Thousands of Kilusang Pagbabago received membership appointment - Siocon Mayor support federalism

Siocon, Zambo, Norte – The  kilusang Pagbabago (KP-LOI,) Zamboanga del Norte Regional Chapter conducted General Assembly in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte last October 18, 2017.

The said assembly composed of four (4) municipalities;  Siocon, Sirawai, Sibuco and Baliguian in the said province.

The said Non-  Government Organization support's the President Duterte's Program on Federalism Form of government as part of the president's mandate “Para sa tunay na pagbabago”.

The KP-LOI pursuing the mandate of the president by disseminating   information  about federalism and helping the poor among the poorest  municipalities by uplifting the living conditions  of the people  particularly on far-flung municipalities.

The said assembly was very successful because the local government units and all mayors here are very supportive  to the group of “ Kilusang Pagbabago”.

Mayor Julius S. Lobrigas of Siocon said “my support on federalism program of our President Rodrigo Duterte is 100% and of course the Kilusang Pagbabago because through them, the mandate of our president were partially  implemented”, said the mayor.

“I will also thankful that Kilusang Pagbabago handed the program of our president in order to give the people a true information about federalism and  helping us to develop our community here”, Lobrigas added.

During the assembly,  there are 1, 240 members of Kilusang Pagbabago received  a certificate of appointments  from National, Provincial and Municipal Coordinators of the said NGO.

Jun Amores, the regional coordinator said, through the federal form of government, we totally change the laws that will never applied to our country, we campaigning to change the existing governance into  a federalism form of government”.

“This is not the issue about the problem of the country but this is the issue of the form of the government we have”, Amores added.

On the other hand, Norhida Wahid  Hajal, the municipal coordinator of Sibuco municipality also said that Kilusang Pagbabago –LOI focused on development projects of every municipality who needs their help, because the Kilusang Pagbabago helping poor among  the poorest people in order to uplift their living conditions.

“My dedication to help people most especially our municipality in Sibuco that needs my help, I really volunteer myself to do my duty as municipal coordinator  to help them as I can”, said Norhida Hajal in an interview.

The municipal coordinator also of Baliguian  Danny Inso also added that their municipality needs help and total reform for the betterment of the his constituents here.

He is very Thankful about Kilusang Pagbabago come to his municipality because their voices heard and more project implementation are coming. “Ito ang tunay na pagbabago” he added. (By: Becky D. de Asis)

PRRD attends ASEAN high-level forum; calls for greater cooperation

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte attended on Thursday, October 19, the High-Level Forum on ASEAN at 50, recognizing its contribution to regional development.

“I wish to thank the organizers of this High-Level Forum on ASEAN at 50 for inviting me to this very meaningful gathering,” President Duterte said in a speech before the forum’s participants.

He said the discussions by ASEAN’s eminent leaders have substantial contributions to the development of their respective nations and the growth of the ASEAN community and the realization of a common vision and the identity of the region.

The ASEAN has also served a major role in ensuring stability and security in Asia as evidenced by its success in the past 50 years, President Duterte said.

According to the President, the recent developments in the Korean Peninsula have tested ASEAN’s resolve to keep the peace and ensure the security of the region.

“That is why we remain committed in working closely with our international partners in maintaining stability in the Korean Peninsula,” he said.

On the economic front, the regional bloc continues to work towards bigger, more open and rules-based market where businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises, can thrive, he said.

Duterte said when the Leaders of ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners meet in November for the 31st ASEAN Summit, they will reaffirm commitment to maintain regional peace and stability, pursue maritime security and cooperation, advance inclusive innovation-led growth, strengthen the region’s resiliency, and promote ASEAN as a global player and a model of regionalism.

At the same time, they want to see substantial progress in negotiations for the establishment of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, he said.

As the Philippines completes its duty as Chair of ASEAN, Duterte said, “It is our shared hope [that] our gains will become part of our continuing commitment to ASEAN and the principles for which it stands for.”

“I therefore call on our fellow ASEAN leaders to empower our peoples by making them understand the importance of ASEAN in their lives, [how] its past gains have directly contributed to their well-being, and how the realization of its goals will make their lives better.”

The President also called for greater cooperation between ASEAN member countries as well as improvements on trade. He said that ASEAN could learn from other regional grouping such as the EU, stressing if the EU could do it, why couldn't the ASEAN.

He therefore said that barriers on trade must be addressed, citing hurdles imposed by the European and the American markets on ASEAN products.

“I dream of a time when we can treat the other countries or the cartel of other nations equally on our own terms also. I hope that ASEAN will grow strong and solve the problems --- the serious problems confronting us,” he said.

The South China Sea must also be tackled but must be resolved through peaceful means. Another concern that the President mentioned is the rampant piracy and terrorism in the Malacca Strait, noting its impact on regional trade. He suggested imposing drastic action for a very dangerous situation.

“I hope to talk with the leaders of these countries and we’re willing to put our resources together with theirs to find a solution,” President Duterte added.

Prior to his attendance to the High Level Forum on ASEAN, the President met former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who were former ASEAN leaders.

Also present were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, and Bohol Rep. Arthur Yap. (PND)