at the second half of the day, different sets of speakers were introduced: Colonel Dickson Hermoso and Mr. Andrew Kervin Ras. The speakers talked about the issue about child soldiers in and out of the country. It was the first time for me to encounter a talk regarding child soldiers and i was shocked wit how young they were and used to kill and shoot guns. I know that in reality this does happen and i believe that this should end now. The use of poor kids who are innocent and weak is unbearable. They should be given a chance to play outside without fears of getting hurt, be happy, go to school, be free, be loved and be cared for. The speaker during the talk mentioned that even girls are made soldiers and even becomes sex slaves of other soldiers. Now this broke my heart into pieces. In such a young age they get to experience the trauma of killing people, see bloods shed and other unjust acts.
This are the uncertainties that life has given us and it depends on us if we'll allow this to continue or put a stop it. As students, we can only do so much but by at the least being aware of what is happening, be one with those against it, then perhaps who knows in the future we can be of help to stopping this.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Quirino Hostage Taking
it was about 10 in the morning when i was on my way home from sucat with my family. As we passed by Roxas boulevard we were caught in a terrible traffic because they said that the "tulay" was closed that got all of us thinking, why? so we took the taft way and finally arrived home and i straightly went to school for class. It was only when i got to school that i knew of the hostage taking in Quirino. I did not know how serious it was until i got back home from school around 6-7 in the evening. as i watched in the TV and nervously waiting for something to happen, i was paused with a question that i'm sure other's would ask, "Where is the president?" Firings happened, breaking of windows and lastly blood shed. at that time i know majority of the Filipinos were put to silent and sadness in their hearts for what has happened, and still the question remained on my head. "Where is the president." i don't know if it was right for me to automatically look for the president when all the chaos was happening. Maybe it was because i felt him being responsible for what was happening. The night moved on with so many questions in the minds of the people. Morning came and of coarse it was the talk of the town. Critics came talking and different explanations were given and the feeling of sadness was widespread.
During the seminar that we had, we were able to ask some questions to the secretary of DOT regarding the Hostage taking incident, who mentioned how he is willing to answer all the questions but not all at the moment. "it was too big for a new and young administration" the speaker said as he answered the questions during the open forum. when the speaker said this, somehow i understood how it was hard for the administration to handle. i still find it hard on how to react on the incident because i don't know who is it to be blamed in the incident. Should it be the PNP and others, the media or the president? nobody could really blame everybody because i was sure nobody wanted it to happen. "accept responsibility for the blame..." this was a very mature thing for the speaker to say because nobody really asked for what happened but still there should be a responsibility to accept the blame somehow. This incident has shaken the country today and i think it's best if we share our sympathy to those who were harmed by the incident and hope for the better.
During the seminar that we had, we were able to ask some questions to the secretary of DOT regarding the Hostage taking incident, who mentioned how he is willing to answer all the questions but not all at the moment. "it was too big for a new and young administration" the speaker said as he answered the questions during the open forum. when the speaker said this, somehow i understood how it was hard for the administration to handle. i still find it hard on how to react on the incident because i don't know who is it to be blamed in the incident. Should it be the PNP and others, the media or the president? nobody could really blame everybody because i was sure nobody wanted it to happen. "accept responsibility for the blame..." this was a very mature thing for the speaker to say because nobody really asked for what happened but still there should be a responsibility to accept the blame somehow. This incident has shaken the country today and i think it's best if we share our sympathy to those who were harmed by the incident and hope for the better.
SEMCDA: PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
"You are the number one ambassadors of your country.""experience is the best teacher." these are one of the many things i would quote that the speaker during the seminar said. He is the secretary of Department of Tourism and his name is Mr. Domingo. I was not able to get his family name but if people would see him i know they would know who he is. Yes he speaks in behalf of the country because that is he's job. He promotes the country by word of mouth and no questions asked he is good at it. But aside from it being just his job, he made an impact on me. Given that our country is nothing compared to US or France, but he speaks about our country it's like it is the other way around. it is a sad truth that even the Filipinos themselves disown their country and its a shame that we ourselves are the first ones to say that our country is not good enough to be in it. often times we belittle our country because it only brings shame to us but what we really don't see is that the image of the country does not depend on the material things the country has but its people. The main product of our country is us, it's citizens, and not the wealth, size and others but the people itself. This is something that we Filipinos do not know and often neglect. If we could only learn how to love our country then its another way of loving ourselves. So that when asked "what have you done for your country?" you would actually have something to say and brag about. it's about time that we accept what is ours and what is given to us and start being content with it and learn to love it.
The last statement that Mr. Domingo left us that i continue to run a thousand times in my mind, the statement that keeps me believing in our country is "you can write a page or two about the negative things in your country, but a book of the wonderful things."
You, what have you done for your country?
The last statement that Mr. Domingo left us that i continue to run a thousand times in my mind, the statement that keeps me believing in our country is "you can write a page or two about the negative things in your country, but a book of the wonderful things."
You, what have you done for your country?
Group activity: Issue of Human Traffickin in Eurasia
During the group activity, we were given different tasks to do. these tasks were to assign each member of what department to be who will take part in creating a foreign policy on the assigned issue. The issue we tackled on was the issue of Human trafficking specifically in Europe. So we were given departments and asked to make a stand regarding the issue and at the end of the day with our stands regarding the issue, we were able to create a foreign policy that was a product of collaboration where all parts and sectors of the country was represented and given a voice in the creation of the policy.
I think that this is what the lessons wanted us to realize. That the process of creating a foreign policy does not solely rely on a single person or actor but all the actors involved. with everyone cooperating and doing their part, no doubt a just foreign policy can be created.
I think that this is what the lessons wanted us to realize. That the process of creating a foreign policy does not solely rely on a single person or actor but all the actors involved. with everyone cooperating and doing their part, no doubt a just foreign policy can be created.
43rd anniversary foundation of ASEAN
It was only during the celebration of the 43rd anniversary foundation of ASEAN that the new president clearly laid out his concerns and ideas regarding the countries foreign relationships especially with the ASEAN. This was what the class was waiting for in the days of PNOY's presidency simply because our class was about Philippines Foreign Relations. As CDA students, we see the value of ASEAN to our country because it has been clearly explained to us. but as we discussed about PNOY's speech, i personally did not see the weight of value of ASEAN to the country. I was glad that the administration will continue to abide by the rules and norms of the ASEAN charter but i think it was not enough to just follow. If there were efforts and plans on how to strengthen our relationship with the ASEAN i would be more glad because atleast we are doing something and not be just plain followers. As one of the founding memebers of the association, it just necessary that we not only take part in its processes but also contribute.
I just hope that in the coming days, the new administration would have better plans and ideas when it comes to our foreign policies with other countries or organizations.
I just hope that in the coming days, the new administration would have better plans and ideas when it comes to our foreign policies with other countries or organizations.
ASEAN foundation (43rd anniversary)
During the first SONA of PNOY he did not mention anything concerning about the countries relationship with the international world. This was only until the 43rd anniversary of the foundation of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) where the Philippines is one if the founding members.
ASEAN allows all the countries under it to interact with each other and create a good relationship that leads to a brighter future. Aside from ASEAN, there are also lots of other countries with whom the country has strong relationships because they make a big difference in the improvement of the country. US is the most valued relationship with the country considers, another is China, Japan, OIC and other international organizations and countries there are. The country values bilateral relations with China and Japan because these are the two countries who are most powerful in the Asian region and all other political reasons. Another is the OIC(organization of Islamic countries) because we have to consider that we have Muslim brothers and sisters in the country and since there are also Filipino citizens in Islamic countries, our relationship with the OIC will help in safeguarding the lives of and assuring the safety of Filipinos in Islamic countries. Also the OIC can help us in solving domestic issues and will strengthen & broaden mutually supportive arrangements to advance reconciliation & secure abiding prosperity in the country.
There is a great need for us to take good care of our relationships with other country. Although we should not forget our sovereignty when it comes to this, still we need to keep in mind that good governance requires a measure of sacrifice of sovereignty to achieve cooperation and prosperity not only to the country but around the world.
ASEAN allows all the countries under it to interact with each other and create a good relationship that leads to a brighter future. Aside from ASEAN, there are also lots of other countries with whom the country has strong relationships because they make a big difference in the improvement of the country. US is the most valued relationship with the country considers, another is China, Japan, OIC and other international organizations and countries there are. The country values bilateral relations with China and Japan because these are the two countries who are most powerful in the Asian region and all other political reasons. Another is the OIC(organization of Islamic countries) because we have to consider that we have Muslim brothers and sisters in the country and since there are also Filipino citizens in Islamic countries, our relationship with the OIC will help in safeguarding the lives of and assuring the safety of Filipinos in Islamic countries. Also the OIC can help us in solving domestic issues and will strengthen & broaden mutually supportive arrangements to advance reconciliation & secure abiding prosperity in the country.
There is a great need for us to take good care of our relationships with other country. Although we should not forget our sovereignty when it comes to this, still we need to keep in mind that good governance requires a measure of sacrifice of sovereignty to achieve cooperation and prosperity not only to the country but around the world.
Visiting Forces Agreement (US-RP)
VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) between the US and the country is a bilateral agreement between the two countries, with a goal of helping each other in all possible means and most importantly in military alliance. This has been implemented year 1998 up to now. all other facts were discussed in class and i will continue to explain what it is as i move one.
US being a super power and all other reasons why it is being glorified. Doesn't that make you wonder they still need to go make agreement with other countries like us? An answer to this question is because US needs ports, training facilities and logistical bases for their continuing participation, occupation of and war activities on different parts of the world. Philippines needs agreements like this because we are allies of the US and this would strengthen the bond we have with the US. Personally, i believe that this agreement is only one way when it comes to advantages. One -way in the sense that only the US will benefit from it and we suffer consequences that out numbers the benefits we could get, if there are any. One reason why i disagree to this agreement is 1) it is considered a bilateral agreement for the Philippines while it is only an executive order in the US. Why is this a big deal? because being it a bilateral agreement for the phil means that we value the agreement and that we thought of it many times before allowing it. When you say executive order, it means that it was only ordered by the president and the decision does not represent the decision of the country as a whole. another is that the special privileges we give to the US soldiers are too much. the same privileges that we give to ambassadors should be exclusive to ambassadors only because we all know their capabilities and their profession. but to give these to soldiers who hold guns and weapons, this should not be. another is them not being held reliable for the actions they are and will be doing in the country. Another is the hazard from nuclear arms brought by US warships and planes.
stating all this and other more, i call for a change in this agreement. I am not entirely against the idea but i think the contents of the agreement should be further thought about and be equal in getting benefits. I understand that we need the ally the US gives us but this should not set aside our national interests and safety of our people.
US being a super power and all other reasons why it is being glorified. Doesn't that make you wonder they still need to go make agreement with other countries like us? An answer to this question is because US needs ports, training facilities and logistical bases for their continuing participation, occupation of and war activities on different parts of the world. Philippines needs agreements like this because we are allies of the US and this would strengthen the bond we have with the US. Personally, i believe that this agreement is only one way when it comes to advantages. One -way in the sense that only the US will benefit from it and we suffer consequences that out numbers the benefits we could get, if there are any. One reason why i disagree to this agreement is 1) it is considered a bilateral agreement for the Philippines while it is only an executive order in the US. Why is this a big deal? because being it a bilateral agreement for the phil means that we value the agreement and that we thought of it many times before allowing it. When you say executive order, it means that it was only ordered by the president and the decision does not represent the decision of the country as a whole. another is that the special privileges we give to the US soldiers are too much. the same privileges that we give to ambassadors should be exclusive to ambassadors only because we all know their capabilities and their profession. but to give these to soldiers who hold guns and weapons, this should not be. another is them not being held reliable for the actions they are and will be doing in the country. Another is the hazard from nuclear arms brought by US warships and planes.
stating all this and other more, i call for a change in this agreement. I am not entirely against the idea but i think the contents of the agreement should be further thought about and be equal in getting benefits. I understand that we need the ally the US gives us but this should not set aside our national interests and safety of our people.
PNOY and GMA SOMA
The assignment asked for us to do was to compare and contrast two SONA's of two presidents. I chose to compare the SONA's of GMA and PNOY.
First SONA's:
As i read through the first SONA of Gloria Arroyo you could see how promising her words were and how she even had little kids to become proof to what she plans. She promised for more work to be open, a modernized agricultural sector, equality in her administration and all follow up projects of what her ex-president father has done. Gloria had this things in her first sona while PNOY had lots of indirect "arroyo administration" in his speech. At every plans he made began with a problem caused by the past administration. Im not saying this is bad but this paints a clear picture of the difference of the two SONA's. Arroyo mentioned a complete plan package: local and interational, while Pnoy only mentioned plans within the country.
Last SONA's:
The last SONA of GMA was perhaps the most interesting and controversial to me. Why? because there were lots of write-ups about it and i myself can see how she still tried to clean her name as she stated her last SONA. The last SONA of GMA was mostly her clarifying accusations on her administration and answering questions about her presidency. But basically the only important thing that the people were waiting for was whether she runs again for presidency or will she not. If you can read the past last SONA's of other presidents, you would see how they with all pride pass on their seats to their successors and hope for the best to happen. but in GMA's last SONA she mentioned only once about her successor but still with a follow-up of an attack to her ctitics. Now we know that PNOY has not yet had a last SONA but as to how i predict or see it, i have a feeling that he would of course mention about his fulfillment and challenges he has experienced and how he would proudly pass on his administration to another one.
First SONA's:
As i read through the first SONA of Gloria Arroyo you could see how promising her words were and how she even had little kids to become proof to what she plans. She promised for more work to be open, a modernized agricultural sector, equality in her administration and all follow up projects of what her ex-president father has done. Gloria had this things in her first sona while PNOY had lots of indirect "arroyo administration" in his speech. At every plans he made began with a problem caused by the past administration. Im not saying this is bad but this paints a clear picture of the difference of the two SONA's. Arroyo mentioned a complete plan package: local and interational, while Pnoy only mentioned plans within the country.
Last SONA's:
The last SONA of GMA was perhaps the most interesting and controversial to me. Why? because there were lots of write-ups about it and i myself can see how she still tried to clean her name as she stated her last SONA. The last SONA of GMA was mostly her clarifying accusations on her administration and answering questions about her presidency. But basically the only important thing that the people were waiting for was whether she runs again for presidency or will she not. If you can read the past last SONA's of other presidents, you would see how they with all pride pass on their seats to their successors and hope for the best to happen. but in GMA's last SONA she mentioned only once about her successor but still with a follow-up of an attack to her ctitics. Now we know that PNOY has not yet had a last SONA but as to how i predict or see it, i have a feeling that he would of course mention about his fulfillment and challenges he has experienced and how he would proudly pass on his administration to another one.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Mindanao Peace Process
Even though i don't always watch TV for news and discuss with people what is currently happening in the world or the country, i somehow manage to get a little information of other things but not always. its not that i don't want to know anything about what's happening in my country but its because i dont really have the time to ask questions and watch the tv for the news. But someimes, o carefree i may seem, when a conflict happens and it becomes so big of an issue that even people like me won't miss hearing about it.
The Mindanao conflict started more than a decade ago and its impact has made many filipinos aware because of the chaos it has created. i know what's happening in Mindanao but what i know was not enough to understand why such a thing is happening. It was of great help when we discussed in class about the Mindanao incidents and the peace processes that's happening. i just can't help but ask myself why has the conflict not been solved when there is already this so called "peace process" that's happening. There had already been two presidents that tried to solve this problem but none has yet shown any solutions to the problem. In discussing about the peace process that has been happening, Malaysia was mentioned as one of the actors involved in the process for about ten years already. If this is so, then why hasn't there been any changes? different issues were discussed in the class and its just now that i realized deeper reasons to what is the truth about what's happening in Mindanao. I really felt sad for our co-Filipinos in the region who are affected with what's happening.
I agree that maybe there is a need to change the actors participating in the Moro Peace processes. Perhaps someone whom we don't have issues currently and in the past with. I really hope there would be an end to this problem and that the new administration knows what to do and make the right decisions to be made regarding the issue.
The Mindanao conflict started more than a decade ago and its impact has made many filipinos aware because of the chaos it has created. i know what's happening in Mindanao but what i know was not enough to understand why such a thing is happening. It was of great help when we discussed in class about the Mindanao incidents and the peace processes that's happening. i just can't help but ask myself why has the conflict not been solved when there is already this so called "peace process" that's happening. There had already been two presidents that tried to solve this problem but none has yet shown any solutions to the problem. In discussing about the peace process that has been happening, Malaysia was mentioned as one of the actors involved in the process for about ten years already. If this is so, then why hasn't there been any changes? different issues were discussed in the class and its just now that i realized deeper reasons to what is the truth about what's happening in Mindanao. I really felt sad for our co-Filipinos in the region who are affected with what's happening.
I agree that maybe there is a need to change the actors participating in the Moro Peace processes. Perhaps someone whom we don't have issues currently and in the past with. I really hope there would be an end to this problem and that the new administration knows what to do and make the right decisions to be made regarding the issue.
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