Filipino Journal Winnipeg Volume 24 Number 4

24 Years February 20 - March 5, 2010 • Volume 24, Number 4

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Winnipeg, Manitoba Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic opening

Pages 2, 4 ► The opening ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic presents the Aboriginals, the ethnic, the french and the 10 provinces and the territories in a colossal show.

Kevin Lamoreaux conducts four immigration workshops

Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

PCCM elects eight new board of directors

Page 21 ► Kevin delivers information during the workshop.

Fashion + Fun + One Great Cause = Rock the Ribbon!

Page 10 ► Rock the Ribbon’s courageous models share their story and raise their hands up as they have succeeded in fighting breast cancer!

Page 12 ► The 2010 PCCM Board of Directors including the newly-elected 8 board of directors, front row, from left to right: Gem Anis, Rica Roque, Kelly Legaspi, Clarita Nazario (newly elected), Dr. Irene Guzman, Julie Javier, Dr. Roland Guzman, adviser; Jean Guiang, chair, election committee; back row, from L-R: Jing Asperin (newly elected), Lito Taruc, Jun Oquendo, Norman Padilla, Allan Zoleta (newly elected), Noel Cadelina, Rod E. Cantiveros, Nap Ebora; and Philip Pascual, adviser.

Gloria loves money, Manny loves glory Page 17►

COMELEC bars Richard Gomez to run as congressman Page 15 ►

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February 20 - March 5, 2010

2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Part I

Olympic fever gets into my very soul!

by Rod E. Cantiveros

T

he opening ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic is a grand spectacle; so grandeur in its program; so creative on its set; so colossal in its totality! It is an experience of a life time. And this makes me a proud Canadian!

Walking to the BC Place Stadium where the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic will hold its

the spectacle. We walk for at least ten minutes to reach the entrance.

Security measure is very strict. A system is patterned with the airport security. Nobody complains.

Upon entering the stadium, pre-entertainment show is going on.

A great party is going on; and for sure, a greatest show will follow.

With 60,000 attendees, the program start with instruction on

John with his boss, co-employee and friend.

Opening Ceremony, i feel special being my first time to witness such international sporting events. For me, this is a very special experience of a life time. As the cold wind gently touches my face amid the grey cloud over us, plus the barricades along our way, i do feel the fever of excitement. I’d never dreamt of being a part of this sporting event history. Thanks to my son, Johnny and his boss to include me as part of the corporate privilege to see

how to be a part of the massive program. We have to wear a light blue fellon so that it looks like snow; a woman gives instruction when to use the two flashlights and the drum. Rehearsals for the use of the flashlights follows. The lights are turned out and the whole BC place turns just like a galaxy of stars: moving stars. Wow! The 60,000 who are fortunate to watch the opening become the part of the show.

I look around and feel more feverish. Each one wears the same color and each face has a mirror the excitement of the opening.

Neighbors become friends and each one expects something different.

One question also bugs everybody: “Who will light the Olympic flame?” “ Will be Gretsky?”

Nobody knows.

The program begins with a usual singing of the national anthem

by Nikki Yanofsky who rendered a different version so the audience can not join the singing. The Canadian flag is hoisted. And this is followed by the magic of the giant stage at the centre of the stadium. Kaleidoscopic colours shine on the stage as the four totem poles emerge to signify the welcome of the Four Host First Nations and deeping applause on the arrival of the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada: a warm gesture to the members of the First Nations.

The giant stage is awash with colors amid the colossal totem poles! And as the Aboriginals performs their ritual dances, the parade of athletes from the 95 countries. Canada and the United States have the same number of athletes. And I catch the attention of the athletes from the tropical and Asian countries which have no snow like Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Ethiopa, Hongkong, Philippines (no athletes present) Taipei and others.

Everyone cheers for Bermuda when

Rod and John

the 4 athletes parade in short! (Oh, they might think this is a summer Olympic, one person says!) I feel empty why the Philippines is included but no athletes. I wish i could go there on the stage with my two sons to carry the Philippine flag. Anyway, we wear a Philippine Hockey Jersey. This jersey becomes the big attraction and

Rod & John show the most coveted ticket.

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photo opps with tourists wherever we go.”Kayo ba ang representatives ng Philippines?”, some kababayans ask us.

Tribute to the Athletes brings Bryan Adams and Nelly Furtado on the stage: “From the East; From the West, each one of us trying our best chasing a dream; burning to follow the flame”, Bryan Adam/Jim Valliance.

The true magic on the stage begins when the Cultural Display” Landscape of Dream” starts with a great bang!. The Hymn of the North gives the aura and mystic of the north and its Spirit Bear with lights appear on the stage; the Sacred Grove of the Maritimes gives you the drive to see those provinces in the coming months.

Sarah MacLachan interprets the showcase; what beautiful maple leaf engulfs the Rhythms of the Fall which depicts Quebec and Ontario; and Collin Mailer becomes the See page 4 ►

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From page 2

star Steve Nash and who lights the torch of gold medal skier Nancy Green Raine and who fires hockey great Wayne Gretsky’s torch. Doan, Nash, Green and Gretsky- each carrying a torch- in unison walk to the base of each cauldron and together they use their torches to ignite the Olympic flame! (one cauldron or shards fails to emerge and Green just stands and waits.)

Everyone in the audience exults excitements as the Canadian flag and IOC flag flies. Such a feeling of belonging, of a part of the whole olympic programs and feeling of pride and honored.

Measha Brueggergosman , a well known soprano, interprets the Olympic National Anthem. After the hymn, I sit down to enjoy my joy, my feverishly experience of a life time. I am so lucky to witness this spectacle, this colossal show of professionalism and creativity. This event will be a part of memorable memories... And as we leave the stadium, everyone shouts “ Let The Game Begins” and almost everyone sings “Oh Canada”.

The British Columbia

The Prairie

Northern Canada

airal fiddler; the prairie landscape drives my soul to appreciate the beauty of the Prairie in ”Who Has Seen The Wind” as one boy (played by Thomas Saulgrain) floats overlooking the wonders of the prairie as the iconic song “Both Sides Now” of Joni Mitchell is sung; “Peaks of Endeavour” reflects the City of Vancouver, the mountain ranges, the west! And finally the song “ We Are More” ends the greatest spectacles! With so much ooohhsss and aaahhhss, the colossal show is never to be

forgotten! I am overwhelmed by its massive sets, by the projection of various images on the stage, by the energy of the performers, by the enthusiasm and expectations of the athletes and the feverish gesture of the audience!

The lighting of the cauldron surprises the audience. First to appear on the stage is the famed wheelchair athlete Rick Hansen who carries the torch to BC Place; then he passes the flame to gold-medal winning speed skater Catriona LeMay Doan who lights the NBA

I feel proud and honored as a Canadian with Filipino heritage!

(Next issue: The award winning Manitoba Centre Pavilion, walking to meet people and watch events and especially the Cultural Olympiad (many countries presented their cultural richness to the world... unfortunately, Philippines did not participate... so busy with the coming election) and eating out with my heart and mind... Vancouver is a paradise of the best food!)

Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

More photos available on FilipinoJournal. com

Filipino Journal Ron Cantiveros Publisher

aLfie vera mella Associate Editor

Rod Escobar Cantiveros Sales & Advertising

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief- Filipino Journal 1987-2008

www.FilipinoBrideAndGroom.com Published Annually

Published Quarterly

Derksen Printers (Steinbach, MB) Printers

Contributing Writers: Lucille Nolasco

Fran Avila-Anthony

RG (Bob) Gabuna Dr. Eusebio Koh Reis Pagtakhan

Joan Duhaylungsod

Mike Pagtakhan

Pastor Junie Josue

Ramon Toralba

Johnny Cantiveros

Perry Diaz

Paulo G. Ercia

Gem M. Anis

Ruwiz Mercado

We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/ Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.

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Government of Canada to fund expanded overseas Thank You Winnipeg! foreign credential recognition services in China, ast February 10, 2009, unselfishly giving their time and FCTPAM and MaCCFA gave talents to make this fundraising a India, the Philippines and the United Kingdom a cheque for $19, 548.98 to success. There were headaches

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ancouver, February 18, 2010 – More skilled immigrants to Canada will be able to access the help needed to jump-start their credential recognition process through expanded overseas orientation services, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.

“We want newcomers to be able to use their skills as soon as possible in Canada,” said Minister Kenney. “This funding will help them jump-start the credential recognition process before they arrive in Canada. It’s good for them and good for the Canadian economy.”

The Canadian Immigration Integration Project (CIIP), run by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), will receive additional funding of $15 million over the next three years to expand services in India, China and the Philippines.

A new office will also open in London, United Kingdom, in the fall of 2011, which will also serve various Nordic and Arab states according to demand.

“Our government is committed to helping newcomers

January 13, 2009 Minister Kenney visits the Canadian Immigration Integration Project Orientation Centre (Foreign Credential Referral Office). New Delhi, India

succeed in Canada,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is improving foreign credential recognition so that newcomers can maximize their skills. Attracting the best international talent is important to Canada’s long-term economic success.”

The CIIP, run by the ACCC, began offering orientation services in the Philippines, China and India on a pilot basis in early 2007.

The existing sites, along with the London office, will offer access to more than 70% of the selected federal skilled workers around the world. These locations will also offer access to approximately 44% of selected provincial nominees

around the world.

“To date, close to 7,000 people have graduated from the CIIP pilot program overseas,” said James Knight, President and CEO, ACCC. “As a result, they are better prepared to contribute to Canada’s prosperity through employment or by starting a new business. ACCC will work with our member institutions and our many partners to expand and enrich CIIP, bringing even greater benefits to newcomers and to Canada.”

Newcomers report foreign credential recognition as one of their top challenges once they immigrate to Canada. As part of the Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has allocated $50M over two years (2009-2010) to support a common approach to foreign credential recognition to better integrate immigrants into the Canadian labour market.

Minister Kenney also spoke of advancements and successes of the federal government in the area of foreign credential recognition in Canada, including the recent announcement of the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications – a landmark agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to speed up foreign credential recognition for newcomers to Canada.

In addition, today Minister Kenney announced the release of the report, A Commitment to Foreign Credential Recognition: Government of Canada Progress Report 2009. To read the report and find further information on the Government of Canada’s services to accelerate the recognition of foreign credentials in Canada, visit http://www.credentials.gc.ca/.

the Canadian Red Cross Society for relief efforts in the Haiti earthquake disaster.

This amount will be matched by the Federal government, so the total is $39,097.60. Please visit our website maccfa.ca and fctpam.net for the summary of donations.

Many thanks to the donors and establishments who generously opened their hearts and wallets to help the people of Haiti during this time of great devastation in their country. Your donations will go a long way in giving hope to the Haitians and in helping to rebuild their lives.

GREAT JOB VOLUNTEERS! All of this would not have been possible without your cooperation and help. Everyone worked hard and FCTPAM and MaCCFA want to thank each and every one of the volunteers for

and some stress in the organizing and planning of this campaign but the experience and the challenges it presented have been rewarding ones. Most importantly, we learned to work with each other to attain one goal, and that is to help those in need.

We commend our Haiti volunteers for facing the challenges that came up. Thank you for stepping up to the plate and showing initiative. FCTPAM and MaCCFA are indeed privileged to have been involved with wonderful volunteers from the Filipino community. Your skills, knowledge and talents are immensely appreciated. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.

All of you have shown that the people of Winnipeg and most especially the Filipino community have big hearts.

Thank you Winnipeg!

First Nations Diabetes Funding Being Ignored: New Democrats

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TTAWA – New Democrat MPs are calling on the Harper government to support sustaining funding for the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative and other First Nations diabetes treatments in the wake of the sad case of Marvin Blackbird, who was denied critical diabetes care because he lives on the Keeseekoowenin Reserve in Manitoba.

“Canadians don’t believe lines on a map should dictate who has access to affordable health care.

Universal, portable drug coverage is a must, but the Harper government won’t act. It’s when we get down to the personal level that the tragedy of that inaction becomes most obvious,” said New Democrat Health Critic Judy Wasylycia-Leis (Winnipeg North).

“The health deficit in First Nations communities is profound and unacceptable. Yet, this Conservative government, like those before it, continues to fail.”

Mr. Blackbird’s urgent need underlines the problems with diabetes care for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across Canada, who are three to five times more likely to develop the disease and at a much younger age than the general population.

“With the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative funding coming to an end this year, this case highlights the need to keep that funding flowing,” points

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out Aboriginal Health Issues Critic Carol Hughes (Algoma-ManitoulinKapuskasing). “It is also important to look at more proactive means of helping these people, such as drug therapy instead of waiting until someone ends up in a hospital.”

Too many First Nations are forced to leave their homes because Health Canada offers a different standard of care than the province they live in. New Democrat Aboriginal Affairs Critic Jean Crowder (Nanaimo-Cowichan) says she hears from many families wondering why their residence on a reserve means less access to services.

“Once we passed Jordan’s Principle, that said when a child was in need of care, that child should receive the care and then governments or departments could argue over who pays the bill, I started receiving calls from across Canada saying the situation with children was the tip of the iceberg,” said Crowder. “For almost any social service you can think of - health care, child welfare, long term care for the elderly- people on reserves do not get the same level of care as other people living in the same province.

When it comes to drug therapies that could keep people healthy and out of hospital, it just doesn’t make sense, ethically or economically to have this two tiered health care system.”

February 20 - March 5, 2010

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PEREZCOPE

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com

Was Panlilio’s Ouster a Hatchet Job?

T

he ouster of Gov. Fr. Ed Panlilio from the governorship of Pampanga once again reinforces the belief that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is being used to “terminate” the political lives of the enemies of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Panlilio was the third governor who got axed for not playing ball with Gloria.

The day before Panlilio’s ouster, Comelec declared that Bulacan Gov. Joselito “Jonjon” Mendoza lost the recount to former Agrarian Reform Secretary Roberto Pagdanganan.

In December 2009, Comelec ousted Isabela Governor Grace Padaca and declared former Governor Benjamin Dy the winner in the 2007 elections.

In addition to the three ousted governors, several other LP candidates have been targeted.

Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, who has been mayor for 18 years, has a pending disqualification case on the issue of citizenship.

Another LP candidate who has a pending case in the Comelec is Batangas Vice Governor Jose Antonio “Marc” Leviste II who is seeking reelection.

Meanwhile, the Comelec’s First Division disqualified LP member Abraham Kahlil Mitra from the Palawan gubernatorial race on the issue of residency. Comelec said that Mitra failed to proved his residency which Mitra vehemently denied.

In my article, “Czarina and the Priest” (February 24, 2009), I wrote:

“It all started when Panlilio and other governors were invited to a breakfast meeting at the Malacañang Palace in October 2007. During the meeting, a presidential aide handed brown envelopes to the guests without any explanation. The brown envelope that Panlilio received contained P500,000.

After a few days -- not knowing what the money was for -- Panlilio went public and disclosed the money which he believed was a bribe.”

Panlilio vs. Arroyo Panlilio’s exposé of the bribery was tantamount to a declaration of war against Arroyo. Pretty soon, Pampanga’s vice governor, provincial board members, and all the municipal mayors ganged up on Panlilio and openly opposed him on everything he did or wanted to do.

Unfazed by the resistance, Panlilio persisted and held his political enemies at bay. Last year, people believed to be associated with Lilia Pineda -- one of two candidates that Panlilio defeated in the gubernatorial election in 2007 -- launched a recall petition against Panlilio. Some people questioned if Gloria’s son, Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, had a hand in initiating the recall move.

The recall did not materialize and Panlilio’s enemies looked for other ways to remove him from office. The Panlilio-Arroyo war came out in the open when Panlilio accused Gloria and Mikey of “coddling” the jueteng protectors in Pampanga.

Recount Things got worse for Panlilio when he launched his presidential bid. And when he vowed that he will prosecute Gloria should he win the presidency, his enemies went into high gear and decided to file a recount petition against him.

On February 11, 2010, the Comelec’s Second Division, in its ruling penned by Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer, said that Pineda - who lost by 1,147 votes to Panlilio in 2007 -- got 190,729 votes against Panlilio’s 188,718 votes, a margin of 2,011. However, Commissioner Lucenito Tagle, in his concurring opinion, differed with a lower margin of only 356 votes!

How could the huge discrepancy happen? What was the basis for the commissioners’ conflicting counts?

Shouldn’t they have reconciled their numbers first and resolve any discrepancies before issuing a “final decision” ousting Panlilio? It only proves that the recount process was inaccurate and not credible. It looks farcical.

It is interesting to note that the Panlilio-Pineda recount was completed way back in October 2009 and the Comelec decision was supposed to have been announced last November.

However, it was leaked out that Pineda won in the recount. But the commissioners said that their “final decision” might come as a surprise to everybody. It would seem that there were issues that had yet to be resolved.

The silence during the threemonth hiatus that followed was deafening. Were the “players” trying to work out a face-saving and amicable “settlement” for Panlilio? But once again, Panlilio pulled a fast one on them. He surprised everybody when he changed his plan to retire from politics and go back to priesthood. Instead, he filed his Certificate of Candidacy for governor on the last day of filing. The news must have zapped Arroyo and

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Pineda with a double whammy. And that was probably the reason why the “final decision” to oust Panlilio was issued. In my opinion, if Panlilio did not file for reelection and retired at the end of his term on June 30, 2010, the Comelec would have declared him the winner in the recount -- thus allowing him to finish his term -- and Pineda would run virtually unopposed for governor.

With Gloria running for a congressional seat representing Pampanga’s second district and her son, Mikey, a Galing Pinoy partylist nominee, the governor’s support is a key factor to ensure the Arroyos’ victory in the elections. And with Lilia Pineda as governor, the Arroyos would be able to utilize provincial resources -- which they would not be able to use if Panlilio remained in office -- for their campaigns.

In politics, nothing happens by accident. Every move politicians make have been hatched ahead of time and the execution is just a question of timing. And the “hatchet jobs” done on Panlilio, Padaca, and Mendoza couldn’t have been more timely.

Adonis vs. Gloriath With the elections barely three months away, the electoral

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process enters a crucial period where incumbent governors could play a pivotal role in electing candidates for national and congressional seats. And whoever ends up controlling the House of Representatives would get the Speakership. A few days ago, Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino announced that the Lakas-Kampi-CMD will field Gloria Arroyo as its bet for Speaker in the next Congress. He bragged, “PGMA (Mrs. Arroyo) will win as Speaker hands down. She continues to wield power and influence. So if her detractors think they’ve seen the last of her, they are mistaken. She’ll be around longer than they think.” That’s arrogance!

It is now clear what the final moves of Gloria are going to be. Just a few more moves before she goes for the ultimate checkmate… unless she is checkmated first by Adonis Simpao who is challenging her in Pampanga’s second congressional district election.

Simpao and his supporters promised that Gloria will have the fight for her political life. Indeed, it’s going to be like the biblical battle between David and Goliath. It’s going to be Adonis vs.

Gloriath. Never in the history of the Philippines would one district election determine the future of the entire nation.

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Far from Quiet

by Joan Duhaylungsod

Investing on the young minds

A

s of this writing, there are eighty some student-leaders in the Philippines, currently gathering in one place in the country. As of this writing, these eighty some student leaders may be exchanging thoughts and convictions with one another, sharing

tales on their leadership, and their dreams, faith and hope, in shaping or reshaping the world for tomorrow.

This month, five years ago, I was doing the same with some studentleaders across the country. It was an honor to be part of the top 70 student-

leaders in the Philippines thoroughly evaluated and chosen by the renowned Ayala Corporation. Contrary to the misconception that this program is a hiring scheme, the Ayala Young Leaders Congress was born to help train and nurture the promising youngblood to be principle and values-based leaders in their own schools and communities, and in the country at large. This is part of their corporate social responsibility.

Three days, and it is enough to make it memorable in the life of one student-leader- a chance to listen to the inspiring messages of our national leaders both from political and non-political organizations, an opportunity to talk casually with the top Ayala executives, and a privilege to learn sincerely that

February 20 - March 5, 2010

leadership is about humility and service, is about growing leaders in others, and is per se a commitment that is larger than life.

It is fulfilling to see that the society now has recognized the contribution of the youth sector in various endeavours.

The traditional patriarchal culture of Filipinos which is the “kami ang nakakatanda, kami ang tama” has paved way for the youth’s voice and idealism to be heard. The fast-changing world now indeed demands not only the wisdom of the elders but also the innocence and idealism of the newer generation. That perhaps is what the Ayala Corporation, for one, realized. Something impressive about the Ayala program is that they just don’t invest on lands or stocks, but to young minds as well.

Young minds really need to be empowered, and for that to take place there has to be at least three things that we have to consider invaluable for youth mobilization.

First, there has to be a provision of an environment which favors freedom to dream, never mind if they seem possible or not. We just need to let our imaginations wander; younglings are good at that. Our vision basically propels us to get out from a status quo and create an atmosphere where we could grow and live better. The irony however is that, kids dream big and adults dream small.

I know that this is not always the case though. The only thing worth stressing out here is that, it is a no-no to say “you can’t do it” to anyone who envisions for something better. I always believe that dreams are still the power which fuels us to success.

Second, there has to be recognition of the contribution of the youth. In a formal setting, it is always flattering to be acknowledged up in the stage and be cited for your leadership excellence. So many award-giving bodies do that. But recognition is not just about trophies and medals. A simple yet genuine statement from a parent, or an adviser such as “ I am proud of you” or “keep up the good work” already means a lot, especially to a youngblood who is just starting to put his vision into action. When I get these statements from my dad, I know I am on the right track. It seems like a go-signal for me to keep doing what I ought to do. Thoughtful words usually boost up morale and esteem, and for the adolescents who are also amid building their own identities, being recognized for their leadership gives them affirmation that they can be more and do more, despite young age.

Third, there has to be constant coaching and support for our young leaders. Even if there’s so much energy

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and dynamism that the youth could offer, it still pays that younglings listen to the adults. The adage “papunta pa lng kayo, kami pabalik na” holds truth in this case.

Our generation needs the wisdom of the elders so we are guided accordingly with our actions and decisions. This is what I found helpful when I became part of the Ayala Young Leaders Congress. The corporate executives and the national leaders invited, shared their stories on life and leadership, the values they found basic to make leadership effective, etcetera. True enough, even if new brooms really sweep well, the old ones still know the corners.

Youth empowerment is not really an attempt to overpower the older generation. Youth empowerment is about utilizing the young minds and force to be part of nation-building. There is not supposed to be a generation competition, rather, there is supposed to be a very good synergy among the old and the young. After all, we believe on the same thing—Philippines has best people; and we aim for the same target- Philippines shouldn’t be the worst country possible.

As I am writing this, I re-live the experience I had when I was still a student-leader and was part of the Ayalasponsored congress. I remembered the fun, the friendship and all. At the same time, I am reminded with the lessons and challenges they posed to the young leaders who were there. I remembered the puzzle we had which, if completed, would say, “May napulot ako dito.

Balang araw, babalik ako at aking pupunan ang puwang na nalalaan para sa akin...” I still carry the piece of the puzzle. Someday, I will go back to fill in the space. That is my commitment.

To date, there are 800 alumni of the Ayala Young Leaders since 1999. The number may be too small in proportion to the youth population in the Philippines, but then again, it’s way better than empowering no one at all. These young leaders continue to devote themselves in nation-building, regardless if they are in or out of the country.

Before I finished college, there were already a growing number of award-giving bodies which recognize the excellence of youth groups and individuals who have made a significant contribution to their respective communities. To my judgment, this surely is a good sign. This is about the society’s affirmation that the youth population is existent and alive. This is about the society’s faith that the youth population, with their age as their edge, can still bring about positive changes for our home country’s re-building and redemption. The youth is worth an investment.

February 20 - March 5, 2010

by R. Reis Pagtakhan, LL.B., B.A. (Hons.) rrp@aikins.com

I

’Buying a House, Do I need Title Insurance?

n the last few weeks, you may have heard people’s discussing title insurance as the city is considering requiring zoning memorandums and, in many cases, building location certificates, when a house is sold.

A building location certificate is a document that shows the location of all buildings and structures on a property with

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respect to the property line.

A zoning memorandum is a document that looks at a building location certificate and indicates whether there are any by-law violations as a result of where the buildings and structures are.

If there is a by-law violation, an owner must fix this or face penalties.

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general information purposes only and is intended to provide comments for readers and friends of Filipino Journal. The contents should not be viewed as legal advice or opinion. If you have specific questions concerning immigration law, you should discuss them with a legal advisor of your choice.

Reis Pagtakhan is a lawyer with the law firm of Aikins, MacAulay & Thorvaldson LLP. He practices in the areas of immigration law and corporate and commercial law. His direct line is 957-4640. If you like to know more about Pagtakhan or defects in the property. The title option with your lawyer.

Aikins, you may visit the firm’s insurance also covers the owner This article is prepared for Web site: www.aikins.com. against fraudulently registered mortgages, other people’s claim on your property, and renovations In many cases, title insurance protects the owner if ever a property does not meet zoning requirements or if a building location certificate discloses

by a previous owner completed without a permit.

So, when you are looking to buy a house, you should consider title insurance and discuss this

Mp Joy Smith Announces Major Funding Initiative On Behalf Of Minister Of Health

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I N N I P E G , MANITOBA – Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Paul, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced more than $630,000 in funding to the Canadian Public Health Association for a project that will help increase engagement of public health practitioners across Canada in tobacco use reduction initiatives.

“The Government of Canada remains committed to protecting all Canadians from the proven health hazards associated with tobacco use,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Today’s funding announcement will give public health professionals the tools they need to help more Canadians quit smoking.”

“This project will help ensure that we have a coordinated public health approach across Canada on tobacco issues,” said MP Joy Smith. “We will continue to work with stakeholders, provinces, territories and other partners to reduce smoking rates in Canada. By reducing the number of Canadian smokers, this funding will improve the health and well-being of people across the country.”

The week of January 17-23 is National Non-Smoking Week.

This is an important week which aims at preventing people from starting to smoke and helping current smokers to quit. “Quitting is contagious; pass it on” is this year’s theme. This follows the understanding that support from social networks is important in helping people to stop smoking.

The funding announced this morning will assist a project entitled “The Next Stage: Delivering Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Knowledge Through Public Health Networks.” This project will help integrate tobacco use reduction information into public health curriculum at postsecondary institutions, establish an online forum for public health practitioners, and establish a national public health approach to tobacco use reduction.

“We have been educating Canadians about the hazards of smoking since 1959. Public health workers themselves are on the front-lines of tobacco control from prevention to cessation,” said Debra Lynkowski, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Public Health Association. “We are very pleased to work with Health Canada and our public health community to identify and share strategies that will help inform the next generation of tobacco control policy.”

Approximately 37,000 Canadians die every year from the effects of smoking and many others are affected by related illnesses such as heart disease, lung cancer and various other respiratory diseases. Tobacco use affects most organs in the body and it is the largest cause of preventable disease.

For more information on Health Canada’s tobacco control efforts, please visit: www. gosmokefree.gc.ca.

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n March 5, 2010, Winnipeg will set the stage for Rock the Ribbon, a fashion show benefitting the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Prairies/ NWT Region (CBCF) at the Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art. Hosted by Ace Burpee from HOT 103 and music provided by local DJs BUNDOWNsoundsystem, Rock the Ribbon is a night to remember.

Rock the Ribbon’s models are breast cancer survivors who will be sharing their experiences battling breast cancer and also Earls staff who has supported the

February 20 - March 5, 2010

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Fashion + Fun + One Great Cause = Rock the Ribbon! foundation in the past.

One key message for Rock the Ribbon is how important it is to be breast aware and to highlight some courageous women who have fought the disease.

Monique Levesque-Pharoah, Urban Partnership Co-ordinator for CBCF says, “It is important for all of us to be breast aware.

This includes men and women of all ages. We encourage everyone to be breast aware because put simply, early detection saves lives.”

Through Rock the Ribbon, event organizers Meryl Kaye De Leon and Shayna Wiwierski hopes to spread the word about breast

Rock the Ribbon’s courageous models share their story and raise their hands up as they have succeeded in fighting breast cancer!

cancer and help with the CBCF’s efforts to battle the disease.

“This may be difficult to measure, however the Canadian Breast Cancer FoundationPrairies/NWT Region definitely supports the most relevant and innovative breast cancer research, because we feel research is the key to a future without breast cancer,” says Levesque-Pharoah.

“Breast cancer mortality rates are declining largely due to advances in treatments and increased participation in organized breast cancer screening programs. It is my belief that with every new event, trade show, program or partnership, the awareness created makes a lasting impression that impacts how each of us approaches our lives and breast health.”

With fashions provided by Nygard Clothing, Rock the Ribbon is not only about the clothes, but really about the models and the foundation.

Tickets are $25 and come with a great gift bag and all proceeds going towards the foundation.

For more information about Rock the Ribbon and where you can purchase tickets, visit their website at www.rocktheribbon. ca! Support this great cause and help fight this disease!

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Eight PCCM New Directors Elected

The 2010 PCCM Board of Directors including the newly-elected 8 board of directors, front row, from left to right: Gem Anis, Rica Roque, Kelly Legaspi, Clarita Nazario (newly elected), Dr. Irene Guzman, Julie Javier, Dr. Roland Guzman, adviser; Jean Guiang, chair, election committee; back row, from L-R: Jing Asperin (newly elected), Lito Taruc, Jun Oquendo, Norman Padilla, Allan Zoleta (newly elected), Noel Cadelina, Rod E. Cantiveros, Nap Ebora; and Philip Pascual, adviser.

Photo by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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arking the 5th year of elected board of directors of the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba, Inc., the election was held last Feb. 7, 2010 after the Annual General Meeting at the PCCM MPR. There are eight new PCCM board of directors

and their corresponding number of votes, namely, Clarita Nazario, 89 votes; Allan Zoleta, 73; Gem Anis, 72; Kelly Legaspi, 72; Norman Padilla, 63; Emilio (Jun) Oquendo, 60; Rica Roque, 53; and Jing Asperin, 43; other candidates include Joe Sulit, 36 votes; Tom Rivero, 34 and Honorary Consul

Eda Pangilinan, 33. Ley Navarro did not pursue his candidacy.

The 1st five board of directors, Nazario, Zoleta, Anis, Legaspi and Padilla will have a three-year term; Oquendo and Rogue, two-year term and Asperin, one year term.

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Philippine Entertainment News

Melai wants to hone her English skills

P

inoy Big Brother (PBB) Double Up Big Winner Melisa “Melai” Cantiveros expresses her ardent wish to be able to improve her grasp of the English language.

Cantiveros was a former

February 20 - March 5, 2010

Wedding bells for Roxanne

Bachelor of Education major in English student at the Mindanao State University. She said she has experienced being ridiculed by her lack of ability to speak the language fluently. She even added that her former teachers at

MSU might get mad seeing her on television unable to speak straight and correct English.

The “Inday Kengkay of GenSan” was named PBB’s Big Winner during the show’s finale at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on February 13. She garnered the highest text votes of 32.08% and took home P1 million cash prize, P2.5 million worth of house and lot, a water refilling station franchise, a 40-inch LCD TV screen, and P1 million for the charity group of her own choice, among other prizes.

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exy young actress Roxanne Guinoo will be getting married next year to her non-showbiz Filipino-Chinese boyfriend.

The couple was reportedly planning to tie the knot this year but was prevailed upon by the actress’ family to postpone it as her sister will be getting married this year. A Filipino belief called “sukob” discourages two sisters

getting married on the same year because it was said to bring bad luck.

Guinoo was the original choice for the lead character in the drama series “Magkano ang iyong Dangal.” She has to back out of the role as her boyfriend won’t approve of some intimate scenes that she has to do in the drama series.

Dingdong meets Marian’s father in Spain

Arnel Pineda is still with Journey

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ctor Dingdong Dantes denied though that there was talk got the chance to meet of marriage plans for him and in person the father Rivera, as the purpose of the trip of rumored sweetheart Marian is for her to visit her father whom Rivera when they recently traveled she has not seen for the past six to Spain after a series of shows in years. the Middle East.

Marian Rivera’s father, Dantes said their arrival in Francisco Javier Gracia Alonso Spain was expected by Rivera’s is a native of Spain and runs a father and a lot of arrangements restaurant business there. Her were made to make their stay Filipina mother now resides in inger Arnel Pineda denied comfortable. He was also able Cavite after the couple separated rumors that his contract to meet Rivera’s maternal aunt years ago. was not renewed by the and some paternal relatives. He popular rock group Journey and that he has been sacked as the band’s front man.

Pineda said John Baron, the group’s manager instructed him he Commission on correctly in the country’s first to leave for the US on April 15 to Elections (Comelec) wants automated polls. record a new album. He further Commissioner Nicodemo to tap showbiz and media said that the group is about to celebrities to help educate voters Ferrer for his part said he finish a big project which will in the coming local and national personally prefers celebrities be out soon after the completion elections. who were not identified endorsers of their new album. The project, Comelec Commissioner of candidates. He added that he which has the backings of Queen Gregorio Larrazabal said was open to coordinate with all of Talk Oprah Winfrey is a celebrities could appear in personalities who are willing documentary work featuring the infomercial ads that show the to help and support the voter life of Journey members. voters how to fill up the ballots education campaigns.

Pineda has been the official lead singer of the American Follow us on rock group since December 5, 2007 after passing the grueling auditions held in Marin County, FilipinoJournal.com San Francisco, USA.

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Comelec invites celebrities to help educate voters

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Comelec bars Richard Gomez from congressional race

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he Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualified actor Richard Gomez in his bid for a congressional seat in Ormoc City, Leyte.

The poll body favored the petition for disqualification filed by Buenaventura Juntilla, a former barangay chairman who pointed out that the actor lives in Greenhills, San Juan and not in Ormoc City. In his defense, Gomez said he is spending more of his time in Ormoc than in San Juan since March 2007. The actor added that his driver’s license listed Ormoc as his residence as a further proof that he has complied with the law’s residency requirement.

Gomez became the latest LP member to suffer defeat in the hands of the Comelec. Earlier, the poll body unseated three governors who are LP members—Grace Padaca of Isabela, Eddie Panlilio of Pampanga and Joselito Mendoza of Bulacan.

“Filipino Flash” may join showbiz

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BA superflyweight titleholder Nonito Donaire, aka “the Filipino Flash” flew back to Manila from the US where he successfully defended his title from challenger Manuel “Chango” Vargas.

Donaire thanked his Filipino fans and supporters who inspired him to do his best and gave him the determination to win. The superflyweight champion said he will visit injured boxer Z Gorres in Cebu to extend financial and moral support. When asked on his future plans, he said he may try joining the local entertainment industry. It was reported that a local TV network will be including Donaire in the cast of a new sitcom As for his next fight, Donaire said it is still being worked out by his manager Cameron Dunkin. He also expressed his plan of moving up to the bantamweight division to fight Fernando Montiel.

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Balitang Kutsero

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com llustration by Dave San Pedro

Gloria loves money, Manny loves glory

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ext message of the week: “Now the cat’s out of the bag… Manny Villar is the secret candidate of GMA… Mike Arroyo himself met with Villar at the house of Mike Defensor last Jan. 7… Villar secretly agreed to make GMA as Speaker of the House and protect her should Villar win the presidency… Villar agreed to GMA’s offer of massive logistical support in GMA’s commissioners in the Comelec who will assure Villar’s victory…” (GMA is the acronym of prez Gloria Macapagal Arroyo). Like a virus, the text message spread like wild fire. Yup, that’s the power of the text and the Philippines is the “texting capital” of the world.

Is the text message true? Well, as I said in last week’s column, “Gloria loves money, Manny loves glory.” And as the old adage says, “Love of money is the root of all evil,” I must add that “Glory is the best aphrodisiac!” So, one can say that the Villar-Arroyo - or Villarroyo -- “marriage” may have been made in Heaven but it definitely was consummated in Hell.

Kawawa naman ang mga Pinoy, mahirap na, nasa impiyerno pa (Poor Pinoys, they’re already poor and now they’re going to Hell).

With the Villarroyo “marriage” what’s going to happen to Gloria’s “baby,” presidential wannabe Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro? Just read the newspapers: Malacañang says, “Gilbert Teodoro Jr. can successfully run his electoral campaign without help from President Arroyo.”

That’s strike one! Malacañang says, “President Gloria MacapagalArroyo will likely keep away from the sorties of administration standard bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. during the entire campaign period.” Strike two! In a recent press briefing Gloria’s new Press Secretary, Cris Icban Jr., said that Gloria “deliberately decided that Gibo stands on his own.” Strike three! Perhaps it’s time for Gibo to cut his losses and get behind his

cousin, Noynoy Aquino, whose lead over Money Villarroyo is down to only 2 percent.

During his proclamation rally, Gibo vowed to “scour the remotest of towns to win over the voters and drawing on Star trek’s line, ‘where no man has gone before’.” Well, he better make sure he knows how to get back home; otherwise, it’s “bye, baby, bye.”

Another text message that’s been going around in cyberspace is: NOYNOY: Di ako magnanakaw!

(I’m not going to steal!)

GIBO: Di ko na kailangang magnakaw! (I don’t need to steal!)

VILLAR: Di na ako magnanakaw!

(I’ll stop stealing!)

ERAP: Kailangan ko uling magnakaw! (I need to steal again!)

GMA: Wala na kayong mananakaw! (Nothing is left for your to steal!)

Presidential wannabe Richard “Flashy Dick” Gordon and his running mate, Bayani Fernando -who call themselves, “transformers” -- started their campaign riding a pink and blue truck which they dubbed, “Optimum Prime.” They said that they’re running their campaign on a “shoestring budget.”

With their gas-guzzling truck, they might run out of money pretty soon and finish their campaign riding on a carabao.

Meanwhile, Flashy Dick’s nephew, John Carlos “JC” de los Reyes, who is also running for president, started his campaign going house to house in Olongapo City distributing flyers and pins to voters. Now, that’s what I call a real “grassroots” campaign. It might take him 10 years to cover all the cities and towns in the country, but that’s okay. By that time, he’d be old enough to become president.

Perhaps, he should quit his quixotic quest and volunteer to be his uncle’s truck driver. That would save Flashy Dick a few bucks for gas.

But I must take my hat off to Bro. Eddie Villanueva who did a spectacular gimmickry to kickoff his campaign. He unfurled the world’s biggest Philippine flag at the Rizal Park. The flag measured 180 meters by 92 meters, weighed 3.8 tons, and covered a 2-hectare area. But something was missing they didn’t have a flagpole! It would have been breathtaking to see the huge flag on a flagpole as tall as the 2,700-foot Khalifa Tower in Dubai. But Bro. Eddie could just have used the P10 million spent on the flag to feed the poor. That’s a lot of rice. Wah wah we!

Manny Villar -- aka “Money Villarroyo” -- had celebrities grace his kickoff including “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame and Comedy King Dolphy. But Money Villarroyo was angry when a text message started going around saying that he bribed Dolphy P30 million for his endorsement. See what happens when you have lots and lots of money? Yup, you can buy the presidency. And you can always recover your “investment” and much more than you can imagine.

Like they say, “it comes with the territory.”

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I saw a YouTube video of people endorsing Villar. They’re saying that “Manny Villar will make this country great again!”

Déjà vu! Didn’t Ferdinand Marcos use the slogan, “This nation can be great again!”? Instead, the country became the “Sick Man of Asia” under his dictatorship. Well, if that is the vision of “Money Villarroyo,” then the people should be ready for the return of the “Sick Man.” However, if Gloria succeeds in changing the government to a parliamentary system and become the Prime Minister next year, the country will continue to be known as the “Armpit of Asia.”

Late last year, after the flooding in Manila caused by Typhoon Ondoy, many supporters of Gloria suggested to move the seat of

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government to Pampanga, her home province. Well, if Gloria remains in power, it could happen. Now, we know why Gov. Fr. Ed Panlilio was ousted the other day by the Comelec “Hit Squad.” With the Jueteng Lord’s wife -- Gloria’s “kumadre” -- going to be installed as governor of the “Jueteng Vatican” province, Gloria would have immense power and lots of moolah.

Now, I’m beginning to see the big picture when Press Secretary Icban likened Gloria to Ferdinand Marcos. Yup, with Gloria as Prime Minister, she’d try to stay in power until her dream of transforming the country into an “Enchanted Kingdom” is realized. Don’t hold your breath folks ‘cuz that could take some time.

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Volunteer Photographers Wanted

Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver & Winnipeg Volunteer photographers needed. Build your portfolio or use your expertise to aid the Filipino Journal by photographing special events and concerts. Must have own equipment and transportation. Photo editing skills would be helpful but not required.

The Filipino communities are growing in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver & Winnipeg. More & more events being passed along our way, we are looking to complement our team with volunteer photographers to cover all those events.

As with any community newspaper, we focus on local events such as community gatherings, picnics, sporting events, press conferences, dinners. Some gigs can be as quick as 15-20 minutes and other can be long, painful & boring. Our goal is to find photographers that we can assign work to on any given story.

The majority of the events are during the evenings and weekend.

As far as compensation is concerned, we’re offering several options and considerations: 1. promotional compensation with photo credits on all photography used in our print and online editions.

3. advertising compensation with supporting photography services ad in our print edition.

4. royalties on any photographs sold through our website (in development).

Interested photographers can submit their name and portfolio to info@FilipnoJournal.com

Part time Event Coordinator Wanted to coordinate events in Winnipeg, Manitoba You can make your own schedule. Must be very social, outgoing, dependable, be able to handle situations when put under pressure and follow a strict time schedule.

Before responding with interest for this position please consider the following: • This position is not intended to be and should not be your main source of income • This position requires someone who can work independently and has very good organizational skills.

• This is only a part time position.

• This is a contract position and you will not receive an hourly wage, and will be paid per event.

Job description: • Schedule events • Post events on various web sites • Market event • Recruit attendees for event • Set up for event • Run event • Send out e-mail communications to attendees • Update database with new attendees and new contacts • Attend networking meetings and mixers Please respond with an attachment of your resume or a description of your qualifications and why you are interested in this role. Applications to this role can be submitted to info@ FilipinoJournal.com Thank you for your interest. Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

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Federal H1N1 response raises broader health system alarms

By Judy Wasylycia-Leis, MP Winnipeg North

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ealing with the H1N1 pandemic has provided some revealing glimpses into the mechanics of our health system and into the government currently in charge of its operation.

What we’ve witnessed hasn’t all been as pretty as the Federal Health Minister would have us believe.

What have we learned and where does it lead?

Root causes – social determinants of health While the widespread “confusion” around the vaccine and many other aspects of the federal government’s response will be debated for some time, the disproportionate impact of H1N1 on First Nations communities is indisputable.

During the first wave, 37 percent of all cases in Manitoba and 60 percent of those admitted to the ICU with H1N1 were from First Nations. As Ron Evans, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, told the Health Committee: “This is due to poverty, lack of access to home medical supplies, lack of access to health care, the lack of information about H1N1, overcrowded housing, and a lack of access to running water.

Overcrowded living conditions are breeding grounds for the rapid spread of an airborne virus.”

Successive Federal Liberal and Conservative governments have

failed to seriously address the social determinants of health – including income/poverty, education, job opportunities, adequate housing, water and waste infrastructure – especially in Aboriginal communities. This left them to face the H1N1 threat with elevated rates of breathing disorders (including tuberculosis), diabetes, tobacco use and heart disease – all high risk factors.

The Minister’s mantra about having a pandemic plan in place since 2006 begs the question of how, with this concentration of risk factors and a history of mortality rates four to seven times above average during past flu epidemics, this much-vaunted plan failed to adequately anticipate the impact of H1N1 in Aboriginal communities.

The health differential between Aboriginal Canadians and others remains intolerable. The H1N1 experience tells us that the socioeconomic foundations of that differential must be acted on now.

It has also again shown that the success of that action will depend on a meaningful partnership with First Nations governments.

Keeping public health care healthy Our H1N1 experience gave us many reasons to celebrate our public health system – the Winnipeg Microbiology Lab’s role in devising a test for the new virus and the

exemplary model of efficient vaccination delivery by Sault SteMarie’s Group Health Centre, for example. But other glaring health care shortcomings emerged from our experience, as well.

Canadians got a first-hand taste of two-tier health care when the Calgary Flames skated past them to the front of the vaccine line.

Not the only queue-jumping, we learned, because the Conservative government, used to ignoring the Canada Health Act, hadn’t protected equal access by requiring public, no-fee distribution. The ensuing controversy highlighted the government’s ongoing failure to enforce the Act, even when presented with 89 possible violations documented by the Ontario Health Coalition.

The proliferation of for-profit facilities under this government is deeply disturbing and the H1N1 queue-jumping gave us a valuable glimpse at the fee-for-service ‘choices’ increasingly available to the wealthy under the Harper government.

This government’s narrow jurisdictional vision and lack of leadership on national health issues was also evident in its pandemic response financing. Whereas in most national crises the federal government assumes roughly 90 percent of expenses, with H1N1, this has been reversed with the

provinces stuck with the majority of costs. Not only is the federal government covering only 60 percent of the vaccine costs, it refuses to help out provinces and territories with expenses incurred in diagnosing and treating H1N1 patients, coordinating and staffing a full-fledged vaccination program and additional consequential expenses.

It won’t even help pay for the extra clinic costs from its erratic vaccine shipments or changing directives.

Government-pharma relationship must change H1N1 also focused our attention on the overly cozy relationship between the government and big pharma and underlined the need for a national drug plan to bring down costs.

Many Canadians were dismayed that the government relied on only one supplier for both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines – GlaxoSmithKline – and had agreed to cover all GSK’s liability for the vaccine, though GSK is expected to reel in around $4 billion globally from H1N1 vaccine sales over the year. We’re paying about $8/flu shot for 50.4 million doses, the bulk of which remains unused.

Production costs are estimated to run well below the $8 price tag but the government “couldn’t speak to” just how much profit we’re putting in GSK’s pockets, when I asked for the numbers at Health Committee.

Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience.

1

2

D

3

8

3

4

15

6

12

13

16

15

14 17

16 18

19

23 27

20

20

24

24

28

29

30 32

34 32

32 33

21 25

20

22

26

So what is Sudoku? Pronounced [su:doku], Sudoku is the Japanese abbreviation of “the digits remain single”. In Japan Sudoku is sometimes referred to as “Number Place” and can be spelt “Su Doku”. Sodoku originated in Japan and was designed by Howard Garns. The Sudoku Game was first published in New York in 1979 and was likely inspired by a game called Latin Square.

Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

29 31 32 33 35

34

PAHALANG 1 4 8 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 20 22 23 25 27 29 30 31 32 34 35

7

9

11

10

5

Kapital ng Senegal Kalag Hadlang Silab Alipusta Kostumbre Plema sa salitang Waray Porselana Simbolo ng Argon Barkilyos Habag Sungayang hayop Notang musikal tuyong sapa Uri ng sitaw Buwang Impo Bughaw Dalampasigan Di mataba Lagalag: Ingles

2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 15 19 21 22 24 26 28 33

PABABA

Tanda Tabig Katawagang makaliwa Haka Balwarte ni Vilma Tatak ng sapatos Probinsya Atrasado Gawang masama Bantayan sa oras Matiwasay Tanggalan Garil Paghahabol sa korte Pagmamalabis Hain Simbolo ng Astatine

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While the Conservatives may tag the Liberals with the $300 million 10-year single-source contract that has tied our supply to GSK, the platinum-style protection of high patent prices enjoyed by brandname drug companies in return for a non-enforced commitment to fund research in Canada is a joint LiberalConservative project.

Canada’s public spending on drugs ranks 21st of 24 OECD industrialized countries. We have no coordinated national drug strategy to deal with this essential element of health care and drug coverage remains outside of our universal public insurance system.

With overall spending on drugs rising faster than any other health cost — up 136 percent since 1998 — it is clearly time for the Conservative government to stop stalling the National Pharmaceutical Strategy and to ensure the health of Canadians comes before the health of drug company profits.

I’ve called for an independent inquiry into the federal government’s pandemic performance to get answers to these points and other lingering questions – the delay in identifying priority groups, the refusal to heed nurses’ concerns over safe equipment, the adjuvanted/nonadjuvanted confusion, to name but a few. Canadians want to learn from this pandemic, not only to prepare for the inevitable next one, but to address the weaknesses in our health system it has helped us to focus on.

Any delay imperils us all.

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Filipino Journal 21

Kevin Lamoreaux conducts four immigration workshops

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arrived in the Philippines on February 1 at 5:00am and even though I was there for 11 days it sure felt a lot shorter.

While in the Philippines I hosted four immigration workshops, met with a Governor, several Mayors and other politicians. I was also able to meet with two university presidents, a number of court room judges and chat with numerous people that were there on holidays from Winnipeg. We were able to check out several provinces in the Luzon region and even a couple in the Visayas region, we accomplished this while using several modes of transportation, including using air conditioned vehicles with our own driver, a tricycle, several taxis, a couple of boat rides, a plain and of coarse some public jeepneys. In all cases I was a passenger which afforded me to do three things enjoy the many different sights, talk and even catch up on some sleep.

I really enjoyed the official business portion of the trip, but we also found some time to relax, do some shopping and have some casual walking time. The focus of the trip was to conduct workshops and have some formal meetings, with out exception they all went well and I thank all of those who were involved in making my agenda a success.

Since being first elected in 1998 I have been to the Philippines few times, the first time was back in 1991 and over the years I have seen many changes. In looking at some pictures back than I noticed that I had more hair and there were no digital cameras, kidding aside there have been a number of dramatic changes. The new SM stores are absolutely huge; Roxas blvd. and the water front of the Manila Bay area have seen massive development projects which are anchored by the Rizal Park and the Mall of Asia.

There are so many restaurants to choose from and the number of condominiums by the Bay has grown dramatically.

There is so much contrast in the Philippines; on the one hand you have what I would call endless rows of low income housing to new planning divisions just blocks away. Consumers have a choice they can shop at the huge air conditioned SM malls or negotiate bargains on the streets

Pangasinan workshop

and in many of the other malls.

In driving around metro Manila you notice sections of skyscrapers that give the impression of wealth compared to areas almost right below the tall buildings that seem to be filled with the poor or low income families who have a very basic shelter. In short there is of signs of the very poor and signs

of the extreme wealth but most importantly, I believe there are signs of a growing middle class which is so encouraging.

With the exception of the monster size bill boards there was so much to see outside of metro Manila large fields, rice farms, fish ponds, residential/commercial developments on parts of the road

and just natures beauty. Having been in the rural areas, walked in busy the streets and boated to one island paradise it is easy to see why many people fall in love with the country. We need to see the Philippines as a beautiful country that is occupied by a people who in general are kind, loving, hard working, generous, have good

Cavite workshop

At Mall of Asia with my wife Cathy and my staff Henry and Erlinda Celones.

The scenic philippines

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morals and is 2nd to no other when it comes to hospitality.

Canada in particular Manitoba’s need for the Philippines will continue to grow and I suspect that as time goes by our ties to the Philippines will allow both countries to be better places to live.

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Filipino Journal 23

24 Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

February 20 - March 5, 2010

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