PALASO July 2013 PDF

De La Salle University Center for Social Concern and Action July 2013, Vol. 1 Issue 1 THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL...

De La Salle University Center for Social Concern and Action July 2013, Vol. 1 Issue 1 THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL SITUATION  EDITORIAL BOARD MA. LOURDES F. MELEGRITO Director, COSCA RANDY C. TORRECAMPO Director, Student Media Office JOSEPH R. ROSAL Community Engagement Coordinator GREGORIO L. QUITANGON Research and Technology Development Coordinator NEIL OLIVER T. PENULLAR Research and Technology Development Coordinator SR. GENOVEVA DUMAY Service Learning Coordinator LAY OUT ARTIST CLAUDE MARIE H. BAGSIC Social Marketing Coordinator ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT JENNY D. SANTOS P ALASO is a newsletter published bi-annually by the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA). Contributions from COSCA partners and friends are welcome. COSCA editorial staff reserves the right to edit materials for publication. De La Salle University Center for Social Concern and Action July 2013, Vol. 1 Issue 1 THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL SITUATION By Gregorio L. Quitangon Cover Credit: http://blog.bradandelyse.com/wp-content/up- loads/2011/01/EP-173-2-e1339323682230.jpg CENTER FOR SOCIAL CONCERN AND ACTION Vol. 1 Issue 1 Copywright © 2013 T he Center for Social Concern and Action is the social develop- ment arm of De La Salle University- Manila. For comments and suggestions contact us at: Rm. 201 Bro. Connon Hall (SPS Building) De La Salle Univeristy-Manila, 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate Manila. Landline no. 524-4611 loc. 147; 417 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical meth- ods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. This is not for sale. Foreword P ALASO is the bi-annual Essentially, the Philippine newsletter of the Center for National Situation consists of Social Concern and Action nine parts plus an Executive (COSCA), the social action arm of Summary providing the main the De La Salle University. Basically, points, summary and conclusion. the three-fold objectives of PALASO Part I is the Introduction which featuring “The Philippine National provides context on the importance Situation” are: of gauging the performance of the Aquino Administration whether 1) To increase social awareness of PNoy’s Social Contract with the the Lasallian Family particularly, Filipino people has brought us its faculty and students; closer to the goals of: 2) To promote critical thinking a) fighting corruption practices by providing in-depth social to restore public trust and analysis to stimulate discussions business confidence towards a among Lasallians on how the sustainable economy; DLSU could become an agent of change as part of Higher b) reducing poverty and inequality, Education; and c) creating more regular jobs, 3) To provide a reference materials useful for academic teaching, d) improving maternal health, research and community childcare and the general well engagement. being of Filipinos, i  e) enforcing the rule of law equally a) reduced corruption practices; while, ensuring national sovereignty in the country, and b) managed budget deficit and improved government f) protecting the integrity of collection of internal revenues; Philippine environment. c) somehow alleviated poverty Part 2 locates the Philippines in through the Pantawid Pamilyang the global arena providing some Pilipino Program (4Ps) where basic information concerning its 3M poorest families were geographical location, population, given financial support to dominant religion, type of economy, improve their health, nutrition political structures and system of and education. Although this government and environmental program is not enough to concerns. reduce poverty; Part 3 discusses the dual type d) permanent jobs are still wanting economy of the Philippines between especially in industrial and the “haves” and “have nots” which agricultural sector; lead us to conclude that while our national economy is growing, many e) peace and order prevails while of the Filipinos are still poor, hungry the execution of swift justice and jobless. remains a challenge; and Part 4 describes the Philippine f) there are environmental National Budget and how this efforts to mitigate the adverse would be spent to sustain the gains impacts of climate change and of PNOY’s social and economic disasters to protect the Filipinos reforms in the country. especially the disadvantaged groups. Part 5 provides a glimpse on how the Aquino Administration Part 6 deals with the Philippine is effectively and efficiently National Election 2013 with managing our Philippine national emphasis on the chronic problem economy. It highlights the extent of political dynasties vis-a-vis the to which the objectives of the results of the midterm May 2013 social and economic programs national election. It appears that of PNoy have touched the lives of PNoy continues to enjoy the trust the Filipinos particularly, the poor and confidence of the Filipinos. and the vulnerable sector. There Nine of his endorsed senatorial are evidences that showed that we candidates won the seats in the have: Senate to support his path through honest and effective governance. ii  Part 7 enumerates the and its 16 affiliated schools in the Prospects and Challenges that country must continue its strategic need to be addressed towards a role of generating and transmitting better Philippines. The prospect knowledge through academic is bright and is working for the excellence, exemplary research, Aquino government, which and community engagement. has restored public trust and It behooves every Lasallian to business confidence including constantly practice and observe the the international community. The core values of Faith, Service and Philippine economy is one of the Communion in Mission in serving fastest growing economies in Asia. God and the nation. However, the challenges still remain on how to address the following Part 9 is the Reference section. issues and concerns: It hopes to give justice and credits to the works of various authors a) Inclusive growth over exclusive and citing reliable sources of growth; information officially published and unpublished documents. b) Persistence of Poverty, Hunger & Unemployment; We hope that this issue of the Philippine National Situation will c) Awakening a National Cultural be useful and helpful in our social Consciousness amid cultural development work most especially homogenization; in social formation and community engagement. May this serve as d) Ending Political Dynasties; a good reference material in our academic discussion in search of e) Handling Peace Accord and meaningful reforms for the betterment Upholding Human Rights; and of Philippine society. In this light, this newsletter is being prepared to aid the f) Mitigating Climate Change. Lasallians in reading the signs of the times to serve as a guide for individual Part 8 pertains to the Lasallian and communal discernment as we Response to Social Transformation await for the 4th State of the Nation consistent with the foundational Address (SONA) of PNoy in July 2013. principles and social development tenets. It highlights the newly Happy reading! developed Community Engagement Framework as a guide on how to proceed in fulfilling its noble mission of providing human and Christian Ma. Lourdes F. Melegrito education to the young, especially Director, COSCA the poor. De La Salle University iii  Table of Contents Pages FOREWORD i-iii TABLE OF CONTENTS iv-v EXECUTIVE SUMMARY vi-xi PNoy’s Social Contract with the Filipino People xii-xiv I. INTRODUCTION 1 II. BRIEF PROFILE OF THE PHILIPPINES 2-3 III. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ECONOMY 4 A. Philippine Economy is growing 4-5 B. Persistence of Poverty, Hunger and Unemployment 6-9 IV. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BUDGET FOR 2013 10-12 V. THE AQUINO ADMINISTRATION A. Path Through Honest and Effective Governance 13 B. PNoy Accomplishments 13 Forming PNoy Team Members who are trustworthy with proven track record in private and public office 13-14 Managing Budget Deficit 14-17 Fighting and Reducing Corruption Practices 17-18 Putting in place credible transparency and accountability mechanism 18-19 Enforcing the Rule of Law equally 19 Allocating resources in favor of the 20-29 poor and the vulnerable a. On Poverty Alleviation b. On Job Creation iv  c. On Quality and Affordable Education d. On Promoting Maternal Health and Child Care Development e. On Better Health Services f. On Asset Reform Agenda 1. On Social Housing for Urban Poor 2. On Agrarian Reform 3. On Ancestral Domain Reform 4. On Aquatic Resources Reform Fostering Peace Agreements 29-31 Asserting our National Sovereignty 31 Promoting International and Regional 31 Economic Cooperation Protecting the Integrity of Philippine Environment 32-34 a. On Climate Change b. On Managing Natural and Man-made Disasters c. On Fighting Illegal Logging d. On Irresponsible and Unsustainable Mining VI. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ELECTION 2013 35-36 A. Political Dynasties 37-39 B. Results of the Midterm Election 39-40 VII. PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES 41 A. Exclusive Growth vs. Inclusive Growth 41-42 B. Persistence of Poverty, Hunger and Unemployment 42-45 C. Awakening a National Cultural Consciousness 45-46 D. Ending Political Dynasties 46 E. Handling Peace Accord and Upholding Human Rights 46-47 F. Mitigating Climate Change 48 VIII. LASALLIAN RESPONSE TO SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION 49-51 A. DLSU Community Engagement Framework 51-53 B. Diversity and Nature of DLSU Community 53-59 Engagement Initiatives IX. REFERENCES 60-67 X. CENTENNIAL PRAYER OF THE LASALLIAN FAMILY 68 v  Executive Summary PNoy’s rise to the presidency Externally, the government has has created high hopes and expec- adopted Public-Private Partnerships tations from Filipinos longing for to attract both local and foreign in- good governance, better economy vestors. The responsible use of the and the improvement in the qual- PPP as a strategy of funding tradi- ity of life. After three years in pub- tional public works and public ser- lic office, we can conclude that the vices has reduced contingent liabil- path through honest and effective ities of government and supported governance of the Aquino adminis- our nation’s infrastructure develop- tration has bore positive fruition. To ment for its light rail, airport projects a great extent, Team PNoy has been and urban transport program. With successful in reducing corruption strong international support and practices by putting in place credi- cooperation, the Aquino adminis- ble transparency and accountability tration has received development mechanism where the private sec- grants and technical assistance from tor and civil society organizations the WB ($59M), Millennium Corpo- could participate meaningfully in ration ($434M grant) and the ODA monitoring the government’s public from Japanese government ($2.4B). funds. Internally, the Aquino admin- Needless to say, there are other be- istration has focused on: nevolent financial institutions and funding donors that supported the a) better tax collection and poverty alleviation programs of the efficient administration to government. increase revenues; b) fiscal discipline to reduce Overall, the positive economic debts; and outlook may be attributed to the c) prudent and rationalized Aquino administration’s efforts in spending of public funds instituting good governance princi- consistent with the princi- ples that restored public trust and ples of zero-based budget- business confidence. That is why ing. despite the global financial crisis vi and numerous disasters that hit the lion in cash last October 2012 as country, the Philippine national global demand for Filipino work- economy continues to grow for the ers remained strong; and (b) the past three years with an impressive inflow of portfolio investments to 7.8 economic growth in the first the country amounting to $1.01 bil- quarter of January 2013. Dr. Cielito lion in November 2012. For 2013, Habito confirmed the Philippines as manufacturing and construction in- the fastest growing economy in Asia dustries performed well to sustain beating China’s first quarter growth. the positive economic growth of The 7.8% growth in gross domestic our national economy. Agriculture product (GDP) was proudly home- remains sluggish wanting for more grown driven by construction and infrastructure development projects manufacturing industry, supported that would produce sufficient and by financial intermediation and permanent jobs in the countryside. trade. Yet in spite of the economic Socio-Economic Planning Sec- growth, the persistence of poverty, retary Artemio Balisacan affirmed hunger and unemployment con- that our country is now slowly tinue to plague the nation. In fact, reaping the benefits of strengthen- the NSCB study revealed that pov- ing priority sectors that are poten- erty virtually remains unchanged tial growth drivers and employment over the past six years. Poverty in- generators. The challenge is how to cidence is highest in Mindanao par- strengthen other industries and sec- ticularly in Lanao del Sur, Apayao, tors that hold the greatest potential Eastern Samar, Maguindanao and for inducing more inclusive growth, Zamboanga del Norte. By region, which according to Dr. Habito are: the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, Region 12, Region 8, 1) Agriculture and Agribusi- Region 9 and Region 10 have con- ness; sistently posted the highest family 2) Tourism; poverty incidence. 3) Business Process Outsourc- ing; According to Balisacan, the 4) Food and Design-Based January 2013 unemployment rate Manufactures (i.e., high stood at 7.1% with a further 20.9% end garments and furniture underemployed or working fewer and fixtures); and than 40 hours a week. Because of 5) Mining. this fact, many workers are deprived of the opportunity to earn enough In recent years, however, the due to widespread unemployment best performing sectors are the ser- and underemployment especially in vices and financial sector boosted the agriculture sector. The direct re- by: (a) OFW dollar remittances that sult is poverty and hunger since the reached a record high of $1.93 bil- poor could no longer afford to buy vii  basic needs due to continuing price Out of the estimated 4.7M poor hike. Many Filipino poor are devoid households identified under the Na- of basic necessities and they have tional Household Targeting System limited access to social services and (NHTS) of the DSWD, 3M extreme- control over productive assets to es- ly poor households were reached cape poverty. It is no wonder that by the conditional cash grants to we have 16 million undernourished improve their health, nutrition and persons in the Philippines today. access to education, particularly for children aged 0–14 years old. There Economically, the four major is evidence showing that the Fili- challenges faced by the government pino poor are slowly beginning to are: (1) Sustaining economic growth feel the positive effects of 4Ps being and making it more inclusive to implemented by the DSWD across benefit a broader spectrum of the the nation. Although it is still a chal- society both sectorally and geo- lenge on how this national poverty graphically; (2) Pursuing the path alleviation program will be sus- of agro-industrialization via imple- tained to create a lasting impact to menting asset reform agenda so that the lives of the poor. It is imperative the poor will have access to and to implement genuine asset reform control over productive assets such agenda which requires strong politi- as land and water; (3) Strengthen- cal will from the President and his ing industrial base and revitalizing economic team. Philippine agriculture through infra- structure development where a ma- Today, we have better health jority of jobless and underemployed programs and services to improve Filipino poor can be found; and (4) maternal health, childcare and the Producing skilled and highly com- general well being of millions of petitive labour force mostly, com- Filipinos especially the poor. Dur- posed of the youth in order to meet ing his 3rd SONA, PNoy reported the needs of various industries and that at least 672,977 mothers were demands of the global economy. To getting regular checkups while date, more than 4 thousand OFWs 1,672,814 children were vaccinat- are leaving the country daily in ed against diarrhea, polio, measles, search of a better paying job across and various other diseases. There the globe. were 30,801 nurses and health professionals assisted ably by over With the earnest desire to fos- 11,000 community health workers ter inclusive growth, PNoy has al- who were deployed to remote areas located government resources in where they are most needed. In fact, favor of the poor. Budget for social the government had sent health services were increased to mitigate professionals to 1,021 localities critical gaps in poverty alleviation covered by the 4Ps and to the 609 programs, job creation, education, poorest cities and municipalities, as health, social welfare and housing. identified by NAPC. About 85% of viii Filipinos are now enrolled in Phil- his administration towards corrupt- Health and could readily avail of its free Philippines. array of benefits and services. PNoy administration has been Because of CCT, there are at doing its best to enforce the law least 4.57M students who no longer equally while asserting our national need to miss school because of pov- sovereignty over China in the dis- erty. Education received the highest puted Spratley island. The ongo- budget priority under PNoy admin- ing trial of former President Gloria istration from Php238.8B (2012) to Macapagal-Arroyo under hospital Php292.7B (2013). The DepEd in arrest and the impeachment of for- partnership with the private sec- mer Chief Justice Renato Corona are tors has been hiring 61,000 addi- good signs that the government is tional teachers for public schools serious in seeking justice and that this school year. The construction of nobody is above the law. The gov- thousands of classrooms, tables and ernment must be able to consistent- chairs are underway including the ly observe and uphold human rights purchase of new textbooks. DepEd of its citizens especially journalists Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC as- and political activists. To end vio- sured the general public of a zero lence and conflict, the government backlog before the end of this year. must handle effectively the Peace The DepEd will sustain its efforts Agreement process involving coun- on feeding malnourished children tervailing forces threatening our de- to improve their health and school mocracy in the country. It is impera- performance. tive to end political dynasties in the country. More than 3M jobs were pro- duced by the Aquino administra- With the advent of globalization, tion through the concerted efforts of cultural homogenization remains a DOLE, DTI and TESDA apart from growing concern that needs to be the job- generating strategies car- addressed by the government, civil ried out by DTI, DA, DPWH, DOTC society organizations, private sec- and DOT in the areas of business tor, the church and other religious processing and outsourcing, agri- groups, and of course, the Academe culture, infrastructure development where moral values and spiritual and tourism industry. formation are needed to guide our youngsters exposed to new age Politically, the popularity of ideas and Western culture of hyper- PNoy did not wither as reflected in consumerism. Over time, this may the recently concluded May 2013 lead to the erosion of our national national election where nine of his identity and cultural values. Con- endorsed candidates won the sena- sequently, the challenge is how to torial seats to fully support the eco- create a nationalist culture promot- nomic and social reform agenda of ing love of God and country, peace, ix  social justice, and the integrity of lian achievers for God and country. creation. It must continue its strategic role of generating and transmitting knowl- In response to climate change edge through academic excellence, and imminent danger posed by exemplary research and commu- numerous disasters, the Aquino nity engagement. Operationally, it administration has been pro-active implies that DLSU must be able to in planning and implementing an mobilize its resources especially the integrated and well-coordinated skills and expertise of its faculty and Disaster Risk and Reduction Man- students in teaching, research and agement (DRRM) program involv- community engagement work to ac- ing several stakeholders. Through tively participate in societal issues Project NOAH, the government and concerns. The Lasallians could has acquired latest technologies develop a national framework and to monitor the weather forecast to road map for national development. save thousands of lives and protect It should also strengthen academic– multimillion properties. In the near industry relationship in order to de- future, the Philippine government velop new technologies and scien- must address the imminent threat tific breakthroughs that would bring posed by climate change, rampant more opportunities for real social illegal logging and irresponsible transformation. In this sense, DLSU mining practices affecting the Fili- becomes a truly engaged university pino poor particularly, upland farm- bridging faith and scholarship in the ers, and indigenous peoples in the service of the nation. rural areas. According to Br. Ricardo Laguda It is in this context that De La FSC, 22nd president of DLSU, the Salle University (DLSU) like any important functions of service and other educational institutions must community engagement is to fa- reflect on its transformative role to cilitate the process of creating new bring forth genuine social develop- knowledge and applying them inno- ment, a society where everyone is vatively as solutions that bring about liberated from the yoke of poverty, social change and transformation, ignorance and social injustice to- solutions that have revolutionized wards the fullness of life. The signs partnerships with non-government of the times only reaffirm the im- organizations, people’s organiza- perative of the Lasallian mission tions, private and public sectors. of providing human and Christian Such partnerships should create a education to the young, especially sustainable future for generations to the poor. come. DLSU needs to consider its strategic roles in national and re- As part of Higher Education, gional development, and ask itself DLSU must contribute to the task of whether the University served as nation building by producing Lasal- agents of change. x  Consistent with the Lasallian Indeed, the DLSU has a long and social development principles, vibrant tradition of community en- the way to proceed is to follow gagement with the active participa- the newly developed Community tion of Lasallian brothers, alumni, Engagement Framework of DLSU parents, administrators, faculty, stu- which has three inter-related phases dents and external partner commu- and processes. Basically, it follows a nities. Together by association, they three-track approach: have been touching hearts, teaching minds and transforming lives in the Phase 1 – Bringing forth social Philippines. Most of its community awareness and under- engagements are implemented lo- standing; cally in collaboration and/or in Phase 2 – Partnership Building partnership with civil society organ- and Association in izations, faith based groups, local Mission; and government units (LGUs) and dis- Phase 3 – Effecting Liberating Ac- advantaged groups. The scope and tion through social/ area coverage of its involvement community engage- varies depending on the needs of ments towards the vi- its target sectors and nature of com- sion-mission of DLSU. munity engagement starting from micro, meso, national up to interna- Since the First Lasallian District tional levels. Synod, DLSU has adopted faith, service, and communion in mission Presently, there are various as its core values. Lasallian commu- types and modes of community nity should imbibe these values and engagement to benefit Lasallian seek opportunities to apply them. students and the marginalized sec- According to Br. Michael Broughton tors ranging from direct commu- FSC, “these values are central to our nity service that shows simple acts identity as a Lasallian institution for of charity, love and compassion higher learning as they guide us in for the poor, pastoral work, teach- pursuing community engagement ing, applied research, technical activities that are related to our assistance and support services fields of expertise.” Every Lasallian for education, business, environ- institution must ensure “the integra- mental protection/conservation, tion of the principles of Lasallian advocacy to political actions for Social Development in curricular the betterment of Philippine so- and externally oriented programs ciety. A list of DLSU community that will guarantee the exposure of engagement initiatives are cited to students to social realities and en- highlight the diversity and nature courage their active involvement.” of its community development (2009a) work involving the eight Colleges of the University including vari- ous stakeholders. xi  The Vision for the Philippines: these changes across many aspects A country with… of our national life. 1. A re-awakened sense of right A Commitment to and wrong, through the living Transformational Leadership: examples of our highest leaders; 1. From a President who tolerates 2. An organized and widely- corruption to a President shared rapid expansion of our who is the nation’s first and economy through a government most determined fighter of dedicated to honing and corruption. mobilizing our people’s skills and energies as well as the 2. From a government that merely responsible harnessing of our conjures economic growth natural resources; statistics that our people know to be unreal to a government that 3. A collective belief that doing the prioritizes jobs that empower right thing does not only make the people and provide them sense morally, but translates with opportunities to rise above into economic value as well; poverty. 4. Public institutions rebuilt on the 3. From relegating education to strong solidarity of our society just one of many concerns and its communities. to making education the central strategy for investing Our Mission: We will start to make in our people, reducing these changes first in ourselves—by poverty and building national doing the right things, by giving competitiveness. value to excellence and integrity and rejecting mediocrity and 4. From treating health as just dishonesty, and by giving priority to another area for political others over ourselves. We will make patronage to recognizing the xii  advancement and protection of 10. From a government that treats its public health, which includes people as an export commodity responsible parenthood, as key and a means to earn foreign measures of good governance. exchange, disregarding the social cost to Filipino families 5. From justice that money and to a government that creates connections can buy to a truly jobs at home, so that working impartial system of institutions abroad will be a choice rather that deliver equal justice to rich than a necessity; and when or poor. its citizens do choose to become OFWs, their welfare Economy and protection will still be the government’s priority. 6. From government policies influenced by well-connected Government Service private interests to a leadership that executes all the laws of 11. From Presidential appointees the land with impartiality and chosen mainly out of political decisiveness. accommodation to discerning selection based on integrity, 7. From treating the rural economy competence and performance as just a source of problems, in serving the public good. to recognizing farms and rural enterprises as vital to achieving 12. From demoralized but food security and more dedicated civil servants, military equitable economic growth, and police personnel destined worthy of re-investment for for failure and frustration due to sustained productivity. inadequate operational support to professional, motivated and 8. From government anti-poverty energized bureaucracies with programs that instill a dole-out adequate means to perform mentality to well-considered their public service missions. programs that build capacity and create opportunity among Gender Equality the poor and the marginalized in the country. 13. From a lack of concern for gender disparities and 9. From a government that shortfalls, to the promotion of dampens private initiative and equal gender opportunity in all enterprise to a government that spheres of public policies and creates conditions conducive to programs. the growth and competitiveness of private businesses, big, medium and small. xiii  Peace & Order with congestion and urban decay to planning alternative, 14. From a disjointed, short-sighted inclusive urban development Mindanao policy that merely where people of varying reacts to events and incidents income levels are integrated to one that seeks a broadly in productive, healthy and safe supported just peace and will communities. redress decades of neglect of the Moro and other peoples of 16. From a government obsessed Mindanao. with exploiting the country for immediate gains to the Philippine Environment detriment of its environment to a government that will 15. From allowing environmental encourage sustainable use of blight to spoil our cities, where resources to benefit the present both the rich and the poor bear and future generations. This platform is a commitment to change that Filipinos can depend on. With trust in their leaders, everyone can work and build a greater future together. Source: http://noypipol.wordpress.com/2009/11/28/noynoy-aquino-platform/ xiv I. Introduction The rise to the presidency development? Many are still of President Benigno Aquino III wondering whether PNoy’s Social has created high expectations Contract with the Filipino people among Filipinos longing for good has brought us closer to the governance (57%), better condition goals of: of the national economy (52%) and a) fighting corruption practices to the improvement in the quality of life restore public trust and business (49%) based on the Social Weather confidence towards a Station (SWS) survey conducted in sustainable economy; May 2010.1 b) reducing poverty and inequality; Simply put, the President’s c) creating more regular jobs; economic vision can be condensed d) improving maternal health, into four words: “A Philippines childcare and the general well that Works” 2 by pushing for a just being of Filipinos; government with lower tax rates e) enforcing the rule of law equally for all and plugging leaks in the while, ensuring national tax collection system to revitalize sovereignty in the country; and the nation’s economy.3 He enjoined f) protecting the integrity of every Filipino to pursue the path Philippine environment. of righteousness towards corrupt- free Philippines. “We will not let corruption consume our people’s future. We will strive to weed it out of government in every way we can.” PNoy said with conviction.4 After three years in public office, now is the opportune time to determine whether the Aquino administration has been true to its promise of making a difference to the lives of Filipinos particularly, the poor. Are we heading towards economic progress and social 1  II. Brief Profile of the Philippines 1. Situated in Southeast Asia, the that claims 2/3 of the Earth’s Philippine Republic has a total biological resources and about population of 96.8M (as of 70-80% of the world’s plant March 2013)5 It is ranked as the and animal species due to its 12th most populated country in geographical isolation, diverse the world today and considered habitats and high rates of end- as the largest Catholic country emism.9 Sadly, the country also in Asia.6 The country is also a belongs to the top 25 biodiver- huge exporter of labor and will sity hot spots in the world with continue to be so. In 2030, the a high percentage of its plants, population of the Philippines animals and other endemic spe- will reach 131.5M.7 cies threatened by extinction in the ecosystems.10 2. Geographically, the Philippines can be divided into three re- 3. The Philippine Republic is a gions, namely Luzon, Visayas presidential form of government, and Mindanao. Comprising which has three independent of 7,107 islands, the country’s yet co-equal branches, namely coastline is the fifth longest in Executive (the law-enforcing the world spanning 36,289 body), Legislative (the law- kilometers.8 It has vast natural making body) and Judiciary resources that are good sourc- (the law-implementing body). es of food, water, shelter and The Executive branch consists livelihood for its rapidly grow- of the President and the Vice- ing populace. The Philippines President, elected by direct belongs to the 18 mega-biodi- popular votes and they serve for versity countries in the world a six-year term. The President 2 appoints his Cabinet to help 4. The Philippines has a market- him administer the functions based mixed economy, which of various national government implies that the national agencies. The Legislative economy is regulated by the consists of the Upper House (the State and supported by the Senate) and the Lower House business sector along with (the House of Representatives). other stakeholders. It is the The Senate President is the 45th largest economy in the head of the Upper House while world today, 12th in Asia and the Lower House Speaker leads 4th in South East Asia with a the Congress. The Judiciary Gross Domestic Product of branch consists of the systems $416.721B (IMF, 2012 est.)12 of courts, with the Supreme Court as the highest and headed by the Chief Justice.11 3  III. Philippine National Economy The Philippine Economy is growing 5. Despite the lingering crisis in “Impressive performance of the United States and Europe, these sectors prove that the the Philippine economy country is already reaping the remains relatively resilient with benefits of strengthening pri- an impressive 7.8% economic ority sectors that are potential growth in the first quarter of growth drivers and employment 2013. According to Dr. Cielito generators. Business confi- Habito, the Philippines is now dence and consumer optimism considered as the fastest growing fuelled this growth, putting to economy in Asia beating rest doubts cast on the 2012 China’s first quarter growth. figures as being due to base ef- The 7.8% growth in gross fects only.“ 14 domestic product (GDP) was proudly homegrown driven by 7. Basically, the three major construction and manufacturing sectors of the Philippine industry, supported by financial economy consist of the services, intermediation and trade.13 agriculture and industry. In recent years, however, the 6. Socio-Economic Planning Sec- best performing sectors are the retary Artemio Balisacan said, services and financial sector boosted by: 3 MAJOR SEC TO RS OF THE PHILLIPINE ECONOMY (a) OFW dollar remit- tances that reached a record high of $1.93B Services Agriculture Industry in cash last October 2012 as global demand for Filipino workers remained strong; and 4  (b) the inflow of portfolio only be limited by how hard we investments to the country are willing to work for it.” 16 amounting to $1.01B in November 2012, the 9. “So what was once regarded highest net inflow for over as the sick man of Asia now two years. 15 brims with vitality” PNoy said and compared to previous 8. The positive economic outlook administrations, “We were may be attributed to the Aquino once the debtors but now, we administration’s efforts in are the creditors. Before we instituting good governance to had to beg for investments restore public trust and business until recently, investors such confidence that reinvigorated as Japanese and British banker our Philippine national flock to us looking for business economy. In his 3rd State of the opportunities.” 17 Nation Address (SONA), PNoy said that “prudent spending 10. Indeed, the World Bank and has allowed us to plug the leaks Standard & Poor’s (S&P) gave in the system, and improving positive growth forecasts and tax collection has increased credit rating for the Philippine revenues. We have fixed the economy from “stable” to system by which we build “positive” owing to favorable roads, bridges, and buildings business climate in the country — they now go where they as evidenced by the ability are truly needed. Our roads of the present administration are properly paved; products, to implement vital reforms services, and people reach such as prudent economic their destination quickly and policies, improving internal with greater ease. Because of revenue collection, declining good governance in agriculture, reliance on borrowings from food production has increased, foreign creditors, falling debt prices don’t fluctuate, wages burden while maintaining are stable and our economy political stability in the Asian is stronger. A resilient and region.18 The Philippines is dynamic economy resting now considered as a rising on the foundations of good star to record one of the fastest governance is the best defense growth rates in the world. The against global uncertainty. We Philippines is likely to grow have been dismantling the between 6.5 to 7% this year obstacles to progress for two and within the same range next years, and now, our success can year.19 “So what was once regarded as the sick man of Asia now brims with vitality” 5  Persistence of Poverty, 13. It appears that the proclaimed Hunger and Unemployment economic growth has not produced sufficient jobs and savings. Many workers are 11. Yet in spite of economic deprived of the opportunity growth, poverty incidence to earn enough due to virtually remains unchanged widespread unemployment and over the past six years as underemployment especially indicated by 28.8% in 2006, in the agriculture sector. The 28.6% in 2009 and 27.9% in direct result is poverty and the first semester of 2012 based hunger since the poor could no on the study of the National longer afford to buy basic needs Statistical Coordination Board due to continuing price hike. (NSCB). The study revealed that The Filipino poor are devoid of poverty incidence was highest basic necessities and they have in Mindanao and lowest in the limited access to social services National Capital Region as well and control over productive as in Regions III and IV. Regions assets to escape poverty. where poverty incidence has gone down are Caraga and 14. According to Ms. Aurea Miclat- Region I respectively.20 Teves, convener of National Food Coalition, hunger 12. Furthermore, the five poorest incidence in the Philippines provinces are Lanao del is close to 1:6, worse than Sur, Apayao, Eastern Samar, the global average ratio of 1:8 Maguindanao and Zamboanga where 870M people worldwide del Norte. By region, the do not have sufficient food to Autonomous Region of Muslim eat. Citing data from the Food Mindanao, Region 12, Region and Agriculture Organization, 8, Region 9 and Region 10 have Ms. Teves shared that, “One in consistently posted the highest every six Filipinos is experiencing family poverty incidence.21 daily the world’s number one 6  health risk – hunger.” Today, there are 16M undernourished persons in the Philippines.22 15. Jose Ramon Albert, NSCB Secretary General, calculated that a family of five would need a monthly are highly dependent on income of at least Php 7,821 to agriculture. “As such, increasing survive and meet both food and incomes in agriculture will non-food needs such as clothing, make a big dent in addressing housing, transportation, health, the poverty problem,” he said education, among others.23 and even proposed of tapping the P70B on coco levy funds 16. Norio Usui, senior country parked in banks to spur farmers’ economist for the Asian production.25 Development Bank, said “the benefits of strong economic 18. Balisacan said in a press growth have not spilled over interview that the January 2013 to the people because they jobless rate stood at 7.1% with still cannot find a job.” The a further 20.9% underemployed government must solve the or working fewer than 40 hours problem of jobless growth a week. He estimated that about to reduce poverty. Part of the 41.8% of the underemployed solution is to strengthen the are in the farming sector. He weak industrial base so that also added that “If the problem jobs will be available not only of visible under employment to the highly educated college in agriculture is addressed, graduates, but also to high then income of farmers would school graduates. He observed increase, poverty incidence that the Philippines’ economic would decrease and we would model is highly dependent on not be compromising food domestic consumption, strong security.” 26 remittances from its large overseas workforce and the 19. Without employment oppor- business process outsourcing tunities, many Filipinos seek industry, which employs jobs elsewhere. Every day, college graduates.24 4,400 OFWs are leaving the country to sacrifice for their 17. Joel Rocamora, head of families in search for better the National Anti-Poverty paying jobs, unmindful of racial Commission, estimated that discrimination and exploitation three out of every five Filipinos against abusive employers.27 7  21.Poverty and hunger creates so much pressure requiring both parents to work for a family to survive. In most cases, even children are forced to work as child laborers defined by the Department of Employment and Labor (DOLE) as “any work performed by a child that subjects the child to economic exploitation or that is likely to be hazardous for the child or that interferes with the child’s education, or that is harmful to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development” 30 -http://larrycprice.com/philippines- 22. The 2011 Survey on Children gold-child-labor/ (SOC) revealed that 5.4M children whose age belongs to They are also vulnerable to 5 to 17 years old are working calamities such as earthquakes to help their families. Of which, and tsunami that hit Japan and 58.4% or an estimated 3.2M New Zealand as well as the are child laborers considered civil strife in various parts of economically active and the Middle East North Africa exposed to hazardous Region particularly in Libya, environment. In every ten where we saw the exodus of working children, there are six more than 6,000 repatriated boys and four girls. By age, OFWs in April 2011.28 46.7% of the working children are 15 to 17 years old; 45.1% 20. The absence of fathers and/ are working children from or mothers often increases 10 to 14 years old; and 8.2% the likelihood that youngsters represents children from 5 to 9 will grow up without proper years of age.31 formation and moral guidance especially those parents 23. Based on the Labor Force working abroad. The increasing Survey, the total number of mobility of family members adult persons employed in April puts enormous stress on 2012 was 37.8M consisting marriages and the traditional of services sector (51.4%) as family structure. Sometimes, the largest group, followed by the outcome is broken family. 29 agricultural sector (33%) and 8  the industry sector (15.6%). of 11.9M unemployed and Basically, employed workers underemployed workers.34 can be classified into full time workers (55.1%) and part-time 26. Balisacan clarified in a press workers (42.8%) who work interview that an annual tracking less than 40 hours per week. of poverty incidence will now be They are the employed persons done to allow the government willing to have additional makes the necessary tactical working hours in their present solutions or short-term changes work to increase their meager in its Philippine Development income.32 Plan 2011-2016. He said, “Although this first semester 24. Although various economic result on poverty incidence reform programs were instituted is not the dramatic result we by the Aquino government to wanted, we remain hopeful generate more jobs in three that, with the timely measures specific sectors: tourism, we are now implementing, the agriculture and infrastructure, next rounds of poverty statistics more than 11M Filipinos are will give much better results that jobless, according to SWS and will reflect the government’s IBON Foundation survey results massive investment in human on the first quarter of 2013. development and poverty The Philippines has an official reduction, which understandably unemployment rate of 7% for needs time to take full effect.” 35 2012.33 27. Balisacan stressed that the 25. IBON stressed that jobs problem of poverty requires a situation has worsened comprehensive, “multi-pronged because the Aquino and multi-sectoral solution” administration continued the involving many stakeholders. As failed economic policies of part of economic management past administrations. In 2012, team under PNoy administration, the number of unemployed He said that “We are making use Filipinos has reached 4.4M of the current effort to update the while underemployed was Philippine Development Plan to pegged at 7.5M for a total effect this solution.” 36 9  IV. Philippine National Budget for 2013 28. On July 24, 2012, President budget is the embodiment of Aquino presented the 2013 our people’s collective hopes national budget to Congress and desires. amounting to P2.006.1 trillion. The national budget is 10.5% These past two years, we higher than the P1.816-trillion have remained conscious of national budget for 2012. The the budget’s role in advancing President described the budget our national agenda; and we as “results-focused budget” have achieved historic feats. driven towards the delivery of In 2011 and 2012, the men direct and substantial benefits and women of this Congress to the people, particularly the acted with diligence and poorest and most marginalized. urgency in enacting the His administration will ensure National Budgets. In fact, not just the immediate release the General Appropriations of the funds but a transparent Act of 2012 was the earliest government spending. During enacted budget since our the 15th Congress of the countrymen restored true Philippines, the President democracy in 1986. For stated: 37 this, and for your support to our development agenda as “This Budget is the national funded by those budgets, I government’s blueprint of congratulate and thank you. expenditures and sources of financing for the year As we move forward along 2013. It spells out the costs the straight and righteous of government’s plans and path, we have continuously operations for the entire planted and nurtured the fiscal year. More than seeds of reform with the that, however, crafted by annual Budgets enacted a government that firmly under this Administration. believes that its sole purpose We have prioritized the is to serve its true bosses— people’s most urgent needs the Filipino people—this in order to genuinely and 10  efficiently address poverty Order No.43, the 5 Key Results and inequality. We have Areas of the Social Contract are worked tirelessly to ensure concretized, viz:38 that public funds are managed judiciously and 1) Transparent, Account- with minimum waste. We able, and Participatory have fostered a new culture of Governance; openness, transparency, and 2) Poverty Reduction and participation in the budget Empowerment of the Poor process, and throughout and Vulnerable; the bureaucracy. Using the 3) Rapid, Inclusive, and Sus- Budget, we have successfully tained Economic Growth; worked to reinforce the 4) Just and Lasting Peace and foundations on which the Rule of Law; and our public institutions are 5) Integrity of the Environ- built—we have made them ment and Climate Change less prone to corruption, Adaptation and Mitigation. more results-driven, and, ultimately, more deserving of 30. By Sector. The biggest share our bosses’ trust.” of 34.8 percent is allocated for Social Services, while 29. PNoy assured the public of his Economic Services accounts administration’s greater and for the second biggest at 25.5 deeper commitment to the percent. Meanwhile, the share Social Contract which has been of the Debt Burden on the fleshed out in the Philippine budget, at 16.6 percent, has Development Plan from 2011- decreased from 18.3 percent 2016. By virtue of Executive (see Table 1) Table 1.The 2013 Philippine National Budget by Sector Levels (Php Billion) Percent Share Particulars Growth 2012 2013 2012 2013 Social Services 613.4 698.8 33.8 34.8 13.9 Economic Services 439.0 511.1 24.2 25.5 16.4 General Public 320.3 346.1 17.6 17.3 8.0 Services Debt Service 333.1 333.9 18.3 16.6 0.2 Defense 87.2 89.7 4.6 4.5 2.9 Net Lending 23.0 26.5 1.3 1.3 15.2 Total 1,816.0 2,006.1 100.0 100.0 10.5 11  “The President described the budget as “results-focused budget” driven towards the delivery of direct and substantial benefits to the people, particularly the poorest and most marginalized.” 31. Essentially, the government the groundwork to accelerate has allocated P698.8B for our Public-Private Partnership social services, which supports program with regard to strategic the goal of reducing poverty infrastructures.” 40 to 16.6% by 2016. This will support resource gaps in 33. According to PNoy, the Budg- basic education and improve et has been designed to en- health insurance coverage able public-private partnerships of 5.2M poor households (PPPs) for the delivery of social under the National Health services. To entice the greater Insurance Program, as well as participation of the private affordable housing for informal sector in government’s imple- settlers and coverage of 3.8M mentation of poverty reduction indigent households under the programs, this Budget packages Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino the procurement of infrastruc- Program (4Ps). 39 ture for social services – class- rooms and other educational 32. For Rapid, Inclusive, and facilities, rural health facilities, Sustained Economic Growth, hospitals, and others – under concerned government Build-Transfer and Build-Lease- agencies will be pushing forward Transfer arrangements. Indeed, tourism development; food self- the private sector is a potent sufficiency; electrification, road force that should be tapped in and transportation upgrades; our efforts to reduce poverty and the promotion of small and and improve human develop- medium scale industries. PNoy ment outcomes.41 said; “We are also laying down 12 V. The Aquino Administration A. Path Through Effective and B. Accomplishments of PNoy Honest Governance Administration 34. In his first State of the Nation Ad- 35. After more than three years dress (SONA) last July 26, 2010, in public office, the President PNoy revealed to the public has restored the public trust that the government’s budget and business confidence to deficit has reached Php196.7 revitalize the nation’s economy. billion. He said that the Ar- Concretely, the Aquino royo administration has long administration has instituted strayed to the crooked path, vital economic and political which kept secret to the public reforms, which is founded on the true state of the nation. He good governance principles. unveiled to the Filipinos how a Studying closely his 1st, 2nd million-worth of imported rice and 3rd SONA, PNoy reported were rotten in the NFA ware- to the Filipino people the house amid the hunger of 4M following accomplishments of Filipinos; how NAPOCOR was his administration: instructed to sell electricity at a low price for electoral gains; 35.1. Forming PNOY Team and how top executives under members who are trust- MWSS and other Government worthy and with proven Owned Controlled Corpora- track record in private tions (GOCC) have lavishly re- and public service. The warded themselves. Converse- President has ensured ly, Pres. Aquino vowed to quality appointments of follow the path of righteousness his cabinet members to for poverty alleviation, popular help him administer the democracy and good govern- various departments with ance.42 specific functions headed by secretaries (see Table 1) 13  Table 1.Cabinet Members of PNoy (as of May 15, 2013) 35.2. Managing budget deficit. The economic team of Php196.7B. Internally, the PNoy has managed to Aquino administration mobilize the internal has focused on (a) and external resources better tax collection and in order to address efficient administration the budget deficit of to increase revenues, (b) 14  Education’s Food “the PPP’s will support our nation’s for School Program was transferred to infrastructure development where DSWD; the DA’s investments will yield a multiplier Input Subsidies that only benefited effect” the rich and the Kalayaan Barangay fiscal discipline to reduce Program were both debts, and (c) prudent and terminated. It is wise rationalized spending of to rationalize spending public funds consistent of government-owned with the principle of and/or controlled zero-based budgeting. corporations. To stop the Two important bills bleeding of government worth mentioning in this funds due to inefficiencies section are the passage of the National Food of Fiscal Responsibility Authority (NFA), the Bill that reduces foreign government has reduced debts and “An Act rice importation; limit Restructuring the Excise the selling of low-priced Tax on Alcohol and rice to the poorest of Tobacco, that allows the the poor; and push government to increase for a Congressional its internal revenue amendment of the NFA collection. Charter to make possible the separation of its Basically, the bedrock proprietary. principle of zero-based budgeting is that the In addition, the savings taxes paid by the people prudently generated will be spent for the from these budget cuts people. In this light, the were re-channeled President has directed the to existing programs Department of Budget performing well like the and Management (DBM) DSWD’s CCT program, and all departments the DepEd’s Educational to evaluate existing Service Contracting and government programs. the National Health Based on the Commission Insurance Program on Audit (COA) reports (NHIP). and other similar studies, government programs Similarly, the Department that did not perform of Interior and Local well over the years were Government (DILG) has redesigned, overhauled been implementing a or terminated. As such, Performance Challenge the Department of Fund to align local 15  programs with the and Highways (DPWH) priority projects of the and the Metro Manila national government. Development Authority This way, it would be (MMDA) are doing the easier to rationalize same thing for roads and the programs and flood control projects. It projects of government. is hoped that the respon- It will also ensure that sible use of the PPP as a the local government strategy of funding tradi- units (LGUs) comply tional public works and with the requirements public services projects under the Philippine will reduce contingent li- Disaster Risk Reduction abilities of government. and Management Act 2010 along with the Equally important is the Ecological Act of 2000. strong international sup- The government has port and cooperation allocated public funds received by the Aquino for 17 priority provinces administration which classified as 3rd to 5th allowed the Philippine class situated in 27 cities government to receive (3rd to 5th class also) and development grants and 243 municipalities (5th technical assistance from and 6th class). the following interna- tional institutions: 46 Externally, the govern- ment is adopting Public- a) $59M grant from WB Private Partnerships to to continue the KALA- attract both local and for- HI-CIDSS program of eign investors. Accord- DWSD; ing to PNoy, the PPP’s will support our nation’s b) $434M grant from infrastructure develop- Millennium Corpora- ment where investments tion to finance pov- will yield a multiplier erty alleviation, road effect. Since 2011, the construction and tax Department of Transpor- administration pro- tation and Communica- jects and social ser- tions (DOTC) has been vices; conducting feasibility studies on public-private c) Php20B as Japan’s first partnership for its light ODA commitment rail, airport projects and with corresponding its urban transport pro- counterpart from the gram for urban cities. The Philippine govern- Department of Works ment; and 16  d) $2.4B in invest- ment pledges, which translate to a potential 43,650 new jobs in the next three years. Needless to say, there are other donor institutions helping the state to alleviate poverty and protect our environment. 35.3. Fighting and reduc- ing corruption prac- tices. According to Transparency Inter- national, corruption requires strong political consumes 20% of the to- will of the President and tal national budget of the fully supported by the Philippine government. Filipino people. True to Means of corruption var- his promise, PNoy has ies from bribery, graft, exposed the North Rail embezzlement, under contract where fleets the table and backdoor of 19 train sets were deals, nepotism to politi- reduced to three and cal patronage. Truly, cor- the number of stations, ruption eats up a signifi- from five to two. He also cant portion of the GNP cited the Government and National Budget. It Owned Controlled even exceeds the coun- Corporations (GOCCs) try’s foreign debts and handing out unwarranted robs much needed re- bonuses despite the sources from frontline losses already suffered by service departments.47 their agencies. He also exposed to the public To achieve the path the billions of pesos through honest and wasted by PAGCOR on effective governance coffee anomaly; the AFP “Truly, corruption eats up a significant portion of the GNP and National Budget. It even exceeds the country’s foreign debts and robs much needed resources from frontline service departments.” 17  tradition of PABAON to cies. Now, the souls of retiring Generals and high the ghosts in voters lists ranking military officials; can rest in peace. and the anomalous corrupt practices in the What we have replaced PNP, which involved these phantoms with: ignoring the need to real housing, bridges, arm the remaining 45% and learning centers for of our police force, just Badjaos in Basilan. Com- to collect kickbacks on munity-based hatcheries, rundown helicopters nets, materials to grow purchased at brand-new seaweeds, and seed- prices.48 lings that have benefited 2,588 fishermen. Certi- During his 3rd SONA, fied seeds, gabi seed- PNoy further exposed lings, cassava, rubber, the ghost story in ARMM and trees that are bearing which is a microcosm of fruit for 145,121 farmers. a bigger social reality: And this is only the begin- ning. Php183M has been “Fifty-five ghost entries set aside for the fire sta- have been taken off the tions; 515 million pesos payroll. The ghost story in for clean drinking water; ARMM, Mindanao where Php551.9M for health- we had ghost students care equipment; 691.9 walking to ghost schools million pesos for daycare on ghost roads, to learn centers; and Php2.85B from ghost teachers. for the roads and bridges Some of the apparitions across the region. These that haunted OIC Gov- are just some of the things ernor Mujiv Hataman: that will be afforded by Four schools found with the aggregate Php8.59B ghost students; we are the national government also investigating the has granted the ARMM. teachers whose names Also, allow me to clarify: do not appear in the list this does not include the of the Professional Regu- yearly support that they lation Commission, as receive, which in 2012 well as the government reached Php11.7B.” workers not listed in the plantilla.. The previous 35.4. Putting in place cred- scheme of regraveling ible transparency and roads again and again accountability mecha- just to earn money has nisms. In principle, it is been outlawed. To avoid easier to hold govern- abuse, we have ended ment and its officials ac- cash advances for agen- countable for the use of public funds if there are 18 sufficient, understand- and solutions on able and accessible data public fund misuse. in which the civil society The CSOs and the organizations (CSOs) and private sector are now the general public can as- encouraged to actively sess official performance. participate in monitoring Hence, there is a now a the government’s new provision mandat- undertakings to ensure ing the publications in that public funds are government websites of judiciously spent and information concerning fully utilized. the project status, list of project beneficiaries and 35.6. Enforcing the rule of law procurement plans of equally. The Judiciary major programs/projects. is responsible for The main objective is to upholding the rule of make all government of- law and providing swift ficials be held account- and equal justice for able for public funds en- all. The on-going trial of trusted to them. former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and For this reason, PNoy is the impeachment of requiring all government Chief Justice Renato line agencies to publish Corona are good signs on their respective that the government is websites the status of serious in seeking justice project implementation and that nobody is above and fund utilization. the law. Funds were Operationally, it implies allocated for the creation putting the entire corpus of additional prosecutor of government rules positions to speed up and regulations on the investigation and line by means of the prosecution of criminal creation of the Official cases. The Department Gazette (i.e., www.gov. of Justice (DOJ) has ph). For instance, the been implementing Department of Finance an Alternative Dispute (DOF) launched a Resolution Program website dubbed as “Pera along with its Witness ng Bayan” at http://www. Protection Program to perangbayan.com to fully protect at least solicit public support 640 witnesses and on the government’s whistleblowers under its fight against corruption custody. particularly, providing a venue to air observations 19  35.7. Allocating resources while leaving no sector in favor of the poor behind.” and the vulnerable. On August 24, 2010, Budget for social Pres. Benigno Aquino services were increased III submitted to the to mitigate critical gaps Congress the proposed in poverty alleviation National Budget of programs, job creation, Php1.645 trillion for education, health, social 2011 which mirrors the welfare and housing. present administration’s This is to ensure that commitment to lift those who have less in the nation from abject life will be given equal poverty through honest opportunities to build a and effective governance. brighter future. The proposed budget focused where they are On Poverty Alleviation. One most needed. It is 6.8% of the Aquino administration’s higher than the 2010 flagship program in seeking to budget of Php1.540 meet the Millennium Development trillion.49 Pnoy said: Goals (MDGs) is the “Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program” or ` “This is the first simply, 4Ps. It is a national poverty- financial blueprint of reduction and social-development my Administration. It strategy that provides conditional has been formulated to cash grants to extremely poor turn our vision for social households in order to improve reform into a tangible their health, nutrition and access to reality for our fellow education, particularly for children citizens. The Filipino aged 0 – 14 years old. people have placed on our shoulder the When PNoy assumed office, responsibility to make there were 760,357 household- their government more beneficiaries of the 4Ps. In February responsive to their needs 2013, PNoy reported that 3M and eliminate waste… household beneficiaries were When I accepted our reached by the 4Ps out of the people’s call for me to run estimated 4.7M poor households in for office, I point out that the country being identified under the presidency is about the National Household Targeting the efficient allocation System (NHTS) of the DSWD. of resources. The call of our times is to reform: to However, the 4Ps had received revitalize our economy mixed criticisms since its inception. 20 Some called the program as a by helping them fulfill their duties dole out for the poor families. and responsibilities towards their Others expressed their concern children.52 that its huge budget could be a source for corruption. In fact, 37 According to Secretary Soliman, lawmakers signed a manifesto as the DSWD is converging its three early as October 2010 opposing core programs to enhance its poverty the Php21.9B budget for the 4Ps. reduction programs, namely: Instead, they proposed to realign its budget for the construction of additional schools, hospitals, health centers, housing programs and agriculture which will address the needs of the poor. 50 PNoy defended the 4Ps program by comparing it to a lifesaver device thrown into the sea to save a drowning man. Admittedly, the program is not the solution to poverty but just meant to ease the suffering of the poor families while waiting for structural reforms to take place and benefit the majority of Filipinos. But still it has positive impact on health, nutrition education based on Asian Development Bank (ADB) study.51 The DSWD clarified that the program was not totally a dole- Self-Employment Assistance out approach but a development Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program that invests in human A livelihood and capability building capital. The beneficiaries must still program aimed at enhancing the socio-economic skills of poor meet the requirements before they families towards establishing and could receive the cash grants. By managing sustainable community following the criteria, the program based credit organizations for enhances the role of the parents entrepreneurial development. 21  On Job Creation. There are about grew to 638,000 in 2011 where a million new entrants to the job the industry contributed $11B to market each year. According to our national economy. By 2016, it PNoy, his administration will is projected to be bringing in $25B prioritize jobs that empower the to our economy. PNoy estimated people, not just to put food on that for the BPO industry alone, it the table but to provide them with will be employing 1.3M Filipinos opportunities to rise above poverty. excluding 3.2M taxi drivers, The jobs produced by the Aquino baristas, corner stores, canteens, administration within the past two and other jobs that will benefit from years totalled almost 3.1M. the indirect jobs the BPO industry will create. The BPO facilities can The Aquino administration be found in Metro Manila and Cebu through the DOLE, DTI and TESDA City although other regional areas has strengthened job-generating such as Baguio City, Bacolod City, efforts through the following Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban City, programs:53 Clark Base in Angeles City, Dagupan City, Davao City, Dumaguete City, Lipa City, Iloilo City and Legazpi Community-Based Emplo yment City are now being developed for Program (CBEP) offshore operations. 1.238 MILLION JOBS in 2011 alone for infr astructure and non-infr astracture project s Meanwhile, the government started implementing Performance- Based Incentives for its employees in which bonuses are based on answer TESD A Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) their agency’s abilities to meet their annual targets effective 528 Aggrupation 2013. Incentives may reach up to for 5,240 self empl oyed certified TESD A Specialists w oth 100% emplo yment r ate Php35,000 depending on how well and an average daily earnings of Php they do their jobs apart from across- 562/da y pr 11,240 pesos a month per TESD A specialista the-board Christmas bonus. TESD A Training for W ork Scholarship Prog ram A large portion of job generation individuals were gi ven strategy is building sufficient 4,347 training on li velihood infrastructure to facilitate the 67,760 persons tr ained from other sectors movement of goods and services. 600,000 Persons tr ained for the Information Technology-Business Processing It will also support our booming and Outsour cing(BPO) Industry tourism industry. The government has already constructed a terminal According to PNoy, only five in Caticlan to benefit the local thousand people were employed in residents and tourists in Boracay. the BPO industry in 2005. Overtime, Plans are underway to improve the number of persons employed infrastructure in the New Bohol 22 Airport in Panglao, New Legaspi Airport in Daraga, Albay and Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental. There are efforts to upgrade our international airports in Mactan, Cebu, Tacloban and Puerto Princesa Airport in Palawan to receive more passengers while remodeling the airports in Butuan, Cotabato, Dipolog, Pagadian, Tawi- Tawi, Southern Leyte, and San Vicente, Palawan. To address the traffic congestion in Metro Manila, the government is fully supporting the implementation of LRT Lines in North and South http://truthfrequencynews.com/wp-content/up- Extension Projects. Infrastructure loads/2012/04/la-heb-measles-outbreak-20120419-001.jpg development is intertwined with the growth of booming tourism industry of giving children quality education where the total tourist volume has can be achieved if they have highly reached 3.65M from Jan to May motivated and well trained teachers. 2010. Children should be given better quality textbooks too. Given strong On Quality and Affordable educational foundation, this would Education. PNoy is giving education ensure that our Philippine labor as its top priority and that’s why force is competent, well trained and the DepEd has been receiving the globally competitive. highest budgetary allocations among all agencies from Php238.8B (2010) DepEd Secretary Br. Armin to Php292.7B (2013). So far, this is Luistro FSC confirmed that the the largest budget for the education resource gap in the country’s public sector intended for the construction school system is so huge and one of 66,800 classrooms, 2,573,212 of the creative ways of enjoining chairs and the purchase of 61.7 private sector’s participation in million textbooks to achieve one-to- public education is through Adopt- one ratio of books to students. The A-School Program.54 DepEd is hiring 61,000 teachers for s/y 2013 because the universal DepEd, in partnership with the objective of giving children quality private sector and other government education can be achieved if they agencies, continues to build more have highly motivated and well classrooms and rehabilitating its trained teachers. The President existing facilities. In fact, over believes that the universal objective 27,000 new classrooms were 23  constructed since June 2010. Br. employment, entrepreneurship and Luistro assured the public that the equip them with middle-level skills. DepEd is on track in achieving zero-backlog in seats and textbooks On Promoting Maternal Health by the end of this school year. The and Child Care Development. The target is to build over 40,000 more Department of Health (DOH) is classrooms next year. 55 implementing its Expanded Immu- nization Program to meet the target Meanwhile, the School-based of the Millennium Development Feeding Program (SBFP) of DepEd Goals (MDG) of reducing infant/ has served 42,000 undernourished child mortality as well as maternal children aimed at improving mortality. To achieve this end, the their health conditions and government supported the passage school performance. According and implementation of the Cheaper to DepEd Secretary Luistro, the Medicine Act. The Department has feeding program, which was already started upgrading health fa- being implemented since October cilities nationwide for the establish- 2012 up to March 2013, provided ment of 1,278 Basic and Compre- nutritious meals to selected pupils hensive Emergency Obstetrics and suffering from severe malnutrition Newborn Care Facilities; the con- fo