FORMER REP. MARK COJUANGCO, CONGRESS DIRECTOR OF 15TH DAIRY CONGRESS & EXPO HELD IN BAGUIO CITY
The summer capital of the Philippines hosted the three-day 15th Dairy Congress and Expo at the Hotel Supreme Convention Plaza, Magsaysay Road, Baguio City from May 16 to 18, 2012. Delegates from the different parts of the country convened at the registration area on the morning of the first day including the prominent guests and speakers: New Zealand Ambassador Reuben Levermore; Danilo V. Fausto, National Chairman, DairyCon; Mr. Philip Shull, Agricultural Counsellor, USDA-FAS; Rep. Mark Mendoza, Chairman, Committee of Food and Agriculture of the House of Representatives; Former Senator Leticia Shahani; Hon. Davinio Catbagan, DA Asst. Secretary; Ms. Grace Cenas, National Dairy Authority Administrator; and Former Congressman Mark Cojuangco, Congress Director.
The focus of the nationwide convention is to be able to magnify the locally produced milk in the country that is guaranteed to be fresh and not reconstituted as this year’s theme, “Gatas Pinoy: Paunlarin, Tangkilikin, Palaganapin!”, want to define.
(L-R) Amb. Reuben Levermore, Mr. Phillip Shull, Mr. Danilo Fausto, Former Rep. Mark Cojuangco, Rep. Mark Mendoza, Former Sen. Leticia Shahani, Hon. Davinio Catbagan and Ms. Grace Cenas.
The colonial mentality of consumers which tend to favor imported products over domestic ones thinking that it is a better product is a state of mind that must be transcended. On the display racks, shoppers often will choose milk that is imported, reconstituted and at a higher price than Philippine produced milk that is cheaper, healthier and fresher. Intervention from the media is urgently needed to neutralize this particular reasoning. The voice of the media has an immense impact in explaining to the consumers the advantages of Filipino milk compared to imported products.
5th District Representative, Kimi Cojuangco, strongly advocates that all school children in the country be given a free daily sustenance of fresh milk to help them grow healthy and strong because she believes that a progressive community starts with healthy constituents. It is also her hard line request in congress to incorporate milk in the many feeding programs of the government.
Representative Cojuangco is grateful that the 5th District of Pangasinan Dairy Farm was chosen as the final venue of the 15th Dairy Congress and Expo.
Kindly click on the following link for her message: http://5thdistrictpangasinan.com/2012/05/12/rep-kimi-cojuangco-message-for-dairy-congress-expo-2012/
Six beautiful buses from the provincial government of Pangasinan, courtesy of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. were sent to fetch the delegates from Baguio City to the 5th District of Pangasinan Dairy Farm which is located in barangay Maraboc, Laoac, Pangasinan.
Upon arrival, everyone was fascinated to see one if not the biggest dairy farm in the country. Foremost that caught everyone’s attention were the four gargantuan silos where the silages are kept. The delegates were divided into six groups with each assigned a guide for the tour around the farm. The milking cows and the huge barns that housed them also became a tourist’s attraction.
The sumptuous lunch was served in time, courtesy of the Congress Director, Mr. Mark Cojuangco. After the meal, everyone was given the chance in the raffle draw where grand prizes were given away sponsored by ABONO Party List and SMART Telecommunications.
REP. KIMI COJUANGCO MESSAGE FOR DAIRY CONGRESS EXPO 2012
It is an honor to have the 5th District of Pangasinan Dairy Farm serve as host for the 15th Dairy Congress and Expo. The 5th District of Pangasinan Dairy Farm has been hard at work towards marketing its products to provide more Filipinos with truly fresh milk products.
The dairy industry in the Philippines has grown so much over the years and it is time the Filipino people are made aware of it. Therein lies the beauty of the 15th Dairy Congress and Expo. It is an opportunity to all the dairy players all over the Philippines to show their products, to let their countrymen know and benefit from the fruits of their labor.
More than that, this Dairy Congress and Expo serves another purpose. That purpose is to show people what it really means when dairy product are labeled as Fresh. The milk we find in groceries, although labeled as “fresh” is not truly fresh milk. Our local dairymen are the only suppliers of true fresh milk in the country and it is through events such Dairy Congress and Expo as well as the DairyCon that Filipinos will get to know the true meaning of Fresh Milk.
Milk is full of nutrients and vitamins that are essential for a child’s growth. With milk, we can lessen the number of malnourished children in our country. The fresh milk that is produced by our local dairies can go a long way in improving the health of our children.
I believe that the 15th Dairy Congress and Expo will be an instrumental in raising awareness of our local dairy industry that continues to grow. It will aid in the promoting of our locally produced milk. It will continue spreading the true definition of Fresh in milk labeling. Together, we can make the local dairy industry greater that it already is.
NUCLEAR ENERGY AND THE COMMON PEOPLE
By Loejan S. Anudon
The proposed reactivation of the country’s foremost white elephant initiated by former Pangasinan 5th District Congressman Mark O. Cojuangco during his term is a topic that draws a varied range of reactions from antipathy, ambivalence to zealous enthusiasm.
The debate over the opening of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in Morong, Bataan is approaching new heights what with the impending effects of global warming, increasing demand for electricity in the country and the recent catastrophe in the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan.
Rotating brownouts in all parts of the country is crippling business establishments and industrial operations resulting in hundreds of billions if not trillions worth of losses. As demand for fuel rise so does the impact of increased carbon emissions escalate. All these and many other factors makes the need for a cleaner, economically viable form of alternative energy imperative in this country and until other solutions are developed, nuclear energy is the one technology that can provide cheap and readily available energy to meet the rising demand.
Nuclear power proponents struggle to edify the populace of the benefits of nuclear generated electricity and to break down misconceptions and fears. Some of the fears are understandable and rational, there are more that are exceedingly alarmist and without warrant; not based on fact, history and reality.
The reality is, in order to accomplish the many initiatives dreamed of for stimulating progress and to raise the standard of living for all its citizens, this country needs to ensure that an affordable and reliable energy source is available. Nuclear energy is the only cost effective and environmentally benign answer to accomplish that goal, compared to any other power generating technology.
However, before that goal is even possible, certain attitudes and ways of thinking among the people need to be overcome. Many concerns brought up by those who oppose the reactivation of BNPP are valid but all those obstacles can be worked though over time and in fact, most have already been analyzed with solutions proven over decades of successful operating history of the nuclear energy industry.
Aside from the technicalities of operating a nuclear plant, it is more difficult to counter the general population’s mindset, misconceptions and fear that spreads so much easier than facts.
France, one of the most successful and largest consumers of nuclear energy, for instance, has been very successful in explaining the complex facts of nuclear power generation to its people so that it is easily digestible and more acceptable. This really, when you remove the stigma of it as “nuke”, can be as simple as any of the technologies and innovations that we already embrace.
Former congressman Mark Cojuangco, the most visible advocate for the revitalization of the BNPP acknowledges the fact that, given the prevailing cynical mindset, it is an uphill battle to spread truthful facts about nuclear energy and dispel many of the alarmist and over exaggerated rumors floating about.
But if one is truly earnest in raising the Filipino people above their present status and enable them to avail the advantages of progress, one must look to the future as many of our Asian neighbors already are doing by providing them with the resources to fulfill that destiny.
That means providing them with the infrastructures, the social services and most importantly, the physical and real empowerment made possible by nuclear power, an enabling technology that will allow the progress and self-sufficiency.
Yet, acquiescence to these advancements does not come in a hot pan-de-sal. Filipinos in general, particularly the common people, are noted being aloof and pessimistic, veiled as extra cautious, in subscribing to modern technologies. Will it kill people? Is it detrimental to health? Is it expensive? These are some of the common queries that are without the constructive criticisms, what good does it offer? What are our advantages? Both queries should go together and not one without the other in giving in to modern science in an aim to attain self-sufficiency. Once asked, “Congressman, why couldn’t the BNPP open despite continuous corroboration from nuclear experts that it is safe to operate?” He looked at an empty space for a moment and said, “Irrational fear!”
The Philippines is rich in natural resources and the Filipino aptitude constantly amazes the world, yet we remain one of the poorest and under developed countries in Asia. Do we want to continue as servants in other lands or do we want to take our own destinies at hand and work together to put in place all the necessary foundations to make something like a simple nuclear power plant serviceable in our country?
Why not start the road to progress here, in the existing BNPP structure? It will be a relatively easy and straight forward task to get this one structure up and running being that it is already built, paid for, and now proven to be much superior in its design basis to those in Fukushima. It will open the doors to the dawn of a new “people owned” power industry that will usher in a new era of prosperity for Filipinos.
Aside from the technicalities of operating a nuclear plant, it is more difficult to counter the general population’s mindset, misconceptions and fear that spreads so much easier than facts.
Comment: BNPP will cause stillbirth to pregnant women who comes near to it! … Politician
Ans: WRONG! You can stand beside the operating BNPP for one year and not getting as much radiation you acquire from eating one banana fruit.
Comment: The BNPP will kill us like what happened in Chernobyl!
… People opposed to BNPP
Ans: FALSE! The Chernobyl was a plant specifically designed to make nuclear arms at the height of the U.S. and Russia war that was converted into a power plant. Practically, it was not designed as to the requirements of a nuclear power plant.
Comment: The BNPP will kill us like what happened in Three Mile Island! … Alarmists
Ans: FALSE! No one was hurt or killed in Three Mile Island
Comment: The BNPP was permanently closed because of enumerable faults found by experts… People opposed to BNPP
Ans: FALSE! Experts who conducted the inspection submitted “add-in” requirements for the safety of the plant and all were complied with to detail.
SOME DO NOT WANT US TO SUCCEED! A sad event if true
GRACE OVER CONFLICT WINS THE NIGHT
When two conflicting sides come together, it’s always a volatile situation or awkwardly uncomfortable at best. That realization dawned on the guests at a gathering over the weekend hosted by Mayor Vivien Villar, when Pangasinan 5th District Representative, Kimi Cojuangco, one of the strongest RH advocates, came face to face with Bishop Jacinto A. Jose, D.O. and his entourage composed of several parish priests, Fr. Franklin Tandingan, Fr. Alex De Guzman, Fr. Richard Abalos and Fr. Ralph Christopher M. Itchon .
The congresswoman’s vehement support of the RH bill is as transparent as the Catholic Church’s staunch opposition to it. As the congresswoman reiterated during her last privilege speech, “An institutionalized reproductive healthcare will be a major instrument in improving the life of our people, especially those who need the services most. The Filipino family deserves no less because everybody deserves a lifetime, and a quality one at that.”
Strong statements such as that hovered over everyone’s mind on the evening of March 24, 2012. The occasion was a celebration for the founding anniversary of Sto. Tomas, Pangasinan and also the birthday bash of Dangerous Drugs Board Secretary Antonio Villar, Jr.
IF OPPOSITES CAN ATTRACT, THEY CAN SURELY PARTY?
Bishop Jacinto A. Jose and Rep Kimi Cojuangco
The encounter caused a momentary pause in the celebration as guests waited for reaction from either side. As everyone who follows the congresswoman’s advocacy knows, she has been quite unrestrained in her support of the RH bill, insisting on the rights of women specifically in her district, who are not always of the Catholic faith, to have the opportunity and access maternal health. She is also firm in her belief that being a good Catholic does not always mean following the church’s dogma but doing what is right for all people regardless of their religion. But when the gracious and naturally vivacious congresswoman is concerned, that apprehension is unfounded. Following the lead of Mayor Villar and Congresswoman Cojuangco, everyone was welcomed and enfolded into the conviviality with courtesy and grace. It wasn’t long before everyone was having fun like old friends.
Political agendas briefly set aside, the evening’s celebratory ambiance continued to the delight of all in attendance.
(L-R) Standing – Fr. Franklin Tandingan, Fr. Alex De Guzman, Fr. Richard Abalos, Former Villasis Mayor Nonato Abrenica, Mayor Libradita Abrenica and Fr. Ralph Christopher M. Itchon. (Seated L-R) Sto Tomas Mayor Vivien O. Villar, Bishop Jacinto A. Jose and Congresswoman Kimi Cojuangco. - By Loejan Anudon
Death March (Privilege Speech of Congw. Kimi S. Cojuangco)
Madame Speaker, distinguished colleagues, good afternoon. The CBCP will be holding a prayer rally on March 25 for the “Day of the Unborn”. As early as now I would like to thank them for their prayers dedicated to the unborn while they are still in the mother’s womb.
But as an RH advocate, I would like to take it a step further and ask the Catholic church to include in their prayers those newly born children taking their first breath, half dead because of poor pre natal care. I ask that they pray for the babies that survive but are forced to go through life malnourished and without the benefits of education, for those born without having sucked the breast of their mothers, for those street children that rely on the intoxication brought about by sniffing rugby to make it through the day.
I ask that they pray for the mothers that perish daily because full maternal health care is only accessible to the limited number who can afford it. But most of all, I ask that they pray for the children who will never experience the love and care of a mother.
In memory of my constituent Marcelina, from Sison, Pangasinan and of all women from all over the Philippines who died because of poor maternal health care, I have entitled this message, Death March.
What tortured thoughts must have gone through these dying mothers’ heads as they held their newborn babies in their arms for only a single precious moment. Fathers are left alone to care for their children and are pained when they are left with no other choice but to send them away to relatives just so that they might have a chance at a better life. Even those mothers who survive are forced to watch helplessly as their brood of 10 starve and go to sleep each night feeling the pain of empty stomachs, their hearts breaking with each passing day.
Jose Rizal wrote, “I see the horrible cancer which feeds upon this society, which clutches its flesh, and which demands a violent rooting out.” The reality is that without the RH bill, we will never be able to cure this cancer. Isn’t it sad that our society’s problem centuries ago still persists to this day? How during Rizal’s time the Spanish frailes imposed their beliefs on the people? The truth of the matter is that the biggest stumbling block to the passage of the RH Bill is the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy. Castigate me if you must, but when it comes to this issue I cannot agree with the Church leaders.
Colleagues, as ridiculous as it might sound, it seems that we are still in the dark ages. In fact, I think it is downright barbaric to trivialize and pretend that there are no abortions due to unwanted pregnancies. Just take a few steps outside the Quiapo Church and you will find a tiange of abortifacient products. It is ignorant to say that taking artificial contraceptives leads to more abortions and immorality when these will prevent unwanted pregnancies, the reason women undergo an abortion in the first place. It is almost criminal to not help families in deciding the number of children they want and can responsibly support. Without our help, more children will go to bed hungry at night.
To the Bishops that threaten us in their daily masses, I ask you: please stop playing political games with the State and mothers’ lives.
To my colleagues who privately agree and believe in the RH Bill but are silenced by their bishops, I say our inaction kills. We have the power to make a difference in the lives of millions of Filipinos, the very people we have sworn to serve and protect. Our one vote can change the lives of millions and the destiny of our beloved country.
Madame Speaker, isn’t it insensitive that we, the rich and those with the means to do so can just walk into a drugstore and freely purchase the family planning method of our choice while the poor do not have the same choice? Our society is sick and in desperate need of a cure. The Governments of the past have failed to address this problem. But I have hope for the present, I would like to think that our leaders are not asleep.
Dear colleagues, we NEED to make a very critical decision soon. I believe that the RH bill’s passage is the best legacy the Aquino administration and this House can give our country. An institutionalized reproductive healthcare will be a major instrument in improving the life of our people, especially those who need the services most. The Filipino family deserves no less because everybody deserves a lifetime, and a quality one at that.
Your signatures in favor of the RH bill is your legacy to present and future generations. From these signatures come the collective inspiration for this House to do what must be done.
The passage of the RH bill will give meaning to the deaths of Marcelina and all the nanays who have left their orphaned children and this world too soon. Let us stop this death march. We have the power to do this.
KIMI UNLEASHES STORM OVER STAGNATED SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION
By: Loejan S. Anudon
The immense need to provide schoolrooms to meet the ever increasing number of students at the Urdaneta City National High School (UCNHS), Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, impelled the school officials to bring their dilemma to then Congressman Mark Cojuangco.
Their request was granted and a three-story building with six classrooms per floor was soon underway, overlooking the vast expanse of the Urdaneta City athletic field at its western end. On the end of each floor, state of the art comfort rooms were apportioned in the building plan to match the expansive classrooms. The design included toilet bowls and sinks imported from the U.S.
The storm brews
On March 2, 2012, the UCNHS celebrated its 67th founding anniversary and Pangasinan 5th district representative, Kimi Cojuangco, was invited as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the coronation night. The graceful presence of the congresswoman is always a welcomed event in any celebration and this night was no different.
To the consternation of the congresswoman, she arrived at the venue to find that the festivities have not yet started and only a few organizers were milling about to the accompanying melodies created by the famed EC Jammers Orchestra, overpowering the still night air.
The Congresswoman conferring with Dr. Patacsil while one CR makeshift door is forcibly opened. Ms. Dhang Manaois is seen here lighting the area with the faint light coming from her cellphone.
The school principal, Dr. Alexander Patacsil, came in haste as soon as he was informed of the congresswoman’s arrival. While waiting for the program to begin, the topic of conversation wound its way to the still unfinished building that then Congressman Mark Cojuangco approbated for the school. The revelation that the building is still not completed to this day, particularly the comfort rooms, compelled the congresswoman to request for an outright tour inside the building which the principal led with pleasure. It was dark along all its corridors as electrical connections have yet to be installed properly thus cellphone lights and anything on hand that could help illuminate the way were utilized.
The abysmal sight of makeshift doors, broken windows, uninstalled toilet bowls, missing sinks, and all six comfort rooms sullied and covered with cobwebs was extremely disappointing and shocking for the congresswoman. The stagnant state of the construction project caused her to let loose a storm triggering mayhem and a hurricane of frantic activity among her staff. Even as it was late in the evening, she ordered her secretary, Ms. Dhang Manaois, to call all the engineers in charge of the building construction but not one replied to the continuous rings except for DPWH District Engineer, Noel Diaz, who ended up bearing the brunt of the ire intended for all.
The congresswoman’s ire was magnified by the realization that the building project was still unfinished to the extent that it is; even as the Four Million Pesos (Php4,000,000.00) from the congresswoman’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to complete the CR project including the water system was released long time ago.
Rep. Cojuangco talking to the District Engineer through her cellular phone.
Broken windows and poorly installed sewage pipelines
Missing sinks and mirrors
The Congresswoman (in green) enraged at the inactivity of her engineers for so long a time to finish the CR project. One of her photographers is seen here hiding to dodge a cut of the ire.
The eye of the storm
Rep. Cojuangco in her usual genial self pledges to revive the stalled construction of the building that her husband initiated to the delight of the school officials and parents.
In her speech, she passed on good wishes to the school and all the teaching staff including the members of the event’s royal court and the parents who shared their time and effort in supporting the school program. In addition, she also pledged the immediate revival of the stalled construction and to complete all the comfort rooms of the building that her husband initiated during his incumbency as congressman.
The day after – hurricane of activity blows in
True to her promise, construction resumed vigorously the following day as four contractors were called on to divide amongst them specific tasks to ensure the completion of all the comfort rooms. A representative from the DPWH office also arrived to help oversee that each contractor was appropriately assigned and on schedule for completion.
Engineers from the office of the congresswoman were tasked to supervise the completion of the project which includes the installation of all electrical wiring in the whole building.
Rep. Cojuangco (in white long sleeves blouse) conversing with Urdaneta City Vice Mayor Bong Gorospe (center - in dark shirt) and Mr. Ronald San Juan (wearing peach colored shirt). Others in the meeting were the contractors.
Drilled water source waiting for completion.
Urdaneta City Vice Mayor Bong Gorospe and Mayor Bobom Perez’ executive assistant, Ronald San Juan, in behalf of the mayor who is out of the country, also arrived to provide any help that the congresswoman might require.
Two days later – the aftermath
A worker preparing the beam to be installed
Mr. Keong Reyes, project assistant of the congresswoman (3rd from left) is seen here giving instructions to Engr. Archie Delim while the workers (background) are busy preparing the construction materials
The contractors and workers, all in haste to finish the project before the specified deadline set by the congresswoman.
Contractors started fixing the CR ceilings
An electrician is fixing the electrical wirings
Broken windows are cleaned of glass fragments prior to the installation of new ones.
Engr. King Wrobi Llarenas (in blue-green polo shirt) supervising his men resizing the construction materials
“Puwede pala nilang tapusin agad kung gugustuhin!” (So, it is doable to finish the project immediately if they want it) One staff said referring to the construction engineers.
KIMI AND THE ELEPHANT
On February 6, 2012, the lady representative of the 5th district of Pangasinan once again stood on the congressional floor to put the oar and the rudder into motion towards the Reproductive Health bill that has been momentarily hushed to consider the ongoing impeachment trial in the senate.
In her privilege speech, Rep. Kimi Cojuangco called on everyone to have a glance at what she termed as “elephant” that is so blatantly obvious it has become a common scene everywhere that many members of the house perhaps have grown inured to the sight. This was her speech that she hoped to clear the gossamer blinders from her colleagues’ eyes with that they may again be able to focus on the Reproductive Health Bill and finally put it up to a vote.
The following is the solon’s speech….
PRIVILEGE SPEECH
Hon. Kimi Cojuangco
House of Representatives
06 February 2012
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my dear Colleagues, there is an elephant on the floor of this People’s House of Representatives. Do you see it? I do. I see it everyday…I see it in my district; I even see it in the streets of Metro Manila. I know you see it too. It’s just so common that maybe we have grown immune, even callous due to our familiarity with this elephant.
I stand here today representing my constituents, who are very much like yours. I stand here today representing the people whose interests and welfare this House is supposed to serve. I, no, we owe it to them to put the spotlight on this very common sight that we have grown accustomed to, and won’t go away unless this House acts.
I hope to grab your attention my colleagues. So I call on you…whether buried under paperwork at your desks, present on the floor or having a much needed snack in the lounge. I humbly ask for your ears and your eyes. If we were computers, I would click the search button and surf backwards to bring us back to where this all started 16 years ago.
Let me briefly tell you the story of one of my constituents. Oh, let me correct that, the story of Marcelina Tucay Salango, a former constituent because she has since passed away.
Marcelina Salango was a good wife and an even better mother to her five children, all of whom are boys.
She was almost 43 years old when she got pregnant with her sixth child. She had regular consultations and pre-natal check-ups with the local midwife. Due to her advanced age, Marcelina’s pregnancy was considered “high-risk” and was constantly told by by the midwife that she must deliver the baby in a hospital.
On October 13, 2009, Marcelina went into labour and her husband sent for the midwife who refused but gave strict orders that Marcelina be immediately be brought to the hospital where the birth can happen in a proper facility, equipped to handle a high-risk pregnancy.
Due to financial constraints and the distance to the nearest hospital, the Salangos instead decided to have the baby delivered by a “hilot”, a mistake that cost them dearly. Marcelina died in childbirth, and although the baby boy survived, he will grow up never having the chance to meet his mother.
Marcelina left behind her husband Floro and her six childen. Unfortunately, Floro now lives with two of their children, Hero and Marvin. Rolly, the youngest has been under the care of Marcelina’s parents in Laguna since birth up to this day. The others are taken cared of by relatives. The older children are forced to work as farmhands and take on other jobs in order to survive.
Marcelina is just one among the many thousands of mothers who died due to pregnancy and childbirth complications. These deaths could have been totally avoided if these mothers had access to appropriate health services.
This story is just part of what happens at the macro level, these pictures speak a thousand words about the situation. Please start the slide show. There is no need for me to explain. The pictures say it all. We have discussed this problem many times before. In fact, we still discuss this now. While the elephant, oops I mean, the pictures are staring at us I will get to my point.
Shortly before Christmas, I had a conversation with President Benigno Aquino. I asked the President if he favored putting the Reproductive Health bill to a vote and he replied that he definitely wanted the bill voted on. He then went on to say that he was under the impression that it would be voted upon before the Christmas break. He stressed that he had stuck his neck out many times before for this bill, even to the point of risking being excommunicated by the Catholic Church hierarchy.
Mr. Speaker, to quote an audibly irked-sounding PNOY, the President said, “You mean to say I have to make a push again?” So you see my friends and colleagues in this House, this is now in our hands. The President has challenged us and it is up to us to rise to the occasion. I join him in asking: let us, once and for all, put the RH bill to a vote. Unfinished business is the heart of that elephant sitting on the floor. Let’s finally set it free.
Mr. Speaker, I am not asking for any heroics from the House leadership. I am simply putting the ball or should I say the elephant, in your court. I am simply asking for the TRUTH to come out on this issue. I am not even trying to convince my colleagues to vote for or against the RH bill. Win or lose, let’s be brave enough to show our colors and face this head on.
I want to share something I stumbled upon. This is not meant to convince anybody to go one way or the other.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award for public service is given to persons-regardless of race, nationality, creed, or gender-who address issues of human development in Asia with courage and creativity, and in doing so have made contributions which have transformed their societies for the better.
It is interesting to note that in 1994 a Thai national, Mr. Meechai Viravaidya received the Ramon Magsaysay award. He was recognized for mounting creative public campaigns in Thailand that promote family planning, rural development, and a rigorous, honest, and compassionate response to the plague of HIV and AIDS.
In Thailand, Mr. Meechai Viravaidya was affectionately called Mr. Condom and in fact, condoms in Thai are now called “Meechai”. I used the term affectionately because Thais love him for the turnaround of their economy that is significantly due to his efforts. I find it interesting, yet ironic that a prestigious Filipino award (also called the Nobel Prize of Asia), was given to him considering that we are left behind by Thailand on this issue.
Certainly I do not say that we copy what Thailand did but there are lessons to be drawn from its experience. In fact, there is no shortage of lessons from our own, and other countries’ experiences on the issue of RH.
Some food for thought from British writer and activist Douglas Adams, “Human beings who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so”. At this point Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, after many years of debates, we have already exhausted all arguments on the RH bill, for or against. Everything to learn on this issue is there and it’s up to each of us to accept or reject these.
So I say let us divide the House into those that will use their ability to learn and those who are disinclined to do so.
Mr Speaker, allow me to just add a short note about my observations on the House with regard to the ongoing RH debates. The interpellations to my mind, have reached their maximum level of shelf life and are now toxic. It is amazing how some of us answer arguments by attributing evil motives to those who disagree with them. If we continue acting this way, then there is no more room for logic or factual discussions. This House will just be more divided.
My dear Colleagues, Mr. Speaker, as earlier said, no less than President Benigno Aquino III has challenged the leadership of this House of the People. This humble Representation wishes to join the President on this: please bring the RH bill to a vote.
Thank you and good evening!
