Bohol made a big turn-around

A few years back, 1995 I think, I was one of those people who were given the task and the chance to explain and cascade down to the people who themselves formulated the Vision of the province of Bohol. The Vision states-

Bohol is a prime eco-cultural tourist destination and a strong agro-industrial province with an empowered and self-reliant people who are God-loving, law-abiding, proud of their cultural heritage and committed to the growth and protection of the environment.

It was a turning point of the province of Bohol since the vision became a unifying element among the various sectors of the province, noting the Boholanos' love and desire in the preservation of its unique ecological and cultural environment.

The young governor Rene Relampagos and head of legislation vice-governor Edgar Chatto fought for it and made waves stirring their own kind by introducing a human touch to the not so famous government procedures. Until now, no one can deny the fact that Bohol still is in the limelight because of the introduction of this Vision, Mission, Goals and Strategies to the people.

Bohol made headlines again when it formulated and made into law the Bohol Environment Code. Later, Bohol applied and was the first local government unit in the Philippines accredited to the pesky Environmental Management Standards (ISO 14001).

But right now, as the political leadership changes every elections, the Vision of Bohol is starting to get clouded by selfish motives other than the preservation of Bohol's environment. In fact, I have seen through my own eyes the burning of plastic materials right at the Governor's Mansion, a clear indication that the Bohol provincial government already abandons their ISO 14001 certification.

Sadly, the news of a plan to setup five islets on Panglao (Island) Bay for leisure and recreation as Panglao is noted to be, has been approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (the provincial law-making body) and authorized the governor to sign for a joint-venture with a private developer for this project.

Call this ridiculous but the only place I know who made artificial islands is Dubai and they were a rich country. But my argument is not on the economics of such a crazy idea. My concern is Bohol's, specifically Panglao's environment and the effect of those islets when they are constructed. I am sure, the proponents don't care if hundreds of people will be displaced and their livelihood like fishing will become history. Their arguments will of course lead us to believe that Bohol will become financially rich with those islands.

What has become of the Vision of the province of Bohol? Has it become obsolete? Where are the proponents of the VMGS? What have the concerned organizations done to stop this idea?

My vision might be blurred but I still have the mind to think of the impact this project will give.

Funny that I happened to read present governor of Bohol Erico Aumentado's stirring speech titled The Bohol Environment Code: Anchor of Development Initiatives given during the workshop-forum Policy Review and Reform towards Participatory ENR Governance sponsored by the Ateneo School of Government. In his ending speech Aumentado emphasized-

But in all their aspects, including conflict of interest, political will is the key to the success of any environmental program. This element must underlie and anchor the initiatives to PROTECT, CONSERVE AND HARNESS THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES (emphasis mine) for the well being of the province and our people.

A statement with good intent but no teeth? Well- if Boholanos really are still "proud of their cultural heritage and committed to the growth and protection of the environment," the coming elections in May should elect a standard-bearer who would push for what the people believes and not just someone out for some award-grabbing paper works.

Related articles can be read here-

• BoholAnalysis: The Problem with Representative Democracy
• Stop reclamation plan
• Speech of Gov. Erico Aumentado during the Ateneo-sponsored forum on Policy Review and Reform towards Participatory ENR Governance

Picture grabbed from www.panglaoisland.com, www.flickr.com

More pics at Osmeña Peak

Thanks again Ryan for the pics.

Blogging her way to Libel: Ella's case

I am thankful for all the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech. ~Nancie J. Carmody

It used to be.

But lately the government is trying to go after bloggers who blog about its inefficiency. Take the case of Ella who has now a pending libel case against her because she was telling what she saw in the Department of Social Welfare and Development warehouse- hoarded relief goods.

While hundreds suffered during that terrible Ondoy and Pepeng typhoons that hit mostly the Luzon areas, DSWD was slow to distribute its relief goods from international donors saying they lack volunteers to re-pack the goods.

Blogger Ella was there, with a hidden camera to document what happened in that warehouse.

With everyone pestering the DSWD to distribute those goods, mostly after the published blog, (FYI- various private entities have already distributed theirs way ahead of that government agency that was tasked to give welfare to the people), Ella's blog confirmed how slow government acted on calamities like Ondoy and Pepeng. In fact, our government is more reactive than proactive not just in times of calamities.

And bloggers like Ella are persecuted because of this report. And maybe, just maybe, they will hunt me too.

More can be read here:

• DSWD slams blogger with libel case for posting about 'rotting' relief goods
• Solons defend blogger sued by DSWD for libel
• Do not delay the already delayed Philippine government relief goods (My blog)
• Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo (Ella's original blog)

Update from Mon Tulfo of Inquirer.net on the harassment done by DSWD to Ella: It pays to be honest.

Holy cow!

I was sitting on the right side of the Father contemplating on my woes. Suddenly a woman of age appeared like an angel of misfortune right infront of me, genuflecting, rubbing her neck like that of an x-rated actress full of ecstasy. I was confused. Was she trying to tempt me in this sacred grounds? Did she mistook me for a healing saint?

The woman in my left suppressed a laugh and stared at me like I was the transgressor. I stared back wanting an explanation.

The woman again genuflected and made the sign of the cross and left.

I sighed a relief.

I looked up. Nothing. I looked in my back. There. I was standing infront of the image of Jesus the Divine Mercy. Just as I thought. I was relieved.

A photo op at Cebu's highest peak

Thanks Ryan Racal for the photos taken at Osmeña Peak in Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu.