I Am Blogie

I was fortunate to have been invited to speak at a media workshop last Saturday, 10 March 2012, on environment reporting. Thanks to Mindanao Times editor-in-chief, Amy Cabusao, for the opportunity to engage Mindanao’s media practitioners in the advocacy to protect our marine environment!

The workshop, organized by the Mindanao News and Information Cooperative Center (MindaNews), was participated in by TV, print and radio journalists from different parts of Mindanao.

Here are the slides I used for that workshop, “Mindanao Journalists Training on Environment Reporting” :

The workshop was sponsored in part by the U.S. Embassy in Manila, and I had the chance to meet the American mission’s new press attaché, Tina Malone. Ms. Malone and I had a good chat about furthering the objectives of this workshop. I’m looking forward to working with the U.S. Embassy’s press office once again!

Intro dive

The following day, Sunday, I brought a handful of journalists from Davao, Dipolog, Surigao and other parts of Mindanao to Davao Gulf for them to see first-hand what I had talked about. They were not divers, but were given the chance to see the world under the sea, courtesy of Carabao Dive Center.

I sincerely hope that the workshop has sparked the spirit of advocacy among the participants. We do need our friends in the media to help us bring the message of environment conservation to their readers, viewers and listeners. Hopefully, more news organizations will develop a strong environment beat and thus sustain public awareness of the problems facing Philippine seas.

Davao Gulf

The Gulf of Davao is a vast expanse of water (308,000 ha.) that touches all four provinces of Region 11 — Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley — and Davao City. It is the life source of more than 5 million people, of whom only a few realize the importance of conservation.

It is yet a beautiful place: the white-sand beaches, the islands, some pristine sanctuaries, the numerous dive sites are all still there. On recent dives off the coastlines of Talikud Island in Samal, I enjoyed watching the flurry of aquatic activity in the expansive coral reefs surrounding the island. Successive dives don’t diminish the wonder and amazement I feel whenever I look at the innumerable shapes, sizes and colors of coral and all life around it.

Ecological imbalance

Sadly, I also saw signs of destruction, evidences of ecological degradation — although I’m not a marine biologist, I’ve seen enough nature shows on TV to know that the removal of a species from an ecosystem will throw the ecological balance off. For example, it’s plain to see that the crown-of-thorns infestation that devastated a large area of coral reefs some years ago was a direct result of the near extinction of the giant triton. Triton are the natural predators of the crown-of-thorns starfish, and they have been virtually wiped out by the local fishing communities. These voracious and hardy starfish, if left unchecked, could cause the death of more coral colonies in the gulf.

What about the dolphin? When I was a kid, dolphins were a common sight whenever we’d cross the channel to Samal or Talikud. Locally they’re called lumba-lumba (“lumba” is Visayan for the verb “to race”), because they would race with bancas and even with larger boats. Now, I can’t even remember the last time I saw a dolphin hereabouts. They’re not extinct, and there are still the odd sightings, but most of them have probably moved off to more fertile waters because there aren’t enough big fish to catch in the gulf anymore.

Tridacna gigas

A species that is on the verge of extinction is the giant clam. This delicacy is the victim of overfishing by local fishermen. The giant clam is important to the survival of marine life because they provide an important service: filtering of the waters around them.

Thankfully, valiant efforts to revive the giant clam population are being undertaken by conscientious Dabawenyos. Marissa Floirendo of Pearl Farm Beach Resort and Sonny Dizon of Maxima Resort both have re-seeding programs that will hopefully bear fruit in the not-too-distant future.

It takes a lot of resources, however, to see giant clam thrive again. And, they must be protected from poachers at all cost.

Overfishing

Fishing boat

See this boat? It’s a fishing boat that’s extremely destructive: they have fishing lines and nets that drag the seabed and destroy precious coral. These boats are supposed to be far out at sea, not in shallow waters, but they are ever present near the islands, unmindful of the ruin and havoc they’re causing the marine environment. And, there are so many of them that Davao Gulf is now practically devoid of the larger species of fish.

The challenge here is to find a way to reach out to subsistence fishermen and their families, and get them to comprehend the folly of overfishing, of using dynamite or cyanide, of destructive and unsustainable fishing practices.

Pollution

Pollution is also creeping into the marine underworld. Long-time scuba divers have told me that they often see plastic bags, bottles, clothing, and whatnot in some dive sites. It’s very commendable, therefore, that dive shops such as the Carabao Dive Center in Davao City conduct regular coastal clean-up activities (called “Scubasurero”).

Also, more and more beach resorts are becoming aware of the importance of protecting the marine environment, which is, after all, the very source of their profits. Resorts like Leticia by the Sea implement waste segregation and proper disposal methods in an effort to keep the waters around them clean.

I hope that ALL beach resorts, as well as the barangays of the islands, would follow suit. And soon. Otherwise, a few resorts’ efforts won’t really add up to much if the rest of the community continues to pollute the seas.

Lack of Awareness

The problem that underlies all else is lack of awareness among the inhabitants of the Gulf of Davao. Here’s an example. On a boat recently, I overheard a group of divers talking about a certain individual who advocates for coral conservation. Apparently, this individual had admonished local divers to watch out for tourists who were stepping on coral and to report on them. One of the divers retorted, “Are we going to be coral police now?” And another observed sarcastically, “Why, was he (the aforementioned individual) the one who cultivated the coral?”

I could see the absence of concern for marine life in that group of divers. Why were they even scuba diving at all if they didn’t care for the coral, the sea anemone, the pygmy seahorse, the nudibranch, the sea turtle…? I think, perhaps, they haven’t yet come to appreciate the dire consequences of a ruined marine ecosystem.

That’s why I’ve joined this worthy cause to help spread the word about caring for our seas. I hope you will, too! Help save the Philippine seas because they give us life.

What can you do to contribute to the conservation of our marine life?

Cultural Confluence II

Ten artists from Cebu, Davao, Manila and France will converge this 28th of March in CULTURAL CONFLUENCE II, an art exhibit that aims to cross boundaries in terms of artistic expression and cultures.

First ran in Cebu City last year at the SM Art Center, the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography takes the challenge this year to bring together artists from different geographical locations and artistic traditions & leanings, to initiate fresh connections and foster new perceptions.

Featured artists are Lito Pepito, Arnel Villegas, Josie Tionko and Jurie Jaime from Davao; Cesar Duazo-Pepito and Darby Alcoseba from Cebu; Seb Chua, Armida Francisco and Louie Ignacio from Manila; and Rémy Rault from France.

The exhibit will run at the Davao Museum’s Don Antonio O. Floirendo Gallery until 28 May 2011. The Davao Museum of History and Ethnography is located in Insular Village Phase I, Lanang, Davao City. For inquiries, call (82)233-1734.

[Media Release]

[Media Release]

From a host in local TV variety show to a lead starrer in a top-rating television series, Dabawenya actress Bangs Garcia is definitely making a significant leap in Philippine showbiz. In the latest edition of M (Life and Living in Mindanao) Magazine, Bangs bares her hits and misses, her triumphs and ordeals as she continues to pursue her dreams.

Joining Bangs in the pages of M Magazine’s ninth issue are esteemed Mindanawon civic leaders, Atty. Leoncio “Nonoy” Villa Abrille and Irene “Inday” Morada Santiago; together with Sulu’s top visual artist, Rameer Amilasan Tawasil; and Indonesian Consul General Lalu Malik Partanawa, who shares his country’s longtime friendship with Mindanao.

Thrilled to travel around Mindanao? Get some tips on where and what’s new to explore on the island, such as wakeboarding in Mindanao’s first wakeboard park; nature-tripping in Lake Sebu; conquering the peak of Bukidnon’s Mt. Kitanglad; braving the wild waters of Cagayan de Oro; making a stopover at Tandag City; or joining the epic voyage of the Balangays.

Flip through the fashion section and be mesmerized by award-winning photographer Rhonson Ng’s underwater glam shots of Davao’s top mannequins; and Niko Villegas’ dazzling images, featuring the gem-inspired designs of Egay Ayag, Joao Tarepe, Patahian, and Argento de Salvador, as modeled by Mutya ng Dabaw 2010 Janelle Tee. What’s more, Davao’s premier houses of style, Rue Chephri and Martish, unveil their latest chic and elegant collections of designer brands in this issue.

Also in this issue are fascinating pieces on Zamboanga’s sardine canning industry, Davao del Sur’s healthy coconut products, Butuan’s AQEM theater in education, plus a spotlight on Mindanao’s entertainment and wellness enclaves, parties and festive events, contemporary lifestyle, and many more.

M Magazine, Mindanao’s first and only travel and lifestyle quarterly publication, is available in all National Bookstore, Fully Booked, Power Books, Forewords, and Christian Ventures outlets; and in more than 200 bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. In Davao City, get your copies of M Magazine at Babasahin (Victoria Plaza, SM City, NCCC Mall, Gaisano Mall), MetroLifestyle Complex (Bo’s Coffee, Krua Thai, Metro Gym), National Bookstore (Gaisano Mall, SM City), Farfalla Pasta Bar, Gaisano Mall Supermarket, Lachi’s, Basti’s Coffee, Agencia Nina Jewelry (Victoria Plaza, JP Laurel, Bankerohan, Gaisano South, Gaisano Mall), ProMark and Davao Periodicals outlets.

[Media Release]

Sales of electronic products worldwide are set to rise sharply in the next 10 years. And, unless action is stepped up to properly collect and recycle materials, many developing countries, like the Philippines, face the spectre of hazardous e-waste mountains – which include old and dilapidated desk & laptop computers, printers, mobile phones, pagers, digital photo & music devices, refrigerators, toys and televisions. Needless to say, these pose serious consequences to the environment and public health. This scenario gives a new urgency of creating awareness and future establishment of ambitious, formal, and regulated processes for collecting and managing e-waste through the setting up of efficient recycling facilities.

In its bid to be proactive and forward-planning, ICT Davao, Inc. (IDI), an umbrella organization of all information and communication technology groups in Davao City, has taken on the challenge of the e-waste problem and turning it into an e-opportunity.

Creating Awareness

ICT Davao has created a video ad campaign for public viewing to create awareness about the growing e-waste disposal issues for developing cities such as Davao. The tagline, “Davao Can Do!” maintains that advocacy endeavors such as this is doable, hence, uniting all Dabawenyos to participate in this city-wide proactive campaign.

Lastly, as part of its commitment to the Earth Day Network Philippines 2010‘s 10-million movement, IDI supports the importance of addressing climate change and protecting the environment, and that it requires both individual and collective action. Hence, IDI’s e-Tapok event is leading the call for companies and communities in the city to compliment the prevailing theme, Hamon ng Panahon, CLIMATE CHANGE, 10 Milyung Solusyon (Kilos Na! Ngayon Na!) of the Philippines’ Earth Day Celebration. This is a call for all Dabawenyos to sign their pledges by visiting the IDI website (www.ictdavao.org) and help us achieve our target of 10,000 pledges which will be Davao’s contribution to the 10-million movement.

Concrete Action & Sustainability

The awareness campaign will be put into action by creating an avenue at the Damosa Market Basket Canopy area in Lanang through the “e-Tapok e-Waste Weekend Collection Event” from April 24 to 25, 2010, the weekend after the worldwide celebration of Earth Day on April 22, 2010. Apart from e-waste collection, the event aims to gather the private sector, academe, and public government officials, to create an effective web of advocacy influence. Other activities include:

1. targeting 10,000 pledges for the signature campaign;
2. unveiling of “e-waste art monster”;
3. photo wall;
4. viewing of documentary films.

In its plan for an effective and sustainable project, ICT Davao aims to continue its information awareness, complementing advocacy efforts of SM City’s Monthly Waste Collection Fair and NCCC’s Buy Back Fair, and spearheading a move to urge the City Government to establish an efficient and professionally-managed recycling facility to complement regulations on collecting and managing e-waste. At the end of the day, the project aims to be a catalyst among organizations to start adapting “green IT practices” and in recognition of these efforts, possibly an incentive-driven reward.

Sponsors & Advocacy Partners

This advocacy effort will not be possible without the support from the following: Anflocor and Damosa Land Inc., InkTech, NCCC Mall and NCCC Cares, Home Channel Network, Bayan Telecommunications Inc., Amon Marketing Corporation, Brokenshire College, Southeast Software Solutions Corporation, Youth for Environment & Peace (YEP), Creative Factory, Digital Interface, Mindanao Bloggers, Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. and Basureros de Davao, Philippines-Australia Human Resource Development Foundation (funded by AusAID), Office of Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Please sign the “Davao Can Do!” petition today!

No matter how many times one hears about senseless killings, it is appalling each time it happens. How could people sink so low? How could people engaged in violence continue to believe that it will ever solve anything?

The massacre yesterday of the Mangudadatu family members and journalists in Ampatuan town on their way to Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao was, without a doubt, a calculated move to instill fear among voters. It was designed to scare away anyone who dares rock the boat in the province of Maguindanao. It was clearly perpetrated by those in power to keep the status quo.

Let us all be vigilant for Mindanao. To those who are working for peace and development in Mindanao, do not lose heart! If we cower and retreat for fear of our lives, then we become the losers. Let’s not allow cowards to blight the beauty that is inherent in Mindanao. We should not allow the deaths of the innocents to be in vain.

For there to be justice, those of us who have a voice must remain true to our calling. We must not let this heinous crime dissolve into another unresolved incident, otherwise we will be part of the problem.

Bloggers of Mindanao: In following the initiative of our colleague in General Santos, please display a black ribbon on your blogs to signify vigilance and awareness and justice.

To our friends in mainstream media, an appeal. Please do not label the whole of Mindanao or Southern Philippines as lawless. Statements like that won’t help anyone — in fact, it will continue to drag the whole of the island deeper into the mire from which we have been trying to get out all these years.

Let’s not forget our common goal: lasting peace and meaningful, sustainable development in the whole of Mindanao.

Due to the recent — and enduring — devastation brought about by Ondoy (a.k.a. Typhoon Ketsana), in the news now, we see pleas for more awareness of environmental issues. We read about government being asked to be more rigorous and meticulous in public infrastructure planning, as well as in granting land development projects to real estate corporations.

It’s been said time and again, hindsight is always 20/20 vision. But now we have to try and look at the future. These appeals must be heeded by all concerned, because tens of thousands of people have already lost their lives to nature’s wrath. Due, in significant part, to massive oversight on the part of our decision-makers. Our past leaders blatantly disregarded environment-related problems, and now we are paying for their mistakes.

Our government must indeed get down to brass tacks and tackle the obvious issues: improper land use, clogging of waterways, garbage disposal, pollution….

But, amid all of these calls for government action, we must not forget that each of us has a responsibility as well. No one is free from blame: each of us has contributed to the tons of trash that find their way to rivers, oceans, valleys, natural parks. All of us have been unmindful of what progress has made us become: wasteful.

Enough said. Let us do our part then. Let’s recycle what we can. Let’s minimize waste, and do our part in saving the environment. And somehow, possibly, save the future from even worse natural calamities.

(This is a contributed article by Phillip Somozo.)

This Davao-born visual artist frequently stepped upstage during his college years for consistently winning painting competitions. His stuttering childlike speech, incompatible with his towering 6-foot height, sometimes made people laugh. Today, Bienvenido Banez, Jr., towers all the more for achievements uncommon among Filipino artists.

Diagnosed with mild learning disability during childhood, Ben’s focus of attention has always been his art. Rightly so. In 2002, he won first place in the Asian Fellowship Painting Competition of the prestigious Vermont Studio Center, launched from Vermont, USA. Last year, in New York City, where he based himself after his Vermont fellowship, he was the only Filipino among the more than seventy international, surreal visual artists featured in the grandest-ever birth anniversary celebration of John Milton and what is considered as the greatest English poem, his Paradise Lost.

Earlier, in 2004, the president and executive director of Williamsburg Art & Historical Center in Brooklyn, while viewing Ben’s painting, commented to a fashion photographer that Banez is the “greatest living surrealist from the Philippines.” This comment from contemporary Surrealism’s prime mover, Terrance Lindall, himself the organizer of Milton’s biggest birthday bash, may have been trivially said. But today it is substantiated by yet another achievement in Banez’s career: his name, profile, and sample work are recently published in a German edition of “The International Encyclopedia of Fantastic, Surrealist, Symbolist, & Visionary Artists” or Lexikon Surreal for short. Thus, Bienvenido Bones Banez, again the only Filipino in the inventory, now appears along with Surrealism greats such as Salvador Dal&iaccute;, Ernst Fuchs, Keith Wigdor, and Jon Beinart, to name a few, in the same book.

666 Screaming by Ben Banez

In page 35 of Lexikon Surreal, Banez’s work, “666 Screaming,” appears in full color; while in page 44, his profile is printed in German. Translated into English, it reads:

BANEZ JR. BIENVENIDO BONES

(Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines, 1962-  ) Filipino visionary, male, lives and works in the USA. Studied in the Ford Academy of the Arts in Davao City, Island of Mindanao; associate professor in the Philippine Women’s College-Davao. 2002 winner in the Asian Fellowship Painting Competition of the Vermont Studio Center, Vermont, USA., and has lived since in the USA.

If greatness also means winning an international art fellowship, the admiration of a globally-distinguished art organizer, and being genus among a roster of historical figures and international achievers, then, this Mindanaoan artist has at least cut himself a slice of the surreal pie.

Banez’s art is an expression of fundamental belief in Evil having gained dominion over the Earth. Injustice, inequity, conflicts, wars, environmental destruction, human suffering–for him all these are manifestations of Satan’s rule–a perception ancient as the Judaeo-Christian doomsday prophets and feasted upon by the human mind ancient to modern.

What makes Banez a paradox among surrealists is his depiction of hellish conditions not as murky depths, but psychedelic sceneries where spectra of colors enthrall the viewer to a fantastic world only he could conceive. Figures–human, geometric or biomorphic curiosities–lose tactility and become translucent images and luminosities swirling, shimmering, or disintegrating in a world bereft of gravity.

Marvelous colors, resembling those of jewelry and precious stones, at closer look turn out to be cellular infections, acid-chemical concentrates, or spreading volcanic lava, eating up human figures, corrupting techno systems, and contaminating the cosmos–the artist’s vision perhaps of bio-chemical warfare and natural catastrophe combined to destroy the Establishment. Neonlike brushstrokes snake through his canvases–flowing traffic that at certain points entangle on some physical perversion and gets jammed on a plexus of human agony nestled on infernal flame.

Esthetically mesmerizing the colors are in a Banez canvas, the perverted figures and miserable faces of humankind are as morbid and offensive to good taste. Apparently, the artist schemes to capture the viewer with wonder; then, in succeeding moments, pounces on his cognitive faculties with horrors of the wages of sin. This rare Banez visual irony fits well with Surrealism as originally defined by spokesperson Andre Breton: Beauty must be convulsive. In this context, Banez earned his ticket to the theater of the absurd where Hieronymus Bosch and company once sat and dreamed.

It is notable that Banez, despite his psychedelic colors, is not and was never a drug abuser. His recent works indicate he has evolved from common representational surrealism into unique abstract surrealism as his figures and images lose physical and material volume, reduced to their astral constituency–something that only the very rare eye of contemplation could see. It is said only 2% of the world’s total population could see with contemplation’s eye.

His abstraction of surrealism is a direction not commonly trodden by surrealists down history. This is the future that Banez should look forward to, to discover new horizons where he as Man is created not to languish in murky infernal depths, but to fulfill his vivid godly inheritance. It does not set him apart from his fellow Filipinos but pulls them up as artists universal as any other race.

Lexikon Surreal is authored by Gerhard Habarta. Measuring 9 x 6.75 inches, it is printed hardcover, with ribbon. It contains 1,122 artist biographies from 69 countries in 464 pages, with 950 black-and-white and 458 color reproductions.

I got this open letter via one of my mailing lists, and I’m sharing it here now because it deserves to be read by as many Filipinos as possible. Contained in this open letter are brave and insightful thoughts, written anonymously.

To all Filipinos Everywhere:

I used to think that corruption and criminality in the Philippines were caused by poverty. But recent events tell me this isn’t true. It is one thing to see people turn into drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves and murderers because of hunger and poverty, but what excuse do these rich, educated people have that could possibly explain their bizarre behavior? And to think I was always so relieved when petty snatchers got caught and locked away in jail because I never fully realized that the big time thieves were out there, making the laws and running our country. Can it get any worse than this?

Every night, I come home and am compelled to turn on my tv to watch the latest turn of events. I am mesmerized by these characters. They are not men. They are caricatures of men – too unreal to be believable and too bad to be real. To see these “honorable” crooks lambast each other, call each one names, look each other in the eye and accuse the other of committing the very same crimes that they themselves are guilty of, is so comical and appalling that I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. It is entertainment at its worst!

I have never seen so many criminals roaming around unfettered and looking smug until now. These criminals wear suits and barongs, strut around with the confidence of the rich and famous, inspire fear and awe from the very citizens who voted them to power, bear titles like “Honorable”, “Senator”, “Justice”, “General” and worse, “President”. Ironically, these lawless individuals practice law, make our laws, enforce the law. And we wonder why our policemen act the way they do! These are their leaders, and the leaders of this nation – Robin Hoodlum and his band of moneymen. Their motto? “Rob the poor, moderate the greed of the rich.”

It makes me wonder where on earth these people came from, and what kind of upbringing they had to make them act the way they do for all the world to see. It makes me wonder what kind of schools they went to, what kind of teachers they had, what kind of environment would produce such creatures who can lie, cheat and steal from an already indebted country and from the impoverished people they had vowed to serve. It makes me wonder what their children and grandchildren think of them, and if they are breeding a whole new generation of improved Filipino crooks and liars with maybe a tad more style but equally negligible conscience. Heaven forbid!

I am an ordinary citizen and taxpayer. I am blessed to have a job that pays for my needs and those of my family’s, even though 30% of my earnings go to the nation’s coffers. Just like others in my lot, I have complained time and again because our government could not provide enough of the basic services that I expect and deserve. Rutty roads, poor educational system, poor social services, poor health services, poor everything. But I have always thought that was what all third world countries were all about, and my complaints never amounted to anything more.

And then this. Scandalous government deals. Plundering presidents pointing fingers. Senators associated with crooks. Congressmen who accept bribes. Big time lawyers on the side of injustice. De Venecia ratting on his boss only after his interminable term has ended, Enrile inquiring about someone’s morality! The already filthy rich Abalos and Arroyo wanting more money than they or their great grandchildren could ever spend in a lifetime. Joker making a joke of his own “pag bad ka, lagot ka!” slogan. Defensor rendered defenseless. Gen. Razon involved in kidnapping. Security men providing anything but a sense of security. And it’s all about money, money, money that the average Juan de la Cruz could not even imagine in his dreams. Is it any wonder why our few remaining decent and hardworking citizens are leaving to go work in other countries?

And worst of all, we are once again saddled with a power-hungry president whose addiction has her clinging on to it like barnacle on a rusty ship. “Love (of power) is blind” takes a whole new meaning when PGMA time and again turns a blind eye on her husband’s financial deals. And still blinded with all that is happening, she opts to traipse around the world with her cohorts in tow while her country is in shambles.

They say the few stupid ones like me who remain in the Philippines are no longer capable of showing disgust. I don’t agree. Many like me feel anger at the brazenness of men we call our leaders, embarrassment to share the same nationality with them, frustration for our nation and helplessness at my own ineffectuality. It is not that I won’t make a stand. It is just that I am afraid my actions would only be futile. After all, these monsters are capable of anything. They can hurt me and my family. They already have, though I may not yet feel it.

But I am writing this because I need to do something concrete. I need to let others know that ordinary citizens like me do not remain lukewarm to issues that would later affect me and my children. I want to make it known that there are also Filipinos who dream of something better for the Philippines. I want them to know that my country is not filled with scalawags and crooks in every corner, and that there are citizens left who believe in decency, fairness, a right to speak, a right to voice out ideas, a right to tell the people we have trusted to lead us that they have abused their power and that it is time for them to step down. I refuse to let this country go to hell because it is the only country I call mine and it is my responsibility to make sure I have done what I could for it.

Those of us who do not have the wealth, power or position it needs to battle the evil crime lords in the government can summon the power of good. We can pray. We can do this with our families every night. We can offer petitions every time we celebrate mass. We can ask others to pray, too, including relatives and friends here and overseas. And we can offer sacrifices along with our petitions, just so we get the message to Him of our desperation in ridding our nation of these vermin. After all, they cannot be more powerful than God!

I implore mothers out there to raise your children the best way you can. Do not smother, pamper, or lavish them with too much of the material comforts of life even if you can well afford them. Teach them that there are more important things in this world. I beg all fathers to spend time with their children, to teach them the virtues of hard work, honesty, fair play, sharing, dignity and compassion – right from the sandbox till they are old enough to go on their own. Not just in your homes, but at work, in school, everywhere you go. Be good role models. Be shining examples for your children so they will learn to be responsible adults who will carry and pass on your family name with pride and honor.

I call on educators and teachers – we always underestimate the power of your influence on the minds of our youth. Encourage them to be aware of what is happening in their surroundings. Instill in them a love of their country, inculcate in them the value of perseverance in order to gain real, worthwhile knowledge, help us mold our children into honorable men and women. Encourage our graduates, our best and brightest, to do what they can to lift this country from the mire our traditional politicians have sunk us into. The youth is our future – and it would be largely because of you, our educators, that we will be able to repopulate the seats of power with good leaders, presidents, senators, congressmen, justices, lawmakers, law enforcers and lawful citizens.

I ask all students, young people and young professionals everywhere to look around and get involved in what is happening. Do not let your youth be an excuse for failure to concern yourselves with the harsh realities you see. But neither let this make you cynical, because we need your idealism and fresh perspective just as you need the wisdom of your elders. YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU! Let your voices be heard. Do what you can for this land that gave you your ancestors and your heritage. Use technology and all available resources at hand to spread good. Text meaningful messages to awaken social conscience. Try your best to fight moral decay because I promise you will not regret it when you become parents yourselves. You will look back at your past misdeeds and pray that your children will do better than you did.

Remember that there are a few handful who are capable of running this country. You can join their ranks and make their numbers greater. We are tired of the old trapos. We need brave idealistic leaders who will think of the greater good before anything else. Do your utmost to excel in your chosen field. Be good lawyers, civil servants, accountants, computer techs, engineers, doctors, military men so that when you are called to serve in government, you will have credibility and a record that can speak for itself.

For love of this country, for the future of our children, for the many who have sacrificed and died to uphold our rights and ideals, I urge you to do what you can. As ordinary citizens, we can do much more for the Philippines than sit around and let crooks lead us to perdition. We owe ourselves this. And we owe our country even more.