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SPEECH OF MANILA MAYOR ALFREDO S. LIM
THE 89TH INAUGURAL CEREMONIES OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF MANILA AND THE INDUCTION
OF THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS 2008-2009
Manila Polo Club, Makati City

 

MY FELLOW ROTARIANS,

I STAND BEFORE YOU TODAY EMBOLDENED BY MY CONVICTION, THAT WHEN SOMETHING IS NOT   RIGHT, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO CORRECT IT. AND   MOST OFTEN THAN NOT, THIS ROLE FALLS ON THE   SHOULDER OF THE OLD AND THE WISE.  

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE GROWING MALAISE OF OUR PEOPLE IN THE FACE OF IMMORAL, CORRUPT AND DEGENERATIVE ACTIONS OF THE VERY PEOPLE, WHO SHOULD BE OUR ROLE MODELS, THAT THREATEN THE VERY FIBERS OF OUR MORAL VALUES. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE LOOSENING OF MORALS, THE FADING SENSE OF DELICADEZA AND THE GROWING PENCHANT OF MOST FILIPINOS TO PUT ONE OVER THE OTHER.  IN SHORT, WE ARE SLOWLY BECOMING A MORALLY BANKRUPT NATION.

SABI NGA NG MATATANDA (HINDI PO AKO KASAMA DUN), DALAWA LANG ANG KLASE NG TAO SA MUNDO – ANG MANLOLOKO AT ANG NALOLOKO. MUKHA YATANG MAS DUMARAMI ANG MGA MANLOLOKO NGAYON.  

SO I ASK YOU THESE QUESTIONS: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO DELICADEZA? WHERE HAVE ALL THE GENTLEMEN AND GENTLEWOMEN GONE? WHY ARE THERE PERSONS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS WHO LIE AND STEAL? WHERE HAVE THE “OPO” “PAKI NAMAN” AND “SALAMAT” GONE? LAST I HEARD, THEY ARE STILL PART OF OUR VOCABULARY.   THE BIGGEST QUESTION IS: WHERE HAVE OUR MORAL VALUES GONE?  

IF YOU WILL ASK ME, THE MOST POLITE AND RESPECTFUL PEOPLE IN THE COUNTRY TODAY (ASIDE FROM THOSE GATHERED HERE) CAN ONLY BE FOUND IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS OF THE CITY OF MANILA. WHY? BECAUSE WHILE THEY ARE YOUNG, WE ARE MOLDING OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME GOOD CITIZENS, WITH AN INTENSE LOVE FOR COUNTRY AND FEAR OF GOD.   THIS IS WHY WE ARE SOUNDING THE URGENT CALL FOR MORAL REGENERATION IN OUR COUNTRY TODAY.

IBALIK NATIN ANG MABUTING ASAL. HINDI PA HULI ANG LAHAT.   HOW DO WE GO ABOUT DOING THIS? WE START WITH OURSELVES. AS THE SO-CALLED OLD AND WISE, WE SHOULD CONTINUE SETTING GOOD EXAMPLES THAT EVEN THE WIZENED ONES WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO COWER IN SHAME AND LEARN TO CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.   EVERY LITTLE GOOD DEED, WHEN ADDED UP, WILL GREATLY HELP IN MAKING OUR COUNTRY’S MORAL FIBERS STAND TALL, PROUD, AND INVIOLABLE.  

THERE WAS A SAYING DURING THE MARTIAL LAW – SA IKAUUNLAD NG BAYAN, DISIPLINA ANG KAILANGAN. THIS HOLDS TRUE FOR ALL OF US TODAY.   WHY IS THE SMALL ISLAND STATE OF SINGAPORE SO PROGRESSIVE? BECAUSE DISCIPLINE IS THEIR NORM. WHY ARE THERE FIRST WORLD COUNTRIES LIKE AMERICA, EUROPE, JAPAN AND WE ARE CALLED A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY? SAME ANSWER, DISCIPLINE.  

IF YOU GO TO SUBIC, INSIDE THE FREEPORT, YOU ARE ABLE TO FOLLOW THE STRICT U.S. STYLE TRAFFIC RULES. IF WE CAN DO IT THERE, THEN WE CAN DO IT ELSEWHERE IN OUR COUNTRY.  

SADLY, WE LOOK AT THE PERCEPTIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND THEY SEE US NOW AS THE MOST CORRUPT COUNTRY IN ASIA.  

AND WHO ARE COWERING IN SHAME? TAYO LANG YATA.  

MILLIONS OF PESOS ARE BEING POCKETED LEFT AND RIGHT BY SHAMELESS OFFICIALS AND STILL MILLIONS MORE ARE BEING GIVEN AS A “BONUS”, JUST RECENTLY AT THE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS.   WHERE IS OUR COUNTRY GOING TO? NOT TO THE DOGS, IF WE CAN HELP IT.  

IF WE CAN CREATE ONE LITTLE NOISE TO WAKE OUR PEOPLE UP FROM A DEEP SLUMBER AND MALAISE AND NONCHALANCE, THEN WE CAN STOP OUR COUNTRY FROM GOING TO THE DOGS.  

ALL IS NOT LOST BECAUSE WE IN THE ROTARY CLUB OF MANILA, WE SHOULD LEAD THE WAY. WE SHOULD EMULATE THE LIKES OF CLARO M. RECTO, JOSE P. LAUREL, RAMON MAGSAYSAY, CORY AQUINO, CARDINAL SIN, AMONG OTHERS, WHO WERE GREAT STATESMEN AND WHO WERE THE VERY MODELS OF THE HIGHEST PRINCIPLES AND CONVICTION. THEY ARE THE EXACT ROLE MODELS THAT PERSONIFY THE VIRTUES THAT WE ALL CHERISH AND TREASURE, THE VERY VIRTUES LEFT TO US BY OUR ANCESTORS.  

THIS IS THE CHALLENGE CONFRONTING US TODAY FELLOW ROTARIANS. WE MUST NOT FAIL! PLEASE HELP US START CREATING THAT NOISE FOR A MORALLY UPRIGHT PHILIPPINES.   IBALIK NATIN ANG MAGANDANG ASAL, ITAPON NATIN ANG BULOK. MARAMING SALAMAT PO.

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PHILIPPINE CHINESE HUA-HONG ASSOCIATION
69TH ANNIVERSARY AND INDUCTION CEREMONY

I convey my esteemed greetings and congratulations to the newly / to be inducted officers and members of Philippine Chinese Hua Hong Association on the occasion of your 69 th anniversary and most especially to your incoming President Mr. Sy Sun Kiat and your outgoing President…………..

Tonight is a very significant gathering because we are adding another year to the meaningful sixty nine (69) years existence of your prestigious organization. It is made more importance because of the fact that you are now coming near to your Diamond anniversary. Indeed, you have come along way since your organization’s founding day.

For you, newly elected and inducted/ soon to be inducted officers, you know that you have been entrustedcrucial positions in this organization, I bid you not only congratulations but also a well-meaning “good luck” on all your association’s future.

I can only give you this message….. Governance is not all about powers; it’s more of responsibilities. You are now tasked with the crucial duty of steering your organization to greatness or to oblivion. Your predecessors shall remember you by the legacy you leave behind. I believe that great leaders are made and not quite born. Thus, I wish the organization more power under Sy Sun Kiat Presidency.

Your celebration tonight is made more meaningful by the fact that the Philippines is celebrating its Independence Day and just recently on Monday, we celebrated the 7 th Year Anniversary of the Proclamation of June 9, 2002 and every year thereafter as “Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day.”

You have been witnessed as to how the relationship between our countries had been strained because of the recent events; the revival of the conflicting claims on the oil rich Spratley Islands, the criticism on the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking signed in Vietnam and who can forget the serious challenge on the bilateral relationship created by the still on going controversy on the ZTE-NBN deal. The Philippine government was forced to abort the $330 million project of the Chinese telecom giant.

Be that as it may, the friendship we nurtured and promoted throughout the past centuries had withstood the pressures and the challenges. Let us have a meaningful toss……Mabuhay to the Filipino-chinese Friendship. Magandang Gabi sa Inyong Lahat! (Chinese greeting if possible).

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MESSAGE OF MAYOR ALFREDO S. LIM
ON THE FIRST BAYBAY CITY CHARTER DAY CELEBRATION LAST JUNE 16, 2008

Today JUNE 16, 2008 is a defining moment in the long history of the City of Baybay. Some of your detractors said that this day would never come; that your sights were too high; that your dreams and visions are far from reality; but I say to you, and in particular to Congresswoman Carmen L. Cari, to governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, to Baybay City Mayor Michael L. Cari and to the whole constituency of Baybay City, that through your profound effort, the moments of truth has come to the City of Baybay. Your people has chosen hope over fear. Development over status quo and resiliency over reluctance.

I am thrilled and honored to be a part of your historic and valiant campaign to make Baybay a city. A City with a legend!

You have inspired thousands, if not millions for the show of strength, courage and unyielding cause of working for a change. I ask the good people of the City of Baybay to sign up now and together write the next chapter in Baybay’s history.

The month of June has brought into our country so many changes. We declared our independence from Spain. The Philippine flag was flown on Philippine soil for the first time. We also produced the first President and produced the Malolos Constitution, the first in Asia. By opting the city hood, the people of Baybay have rejected their fears and voted for hope. Hope that the rule of law will be applied equally to all of us, rich or poor, friend or foe and that future generations will not be burdened by the greed and avarice of their past leaders.

The people expect a great deal from their public officials, which includes the freedom to resort to all kinds of remedies that they believe will enforce their right. Abraham Lincoln said, “We must not begrudge any citizen the use of this right.” He sad, “Must the government be too strong for the liberties of its people or too weak to maintain its existence.?” If the government is overly strong, the net result is the rights, liberties and freedom of its citizen to suffer. On the other hand, if the government is overly concerned with rights, liberty and freedom of individual, what usually ensues is chaos, confusion and anarchy. So, it is very important for all citizens tat they should strive for that delicate balance between governmental authority on one hand and the rights, liberty and freedom of the individual on the other hand. Mark and maintain that delicate balance, guard it well because on it depends the life of our democracy.

The first and primary duty of the government is to protect the citizen and maintain peace and order. Peace and order is the pre-condition to sustainable development for no society can proper in an atmosphere where public safety is in question.

Warmest greetings to the good people of Baybay City. I want to share with you my simple philosophy in life. To be a good shepherd, one must believe in the sun even if it is not shining; believe in love even if not feeling it; and belief in the Almighty God even He is silent.

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7TH FILIPINO-CHINESE FRIENDSHIP DAY
AN INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE

Mr. Siy Yap Chua, President of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club; members of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club; officers and members of the various Filipino-Chinese Association; ladies and gentlemen.

We are very thankful to the officers and members of Chinese-Filipino Business Club, Inc. led by current President, Siy Yap Chua for spearheading this significant occasion.

The Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. (CFBCI) is supportive of efforts to preserve, promote and popularize the ever-growing friendship, cultural and economic exchange between the Philippines and People Republic of China (PROC). It is responsible in the passing into law of Presidential Proclamation No. 148 issued in 2002 which declared June 9 of every year as Filipino and Chinese Friendship Day. The Presidential Proclamation acknowledge the many contributions made by the Chinese people to the people of the Philippines. It highlighted the significance of the friendship and brotherhood that have tied together the peoples of China and the Philippines for centuries.

These relation began as early as 500 B.C. Trade was the basic reason for the establishment of these centuries of ties. Countless Chinese words, customs, practices, and institutions have found their way into Philippine culture. Intermarriages cemented Filipino and Chinese relations. Yours truly, modesty aside, is one great example of how Filipino and Chinese blood intermingled beautifully.

Indeed, it would be very difficult, if not near to impossible to erase the Chinese influence on what we now call Filipino culture, customs and traditions. Therefore, as we celebrate Filipino and Chinese Friendship Day, let us acknowledge some more the close relations between our two nations and the mutual benefits they have given us. Let today’s ceremonies enkindle in us the spirit of friendship that bound our common ascendants of Filipino-Chinese lineage.

Further, let this celebration reminds us that in these crucial times, we are all called upon to unite and work as a nation in helping our government to weather the difficulties our country is presently confronting. May the officers and members of the Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc., and all other Chinese-Pinoys here present continue to unite and work closely with the government in the arduous work of nation building.

In closing, I wish you all Good afternoon. May the friendship that binds Filipino and Chinese throughout the century last forever.

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“RIZALISM: Unity, Solidarity and Camaraderie”  

Before anything else, I would like to extend my greetings to the officers and members of The Knights of Rizal and other affiliate organizations especially to Sir Virgilio R. Esguerra, Chairman, Affiliate Organizations and Acting Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal and likewise to Sir Barry Bowman his Co-Chairman.

One may ask what does really connotes. I believe Rizalism is a philosophical principle espoused by people who strive to live up to the ideals espoused by Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. On the other hand, The Code of Ethics of the Knights of Rizal defines “Rizalist” as someone who loves his country and people, promotes international understanding, venerates the memory of the nation’s heroes, strives to do justice, believes in the value of education and upholds freedom at all costs, among others.

Jose Rizal is referred to as “the First Filipino,” and to this day, he stands as a challenge to his countrymen still struggling to overcome the legacy of four centuries of Spanish imperialism and 100 years of American occupation and control. Further, Rizal was always conscious of his generation’s loving responsibility to the Philippines and the next generation of the Filipinos. He was mindful at all times of the future and his legacy. He placed much value in the future, pinning his hopes on the receptiveness of the Filipinos yet to come to the ideas and legacy of the Filipinos of his age. He advised for countless times his friends, his family and his countrymen to unite and struggle together to achieve their common ends – “Freedom” and “Progress”.

His martyrdom had not been unexpected. On the eve of his final return home to his native land four years earlier in 1892, Rizal had written two letters that he laft in the hands of his friend in Hong Kong, Dr. Marquez. They were marked, “To be opened after my death,” One was addressed to his “beloved parents, brother and sister.” And the second letter was addressed “To the Filipinos.” An excerpt of the letter reads “If I thought that I were the only resource for the policy of progress in the Philippines, and were I convinced that my countrymen were going to make use of my services, perhaps I should hesitate about taking step; but there are still others who can take my place, who, too, can take my place with advantage.”

 Thus, as Rizal himself had said, there are others who can take his place in our leap for progress. Let us all answer to that call. Let the spirit of Rizalism be ignited among all of us and let it spread throughout the country and the world. Borrowing from the words of our hero “Let us see if we preach to them with your example. Presidency at the present moment, when we are enraged in a struggle, it is necessary to redouble all efforts, it is necessary to sacrifice everything for the welfare of our native land.”

 Thus, holding these ideas, this latest act of convening together all if not most groups affiliated with the ideas of Rizal is indeed long overdue. With you working in unity and solidarity in an atmosphere of friendship much more can be achieved in propagating the spirit of Rizalism than when all of you are working individually ad in isolation. Let us always be guided accordingly by the life Jose Rizal led for surely he did not live and die in vain. Good afternoon.

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MANILA, IKA 6 NG HUNYO 2008
FELIPE G. CALDERON

Natitipon tayo ngayon upang gunitain ang pagyao ng tanyag na mambabatas, Felipe G. Calderon, kilala naitn bilang “Ama ng Saligang Batas ng Unang Republika ng Pilipinas” na pinasinayan sa MAlolos noong Enero 23, 1899.

Dati-rati, ang seremonya ay ginaganap tuwing ika-6 ng Hulyo, ngunit ngayong taong ito, ginaganap natin ito ngayong ika-6 ng Hunyo. Nagkaroon ng pagbabago, bilang pagwawasto, batay sa payo ng National Historical Institute na natuklasan sa National Archives ang original ng death certificate ni Abogado Felipe G. Calderon na nagsasabing yumao siya noong ika-6 ng Hunyo 1908.

Puedeng sabihin ng ilan na hindi naman ganoon kaimportante and petsa, dahil isang buwan lamang naman ang deperensiya.

Ngunit kung buhay si Abogado Felipe Calderon, pupurihin niya tayo. Sapagkat sa kanyang kasanayan sa batas, hindi siya papayag sa hindi wasto, kahit man gaano kaliit ang bagay na dapat ilagay sa tama.

Pero ang katatagan ng loob na siyang katangian ni G. Calderon ay di nabuo ng gayon na lamang. Pinanday ang kanyang pagkatao mulang pagkabata. Bagamat ipinanganak sa Tanza, cavite, dito siya sa Sta. Ana lumaki dahil sa kagustuhang makapag-aral na sinang-ayunan naman ng kanyang mga ale at ina.

Anak siya ng isang Espanyol; ang ina naman niya ay isang katutubong Pilipino. Kung gayon, isa siyang mestizo. Ngunit sinsabing ang pagkalulong ng kanyang ama sa bisyo at sugal ang nagdala sa hirap ng kanilang pamilya. Kayat sa halip na mabuhay ng mariwasa, lumaki ang batang si Felipe sa hirap.

Mula dito sa Sta. ana, nilakad na lamang niya ang kanyang paaralang Ateneo Municipal na noon ay nasa loob pa ng Intramuros. Sa halip sumakay sa quiles o karetelam, naglalakad siya para makatipid. Halos tatlong kilometro ang layo noon ditto sa kanyang tahanan. Sa awa sa kalagayan ng batang kinakitaan ng galling ng kanyang mga guro, binigyan siya ng scholarship ng mga paring Heswita. Noong 1885, tinapos niya ang bachilerato (Bachelor of Arts) na preparasyon sa pagkuha ng abogasya sa Unibersidad ng Sto. Tomas.

Para makapag-aral ng abogasya, nagsulat siya sa mga diyaryo noon tulad ng La Opinion. Naging tutor (o tagapagturo) din siya ng mga batang anak ng mayayaman, tulad ng mga anak ng pilantropo at hacenderong Don Francisco Roxas ng Batangas. Sa tuwa sa kanyang tulong, pinagbakasyon siya ni Don Francisco. Pinaglakbay siya sa Hong Kong, Singapore at India noong 1983, natapos niya ang licenciado ng pagbabatas. Isa na siyang abogado. Ang una niyang trabaho ay bilang katuwang sa tanggapan ng kilalang Mahistrado Cayetano Arellano. Habang nag-aaral siya ng iba pang kurso sa UST, tulad ng pilosopiya at kamika, pumutok ang Rebolusyon ng 1896. hindi siya naligtas sa paghihinala ng mga Kastila. Nakulong siya sa Fort Santiago. Napawalang-sala siya matapos na maipagtanggol ang sarili sa paratang ng sedicion.

Ngunit ng magkaroon ng pagbabago ang ihip ng hangin, at muling magbalik ang mga rebolusyunaryo sa larangan noong 1898, tumungo si Abogado Calderon sa Cavite upang makipag-usap kay Pangulong Emilio Aguinaldo. Panahon na ito ng isa-isang bumagsak ang mga puwersang Kastila sa mga lalawigan sa kamay ng mga Pilipino. Inialay niya ang sarili sa serbisyo ng binubuong Republika. Hinirang siya ni Aguinaldo bilang diputado sa Kongreso ng Malolos.

Ang binuong borador ng Saligang Batas ni Calderon ang napili ng Kongreso bilang Konstitusyon ng Republika. Kaya kilala siya sa kasaysayan bilang “Ama ng Saligang Batas ng Unang Republika.”

Sa panahong Amerikano, nagtayo siya ng Escuela de Derechos ( School of Law) at binuhos ang panahon sa pagsusulat. Siya ang bumuo ng orihinal na Penal Code ng Pilipinas. Sinulat din niya ang Mis Memorias sobre la Revolucion (Ang Gunita ko ng Rebolusyon) at documentos Para La Historia de Filipinas (Mga Dokumento tungkol sa Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas).

Binuo niya ang Samahan ng mga Mananagalog, isang pangkat ng manunulat na nagsusulong sa pagpapaunlad ng isang pambansang wika batay sa wikang Tagalog. Ang kanyang pagkahilig sa kasaysayan ang nagtulak sa kanya sa pagbuo ng isang samahan ng mga historyador, ang Asociacion Historia de Filipinas. Ayon sa samahang ito, kailangan ng mga Pilipino na malaman at makatipon ng mga dokumento at ebidensiya ng nakaraan upang makapagplano ng tama para sa hinaharap.

Nabighani siya ng kanyang estudyanteng si Consolacion Felix, na noon ay nakilala sa kanyang pagiging lider ng Asociacion de Feminista Filipina. Sa kanyang pakikipagtulungan sa asawa, itinatag ni Calderon ang samahang La Proteccion de la Infancia.

Nang yumao siya noong ika-6 ng Hunyo, 1908, may isang dantaon na ang nakalipas, biglang naputol ang pagtupad niya sa mga dakilang hangarin para sa ating bayan. Sentenaryo ngayon ng kanyang kamatayan. Ngunit sa mabubuti niyang nagawa, inisip at isinulat. Buhay siya sa ating balintataw. Tagapagmana tayo ng kanyang mga mithiin, ang pagmamahal sa batas, sa kasaysayan, sa sariling wika, sa pagtindig sa hamon ng kapalaran at pagkakataon. Mga katangiang lalo at higit na kailangan natin sa ating nag-uunos na panahon.

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MANILA MEDIAL SOCIETY, INC.
44 TH ANNUAL CONVENTION

Good Morning ladies and gentlemen doctors! You see, I have fears of going to doctors, as we are sure most people are. Doctors are the last persons we would want to visit for a cause. Fortunately, I am now with you, not as one of your patients but as your keynote convention speaker.

Indeed, it is a privilege to be standing among the oldest and one of the most elite medical societies in the Philippines – The Manila Medical Society, Inc.

I am not a doctor but I am one with you in your society’s mission of preserving and protecting the health of our people. In fact, Health Security is one of the top three priority projects of my administration ever since. That is why we endeavored to build additional city hospitals aside from Ospital ng Maynila. We already have four city hospitals in Manila. Aside from Ospitla ng Maynila, we have the Gat. Andres Bonifacio, Hospital in Tondo and the Ospital ng Sampaloc. Hopefully, by the end of my term, additional hospitals will be built in the two other districts of Manila.

Despite this development, we still believe, that much more needs to be done. Indeed it is not enough, that we provide accessible medical services to the public. The medical services we provide must also be adequate, quality and safe. You as doctors have a lot of say in maintaining quality, affordable and safe medical services, to our people especially to poorest sector.

You see, I was born poor. Hence; I know the desperation most of our poor people feel, when they or their love ones are sick and they don’t have money, to pay their doctors or worst to buy medicines. We abhor the idea of patients being sent away despite much needed medical attention, just because the patient does not have the money for hospital deposit. In my opinion that’s the height of apathy. No amount of financial consideration should outweigh your sworn duty, to cure and provide medical attention to your patients.

As doctors you perform the crucial part of not only treating diseases, but also most of all in maintaining the health and safety of your patients. You work long and irregular hours and are always on call. You travel frequently between office and hospital cares for your patients. Your training and practice are among the most demanding of any occupation. That because of these great demands, your work tends to become mechanical. That sometimes, in the process you lose tract of your most important concern, your patients’ safety. These momentary lapses can be very costly, both for your patients and you as professionals. The death or irreversible physical disability of patients as a result of that “momentary”, will place your career or worst your liberty in peril. However; if you put your heart and soul in what you are doing, medical accidents and malpractices will surely be prevented. Thus; your theme for this convention “Patients’ Safety: Doctor’s Concern” finds great relevance and importance.

In closing, may this convention give you the time to renew your dedication, to uphold the health and safety of your patients and may you continue to live up to your oath as doctors. May you continue to serve better your patients, be self-motivated, and be able to survive the pressures and long hours of medical practice. Likewise, may this convention gives you’re the venue for your discussions on how further you can go/ to help charter the future of Philippine medical profession. A medical profession that is world class and not the same medical profession that has been the subject of an unfounded uncalled and totally outrageous comment, by Terri Hatcher of the American sitcom Desperate Housewives.

Again thank you and good evening!

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WELCOME REMARKS
UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION
MEDICAL FORUM OF AMBASSADORS FOR PEACE
ASIAN MOBILE MEDICAL SERVICE  

I take pleasure in welcoming all the organizers and participants of this symposium with the theme “The Role of the Medical Professionals in Global Peace Building.” In particular to…………..(personalities).

Peace is such a precious jewel that that people would give anything for it. However, we stand witnesses to the everyday conflicts among nations that particularly threaten the eruption of global war. As all of us are aware of, conflict usually arises because of lack of understanding. People tend to misunderstand the culture of others because of variance in the way we live. Without any common ground, the tendency is for conflict to arise.

Fortunately, there are civic spirited individuals all over the world who bonded themselves together for the attainment of global peace. This is what the Universal Peace Federation stands for. A global alliance of individuals and organizations dedicated to building a world of peace in which we live in freedom, harmony, cooperation and co-prosperity for all.

On the other hand, we are greatly honored for having with us today the alliance of medical professionals as our ambassadors of world peace. Health practitioners indeed have a lot of say in maintaining global peace. An unhealthy individual is usually unhappy, irrational, ill-tempered and always conflict ridden. On the other hand, a healthy decisions, is happy and less likely to become the aggressor. Thus by their selfish act of providing accessible, quality and safe medical services to the poorest sector of the society, our doctors and other health practitioners of the Asian Mobile Medical Service group are able to reduce considerable amount of tensions, conflicts and aggressions, thus, making them true ambassadors of peace.

I in behalf of all Manileños, particularly the people of Baseco and Parola, thank you for sharing your precious times attending to the medical needs of our people sans financial consideration.

AGAIN, I WELCOME YOU ALL TO OUR BEAUTIFUL CITY! Good day and may peace reign in our hearts.

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BRIEF MESSAGE ON THE BOOK LAUNCHING

Good afternoon to (guests)… I was asked to give a brief message on the launching of the book joined by history by the Honorable Alberto Romulo. How can I refuse my good friend with the simple request. In fact it is great privilege to be accorded such honor!

First of all, I would like to inform you that the book is aptly named not only of the existing long time relation between America and Philippines but also of my long time friendship with the Honorable Alberto Romulo. It is forged and joined by time.

All of us are aware that the Battle for Manila from 3 February to 3 March 1945, fought by American, Filipino and Japanese forces, was the worst time in history of the Philippines.

The one month battle, which culminated in a terrible bloodbath and the total devastation of the city, was the scene of the worst urban fighting in the pacific. Manila some 60 years ago was turned into rubble and ashes. Not only was Manila reduced to almost nothing, but also its civilians who were trapped in the crossfire were mutilated, raped, and massacred; hence, it was called as the rape of Manila. In this month-long battle, the Americans and Japanese inflicted worse destruction on Manila than the German Luftwaffe has exacted upon London which resulted in the destruction of the City and in a death toll comparable to that of the Tokyo firebombing or the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

With American aid, Manila was revived and reconstructed. Buildings, businesses and new corporation emerged. I can tell you that all of these new developments can be read in this book with nostalgia accompanied with colorful pictures.

Then on 18 February 1995, fifty years after the so called rape of Manila, the Memorare Manila Monument was erected in delication and memory to the war victims. This monument is located at the Plaza de Santa Isabel, also known as the Plaza Sinampalukan, located at the corner of General Luna and Anda Streets in Intramuros, Manila. The inscription reads:

“This memorial is dedicated to all those innocent victims of war, many of whom went nameless and unknown to a common grave, or even never knew a grave at all, their bodies having been consumed by fire or crushed to dust beneath the rubble of ruins.”

“Let this monument be the gravestone for each and every one of the over 100,000 men, women, children and infants killed in Manila during its battle of liberation, February 3- March 3, 1945. We have not forgotten them, nor shall we ever forget.”

“May they rest in peace as part now of the sacred ground of this city: the Manila of our affections.”

This was done to show affections to the thousands of innocent Filipino people who died during the war and that they will not be forgotten.

And today, we are celebrating the launching of this book to give a chance to the generations of Filipinos to have a glimpse of the past; that they are lucky not to endure the horrors of that particular bleak moment of our City’s history and that the existing relations between the two countries, that of the Philippines and America was forged by history and the effects of such friendship in both countries. Today, that moment of history is eternalized and glorified in this book. So friends, let us give a round of applause for this great book!

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8TH ASEAN INTER-UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
28 May – 01 June 2008

Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen of the 8 th ASEAN Inter-University Conference on Social Development, Manila greets you with a warm welcome. It is an honor to be with you today.

We congratulate the University of the Philippines and the National University of Singapore, for spearheading the gathering of great personalities unto this prestigious forum. We have here a mixed company of a brilliant mind of the academe, social scientists, artists and the media. They are ready to impart their expertise and strategies to transform the ASEAN region into a well-developed integrated community.

Not to take the backseat is the voice of ASEAN working people, now formally represented as participants to the International conference. This new addition is timely; it is a crucial dimension to bolster the strength of the three pillars of regional integration-economy, culture and security.

A rich historic vision of the ASEAN had gained international plaudits and this gives us a force gleam of the realization of our goal: the transformation of ASEAN into a rules-based institution. We are looking forward to a fruitful exchange of thoughts, leading to possible solutions concerning economy, socio-cultural and security issues, this side of the globe.

In between sessions we invite you to experience with your colleagues the joy of Manila hospitality. We do want your stay to be pleasant and memorable. Make the most out of it. Godspeed!

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WELCOME REMARKS
8TH ASEAN Inter-University Conference on Social Development

 Good afternoon to the organizers, participants and guests of this 8 TH ASEAN Inter-University Conference on Social Development, in particular to UP President, Dr. Emerlinda Roman, Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo, Chair of these event’s steering Committee and Dr. Lourdes M. Portus, his Co-Chair, I woulkd like also to specifically welcome our foreign delegates from different ASEAN and none ASEAN member countries.

Since its launching in Kota Kinabalu in 1993, the ASEAN Inter-University Conference had gone a long way in the presentation and exchanges of research and ideas. It has encouraged greater collaborations and publications on pertinent issues and topics affecting Southeast Asia. Over the years, the seminar series eventually involved participants from other sectors such as policy makers and other stakeholders involved in development.

Considering the impact of the all time high in the cost of crude oil in the world market, the world food crisis and the so called global warming, your chosen theme “ ASEAN as a Community: Solidarity in the Globalizing World.” Is there for very apt and timely. As it is, the theme of your conference is a concrete manifestation of your group’s deep and abiding commitment to enhance mutual understanding and encourage contributions to the enrichment of social scientific knowledge of the region.

The Philippines is very fortunate to host for the second time this ASEAN Inter-University Conference. Cebu played the host for the second conference in 1995 and I am grateful for this year’s organizers for choosing our beloved City of Manila as your 8 th Conference Venue.

In behalf of all the Manileños, I take pleasure in welcoming all of you to the City of Manila. To all foreign delegates, I hope that after the conference, you will take some time to view the splendid historical sites of Manila and its rich cultural heritage. Savor likewise our authentic cuisines offered by the different hotels and restaurants in the City, Again Good Afternoon.

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