Once again I am astounded and dumbfounded. There is an open letter going viral written by a retired Filipino executive. The gist of his letter - appealing to CNN to be more positive in reporting the aftermath of Haiyan, and be more understanding of our country's situation, the Philippines being 3rd world.
Bottom line of his message is that CNN should look at the current situation from our vantage point. That we are severely constrained by our limited infrastructure and resources. He did mention that admittedly, there are lapses in government efficiency but that these should be given the benefit of the doubt. He frowned upon the comparison with Japan after it was hit by a massive quake. They are 1st world, we are 3rd, and there is a wide gap between.
He means well. He is sincerely concerned. And he is definitely affected by what is happening.
With all due respect, I beg to disagree with his thesis. The idea or notion that the world is divided into 3 categories is an anomaly. Perhaps in the pre-internet and globalization era Yes! But nowadays, I ask this question, what is it that these 1st world countries have that we don't?
Maybe before we don't have immediate access to ground breaking technology, or were left too far behind in life changing trends.
I remember back in the early 80s when my father was in the Middle East as an OFW. Our communication with him was confined to snail mail and pre-taped voice recording using those C46 cassette tapes with sides A & B made by Denon or TDK. It was delayed gratification. But nowadays you can Skype, Face Time or send instant SMS or MMS to your relative even if he or she is in Timbuktu while you are in Tuguegarao.
Back then we were so delayed by months when it comes to lifestyle and fashion trends. We easily get excited by a Ralph Lauren shirt sent by an uncle in America who bought it in an outlet store for a discount because it was excess inventory and which design was released one year before. But now? Even the likes of Brad Pitt buy furnitures designed by our very own Kenneth Cobonpue. Nowadays you don't need to go to Paris to buy LV, there is a shop in Greenbelt. You can even buy Victoria Secret online and have it delivered to your home after only a week or so.
Before, you only get to read the results of the NBA games or other big sporting events like boxing in newspapers a day or two after the event proper. Those very few lucky ones who live near Clark or Subic or have connections with US military personnel were able to watch or listen live broadcasts. But now? who doesn't have cable? Even in Tacloban they get to see Manny Pacquiao or Kobe Bryant in live broadcast, and on HD at that. Before, we wait for re-runs of American comedy shows, concerts, game or action series. Now? one click in Youtube and you can watch Sweden Got Talent.
I think the point is clear. It's a small world after all, and access to technology and trends is easy. The social and cultural divide among nations, whether 1st or 3rd, is diminished and extinguished.
Perhaps you may argue about economics, industries or resources. Or even military might and education. Maybe.
But think about it. In the 50s or 60s, the Philippines was considered to be 2nd to Japan in terms of economic superiority. We were way ahead of China. We are one of the few ASIAN countries that can converse in English, spoken and written. Malaysians, Thais and Indonesians were flocking to our schools to learn. The Thais, who are now the number one exporter of rice in the entire world, got their education at UP Los Banos.
As far as these are concerned, they are controllable factors. The open letter discussed at length why Tacloban is having difficulty, it being one of the poorest cities in one of the poorest regions in the country. But it was not because of lack of resources or capability.
In hindsight, Tacloban is now the model of what we could have been against what we are now. Why did Tacloban, or Leyte or Samar for that matter, languish and remained under developed? Let me stress - UNDER developed!
Certainly it is poor and backward, not for lack of resources but perhaps because of effort, governance and leadership. And it is the same with other parts of the country, including Manila as well.
You will agree with me when I say that we could have had modern roads, airports, ship ports, trains, subways, rail networks, military equipment, weather warning systems, etc. IF WE WANT TO.
You say we don't have the money? Tell that to Janet Napoles. Tell that to Tanda, Sexy and Pogi. Tell that to Kim Henares, Ruffy Biazon and to Butch Abad. Tell that to Congress. Then tell it to the Marines!
No disrespect intended, but the executive who wrote that open letter to CNN is like many of us who have come to accept the fate of our nation as God-given and intended. That we are an archipelago so naturally, obstacles abound. That we should not find too much fault in our government for it is hampered and limited.
He implied that it's unfair to compare us to Japan. Maybe to be fair, let's break down the comparison. Technology? Resources? Land mass? Infrastructure? Again, what do they have that we don't?
Breaking down further, let's try Attitude? Culture? Way of thinking? Standards? Aaahhh now this is something else...
So you see Sir, we are not 3rd world in terms of resources and capability. We have what they have, we can do what they do. We have what it takes. We have access to everything. I believe CNN did us a favor by unmasking our inadequacy. I do agree that it's not the entire fault of our government.
The problem, and the difference, is not with CNN or Japan or the world Sir.
It is us. It is who we are now, not who we want to be. It is in us and whom we chose to lead us. It is our accepting attitude. It's our "bahala na" culture.
It's actually my fault. And your fault Sir. It's our fault that we continue to languish as 3rd world, when this is already passé.
Let's face it. We have the money, the machinery and the means to be an elite nation. What we don't have is the maturity to change, and the mindset to aim high.
We should be 1st world. We can actually do it. We have it within ourselves.
It's not a matter of chance. It's a matter of choice.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
An open letter to President Noynoy Aquino
Dear Mr. President,
Today marks exactly one week and a day since Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda crossed our beautiful country, and left a trail of utter ruin and devastation of EPIC proportions.
By no means epic is an exaggeration. Haiyan/Yolanda not only killed thousands of our people and destroyed billions worth of property and infrastructure, it imprinted a huge scar on our national psyche that will haunt us forever. It was an awesome display of the power of nature over mankind, and a fatal reminder of our frailty and vulnerability. It was a nightmare that landed at daybreak, with an intensity that quickly flattened villages and erased cities in one swoop.
It was unprecedented, unfathomable and incomprehensible. We saw it coming, yes. But we never did see, nor imagine, its brutality and viciousness.
It was not just a calamity that we normally experience year in year out, it was a CATASTROPHE. And it is so crushing that the entire world wept profusely at our nation’s misfortune. Until now, the citizens of the world are still in a state of shock and grief.
This horrific force violently littered the streets with dead bodies, and their stench continue to overpower those who survive, perhaps to remind them of their fate. Those who were left standing are lucky to be alive, but are now confronted with shattered dreams and evanescent hope.
Mr. President, this is a tragedy that is now tormenting our troubled land.
There is now an enormous amount of pain and suffering. There is hunger and hopelessness, anger and helplessness. There is sorrow so severe, it strikes achingly at the very soul of the inner selves of the victims and their families.
But it is not just with them. It is within us all.
It is felt by every Filipino, regardless of status and standing, whether here or anywhere else. Even our most hated neighbors and those indifferent to us feel the need to sympathize with us, because the heartbreak and the heartache is real Sir. They feel it too.
These are not merely words. These are raw emotions lurching out. They are akin to a punch in the gut, shiver in the spine, and a numbing sensation that words cannot fully describe.
These are wounded and beleaguered spirits in dire need of uplift. These are souls seeking solace. These are people needing physical, mental and emotional nourishment. These are battered and bruised bodies needing shelter and support.
In terms of relief and reinforcement, we have these in abundance. The goodness of humanity is innate, and help is always there, up to the point where there is giving until it hurts. Even school children and toddlers know how to evoke and educe assistance and support. Even hardened criminals know when to share.
As this is being written, the amount of relief being dispensed from across the nation, and the world, is remarkably overwhelming its distribution and delivery. The system or process by which relief is handled may falter or fail, but the outpour of support will never subside.
It is in this context that I humbly appeal to you Mr. President. The state of the nation is under duress. The destructive physical effect of this super typhoon is disheartening, and the damage is daunting. Our country is reeling, and our people are emotionally drained.
We are being tested, and with it the consequent polarization, divide, chasm and discord. Everyone has an opinion of everything, and it comes out either as a rallying point, or an avenue to destabilize and weaken our resiliency and resolve.
We are now weary. And we are worried. Because we feel that we are without a leader. We are searching for stability, and we are grasping for guidance.
It’s a given that this is a super typhoon like no other. But it should not be made as an excuse to justify the reticent response and reaction of your administration.
One week after, it is not enough to recite the breakdown of the system, and look for units or people to blame. It is also not the appropriate time to dwell on accurate statistics, and fire people for wrong data. The numbers are undeniably staggering. And whether it is one or one million casualty, it is still a death toll. But most of all, it is certainly abominable when the people you assign to manage this crisis have certain agenda other than helping.
We can do better Sir.
We can address this adversity by advocacy. With it, we can trounce our trauma.
But we can only do this with you as our LEADER.
Despite your bachelor status Sir, you are the Father of the nation. You are the catalyst that we can all cling on. Only you have the power, the authority, the capacity, the capability and the ability to harness us all in one stirring movement to turn this tragedy to triumph.
One week after, I humbly lay to you what we can do Sir:
1. Convene a special session of Congress, and declare a national state of emergency. Address the nation and spell out your definitive 3-stage plan –
Relief, Recovery, Rebuild.
Appoint the most competent people to lead each of these stages, regardless of political party affiliation, and give them the necessary authority to effectively utilize the entire government machinery for their purpose.
2. Send your DFA Secretary, or maybe even your sister Kris Aquino to the United Nations ASAP, and ask that he or she speak on your behalf in the UN General Assembly. Tell the whole world of our experience with Haiyan/Yolanda, and seek their aid and support. Use this also as an avenue to appeal our country’s stance on climate change.
3. Convene the captains and tycoons of the business community – the Ayalas, the Sy family of SM, MVP, RSA, Gokongwei, etc. - and involve them in the 3-stage plan. Enable them to utilize their vast resources and organization to speed up the work.
4. Gather your PR staff and meet with the KPB and media bigwigs ABS CBN, GMA, TV5, Inquirer, Philippine Star, etc. and appeal with them for restraint on the way this tragedy is being reported in the news. Ask for their cooperation in strictly observing self-restraint, not censorship, in putting a positive spin on the news and reports on this tragedy.
5. In line with no. 4, appoint a credible and respected creative director who can immediately devise a media campaign or movement ala “Bangon Pilipinas” or “Hindi Hadlang si Haiyan” to awaken and uplift the spirit of our people. It should be a nationwide campaign on change, on support, on our bayanihan attitude, and on our resiliency. This is the best time to galvanize the country into a positive direction.
6. Harness the awesome power of social media and the Internet for use in data gathering and information dissemination. We have in our midst the most tech savvy people on earth. Use them.
At this point Sir, exhibit your strongest will to lead. Do not worry about legal ramifications or political machinations. Do not be anxious of the opposition, or the people with political ambitions. Do not dwell too much on bureaucracy, on observing established norms or standard operating procedures. Yes there are boundaries and legal frameworks to observe, and you should take note of these. But we are in an extra ordinary moment that is calling for extra ordinary measures to be adopted.
We need enthusiasm to serve, not endure embarrassment from established international institutions like the UN or CNN. We need to show caring, not chaos. We cannot afford disunity, but integrity. We need to be one nation, suffering but strong, and steady amidst diversity.
Sir, you cannot allow your people to say "Nothing is fast enough. Nothing is good enough." If this is the WORST typhoon to hit our country, then it should it bring out the BEST in all of us, especially in government.
Mr. President, this is the moment where you step up to the plate, and you call the shots. It’s more than crunch time. It is now the time for you to show your true worth as president.
Your presidency is not just a term of office. It is not merely a template to govern. It is an institution that represents who we are as a nation. It carries with it an enormous responsibility of LEADERSHIP.
Your father Ninoy once said, “The Filipino is worth dying for.”
For our sake Mr. President, please tell us, and show us, that the FILIPINO is worth fighting for.
I remain,
Mark Anthony DC Lopez
Today marks exactly one week and a day since Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda crossed our beautiful country, and left a trail of utter ruin and devastation of EPIC proportions.
By no means epic is an exaggeration. Haiyan/Yolanda not only killed thousands of our people and destroyed billions worth of property and infrastructure, it imprinted a huge scar on our national psyche that will haunt us forever. It was an awesome display of the power of nature over mankind, and a fatal reminder of our frailty and vulnerability. It was a nightmare that landed at daybreak, with an intensity that quickly flattened villages and erased cities in one swoop.
It was unprecedented, unfathomable and incomprehensible. We saw it coming, yes. But we never did see, nor imagine, its brutality and viciousness.
It was not just a calamity that we normally experience year in year out, it was a CATASTROPHE. And it is so crushing that the entire world wept profusely at our nation’s misfortune. Until now, the citizens of the world are still in a state of shock and grief.
This horrific force violently littered the streets with dead bodies, and their stench continue to overpower those who survive, perhaps to remind them of their fate. Those who were left standing are lucky to be alive, but are now confronted with shattered dreams and evanescent hope.
Mr. President, this is a tragedy that is now tormenting our troubled land.
There is now an enormous amount of pain and suffering. There is hunger and hopelessness, anger and helplessness. There is sorrow so severe, it strikes achingly at the very soul of the inner selves of the victims and their families.
But it is not just with them. It is within us all.
It is felt by every Filipino, regardless of status and standing, whether here or anywhere else. Even our most hated neighbors and those indifferent to us feel the need to sympathize with us, because the heartbreak and the heartache is real Sir. They feel it too.
These are not merely words. These are raw emotions lurching out. They are akin to a punch in the gut, shiver in the spine, and a numbing sensation that words cannot fully describe.
These are wounded and beleaguered spirits in dire need of uplift. These are souls seeking solace. These are people needing physical, mental and emotional nourishment. These are battered and bruised bodies needing shelter and support.
In terms of relief and reinforcement, we have these in abundance. The goodness of humanity is innate, and help is always there, up to the point where there is giving until it hurts. Even school children and toddlers know how to evoke and educe assistance and support. Even hardened criminals know when to share.
As this is being written, the amount of relief being dispensed from across the nation, and the world, is remarkably overwhelming its distribution and delivery. The system or process by which relief is handled may falter or fail, but the outpour of support will never subside.
It is in this context that I humbly appeal to you Mr. President. The state of the nation is under duress. The destructive physical effect of this super typhoon is disheartening, and the damage is daunting. Our country is reeling, and our people are emotionally drained.
We are being tested, and with it the consequent polarization, divide, chasm and discord. Everyone has an opinion of everything, and it comes out either as a rallying point, or an avenue to destabilize and weaken our resiliency and resolve.
We are now weary. And we are worried. Because we feel that we are without a leader. We are searching for stability, and we are grasping for guidance.
It’s a given that this is a super typhoon like no other. But it should not be made as an excuse to justify the reticent response and reaction of your administration.
One week after, it is not enough to recite the breakdown of the system, and look for units or people to blame. It is also not the appropriate time to dwell on accurate statistics, and fire people for wrong data. The numbers are undeniably staggering. And whether it is one or one million casualty, it is still a death toll. But most of all, it is certainly abominable when the people you assign to manage this crisis have certain agenda other than helping.
We can do better Sir.
We can address this adversity by advocacy. With it, we can trounce our trauma.
But we can only do this with you as our LEADER.
Despite your bachelor status Sir, you are the Father of the nation. You are the catalyst that we can all cling on. Only you have the power, the authority, the capacity, the capability and the ability to harness us all in one stirring movement to turn this tragedy to triumph.
One week after, I humbly lay to you what we can do Sir:
1. Convene a special session of Congress, and declare a national state of emergency. Address the nation and spell out your definitive 3-stage plan –
Relief, Recovery, Rebuild.
Appoint the most competent people to lead each of these stages, regardless of political party affiliation, and give them the necessary authority to effectively utilize the entire government machinery for their purpose.
2. Send your DFA Secretary, or maybe even your sister Kris Aquino to the United Nations ASAP, and ask that he or she speak on your behalf in the UN General Assembly. Tell the whole world of our experience with Haiyan/Yolanda, and seek their aid and support. Use this also as an avenue to appeal our country’s stance on climate change.
3. Convene the captains and tycoons of the business community – the Ayalas, the Sy family of SM, MVP, RSA, Gokongwei, etc. - and involve them in the 3-stage plan. Enable them to utilize their vast resources and organization to speed up the work.
4. Gather your PR staff and meet with the KPB and media bigwigs ABS CBN, GMA, TV5, Inquirer, Philippine Star, etc. and appeal with them for restraint on the way this tragedy is being reported in the news. Ask for their cooperation in strictly observing self-restraint, not censorship, in putting a positive spin on the news and reports on this tragedy.
5. In line with no. 4, appoint a credible and respected creative director who can immediately devise a media campaign or movement ala “Bangon Pilipinas” or “Hindi Hadlang si Haiyan” to awaken and uplift the spirit of our people. It should be a nationwide campaign on change, on support, on our bayanihan attitude, and on our resiliency. This is the best time to galvanize the country into a positive direction.
6. Harness the awesome power of social media and the Internet for use in data gathering and information dissemination. We have in our midst the most tech savvy people on earth. Use them.
At this point Sir, exhibit your strongest will to lead. Do not worry about legal ramifications or political machinations. Do not be anxious of the opposition, or the people with political ambitions. Do not dwell too much on bureaucracy, on observing established norms or standard operating procedures. Yes there are boundaries and legal frameworks to observe, and you should take note of these. But we are in an extra ordinary moment that is calling for extra ordinary measures to be adopted.
We need enthusiasm to serve, not endure embarrassment from established international institutions like the UN or CNN. We need to show caring, not chaos. We cannot afford disunity, but integrity. We need to be one nation, suffering but strong, and steady amidst diversity.
Sir, you cannot allow your people to say "Nothing is fast enough. Nothing is good enough." If this is the WORST typhoon to hit our country, then it should it bring out the BEST in all of us, especially in government.
Mr. President, this is the moment where you step up to the plate, and you call the shots. It’s more than crunch time. It is now the time for you to show your true worth as president.
Your presidency is not just a term of office. It is not merely a template to govern. It is an institution that represents who we are as a nation. It carries with it an enormous responsibility of LEADERSHIP.
Your father Ninoy once said, “The Filipino is worth dying for.”
For our sake Mr. President, please tell us, and show us, that the FILIPINO is worth fighting for.
I remain,
Mark Anthony DC Lopez
Isang leksyon sa lengguahe
Ako Po ay isang ordinaryong Pilipino.
KAGAYA po ng karamihan sa atin, ako po ay KAPAMILYA, KAPUSO, KAPATID, KAKAMPI, KATOTO, KARANCHO, KAKOSA, KATRIBU, KAKLASE, KAPITBAHAY, KASAMBAHAY, KALOKA at KALOKA-ALIKE.
KARANIWAN lang po ang aking Kaligayahan – Kakanin, Kantyawan, at Karaoke.
NGUNIT sa Ngayon, hindi po ako Natutuwa. Hindi ko po Nagugustuhan ang mga Nalalaman ko sa ating mga Namumuno.
NANGGIGIGIL, Ninenerbyos, at Nanggagalaiti sa galit ang mga Nunal ng aking Noo!
MARYOSEP! Mukhang ang mga Mamamayan ay Matagal ng Minomolestya at Minamaniobra ng mga Mandarambong na Mambabatas na ang Misyon lamang dapat ay Magpasa ng mga Makabuluhang batas para Maayos ang Mamuhay at Mangalakal sa ating bayan.
Mga HINAYUPAK na yan, Hindi pala sila Handa sa Hamon ng mga tao na mag silbi, ang gusto pala nila ay Humakot sa kaban ng bayan. Hanep ang pagka Haragan ng mga Hunghang!
IMBES na tayo ay Itaguyod at Ipaglaban, tayo ay Inaabuso, Iniinsulto at Inaagrabyado!
TAYO ay Tinarantado. Wala silang Tinira at Talagang Tinodo ang kanilang Take home.
PDAF ang Pangunahing Paraan para tayo ay Pagsamantalahan. PDAF ang Pinagdiskitahan. PDAF ang Pinanggigilan. Palibhasa nasa Poder nila ang PDAF... Pero Para sa kanila ba yon? P@#$^*ina naman!
LINTEK na mga Linta na yan! Bukod sa Lagay, gusto pa nila tayo Lokohin ng Lokohin, at Linlangin ng Linlangin.
Mga Senador na Salamangkero at Swapang!
Mga Kongresista na Karumaldumal ang Kakapalan ng Kartada!
Mga Gobernador na Ganid!
Mga Mayor na Manggagantso!
Mga Kalihim at Kawani na Karimarimarim at Kaltas ng Kaltas!
Mga nasa Paligid ng Presidente na Puro Perwisyo at Palpak ang Pangangatwiran.
Pati na rin yang Bise Presidente na may Balak na Bulok!
Saan ba Dinadampot ng mga Damuhong yan ang Determinasyon at Dedikasyon upang tayo ay Demonyohin?
PAANO na ang PILIPINAS?
BINABAGYO, Binabaha, Binabayo na nga, Binalasubas, Binraso, at Binaboy pa ng Pork Barrel! Tayo ay Binastos sa paggawa ng mga Bagay na Baluktot… Bwiset!!!
GINAGO tayo ng Garapalan…
EPAL pa ng Epal…
AT ASAR na Asar na AKO!
Sana Sila ay Sumaimpyerno at Sumailalim na kay Satanas.
Dahil wala silang Respeto sa ating Republika…
Sa aking pagtatapos, ako ay Umaasa pa rin na tayo ay magkakaroon ng Umagang kay ganda. Ito ay magaganap kung gagamitin natin an gating Utak at kung Uunahin natin ang ating Bayan at kapwa bago ang ating sarili …
‘YAAN nyo, Yuyuko din ang lahat ng kumamal ng ilegal na Yaman.
Wawakasan at Wawasakin din ang pag Walanghiya sa atin.
Tatapusin din yan. Kundi man ng TAO, ng TADHANA...
The October 30 speech
I wish to give my 2 cent worth regarding this issue of the Oct. 30 speech delivered by President Noynoy Aquino, which many considered to be an epic fail.
In lieu of that speech, perhaps the President can consider hiring me as his speechwriter, and I have already the material that I know he can deliver well. Ang gusto lang naman ng mga tao, yung attuned sila sa sinasabi ng pangulo, di ba?
Mr. President, please say this to the Filipino people:
"Mga Kababayan ko,
At first, I was afraid, I was petrified, Kept thinking, I could never live without PDAF by my side.
But then I spent so many nights thinking how Drilon was wrong. And I grew strong, and I learned how to get along.
But now PDAF is back, from my office space. I just walked in to find Abad with that naughty look upon his face.
I asked Abad to change that stupid PDAF. I gave Abad and Drilon the key. If I'da known for just one second, yan palang DAP will bother me.
Go on, now go! Walk DAP out the door, just turn around now' Cause you're not welcome anymore. Weren't DAP the one which tried to hurt me with alibi? With DAP, I think I'd crumble. With DAP I think I'd lay down and die.
Oh, no, not I, I will survive. Oh, as long as I know PDAF to DAP, I know I'll stay alive. I've got all my DAP to live, I've got all my DAP to give.
And I'll survive, I will survive, I will survive!
Only Roxas, Drilon, Abad could give me strength not to fall apart, Though I tried hard to mend the pieces of this broken PDAF. And I spent, oh, so many nights just feeling sorry for PDAF, I used to cry, but now I hold my head up high
Now you see me, somebody new. I'm not that chained up president still without a clue. And if you felt like dropping me and just expect me to be free from thievery, Well now I'm saving all my DAP for all those who's loving me
Go now go! Walk DAP out the door, just turn around now 'Cause DAP is not welcome anymore. Weren't DAP the one who tried to crush Corona with goodbye? Did you think DAP will crumble? Did you think DAP will lay down and die?
Oh, no, not I, I will survive And, as long as I know how to DAP, I know I'll stay alive I've got all my DAP to live, I've got all my DAP to give.
And I'll survive, I will survive, HEY HEY!"
Makes sense di ba Mr. President?
In lieu of that speech, perhaps the President can consider hiring me as his speechwriter, and I have already the material that I know he can deliver well. Ang gusto lang naman ng mga tao, yung attuned sila sa sinasabi ng pangulo, di ba?
Mr. President, please say this to the Filipino people:
"Mga Kababayan ko,
At first, I was afraid, I was petrified, Kept thinking, I could never live without PDAF by my side.
But then I spent so many nights thinking how Drilon was wrong. And I grew strong, and I learned how to get along.
But now PDAF is back, from my office space. I just walked in to find Abad with that naughty look upon his face.
I asked Abad to change that stupid PDAF. I gave Abad and Drilon the key. If I'da known for just one second, yan palang DAP will bother me.
Go on, now go! Walk DAP out the door, just turn around now' Cause you're not welcome anymore. Weren't DAP the one which tried to hurt me with alibi? With DAP, I think I'd crumble. With DAP I think I'd lay down and die.
Oh, no, not I, I will survive. Oh, as long as I know PDAF to DAP, I know I'll stay alive. I've got all my DAP to live, I've got all my DAP to give.
And I'll survive, I will survive, I will survive!
Only Roxas, Drilon, Abad could give me strength not to fall apart, Though I tried hard to mend the pieces of this broken PDAF. And I spent, oh, so many nights just feeling sorry for PDAF, I used to cry, but now I hold my head up high
Now you see me, somebody new. I'm not that chained up president still without a clue. And if you felt like dropping me and just expect me to be free from thievery, Well now I'm saving all my DAP for all those who's loving me
Go now go! Walk DAP out the door, just turn around now 'Cause DAP is not welcome anymore. Weren't DAP the one who tried to crush Corona with goodbye? Did you think DAP will crumble? Did you think DAP will lay down and die?
Oh, no, not I, I will survive And, as long as I know how to DAP, I know I'll stay alive I've got all my DAP to live, I've got all my DAP to give.
And I'll survive, I will survive, HEY HEY!"
Makes sense di ba Mr. President?
Because I am ...
I told myself that I will be quiet and let things take their course, what with this sadness fatigue already engulfing me. But it really is heartbreaking to see chaos, disunity and disarray after 5 days of the catastrophe.
I don't have a personal dislike for Pnoy. In fact, I admire him a lot for his "daang matuwid" mantra and its economic benefits for our country. It's truly remarkable. Because fighting corruption is his priority, he is the epitome of the true public servant.
However, judging from how he handles crises, it seems he is not the best leader for us in times like this. The Hongkong tourist hostage crisis was a precursor of how Pnoy is as a leader.
Now Yolanda/Haiyan has fully revealed his leadership character. If we look into the wide spectrum of unbiased media reports and social media exchanges, including actual tales and accounts of people from ground zero in Tacloban, Guiaian and other devastated areas, we can really conclude that this administration is not prepared, and does not have the wherewithal to lead in a crisis of this magnitude.
Let's not dwell on the details of the discord.
Bottom line is LEADERSHIP, and again, to paraphrase another great quote in that movie "the American President," "in the absence of genuine leadership, people will listen to anyone who steps up in the microphone (or media in our particular case). The people need LEADERSHIP. They are so thirsty for it that when they walk through the debris, they will drink the blood of corpses lying there, in the absence of water."
Mr. President, you can actually provide genuine LEADERSHIP.
If I were you, I would start by simply defining the 3 VITAL THINGS to DO:
RELIEF! RECOVERY! REBUILD!
Under RELIEF,
appoint a very credible person like Richard Gordon or Dinky Soliman. Maybe let them be co-leaders under your command. They would know what to do, establishing tent cities, mobile hospitals, soup kitchens, debriefing or de-stressing areas, child care centers in strategic areas.
Let Gordon/Soliman be assisted by Cesar Purisima or Grace Pulido-Tan of COA in handling foreign aid, maybe together with DFA Sec Alberto Del Rosario. They can be the ones to account for the donations, and then channel them right away to Gordon/Soliman.
For domestic donations, you may want to tap Manny Pangilinan Of PLDT, Ramon Ang of SMC Tessie Sy- Coson of SM group, Lance Gokongwei of Cebu Pacific, Lucio Tan of ABI as your point persons who shall coordinate with Gordon/Soliman. They have the resources and people to act right away, and handle the relief efforts of private corporations and individuals.
Under RECOVERY,
appoint DOJ Sec Leila de Lima to head this group. Under her are the heads of the AFP and the PNP, with the primary task of mobilizing the soldiers and policemen to recover the dead bodies, establish the mass graves or burial sites, and also spearhead the body count and identification.
Let them be assisted by DOH Sec Ona and the NBI to organize the list for survivors, missing persons, and those who died. They can be the central clearing office for the important body count.
Under REBUILD
This is now the group to be led by DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson. They should take care of re-establishing power and communication lines, clear up the road network, rebuild the ship ports and airports, secure supplies like fuel and construction materials. Sec. Singson can be assisted by DOTC Sec Joseph Abaya and DOE Sec. Jericho Petilla.
This is the group that can coordinate with the US and other foreign military assistance in terms of engineering requirements.
For other requirements:
1. Appeal to Gabby Lopez of ABS-CBN, Felipe Gozon of GMA 7 and Noel Lorenzana of TV5, as well as to Sandy Prieto of Inquirer and Miguel Belmonte of the Philippine Star, to lead a group that will handle the media requirements of this tragedy. It is no longer about ratings, it's about responsible reporting and the need for sobriety so that people can be calm. They will heed your call.
2. Mobilize your sister Kris Aquino to spearhead and lead in telethons, concert, runs, or other fund raising events. She can be very effective here, and am sure that she can count on all her showbiz colleagues to assist her, regardless of network or studio affiliations. She can also devise a media campaign like a 'Bangon Pilipinas" or "Kaya natin ito!" wherein every Filipino will be on board in helping solve the crisis, and putting a positive spin so that we will all feel better, and be resolved to see through this terrible tragedy.
3. Forget about legal implications of your decisions. If it is a state of emergency, do it right away and worry later about the legal ramifications. For as long as you are being decisive and authoritative, and what will it bring is the results needed, then the people will stand behind you.
4. Please ignore politics for now. Ignore the ramblings of Mar Roxas, of Jejomar Binay, of the opposition, of Congress. Utilize them as is required. Assign them specific tasks. Let them help where they can. People will know eventually.
5. Forget about bureaucratic red tape and established norms and SOPs. This is a CATASTROPHE, and it needs to be dealt in an extra ordinary manner. This is beyond NDRRMC. This is beyond line agencies or departments or LGUs. This is for all of us, with you as the LEADER.
6. Harness the awesome power of social media and the internet to get your message around the world, and to provide for a quick search of victims, dead or alive. You know very well we have an enormous pool of tech-savvy people. They are there in the IT sector. They just need to be tapped.
It's very basic Sir. You have the people and resources to do these things immediately. You have very good people. They know what to do. It's just a matter of you LEADING and COMMANDING them in this manner.
I may be wrong here, maybe with the names I mentioned. But I am certain that if I were the President, this is what I will do. Immediately.
I am no expert here Mr. President. I am not a paid hack, nor do I have any personal gain here. I am just a simpleton.
But I thought of these things in just an hour.
Because this catastrophe transcends politics, legalities, personalities, agendas, ambitions, and affiliations.
Because I am as devastated as the victims themselves.
Because I am concerned.
Because I care.
Because I am a Filipino.
I don't have a personal dislike for Pnoy. In fact, I admire him a lot for his "daang matuwid" mantra and its economic benefits for our country. It's truly remarkable. Because fighting corruption is his priority, he is the epitome of the true public servant.
However, judging from how he handles crises, it seems he is not the best leader for us in times like this. The Hongkong tourist hostage crisis was a precursor of how Pnoy is as a leader.
Now Yolanda/Haiyan has fully revealed his leadership character. If we look into the wide spectrum of unbiased media reports and social media exchanges, including actual tales and accounts of people from ground zero in Tacloban, Guiaian and other devastated areas, we can really conclude that this administration is not prepared, and does not have the wherewithal to lead in a crisis of this magnitude.
Let's not dwell on the details of the discord.
Bottom line is LEADERSHIP, and again, to paraphrase another great quote in that movie "the American President," "in the absence of genuine leadership, people will listen to anyone who steps up in the microphone (or media in our particular case). The people need LEADERSHIP. They are so thirsty for it that when they walk through the debris, they will drink the blood of corpses lying there, in the absence of water."
Mr. President, you can actually provide genuine LEADERSHIP.
If I were you, I would start by simply defining the 3 VITAL THINGS to DO:
RELIEF! RECOVERY! REBUILD!
Under RELIEF,
appoint a very credible person like Richard Gordon or Dinky Soliman. Maybe let them be co-leaders under your command. They would know what to do, establishing tent cities, mobile hospitals, soup kitchens, debriefing or de-stressing areas, child care centers in strategic areas.
Let Gordon/Soliman be assisted by Cesar Purisima or Grace Pulido-Tan of COA in handling foreign aid, maybe together with DFA Sec Alberto Del Rosario. They can be the ones to account for the donations, and then channel them right away to Gordon/Soliman.
For domestic donations, you may want to tap Manny Pangilinan Of PLDT, Ramon Ang of SMC Tessie Sy- Coson of SM group, Lance Gokongwei of Cebu Pacific, Lucio Tan of ABI as your point persons who shall coordinate with Gordon/Soliman. They have the resources and people to act right away, and handle the relief efforts of private corporations and individuals.
Under RECOVERY,
appoint DOJ Sec Leila de Lima to head this group. Under her are the heads of the AFP and the PNP, with the primary task of mobilizing the soldiers and policemen to recover the dead bodies, establish the mass graves or burial sites, and also spearhead the body count and identification.
Let them be assisted by DOH Sec Ona and the NBI to organize the list for survivors, missing persons, and those who died. They can be the central clearing office for the important body count.
Under REBUILD
This is now the group to be led by DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson. They should take care of re-establishing power and communication lines, clear up the road network, rebuild the ship ports and airports, secure supplies like fuel and construction materials. Sec. Singson can be assisted by DOTC Sec Joseph Abaya and DOE Sec. Jericho Petilla.
This is the group that can coordinate with the US and other foreign military assistance in terms of engineering requirements.
For other requirements:
1. Appeal to Gabby Lopez of ABS-CBN, Felipe Gozon of GMA 7 and Noel Lorenzana of TV5, as well as to Sandy Prieto of Inquirer and Miguel Belmonte of the Philippine Star, to lead a group that will handle the media requirements of this tragedy. It is no longer about ratings, it's about responsible reporting and the need for sobriety so that people can be calm. They will heed your call.
2. Mobilize your sister Kris Aquino to spearhead and lead in telethons, concert, runs, or other fund raising events. She can be very effective here, and am sure that she can count on all her showbiz colleagues to assist her, regardless of network or studio affiliations. She can also devise a media campaign like a 'Bangon Pilipinas" or "Kaya natin ito!" wherein every Filipino will be on board in helping solve the crisis, and putting a positive spin so that we will all feel better, and be resolved to see through this terrible tragedy.
3. Forget about legal implications of your decisions. If it is a state of emergency, do it right away and worry later about the legal ramifications. For as long as you are being decisive and authoritative, and what will it bring is the results needed, then the people will stand behind you.
4. Please ignore politics for now. Ignore the ramblings of Mar Roxas, of Jejomar Binay, of the opposition, of Congress. Utilize them as is required. Assign them specific tasks. Let them help where they can. People will know eventually.
5. Forget about bureaucratic red tape and established norms and SOPs. This is a CATASTROPHE, and it needs to be dealt in an extra ordinary manner. This is beyond NDRRMC. This is beyond line agencies or departments or LGUs. This is for all of us, with you as the LEADER.
6. Harness the awesome power of social media and the internet to get your message around the world, and to provide for a quick search of victims, dead or alive. You know very well we have an enormous pool of tech-savvy people. They are there in the IT sector. They just need to be tapped.
It's very basic Sir. You have the people and resources to do these things immediately. You have very good people. They know what to do. It's just a matter of you LEADING and COMMANDING them in this manner.
I may be wrong here, maybe with the names I mentioned. But I am certain that if I were the President, this is what I will do. Immediately.
I am no expert here Mr. President. I am not a paid hack, nor do I have any personal gain here. I am just a simpleton.
But I thought of these things in just an hour.
Because this catastrophe transcends politics, legalities, personalities, agendas, ambitions, and affiliations.
Because I am as devastated as the victims themselves.
Because I am concerned.
Because I care.
Because I am a Filipino.
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