https://www.sunstar.com.ph/ |
- Legaspi: OPH burdens us
- Ombion: Thoughts on Leni-Kiko Bacolod rally
- Isabela residents get relief assistance
- Hanabishi appliances now available on GLife
- Bacoleño centenarian receives financial incentive
- Leni: Negrenses prove that hope is alive
| Posted: 13 Mar 2022 06:40 AM PDT THE oil price hike (OPH) these past three weeks has placed us in a very compromising situation. Just as society tries to lift the alert levels in most places, unscrupulous companies are now lurking and exploiting the situation.The oil market benefits from all these miseries we face in this "new abnormal."Society has given us justifications for the increase in oil prices.First, our government is useless when we talk about the oil price hike. They are like sitting ducks. They do not know what to do with this problem. Since the passage of the Oil Deregulation Law, the oil industry became so independent that they even dictate the head of government.The second is that we are always told that there is an increase in prices in the world market. This we can not also dispute because we need to import oil and we are subservient to the price they give us. The world market also blames Russia for this.And lastly, we are told that this is part of the Train Law of this administration. This is the project of the Duterte administration to unburden the Filipinos by redistributing the percentages of tax to the commodities. Good economists say that if we sell imported oil at its value, it could have been half of the current price per liter. But because the government wants to levy more taxes on the oil industry, this is the reason why the price is increasing. In the long run, Train Law has defeated its purpose and has overburdened the ordinary citizen because Businessmen had transferred their burdens back to the consumers.What can we do then since the state has told us that this OPH is inevitable? We can make a lot of savings and suffer the consequences. Why do we have to suffer, when we already know the cause of this misery?So here are some practical ways of curbing the misery brought by OPH.First, I agree that we need to learn how to go back to simple and basic life. We have to forego things that are powered by the oil industry. Second, we have to stop patronizing oil-based products. We need to patronize all that is natural. We will not perish without the present luxuries. We need to stop buying cars and instead go back to a healthy lifestyle. Cars had made us idle. It has contributed much to the oil industry. Without cars, we could still live and we will not be concerned with any OPH in the future. Lastly, we need to close our economy and live with what we have. We need to close our windows and doors to all modern-day matters (waste matter).There is a need for us to destroy the oil industry. Without using their products, we could create surplus and excess. This will prompt them to look for consumers but we shall refuse until they sell it to our terms. This is a simple formula in economics that our leaders fear for us because these giant oil companies might stop their aids. This is a solution that will bring down the oil prayers to their knees and ask us to buy their products.The question now is: Are we ready to forgo our luxuries now and live a brighter future or do we leave these to the next generation?I remembered that the supposed "new normal" would give us changes that are concerned with our health and with how we live with the Covid menace. I did not expect that we shall face problems more difficult than what we had during the pandemic. I am shocked at how we had become too materialistic and profit-oriented, I thought the pandemic had brought us closer to God through helping the poor and the needy. Instead, now, we are too concerned with taking back what we had invested. It is now clear that everyone is busy and most of us have forgotten of the prayer time we had during the pandemic. |
| Ombion: Thoughts on Leni-Kiko Bacolod rally Posted: 13 Mar 2022 06:39 AM PDT THE Leni-Kiko rally in Bacolod last Friday (March 11, 2022) was the biggest to date and impressive in all aspects.It was reminiscent of the pre-86 Edsa times when various forces of the broad anti-Marcos movement would constantly battle the regime's security forces on the streets and at the gate of Malacañang, where at times turned violent and bloody.The only difference with the recent wave of huge pro-Leni rallies around the country is that these were peaceful, issue-driven and fun-filled.More than the usual big turnouts, the Leni-Kiko rally in Bacolod was apparently an outburst of frustrations against the hated Marcos regime re-lived by BBM's presidential bid. As I already stressed countless times, Negros, especially the sugarworkers, farmers, fishers and vendors, were the worst victims of Marcos's anti-poor, anti-development and fascist policies and programs.The sugar planters likewise suffered the most from the looting of their sugar coffers by the Marcos cronies, Benedicto and his gang in the Philsucom and Nasutra.Even the churches were not spared. Their strong voice and programs in defense of Christian communities were responded by brutal attacks, demonization propaganda, and even filing of trumped-up criminal charges against the most active priests, bishops and the Christian lay leaders, like the infamous "Langgoni 9" and the "Hiyang-hiyang" massacre, to name a few.I still hear so many stories around the island about how the Marcos regime has broken families, incarcerated activists and innocents, and destroyed local economies.And despite the payment of claims of thousands of victims of Marcos regime human rights violations in recent years, the wounds and pains left by the Marcos era remain unhealed among the thousands of survivors and their kin, and the fear of the return of the nightmare continues to haunt many even those in economically well-off circles.On the other hand, I can also hear the cries among the Leni rallyists waving a collective message of discontentment to the ruling administration's failed promises to restore sovereignty, wipe out illegal drugs and crimes, expand basic services to all, transform to federal government, and improve the quality of life of the Filipinos.From this perspective, the undercurrent struggle in this election season remains between the forces seeking control of the state to advance the agenda for real system change and the forces so bent to perpetuate the same old and failed order.This is not just about Leni versus BBM, pink versus red-green, north versus south.The real story here is the unfulfilled, unfinished Edsa agenda of the sovereign Filipinos for right historical identity, and for national freedom and democracy.In Negros, this is not just about who are the local government units (LGUs), incumbents and aspirants for Leni or for BBM, but who are the real forces fighting to disband the corporate and political rule of the landed elites, big business and political dynasties, working for the democratization of lands and resources, and advancing the agenda for truly diversified, inclusive, sustainable, progressive, industrialized and resilient economy.Back on the national front, if you go for Leni-Kiko so be it; if you are for BBM think again; If you are for Sara with various combination, why not you might be in for a big upset; if you are for Isko, or Pacman, or Leody, go for it, it could brighten your day. |
| Isabela residents get relief assistance Posted: 13 Mar 2022 06:37 AM PDT ABOUT 2,000 residents of Isabela town, who were affected by Typhoon Odette, have received roofing materials, food packs, rice, mattresses and banana seedlings from the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the relief operation at the town last week, said the typhoon hit the province months ago and the provincial government started immediate relief operations, particularly in the Sixth District that was severely affected.He hoped that "all typhoon victims can rebuild their homes and restore their livelihood, and rise together in the hope of a better future."The team from the provincial government, who facilitated the activity, was composed of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Disaster Management Program Division, Provincial Engineer's Office, Safety and Security Division, and Special Programs and Concerns Division.Also present at the relief operations were Fifth District Board Member Rita Gatuslao, Isabela Mayor Irene Montilla, and Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II.Meanwhile, the provincial government also turned over the Provincial School Board Projects to the Department of Education (DepEd) - Isabela Districts 1 and 2, and DepEd-La Castellana Districts 1 and 2.The projects turned over to the teachers included computer printers and locally published children's books by Negrense Dr. Cecilia Nava. (PR) |
| Hanabishi appliances now available on GLife Posted: 13 Mar 2022 06:35 AM PDT ENJOY a more convenient and safer way to shop for Hanabishi products through GLife, one of the many features of the GCash e-wallet."We are always looking for platforms to make it easier for our customers to browse and buy the Hanabishi products they need, and GLife offers that convenience plus safety and security of purchasing. Additionally, as we know that our customers also need to buy other essentials, they wouldn't have to leave the GCash app and go to another site to shop because there are several merchants on GLife to address their needs," Cherish Ong-Chua, vice president for Finance and Marketing at Hanabishi Appliances, said.GLife currently carries more than 30 lifestyle brands, and Hanabishi products will be among its offerings starting March 12, 2020.Apart from GLife, customers can also purchase Hanabishi Appliances online through its website, www.myhanabishi.com. Its products are also available in Shopee and Lazada."At Hanabishi, we believe that e-commerce is going to be stronger even beyond the pandemic. Filipinos have discovered how simple and straightforward its process is. It is a big help to everyone, especially for busy moms who have to work and take care of the household," Ong-Chua said.Those who like in-store shopping can look for Hanabishi products in leading appliance stores nationwide.To learn more about Hanabishi's latest products and promos, follow its official Facebook page. (PR) |
| Bacoleño centenarian receives financial incentive Posted: 13 Mar 2022 06:20 AM PDT DEPARTMENT of Social Services and Development (DSSD) social worker Rosalyn Rubric, Social Welfare Officer II Juan Paolo Sajo and Marites Era of Child Minding Office personally delivered a P100, 000 check to centenarian Josephina Bonggo on March 10, 2022.Bonggo, now 106, is from Barangay Mandalagan.She was accompanied by her daughter, Piopy Avenado, 55 in receiving her financial aid.Bacolodnons, who have reached the age of 100 and above –- are entitled to receive P100,000 cash from the Bacolod city government as mandated by City Ordinance No. 09-16-789.Similarly, Department of Social Welfare and Development Memorandum Circular No. 4, series of 2017, mandates that centenarians are identified by existing databases: local office of senior citizens affairs, social pension, Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS), public and private residential care facilities client inventories and data from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).Applicant's relatives must submit primary documents such as birth certificates and Philippine passports that are needed to be presented by centenarians during the validation process to their localities.If the two documents are not available, any one of the primary government-issued Identification Cards (IDs) may be shown such as GSIS and SSS IDs, driver's license, Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) license, and Comelec voter's IDs.If the primary IDs are absent, two of the following secondary documents may be presented: marriage certificates either from the Philippine Statistics Authority or the local civil registrar's office; birth certificates of the children of the centenarian issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority or the local civil registrar's office; affidavits from two disinterested persons, aged 80 years who have personal knowledge of the centenarian's age and birthdate.School and employment records showing the age of the centenarian, baptismal or confirmation records issued by churches and religious organizations, medical or dental examinations by government or private doctors and dentists, and other related certifications from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples among others (PR) |
| Leni: Negrenses prove that hope is alive Posted: 13 Mar 2022 04:59 AM PDT "WE HAVE proven that hope in everyone's heart is alive when Negros Occidental showed that it is, indeed, pink."This was underscored by presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo following the success of the Pink People's Rally at the Paglaum Sports Complex in Bacolod City on Friday, March 11, 2022.Flooded by at least "70,000 strong" pink supporters from various localities in Negros Occidental, the province mustered the biggest crowd yet for a grand people's rally for Robredo and her team."The overwhelming support of the Negrenses brings hope. Many of us are now joining and believing that we can achieve a nation for #AngatBuhayLahat," she said.The lone woman presidential aspirant described the grand rally in the Negros Occidental capital city as a campaign like no other. "Negrenses show us how they love unconditionally," Robredo said, adding that "Ipinaramdam nyo po ito sa amin buong araw nang umikot po kami mula San Carlos, Sagay, Kabankalan, Himamaylan, Binalbagan, Hinigaran, La Carlota and Bacolod."As Robredo thanked them for their warm welcome, the vice president said she is proud of every Negrense for willingly joining the grand rally even at their own expense and amid the intermittent light rains."Hindi lang sa hindi kayo bayad, abonado pa kayo. Pasensya na po," she said, recognizing the spirit of volunteerism, as well as the wit, skills and creativity of the supporters from the province in coming up with placards and other stuff as their way of showing their support to her group.Aside from wearing pink shirts and ribbons, supporters also brought with them lanterns as they considered Robredo as the "star of hope.""Leni shines as our star of hope," her supporters in the province exclaimed.For Robredo, this is a clear manifestation that this is not just a campaign for the candidates. Rather, it's a campaign "for our dreams, for all our loved ones, for an honest government that will uplift the lives of everyone.""It is just fitting that we are gathered here in Paglaum Stadium as this is also a campaign for hope," she said, adding that "as our lights continue to shine together, more will see its brightness."Robredo said that, if she wins, she will make sure that farmers in Negros Occidental will be given enough help and support like access to farm inputs including machinery and fertilizers, among others.This will boost the farmers' income, she said, adding that they will push for a more comprehensive sugar industry roadmap, including modernization and diversification, to be able to compete in the bigger markets.Robredo also reiterated her support for the revival of Negros Island Region (NIR) given its huge potential that will benefit the Negrenses, assuring that they will also work for the realization of the Negros-Guimaras-Iloilo Bridge project to boost the region's economy."Nasa inyo na po ang lahat na rekado -- ang sigla ng inyong turismo, ang husay at talento ng mga kabataan, kababaihan, at ng mga manggagawa sa iba't ibang industriya; ang track record ninyo sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan; ang kahandaan ninyong makipagbayanihan. At kapag wala tayong ibang agenda kundi ang maabot ang potensyal ninyo, napakalayo ng mararating natin," she said.The vice president also vowed to support the effort to bring to every Negrense household the benefits of renewable energy (RE)."We will ensure equal distribution of RE in every community.""Sa lahat ng nakikita ko ngayon, kaupod ko ang Bacolod, kaupod ko ang Negros Occidental, kaupod kita sa away nga ini [With all that I am seeing now, I am with Bacolod, I am with Negros Occidental, I am with you in this fight]," Robredo said.She added that, "Your strength traverses. We have made this in 2016 elections, you gave me a huge win. I know, we can again make it this 2022."Robredo further stressed that true unity is the one that will destroy the old and rotten system, and will pursue an honest government that will elevate the lives of the Filipinos."Huwag po natin kalimutan ang kasaysayan. Sa halip, balikan natin ang mga aral na nagdala sa atin dito," she told Negrense supporters.As the election nears, the presidential bet urged Negrenses to continue doing their best in the "fight for right and truth" and in amplifying their voices for a kind of government that is honest, people-centered, and truly united.Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who introduced Robredo during the grand rally, said he is not alone for Robredo as "we are 70,000 strong."Lacson, who earlier expressed his support to the vice president, was joined on stage by Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III and Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalate Jr."Ang aton kandidato mabinuligon. Ang aton kandidato sinsero. Kag pinakaimportante sa tanan, ang aton kandidato masaligan [Our candidate is helpful. Our candidate is sincere. And most importantly, our candidate is trustworthy]," the governor said referring to Robredo.Her runningmate Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said he is overwhelmed and elated by how the Negrenses embraced them.Pangilinan was introduced by his wife, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, who led a number of celebrities, personalities and artists in headlining the "star-studded" grand rally.Pangilinan reminded supporters that what is at stake in voting for the next national leaders is their future, children, safety and lives, among others, so they should be wise and firm in choosing what is right."Our intention is clean," he stressed, taking pride in his and Robredo's "clean" track record.Robredo and Pangilinan were also joined by their "Tropang Angat" senatorial slate namely Teddy Baguilat, Dick Gordon, Risa Hontiveros, Alex Lacson and Sonny Matula.Senator Leila Delima sent a video message while former senator Antonio Trillanes was represented by former Magdalo Party-list Representative Garry Alejano.Former congressman Neri Colmenares, who is also running for senator, also spoke during the pre-program activity. He is supporting the candidacy of Robredo.Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran was also present at the rally along with some Grupo Progreso bets for councilors.Prior to the grand rally in Bacolod City, Robredo kicked off her provincewide sortie in San Carlos City where she was joined by Lacson and Bishop Gerardo Alminaza.There, she urged local supporters to convince their family, relatives and friends who have not yet decided to join what they are believing and fighting for."Pero 'yung pagkumbinsi, hindi makikipag-away. Ang pagkumbinsi, radikal na pagmamahal. Kaya pa na magmahal ng radikal? Kaya kailangan 'yung radikal na pagmamahal, dahil pag nagaway-away po tayo, hindi natin makakamtan 'yung pagbabagong gusto natin makamtan," she noted.Robredo and Pangilinan then proceeded to St. Joseph Parish Church in Sagay City for a meeting with church officials there before attending the rally at the city's government center.During the rally in Sagay joined by about 20,000 supporters, Robredo was publicly endorsed by Marañon, Escalante and Second District Rep. Leo Rafael Cueva."Papatunayan po natin sa lahat na ang kapangyarihan nasa kamay ng ordinaryong Negrense. Na kapag pinakita po natin ang ating pagmamahal sa bayan sa paraan ng pagboboto ng tama, mapapakita po natin sa kanila na ang kapangayarihan nasa atin. Kaya handa na ba tayo? Pag handa na tayo, magkikita po tayo sa susunod. Baka victory party na," she told the attendees.Robredo also visited some localities in the south including Kabankalan City, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City, Hinigaran and La Carlota City where she was also welcomed by thousands of supporters. |
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