This year’s 1^st Regional Tourism Council meeting in Zamboanga City was actively attended by representatives from Dapitan City, Mr. Rodiolan Porlas-OIC City Tourism Division and Sangguniang Panlungsod Member and the Chairman of the Committee on Tourism, Hon. Apple Marie A. Agolong.

Hon. Agolong and Mr. Porlas pronounced that it is about time to be very active in the tourism affairs of the whole region considering the massive tourism development plan for Dapitan City.

In an interview, Hon. Agolong bragged about the proposed transfer of the Regional Tourism Office right in Dapitan City as she noted it as one major step for the envisioned tourism development in the city.

Also the annual meeting talked about the preparation for the yearly celebration of WOW Philippines-Zamboanga Peninsula which will be held in Zamboanga City on April instead of the usual venue in Manila as proposed by the Regional Tourism Council or RTC and the holding of the 2^nd quarter meeting of RTC in Dipolog City. (Dapitan City Information Division)

The Local Government of Dapitan is now institutionalizing effective mechanisms that will draw private individual’s active involvement in the preservation and restoration of old structures in the city that bears historical significance.

In an interview, Councilor Apple Marie A. Agolong-Chairman of the Committee on Tourism, noted that unlike the previous administrations where tourism development strategies derived from the local government, the present administration headed by Mayor Dominador G. Jalosjos, Jr. make it a point to involve Dapitanons in the strategy-planning and will play a vital role in tourism development.

The local government launched its plan on the famous and most ancient structure of the city known by Dapitanons as “balay sa Amerikana” or House of the Lady American situated just a few steps from the city plaza.

Privately owned by the Adasa’s, this nearly a hundred year old structure was believed to be built during the American era, but is now being preserved and restored by a private individual aimed to become a flora and fauna in Mindanao.

City Councilor Agolong added that a lot of private structures throughout the city were identified ancient structures of historical significance and owners are now committing themselves for the common end goal vis-à-vis the local government of Dapitan. (Dapitan City Information Division)

The present administration’s thrust of governance goes beyond the conventional as it tries to level the playing field of developmental boundaries. Governor Rolando E. Yebes, perceived by many as inferior compared to the erstwhile chief, rose up against the challenge and proved he is more than anybody could imagined he was, people even realize he is more hardworking, a working traveler even to the remotest villages of the province.

His infrastructure projects are steadily growing in numbers, as of the latest count the provincial engineering office put it at 111, in just six months of his administration. The governor loved to meet the people as he personally handed down keys of responsibilities to these finished projects to their recipients.

But it is not just all about infrastructure development, as he intonated earlier there would be an equation of priorities. People’s need should be addressed, their livelihood through agriculture-based programs, skills enhancement and development, people empowerment and health care.

The governor while crisscrossing towns and barangays for turn-over of projects, still have managed to talk with agriculture top-brass, set with them and redirecting agricultural thrusts to those that would redound to the greater benefits of our farmers. While perennial critics such as those with devious objectives try to malign his administration, the delivery of good programs and projects most needed by the people, are the right dose against these coordinated and even malicious attacks.

The governor should know that the people are behind his efforts and those with sinister agenda against his administration because of political reasons should be shamed and repudiated. Vindication follows good governance and good programs for the people, while repudiation is the common pill of destructive objectives. (Mindanao Star, Vol. I No.7)

“The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving” D.W Holmes

After the 2004 polls, and the new set of provincial leaders are settled, it is amusing to observe that while defeated political leaders cry acceptance of political defeat, their supporters still move heaven and earth for political reprisal. This is in their desperate struggle for public welfare, covering personal motives and vendetta to spite the new leaders and gain prestige, to cover up their shameful background.

Sad to note, this is at the expense of their defeated leaders. Foolish as a stubborn kid robbed of a new toy, these defeated leaders fancy that these tactics are effective. Blinded by the personal pain they experienced during the 2004 polls, and still hungry for political limelight, they sheltered this last batch of angry and hungry dogs.  Well, as the saying goes: “Birds of the same feather flock together “. THEY DESERVE EACH OTHER, LOSERS OF THE SAME BREED.

Nobody can deny that tiresome, repetitive, and bird-brained commentaries disturbed the intellectual senses of listeners. Others listen out of entertainment and fury. Hilarious, at it is, they thought that they have risen to a higher level in the society with their acts of shame. But they failed to realize that they are exposing their real color to the public, and they indirectly throw mud at their leaders because the public will always think and examine who are the “padrinos” behind their arrogance.  These people behind them thought and enjoyed all the while that they have hurt their foes though these dogs and they remained scot-free. But for how long will you be hiding behind the backs of these dogs?

On the other hand, these defeated politicians embraced these irresponsible advisers as the last of their loyal and sincere supporters. They tolerated them, thinking that by continuously attacking their political foes, they will finally gain votes in the next political fight and rise back to power. However, they failed to analyze that voters are now intelligent enough to separate political and personal issues. They failed to analyze that their choice of spokesmen will be reflective of their political personalities. For how could anyone believe issues brought out by a neophyte and self-proclaimed commentator whose personality is tarnished with criminal records? Or a commentator who cries for morality when he himself lives on a sinful lifestyle? Surely, a person who cries perfection should not live in a house made of glass. And if indeed they are really sincere supporters, then they should not expose their defeated leaders unnecessarily because of personal vendetta. They should have also chosen credible spokespersons and not pick up lost souls in the community. They should have remembered that it took a lifetime for their political leaders to rise to their present status and it is pitiful to think that instead of helping them regain political power, they have surely push them down below to the bottom, with no return.

The utilization of the political leaders, their legal advisers of these people is a political suicide. These people are still licking their political wounds. It hurt so badly, as the song goes, because they never expected to loss. A number of them go jobless and left with huge financial debts. Thus, they are caught between the struggle of revenge and balancing for the recovery of their financial loss. They are used to power and they hang on to the last hope possible. Thus, when “self-proclaimed commentators” volunteer to carry on the fight, they embraced them happily, failing to think that: “Rotten tomatoes mixed to good ones will contaminate the good tomatoes”.  They are all caught in they trap they are fixing and are all RACING TO THE BOTTOM!

Nobody can stop them. They are all caught up with anger, failing to realize that they have hired rotten tomatoes that will drag them to their political grave. For now, they provide entertainment. They insist on credibility and intelligence, but as Abraham Lincoln said: “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool that to speak out and remove all doubts.” (Mindanao Star, Vol. I No.7)

For the past two decades, the Jollibee brand had continuously risen in popularity. A noteworthy underlying factor here lies in their rigid compliance for excellent food, service and cleanliness & condition (FSC). Knowing the high regard placed by consumers as well as the results derived from these three factors, Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) focused their effort in the attainment of a standard high quality FSC for all Jollibee outlets.

Indeed it became a Jollibee culture. They do not end with only a passable rate but rather makes it a point to reach more than what is expected. A JFC practice that had proven a big difference, a team of auditors termed as QM’s or quality managers were formed. It consisted of well-trained, knowledgeable and certified individuals who tirelessly travel from city to city in order to monitor the performance of all Jollibee stores.

Strict standards compulsory for each Jollibee outlet was and is implemented annually. This is when the QM’s comes in the picture. Surprise visits are frequently done and that is when they rate the store according to their current performance level. Such visits had never failed to instigate an around the clock awareness in any Jollibee store, from the management team down to the crew team.

Each Jollibee employee had to be on top of everything-major and minor activities alike that is daily occurring in their respective stores as well as other major information from JFC. Aside from this are numerous reports and documents required to be passed. Sleepless nights and stressful days had become a normal atmosphere in most Jollibee outlets specifically for those yearning for an award.

There are only three awards given by JFC-gold, silver and bronze. In each category are specific grade ranges that a store has to obtain in order to qualify as a nominee. Only through consistent good performance is a store actually going to receive an award.

For four years, Jollibee Dipolog had been wishing for such a prominent award. Now almost on its fifth year, Jollibee Dipolog had grown in its learning in terms of maximizing everyone’s individual skills at the right time. They eventually understood and knew the ins and outs of doing their tasks. They’ve ascertained techniques that are quite handy on certain times. In short, they are now ready to win an award.

Months and months of endless hard work and patience finally paid off for the Jollibee Dipolog team. Not only were the managers dedicated in their respective responsibilities but the crew was as motivated too. When minor problems or difficulties arose, they did not hesitate in offering a helping hand. Everyone was in a give and take relationship. Both the management and crew team operated side by side, functioning like well-oiled machines while maintaining high effectiveness and valuable output.

Each Jollibee Dipolog team member joyfully cheered as they received a text message from the managers who personally went to PICC in Manila to hear the final verdict. Thankfully, we did receive an award. With only the bronze award as our aspired target, we instead acquired the Silver Star award. From zero to silver, it indeed was a very rewarding prize. Until the next award, three cheers and congratulations to JOLLIBEE DIPOLOG! (The New Nandau, Vol. XIV No. 36)

One side effect of being overweight is “Insulin Resistance,” a condition brought about by inability of the hormone insulin to process fats and sugars properly.  As a result, the body stores excessive fat, especially in the abdomen.  Much of the excess weight we gain is derived from the bad carbohydrates and saturated fats we eat. Vegetables, fruits, and starches contain carbohydrates.  All carbohydrates contain sugars.  Sugars are in a variety of chemical composition which are termed differently, such as sucrose (table sugar), maltose (in beer), lactose (in milk), and fructose (in fruit).

Highly processed foods, like muffins, white breads, white rice, and refine sugar are the most common bad carbs we consume daily. Highly processed foods are those that has gone through several stages of food processing which strips it from much of its fiber content. And what’s so important about fiber? Fiber delays your stomach’s effort to get at the sugars and starches in carbohydrates. As a result, the slower you digest the carbohydrates, the better for weight and sugar control. Anything that keeps food intact longer is advantageous for people trying to lose weight. Slower digestion of carbs, the lesser insulin needed.  The lesser the insulin, the lesser the drop in blood sugar.

Hunger cravings is brought about by a speedy increase in your blood sugar, thereby increasing high levels of insulin release needed to process the high amount of sugar you have consumed. The higher levels of insulin released, the faster your blood sugar drops. As your sugar drops, the more you crave for carbs, which create a cycle of rise and lows in your blood sugar readings.  For good blood sugar control, good carbs that releases sugar slowly is recommended. Also, the faster you digest the highly processed sugars and starches, the more you gain weight.

The glycemic index (GI) of food is a useful guide on what foods to eat. A food’s GI is the amount that it increases your blood sugar level compared to the amount that the same quantity of white bread would increase it. Many studies have proven that low GI foods satisfy your hunger longer and minimize your food cravings better. It is advised that diabetics choose low GI foods since it can decrease the demand for insulin and improves insulin sensitivity.  In diabetics, food is changed into glucose readily due to their insulin resistance state. Their insulin hormone may either be absent or insufficient. As a consequence, glucose accumulates and lead to high sugar levels.  High GI foods are not good for people with diabetes. It is important that diabetics are knowledgeable about GI of foods to prepare healthier meals that help control their blood sugar.

The GI should not be the only factor to consider when selecting your food.  The total amount of carbohydrate, amount and type of fat, fiber and salt content are also important.  Cooking methods and food combination may also affect a food’s GI.

Foods with high GI are corn flakes, white rice, watermelon, baked potatoes, dates and sweet potatoes.

Foods with moderate GI are mangoes, carrots, and sweet corn.

Foods with low GI are apples, beans, oranges, grapefruit, and yogurt.

(For a detailed tabulation of GI for specific foods, see the 2nd part of this article next week).

ooOoo

Quotation of the Week:

“Do not let Diabetes bring you down. Believe me. I have survived and will go on surviving because of the goodness of my God. He is your God too. I know it’s not easy and it can get very frustrating at times but take heart. Be disciplined, get into sports, eat right. His eyes are on you.  And lastly, remember that nothing is impossible in Him who gives both you and me strength. And to the families of the diabetics, remember that diabetes is a disease that the family, should share. Selflessness, patience, perseverance, understanding, and a lot of prayer will see you through. The battle is the Lord’s but the victory is ours!!!! - Gary Valenciano, Singer (Tingog PENINSULA, Vol. X No. 12)

Usa ka sakit nga insulto gitamparos sa dakong opisyal sa DENR batok sa Capitolyo atubangan sa gipamahayag niini nga walay katungod ang kagamhanang probinsyal sa pagpanghilabot ug paghingilin kanila human ang hunta probinsyal mideklarar sa upat ka mga personahe sa maong departamento nga “persona non grata,” butang nakapasilag ug nakapasuko ug samot

Call it "bumming around" Jose, but I must admit I don't have the 'drive' to write a full column as yet this Sunday. Maybe it was because; I found the incidents that transpired for the whole week too tame for me to react. Maybe, too, I lost interest in writing about the year of the Rooster, nay, The Cock, after someone pointed out to me that it might necessarily endorse "Dakak" of Jalosjos! Bwahahaha.. What an irreverent way to discourage me from writing. Anyways, excuse or no excuse, I am going to offer you the next best! Original Anecdotes culled from my friend who grudgingly admitted he's been bombarded with requests to have his whole collection be published as a book a la "Eraptions"! Read on folks...

o0o

Joe was moderately successful in his career, but as he got older he was increasingly hampered by incredible headaches. When his personal hygiene and love life started to suffer, he sought medical help. After being referred from one specialist to another, he finally came across a doctor who offered a solution:

“The good news is that I can cure your headaches. The bad news is that it will require castration. You have a very rare condition which causes your testicles to press up against the base of your spine. The pressure creates one hell of a headache. The only way to relieve the pressure is to remove the testicles.”

Joe was shocked and depressed. He wondered if he had anything to live for. He couldn’t concentrate long enough to answer, but decided he had no choice but to go under the knife. When he left the hospital, his mind was clear, but he felt like he was missing an important part of himself. As he walked down the street, he realized that he felt like a different person. He could make a new beginning and live a new life.

He walked past a men’s clothing store and thought, “That’s what I need-a new suit.” He entered the shop and told the salesman, “I’d like a new suit.” The salesman eyed him briefly and said, “Let’s see... size 44 long.” Joe laughed, “That’s right, how did you know?” “It’s my job.”, the salesman said.

Joe tried on the suit. It fit perfectly. As Joe admired himself in the mirror, the salesman asked, “How about a new shirt?” Joe thought for a moment and then said, “Sure.”

The salesman eyed Joe and said, “Let’s see 34 sleeve and ... 16 and a half neck.” Joe was surprised, “That’s right, how did you know?” “It’s my job.”

Joe tried on the shirt, and it fit perfectly. As Joe adjusted the collar in the mirror, the salesman asked, “How about new shoes?” Joe was on a roll and said, “Sure.”

The salesman eyed Joe’s feet and said, “Let’s see... 9 and a half ... wide.” Joe was astonished, “That’s right, how did you know?” “It’s my job.”

Joe was feeling great, when the salesman asked, “How about some new underwear?” Joe thought for a second and said, “Sure.” The salesman stepped back, eyed Joe’s waist and said, “Let’s see ...size 36.”

Joe laughed, “No, I’ve worn size 34 since I was 18 years old.”

The salesman shook his head, “You can’t wear a size 34. It would press your testicles up against the base of your spine and give you one hell of a headache.” (Tingog PENINSULA, Vol. X No. 12)

The National Basketball Association All-Star balloting has ended. From the figures posted by the official website of the NBA, the unofficial starters for this year’s Eastern Conference squad are Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers, Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets, Grant Hill of the Orlando Magic, and Shaquille O’neal of the Miami Heat. On the other hand, the West team will be composed of Tracy Mcgrady and Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.

We all know that fans worldwide are responsible for such selection, but true-blue NBA fanatics know that Ray Allen of the Seattle Supersonics should be in there, so is current league leader in assists, Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns. Allen has been instrumental in the Sonics current status in rankings in the tough Western conference. Allen’s team is currently sitting third in the West with a 29-12 record behind only the Spurs and the Nash-led Suns who both sport a 34-10 record. Both Mcgrady’s and Bryant’s teams are just on the middle pack, that says a lot.

But then again, how can you ever get Bryant and Mcgrady out of the starting five when most fans rather see their dazzling display of aerial maneuvers than more important facts like, for example, actually winning basketball games.

Just for the record, my ballot looks like this when I voted every other day in the NBA website, my East team is composed of Grant Hill of the Magic, Richard Jefferson of the New Jersey Nets, Iverson of the 76ers, Stephon Marbury of the New York Knicks, and Ben Wallace of the Detroit Pistons. My West team is composed of Kenyon Martin of the Denver Nuggets, Lamar Odom of the L.A. Lakers, Nash of the Suns, Allen of the Supersonics, and Brad Miller of the Sacramento Kings.

*****

Last night, I was scanning the television for a good program since no NBA game was on and I happen to pass by Star Sports and just realized, this year’s Australian Open is already on its quarterfinal stage.

I watched reigning World number one player Roger Federer toy with tennis great Andre Agassi en route to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win. I never saw a tennis player this dominating since the 90s version of Pete Sampras.

Still, the semi-finals for men have two great match-ups. By the time you’ve read this, big-serving Russian Marat Safin may have already upset the highly favored Federer while Lleyton Hewitt of Australia may have won the match against favored American Andy Roddick. But that’s just me, I always side with the underdogs.

*****

Looks like Philippine Men’s team basketball Coach Chot Reyes has already started on his road to glory. Reyes left for Shanghai, China to catch the first of two Goodwill Games between potential national teams from China and South Korea. When he gets back, Reyes is set to practice with his 40 players as early as February 1.

I managed to get in touch with Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs player Eddie Laure and asked him what is his take on the current RP team. Laure, who played great despite minimum playing time in the recent PBA elimination rounds, said that the two main components should be shooting and youth. His preferred 12-man roster is composed of shooters Ren-Ren Ritualo, James Yap, Dondon Hontiveros, Willie Miller, Jimmy Alapag and Jay-Jay Helterbrand. His frontline will be manned by mobile big men who can also shoot like Danny Ildefonso, Nick Belasco, Kerby Raymundo, Sonny Thoss, Eric Menk and Yancy De Ocampo.

One thing I observe though is that the name Danny Seigle is nowhere to be found on Laure’s wish list. But that’s just his opinion; he should know better, after all, he’s played against these guys.

Personally though, I’ll leave Raymundo out and take Seigle in. As far as the rest, I’ll nod to our fellow Dipolognon’s RP team. (Press Freedom, Vol. XVII No. 30)

It seems that when Arroyo officials leave the Cabinet, they go off in a huff either because Gloria prematurely pushes them overboard or, in most cases, these officials leave the ship to avoid being suffocated by the corrupt practices of those kith, kin and cronies around Mrs. Arroyo. Take the case of Vince Perez. He came into the Cabinet apparently with a purpose and maybe even a tinge of idealism since he let go, temporarily, at least of a lucrative profession as an investment banker.

Not that he was genius in the energy sector. He was too laid back and seen to protect the oil companies and their profit more than the suffering consumers, for starters. That he practically jumped out of the boat was too plain not to be noticed. The privatization process for state power assets, in which Perez was a key instrument in making it move, was not even halfway done. In fact, it has barely even started with a few negligible power plant projects.

Perez left just after the government, through the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (Psalm), started bidding out big-ticket power plants, initially with the estimated $600-million Masinloc power plant in Laguna. Just for the upfront fee, the buyer of the Masinloc plant would be required to shell out $224 million. Mrs. Arroyo was also said to be rushing the sale of the National Transmission Corp. (Transco) which is expected to raise another $2 billion for the cash-strapped administration.

This is of course yet another bargain sale of a really performing asset that moreover, has no liabilities to drag it down and an asset that brings in the real money. These are all figures that are too tempting to pass for the predatory close associates and hangers-on of Mrs. Arroyo. Perez’s abrupt resignation is being associated with the just concluded auction of Masinloc plant in Zambales which was won by a consortium linked to the Lopez group, the YNN Pacific Consortium. The auction itself was questionable since only two participated in the bid, and both have the Lopezes in it. The consortium is a unit of YNN Holdings Corp. owned by Sunny Son, who in turn is a shareholder of Duracom Mobile Power Corp., an independent power producer (IPP) owned by Lopez utility firm Manila Electric Co.

YNN Pacific Consortium has an address at Unit 1122 Dolmar Building, Paco, Manila, the same address of YNN Holdings Corp. The other bidder was the Lopez group’s power assets holding firm First Generation Holdings Corp. The bid, now under Senate investigation, was apparently the focus of undue pressures made to bear on Perez, who, it is said, was being put under the gun by entities within the Palace to rush the disposition of Masinloc in the guise of the urgent need of the government to raise money for covering of the fiscal deficit.

The rush, however, is more on the huge kickbacks the backers of the questionable deal, who reportedly are very close to Mrs. Arroyo, are set to receive from the expensive deal.

Power plant deals have proved to be a rich source of windfalls for those who know, and have, the right connections. Just ask Fast Eddy who, too many say, made a huge killing and is still earning a steady retirement pay from the several IPP contracts he had signed using emergency powers during his term.

The bottomline on these nefarious deals is that it is the public that will eventually suffer by paying for the cost of the deals including the kickbacks, the reason for the ever-rising electricity rates and the ocean of red ink in the state firm National Power Corp. Masinloc was just the start of a line of costly power projects that Gloria is rushing to dispose of before her term ends.

The reason for this, she says, is to avert a fiscal crisis. Maybe Vince knows better. (The New Nandau, Vol. XIV No. 36)

The script has finally been followed by the willing actors at the Sangguniang Panlungsod. So, the DENR officials from the Region, province and city and even private persons associated with the Sirawai Plywood and Lumber Co. (more popularly known as DACON) were declared persona non grata. So, what’s the next move Mr. Script Writer? Did you have your fill of the media coverage given to your grandstanding antics? Are you still intoxicated with the heady dose of power dropped into your laps? The people of  Zamboanga del Norte are more particularly interested in your next move.  Especially if these "persona non grata" won't follow still your orders? What will it be next time? Don’t you think it’s a case of a frying pan calling the pot black? Are you sure, Honorables, that you are not exempted from being called as persona non grata?

###

The irony here is that the previous occupant at the Provincial Capitol was supposed to be known to possess an attitude that only a mother could love. The present occupant is packaged by his PR men as someone of the boy-next-door type with an amiable disposition and “genuine” concern for the people.  But look what’s happening now. Barely 7 months in office and he has succeeded in being at loggerheads with national agencies, calling them names which we shudder to even think about. Is that the accomplishment worth bragging about?

###

Time and again, prudence cautions people to be careful with what they say without verifying details or facts. Sometimes, in their haste to make a good impression, they gave out pronouncements that they will regret having said earlier in the day.  For instance, bragging about accomplishments in so short a time is supposed to be a big no no. Let the people decide for themselves. A very timely example was the constant bragging about the “Christmas decorations” at the Plaza Capitol while brainwashing the people that not a single centavo was spent on them.  After all the media hype, it turned out something was really amiss somewhere.  See? That’s a case of opening the mouth too soon, why can’t they just wait for the people to comment without any prodding at all? After all, as always emphasized in this corner, the people of Zamboanga del Norte are an intelligent lot. They know when to heap praises if praises are really due on some officials.

Too much media packaging is spoiling the scene at all. Too many cooks spoil the broth. It came off as a hodgepodge handiwork which is being aired and published to justify the exchange of consideration between the stars and the trumpeters. Finally, you’re all too transparent for comfort. Please do not underestimate the people.

It’s too early for you to be politicking. Election is too far away. Come to think of it. Maybe, with the way the administration is holding the reins at the Capitol, a person might think election is not done yet. What’s the matter fellows? The ghosts of the past administration still hanging out in the corridors of power?

Maybe, you’re just too in a hurry to duplicate, if not to surpass the achievements of the past leadership. Call me a liar, but I think this is it.

###

Many people are wondering why there is a sudden upsurge of criminal activities in the province these days. Does it mean the provincial PNP Directorate is too lax to be so inviting to these kinds of people? Many offered a wild reason which I loathe to share with the TP readers. Nevertheless, I might do it in due time, given the right time and right mood. How’s that for a tickler? (Tingog PENINSULA, Vol. X No. 12)

If President Arroyo’s battle cry is “BEAT THE ODDS”, it’s not only because her administration is facing a lot of obstacles in achieving her goals but also because the slogan carries with it some sense of urgency, optimism and determination to surmount all obstacles that may block the road to peace, unity, progress and development. As it is, there are so many roadblocks to the President’s vision of achieving a better Philippine. PGMA hopes to overcome all these obstacles so she can leave behind a fruitful term.

—— ooo000ooo ——

“BEAT THE ODDS” is also an acronym of her administration’s goals. “B” means “balancing the budget” which is the most important of all. As we all know, she inherited a government that was already suffering from a budgetary deficit. If this is not cured within her term, the future won’t be right for the nation. Just like at home, if money is not enough for the household needs, everybody suffers. “E” means “education for all” with the grandiose vision of providing classrooms to all schools down to the barangays which is exactly what we’re praying for.

—— ooo000ooo ——

“A” means “agri-business development” to create more jobs and to spur up the economy. Remember that she hopes to generate from six to ten million jobs by extending loans to some three million entrepreneurs who may establish new businesses or expand old ones. Now, if these three million businessmen would just hire two new additional workers each, that’d already be six million new jobs. Add to that the plan to help develop from one to two million hectares of land for agri-business production, the total ten million new jobs won’t be far behind.

—— ooo000ooo ——

“T” is, of course, the “termination of conflict” with the CPP-NPA, MILF and the EDSA protagonists. As they say, without peace, there’s no development. That’s why, government is extending the hand of reconciliation to all concerned. Now, that’s the meaning of “BEAT”. For “THE”, “T” means “transportation and communication infrastructures”. Naturally, if we have to progress, we should have more and better roads, better seaports for the nautical highway and airports, too. But that is not enough. We have to be abreast with the times of advances in cellphones.

—— ooo000ooo ——

“H” in “THE” means “health, housing and social services”. Already, housing projects are sprouting everywhere, health services are maximized to fight diseases and social benefits are increased to help the common man. The dynamic health services alone stopped the possible spread of SARS and meningococcemia in this country. Another “E”, of course, is for “electricity and potable water” to reach all barangays. This is a dream, for not all barangays are connected with electricity nor have potable water systems.

—— ooo000ooo ——

For the ODDS, “O” means “opportunities for the youth” to acquire more knowledge, skills and self-improvement to become responsible citizens and productive participants in nation-building tomorrow. Instead of just gallivanting around, the youth should go to school, attend training activities for work and engage in more productive endeavors. “D” is for the “dismantling of manual elections through computerization”. This way, the nation can avoid cheating in the counting of votes and make the democratic exercise more credible.

—— ooo000ooo ——

The other “D” is for the “delivery of efficient government services” by streamlining the bureaucracy. This includes the stamping of graft and corruption while others are dismissed. And the last “S” is a special project to develop the former US “Subic Naval Base and Clark Airbase” to become Asia’s center for trade, commerce and finance. Hopefully, PGMA’s “BEAT THE ODDS” battle cry can lift this nation up for a better future if we can all just work together for a common goal. (The New Nandau, Vol. XIV No. 36)

Credits: The New Nandau is a member of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI). Editorial office is located at 076 Quezon Avenue, Dipolog City with Tel. No. (065) 212-3794; Cell No. +639205201041