NATIONAL IP CONFERENCE ON MINING. March 12-14,2006,Baguio City

On coming 12-14,2006, PhilDHRRA will organise a three days National Indigenous People Conference on Mining, will be held at Baguio City. The theme of this conference are" Strengthening Ourselves, Protecting Our Lands, Sustaining Life."The objectives are; to discuss the prevailing situation of IPs in the global, national and local contexts; to assess the various threats and propose possible responses that the IP communities and their support groups can explore; and to commit towards a national unified plan of action in advancing IP rights. Expected 200 participants representing all the major IP organized groups and another 50 participants from support institutions. Mr.Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of PhilDHRRA, said " at the end of this 3-day activity, participants would be able to acquire a broader and deeper understanding of the issues and concerns behind national policies and current reality of IP communities, share and distribute tools and materials that can advance IP rights and assist local-level advocacy and other interventions, and adopt a national IP plan of action to protect the gains and pursue the advocacy of confronting the many threats that challenge IP communities." As part of my learning process at PhilDHRRA, I will participate and assist PhilDHRRA Secretariat in this 3 days conference and hope that I will gain more knowledge and experiences especially on how PhilDHRRA work with indigenous peoples and how its promote sustainable development thru people empowerment.

MINING AGAINST INDIGENOUS PEOPLE RIGHTS IN PHILIPPINE

Mining often leads to direct assault upon the culture of indigenous people. Although on paper Philippine law protects the land rights of indigenous peoples as well or better than many other countries, in reality their land is still under threat, as many mineral deposits are in indigenous territory and the pressure to allow mining is great. The on-going revitalization of the mining industry in Philippines has created a major threat against indigenous people rights for self-determination, as well as to the protected areas, which are largely within the ancestral domains. Numerous cases of human rights abuses, social disorganizations, destruction of property as well as heightened tensions in community life have been documented in the past months alone, less than a year after the approval of the National Minerals Action Plan and the Supreme Court reversal on the constitutionality of foreign ownership in mining operations. The aggressive stance of government and the mining industry appear to be on target.

While the character of mining-affected communities cuts across the sectors in the rural areas, the Indigenous people communities are poised to bear the brunt of this development aggression.The vulnerability of indigenous people communities are heightened when the government bureaucracy is ready and willing to partner with mining industry to push for the extraction of these minerals, event at the cost of social displacement and environmental loss. Recently, the Chatholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines has reiterated their call against large-scale mining, through the issuance of patoral statetment, last Jan.29.2006.

" Mining operations leave nothing but lethal wastes that effect the people's health and livelihood, mine tailings that spill into lakes and rivers cause massive fish kill and the death of water sources, most appalling of all, our experience has shown that mining leads to the forcible evacuation of thousands of indigenous peoples and peasant families, or even worse, the death of many. Many lives continue to be threatened because of the continuing influx of more mining applications and the continuing operation of many mining companies. The struggle to liberate our country and people from the deadly fangs of foreign plunder becomes more challenging in the face of the threats posed by the proposed Charter change which guarantees foreign invesments a 100-percent unrestricted exploitation of our patrimonial wealt." said Roderick Carpio, in his letters to editor in Philippine Daily Inquirer recently.

According to the Philippines Mining Code was passed in March 1995, it was proposed in the senate by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, now the Philippine President, the Code sought to attract increased foreign investment by allowing greater foreign ownership, repatriation of profits and tax breaks for international mining companies. In 1993 Pan Asian Mining Congress, the Philippines government invited foreign companies to attend and take part in the drafting process at a workshop. Some of the provisions of the Mining Code are;

- 100 per cent foreign ownership of mining projects is now allowed (previously foreign companies were restricted to a maximum 40 per cent).
- A foreign company can lay claim to an area of up to 81,000 hectares onshore or 324,000 hectares offshore. Philippines- based companies are by contrast restricted to 8,000 hectares in one province and 16,000 hectares within the country.
- Companies can repatriate all profits, equipment and invesment.
- Companies are guaranteed against expropriation by the state.
- Excise duities have been cut from five per cent to two per cent, and tax holidays and deferred payment are allowed until all costs are recovered.
- Losses can be carried forward against income tax.
The government commits itself to ensuring the removal of all 'obstacles' to mining,including settlements and farms.
- Companies are promised priority access to water resources within their concession.
- Companies are given the right to sell gold directly onto the international market without intervention from the Central Bank.
- Mining leases last 25 years with an option of 25-year extension.

Philipine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas

Dear friends, I already one month On Job Training at AsiaDHRRA Secretariat Office,Quezon City, Philippine. Past one week, we are under State Emergency, declare by President Arroyo because of people power celebration. We NGOs staffs and members are also participated in the rally as I reported in this daily report last week. Anyway, we at AsiaDHRRA are in the safe situation.

So, this week I would like to share with you all about the coming agenda. I will focus this week about PhilDHRRA activities and hope that I will able to share with you all from time to time. Its also part of my learning targets in my OJT where this coming 6 till 17 Mac, I will attach to PhilDHRRA to learn about network management, partnership building focused on collaborative on mining; concept of sustainable development, concept of community-based resources management; and also exposure in Community-based development project; strategies on capacity building of POs to manage projects; role of NGOs; hope that through this learning process at PhilDHRRA, I will gain experiences and knowledge on how PhilDHRRA operate as an network and how it promote sustainable development thru people empowerment, and also other ouput is the case study on the NGO-PO relationship in implementing community-based development projects.

PEOPLE POWER 20th ANNIVERSARY IN PHILIPPINES

"People Power remains strongest political moral force, people power is not obsolete. People power is very much alive. People power like the truth,is unstoppable,people power is a tool, is a weapon that can be harnessed for national unity, development and economic prosperity," -former Sen.Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan
On 23rd feb,2006, we, AsiaDHHRA Secretariat staffs and Phildhrra members together with more than 5,000 NGO members participate in the celebration of People Power in Quezon City. The following days, the situation of people power rally become aggressive through out the City. Every hours and minutes, media has focus the news. Police and military are standby every corner on the road and just wait for the action.
Thousand of peoples from everywhere, from every group of NGOs are still continue the rally on the road.

On 24 feb,2006, about 11.00am, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared a State of emergency after military officials says they blocked a coup attempt against her.

LEYTE LANDSLIDE - AROUND 1,400 PEOPLE ARE MISSING!

On last Friday 17, around 2,000 people lived in Guinsaugon, Saint Bernard in the central of island of Leyte,Philippine, in a matter of seconds, the homes and families were wiped out, buried under a mountain of soil and rock. Latest news, eighty bodies have been found so far and around 1,400 people are missing. More than 200 of Guinsaugon's children were in the elementary school when the landslide hit and were buried along with the rest of the village. What happens to Guinsaugon now is still to be determined. A carpet of mud and rocks, up to 30 meters (100 feet) deep in a few places, covers a nine square kilometer (3.5 square mile)area. And now, there is a forecast of another tropical depression with the threat of more landslide that may affect the people in nearby barangays.

VISIT TAGATAY

Taal Volcano is reputed to be the world's smallest and yet most active. It stands on its own island amid a landscape of ash and cinder. Tagatay, considered as the country's second summer capital because of its crisp and cool climate all year around, is a treasure box of pleasure points in by itself. At nightfall, one sees the lake sparkle with the pinpoint lights of fishing boats. It is a perfect picnic spot. Tagatay has traditionally been one of the most visited tourism destinations in the Philippines. It was the most visited Philippine tourist destination in 1998, and the trend is likely to continue. The weather in Tagatay is one of the primary attractions for people to live outside Manila, but the spectacular view of Taal Vocano is undoubtedly the biggest tourism draw.

Last sunday 19 feb, I have been to Tagatay with my friend Bernet, from PAKISAMA. The purpose of going there, is having a prepatory meeting with a group of farmers and community leaders in Barangai Mabato Calamba, Tagatay Highland. We have discuss about the visitation programe for coming Asean Farmers Association members will visit this village on 28 feb,2006. Most of them are planting crops like coffee, coconut, pineaples and other fruits. The major crops are coffee, its is good income compare with other crops. Peoples here are very friendly and they are hard working farmer. They are really waiting and prepare to welcome our AFA members this coming 28 feb.I really enjoy this trip.

Concom Report On National Patrimony And Economic Reforms: A Forum on its Impication to Agrarian Reform

On 17 feb,2006, I attended a forum on Concom Report on National Patrimony And Economic Reforms:on its Implication to Agrarian Reform, held at Century Imperial Palace Suites, Quezon Citi,Philippines. This forum was organised by People's Campaign for Agrarian Reform Network and Kilusan para sa Pagsulong ng Repormang Agraryo. About 60 NGOs members, staffs and leaders representing 20 NGOs attended the forum. The forum started with opening remarks by Mr.Ernie Lim, National Coordinator People's Campaign for Agrarian Reform Network.Three panel speaker present their views on proposed constitutional revisions on national patrimony and economic reforms of the Philippines. They are Sen.Vicente T.Paterno, Mr.Atty Christian Monsod, Chairperson PARFUND and Dr.Sixto K.Roxas, Chairperson Maximo Kalaw Institute. This halfday forum was facilated by Mr.JB Garganera and Ms.Menchie Flores. The forum was end at 12.45 by closing remark by Ms.Lin Ramos-Mendez, Excutive Director, CARET.

HAPPY VALENTINE DAY!

Hello friends,Happy Valentine Day!
I want the sun to shine bright
through your windows.
I want the rain to fall soft on your roof.
I want the wind to blow gently and refresh you.

I want flowers to bloom all around you
and bring you joy,
because you're my friend and I love you all.

Happy Valentine's Day!

My learning experience at Asiadhrra past one week

Hi..friends!

Its already one week I undergo OJT at Asiadhrra Secretariat, I learn new experiences past one week about many things in communication system which before I am not expert on that. Now I can present, document and communicate about what Iam doing in my development work daily through powerpoint, blog page, yahoo messenger, e-mail with photo's, downloading-uploading, scanning pictures. Its very interesting and effective way to communicate. I enjoy with all this learning which before I'm not think all of this very important for my daily work. If you know how to do that, believe me, everyday you want to be infront computer and do your busy work by using all this communication system. Anyway, you must practise everyday so that you can expert on it...ok..! Thanks my teacher Justine and Jett!

ABOUT DHRRA NETWORK MALAYSIA

Background
DHRRA Network Malaysia evolved formerly known MasDHRRA that was in operation from 1974-1998, an organization that was successful in bringing together communities driven by the spirit of dialogue and cooperation among rural people. The trust of the DHRRA Network Malaysia is continue towards organizing a strong rural self-reliant community through poverty allevation and people's empowerment initiatives based on the same spirit of dialoge, cooperation and capacity building of human resources.

The DHRRA Network Malaysia, a registered organization in 2001 has been organizing various community-based health, hygiene and educational programmes in the rural areas. Thus since 1999, DHRRA Network Malaysia was reborn with new image to facilitate the process that allows the most vulnerable sectors to be informed about development taking places, determine their options and course of action, and respond collectively. The DHRRA Network Malaysia saw the need to link circles of farmers' group and rural communities through various initiatives at the village levels.

What our concern?
* the apathy of the government towards the promotion and implementation of genuine agrarian and aquatic reform agrarian;
* the limited abd sometimes lack of support from the government for local farmers especially in the areas of credit program and facilities, access to market and marketing support mechanisms, infrastructure such as pre and post harvest facilities and extension services to technology to promote sustainable agriculture;
* the effect of trade liberalization on rural community culture, indigenous knowledge system, and farmers' production;
*the limited recognition given to the important role of rural women in agriculture development, along with the unequal opportunities provided.

Who are our members?
Membership of DHRRA Network Malaysia is drawn predominantly from the rural poor, the peasantry and indigenous people, i.e.mostly those who participated in the 24 village micro study. Members of DHRRA include;
- The 24 Village farmer leaders as its affiliate members.
- Expert organization such as: APSCARE (Asia Pacific Secretariat for Consumer Advocacy, Research and Education); ERA Consumer Malaysia;PAN-AP (Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific); SUSDEN (Sustainable Development Network Malaysia); SEA-CON (Southeast Asian Council for Food Security and Fair Trade); CUPC (Credit Union Promotion Clubs).

for more information, contact me: Ismail Abd.Aziz,Secretary General /Excutive Director of DHRRA Network Malaysia h/p:019-6111655 or email:ismaildhrra@yahoo.com Office :No.24 Jln SS1/22A,47300 Petaling Jaya,Selangor, Malaysia. Visit my blog: http://ismaildhrra.blogspot.com

AFA Strategic Planning and Second General Assembly:Feb25-March 3,2006

The Asian Farmers' Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) an alliance of millions of farmers from ten Asian countries, will hold its Strategic Planning and Second General Assembly this coming February 25 till March 3, 2006, in Manila. The general objectives of this event are; to formulate the strategic plan of AFA for the years 2006-2010; to celebrate second AFA Day; to make a detailed plan for the setting up of organizational system of AFA; to re affirm membership status, selection of excom. The event will be hosted by PAKISAMA,an AFA member, inpartnership with PhilDHRRA, an AsiaDHRRA member. AFA is a regional alliance of peasant federations and organizations in twelve Asian countries established in may 2002. AFA currently has 5 regular and 2 associate members, representing around 8 m farmers in Asia. Currently,AFA has observers in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar.

We are AFA and AsiaDHRRA secretariat staff currently are busy preparing this important coming event. I am also involved in the technical support for the preparation as a part of my OJT at AsiaDHRRA. Myself and Mr.Ahmad Nayan as representative from DHRRA Network Malaysia will fully participate in this AFA Strategic Planning and Second General Asembly.
For further details information and queries, please visit :www.asianfarmers.org or contact by email to:afa@asiadhrra.org

Farmers health in asia - Flu issue

Inter press servive news agency reported prognoses by WHO say that nearly million people could die in full-blown pandemic, triggered by a virus capable of being passed among humans. Justification for such a high possible death toll relies on the world's experience of the 1918 'Spanish Flu' when an estimated 50 million people died from a virus originating among birds but crossed the species barrier through mutation. The pre-summit meeting of Asia-Pacific leaders in South Korea held last Nov 2005, also talks about the need to strengthen regional and international suveillance and response system which will have some bearing on East Asia's poultry farmers. Since the beginning of last year, over 170 million fowl have been culled or died due to the H5N1 virus, according to the FAO.

Farming In Region: Talk about fact and figures

People are involved in agriculture:-
South Asia region: Population: 1344 million: Involved in agriculture: 751 million (72%)
East Asia and Pacific region :Population: 1836 million:Involved in agriculture :1124 million (62%)
Sub-Saharan Africa: Population:626 million:Involved in agriculture:384 million (61%)
* FAO report.

Visit Phildhrra Office

The Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (Phildhrra) is a national network of NGOs , its a member of AsiaDHRRA, the National Secretariat located at Loyola Heights, Quezon City,Manila.Phildhrra has five regional office, located in Luzon, Quezon City, Visayas,Mindanao and Davao. Phildhrra envisions a society that is characterized by participatory democracy,equality, national sovereignty, economic prosperity,cultural autonomy, gender equity, and environmental sustainability.Relevant and self-reliant NGOs will make a significant contribution to the attainment of this society.
During my stay and learning at Asiadhrra, I have visited Phildhrra office and coming to know more about what are the activity carry-out and hope will gain experiences on network management, partnership building focused on collaborative advocacy on mining and also will exposed to community-based development project.

Enjoy my birthday on 6th feb

Yesterday 6 feb its my birthday, guess how old i am! hello friends I still young ! sweet seventeen..
anyway,, I still be a good husband in Manila...still have one wife,,,
I enjoy my birthday dinner last night with new friends from asiadhrra and phildhrra at Shakey's...just drink a little beer and enjoy with pizza and fried chicken...thank you June and other friends who celebrate my birthday. selamat pok!

My learning target at AsiaDHRRA, Manila

My learning target at AsiaDHRRA Secretariat Office, Manila-1st Feb-28th April 2006.
Feb 1-14
* Overview of AsiaDHRRA's operation.
* Maximizing use of computer in communication.
* Presentation of output.

Feb 15-March 2
* Technical support to AFA GA preparation.

March 6-17
* OJT in Phildhrra.
- Network Management.
- Partnership building focused on collaborative advocacy on mining.

March 20-31
- Exposure in Community-based development project.
* Proposal Development.
* Report preparation.
* Reintegration Planning.

Hello friends !
How are you ? This is my learning process to learn how to make blog.
From time to time I will update you about my activity through sending you this blog.

Sincerly yours,

Ismail Abd Aziz
AsiaDHRRA Office
Manila