con't... (message board 67)

Name:    Samarnon
Address:   Canada
Email:
Date:   August 24, 2008

To Sangkay Ed:

Your idea about Samar tourism is good. Perhaps establishing a Samar Tours Travel Agency or anything of that sort will help boost the project. I believe you that can solicit help from the Department of Tourism and Wow Philippines with regard to info drive and advertising. However, we have some issues to address like the personal safety of tourists in remote spots. I remember inviting my friends few years ago to visit Samar and this is one of their major concerns. They are afraid of NPAs.

Also, we have to provide "comfortable" accommodations like cottages, change rooms, washrooms and showers in some of the spots i.e., falls, rivers and beaches. Probably we can coordinate and encourage local government units to build these infra structures – with a promise of their ROI thru the double FS (feasibility study and financial statement).

Name:   Carina Capara Untalasco
Address:    Tactaquin St., Pob. Sual, Pangasinan 2403, Philippines
Email:    carinauntalasco@yahoo.com
Date:    AUG.24, 2008

Hello batchmates at FAMSAT 1991-1992! Kumusta na kamo ngatanan? Nami miss ko na kamo. Nakita ko hi Maria Machica, Gloria Sevilla, Josephine Regal just recently. We are planning for a reunion but unfortunately we do not know the whereabouts of the rest of our batch. ATTENTION…MANO BOY PALCE of Gen. Mcarthur, our batch president, can you help us organize? PLEASSSSEEEE.....

Name:    Ed Solayao
Address:   Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Email:    aksolayao@gmail.com
Date:   23 August 2008

To Mr. Rey Gaspay & All Samarmons
Subject: SAMAR TOURISM & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Thanks to your prompt reply Mr. Rey Gaspay. I already expected your dismay that Samar LGU’s, like many in the country, have no long-term program on tourism development. It really is a sad state, but as we all know, if we’ll just rest our back on these politicians, there’ll be no end to it.

The good news is that there is a way out of it. We have to involve the private sector’s active participation through awareness & encouragement programs, first, by tapping the already-existing multimedia presence. To start with, I believe it’s just a matter of grouping ourselves & all interested parties, form a SEC-registered non-government organization specifically focused on tourism development in Samar. Your website, Mr. Gaspay, & the upcoming activities you mentioned are already good start-ups. The power of internet is just right there to be tapped. There is still a lot of work to be done though. WE HAVE TO MAKE NOICE TO BE HEARD. There are just so many Samarnons all over the world that are silently waiting.

We can also get in touch with all the influential people (politicians, businessmen, religious & social leaders, mediamen, artists, developers, many others) within & outside Samar. I believe that beyond the divisions of our political & social views, there is still at least ONE COMMON ASPIRATION that we all have as Samarnons – TO BE ABLE TO UPLIFT THE LIVES OF OUR PEOPLE IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD.

As a hobbyist photographer myself, every time I see photographs of our fellow Samarnons showing the many astounding sights in Samar, I feel two things – depressed, that these photographs remain unmarked & seemingly unnoticed because no one seem to care doing something about it; & hopeful, that one soonest day these photographs will re-awaken all of us & be encouraged to change our views for the better of our homeland.

For one, photography is among the best way of presenting our cause. I know many people who are into this venture. Mr. Nelson Petilla’s works are exceptional. He used to be a nature & landscape photographer & is now on events photography (like wedding & the likes). Just last week, I happened to see the adventure photographs of Mr. Joni Bonifacio, who is a professional tourist guide & an avid explorer himself. My childhood friend, Mr. Rommel Rutor, is an adventurer too, having been involved in many trekking & cave expeditions in Samar. I also have contacts with many graphic & multimedia artists who are just a click away.

Mr. Rey & all my kababayans, if the people we expect to help us don’t seem to bother, at least we still have ourselves & those who still care.

WE SIMPLY CANNOT SURRENDER TO THE CHALLENGE.

Name:   Taclobanon
Address:   United States
Email:
Date:   August 22, 2008

To: Ed Solayao

Re: Tourism Industry in Samar and the whole region-8

When you discuss this topic and requesting Mr. Rey Gaspay's help to give more space for advertising purpose and etc. in Samar News.com, it makes me so appreciative of you and hoping the success of your effort will be forthcoming. I am also passionate of this tourism industry because it will give a boost to our economy in Region 8.

Recently, I read a good news where there was a conference held regarding this topic and attended by Boy Abunda, a T.V. Personality, Gov. Ben Evardone and other VIP. Some other good news are the coming of having daily flights direct to Calbayog City, Catarman then Catbalogan City, Borongan city or perhaps in the near future, Guiuan. I'm optimistic that it will happen in the years ahead and we will reap the fruits of our sacrifice. Someday, Samar province will be another well-known tourist's destination beside Boracay in Iloilo or Bohol province.

What surprises me is why only now that the National Government sees the opportunity and potential of Region 8 with regard to this Tourism industry. They never knew or realize it before that there are many beautiful spots in Leyte, Samar and Biliran worth to be developed and spent billins. The Congress through the government agency, Dept. of Tourism never alloted substantial funds to develop, promote and enhance the possibility to make tourism available in Samar for all prospetive tourists from around the world. Instead the government let the problem of NPA or rebels continue to scare them to visit our Region. This is unfair because they help, promote and fund a lot in Cebu and Bohol provinces but not helping Samar, Leyte and Biliran.

Let's help and push for more help especially on funding, advertising, promoting, & etc. from our national government through the Dept. of Tourism as what they have done in three neighbors, Iloilo, Cebu and Bohol. Maybe their Congressmen and Governors are not only active but nearer to the President. Thank you, Ed and also Rey for your concerted efforts to this very good topic about tourism. I will.

Name:    Ed Solayao
Address:    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Email:
Date:    22 Aug 2008

To Mr. Rey Gaspay & All Samarnons

Subject: SAMAR TOURISM & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

I just want to reiterate my proposition in my Aug. 15 message regarding the setting up of another column for Tourism & Entrepreneurship in Samar. I'm scheduled to visit Catbalogan hopefully by December this year & I'm really so eager to discuss these issues with interested parties who want to get involved as well.

I've spoken to a lot of kababayans (Catbaloganons & Samarnons alike) who are having the same interest as most of us. Why don't we start now, somewhere? WE HAD ENOUGH OF TALKING. LET'S PUT ALL OUR WORDS TO ACTIONS NOW. It's what our homeland needs now more than ever.

In Catbalogan City, we have an incumbent & active leadership who can be in our side for support. At the same time, there is good news concerning the planned revitalization of the Buri Airport to make it operational & the provincial government is very keen on achieving its goal. Even the planned transfer of Department of Health Central Office to Catbalogan City is a welcome development. Calbayog City starts seeing the fruits of its labor & is now being considered as among the fastest growing economy in the country. Indeed, it’s high time we ride on these “good tidings” & do our share. They may still be on the drawing boards by now, but like I said in my previous posts, there is no room for laggard mentalities in this fast changing world. Let’s put our cumulative efforts to realize our dreams.

Has anyone seen the beauty of sunset at Maqueda Bay? I am a hobbyist (photographer) & I say it’s as radiant as the fabled & world-renowned Sunset at Manila Bay.

Have you been to the Langon-Gubingob Cave in Calbiga & the Sohoton National Park in Basey? You will see yourself turning to an instant adventurer once you take the experience.

Visit architectural landmarks like the world-renowned San Juanico Bridge in Sta. Rita, Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral in Calbayog, & Samar Capitol Building in Catbalogan. Villareal, Zumarraga & Daram offers rustic, scenic, get-back-in-time experience.

Refresh yourselves in the waterfalls of San Jorge, the cold springs of Paranas, & hot springs of Calbayog. See the limestone rock-formations of Hinabangan. If Davao has its pearl farms, Samar has its own mussel farm in Jiabong & Motiong. Weaving industry in Basey is noteworthy too, imagine being considered in the Guinness Book of World Records for producing the longest woven mat in the world.

The rice fields of Pinabacdao, San Sebastian, & Sta. Rita are breathtaking sights especially on harvest times. What about the marine park of Marabut with its coves & coral gardens? Visit historical sites like the 15th century church in Tarangnan & the ruins of Gandara.

Are you an eco-tourist? You’ll be amazed on the diversity of life (flora & fauna) in the rainforests of Samar Island Biodiversity Park. It’s a haven for mountaineers & trekkers as well.

Not to mention the cultural festivities & street shows that the cities of Catbalogan & Calbayog hold every year.

These are just a few I can name-count. (I’m sorry I might have forgotten many). Believe me, Samar has so much to offer.

LET’S LOOK AT EACH PROBLEM AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW STRONGER RATHER THAN AN EXCUSE TO BE WEAKER.

+ + + + + + + +

My previous message reads as follows:

"This website is indeed a nice piece of work, Mr. Rey Gaspay. The truth is, there is still so much room to extend its services for the common good of Samar.

I would like to recommend having a separate section for Tourism & Entrepreneurship related articles as there are so many interested viewers around looking for this information. I've been in contact with many of my friends & colleagues around the world. Like me, they too are really keen on the possibilities of investing into these fields there in Samar, particularly in eco-tourism.

It will be helpful if you can include fully descriptive articles on places with tourism potentials. I know, & I'm sure, there are so many of that in Samar. I know too it's a daunting & challenging task, Mr. Gaspay, but it's doable. We can tap the services of our fellow Samarnons to realize this gigantic endeavor.

I hope you can look up to this seriously."

[ Thanks Ed. We have noted your request for Samar News to provide web space for tourism. Though it is sad to note that we do not see apparent programs for tourism in the province of Samar (we have no provincial tourism officer for a long time now), we’ve been trying to call municipal mayors to promote their tourism potentials by instructing their tourism and information officers to submit articles to us.

For our part, Samar News.com have covered the WOW Philippines 2004 in Intramuros, Manila (http://www.samarnews.com/tourism/wow2004/index.htm) and included several tourism pages in the Samar province website (http://samar.lgu-ph.com/tourism.htm). Upcoming is a joint tourism oriented video production for television and internet by Samar News.com and Decobeam Television. Namimiling pa sponsors. Video materials will appear in our Video Gallery section. ABANGAN!  – Samar News.com ]

Name:     Edgar
Address:   Saudi Arabia
Email:
Date:   21 august 08

Reaction to: "A clear sample of political bias"

The clear issue is the hidden agenda that GMA has up her sleeves.

I for one is for a federal form of government. But, not with her as a president again. I voted for her because of her professional capabilities only to realize later that she has too many strings attached to her (her boys, husband, the alipures and the utang na loob na dapat bayaran). Kay ano nga di pa natatanggal hi Mila? You answer yourself.

About the Mindanao issue: There should only be one "Armed Forces of the Philippines". The land grabbing issue is a real issue that must be addressed. Just look at the mining in Homonhon and Manicani. As long people who knows the law of land rules the land without the fear of the law, integrity, morality and conciense.Then we will always be a people without hope. Pilipino tayong lahat. Hindi Buddist, hindi Muslim, hindi Kristiyano, etc... Pilipino.

Para ha aton pamunuan: Angay diri kami aadi ha langyaw nga nasud nagkukuri para la mabuhi an amon pamilya dida. Kawaray niyo alo nga mga hiwi nga politikiro. Nahingalimot na ba kamo nga kamo "PUBLIC SERVANT"?

Name:    Girlie Grimaldi
Address:   New York City, New York, U.S.A.
Email:
Date:   21 August 2008

I read from the Leyte Samar Daily Express presidential adviser Victor Domingo's plan to transfer the Department of Health's (DOH) central office from Manila to Catbalogan City in Samar to help advance the government's implementation of its health initiatives.
This is great news not just for Catbalogan City and Samar, but for the whole Eastern Visayas region. The idea of decentralization of governmental agencies from Metro Manila to the various provinces is a sensible one. Hopefully this move will help alleviate Samareños' health needs and resources especially our public hospitals and health care professionals.

Name:    Taclobanon
Address:    United States
Email:
Date:    August 20, 2008

To: All participants who care with the owner

The only way to know more of what will be the solution to this problem is adhere the advice of Ed Solayao. He advised the owner to ask a free consultation with experts from IBP (Integrated Bar of the Philippines). All of us are not experts on this issue. We know that there are lawyers who can give a free legal advice. I know that petition is not the right way as what Waray2 is saying. If somebody's rights have been violated, then there's a case. The only solution is to file a lawsuit and the court will decide. Well, my advice is to seek first the office of the IBP for recommendation to a member who is an expert lawyer on this issue. Once the IBP informs the owner whom he can talk, the solution to his problem will be forthcoming. Until then we have no clue what free expert advice will be given. We are just presuming what the owner can do but beyond that we're stuck because we are not expert on this particular case. Thank you.

Name:   (Waray)2
Address:   Samar
Email:
Date:   19August 2008

Petition's not the right course of action regarding the flight of a poor landowner/farmer in Samar, assuming the facts relating to his case's legally viable or substantial, not based on innuendoes or heresay. A documentary's insufficient to constitute a violation of his rights to private property under the country's statues. Furthermore, in legal parlance, 3rd party testimony's unacceptable in court of justice.

If indeed the civil/property rights of this farmer has been violated, and in justice to his person, a formal court proceedings must be started. No one person or corporation can just fenced him out of his property without due process or just compensation, if he agrees to sell. As of now, all things; facts to the case are in the grey area.

Until there is a clear violation of law, a lawsuit can't be filled. The farmer must continue to work for his living. The alleged fence around his property must be removed for he's the rightful owner of the land.

The proposed mine can't be mined since the land's neither yours or mine, and it exist only in the mind.

Name:   Marcial Lo
Address:   East Coast, U.S.A.
Email:
Date:   18August2008

Hagi ug mga concerned Warays,

Iine hin link ngadto han article ha Phil Daily Inquirer online edition yana nga adlaw. Dida hine nga artice, naklaro ako nga mayda hadto existing nga Chromte Mining dida ha Homonhon, PERO EXPIRED an permit. Amo siguro adto nga mga video nga posted ha youtube.com. Iton dako nga problema hito yana dida nga DIRE NA MATOGOTAN PAGTIKANG O PAGPADAYON hiton pagmina. Bisan waray pa ako makabisita ha Homonhon, ha akon pagkita ha mga mapa han Pilipinas gutia-ay gudla ine nga isla. Maaram ako nga dako an epekto hito nga pagmina han mga umorokoy dida.

Maupay unta kun mapugngan an pagpadayon hito nga mina. Hina-ot pa unta nga dire na masugad an guin buhat ni Berdugo ex-Gen. Palparan didto ha han usa nga minahan hin Chromite ha Zambales. Hina-ot pa unta guihapon nga an mga opisyales ha Guiuan, ha probinsiya ha Eastern Samar labi an mga sundalo dida ha Samar dire magin instrumento para mapadayon ito nga pagmina han Chromite ha isla. Sireng pa man han usa nga darawhon dide ha 'Merika... "NO MEANS NO!!! NO MINING IN HOMONHON MEANS NO MINING!!"

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view_article.php?article_id=155254

Name:    Hagi
Address:   Cor. Mascardo & Yague Streets, Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Email:
Date:   16 August, 2008

To Mr. Ed Solayao

Thank you so much that you have given time in expressing your insights regarding the rationale of our desire to help in any way we can to Tatay Ladying and his fellow province mates adversely affected by the mining operation in Homonhon Island.

My intention in seeking help from people who may assist in the preparation of a formal petition to the proper government body has by all means would have the trappings of legality and as such would be in observance what is more commonly known in legal jargon the ‘due process’. To put it simply, we will make sure that we would be initiating and launching this petition in a manner that is judicious and in compliance to all existing laws regarding our quest for the protection of rights of Tata Ladying and the people of Homonhon Island.. We would definitely seek legal opinion and legal representation if it so warrants for us to get one.

It is worth to mention at this point that based on what Mr. Martial Lo has written in his message dated 12 August the current situation in Homonhon is far worse than what I have thought because the actual mining of chromite ore has apparently been going on for quite sometime now. Which by all indications, the mining company concerned has secured necessary permits and licenses from proper government agencies (lines 1-5 of paragraph 2 of your message).

However, allow me to bring out some facts for all of us to think about;

1) Mr. Martial Lo in his message of 12 August, 2008, cited if there have been Environmental Impact Studies conducted prior to the mobilization of the concerned mining company to the island of Homonhon. And if there had been one, whatever the outcome or result of such studies would have ignored or disregarded the health and safety of the residents because given the size of the island of only 20 kilometers in length any mining or extraction of its surface be it in small or large scale, would have tremendous environmental effect to the residents.

2) The local government of Catbalogan of which Homonhon Island is a part within its jurisdiction, had passed a resolution (Ordinance No. 541) on the 25th of September, 2003 imposing a fifty (50) year moratorium on the conduct of large scale mining operations. It may be important or crucial for our cause now to determine if the mining activities in the island can be classified as small or large. But without doubt, the mining operation in Homonhon is definitely can be classed as ‘commercial’ in purpose and scale as opposed to the proviso of the ordinance to quote in part, i.e.”conduct of large scale mining operations in the province of Samar and providing exemptions, penalties and for other purposes thereof“ end of quote. Common sense would tell us otherwise because residents of the island would not need chromite ore for their domestic use hence, could be construed to be in small scale.

3) The date of the passing of Ordinance 541 and the ten days of its affectivity after being passed, would be ‘pivotal’ to our formal petition to declare the mining operation in violation of this ordinance. And that is the exact time when the mining company had conducted its exploration assessments and their eventual mobilization to the island.

There are other strings and knots to be tied up for Task Force Tata Ladying, one of which is the search for an ‘anchor man’ who will be responsible in the ocular inspection of this mining activity as well as the gathering of witness accounts (sworn statements) as to the veracity of facts we need in order for us to get a foothold of things prior to our petition.

Again let me thank you and would welcome more feedback regarding the matter.

Name:    Taclobanon
Address:    United States
Email:
Date:    August 16, 2008

Re: Homonhon Land Controversy

I agree with Ed Solayao's comment regarding this land dispute. Yes, it has something to do with the DENR through its agency, Bureau of Mines who approved or authorized the mining in Homonhon. Also, he mentioned about the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. It's true that they offer free legal advice. The owner who I presumed has the documents of ownership should consult for free legal advice before any action or suit. I remember my best friend from Cebu who had the same land dispute in l966. Their family land in Toledo had been taken from them for cement mining. It took several years and they won the case of which the mining company paid them a very large amount of money.

In this case, I am pretty sure Tataladying, the owner can get millions as compensation from possible lawsuit. I just hope that the lawyer will not take advantage at the expense of the poor owner. But at this juncture, let's find the best legal defense through IBP's free legal advice in order to win this case.

In fairness to the owner, justice should be served even if the owner is poor and has no money to fight it with the Mining Co. and the government agency.

Name:    Cesar Torres
Email:    Cesar1185@aol.com
Date:    15 August 2008

An expression of our sympathy on the hour of their bereavement, with the passing of Mano Juan Obsequio Cabangangan of Calbiga, last August 5, 2008 in Fremont, in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.

Mano Juan, I know, touched so many of our lives, we from Samar. Many of you must have been his student. He was a teacher, a great mathematician. A very religious and humble man. I think he did not even drink tuba.

His teaching stint started at the West Coast Academy in Villareal, Samar. Hence their first born, a nurse, married to Dr. Gabriel Claudio from Imus, Cavite, who is practicing here in San Francisco, is named "Villa".

After teaching in Villa, he taught at the Samar Trade School, now the Samar State University where he was also Registrar and Secretary of the Board of Trustees.

For many years, Mano Juan was afflicted with Alzheimzer's Disease. It must have been horrible taking care of him.

He was past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Catbalogan.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mana Goring Bohol from Leyte, also a teacher and children and their husbands and wives: Maria Villa and husband Gabriel Miranda; Jessie Cabangangan and wife Lydia; Rosemarie and husband Edgar Yunzal; Maria Linda Cabangangan; Marites Cabangangan; Juanito Cabangangan and wife Cecilia; and Anthony Cabangangan.

Mano Juan and Mana Goring has 12 grandchildren.

Their family requests the pious reader to offer a prayer for the repose of his soul.

His interment is today, Saturday, August 15, 2008, at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Mission Blvd, Hayward California.

Cesar Torres

Name:   Ed Solayao
Address:   Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Email:
Date:   Oct. 14, 2008

Concerning the issues of mining in Homonhon island & the affected populace, there are many legal aspects where we can scrutinize the whole matter, particularly on the rights of the mining companies as well as the rights of the affected people. As far as I understand (correct me if I’m wrong though), under Philippines laws, the following government agencies are the ones responsible, one way or the other, for the granting of mining rights to any qualified companies and at the same time, assuring that provisions are granted on livelihood & other socio-economic assistance to the area of concern. These are the Department of Environment & Natural Resources & its bureaus like Mines & Geosciences Bureau, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Social Welfare & Development.

In principle, no companies are granted permits without securing all the necessary legal documentations (such as environmental clearances, municipal permits, etc.) as well as settlement of all aspects as regards land ownership. In case of land ownership disputes, it will be helpful for concerned parties to seek legal assistance from some organizations of lawyers like the Integrated Bar of the Philippines & Free Legal Assistance Group. It will be helpful to consult them before filing any petitions so as not to jeopardize the proceedings.

Let the rule of law govern the land!

Name:    Marcial Lo
Address:   East Coast, U.S.A.
Email:   mmlv73@mail.com
Date:   12August2008

Sangkay Hagi,

Pakabasa ko hin nga imo post baga nabaraka ako nga aadi na liwat an mga langyaw an magmimina han karikuhan han Samar. Ha akon panginano ngan pakita ko han mga video ug han iba pa nga mga videos nga aadto ha youtube.com bilnga (search) la an topic/subject nga HOMONHON, Iine an akon nakuha nga mga inpormasyon.

1. Ine nga pagmina o mina aada na ha Homonhon. Nagtikang na ug nagpapadayon pa ine nga pagmina hin CHROMITE.

2. Apektado na an bug-os nga isla, labi na irinmon nga tubig ug pakabuhi han mga umorokoy.

3. An mga opisyales han Guiuan ug sigurado ako pati an mga opisyales han probinsiya han Eastern Samar MAARAM NA INE HIRA, operational nagud an Minahan.

4. An impresyon nga eguin hatag ha akon han message dida ha "FEEDBACK" ug han mga video nga ine nga pagmina "TIPAGTIRIKANG PALA". Agidaw kay sige naman ngay-an hito nga CHROMITE ores ngadto ha langyaw nga mga nasud (siguro kaurogan ha China). Hi "Tata Ladying" dida han video bagaan iya problema la an NO TRESSPASSING nga sign ug an dire na niya "makakasulod" han iya iya guin uuma nga tuna. "Piris #%$& hon" mga bulldozer naman ngay-an ug mga truck nga dagku ito nga iya problema. Problema na guihapon an ira irinmon nga tubig, ug pakabuhi nga pangisda ug pag-uma.

5. An akon paki-ana, hin-o man an nagtugot hito nga langyaw nga Mining Companies nga makasulod ha Homonhon?? Kay-ano man nga tinmogot an mga tuminongnong ha Guiuan ngan Eastern Samar nga makatikang iton nga pagmina dida ha Homonhon??? Ugsa ine magtikang pagmina, mayda ba mga sinesireng nga "Enviromental Impact Studies" han epekto han mina ha mga tawo??

Amo gadla.

Name:    Hagi
Address:   Cor. Mascardo & Yague Streets, Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Email:
Date:   11 August, 2008

Name:   tataladying
Address:   Homonhon
Email:   tataladying_homonhon@yahoo.com
Telephone:   4364753
Date:   Aug 8, 2008

Ha Homonhon is a documentary film about how one man seeks justice to reclaim his land against a multinational mining firm after he discovers a "No Trespassing" sign on the land he and his family plows.

Homonhon Island is an island in the province of Eastern Samar, Philippines, on the west side of Leyte Gulf.

Tata Ladying, a Homonhon native is a fisherman and a farmer who dares to ask the authorities on why a Chinese owned mining firm placed a "No Trespassing" sign on land that he tills and on the ground where he lives.

To All Samarnews Readers

After reading the above message as written in the other column of this website the ‘Feedback Board’, I find the content quite ‘disturbing’ and decided to have this message ‘migrate’ to the ‘Message Board’ where it may attract wider attention and readership to this on-line regional newspaper. My intention in bringing this up here in this column is to underline the flagrant injustice committed to a fellow waray-wary in the face of his seemingly lonely fight to keep his land and his means of livelihood against a powerful business company.

Those who read and subscribe to this column could help this Tata Ladying if we bind and organize our selves into a group that will try to petition the local as well as the national government in assistance that would make this person and his family keep the land he has toiled for years.

This is the most opportune time for those who regularly contribute to this column show their ‘flair’ of their writing and convincing skills to petition that branch of government for the early resolution of Tata Ladying’s plight. Let us use this column as our ‘channel and platform’ in the exchange of our ideas and whatever ‘strategy’ we might come up to before we submit our petition.

Better still, if at this point we create a ‘task force’ that could be named “Operation Tata Ladying” who will take charge (collating submitted ideas and information) until our petition is submitted to the proper government agency/cies and until such time that we obtain a ‘mutually agreed’ resolution of the case.

I have used the word ‘mutually agreed resolution’ as the business organization may at this point in time have already acquired certain rights to the land (hence, staking a “No Tresspassing” sign) that may prejudice the rightful claim of Tata Ladying.

This column needs the following information to start and launch our petition;

1) any one who knows what local/national government agency/office in charge of land registration/disputes and for whom we may address our petition (the Bureau of Mines may also be included);

2) the full name of the business organization, its owners/officers and where it holds its offices/headquarters;

3) The actual site where the claim of the mining company is more or less located;

4) The party (film crew) concerned who produced the documentary of Tata Ladying as this may provide us also more information of the case.

It is my earnest desire to help this task force succeed in Tata Ladying’s quest for justice and therefore appeal to Samarnews readers what they can possibly provide in terms of information and in preparing of the formal text of the petition.

I would also call the help of the following gentlemen/ladies for their personal support;

1) Mr. Antonio Morales
2) Mr. Chito De la Torre
3) Mr. Adelbert Batica
4) Mr Samarnon of Canada
5) Mr. Waray-waray
6) Ms. Girlie Grimaldi
7) Mr. R. Cabigon
8) Ms. Ria Mandreza Posadas
9) Mr. Ed Solayao
10) Mr. Albert Jumagdao Jabonero
11) Mr. True Waraynon
13) Mr. Agitated Reader
14) Mr. Bokoy of Matuguinao

And other good hearted contributors who may selflessly give their time to pitch in whatever help they can give to ‘Task Force Tata Ladying.

I may add also in this appeal the help of my fellow chat mates, those who are overseas based and those who are in the country. Please post your ideas, suggestions or information thru this column, we would welcome it most.

Tata Ladying and his family are waiting for us.

Name:    Rinna
Address:   Los Angeles, California
Email:
Date:   08-10-08

I am not sure if this is the right venue for my message but here it is anyways. I am from General McArthur Eastern Samar and we are pushing with a petition to remove our parish priest for a lot of reasons like unprofessionalism, drinking in a public place like the town plaza, getting a young girl pregnant, etc.

Any ideas how to get a faster result and who can we talked to about it without waiting for another ....(hmnn) 5 years (?)

Name:    Taclobanon
Address:   United States
Email:
Date:    Aug. 10, 2008

To: Ray Gaspay

Before anything else, I would like to express my sincerest thanks for having this Samarnews.com and the forum which everybody knows has a great impact to let Samarnon as well as Leyteno know what's going all around the country and particularly Region-8.

I've no clue yet if we are related because my grandfather's mother (in my mother side) is Gaspay from Tacloban that moved to Burauen. Although I'm a Leyteno but my DNA still goes far beyond that because my grandfather's mother (in my father side) is Villaser from Samar and my grandmother's mother (in my father side) is Avelino whose relatives are scattered in Samar and Luzon.

It brought my attention regarding the issue of Catbalogan Airport. One thing that I would like to say is that the airline companies must explore first if this idea is good for their business before they will just reject it. Even the previous flight from Tacloban to Cebu and vice versa was stopped. Then because the people are clamoring it the flight was resumed recently. So, I just hope that they will first try it.

I am very much interested of the government of Pres. Arroyo to help Samar in terms of their economic potentials. I am optimistic it can be done with the help of all people not just Samarnon but also the whole people of Region-8 that includes Northern Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran. Well, I will continue my participation with the Samar forum to give my insight, opinion, suggestion, idea and anything that I can to help my waray-waray brothers and sisters.

Thank you, Atud Ray.