Economy: Are we headed into the straight path?

Ang tuwid na daan ay dapat tunay na makatotohanan at hindi puro salita at persepsyon lamang.

I'm overly alarmed by the claim of the Aquino government that the growth of our economy is only attributable to their efforts in the four months time they have occupied the seat of Malacanang.

(Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNews.htm?f=2010%2Foctober%2F8%2Fnews2.isx&d=2010%2Foctober%2F8%EF%BB%BF)

President Aquino has always been harping in his speeches, more over, that “We have fixed in just 100 days what the former administration was unable to do in 3,448 days." But the succeeding phrases were merely motherhood statements, rather than hard nosed facts about what specifically he has done to trigger that kind of growth.

Yes, I would agree that there have been changes. The corruption index in the country has improved since his occupation of the Presidency, and there are indications that the overly rewarding payrolls of GOCC's is nearing its end.

But after that, where are we exactly heading? What are our growth targets? Where do we want our macro-economic indicators to lie?

Most importantly, have there been real manifestations already that there is an expected growth in any macro-economic figure, because of these early moves? I'm not saying it must already be there, but perhaps, it is too pre-mature for the President to say we've achieved economic growth, because we have already eliminated some, if not of all, of the barriers towards making that possible.

Inclusive Growth- Making Growth work for everyone

Inclusive growth is what everyone desires to experience in this country, because this is the immediate need of every Filipino family. The challenge is to how make growth work for everyone.

Where does that lie in any of his speeches? Is there any manifestation or indication of that?

Governance is not just about restoration of faith, but converting that faith of the people into something that would make them productive, and at the same time, responsible and accountable for the fate of our country.

Improving the Economic environment in the Philippines does not only require establishing a sustainable fiscal position. It must embody a climate that makes business less costly and employs measures that improve productivity. It must also empower the government to generate new wealth in the market, free from the bondage of the usual borrowing schemes and over reliance on foreign aid/grants.

But most importantly, the success of any Economic Program is not dependent on trust ratings of any President, but it is indicated in statistics that bare poverty and hunger incidence in this country, as well as figures that bare the Confidence rating of potential investors in the Philippines.

Improving Expenditure Management is a good start, but at what cost?

The President said that his close scrutiny of state spending had saved hundreds of millions of dollars for the country. Yes, it is good that we are able to save money, but at what cost did we do that?

Didn't we reduce the budget for the TESDA, where as the potential of technical and vocational education in the country is great?

Didn't we reduce the budget for farm to market roads, where we see farmers earning more, free from the bondage of abusive rice traders?

Didn't we reduce the budget for State Universities and College, where as we see education as the long term solution to poverty?

The question is at what cost do we save? This is another ploy by the government to cover up the gaps in other areas, without the knowledge that it is creating another one in the process.

This is my problem about polices on wealth re-distribution in the country, since it is normal in any kind of economy, that people's unlimited needs and wants will continue to expand. There will always be a correlative expense by satisfying a particular interest in the economic sphere, if we keep on re-channelling funds supposedly for agriculture to welfare programs, for an instance, where as both have correlative needs for their respective budgets to be increased.

The reality is, we have to create new wealth, new sources of funds, new ways to incorporate new money into the economy. We cannot be in a perpetual state of relying overly on foreign aid, or even in foreign borrowing.

The Arroyo administration should also be credited for a portion of the current economic growth

The Philippines was one of the few countries in Asia to avoid a recession in 2009. In 2009, we managed to grow by almost 1 percent in line with the reduced growth target of the Government of between 0.8 to 1.8 percent. . Part of the reasons for this success is the set of fiscal (E-VAT) and monetary reforms (inflation targeting, consolidated, risk-based banking supervision) we put in place before the crisis and the fiscal (economic resiliency plan) and monetary (policy rate reduction by 200 basis points, 2 percent reduction in the reserve requirements) stimulus.

While these public interventions cost money, we were able to maintain a manageable debt to GDP ratio (percent) and deficit to GDP ratio of less than 4 percent. Inflation remain subdued at 3.2 percent for the whole year of 2009 even as commodity prices, particularly of oil, started to surge up. [Source: Gov. Gabby Singson]

This is an area that the current administration may be aware of, but nevertheless, they continue to mention that the corrupt free perception that President Aquino has shown to us and the world is solely the reason why the economy is moving forward in a positive direction.

Considering the increasing size of the debt stock, this administration must continuously institute deliberate policies to mitigate the further increase of our country's total debt. It must admit that we were able to avert of recession because of certain fiscal and monetary policies we were able to put in place during the previous administration, while continuing to pursue new programs and measures that would allow government to address its current fiscal deficits and create a policy environment which would stabilize the macro-economy, not only focused on sound fiscal discipline, but also on financial and monetary management.

Improving the Investment Climate as a long term solution

Investments are very crucial at this point, and this is probably the most effective way we can generate new money into the circulation. It is true that PNoy's take on corruption is important to generating investor confidence in the country, but it is only 1/3 of the solution, and I do not even think corruption has been solved in half, though reforms have been initiated.

Coupled with the premium government places on corruption, the current administration should also focus one easing the regulatory concerns of investors here in the country. The cost of doing business in the country is still a major concern. The Philippines is still generally considered to have a restrictive regulatory regime for setting up businesses, hiring and firing of workers, enforcing contracts and closing a business.

What the current Aquino administration must endeavor to do is to creative a productive regulatory and competitive environment, which allows harmonious entry and exit of players in the market.

There should be a balance of competition, regulation and supervision in the market.

The Straight Path

The true straight path or "tuwid na daan" must not only show the perceived weaknesses of a political rival, just to gain more political capital, which further fosters disunity in the country.

A true conqueror of a straight path must be humble enough to admit that there have been good programs on the economy that was instituted by the previous administration, and that should be done regardless of political party or affiliation.

But a true conqueror must also be courageous enough to show real facts of claims that indeed the economy is really gaining through his own effort. It is not enough that there are moves and efforts to curb the barriers, but there must be economic manifestations, that indeed, there is movement in growth because of what was done to allow such to happen.

I am patient, like many Filipino's, about these results, but the President must also be patient first before saying he has achieved what the former has not. Like all of us, he must wait for the right time before he strikes there is indeed a manifestation of the economic growth he claims to own.

"Let us allow hard facts, not just perception, to shape the opinion of our countrymen about the efficiency of our governance when it comes to the economy. Economics is both a positive and normative science."

Aaron Benedict De Leon

WCC Speech: "Thinking ahead for the Youth: Making the future work for us"

To be delivered to select WCC Caloocan students and faculty on October27, 2010

Ilang beses na ba kayong napagalitan, nahuling nagdaldalan habang may nagsasalita, nakitang nangongopya, o di naman kaya’y sumagot sa inyong mga propesor at guro sa iskwela?

Hindi naman siguro kadalas, kasi kayo ang mga modelong mag-aaral ng institusyong ito, kayo ang pinagkatiwalaan ng paaralan na makinig at magbigay ng kuro-kuro tungkol hindi lamang sa inyong kinabukasan, kundi pati na ng mga taong kinakatawan ninyo, bilang kapwa mag-aaral, kaibigan, kakurso o di naman kaya’y maging kapitbahay o ka-ibigan man.

Hindi pa naman ako ganon katanda sa edad na 24 para hindi ko ma-gets ang inyong lenggwahe, kung gusto niyo pa ngang mag-usap tayo na mala-jejemon, pwede rin natin yang gawin. Higit sa lahat, hindi pa naman ganoon kalawak ang aking karanasan upang hindi maituring na kabahagi ninyo, bahagi ng sektor ng Kabataan.

Papaano naman ako mag-iisip ng malayo at ihayag sa inyo kung papaano natin mapapaganda ang ating mga sariling kinabukasan, kung sinabi ko nga, hindi naman nagkakalayo ang mga itsura at mga edad natin? Simple lang yan...

“Age is just a number”- hindi ba, yan ang madalas na sabihin ng matatanda pag gusto nilang makakonekta sa mga nakababata nilang kausap. Gusto nilang palabasin na ang edad ay isang numero lamang na pinatitingkad ng mga lumang paniniwala, tradisyon at ang normal na pagbabago ng katawan.

Pero hindi lahat ng utak ay nagkakaedad. Kung sumasabay nga ang edad ng katawan sa gulang ng utak, bakit may mga tinatawag tayong isip-bata at kilos-matanda?

Anong pinapakahulugan ko dito? Simple lang po. Hindi nabibilang sa kung ilang taon ka na nabuhay o sa dami ng pisikal na pagbabago, ang magagawa mo para sa iyong paaralan, komunidad at higit sa lahat, para sa iyong bansa.

Bakit may mga batang kinse anyos lang ay nagiging milyonaryo na? Bakit may mga nagwagi sa gymnastics na sa edad na 12 ay nagdala na ng karangalan sa ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng mga gintong medalya? Bakit naging sikat at maimpluwensiya ang mga tulad nila Santino, Trudis Liit at Momay, kahit na hindi pa nila nauunawaan nang lubusan ang kanilang mundong ginagalawan

“Greatness doesn’t come with age. It comes as a grace labored through hardwork and unrelentless drive, regardless of age.”

Dahil pinili nilang maging magaling at paghusayan ang kanilang angking galing, higit pa si idinidikta ng kanilang edad o katayuang pisikal.

Ang pagiging magaling ba o mahusay sa isang bagay ay nadidikta ng edad? Kung ikaw ba ay hindi man ganoon kagwapo o kaganda, kamacho o kasexy, wala ka na bang magagawa para magamit ang iba mong talento bukod sa pag-aartista? Ang mundo ba’y gumugulong na lang sa mga programang tulad ng Wowowie, Willing-Willie at iba pang mga palabas na nagbibigay ng malalaking papremyo?

Totoo, hindi lahat ng tao ay masuwerte at buwenas, pero naniniwala ako na lahat ng tao ay may kakayahan at may kakayanang maging magaling sa iba’t ibang larangan. Tulad ninyo, minamata kayo ng ibang tao dahil ang pinili ninyo ay Nursing. Maraming magsasabi na kayo ay nasisilaw ng pangako ng pangingibang bansa, na ito ang inyong kurso dahil ito ay sikat at napapanahon. Panahon na siguro para patunayan ninyo na kahit na nasa likod ng mga isip niyo ang mga bagay na ito, ang pangunahing ninanais niyo lamang ay mas maganda at maginhawang buhay para sa inyong pamilya. Hindi masamang maging nurse, na gumagamot at nag-aaruga sa mga maysakit, na nagbibigay kalinga sa mga taong nalulumbay sa karamdaman, na maging kaagapay ng mga taong gustong maging normal ang buhay. Ito ay isang bokasyon, hindi lamang isang propesyon, hindi lamang isang trabaho.

At walang dapat makapigil sa inyo sa pagiging magaling ninyong nurse,kesyo kasi matanda o bata kayo, o di naman kasi hindi kaakit-akit ang inyong pisikal na pangangatawan, dahil simula sa araw na ito, hindi na kayo papayag na isang hamak na nurse lang ang itatawag sa inyo.

“Today, you have been inducted into the hall of excellent nurses, and today is the beginning of your oath and commitment to excellence.”

Ang pagiging magaling na manggagawa sa isang bansa ay hindi nakukuha nang pangmadalian. Ito ay pinaghihirapan, at ito ay nagsisimula sa paaralan, kung nasaan kayo ngayon, kung saan pilit niyong hinuhubog ang inyong kagalingan.

Lahat naman tayo ay may kakayahan at kakayanan, pero babalik tayo sa unang talata ng talumpating ito... Iilan nga ba sa inyo ang nahuli na, o sa mas malalim na pakahulugan, ilan ba sa inyo ang nagawa na ito? Ilan na ba ang nahuli ninyo, at ilan na ba ang napagbigay alam ninyo sa mga kinauukulan?

Masyado nang maraming kurakot sa lipunan, mandaraya, manggagamit, at higit sa lahat, bulag at pipi sa katotohanan. Gusto niyo pa bang sumama sa kanila? Gusto niyo pa bang lumobo ang populasyon ng mga ganitong klaseng tao sa bansang Pilipinas?

Kung sa maliit na bagay, hindi kayo mapagkakatiwalaan, lalo na siguro sa malaki.

Siguro yung iba, sasabihin, iba naman ang paaralan sa trabaho. Eto ang sagot ko sa inyo, “Iho, hindi lang naman ang ginagalawan niyo ang nagbabago, pero pati na rin ang pamantayan niyo sa buhay.

Kung ngayon kaya mong mangopya lang, syempre, wala ka pa namang kakayanang manguha ng pera. Pero pagdating mo sa negosyo, tingin mo ba, kaya mong pigilan ang sarili mo, kung noong nag-aaral ka pa lang eh kayang kaya mong lokohin ang sistema sa ginagawa mo?”

Dito sa Pilipinas, masakit magsabi ng katotohanan, dahil kadalasan, kung sino yung mga gumagawa ng tama, sila pa ang nagdurusa.

Tanong, sino ba ang nakakalimot, nagpapabaya, nagsasawalang bahala sa mga bagay na pinaghirapan ng iilang mga taong ganito, hindi ba tayo? Hindi ba ang nasa paligid mo? Hindi ba ang mga taong kasama mo sa bahay, o sa iyong komunidad?

Bago tayo tumanaw sa kinabukasan, o bago pa man natin tingnan ang pagkalayo-layong dekada mula ngayon, pag-usapan natin ang mga bagay na bubuo ng posibilidad sa kinabukasan, dahil kapag ganito pa rin ang kalakaran at sistema natin sa buhay, baka wala na tayong kinabukasang pinag-uusapan pa.

“There are so many things we can do today for the present and future. Why do we have to think so far of what we’re going to do, if we can start doing things today?”

Una, bakit kailangang tanggapin ng isang lipunan ang mga kabulukan sa sistema? Dahil ito ang popular o hindi ito mapigilan?

Kung gusto natin ng isang maayos at magandang pamayanan, sa sarili natin, gawin natin ang tama, may nakakakita man sa atin o wala. Hindi na bale kung sabihan tayong KJ, o OA, kaysa naman sa hinaharap, tayo ang nakakulong, tayo ang pinupulaan, at higit sa lahat, sa mata ng Diyos, tayo ang nagkasala.

Pangalawa, hindi dapat gawing dahilan ang edad para gawin ang mga bagay na tama. Hindi mo naman siguro kailangang maging matanda para magtapon ng basura sa tamang lalagyan? Hindi mo naman siguro kailangang maging matanda para sumunod sa mga simpleng batas trapiko? Ang paggawa ng tama, walang kinikilalang edad o pisikal na kaanyunan.

Sa paggawa ng tama, lahat tayo nagkakapantay-pantay, hindi nakakaangat ang mayaman sa mahirap, hindi mahalaga kung guwapo ka o hindi man, at higit sa lahat, walang bata sa matanda.

Pangatlo, walang propesyong nakalalamang sa iba, batay sa pangangailangan. Oo, sabihin nating iba-iba ang antas, iba-iba ang sahod, iba-iba ang kinakailangang kakayahan, pero ang lahat ng gawaing ito ay layuning makapagpabuti sa bawat isa, kalusugan man yan, sa pagkain man o kahit sa pamahalaan.

Kung ituturing natin ang ating trabaho bilang isang bokasyon, siguro masarap mabuhay, kasi nakikita nating mahal ng bawat isa ang kanilang ginagawa, pinagbubutihan, pinagsisikapan.

Sa lahat ng ito, sa lahat ng pag-aasam sa maginhawang buhay, lahat masaya, walang naargabiyado, walang nalalamangan.

Higit sa lahat, sa paghahangad natin ng magandang buhay, lahat tayo sabay-sabay umaangat, at walang naiiwan.

I’ll end my speech in English, because I was asked to speak before you about Making the Future Work for Us...

I do not have the monopoly of solutions and even the very best answers, because same as you, I’m still working towards that ultimate goal. But what I can say is that we have to create the possibilities for ourselves, because nobody will do that for us.

We have to re-invent ourselves- our behavior, our outlook, our strategies and even our ambitions, because it is only through this that the future will work for us.

Muli, salamat at mabuhay ang Bagong Kabataan.

My Vision: A Marriage of Interests and Opinion through Institutions

Aaron Benedict De Leon
Secretary-General, Youth Philippines
2010 Presidential Campaign Platform Spokesperson- LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD
Centrist Democratic Movement (CDM)
VISION OF THE YOUTH FOR OUR COUNTRY- Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

We are into the dawn of the 21st century, a crucial age in our history where so many inventions, innovations are made in different parts of the world, where many of our neighboring countries have already achieved progression, and where our country lies at the verge of development. I say verge, because we have not yet achieved our fullest potential, and we have not yet reached the penultimate stage of our History.

The Philippines, described one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world, a hub of great sportsmen and women and home to the Icon of Modern Day Democracy, former President Corazon Aquino. Indeed, these images show a glimmer of hope for our country. It is no less than our National Hero, Jose Rizal, who echoed in a very popular saying, that the youth is the hope of our motherland.

These things sound like a chorus to many Filipino’s, as we continuous to languish and mire in different social ills and decays. Our countrymen continue to aspire, dream and inspire themselves to toil day in day and day out to provide ably for their families. Many of us want to have their own defining moment, whether it be in entertainment, in television game shows, in politics and in many other fields.

We are a race defined by individual events, short stages in history, our values of hospitability, but never about our institutions. Institutions which would have allowed every individual to have equitable access to basic social services, institutions which could have served as an effective bridge to gap the demarcation between government and citizens, institutions which could have made our development faster and more progressive, than regressive.

We have failed to capitalize on our historical gains, on our cultural values, on our individual promise, to strengthen long-term solutions to our problems, to enact reforms in our institutions. So much so, we have allowed personalities to take shape of our future and an isolated host of approaches to be the solutions to a wide range of comprehensive yet correlative problems.

Often, there is no social order and cooperation in many of our endeavors, thus we fail immensely and disappoint other people who depend on our leadership to make their lives better.

It is indeed true that institutions have the capacity to shape, motivate and influence behavior.

And so, our solutions must begin by strengthening our institutions.

Where does political and socio-civic engagement stand in today’s current state of affairs? That, I can identify as seasonal. It is merely reactive than pro-active. It is always short-term, but never sustainable.

There is so much imbalance in our society today that many are just content with the concept of online journalism, that they think once they take shape in that culture, then they are already doing their share. Again, this notion must be changed and must be outmoded by a new order of participation. Our citizens have to take part, not only in reporting irregularities in their community, but they must have the capacity to organize themselves to help in the solution of those irregularities. We cannot depend on our government to perpetually intervene, because of the many constraints it is strapped with. This is what I call institutionalization of an active citizen’s action network. Citizens have to be part of the solution, if some of their constituents become part of the problem. Our citizens have to be educated not only of their rights, but also their responsibilities towards society.

However, we must continuously promote the potential of Filipinos to volunteer and become part of the new socio-civic movement. We have seen the great promise of volunteerism during the time of Ondoy and Peping, but we must have the capacity to sustain that drive with a channel for formal participation. I stress the need for people to become part of advocacy driven organizations, to become part of socio-civic organizations, to aid government for whatever it fails to do for people.

Let us face it; our government does not have the sufficient capital resources to finance for all of the people’s needs, and to eradicate poverty in the country, thus the need for collaboration between non-government organizations (NGO’s), the private sector and the religious groups. However, the dole out system of government must not be replicated by these aforementioned agencies. We must endeavor to build the capacities of people towards self-sufficiency and financial independence, free from the bondage of dole-outs. We are not a welfare state, and we cannot afford to be one. We must work towards maximizing the potential and skill of the individual to actualize his personal needs.

But even as we have all these actors in society, the ultimate channel of reform is through governance, thus certain people will have to sacrifice and run for public office. And this must not come from individual choices alone, but procedures must be made as well to ensure only the best and the well-represented can be fielded in the electoral system.

Political parties must not be a den of personal and patronage aspirations, but it must be able to secure encompassing representation from different sectors. We must see to it that even an ordinary farmer, or an ordinary laborer can be part of an ideological movement capable of actualizing programs, projects and policies aimed at providing equitable opportunity to grow and develop for everyone. Ideological movements remain relevant today, because it is the heart and foundation of every policy initiative. We must endeavor to strengthen our political system, not just by legislation, but by also guaranteeing that simple and ordinary people can be part of the political party system, not just for mere membership purposes, but for the greater calling of participation in search of the best leaders for our country. Political parties must be drivers for reform, not a way to keep political clans and families afloat in power.

Essentially, political and socio-civic education and engagement shall capacitate the system to realize efficiency and transparency in many of our societal processes. We must endeavor to shift the paradigm from shallow participation to political and socio-civic action, through legitimate and formal means only.

In reality, it is never and will never be easy to overhaul the current system that most of us hate in this country. No matter how good one or two politicians maybe, if the institution remains the same, and if the rules of the game remain played at by some interest-seeking individuals, we are in for another century for dormancy.

However, this long and tasking road can be shortened, if and only if, sacrifices will be made.

Our vision for the country is not enshrined only on dreams, aspirations of every Filipino, but is also rooted in certain political and societal realities.

Strengthening our institutions is only a step, but it shall not be the end all of the miseries that most of us experience. Thus, we must also re-think our holistic strategies in facing these myriad of problems.

We must think and act strategically to ensure the best possible future for our country. We must come up with dynamic solutions, rather than re-implementing outmoded ones. We must cope up with the times.

In Education, for an instance, our government cannot be in a repeated state of giving out scholarship and other dole out programs. We must realize that investments must have a rate of return. Conditional Cash transfers can be a mechanism by which we can bridge them temporarily out of poverty. But our program on education must not be treated on a wholesale, one size fits all approach. We need to diversify our creativity, thus we must explore on viable means of realizing our investment so that we can pool more resources for other equally important services. One avenue we can look at is a student loan mechanism, where students can send themselves to school, at the promise of repaying their financial obligations once they work, through their government contributions. We can also explore on school caravans where education will be available to far flung areas on scheduled dates and times. Again, we cannot run out of ideas because the problems will continue to evolve.

And instead of trying to win over certain sectors on contentious issues, we must also try to focus on taking a look at alternatives that will cover the encompassing interests of all people, where all of their mutual interests can be filled. And while we believe we must do these in certain issues, our leadership must also have the capacity to make tough decisions that may warrant unpopular reactions from the people.

There are a lot of challenges that the country is facing, and so great are these problems that to try to solve them with haphazard and makeshift programs would be futile, and to leave our country to the floods of temporary exigencies would be calamitous, not only for our present, but also for our future.

But I always remain to have faith in the Filipino, faith in the skill and ability of one to think of new ways to live, faith in the inspiration that modern day heroes can provide for all of us, faith in the fact that we value our history and the heroism of our fore bearers.

However, faith must be concretized and must be converted into action, because faith alone will not bring development to this nation. Faith should always be founded in the fact that something can be done.

My vision for the country is not as complicated as many previous speeches or other people may have identified. My vision is simple and fundamental. Change must be made institutionally, and must not be dependent on personality. Change is made by a group of people, not by a single person.

Change is only possible if we respect the co-existence of all peoples in the country, where their diversities, different opinions are heard, listened to and most importantly, converted to positive responses. We talk of the many Christians, Muslims, Lumads; Filipino’s, Cebuano’s, Davaoenos; Native Filipino’s and Fil-Foreigners- because change only rewards those whose hands work, and mouths that inspire, and not destruct.

I am not ending my vision with the conclusion of my speech, nor will I be putting a stop to my drive of pursuing a brighter future for all of us. I am only beginning, and you are only beginning, at the conclusion of the enumeration of these great challenges besetting us.

After this speech, you will have done something positive for our institutions, for the sake of your country.

YOUTH Philippines on the K-12 Proposal: We are giving our CONDITIONAL SUPPORT (only if)

YOUTH Philippines Inc. support the K-12 Proposal, only if the pre-conditions for smooth implementation are satisfied, such as the eradication of illegal collections in the public school, guaranteed primary and alternative financial resources to fund the K12 and school management resources issues

The K-12 program has been laid out by DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, to improve the competencies of our students in specific areas responsive to the needs of the business and corporate world.

The K12 Proposal was carried out by DepEd Sec. Bro. Armin Luistro

The intention has been made clear, to prepare the students better for the job market. This is only one side of the practical aspect.

The question is, how does the government intend to subsidize more for the additional two years, also taking consideration present problems on the educational sector's school management resources (lack of classrooms, educational aids etc.)?

The issues of the current curriculum, the practicality of the educational program and the scarcities in school management resources should be treated holistically and with equitability. The education problem is not solely a function of school management resources, but also of the two others I mentioned. The education problem, in fact, is also a dependent function of the problem of population and also the lack of capital/financial resources in the country.

These issues in education are correlative to each other. For us, it's a matter of what aspect gets the better share in terms of priority, but that should not be a hindrance for the DepEd to implement reforms it seeks to improve the competencies of our students.

We'd like to agree with the sentiments of parents, on how they would be able to cope up with the increase of 2 years in Basic Education. The DepEd first has to ensure and a clear mandate has to be released that no illegal collection of fees shall transpire, to ensure that Public Education is an fact free, and not burdensome for families who can barely afford to fund the studies of their children. If they want to implement K-12, then they must intensify efforts to eliminate these practices, not on a directive level, but on a policing level.

We'd also like to take the side of the teachers, that in the implementation of these measures, they would take the brunt of responsibility, thus we must also look at providing incentives for teachers who would undergo rigorous and intensified training for the new curriculum. Not only short-term incentives, but also look at increasing the wages of teachers, same as in the private practice, on a per-annum basis. Why would we save money at the cost of ensuring a better future for the children of tomorrow? Why would we cost cut in a long term solution we see to eliminate or reduce poverty in the country?

We'd also like to know as to whether the private sector would be agreeable to reduce their requirements to accommodate high school graduates in their respective companies. The intent here of DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro is to make possible for High School graduates to find jobs reasonable to the acquired skills they had by virtue of their training in technical/vocational, entrepreneurship and livelihood courses in senior high school. But would the private sector be agreeable to that setup? Again, the whole Education coaster must get into this solution, not just the DepEd, but it also must include the CHED and the TESDA. I even do not understand the bureaucracy of separating these three agencies from each other.

In terms of the budget for this proposal, where do we get the resources to support this initiative? This must also be some fiscal responsibility attached to this proposal. Sec. Luistro said he has been talking with the League of Municipalities, PCSO and PAGCOR for the alternative sources. But for me, we have to have the assurance first that there will be alternatives, just in case we do not have the regular sources available. The Budget for State Universities and Colleges were even cut, so how do we expect more support for Education reforms from the House or even from the Executive? Again, we cannot explore on this proposal unless we have assured ourselves that we have guaranteed support from various non-government stakeholders, or even secured grants from international NGO's or governments.

This proposal is in fact needed by our country, to improve the competencies of our students when it comes to practical and market skills. However, my reservation remains that if and only when reforms in the system of school management is implemented, that's the only time I feel DepEd would deserve a right to carry on with this measure.

We are receptive to the K12 proposal, provided there are reforms on issues that serve as a pre-condition to the successful and cost-effective implementation of the K12.

AARON BENEDICT DE LEON
Secretary-General
YOUTH Philippines, inc.

First 100 Days: The PNoy Administration

The first 100 days of the Noynoy Aquino administration would be on the 8th of October, and already, some groups, sectors and even individuals have come up with their ready assessment as far as the performance of the President and his flock is concerned.

Today, I try to digest my personal views of the current administration, based on events I identified as defining moments of his first 100 days.

Getting over with, Greeting the new Presidency with optimism

I lamented in Gibo Teodoro's defeat, as soon as I found out the margin for him to catch up was so wide. He was the candidate I chose who represented the meaning of true blue reform in this country, the one who bore specific, grounded and granular plans for the country.

But somehow, I found solitude and peace knowing that the Filipino people had put so much trust and confidence in the newly elected leadership of the country. A personal loss was somehow appeased by the feeling that the country you think of has found renewed inspiration and hope in the person of a new President.

The First Minor Test- Selecting the Pieces

Perhaps, one of the tougher things an elected President must do is carefully select the members of his cabinet. Given that view, President Aquino created a Search committee for those who may want to apply for Cabinet posts.

The Media started second guessing as to who would compose the PNoy administration, and it came as no surprise that the Hyatt 10 members were given major cabinet positions. I have nothing against these people personally, but with their track record of betrayal, I must warn Mr. Aquino of what can be in store for him should he not satisfy the whims of these people. Well, what better way for PNoy to satisfy their urges by increasing the budget of the departments the Hyatt 10 people now handle. That should keep them happy, FOR NOW.

The best choices were probably the appointment of former CHR Chairperson Leila De Lima as DOJ Secretary, former Naga City Jesse Robredo as DILG Secretary and DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, a CESO. I found these appointments reflective of the reform agenda this administration sought to push.

The First Memo- uh oh...

Barely into his first week in office, the administration was already in defense mode, with the release of the first memorandum circular on tenure of office for CESO's and NON-CESO's (Career Executive Service Officers). There was confusion already as to when the NON CESO's contracts expire and the question of sustainability and continuity of government operations with the vacuum to be left by the vacancies.

Apparently, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda was put in a tough spot, a very tough spot, because the administration wanted to make a mark so early without thinking really well of what it wanted to do.

This was an epic fail, and no excuse would be entertained for this failure.

The Wangwang

The President's use of the wangwang was very popular in the first few days of the administration, citing the President's being one of us as the central message of this act.

Many Filipino's found it a nice gesture, a humble initiative by the President and signaled a supposed new era in Philippine Politics. But while the intent was good, it was later to be found that it had affected the President's appointments, the most evident being the delay of AFP Ceremonies because the President had arrived late by around 30 minutes.

The excuse the President offered was- it was my first time being late in an appointment. I have never been late in all of my previous ones.

Projection at the cost of productivity, hmmm...

The Media Warm President

One good thing about the President is his openness to the press and media. While the former had a platoon of spokespersons to answer, the President wanted to ensure he had time to talk and address the media personally.

The President was intent on fulfilling his promise of transparency and accountability, and this is one thing I actually like about PNoy, his openness and truthfulness.

However, perhaps too much also exposed him to many allegations later on.

As they say in modelling, you have to strike the perfect pose and balance. That, I can also say to the President.

The Hacienda Luisita Issue

One thing that had never left Aquino's watch since the campaign period was the issue over Hacienda Luisita. Also, during the first few weeks of his administration, Auxilliary Bishop of the CBCP, Bishop Roderick Fabillo came out in the open to call on the President to act on the TRO released by the Supreme Court regarding the distribution of 6453 hectares of land in Hacienda Luisita.

The President's response to this issue was very professional, that bore with it the respect the executive has with the independence of the judiciary.

The Manila Hostage Incident- Clearly mishandled


The biggest test of the current administration came during the height of the Hostage Taking incident at the Quirino Grandstand, the same venue where he was inaugurated into public office.
The issue here was the initial no hands policy of the National Government, and all of a sudden the all hands policy of the National Executive after the incident.

There was a lapse in judgment, may PNoy admit or not, in the handling of the incident. What made it worse is that it was only after the rancor and outrage felt by the Hong Kong and Chinese people that President Aquino issued a formal apology. I always believe in the adage that "justice delayed is justice denied", and that the HK and Chinese people were deprived of a sincere apology from our Head of State.

Learning experiences should never come at a cost of losing lives, and the bungle should not be attributed to a lack of experience on this issue. There has never been a farm system or development league for Philippine Presidents, as far as my recollection goes.

The Foreign Trip- Success or Pre-made success?

President Aquino made his major trip abroad to attend the United Nations Assembly held in New York. There, he was able to meet with different leaders of other nations, and also discuss partnerships with international NGO's and Filipino American groups to help our locals here in the country.

There, according to his account, he had a short dialogue with US President Obama on US-Philippines Relations. It was nice seeing the President accomplish something, especially the good news that there are new investments coming to our country, which means more jobs for our countrymen here.

The question though comes as, "Was this a pre-arranged deal made during President Arroyo's term?" I'm sure by nature, these businesses would not jump out readily because of the popularity of this President, because business factors also come into play, such as stability of the economy. I'm sure, these decisions followed processes that required time and careful study.

Whether the investments should be attributed to Arroyo or Aquino, this is still a victory for our Filipino people.

The RH Bill

One of the President's more stronger pronouncements really is his support for pro-choice, responsible parenthood on the issue of Reproductive Health. He stressed that the government was willing to give incentives and assistance to families/communities who were willing to be helped when it comes to their reproductive health.

This issue will further test PNoy's leadership amidst threats of excommunication, civil disobedience et. al, made by the institutional church of our country.

A Sign of things to come?

PNoy's First 100 days clearly has sent a strong signal to us Filipino's- that we have to do a lot of working, participating and engaging when it comes to making our country better off.

Regardless if we voted for him or not, we are bounden by the duty to support the President in issues we feel he is right, and constructively criticize in issues we feel he is doing rather wrongly. The democratic space of course allows opposition to those ideas, but then again, at the end of the day, productive action should be the outcome of all principled dialogues and exchanges.

We saw some glimmer of hope, but also a slate of failures borne out of the lofty expectations set by the people on PNoy.

People have to understand that PNoy is not Jesus Christ who will save them from all their problems and sins on Earth.

I'd put my message as simple as I can to the parties involved:

PNoy- You should get over the hang of the campaign period. Now is the time to start initiating institutional reforms, and not creating more bureaucracies that will bloat the government further. It's also time to get rid of your personal friends who do no good to your good image. There is no use in keeping friends that harm the character you have worked hard for in your years in public service. There is indeed hope for this country, but let not Filipino's become hope fools because of overly ambitious promises, but let them become hopefuls turned action makers because of the vision and directive you have the capacity of making.

People- Don't pin your hopes on the President. For the many years of your lives, you had no PNoy as your President, yet you were able to survive. Whether he succeeds or fails by his own doing, we have to be ready to help ourselves, one another, as we journey into tougher times, characterized by increasing prices of basic services and commodities, high costs of transportation and largely lack of equitable economic opportunities.

Today, the same as June 30, we should remain hopeful that we can do the change making, with the President, because without us, the Head cannot be head without a fully functional state, thus the Head of State only becomes figurative than operational.

This is a call for national unity, solidarity, that above our political
differences, our solutions, our programs for a better country, our dreams of a
better future for our children, can co-exist and can breathe its own under one
society, under the Philippine flag.

THE GREEN MILE: The Journey of a GREEN TEAM Volunteer

It’s been a year since I openly expressed my support for Sec. Gilbert Gibo Teodoro, when I saw him in one of the ANC sponsored forums over at Youtube. I really was convinced to support him during the Lakas-Kampi-CMD National Directorate Deliberation when Sec. Teodoro made mention of several terms I believe in- the principles of Subsidiarity and Solidarity.

A few days after, I found myself defending Sec. Teodoro against those critics who were blaming him for what happened during Typhoons Ondoy and Peping, with of course, the only CERTIFIED GREENIES I KNOW THEN, Joyie Dimayuga and Michael Ong. Some people sent me nasty messages that I was being paid by the administration to do the defense. I asked myself the question, was it worth it to defend a Presidentiable languishing at the bottom of surveys? Of course, my personal conviction would always outweigh the practicality of not defending him.

After the typhoon, Atty. Lambino, Mike Ong, Joyie Dimayuga and I met, through the initiative of Mike Ong. Barely do I know the two have already been doing some sort of campaigning for Sec. Gibo. And take note, we only got to know each other through Facebook. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think this will be a start of something new in Philippine Politics, a campaign organization ran through Facebook.

Having created ALL the POSSIBLE GIBO FAN PAGES in FACEBOOK, Michael Ong and Atty. Lambino directed the rest of the supporters to viral the page to all Gibonians. Never in my wildest dreams did I also imagine that it would grow to this much, and people will be very active till now in their support for the former Defense Secretary.

The GREEN TEAM was formed out of our genuine and sincere love for the country, it grew because of the passion of a few people and it stayed because of the unwavering love of each and every volunteer towards the cause and towards each other. We never tried to outdo each other, grab the other's limelight, even fight amongst ourselves who will get what if ever Gibo Teodoro wins.


My role in the campaign grew as time goes by, thanks to that evening in YSpeak where Mike Ong allowed me to speak in behalf of Sec. Teodoro as his Youth Representative. It was only a beginning of things to come. Of course, I never fail to thank those people who gave me the chance to really show the country what I'm made of.





After my second forum representing Sec. Teodoro, the reward was to finally meet him in person. We were called to the Dept. of National Defense to have a meeting with the former Defense Secretary to discuss his candidacy and his wrap up duties with the DND. Sec. Teodoro was very warm, very eloquent, but very cool in his approach. My dad even asked the first question in the meeting, even before I could ask one.

Succeeding youth forums came, and several Presidential forums came about, where of course, I was asked to speak about Gibo's platforms and programs. I knew several things about Sec. Teodoro, but since I was still clueless on several issues and his stance on those, I had to trust my instincts I know what I should give out.

The biggest break came late in the year when I and Mike Ong got invited to join the platform making team of Lakas-Kampi-CMD, with Mr. Francis Manglapus, Former PGMA Spokesperson Gary Olivar, Prof. Tereso Tullao, Political analyst Alex Magno and Rep. Nograles think tank RV Vicerra. It was such a privelege to be part of the team. Well, all I did that time was try to edit and type all those ideas they had in mind. However, I could already smell something wrong with someone I would rather not mention in this article, who later on turned his back on Sec. Teodoro.

So, we were left to scratch, and while I continued to represent Sec. Teodoro in youth forums, and organize people to come to Presidential Forums and Lakas events, I was tasked by then Sec. Gen. Manglapus to help in the designing of the Party Platform (which was basically Sec. Teodoro's platform). This was the tough part, because it was very hard to live up to the ideals of a Gilbert Gibo Teodoro, Harvard graduate, Bar topnotcher.



Well, what I did was I tried to incorporate some of my ideals with that of Secretary Teodoro's, particularly on the platform on Education, Jobs Generation, and Climate Change and particularly, when it comes to Constitutional Reform. Good thing, it was a match. With Mr. RV Vicerra's experience in doing stands on various issues, we were able to craft the RENEWING THE FILIPINO SPIRIT (SULONG PILIPINAS PLATFORM) of LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD.

After representing Sec. Teodoro, I became simultaneously Lakas-Kampi-CMD Presidential Campaign Platform Spokesperson and GT2010 Spokesperson.

There had to be a talking head about the platform of course, and that was the time Mr. Manglapus allowed me to represent the party and Sec. Teodoro as the platform Spokesperson, of course still relative to my representation as GT2010 Spokesperson/Communications Director. It was the toughest job I had to do ever, representing Sec. Teodoro in forums with distinguished representatives from other political parties, who have a more vast experience in terms of the political system. Yes, I was dealing with 40, 50, 60 plus year old people, but it was a challenge I always welcomed with great determination. There was a time I even had to speak in front of an international audience (Asia Pacific International Conference), where I came unprepared and not knowing what to talk about. It was such a hard, but learning experience. Everyday calls from provincial radio outfits served as my breakfast, forums and interviews served as a routinary activity and TV guestings were always there from time to time, from TV Patrol World, to two guestings at Strictly Politics, to even Destiny Cable's exclusive GNN Network. I will allow those who witnessed those to be the perfect judge on how I fared.

Meanwhile, of course, the GREEN TEAM MOVEMENT started to grow because of the collective effort of the founding members, which saw the inclusion of Tony Igcalinos et. al, who were really great assets in the campaign. We started having chapters nationwide, through the USE of FB and our WEBSITE, which saw the numbers grow to 80+ by the end of the elections, given the lack of material resources during the campaign period.

So many names, so many heroes, so many people from various walks of life gathered around the cause. You had transport leaders, socialites, marginalized sector people, students, middle class people, all under one plane, the SULONG PILIPINAS PLANE of Sec. Teodoro.

Perhaps, the defining moment in the campaign came in the middle of the betrayal of party members, when I, Tony and Tita Camille decided to stage a PRESS CONFERENCE in protest of what happened with party members. It was such a rallying point for all of us who were starting to have a low morale. That event sprung several Berde-8 events crowded by more than 500 volunteers. That event paved the way for the number of volunteers to multiply by double or triple.

Of course, some groups would credit themselves for that, but then again, GOD KNOWS WHO REALLY DID ALL THE WORK and THOSE WHO WERE JUST TRYING TO MAKE A SCENE.

The campaign had this trademark of POSITIVITY, and even until the last minute before Sec. Teodoro conceded at the Lakas-Kampi HQ, he and the campaign displayed a great amount of professional behavior, despite the impending and eventual defeat.

People were crying, some were depressed, but I, and a few people saw the perfect opportunity to grow, to grow as individuals, and politically mature citizens.

Right now, more than defeat, when I look back exactly a year after the journey, and with the FORMAL REVOLUTION of GT2010 to GTP, I look back at good old days, and my humble beginnings, the organization's humble start.

It's grown to a magnitude we never imagined, and whatever people say, I'm proud to have chosen GREEN, whether GREEN is a majority and a minority.

Today, the circumstances have pretty much changed from where it was a year ago. I now head an organization which is really non-partisan called Youth Philippines as its Secretary-General. Because of the mileage I gained during the campaign, I've received numerous invites to talk in campuses, schools, which I find it surprising know me and what I did. This ain't a manifestation of boastfulness, but it is a remark borne out of my surprise to the fruits of what I labored during the elections.

Today, the organization I used to represent as Spokesperson is working on a different plane, re-organizing itself to become a different specie, a politically engaged, non-partisan, socio-civic organization. A lot of people have remained loyal to the cause, but many of the faces I used to see before are not around anymore. But that's change for you, and that's how life goes.

Looking back and moving forward, NOTHING can equal to the experience of being a GREEN TEAMER, paving the way for many personal opportunities to grow, to get exposed and to have so much mileage as a result of hardwork, perseverance and genuine love for country.


GREEN TEAM, may it be 2010, or Pilipinas, will always be known to overcoming difficulties, overcoming trials, beating odds. I know, deep inside my heart, that this movement is not about Mike Ong, or me, or anyone who had a major part in the campaign. This is about the KIND-HEARTED, LOVING VOLUNTEERS WHO GAVE IT THEIR ALL FOR THE COUNTRY THEY LOVE. SOME MAY HAVE OVERREACTED, SOME MAY HAVE GONE BEYOND THE BORDER, but NO ONE CAN DOUBT THE SPIRIT OF NATIONALISM WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE GREEN TEAM MOVEMENT.

This is the PERFECT TIME to say THANK YOU to those leaders I have looked upon in GREEN TEAM (whether Pilipinas or 2010), for without you, I would not have been myself today. With a humble heart, I dedicate whatever I have to your genuine trust, friendship and most importantly love. I have always CONSIDERED GREEN TEAM to be my HOME, where a great family was always READY to welcome, whether it was a good or bad day. I have always COSNIDERED the BOND we've had as an integral part of who I am today.

YOUTH PHILIPPINES is a new journey, but as they always say... "ONCE A GREENIE, ALWAYS A GREENIE"

This is Aaron Benedict De Leon, not the spokesperson of GREEN TEAM PILIPINAS any longer, but will always embody the spirit of a GREEN TEAM VOLUNTEER, whether its GREEN TEAM 2010, or GREEN TEAM PILIPINAS.

SPEECH: Modernatization should not cost us our Filipino Identity

Speech for the Youth to be delivered at the St. Jude College on the
7th of October, in front of students of the School of Liberal Arts and
Education

We have seen the dawn of the age of information, with so many inventions, innovations we now enjoy, from flat screen televisions to high technology cellphones and gadgets, to unthinkable audio and visual animations, civilization has indeed developed and progressed.

The Youth has seen itself at the forefront of the modern world, and has been a leader in the revolution of trends, in fashion, language- and often, even in behavior.

But what role does the youth have for our past and for our history? Does our youth just lavish in the ecstasy of the avant garde of today's present living? Does our youth even recognize the invaluable contribution of the past when it comes to making this generation a possibility and a reality?

True, we have seen the best of technology, and what's in store for us in the future are even better, way beyond the eyes of our imagination. But what set this stage for all of us is not merely confined in the characteristics of the modern human being, but it is also deeply rooted in the toil, sacrifices and hard work of our forebearers, ancestors, heroes...

The wonderful cultures, norms, traditions of the Philippines, often a site so rarely visited, so often ignored, so often taken to take a backseat to the features of today. The many tribes, indigenous peoples, the many ethnicities, are even more minority than what it used to be before. If the minority still has a small voice, these groups don't even a voice box to air their sentiments and grievances.

The youth, in our pursuit for many more of the new, tend to forget and disregard the old, often finding ourselves alien to what was original in our mother Philippines.

The appreciation for the many beautiful islands of the Philippines is often given by foreigners, not by our very own locals. The many zoo's and parks in the country, toured mostly by foreign correspondents, not by our students.

Our national parks, sceneries, wonders- they often become a subject of study, of field trips, of had been's, never a subject of our priority or even the thought of our long attention.

This is the present situation of our indigenous people, culture, tradition, even our indigenous wonders. Today, our youth remain foreigners to their own, remain thoughtless to preservatory action.

It is in fact a challenge for all of us, not just the youth, but even the young once, to face the Philippine flag, and ask ourselves, what is the debt of gratitude we owe to the Philippine flag?

Loving our country does not only confine itself in involvement in current political and socio-civic affairs, but it is also rooted in what made the three stars and the sun the symbols of our national flag.

Enough said about our Philippine History, just look around you, look around Rizal Park, Fort Santiago, the Manila Zoo, they represent your color, your race, your identity. The Youth must realize their being Filipino is not represented by laptops, not by modern cellphones, not even by their new clothes and accessories. The Youth must come to terms that their nationality is represented by the color of our skin, by the practice of our deeply rooted faith, and our identity of producing the most brave warriors who fought for our independence in the past.

The Youth's true home is not in shopping malls, not in parlors, not even in your cozy bedrooms. Your true home is where we were discovered, in the Banawe Rice Terraces built by the Ifugao's, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the Mactan Shrine in Cebu. These were the places that became home of the proudness we have for our heritage, for these places bore the true beauty of our motherland, the Philippines.

The Youth's true engine for development did not originate in new Ferrari models, or even sport utility vehicles. The Filipino's were known for the Vinta's, the Kalesa's, the SARAO Jeepneys. These inventions paved the way for the cars, vehicles you now drive.

Now, you realize what made all our great lives a possibility.

The Filipino Youth should be the engine to drive re-invention and re-discovery of the many beautiful cultural norms, practices, people we have in the country. We must do it now, or else, the future won't even have national parks/highways/sceneries to talk about.

And while we savor in the modernity of today's existence, we must remind ourselves of our origin, not only to visit and study, but to preserve and protect, not only for ourselves, but to those who want to remind themselves and inspire themselves of what made today what it is now.

Modernization should never cost the deterioration and extinction of our culture,
because once we lose sight of our past, we lose our true identity as Filipino's.

AARON BENEDICT DE LEON
Secretary-General, YOUTH Philippines Inc.
2010 Lakas-Kampi-CMD Presidential Campaign Platform Spokesperson