NaSi: A Kapampangan Perspective of the Changing World

You are invited!

Join us in the momentous NaSi Kapampangan visual arts exhibit on November 24-30 at the San Francisco de Javier Building, Holy Angel University, Angeles City. For inquiries, please call Minerva Zamora-Arceo at 0917-510-4998, 888-4363 or email us.

Project Title and Description

NaSi, an abbreviation for National Situation and a Kapampangan word for rice, is a social realism visual arts exhibit that aims to express the ideas, sentiments, aspirations and visions of the Kapampangan people in relation to the global and domestic economic crisis.

Rationale

Being known as resilient and gifted people, the Kapampangans always take the lead in nation-building through advocacy and social action. Art, being an effective medium of expression, will be used to ignite the imagination, interest and participation of various sectors in addressing the current economic crisis in the country.

The exhibit is likewise part of our joint commitment to promote the Kapampangan culture and arts as an effective medium for social and economic change.

Program and Concept

NaSi, the first-ever collaborative work of major Kapampangan visual arts groups, private sector groups and the Holy Angel University will showcase some 100 artworks including paintings, art installations, sculptures, digital media art, photography and film.

The exhibit will run for seven (7) days and will be participated in by some 50 Kapampangan artists. There will be daily short programs from 4 to 7 p.m. and small cocktails for invited guests.

The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Pamcham) and ADCL will invite specific private sector groups for chosen dates during the duration of the exhibit (i.e. CILA-Nov.25, Fil-Chi Angeles-Nov. 26, etc.).

As our commitment to help the Kapampangan artists as well, all artworks in the exhibit will be for sale. Only the artists will benefit from the sales of their respective artworks.

The major organizers will solicit sponsorships to cover all the expenses for the exhibit except for the venue, which was offered by the Holy Angel University for free in support of the project.

The organizers will also publish a special magazine for the exhibit. All major sponsors and invited guests will be given copies of the magazine as their souvenir. The arts exhibit will be advertised and plugged in leading television and radio stations in Central Luzon, local newspapers and selected national dailies.

'Tapestries' at the Aftershack

‘Tapestries’ at the After Shack
By Mini Zamora-Arceo
October 6, 2008

A night of arts for the soul. A night of sumptuous Kapampangan cuisine for the body. And a night of music for the heart. A night of tapestries of people and life.

Last Saturday’s (October 4) opening of the After Shack Gallery and Artists’ Venue is a one of a kind experience for all Kapampangans who seek time and space to express their feelings, sentiments, desires, aspirations and anything that pleases the senses.

The gallery was full of energy. The soft yellow lights gently cast life to some 30 paintings, photographs and sculptures inside the gallery. Most of them are works of the seasoned and revered Pampanga Arts Guild clan. Few are works of equally skilled artists like Conderlos Lingat, Boy Arceo, and Don Reich De Dios of the Kalinangan Telabastagan, Stephanie Zamora, Badet Totuico and Bruno Tiotuico.

PAG Past President Norman Tiotuico’s protruding faces molded in plaster of Paris relay stories of street children longing for love and compassion. His award-winning sculpture titled “Equilibrium” speaks of the humanity’s sense of balance. Made from wood, fiber glass, brass and clear cast resin, the 60x72x24-inch sculpture exudes the life of men struggling to create stability amidst the intricacies of this material world.

The seasoned sculptor Edille Paras, who recently created the life-size bronze-finish statue of the late Cardinal Rufino Santos, showcased his skill in perfecting replicas of drapery using mixed media. The precision and details of his works exhibit his mastery of the visual arts, making a common weave design a pleasant artwork for the eyes which likewise creates an illusion that tests the mind.

Acrylic and fabric in color. That is Jerry Bautista. Another vanguard of PAG and a living advocate of Kapampangan culture and arts. A master of abstract art, his works communicates to the senses using visual language. The colorful lines and colors provide balance opposite the furrowed fabric. A visual statement that portrays the tapestries of life itself. The irony of bliss in a world inundated by hatred, poverty and despair.

Contrary to the typical picture of sunrise, Reynaldo “Jun Bap” Cruz gave life to “Munag Sumala,” the Kapampangan epic goddess and eldest daughter of Aldo, also known as Aring Sinukuan. His mastery of the use of resin creating strands of lace meandering and creating a visual illusion completing the magical sunrise.

The revered elders of PAG, Rafael Maniago and Ronnie Tayag exhibited their prowess in the use of oil and acrylic. More of an impressionist, Maniago created a replica of the Kalinga houses built inside the Nayong Pilipino Expo Clark. Capturing the perceived light at the time he was painting the image of the houses, Maniago gave justice to the grandeur of these indigenous people’s cultural icon. Tayag’s “Talangka” on acrylic is simply a masterpiece coming from a homegrown artist, nurtured and bred as a pure-blooded Kapampangan. Also coming from the talented and patriotic Tayag clan, known for their love and dedication to Kapampangan culture and arts, Ronnie Tayag likewise made his name as an excellent creator of mixed media art.

Long Melo’s “Satellite Love” in pencil and crayons on canvass poses a bold message to those who believe in the mystical unknown. Like the intangibilities of art, Melo’s creations transcend the boundaries of the unit mind and the physical world. He is one of the few visual artists who have distinctive art that speaks aloud to their audience’s psyche. When you see one of his works, you immediately know that it’s Melo’s.

Paks Pineda’s “blue” paintings are surreal. Not that they are literally blue but the aura is more striking than real. Like Melo, Pineda’s works are so distinctive. His paintings are pictures of deep emotions that continuously perpetuates through time. Created in acrylic, Pineda gives a different meaning to “blue.” Not despair and loneliness but another life. Another air, another world beyond.

“Circus” and “Reng Kakayung Karapatan” by Paul Del Mundo are expressive, daring and screaming images in pen and ink. For others, Del Mundo’s drawings might be seen as murky and sad. As for me, they are excellent visual statements that readily call for radical change. Their simplicity is their most powerful feature.

Lorina Tayag-Capitulo’s untitled series in mixed media are another face of abstract art. Her works perfectly represent the philosophy of abstraction, the presentation of fundamental changes in the society. A colorful message depicting the intellectual and social unrest felt by either an individual or a group.

Scrap metal put together to give life to another subject. A genius artwork using mixed media. Another PAG oldie, Robert Odejar showcased a totally different style from his usual caricatures, watercolor and acrylic paintings.

John Pangilinan’s bronze-finish rubber foam picture of a lady is a breakaway from the traditional. Pangilinan gave a different texture to portraiture. The bronze-finish likewise gave his creation a classy projection despite the subject’s plainness.

Borg Meneses is a master of digital art. Meneses’ perfection of perspective and colors gives seamless attribute to his subjects. His photographs’ excellent perspective provides depth to his subjects and gives another life to a supposedly flat image. His subjects’ statements are another thing to consider. Pictures of people from Apo market, the common folk living the ordinary life yet immortalized in a perfect image of reddish skies and vanishing light.

The mixed media works of Lingat, de Dios and Arceo are similarly impressive. The found objects and indigenous material such as bones, wires, rope and bamboo illustrate the artists’ exceptional imagination. As for Badet’s and Stephanie’s collography works are likewise impressive. Still life suspended in eternal image. Relics of earth materials captured in an artwork are something to behold.

And Bruno, the youngest artist amongst the exhibitors is a promising photography genius. His frame of the children of Quezon province was the only piece sold last Saturday. A beautiful image of children clad in their colorful household clothes posing side-by-side under a collapsing nipa shack.

As I have said earlier, the opening of the gallery was a delight especially to the guests. Kapampangan culture and arts advocates like Renato Tayag, Rene Romero, Myrna Bituin, Tess Guanzon, Agnes Romero, Willie Villarama, Angeles Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, Dir. Ronnie Tiotuico of the DOT Region 3, Cris Cadiang, Averell Laquindanum and more were simply happy to be with the artists. Their support and that of the media people is greatly appreciated.

The legendary son of Mabalacat, Ysagani “Yatu” Ybarra led the musicians in a night of singing and serenading. His soulful song “Yuhya” tells a story of one’s pleasure and longing of the rich Kapampangan language and culture. The Kapampangan youth likewise intensified the energy by singing original Kapampangan songs. The Five Against the Wall, T.H.E.M., Mental Floss and Ram Nulud rocked the night.

But the most pleasing of all is the sumptuous food provided by Cioccolo Restaurant, owned by the Ruperto Cruz and Family. Pasta in red sauce with crunchy olives and wheat bread, fresh sashimi, tasty apple and potato salad with bits of meatballs, dumplings and barbeque.

Cioccolo is one of the most patronized restaurants in Pampanga today. It is located at the Grand Palazzo Royale grounds in Cutcut, Angeles City. Managed by Chef Froilan Cruz, it is the best stop for pasta and salad lovers craving for a touch of fused European and Kapampangan cuisine.

The magical night of After Shack is however dedicated to the Alaya Movement. The believers of Alaya and vanguards of the message of Atin Cu Pung Singsing. The organizers and movers of After Shack. For all the children of Alaya – Mang Dan, Norman, Badet, Jerry and all PAG members, Mike, yaku, Rey, Andy, Jon, Dani, Ram, Marlon, Bruno, Den, Ave, Tita Ces, Yatu and the rest – a toast to us! (end)

Vibrant Pampanga

By Minerva Zamora-Arceo

Column Title: Let’s Talk About It

Article Title: Vibrant Pampanga

September 8, 2008

At no other point in time since I settled in Pampanga in the late 90’s that the province is as lively and as vibrant as it is today.

Inside the government buildings, malls, coffee shops, public markets, private offices, conventions, sari-sari stores and almost in every household, Kapampangans talk of their government, socio-political conditions and even culture and arts.

With the ongoing recall move against Gov. Among Ed Panlilio and the numerous events all over the province, Pampanga’s energy transcends geographical boundaries. At present, the true essence of democracy lives in the province. The different views on the current political turmoil whether this may be reform, resign or recall Among Ed, are an indication of the Kapampangan’s maturity as nation.

I say nation because as people, we are bonded not only by our physical location but of our shared identity and aspirations. Even Kapampangans abroad are actively participating in intellectual and political debates online. Two of the leading Kapampangan forums are now making waves in the net. These are the www.groups.yahoo.com/group/ALAYA and the www.groups.yahoo.com/group/AMANUNG SISUAN. Try visiting the sites and you will be surprised on how far Kapampangans have “conquered” the new electronic medium.

The ambience is too intense that many issues were passionately argued either in person or on-line. I look at this as a healthy exercise in enhancing our competence as individuals and enriching our culture as nation.

One interesting topic though is the “debate” on the definition of Kapampangan Art. Some of our Kabalens believe that an artwork becomes “Kapampangan” when it is created by a Kapampangan or when a “Kapampangan” material or subject is used as a medium like lahar. Others, however, oppose this concept believing that it doesn’t resolve paradoxical situations like for example, a Kapampangan creating “rice gods” of Benguet using materials from Baguio City. Does it follow then that what this artist created can already be considered as “Kapampangan Art” just because he is a native Kapampangan? Or take another example, a non-Kapampangan using lahar for his subject rice gods, which are identified with the Ibaloys and Kankanaeuys. Would you call his creation “Kapampangan Art”?

These are only few of the problematic issues that must be addressed properly in order to come with a concrete and accepted definition of Kapampangan Art.

But an interesting philosophy of the movement of Alaya made me realize a different meaning to Kapampangan Art. Our “Art” by the way should not be limited to visual arts. The Kapampangan Art is everywhere, visible and existent anytime in our midst.

Our language for example is part of our artistic superiority as nation. We Kapampangans talk in metaphors and symbolisms in our everyday life. Far from our ethnic group counterparts all over the country, it is possible that we are the only people who might be using metaphors in our daily conversations. Take for example the words “Salangi ko pu!” which does not simply mean “go inside” or “come inside” instead, from the root word “sala” means light, we mean “Please come in and give light (to my home/abode).” This is a metaphor for how can a human being give light in its literal sense? Adapin, nanu ka wari bombilya? But of course, we actually mean “give light and warmth (to my home/abode).”

And why do we say “manese na ka” in ordering someone to cook rice? The word manese means “to nurture.” Kapampangans don’t usually say “maglutu kang nasi” or “cook rice” instead we say “manese na ka.” Realize how profound our language is. We see rice as a basic food to nurture our family. 

But going back to the examples given in visual arts, how can we say that an artwork is indeed a Kapampangan Art?

I believe that in order to define Kapampangan Art, it is necessary to analyze how Kapampangans think. And this can be seen in our basulto, an ancient form of Kapampangan song that is metered in eight lines with six syllables per line which appears to be meaningless but pose an enigma to enrich a person’s intuition.

Our ancestors talk in riddles. They speak in metaphors. This show how rich our culture is. And so, most of the works of our visual artists, particularly the Pampanga Arts Guild (PAG), can also be seen in this consciousness. In most of their exhibits under the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) projects, known Kapampangan sculptor Edille Paras said their works were identified from the others because of their distinctive use of mixed media. But most of their subjects have underlying meanings that are inspired by the Alaya or “that which is not there,” the empty space inside the ring. (By the way, I will write another column for the Alaya movement to give further background on this Kapampangan philosophy.) 

And the underlying meanings seem to be “not there” but they are “there.” This makes their works enigmatic. And for me, enigmatic would best define our “Art” for it is reflective in our everyday life…in our language, in our culture, from the old days up to now. (30)

Addressing the Issue on Energy

Column Title: Let's Talk About It
By Minerva Zamora-Arceo
Punto, August 28, 2008

Although the prices of petroleum products slightly dropped this month, economists look at the trend in an upward slope. The prices of petroleum products are indicators of larger issues on energy. The Philippine government is currently conducting consultation from the regions on its energy situation as part of the 20-year comprehensive plan being prepared by the Department of Energy and NEDA.


Last August 21, the consultation for Central Luzon was held at the Holiday Inn Clark inside the Clark Freeport Zone. At least 200 participants from various sectors all over the region joined the consultation process. The Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) was invited being an active partner of NEDA Reg. 3 in several advocacies for economic and infrastructure development.

The demand on energy worldwide continuously grows while the resources are gradually depleting. This is the most problematic fact that is being addressed by several nations. Energy is required for economic growth. It is a very crucial instrument for poverty reduction, social equity and economic development.

As it stands today, Director Zenaida Y. Monsada of the Oil Industry Management Bureau said that oil pricing in the country is affected by the trends in supply and demand in the world market. Out of the total world oil demand of 86.8 million barrels per day, United States uses 20.43 million barrels while China requires 8 million barrels. Our country uses a measly .28 million barrels. The current available supply is pegged at 87.28 million barrels per day from OPEC and non-OPEC countries supplying oil.

The same as many countries dependent on imported crude and other oil products, the Philippines is at the mercy of the global trends. The higher the demand in the global market, the faster the prices increase because of limited supply.

The depleting oil reserves are an important factor for the limited supply. However, another factor that contributes to the limited supply of oil is the decreased capacity of some countries to produce oil products due to shut down of oil refineries. In the Philippines, the 50-year old Caltex oil refinery stopped operations in the 90s, thus affecting the prices of oil products in the country. Before, we have the capacity to refine our own but today we completely import petroleum products.

Oil refineries mostly shut down due to environmental policies like the Clean Air Act and others. Other factors include geopolitical tensions in oil producing countries like Iraq, Nigeria, Venezuela, Iran and others. There is also the issue of climate change and the weakening dollar vs. the Euro.
Given these reasons for the limited oil supply, the national government is now exploring alternative fuels like biodiesel and bioethanol. Since May 2007, all oil distributors were mandated to implement the 1 percent biodiesel blend under the Biofuels Act of 2006. By 2009, the same will be mandated to mix 5 percent ethanol.

The renewable energy resources are also being explored to address the growing demand on energy in the country. This includes hydropower, geothermal, wind, biomass, solar and ocean energy. Sen. Ed Angara is one of the staunch advocates of renewable energy. He is now bullish on the establishment of wind power mills in Aurora to take advantage of the province’s location at the foot of the Pacific Ocean.

Based on the study of DOE, our country has huge potentials in exploring the development of geothermal, gas and coal resources. There are 13 coal zones in the country and four of these are in Luzon. According to the DOE, our country’s potential coal reserve is pegged at 746 million metric tons.

Aside from the development of renewable energy resources and geothermal, gas and coal resources, the national government is also campaigning for the enhancement of energy efficiency and conservation to address the growing problem on energy.

Part of this campaign is the implementation of the National Efficiency and Conservation Program (NEECP), Palit-Ilaw program and the expansion of coverage of the energy labeling in the Philippines. The government is also pushing for the promulgation of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards to phase out the least efficient lamps in the market by 2009 and the Energy Conservation Bill.

There is also a move to look at Nuclear Power as a long-term energy option. But the DOE is preparing first to strengthen local expertise in nuclear energy before the Bataan power plant be even considered to operate.

And while several possible solutions are being explored to ensure stable and quality supply of energy in the country, the immediate concern that must be addressed by the Arroyo government is to make oil prices reasonable and affordable at the moment. Bureaucratic interventions and sound policies on oil pricing can be imposed if only to stop the oil cartel from dictating high prices. The Oil Deregulation Law must also be repealed and the government must revive its power to regulate oil prices. (30)

Federalism: Part II

There is no doubt that Central Luzon will give the Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao a strong competition should Sen. Aquilino Pimentel’s proposed resolution for a federal form of government be realized.

Central Luzon’s biggest advantage among all other proposed federal states is its strategic location and its potential to become a mega-logistics hub in Asia. For sometime now since former Clark Development Corp. (CDC) president Rufo Colayco started the concept of linking Subic and Clark and eventually Dingalan Seaport in Aurora, many private sector groups have supported the national government’s vision for Central Luzon.

Now with the idea of making this region a totally independent and autonomous state, many private sector leaders become more excited, even counting numerous possibilities for Central Luzon’s imminent transformation into an economic tiger in Southeast Asia. We could be the net Singapore is we play our cards right.

As soon as the Tarlac-La Union Expressway be constructed, the private sector groups are eying for the construction of the Tarlac-Nueva Ecija-Aurora Expressway. This expressway would link Dingalan, Casiguran and Baler seaport to Luista, Clark and Subic and the mega-logistics hub will be completed. Advocates for development like the Pampanga Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Clark Investors and Locators Association and the Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) believe that Central Luzon is more than ready to face the challenge of Pimentel.

Central Luzon will reap all the benefits if it will be declared as an autonomous state. ADCL chairman Rene Romero has long been saying that with the completion of the expressways linking Central Luzon’s east (Pacific via Aurora) and west (South China Sea via Subic and Masinloc) coasts, we would be able to compete with Hongkong and Singapore as the new mega logistics hub for industries moving cargo from US and Australia to Asia.

If run by an autonomous state, the two largest ecozones in Clark and Subic will also reap huge income and investments for Central Luzon. At present, both ecozones have the largest investors in the country including Texas Instrument, Fedex, AOL, Hanjin and others. On top of their production, we also have the Luisita Industrial Park, Hermosa Economic Zone, Masinloc Industrial Zone, Mabalacat Industrial Zone, all of these will contribute to the federal state economic performance.

Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art government center in Bulacan will soon be completed since it is listed in the priority projects of the Regional Development Council (RDC) for the years 2008-2010. Bulacan could be the seat of the Federal State of Central Luzon where the offices of the state administrative agencies would be located. Clark or Pampanga could be the financial center while Nueva Ecija could retain its role as the research, science and development seat of the federal state. We have existing facilities and institutions like the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and the Science City of Munoz.

Central Luzon is also a host to the best minds, technocrats and tycoons in the country. We have the likes of Danding Cojuangco, Sen. Edgardo Angara, Jose “Ping” de Jesus, Josie Dela Cruz, Tong Payumo, Victor Jose “Chichos” Luciano, Presidential Assistant Rellie Fajardo, Mayor Oscar Rodriguez and more.

In the near future, Central Luzon would become a Center of Excellence for human resource development. Sen. Angara recently took the suggestion of ADCL to establish a 1,000 hectare center for academic institutions. The idea is to build a center that will house the best schools that would provide top courses for Central Luzon’s demand in various industries like aviation, information technology, engineering, arts, architecture, agriculture and others. We could invite the University of the Philippines, Ateneo, Philippine Aeronautical College, and other universities abroad to lease part of the 1,000-hectare center for the establishment of their own facilities. The region needs to develop more skilled and intellectual workers to sustain the demand of growing industries and investments in the area.

Central Luzon has also a huge potential in tourism. It has natural landscapes to offer in Aurora and Zambales. It also has the best urban havens in Olongapo, Angeles City and Subic. Tarlac, on the other hand, offers the religious pilgrimage sites while Bulacan and Bataan are famous for their historical landmarks.

And the most important advantage that Central Luzon has is its stability for food security. Being the rice granary of the country, Region 3 controls the volume of rice production and has enough lands for agriculture. Aurora, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac could maintain the balance to the growing industries in Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan and Bulacan. Our region has the potential to become an agri-product exporting federal state. We have agricultural geniuses in our midst. A company inside Clark is already exporting freezed mangoes to US and Europe while Rene Tayag of Angeles is already exporting Tilapia fillet abroad. Our best agricultural products including processed meats and marine products reach the four corners of the world.

So whose afraid of federalism? Definitely not us. Central Luzon is a region everyone around the country should carefully consider. If Pimeltel’s idea be realized, we would surely give others a tough competition. But more, our people will truly reap the fruits of our region’s blessings. It would mean more jobs, comfortable living and better future for our children. (30)

Federalism (Part 1)

By Mini Zamora-Arceo
Column Title: Let's Talk ABout it
Punto, May 2, 2008

Former House Speaker Jose De Venecia has long been making cries on the proposed Charter Change with the idea of changing our Congress into a unicameral body. His battlecry was however muffled by oppositions from left to right, including one from the Senate.

But the former Speaker might be relieved by now after Senate Majority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. opened anew talks on Cha-cha. With Pimentel’s convincing prowess, 16 Senators are now supporting proposed Resolution No. 10 seeking the amendment of the Constitution to adopt a federal form of government.

Pimentel said 16 is more than the three-fourths vote (13) needed to approve a resolution for the holding of a Constituent Assembly (Con Ass) to amend the 1986 Constitution. The senator is pushing for a federal form of government with 11 autonomous federal states as centers of finance and development, decentralizing Manila’s economic power. The President and Vice President positions would be retained and elected at large among all 11 federal states. Pimentel also proposes that the federal states would elect six senators each while overseas Filipino workers would be allowed to elect nine.

The proposed 11 federal states are the State of Northern Luzon, State of Central Luzon, State of Southern Tagalog, State of Bicol, State of Minporom (Mindoro, Palawan and Romblon), State of Eastern Visayas, State of Central Visayas, State of Western Visayas, State of Northern Mindanao, State of Southern Mindanao and the State of BangsaMoro.
Metro Manila will remain intact and would be named as the Federal Administrative Region.

Should this resolution be passed in time, we will see drastic changes in our political and socio-economic systems. Others may not agree to further divide this small country into smaller governments but we must admit that we have diverse and distinctive sub-cultures that could never be reconciled. It is not a secret that when Filipinos settle abroad, they bond themselves based on their ethnicity or native language. This is why you have the association of Visayans, Bicolanos, Ilocanos, Kapampangans, Cebuanos, etc. in the United States. And worse, among these groups, you would even find smaller clusters. Funny but true.

Now, going back to the proposed federal form of government, I see several good points that would eventually propel this country into economic stability. First, the federal states will have no choice but to work on their own and develop strategies how to feed their own people, generate jobs and livelihood for them, and how to become more competitive in terms of finance and investments. The law of economics state that competition is good. It brings out the best among people. It makes products more affordable. It provides a wider choice for clients and in this case, our country will open more choices to foreign investors.

Also, stronger states will provide a model to their neighbors while the poorer states, knowing that they need to become self-reliant, will engineer ways how to improve their performance. At the end, the best minds will bring home the bacon.

Sen. Ping Lacson has yet to support Pimentel’s resolution because his questions have yet to be answered in a formal debate during the plenary session. Lacson is asking who will shoulder the P3.7 trillion debt of the national government and more, he wants to know what would be the plan for the poorer states.

Lacson’s concerns are valid but we could definitely find ways how to address these questions in the future. For now it is important for every Filipino to look where Pimentel is envisioning this country. Although we cannot reject the idea that the senators are pushing for federalism to save their own skins knowing that with a presidential-unicameral form of government as De Venecia earlier proposed, the Senate will be dissolved and they will have equal powers with the House members under a unicameral body.

But with the federal-unicameral set-up, the senators will have the chance to run as heads of the 11 federal states or be elected as State senators if they prefer.

However, both the public and private sector leaders of our country should look at this resolution as an opportunity to truly bring progress and development to our people. It is not bad to be “regionalistic” when the times call for it. The Visayans have already done it. Take Cebu’s example. They promote Cebu as an island in the Pacific, not in the Philippines.

So why not Central Luzon take Cebu’s lead? We have all the opportunities to overtake Metro Manila in the next 10 years. We have the mega-infrastructures such as the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), the most sophisticated and longest expressway in the country. We have the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), the next premier airport of the Philippines, while there are other airports in Subic, Baler, and Palayan. Central Luzon also has seaports in Dingalan, Casiguran, Bataan, Masinloc and Subic. And we are blessed for we have two of the largest ecozones in the country, Clark Special Economic Zone and Subic Bay Freeport Zone with other industrial areas like Luisita, Hermosa, Masinloc, and Mabalacat. It is just up to us how we could maximize the potentials of our region to become the next economic tiger in Southeast Asia. (30)

Save the Pampanga mangroves!

This photo was taken at the Pampanga Bay in Macabebe, Pampanga. Only a few hectares of mangroves were left due to intentional killing of fishpond owners. Please join our campaign for the protection and reforestation of mangroves. For inquiries, please call ADCL office at (045)-8884363 and look for Ms. Rona Menos or Mini Arceo.

Global Pinoy

Punto! Central Luzon
Mini Zamora-Arceo
Column Title: Let’s Talk About It
Article Title: Global Pinoy

Read: There are some one million Filipinos working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alone. This is according to a local Saudi writer named Abdullah Al-Maghlooth. I received an e-mail of an article he wrote titled, “Imagine a World Without Filipinos” and I was very enlightened. According to him, in 2006 alone, the Kingdom recruited some 223,000 workers from the Philippines while we comprise about 20 percent of the total sailors around the world. He said there are about 1.2 million sailors working in various places.

Al-Maghlooth said that it is hard to imagine a world without the efficient, reliable and hardworking Filipino workers. He attributed the Filipinos’ “uniqueness” as global workers to our ability to speak the English language fluently and the technical trainings incorporated in our education system. Honestly, this is the first time I read praises for our educational system, much more coming from a foreigner.

The writer’s article is focused on the role of Filipinos as workers enabling the success of the day-to-day business of other nations. So he is putting much weight on the thought that if Filipinos suddenly and simultaneously stopped working around the world, there will be great disaster.

And I was really touched to read the lines of the writer encouraging all people around the globe to thank the Filipinos because they take part in building and influencing the world economy. And saying that “they” are dependent on us, he asked his readers to “pay respect” to Filipinos and “learn” from our experiences.

I want to believe that the article supposedly published in Saudi Arabia is real. It makes me proud of what we contribute to the world. Seeing our nation’s strength and meaning in the eyes of a foreigner is a consolation to our misery as a democratic state.

But taking the writer’s point of view, it is indeed liberating to think that all over the world, industries, schools, hospitals, clinics, studios, entertainment and amusement parks, casinos, hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, and even in government offices like The White House, there are Filipino workers.

The global Pinoy virtually controlling the world economy. He may not be the powerful voice that dictates the rules, but the global Pinoy is the muscle that moves the world economy. He is part of the means of production. He has the power to create a paradigm that would eventually change global economy.

But this possibility of the global Pinoy creating a paradigm shift in the global community also makes me think of all the reasons why we fail to boost our own economy. Filipinos excel abroad. Most of our skilled, trained, educated and middle class workers take chances in working for other countries rather than stay here and starve.

Our greatness is actually our failure. The continuous brain drain and human resource export is gradually crippling our own economy. Come to think of it. More and more of our college graduates and degree holders work overseas. More and more scientists sell their ideas to other countries. More and more doctors are treating the sick in other territories leaving our country short of specialists, making our people sicker than before.

The national government should seriously look at this problem instead of promoting brain drain and human resource export. Instead of getting contracts requiring export of our skilled workers, the Arroyo administration should concentrate in truly addressing the needs of our local economy. The national government should focus on pushing for entrepreneurship, agribusiness opportunities and invite more investors to locate in the country.

Better jobs means better pay. This would encourage our educated and skilled citizens to stay in the country and be productive in our own grounds. Better strategies and political drive for more investments will entice our people to stay here and influence our own economy. It is good to pay tribute to the global Pinoy but I dream of the day when the world looks up to us because of our country’s strength as a productive and progressive nation with strong local economy influencing global trends. (30)

Palengkenomics

Punto! Central Luzon
Mini Zamora-Arceo
Column Title: Let’s Talk About It
Article Title: Palengkenomics
Date Published: Thursday, June 19, 2008

As soon as the giant malls start padding their charges on rentals and other services due to the increasing price of oil and energy generation, consumers will eventually feel the effect in every small product they buy. And for those who temporarily disregarded the wet markets in exchange of the fully air-conditioned super- or hyper-marts, they will soon return to the old public markets to look for cheaper meat, fruits, vegetables, rice and other food commodities.

With the rate of increase on oil prices nowadays, economists are projecting that all commodities will shoot up to 50 or even 100 percent. Recent reports said oil price in international market will soon reach $200 per barrel. When the price of oil was only $100 per barrel, the price of rice was only P32 per kilo while the price of pork was only P120 per kilo. At present, the price of rice has temporarily stabilized at P38 to P45 per kilo while the price of pork is already pegged at P170 to P180 per kilo. And I am talking of the wet market prices. At the giant malls, you might be paying a few more pesos for each commodity. Imagine what will happen if oil price escalates to $200 per barrel? Would you care to buy a kilo of pork worth P250?

This is alarming, yes. And even more inevitable. This is why several private sector groups are now encouraging the local governments to refocus on strengthening the public markets to help the public cope with the unabated increase on prices of all commodities.

One of the board of trustees of the Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL), Philip Camara of Iba, Zambales, came up with a brilliant idea to campaign for the Palengkenomics program. Camara is also the president of the Zambales Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a private sector representative for tourism at the Regional Development Council (RDC).

The Palengkenomics program aims to strengthen the public markets and develop them as centers of economic activities that would eventually dissolve cartels and empower the local traders by increasing their productivity and profitability.

According to Camara, the poor and neglected condition of our public markets creates disorganized commodity markets that enable cartels to gain control of the local economy, to the detriment of both the producers and the consumers. This, he said, can be reversed by “conditionally” privatizing public markets in favor of Vendors Associations.

The idea of going back to the basics is not bad at all. If there is one place in a local community that is actually moving the cash flow is the public market. It employs hundreds of people and feeding thousands from the slaughterhouses to vendors and helpers.

By encouraging LGUs to grant management rights to vendors association, there will be a common interest among all the stakeholders – that is to improve the markets and provide better services for the public. And as soon as the vendors are given additional income while they are being groomed to embrace the Bayanihan spirit anew, they will have a better chance to fight food cartels, thus, prompting the price of food commodities to become more affordable.

Camara further explained that public markets, being the economic nuclei of municipal economies, “are a key institution to put in order and generate motion towards far-reaching economic stimuli for local economic and even social development.”

He said that many public markets are in a state of disrepair and bad governance wherein vendor's associations are hardly empowered. True. Market people are even being used by some politicians for their electoral campaigns but without any concrete program for their security and welfare.

Camara further explained that production is not enough but market access is of absolute importance if we are to assure the profitability of the productive poor.

Our local government officials should think hard about this. It is true that production of food alone in our neighborhood will not guarantee that the end products will reach our tables without much inflation. The government should ensure that every product produced by the farmers or the fisherfolk will be available to all at an affordable price. It is not the wages or the salaries that matter. No matter how many times we ask for a wage hike, as long as the prices of commodities continue to increase, we will still end up lacking the quality life we want.

What is more important is for the government to bring down the prices of basic commodities, make everything affordable to the public including electricity and other utilities so the people could live comfortably. And one of the solutions is to ensure that the food we produce reach our tables fresh, safe and affordable by improving the public markets and empowering the vendors and small entrepreneurs.

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