Duterte Boasts Anti-Corruption Drive: 30 fired so far!

By Genalyn Kabiling, Manila Bulletin

SEOUL — At least 30 government officials have been fired by President Duterte as part of his intensified anti-corruption campaign so far.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the Grand Hilton Convention Center Seoul in South Korea on June 3, 2018. (ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/MANILA BULLETIN)

Addressing the Filipino community in South Korea last Sunday, the President said he has removed officials involved in certain irregularities including excessive foreign travels.

Duterte said he was hurt that many of these sacked officials convinced him to run in the last presidential elections.

“To date, I have fired almost lahat kilala ko and sadly, ito ‘yung mga tao nag-udyok sa akin — nandoon ako sa Davao, pinupuntahan ako, pinepeste ako [To date, I have fired almost everyone I know and sadly, these were the people who convince me to run. I was in Davao then and they went there and pestered me],” Duterte said in his remarks.

“So to date, I have fired about 30,” he said.

“I’m fighting corruption. You know that. Pati sila. Sinabi ko talaga sa kanila na even a whiff [Even them. I told them even a whiff],” he said about his presidential appointees.

Duterte admitted that he has dismissed some government officials for engaging in more than 10 foreign trips.

He said one official traveled 21 times abroad, including trips to China, Canada, and Brazil. He did not identify the person.

“What have you achieved? You’ve wasted money. Lahat ng nag-travel more than 10, tinanggal ko sa gobyerno [I removed in government those who traveled more than 10 times],” he said.

“What made you think that itong pera ng Pilipinas iyo [What made you think the money of the Philippines is yours?]” he added.

Duterte said he has already imposed some travel restrictions for government officials to prevent abuse of public funds. He said they must now get his permission before they could travel abroad.

“Now I have this instruction, walang travel. Before you go — except the, ‘yung gaya ng Foreign Secretary hindi mo na… Others, clear it with me. Gusto kong malaman na paano mo gastusin ‘yung kwarta [Now I have this instructor, no travel. Before you go, except the likes of the Foreign Secretary, others clear it with me. I want to know how you will spend the money],” he said.

Among the former officials recently removed from office are Customs Deputy Commissioner Noel Patrick Prudente, Government Corporate Counsel Rudolf Philip Jurado and Transportation Assistant Secretary Mark Tolentino.

Duterte said Jurado committed a mistake when he issued a legal opinion allowing the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) to issue gambling permits outside its area of jurisdiction. He insisted that APECO had no authority like the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) that issues gambling permits across the country.

“He interpreted the law beyond its normal proportion by farming out — nagbigay rin siya ng lisensya using the mother franchise. Eh para rin siyang PAGCOR [by giving licenses using the mother franchise. You’re just like PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation],” he said.

Apart from the APECO controversy, Duterte slammed Jurado over the proposed 75-year lease contract for a foreign firm in Nayong Pilipino.

“Although it was not in the contract, in its final form, but to suggest na 75 years is totally stupid,” he said.

“Ilang presidente magdaan kung ganun 75 years? Parang ibinigay mo na ‘yung isang kumpanya, isang tao. 25 years, renewable 25 years. But 75 years — talagang… Lumayas kayo dito [How many presidents will pass in 75 years? It’s like you’ve given one company to one person. Twenty years, then renewable for 25 years. But 75 years? You better leave],” he added.

Why Pinoys are happy?

By Johannes L. Chua and Mae Lorraine Rafols Lorenzo, Manila Bulletin

SUNNY DISPOSITION — Filipinos are known for their ability to smile through their troubles, and to find something to laugh about even in trying times. (Kevin Tristan Espiritu)

If there’s one trait that the Filipinos are known for, aside from being hospitable, it’s our ability to be happy and stay positive no matter the circumstances. Whether we’re weathering strong typhoons or simply surviving the horrible Metro traffic – Filipinos still find a reason to smile.

Early this year, the Philippines was named the third happiest country in the world by Gallup International, scoring a “plus 84” which made us third after Colombia and Fiji, the leader.

Aside from the general sentiment, we also ranked fifth in the economic optimism index, which translated to 42 percent of Filipinos believing that 2018 will be a year of economic improvement for their household.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque Jr. in a statement can be remembered welcoming the results of the study, saying “we Filipinos are known as a happy, resilient people. We even manage to smile amid difficulties. It is therefore not surprising that we rank high in the global happiness index.”

Mid this year, the United Nations’ annual World Happiness Report showed that the Philippines ranked 71st among 156 countries included in their studies. The outcome was based on six key variables: Income, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust, and generosity. The report is a major survey of the state of global happiness, which ranks participating countries based on their “happiness levels.”

But what makes Filipinos truly happy? History shows that Pinoys generally attribute their happiness to two reasons: Food and faith.

“Food is very important to Filipinos. It’s ingrained in the Filipino psychology where having food on the table is equated to survival. Which is why it is very important for most households to ensure that their family gets to eat at least three times a day. To enjoy a meal five times a day is like the ultimate happiness, which makes Filipinos feel like they are being given a bonus,” said Dr. Shiela Marie Hocson, Far Eastern University Guidance and Counseling Director.

Hocson, who is also the president of the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association, shared that a satisfied hunger brings out a general positivity among Filipinos which helps them establish a positive connection with the family and the community.

“This is also a big part of the reason why Filipinos are generally happy. We want to connect with our family, with society as a whole because we want to make sure that we have people to lean on to during difficult times. This trait makes us friendlier and open to people around us, which makes us better neighbors compared to other nationalities.”

Power of faith

Filipinos, who are mostly Catholics, can also attribute the general sense of happiness to their faith. In a way, challenges faced can be overcome as long as they have faith, with a higher power watching over one’s well-being, believing that all obstacles are tests of faith and overcoming it will be the ultimate reward.

A major testament of this belief are the various colorful town fiestas celebrated all over the country, where most celebrations happen after a long and difficult ordeal, while the positive results are rewards attributed to God.

For example, in Lucban, Quezon, their colorful town fiesta is a part of their culture and livelihood, connecting it to good fortune and reason for celebration.

“Lucban is famous for its colorful San Isidro Pahiyas (which means ‘to decorate’) Festival, the town’s festive way of giving thanks for a bountiful harvest. Lucban, like the rest of Quezon, is considered an agricultural town, blessed with rich soil thanks to 288 days of rain a year. Farmers would bring their produce in the church so they can be blessed by San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Through the years, the tradition has become so big that it was decided that instead of bringing the harvests in the church, they would just hold a parade for San Isidro and bless the houses of the farmers,” said Fr. Noel Cabungcal, parish priest of San Luis Obispo Church.

The Pahiyas Festival has become so big, and brought in so much joy to the town folks, that they decided to “spread” the happiness by showcasing the colorful event almost 365 days a year.

Though Filipinos are indeed a happy bunch, experts have also pointed out a reason that could dampen the air of positivity.

“Stress is a big factor that can affect the general happiness of Filipinos. Financial issues, in particular, is a major issue that can put a strain in relationships and our positive outlook in life,” said Hocson.

Despite the obstacles, Filipinos seem immune to whatever challenges life throws at them. There will always be a reason to smile, to be happy, and to face life head-on.

Mt. Candalaga "Mars attack" Visit Davao Summer Fest

A SUCCESS!

Four days of different activities. Three festive nights. Two different trails. One summit to conquer.

“The experience was great. We got what we expected. We got what we came for,” said Melfrance of Mindanao Outdoor Enthusiast.

Indeed, an event worth remembering as 332 adventure-seekers across the country gathered during the 39^th  Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc. National Annual Congress Climb on May 24-27, 2018 at Aguakan Cold Spring Resort, Maragusan, Compostela Valley.

Dubbed as Mars Attack!, the event is part of Davao Region's 2018 Visit Davao Summer Festival (VDSF), with the theme, "LongFest and WideFest."

The goal is to climb the Mt. Candalaga Peak at 2,100 meters above sea level. It is without a doubt, a challenge that would surely test the hikers’ physical and mental stamina.

On May 24, the participants were welcomed during the Mayor’s night, sponsored by the Local Government Unit of Maragusan.

In the early morning of May 25, the cold weather did not extinguish the excitement that filled the air as the climbers get ready for their most awaited adventure. A total of 150 participants have joined the trek; 75 of which are going into the summit via hardcore trail while the remaining 75 are via beginners trail.

The hardcore trail features 15 waterfalls upstream; Maranging falls as their jump-off point. Since their location is farther than that of the beginners, the group spent the night at Camp 1 and continued their way the day after.

Only 22 individuals had successfully reached the summit. Joseph Ian Bancale, Charlie and Mark Lawrence Gallarde of Damul Mountaineers were the first three climbers to arrive.

On the other hand, the jump off point for beginners is at the Tagbibinta falls wherein they have to experience an all assault trek going to camp 2. They are given only a day to reach the summit and go back to the host resort.

Though the trail was intended for beginners, some climbers doubt it, “sure sila beginners ni? Hasta mang lisuda.”

Sixty four years old Federico Reyes, Jr., the oldest participant of the National climb, is a participant from Earth Island Outdoor of General Santos City.

“Sus! May lang gani wa ko nag hardcore. Lisod naman gani diri sa beginners unsa nalang didto sa hardcore?” said Tatay Federico, as he stopped to catch his breath. As soon as he regained little of his energy, he started to make his way up again.  Unfortunately, even before reaching Camp 2, Tatay Federico decided to raise the white flag.

Nevertheless, he was still happy and thankful for the experience.

“Nalipay ko nga nakaapil ko from Gensan team. And we hope that more mountaineers will come next year for this kind of activity. This is really a good thing to refresh,” he ended.

The top 4 climbers for beginners category were all members of One Two Trekkers; Henry Seron, Eric Angeles, Miller Cascaro and Quirico Cajegas.

As all the climbers have gone down from the peak on May 26, they enjoyed another night of booze party, chill out with new friends, and be inspired with music. This time sponsored by the Provincial Government of ComVal.

On the last day, a tree planting activity was held as a way of preserving nature. (Sheldane Mahinay // ID Comval)

Celebrating 10 Years of German-Philippine Climate Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

German Ambassador Dr. Gordon Kricke on 30 May welcomed numerous “friends of IKI” at his residence to celebrate Philippines-German cooperation in the fight against climate change and for the conservation of biodiversity. With numerous participants from government agencies, NGOs and German experts, the cheerful “IKI birthday party” brought together partners engaged in climate action with very diverse backgrounds – but all of them united through their involvement in Philippine-German joint efforts.

The International Climate Initiative (IKI) is a program of the German government established in 2008 with the Philippines as one of IKI’s focus countries in Southeast Asia. Since then the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) has supported projects in the Philippines with over 62 Million Euros. And Germany is even stepping up its climate engagement with the Philippines: the BMU has just dedicated additional funds of up to 35 million Euros for new activities – all chosen following the Philippine government’s declared focus.

To open the event, Ambassador Kricke highlighted important achievements of IKI in the Philippines throughout the last ten years, citing for example improved management of and livelihood in 160 out of 240 protected areas, successful protection of coastal environments and wildlife, or ambitious climate activities like the development of the Philippines national REDD+ strategy. For the Philippine government, Prof. Ernesto Pernia, Secretary for Socio-Economic Affairs and Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) confirmed the Philippine government’s appreciation for the German support through IKI. For GIZ, the main – but not exclusive – implementing agency of IKI activities, its Philippines Country Director Irina Scheffmann illustrated the width and depth of the Philippine-German climate partnership.

The first ten years of IKI collaboration have brought intensive cooperation – to be continued in the years to come!

For more information about the International Climate Initiative (IKI), visit: https://www.international-climate-initiative.com/…/about-t…/

Photo: from left: Dr. Bjorn Surborg, Principal Adviser and Cluster Coordinator for Climate Change, GIZ Philippines, Dr. Klaus Schmitt, Principal Adviser for Forest and Climate Protection Panay Phase II, GIZ Philippines, Mrs. Irina Scheffmann, Country Director, GIZ Philippines, Prof. Ernesto Pernia, Secretary for Socio-Economic Affairs and Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authoririty (NEDA), German Ambassador Dr. Gordon Kricke and Dr. Roland Schissau, Deputy Chief of Mission, German Embassy Manila