July 29, 2010
“The privatization of the Agus and Pulangi power complexes by 2011 as provided by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, will complicate the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” Dr. Melchie Ambalong, president of the Lanao Power Consumers Federation (Lapocof) and MCW commissioner, said. ““Control of territory and natural resources are vital elements in the negotiation. Privatization will stand in the way of the political settlement.” … Read the full article on MindaNews.
July 29, 2010
“Adan ug Eba” is an innovative radio program tackling women’s rights and issues aired over radio station DXRJ in Iligan City. Hosted by MCW Commissioner Anita Sescon, also Iligan City’s Area Focal Person, the program tackles a wide range of topics including breast feeding, cancer, HIV-AIDS, reproductive tract infection, adolescent sexuality, emotional and mental health, diet, skin care, smoking, drug addiction and healing, and issues on. Also being regularly discussed in the show are laws promoting and protecting women’s rights on marriage, relationships, violence against women cases, rape and other forms of sexual harassment, and provisions on the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
The Iligan ACG, through the radio program, also partnered with groups such as the Balay Integrated Rehabilitation Center for Total Human Development, Inc. (BIRTHDev) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). BIRTHDev was able to promote their advocacy against child soldiers and proliferation of small arms as well their anti-war toys campaign through the program. Topics on TAPs for peace and environment were also taken up in partnership with PIA.
July 2, 2010
Irene M. Santiago spoke at the UN as part of the review process of the UN Peacebuilding Commission. On her right is Sophie Haspeslagh, policy analyst at Conciliation Resources; and on her left is Andrew Tomlinson, executive director of the Quaker UN Office.
“The only way to manage people’s expectations and fears is to ensure that significant publics are part of the peace process.” This is one of the central messages shared by Irene M. Santiago, Chair and CEO of the Mindanao Commission on Women during a lunchtime event at the United Nations on 26 May. The event was organized by the Mission of Norway, the Quaker UN Office, and the Conciliation Resources which is part of the International Monitoring Team. (more…)
June 25, 2010
MCW Commissioner Dr. Melchie Ambalong meets with Iligan City councilors on May 30, 2010 to support her group’s campaign on “No To Privatization of Agus Pulangui Hydro Plants.”
For a long time, Mindanaoans enjoy the lowest electricity rates in the country thanks to the Agus/Pulangui Hydro Complexes located in Iligan City. But this benefit might soon be gone if plans to privatize the hydro plants will push through in 2011 in accordance with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001. To oppose this, a group called Lanao Power Consumers Federation (LAPOCOF) was formed which is headed by MCW Commissioner Dr. Melchie Ambalong. The group believes that privatization and sale will result to hikes in power rates and other disadvantages for Mindanawons. Last May 30, 2010, Dr. Ambalong met with Iligan City councilors asking for their support to the “No To Privatization of Agus Pulangui Hydro Plants” campaign.
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June 4, 2010
About 35 participants attended the Islamic Seminar hosted by the Iligan Bae Rawatun Peace Circle headed by ACG member Celia M. Rajah on May 30, 2010 at Madrasha Upper Hinaplanon, Iligan City. The topic was “Ten (Attitudes of a Woman That Can Lead her to Success on Earth and in the Hereafter.”
May 28, 2010
PEACE thru PPCRV volunteers in Iligan
During the May 10, 2010 polls, MCW ACG Lanao del Norte participated in the monitoring of the country’s first automated elections. ACG members together with youth volunteers worked together with the People’s Electoral Alliance for Credible Election (PEACE) through the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) in guarding the votes and reporting of incidents. PEACE was organized through the initiative of MCW Commissioner and ACG Lanao coordinator Dr. Melchie Ambalong.
Areas in Lanao del Sur where youths have volunteered for PEACE thru PPCRV are: Wato, Marantao, Binidayan, Bayang, Lumbatan, Saguiaran, Ramain, Bubong, Buadi Puso, Mulondo, Tugaya and Marawi City. Lanao del Norte: Pantar, Balo-I, Taguluan, Matunggaw, Munai, Tangkal, Kauswagan, Linamon and Kapatagan. Iligan City: Tubod, Mahayahay, Tibanga, Rogongon, Panoroganan, Kalilanga, Tipanoy, Dulag, Mandulog, Tibanga, Tipanoy, Fuentes, Pala-o and Quezon Avenue.
April 26, 2010
Presidential candidates Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Brother Eddie Villanueva JC De Los Reyes and independent Nicanor Perlas showed up at the “Paminaw sa Mindanaw (Listen to Mindanao)” forum held on April 16 at the Holy Cross College of Davao City. The Mindanao Commission on Women co-organized the forum along with eight other networks. (more…)
