The numbers I had shown about Mindanao’s resources and its developing economy are just one facet of the island’s complex features. For many years now, Mindanao is beset by numerous problems on peace, infrastructure development and poverty. It is actually an irony that an island that holds so much promise of prosperity is home to millions of poor families, especially in the provinces of ARMM, CARAGA and Northern Mindanao.
The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), in its 2000 poverty incidence report, showed all regions in Mindanao had over 30 percent of poverty incidence. At the provincial level, Sulu (ARMM) was described as the poorest province in the Philippines, with the highest poverty incidence level of 63.2 percent. Tawi-Tawi had 56.5 percent. Maguindanao; 55.1 percent; Lanao del Sur, 55 percent; Sultan Kudarat, 54.3 percent; and Camiguin, 53.1 percent.
In the 2003 poverty report, CARAGA with 47.3 percent, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with 45.7 percent, and Western Mindanao (Region IX) with 44.1 percent, were still among the top 10 poorest provinces in the Philippines.
The long-standing Mindanao peace process involving the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Mindanao peace movement, is also one major concern that needs to be addressed at the structural, deep social, cultural and religious levels.
These chronic diseases beleaguering the island provided a venue for Mindanaons to meet and discuss the possible solutions or steps to take in pushing for a progressive and peaceful Mindanao. And that’s when the movement for federalism came in place.
Today, the island have an overwhelming number of “matured federalist” compared to the other regions. The movement for a federal Philippines actually originated way back December 1999, when federal advocates from the Mindanao Congress of Development NGOS (MINCON) network assembled and created Lihok Pideral Mindanao (LPM). From then on, a series of regional organizing, federal trainors’ training throughout Mindanao, Federal constitution write-shops, and consultations with key leaders in Visayas and Luzon, created the Movement for a Federal Philippines (MFP). What was once a solely Mindanaon battle cry became now, a nationwide issue. Just this week, the Technical Assistance for the Development of Rural and Urban Poor (TACDRUP) hosted a forum for Federalism and Charter Change where discussions on federalism was brought to higher grounds.
The heightened interest on the Federal System has finally made federalism a national debatable issue the active participation of key Mindanawan leaders in the historical 2005 Consultative Constitutional Commission or ConCom. Although the fate of federalism is now in the hands of congress, we want to make it clear that only a federal-parliamentary form of government and not just parliamentary system can help the country cure its many ills.
Mindanao federalists deeply believe that Federal-parliamentary is not only the most viable and a part of the lasting answer to the Mindanao problem but also the system of government most suited for the Philippines in the 21st century.
A federal Philippines would end the concentration of power in a single national center. A federal system will grant the nation that chance because only a federal system can give real power, duly constituted power, to regional governments.
Equally, this structure of government would reinforce the Mindanao peace process, thus create a chance for peace and development to many conflict-affected areas peoples. The Lumad peoples have persistently expressed their own preference for self-determination, having seen that their absorption into the unitary political system has brought about the establishment and solidification of a threat to their very own existence and the integrity of their distinct cultures.
The Bangsamoro have their own distinct identity and vested interest that must be respected and cannot be satisfied by a continued subscription to political uniformity. With the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the central government has allowed, albeit grudgingly, a departure from the stranglehold of central authority. The passage of the Local Government Code in 1991 further chips away powers from central authority; the local government units from the regional autonomy to the barangay are able to exercise greater self-determination.
From an economic perspective the positive effect of federalism to Mindanao is the creation of more sustainable and competitive regional socio-economic reforms. Through a federal system, regional accountabilities would create tailor-made programs for smaller territories that are more responsive to their constituencies, particularly the infrastructure, employment/jobs creation, health, education, and various other human development programs. The environment will allow an economy where small and micro businesses will become robust ; where investments laws are designed to meet the needs of the state as well as its desired investment sectors. The traders will have more access to government services and there will be lesser layers of bureaucracy.
A smaller constituency will also make measurement of political performance easier for the voters. Regional economic and social programs are more directly felt and assessed, empowering the constituents to act more rationally in elections.
In summary, Federalism is one system that may be able to effectively address the current and peculiar Mindanao problem, and correct the years of neglect by the central government. This unique island-region that harbors three peoples - Lumads, Moros and Christians - of diverse backgrounds, customs, culture, traditions, and social systems, very succinctly calls for unity in diversity.
Federalism is the key that will unlock and unleash the true potentials of Mindanao . Then Mindanao will truly be the land of promise !
Friday, July 21, 2006
The Mindanao Promise Can Be Delivered
I am a Mindanawon. In my opinion, the phrase “Mindanao: Land of Promise” is not a cliché. It is a fact. Let me tell you about Mindanao.
Mindanao is a beautiful island. Situated in the southernmost section of the Philippine archipelago, Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines. With a land area of 102,043 square kilometers, it occupies one-third of the Philippines' total land area and is larger than a number of Asian countries like Taiwan or Singapore.
Mindanao is strategically located within the East ASEAN region, almost equidistant to the eastern sections of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. This key geographic location underscores its potential to be a major transshipment point and center of trade in the region.
Natural Richness
Mindanao is rich in natural resources. A third of our land is planted with the country’s major crops – 100% of national production of cacao, 91%of pineapples, 90% of cacao and over 50% of coconut, coffee and corn. And of course – the pomelos, mangosteen , rambutans , lanzones plus our own salad bar of lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflowers, cabbages,etc. Our fruit basket of bananas account to US79.5 million of our exports; fresh pineapples at US 33.5 million and the tuna that we eat as sashimi at US 22.3 million.
So its no wonder that we contribute over 40 percent of the Philippines' food requirements and more than 30 percent to the national food trade
Mindanao is likewise endowed with rich mineral resources. Mindanao reportedly accounts for 80% of the national total deposits of copper, nickel, and gold. Currently, of the twenty-three major metallic projects operating in the Philippines, nine are in Mindanao (primarily in Surigao and Davao Oriental).Its metallic deposits include lead, zinc, ore, iron, copper, chromite, magnetite and gold. Gold mined in Mindanao accounts for nearly half of the national gold reserves. Its non-metallic mineral resources include marble, salt, sand, gravel, silica, clay, and limestone.
Cultural diversity and the island's natural beauty make Mindanao one of Asia's favored tourist destinations. White sand beaches, scenic volcanoes, vast orchid gardens, and various ethnic festivals are only some of its unique tourist attractions. Our tourism arrival was at 2 million from January-July 2005; hovering from 25%-25% increase in arrivals
Economy
Agriculture is the driving force behind Mindanao's economy. Close to a third of its land area is devoted to agriculture. More than one-third of the island's labor force is employed in the agriculture, fishery and forestry sectors. Mindanao accounts for over 40 percent of the Philippines' food requirements and contributes more than 30 percent to the national food trade. Mindanao's evenly distributed tropical climate makes it ideal for year-round crop production. If wisely harnessed, Mindanao's rich agricultural resources can serve as the Philippines' foundation for sustainable growth.
In the first quarter of 2005, Mindanao’s overall economic performance remained upbeat. Despite the uncontrollable hikes in oil and consumer prices, which brought down sectoral production from the rest of the country this period, Mindanao’s economy proved to withstand these pressures as exhibited by its key economic indicators. Notably significant indicators in trade and investments, and exports, among others, backed up the said performance.
The BOI and Phividec-registered investments reached P1.07 billion in 2005 posting a growth of 142% compared to its previous year’s performance; Exports sector in Mindanao exhibited a 13% growth rate; Cargo traffic growth reached 5.73% as well as a 1.99% increase in vessel traffic among the major ports in Mindanao; A stable labor force as employment rates reached 94.7% while keeping unemployment rate at 5.3%; and, Value of private building construction increased by 5.1% from P1.96 Billion in 1st Qtr. 2004 to P2.06Billion in 1st Qtr. 2005.
The banking sector likewise plays an important role in mobilizing the economic development of Mindanao. It has contributed in the development of many small and medium scale entrepreneurs, and serves as one of the safe places for deposits for the burgeoning income base of Mindanaons.
Over the last three years, the Mindanao banking sector has displayed modest increase in the number of banking offices. From the report generated by the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO) there was a 2% increase in the number of banks operating Mindanao, from 877 in 2003 to 896 in 2004.
People
The primary asset of Mindanao is its people. Based on the year 2000 census, 18.1 million people or a quarter of the Philippines' total population reside in Mindanao. The island is home to some 27 indigenous cultural communities, as well as migrants from Luzon and the Visayas. Rather than an impediment, the pluralism of cultures in Mindanao is a major source of strength, particularly in trading with its multi-cultural neighbor countries in East ASEAN.
Mindanao has a relatively young albeit highly literate population. One-third of its population is aged 15 to 19 with a literacy rate of 90%. The island also boasts a versatile, adaptive and English-speaking work force. Generally, Mindanaoans are known for their positive outlook, pleasant disposition and warm hospitality.
Opportunities and Development Imperatives
Due to its rich natural resources which surpass those of Luzon and the Visayas, economic opportunities in Mindanao abound. With the recent revitalization of BIMP-EAGA of which Mindanao is an organic part, economic activities in the island are seen to further expand. However, Mindanao's resources must be judiciously managed to ensure their sustainability.
In its drive towards economic development through global trade competitiveness, Mindanao's leaders must not lose sight of social issues such as poverty and peace and security. These likewise need to be urgently addressed to ensure the island's sustainable development. Economic development programs should be undertaken hand in hand with programs targeted at alleviating poverty and installing conditions that would lead to long-term peace.
Jobs and Employment
We have a total labor force of 8.2 million; 95% are working or gainfully employed while the remaining 5% or 430,000 are unemployed. These are the seasonal workers in the farms and the plantations. Due to our robust agriculture based economy, our employment rate is higher by two (2) percentage points compared to the country’s 92.7%. Majority of our workers are in the agriculture sector; followed by services and manufacturing. This is mainly due to the bright and upbeat economic performance of the economy despite the hikes in oil and energy. As to be expected, the resiliency of Mindanao withstood the pressures of the environment
Mindanao, the troubled island
Amidst its beauty, Mindanao is a complex island with its own peculiarities and intricacies. To understand Mindanao is to go back to history and look at the facets that contributed to what it is today. Over the years, Mindanao has seen the light of day and the dark of night, with hostilities stalking its shadows, and region-wide poverty incidence scarring its beauty.
For many years now, Mindanao is beset by numerous problems on peace, infrastructure development and poverty. It is actually an irony that an island that holds so much promise of prosperity is home to millions of poor families, especially in the provinces of ARMM, CARAGA and Northern Mindanao.
The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), in its 2000 poverty incidence report, showed all regions in Mindanao had over 30 percent of poverty incidence. At the provincial level, Sulu (ARMM) was described as the poorest province in the Philippines, with the highest poverty incidence level of 63.2 percent. Tawi-Tawi had 56.5 percent. Maguindanao; 55.1 percent; Lanao del Sur, 55 percent; Sultan Kudarat, 54.3 percent; and Camiguin, 53.1 percent.
In the 2003 poverty report, CARAGA with 47.3 percent, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with 45.7 percent, and Western Mindanao (Region IX) with 44.1 percent, were still among the top 10 poorest provinces in the Philippines.
Hope Lives
Precisely because of this scenario that Mindanao has attracted numerous international development projects, to aid it in economic, social and political development. Majority of the country’s multi-lateral donor agency-projects are based in Mindanao.
Among these are Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM), Microenterprise Access to Banking Services (MABS), Livelihood Enhancement and Peace (LEAP) Program, GOP-UNDP-EC Programme on Rehabilitating Internally Displaced Persons and Communities in Southern Philippines, ACT for Peace Programme, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) - Industrial Development Programme, to name a few.
The hope for a progressive and peaceful Mindanao is not lost. Many Mindanawon leaders and stakeholders are now working towards making that hope a reality. We have been promoting Mindanao’s economy through the BIMP EAGA, an economic cooperation scheme involving the four countries of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. We have been pushing for a Federalism form of Government, as the effective approach to address to Mindanao’s peculiar social set up.
The GRP-MILF peace process is still underway, but negotiation is getting better. The green-leaf bearing dove, the most common symbol for peace, continues to hover around, with no solid branch or agreement to rest on. Yet the fact that the negotiation continues is a proof that a peaceful Mindanao will not remain a dream, and federalism may yet be that hope.
It’s simply a matter of time before Mindanao delivers its promise in full.
Mindanao is a beautiful island. Situated in the southernmost section of the Philippine archipelago, Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines. With a land area of 102,043 square kilometers, it occupies one-third of the Philippines' total land area and is larger than a number of Asian countries like Taiwan or Singapore.
Mindanao is strategically located within the East ASEAN region, almost equidistant to the eastern sections of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. This key geographic location underscores its potential to be a major transshipment point and center of trade in the region.
Natural Richness
Mindanao is rich in natural resources. A third of our land is planted with the country’s major crops – 100% of national production of cacao, 91%of pineapples, 90% of cacao and over 50% of coconut, coffee and corn. And of course – the pomelos, mangosteen , rambutans , lanzones plus our own salad bar of lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflowers, cabbages,etc. Our fruit basket of bananas account to US79.5 million of our exports; fresh pineapples at US 33.5 million and the tuna that we eat as sashimi at US 22.3 million.
So its no wonder that we contribute over 40 percent of the Philippines' food requirements and more than 30 percent to the national food trade
Mindanao is likewise endowed with rich mineral resources. Mindanao reportedly accounts for 80% of the national total deposits of copper, nickel, and gold. Currently, of the twenty-three major metallic projects operating in the Philippines, nine are in Mindanao (primarily in Surigao and Davao Oriental).Its metallic deposits include lead, zinc, ore, iron, copper, chromite, magnetite and gold. Gold mined in Mindanao accounts for nearly half of the national gold reserves. Its non-metallic mineral resources include marble, salt, sand, gravel, silica, clay, and limestone.
Cultural diversity and the island's natural beauty make Mindanao one of Asia's favored tourist destinations. White sand beaches, scenic volcanoes, vast orchid gardens, and various ethnic festivals are only some of its unique tourist attractions. Our tourism arrival was at 2 million from January-July 2005; hovering from 25%-25% increase in arrivals
Economy
Agriculture is the driving force behind Mindanao's economy. Close to a third of its land area is devoted to agriculture. More than one-third of the island's labor force is employed in the agriculture, fishery and forestry sectors. Mindanao accounts for over 40 percent of the Philippines' food requirements and contributes more than 30 percent to the national food trade. Mindanao's evenly distributed tropical climate makes it ideal for year-round crop production. If wisely harnessed, Mindanao's rich agricultural resources can serve as the Philippines' foundation for sustainable growth.
In the first quarter of 2005, Mindanao’s overall economic performance remained upbeat. Despite the uncontrollable hikes in oil and consumer prices, which brought down sectoral production from the rest of the country this period, Mindanao’s economy proved to withstand these pressures as exhibited by its key economic indicators. Notably significant indicators in trade and investments, and exports, among others, backed up the said performance.
The BOI and Phividec-registered investments reached P1.07 billion in 2005 posting a growth of 142% compared to its previous year’s performance; Exports sector in Mindanao exhibited a 13% growth rate; Cargo traffic growth reached 5.73% as well as a 1.99% increase in vessel traffic among the major ports in Mindanao; A stable labor force as employment rates reached 94.7% while keeping unemployment rate at 5.3%; and, Value of private building construction increased by 5.1% from P1.96 Billion in 1st Qtr. 2004 to P2.06Billion in 1st Qtr. 2005.
The banking sector likewise plays an important role in mobilizing the economic development of Mindanao. It has contributed in the development of many small and medium scale entrepreneurs, and serves as one of the safe places for deposits for the burgeoning income base of Mindanaons.
Over the last three years, the Mindanao banking sector has displayed modest increase in the number of banking offices. From the report generated by the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO) there was a 2% increase in the number of banks operating Mindanao, from 877 in 2003 to 896 in 2004.
People
The primary asset of Mindanao is its people. Based on the year 2000 census, 18.1 million people or a quarter of the Philippines' total population reside in Mindanao. The island is home to some 27 indigenous cultural communities, as well as migrants from Luzon and the Visayas. Rather than an impediment, the pluralism of cultures in Mindanao is a major source of strength, particularly in trading with its multi-cultural neighbor countries in East ASEAN.
Mindanao has a relatively young albeit highly literate population. One-third of its population is aged 15 to 19 with a literacy rate of 90%. The island also boasts a versatile, adaptive and English-speaking work force. Generally, Mindanaoans are known for their positive outlook, pleasant disposition and warm hospitality.
Opportunities and Development Imperatives
Due to its rich natural resources which surpass those of Luzon and the Visayas, economic opportunities in Mindanao abound. With the recent revitalization of BIMP-EAGA of which Mindanao is an organic part, economic activities in the island are seen to further expand. However, Mindanao's resources must be judiciously managed to ensure their sustainability.
In its drive towards economic development through global trade competitiveness, Mindanao's leaders must not lose sight of social issues such as poverty and peace and security. These likewise need to be urgently addressed to ensure the island's sustainable development. Economic development programs should be undertaken hand in hand with programs targeted at alleviating poverty and installing conditions that would lead to long-term peace.
Jobs and Employment
We have a total labor force of 8.2 million; 95% are working or gainfully employed while the remaining 5% or 430,000 are unemployed. These are the seasonal workers in the farms and the plantations. Due to our robust agriculture based economy, our employment rate is higher by two (2) percentage points compared to the country’s 92.7%. Majority of our workers are in the agriculture sector; followed by services and manufacturing. This is mainly due to the bright and upbeat economic performance of the economy despite the hikes in oil and energy. As to be expected, the resiliency of Mindanao withstood the pressures of the environment
Mindanao, the troubled island
Amidst its beauty, Mindanao is a complex island with its own peculiarities and intricacies. To understand Mindanao is to go back to history and look at the facets that contributed to what it is today. Over the years, Mindanao has seen the light of day and the dark of night, with hostilities stalking its shadows, and region-wide poverty incidence scarring its beauty.
For many years now, Mindanao is beset by numerous problems on peace, infrastructure development and poverty. It is actually an irony that an island that holds so much promise of prosperity is home to millions of poor families, especially in the provinces of ARMM, CARAGA and Northern Mindanao.
The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), in its 2000 poverty incidence report, showed all regions in Mindanao had over 30 percent of poverty incidence. At the provincial level, Sulu (ARMM) was described as the poorest province in the Philippines, with the highest poverty incidence level of 63.2 percent. Tawi-Tawi had 56.5 percent. Maguindanao; 55.1 percent; Lanao del Sur, 55 percent; Sultan Kudarat, 54.3 percent; and Camiguin, 53.1 percent.
In the 2003 poverty report, CARAGA with 47.3 percent, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with 45.7 percent, and Western Mindanao (Region IX) with 44.1 percent, were still among the top 10 poorest provinces in the Philippines.
Hope Lives
Precisely because of this scenario that Mindanao has attracted numerous international development projects, to aid it in economic, social and political development. Majority of the country’s multi-lateral donor agency-projects are based in Mindanao.
Among these are Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM), Microenterprise Access to Banking Services (MABS), Livelihood Enhancement and Peace (LEAP) Program, GOP-UNDP-EC Programme on Rehabilitating Internally Displaced Persons and Communities in Southern Philippines, ACT for Peace Programme, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) - Industrial Development Programme, to name a few.
The hope for a progressive and peaceful Mindanao is not lost. Many Mindanawon leaders and stakeholders are now working towards making that hope a reality. We have been promoting Mindanao’s economy through the BIMP EAGA, an economic cooperation scheme involving the four countries of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. We have been pushing for a Federalism form of Government, as the effective approach to address to Mindanao’s peculiar social set up.
The GRP-MILF peace process is still underway, but negotiation is getting better. The green-leaf bearing dove, the most common symbol for peace, continues to hover around, with no solid branch or agreement to rest on. Yet the fact that the negotiation continues is a proof that a peaceful Mindanao will not remain a dream, and federalism may yet be that hope.
It’s simply a matter of time before Mindanao delivers its promise in full.
Towards a Globalized Work Force
Knowledge and skills have become very important tools to ensure the competitiveness of our workforce, in the wake of globalisation and technological advances.
The traditional worker simply needs basic skills: reading, writing, arithmetic skills. The “global” worker however, must possess a range of skills such as creativity, adaptability, decision making and interactive skills. The use of information technology and evolution of the global trade and market have greatly altered job content and skills needs. Good jobs nowadays demand new and sophisticated work skills.
The move to e-commerce and e-business brought to rise a new breed of workers-- a combination of one who is interactive, business-oriented, and can understand the business process. E-business has also led to the creation of new types of jobs we have today such as web development, data transcription, telemarketing.
Yet young graduates from our technical vocational schools and workers trying to penetrate the labor market have not been able to take advantage of the availability of such good jobs simply because they do not possess the type of skills demanded by these industries.
Take the contact center industry as an example. Work opportunities abound, but there is an increasing realization from the industry of the difficulty in hiring qualified workers. In the recent Cyberservices Workforce Forecast (Based on Industry Reports for 2004 – 2005 sourced from CICT, BOI, BPAP and member organizations) it was determined that there is a need for 179,206 call center agents in the year 2006. This is expected to increase to 259,800 in 2007, a 45% increase, and projected to reach 506,500 in 2010. In the medical transcription industry, the workforce demand in 2006 is 13,800 employees and is expected to increase to 24,800 in 2007, an increase of 80%. However it seems unsure if this requirement can be filled up as fast as the rate the industry is growing. This is a real challenge to us in Mindanao. It is very important that we have to aggressively improve our workforce or lest find ourselves lagging behind in the fast developing ICT sector. Today, there are only three (3) call centers in Mindanao – one in Cagayan de Oro and two(2) in Davao City.
The Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) sector however performed well in terms of industry absorption. This was reflected in the Impact Assessment on the TVET Graduates (CY 1999) wherein the average employment rate of Mindanao TVET graduates was 61%. But with the high rate of obsolescence these days, we still need to improve our new graduates' chances of landing a job by improving the quality of education and providing them with skills being demanded by today's industries.
In the face of new skills requirements and expectations from our workforce, TVET institutions that train these workers have to adapt as well. The pressing need for workers with higher level skills demands new approaches and strategies in training and educating workers to enable them to stay competitive and advance their careers.
This will be the focus of the discussions in the 2006 Mindanao TVET HRSD (Human Resources and Skills Development) Conference and Exhibits. The Mindanao framework for education and job training that meets the needs of today's new and growing industries will be the main point of discussion in the largest gathering of TVET school owners ,administrators and business and labor group. On July 4 – 6, 2006, some 300 participants coming from the TVET sector, composed of government and private representatives, industry, academe, labor, will gather together at the Villa Paraisao Apartelle, Mambajao, Camiguin to exchange ideas and information on policies, emerging trends, career opportunities, and critical issues affecting TVET in Mindanao .
The 2006 Mindanao TVET HRSD Conference and Exhibits will provide an overview of the labor market and latest skills trends, determine regional constraints with regards to jobs generation and capability for small enterprise development, identify interventions to provide information and assistance in the areas of job search and marketing, promote the establishment of links between business and other agencies to assist schemes aimed at implementation of small scale community enterprise projects and jobs creation.
Aside from the conference, other highlights of the event are the: Camiguin Trade Exhibit – a showcase of products and services that the province is known for; Jobs Fair – a venue to provide employment facilitation assistance and opportunities to the reach of the unemployed, this is open to all fresh graduates, skilled and professional workers seeking advancement; Entrepreneurs' Fair – a venue for prospective entrepreneurs to find business opportunities particularly franchises.
Our government host is the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region X Reg. Dir. Mr. Silvano Maranga and Gov. Romualdo of Camiguin .The private sector host is the Northern Mindanao Techvoc Schools Association led by Dr. Irene Antonio of Valencia College in Bukidnon . Technical support to the event is being provided by TESDA XI Reg. Dir. Mr. Gaspar Gayona.
The Mindanao TVET Association will focus its efforts this year in adding a new dimension to its initiatives which is developing a “multi skilled” workforce and improved opportunities for jobs generation and capacities for enterprise development.
The traditional worker simply needs basic skills: reading, writing, arithmetic skills. The “global” worker however, must possess a range of skills such as creativity, adaptability, decision making and interactive skills. The use of information technology and evolution of the global trade and market have greatly altered job content and skills needs. Good jobs nowadays demand new and sophisticated work skills.
The move to e-commerce and e-business brought to rise a new breed of workers-- a combination of one who is interactive, business-oriented, and can understand the business process. E-business has also led to the creation of new types of jobs we have today such as web development, data transcription, telemarketing.
Yet young graduates from our technical vocational schools and workers trying to penetrate the labor market have not been able to take advantage of the availability of such good jobs simply because they do not possess the type of skills demanded by these industries.
Take the contact center industry as an example. Work opportunities abound, but there is an increasing realization from the industry of the difficulty in hiring qualified workers. In the recent Cyberservices Workforce Forecast (Based on Industry Reports for 2004 – 2005 sourced from CICT, BOI, BPAP and member organizations) it was determined that there is a need for 179,206 call center agents in the year 2006. This is expected to increase to 259,800 in 2007, a 45% increase, and projected to reach 506,500 in 2010. In the medical transcription industry, the workforce demand in 2006 is 13,800 employees and is expected to increase to 24,800 in 2007, an increase of 80%. However it seems unsure if this requirement can be filled up as fast as the rate the industry is growing. This is a real challenge to us in Mindanao. It is very important that we have to aggressively improve our workforce or lest find ourselves lagging behind in the fast developing ICT sector. Today, there are only three (3) call centers in Mindanao – one in Cagayan de Oro and two(2) in Davao City.
The Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) sector however performed well in terms of industry absorption. This was reflected in the Impact Assessment on the TVET Graduates (CY 1999) wherein the average employment rate of Mindanao TVET graduates was 61%. But with the high rate of obsolescence these days, we still need to improve our new graduates' chances of landing a job by improving the quality of education and providing them with skills being demanded by today's industries.
In the face of new skills requirements and expectations from our workforce, TVET institutions that train these workers have to adapt as well. The pressing need for workers with higher level skills demands new approaches and strategies in training and educating workers to enable them to stay competitive and advance their careers.
This will be the focus of the discussions in the 2006 Mindanao TVET HRSD (Human Resources and Skills Development) Conference and Exhibits. The Mindanao framework for education and job training that meets the needs of today's new and growing industries will be the main point of discussion in the largest gathering of TVET school owners ,administrators and business and labor group. On July 4 – 6, 2006, some 300 participants coming from the TVET sector, composed of government and private representatives, industry, academe, labor, will gather together at the Villa Paraisao Apartelle, Mambajao, Camiguin to exchange ideas and information on policies, emerging trends, career opportunities, and critical issues affecting TVET in Mindanao .
The 2006 Mindanao TVET HRSD Conference and Exhibits will provide an overview of the labor market and latest skills trends, determine regional constraints with regards to jobs generation and capability for small enterprise development, identify interventions to provide information and assistance in the areas of job search and marketing, promote the establishment of links between business and other agencies to assist schemes aimed at implementation of small scale community enterprise projects and jobs creation.
Aside from the conference, other highlights of the event are the: Camiguin Trade Exhibit – a showcase of products and services that the province is known for; Jobs Fair – a venue to provide employment facilitation assistance and opportunities to the reach of the unemployed, this is open to all fresh graduates, skilled and professional workers seeking advancement; Entrepreneurs' Fair – a venue for prospective entrepreneurs to find business opportunities particularly franchises.
Our government host is the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region X Reg. Dir. Mr. Silvano Maranga and Gov. Romualdo of Camiguin .The private sector host is the Northern Mindanao Techvoc Schools Association led by Dr. Irene Antonio of Valencia College in Bukidnon . Technical support to the event is being provided by TESDA XI Reg. Dir. Mr. Gaspar Gayona.
The Mindanao TVET Association will focus its efforts this year in adding a new dimension to its initiatives which is developing a “multi skilled” workforce and improved opportunities for jobs generation and capacities for enterprise development.
Task Force Davao - Great for Business
We see them on the streets of Davao, carrying guns and ammunitions, as if quietly scouting for danger. We see them on checkpoints, securing the entrance and exits of the city. We see them on seaports and airports, with their bomb-sniffing K9 dogs. I am talking about the Task Force Davao 4th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
I remembered that the Task Force Davao was organized after the bombings that hit Davao International Airport on 04 March 2003 and Sasa Wharf on 02 April 2003. I heard of them when I was part of the government created “Maniwang Commission” that was asked by President Arroyo to investigate the twin bombings of the city. I had the perception then that this task force , as the name implies, will be short-lived.
The unit was officially organized on 16 April 2003 to combat terrorism but on 01 December 2003, it was further tasked to undertake counter-insurgency operations. It operates in three major cities namely, Davao City, Panabo City and Island Garden City Of Samal (IGACOS). In total, TFD covers four municipalities and 283 barangays, in a land Area of 6,240 Sq K with around 1.5 M populations.
Its mission is to conduct internal security operations within its Area of Responsibility in order to establish a physically and psychologically secured environment conducive to peace and development. I particularly support the “psychologically secured” mission- seeing them even at late evenings makes one feel safe and sound while walking the streets of Davao. One night, my husband and I were having coffee in one of those convenience stores located within a gasoline station when I saw one group of TFD. Knowing how hard and tiring their work must be ; we offered to buy them coffee and midnight snacks- but they politely refused this. The more I admired them for that ! A far cry from the other soldiers that I had encountered.
Unknown to many people though, the Task Force Davao has operational activities that defy the war strategies of many army generals here and abroad. They are espousing what is called the Mass Base Operation.
When Colonel Eduardo D. Del Rosario FA (GSC) PA, assumed command of Task Force Davao (TFD) on 16 July 2004, he immediately conceptualized the organization of about 70,000 Muslims in Davao City. His intention was to organize our Muslim brothers so they can play an active role in the campaign against insurgency and terrorism to pave the way for sustainable development.
This endeavor was realized when Lieutenant Colonel Yusop A. Jimlani (INF) PA, a Tuasog Muslim Officer, was assigned to TFD as Deputy Commander on 16 August 2004. He was then tasked to spearhead the project’s implementation by coordinating with respected Muslim political as well as spiritual leaders to rationalize the necessity of leading their fellow Muslims. Likewise, Mayor Rody gave his full support knowing the critical role of the group in his campaign for peace and development.
On 30 September 2004, a symposium on Terrorism and other related topics was held at Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City. Various Muslim sector representatives attended the occasion, from the Religious, Women, Youth, Business, Balik Islam, former MNLF leaders, political groups and the Muslim elites in Davao City. The activity culminated with the induction of the elected officers of the newly formed group called the United Muslim Council for Peace and Development (UMCPD).
To support the peace initiatives of the group, TFD has hosted relief goods distribution to Muslim communities in the city, and has helped in the restructuring of the Madrasah School in Ecoland and the Badjao Mosque in the Boulevard area. A medical mission to different Muslim communities was also done, and to even enhance communication and relationships of non-Muslim Soldiers and Muslim public in the region, TFD published the Soldier’s Handbook to Understand Muslims last 2005. The handbook is now a required read for every Filipino soldier, stationed in Mindanao, or not.
I am glad that they have made public information a major thrust of the TFD. Since January 2005, it was able to gather a total of 4,003 audience from schools, hotels / restaurant staff, cooperatives, private businesses, barangays / municipalities and LGUs.
With the TFD, we can all confidently continue on doing business , inviting investments and creating more jobs. Personally , I view the TFD more as allies in peace keeping and partners in business.
I remembered that the Task Force Davao was organized after the bombings that hit Davao International Airport on 04 March 2003 and Sasa Wharf on 02 April 2003. I heard of them when I was part of the government created “Maniwang Commission” that was asked by President Arroyo to investigate the twin bombings of the city. I had the perception then that this task force , as the name implies, will be short-lived.
The unit was officially organized on 16 April 2003 to combat terrorism but on 01 December 2003, it was further tasked to undertake counter-insurgency operations. It operates in three major cities namely, Davao City, Panabo City and Island Garden City Of Samal (IGACOS). In total, TFD covers four municipalities and 283 barangays, in a land Area of 6,240 Sq K with around 1.5 M populations.
Its mission is to conduct internal security operations within its Area of Responsibility in order to establish a physically and psychologically secured environment conducive to peace and development. I particularly support the “psychologically secured” mission- seeing them even at late evenings makes one feel safe and sound while walking the streets of Davao. One night, my husband and I were having coffee in one of those convenience stores located within a gasoline station when I saw one group of TFD. Knowing how hard and tiring their work must be ; we offered to buy them coffee and midnight snacks- but they politely refused this. The more I admired them for that ! A far cry from the other soldiers that I had encountered.
Unknown to many people though, the Task Force Davao has operational activities that defy the war strategies of many army generals here and abroad. They are espousing what is called the Mass Base Operation.
When Colonel Eduardo D. Del Rosario FA (GSC) PA, assumed command of Task Force Davao (TFD) on 16 July 2004, he immediately conceptualized the organization of about 70,000 Muslims in Davao City. His intention was to organize our Muslim brothers so they can play an active role in the campaign against insurgency and terrorism to pave the way for sustainable development.
This endeavor was realized when Lieutenant Colonel Yusop A. Jimlani (INF) PA, a Tuasog Muslim Officer, was assigned to TFD as Deputy Commander on 16 August 2004. He was then tasked to spearhead the project’s implementation by coordinating with respected Muslim political as well as spiritual leaders to rationalize the necessity of leading their fellow Muslims. Likewise, Mayor Rody gave his full support knowing the critical role of the group in his campaign for peace and development.
On 30 September 2004, a symposium on Terrorism and other related topics was held at Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City. Various Muslim sector representatives attended the occasion, from the Religious, Women, Youth, Business, Balik Islam, former MNLF leaders, political groups and the Muslim elites in Davao City. The activity culminated with the induction of the elected officers of the newly formed group called the United Muslim Council for Peace and Development (UMCPD).
To support the peace initiatives of the group, TFD has hosted relief goods distribution to Muslim communities in the city, and has helped in the restructuring of the Madrasah School in Ecoland and the Badjao Mosque in the Boulevard area. A medical mission to different Muslim communities was also done, and to even enhance communication and relationships of non-Muslim Soldiers and Muslim public in the region, TFD published the Soldier’s Handbook to Understand Muslims last 2005. The handbook is now a required read for every Filipino soldier, stationed in Mindanao, or not.
I am glad that they have made public information a major thrust of the TFD. Since January 2005, it was able to gather a total of 4,003 audience from schools, hotels / restaurant staff, cooperatives, private businesses, barangays / municipalities and LGUs.
With the TFD, we can all confidently continue on doing business , inviting investments and creating more jobs. Personally , I view the TFD more as allies in peace keeping and partners in business.
Dirty Government - Dirty Air
The Private Emission Test Centers Owners’ Association (PETCOA) aptly described the prevailing situation today in its position paper submitted to the Office of Congressman Jacinto Paras, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Communication and that is “ It is a ruinous or cut throat competition where everyone tries to cut each other’s throat and suck their own blood just to survive in a supposedly fledgling business or industry “.
Government is partly to blame for this kind of environment which had led to the degradation of the integrity of the test. The Department of Trade and Industry had been mouthing “ free trade and competition” as a rationale for opening the floodgates that allowed each and everyone running to get a piece of the business . DTI had failed to realize that the emission business is not like a “sari-sari store “ or the usual “retail /service business” where “more “ is better for the consumers – you get better price and better service so to speak. DTI overlooked the fact that unlike any retail or service business where the market is finite and the need for a product or service may constantly arise from time to time ; the PETC business have a fixed number of clients in given area and will only avail of the service once a year. So therefore , if an area have only 3,000 vehicles in a year – one can forecast that this will be the only client base . If there will be 3-4 PETC’s in that given area – one will have to fight tooth and nail to be able to test the number of vehicles which will make the operations profitable.
Inspite of the fact that DTI issued a memorandum granting “moratorium” in areas where they believed that there is already a saturation of PETC’s. Unfortunately, as usual – the government’s intervention was already too late.
PETCOA’ s position paper further stated that “Prudence could had been resorted to by the concerned government agencies namely- DTI and LTO regarding the processing and approval of PETC applications thereby invoking a cautious planning and corresponding regulation of an industry that is fragile and subject to possible manipulation by business themselves or by a few inept and corrupt government officials”.
There was also the tremendous pressure coming from the different powerful personalities in the government bureaucracy for the granting of PETC accreditation and permits to operate to their own relatives and friends.
Today, there are many PETC’s operating which are owned by these powerful people in the bureaucracy. This is not really surprising , is it ?
The apparent deregulatory stance of government opened the floodgates to the proliferation of more than 500 PETCs’ nationwide and is now creating havoc to the desired order and fair competition in a public service oriented economic activity. So there are reports of various trade malpractices such as non appearance of vehicles ( vehicles don’t have to physically undergo the emission test process ; but are given certificate of emission compliance in exchange for bribe money ); counterfeiting and faking of forms and fixing or tampering of emission process.
Until today, there is still a significant number of LTO Offices in Mindanao that issues the registration of vehicles without the certificate of emission testing. When asked why ; they would candidly respond that they “have a quota to meet “. I did not quite understand this before until I read in one of the newspaper about an award that LTO ASEC Lontoc gave to LTO offices who met their revenue quotas. I hope that ASEC Lontoc will also look into other conditions that led to the attainment of the quota – that good governance must also be present ,
The issue on rationalization and putting to order the operations of the PETCs’ cannot be over emphasized . It must always be a shared responsibility between the concerned agency and the stakeholders.
The officers and members of the PETCOA , as an organized group, continues on policing its own ranks and will continue to pursue such functions over its members. Mr. Bernard Chang, the Chair of the association, has always been in the forefront of this “clean air advocacy “ and has been actively meeting government partners in this endeavor. But sometimes, I could not help but notice the feeling of great despair, disappointment and sometimes even anger because of the lack of response or interest of government to “ clean up the system”. I could understand his frustration because I had seen this in many members of the privates sector who have just simply given up hope of working with the bureaucracy.
The quality of air that we have in our streets had not significantly improved and our health problems due to deteriorating air quality had worsen. We call on government to be “kinder” to all of us and ultimately give us the “ clean air “ that we all are hoping for – perhaps this is the only luxury in life that we can get for free today .
Government is partly to blame for this kind of environment which had led to the degradation of the integrity of the test. The Department of Trade and Industry had been mouthing “ free trade and competition” as a rationale for opening the floodgates that allowed each and everyone running to get a piece of the business . DTI had failed to realize that the emission business is not like a “sari-sari store “ or the usual “retail /service business” where “more “ is better for the consumers – you get better price and better service so to speak. DTI overlooked the fact that unlike any retail or service business where the market is finite and the need for a product or service may constantly arise from time to time ; the PETC business have a fixed number of clients in given area and will only avail of the service once a year. So therefore , if an area have only 3,000 vehicles in a year – one can forecast that this will be the only client base . If there will be 3-4 PETC’s in that given area – one will have to fight tooth and nail to be able to test the number of vehicles which will make the operations profitable.
Inspite of the fact that DTI issued a memorandum granting “moratorium” in areas where they believed that there is already a saturation of PETC’s. Unfortunately, as usual – the government’s intervention was already too late.
PETCOA’ s position paper further stated that “Prudence could had been resorted to by the concerned government agencies namely- DTI and LTO regarding the processing and approval of PETC applications thereby invoking a cautious planning and corresponding regulation of an industry that is fragile and subject to possible manipulation by business themselves or by a few inept and corrupt government officials”.
There was also the tremendous pressure coming from the different powerful personalities in the government bureaucracy for the granting of PETC accreditation and permits to operate to their own relatives and friends.
Today, there are many PETC’s operating which are owned by these powerful people in the bureaucracy. This is not really surprising , is it ?
The apparent deregulatory stance of government opened the floodgates to the proliferation of more than 500 PETCs’ nationwide and is now creating havoc to the desired order and fair competition in a public service oriented economic activity. So there are reports of various trade malpractices such as non appearance of vehicles ( vehicles don’t have to physically undergo the emission test process ; but are given certificate of emission compliance in exchange for bribe money ); counterfeiting and faking of forms and fixing or tampering of emission process.
Until today, there is still a significant number of LTO Offices in Mindanao that issues the registration of vehicles without the certificate of emission testing. When asked why ; they would candidly respond that they “have a quota to meet “. I did not quite understand this before until I read in one of the newspaper about an award that LTO ASEC Lontoc gave to LTO offices who met their revenue quotas. I hope that ASEC Lontoc will also look into other conditions that led to the attainment of the quota – that good governance must also be present ,
The issue on rationalization and putting to order the operations of the PETCs’ cannot be over emphasized . It must always be a shared responsibility between the concerned agency and the stakeholders.
The officers and members of the PETCOA , as an organized group, continues on policing its own ranks and will continue to pursue such functions over its members. Mr. Bernard Chang, the Chair of the association, has always been in the forefront of this “clean air advocacy “ and has been actively meeting government partners in this endeavor. But sometimes, I could not help but notice the feeling of great despair, disappointment and sometimes even anger because of the lack of response or interest of government to “ clean up the system”. I could understand his frustration because I had seen this in many members of the privates sector who have just simply given up hope of working with the bureaucracy.
The quality of air that we have in our streets had not significantly improved and our health problems due to deteriorating air quality had worsen. We call on government to be “kinder” to all of us and ultimately give us the “ clean air “ that we all are hoping for – perhaps this is the only luxury in life that we can get for free today .
BETTER VALUE FOR NUMBERS
During the inception of the process or procedures involved in the emission testing of motor vehicles, I could very well recall that the importance of what we normally refer to as “IT” or information technology component was repeated over and over again . This means that the results of the emission testing done by all the private emission test centers (PETC’s) nationwide will be uploaded to a central databank. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and other concerned departments will have full access to this very valuable data.
In my many years of participation in advocacy work, I had developed a “love affair” with numbers. Simply because numbers are numbers and you have very little ground for quarrel about that – and numbers are significant tools in any advocacy endeavor because of the many interesting stories behind it. And the stories are varied – the degree of their value will largely depend on how we use and interpret them.
My friend, USEC Ricky Alfonso of the Dept. of Transportation and Communication used this PETC database into good use- analysis of the performance of the different emission centers and the tracking of anomalous testing transactions .
But there are more relevant stories that these numbers can tell. The LTO under ASEC Annelli Lontoc, can use this data to punish and call the attention of some LTO District officers who , until today, refused to respect the law. This database when compared with the actual vehicle registration transactions of LTO will tell ASEC Lontoc the sad story that there are still many of the offices under her, especially in less urbanized cities and provinces that thinks they are “above the law’. These are the LTO officers that allows their offices to release registration certificates even without the mandatory emission testing. I am saying this because many of the provinces and smaller cities in Mindanao are so far , far away from the “LTO of Imperial Manila “; and the numbers should be a cause of worry and alarm to all of us. Some LTO people think that they can afford to be complacent about all of these “street pollution” concerns because this is not really a serious problem in their area since the air is not as dirty as Manila due to the presence of fewer number of motor vehicles and large tracts of land. Well, this may be true for now - but, if we don’t watch out – we will become like Manila soon!
Today, increasing levels of air pollution are threatening the well-being of city dwellers, and imposing not just a direct economic cost by impacting human health but also threatening long term productivity investment.
Davao City has been classified as one of the TSP (Total Suspended Particulates) hot spots in the Philippines, having a high concentration of air pollutants in its environment.
According to the World Bank report , the estimated damage to human health in terms of impact on excess deaths, chronic bronchitis, respiratory symptoms and cost of exposure to air pollution showed that Davao City is the 2nd highest among four cities at USD 85million (Metro Manila USD392M; Cebu USD16M; Baguio USD9M).
The 2002 National Air Quality Status Report would show that in five of the seven years previous years,locations outside the Metro Manila exceeded or equaled the highest Metro Manila annual readings – Davao and Tagum in 1996 and Davao again in 1999.
This should merit our serious attention as it shows how air pollution threatens the well-being of Mindanawans.
Transport is a major source of air pollution. In 2003 there were 4.3 million registered vehicles in the country- and it keeps on increasing every year. 36% are utility vehicles ; 17% cars; 6% trucks; 1% buses; 1% trailers ; 36% motorcycles and tricycles . Of all vehicles, 70% are gasoline powered and the rest are diesel. Most of high mileage PUV’s are diesel powered and they emit a significant amount of fine particles of emission that contributes to pollution. PUV’s outnumber cars by a ratio of 2:1 .
In Mindanao , there were 5609,817 registered vehicles in 2003 and 625,047 in 2004; an annual growth rate of 11.45 %. The population of Mindanao was projected to be 20,289 M in 2005 ; growing at 2.11% annually.
Interestingly, the LTO compliance ratings when it comes to mandatory emission testing as a prerequisite to vehicle registration is a low of 40% to a high of 95%. A law is a law- so compliance must be 100% , don’t you think so? In the spirit of transparency and accountability, ASEC Lontoc should make the findings public and have it published in newspapers so that the general public will know whether LTO is doing its job well and run after the erring LTO Officers to perform their work well.
In 2001, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducted road side inspections and apprehensions of smoke belchers. 8,470 uility vehicles were apprehended, 4256 buses, 1334 jeepneys. Guess what? 95.6% of the utility vehicles, 91.8% buses and 98.1 % jeepneys failed !
Aside from strict compliance of the emission testing of motor vehicles; there are other equally important support mechanisms to ensure cleaner air for us in Mindanao . One of this is a locally initiated road side inspection and apprehension of smoke belchers by the LGU, LTO DOTC , media and NGO similar to what MMDA did . This, I believe, will help clean the air in our major thoroughfares.
The database found in the LTO databank should also be utilize to examine the performance of the LTO operated MVIS (Motor Vehicle Inspection System) – the entity that conducts emission testing of public utility vehicles (PUV’s). This numbers will prove to us that the MVIS is really doing a good or a lousy job of testing the jeepneys, taxis and tricycles !
Using these numbers might be our only hope to reward the good and to punish the bad . Political will is a matter of choice – it can be used for the good of the greater majority or on the other hand- for personal survival .
In my many years of participation in advocacy work, I had developed a “love affair” with numbers. Simply because numbers are numbers and you have very little ground for quarrel about that – and numbers are significant tools in any advocacy endeavor because of the many interesting stories behind it. And the stories are varied – the degree of their value will largely depend on how we use and interpret them.
My friend, USEC Ricky Alfonso of the Dept. of Transportation and Communication used this PETC database into good use- analysis of the performance of the different emission centers and the tracking of anomalous testing transactions .
But there are more relevant stories that these numbers can tell. The LTO under ASEC Annelli Lontoc, can use this data to punish and call the attention of some LTO District officers who , until today, refused to respect the law. This database when compared with the actual vehicle registration transactions of LTO will tell ASEC Lontoc the sad story that there are still many of the offices under her, especially in less urbanized cities and provinces that thinks they are “above the law’. These are the LTO officers that allows their offices to release registration certificates even without the mandatory emission testing. I am saying this because many of the provinces and smaller cities in Mindanao are so far , far away from the “LTO of Imperial Manila “; and the numbers should be a cause of worry and alarm to all of us. Some LTO people think that they can afford to be complacent about all of these “street pollution” concerns because this is not really a serious problem in their area since the air is not as dirty as Manila due to the presence of fewer number of motor vehicles and large tracts of land. Well, this may be true for now - but, if we don’t watch out – we will become like Manila soon!
Today, increasing levels of air pollution are threatening the well-being of city dwellers, and imposing not just a direct economic cost by impacting human health but also threatening long term productivity investment.
Davao City has been classified as one of the TSP (Total Suspended Particulates) hot spots in the Philippines, having a high concentration of air pollutants in its environment.
According to the World Bank report , the estimated damage to human health in terms of impact on excess deaths, chronic bronchitis, respiratory symptoms and cost of exposure to air pollution showed that Davao City is the 2nd highest among four cities at USD 85million (Metro Manila USD392M; Cebu USD16M; Baguio USD9M).
The 2002 National Air Quality Status Report would show that in five of the seven years previous years,locations outside the Metro Manila exceeded or equaled the highest Metro Manila annual readings – Davao and Tagum in 1996 and Davao again in 1999.
This should merit our serious attention as it shows how air pollution threatens the well-being of Mindanawans.
Transport is a major source of air pollution. In 2003 there were 4.3 million registered vehicles in the country- and it keeps on increasing every year. 36% are utility vehicles ; 17% cars; 6% trucks; 1% buses; 1% trailers ; 36% motorcycles and tricycles . Of all vehicles, 70% are gasoline powered and the rest are diesel. Most of high mileage PUV’s are diesel powered and they emit a significant amount of fine particles of emission that contributes to pollution. PUV’s outnumber cars by a ratio of 2:1 .
In Mindanao , there were 5609,817 registered vehicles in 2003 and 625,047 in 2004; an annual growth rate of 11.45 %. The population of Mindanao was projected to be 20,289 M in 2005 ; growing at 2.11% annually.
Interestingly, the LTO compliance ratings when it comes to mandatory emission testing as a prerequisite to vehicle registration is a low of 40% to a high of 95%. A law is a law- so compliance must be 100% , don’t you think so? In the spirit of transparency and accountability, ASEC Lontoc should make the findings public and have it published in newspapers so that the general public will know whether LTO is doing its job well and run after the erring LTO Officers to perform their work well.
In 2001, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducted road side inspections and apprehensions of smoke belchers. 8,470 uility vehicles were apprehended, 4256 buses, 1334 jeepneys. Guess what? 95.6% of the utility vehicles, 91.8% buses and 98.1 % jeepneys failed !
Aside from strict compliance of the emission testing of motor vehicles; there are other equally important support mechanisms to ensure cleaner air for us in Mindanao . One of this is a locally initiated road side inspection and apprehension of smoke belchers by the LGU, LTO DOTC , media and NGO similar to what MMDA did . This, I believe, will help clean the air in our major thoroughfares.
The database found in the LTO databank should also be utilize to examine the performance of the LTO operated MVIS (Motor Vehicle Inspection System) – the entity that conducts emission testing of public utility vehicles (PUV’s). This numbers will prove to us that the MVIS is really doing a good or a lousy job of testing the jeepneys, taxis and tricycles !
Using these numbers might be our only hope to reward the good and to punish the bad . Political will is a matter of choice – it can be used for the good of the greater majority or on the other hand- for personal survival .
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