Activity Updates


September 2010 - Launch of the maiden issue of the Focus on the Global South Policy Review

September 19 - In Malaysia will be held the forum called "Regional Strategy Meeting on Emerging Social and Cultural Concerns in ASEAN: Climate Change, South East Asian Peoples’ Right to Information, Labor Migration and Domestic Work and Platforms for Civil Society Engagement with the ASEAN."  Focus Philippines will make a presentation on "Building a Case for an ASEAN Protocol on Freedom of Information"

September 23 - 26 - Asean People's Forum in Hanoi, Vietnam. Fore more information, please send inquiries to the following: <apfhanoi-pc@aseanpeoplesforum.net>, <apfhanoi-ws@aseanpeoplesforum.net>. Ms Dorothy Guerrero, who is in the Bangkok office of Focus, seats in the Program Committee.

September 27 - October 1 - Freedom of Information Advocacy Week

September 23 - FOI Forum
     
September 27 - R2KRN will visit the Senate to renew the FOI campaign
     
September 28 - R2KRN will meet with Representatives of the Lower House

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Home arrow Newsletter arrow FOP July 2010
FOP July 2010 PDF Print E-mail
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Dear FOP Readers,

On July 26, a nation awaits the address of its new leader.  It might have been understandable for many of us that the inaugural speech was merely a montage of issues that the new government would prioritize and promises to keep that were anchored on the anti-corruption, anti- poverty campaign advocacy “Kung walang korap, walang mahirap”.  The crowd applauded to the speech spoken mostly in Filipino that tugged at the people’s hearts.
 
But the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the first one for President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, is much anticipated for the vision to which the new president can rally the people and the legislature; for the policies and programs he will spell out that may spell a genuine and radical difference for this country. The past presidents had made a big show of the SONA—President Fidel Ramos had Mang Pandoy to symbolize Ramos’ vision of economic progress and President GMA had her “bangkang papel” (paper boat) boys from the urban poor community in Payatas.

President Noynoy Aquino may not need such symbols—‘props’ would probably be the more appropriate term.  What is important is for the hope he had inspired to be finally anchored on substantial policy articulations and clearly outlined programs. In this July issue, FOP News Analysis and Features tackles the areas/sectors that had lagged behind in terms of much needed transformation; where a strong political will engendering profound change is needed: education, agrarian reform, conflict in Mindanao and freedom of information. Like the rest of the nation that will be glued on television and radios, we are hoping these issues will be addressed on July 26.

Sincerely,
Editor

News Analysis

Agrarian Reform Agenda: Uncertain under P-Noy’s Administration?
By Carmina Flores-Obanil and Mary Ann Manahan


Confronting Education Woes: Less Politics, More Resource Management Favoring the Poor
By Clarissa V. Militante

The Limits of Illiberal Colonialism
By Herbert Docena

What’s at Stake in the President’s Anti-Corruption Crusade?
By Herbert Docena

Freedom of Information Advocates Appeal to P-Noy
By Right to Know Right Now Coalition


Feature Story
Book Review: To Move Forward: Confront Legacy of Damaged Institutions; Solve Flaws in Systems & Policies
 
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