Tag: Benguet

Benguet: The Discrimination in the land of the discriminated

It is clear in the  dictionary that discrimination is defined as the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of ethnicity, age, sex, or disability. So what is the issue in Benguet regarding the dismay of some locals against Honourable Congressman Eric Yap who is not born or raised in Benguet, running for his second re-election?

Congressman Yap was happily welcomed by Benguet People with wide open arms, with no opposition or objection, when he was appointed to take over as Congressman of the Province when the late Honorable Fongwan died in 2019. We was joyfully accepted, he was not discriminated.

Congressman Yap moves freely in Benguet, even to the depths of far flung areas of municipalities of Benguet. He enjoys walking around the hospitality of Benguet people with no  threat or criticism from locals about his physical, sexual, age, or racial background. He is not discriminated. In fact locals appreciate him even those who oppose him now.

Congressman Yap can avail any services or provisions that locals of Benguet enjoy. Congressman Yap is not discriminated. In fact, he is buying properties as much  as he can freely all at his disposal. Congressman Yap is not discriminated. He is with all the power and provision.

So what is the issue with locals regarding his bid for second re-election? A considerable portion of Benguet population has now noticed that the hospitality that was extended is being abused and used in some ways for the locals to be discriminated in their own land. Discriminated by means of them not being given the chance to govern their own province. Discrimination by means of giving all the funds and creating projects or programs which are interpreted by a portion of Benguet people as intended to amuse and hold the people of Benguet.

Local aspiring leaders and their supporters have now stood up to say that enough is enough. Thank you Congressman Yap for your service and generosity. Thank you for looking after our people and province when our own Congressman Fongwan died. We welcomed you on your appointment and supported you on your second re-election. We let you enjoy the hospitality and tranquility of Benguet but is now time for you to go. To return to your town where you are needed by your own community. Let Benguet people govern their own people and province, their way. Indigenous people like people in Benguet have their own ways of living and its politics that need to be protected and preserved from the elements of corruption and other bad influences of their outside world. 

Honourable Congressman Eric Yap is not discriminated, the people of Benguet and local aspiring leaders are the ones discriminated, and with those mouth-watering provisions, will “ULAW” the vulnerable and tranquil Benguet people and not given the chance to govern their way for their own land and people.

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PINOYS served abroad. Why not Yap to Benguet? Sinoy lawa en Yap?

PINOYS Served as elected officials abroad in democratic countries such as USA and UK. So why not Yap, a fellow Filipino to Benguet? In strict countries such as in the Middle East, Filipinos will never have the chance of becoming an official, or even a citizen of that country. Only countries like UK and USA where democracy allows foreigners to become a citizen of their country. If you become citizen of a country, then you will enjoy the privileges like getting elected as public official. However, political exercises in these countries are far advanced from the practices in the Philippines in terms of equal opportunity. In UK for example, politicians will have the same playing field in terms of campaign. No posters in the streets for each politician, only approved flyers. Candidates campaign focusing on their party’s manifesto or platform. No other gimmicks like ayuda, SUV, silyasi, watwat, orocan table and chairs or any other gimmick that will cause controversy such as elements of corruption or vote-buying. This will allow any candidate to be able to campaign in the same playing field with other candidates. Political parties and candidates will compete in communicating their manifesto or platforms. Manifesto or platforms are normally of a national scope. Local candidates will align with these manifesto on their campaign. When they are elected, their performance will be judged by people whether or not they achieve their platform or manifesto. Manifesto or Platforms will normally be about establishing or improving healthcare, defense, education, infrastructures, or other areas that will improve the lives of people as a whole system. Politicians are also equally judged for their integrity and conduct in public. That is why most public officials resign immediately when they are involved in a sensitive issue or controversy. In the Philippines, it is very different. The system allows incumbent officials to develop advantages over their possible rivals such as, providing ayuda or programs and structures and items depicting their names (using their own or public funds). A system that allows politician in corrupting the electorate. Any official or candidate can easily create artificial and politically motivated projects such as creating environment where sick people rely under their mercy instead of creating healthcare programs that benefit all people, rich and poor; where no cancer or dialysis patient have to be begging or living under their mercy or provision of a politician. This is the danger in Benguet. The “hungry”electorate are very vulnerable with these practices. So help them God.
Kankanaey short translation: Enggay pay tan, siya et kayman adi nu say layden yu.
Highland Ilocano translation: Ket anya ngay, isu iman kayat ti tao.

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Am I anti-Yap, Pro-Tagel or Pro-Benguet?

I attended church today. As I held my child and put her up on my shoulder for her to have a better view of the praise and worship, it made me close my eyes and reflect for a moment. 

Am I being fair? Help me God.

I then promise to state my real intentions, for the enlightenment of our supporters, for the people of Benguet and to our 2 respected leaders. To hopefully unconfuse the already confused.

Am I Anti-Yap?

No. I do respect and acknowledge the initiative and effort of our beloved Congressman Yap for the progress of Benguet. It is not easy for a stranger to win the hearts of people. Congressman Yap did all the ways and means he deemed necessary to win the people of Benguet. I am just a simple iBenguet but may you listen to my sentiment as a Pro-Benguet towards the end of this statement.

Am I Pro-Tagel?

No. I am being political but not partisan. I have promised to be such when I established TCC. That is why we did not solicit from Politicitians for our charity works so that we will not be influenced or attached to them. My postings might in some ways favour VG Tagel’s camp but it was not my intention.

So what do I mean for being a Pro-Benguet?

I simply mean that while I strongly encourage Benguet having a leader amongst its people, I do not disrespect the appointment of Congressman Yap when our own Congressman Fongwan died. I do not discount that he won the mandate from people who voted for him when he ran for his first elected term in 2022. I do not disregard the projects and initiatives he made for the Province of Benguet the scholarships and grants he extended to the sick. I want to simply ask that he may honestly tell the people of Benguet that his time was all coincidentally favoured by the generosity of Duterte’s Build Build Build Program, with him being appointed as the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations in the House that helped him secure huge funding, that his terms have been compoundedly favoured by the generosity of Raffy Tulfo and ACT-CIS Partylist. May he honestly speak to people of Benguet that it is indeed be difficult for any future Benguet congressman to get the same funds and will be difficult to do what he has done. Not because of the inability of any future congressman but because their circumstances may never be the same. May he honestly speak to people of Benguet that his favoured term of office should not be used to despise past and future congressmen because there circumstances are not on the same playing field. May he speak to people of Benguet that past Congressmen also did their best to serve with the available resources at hand. This will help settle the minds of Benguet people who have the same thinking as me, a pro-Benguet.  We are normal territorial creatures who do not want to be threatened and undermined by a “stranger”. Some humans beings have that kind of trait and so with some Benguet people most especially those who have dreams of leading our own people. I hope you understand that. It is nothing against you, it is just a call of nature, of being iBenguet. May you use this opportunity, to pass your wisdom to our own aspiring leaders. I am sure that this will be a more valuable legacy of yours for Benguet people than the rocknetting projects.

So why don’t I campaign for VG Tagel to be the next Congressman?

While I strongly prefer having our leader amongst our own people of Benguet, I do not want to be a partisan and be attached to a politician. I do believe that VG Tagel have the capability to be a congressman same as Congressman Yap. May this controversy be a challenge to him and our future leaders that the people of Benguet have now seen the difference. You may not be able to surpass what Congressman Yap has done but I am sure that showing the people of Benguet your dedication and commitment to service will win their approval.

What do I want from iBenguets?

While Benguet people have seen differences of the works of Congressman Yap compared to our past congressmen, may they realise that it is unfair for them to dismiss and disregard the effort and hardwork of our own officials. They made hardwork to make Benguet as what it is today. May they realise that if it was Congressman Yap who served during the time of our previous congressmen, he might not be able to do what he has done now. 

I hope and pray, that whoever wins as Congressman of Benguet this election will do their best for the people of Benguet and not for their own political and material interest. That whoever wins will take the lead in creating a law that will establish free healthcare for all Filipinos; that cancer patients will not have to beg for their chemotherapy, kidney disease patients will not have to beg for their dialysis, that all medical and diagnostic procedures are free for all Filipinos without having to go under the mercy of Congressmen and politicians. That all allowances and funds of congressmen and senators are consolidated into one to establish a free social and health care system for Filipinos where it continues from generations to generation without the threat of being discontinued or disrupted by politicians who will win over other politicians.

That our Congressman will lead in drafting a law that will seek to educate farmers and gardeners in the proper use of pesticides, insecticides and other chemicals used in farming. This may pave a way to study the effects of fertilisers and chemicals to the health of consumers, or its relation to the notable kidney disease that have markedly increased within the population. This may also pave a way to help introduce to farmers the technologies and advances in agriculture that will minimise the use of expensive chemicals used in farming. To create an effective law that will protect the livelihood of farmers from the abuses of middle man merchants, smuggling or illegal importation of similar crops produced by Benguet farmers. To create law that will seek to provide welfare or compensation when affected by calamities.

That our Congressman will pave a way to legislate welfare of small scale miners that aims for the protection, or provide alternative for their livelihood.

Again, laws that shall provide permanent benefits to Benguet farmers and miners throughout generations, not from gimmicks of each passing administration.

Filipinos are tired already of Filipino political system where poor people are used by politicians to cling to their power. We can never move for progress if each congressmen and senators are given allowances and funding for projects of their liking. This system is very prone for corruption and abuse. It was created for micro-government among politicians.

I am aware, I am just nothing. Who am I to tell our 2 respected aspirants my thought and my words? I am just saying all this as a pro-Benguet. Iyaman to all who have understood, supported and shared the same sentiment. Likewise, dispensar to all who may I have offended. Happy Palm Sunday and Vote Wisely on May 12. God bless us all.

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TCC Grants 15 Scholarships; Beneficiaries Raises Php150K

TCC Grants 13 Scholarships; Beneficiaries Raises Php150K

Report By: Marben Orfiano, Trustee, TCC

Benguet, Philippines- The Cordillera Connection (TCC), realising two of its charitable objectives, the advancement of education and the alleviation of poverty, has granted scholarships for 15 academically excelling students at Benguet State University (BSU) for School Year 2013-14.

Launching its first scholarship program, TCC received 31 applications of students from various academic fields. The online application form on TCC’s website made it easy for students to get access to the scholarship program. The main criteria of selection include grades, level of financial need, and community socio-civic involvement of applicants. Originally, 6 scholarship slots have been made available based on the budget allocated by TCC. The top eleven (11) applicants have been shortlisted by TCC trustees and coordinators based abroad for interview to come up with the final 6. The selection of the 6 scholars have been so difficult as applicants have really shown their worth but in need of financial assistance to finish their studies and be able to help their families.
Fortunately, TCC-Australia Coordinator Vicky Montes has offered to sponsor one applicant on top of the 6 scholarship grants from TCC’s budget. More dramatic news came up when TCC/ TCBCI-Philippines Chairperson, Gregorio Taag, went on his way and called out for support from the public. Some of his friends then responded and committed to sponsor the other four (4) remaining shortlisted applicants, making the TCC scholarships grant to 11.

Surprisingly, additional slots popped out when, Cynthia Marcos and Nova Atuban, two of TCC-UK’s Trustees, came forward to support 4 more scholars. As a result, four (4) applicants have been selected and be included in the scholarship program, making TCC’s first fifteen (15) scholars.
The academically excelling students, who were able to prove their worth of receiving scholarships grant, are the following:
1. Melanie Catuday- Last Grade: 2.25= 84-86, BS Applied Statistics 3; Dolores, Eastern Samar
2. Paulyn Ann Pucay Fancote- Last Grade: 1.96= 90-92, BS Secondary Education, Valenzuela, Manila
3. Nimfa Sinosa- Last Grade: 2.0= 87-89, BS Secondary Education 3; Tublay, Benguet
4. Rosemarie Viacrucis- Last Grade: 2.0= 87-89, BS Information Tech 3; La Trinidad, Benguet
5. Cyril Jane Bengado Olsim- Last Grade: 1.75-=90-92, BS Secondary Education 2; Buguias, Benguet
6. Fatilyn L. Bay-an- Last Grade: 1.75=90-92, B Library and Information Science; Kapangan, Benguet
7. Rhealyn Alinso- Last Grade: 1.75-=90-92, BS Information Technology 1; Bakun, Benguet
8. Joe Valerie Cosalan- Last Grade: 2.0= 87-89, BS Secondary Education 3; Tuba, Benguet
9. Mikaela Cardenas- Last Grade: 2.25=84-86, BS Information Technology 1; Bauko/ Tadian, Mt Province
10. Chlarence Jude Ventura- Last Grade: 1.75-=90-92, BS Agriculture 2; La Trinidad Benguet
11. Dimpol A. Lamaton- Last Grade: 1.75-=90-92, BS Elementary Education 2; Barlig, Mt Province
12. Fredalyn Bastian- Last Grade: 1.75-=90-92, BS Education 3, La Trinidad, Benguet
13. Angel Sorano- Last Grade: 1.75-=90-92, BS Nutrition and Dietetics 1, Tublay, Benguet

14. Raymond Tambogon- Last Grade: 2.25=84-86, BS Agricultural Engineering, Binalonan, Pangasinan

15. Romeo Sukaw Jr- Last Grade: 2.0=87-89, BSin Agriculture, Itogon, Benguet

The panel who served to shortlist the applicants include: TCC-UK Trustees Judith Angog and Cynthia Marcos,  TCC-UK Volunteer Graham Maysano, TCC-TCBCI Coordinator Rhea Panawan, TCC-Canada Coordinator Irene Langawan Thomas, and TCC-Australia Coordinator Victoria Montes Bay-an. The interview and assessment of applicants were done by TCC-Philippines Chairperson, Gregorio Taag.

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between TCC and BSU is on process in order to secure partnership in looking after the scholars. TCC will pay directly to the school the full tuition fees of its scholars. The studes have been oriented on the history and background of TCC and are encouraged to participate in its socio-civic activities.

Another remarkable project of TCC this year is its Binnadangan Cultural Festival thru its 2nd Battle of the Bands, Concert for Life 7 held last November 9 at the La Trinidad Municipal Gym. Nine (9) Bands competed and exhibited their musical talents in composing TCC’s theme song. This event has supported more than 30 ill-patients who have been TCC’s long-time beneficiaries. From the Php35,000 budget for the event, beneficiaries were able to raise more than Php150,000. This has once more proved that this approach is helpful to our beneficiaries as well as providing a venue to realise one of our objectives, the advancement of culture, arts and heritage.

The funding for both scholarship program and battle-of-the-bands came from the proceeds of TCC’s Pinoy Night Fundraising event in Marian Community Centre, Kilburn, London last September 28. Thanks to all who supported the event.