Labor Day woes

It’s Labor Day today. But labor groups have no reason to celebrate since wages remain low, prices continue to increase and millions are unemployed.

Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Federation of Free Workers (FFW) have expressed their disenchantment with the Aquino administration because of its policy of not supporting the proposed legislated wage increase of P125 a day. They will hold protest rallies nationwide promising 100,000 participants. KMU Chairman Elmer Labog said they are expecting 30,000 at a rally at Plaza Miranda.

The moderate TUCP headed by former Senator Ernesto “Boy” Herera is holding a big rally at the Cuneta Astrodome where an expected attendance of 10,000 will push for a P90/day wage increase.

The labor groups are griping that after 9 years of neglect under the GMA administration, they are in no better position after 2 years of the Aquino administration.

They condemn the miniscule increases granted by Regional Wage Board which was only P22 in May 2011 for Metro Manila.

Yes, there’s no reason for happiness in the labor sector.

*      *      *

BEAUTIFUL CALATAGAN . . With the help of the Zobel family, Calatagan, Batangas is developing into a beautiful eco-tourism destination.

Blessed with a population of 80,000 residents, it has beautiful beaches, protected by mountains and is blessed with bountiful sea food.

The Saturday Club of Calatagan headed by Henry and Yvonne Caunan and Vice Mayor Lenie Pantoja is leading community development efforts.

*      *      *

CHINESE MANEUVERS . . Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Edmund Tan reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that 2 Chinese gunboats made maneuvers within 600 meters of 2 PCG ships which they termed as bullying.

The maneuvers post a danger to the Coast Guard vessels in violation of International Law.

Usec. Raul Hernandez said they are filing a formal protest with the Chinese government.

It certainly looks like China is trying to provoke a confrontation.

*      *      *

WATER PROBLEM . . Unless the Aquino administration acts fast, a water shortage is due to hit Metro Manila and othe areas soon. Pagasa administrator Nathaniel Servando reports that the water level at major dams in Luzon, Angat, La Mesa, Ambuklao, Binga, San Roque, Magat and Caliraya have dropped below normal levels.

30% of barangays in the country still have no stable water supply.

* * *

TEACHER SHORTAGE . . Senator Edgardo Angara, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture pointed out that the country needs 99,628 more teachers.

He also observed a worrisome downtrend in the number of graduates of education related courses. The numbers of graduates have declined from 71,349 in year 2000 to 56,209 in year 2010.

He also noted the low 42% passing rate in Elementary school teacher’s exam and only 24% in High school teacher’s licensure exams.

He deplored the fact that only P100 million has been provided in the budget of the Commission on Higher Education for scholarships for teacher development.

He emphasized the need for more world class teachers to successfully implement the K+12 program.

Sen. Angara’s views are valid and should be given immediate attention by CHED and DepEd.

*      *      *

FIRST TIME . . For the first time in the history of the country, 6,000 commercial farms and 3 million backyard growers declared a pork and poultry holiday to protest the Administration’s inability to stop the rampant smuggling and over importation of meat.

Frozen meat had flooded the wet markets since President Aquino took power. The smugglers have been able to pay off customs officers at the Port of Manila, Port of Batangas, Poro Point and Subic.

Frozen meat from China was selling at P90/kilo compared to the local farmgate price of P150/kilo for local meat.

For 22 months, from Commissioner Alvarez to Commissioner Biazon, the smuggling of frozen meat has been openly done with Customs Personnel definitely in connivance.

AGAP Party list Rep. Nicanor Briones noted that 20% of livestock producers have already closed shop. He predicts at least half of the livestock producers will close shop due to the failure of Department of Agriculture and Customs officials to stop the inflow of smuggled meat.

* * *

OUTSTANDING MAYOR . . First term Mayor Antonio “TJ” Rodriguez of Capas, Tarlac. In less than 2 years, he has distributed ambulances to his 20 barangays, 200 mountain bikes to policemen and barangay tanods, conducting free computer classes graduating 8,000 young people and put a mobile hospital in an airconditioned 40 feet containers visiting the barangays. He also bought farm tractors for the use of farmers.

All of the above are funded thru a small P15 million loan from Land Bank.

Good job, Mayor Rodriguez.

*      *      *

TIDBITS . . . President Aquino hosted a birthday party for designer Paul Cabral at his Pangarap residence Sunday night.

Ambassador James Yabes has been appointed Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Affairs vice Esteban Conejos who was assigned as Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization.

Western Samar Rep. Mel Sarmiento wants the abuses of budget airlines investigated. He charges them of over booking and deceptive promotional fare ads.

The failure of Export and Industry Bank should be blamed on the lack of timely supervision and intervention by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Pagcor reported a record P3.67 billion gross income for March 2012, P686 million higher than March 2011. This is the 10th monthly increase of Pagcor income.

Greetings to avid readers Ex Congw. Eileen Ermita Buhain who will run for Congress against Rep. Tom Apacible of Batangas. Also to former Mayor Henry Caunan, Dr. Jun Caisip of Calatagan, Milet Cuna, and Dave Escalona.

Greetings too to Boy Abunda, Pinky Webb, Alex Calda, Roy Peña, New Lucena Mayor Liecel M. Seville and former Vice-Gov. Felipe Barredo of Capiz.