Book launch on P-Noy’s Presidential campaign kicks-off weeklong People Power revolution celebration
President Benigno S. Aquino III led the ceremonial “kick-off” marking the weeklong celebration of the 25th anniversary of the 1986 People Power revolution by joining family, friends, members and volunteers of his presidential bid to the launching of a book chronicling the spontaneous movement that swept him to the forefront of the latest wave of People Power – “Noynoy: Triumph of a People’s Campaign” at Powerbooks, Greenbelt 4, Makati City on Monday.
Written by renowned academician and current Philippine Permanent Representative to the ASEAN, Wilfrido Villacorta, the 155-page book is a collective memoir of those involved in the movement for reform: members of the academe, fellow Cory veterans, community organizers and former street parliamentarians. It is a recollection of 54 key organizers who came from different segments of the People's Campaign.
In brief remarks at the event, the President waxed nostalgic as he reminisced the four fateful days in February, a quarter of century ago that culminated with the toppling of a regime.
“Twenty-five years ago we were at EDSA. Nobody envisioned that that would be the resolution of the dictatorship. People would’ve thought that a bloody revolution would have been a necessary step to overcome the dictatorship but we did have a peaceful revolution,” the President said.
“We did have an opportunity where strangers who were side by side risked everything if only to better the situation not only of oneself but perhaps for those not yet even born,” he added.
The President also thanked Villacorta for taking time to sit down and write the book which, according to the author, was completed in record time of seven months.
Villacorta said his goal in writing the book was "to reinforce the Filipinos' trust in our own ability to help rebuild a nation and recommit ourselves to achieving excellence and development."
"The people's movement that fueled the Noynoy phenomenon proved that we can fight for what is right. This moral triumph should strengthen our resolve to transform our supposedly changeless land," he said. (PCOO)
Aquino graces opening of photo exhibit recalling 'People Power'
As part of the ceremonial kick-off marking the weeklong celebration of the 25th anniversary of the 1986 People Power revolution, President Benigno S. Aquino III took time out to participate in the opening of a photo exhibit by Pulitzer prize winner and renowned photojournalist Kim Komenich at the Ayala Musuem in Makati City Monday night.
The exhibit, called "Revolution Revisited," is a collection of 60 photographs by Komenich, including those for which he won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Spot News Photography, that provide a poignant glimpse of People Power, one of the most significant periods in Philippine contemporary history.
In his speech keynoting the event, the President said Komenich’s pictures is a reminder of that time in history when the Filipinos came out as one to stop tanks and win our freedom.
“From the People Power monument to the EDSA shrine, the images that fill the Ayala Museum today remind us of that time in our history: a time of hope, of miracles, of the power of the people,” the President said.
“The solidarity we showed that day will forever be ingrained in our memories, concretized by the kapit-bisig, by the soldiers that rediscovered their inherent goodness and nationalism in the midst of conflict, bridging the division then between civilian and military,” he added.
“The solidarity of the Filipino people did more than move mountains those four days; it stopped tanks, it won freedom.”
He pointed out the Filipinos achievement in bringing down a dictator has continued to inspire not only the future generations of Filipinos but also those from many nations around the world as well.
“That is what the pictures displayed here today provide: proof that the path of peace and the path of change need not diverge from each other; proof that it is indeed possible for compassion to conquer all,” the President said.
"Revolution Revisited,” which will run from February 22 to March 5, at the Ayala Museum in Makati City will also be accompanied by “Looking Back: 1986 People Power at EDSA,” the first leg of a yearlong exhibition series featuring items from the Aquino Museum in Tarlac which is currently being renovated. (PCOO)
People Power a continuing revolution to remind us of the responsibilities we must still collectively fulfill - P-Noy
As the nation celebrates the 25th anniversary of the People Power revolution, President Benigno S. Aquino III challenged Filipinos to remain steadfast in keeping with the principles of this “continuing revolution” in order to achieve “another possibility that has for so long eluded us: that of our nation fulfilling its great potential.
In his speech at the opening of a photo exhibit by photojournalist and Pulitzer prize winner Kim Komenich at the Ayala Museum Monday night, the President said the yearly EDSA People Power commemorations should serve to remind us of our “responsibilities that we must still collectively fulfill.”
“Since 1986, so many tyrants have been toppled with very little blood being spilled. The Filipino people made this possible. And while we gave that possibility to the world, another possibility has for so long eluded us: that of our nation fulfilling its great potential,” the President said.
“That is why I believe our yearly EDSA commemorations are more than just celebrations. They are reminders of the responsibilities we must still collectively fulfill,” he added.
“As we look back fondly on the 1986 EDSA Revolution, we must also remember to sustain that spirit of unity because our triumph back then only remains a triumph if we make certain that each and every Filipino lives free from the darkness of oppression today.”
He said his government’s programs to alleviate poverty, provide jobs, ensure justice and commitment to long lasting transparency and accountability within the ranks are some of the tasks being undertaken to address this.
“Make no mistake about it: we are a country in the midst of a continuing revolution, and we must all continue working for the sake of what our heroes fought for, and some died for,” the President said.
The people know that we are gaining ground: with the lifelines we are providing for the poorest of the poor; the jobs that will be waiting for skilled graduates; the justice we are ensuring for our citizens; and above all, the transparency and accountability we are instilling in our institutions,” he added.
He stressed that the Filipino is “capable of once again standing under that yellow banner of solidarity, of showing the world what the Filipino is capable of, and of allowing them to stand witness to the vibrancy and power of a people claiming their own destiny.”
He called on all Filipinos to help their government fulfill the promise of every revolution: “that the people will disperse and go back to their homes, with their heads held high and their hearts full; able to allow their children to inherit the future they rightfully deserve. (PCOO)
Government, NDF agree on 18-month time frame for peace talks
The Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front (NDF) agreed on Tuesday to complete the peace talks in 18 months as a result of their first round of formal talks in Oslo, Norway.
After a six-year impasse, both parties have set the time frame that will eventually lead to winning the peace they have long wanted, as they concluded a week of successful hard bargaining on the negotiating table.
In a joint statement released during a press conference there, both panels agreed to complete the draft comprehensive agreements on the remaining items of the agenda, which include socio-economic reforms, political-constitutional reforms, and the end of hostilities and disposition of forces.
“The draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms may be completed and signed by the Panels in September 2011; the draft Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms may be completed and signed by the Panels in February 2012; and lastly, the draft Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces may be completed and signed by the Panels in June 2012”, the statement said.
Reciprocal Working Committees on social economic reform were also reactivated by both panels tasked to conduct three bilateral meetings in the second week of June and the second and fourth weeks of August this year, respectively.
The two panels have also agreed to form their respective Working Groups on the political and constitutional reforms which will be starting sessions in April 2011 and every two months thereafter.
A Joint Monitoring Committee of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law was reconvened by the Philippine government and the NDF panels.
Other related matters which were also discussed include the process for consolidating human rights and international humanitarian law complaints and the possible conduct of joint investigations.
To further boost confidence-building measures, the two panels released prisoners as a measure of goodwill apart from the unilateral ceasefires that has already been undertaken for the whole duration of the peace talks.
The GPH-NDF ceasefire agreement ended at Monday, Feb. 21, but both parties are open to declare another break in fighting in the future.
The Government of the Philippines panel was headed by chief negotiator Alex Padilla while Luis Jalandoni led the peace panel for the National Democratic Front. (PCOO)
Aquino leads groundbreaking of Naga obelisk
NAGA CITY – President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday led the groundbreaking of the Obelisk of Freedom in Naga City symbolizing the city’s contribution to the restoration of democracy during the dark days of the dictatorship leading to the installation of former President Corazon C. Aquino.
In his remarks after leading the capsule laying signaling the start of the construction of the obelisk in Plaza Quezon along General Luna and Padre Burgos Streets here, the President lauded the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the establishment of the monument that symbolizes Naguenos fight against the American and Japanese invaders in the past.
“Magsilbi sanang paalala ang monumentong ito hindi lamang sa mga Naguenos kundi sa ating mga Filipino para pangalagaan at ingatan ang ating kalayaan, huwag nating balewalain ang mga naging sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani,” the President said.
He said the obelisk will serve as a reminder to the heroism of the people of Naga City in their past and present struggles.
The President pointed out that the concrete base of the obelisk features the struggles of the Arejola brothers, General Ludivico (symbolizing the sword), and propagandist Tomas against the American invaders who captured Naga City during the Filipino-American war, and the successful short-lived liberation of the city from the Japanese intruders and their Filipino puppet government in May 1942.
The triangular obelisk will be topped by a dove representing the Naguenos universal yearning for peace, freedom and justice while the yellow ribbon symbolizes democracy.
Joining the President in the groundbreaking rites were DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte, and Vice Mayor Bordado.
Cabinet Secretaries present were Ramon Jesus Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Cesar Sarino of the EDSA People Power Commission. (PCOO)
Gov’t halts processing of work papers to Libya, Yemen & Bahrain
The Aquino administration has postponed the processing of work papers to Libya, Yemen and Bahrain in anticipation of an escalation of hostilities in these countries.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a briefing on Tuesday morning that Labor Secretary Erlinda Baldoz was scheduled to meet with the recruitment agencies anent her decision to hold the processing of papers indefinitely following the travel advisories issued earlier by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Lacierda said the protocols are in place in Libya just in case tension escalates. “We have identified the exit point by land and sea; the sectoral coordinators who will be tasked to reach out to the Filipino communities have been appointed and evacuation plans have been mapped out.”
He said one such exit point is through Cairo, Egypt.
The hotlines for the Embassy in Manalma are: +973-17721234; the labor attache’s number is +973-17740951 and the welfare officer’s number is +973-17721908.
The Embassy hotline in Tripoli is +218-918244208.
Similarly, Lacierda said a strong earthquake hit Christchurch in New Zealand on Tuesday where 2,000 Filipinos reside.
The Philippine Embassy in Wellington has reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that it had contacted the Philippine honorary consul Zedric Peter White who said he and his staff are now actively reaching out to the Filipino communities in Christchurch and nearby communities. (PCOO)
Ochoa: Continue people power through prayers for 3 Pinoys on death row
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Monday rallied the nation to continue with the people power through prayers for three Filipinos who are still facing the prospect of execution by lethal injection in China for drug trafficking.
Despite a temporary victory in securing a reprieve for the three condemned Filipinos – Elizabeth Batain, Ramon Credo and Sally Villanueva – Ochoa encouraged the people to unite in prayers that the Beijing government will grant the appeal of the Aquino Administration to commute the death sentence to life imprisonment.
“Allow me also to ask that you all continue praying for our three countrymen in China who are currently on death row so that we may possibly be given another miracle–– the commutation of the sentences of our kababayan,” Ochoa said in a speech read by Maria Montelibano, chair of the committee overseeing preparations for the 25th Anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution at the book launch of “Noynoy: Triumph of a People’s Campaign.”
Ochoa said that he was pleased with the decision of China to postpone the execution and hoped that the three will be spared from death penalty.
At the book launching in Greenbelt, Makati City to kick off the weeklong celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution, Ochoa underscored the importance of people power, calling it Filipino’s legacy that continues to inspire every nation around the world seeking to install democracy and institute reforms through non-violent means.
He said the peaceful and orderly election of 2010 was a testament to this peaceful change and a “triumph of democracy, the triumph of the nobility of Filipinos.”
On behalf of President Benigno Aquino III, the Executive Secretary congratulated Ambassador Wilfredo Villacorta, the book author, for chronicling the “hard work and sacrifices of millions of Filipinos who believed that change was possible and who unselfishly and unconditionally offered their share in realizing this change.”
“This book captures on paper, for future generations, the essence of and examples of sacrifice, selflessness, and love of country. This should motivate our youth to read and learn about the struggle of their parents in order to achieve justice, good governance, and end poverty in our country,” Ochoa said. (PCOO)
Aquino bares housing project for men in uniform
The government will build some 140,000 housing units for the military and the police until 2016.
In a message at the inauguration of the Department of Defense Museum on Tuesday, President Benigno S. Aquino III said 20,000 housing units will be completed this year.
The military and the police, he said, will only pay P200 monthly for a 36 sq. meter lot with a 21 sq. meter house in five years and P844 monthly on the 26th to the 30th year. He added that this will be the amortization for the P175,000 house and lot project.
There is also a bigger type with 40 sq. meter lot which will have a little higher monthly amortization.
The housing projects are located in Bocaue and San Jose del Monte in Bulacan; Binan, Trece Martirez in Cavite; and, Montalban and Barras in Rizal.
The President, speaking in Pilipino, said this is how the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the bloodless Edsa People Power in 1986 must be celebrated--- to give back to the Armed Forces of the Philippines the protection, care and security they provided the Filipino people 25 years ago.
He added that the day when the Filipino people achieved democracy through peaceful means was a day when the soldiers and policemen “best served the interest of the Filipino people.”
“It is now time to give back to the military and police by providing them houses they can afford to pay,” he said.
The President pointed out that the military and the police have gone a long way in securing and protecting the people. From calamities to disaster, they were always in the forefront to serve, he said.
“Twenty five years ago kayo ang yumakap at nagaruga ng taumbayan. Panahon na rin na ang taumbayan ang ang mag-aruga sa inyo,” he said.
The President said the spirit of Edsa must not only be rekindled in the four-day celebration but must be an everyday thing for the Filipinos.
He assured that if Filipinos are united, “the promises of Edsa will soon be achieved wholly. (PCOO)
Aquino inaugurates historic DND Museum
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday inaugurated the Department of National Defense (DND) Museum as part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986.
The room where top defense and military officials announced their withdrawal of support from President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 has been turned into a mini-museum to showcase a gallery of memorabilia, words and images of the bloodless 1986 People Power Revolution.
The museum, which used to be the DND’s conference room, is situated on the third floor of the four-storey DND building inside Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The President was joined by key EDSA figures including Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (then Defense Minister), former President Fidel Ramos (then Armed Forces vice chief of staff), and Sen. Gringo Honasan (then an Army colonel).
There was an audio visual presentation showing the group of Enrile and Ramos when they were about to withdraw their support from Marcos on Feb. 22, 1986, three days before he fled the country.
The chairs and the long table used by the group was also featured in the mini-museum, along with the microphones, the blue t-shirt worn by Ramos at that time, Enrile’s jacket, Honasan’s boots, and the image of Virgin Mary used in the revolt. (PCOO)
President Aquino keynotes ‘People Powered Markets” launch
President Benigno S. Aquino III was the guest of honor and speaker at the formal launch of “People Powered Markets,” a microfinance program that aims to reduce poverty by providing poverty-stricken Filipinos with livelihood opportunities, in ceremonies held at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City Tuesday.
People Powered Markets, which was launched through an exhibit with the theme: “Sa Bayang Umaasenso, Sama-sama Tayo,” is a joint project of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, PinioyME Foundation, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Makati Business Club, the Management Association of the Philippines, and Directories Philippines Corporation.
It showcases how People Power could promote the economic supply or value chains of the country’s largest corporations and medium-sized businesses in transforming the market to empower the smallest of entrepreneurs.
Creating market links between micro-entrepreneurs and corporations, this event is expected to spark greater social involvement and keep alive the spirit of People Power among Filipinos, said Rafael “Rapa” Cojuangco Lopa, executive director of both NCAF and PBSP.
He said the People-Powered Markets project aims to bring about shared progress and prosperity for all Filipinos as well as demonstrate the different ways in which people and private companies could use the market to address social problems in the country, while expanding the marketplace using the value-chain approach.
Joining the President for the event were PinoyME Foundation officers led by its chairman Deogracias Vitan; president and CEO Danilo Songco; Trustee Ramon del Rosario; and, vice president of the Old Agassi Foundation Viel Aquino-Dee. (PCOO)
