Katrina showed how the American people resond to disasters. The entertainment community immediately put together a concert to generate support. I wish our own enterntainment industry will do the same for our people. But in its absence, let us continue to help our people.
Right now the funds we are collecting is for the rehabilitation of the Mt. Carmel High School in Infanta. We have asked the alumni groups to help in this projects. To date three batches (1970, 1973 and 1984 have responded and we are awaiting the rest of the alumni groups.
If you're not a graduate of Mt. Carmel, please consider making a donation to fund any of the projects as described in above report.
(Please click here or above heading for past daily posting on Metro Infanta)