"Hello friends! Welcome to the Office Site of Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta."
Sep 21, 2008
Councilor Mabel is currently the President Pro Tempore of the 15th Council of Davao City and is the Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Culture and Arts. She is also an advocate of good governance, women and children's welfare, sustainable development, ladies football, and practical and defensive shooting. She also rides with the Davao Agila Riders, shoots with the Mindanao Defensive Shooters Association, co-anchors Gikan Sa Masa, Para Sa Masa n ABS-CBN TV4, 10am Sundays with Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, and anchors her own radio program Mabel At Your Service, 6to8pm, Sundays, at DXAB 1296." Cheers! Team MABEL (Yvette, Janice, Jeffrey, Donna, Lala, Kiwi, Jez, Mimz, and Mabel) Visit our office: Rm. 19, Sangguniang Panglunsod Bldg. San Pedro St., Davao City Tel. No.(082) 2220855 loc 218/418 Email us at: mabelacosta.citycouncil@gmail.com
With the new automated process of voting, it is important that we familiarize ourselves with the process so that our votes will not be wasted. I learned a few things from Mr. Gener about the election ballot that could be informative for all of us:
Mr. Gener said that the ballot is very, very sensitive to marks, ink, H20, stains, scratches, folds, sweat, etc. If, say, you have grime on your hands, or your hands are wet, or your sweat drops onto the ballot, the PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scan) Unit will not read it. So, keep your hands very clean before voting. That is why the indelible ink will be put on your finger after you're done voting, and not before, and wh y you will be given your ballot in a folder, a "Ballot Secrecy Folder", so that you can lessen the actual handling of the ballot with your hands.
Shade the egg-shaped hole beside your chosen candidate fully (you will be provided with a marker). Don't check, line, X, dot, or half-shade it, because the PCOS Unit will not read it. Try not to go beyond the lines also (well, not too much).
Mr. Diaz said that there will be a barcode going around the ballot. If this is marked, even scratched, in any way, the ballot will be spoiled. He said that if anyone else handles the ballot, watch them well, in case they intentionally scratch the barcode with a fingernail to prevent your ballot from being counted. He used as an example that if you're obviously for a candidate that, say, an unscrupulous precinct official is against (hopefully, there's no such thing as an unscrupulous precinct official ;-P), that official may scratch your barcode to prevent your vote from being counted.
You will have four tries to put your ballot through the PCOS Unit. You can put it in forward, backward, front side up, back side up, whichever, but only four tries. If after the 4th try it doesn't read properly, goodbye ballot.
You will get one chance to have your ballot changed if you don't like it. That's when they first hand it to you. Inspect it right away. If you see any folds, scratches, or marks, you can ask for a change (which may lengthen your voting process, Mr. Gener added).
Bring a list of your chosen candidates on a piece of paper so that you won't spend too much time filling out the ballot. If you make your decisions on the day itself without a list, you could spend a long time filling it up.
Watch the readout on the PCOS Unit when you insert your ballot into it. Mr. Gener said that if successful, it'll read, "Congratulations! Your ballot has been scanned." If not, it'll say why (improper shading, etc.) Get that "Congratulations" message before leaving to make sure your vote is counted.
Bring an ID (Voter's ID is best, but if you don't have one, driver's license, passport, etc. any valid ID with your address and preferably a photo is all right) to present to the BEI (Board of Elections Inspector). If you can find out beforehand through your barangay, also get your Voter's ID number, precinct number, and your sequence number (the number beside your name in the voter's list). This'll speed up your voting process.
The ballot you are given will only be readable by one specific PCOS Unit. In other words, only one machine will be able to read your ballot, because it's pre-registered there, so when you're ready, line up at the proper machine. Don't line up at the wrong machine; your ballot won't be read, and it may spoil your vote.
Polls open on May 10, 2010, at 7 a.m. and end at 6 p.m.
Mr. Gener said that the Comelec told him that with the PCOS Units, we will know the winner of the elections in 5 days. Otherwise, the PCOS Units will allow for a manual count since all votes will be recorded inside the machines (let's hope it doesn't come to that, because it's going to take the usual weeks and weeks to finish the count).
The PCOS Units have internal batteries that can last 16 hours in case of power outages. Since the voting period only lasts 10 hours, there's a 6 hour buffer. But still, let's hope for no brownouts on May 10, 2010.
The PCOS Unit will print out the vote count in what looks like a very long cash register receipt (whose print will last for 5 years, he said), which will be put into a sealed box that'll be sent to the Comelec for prop er counting. Also, the PCOS Unit will count the number of voters who are voting based on the ballots inserted into it, so again, watch the screen on the machine to make sure of voter count, as well as other important messages.
Mr. Gener said that you should vote only the exact number you should vote for. So, vote for only 1 president, 1 vice president, 12 senators, 1 party list, 1 mayor, 1 vice mayor, 1 member of the House of Representatives, etc. (the limit will be there on your ballot as a "Vote for not more than ____"). If you vote for more than the stipulated number, that particular portion of the ballot is spoiled. You may, however, vote for less (as in, if you can't find 12 worthy senatoriables to vote for, it's all right to vote for less than 12).
Mr. Gener stressed repeatedly that in voting this time, one should not make mistakes. It's asking a lot from us, but he said that over and over again. His words: "Don't make mistakes, otherwise, you'll spoil your ballot".
Of course you'll also be asked to do the usual signing of forms and marking of thumbprints.
Coun. Mabel Acosta passed a resolution supporting the campaign on proper disposal of electronic wastes. The resolution was co-sponsored by: Coun. Isabel Reta and Coun. Danny Dayanghirang.
Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta, Coun. Isabel Reata and Mr. Ricardo Floriendo
Privilege Speech of Coun. Mabel Sunga Acosta Regular Session of the 15th Council, Series of 2010 April 20, 2010 (as transcribed from City Council proceedings)
Madam President, my colleagues in the City Council, friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
I rise on personal and collective privilege, Your Honor, to express my indignation, regarding the recent dropping of murder charges against two prominent members of the Ampatuan clan, in connection with the November 2009 massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao.
In an interview, Justice Secretary Alberto Agra declared that he granted the petition for review of suspended ARMM Governor Zaldy Ampatuan and Mamasapano Mayor Akmad Ampatuan, and ordered the dropping of the multiple murder case against them for lack of evidence, saying that there was no proof that the two have conspired with the others accused of the said crime. He further stated that mere relationship and having the same name does not establish conspiracy. Also, in another news item, Agra expressed that, “While we condemn the killing of the 57 victims of the massacre, nevertheless, media, if not public, outrage cannot be a reason for a sweeping and senseless indictment."
The controversial decision, however, only elicited harsh remarks and criticisms from concerned associations such as the National Prosecution Service, the NUJP and most importantly the families of the victims of the gruesome massacre. Chief State Prosecutor Claro Arellano in protest of Justice Secretary Agra’s resolution, in a statement said, “The Department of Justice is supposed to be the sword and shield of law and order. We are deeply concerned that the resolution will all the more convince a long skeptical public that our criminal justice system is impotent when the accused are politically influential”. Further, he added, “We pray and hope that despite difficulties and setbacks, justice will ultimately be served to the victims of this tragedy. It is along this line that we earnestly and respectfully request Acting Secretary Agra to revisit this resolution". Finally he stressed that, "This is not the role of the DOJ in a preliminary investigation or in a petition for review. This is the sole function of the courts. Our task is merely to determine probable cause”.
Assenting to the statement of Chief State Prosecutor Arellano, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) states that it is not Agra who must declare the innocence or guilt of the Ampatuans but the court. In a news item, they elaborated that the decision to drop the charges should have been left to the court considering that it has been filed and the commitment order against the suspects has been issued. Moreover, NUJP Secretary General Rowena Paraan said Agra should not only inhibit from the case but should also resign from the DOJ for "hijacking the judicial process and subverting the very justice he should be upholding."
Madam President, I am saddened and discomforted by this incident, Your Honor, of the outright manifestation of the distorted sense of justice that is governing the country at present. I am one with the NUJP in saying that the order of Justice Secretary Agra is clear proof that justice, law, and democracy is elusive in our present government. Seemingly, there is a blatant display of a government which does not operate through the rule of law but through political expediency; that there is a disconcerting perception where the justice system can be easily manipulated and maneuvered by the politically influential; and that the real victims are not given the justice that they deserve.
Your Honor, it may be true that we lack neither the authority nor the power to decide on the innocence or guilt of the Ampatuans. Conversely, neither does Justice Secretary Agra. As NUJP stated in their statement, “By issuing the order, the man supposedly sworn to uphold justice in this country has preempted that prerogative of the court”. I will reiterate, Your Honor, NUJP’s statement saying that, “Agra has hijacked the judicial process and subverted the very justice he should be upholding”.
More significantly, amidst all these controversies and scandals, we must not forget the real victims of the November 23 massacre of 57 persons—the unwilling and innocent families who now appear to be caught in the dirty works of politics. What crime has the family members of the aggrieved politician done to deserve their fate? What crime has the slain journalists, who were only there to cover the filing of candidacy, done to deserve this senseless and gruesome death? Or the persons who happened to pass by at the unfortunate day and time and place?
The relatives of the massacre victims now worry not only for the injustice but also for their safety. Their families are certainly dismayed upon learning of Agra’s decision and expressed their plan to appeal the ruling. It is but unfortunate for them to realize, Your Honor, that two of the very suspects of the crime done to them and their loved ones are being cleared.
I speak, Your Honor, as a leader of this city, as a journalist, as a wife, as a mother, as a citizen of this nation, and empathize with those who still believe that there is still hope for justice in our country. I call on the Filipino people to condemn this latest atrocity. Let us remain vigilant and express our deepest and strongest sentiments, unceasingly and relentlessly as history unfolds. For if not, Your Honor, I fear the next generation of Filipinos would have neither respect nor love for our country and the people and institutions that govern it.
Thank you very much Your Honor, and maayong buntag kanatong tanan.
Regular Session of the 15th Council, Series of 2010
March 30, 2010 (as transcribed from City Council proceedings)
Madam President, my colleagues in the City Council, friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, maayong buntag.
I rise on a personal and collective privilege Madam President to decry the electoral gimmicks designed at smearing my person and my candidacy.
Just this morning, I woke up to news that I am a subject of a column, and its title reads, “The Millionaire Councilor.”It was written by a columnist. . .It says here and if I may quote, “Of course, if true as published in the local media, that there’s no problem about Acosta being a multi-millionaire.By her own sworn declaration in her SAL that her net worth is P16 million she can always defend her statement.And it also says, “. . .The only trouble is when the people begin asking where she got the money because it would certainly irritate her.But she should not be offended.She is a public servant.A government official like her is subject to people’s scrutiny.”It says here that, “. . .the lady councilor receives P60,000 monthly salary, allowances and other fringe benefits in her position as lawmaker.”And it has in fact made snide remarks even against a preacher, and says that while my husband may be well paid by a billionaire preacher, “. . .we are talking of Acosta’ s net worth and not that of her husband.”
I would just like to state categorically, your Honor, that when we state assets and liabilities, it is conjugal.Therefore, whatever my husband owns, I own, and whatever I own, he also owns because it is joint.I would like to state for the record, your Honor, although I intend to prepare a detailed press statement regarding this malicious attempt to, shall we say, undermine my candidacy and perhaps, more than that, maliciously smear my reputation as a legislator and as a public servant.Madam President, for the record, my husband is a former air force pilot.When he got out of the active armed service, he had the rank of Major and worked as a corporate pilot for different companies.
I would like to state for the record, your Honor, that when my husband was a young lieutenant in the armed forces, they were offered under the Insular Government Properties a lot which is about 500 square meters at FortBonifacio in Taguig, Metro Manila.This is a small lot, your Honor, intended for residence of those who are in active service.He was a young lieutenant.He did not have money.So he took a loan and paid that property little by little every month, under salary deduction.It so happened that when that property became the subject of the Bases Conversion Act, when it was sold and it became private property now, the price of that property, every year increases because Fort Bonifacio as we all know is very, very near Makati City, which is the central in the business district of Metro Manila.And we all know that FortBonifacio now is no longer a military base but a bustling business center.And every year, and perhaps every few months, the properties --- the assets or the real estate value of that --- goes up.
Why should anybody try to impute upon me or my husband anything other than that?If it was by good turn, or by way of good fortune that my husband was able to acquire that property when he was still single and while he was still a young lieutenant, which he paid every month through salary deduction, why should it be begrudged upon him that he has now a property in FortBonifacio?He has served his country well and he has honestly paid for these loans that he had when he was single; and when he was a young lieutenant without the person of Mabel Acosta by his side; when he was struggling to serve his country well; when he was a gunship pilot defending his country going to Mindanao, going to places where he would put his life and limb at risk.And now, that he has the good fortune along with one thousand plus others who have served the military with all their heart, with all their mind, and with all their dedication to the country; now that the base was converted and is now prime property, why should it be begrudged upon him?
I do not have P16 million in cash, your Honor.I do have P1 million because when I was awarded Ten Most Outstanding Councilors in the Philippines, it was not only a trophy and a plaque that was awarded to me.To our surprise when we got to Cebu, I was also awarded P1 million by Senator Edgardo Angara.I could honestly say I am a millionaire, but it is only a ONE-millionaire, because we did not receive it in cash.We received P1 million, each of us ten awardees of The Most Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines, in project, not in cash, which I must utilize before the end of my term in June 30.But that, I could honestly say, the P1 million that I have is unfortunately not in cash but it is in kind.
That property, your Honor, was purchased by a very very minimum amount because it was suppose to subsidize the residence of those in the active service.And now, while it is worth millions, is not yet in our possession.It has no title yet.Why?It is because that 500 sq. meter lot in FortBonifacio is occupied by the Philippine Navy – it is now the Philippine Navy Golf Club.And what is supposed to be a row of houses is all green because it is presently occupied by the Philippine Navy Golf Club.Hence, we could not have it titled. And when there were new guidelines that were submitted and we were instructed in the City Council that we follow the new guidelines on the SAL, it was specifically cited, properties without titles should not be included.Henceforth, from a big SAL, our net worth went down.Note Madam President that our net worth as husband and wife started with a big amount because there were no guidelines yet saying that properties without titles should not be included.From a big SAL it went down every year because we have so many loans.We have housing loans, salary loans just like any government employee.We also have private loans, so instead of going up, our net worth was going down because we have a growing family. We have four children, that is why we have to contend with the economic crisis that is beset upon us.
I am stating this, your Honor because if my net worth kept on escalating, that would have been alarming.But note that our net worth as husband and wife has been going down.And what is the alarm there?How about congressmen, especially in the first district, whose net worth keeps on sky rocketing?In fact, there was a headline in a local newspaper that one congressman here in DavaoCity, his assets and liabilities actually rose by 70%.And that could not be said, your Honor, about my SAL.I am saying this, your Honor, because all these are cropping out because it is the heat of the political season.But I will not take this sitting down because it attempts to smear my credibility as a legislator or my integrity as a public servant.
Your honor, in the proper time I will give a detailed statement regarding this and I challenge this opinion writer. . .Note that there is a world of difference between an opinion column and investigative report.An opinion column only focuses on the opinion of a certain writer.An investigative report your honor is done impartially and has documents to show for it.It has a very very wide perspective and does not center on what the writer personally thinks and believes.
______________
On another matter Madam President, a concerned citizen sent me an SMS message with the information that several of my campaign paraphernalia in Barangay Baliok, Talomo District were taken down and burned in public by the barangay captain and one of his kagawads on Saturday evening.
Needless to say Madam President, the blazing episode is yet another politically motivated scheme aimed against me and my campaign.It seems that my enemies are no longer satisfied with simply creating and spreading black propaganda; they have upped their ante and started to physically destroy my campaign posters, without any thought to the money and sweat poured into their production, or to the fact that they are committing an election offense by doing so.
Destruction of the campaign materials aside, what is more grim and repugnant about the whole incident, Madam President, is that it was committed by public officials.The malefactors, according to the accounts and text messages, are the barangay captain and a barangay kagawad of Baliok, individuals who have the privilege and fortune of being elected to public office.That they have been elected into office does not exempt them from observing the law, nor are they immune from criminal prosecution.Their position does not make them privileged citizens of this city.The mandate to serve the public by virtue of their election does not make them any more different from the rest of us.
Public office is a public trust, so provides the 1987 Philippine Constitution.Hence, public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.Accordingly, the barangay captain and the barangay kagawad concerned, as persons in authority, should be the epitome of respectability, trustworthiness, and proper decorum, and their conduct should always be above reproach.In the same breath, if and when they see or get reports, they should be the ones to reprimand citizens who commit these acts and bring them to face the full force of the law.
I understand that political partisanship cannot be avoided, and barangay officials cannot always observe political neutrality.But let it be said Madam President, that elective officials are first and foremost public servants and they have an accountability to the public, and theircommitment to their constituents who elected them to such position supersedes any political allegiance they may have.
Let this incident serve as a warning that malicious and premeditated acts intended to destroy or tarnish a candidate’s person or campaign will not be tolerated.Let us all be reminded that respect for each other and one another’s property is paramount for the conduct of a free, orderly, and honest election in Davao City.
Daghang salamat Madam President og maayong buntag kanatong tanan.
It can be a curse to be a woman under the regime of a most distrusted president—a woman. While all politicians are never spared from all sorts of criticism, I am very irked when the jokes about Mrs. Arroyo and her misdeeds are said to be because of her gender. Those critics must not put lump all women with her.
No matter how despised Mrs. Arroyo is, I am still proud of being a woman for so many reasons. Six of them I came to know in Kaya Natin!
In this month of celebrating women and women’s contribution to society, I would like to share with you some reasons to continue thanking God for women politicians despite the disgust we all feel with our woman head of state.
Of the fifteen champions we have, six, so far, represent us women. And in these women of substance, I see so much of what I hope one day to become—a trailblazing, effective, ethical and strong leader with a good sense of family and country.
Not surprisingly three of these strong-willed Kaya Natin! women come from Nueva Ecija where political killings and electoral violence seem to always pervade the province’s vast plains. One really must learn to stand her ground in places like this. Mayor of San Isidro Sonia Lorenzo is one of my favorite KN! idols. Mayor Lorenzo transformed San Isidro from a sleepy fourth class municipality to a thriving second class municipality in less than five years!
She also has very strong bridging leadership skills as evidenced by her ability to draw prestigious private organizations such as Gawad Kalinga, the Ateneo Center for Educational Development and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) to Nueva Ecija and help in delivering programs in her municipality. Mayor Sonia’s brand of participative governance has greatly enhanced government service delivery to her people.
Also from Nueva Ecija are Mayors Marivic Belena of San Jose and Baby Congco of Cabiao. Though she comes from a long line of traditional politicians, Mayor Baby has transformed the way her local government responds to the needs of the people with more than mere band-aid and dole-out solutions but really empowering and longer-lasting service.
In efforts to further develop San Jose City as the gateway to the north, Mayor Marivic Belena initiated the Agad na Serbisyong Bayan where health, medical and dental services and other direct forms of assistance are given to the people at the grassroots level. This way previously inaccessible services and help have reached the most needy and deserving people. She also formed Task Force Kaayusan to solve the problem of pernnially congested traffic.
Further up north, Kaya Natin! has two other women champs—Mayor Mary Jane Ortega of San Fernando, La Union, and Governor Grace Padaca of Isabela. Mayor Mary Jane is like the mother of the KN! Champs. Her brand of leadership has made her a model of a lot of local government chief executives especially in her efforts in environmental protection and rehabilation.
Touted as the media darling and favorite of the group is Governor Grace Padaca of Isabela. But do not let her charming appearance fool you. This lady is one tough cookie! Not only did she beat fair and square the well-entrenched political dynasty of Isabela, she is one local chief executive who sure knows how to get things done. Through her exemplary leadership, she has championed the interests of Isabelino farmers and the environment.
In 2007, then US Ambassador Kristie Kenney personally conferred to Padaca the prestigious International Women of Courage Award, a prize that was also conferred to former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Padaca won it for her unceasing work for the development of Isabela. In 2008, Gov.Grace was among the eight Ramon Magsaysay Awardees. The intenational RM committee gave her Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize for “empowering Isabela voters to reclaim their democratic right to elect leaders of their own choosing, and to contribute as full partners in their own development.”
One of the newest additions to the KN! family is Davao City Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta. Councilor Mabel’s nomination as one of the Ten Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines (TOCP) of 2009 is another feather on the cap of one of the hardest working councilors I know. Councilor Mabel currently chairs the committee working on the Data Banking System of Local School Board and “Love Ko ang Libro: Happy Reader, Future Leader” reading program.
The innovative data bank project will contain information on local schools that will be of great help to researchers and interested benefactors of the Adopt a School Program. The reading program hopes to “instill the basics of loving books to children.” The stories to be read are folk tales that will promote the protection of the environment and love for Filipino culture.
These are just some of the many things we can continue to be proud of as fruits of the hard work of good women leaders. Despite the disgrace we women feel when we think of Malacañang, there are reasons still to celebrate being a woman in politics!
DAVAO City, in partnership with the Department of Education and other sectors, will launch Friday a reading program to develop the love of books and liesurely reading at the People's Park.
The program dubbed "Love Ko ang Libro" is open to everybody especially children.
The reading session will be held every Saturday, 4 p.m. at the park's reading center, Councilor Ma. Belen Sunga Acosta said during Thursday's I-Speak media forum at the City Hall.
"This is part of the "Happy Reader: Future Leader" campaign of the government. This targets children, who are still at their elementary grades, to go back to the basics, to really appreciate holding the books in their hands and read books leisurely in a relaxing environment," Acosta said.
Although the city has a high literacy rate, Acosta said, the city's sectors want to forward a cause that would enhance the means to literature already provided by schools.
"Mataas naman ang city in terms of literacy rate, around 80 to 90 percetn, but this is to become a supplement and not to cancel out what are the available means for reading," said Acosta who is chair of Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on education, arts and culture, science and technology. Acosta said the books that are featured at the reading center are mostly books of Filipino authors.
"The books will be about the Filipino culture, native or folk stories," Acosta said.
"It is not unusual to hear dancing or singing in the park, pero wala pa akong naririnig na may reading center sa isang park. Maybe the city is even first in providing a reading center in this way. she added.
"Research would show na children are more receptive when they are relaxes and that's what the park provides. If parents what their children to spend time reading books and enjoy then this is really a good way to have that," Acosta said.
"Iba yung experience ng reading ng mga bata when they are inside a four-walled library, nagmamadali na makaintindi dahil pagkatapos merong book report o may exam. Mas masarap magbasa ng libro kung nasa lungar ka na nakakarelax at mas naiintindihan mo yung binabasa mo," she added.
Acosta said the maid reason for the program was the rising accounts that children are more attached to computers that to books.
"We don't discourage the use of the internet because it is very helpful to research. But there's a lot of difference between gaining grades because you copy and pasted text from the internet and reading an encyclopedia," Acosta said.
"I also do not prefer the way movies are shown to students when the movie is based on a books. Mas maganda pa rin yung binabasa ang libro," Acosta said. (Jade C. Zaldivar)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 19, 2010
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines declares Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta of the First District of Davao City as the Regional Winner for Region XI of The Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines (TOCP) Awards for 2009.
TOCP is an annual partnership involving the Office of Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Philippine Councilors League (PCL) and JCI Philippines. Now on its second search, TOCP aims to recognize our nation’s local legislators for their selfless dedication to their solemn oath and their outstanding achievements which benefitted significantly their constituents, the community and the nation.
Councilor Acosta will join the other regional winners for the Final Judging where the National Winners will be selected. Among the regional winners, only ten will be proclaimed as 2009’s The Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines. The Awarding Ceremonies will be held on March 12, 2010 at the Philippine Councilors League End Term Conference in Cebu.
during February 23, 2010 Regular Session of the 15th City Council
A RESOLUTION URGING THE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (HEIs)
IN DAVAO CITY TO CONSIDER THE APPEAL OF THE
COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED) IN ALLOWING
STUDENTS WITH DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS TO TAKE THEIR EXAMS
WHEREAS, higher education institutions (HEIs) in the city have imposed an increase in tuition and school fees every passing school year;
WHEREAS, Batas Pambansa Blg. 232 (Education Act of 1982), and Republic Act 7722 (Higher Education Act of 1994) grant the authority to the HEIs to impose these increases, subject to certain rules and regulations;
WHEREAS, CHED Memo Order No. 07, Series of 2007, which amended Section 8 of CHED Memo Order No. 14, Series of 2005, further provides that any increase in the tuition and other fees in all levels to be made by private HEIs shall be subject to consultation with stakeholders and approval of the CHED;
WHEREAS, it has been the practice of HEIs to proscribe students who have outstanding financial obligations with the school from taking their examinations unless and until they have fully settled their accounts;
WHEREAS, due to financial constraints and because of the escalating school fees, many students often delay the payment of their towering school obligations and consequently, they are not able to take their mandatory tests on time;
WHEREAS, recognizing the present economic downturn and the burden of swelling school fees to parents and students alike, CHED issued Memorandum Order No. 02 on January 22, 2010, calling to all private HEIs for flexibility in the implementation of the “No Permit, No Examination” policy or any such policy that prohibits students from taking their periodic or final examinations due to unpaid tuition and other school fees;
WHEREAS, we understand that HEIs are not without reasons for the imposition of increases in the school fees, given that they have to pay the salaries of their teaching and non-teaching personnel, and for the upgrade of their facilities, among others;
WHEREAS, we believe that solutions other than the “No Permit, No Examination” policy can be formed which would address both the need of the HEIs to collect payment from their students and the need of the students to take their exams in compliance with their school requirements;
WHEREAS, the cost of living nowadays has soared dramatically and the cost of education has become too expensive a commodity for ordinary Filipinos;
WHEREAS, it would be a tragedy when the education of our youth becomes a casualty to the economic demands of our educational institutions;
WHEREFORE, premises considered, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that a resolution be passed urging the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Davao City to consider the appeal of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in allowing students with delinquent accounts to take their exams;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that copies of this resolution be furnished to Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Davao Association of Colleges and Universities, the City Mayor’s Office, the City Legal Office, and to all others concerned for their information and guidance.
during February 23, 2010 Regular Session of the 15th City Council
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING ABS-CBN TV 4 DAVAO FOR CONDUCTING
THE 1ST INTERSCHOOL NEWSCASTING COMPETITION IN DAVAO CITY INTENDED TO DISCOVER AND HARNESS YOUNG TALENTS
WHO HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME FUTURE BROADCASTERS
WHEREAS, ABS-CBN TV 4 Davao, located at located at Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City, is a television station that is part of the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation;
WHEREAS, ABS-CBN TV 4 Davao has been bringing service to the Davaoenos and the entire Davao region by broadcasting quality news and entertainment programs since the 1980’s;
WHEREAS, in order to discover and harness young talents in the field of broadcasting, ABS-CBN TV 4 Davao commenced the conduct of the 1st Interschool Newscasting Competition in Davao City on November 2009, which was participated by more than 10 schools and around 400 students from all over the city;
WHEREAS, the participating students were tried in their skill of delivering news in three languages, namely: English, Filipino, and Bisaya, and were judged according to the following criteria: Delivery – 35%, Pronunciation and Diction – 30%, Voice Quality – 15%, Appearance on Cam – 15% and Overall Impact – 5%;
WHEREAS, on February 20, 2010, the finals of 1st Interschool Newscasting Competition was culminated at SM Davao, with Ms. Diana Grace Juaban from AdDU, declared as the Champion, Mr. Cirilo Corminal, Jr. from UM, declared as 1st Runner-up, and Ms. Christine Mae Camus from HCDC, declared as 2nd Runner-up;
WHEREAS, the act of ABS-CBN TV 4 Davao of discovering young talents who have the potential to become future broadcasters, through the conduct of its 1st Interschool Newcasting Competition, is truly a laudable and commendable act;
WHEREAS, this pro-active project provides a very valuable contribution in upgrading the academic skills and perspectives of the academe;
WHEREAS, it also provides an important social contribution as it sends a strong message to society that professionalism and idealism in the youth can start in the university and could be furthered through journalism even after they have finished their studies;
WHEREFORE, premises considered, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that a resolution be passed and approved, commending ABS-CBN TV 4 Davao for conducting the 1st Interschool Newscasting Competition in Davao City to discover and harness young talents who have the potential to become future broadcasters;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that copies of this resolution be furnished to the ABS-CBN TV4 Davao, Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College, University of Mindanao, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), National Union of Journalist in the Philippines (NUJP), City Mayor’s Office and all others concerned for their information and guidance.
Delivered during February 23, 2010 Regular Session of the 15th City Council
Madam President, my colleagues in the City Council, friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, Maayong buntag.
I rise on a personal and collective privilege to take up the “No Permit, No Exam” policy of some higher educational institutions (HEIs) in connection with the CHED Memorandum Order No. 02, issued by Mr. Emmanuel Y. Angeles, Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), last January 22, 2010. Said CHED Memo essentially appeals to HEIs for flexibility in the implementation of “No Permit, No Examination Policy” or any such policy that prohibits students from taking their periodic or final examinations due to unpaid tuition and other school fees.
As a background Madam President, the provisions of Batas Pambansa Blg. 232 (Education Act of 1982), and Republic Act 7722 (Higher Education Act of 1994) grant the authority to the HEIs to impose increase in the tuition and other school fees, subject to rules and regulations. However, CHED Memo Order No. 07, series of 2007, which amended Section 8 of CHED Memo Order No. 14, series of 2005, provides that any increases in the tuition and other fees in all levels to be made by private HEIs shall be subject to consultation with stakeholders… and approval of the CHED.
In sum, the HEIs, Madam President, can therefore increase their tuition and other school fees provided they comply with the provisions and guidelines contained under the existing laws and issuances of the CHED. It is for this reason, Madam President, why increases in tuition and other school fees have become a perennial concern of our parents and students whenever the opening of classes would come.
Madam President, it is a known fact that increases in tuition and other school fees have continue to become unabated every school year. Thus, considering the economic difficulties by many of our fellow Filipinos, the yearly increases in the said school fees have obviously become too much a burden for our parents and students to bear.
Generally, Madam President, due to economic hardship, many students often delay the payment of their towering school obligations. Thus, many HEIs often impose the “No Permit, No Exam Policy” to forbid students from taking their periodic or final examinations unless they pay the balances of their unpaid tuition fees and other school charges. That is precisely why, Madam President, CHED Memorandum Order No. 02, series of 2010, was issued – to provide a momentary yet welcome relief to parents and students who are financially hard-up in life.
Madam President, the rationale for the issuance of Memo No. 02, series of 2010, is contained in Section 1 thereof which provides, if I may read:
“Section 1. Rationale and Background
The recent economic recession has greatly affected most of the countries in the world, including the Philippines, As prices in the world market rise, the cost of basic commodities and services in the country becomes prohibitive. Education is one of the basic services that are often affected in times of economic recession. Filipino families value education in view of its role in poverty alleviation and total human capital formation. The government likewise recognizes that this is vital to the attainment of the nation’s development goals. Consequently, the unabated increases in tuition and other school fees has unduly burned affected families and students enrolled in HEIs across the nation.”
Madam President, we understand that our HEIs are not without reasons for the imposition of increases in the school fees. We understand that for the most part, a huge percentage of the money collected from the increases go to the salaries of the HEIs’ teaching and non-teaching personnel, and for the upgrade of the HEIs facilities. We understand that the law allows HEIs to determine their rate of tuition and other school fees, subject to rules and regulations. And the government, particularly the CHED, can only do very little to prevent the proposed increases in tuition and other school fees. CHED for the most part can only appeal to HEIs to not impose increases, postpone such increases, and in the case of CHED Memo Order No. 02, series of 2010, allow students to take their exams despite the outstanding school fees and obligations.
Time has greatly changed, Madam President, and the cost of living has soared dramatically for ordinary people to afford; wages have not really increased substantially, and the cost of education has become too expensive a commodity for the ordinary Filipinos. Madam President, I feel for our parents and students, and I feel for our HEIs as well.
However, I believe that education should not be deprived for financial/economic reasons alone. In this regard, Madam President, I urge our HEIs to consider the appeal of CHED in Memo Order No. 02, series of 2010, and allow students with delinquent account to take their exams.
I WAS born and raised in Davao City, the only daughter in a brood of six. When I passed the Upcat after high school, I eagerly looked forward to UP life. And now, looking back, I know that I got more than just an interesting university life -- I became a part of world history in that uniquely Pinoy phenomenon that is "Edsa."
The "in" thing at that time was denim and "yellow" accessories. Yellow shirts with Ninoy Aquino's face, or slogans "Di ka Nag-iisa" or "Laban" signs in yellow caps, headbands, wristbands, yellow confetti in rallies, etc., all in defiance of an oppressive Marcos rule.
I remember that so many students and teachers in the Diliman campus attended rallies in and out of the university, there was only a handful seen inside the classrooms. Such that there was a memo issued advising students to indicate their preference in the grading system between the usual numerical system or just a PASS or FAIL mark. Students running for honors chose the standard numerical grading, but most of us opted for the latter. At that time, history was unfolding and was a poor second to mere academic discussion.
After a rally inside campus, we would ride a bus that would drop us at Edsa-Kamuning. Then we would walk the far stretch of the highway all the way to Ortigas, marching, singing, looking, and finally getting lost in the crowd.
There were speakers with bullhorns, sound system playing "Bayan Ko" and other rally standards, Edru Abraham and his theater group doing a street play, a businessman giving away loads of free sandwiches from inside his car ("hay naku, mabuti na lang, salamat po!" we, hungry students would mutter), street hawkers selling bottled water and junk food, vehicles honking their horns.
There were different groups of people all doing their thing -- singing, chanting slogans, praying the rosary, gawking at celebrities, holding instant reunions with friends. There was not much pagers and cellphones then, and it was a pleasant surprise to see that friends and acquaintances were also there at Edsa sea of people from different walks of life. I even saw some high school friends like Matthew Santamaria and others, despite the crowd.
People would point out to Kuh Ledesma and the Apo Hiking Society, Teddy Boy Locsin, Mayor Binay, and other politicians and celebrities, even sexy stars that I do not recognize. Truth to tell, it was more like a day street party. Despite the presence of tanks and soldiers with loaded guns at the other end of the highway and the political crisis, there was also a mardi gras-like atmosphere in the mad adrenaline rush that followed mixed emotions of defiance, fear, awe, anxiety, patriotism, recklessness, etc.
The sea of people would sometimes overflow and sometimes thin out at different times of the day, depending on rumors of violent dispersal, Marcos leaving the country, or calls for more warm bodies to come and pray as if to exorcise coming troops, etc. Despite the uncertainty of the situation and increasing tension, the indomitable Filipino spirit ignores the danger and simply breaks free, manifesting in different forms-through songs, chants, prayers, free speech, performing arts. Or just simply walks the stretch of highway, as a curious onlooker, or as defiant citizen.
I wish I had my photo taken at Edsa. But I was just a poor "probinsyana" with a meager allowance from my Kuya Danny who was starting out as a cadet engineer in Laguna. Cameras and camera phones were not in vogue among students then. Even if they were, I could not afford them on a student's allowance. Friends from the Journ Club were luckier. Snapshots of Ed Lingao in classic dark shades, together with some nuns who were praying in front of military tanks, for instance, were immortalized in newspapers and documentaries.
The people and events that unfolded reminded me of tapestry much like the Bagobo native cloth, which is created through a painstaking and backbreaking process, and requires meditation and inspiration from the gods. But the end results of which give satisfaction not only to the body but also to the soul. While there was action in Edsa, all over the country, the Filipino people including my fellow Davaoenos, also manifested their desire for freedom and peaceful change through prayer rallies, binding the nation as one. Despite the dire situation, the deeply spiritual side of us always prevails. And that's what makes the tapestry all the more unique, significant, and complete.
I am forty years old now, and an elected city councilor in the City of Davao, married to Rey, an ex-Air Force pilot who also saw action as a government troop in the several coup attempts in the succeeding Cory Administration, a far cry from the college student that I was way back when. But the fire and fervor of hope for this nation, and faith in its people remains in me. I would tell and re-tell our four children my Edsastory, hoping that history would not be forgotten but lodge in the hearts and minds of generations of Filipinos to come.
We are a talented but confused race, some say. Perhaps, the reason why the dilemma of graft and corruption, injustice, poverty, etc. still hound us. We learn the lessons of history the hard way. Nevertheless, I am glad our soul has a steadfast homing device and always finds its way back to God in any adversity. That is whyEdsa happened as it did.
When I remember Edsa, I am reminded of the many reasons why I am proud to be Pinoy. As we grow as a people, I know that we shall eventually overcome all the trials and crises before us. Nobody can bind the spirit of the Filipino.
Published at Sunstar Davao (February 24, 2006 issue)
The Advocates of Youth and Students for Noynoy Aquino (Ayos Na) led by Dingdong Dantes hit the streets of Tagum City, Davao del Norte and Davao City on this 23rd day of January 2010 if only to fulfill our pledge to Senator Noynoy Aquino to recruit and organize 500,000 youth volunteers in support of his mission to strengthen the institutions of government so that they truly serve the interests of our people.
As we link arms with fellow Christian, Muslim and Lumad youths in the Davao Region, we highlight the common theme “Towards Young Tri-People Unity for Noynoy” in recognition of the important roles played by these three communities in the development and social peace of the region.
About 3,000 students and community youths have pledged their support for Senator Noynoy Aquino at a ceremony called Lagda ng Pagkakaisa at University of Mindanao where Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario warmly accepted the group of Dingdong Dantes. The thousands of youth signatures affixed on the Lagda ng Pagkakaisa clearly proves that Kuya Noynoy has captured the imagination of the youth, belying claims made by another presidential bet that he is the choice of the youth. Kuya Noynoy may not be as fiery as some other presidential candidates, but his message is clear. The electorate will decide on a candidate’s degree of honesty and integrity.
The Ayos Na Davao Region Chapter will be launched this afternoon at Matina, Davao City as part of Ayos Na’s nationwide effort to consolidate the youth vote for Kuya Noynoy. Outstanding youth achievers and doers will be given due recognition in the launch.
Ayos Na Chapters have been organized in Metro Manila, Pampanga and Cagayan de Oro since November last year. Today, we raise the yellow banner of reform in the Davao Region.
“Muslims, Christians and Lumads converge in Mindanao. Peace and stability in that region rests on the people’s ability to live in harmony. Local School Boards know the local situation best and are critical to building this peace through better education. Davao City, through Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and City Councilor Mabel Acosta, chairman of the council committee on education, has built a strong Local School Board over the past decade that could serve as a model for other cities.”
One of the best
By Roger M. Balanza
Education is a major focus of the administration of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Without fanfare, Davao City has established basic foundations in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), other national government agencies and private educational institutions to make the city’s educational system one of the best in the country.
At the core of this initiative is the Local School Board which links with DepEd to provide scholarship, infrastructures, salaries for teachers and other basic needs of the local public school system.
Outside of the public school system, the city government locks arms with private institutions to support their programs and projects and establish conditions for students to pursue their education in a safe community.
This article, from an outsider who has extensive background on the Philippine educational system, should place Davao City on top of the heap among local government units in terms of seriousness and dedication to provide for the education of children.
The author, Juan Miguel Luz, is the associate dean of the Center for Development Management at the Asian Institute of Management. He can be reached at juanmiguel.luz@gmail.com and www.mikeluz.net
FOR SCHOOLS in Mindanao, Manila is too far away to be responsive to local situations. Concerns are likely to get lost in the competition for attention in the Department of Education (DepEd).
Local School Boards (LSB) are the key to making local decisions that meet local needs. LSBs were created by the Local Government Code to help fund public school needs through the Special Education Fund. But LSBs can do much more than that.
The Davao City LSB is a case in point. More than just funding shortfalls, it has focused on interventions that, in my view, provide system-wide solutions for the entire system.
Over the past nine years, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who sees education as a key driver of growth, and councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta, who has managed the city’s education agenda as chair of the committee on education, have led the Davao City LSB.
Three very able superintendents have co-chaired the LSB in that period: Dr. Susana Estigoy (now regional director for Southern Mindanao), Dr. Gloria Labor (who retired mid-2007) and Dr. Helen Paguican. Other members include the city treasurer, the president of the Sangguniang Kabataan, the president of the city federation of Parents-Teachers Associations, the representative of teachers’ organizations and the representative of non-academic personnel of public schools.
Davao City has a significant Muslim population, both indigenous (Kalagan and Sama) and from across Mindanao (Maguindanaoan, Maranao, Badjao), a sizeable indigenous Lumad populace and migrants from the Visayas and Luzon. As the largest city in Mindanao, Davao City has 286 public elementary and 69 public high schools with over 250,000 students and 6,671 teachers (SY 2009-2010). Because of the city’s ethno-linguistic diversity, it is one of the most complex school systems in the country.
Over the past two years, the Davao City LSB has worked with an annual budget of P177 million (2008) and P204 million (2009) to fund:
Salaries of locally funded public school teachers (123 elementary and 178 secondary) to help fill the teacher shortage;
School health and nutrition, including bio-intensive gardens in 50 elementary schools for school feeding;
School-building construction and furniture;
Workbooks, materials and supplies;
Payment of water and electricity for public schools;
School sports.
These expenditures are common for LSBs nationwide. However, the Davao City LSB has pioneered in four specific areas where the potential of LSBs can best be realized.
First, it has become the venue for reviewing school and teacher performance. To succeed, these reviews have to be fair and critical. The Davao City LSB has taken politics out of teacher appointments and promotions by subjecting these to a multi-stakeholder process.
Second, in late 2002, Acosta (in her first term) brought to the attention of DepEd the issue of teacher payroll as a teacher welfare concern. With salaries paid by central office checks, she argued that because of the distance, local teachers found it very difficult to deal with the DepEd central office regarding salary discrepancies like underpayment and over-deduction. The LSB solution: regional payroll servicing.
In 2004, Region XI was the first region to decentralize teacher payroll. All teacher payroll was subsequently decentralized to regional offices nationwide by 2005.
Third, in early 2005, Davao City became one of the first three cities to set up a Library Hub to provide public schools more access to books as a way to bring up the low reading rates of elementary pupils. This was a partnership between Dole Asia, a private company that provided the seed fund, the city government which helped with the venue (an old warehouse near city hall), and DepEd. Today, over 200 Library Hubs have been set up nationwide.
The most innovative program of the Davao City LSB, however, has been its support for Madaris education as far back as 2001, even before the DepEd moved on this. An ALIVE (Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education) curriculum was developed with the DepEd to help Muslim Filipino children acquire a deeper appreciation of their culture as well as give them better learning opportunities in English, science and math.
Today, the Davao City LSB supports ALIVE in 30 public elementary schools and funds an ALIVE coordinator who supervises 104 asatidz (learned teachers) who handle the two subjects.
Finally, under the management of Acosta and Paguican, the LSB has set up a Davao City School Board Data Bank System that tracks school-by-school performance, a GIS-based school location map (to locate high schools and feeder elementary schools and match this with schooling indicators) and a joint program with the Institute of Indigenous People’s Education (IIPE) to provide a more responsive education experience for the city’s Lumad population.
Muslims, Christians and Lumads converge in Mindanao. Peace and stability in that region rests on the people’s ability to live in harmony. Local School Boards know the local situation best and are critical to building this peace through better education. Davao City, through Duterte and Acosta, has built a strong Local School Board over the past decade that could serve as a model for other cities.
PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF COUNCILOR MABEL SUNGA ACOSTA On Teachers’ welfare during elections 2nd Regular Session of the 15th Council, Series of 2010 January 12, 2010
"As the Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, Madam President, I feel for our teachers. I see their requests as valid and legitimate, considering the importance of the role that they play in our electoral process. All of us, elected officials have in fact, witnessed for ourselves the sacrifices of our teachers just to ensure that every voter’s vote gets to be counted; that the will of the electorate is at all times reflected in the results of the election. During the performance of their function, often times they stay up late, and experience harassments and threats on their lives, and worse, some of them even get killed in the performance of their duty.
I call upon my colleagues in the 15th City Council, let us rally behind and support our teachers in their demand for better conditions than what they have experienced in the past elections. They deserve no less. Not only for this coming May 2010 elections, but in all other similar endeavors as well."
