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Friday, April 30, 2010

Apu Mamalu Burial Site Listed as National Cultural Treasure

 
Apu Mamalu Burial Site Listed as National Cultural Treasure

Manila, Philippines – The National Museum is now finalizing the declaration of Apu Mamalu Burial in the tribal Barangay of Mikasili, Damulog, Bukidnon as a National Cultural Treasure. "It's on the 3rd of our list for approval after Maribojoc Church of Bohol, and Manila Metropolitan Theater in Manila" an update made by Angel Bautista, Curator from the National Museum today to LRC-KsK. Maribojoc Church and Metropolitan Theater are classified as important cultural property as enshrined in the R.A. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 1999 which will protect cultural property against exportation, modification or demolition added by Bautista.

 The recent industrial developments in areas of Mindanao have endangered the lives and the very existence of various tribes in Mindanao, especially for the Manobo tribe in Bukidnon. Located in the area of Barangay Mikasili, Damulog, Bukidnon, is the centuries old sacred burial site of Apu Mamalu, the supreme ancestor of the Menovu, T'duray and other Lumad tribes in Mindanao. He was the brother of Apo Tabunaway, the ancestor of the Moro tribes. The burial site is one of the sacred sites affected by the proposed Mega dam project in Bukidnon which will submerge at least 23 villages of the Menuvo tribe in Souther Bukidnon.

According to oral traditions, Tabunaway and Mamalu were Menovu brothers. The former being the skillful forest gatherer and recognized as the Datu while the latter led the fishing chores of the village. The Manobos occupied the lower valley of the Pulangi River in Central Mindanao, which is Cotabato City. In the 14th century, a Muslim missionary Shariff Kabungsuan, arrived and propagated Islam in Mindanao. Tabunaway was converted into the Islam faith while Mamalu remained with the Manobo tribe. Mamalu then moved into the highlands of the Pulangi river because he did not want to be converted. The Mamalu clan then became known as the Manobo, while the Tabunaway clan became the Maguindanaos.

The cause of deaths of Apo Mamalu and Apo Tabunaway were unknown. But tribal leaders from then up to now, believe that Apo Mamalu was buried in a Stonehenge-like formation, with hundreds of burial rocks and located near the riverbank of the Pulangi River.

The Manobo tribe considers this site sacred, the root of their existence and the foundation of their culture. Recently, the tribal communities initiated a tribal declaration to publicly announce the cultural and historical importance of this site. Moreover, such public declaration established the fact that the Manobo tribe has considered the site as a sacred ground, the need to protect the root of their culture and existence is essential.

The LRC-KsK/Foe, being a strong advocate for the Indigenous Peoples rights and welfare believes that such conditions mentioned above will not only be detrimental and tragic to the at least 23 communities but will also annihilate beyond point, the culture, ancestry and homeland of the Manobo tribe.

Wilmar Ampuan, chair of NATABUK, inc (Federation of Southern Menuvu Tribe) said "This is what our traditional leaders have been longing for, such declaration from the government agency would greatly help in preserving the Menovu way of life, our root culture and our home. As the Apo Mamalu burial site is sacred and is forbidden in our culture from being transferred or desecrated, the declaration is one way recognition and protection our heritage as the proponent of the Mega Dam is now fast-tracking the social preparation of the project without respecting the traditional consent process of the IP in the areas".


Thursday, April 29, 2010

More women OFWs go on work stoppage to demand immediate repatriation

 

 

Migrante International insisted the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) today to finally decide on the permanent banning of deployment to Annasban company and cancellation of licenses of its "partner"recruitment agencies – Placewell International, Saveway International, Global Jobsearch and UPPI.

 

"We have already gone through all the processes and requirements for the POEA to once and for all act in favor of the Annasban workers and their families. All the bases have been laid down. All they need to do is decide and come up with a ruling and order to ban the company and the involved recruitment agencies, and push OWWA to release funds for the immediate repatriation of the OFWs," said Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante.

 

According to Migrante, the former employees of Annasban who were repatriated earlier this year are now on the third hearing of their filed administrative cases in POEA. The workers attended the hearings religiously – came on time and presented evidences to back their claims. The recruitment agencies on the other hand did not send representatives or failed to submit answers as agreed upon in the hearings.

 

"The workers did their homework while agencies just fooled around. With this conduct, they are making a mockery of the procedure. There is no valid reason for such defaults. At hindi biro para sa mga OFW na gumastos at maglaan ng panahon sa mga ganitong hearing sa gitna ng hikahos na kalagayan. The POEA should seriously take this as an additional reason to immediately punish them," exclaimed Martinez.

 

Meanwhile, Annasban Company has not yet complied to the repatriation of more than 30 of its workers who went on a work stoppage in protest of gross contract violations. According to Migrante, the POEA Adjudication Office has given Annasban ten days to act but until now, on the final day, the company has not given any response. Failure to do so warrants administrative sanctions.

 

Earlier this month, Annasban was temporarily disallowed from hiring Filipino workers after it failed to repatriate Marissa Andes, an OFW who ran away from work due to, among others, non-payment of salaries.

 

According to Migrante, eight workers, all women, recently joined the work stoppage, bringing the total number of protestors to 32. The group also shared that the total number of Annasban workers who have sought their help has already reached to 285. They expect the figures to double this year "if the government will not put an end to sending Filipinos to the vicious business giant."

 

"The plight and battle of the Annasban workers illustrate the sorry state of the OFWs and the very slow delivery of justice to them. In their own experience they have learned that the solution to their woes will not be achieved alone through the legal battles provided by government institutions. They have learned that the end to the problem of the migrant workers can only be achieved through changing the social order," said Martinez.

 

Migrante along with the Annasban workers and their families are set to join the labor day rally on Saturday.





Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Recruiter says no job will be lost in PROC-Taiwan trade agreement

Jackson Gan, president of the Pilipino Manpower Association for Taiwan, Inc.
(PILMAT), the association of licensed overseas employment agencies
responsible for deploying thousands of overseas Filipino workers to Taiwan,
yesterday said not a single OFW will lose his or her job just because Taiwan
is signing an economic cooperation agreement with the People's Republic of
China.

"Contrary to the scare scenario painted by the National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA), Taiwan will not be sending home OFWs in droves
once it signs an Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with the
PROC," he said.

Gan, who is also the Vice President of the Federated Associations of
Manpower Exporters, Inc., also lambasted NEDA acting secretary general
Augusto B. Santos for being an alarmist on a yet to be consummated
agreement.

"The warning of Sec. Santos that Filipinos in Taiwan may lose their jobs;
that Taiwanese foreign direct investments in the Philippines may drop; and
that Philippine tourism may enormously suffer, is without factual basis and
is sending the wrong signal to the people," he said.

Last week, Santos warned about job and investment losses as a result of the
PROC forging closer economic cooperation ties with neighboring Taiwan,
saying the agreement could drive Taiwan manufacturers to mainland China
because of cheap labor and other business attractions.

Gan said this warning is without basis because while the investment climate
in China is now more liberal, there is little likelihood that the
electronics manufacturing sector-Taiwan's economic pillar which employs
thousands of Filipinos-will transfer immediately to China because of
national security concerns.

He explained that the sector is not among the 99 industries and business
lines that Taiwan would likely liberalize because its defense ministry is
not too keen about the ECFA.

Taiwanese electronics manufacturing companies are not also warm to the idea
of hiring Chinese mainlanders because of security risks, such as sabotage,
piracy and counterfeiting.

He cited the example of Hong Kong which returned to the possession of China
in 1997, but still has not lost its economic and financial luster nor its
investments and workers despite China's aggressive economic liberalization
and growth.

Another reason the ECFA is not yet a 'done deal' as Santos projected is that
there is too much domestic opposition in Taiwan, particularly from women
groups, to the agreement.

"Taiwanese opposition to the ECFA say the agreement will impact not only on
trade and the economy, but also on politics, sovereignty, society and
culture. Hence, they are calling for further debates, even a referendum, on
the ECFA," Gan explained.

"Some Taiwanese are saying that the "complete trade opening which would
follow the accord would also influence Taiwan's democratic way of life, its
public order and its common values, which are totally different compared to
communist-dominated China", the PILMAT president added.

As to the Philippines, Gan called on the NEDA to work closely with the
Department of Labor and Employment and the Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration in fashioning out a long-term and viable OFW reintegration
program that could be quickly and effectively implemented if and when the
China-Taiwan ECFA becomes a reality.

"Alarming the people on dire things yet to calm is not helpful," Gan said.

OFW Journalism Consortium
www.ofwjournalism.net

Monday, April 26, 2010

OFWs Challenge Senatoriable: Seven Point Migrants' Covenant

More than half a million migrant Filipinos have registered as voters.  Days after the polls opened in various countries abroad since April 10, the turnout has been low.

 

So it was in 2004 and 2007 when the Overseas Absentee Voting took effect.

 

But make no mistake about it.  The Migrant Vote has become even more significant in the fact that it further draws attention to the plight of OFWs. As numerous as they are, so have their problems become.  Even exercising their right to vote is exceedingly difficult in countries where they work, without discounting fraud either through automation, manual or postal voting.

 

The electoral campaign has not been helpful either.  All the shallowness and mudslinging by candidates only served to cast away attention from the real issues that migrants face. 

 

In this light, Migrante International is asking candidates and prospective winners to view the Migrant Vote not just as an added statistic or piece of electoral returns but as a compelling message to address their plight.

 

This plight is spelled out in Migrante's Seven Point Covenant, which also serves as a benchmark for a strong migrants' agenda that candidates and prospective winners may carry in their platform of government.

 

To this end, Migrante wishes to thank senatorial candidates Liza Maza, Tito Sotto, Jun Lozada, Gwen Pimentel (through her husband Atty. Luigi Gana), Gilbert Remulla and others who unfortunately cannot make it today, for taking up this challenge and adopting Migrante's Seven Point Covenant.

 

Migrante  appreciates the importance they bring to this sector.  The said candidates recognize how important this sector is to the Philippine economy.  Undeniably, the OFWs through their remittances are saving this nation from total ruin.  In 2009 an unprecedented $17.3 billion was remitted to this country despite our OFWs reeling from the economic and financial crisis abroad.

 

Migrante hopes that the signing of the Covenant will foster understanding, cooperation and partnership with said candidates long after the elections are through.    ###

 

 

---------------------------

 

 

 

The Migrant Vote: Drawing Attention to the Plight of OFWs

 

As Filipino migrants continue to cast their ballot in various parts of the world, Migrante International draws attention to the Migrant Vote as a compelling message to candidates to address the plight of OFWs.

 

This plight is spelled out in Migrante's Seven Point Covenant with national candidates signed today, April 15, at Greenhouse Grill,  Matalino St., Quezon City.  Attending the signing are senatoriables  Liza Maza, Tito Soto, Jun Lozada,  and representatives of Gilbert Remulla and Luigi Gana, husband of Gwen Pimentel. The candidates have pledged that they intend to promote the rights and welfare of OFWs. 

 

Rep. Maza, while in Congress as Gabriela Women's Party representative, has authored the Anti-Trafficking Bill while Congressman Jun Lozada, Sen. Tito Soto and Senator Pimentel were co-authors of the Overseas Absentee Voting. Atty. Gwen Pimentel has also herself facilitated many cases of repatriation of OFWs. 

 

"There must be a public and high profile discussion on real issues such as that of OFWs," said Migrante chair Garry Martinez.  "We believe that through this covenant with the candidates, OFWs can raise the challenge further for government to do more for OFWs."

 

Cases of neglect, abuse and exploitation daily plague the offices of Migrante chapters abroad, and attention from government has been minimal compared to the OFWs' sheer numbers.

 

"The neglect is unconscionable," said Martinez, considering that the OFWs have been keeping the economy afloat and have sent an unprecedented $17.3 billion in 2009.

 

The Migrante officer continued, "Thus, we believe that there is a growing significance to the Migrant Vote. The Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) should not be treated as just another voting exercise and its results just a sheet of electoral returns.  It should serve as a reminder to candidates or winners in the elections for them to carry a strong migrants agenda."

 

 

Migrante has vowed to use its Covenant as a benchmark for this agenda.  On top of this is holding the Arroyo government responsible and accountable for its corruption and plunder, including the raiding, misuse, diversion, or anomalous investments of OWWA funds.

 

"We are particularly calling to those who sign this covenant to closely look into the scrapping of the oppressive OWWA Omnibus Policies as this could mean immediate and meaningful provision of much needed services for OFWs in distress," declared Martinez.

 

Also cited in the Covenant are the need for legal and welfare protection for OFWs, the repatriation of innumerable runaways and stranded OFWs, stronger enforcement of laws against illegal recruiters, prevention of trafficking and sexual abuse, and a stop to onerous exactions, forced contribution and fees.

 

More importantly,  Migrante is moving towards the scrapping of government's labor export program through massive creation of local jobs or employment, and ultimately to reunite families and to chart a better future for their children.    ###

Philippines tops list of countries with most reported disasters in 2009

 

Philippines tops list of countries with most reported disasters in 2009


The Philippines topped the list of countries most frequently hit by natural disasters in 2009, the Citizens' Disaster Response Center (CDRC) said.


Lourdes Louella Escandor, CDRC's Executive Director, cited the records of the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) which showed that the Philippines was hit 26 times by natural disasters last year.


CDRC is a partner of CRED, a World Health Organization collaborating center based in Brussels, Belgium, which maintains the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT: The International Disaster Database).


CDRC, which also maintains its own disaster database, revealed that if human-induced disasters like armed conflict were included, the total number of disaster occurrence in 2009 will reach 191.


CRED also ranked the Philippines 2nd in the top ten list of countries most affected by natural disasters in 2009 with 13.6 million people affected. The People's Republic of China topped the list with 68.7 million people affected.


Escandor said the Philippines' ranking came not as a surprise since last year saw two of the worst disasters in the country's history: Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.


"The challenge now is how we can slide down from the top ten list of countries most affected by natural disasters," Escandor said. "We may not be able to control how many disasters will hit the Philippines, but we can very well minimize its effect."


Escandor stressed the importance of disaster preparedness and the cooperation of the whole community in reducing the impact of disasters.


CDRC is a non-government organization that pioneered and continues to promote community-based disaster management in the Philippines. It operates nationwide through a network of regional centers and people's organizations.

 

Filipinos in Japan Slam Osaka Consulate for OFW Exaction and Neglect

 

 

Filipinos in Japan Slam Osaka Consulate  for OFW Exaction and Neglect

 

Groups of migrant Filipinos in Japan are furious about the way officials at the Philippine Consulate General's Office in Osaka are handling cases of detained Filipinos charged with overstaying visa.

Nestor Puno, President of the Philippine Society in Japan, is irate about consulate officials in Osaka for its inaction and lack of concern for detained OFWs in Japan who are in need of consular assistance to expedite their repatriation.

 

He cited the case of Filipino couple, Reynante and Erna Villacora, who are under immigration detention since December 18, 2009 for overstaying their visa.  Reynante requested the Philippine Consulate in Osaka through Filipino organizations in Nagoya to issue travel documents for his nine-year old son, Rey John Villacora so they can travel back to the Philippines together. Rey John was born in Japan and has no Philippine passport when immigration officials arrested his parents. He is presently under the care of a relative pending his parents' deportation.

 

According to Puno, there are many similar cases like the Villacoras in Japan. While some are repatriated immediately because they have valid travel documents, others languish in detention for months because often it takes months for the Osaka Consulate to process their documents.

Unfortunately, for the Villacoras, instead of providing immediate help, Assistance to Nationals (ATN) personnel in Osaka gave Puno a run around.  Instead of expediting the process so that the family can swiftly return to the Philippines, they demanded additional documentation adding more injury to the Villacoras.

 

According to Puno, the ATN section of the Osaka Consulate demanded an SPA (special power of attorney) from the Villacora couple before they can issue Rey John's travel document.  "We have had cases like this before, but it is only now that they are demanding an SPA," Puno says.  "How can they be so cruel knowing the ordeal that the Villacoras are suffering inside detention," Puno laments.

 

Meanwhile, Virgie Ishihara, Executive Director of the Filipino Migrant Center, says that an SPA meant additional fees and longer processing time. "Considering how difficult conditions are inside immigration detention, consulate officials in Osaka are showing their true colors, burdening rather than helping migrants. The Villacora couple is in detention and without jobs for 4 months now," Ishihara says.

 

"It is saddening that officials in Osaka could only think of exacting money from the Villacoras rather than look after their current plight," said Ishihara. "What is the essence of the ATN if they cannot provide migrant Filipinos assistance like this," Ishihara opines.

 

What is worse, according to Puno is that when he tried to talk with Vice Consul Anna Marie Hernando, head of ATN in Osaka to follow up the request, she demanded that an immediate relative of the Villacoras instead should personally appear in Osaka before they issue Rey John's travel document. Osaka is about an hour and a half ride by train from Nagoya City and one has to shell out about US$120 to travel there and back.

 

"Such is the arrogance, incompetence and insensitivity of our officials in government," Puno reacts. "We contribute immensely to the economy through our remittances.  Unfortunately, in our times of needs, we cannot count on our government for help.  We are hailed as new heroes, but in practice, we are just milking cows in the eyes of the Arroyo government.  This is our plight and misery as OFWs," Puno says.

 

The Philippine Society in Japan and other organizations of migrants under the banner of Migrante-Japan would file formal protest against Consulate officials who have been negligent of their duties and acting against the interests of migrant Filipinos in Japan.

1 year after, remains of OFW in Taiwan not yet repatriated

Statement on the commemoration of Marilou Sables Death - MIGRANTE Taiwan

 

Today we commemorate the 1 year and 8days to be exact when Marilou Sables died of cardiac arrest here in Taiwan Last April 17, 2009. Our  issue in Atty. Carlo Aquino or MECO's neglect and indifference in the repatriation of the body of Marilou Sables. Eventually she was buried here in Taipei on March 26, 2010 because of a technicality which MECO eventually was not able to solve and lack of attention given to her case. in more than  a year's time Meco is definitely inutile and only good in LIP SERVICE.

 

 Now, Migrante International, Migrante Ilonggo, Gabriela, progressive NGO and individuals declare, that the basic services of MECO is only a mere propaganda, lip service  and dead. Filipino migrant workers had nothing to expect from MECO.  From legal matters, for according to Carlo Aquino, the policy of MECO is to exhaust all option in dealing with cases to have free services from Legal Aide Foundation, NGO and charity institution. This is whether you're a legal or illegal worker. So as to undocumented Filipino migrant workers, for  as of Carlo said to us, MECO has no budget to those who are illegal (undocumented).

 

It also violates the right of the family to claim the body of their loved one and have her buried in her own country.

 

Back to the policy of MECO, whose policy is this? Is it policy comes from Malacanang?

Or a policy from the board of trustees, from ambassador Basilio or is this policy only comes from the head of the department,  Assistance to National chief atty. Carlo Aquino?

 

Meanwhile, Atty. Art Abiera of MECO Manila said to Cynthia Deduro of Gabriela Ilo-ilo to halt the documents of Charymar Sables for the government of Taiwan cannot wait for her,  that is why they buried already the body of Marilou. This was been advice dated April 21, 2010.

 

It is a very big lie from the very big official of this rotten, corrupt and inhuman office whom supposedly represent the welfare of Filipino migrants and immigrants here in Taiwan.

 

Why lie? Because the daughter of marilou process the document these month only and Carlo Aquino commit to shoulder all expenses that was during our dialogue dated April 08, 2010. So as the expenses of Cynthia Deduro, according to atty. Art Abiera dated April 19,2010, that the board approved the said matter.

 

We demand to the ambassador, board and malacanang to immediately recall Carlo Aquino!

 

If you have a DELICADEZA, mr. Carlo Aquino sir, RESIGN NOW!

 

We are calling the senate to immediately investigate the plight of Marilou Sables!

 

 It is only through this means can we hope that there would be changes for the better in our conditions as overseas Filipinos and for the rest of the Filipino people.

 

NEDA slammed as "alarmist" on PROC-Taiwan trade agreement

Jackson Gan, president of the Pilipino Manpower Association for Taiwan, Inc.
(PILMAT), the association of licensed overseas employment agencies
responsible for deploying thousands of overseas Filipino workers to Taiwan,
yesterday scored National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) acting
secretary general Augusto B. Santos for sounding a false alarm on the impact
of a yet to be consummated Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA)
between Taiwan and the mainland People's Republic of China.

"The warning of Sec. Santos that Filipinos in Taiwan may lose their jobs;
that Taiwanese foreign direct investments in the Philippines may drop; and
that Philippine tourism may enormously suffer, is without factual basis and
is sending the wrong signal to the people," Gan said.

"He is sounding an alarm without basis that could jeopardize the country's
economic stability. His warning that thousands of OFWs may lose jobs is
far-fetched," he added.

Gan, who is also the Vice President of the Federated Associations of
Manpower Exporters, Inc., was reacting to published reports that Santos had
made a presentation to the Cabinet warning that the above scenarios could
happen as a result of the PROC forging closer economic cooperation ties with
neighboring Taiwan. His beef is with the secretary's assertion that OFWs in
Taiwan may lose their jobs if Taiwanese factories move to mainland China.

This assertion, Gan said, has no strong footing because while the investment
climate in China is now more liberal, there is little likelihood that the
electronics manufacturing sector-Taiwan's economic pillar which employs
thousands of Filipinos-will transfer immediately to China because of
national security concerns.

He explained that the sector is not among the 99 industries and business
lines that Taiwan would like to be liberalized because its defense ministry
is not too keen about the ECFA.

Taiwanese electronics manufacturing companies are not also warm to the idea
of hiring Chinese mainlanders because of security risks, such as sabotage,
piracy and counterfeiting.

He cited the example of Hong Kong which returned to the possession of China
in 1997, but still has not lost its economic and financial luster nor its
investments and workers despite China's aggressive economic liberalization
and growth.

Another reason the ECFA is not yet a 'done deal' as Santos projected is that
there is too much domestic opposition in Taiwan, particularly from women
groups, to the agreement.

"Taiwanese oppositors to the ECFA say the agreement will impact not only on
trade and the economy, but also on politics, sovereignty, society and
culture. Hence, they are calling for further debates, even a referendum, on
the ECFA," Gan explained.

"Some Taiwanese are saying that the "complete trade opening which would
follow the accord would also influence Taiwan's democratic way of life, its
public order and its common values, which are totally different compared to
communist-dominated China", the PILMAT president added.

As to the Philippines, Gan called on the NEDA to work closely with the
Department of Labor and Employment and the Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration in fashioning out a long-term and viable OFW reintegration
program that could be quickly and effectively implemented if and when the
China-Taiwan ECFA becomes a reality.

"Alarming the people on dire things yet to calm is not helpful," Gan said.

OFW Journalism Consortium
www.ofwjournalism.net

Syngenta showcases latest technologies in Rice Expo

 

 

Syngenta Philippines, Inc., (SPI) will open a "Rice Expo" on April 27 that will showcase the technologies and innovations available to farmers to help improve rice productivity in the country.

 

Dubbed "Syngenta technology: Paving the way to rice self-sufficiency," the exhibit will be open until May 1 at Syntech in Cabanatuan City.

 

The showcase aims to show the strength of Syngenta's new technology offers and also show other rice technologies available from partners like IRRI, PhilRice and CLSU.

 

"We want this to be more than just an agricultural exhibit… we want people to "experience" the science of agriculture by letting them hear, see, feel  and converse about the various technologies available for them.," Syngenta said in a statement.

 

The expo also aims to present Syngenta's technology platform on yield increase and quality of produce improvement, build confidence of the channel and value chain (e.g. rice millers, government, growers) on Syngenta's strong technology platform.

 

On the first day of the expo, the opening ceremony is expected to be attended by SPI employees, key accounts, retailers, influencers and stakeholders  like the Dept. of Agriculture, IRRI, PhilRice, members of the academe, Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority  and local government officials.

 

On Day 2 to 4  Provincial Agriculture Officers, Municipal Agriculture Officers, farmers and millers will arrive from the following: Day 2 - Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, and Pampanga; Day 3 –Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela and Ilocos Norte, and; Day 4 –Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Oriental Mindoro and Camarines Sur.

Syngenta is particularly proud to feature the Armure, and Cruiser technology for rice which are among the main showcase in the Expo.

Armure is a fungicide that protects palay from sheath blight, sheath rot, dirty panicle and leaf spots. It helps the palay's flag leaf to stay green even if the grains are already ripe. It has been proven to increase yield by 10 percent to 20 %.



Cruiser is an insecticide that is used as seed treatment that protects rice plants against sucking pests at the plant's critical first month. It also thickens the palay's roots so that nutrients are more easily absorbed.

Find out more about Armure and Cruiser and other technology offers in the Rice Expo 2010.

 

 

Syngenta is one of the world's leading agricultural research and development companies with more than 25,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated its purpose: Bringing plant potential to life.  Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life.

NATIONAL TRACKING POLL - Presidential Preferences Across Three Economic Sectors

 

National Tracking Poll

====================================

 

Presidential Preferences

Across Three Economic Sectors

(Services, Industrial, and Agriculture)

 

 

Republic of the Philippines

Presidential Ascendancy Analysis Phase IV

Period Ending March 5, 2010

 

National Sample Spread: 2,550 Respondents/2,550 Questionnaires

Services: 1.382 (54.2%); Industrial 787 (30.9%); Agriculture: 380 (14.9%)

Geographical Location: Luzon (57%); Mindanao (25%); Visayas (18%)

Economic Sectors: Services (54.2%); Industrial (30.9%); Agriculture (14.9%)

 

 

This National/Regional Tracking Poll on the leading contenders to the presidency in the Philippines is meant to 1) examine the top issues affecting the nation's 51 million voters and 2) show who are leading the campaign in the run up to the May 10, 2010 elections.

 

No part herein shall be construed as an endorsement for any candidate or political party. The annotations are based on field data, as gathered via questionnaire administered person-to-person (P2P) or home-to-home (H2H) by duly qualified enumerators of the Campaigns & Image Group.

 

All information and analysis herein are proprietary property of the Campaigns & Image Group and its research arm Tools & Strategy Philippines.

 

Overview

 

A net importer of goods, the Philippines as newly industrialized country continues to transform its economy from one based on agriculture to one based more on services and manufacturing.

 

Of the country's total labor force of around 38.1 million, the agricultural sector employs nearly 32% but contributes to only about 13.8% of GDP. The industrial sector employs around 13.7% of the workforce and accounts for 30% of GDP.

 

The 46.5% of workers involved in the services sector are responsible for 56.2% of GDP. Its service industries (such as tourism and business process outsourcing) have been identified as areas with some of the best opportunities for growth.

 

This survey zeroes in on presidential preference among voters in the services, industrial, and agriculture sectors of the economy. In proportion to their respective contribution to the Philippine economy and to the value of goods and services produced nationwide, services gets 54.2%; industrial, 30.9%, and agriculture, 14.9%.

 

To present a clear picture, Campaigns & Image used a large sample spread of 5,100 during its December 2009 and January 2010 surveys to establish a comprehensive benchmark. Like a picture that has thousands of digital pixels, our findings reflect a truly rational and reliable measurement of the preferences our electors have for presidential, senatorial, and local government positions at stake in the May balloting.

 

In keeping with the above-given information, CIG designed subsequent tracking polls using 2,550 samples (2,550 questionnaires) for each survey period.

 

By drawing parallel assumptions from hundreds of pixels that render a photograph clear and detailed for the human eye, CIG further drew a direct proportion of samples for each geographical location to get a better view of the results. "Services" is allotted 1,382 questionnaires or respondents; "industrial," 787, and "agriculture," 380.

 

By adopting a scientific approach in the distribution of questionnaires according to the appropriate percentile weight each location deserves, Campaigns & Image Group is able to examine the same samples and findings from different vantage points:  age brackets, economic sectors, and geographical locations.

 

Homestretch campaigning has began. It is boiling up to a tight contest for mind-shares and hearts.  The discussion over the key issues—poverty that besets the nation; corruption that wastes government resources and national development, especially about jobs, industrial growth and social services—will expectedly intensify in households and among families. The presidency (who to vote for) will be an inescapable topic; it is a four-corner race—with three front-runners and a dark horse.

 

The Front-runners

 

BENIGNO AQUINO III has built a formidable ascendancy on an anti-corruption program of government, which is meant to refresh the public mind about the wrongdoings and shortcomings of President GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO. He has forcefully explained that the continuity that's being sought by her surrogate in former defense secretary GILBERT TEODORO JR will do the Philippines no good.

 

MANUEL VILLAR JR espouses poverty eradication as the central theme of his campaign, presenting himself as a rags-to-riches story that can be duplicated in any one who works hard among the country's 51 million voters. He is gaining higher public trust ratings on a poverty elimination initiative that plans to implement within a year from taking his oath of office.

 

TEODORO represents the hybrid conservative-progressive argument highlighting the gains the country has had maintained as far as the economy is concerned.

 

Former president JOSEPH ESTRADA emphasizes domestic issues, especially peace and order, as the cornerstone of balanced economic growth and pre-requisite to massive inflows of foreign investment and capital.

 

RICHARD GORDON heads the Philippine National Red Cross and was one of the country's highly regarded city mayors.

 

VILLAR, AQUINO and GORDON are incumbent senators in the upper house of Philippine Congress.

 

EDUARDO VILLANUEVA is a popular TV evangelist and founder of the minority, non-denominational, 3-million-member Jesus is Lord Church is this largely Roman Catholic nation.

 

 

Presidential Preferences across Three

Economic Sectors in the Philippines

 

 

In the tabulation below you will find the tabulation of responses to the questions (1) "Who among the 10 presidential candidates do you think is capable of governing1 the Philippines," and (2) "For whom you will be voting."

 

The succession of these two questions is meant to confirm and validate the respondent's presidential preferences. An outright first-choice-of-name answer is deemed negated or countermanded if the respondent does not yes on the second.

 

The questionnaire design is intended to affirm the basis of individual and collective judgment straight from the respondent's decision.

 

First-mention between presidential candidates has become a tight contest between VILLAR and AQUINO, as shown in Pulse Asia and Social Weather Station survey results based solely on Metro Manila/NCR cross-section sampling.

 

But in three previous surveys tapping volunteers from the PPCRV and Philippine NGO Coalition, and with a spread of 5,100 samples nationwide, VILLAR had apparently established a lead and AQUINO was second. TEODORO appeared to have dislodged ESTRADA from third place.

 

But, in the run up to the start of the campaign for local elective positions began,   TEODORO figured prominently in national and regional tracking polls in the country's suburban centers, especially where high-enrolment colleges and universities are located.

 

Section 1: Services Sector

 

Hereunder is the updated change tracker on the Services Sector:

 

Base: Total Registered Voters 100%

First-Choice in Nine (9) Names

Presidential Preference

(Services Sector): 27.642 Million Nationwide

 

Candidate

Feb

10–17

Feb

21–28

Mar

7–10

Mar

16–20

Apr 1

–5

Change

To date

G

A

R

AQUINO

7%

8%

10%

12%

14%

+  2

 

ESTRADA

4%

5%

7%

7%

5%

  2

 

GORDON

1%

1%

2%

3%

3%

   

 

TEODORO

5%

7%

11%

8%

17%

+   9

 

VILLANUEVA

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

    

 

VILLAR

10%

12%

15%

22%

29%

+   7

 

OTHERS

3%

2%

1%

1%

1%

    

 

UNDECIDED

69%

64%

53%

46%

30%

  16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAMPLE DEPTH

2,764

2,764

1,382

1,382

 

 

 

Sample base representing national cross-section: 2,550

Services (54.2%) = 1,382 respondents

Subsequent sampling cut by 50% in favor of easy tracking management

 

 

DESCRIPTION

Self-employed men and women in the country's "underground" economy (that is least taxed, if not "untaxed") and blue-collar workers belong to this sector, which is also called the "Class CD."

 

The Services Sector is comprised of 27.642 million voters, of which 14 million are women and 13.642 million are men.

 

ANALYSIS

(1) VILLAR

Survey leader VILLAR gained only 7% for his 29% in presidential preference rating (PPR). His consistent raise in acceptability stemmed from massive TV and radio advertising that he has maintained as early as December 2009 and more consistently and forcefully into January through March. Positive improvement technically followed –16% shifts of preference among undecided voters.

 

(2) TEODORO

Validating the assertion that the administration party has organizational advantage, second placer TEODORO posted 17% in PPR, with 9% gains from the 8%. This positive development occurred just 10 days after the start of the campaign period for local elective officials supporting him.

 

As campaign funds came in trickles, his campaign reduced TV advertising exposure in February and relied on volunteers to bring his messages across young voters. His rating fell 3% points (See Table) around the second week of March when all the other front-runners cranked up their advertising in the country's major radio and TV networks.

 

(3) AQUINO

Third placer AQUINO put in 2% points more, on a gradual climb that was largely opposite to the continuous slip of his PPR in other voter segments.

 

(4) ESTRADA

At fourth place with 5% in PPR, ESTRADA leveled off in two weeks and then  lost 2% points as AQUINO and the administration party increased their effort in the last weeks of March.

 

The services sector by far remains the hotly contested segment of the nation's 51 million registered voters, more than one-half of whom looked at poverty and corruption important to their lives.

 

Each percentage point that's either gained (+) or lost (–) corresponds to 2 million voters in nationwide projection.

 

Hereunder is the breakdown of the Services Sector into four sub-segments. You will find how the performance of each candidates from one section to another:

 

 

Base: Total Registered Voters 100%

First-Choice in Nine (9) Names

Presidential Preference

(Services Sector): 27.642 Million Nationwide

 

 

AQU

EST

GOR

TEO

VILLAN

VILLAR

OTHERS

UNDEC

Urban

7%

1%

2%

7%

0.6%

9%

0.7%

73%

Suburban

3%

2%

1%

4%

0.2%

8%

0.3%

82%

Rural

2%

2%

2%

0.2%

4%

90%

Overseas

2%

4%

8%

86%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

14%

5%

3%

17%

1%

29%

1%

 

National Sample Spread: 2,550 Questionnaires/2,550 Respondents

Services: 54.2%; Industrial: 30.9%; Agriculture: 14.9%

Urban: 52%; Suburban: 31%; Rural: 12%; Overseas: 5%

 

ANALYSIS

The Services Sector is composed of 27.642 million voters—about 51% of them women and 49% men who are open and susceptible to populist agenda as espoused by VILLAR, AQUINO, and ESTRADA.

 

Voter strength in each sub-sectors are broken down as follows:

=Urban: 14.37 million

=Suburban: 8.56 million

=Rural: 3.31 million

=Overseas: 1.40 million

 

(1) VILLAR: Maintains formidable overall presence with a presidential preference rating (PPR) of 29% for first place. His ascendancy is evenly distributed throughout: 9% urban; 8% suburban; 4% rural, and 8% overseas.

 

(2) TEODORO: Second place with 17% in PPR; maintaining a good following with 7% in urban, 4% suburban, 2% rural, and 4% overseas sub-sectors

 

(3) AQUINO: Third in ranking with 14% in PPR; keeps 7% urban, 3% suburban, 2% rural, and 2% overseas.

 

Large voter blocs are found among workers in tourism enterprises and business process outsosurcing companies.

 

Survey shows there are many voters that remained undecided and could still be reached out as election-day nears.

 

Dynamic and active courses of actions are needed for cost-effective vote conversions.

 

Section 2: Industrial Sector

 

"Command votes" are being sought about in companies were supervisors and managers exert either direct or indirect influence on the choice of candidates.

 

The industrial sector in the Philippines remains concentrated in companies involved in food processing, and the manufacture of textiles and garments, and electronics and automobile parts.

 

Most factories are located in the urban areas around metropolitan Manila.

 

The Cebu metropolis has become an attraction for foreign and local investors in years. To some extent it has emerged as the new business outsourcing "Mecca" in central Philippines after Manila.

 

Other vote-rich sections thrived around mining, which also has great potential in the Philippines, and which possesses significant reserves of chromite, nickel, and copper.

 

Recent natural gas finds off the islands of Palawan add to the country's substantial reserves for geothermal, hydro, and coal and oil exploration energy.

 

B. Industrial Sector

Base: Total Registered Voters 100%

First-Choice Presidential Preference

(Industrial Sector): 15.76 Million Nationwide

 

Candidate

Feb

10–17

Feb

21–28

Mar

7–10

Mar

16–20

Apr

1–5

 

Change

To date

AQUINO

32%

20%

20%

23%

24%

 

+    1

ESTRADA

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

 

    

GORDON

1%

2%

3%

3%

2%

 

    1

TEODORO

10%

18%

24%

20%

28%

 

+    8

VILLANUEVA

2%

3%

3%

3%

2%

 

    1  

VILLAR

21%

24%

29%

30%

35%

 

+    5

OTHERS

2%

3%

3%

2%

2%

 

    

UNDECIDED

31%

29%

15%

17%

5%

 

  12

 

Sample base representing national cross-section: 2,550

Industrial (30.9%) = 787 respondents

Subsequent sampling cut by 50% in favor of easy tracking management

 

ANALYSIS

Vote-rich Industrial Sector hosts a huge lode of 15.76 men and women across a age brackets who are eligible to vote.

 

VILLAR retained the top rank but managed to gain 5% points.

 

By far the biggest gainer at 8%, TEODORO overtook AQUINO to take second place with a PPR of 28%.

 

AQUINO landed on third place with 24% in PPR, gaining 1% after recovering from a long slide in ratings from as high as 37% in December to as low as 20% in the middle of March.

 

The gains that TEODORO and VILLAR have had sprang from shifts in preferences among undecided voters (–12%) and from Gordon and Villanueva.

 

Hereunder is the break down on the Industrial Sector:

 

 

 

 

Base: Total Registered Voters 100%

First-Choice in Nine (9) Names

Presidential Preference

(Industrial Sector): 15.76 Million Nationwide

 

 

AQU

EST

GOR

TEO

VILLAN

VILLAR

OTHERS

UNDEC

Urban

11%

1%

11%

1%

14%

1%

61%

Suburban

  9%

0.85%

1%

10%

1%

12%

1%

66%

Rural

  3%

0.15%

  3%

  3%

91%

Overseas

  1%

  4%

  6%

89%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

24%

1%

2%

28%

2%

35%

2%

 

National Sample Spread: 2,550 Questionnaires/2,550 Respondents

Services: 54.2%; Industrial: 30.9%; Agriculture: 14.9%

Urban: 57%; Suburban: 35%; Rural: 5%; Overseas: 3%

 

 

ANALYSIS

Up to 15.76 million voters come from the industrial sector. They are concentrated mainly in the processing and assembly operations of various consumer products.

 

VILLAR, with 22 percentage points, and TEODORO (18%) have formidable following among voters in this sector.

 

Large voting blocs are found in factories that manufacture food and beverages, rubber products, tobacco, textiles, clothing and footwear, pharmaceuticals, paints, plywood and veneer, paper and paper products, and electronics.

 

Manufacturers of heavier industrial products such as cement, chemicals, fertilizers, iron and steel, glass, and refined petroleum products also packed a large vote potential.

 

Although small- and medium-sized firms account for 80% of manufacturing employment, they accounted for only 25 percent of the value-added in manufacturing.

 

Most industrial output was concentrated in a few, large establishments. For example, a recent six-month Philippine Senate inquiry found out that eight of the country's 17 cement manufacturers were under control of a single firm—in effect, a large voting bloc that can be influenced for a single candidate or political party.

 

The Philippine rural electrification program remains vote-rich, if not a fertile ground for campaigns. It has a wide franchise area of some 120 electrical cooperatives, reaching around 5 million households nationwide.

 

 

 

 

Section 3: Agriculture Sector

 

 

Base: Total Registered Voters 100%

First-Choice in Nine (9) Names

Presidential Preference

(Agriculture Sector): 7.6 Million Nationwide

 

Candidate

Feb

10–17

Feb

21–28

Mar

7–10

Mar

16–20

Apr

1–5

Change

To date

AQUINO

2%

2%

3%

5%

5%

ESTRADA

1%

1%

2%

3%

7%

+   4

GORDON

0.57

1%

1%

2%

3%

+   1

TEODORO

1%

3%

3%

3%

18%

+  15

VILLANUEVA

0.46

0.71

1%

1%

1%

VILLAR

2%

3%

5%

8%

17%

+    9

OTHERS

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

UNDECIDED

92%

88%

84%

77%

48%

  29

 

Sample base representing national cross-section: 2,550

Agriculture (14.9%) = 380 respondents

Subsequent sampling cut by 50% in favor of easy tracking management

 

ANALYSIS

Around 7.59 million voters come from the agriculture sector. They are located in major landholdings and farms that produce rice, sugar, coconut products, corn, bananas, pineapple products, aquaculture, mangoes pork, and eggs.

 

TEODORO is ranked first in this sector, where he has 18% in PPR. He's 1% ahead of VILLAR and 13% bigger than AQUINO'S.

 

 

Base: Total Registered Voters 100%

First-Choice in Nine (9) Names

Presidential Preference

(Agriculture Sector): 7.6 Million Nationwide

 

 

AQU

EST

GOR

TEO

VILLAN

VILLAR

OTHERS

UNDEC

Urban

Suburban

4%

1%

3%

11%

1%

12%

1%

67%

Rural

1%

6%

  7%

  5%

81%

Overseas

­–

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

5%

7%

3%

18%

1%

17%

1%

 

National Sample Spread: 2,550 Questionnaires/2,550 Respondents

Services: 54.2%; Industrial: 30.9%; Agriculture: 14.9%

Urban: 2%; Suburban: 22%; Rural: 76%;

 

Conclusions

 

The differences between the results of this survey and that of Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia stemmed from statistical samples that are obtained in the National Capital Region and used as a random base for nationwide analysis.

 

This national tracking poll has become the most reliable tool outsiders (foreign observers) use in understanding the sentiments, thoughts, and aspirations of the Filipino people as regards their choices of national and local officials. This tells exactly where a candidate posts gains or losses and describes the reason(s) for each rise or fall in preference ratings.

 

From the governance capability ratings (GCR) and general acceptability ratings (GAR) of the candidates our subscribers will see who are likely to comprise the country's executive and legislative leadership after Mrs. Arroyo steps down in June 2010.

 

Hereunder are the rest of our findings:

 

=Voters hold issues around poverty alleviation, graft and corruption in government, balanced national growth, and domestic peace important to their lives. They indeed serve as decision motivation factors in voters' presidential preference

 

=Voters fed up with promises are looking for candidates that could embody their aspirations and deliver reforms. No negative comments were raised against the pre-determined parameters on first-choice presidential preference

 

=Impact of TV and radio remains high; in fact, they're highly effective but costly perception-shaping tools

 

=Other non-conventional campaign methods (including those that TEODORO used in colleges and universities) are effective but slow in getting results

 

1) Communication strategy, messaging, and choice of media (TV and radio) win heart and minds. This observation means that:

=Voter response is tied to issues they hold important in their lives

=Audiences relate themselves to the life and experience of candidates

=Candidate who presents a better platform gets higher preference

=The more ads aired, the deeper messages sink in

 

2) Organization (logistics) wins campaigns:

=Preferences change over time in the run up to balloting

=Creating and sustaining perceptions of being "winnable" are inadequate

=Vote conversion drivers hold the key to victory

 

By far perceived to be popular and well-prepared presidential candidates in the nine-person field, the most likely winner could be anyone in VILLAR, AQUINO and TEODORO.

 

 

Analysis & Annotation By

The Campaigns & Image Group (Philippines)

4/5/2010