Metro Infanta Foundation

Task Force Sierra Madre-North Quezon
Bahay Pag-asa, Mabini St., Infanta, Quezon

To Lovers and Defenders of Mother Earth
Sierra Madre Mountain Range

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

The God of all creation bless you!

Even before the UN scientists sounded the warning bell that the effect of global warming of the planet earth has reached an irreversible situation, the tragedy we experienced last November 29, 2004 tragedy here in Real, Infanta and General Nakar (RIN) has imbedded in our hearts the message that Nature has its limits. The combination of the unusually heavy rainfall caused by global warming and the widespread cutting of trees brought on us flash flood that we thought was the end of the world.

A similar tragedy was repeated in Bicol last November 30, 2006 in a much wider area. The strongest typhoon experienced by the Bicolanos lasting 8 hours compared to the usual 4 hours and a rainfall so heavy that caused zero visibility loosened tons of lahar around Mayon Volcano which has just then erupted. 1000 people died here in RIN, more than twice as much died in Bicol and people suffered untold destruction in many towns in Albay and nearby provinces.

In the past we trusted that those that we put in power took care of the environment. We have learned the lesson in a very hard way that we cannot entrust the care for the environment simply in their hands. Corruption in DENR has jeopardized and is jeopardizing our lives and the future of the next generation.

Task Force Sierra Madre, which was already in the hearts of people who have been protesting against logging even before the flash flood, was officially organized December 2004 to take an active role in the protection of the environment. In 2005 it mobilized RIN against the 34,000 hectare Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) -- actually a good excuse for logging. It was issued by the government 5 months after the tragedy! TFSM also opposed the permit to transport retrieved logs since it was being used as cover up to transport fresh cut lumber. We have seen that less than a year after the calamity logging has started again.

By 2006 TFSM was exposing the unabated logging in the media and actually engaged with DENR for forest protection. We facilitated the formation of the Metro Reina Multi Stakeholders Forest Management Council which made it a little hard to use Infanta as a transit route for illegal logs. We have discovered the entrenched corruption inside DENR that which is supposed to protect the environment.

This year 2007 TFSM now realizes that there is so much to be done and we actually can do more. It needs to grow as an organization to respond to the need yet at the same time we need already to focus on urgent issues at hand. Even as of this writing and despite the reports to the DENR, logs continue to be transported through Daraitan,Tanay, Rizal. We do not want to arrive at the situation when there is need to guard RIN because the forest is gone and mountains are bold like those of Tanay, Rizal.

Aside from the logging issue, we are now mobilizing RIN to oppose the construction of Laiban Dam in Kaliwa River which is now on the approval stage even if there has not been any consultation done with the people of RIN. We will be affected by the depletion of the water supply and by a possible inundation coming from 113 meter Rockfill dam which will be constructed on an earthquake fault.

We, religious leaders and lay people from different religious affiliations in TFSM, have our own full time job assignments. TFSM does not have personnel and resources to do the daily work urgently needed. Yet right now we have dug into our own pockets to sustain a full time staff that does the work of the secretary, the executive officer, publisher of the newsletter, etc. He does not even receive the P5000 what we have promised him.

We know that the work to save Sierra Madre from greed is also in your hearts. We need to join hands. Participate in our work by volunteering your time and talent and/or by pledging an amount to sustain our initiatives. We include a reply sheet where you may indicate where you can be of help.

Download file Editor's Note: For those in the United States and abroad, you might want to consider sending your donation to Metro Infanta Foundation (7350 Braun Way, Arvada, CO 80005 U.S.A. )to avail yourself of tax deduction. Also, when you send checks directly to an account in the Philippines, the banks charge a fee for each check deposited and therefore takes away from the cause you intend to help. In addition, it takes time for checks to clear. Of course, it's still your decision to make.

With your help we can put a stop to the destruction of Sierra Madre and perhaps pave way for it to renew itself. Who knows? With God seeing that we are being converted to care for His creation and for one another, He might yet cause a restoration of Sierra Madre to its life-giving state as before.

Salamat po.

Sincerely,
Fr.Pete Montallana
Chairperson
Task Force Sierra Madre

Posted by Mila Glodava at 11:36 AM | Permalink

By Pol Derilo

With the petitioners’ pen still wet immediately after signing the petition against the construction of Laiban Dam on the Kaliwa River in General Nakar, Quezon, the same petitioners may decide again to sign another statement of resentment, this time against the construction of a similar project on the Kanan branch of the same river. With the vigilant and watchful eyes of Task Force Sierra Madre, they were able to gather and relay the following information.

On February 19, 2007, the Sangguniang Bayan (LGU) of General Nakar unanimously voted (Mun. Vice-Mayor Bobby A. Portillo, Passing Out) to authorize Mayor Hernando P. Avellaneda to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement with Energy World International, Ltd.

Based on the premise of developing the economy and promotion of the general welfare of its people, General Nakar’s Sangguniang Bayan approached Energy World International, Ltd. (EWI) and expressed its willingness and ability to have the water resources of Kanan River be developed through the construction of Kanan B1 Hydroelectric Power Plant. EWI then expressed interest in the project and would then conduct in depth study of the proposal.

EWI will finance the project construction and its operation, resettlement of affected families and other pre-operating expenses. These expenses are deductible though from the LGU revenue shares once the project becomes operational. Such LGU revenue is ¼ of 1% on the water utilization from the Kanan River and collection of whatever taxes and licenses due from EWI. The original proposal of 20% revenue share of LGU from net income was scrapped during the session and instead stipulated that in the event that the project becomes feasible and with MERALCO agreeing to purchase power, the project becomes a joint venture between EWI and LGU.

A provision that standout among the Miscellaneous Provisions is section 3.1 regarding Confidentiality. Without exactly knowing the intent and motivation of the parties of the agreement, neither side shall disclose the terms and conditions of the Agreement to a third party and to the extent practicable, use reasonable efforts to prevent disclosure.

Energy World International, Ltd. is a Hong Kong based foreign company. Mr. Stewart Elliott, Esquire, Managing Director signed on its behalf while Hon. Hernando P. Avellaneda, Sr. signed for the Municipality of Gen. Nakar. EWI’s Philippine address is:10th Floor, Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Blvd., Manila. Its RP Manager is Mr. Eddie Rodriguez, ex-governor of Quezon province and now intends to run for vice governor.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 08:50 PM | Permalink

Please see attached articles about the Laiban Dam.

Download file

Download file

I just want to let you that we will be part of this campaign.

Thanks,

Joe Marquez
St. Louis, MO

Posted by Mila Glodava at 01:33 PM | Permalink

We should do more than the Laiban Dam Signature Campaign because realistically, it is not a question of IF but WHEN will this vital lifeline for Metro Manila be built. The signatures could delay but will not prevent the project's implementation.

I am more inclined to support the creation of a bonafide INREGNA group that could portray and deliver itself as the true representative of the people in this undertaking. This INREGNA group could negotiate with the government to ensure the most optimum damsite location is chosen and the highest of construction standards are met. The group should research and inquire about the feasibility of demanding a proportional and equitable sharing of dividends from the proceeds of this LAIBAN project. If feasible, this dividend sharing must be a requisite prior to an INREGNA consent for this project.

The INREGNA group should demand the presence of: 1) a flash flood / water release warning system effective for all affected towns, 2) power price subsidy offer, 3) contributory funding for dikes and levees that may be needed along the length of Agos River, 4) a continuous reforestation / illegal logging prevention scheme in place, etc.

The INREGNA group should constitute all sectors of the community. It should include:
1. Task Force Sierra Madre
2. MIF - to represent overseas concerns (provide technical research upon request by municipal engineers, dividend sharing examples)
3. The town mayors or their representatives (engineers if possible)
4. Two representatives from each of all Barangay Captain Associations
5. Two representatives from each of all colleges and high schools ( a senior and a junior student )
6. One nominated representative from a duly registered group with membership of over 100 individuals

Editor's Note: how about doing a symposium in Manila on how to prevent another disaster in REINA? We can put together a "Think Tank' of experts from our very own professional engineers and leaders in the community. Those abroad can give their time, talent and treasure to this endeavor.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

In a letter to Father Andrew Kemberling, Devin McDaniel, on behalf of the Youth Ministry, secured sponsorship for the last high school scholars who still needed sponsors for the year 2006-2007.

Devin, who has been involved with the youth ministry at St. Thomas More in the last two years, wrote, "I would liek to tell you about a charity in the Philippines, where for only $500 we are able to send four teenagers to high school for an entire year. Without this program and sponsorship, they are not able to attend school at all. Living in the United States, we ae so lucky and privileged to attend stoon on a regular basis. I am asking to take $500 from the Children's Charity to go to these students through the Metro Infanta Foundation.

The Children's Charity that Devin mentioned above comes from the children's Sunday offering at Mass. Their total collectoin goes to the Charity Account which they themselves distribute to noncharitable organizations of their choice. Metro Infanta Foundation is fortunate to have been chosen by the youth this year.

Metro Infanta Foundation currently has at least 16 high school scholars from the Catholic schools of the Prelature of Infanta. Some sponsors have supported their scholars for a number of years. Others are began for 2006-2007.

We are now seeking sponsors for the year 2007-2008. If interested, please let us know at editor@infanta.org. A donation of at least $125 will take care of one year for one student. We recommend that you consider making a donation annually for four years to cover the cost of the entire high school course for one student.

We are pleased to present all the sponsors and scholars for 2006-2007

Kevin and Trish Glodava
Fenela Ecleo, Dingalan, 1st year (2006-2007)

Romy and Julie Coronacion
Sharmain Eranista, Infanta, 2nd year (2006-2007)
Ben Gurango, Infanta, 2nd year (2006-2007)

Colleen Smith
Paymard Huerto, Burdeos, 3rd year (2006-2007)

John and Joni Sanderson
Jessa Hertez, Burdeos, 3rd year (2006-2007)
Nino Niebres, Nakar, 3th year (2006-2007)
Julius Herminigildo, San Luis, 1st year (2006-2007)

Melecia Garcia
New, Casiguran, 1st year (2006-2007)
Benji Minor, Ma. Aurora, 1st year (2006-2007)

Rudy and Bennie Garcia
New, Dipaculao, 1st year (2006-2007)

Kirsten Glodava
Mhel Luna, Polillo, 4th year (2006-2007)

Jack Green (in memory of his wife Wilma)
New, Burdeos, 1st year (2006-2007)

STM Youth Ministry Each of the students will be assigned a counterpart student from the STM Youth Minsitry
New, Baler, 1st year (2006-2007)
New, Infanta, 1st year (2006-2007)
New, Nakar, 1st year (2006-2007)
New, Polillo, 1st year (2006-2007)

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

As can be implied in the signature form, the TIRAHAN info outrightly indicate if signatories are eligible by their residence in either of the three towns of INREGNA. In order to avoid technical questions on eligibility, those who have their home address within INREGNA are primarily qualified to sign the petition. This implies that they either have their family, home or other properties situated in the area. Obviously, this rationale seems logical since any adverse consequences of the Laiban Dam construction will pose losses and destruction not only to the lives of their siblings but also to properties and the whole environment wealth of the region.

There will be a turnout evaluation on 3/31/07. Depending upon outcome, presentation of the petition is planned to be forwarded asap preferably April 2nd. Signed petition should be in therefore before then or earlier.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 08:49 PM | Permalink

Please download the Signature Petition below and use in gathering signatures in your area. Please discuss with your community how you can best handle the gathering of signatures.

Questions to Pol Derilo and the leaders of the LAIBAN DAM SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN:
1) Who are eligible to sign the petition? Those who still have residences in Infanta, Real and General Nakar? If this assumption is incorrect, we ask Poling Derilo or any of the leaders of this campaign to let us know ASAP. For instance, the editor of this website no longer has a residence or home in Infanta. Is she or her family qualified to sign the petition?

2) When is the deadline for submission of this petition?

Download file

3) When completed, you may send it directly to the Social Action Center in Infanta by FedEX or DHL, but please let us know at MIF when you do so, so we can list the communities who have participated.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 02:05 PM | Permalink

By Pol Derilo

To answer your inquiries about additional info, please note of the following:

E-mail: No direct e-mail address yet to Task Force Sierra Madre but was given consent by Mian Gagan from Social Action Center to purblish their address at: sac_rin112904@yahoo.com or mine himpilanko@yahoo.com

Contact Person: Since Fr. Pete Montallana is very much involved with TFSM and is the Chairperson of its editorial board, I would assume that he is a primary contact person. Otherwise, Fr. Mario Establicida is another, being Bishop Tirona's representative in the group. I will forward you their email address as soon as I get them.

Petition Flow:
It would be nice I assume, if signed petition generated from different concerned citizens abroad should be consolidated in a common sheets by region in different countries. Example - Concerned citizens within a region in California may sign in one batch; other regions or state or country in another batch depending on practicality and/or accessibility. Each batch may be sent individually or group by secured mail to Infanta (presumably by FedEx or LBC). Editor's Note: As soon as you have sent your groups petition, please inform Metro Infanta Foundation so we can list those who have completed their campaign on the website.

There may be other procedure practical to different situations. The important thing is signed petition by qualified and concerned residents and citizens from Infanta, Real and Gen. Nakar.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 06:59 AM | Permalink

By Rudy Arizala

Thanks for publishing in the MIF Website the Office, address and phone number (Task Force Sierra Madre) in Infanta, Quezon, where one may send communications or letters.

Wonder, if interested persons (expatriates) could also be provided with the email address of said office- Task Force Sierra Madre. Also with the full name of the person or persons in charge of said Task Force Sierra Madre to whom one may address or send letters or communications.

Re signing of petitions by expatriates abroad (the form-petition which would be sent to MIF via Fax), wonder if MIFand/or Task Force Sierra Madre could give specific and clear instructions how one could participate and sign said petition. Will a statement by the expatriates from INREGNA residing abroad saying: "Yes, I have read carefully and agree with the contents of the Petition. Please consider me as having signed personally said petition," would suffice?

The question to be cleared is how could one from the U.S.A., South America , Middle East, Europe or Africa be able to manifest his/her agreement with the petition and sign said petition through the MIF website?

Posted by Mila Glodava at 08:28 AM | Permalink

By Pol Derilo

A petition signature form for the campaign against Laiban Dam construction. I would like to fax it to you IMIF)so that signatures might also be gathered abroad especially those intending to reside in Infanta. Mails and other communication can be sent to:

Task Force Sierra Madre
Bahay Pag-asa Compound
Mabini St.
Infanta, Quezon
Philippines
(042) 535-4213

Editor's Note: As soon as we receive this fax, we will post it on the website.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 02:17 AM | Permalink

By Delfin Mallari Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Last updated 06:41am (Mla time) 03/23/2007
Used with permission

LUCENA CITY—Catholic Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona, head of the Prelature of Infanta, has called on government forces and communist New People’s Army rebels operating in northern Quezon to respect the Zone of Peace declared by the local government units of Infanta, Real and General Nakar towns and different sectoral groups three years ago.

In a pastoral letter to be read in all Catholic churches in northern Quezon this Sunday, Tirona is appealing to armed protagonists to respect human lives.

“Don’t kill. Life is sacred. It is God’s gift to us,” Tirona said in the letter written in Filipino, a copy of which was sent to the Inquirer by Fr. Pete Montallana, coordinator of the Indigenous Peoples’ Apostolate in the Prelature of Infanta and director of the Tribal Center for Development.

Tirona cited the killing of one Alex Ditchoso, a former NPA rebel-turned-government militiaman, by still unidentified suspects last month in the village of San Marcelino, General Nakar.

Reports said the victim was being used by the military in identifying allies of communist rebels in the area.

Tirona also recalled the unsolved slaying of siblings Marilou Sanchez and Virgilio Rubio in the same town last year.

The bishop said the two victims, both members of the militant Bayan Muna, had helped distribute relief goods to typhoon victims in northern Quezon before they were killed by still unidentified assailants.

“During this Lenten season, God is asking every one of us to remember Jesus Christ. He is in the image of our brothers, especially those deprived of justice and peace,” the bishop said in a portion of his pastoral letter.

Respect for the zone of peace, according to Tirona, was also the appeal of local governments, the Church, people and non-government organizations.

The bishop said respect for human rights has been embodied in the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law signed by government representatives and the communist-led National Democratic Front.

“Fear and tension are again beginning to envelop northern Quezon. The Church and all peace-loving people should embrace together and push for the armed groups to respect the zone of peace,” Montallana said over the phone.

Several months ago, propaganda materials labeling Montallana a communist circulated in the towns of Infanta and General Nakar.

According to Montallana, the propaganda materials were signed by the National Alliance for Democracy, an ultra rightist group that allegedly serves as an anti-communist propagandist for the military.

But he just shrugged off the threat and vowed to continue his mission with the Agta tribe and his environmental advocacy.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

I am glad there are positive responses from our beloved expatriates to the call for preventing "Another Looming Disaster"in our beloved town of Infanta and its neighboring towns of Real and Geeral Nakar such as from Mr.Tony L. Vera Cruz in the Middle East and from Mr. Joel Ruidera in Northern California (More have surfaced since the two mentioned appeared: Another Ruidera (Emilio) and Francisco Romantico. Incidentally, if he is a "Ruidera" then he is a relative of mine on the Ruidera side of the Azcarragas.

Truly, our expatriates (OFW's) are living up to their name as "new heroes of the Philippines," because aside from working hard to support their respective families in the Philippines, they do not forget to work and support movements for the welfare and protection of their beloved kababayans left behind. May their tribe continue to increase.

Their question is relevant. "To whom in INREGNA they will direct their letters or get in touch with? The MIF may serve as a conduit-coordinator abroad. There must be somebody in INREGNA whom we shall be able to get in touch with and send our petitions or letters., etc.

There should be an address, person or office in Infanta to coordinate the actions coming from abroad.

With best wishes and regards.
Rudy

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

May I suggest that more detailed information be published or at least give the readers the websites where they will get more info. I think the Infantahins need to know the technical aspect of the project, the impact to the environment and most important, the impact of the dam to the present and future residents. More knowledge about the project will help in planning the course of action and maybe will also help in trying to convince the decision makers to help their constituents.

Response: Great suggestion. Thanks. Please refer to article by Pol Derilo on the initial report about Laiban Dam. Meanwhile, Francisco Romantico has offered to get more information from NEDA. Otherwise, we'll ask Pol Derilo to give more updates on extent of the project, potential impact to the areas involved, and a course of action. To date, what they have asked us is to generate interest in the letter-writing campaign and the collection of signatures to protest the project.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 05:12 PM | Permalink

May the Lord bless and guide you in all your undertakings and concerns!

This is in response to the Call for Unity--Having a United and Coordinated Plan & Action to oppose the Plan of Constructing the Laiban Dam In Tanay, Rizal -- that our very own former Amb. Rudy has been enjoining every concerned citizen from the three Municipalities of Real, Infanta and Gen. Nakar, province of Quezon as well as those who may have foresight of what may possibly happen if the constuction of the said dam will be pushed through.

By the way, I am Francisco V. Romantico, a native of Brgy. Bantilan, Infanta, Quezon. I am connected with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) since March 19, 1990. I hope in my own little way, I could be of help in getting the details of this project. We can initially write our Socio-Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Romulo L. Neri to officiallyinquire from him the status of this project. Honestly, I have to admit that I am very ignorant or unaware of the very existence of this project. On the challenge that is posed to us, as concerned citizen of this country and a native of Infanta, I am wiling to co-organize a group that will elevate this great and urgent concern to our local leaders as well as those in the Congress and the Senate, and ultimately to our Madam President, Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

You may reach me at my e-mail addresses: isko00@yahoo.com or isko47@gmail.com.
My mobile number is 09189285969. I am currently using this landline numbers---02-6312164 & 65. Please do reach me as soon as you read this short message.

Thank you and keep my regards to you, our kababayans here and abroad.

In HIM,
Francisco V. Romantico
Department Legislative Liaison Specialist
National Economic and Development Authority
#12 St. Josemaria Escriva Drive
Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605

Posted by Mila Glodava at 11:42 AM | Permalink

May the peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with you and your family.

Re-above subject, I am willing to be a part in
organizing group here in the Middle East to oppose
this project. I will coordinate with Daniel Abcede
who is based in Riyadh (Central Region) and Vench
Gucon in Al Khobar (Eastern Region).

Actually, I will take my short vacation on Friday,
March 23rd. I have planned to visit Infanta with my
family on April 7 to 9.

As initial step, do I have to see Poling Derilo and
Fr. Francis Lucas who are both actually in the
"battlefield" for some information and guidance?

Response: Please do so, but make sure you also meet
with Bishop Tirona.

Please let me know before I leave Jeddah on Friday.

God bless!

Thanks and best regards,
Tony L. Vera Cruz

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Greetings and thanks from the people of Infanta, Quezon. I live in Northern California, and wanted to help in some ways I can to prevent the implementation of Laiban Dam Project. At your convenience, can you please let us know where we can send letters? I don't know our government officials (see below) who can influence the decision on this matter. I spent most of my life here. Also, when people wanted to send help financially, how or where can they send their donations? Are there various channels?

For donations: Please send your tax-deductible donations to:

Metro Infanta Foundation, Inc.
7350 Braun Way
Arvada, CO 80005
U.S.A.

Ma'am, I know you have a very hectic schedule on your own, and having you as a chairperson, coordinator and web administrator of MIF is a gift that all Infantahin appreciate tremendously. I will keep my e-mail short. Thanks and God Bless you.

Yours Truly,
Joel S. Ruidera

Response:

The Honorable Willie L. Enverga
Governor, Cuezon Province
Capitol Compound
Lucena City 4301 Philippines

You may also complete a comments form at http://www.edangara.com/contact/

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Former Ambassador Rudy Arizala suggested we coordinate our efforts to oppose the Laiban Dam Projects. He further suggested finding coordinators at various states in the United States and Canada and other countries. Thus we seek your assistance. We ask the presidents and leaders of the various Metro Infanta organizations all over the world to work with us, rather on their own so that we may "speak with one voice and act as one," not as competitors.

Thus we ask the following known leaders of the following groups. If you are unable to help, please help us find someone who can. Those in bold have responded.

Known Organizations:
MIAMI (Metro Infanta Association of Michigan): Greg Sollestre and Mario Leodones
IQUSA (Infanta Quezon U.S.A. based in New Jersey): The Asis Family
MIRC (Metro Infanta Residents of California): Leo Villeno
Texas Infantahins: Gene Pallugna and Shelley Ortiz

Northern California: Joel Ruidera

Those who do not belong to any of the above, please let us know if you wish to organize in your own state and let us know your leaders.

Philippines:
Pol Derilo
Francisco Romantico

Australia: Romy Tena and Mely Tena Close
Austria: Marcelo Leynes, Jr.
Canada: Levy Arevalo
Chile: Rudy Arizala
England: Ravago Family
France: Anne Magallanes Leglise
Germany: Mercy Lampe
Guam: Carmen Portelo
Italy: Ollie Avenilla (he may be from Polillo)
Japan: Marites Pujeda Horiuchi
Libya: Dulce Babia Bustonera
Malaysia: Gelmar D. Aguilon
Middle East: Daniel Abcede, Tony Vera Cruz and Vince Gucon
The Netherlands: Josie Morilla Pulmano
New Zealand: Coralde Family
Norway: Homer Borreo
Singapore: Carmelita Ruidera Turgo
Switzerland: Cornelio and Marilyn Ruzol
Venezuela Lucelyn Aumentado Gumabay

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Dear folks:

Cousin Edward (Gurango) kindly suggests: "If Rudy proposes a plan for us expatriates to do something, it may be well worth pursuing."

Thanks for your full faith, trust and confidence in me.

At the moment, methinks the one suggested in the MIF website is worth cosidering, to wit:

How can you help?

1) Ask your relatives in Infanta, Real and General Nakar to sign the petition.
2) Send letters to our government officials -- the governor, congressmen, senators -- to oppose this project.
3) Form prayer groups and prayer chains to seek God's intervention.
4) Help the organizers fund their cause. Metro Infanta Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that can assist in this regard.
5) We ask the local organizations in various states and countries to work with us in making this happen. Let us show the people back home that we care about the future of our beloved town.

What is important is we should act and speak in one voice.

Therefore, for the purpose of coordination, any suggestion or action of our beloved expatriates could be channeled through MIF c/o Ms. Mila Glodava for onward transmission to Kuya Poling Derilo and Fr. Francis Lucas who are both actually in the "battlefield".

Those in the Middle East could be taken care of by somebody from Infanta, Real or Gen. Nakar, for example, Mr. Daniel Abcede.

With best wishes and regards.

Rudy

P.S. Mila, methinks, you have a roster of expatriates and their respective whereabouts. Perhaps you may designate or suggest somebody who is in Europe to take care of our expatriates action in Europe on the Laiban Dam Project. RAA

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Dear folks:

In case you missed it or do not know it yet, may I inform you that Mr. Jesus C. Sison, a columnist of Malaya Newspaper published in his column dated 19 March 2007, the problems of Laiban Dam.

Below is an excerpt from his column mentioned above.

With best wishes and regards.

Rudy
- - - -
Excerpt from the Colomn of Mr. Jesus C. Sison entitled: “Admit the Problem and then Solve It”, Malaya newspaper of 19 March 2007

Former Ambassador Rudy A. Arizala emailed from Santiago, Chile, requesting me to help call the attention of the authorities concerned to the plight of the residents of the towns of Infanta, Real, General Nakar (INREGNA) in Quezon province due to a dam project which is pending construction. The Laiban Dam in Tanay, Rizal, is a $1 billion project of the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System (MWSS). The people of INREGNA are gripped by fear for adverse consequences of the project. The government should study the project further because the fear of the people of INREGNA might be justified.

***

On the other hand, the Laiban Dam project will provide supplemental potable drinking water needs for Metro Manila. In his letter to Quezon Gov. Willie L. Enverga, Arizala said: "I hope and pray that you and other concerned citizens especially of INREGNA towns would be able to do something to prevent a project which may endanger thousands of lives and properties in Quezon province." The project has been in the planning board since the 1980s and the implementation was off and on. The dam will also generate electricity.

***

However, the minus factor of the dam project includes thousands of hectares of land in Rizal and Quezon to be converted as the reservoir of the water diverted from Agos river. Also existing infrastructure will be on geophysical survey and analysis, the area is known to be within the earthquake fault line zone. If the residents of INREGNA are right, there may be a need for the project to be re-studied.

Email address: jesssison_2000@yahoo.com

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

By Poling Derilo

A current campaign is going on now until the end of the month for assessment. This campaign includes signature sheets to petition MWSS to scrap the project. Signatures will come from the three towns. Depending on the outcome at the end of March, the campaign will go on until about forty thousands signatures are attained. Presentations of the petition is planned to have adequate press coverage. At the same time informational presentations, talks, etc. are going on about the dam. Local organizations such as Forest Management Council as well as Task Force Sierra Madre are leading the opposition to this project. Assistance from the MIF website will of course be useful in reaching residents in different countries. They are asked to ask their relatives here to support the petition against construction of this dam.

Calling all kababayans around the world: Please let us know how you are spreading this important campaign to stop the Laiban Dam Project. Remember: Infanta, Real and General Nakar are at stake. We don't want to see a repeat of the November 29, 2004 typhoons. We cannot let this happen again.

How can you help?

1) Ask your relatives in Infanta, Real and General Nakar to sign the petition.
2) Send letters to our government officials -- the governor, congressmen, senators -- to oppose this project.
3) Form prayer groups and prayer chains to seek God's intervention.
4) Help the organizers fund their cause. Metro Infanta Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that can assist in this regard.
5) We ask the local organizations in various states and countries to work with us in making this happen. Let us show the people back home that we care about the future of our beloved towns.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 09:56 AM | Permalink

By Rudy Arizala

Mga mahal na kabayan:

Sukdol-langit ang aking hinagpis nang mabalita ko ang pahatid-balita ni Kuya Poling Derilo hinggil sa Laiban Dam. Kumuha na nga ang mga taga Maynila ng tubig buhat sa Ilog ng Umiray, Gen. Nakar, Quezon, ngayon ay kukuha na naman sila ng tubig sa Gen. Nakar, mula sa ilog ng Agus (kaliwa). Ang masakit pa nito, di lamang sila kukuha ng tubig uli sa atin kundi gagawa ng malaking dam na maaaring gumuho dahil sa earthquake belt daw itatayo ang nasabing dam. Kaya maaring magkaroon ng "deluvio" uli sa ating bayan ng Infanta, Gen. Nakar at Real pagka gumuho ang nasabing dam.

WHEN WILL WE EVER LEARN? Hindi lamang pinuputol nila ang ating mga kakahoyan sa Sierra Madre kundi kinukuha pati nila ang ating mga tubig sa kailogan.

Ngunit ang pinaka masakit o mahapdi ay wala silang pakundangan sa buhay, kagalingan at kapakanan ng mga mamamayan sa nasabing mga bayan.

ARE WE PEOPLE FROM "IREGNA" THAT EXPENDABLE?

BAHALA NA KAYO SA INYONG BUHAY BASTA MAY TUBIG KAMI RITO SA MAYNILA AT MAY PAGKUKUNAN NG ELECTRICT POWER.

And this reminds me again what an American Indian Chief named Seattle wrote the White Chief in Washington, D.C., when he learned of the proposal to buy Indian lands. The Indian Chief wrote:

"This shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water but the blood of our ancestors. . . . it is sacred that each ghostly reflection in the clear water of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water´s murmur is the voice of my father´s father.

"The rivers are our brothers, they quench our thirst. The rivers carry our canoes, and feed our children . . . .

"We know that the white man does not understand our ways. Our portion of the land is the same to him as the next, for he is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he needs. The earth is not his brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on. He leaves his father´s grave behind, and he does not care. . . He treats his mother, the earth, and his brother, the sky as things to be bought, plundered, and sold like sheep or bright beads, His appetite will devour the earth and leave behind only a desert. . . . And what is there to life if a man cannot hear the lonely cry of the whippoorwill or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night?
x x x x x
"We do not understand when. . . the secret corners of the forest heavy with scent of many men, and the view of the ripe hills blotted by talking wires. Where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone. the end of living and the beginning of survival."

WILL NOT THE CONSTRUCTION OF LAIBAN DAM BE THE " END OF LIVING AND THE BEGINNING OF SURVIVAL" FOR THE POOR PEOPLE OF INFANTA, REAL AND GEN. NAKAR?

I hope there will not come a time when we will not only ask: "Where are the thicket? Where are the eagle? but also where are the towns of Gen. Nakar, Real and Infanta?
And sadly, the answer would be "GONE!."

SO, LET US ALL JOIN HANDS AND OPPOSE THE LAIBAN PROJECT.

Rudy

Below is a letter Rudy sent to governor Willi Enverga. Please use it as a sample letter. Editor

Santiago, Chile
12 March 2007

Hon. Willie L. Enverga
Governor, Cuezon Province
Lucena City, Philippines

Dear Pareng Willie:

I am writing you this as a humble citizen of our Republic and native of Infanta, Quezon.

I hope and pray that you and all other concerned citizens especially of IREGNA towns (Infanta, Real, Gen. Nakar) in Quezon province would be able to do something to prevent a project which may endanger thousands of lives and properties in Quezon province.

I refer to a report below published in the website of the Metro Infanta Foundation based in Arvada, Texas, U.S.A.

With best wishes and regards.

Sincerely yours,

RUDY A. ARIZALA

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

By Pol Derilo

Like a dark gathering clouds of a heavy rain or an ominous funnel of a
tornado touchdown, the people INREGNA (Infanta, Real, Gen. Nakar) is
gripped again by fear from adverse consequences of a pending
construction of Laiban Dam in Tanay, Rizal.

A $1B project of Metropolitan Water & Sewerage System (MWSS), a
hydroelectric dam will be built starting sometime in 2008, pending
NEDAs final green signal. Adjacent to this Rizal province location is
barangay Lumutan, Gen. Nakar wherein the left branch of the well-known
Agos River is located. Harnessing the million liters of water flowing
from this river everyday, the project will generate electricity as well
as supplement potable drinking water needs in Metro Manila. This will be
in addition to the existing project already in operation that tapped the
right branch of the same river, also in Gen. Nakar.

With the watershed area located in the municipality of Gen. Nakar, the
overall affected area of the project covers 28,000 hectares, 70% of
which (19,000 Ha.) is in Rizal and the remaining 30% (9,000 Ha,) in
Quezon. A few barangays’ land in Tanay, Rizal will be utilized as the
reservoir of the diverted water from Agos River left branch. Existing
infrastructures will be turned down and hundreds of settler families
will be relocated. Based on geophysical survey and analysis, the area is
known to be within the earthquake fault line zone. The dam to be built
is 113 meters high, approximately 7 times higher than Mt. Carmel High
School in Infanta.

This project idea has been in the planning board since the 1980s. Off
and on implementation have been pursued towards its realization among
private and/or public institutions, the latest being MWSS. In spite of
this time period, the INREGNA municipalities were totally unaware. It
was during Bishop Tirona’s meeting with his priests in the prelature
last February that news about Laiban Dam caught the attention of this
particular local group for the first time. Their invited staff from
Miriam College of Manila discussed and provided them documented
information about the project. Miriam’s environmental study group
station in the project site made them adequately aware of developments
on Laiban Dam plan. (Send your reaction to: himpilanko@yahoo.com.ph.)

A symposium attended by representatives from INREGNA was held last
Saturday, March 10, 2007 about Laiban Dam. Representatives from Miriam
College were also present and presented to the general public the
documented information on the latest development about the project.
Public discussions, questions and answers session as well as adoption of
a resolution ensued. It was resolved that signed petition opposing the
project will be generated from INREGNA municipalities. Based on several
factual rationales, the underlying reasons mainly boil down to
protecting the lives of INREGNA population as well as preserving its
natural environment. The attendees were fully aware that much need to be
done soon and urge everybody to be involved in this big endeavor.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Ni Rudy A. Arizala

09 Marso 2007. Sanntiago, Chile

Ngayong Taglagas araw na ito
Ika siyam sa buwan ng Marso
Taong dalawang libo at pito
Isinilang ka Mayra sa mundo

Galak na galak ang magulang mo
Gayon din iyong lola at lolo
Dahil mayroon na silang apo
Napakagandang sanggol tulad mo.

Sa Maykapal tanging dalangin ko
Sa mabiyayang araw na ito
Lumaking malusog, matalino
Mahalin magulang, kapuwa mo.

Patnubayan nawa ikaw, apo
Ng Panginoon sa gagawin mo
Magi sana na magkatotoo
Ang lahat mga panaginip mo

Bigyan ka ng lakas at talino
Maglingkod sa Diyos kapuwa tao
Magmahal sa ama at ina mo
Sa lahat ng nilikha sa mundo.

Wakas

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Thank you for announcing through the MIF Website that my wife and I are now full-pledged grandparents.

Could I say now that I have joined those senior citizens "Who have planted a tree; written a book; and have grandchildren"?

Speaking of Senior Citizens, hereunder is an excerpt from the column of Mr. Jesus C. Sison in the Malaya newspaper of 10 March 2007, entitled: Ten Commandments for Senior Citizens.

TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

(Excerpts from the column of Mr. Jesus C. Sison, Malaya newspaper of 10 March 2007.)

I received this letter from a doctor-friend. It is truly emotional and practical, at the same time. It is called the Ten Commandments of Senior Citizens: "(1) Let’s face it. We are getting old, or are already old. Let’s face its consequences and our limitations. (2) Focus on enjoying people, not in indulging or accumulating material things;

***

"(3) Plan and spend what you have saved. You deserve to enjoy it and the few healthy years. Travel if you can afford it. Don’t leave anything for your children or loved ones to quarrel about. Instead of helping them, you can even cause more trouble when you are gone. (4) Live in here and now, not in the yesterdays and tomorrows. It is only today that you can handle. Yesterdays are gone and tomorrow may not even happen;

***

"(5) Enjoy your grandchildren but don’t be a full-time baby sitter. You have no moral obligation to take care of them. Don’t have any false guilt about this. Your obligation to your children is finished. (6) Accept physical weakness, sickness and other physical pains. It is all part of the aging process. Enjoy whatever your health can give you. (7) Enjoy what you have right now. Stop working hard for what you do not have. If you do not have them, it’s too late;

***
"(8) Just enjoy life with your spouse, children and friends. People love you for yourself not for what you have. If they love you for what you have, they will just give you misery. (9) Forgive and accept forgiveness. Forgive yourself and others. Enjoy. (10) Befriend death. It’s part of life. Don’t be afraid of it. It’s a beginning of a new and better life. So prepare yourself; not for death but for a new life."

Sincerely,

Rudy

Posted by Mila Glodava at 11:21 AM | Permalink

Aleluia! Neneto and I are now grandparents. Our only daughter, Ale or Yanda, gave birth this morning at 6:00 a.m., Friday, 09 March 2007, to a healthy 6 lbs. (45 cms. in length) baby girl named Mayra. Both mother and child are doing fine at a clinic/hospital called INDISA several blocks away from our apartment in Santiago, Chile.

Regards and best wishes.
Rudy

Posted by Mila Glodava at 10:01 AM | Permalink

By Rudy Arizala
(This is a letter Rudy sent to his cousin Thelma Telan Coralde)

In my comments on your forwarded message "Why I would leave the Philippines" wherein a writer assigned 7 reasons why he would leave the Philippines, you asked incredulously "Where are our nationalistic leaders?"

I am afraid the answer is we have no more "nationalistic leaders" in the true sense of the word who, during their formative years every Monday morning after the flag ceremonies, were deeply ingrained with the spirit of nationalism by reciting the pledge: "I love the Philippines."

I remember when I was eight years old and a public school pupil shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War. During flag ceremonies then at the Infanta Elementary school grounds under the watchful eye of the school principal, Mr. Catalino Ruanto, we had to recite, with our right hand over our heart, eyes focused at the Philippine flag waving in the early morning breeze, the following pledge:

I love the Philippines

It is the land of my birth
It is the home of my people
It protects me and helps me
To be strong, happy and useful.

In return,
I will heed the counsel of my parents
I will obey the rules of my school
I will perform my duties
Unselfishly and faithfully.
I will be A True Filipino
In thought, in words, in deed.

Through the years, despite the disruption by the Japanese occupation, perhaps instinctively, that pledge goes over and over in my head. I wonder about the present generation. Is love of country being still drilled into the consciousness of our children?

Are present generation of Filipinos being encouraged to love things Filipino? When we were young, I remember we were made aware of the NEPA (National Economic Protectionism Association. I remember we even learned the song which goes like this:

" NEPA, let us patronize our industry./NEPA, let us buy Filipino goods. / Things that we wear, Ilocano clothes and Olympain shoes./ Tsinelas tistis, sobrerong tistis, they are all made by Filipino hands."

Can we these days still drum up some more on the "Buy Pilipino" movement? It should make us wince in pain every time we see factories and small shops and stores in the Philippines closing down. Even our favorite brands of toothpaste and toilet soap are manufactured in Indonesia. Why not patronize our footwear and garments, and products made in the Philippines, which are even of better quality immortalized in that NEPA song quoted above?

I am no longer a functionary of the Philippine Government nor part of any of its agenda. I am now merely one of the faceless retired public employees but still hoping for the best of our country. I sincerely believe that there is no other sky as blue as the Philippine sky, and none as beautiful as the Philippine sunrise and sunset.As emerald blue as Philippine seas.

Let us revive that pledge "I love the Philippines" in all pubic school s in the Philippines. The youth are still the fair hope of the Motherland as Rizal told us.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

From Edward Gurango

I much prefer the Tagalog version because that's obviously where your talent shines the brightest--or maybe being a native Tagalog speaker myself, I am biased towards the lilting lyricism of the language. By the way, know you were working on the Tagalog translations of my own pieces. Would like to see how far along you've gone...

From Ruday Arizala

Thanks: I myself like the Tagalog lines. They have as Edward said "lilting lyricism" probably, because that´s the language I was born to and heard when I made my first debut into this world. Modesty aside, for example, I could not believe myself I could produce the "lilting liricism" of the following stanza:

"Tawag sa iyo´y nausyaming Taglagas
Di pag-asang Tagsibul, aliw Tag-init
Ni hindi rin tulog-himbing ng Taglamig
Ngunit panahong napitas ng Taglagas."

Re my translation into Tagalog of some of your pieces, I will do some archaeologing diggings either from what Neneto loves to call "Rodolfo´s bahay ng ipis" or from the diskett where I keep them. If I remember correctly, I have walked a mile already, (although I would not "rather walk a mile to smoke a camel") .Hahahaha.. . .

By the way, the other day we were talking of myriad of stars in heaven in connection with the forwarded colored photos of the universe mentioning that "Antares" is the 15th brightest star in heaven. By coincidence, in this morning (Sunday 04 March 2007, Mass), the first reading was about Genesis 15:5-12:17-18 when the Lord made a Covenant with Abraham, telling him his seed would be as numerous as the stars. and the Lord would give him lands.

" And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall they seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. "

The above quote is from King James Version. Methinks though that the version in the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is much clearer, to wit:

"He now brought him outside and said: ´Look up, please, to the heavens and count the stars, if you are possibly able to count them." And he went on to say to him: ´So your seed will become.´ And he put faith in Jehovah; and he proceeded to count it to him as rightiousness."

Probably, the above quote or biblical passage is also the reason why some religions are opposed to birth control. It was the Covenant of Jehovah with Abraham that He would give him seed as numerous as the stars in heaven and would provide him lands. Says the Lord: "Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river Euphrates:. . ."

I hope all of you have a blessed Sunday.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Ni Rudy A. Arizala

(Salin sa Tagalog mula sa tula niyang English: “The Season”).
05 Marso 2007

Halos ngayon ay Taglagas na naman
Nababalot ng lagim ang kaparangan
Gayon din ang gintong araw sa Silangan
At ang apaw ng taib sa kailogan.

Bakit ang haring araw ay napasaan?
Gintong kapa niya di na masilayan
Kapag sumapit na ang bukang-liwayway
Sa dapit-hapon nama´y biglang naparam?

Dahong-kahoy ibat-iba na ang kulay
May pula, rosa at dilaw siyang taglay
Napakagandang tingnan, pagmasdang tunay
Subalit dagling manlalagas sa tangkay

Tawag sa iyo´y nausyaming Taglagas
Di pag-asang Tagsibul, aliw Tag-init
Ni hindi rin tulog-himbing ng Taglamig
Ngunit panahong napitas ng Taglagas.

Bahagi ikaw ng buhay kalikasan
Yugto ikaw at bahagi ng panahon
Walang humpay sa pagdating at paglisan
Habang may buhay darating taon-taon?

Wakas

THE SEASON

By Rudy A. Arizala
Santiago, Chile 04 March 2007

It is now almost season of autumn
When lengthening dark shadows in the land
Greet the early cold morning golden sun
And when evening tide overflows its bank

Where goest thou goddess of golden sun?
And the early morning sunlight of dawn
The clinging sunrays of a dying sun
Gone to sleep like us earthly mortals?

Soon the leaves of trees become yellowish,
And then pink-red, indigo and brownish
Will display riot of many colors
Then scatter, fall to the ground, vanish.

You are called the “autumn of discontent”
Neither Spring of hope, Summer´s laughter
Nor hibernate Winter´s restful sleep
But Autumn when leaves fall and scatter.

You are a part of nature´s time-machine
Part of the moving cog of life and clime
Endless coming and going, pulsating
An endless cycle, eternal like time?

E n d

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:40 PM | Permalink