STRIKE AGAINST IMPUNITY, STRIKE FOR PEACE AND DEMOCRACY

The Ampatuans and other warlords across the country have been doing these for a succession of administrations. Philippine leaders like to boast of our democracy. What confront us are images of a failed State, where institutions are unable to exercise mandated functions, and the central government cedes substantial power to warlords who maintain private armies, which include “civilian volunteers.”

The cozy ties between central government and local warlords blanket the Philippine countryside with a climate of fear born of a culture of impunity. While this is a long-standing problem, it has reached monstrous proportions under the Arroyo administration, which has spent the nine years devouring the very bases of public power in its relentless effort to privatize that power as the public monies.

We have had enough.

Air your views. comments or sentiments and sign this petition.

Mga Kabayan sa Baler Sali na sa Philippine Team ng eRepublik

Baler Kalahi Summer Arts Workshop, May 20-22, 2009

In celebration of the National Heritage Month and the Month of the Ocean this May, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), led by its chairman, DepEd U-Sec. Vilma Labrador and executive director Cecille Guidote-Alvarez, also PA on Culture, in cooperation with Office of the Presidential Adviser on Climate Change (OPACC), held an art activity called “Gallery of the Seas,” as part of a “triangulated” event involving the air, mountain and sea in the historic town of Baler, Aurora, which is celebrating its 400th foundation anniversary this year, 2009, declared by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the Year of Baler.

more photos here

photo credit: batangbaler.net/kidlat

LGU Baler New Website

This is the primary photo of the new website of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baler. It sure promotes the town for its historical value as well as economic opportunities for foreign and local investors, and our kababayans abroad. Showcasing the LGU-Baler Excellence Service (LGU-BEST), "a very special place for the taxpayers to relax while paying their taxes", a short description of the program in its website said.
Photos of Baler eco-tourism spot and infrasctructure projects are uploaded so that Balerianos from anywhere and would-be visitors can have glimpse of what is now Baler.

Be nice and let's be friends!