Sunday, July 22, 2012

Bachelors Hall PETITION

Petisyun ng tahasang pagtutol sa pagpapatayo ng RHU Bldg. sa Barangay BALALA:

SA MGA KINAUUKULAN: KAMING MAMAMAYAN NG CULION AY TAHASANG TUMUTUTOL SA PAG GIBA AT PAGSIRA NG LUGAR NA DATING BACHELORS HALL NA NGAYUN AY SIYANG PINAGDARAUSAN NG MGA SELEBRASYUN SA HARAP NG MUNISPYO PARA LAMANG PATATAYUAN NG RURAL HEALTH UNIT (RHU) BLDG. SA MGA KADAHILANANG

• 1. ANG PAGPAPATAYO NG RHU AY DI DUMAAN SA TAMANG PROSESO KUNG SAAN WALANG KONSULTASYON SA HANAY NG BARANGAY AT SANGGUNIANG BAYAN. ANG BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 9032 AY Naglalayon na HINDI DAPAT MAGING BAHAGI NG HOSPITAL ZONE ANG ANO MANG LUGAR NA MAY RESIDENTIAL, KOMERSYAL, AT IBA PANG SONA, KAYA HINDI NAAAYON SA PROBISYON NG BATAS SA PAGTAYO NG RHU SA DATING BACHELORS HALL.

• 2. SAPAGKAT WALANG BUILDING PERMIT NA NANGGAGALING SA MUN. ENGR.; RESOLUSYON NG SANGUNIANG BAYAN, AT KONSULTASYON NG MAMAMAYAN.

• 3. SAPAGKAT ANG RHU AYON SA LAYUNIN AT MANDATO NG BATAS AY DAPAT MAGSERBISYO SA MGA BARRIO O LUGAR KUNG SAAN WALANG MALAPIT NA OSPITAL O PAGAMUTAN... DITO ITATAYO ANG RHU SA POBLASYON KUNG SAAN AY MALAPIT LAMANG ANG GENERAL HOSPITAL NA MAGDUDULOT LAMANG NG DUPLIKASYON AT KOMPETENSYA SA SERBISYO MEDICAL, SAMANTALANG MAS MARAMING RURAL AREAS NA MAS NANGANGAILANGAN NG SERBISYO MEDICAL.

• 4. ITO AY MAGDUDULOT NG PANGANIB SA KALUSUGAN NG MGA MAMAYAN DAHIL ITO AY MALAPIT SA MUNISIPYO, TALIPAPA AT BARANGAY.

• SAMAKATUWID KAMING MAMAYAN NG CULION AY NAGLALAYONG MAG PETISYON UPANG IPATIGIL AT HADLANGAN ANG PAGPAPATAYO NG RHU MEDICAL FACILITY SA LUGAR NA DI NAUUKOL SA TAMANG LAYUNIN NG RURAL HEALTH SERVICES NA DI MAKAKATUPAD NG TUNAY NA MANDATO NG RHU BAGKOS AY MAKAKASIRA SA IMAHIN NG MUNISIPYO, BARANGAY AT POBLACION. NILALAYON DIN NG PETISYONG ITO NA ILAGAY ANG RHU SA LUGAR KUNG SAAN HIGIT NA KAILANGAN AT MALAPIT SA MGA BARANGAY KUNG SAAN WALANG SERBISYONG MEDICAL...

SIGNATURES:

the provision of R.A. 9032 is now being violated by those who are insisting the construction of RHU bldg. THAT NO PART OF THE HOSPITAL ZONE SHALL INCLUDE RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL... YET THEY STILL INSIST AND LOCAL GOVT CODE PROVIDES THAT ...any gov't. project to be implemented must have proper consultation with Sanguniang Bayan prior to its implementation. the SB shall authorize the mayor to allow the implementation of such project...

……………………………………………………………..

Gloria J. Balboa,
Director IV
Department Of Health
Quirino Memorial Medical Center Compound
Project 4, Quezon City Phil.

We can understand your sincere support for the Municipal Health Office (MHO), nevertheless there seems to be a lapse in the part of the LGU and the proponent with regards to the provisions of the proposed memo ag, which had never been approved by the Sanguniang Bayan and in considerations of all gov’t projects mandate to secure social acceptability. The petition the people made against the Municipal Health Office building is therefore opposed for a legitimate contention but never in anyway given just consideration. We are predicating this answer to your letter on the proposition that what you have provided in good faith is also good for the subject, which is the people of this municipality. You cannot relieve yourself from the outcome of your help that is now being questioned and resisted by the same people you wanted to serve. Unless you will better hear our voice, then we will, you never bother to know your given mandate.

To decide on matters that is obscured and founded only on legitimation of a project without satisfying the provisions of law must therefore be a lapse and an undoing of people in charged of an office. LGU or other entities must be subservient to the will of the people as what our constituent so declares. Arguments and manifesto are therefore our only way to upheld our rights as the people. We shall most of all be honest to say, we don’t deserve a disservice to the people like us. attached please find our manifesto…

……………………………………………………………..

MANIFESTO

WE THE RESIDENTS AND ADVOCATES OF CULION HISTORY, HERITAGES AND THE PRESERVATION OF THE OLD TOWN,

DO HEREBY MANIFEST OUR indignation for the continuous destruction, removal and alteration of our heritage sites, buildings and structures in the name of development and project implementations by un-scrupulous gov't officials without public consultation for social acceptability and utter disregard to environmental impact as well as the respect that must be accorded to historical value of the area or the structure that are part of the past including the aesthetic value of the old town.

WHEREAS; people has already petitioned the municipality as well as the Department of Health region IV expressing their sentiments and outright opposition to the construction of the RHU, and had resolved among others to request the DOH as the funding agency of this project as well as the municipal govt as the recipient to immediately stop the construction pending proper consultation, endorsement and the authorization of the Local Chief Executive (LCE) to enter into a memio agg. with the Department of Health.

WHEREAS; the blatant disregard of the proponent constructing the RHU Bldg to heed the call of the public, as well as the municipality's failure to consider the general public clamor to stop the construction as it is not the best and the right place to put up a RURAL HEALTH UNIT FACILITIES. and it will cause irreparable damage to a heritage site, the pro-land use principles, as well as the aesthetic beauty of the place.

WHEREAS; there is an existing RHU facilty in bgy Patag which may cater and provide medical services to more remote barangays such as Halsey, Binudac, and or sitios such as Demipac, Katuldan, Kabul kabul, Botnongan, Cabulihan, Mampoc, and others…

WHEREAS; if (MHO) Municipal Health Office shall be deemed proper to be establish in the poblacion,, there are DOH buildings that can be renovated and functional Municipal Health Office.

WHEREAS; The SB has invited the peoples representatives as well as the bgy official to hear their petition and to make the necessary legislative measure to address the problem of RHU bldg. construction at the former Bachelors hall and was made into a stage and a place to hold programs and other activities.

WHEREAS, the SB failed to adopt the Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) between the Local Chief Executive (LCE) and the Reg. Dir. of the DOH, thus did not authorized the Local Chief Executive (LCE) to enter into the Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA). A clear violation of the Local Gov't Code and other rule of law.

WHEREAS; inspite of all the violations and letter of appeal petition and the consultations, that despite of the absence of Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) bet the proponent and the benificiary. that inspite of the letter of the reg. Direct the construction of the said medical facility was continued without the proper gov’t procedures in project implementation benign followed..

NOW THEREFORE; be it the people of Culion openly manifests, as we hereby manifests our strongest voice of opposition and condemnation for the utter disregard of Culion heritages site and structures with historical and aesthetic value to the people and the community. And the blatant act committed by those who perpetrated this act of constructing or implementing a project without the necessary social acceptability, long term environmental impact and the possible hazard it may pose to the people of culion.

WE FURTHER MANIFEST TO REQUEST ALL CONCERN AGENCIES, NGO'S AND OTHER CAUSE ORIENTED GROUP. TO SUPPORT US REDEEM THE LOST HERITAGE SITES, TO CAUSE THE IMMEDIATE REVIEW OF THE PLANS FOR LAND USE AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVT PLAN OF CULION. AND UPON THIS REVIEW, TO STOP THE BUILDING OF THE RHU BLDG UNTIL ALL THE REQUIREMENTS AND THE LEGITIMATION OF THIS CONSTRUCTION HAS BEEN FULLY MET SATISFIED AND DONE.

SIGNATURES:

Carolina Magno Felipe

Nill L Taal

Mark Viktor Quilinguen

Nene Magno

Arlene Icasiano Henson

Evelyn Arzaga Torres

Rico Derpo Arandia

Nicolas Torres

Jomar Torres

Henry Juan

Darius Lorenzo

Jun Lorenzo

Ireneo 'Rene' A. Yala

Robert O. Barreyro

Maria Faustina Paz

Ed Belen

Esther Reyes

Zacarias Zabanal

Buenagracia "Rachelle" Delacruz.

Glen Lisboa

John lisboa

Wilmer Natividad Naceno

Humphrey James Natividad

Kenneth Mar Sanchez Salcedo

Lasalette Cheryl Marie L. Payong

Danielle Isabelle Payong

Susie Aquino

Jesus Libres

Michael Venusa

Jun Santos

Ampy Murcia

JoAnn Alcantara-Garlitos

Butch Fernandez

Lovelle Moana Reyes Hitosis

Monaryn Borbo

Mae S. Lagunday

Karen Fami

Mary Josephine Taal

Mary Christaine Taal

Germinia Taal

Diane lisboa amita

Eduardo Layag

Nancy Mae Lisboa

Nestor (Jr.) lisboa

Josephine 'Peng' Taal Ramirez

Luisito 'Luis' Taal

Gregorio 'Goyo' Taal

Jackie P. lisboa

Carl lisboa

Teresa lisboa

Marina P. lisboa

Sergee lisboa

Maigee lisboa

Rose P. lisboa

Carlota Magno Ugma

Chary Magno Francisco

Chit Cervantes

Coney Magno

Nel Dino

Astrud Lisboa

Carlos Magno

Joshua Emmanuel Magno Felipe

Samuel Aaron Magno Felipe

Daniel Andrew Magno Felipe

John Isaac Magno Felipe

Quiel Layag

Ricardo Arzaga

John Fetalino

Edwin Kibs Contreras

Michael Pamado

Al B. Linsangan III

Judith Panlilio Quirit

Windel Pastoriza

Remigio "Junn" Duque Jr.

Jaime G. Sarthou

Jesus Libres

Jesus Villamor

Ms. Angel Senorin

Louie E. Mendoza

Jhona Cabaltera Brioso

Barba Ann B. Cerdana

Maria Therese Lorraine So-Trieste

April Joy V. Bautista

Rona D. Pascual

Pamela Ranel B. Abrew

Ariane May V. Abatayo

Maria Celina L. Ylagan

Ramir T. Figuracion

Kamille Londres

Elizabeth R. Engay

Ma. Imelda Ocampo

Hazel B. Tanguamos

Amanda Grace Zaballero.

Ally Matute

Jocee Verano

Grei Ann D.M. Bulos

Renlee Advincula

Fema Singco Berongan Toledo

Kris Markoff

Arnel Sarmiento

Judith Jumaquio

Cristina Reyes Baylon

Mae S. Lagunday

Xavier Alpasa Sj.

Jing M. Ludovice

List of Petitioners at RHU Building Construction in Barangay Balala, Culion, Palawan

1. Eduardo B. Layag – Barangay Balala

2. Nimfa B. Nomorosa – Barangay Balala

3. Kellainie C. Poblete – Barangay Balala

4. Katinidad S. Cadlum – Barangay Balala

6. William Valones – Barangay Balala

7. Cornelia M. Diño – Barangay Balala

8. Gregoria Gelacio – Barangay Balala

9. Virgilio Lagrosa – Barangay Balala

10. Alvin Iway – Barangay Osmeña

11. Argalina P. Simundo – Barangay Balala

12. Noel Sabando – Barangay Balala

13. Aurora Auna – Barangay Osmeña

14. Bernard P. Torres – Barangay Balala

15. Anita V. Lorenzo – Barangay Balala

16. David P. Lorenzo – Barangay Balala

19. Samuel Manalo – Barangay Osmeña

21. May Ann Alcantara – Barangay Jardin

22. Alejandro M. Dayandante – Barangay Osmeña

23. Emmanuel R. Melad – Barangay Balala

26. Renita M. Colangoy – Barangay Osmeña

27. Mary Ann B. Rada – Barangay Osmeña

28. Judy C. Cataquis – Barangay Balala

29. Gay M. Castañaday – Barangay Osmeña

30. Angelina T. Castillo – Barangay Osmeña

31. Rebecca P. Ledris – Barangay Osmeña

32. Myrna J. Lagrosa – Barangay Osmeña

33. Magin San Agustin – Barangay Balala

34. Romualdo C. Serdeña – Barangay Balala

37. Alexander Torres – Barangay Balala

42. Leona A. Arzaga – Barangay Balala

47. Rene Mark Pondevilla – Barangay Jardin

48. Lyssette Valones – Barangay Balala

49. Gerry Abrea – Barangay Jardin

50. Jeffrey Cervantes – Barangay Jardin

51. Esther Benitez – Barangay Balala

52. Danny Benitez – Barangay Balala

53. Erma Torres – Barangay Balala

54. Joy Doldig – Barangay Balala

55. Delia Escamilla – Barangay Jardin

56. Daisy Dimanalata – Barangay Balala

57. Emma Jean Louise Torres – Barangay Balala

58. Bernard Torres – Barangay Balala

59. Leticia Obas – Barangay Balala

60. Elaine Grace Alcantara – Barangay Balala

61. Elsa T. Calogro – Barangay Balala

62. Wivina A. Quilinguen – Barangay Balala

63. Roberto V. Amita – Barangay Balala

64. Pablo Acosta Jr. – Barangay Jardin

65. Virginia Acosta – Barangay Jardin

66. Erickson Gelacio – Barangay Jardin

67. Joseph Galleon – Barangay Osmeña

68. Clarito L. Batuigas – Barangay Libis

69. Jeff M. Geraldez – Barangay Osmeña

71. Helen A. Villareal – Barangay Luac

72. Arnita M. Bantonare – Barangay Tiza

75. Esther B. Fortich – Barangay Jardin

76. Alexander S. Amora – Barangay Balala

77. Marvin Iway – Barangay Osmeña

80. Rebecca D. Paz – Barangay Jardin

81. Hayne S. Derla – Barangay Tiza

84. Lina R. Bulotano – Barangay Tiza

86. Paul Anthony M. Paredes – Barangay Balala

88. Maritess Layag – Barangay Balala

89. Dianne L. Amita – Barangay Balala

90. Shiela Pahugot – Barangay Balala

92. Elisa L. Abadiano – Barangay Balala

94. Virginia Santos – Barangay Balala

96. Genalyn A. Cervantes – Barangay Luac

97. Ernie Fontanillas – Barangay Balala

98. Jeffrey Gonzales – Barangay Jardin

99. Marilou Lagreo – Barangay Jardin

100. Ramona Elizabeth S. Fontanillas – Barangay Balala

102. Lynn Sotero – Barangay Balala

103. Salud Gonzales – Barangay Balala

104. Charina M. Derpo – Barangay Balala

105. Elvira Lagrosa – Barangay Culango

109. Caren S. Badang – Barangay Baldat

110. Remy Delos Santos – Barangay Jardin

114. Germiniano P. Pillarda Jr. – Barangay Jardin

115. Ricardo Arzaga Jr. – Barangay Balala

116. Dianne B. Ambos – Barangay Luac

117. Annaliza Magbanua – Barangay Jardin

118. Clemente G. Ledris – Barangay Osmeña

119. Paul T. Pungit – Barangay Osmeña

123. Michael Poblete – Barangay Balala

124. Mary C. Diaz – Barangay Osmeña

125. Alfonso L. Pipo – Barangay Osmeña

127. Lucia Derla – Barangay Tiza

128. J. Mandac – Barangay Osmeña)

129. Rizalito L. Derla – Barangay Tiza

133. Perla S. Albaña – Barangay Libis

134. Antonieta A. Cabrera – Barangay Tiza

135. Alfredo Ledesma – Barangay Jardin

136. Raymundo Mahinay – Barangay Balala

138. Lendl V. Lagan – Barangay Jardin

139. Linda Lagan – Barangay Jardin

140. Napoleon L. Abadiano – Barangay Balala

141. Marivic V. Bantog – Barangay Balala

143. Zacarias C. Zabanal – Barangay Balala

144. Paul Tabla – Barangay Culango

147. Pauline O. Gonzales – Barangay Jardin

148. Marilyn T. Abrea – Barangay Culango

149. Digna Y. Castillo – Barangay Jardin

150. Aiza G. Nacachi – Barangay Balala

151. Arlene Ciego – Barangay Balala

152. Marisol Magalona – Barangay Jardin

153. Irene C. Contreras – Barangay Balala

154. Rieza V. Abrea – Barangay Culango

155. Enfrocena Cabacungan – Barangay Culango

156. Elsie Cabanus – Barangay Jardin

157. Nelson Cabans – Barangay Jardin

158. Shelinie Buric – Barangay Baldat

160. Elizabeth S. Dagta – Barangay Culango

161. Sharon F. Felicilda – Barangay Balala

162. Mary Ann Tabla – Barangay Culango

163. Gabina A. Valones – Barangay Balala

164. Marino C. Dadosano – Barangay Culango

165. Shayne Gonzales – Barangay Jardin

166. Leonida R. Sarmiento – Barangay Baldat

167. Leony C. Magno – Barangay Baldat

168. Helen P. Abrina – Barangay Jardin

169. Annabelle Villera – Barangay Balala

170. Maximo Miñosa – Barangay Balala

171. Esther Ll. Reyes – Barangay Balala

172. Josefina T. Abadiano – Barangay Balala

173. Mark Anthony Ciego – Barangay Balala

174. Nestor N. Lisboa Jr. – Barangay Balala

175. Riodora Buhisan – Barangay Balala

TOTAL PETITIONERS – 176

Unidentified Due to Handwriting – 42

Signature Only No Name – 6

Redundant – 1

First Name Initial Only – 1

Identified Petitioners – 126

Barangay Balala – 61

Barangay Jardin – 25

Barangay Osmeña – 17

Barangay Culango – 8

Barangay Tiza – 6

Barangay Baldat – 4

Barangay Luac – 3

Barangay Libis – 2

TOTAL = 126

the project was pushed thru in the absence of a MOA.. and there was no prior consultation. the mun. health officer was given an audience by the SB.. PLs ask for the minutes. kasma mun. eng. the record will show the SB did not authorized the LCE nor the MHO to enter into the agreement. considering that there was a public outcry thru petition not to destroy the open space which was formerly the bachelors hall. until now there is a clamor not to push through the project.. until all requirements has been satisfied... including ECC. social acceptability and other proprieties... common sensibility, culturally legally and appropriately must be heeded as we are the supposed public servant... me pag aaral dapat at pag uusap sa tao.. kung wala, sa kanila man yan... bakit inaayawan? at bakit pinipilit po?

A PUBLIC OUTCRY - NO MOA, NO FURTHER CONSULTATIONS, NO SB LCE AUTHORIZATION, NO MHO AGREEMENT, NO ECC & SOCIAL ACCEPTABILITY. KAILANGAN PANG PAGARALAN AT PAG UUSAP SA TAO

common sense tells us... kung ako ang servant o waiter... the customer is always right... bakit ko bigyan na serbisyo na di namin gusto? tayo lahat binabayaran para masunod gusto mamamayan.. di po tayo nandito para ipIlit ang bagay na di mo man lang tinanong sa tao.... THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE... AS THE LAW PROVIDES... AS WE ARE MANDATED.. AS YOU ARE HIRED TO PROTECT THE VERY INTENT OF THE PEOPLE... THE END NEVER JUSTIFIES THE MEAN...YOU ARE AS I AM IS MANDATED...

IF you look over the MOA bet LGU and DOH... the facility that is for the MHO includes medical service... there will be primary care, consultations and medication... it will also include lying in for delivery... component ang RHU... which is Rural Health Unit. parang clinic yan... bakit di na approved ang MOA? kasi madami nang violations... out of !# terms and conditions of which is proper consultation, supervision in the construction and the turn over... kaso nga nauna gawin ang construction kesa sa MA.

SENIOR CITIZEN MANIFESTO: (and Culion public outcry!)

Kaming mga miembro ng Culion Birthday Club na binubuo ng mga senior citizen at mamamayan ng Culion ay hayagang tumututol sa pagpapatayo ng RHU (Rural Health Unit) or Municipal Health Office building sa pusod mismo ng Barangay Balala sa kadahilanang lubha na itong nakakasikip, at napakahalaga ang dating istraktura sa mga pagtitipong ginaganap dito sa Bachelors Hall or stage at sa Bayanihan Theater.

mga
NAGSILAGDA:

Virgilio (Boy) Palanca
Evangeline Dulay
Rogelio Dulay
Renato Liwanag
Sofia S. Abis
Noel Barut
Christie Romero
Alma Romero
Marina I. Mendoza
Jefrey Mendoza
Jaime Alcantara
Felizer Domingo
Ma. Lourdes Racela Lim
Marilyn R. Africa
Fabiana T. Lim
Michael A. Aban
Balbina C. Aban

September 30, 2012

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Abused Cebuano workers rescued in Culion, Palawan

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/187231/abused-cebuano-workers-rescued-in-culion-palawan

Cebu Daily News

7:19 am | Friday, May 4th, 2012

these workers were the one working on this RHU project in culion. but they were sent back to Cebu already cause of these abused

THEY went to Palawan last week to earn a living.

But on Sunday, 43 male construction workers from the town of Pinamungajan, southern Cebu, had to be rescued.

They were clamoring to go home after being served bad food and being made to stay in poor accommodations by their foreign employer.

Pinamungajan Mayor Geraldine Yapha sought the help of Culion, Palawan Mayor Emiliano P. Marasigan Jr. to rescue the Cebuano workers .

She said the Cebuano workers are now safely with the Culion police and waiting for their transportation back to Pinamungahan.

However, the logistics of bringing home 43 persons is difficult, said the mayor.

She said the town is asking a private vessel owner in Palawan to let the workers ride for free but the schedule set is still a week from now.

“Their families want them back already. We cannot wait for a week for the private vessel’s scheduled trip,” she said.

She said the Pinamungahan government is working with Culion local officials, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale’s Office and Provincial Social Welfare Office,

“The only way, aside from the airplane, to transport them back here is through a vessel or pumboat that would bring them to Iloilo. From Iloilo, they could travel to Negros where they could board a barge bound for Toledo city . We are considering all options,” she said.

Yapha said she did not know about the mass recruitment until the workers’ families pleaded for help.

The workers accepted to work for a foreigner who wants to build a beach resort in an island in Palawan, she said.

They were promised decent wages and accomodation.

Vice Governor Magpale said a complaint for illegal recruitment and traffickcould be prepared against the foreigner.

She said that aside from working to transport the Pinamungahan workers home, authorities are gathering data about the recruiter and the employer.

“We can consider this trafficking because when they reached the island, the salary was not given. The agreement was not satisfied,” she said./Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos

Thursday, July 19, 2012

culion as student of modernity? (:empowerment)

...I remember during my elementary years our teacher asked us to define some common pilipino proverbs. And one that i can't forget was this, "ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay di makararating sa paroroonan". One interpretation was one who does not know how to look back like the gratefulness to the kindness of our parents or the appreciation of the past where we came from, or neglecting all these good legacies, the person will not reach his destination.

That was more than 30 years ago and it still lingers in my mind until this very moment. Because we have another analysis now and that is for our beloved town Culion. My town had a great history if not meaningful journey too from its wonderful past to reach its true destiny in curing this dreadful disease. Its wonderful history threading the beautiful path of services and genuine cares not only for the patients but also to its people in general as signs to follow. From the missionaries like the Jesuits to SPC sisters to the managing directors, doctors, nurses, nursemaid, engineers, clerks and even their music band up to the street sweeper or cleaner, etc. A joy in true sense of service like parents’ love in taking care of their children. This was Culion in a productive past amidst the stigma and isolations or prejudices of the world but in truth it was a haven of peace and joy not to mention its natural resources around the place especially the blessings and its abundance.

Ahh was it the great past? We can only wonder… We might be questioning now the present situation of our dear town in order to bring back the sense of belongingness to our community and families, or to look back at least from its effective and great achievements including their values. So what are great achievements of the present? Why does it seem that while we experienced the accomplishments of our ‘past’ we find the equal deterioration of the ‘present’ lost in apathy or indifference? Where leadership has been assign to a mere survival that denounced involvement? Losing its legacy or the ethics of life only to deteriorate the place, worst than its stigma? Was it only the cause of misguided decision or actions?..

We joyfully celebrated when Culion became a municipality on Feb. 12, 1992 by late Pres. Corazon Aquino the mother of the present president Noynoy Aquino through Republic Act (RA) 7193, creating the municipality of Culion in the province of Palawan. Then on May 8, 1995 was the first election of municipal and barangay officials. Plus other major changes in terms of administrative, like the transfer of Department of Health (DOH) from sanitarium to municipality and creating different barangays with their respective councils and chairman. We were truly excited those times, becoming independent being govern by ourselves for better and not for worst that is supposed to be guided and inspired by our past.

Unfortunately we missed a lot of great opportunities and we remain stagnant or overwhelmed by this crazy big thing called ‘development’ complicated by modernity. Our new leaders seems to find it too heavy to face these challenges neglecting its guiding precedent only to be founded in a state of self-destruct??

One big significant were the negligence of the very heart of our town like some historical sites, done by the underdevelopment of PPA or the Philippine Port Authority authored by no other than the devious motives and torpidity of an (immoral) executive order with its obvious flaws and unfounded assertions.

The alarming and rampant illegal drugs that slowly fragmenting the youth and the families around. And equally painful emergence of some kind of deep division among the people, the great divide of the powerful and the powerless that we cannot even imagine happening in the land where brotherhood is almost a way of life. Instead we became strangers to one another and to our very own land… or simply being deprived of empowerment....??

yes there will be more works, mostly miracles for Culion. let us wake up now and see the new Culion in a true sense of progress, eco-friendly, tourists destination in the North of Palawan. Young generations as well as the Jesuit trained and educated young people who should always take a stand, no matter what. if it is for the greatest good. let's do it. or do we have other choice?..

we are forever searching now for this young genes to have the kind of heart who truly love our place. we cannot wish it anymore we have no other choice but to do, and will continue to do it, hoping to bear fruits much sweet than the harvest of the past. with all the help of our friends, families and communities in Culion who are true Culionaires in hearts and minds... and remain vigilant for Culion, as the heart and soul of the place. also as a core group or leaders who can ride with this so called "hope" that we always hold on to, cultivating the grassroot before it's too late as we are chasing time now. This was our prayers since the beginning of time immemorial... Hmm isn't it exciting? so with the continued guidance of our forefathers and the spiritual directors we will continue to study, train and acquire great knowledge... the future of Culion depend much on the training and the laurels its people would bring for this chosen endeavor...

culion... then and now (2)

One big significant were the negligence of the very heart of our town like some historical sites, done by the underdevelopment of PPA or the Philippine Port Authority authored by no other than the devious motives and torpidity of an executive order with its obvious flaws and unfounded assertions.

Culion... then and now?

I remember during my elementary years our teacher asked us to define some common pilipino quotations. And one that i can't forget was this, "ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay di makararating sa paroroonan". One interpretation was one who does not know how to look back like the gratefulness to the kindness of our parents or the appreciation of the past where we came from, or neglecting all these good legacies, the person will not reach his destination.

That was more than 30 years ago and it still lingers in my mind until this very moment. Because we have another analysis now and that is for our beloved town Culion. My town had a great history if not meaningful journey too from its wonderful past to reach its true destiny in curing this dreadful disease. It’s wonderful history threading the beautiful path of services and genuine cares not only for the patients but also to its people in general as signs to follow. From the missionaries like the Jesuits to SPC sisters to the managing directors, doctors, nurses, nursemaid, engineers, clerks and even their music band up to the street sweeper or cleaner, etc. A joy in true sense of service like parents’ love in taking care of their children. This was Culion in a productive past amidst the stigma and isolations or prejudices of the world but in truth it was a haven of peace and joy not to mention its natural resources around the place especially the blessings and its abundance.

Ahh was it the great past? We can only wonder… We might be questioning now the present situation of our dear town in order to bring back the sense of belongingness to our community and families, or to look back at least from its effective and great achievements including their values. So what are great achievements of the present? Why does it seem that while we experienced the accomplishments of our ‘past’ we find the equal deterioration of the ‘present’ lost in apathy or indifference? Where leadership has been assign to a mere survival that denounced involvement? Losing its legacy or the ethics of life only deteriorate the place, worst than its stigma. Was it only the cause of misguided decision or actions?..

Thursday, February 2, 2012

the Spirit of Basin -revisited ;-)

Jose Rizal said: PEOPLE WHO DO NOT KNOW WHERE THEY CAME FROM DO NOT KNOW WHERE THEY ARE GOING. The reason we do not have a sense of country is that we do not have a sense of history.

The best thing we can improve Culion is not ONLY that we have more natural resources, and how to be productive on this area.... we also need better political system or even better leaders.and most of all the people should have a sense of community. The spirit of involvement. HERE LIES THE MAJOR PROBLEM. Not to mention the budgets!

I am going back to the past, because i’m questioning the present in order to see my future.. Above all, I get to have a sense of belonging to the community, or as that sublime Filipino word goes, "malasakit" for it. This is my compassion for the community, my sympathy for the community, my desire to do something for the community.

Basin is the product of my past. And it represents the beautiful values of our parents and grandparents; to preserve it is to preserve the memory of the great things they have done; their suffering, their love for one another; their laughter, their tears, their hopes, their dreams. They wanted to tell me or us that we are standing on the shoulders of great men; that we should
Not forget their warm hearts and their sacrifices; that we should treasure, and honor the beautiful gifts they have left us. at the least the “malasaki” they have done and endure... and one of this is the symbol of basin...

Again my argument is “basin is the heart of my community, of brotherhood and of family. It is the symbol of my becoming, my joys, and youthfulness. The destruction of it is the undoing of my past and of my community.”

I want to remember my past. I want to preserve my past and one of the great memories of it all is the CULCAG-Marina... basin.

twenty or 30 years ago during or before the full moon we usually play many games in this place, like hide & seek, 'taragtagan', 'maro-maro', 'turubigan' and other games. Sometimes we just simply watched the moon while chatting and sharing our stories & jokes. We also play some guitars or just the plastic drums singing o “maliwanag na buwan” and other stupid songs...

Then during the day we will go swimming after our pasabit the traditional way of fishing at pantalan which I think originally made in culion. Of course by the pasabit experts Bingel and manong Nonoy Taal and many more. Some had their pakaskas also on their bancas. fishing by the dawn... also to mention the protections of the bancas inside it.

Basin was where we all learned how to swim. From the first 'langoy-aso' stroke to all the swimming strokes like breaststroke, freestyle, backstroke and butterfly... then to the daring jumps from stairs to pantalan. We also went to coral reef diving wearing our handmade goggles to watch the spectacular beauty of corals and fishes. We even try to chased the 'tunggaw', 'sap-sap', and 'matambaka' around the posts of pantalan. In this way we'll learn how to dive deeper in the sea holding our breath for a long time. Then on the 'pantalan' with all the other kids holding our hands, we run and jumped to the sea swimming farther to the deep sea... and when there were wooden ships from manila we'll go to the top jumping from the roof and swam back to basin...

When we already master all the strokes of swimming we'll go practicing for the swimming competitions in our schools and fiestas and for the palawan provincial sports meet to the region IV athletic meet the STRAA. I still remember when we were practicing for the swimming competitions, we swam starting from basin to Jardin shore then back to 'pantalan' and continue to the back of the Immaculate church shore in the colony then back to basin, tracking the coral reefs of Culion proper. A marathon swimming... So those were the years that we produce or introduce swimmer champions for the whole palawan. not to mention the future swimmer athelete that is becoming...

During San Juan which is the rainy season the whole community and families were gathering around the place for picnic and of course “basaan ng dagat o tubig” with all their snack foods and some drinking sessions while playing... even there were all kinds of jelly fish we run around from basin to pantalan and jump while the rain were showering us. everybody were very cautious about the jelly fish but still some of us were stung by its venomous string-like stingers.

But aside from these dangerous jellies, I remember one time, one of the magical moment that really happened there that I cannot forget. That was rainy day when even the sun was shining.... there was a rainbow right in front of us circling around pantalan.. all of us were hypnotized! and we all jumped straight on the rainbow. We were shouting with joy and laughters. looking for the golden pot jokingly. It was pure happiness, the most enchanting moment about 'pantalan' and basin. Nothing can compare to that experienced we had on this place, simply pure joy. simply full of life.

and now look at the place called development by the president, the governor, the congressman, the mayor, the people. development for what? what kind of product are they shippings or producing? importing goods from other places. look at the site it’s full of tricycle that cannot even maneuver on the roads of balala. not to mention the talipapa traffic and becoming polluted...and many more conflicts... it looks ugly. lonely and empty life! (for me)

But culion might still have its hope and dreams... a challenge for all.
and this query will forever live in everyone’s mind, dwelling in everybody’s heart and nailed in all human spirit... without this life can be more sinister. can become more like PPA of culion.

(basin revisited; still relevant today)

I thought this was a dead issue, but no it resurrected like a monster but even bigger this time. What were the mistakes with regard to this power of executive order No. 403... simply because it was called development? Then this is also a reflections... or my forever argument: “basin is the heart of my community, of brotherhood and of family. It is the symbol of beauty, goodness, joy and unity. The destruction of it was simply the destruction of them all even until this very moment after 5 or 6 years.” ;-)

They called PPA as development... :( really?!
and now there's another kind of development they are spreading in town.. their antithesis..

The questions like; what is the difference between personal(selfish) gains and the ability to do good, that which is essentially the kind of development that is enforced to help the weak. The poorest. The powerless... The people.

Development can reduce community when it utilizes all the elements of forces (guns goons & golds) only for one’s disposal in order to protect one’s own private interest nor private properties. It is what the psychologists described as ego-consciousness… the lowest form of consciousness that is vest to the animal instinct of “survival of the fittest”? yes... It is simply serving the original sin. They will do anything without even moral basis and conscience.

Then, who are the fittest in culion nowadays? Who are their sycophant who cannot repress their animal instinct and frustrate their neighbors even friends not more than their community?... adoring their sham icons. Buying all the lands and iconic islands and seas...

So what is true development? Is it building accesses for self-glorification? or is it the reflection of growth that develop the true political realm of community services?.. can we call them growth or services?

What is true development? Is it the land properties or the people? ppa or basin? Is it the enjoyment of growth, or just a way of escaping this banal existence? this indifference?...

What is true development? Is it the ridiculous ideas of this apocryphal claims of serving other people? or is it the springing of actuality where works are made to articulate the spirit of involvements or what they called advancement? Cofusing people with things that evolve yet become so disrectful, bogus and blasphemous, pretending like god or councilors or tongressman?

Why is it always painful to go out there and view those empty walls where the abysmal void hurt with the shameless reformation of it all? Why do we have to make walls of isolations on progress and betterment? Why do we have to clog and cast off commonality? Why do we have to wall the CULCAG, PANTALAN, pitogo or even some islands? Why is it that this development seems to have lost its spirit and moralities?

What are great achievements and strides made of? Why does we find the equal deterioration of the bayanihan spirit found in community the spirit of oneness and solidarity... but instead we have apathy and torpidity, we have walls of CULCAG and PANTALAN and pitogo? OR THIS? ;))

The complexities of modern life have become so bizarre as the philosophy of secularism have been well applied to defeat underdevelopment --- transforming materialism as the basic essential commodity that will feed the human body... Ah I think they’re just serving survival instinct... Then life might become formidable, unreasonable, vexatious and weaked, so painful, so sad and morose. Transforming the culion into monkey-business... Then where are the sustainable livelihood of PASABIT?! Where are the community and family?

Development includes business and can order by laws of the president or congressman or mayor... a kind of system. Yes indeed a system is a system that without which we cannot function in an organized way. But this kind system became a place to create an illusion of control… where they hide to call it developments. wow!

But the problem lies not in the system or laws. It lies in the hearts of man or woman where progress has been assign to a mere ego and materialism -- where people were being denounced of involvements, belongingness, in place of indifference... the price tags of money money money, where goodness and beauty became so ugly & bad!..

But development is not for the weak heart nor cowards or for those ego-conscious-mind who only serve their animal instinct where reasons & courage are irrelevant and nonsense… please, it is not for them all!

True Development should be the backbone of a town, of a true leader. obviously it must be effective and produce GOOD results. Its created projects must depict, capture and document great achievements of great people’s way of life and values. Without it a place may not have been existed. (just like PPA now it is there in our midst but useless.. more so, repressing the people) Great minds that move the course of a community’s future know the value of development as an essential component in the promotion of ethics of pure life…

Development is a community canonization...
so it should belong to the people, for the people and by the people!..

but look around culion nowadays, they become the concept & influence of PPA mentality - WHO DO NOT KNOW WHERE THEY CAME FROM & DO NOT KNOW WHERE THEY ARE GOING, who do not have a common sense and a sense of history and basin.

The best thing we can improve Culion is not ONLY that we have moral integrities and dignity, new leaders and true development but most of all the people should have a sense of community. The spirit of involvement, the sense & the SPIRIT OF BASIN.

here lies the future of our stagnant isla culion... ;(so help us God:)
COURAGE islaculion! courage let us change this future ;)

...........

Ayon kay Jose Rizal: ANG TAONG HINDI MARUNONG LUMINGON SA PINANGGALINGAN AY HINDI MAKAKARATING SA PAROROONAN. Samakatwid, ang dahilan kung bakit ang tao ay walang malasakit sa bayan ay dahil wala itong pakialam sa kanyang kasaysayan.

Ang kagandahan at kakayahan natin na maiangat ang Culion ay hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng ating likas na natural na kayamanan, at pagiging malikhain, kundi kailangan din natin isang epektibong sistema sa politika na kung saan ang namumuno sa bayan kasama na ang mga tao’t naninirahan dito ay magkaroon ng pagkakaisa. PAGKAKAISA ANG SOLUSYON. Imbes, ito ngayon ang pangunahin nating problema sa CULION.

Babalikan ko ang NAKARAAN, dahil may tanong ako sa KASALUKUYAN, at upang malaman ko ang sagot at makita sa HINAHARAP. Bukod sa lahat, nararamdaman ko ang pangangailangan ng aking komunidad o sa madaling salita "malasakit" sa bayan. Ito ang aking nararamdaman para sa komunidad, malasakit para sa komunidad at kagustuhan ko mula sa aking puso namakapag kawang gawa sa aking komunidad.

Ang Basin ay ang isang produkto ng aking nakaraan. Sinisimbolo nito ang magagandang kultura’t mabubuting mga kaugaliang itinuro ng aking mga magulang; ANG PAG-INGATAN ITO, PANGALAGAAN ANG MAGAGANDANG ALAALA’T MABUBUTING BAGAY NA KANILANG GINAWA; ang kanilang pagsasakripisyo, ang kanilang pagmamahal sa isa’t isa; ang kanilang kaligayahan, ang kanilang kalungkutan, ang kanilang pag-asa, at ang kanilang mga pangarap. Tila nais nila itong ipaalam sa akin na tayo ay nakatayo’t naninirahan sa lugar ng mga dakilang mamamayan; at ito ay hindi natin kailanman dapat kalimutan ang tatag ng kanilang puso at ang pagsakripisyo sa bayan. Dapat natin itong pagkaingatan at ipagbunyi’t igalang ang magagandang biyayang iniwan nila sa atin. Ang “malasakit” na kanilang ginawa para sa ating bayan ay nananatili’t nangingibabaw... Isa na dito ang basin – na kung saan ay simbolo ng pagmamalasakit at pagbabayanihan nilang lahat sa NAKARAAN para sa atin na nabubuhay sa KASALUKUYAN...

Sa madaling salita “Ang basin ay ang puso ng komunidad, pagkakaisa at pagmamahalan. Ito ay simbolo ng aking nakaraan, kasalukuyan at hinaharap, simbolo ng aking kaligayan at kabataan. Ang pagkasira nito ay hindi gawain ng aking Nakaraan at nang aking komunidad.

Nais kong sariwain ang aking nakaraan. Nais ko itong paka-alagaan at ingatan para sa mga susunod pang henerasyon. At ang karamihan sa magagandang alaala ng nakaraan ay nasa CULCAG-Marina – Ang basin.

Mahigit dalawampung taon (20 years) o tatlumpung taon (30 years) na ang nakalilipas sa twing darating ang kabilugan ng buwan, madalas kami ay naglalaro sa basin, sa pantalan, sa bilog at sa culcag nang, “tagu-taguan”, “taragtagan”, 'maro-maro', 'turubigan' at marami pang iba. Minsan naman ay aming pinagmamasdan ang buwan habang nakikipagkwentuhan at nakikipagbiruan sa aming mga kaibigan. Madalas din kami’y naggigitara at nagtatambol gamit ang plastic na lata habang kumakanta nang “Oh Maliwanag na Buwan” at iba pang nakakatuwang awitin.

Sa araw naman kami ay lumalangoy sa basin at pantalan matapos magpasabit our pasabit na sa aking pananaw ay sa Culion lang merong ganun. Ang mga pasabit experts na aking kilala ay sina Binggel at Manong Pabling Taal at marami pang iba. Ang iba sa kanila ay merong pakaskas ang iba naman ay nasa Bangka nila nangangawil lalo na sa pagbukang liwayway.

Ang Basin ay kung saan kaming lahat natuto lumangoy. Mula sa 'langoy-aso' hanggang sa matutunan lahat ng uri o istilo ng paglangoy tulad nang; breaststroke, freestyle, backstroke at butterfly... Kasunod nito ay ang lakasang loob na pagtalon mula sa hagdan ng pantalan at sa mga batil kung minsan. Madalas din kami sumisid sa lugar kung saan maraming coral reef gamit ang antiparang gawa lamang ng sarili naming mga kamay upang mapanuod o makita ang ganda ng mga corals and isda sa ilalim ng dagat. Minsan ay hinahabol pa naming ang mga isdang 'tunggaw', 'sap-sap', and 'matambaka' sa mga post ng pantalan. At sa ganitong paglilibang natuto kaming sumisid ng mas malalim pa sa ilalim nang dagat habang pinipigil namin ang aming mga hininga ng matagal. Naalala ko din sa pantalan, kasama ang aking mga kaibigan at magkakahawak ang mga kamay, kami ay tumatakbo at tumatalon patungo sa dagat para mas lalo pa kaming pumailalim sa pagbagsak namin sa dagat... At sa twing may mga batil na dumudunggo o dumadaong sa pantalan, umaakyat kami sa pinaka taas na bahagi nito at tumatalon patungo sa dagat...

Nung kami ay naging bihasa sa paglalangoy, sumasali kami sa mga school competition tulad ng Provincial Meet at Southern Tagalog Regional Athletic Association o STRAA. Dala namin ang pangalan ng aming bayang Culion at kami naman ay nagwawagi sa mga palaro na kung saan nagbibigay karangalan sa ating bayan partikular sa swimming competition. Naalala ko pa nung kami ay nagpapraktis sa paglangoy bilang paghahanda sa palahok, nilalangoy namin ang mula sa basin patungo sa may dagat ng barangay Jardin at pagkatapos balik sa pantalan at basin at pagkatapos diretso naman sa may dagat sa likod ng Simbahan ng Immaculada o Immaculate Church sa Barangay Libis, at pagkatapos ay balik muli sa pantalan. Swimming Marathon kung tawagin... Ito ang mga taong nagpakilala sa maraming kampeyon sa buong probinsya ng Palawan at buong rehiyon ng Southern Tagalog na pinagmamalaki ng ating bayan.

Sa twing sasapit naman ang Pista ni San Juan na nagaganap twing panahon ng tag ulan, ang buong komunidad ng Culion ay nagdiriwang; halos lahat ng pamilya ay nagtitipun-tipon sa basin para mag-picnic at para na din makipag “basaan ng dagat o tubig.” Bawat pamilya ay may kanya kanyang mga baong pagkain ang iba naman ay may mga baong inuming alak... Kahit pa merong mga salabay (jelly fish) o ‘abot’ kung tawagin sa amin, ito ay balewala at patuloy pa rin kami sa pagtalon sa pantalan at paglangoy sa dagat sa gitna ng malakas na buhos ng ulan. Lahat ay maingat sa paglalangoy umiiwas matamaan ng salabay o “abot” pero may iba pa ring minamalas na masalabay o ma-abot kung tawagin sa amin.

Naalala ko pa ang isang magandang karanasan namin na hinding hindi namin malilimutan na kung saan isang araw na maulan at ang araw ay sumisikat pa din kahit maulan, meron kaming nakitang bahaghari o rainbow sa harap namin mismo at napapalibutan ang pantalan. Lahat kami na nanduon ay naakit at sabay sabay tumalon patungo sa bahaghari. Kami ay naghihiyawan sa aming kasiyahan habang nagbibiruang hinahanap ang gintong kayamanan sa dulo ng bahaghari. Napakasayang karanasang iyon sa basin at pantalan na hindi kailanman mapapalitan ng kung ano pa man.

Ang karanasang iyon ay isa na lamang alaala ngayong kasalukuyan. Ngayon, pakitignan mabuti ang aming lugar, ang aming basin ang aming kasiyahan at kaligayahan. Ito ba ang tinatawag ninyong PAGBABAGO o DEVELOPMENT aming presidente, gobernador, congressman, mayor, at aking mga kababayan? Pagbabago para saan? Anong klaseng produkto ang dinadala o inaangkat sa bayan namin? Ano ang mga transaksyon? Tignan nyo mabuti ang lugar na puno ng tricycle na hirap magmaneobra sa daanan ng barangay balala kung saan naroon itinayo ang PPA – sa lugar kung saan ang basin nakatayo noon.

Sa kabilang banda, maaaring ang ating bayan ay meron pang pag asa. At ito marahil ang hamon para sa ating lahat na taga Culion. Ito ang tanong na tatatak sa ating mga puso’t isipan... Kung wala na tayong pag-asa ang buhay natin ay walang mangyayari magiging abandona at nakakulong sa alaala ng nakalipas. Tulad ng basin natin matatabunan lamang tayo ng lupa ng PPA kung mawawalan tayo ng pag asa at hindi mangangarap na umahon. Kung makapagsasalita lamang ang basin marahil ay dumadaing na ito sa hirap sa kasalukuyang dinaranas na pagkabaon ng lupa ng PPA. Hindi man ito makapagsalita naririnig namin sa aming mga puso’t kaluluwa na umiiyak ang basin at humihingi ito ng tulong sa atin. Sana ay wag tayo magbulag bulagan at magbingi bingihan, magtulungan tayo na muling mabuhay ang ating basin.

Akala ko ang isyu na ito ay tapos na. Hindi pa pala, sa halip ito ay muling nabuhay at mas lumaki pa sa pagkakataong ito. Anu ano ang mga pagkakamali sa kapangyarihan ng Executive Order No. 403 o ang utos ng dating presidente na si GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO para maitayo ang PPA sa ating basin? Dahil ba sa Development o Pagbabago na kailangan ng ating bayan?

Ang basin ay ang puso ng ating komunidad, samahan, pagkakaisa at pagmamahal ng bawat pamilya sa Culion. Ito ay simbolo ng kagandahan, kabutihan, kaligayahan at pagtutulungan. Ang pagkasira ng basin ay pagkasira din nang ating simbolo na mararamdaman natin hanggang ngayon at magpakailanman kung hindi tayo gagawa ng hakbang at magtutulungan.

Tinatawag nila na ang PPA ay development o ang Pag-unlad ng bayan... Pagbabagong hindi man lang ginalang o nirespeto ang sentimyento ng taong bayan. Tama ba yun? Tama ba na sirain ang iniingatan nating yaman alang alang sa PAGBABAGO? Tama ba na i-sakripisyo natin ang ating kultura para lamang sa PAG UNLAD?

Ano ang tunay na pag unlad o pagbabago? Ito ba ay paraan para makilala at purihin ang isang indibidwal na may akda o pakana nito? O ito ba ay isang imahe ng pag angat ng pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa? Pwede ba natin itong tawaging pag asenso o pag serbisyo sa bayan? Ano ang tunay na ibig sabihin ng PAG UNLAD?

Pag unlad ba ang tawag sa lupang nasira sa ating bayan? Sino ang pipiliin nyo ang PPA ba o ang basin?

Bakit lagi nalang tayong nasasaktan sa twing lalabas ng bahay at makikita ang nakakakilabot na tanawin ng mga pader na tumatakip sa ating nakaraan? Bakit kailangan natin gumawa ng pader para harangan ang ating nakaraan alang alang sa tinatawag na pag unlad? Ito ba ay nakabubuti sa atin o nakakasama? Bakit kailangan natin harangan at itaboy ang ating kaligayahan at pagkakaisa? Bakit kailangan natin bakuran ang CULCAG, BASIN at PANTALAN? Bakit ang pag unlad na ito na sinasabi nila ay tila kailangan tapakan ang ating masasayang nakaraan?

Bakit tayo nananahimik habang unti unting nawawala ang espirito ng bayanihan sa komunidad at pinapayagan na manaig ang pagiging makasarili’t pag-iisa? Sa halip nawawalan tayo ng malasakit sa bayan at pinapayagan natin na tayo ay tapak tapakan ng kapangyarihan ng iilan. Ito ba ang kaugaliang pinamana sa atin ng ating mga magulang?

Ang ating modernong pamumuhay ay tila ba nagmimistulang kakaiba habang patuloy natin pinapayagan ang ating sarili na mamuhay nang walang malasakit sa bayan. Gusto natin umasenso ang ating bayan kahit sa anong paraan at hindi man lang natin iniisip ang ating kultura at mga nakaraan – kahit maapektuhan pa ito ay wala tayong pakialaman. Sa halip tayo ay naniniwala na ang mga materyal na bagay ang ating pangunahing pangangailangan ng ating buhay. Kung ganyan ang ating pag iisip ay siguradong walang kahahantungan o patutunguhan ang ating buhay, ang ating bayan, asahan nyo ang ating pagbagsak ang pagkasira ng ating komunidad at nang ating tirahan. Ang Culion ay magmimistula na lamang gatasan ng mga mayayaman. Katulad na lamang nang simpleng pinagkukunan ng ulam – ang PASABIT. Kung inyong titignan nuon ang pagpapasabit pwede mong gawin kahit anong oras mo gustuhin. Ngayon ay tila may oras na lamang at meron nang nagkokontrol sa atin. Ito ba ang Pagbabago?

Kasama sa pag unlad ay ang pag angat ng negosyo. Sa atin ba ay umangat ang negosyo? Ito Pag unlad o Development ay maaaring gawin sa pamamagitan ng utos at kagustuhan ng president, congressman o mayor – ganyan ang sistema ng pagbabago. Oo nga at ganyan ang sistema, ngunit ang sistemang ito ay tila ba pumipigil sa ating mga karapatan para mamuhay sa ating bayan na ayon sa ating kagustuhan. At ang sistemang ito ay nagiging ilusyon na kung saan tayo ay nakokontrol at pinapaikot ng mga taong nasa ating itaas. Na kung ano ang gusto nila gawin sa atin ay kanilang ginagawa tulad na lamang ng pagkagawa ng PPA na kanilang itinago sa salitang PAG UNLAD NG CULION na atin naman agad na pinaniwalaan.

Pero ang problema ay hindi lamang sa sistema ng ating gobyerno, ito ay maaari ding magmula sa taong bayan. Nasa pag uugali nang bawat isa sa atin ang problema at ang solusyon nito. Kung tayo ay ayaw makiisa at walang malasakit at sa halip nagiging makasarili, ang problema ay ating asahan at hindi natin ito masu-solusyunan hanggat hindi natin binabago ang pangit na ugaling ito.

Ang tunay na pagbabago o pag unlad ay ang pundasyon ng mamamayan. Dapat ito ay epektibo at kapakipakinabang at magbibigay sa atin ng magandang resulta sa ating pamumuhay. Ang mga proyekto ng pagbabago ay dapat napapaloob ang respeto at paggalang sa kultura ng nakaraan at ng mamamayang ito. Kung wala ito ang pagbabago ay magreresulta lamang sa pagkasira ng bayang ito (katulad na lamang ng PPA ngayon, nariyan nga sa atin ngunit wala namang pakinabang bagkus ay nakakaperwisyo pa sa atin). Ang mga matatalinong indibidwal na nagging bahagi ng komunidad sa pagbabago ay alam ang kahalagahan ng nakaraan at merong respeto sa kultura ng bawat mamamayan at tinatrato nila ito bilang isang mahalagang sangkap patungo sa isang maayos na pag unlad na kung saan walang nasasagasaan o nasasaktan na sentimyento ng mamamayan.

Tignan nyo ang Culion ngayon, tila ba isa na syang konsepto at tulad na ng PPA na sumira sa ating nakaraan. Karamihan sa atin HINDI ALAM O MARUNONG LUMINGON SA NAKARAAN, AT HINDI RIN MARUNONG LUMINGON SA HINAHARAP, unti unit nang nawawala ang pagmamalasakit sa bayan, nawawala na ang pagrespeto sa nakaraan, nawawala na ang paggalang sa kasaysayan at wala nang pakialam sa basin. Karamihan sa atin ay nagsabing PABAYAAN NYO NA NANGYARI NA, HAYAAN MO NA ANG BASIN, ANG IMPORTANTE AY AGAPAN NA LANG ANG PWEDE NATIN AGAPAN SA HINAHARAP NA PWEDE PANG MASIRA. Tanong, ito ba ang tamang pagmamalasakit? Pano mo maaagapan ang hinaharap kung hindi mo kaya isalba ang nakalipas?

Isa lamang ang solusyon, ang balikan ang nakaraan at magkaisa tayo para maibalik ang sa atin ay nawala. Magtulungan tayo ibalik natin ang basin! sama sama natin itong hukayin. Hindi sa ayaw natin ang PPA, ang gusto lang natin ay mailipat ito sa ibang lokasyon sa bayan natin na kung saan ay hindi natatapakan o nasasaktan ang ating kasaysayan. Kaya natin ito kung sama sama tayo. At hindi tayo magtatagumpay kung watak watak tayo. Nawa’y buhayin natin ang diwa ng bayanihan sa bayan natin. Walang problemang hindi masusulusyunan kung tayo ay magbubuklod buklod at magkakaisa!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Life's beauty

Beautiful life

Eulogy
Nestor Rodriguez Lisboa Sr.
(1928 – 2011)

Greetings friends and family,
From his loving children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren...
Our utmost gratitude to Dra. Irene D. Castillo, Dr. Reinerio A. Prieto, Dra. Sarah D. Preza, Dra Claire Calaguas, Dr. Fadrilan, Dr. Cunanan, Dr. Leyson, Dr. Paul Evangelista, Dr. Aleje, the nursing staff , the attendants and the rest of the medical staff, who has not only cared but given Papang the hope and chance to hang on in spite of all the odds. We are grateful indeed to all his friends who were constantly on his side to comfort him and gave him precious moments until his last breath. Also, our heartfelt thanks to Governor Mitra, Joel T. Reyes, the DOH, Co - Lay Ministers whom he dedicated the last remaining time of his life , the Senior Citizens, and to Nancy & John’s CFC community in Riyadh/Kuwait, who showed their support and love by sharing their resources and love. All the people who gave their support in many ways especially those who shared their sympathy via facebook; to Fr. Wendel & Fr. Javy's Eucharistic offerings and prayers, to Fr. Lito for the special sacrament he gave to our father’s last moments here on earth which prepared him to the embrace of the Lord Almighty, special thanks to all of you who have made us strong during this difficult moment of our life…
Maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet lost his own soul? This is what drives Papang to persevere and just to serve without any consideration of what to gain… except the pleasure of having done something good for others. He believed in public service above self… that bayanihan is a tradition that shapes the character of a loving community. Caring with respect to one another and fearing God. That is the kind of community that he wished to live in. That’s what shapes up Papang, that is what he stood for, and what he continuously dream for us before he passed away...

Papang wanted only to live a happy life, who not only want his own happiness but the happiness of others as well, even how hard things might be. That’s the reason why many can’t understand some of his thoughts. There are only few things that he desired and that must be good for others even to the point of sacrificing things that are dear to him. He forsakes himself because his dreams are already fulfilled not only for his children but for others as well, his goodness transcend beyond the family whom he dearly loved.

There’s one great thing that always surprises us about Papang’s Love for Culion from the very beginning of his service… It is “BEAUTY” the beauty of it all.. Pope Benedict once said MAN CAN LIVE WITHOUT BREAD, HE CAN LIVE WITHOUT POWER BUT WITHOUT BEAUTY HE CAN NO LONGER LIVE, and THERE WOULD BE NO REASON TO LIVE! For pang they are his own joy, the quest that he always searched for the very reason of his existence….

Of course he was nothing in this part of Culion, but our own family witnessed how he tried in his own small ways to reveal the glimpse of light that is within and to experience the true beauty of life against all odds. Pang became part of what was then the greatness of Culion. A true public servant dedicated to the preposition that to live is to live life in its fullness and giving to others as a privilege beyond doubt.

This is the legacy that Papang left us, the courage to face reality amidst life without “wealth”, without “power” and yet full of beauty that reflects in his own life, that also echoes in our very own conviction, if not our true joy.

As the final chapter of Papang's life comes to an end, let it be ours to share a reflection of our own destiny, with a strong past. We owe to Papang the conviction to continue the goodness of the same love & passion he has lived for.

We continue to thank all the people who supported Papang and the whole family in these times of unbearable sorrow, losing a true father in all his discipline that lead us to realized the real gift of faith, hope and love in a way giving us the spiritual growth not only for the whole family but most especially for Papang himself and his preparation and acceptance to meet our Mighty Father the Creator. It was a meaningful journey for all of us, a great encounter of the presence of God. The treasure of our faith and at the same time grateful for all the blessings in the guise of pain and sorrow… but most of all the glimpse of miracle.

We want to share again & again the truth revealed by Pope Benedict XVI in his encyclical letter - Spe Salvi… (in hope we are save) He wrote;
"Death admittedly one would wish to postpone for as long as possible, but then the question arises; do we really want to live eternally (in this finite world)? But to live always, without end – all things considered, can only be monotonous and ultimately unbearable. As St. Ambrose (one of the church Fathers) said in the funeral discourse for his deceased brother: Death was not part of nature it became part of nature, God did not decree death from the beginning; He prescribed it as a remedy. Human life because of sin began to experience the burden of wretchedness or even unbearable sorrow. There had to be a limit to its evils; death is, then, no cause for mourning, for it is the cause of mankind's salvation…"

The whole family cried a lot even until this very moment. But our tears now could also be tears of joy because we all believed that our Father's death is an assistance of grace and the blessing of immortality; that is the salvation revealed in our faith, the fulfillment of Christ salvation and the love of God for all of us!

From his children and grandchildren to great-grandchildren our unending thankfulness for this beautiful love he had shown to us.

Thank you forever Pang!
We will always love you!

Paalam at maraming salamat sa lahat-lahat…

Friday, April 22, 2011

lason ng 7go

the big bosses are simply those who have power and money and of course guns... as complicated as that.. lol. guns can unite the people of culion not to mention the money and power. and what have we? the unity to destroy our beloved nature, our environment, our ecology and our places.. again not to mention the families and the communities.. unity among us is like what saint paul said as history recorded, i want to do good things but my flesh wants to do bad things instead.. that's the original sin that we all have.. we can continue all these crazy things if everybody are afraid to get involve. afraid to witness, afraid to suffer, afraid of the cross.. ;) yet it was this cross that conquered indifference.. snake where is your venom, where is your sting? it has no power even as it seems they have poisoned us. no. victory is not for the weak hearted nor for those ego-conscious-mind who only serve their animal instinct where reasons are irrelevant and nonsense… please, it is not for them all!!! and these are our ways of getting involve and recognizing the poisons addressing this venom as people of culion!... not only disunity

happy easter then.. truly,
death where is thy victory???

7 araw bago mag - B2C :))

7go

no more wishing well
let us decide now..
as what we have decided
before going back to culion

cheers!

PITOGO represents our LAND, the land of culion. in the GUISE of development as
the BASIN was done before, this symbol is all about LAND GRABING!! and as i
learn now 14 days before back2culion the new admin is worst than ever! we need
to be aware of this cause when we all arrive there we will become strangers in
our own land. can yo imagine that??? ;-) icannot. and they're all in disguise
like basin!! development? the biggest problem is that our leaders are numb and
powerless (as usual as the past) why because these grabbers are the one who
represent US! they're all in disguise using our own people! pls SAGIP CULION!
and the person behind this is so notorious that anyone who go against it will
just disappear...

here are the lands that are already being grabbed as of this time ;)
areas in ugnisan that's of course include the PITOGO, mampoc, matalbong,
bagotan, coring, berg, buluang, luac, halsey, canimango, batuan, patag quezon
and again that of course include PITOGO.. with other places are still being
acquired...

DOH has been usurp to sell lands and gain money. mostly they're employee who has
applied but has never introduced any dev't to the lot they then sold for profit
as these buyers are willing to pay, other lots were sold without any DOH rights
but only brgy. cerificate (as what's done before this admin;) many locals were
used as dummy occupants or some did it to speculate over lands without any legal
claims.

then many LGU officials both elected or appointed took advantage of the
situation. they became claimants or occupants of land not yet occupied or
claimed. then sold this land by mere brgy. certificates too or using dummy as
claimants. there are now suspicious DOH rights emerging with supposed
applications when at time these claimants applied, they were just kids or
minors. again they were able to sell it. grabe na to

pati mga tangay nagamit, naloko o nawalan.. these are their territories..

and others were forced to sell! nasaraduhan na o napaikutan ng land claims
nila.. o kaya takot mawala ang destino nila kasi wala silang documents then they
became starnagers in their own destinos. at ang iba pa dahil sa sobrang gipit.
lahat ng vulnerabilities ng taga culion nagamit nila para makuha ang mga lupain.
for a measly price!

MAHAHARANG sana ito ng mga taga munisipyo kaso naging tanga-tangahan o walang
pakiaalam sa nangyayari! we already brought this out to the concerns but even no
reactions or takot or kasabwat...

ito ang napakahirap na kalaban lalo na itong big boss na sinasabi.. babalikan
lahat ng kapamilya....

GOD SAVE US... ;( WE PRAY...

////

cog

Wow! grabe naman nangyayari diyan. nabebenta na lang mga lupa diyan without having any land title.........ano ba yun? ano ginagawa ng munisipyo ng culion? involved ba mismo ang mayor ng palawan kaya nagkakaganyan?

Tristan Asuncion

///

gumagawa ka ng hakbang para sa ikakaunlad ng Culion pero sila mismo ang humaharang sa ikauunlad nito. pano tayo uunlad kung walang tulungan at pagkaka isa. bago natin mapaunlad ang bayang ito dapat magsimula ang pagkakaisa mismo sa atin. hehe pero ewan ko lang kung munisipyo ang pagbabatayan sila sila mismo d nag kakaisa at nagkakasiraan.... hirap dba.... hirap mag alaga ng ahas sa sarili mong bakuran.... bago mo malaman na makamandag napatay na ang mga nasasakupan mo at nag iisa ka nalng.

///

Jhong, what is B2C?Ã‚Â May I request to be given permission to quote and
post your messages and link of the Culion_Palawan_Online website link to my
blog: http://philippinenativeforesttrees.blogspot.com/ so that others may be
informed of your crusade in protecting Culion island and its endangered flora
and fauna?.......I feel your convictions and it breaks my heart that I do not
know how I can help you other than let my readers know of the situation you have
recounted.

///

yes of course my friend.. it'll be a great help already deciding to reveal our
crusade in your blog for this beautiful plants not to mention our ecology in
general,, ;) B2C means BACK 2 CULION.. this our great event this coming May for
the feast of culion and festival.. the very aim of this gathering is to unite
the people of culion abroad and the locals there for all the issues' sake if not
for God's sake .lol.. a homecoming of all culionaires around the world to meet
back our beloved town.. unfortunately in an ironic situations i can't make it
there because of many crazy circumstances here in my work-place and the other
unreasonable reasons.. but my heart will always be there even after the events
of B2C.. wish we could be there ;)

thanks for your decisions to help us even you're not from culion.. isn't that
beautiful.. God bless you. let's get this things out for the concern and proper
legal terms but for now let's start spreading the informations so that the
people will hopefully participate and be aware of the true situations and of the
future of culion...! a million thanks..

///

Jhohng, have you or other "Culionaires" attempted propagating the Culion
pitogo?Â Aside from germinating the seeds from its fruit, you can also
propagate it from cuttings of pups or baby offshoots that emerge from the main
trunk of the mother plant.
>
> I'd like to ask your permission again if I can also attach the FORA 2010 video
clip in my blog, which I found on youtube?Â May part lang na di gaanong
maintindihan kasi malakas ang echo sa kapaligiran ng gusali pero kahit paano ay
may naiintindihan naman na mga usapan.Â At least para maipalabas kung sino ang
mga taong involved sa pagkawala ng mga nasabing 200 pieces ng pitogo.Â
>
> Salamat uli.
>
> Tristan

///

ah yes the FORA 2010 ELECTION.. yes the uprooting of at least 200 plants given
as a gift to another municipality :) YES OF COURSE.. yo can post them ...
//there are attempts of propagating the plants.. the problem now is that some
people are already claiming the areas.. this is another issue. will the place be
declared as reservation by the ordinance we tried to promulgate of the said
areas and other places with the same wild garden... but until now the new admin
has not prioritized the ordinance.. ;( the councils are still not signing the
order even the mayor and i think they're still debating on how far is the area
or how to reclaim it from this powerful people who are claiming it now.. these
are the problems we are facing not to mention the budget to guard and maintain
the areas.. actually there are people within this group who knows the situations
more than us but what have we?.. thanks again for all the supports.. for helping
us finding solutions.

///

Actually, medyo nag-aalangan pa rin ako i-post yung FORA 2011.Ã‚Â Nahihiya
ako ipapanood sa ibang tao lalo na sa mga makakapanood na mga dayuhan.Ã‚Â Bakit
nagpapalakpakan at nagtatawanan ang mga tao o mga residente ng Culion sa
pagpupulong na yun tuwing may sasagot na lang o magpapaliwanag kahit
pagdedeny.Ã‚Â Hindi ba seryoso mga tao ng Culion sa mga bagay-bagay tulad ng
mga nasabing issue na maaaring kinasasangkutan ng mga nasa lokal na gobyerno ng
Culion?Ã‚Â Parang lumalabas tuloy sa nasabing video na walang paki-alam mga
residente khit na may mapatunayang lumabag sa batas.Ã‚Â Parang naglolokohan
lang ata karamihan ng nandun.
>
> >
>
Pasensya na pero yan ang naging impresyon ko nung panoorin ko ng pangalawang
at pangatlong beses ang nasabing video.

///

great observation indeed. that's how we took for granted the serious issues in
our town not to mention our country.. kailan tayo magigising kapag huli na ang
lahat.. kapag nasamsam na ang lahat at nasira na ang kalikasan na siyang tunay
na nangyayari. katulad na lang ng karagatan. sa pagaaral ay mahigit 80% na ang
nasisira sa coral reef.. di lamang sa pinas.. salamat muli sa pagpuna ng mga
ito.. sana matuunan na nang pansin ang mga ito sa maraming pagkakataon sa
madaling panahon.. me too i feel ashame. sorry my friend ;)) actually isa iyun
sa mga dahilan kung bakit natalo at nanalo sa election.. but what then? hanggang
ngayon wala pa ring pagbabago.. ;(( kung hindi man mas malala pa yata!)

///

Ito pa natuklasan ko kahapon habang nagsasaliksik ng iba pang impormasyon
tungkol sa culion.Â Mismo ang palabas na Imbestigador na si Mike Enriquez pa
ang host ay na feature na ang mga katiwalian ng pamilyang Cantimbuhan na siyang
tumatayong mayor ng Culion.Â Siya din ang nakuwestiyon sa video ng FORA 2010 na
nagmamaang maangan din na walang alam...........Ito ang link para mapanood ng
lahat dito (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uxgs570yqY&feature=related)
>
> Pagkatapos maipalabas itong palabas ng Imbestigador, may nangyari ba?Â Ano
nagawa ng bagong administrasyon tungkol dito?Â Ano ang reaksyon ng mga
residente ng Culion?Â Natakot na ba lahat kaya wala ng maglakas loob na
magreklamo?

///

sorry bro.. ;-) the imbestigador is a long time story now
nothing happened there walang nangyari.. ilang taon na yang video pero walang
naparusahan. the evidence are overwhelming but nothing happened .. so what can
we expect now? this is the sad reality in our land... sad really so sad ;(

///

wala din naman ibang tutulong sa inyo kundi kayo ring mga direktang
apektado. eh kung kami nga na nananakawan ng kable ng kuryente sa laguna,
may nagagawa ba ang barangay, mga kapitbagay, authoridad o mga pulis???
walang ibang tutulong sa amin kaya natuto rin ako hindi umasa sa iba. ganito
rin ang nangyayari sa ibang lugar na aking nababalitaan.
>
> >
>
> > nakakalungkot man isipin pero tayo rin ang kailangan tumayo at kumilos para
ipaglaban ang tama, ang dapat at ang ating karapatan. kasi kung pababayaan
lang natin, ay parang tinangap n'yo na lang ang ganyang gawain, este nating
lahat!
>
> >
>
> > ang mga gustong tumulong na nagmumula sa ibang lugar gaya ko ay nagmamatyag,
nag-aantay upang tumulong sa tamang panahon. ngunit kung ang mga taga diyan
mismo ay magsasawalang kibo na lang, ano ang saysay ng gaya namin na marahil ay
tinuturing na dayuhan, palibhasa'y hindi taga Culion?
>
> >
>
> > kung ikaw ang tatanungin ko, ano nga ba sana ang magagawa ng mga taga Culion
para maging maayos ang lahat? ano ang magagawa mo bilang residente ng
Culion? kung natatakot kayo na makabanga ang mga malalakas at
maimpluwensiyang tao ng Culion, ano pa rin ang maaari n'yong gawin na hindi nila
mapupuna? kahit ano mang plano o idea basta meron..........pasensya na at
mas madali talagang magsalita. sana kahit sa usapan lang may marating.

///

yes bro.. again thanks for all the help..
>
> meron nang mga ginawa at ginagawa kaso nga lang walang masyadong suporta sa
gobyerno at lalo na sa mga tao. kung meron man napakahina..
>
> meron na ring kumpanya na magawan nang ordinansa ang patungkol dito sa mga
lupaing nasasakupan ng pitogo at ng culion in general.. na nagsasabing gawing
reservation ang lahat ng lugar na may halamang pitogo at maging isang botanical
park.. hindi ito masyadong naipaliwanag o na-define sa order na iyun kaya nga't
nagkakagulo sila sa LGU at DOH kung hanggang saan ang ordinance na ito... ito
ang isang malinaw na hakbangin na siyang makakapuksa sa mga land grabbers na
ito. kailangan ng tulong ng tao. kaso dahil sa kakulangan ng kaalaman dito ay
sinasamantala ng mga makapangyarihan ang pagkakataon para ubusin iyun..
napakalungkot talaga, ang sakit ng ating lipunan ng ating pamayanan, ng ating
mamamayan.. masakit malaman ang katotohanan. ano ang solusyon.? alamin,
magtulungan, magkaisa, itulak ang ordinansa para dito at para sa culion lalo na
sa napakamasalimoot na usaping pangkalupaan. may mga paraan para dito ngunit ang
lokal na pamahalaan ay walang pagkukusa
> para sa kapakanan ng hinaharap ng culion... ito sana ay mapagusapin din
ngayong pagtitipon sa teremestemes at homecoming ;-)) pray

///

nagagalak ako na marinig na umuusad na ang mga plano n'yo para maprotektahan
ang mga pitogo ng Culion.Â pasensya na at hindi ko naiintindihan lahat ng
pangyayari kaya ako nag-uusisa.Â sana maintindihan ng lahat ng nakakabasa.Â
hangad ko rin na makatulong kahit sa maliit na paraan ng pagsusulat o ng
balitaktakan at palitan ng idea.
>
> salamat uli kaibigang jong o jhohng at matiyaga mong ipinapaliwanag sa akin
para lalo kong maintindihan ang sitwasyon ng Culion, ng mga tao at ng pitogo ng
Culion.
>
> ipagdadasal ko na mapabilis sana ang pagwasto ng mga batas at ordinansya na
magproprotekta sa mga yaman at kalikasan ng Culion.Â Kudos!

///

kaya nga't babalikan natin ang patungkol sa simbolo ng pitogo.. ito'y naging
sinyales na ng pangungulimbat ng lupang dapat sana'y sa pangkalahatang mamamayan
ng culion at ang unang lugar na nabanggit sa FONA ay itaas lamang na tinaguriang
"peak of an iceberg" meron bagong "boss" na mas makapangyarihan sa nauna at
hindi lamang ang malalawak na kaharian ng halamang ito ang kinukulimbat maging
ang mga teritoryo ng mga sinaunang nakatira doon lalo na ang mga ninunu ng
bayan.. ginagamit ang pera at kapangyarihan na kahit ang munisipyo o DOH ay
walang ginagawa dahil takot, or nag tanga-tangahan, or simpleng kasabwat. bakit
ganyan? bakit kailangan natin ng vision mga kapatid? hindi lamang sa kaunlaran
lalo't lalo na sa kalikasan!? pansinin ninyo kung ano ang ginagawa ng mga taong
ito.? pansinin nating lahat!!! ito ang isigaw natin sa MAYO A UNO! WASAKIN na
ang mga pader na ito ang BASIN ;)at ang simbolo ng 7GO!

////

Sa hirap kasi ng buhay sa culion, ang mga tao ay wala ng paki alam sa mga nangyayari sa bayan, mas priority nila kung ano ang maipapakain sa kanilang mga pamilya. Alam ko to, dahil dinanas ko rin ito noong kabataan ko. Sa culion, walang tutulong sa'yo kung hindi ang sarili mo. Kailangang magsumikap ka para sa sarili mo at para na rin sa pamilya, lalong lalo na para sa magulang mo na hindi na kayang mag hanapbuhay. Ang mga matatanda ng culion, lalaong lalo na ang mga hindi nakapag trabaho sa government, walang pension, walang maaasahang iba kung hindi ang mga anak. Paano na lang kung ang mga anak ay walang wala rin, sino ang titingin sa kanila. Napakaraming problema ng kahirapan sa culion, kaya naman ito ang sinasamantalang ng mga mapagsamantala. Ang ugat ng lahat ng ito ay dahil sa PERA. ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit wala tayo sa ating lupang sinilangan dahil sa PERA. Napakadali ang mag comment sa mga ganitong pagkakataon, pero napakahirap gawin ang mga bagay na dapat ay ginagawa natin para sa bayan ng culion. Our number one priority ay ang pamilya natin, dahil mahirap mag lingkod sa bayan, kung ang palagi nating naisisip, kung ano ang maibibigay natin sa ating pamilya. Ang lakas ng taong bayan ay mararamdaman lamang during elections, so dapat, during election, mayroon tayong candidate na puwedeng suportahan, na alam natin na maaasahan natin na maglilingkod talaga sa taong bayan. Mahirap dalhin sa kalye ang mga ganitong usapin, dahil kung wala silang kinakatakutan, kawawa naman ang mga kamag anak natin sa culion. Ang dapat kumikilos dito ay ang nasa puwesto. kaya nga sila iniluklok doon, para mag serbisyo sa taong bayan. What we can do now is to pray for our beloved culion. Mayroon pa rin akong nakikitang magandang bukas para sa Culion pag dating ng panahon. Pagkatapos ng ating obligasyon sa ating mga pamilya, bigyan natin ng bagong bukas ang CULION.

///

Sangayon ako sa inyo Ka Rene. Tutoo na dala ng kahirapan sa buhay kung kaya't
ang unang binibigyan ng pansin ng karamihan ay ang personal na pangangailangan
sunod ang sa pamilya bago ang iba.
>
> Noong maliit pa ako, naririnig ko sa mga matatanda na kung ikaw ay nasa
probinsya, mabubuhay ka. Sabi nila, kapag ikaw ay nagtanim ng gulay, meron kang
aanihin. Simple lang ang buhay sa probinsya at nakakahingi ka ng gulay o
pagkain sa mga kapitbahay, kapag ikaw ay nagugutom. Ito ang pumasok sa aking
isipan noong panahon pa, kahit hindi ko pa ito gaano naiintindihan kasi dito ako
sa Manila ipinanganak hangang lumaki.
>
> Nahilig ako magtanim noong maliit pa ako, kaya't nung maisipang bumili ng
lupain ang tatay ko sa lungsod ng Laguna kaakibat sa aming negosyong pagbebenta
ng gulay sa pamilihan, nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na makita ang buhay ng mga
taga nayon pati na ang pamamaraan ng pagtatanim.
>
> Aking natuklasan na basta may lugar ka lang na pagtatamnan (lupa kahit
makikitanim lang o uupahan) at bibigyan ng tuon, sipag at tiyaga sa pagtatanim
at ang tubig pandilig na maaaring makuha mula sa ulan, pagdating ng panahon ay
siyang may aanihin. Sa aking pagobserba, ang simpleng mga tao na marunong
magbanat ng buto kahit walang pinag-aralan, basta't marunong magtanim ay siyang
may kakainin. Pero ang mga tamad na nangangarap na lang sa kawalan ng buhay,
wala talagang aasahan, bagkus ay siya pang magnanakaw sa mga pinaghirapan ng
iba.
>
> Hindi lang Culion ang may mga problema, buong Pilipinas at bawat lugar ay may
sari-sariling problema. Kadalasan ang napapagsamantalahan ay ang yaman ng
kalikasan.... Alam naman natin na maraming problema ang gobyerno. Mayroon
ngang katungkulan ang mga binotong opisyales at dapat nga nila ginagawa ang
nararapat na trabaho, pero hindi rin siguro tama na iatang na lang natin ang
lahat ng problema ng lungsod upang kanilang masolusyonan. Bawat Pilipino nga ay
nararapat na kumilos at magtulong-tulong at magkaisa na matuunan na iangat ang
antas ng pamumuhay at ng bawat isa.
>
> Pakiusap lang na wag mamasamain ang pag-uusisa ko, dahil gaya ng sinabi ko,
hindi ko pa naiintindihan lahat. Hindi ako sumali dito para basahin lang ang
usapan ng mga nandito at magmatiyag. Nagsusulat po ako sa blog tungkol sa mga
halaman at puno ng Pilipinas na unti-unting nauubos.
>
> Sa bawat katanungan ay may sagot. Sa bawat sagot ay may kumento o isa pang
katanungan. Maganda man o hindi ay opinion na maaaring magdulot ng positibo o
negatibong reaksiyon. Marahil ay mayroon naman sigurong kapupulutan ng aral o
suhestiyon mula sa mga nakikilahok sa usapan. Lahat naman siguro ay may
karapatan sa sariling opinion.
>
> Naisip ko lang na magandang suhestiyon siguro ang isang livelihood project na
ang komunidad ay magtulong-tulong na magtaguyod ng gulayan para sa mga gustong
matuto magtanim ng kanilang kakainin. Mga halaman na tulad ng kangkong, kamote,
malungay, alugbati, ube, sitaw, sigarillyas, gabi, balanghoy, luya, kadyos, sili
ay iilan lang sa madaling patubuin, paramihin, hindi gaanong alagain at
masustansya pa. Sa akin lang ay, ano kaya?

///

maraming salamat sa iyo ka Rene.. ka Tristan. mabuhay kayo ;))
saksi rin ako sa kahirapang ito.. maging hanggang ngayon.
at marami ang magpapatunay nito sa mga miyembro mismo ng grupong ito.
lahat may karanasan nang paghihirap.. subalit huwag nating hayaang magwakas
doon.. ang lahat ng mga binabanggit natin dito ay paraan din upang maisiwalat
ang ating mga damdamin at kasama na dito ang opinyon at siyempre kaakibat ay
maaaring solusyon. ito ang punto ng usapin dito.. alam natin or malalaman natin
ang mga dahilan.
alam din natin ang mga problema, karamihan dito ay ang pananamantala ng
maykapangyrihan.. ng may posisyun, ng mga walang pakialam ;)
kaya nga't ang hiling natin ang mabigyang kabuluhan ang kahalagahan ng inang
kalikasan na mapangalagaan ito.
ang ikinalulngkot natin ay meron na tayong kasagutan sa mga tanong kung ano ang
nararapat na gawin.. kailangan siguro natin nang tunay na kahalagahan ng isang
sambayanan. ang magkaisa upang maisakatuparan ang mga gawaing ganito. dahil dito
masusustentuhan tayo sa mga pangangailangan natin upang mabuhay. ito ang
pinakamahalaga. sana lang pansinin ito ng mga tao at kumilos sa pag tanod at
pagbantay ng kalikasan lalo na ang lupain at karagatan. alam din natin na may
inilaan ang pamahalaan para sa ating bayan upang gastusan ang mga ganitong
kilusan o kabuhayan.. ang malungkot ang perang dapat ay mapunta sa mga
sinasakupan ng pamayanan ay napupunta lamang sa mga pansariling kapakanan.. at
minsan iyun pang mumawasak sa mga tao. kahirapan ang karamihang dahilan pero
hindi tayo padadaig dito merong mas malakas upang mapaglabanan ang mga ito.. at
iyun ay nabanggit na nga dito ;)) isa lamang ang magiging kahilingan lalo na sa
pagtitipon ngayong 'mayo uno' ang pansinin muli ang usaping ito.. sana'y
pagtuunan na nang tamang gawain para dito sa darating na festival. isang
panawagan sa mga nariyan ngayon sa culion ;)) pagusapang muli ito at pirmahan na
ang ordinansa para ingatan ang kaharian ng ating kalikasan.. at panawagan na rin
sa mga naghaharang sa pagsasakatuparan ng batas na ito na sana'y magbago na.. na
sana'y maging prayuridad na ito ng ating lokal na pamahalaan. napakahirap ngunit
kayang masimulan nang muli ito... sino ba ang gobyerno kundi tayo rin. isa ito
sa mga narinig ko sa humuhubog sa aralin namin noon pero ano ngayon sila na
mismo ang lumalabag sa katinuang ganito.. sawa na tayo sa mga pangakong naipako.
ipaalam nating muli ang mga ipinakong ito!

meron na pong solusyon
ipasakatuparan na sana ito...
ngayon

salamat sa mga susulong muli.

prayers
jong
:)

///

Maraming salamat din sa inyo Ka John & Ka Tristan. Sang ayon din naman ako sa lahat ng mga sinabi nyo. Ang pagtatanim ang ibinuhay sa amin ng aming mga magulang, at mahilig ako sa gawaing ganyan, kaya mahal ko ang Culion, dahil diyan ko lang magagawa ang mga bagay bagay na makakapag pasaya sa akin, lalong lalo na ang pangingisda. Kasama niyo ako sa inyong mga ipinaglalaban, at lagi ko rin namang sinasabi sa mga kapatid ko na huwag na huwag nilang ibebenta ang lupa na minana pa namin sa aming mga magulang. Nabalitaan ko nga sa bayaw ko last December 2010 na nagkakabentahan na nga raw ng lupa diyan sa Culion. Sana nga John mapag usapan yan sa darating na teremestemes. Sayang nga lang hindi ako makakarating.

RENE YALA

///

Salamat din sa inyo.

Nakapagsulat na ako ng patungkol sa halamang Culion pitogo at ang magandang hangarin na inyong nasimulan dito sa website na ito. Mayroon na ring ilang nakabasa at nag-uusisa. May nagrerequest na mag post ako ng litrato ng Culion pitogo kasama ng aking sinulat. Naisip ko kung kanino ako magpapaalam upang gamitin ang litrato ng pitogo na may bungad na slogan na SAVE PITOGO NOW, CULION - CYCAS WADEI? Kahit kayo na po ang pumili ng nababagay na litrato na aking i-feature sa blog post na aking isinulat tungkol sa halamang ito. Wala naman akong litrato ng halamang ito at ni anino nito ay hindi ko pa nakikita ng personal.

Kung mayroon man kayong nais na ayusin, i-tama o idagdag sa aking sinulat sa blog ay kahit email n'yo na lang sa akin sa tristanasuncion@yahoo.com para aking maisaayos.

Salamat muli.

Tristan Asuncion
tristanasuncion

///\\\

thanks man, ;))

can yo give us again your blog site..
and for the pics of course you can use any or all of them as you wish.. ikaw na
ang bahala.. great thanks for all the help and support

mabuhay ka! ;))
God bless

you can check this facebook site too
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=196406500693

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.104422651773.111657.660011773

and my multiply
http://jhohng.multiply.com/

\\\///

Sir Jhohng/Jong, Sir Rene, moderators and members of the Save Culion Pitogo crusade, thank you for sharing all the pics and videos. I think I will only attach two of the pictures you sent me with logo of the pitogo plant and its slogan. I also enlisted the link Culion_Palawan_Online and SAVE CYCAS WADEI 'Culion Pitogo of facebook account, links indicated with my blogpost so that viewers and visitors will be informed and be active once they visit the website, suffice the information for visitors to register and become more focused on either links to help encourage active participation and initiate a healthy dialogue for all.

My blog link is http://philippinenativeforesttrees.blogspot.com/

Thank you once again for accommodating my request. Feel free to visit my blog site and share your comments, opinion and suggestions. I will still be with you in fulfilling this dream and goal.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Tristan G. Asuncion

///\\\

the beauty of culion pitogo... :)) simulan muli, ngayon

gising na mga kaibigan! ang bukas ay nasasayo... :))

Cycads, which look like palms or tree ferns, are a group of plants whose
ancestors date back more than 300 million years. They are considered to be the
dinosaurs of the plant kingdom... The observed natural range of the Cycas wadei
is only within the island of Culion making it a true endemic species that the
municipality can be proud of..

In nearby Busuanga, most of the cycads in cultivation are Cycas circinalis and a
sprinkling of transplanted specimens that are purported to have been dug from
the wild populations of Culion..

we initiated a preliminary study of its natural history and addressed its
conservation by first, urgently resolving claims over the land by private
individuals and secondly, by declaring the locale as an irreplaceable sanctuary
for wild Cycas wadei. Also, to increase appreciation of this great but little
known prehistoric species by allowing the transplant of some specimens to a
small park within the municipality as initial showpieces to visitors to the
island municipality. This welcome move is a must before they fall under real
threat of destruction or extinction by no other than the very officials of
palawan itself in the issues of land grabbing..

So such conservation measures and other environmental protection plans can be
done for the magnificent Cycas wadei of culion.

sagip7go
sign the ordinance

God help us... ;))
we pray
jong
;)

\\\///

/////

Jesus is the image of the invisible God.. and recorded not only in history but in facts and witnesses.. who will say that holy scripture is a lie even it seems a fiction or a myth? can we be terrorize by nothingness? by abysmal and darkness of death?

‎"Seeking me you sat down wearied... May so much effort not be in vain!" Saw in it the adventure of God, on a ceaseless journey in search of wayward man, who "set out on the journey toward us" out of pure love, and in order to do this "became man and descended to the very abyss of human existence, to the very night of death." BXVI

‎"Not my will but thine be done." What is this will of mine, what is this will of yours, of which the Lord speaks? My will is that I "should not die," that he be spared this chalice of suffering: It is the human will, of human nature, and Christ feels, with all the consciousness of his being, life, the abyss of death, the terror of nothingness, this menace of suffering. And he more than us, who have this natural aversion to death, this natural fear of death, even more than us, he felt the abyss of evil. He also felt, with death, all the suffering of humanity.

////

can yo divide love? what if i tell i believe in God because of you because i see goodness in you i see Jesus in yo.. and makes us all happy amidst the chaotic life around as you can see too.. that's for me is a proof.. and as an experience..then saving lives to the point of ending it cause of endless sufferings?.. ;-) that's the joy of believing God.. if not the reason... ;-)) cheers

//

with humanity cries, God why have you forsaken me...? why this suffering-love? ...and can we not be like the xmen? ;)))

//

“The things of the earth and the concerns of faith derive from the same God,” for it is one and the same Love “which moves the sun and the other stars.” JPII. Both the light of faith and the insights of science can help humanity evolve toward a more sustainable future.. ;-) wow!

//

The value of science, Pope John Paul II wrote, is that it can “purify religion from error and superstition,” just as “religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes.”

//

indeed so amazing to witness a great thinker of our time... cheers to our Pope! our prayers. spe salvi a must read.. ;-) http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html As Atheists feel compelled to "witness" to their man-made philosophy of no God, we Christians must witness to our faith in a God centered Universe, God as a first cause..

that is obviously to embrace love.

//

The Scandal of Heaven.. "I hate it because its an affront to my earthly, human notion of justice. I hate it because the sinner in me wants to see my enemies, even those who disagree with me, burn. Because I hate it so much, I’m convinced it must be true. Heaven, like grace, scandalizes me to no end."

http://chadholtz.net/2011/04/06/the-scandal-of-heaven/

//

‎"by his incarnation the Son of God has united himself in some fashion with every man" V-II

Letters: as friend of time