Opinion 11/23/15 (APEC, reading, literacy,national security, kidnapping, journalism)
Inquirer on post-APEC
There is no doubt that the Aquino administration did everything in its power to ensure that the Philippines’ hosting of the 23rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit would be glitch-free. But outside of the high-profile gathering, social media seethed over the cancelled work and classes as well as domestic and international flights, and the closure of certain roads and rerouting around the Apec venues. Accounts of commuters stranded or walking for hours to reach their destinations, of airline passengers missing their travel commitments, and of ordinary citizens trapped in gridlock are now the stuff of legend. [...] It was truly unfortunate that Filipinos, especially those in Metro Manila, had to endure such troubles. But there is another side of the Apec event to consider—the stories of those who did the country proud and those who benefited from the conduct of the meetings. [...] But apart from the logistical trauma, there was a positive side that showcased Filipino talent and hospitality to the Who’s Who in the Asia-Pacific. [full page]
Sun.Star Cebu
On Nov. 27, as the country observes “Araw ng Pag(b)asa (National Reading Day),” everyone is encouraged to read to children. [...] Yet, will reading mean anything to the estimated 5.5 million Filipino minors aged five to 17 who work for a living? Child laborers represent nearly 20 percent of the nation’s youth, reported the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) on Nov. 21. [...] To ensure no child gets left behind in the drive for literacy, there is a need to train the community in storytelling techniques, prepare reading lists, train trainers, hold puppet shows, and conduct literacy activities outdoors and in hospitals, jails and community centers. The launching of reading centers should encourage citizens and private groups to contribute books, maps, and other reading materials. [full page]
Manila Bulletin
Every single day that passes with the Samal beach resort hostages in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf is a reflection on the inability of the Philippine government to assert its authority and maintain order in all parts of the country. [...] t’s now three months since the four Samal captives were kidnapped and they are reportedly being held with two other foreigners – a Dutchman and a Filipino-Chinese – in the forested areas of Indanan, Sulu, guarded by some 115 armed men. The military knows the general area where they are kept. The next time we hear anything about the Samal victims, it may be either that their families had paid the demanded ransom, or that they had been beheaded like the Malaysian. [full page]
Philippine Star about safety and journalism
An efficient justice system is indispensable in economic growth and human development. It’s good that the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Manila was over before the sixth anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre – an egregious example of the weakness of Philippine justice – rolled around. [...] The weakness of the criminal justice system also threatens witnesses and breeds impunity. [...] The Philippines has consistently ranked high in the Impunity Index and is rated as one of the five most dangerous places in the world for journalists. This is not just because of the Maguindanao massacre, but also because media workers continue to be murdered. [full page]
