What are the intentions of these government officials?

In a long forgotten comment to a blog post of a friend here in Lianga (http://benjieinlianga.blogspot.com/2007/12/blood-thirst.html), on Friday, December 14, 2007 3:41:03 PM I wrote:

“As the Philippines races headlong into the future, I believe the attitude that you have against bloodlust will be taken up by most of your fellow countrymen. I am continually reminded of how closely linked in attitudes the Philippines is to America, although slightly out of sync in time. Years ago, cockfights and other bloodlust sports were big in America, even bigger than here in the Philippines, but over time Americans grew tired of the adrenaline rush that these blood sports produced. It has come to my mind recently how even my own attitudes have changed over time. When I was a child and teenager, farming in a rural community, I thought nothing of going to the barnyard to fetch some chickens to kill for supper. I would watch with fascination as my grandfather would sharpen his cleaver to sever the heads of our next meal, but age and time has changed my acceptance of that. I remember last year when my father in law was killing a hog for a party we were to have, I got physically sick from knowing that the life of the hog was ebbing as the blood was drained from its body.

As I think of my change of attitudes in regard to animal slaughter, I have to wonder what other changes I’ve not noticed, or are there some things that have remained constant in my belief system. You know, the discussion about the evacuees has been on my mind, even before you first wrote so eloquently about them and their plight. I am basically a pacifist and always have been, although some find that strange with my military background. Most people here don’t seem to understand when I tell them I was in the United States Coast Guard; it means that it was my job to save lives. In the 8 years I was in the military, 99.9% of the time I was unarmed. Only during basic training was I required to show that I was capable of handling a weapon.

I have never believed that violence was a means to any end, nor is it capable of solving any of the deep seated problems in our world today. Violence produces an effect, it is self promoting. Violence is a never-ending entity that takes strong people, with spirit and determination to end. It takes much more courage to end violence than to begin it, and more moral fortitude to object when witnessing violence of any kind. Humans even for their enjoyment of blood sports are basically a peace loving species. We have climbed the ladder of the animal kingdom to a point where we can and do show compassion. I’m calling on everyone in this area to show our compassion in the latest outbreak of violence here in our community. I want to see the evacuees home, well before Christmas and a permanent end to the fighting and violence.

I admit that I know little about the NPA or their dispute with the government here in the Philippines, but I do know that they are doomed to lose with the world against them. They are being portrayed as terrorists, and that’s enough to condemn them in the eyes of every right thinking person in the world. It doesn’t matter if their message is important, nor if it’s correct, they are terrorists and the world is against them. There are many ways to fight against injustice. “Before the throne of the Almighty, man will be judged not by his acts but by his intentions. For God alone reads our hearts.” Mohandas Gandhi

We pray for peace during this sacred holiday season, and wish all our friends and neighbors peace and happiness in their lives. Advance Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.”

Many of my thoughts back then, were without the knowledge of the evil terroristic act of corruption I’ve since experienced. But the one quote of Mohandas Gandhi rings even more true for acts of corruption. What are the intentions of these government officials? To gain wealth they did not work for, earn, or deserve? Perhaps I was naive to think that most people here would choose the right path or stand up for the good of their fellow citizens.

My Life

While I hope and pray that our community is the worst case scenario for corruption within the DENR,  and other government agencies, I truly fear that this might not be so.

Many people who have heard about our situation might be wondering what all the fuss is about. In an email to a friend here in Lianga I said: "I guess by becoming a new father again with our daughter Mikaela now 4 months old, it strikes me that in some of my dealings with individuals here I am forced to play the parental role. As I said today, many times I've had to explain to government officials that I can not give SOP's because they are illegal, and if I do anything illegal here I stand the chance of deportation, being taken away from my family. So far with all those I've explained this to, not one has relented in their request for money they did not earn, nor deserve. When more people learn of my campaign, I'm sure they will wonder when I will relent, my answer, the same amount of time it took these government officials to relent, keeping in mind that none has yet.

I truly sometimes feel that many people I interact with must think I'm stupid, less intelligent, or just so naive that I would believe some of the excuses and stories I've heard here. News Flash! I'm not stupid; I'm an honor student with 4 college degrees, 17 years Federal Service with 8 of those years as a Search and Rescue crewman on helicopters for the United States Coast Guard. The following 9 years I worked for the United States Army, as a Civil Servant; Electronic Technician, Electronic Equipment Inspector, and Contracting Officers Representative for Security Systems. I have a host of talents that I don't even discuss out of modesty."

I am a man of the 21st Century and I stand for what is right and fair. I am honest sometimes to a fault and honestly my truthfulness has sometimes worked against me. I spent my early years mostly with my Great-Grandparents, for my father, God rest his kind soul, was committed presumably with Tuberculosis to a hospital for all but a few months of my first 5 years of life. My mother, bless her dear heart, did the best she could by providing an income that would support us while also providing support for my father who was feeling healthy as a horse but was not allowed out into society. It was after the death of my mother that I made the decision to come to the Philippines

Those early years I was taught by my devoted Christian Great-Grandparents, the values and morals of hard working country folk. Values and morals that live with me to this very day. I was raised with the belief that God is a caring Parent to each of His children, that God never wants bad things to befall His people, but freewill prevents Him from coming directly to our aid. I was taught to let your actions speak louder than your words, that presenting a Christen nature to those around you was your obligation as one of God's devoted children. That Jesus Christ was the only son of God, and that His life, teachings, and actions should always guide us in our daily lives. I was taught to sing harmony by my Great-Grandmother who would sit with me in her lap for hours singing to me, sometimes trying to get me to sleep. At 15, I would use that knowledge of singing to fill the role of Music Minister for our church, White Mills Baptist Church. I was taught caring compassion by my Great-Grandfather who would put me in his 1958 Chevy and ride me around the neighborhood to get me to sleep after the songs of Grandma failed to accomplish the task. Later after my father was finally released his teachings continued to forge me into the person I am today. One life lesson I vividly remember was his instructions to both my brother and I: He stated: “Son, don't you ever let me catch you starting a fight, but also never let me catch you running from a fight that someone else starts. Turn the other check when you can, but when someone gives you no choice, make sure you are the one who ends the fight. You might get knocked around a little, but in the end; your life will have much greater meaning when you have endured the struggles that this life has to offer.” I live by the teachings of my elders, for I have always known that it is the elders who are so much wiser than I.

This fight against corruption was not started by me; it was started by those who wish to take from me that which I have worked my whole life to achieve. They wish to take away the comfortable living I could right now be providing to my family. They want to steal, in a terroristic act of corruption, that which I wish to offer to the community I've chosen to call home. An offer from my heart in loving kindness for the good things I've achieved in my life. My Great-Grandmother would say the devil lives within them. They wish to take away the kind-hearted, generous spirit that leads me to share enthusiastically with others. With my background in the church, and the many values and morals I stand for, I can not possibly permit these things to happen.

This country has decisions to make, the leaders here have decisions to make; will you make the right choices and let this country become the prosperous paradise it could be? Now is the time to choose carefully which side you want to endorse. Do you wish to allow corruption to continue to erode the lives of the citizens here, or are you prepared to take a stand against this evil that exists here. Each citizen must join in the fight against corruption for the sake of their pride and in support of their family who is depending on them for their future. While the new President seems intent on putting an end to corruption, he cannot achieve this goal without the help of all the citizens of this nation. The task is too monumental for him to fight alone. Join in this fight now, let's all join together to fix the problems here for all of us and our children.

Join us and others at http://stchristine.blogspot.com, http://kuro-kuro.org, and http://www.facebook.com/mark.and.merejen, look for even more chances to make your voices heard.

God Bless and protect each of my neighbors and friends, my new countrymen.

My Letter to the President

My Search for a Silver Lining

Mr. President,

In your visit to the US, you were quoted saying “I was elected to office on the promise to fight corruption and do better for the poor. I recognize that in order to do that the engines of commerce must be running at full throttle. Robust economic growth, fueled by the private sector, combined with thoughtful government spending on social services, is the solution over the long term,” Mr. Aquino said. (Philstar.com - Saturday, September 25).

I have made many attempts to contact you regarding our situation in Lianga, Surigao del Sur. You can see my story easily at stchristine dot blogspot dot com, Dealing with Problems article, you may also be interested to check my past articles to see how long I've been trying to help the economy of this community. My goals are in line with if not exactly as yours.

I will add now to my information for you. I have been witness to a local CENR official who asked for 50,000 pesos to get our permits completed, in front of 3 other witnesses. I'm not certain if the one gentleman will be willing to testify, but the other two was my wife and her father a Barangay Captain. And all of us are willing to testify to this act, as well as other acts where I was not present. I also have 3 representatives who repeatedly are asked for SOP's for our Transportation Permits in our Mini-Sawmill. A Mini-Sawmill which only cuts planted trees, and is using these woods for making pallets for the Banana Shipping Companies.

For two and a half years the DENR has repeatedly asked my representatives for SOP’s, and yet failed to do their jobs. When we first started with this, I refused, and refused to allow my representatives, to give SOP's. So as a result, we were bounced back and forth between the CENR office, and the PENR office, claiming we didn't do something at the other office. All of this, because we refuse to give SOP's. Finally after almost running out of funds I gave in to the point that I would allow my representatives to give SOP's, in the hopes that we could finally have an ROI. I still personally would not give an SOP; it goes against everything in my being to even give a few pesos to the kids on the streets. I believe by doing so, I am helping to teach them to be subservient and that is something I detest.

There is much more I have to say and I'd give anything to be able to get this off my chest. But I want to be brief. The economy here and the reasons for it bothers me, that's why I made the decision to live here as a Permanent Resident and try to do my part in helping to rebuild this economy. Perhaps my timing was not the best in the world. Please I ask you to put an end to this mess.

Mark Borders
US Investor

http://www.kuro-kuro.org/bb/topic.php?id=38

Dealing with Problems

An attempt to Do Business in the Philippines

thoughts of an American investor

For two years now, we have tried to establish some businesses in the Municipality of Lianga, Surigao del Sur.  (See http://benjieinlianga.blogspot.com/2009/03/marks-travails.html and http://stchristine.blogspot.com/2008/07/vision-for-future.html)

Our project with Phoenix Petroleum is waiting for us to acquire the Title for the 7000 sq. mt. portion of Lot 2169. My plan has always remained on course, albeit slower than I expected. Many of the obstacles that have slowed our progress continue to slow us from providing the economic benefits to this community that we initially sought. The DENR CENRO has refused since April 3, 2008 to provide us the requested Survey Authority for Lot 2169 claiming the request was lost. A second attempt was made on July 7, 2010, where the DENR supported the false claims presented by Mr. Bienvinido V. Estrebillo, and refused to issue the Survey Authority until an arrangement could be made with the claimant.

On August 25, 2010 we held a meeting with the Interim CENRO, PENRO, and DENR Officials or employees, presenting my request for an end to the many obstacles. I provided documentation that showed the ownership trail at least back to the CAD Survey in 1989, approving Pacifico Ballares (on April 25, 1995) as survey claimant (Certified Copy DENR FORM NO. 700-2A). 

Philippine Local Government Code of 1991; “CHAPTER 4 - The Sangguniang Barangay, SECTION. 391. Powers, Duties, and Functions, The Sangguniang Barangay, as the legislative body of the Barangay, shall:, (12) Authorize the Punong Barangay to enter into contracts in behalf of the Barangay, subject to the provisions of this Code; (f) Adopt measures to prevent and control the proliferation of squatters and mendicants in the Barangay;”. During our meeting I asked whether there was ever a Survey Authority on Lot 2169 sub-dividing it for ownership by someone other than Pacifico Ballares, their response was “No”. Without a prior Survey Authority there is only one owner of that Lot, and it was the responsibility of the Barangay to protect that lot while under protest.

On May 27, 2008, the Lianga Municipal Assessor certified that: "...per office records Tax Declaration/ARP No. 99-11-001-00682 is declared in the name of PACIFICO BALLRES [sic] with an area of 2.1385 has. Located at Barangay St. Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, is appearing to have no existing improvements." 

The Beginning of the Story 

A protest by the Barangay lasting for more than 12 years, with its Captain at the time, mounting the protestations prevented any development on some of the land areas of Barangay St. Christine. Barangay Resolution No. 114, Series of 2008 resulting from a Regular Session of the Sangguiniang Barangay on April 7, 2008, withdrew the 12 year protest on Lot 2169, paving the way for some much needed community development. The community had suffered years of neglect from a lack of development after a Georgia Pacific company "Lianga Bay Logging Company " (See: http://benjieinlianga.blogspot.com/2006/08/about-lianga.html) ended its operation.


In an agreement on August 13, 2008, between Barangay St. Christine Council, Pacifico Ballares (March 16, 2000 CENRO Certification as Owner), and Mark and Merejen Borders, the protest was withdrawn by the Barangay, and a waiver of rights declared by Pacifico Ballares. We would complete a Sub-Division Plan and Survey; awarding Lot 2169B - 7,385 sq. mt. by Deed of Donation to the Barangay, Lot 2169C - 7,000 sq. mt. to Pacifico Ballares, and Lot 2169A - 7,000 sq. mt. by Deed of Sale to Merejen Borders in return for our support of a future Barangay Market on Lot 2169B. In return the Barangay was tasked "shall likewise undertake to clear the area of unlawful occupants including the adjacent area where the gas station will be erected." So why are we even dealing with this issue?

Mysteriously appearing documents?

Mr. Estrebillo's documents claim a 450 sq. mt. area as Lot 2169D, it is strange that his claim is not Lot 2169B, or F, or G. It is Lot 2169D because our Survey Authority was requested in April 3, 2008 for Lot 2169A, B, & C. Some of the documents presented by Mr. Estrebillo were obviously produced here at the DENR in Lianga. I can confirm this because during one of my waits for a meeting that never took place, I witnessed one of the DENR employees prepare a similar document as presented by Mr. Estrebillo. This is really not Rocket Science folks.

A meeting scheduled for August 31, 2010 was not held because the Interim CENRO did not appear. A rescheduled meeting will be held on September 2, 2010 where I will provide the DENR one final opportunity to choose to do the right thing and award us our Survey Authority. I will post an update after the meeting. 

Results and what is lost

The DENR has held up the progress of our projects to help benefit the community. They do this to an individual, who's first act upon coming to live here with his wife in April 2007, was to donate 430,000 pesos in materials for Barangay St. Christine to improve the Water System, supplying water to much of the Barangay (Purok 3, 4, 5, and 6). This was an outright "Donation" never to be repaid and no special favors requested. In fact the only thing that was asked of the Barangay was for them to provide free water to all schools, day cares, medical facilities, churches, and government buildings. The very next project was providing 63,593 pesos for the refurbishment of the Barangay Hall. For anyone who is counting the following list might be helpful.

Date	Recipient	Particulars	Amount
4/8/2008	Barangay Liatimco	Loan for Seaweed Buying	30,000.00
5/7/2008	Barangay San Isidro	Loan for Cementing Basketball Court	30,000.00
5/10/2008	Barangay St. Christine	Loan to cover check from Government	30,000.00
5/15/2008	Barangay San Isidro	Dance Contest Prizes	12,000.00
5/24/2008	Barangay St. Christine	Loan for Fiesta Expense	15,000.00
5/30/2008	Barangay Saint Christine	Dance Contest Prizes	12,000.00
6/3/2008	Barangay St. Christine	Loan for DENR Payment for Land Sketch	10,000.00
7/19/2008	Lianga Tennis Club	Tournament Prize and Court Improvements	20,000.00
7/20/2008	Lianga Tennis Club	Bike Race Prize	5,000.00
10/27/2008	Lianga Youth Basketball	Donation for Uniforms	3,000.00
		Total	167,000.00

I think our actions helping the community deserves the respect with which we hold the community. We have further plans to aid the community on other projects in the future including the Public Market, and continued work on the Water System.

The Future

Our business plans for Lot 2169A calls for the employment of 40 employees at the sawmill, 16 employees at the Gas Station, and 10 employees at the Ice Plant. Those numbers will be reached hopefully within a year of the start of each business. Our employees will earn a reasonable wage while the businesses are below the requirements for minimum wage. But as the businesses grow and our employment reaches 10 or more, then we will strictly follow the minimum wage requirements for this Region. We will also adhere to the requirements for SSS and PhilHealth.

Check the Comments where I will post updates that are time stamped as I fill in future information.