WITH A great number of pending cases in the backlog of Philippine courts, people question whether justice is really served in the country.
The Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Provincial Government of Sarangani has an answer — setting justice in motion. In the literal sense of the phrase, Sarangani has put wheels on its court allowing it to serve people better.
SWEET SIXTEEN.
That was how Vice President Noli de Castro described Sarangani as he graced the opening ceremonies of the 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival.
De Castro told the crowd that despite being young, Sarangani is already comparable to other provinces in the country, citing the different achievements of the province.
He congratulated Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez for the housing project being put up in Alabel and also appreciated the various projects to be launched such the the Justice on Wheels.
The Vice President also visited the Fabli Gu Ni, a trade fair that showcases the different wordl-class products of the seven towns of Sarangani.
Gov. Migs Dominguez explains at a presscon as Michelle Solo, Tourism and Industry president watches.
THE CELEBRATION of Sarangani’s MunaTo Festival is shorter this year de to security reasons, but it definitely doesn’t mean less fun. In fact, I have a few signs that it would be well attended.
For one thing, it is conducted back-to-back with the provincial athletic meet. Both activities are expected tro draw more people to the Capitol Park, Alabel.
The opening program tomorrow will be graced by the Vice-President of the Republic of the Philippines, Noli de Castro, and on Friday, Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno will be here for the Launching of Justice on Wheels (Tamdanan sa Balaod).
Join the Forum
DO WE still have faith in Philippine elections?
I used to ask that question back in college in the midst of election fraud and the seemingly repetitive political history in the country. Together with other college friends, we organized a forum called Y! Vote: The Role of the Youth In Ensuring an Honest 2007 Elections that talked about reasons why the youth should participate in the vote. We invited government officials, spokespersons of various cause-oriented organization, and student leaders to share ideas. We also went to several places to encourage the youth to register and helped them learn how to make a wise choice in the election.
With the move to automate the election in 2010, the more should the youth be encouraged and educated about the Philippine electoral and political system.
I COULDN’T forget the fear that suddenly engulfed the whole province of Sarangani when news broke that the town of Maasim was attacked by MILF forces last August, following the abortion of the MOA on the MILF of Ancestral Domain.
Classes were suspended and schedules were changed to ensure the safety of the students. But it was worse in areas that were greatly affected, like the towns of Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum, people were displaced, many got ill, and even some have died.
But we are very thankful that the tension had ceased. Peace has been restored. In fact, the province is gearing up for the celebration of its 16th Foundation Anniversary and 6th MunaTo Festival last week of November. Also, the whole island of Mindanao is celebrating the Mindanao Week of Peace.
The best way to celebrate peace, however, is not through attending parties and merriment.
