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Quezon City Mayoralty bet Mike Defensor is envisioning the construction of a QC Movie Museum in a bid to strengthen not only the Philippine movies but the whole entertainment industry as well.

Defensor is mulling the possibility of putting up the movie museum within the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center or the La Mesa Dam Eco-Park as an added attraction to the said places.

“I believe that putting up the museum is a concrete project that will strengthen the movie industry but it will also boost local tourism which in turn will generate additional employment opportunities for our QC residents,” Defensor declared.

In a dialogue with the movie and entertainment press recently, Defensor cited the case of Fernando Poe, Jr, whom he said should be featured in the museum as one of the most famous and brightest movie star in the country who and one who bridges the ‘past and the present movie industry. Defensor also said that the actor should be honored with a wax statue to be displayed prominently in the said museum.

Defensor also said he will consult with German Moreno for the proper implementation of this project and also in recognition of Kuya Germs’ love and concern for the industry.

Defensor explained that the museum should not be regarded as a competition against the Walk of Fame in Eastwood and the Garden of Stars found at the Mowelfund but should treated as a complement to give recognition to the Philippine Film Industry and showcase the talents of local artists and performers.

The museum is an example of a concrete development in support of the ordinance passed by the QC Council recognizing Quezon City as the ‘City of Stars’.

Defensor believes that the said ordinance should not be limited to the mere recognition of QC as the ‘City of Stars’ but should be translated to realistic and concrete programs that will be felt by the industry and the residents of QC.

“The recognition given to our city will be made more significant if we were to have a mini-version of Hollywood’s Universal Studios which will surely boost tourism and generate employment,” Defensor added.

JOBS in Quezon City should be for the city’s people, according to mayoralty candidate Mike Defensor.

Defensor made the statement as he met with community leaders recently to promote his program for employment.

He said he is prepared to talk with owners of factories and establishments to make an arrangement where city residents shall be prioritized when they are hiring workers.

In exchange for that, Defensor said his administration would be willing to provide incentives such as tax breaks and free occupational permit to employers who are willing to cooperate with the local government.

To achieve the program, Defensor said there must proper coordination between with the business sector, the community and the local government

“What’s important here is that the local government, businessmen and the community should help each other in achieving the common goal of providing employment to our people,” Defensor said.

Defensor said there must also be skills training for call centers, restaurant and internet outlets because these are areas that provide more employment opportunities.

He also cited the need for the expansion of market for products that can be derived from livelihood programs such as making candles, soap, and fashion accessories and more. In line with this is his plan to provide skills training on dressmaking, food processing, automotive, electronics and other skills that people can use to earn a living.

THE Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office has summoned the comedian Vice-Mayor Herbert ‘Bistek’ Bautista to appear before the court and answer the theft charges filed against him by his former chief security and childhood friend.

The hearing is scheduled at 9 am today, according to Assistant City Prosecutor Joselito Bacolor.

Complainant Carlos De Leon charged Bautista of stealing his tarpaulin printing machine worth P1.2 million in his Cham Advertising Shop in Bahay Toro, Quezon City last year.

He said Hero Bautista, the vice-mayor’s brother, helped the former comedian remove his FY 8180 III Infiniti Printer inside the printing shop without his knowledge.

When confronted, the brother of Bautista allegedly told De Leon he was ordered by the comedian vice-mayor to take the expensive equipment and challenged the complainant to file charges against them if he wants to.

“This is the right venue for him (Bautista) to answer my complaint. I hope he won’t blame other people for his misdeed,” De Leon said.

De Leon has witnesses for his complaint. They are Cham Advertising employees Rainer Lee San Diego, 24, graphic artist; Edward Sarenas, 19, graphic artist; and Eleanor Aquino, 42, secretary.

The witnesses supported De Leon’s statements that the Bautista’s stole his printing equipment.

Meanwhile, De Leon’s counsel Atty. Oliver Yuan of Yuan and Associates Law Firm said the complainant has a strong case against Bautista even though one of his witnesses, Bernald Beleson, retracted his statements.

It was learned that Beleson was made to reverse his statements in exchange for a P30, 000 cash, job and payment of hospital expenses for his ailing mother.

Bautista can be jailed if found guilty.

QUEZON City mayoralty bet Mike Defensor stood by his commitment to return portion of the city’s huge fund to the people by implementing programs that would directly benefit the people especially the poor.

In a candidates forum at the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) at the University of the Philippines, Defensor told listeners and the other mayoralty bets it is very important that progress be felt by the people of Quezon City, whether they are rich or poor.

‘Ngayon ang tamang panahon upang ibalik natin sa ating mga kababayan ang pondo ng Quezon City, nagawa na natin sa matagal na panahon ang pagtutok sa pagbabagong pisikal ng ating lungsod, dapat ay higit nating pagtuunan ng pansin ang mga serbisyo at programa na tunay na magpapabago sa kanilang pamumuhay,’ Defensor said.

Among the programs being pushed by Defensor are the distribution of health cards for affordable and quality medical services, monthly allowances for senior citizens, equal rights and privileges for the physically challenged persons, tuition discounts from the estimated 60 universities and schools to facilitate scholarships and pro-poor housing through the comprehensive mortgage program (CMP).

For his thrust in tourism, Defensor vowed to create jobs for city residents by developing the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center as major tourist attraction. He plans to make La Mesa Eco Park as the ‘Tagaytay’ of Metro Manila and successfully turn the Quezon City as the ‘City of Star’

Defensor said residents are also assured there would be no additional taxes under his administration since the city’s huge fund can finance his programs. Defensor said he will develop ways on how to eliminate tax burdens imposed on small businessmen such as sari-sari store owners as well as Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA).

‘Maunlad na ang Quezon City, pero dapat may gawin tayo para sa kanilang lahat upang maramdaman nila ito at sila mismo ay makasama natin sa tunay na pag-asenso,’ he added.

Quezon City mayoralty aspirant Mike T. Defensor is proposing the construction of a hospital in the city’s Second District to ensure the delivery of quality health care and to address the health needs of the residents of the district.

Defensor said the construction of a hospital in the city’s largest district is feasible considering the local government has the funds for its construction.

“The lack of money for deposits should not be a hindrance for residents of the Second District once this hospital is built. If we have to call on the concerned national government agencies to ensure that this hospital will be properly equipped with state of the art facilities and equipment to address the health concerns of our citizens, then we will do so,” declared Defensor.

Health reform is one of Defensor’s agenda and ranks high in his priority list as underlined by the programs and projects he had laid out for the benefit of QC residents. These priorities include the quick delivery of medical services such as surgeries, sufficient supply of medicines, adequate equipment and the availability of highly qualified health and medical professionals to serve the urban poor.

“It is my desire to strengthen the delivery of health and medical services for our constituents. Take, for instance, the case of our Barangay Security and Development Office (BSDO) personnel. If they are harmed or injured while responding to the call of duty, they need to be taken cared of immediately. They shouldn’t be made to beg for medical attention,” added Defensor.

In a dialogue with residents of the Second District, Defensor promised to push for a ‘universal health care’ for QC residents.

Under this program, all indigent families will have the opportunity to become members of the National Health Insurance Program or Philhealth, while all families with Philhealth coverage will be provided with the QC Health Card.

Defensor also promised to work with the private sector for the procurement of cheap medicines for infections, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer and to provide affordable laboratory and diagnostic services which include blood tests, x-ray and ultra-sound services.

AFTER the theft charges, Quezon City mayoralty candidate Herbert ‘Bistek’ Bautista is facing another complaint.. This time, a poor but concerned citizen filed charges against the former comedian at the Office of the Ombudsman for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Complainant Nicanor Royo Salameda Jr, of Payatas, Quezon City based his charges on the almost P800,000 transaction of the City Hall with a food catering business that failed to pass through the necessary bidding procedures.

On December 8, 2008, Salameda said the city government represented by Bautista entered a P733,150.00 contract with Lucky Mama Food and General Merchandize for a food catering service.

Salameda said the contract was made without bidding because Bautista declared it as a ‘negotiated transaction’. Under the law, a negotiated transaction is possible only in several circumstances including a situation when there is a calamity and damage or danger to life.

According to complainant, Bautista managed to have the contract approved and implemented by claiming that the transaction was made during a calamity.

However, Salameda said there was no calamity at the time when the city hall made the food catering transaction with Lucky Mama Food and General Merchandize.

“At the time the contract was entered into by Bautista, Quezon City was not under a state of calamity and there is no known calamity that would justify the suspension of the rules on procurement,” Salameda said.

“Neither is there urgency as would justify the procurement through a negotiated contract because the authority of Bautista dates back to November 2008, and the Contract was entered into in December 2008, but the intended procurement was made only several months after (i.e. in July 2009),” Salameda added.

Because of this, Salameda said Bautista is not only facing graft charges but other administrative offenses such as Dishonesty, Grave Misconduct, and Conduct Grossly Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.

“This prayer is further bolstered by the fact that the pertinent documents in this case is in the custody of the Office of the Vice Mayor, where the respondent holds office, and the possible witnesses are under his control and authority, thus, his continued stay in office may affect and prejudice the outcome of this case,” explained Salameda.

Prior to this, Carlos De Leon, a childhood friend and former chief security of Bautista, filed theft charges against the official and his younger brother Hero who allegedly stole his P1.8 million worth printing equipment.

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Quezon City mayoral candidate Mike Defensor promised to bring the fabled Tinseltown “Hollywood” to the city to enhance its image as the ‘City of Stars’.

“We need a concrete project to make the identity of Quezon City as the ‘City of Stars’ more significant. This will not only give honor and recognition to the local movie and entertainment industry but it will also enhance local tourism and generate jobs,” declared Defensor.

Quezon City is the only place in the whole archipelago to play host to the country’s six biggest television networks which include ABS-CBN, GMA 7, ABC 5, RPN 9, NBN 4 and IBC 13.

Defensor assured he will undertake projects to boost the local entertainment industry. For starters, he is pushing for the construction of a museum that will give tribute to the Philippine movie industry and showcase the talents of Filipino artists.

Recognizing the need to provide quantifiable results to ordinances earlier passed by the City Council, Defensor said he believed that the city’s recognition as the ‘City of Stars’ is not enough and that he intended to follow this through with the implementation of viable programs and projects that will provide impact and be felt by those in the industry and the residents of the city as well.

It will be recalled that Quezon City has been reported as the residence of at least 80% of the country’s showbusiness personalities. Some have even crossed over to the political arena and it is undeniable that some of them really delivered a solid performance as public servants. Among them is Mike Defensor’s running mate, 2^nd District Councilor Aiko Melendez who is running for vice-mayor.

Tension runs high among Quezon City Hall employees after a high ranking official threatened to fire them from their jobs if they did not support Herbert “Bistek” Bautista in his bid for the mayoralty of the city.

This early in the rundown to the May 2010 national elections, City Market Administrator Donato Concepcion is allegedly forcing his subordinates to support Bautista.

“You’re fired if you don’t!,” Matias allegedly threatened the employees who wished anonymity for fear of Matias’ reprisal.

Matias is a known ally of Bautista and is also the subject of complaints because of suspected ill-gotten wealth.

In fact, employees of the City have notified the Office of the Ombudsman to look into the official’s lavish lifestyle is spite of his meager salary as a local government employee

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Based on the complaint filed by the Concerned Quezon City Hall Employees, Matias allegedly acquired a house worth P3 million in Baranggay Pinahan as well as a Toyota Fortuner.

Despite his salary, Matias was allegedly able to buy a piece of land in Tagaytay City and even gave his girlfriend a Honda Civic as a present. Matias is also said to be a frequent habitué of a high-end nightclub and casinos.

Meanwhile, employees said Matias is bent on keeping his position as a city official and many believe that he will retain his post if bautista sits as mayor of the city.

Matias has been arrogantly flaunting his relationship with Bautista and has no qualms in threatening employees in his department with dismissal.

Quezon City mayoral candidate Mike T. Defensor said there is a growing need to improve certain places in the city designated as centers tourism to make them more attractive and beneficial to the local government and to the residents of the city who will be directly benefited with additional livelihood and employment opportunities.

In a dialogue with residents of Districts 3 and 4 who flocked to his headquarters, Defensor discussed the possibility of putting up a “Night Zoo’ at the Parks and Wildlife Center along Elliptical Road that will invigorate tourism in the city and generate employment for city residents.

“This project will focus not only on tourism but it will also translate into jobs and employment opportunities for our people that will surely benefit the local government, stated Defensor.

Defensor expressed his readiness to coordinate and enter into a partnership with the government agency he once headed, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to implement this proposed project for the city.

He also expressed confidence that local and foreign tourists will flock places in the city like the Parks and Wildlife Center if they will be transformed into first class tourist sites.

“The growth of tourism in the city requires the administration’s commitment and the political will to implement changes that will propel growth and development. I firmly believe that with every business venture that will be started in the city, however big or small, will help provide livelihood opportunities for the citizens of Quezon City,” added Defensor.

At present, aside from taking care of the welfare of the animals and the facilities of the Parks and Wildlife Center, Defensor is also eyeing the possibility of putting up a night market and other added attractions to transform the place into a major tourist destination while also maintaining environmental concerns and the peace and order situation not only in the said area but in the whole city as well. #

Quezon City mayoralty candidate Mike Defensor intends to take street children off the busy streets of the city and implement programs that will benefit these children’s families.

Defensor stressed that these efforts must focus on how to give street children the opportunity to become productive members of the community.

“We need to appropriate funds for the ‘zero street children’ program to improve the lot of street kids and make them stop living off the streets and grow up without any direction in life. It is the city government’s commitment to ensure that these children will not grow up to be liabilities to society,” Defensor stated.

Defensor cited the need to address the causes of poverty that drove these children to the streets. These include the lack of decent shelter, lack of education and unemployment.

“If we can provide the street children’s parents with decent shelter and a steady source of income, there would be no more need for the children to take to the streets and beg for food and money,” added Defensor.

Defensor will also push for the implementation of livelihood programs and parental education to teach parents about their responsibilities and obligations to their children.

He expressed his readiness to cooperate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), non-government organizations o NGOs and the private sector to be the city government’s partners in the implementation of programs for street children.

“What we need is to work together with the private sector and a city government driven by the political will to eradicate poverty in the city,” said Defensor.

Defensor believes that true development is reflected not merely on the physical make-up of the city but should also be felt by each and every member of the community.

Naniniwala si Quezon City mayoralty candidate Mike Defensor na malaking bentahe para sa mga estudyante ang kaalaman tungkol sa makabagong teknolohiya ngayon, kung kaya pagtutuunan nito ng pansin ang pagpapalakas sa Information Technology skills ng mga mag-aaral sa lungsod.

“Sa panahon ngayon, nakalalamang ang mga mayroong kaalaman sa computer at internet kumpara sa wala. Kaya naman nais kong pagtuunan ng pansin ang pagtutulak sa pag-aangat ng antas ng mga pasilidad at iba pang kagamitang pang - Information Technology sa lahat ng pampublikong paaralan sa ating lungsod,” ani Defensor.

Nais ni Defensor na manguna ang Quezon City sa pag-hulma ng mga mag-aaral na bihasa sa IT at iba pang larangan ng makabagong teknolohiya.

“Sa kalaunan, lahat ng mag-aaral sa high school sa ating lungsod ay magtatapos bitbit ang kaalaman sa makabagong teknolohiya. Ang Quezon City ay magtutustos ng mga high school graduates na bihasa sa IT para mapaghandaan ng mga batang ito ang kanilang pag-aaral sa kolehiyo o kaya’y ang paghahanap ng trabaho,” dagdag ni Defensor.

Kasabay nito, naniniwala rin si Defensor na malaki ang pangangailangan na suportahan ng pamahalaang lokal ang mga pangangailangan ng mga guro upang palakasin ang kanilang kaalaman hinggil sa mga subject na English, Mathematics at Science.

“Para maging bihasa ang kabataan sa IT ay kinakailangan nila ng mga guro na may taglay na husay sa mga asignaturang Ingles, Matematika at Agham. Tulungan natin ang ating mga guro sa pampublikong paaralan na palakasin ang kanilang kaalaman sa pamamagitan ng mga pagsasanay at makabagong teknolohiya sa edukasyon,” ani Defensor.

MIKE DEFENSOR DIDIIN SA PAGSASAAYOS NG INFORMAL SETTLERS SA QC

Tiniyak ni Quezon City mayoralty candidate Mike Defensor na kabilang sa prayoridad nito ang pagtulak para sa ganap na pag-unlad ng lungsod sa pamamagitan ng pagsasaayos ng mga informal settlers ng hindi ipinapatapon sa ibang lugar.

“Walang sinumang informal settlers ang dapat na ipatapon palabas ng Quezon City dahil hindi natin dapat ipasa sa ibang lungsod ang pagkalinga sa ating mga kababayan, gayundin, hindi nila ginusto na maging mahirap,” pahayag ni Defensor.

Nanindigan din si Defensor na puwedeng gawan ng paraan ng pamahalaang lokal ang usapin ng palupa, partikular na ang posibilidad ng relokasyon sa loob mismo ng lungsod sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulong ng Community Mortgage Program (CMP) at aktibong pagkilos ng konseho sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatibay ng ordinansa na tunay na kakalinga sa kapakanan ng mahihirap.

Batay sa karanasan ni Defensor bilang Chairman ng Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council ng mahigit sa tatlong taon, karaniwang nagiging problema ng mga informal settlers ang mga pangunahing pangangailangan tulad ng elektrisidad, malinis na suplay ng tubig, paaralan at trabaho sa bawat lugar na paglilipatan sa kanila.

Naniniwala si Defensor na pagtakas sa responsibilidad ng sinumang liderato ang relokasyon sa ibang lugar at hindi ito ang solusyon upang matulungan ang mga informal settlers sa lungsod.

“Titiyakin ko na ang lahat ng informal settlers sa Quezon City ay hindi na tawaging iskuwater sa sarili nilang lungsod,” ayon kay Defensor.

Matatandaan na sa panahon ng panunungkulan ni Defensor sa HUDCC, naitaas nito sa 265% ang bilang ng mga pamilyang nabenepisyuhan ng CMP. Sa kabuuan, nagkaroon ng katiyakan sa paninirahan ang 882,823 pamilya sa buong bansa.

Written by Lito U. Gagni / Market Files

Tuesday, 19 January 2010 21:05

How come Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista, despite nearly a decade at City Hall, is in a so-called “statistical tie” with former presidential chief of staff Mike Defensor? This is what is apparent from the surveys that the camps of Bistek and Defensor have both commissioned on the QC mayoral race. Based on one survey result, Bistek is ahead of Defensor by three percentage points, 42 versus 39 percent; another survey shows Defensor slightly ahead of Bistek by about four percentage points, 44 versus 40 percent. In a sense, the surveys showed that Bistek and Defensor are in a statistical tie since the margin of error of plus and minus four percentage points means that either of them could win the mayorship. It is on this issue that an escalation of hostilities between the two leading contenders was noted, most especially during the Christmas holidays, as both camps tried to create a bandwagon effect for their respective mayoral candidates. We do not know whether the results of the surveys—done internally and not by professional research organizations—could hold sway until crunch time. But judging from the results, one thing is certain: the two leading contenders are Bistek and Defensor. But as we asked in the opening of this piece, how come Bistek has not shown a formidable lead given his nine-year stay at the City Hall? Add to this the fact that Defensor figured in several controversies, including the aborted NBN-ZTE contract. What gives? This is what’s interesting about the QC mayoral contest: Because of the slim difference of the survey results between the two leading contenders, the margin of error practically erases that lead. So in effect, the results indicate “bad news” for the comedian-turned-politician Bistek since it is no comic relief for him to know that he and Defensor are in a dead heat. For the handlers of Bistek, the sign is ominous; for those of Defensor, the occasion calls for a mini-celebration. What is apparent is that despite nearly a decade of Bistek’s occupation of the vice mayor’s office, he appears to have failed to build a solid, formidable lead over his closest rival. Actually, Bistek had four terms as QC vice mayor. He was first elected to the post in 1995 but made an unsuccessful run for the mayoralty in 1998. He made a comeback in 2001, thanks to the backing of three-term Mayor Sonny Belmonte . Given his very long stay in QC politics, the prognosis was that he should be a shoo-in in the bid to succeed the outgoing Belmonte. But that does not seem to be the case. If Bistek is leading Defensor only by three percentage points, then it seems QC residents are not convinced that Bistek is the rightful successor to the post that Belmonte will vacate. Aggravating the bleak analysis is the fact that Defensor had actually been absent from QC local politics since President Arroyo took over. Defensor had to take on major responsibilities in the national government, leaving him with little or no time to consolidate his QC constituency. In addition, Defensor’s name has been dragged into several controversies. Opposition personalities like Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada and Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Jorge Lloredo have exposed Defensor to public embarrassment. He has been called names by the likes of former songstress Lea Navarro. But despite these negative events that could have impacted on his chances, Defensor appears to be giving Bistek a tough fight. So why is the vice mayor having a hard time building a lead? Some say it is because of issues hounding Bistek himself. Defensor has accused him of using millions of pesos of QC taxpayers’ money in questionable emergency purchases of Filipino culinary delights. Others say Bistek has not really proved himself a worthy successor of Belmonte. Still others say Defensor’s feats at the national scene appear to have created the impression that he is the better executive. This is what is worrisome for Bistek. It appears parties sympathetic to Bistek are similarly worried. Proof of this is the rash of hastily assembled black-propaganda campaign against his closest rival. Over the holidays, we saw the emergence of smear efforts aimed at portraying Defensor in a negative light. Bistek may have to be advised that the black propaganda against Defensor is not working; it could boomerang on him. Smearing Defensor won’t prove that Bistek has the executive ability necessary to run one of the country’s most important cities. Also, the demolition campaign against Defensor won’t help Bistek dispel rumors that the million-peso emergency-food-purchases mess is true. Bistek’s supporters will have to do better than that if they expect the real surveys to show the comedian in the lead. As marketing expert Al Ries said, the positioning for a product should address what is already in the mind of the consumers. Thus, Bistek should address the issue of Defensor’s winnability, no more, no less.

Umalma sina Quezon City mayoralty candidate Mike Defensor at runningmate nito na si Aiko Melendez kasama ang daan-daang market vendors sa lungsod kaugnay sa pagsasapribado ng mga palengke na siya namang isinusulong ng liderato ni Vice-Mayor Herbert Bautista.

Sa harap ng mga market vendors na nagtungo sa kanyang tanggapan, sinabi ni Defensor na kahit harangin pa siya ng sibat, pangungunahan niya ang pagbasura sa naturang plano ng kampo ni Bautista.

Ayon kay Defensor, magdudulot lamang ng dagdag pahirap at gastusin sa mga nagsusumikap ng mga vendor ang ninanais ni Bautista na pagsasapribado ng lugar kung saan naghahanapbuhay ang mga maliliit na manininda.

Base na rin sa karanasan, sinabi ni Defensor na tumataas ang upa ng mga vendors at humihina ang kanilang benta kapag nasasapribado ang pamilihan na kinatatayuan ng kanilang mga negosyo.

“Siyempre kung isasapribado ang isang pamilihan, magiging negosyo ito ng sinumang bibili sa pamamagitan ng pagtataas ng renta. At kung mataas ang upa, dagdag gastos ito sa kanila,” paliwanag ni Defensor.

“Kadalasan, tuluyan na ring namamatay ang mga negosyo sa loob ng palengke kasi pagkatapos nilang magtaas ng presyo para habulin ang upa, sa labas na lang ng pamilihan sila bumibili kung saan mas mura ang mga produkto,” dagdag pa ni Defensor.

Samantala, umani ng pagbatikos mula kay Melendez si Bautista dahil sa pagsuporta nito sa pagsasapribado ng mga palengke. Partikular na tinutulan nito ang posisyon ni Bautista na kailangan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng dagdag kita bilang pagtatanggol sa privatization.

“Wala atang pakialam si Bistek sa kapakanan ng mga maliliit na negosyante tulad ng mga market vendors kaya sinusuportahan nito ang privatization ng public market,” ayon pa kay Melendez.

For most of us, that fateful Saturday last September 26 began as a typical morning, albeit a rainy one. As most rainy weekends go, employees and students alike are wont to sleep in, coaxed to slumber by the constant staccato of the rain and the cool temperature. But the rain did not stop; it went on and on, quickly making everyone worry that this was no ordinary downpour—and for those whose streets and houses began filling with water, it surely became a cause for alarm, a portent of impending catastrophe.

At the end of it all, after all that we (and the rest of the world) have seen and heard—and all that many of our kababayans experienced first-hand—the havoc brought about by Typhoon Ondoy was and is truly heartbreaking. Lives were lost. Homes were ruined, dreams shattered.

As the news of the calamity broke out on TV, radio, and the Internet, those of us spared by Ondoy’s tremendous rage felt utterly helpless as we saw our countrymen in Provident, Antipolo, Cainta, Quezon City, Pasig, and countless other places hold on to dear life while waiting for help to arrive. For some, rescue arrived not a moment too soon; for others, help failed to arrive in time, if at all.

Words cannot express the sadness and pain we feel for all the victims of Ondoy, especially those who lost their loved ones, and we cannot even begin to imagine the horrendous ordeal that they have faced and continue to face.

While the nation mourns the loss incurred by many of our countrymen, we have reason to hold our heads up high and stand proud in front of the world—once again, the bayanihan spirit of the Pinoy shone through, and people from all walks of life took it upon themselves to reach out and help the victims. Judge Ralph Lee, who used his jet ski to save 100 lives, is but one example, for there are many others.



From students organizing relief drives, volunteer firefighters going to the rescue, policemen and soldiers upholding their vow to serve and protect, movie stars raising funds, to the hundreds and hundreds of men and women who put their own lives on the line just to help their fellow man.

Then there are those who gave up their own lives so that others may live—heroes like Muelmar Magallanes, an 18 year old construction worker who braved raging floods to save more than 30 others, before succumbing to the brutal torrents himself. Muelmar and others like him will be forever remembered, not only by those they saved, but by the Filipino nation as a whole.