Program of the Government 1992-1997

PROGRAM OF GOVERNMENT

1992 -1997

INDUSTRIALIZATION

HANAPBUHAY, KASAGANAAN AT KAUNLARAN

Bayan ng Masasayang Mangagawa na Kaibigan ng Industriya

“Ang pananaw ng bayang Marikina ay maging isang bayan ng mga Industriya at pamayanan para sa mga uring manggagawa.

Kaiba sa maraming bayan, ang lahat ng mga pagpa-pano dito ay iniangkop para sa kagalingan ng masa. Ang mga proyekto ay simple lamng ngunit kapaki-pakinabang sa mas nakararami nitong mga mamamayan. Ano mang karangyaan ay iniiwan na sa darating na salinlahi ayon sa papalakin kabhayan ng pamahalaan at mamamayan nito.

Masasabi natin na maunlad ang bayan kung makikita natin na ang mga dahop na lugar ay naisasaayos na at mga mamamayan ay may mga matatag na hanapbuhay na dulo ng mga oportunidad na maibibigay ng mga industriyang nabighani ng kaayusan at kagandahan ng kapaligiran at kaisipan ng mga mamamayan dito.”

Bayani BF Fernando

Office of the Mayor

March 1, 1995

MABUHAY!

In 1988 and 1992, on two occasions when I sought the mayoralty of Marikina, I personally prepared this Program Government and submitted it to the electorate for mandate.

During this interim period, the same program is again being presented to the people for their review.

We can be proud as a community with what we have accomplished so far—physically rehabilitated morally reformed and spiritually invigorated. These are our solid foundations for realizing our aspiration of an industry-friendly, happy working-class community.

After almost three years, let us revise this Program of Government, incorporating the ideas and ideals of the people of Marikina to eventually convert “BF gets it done” to “ MARIKINA gets it done”

Para sa Bayan,

Marikina’s income is too inadequate to provide the basic needs of a community of 400,000 people. The economic activity is so slow and small. The town is caught in a chicken-and-egg-situation that it now needs to get capital in to provide the necessary employment for the people and at the same time earn income for the government to provide the services. On the other hand, the infrastructures and services not being there make the place undesirable for capital to come in.

Investors, whether local or foreign would classify the whole town as depressed area unsuitable for investments. Industries have stopped coming in and those already in here are moving out. Unfortunately, we have no other means as the once-rich agricultural lands are now filled up with residential homes.

Realty taxes on residential do not fetch much for government as much as from industrials. To meet a crisis in the near future the town has to make decisive actions now. Let us capitalize on the town’s good manpower and whatever available land suitable for industries. Let us capitalize on these and a firm determination to fast-track industrialization.

This program of government is focused on the need of Marikina to provide a better business environment to industrialize so as to give employment to its people and to provide them with the necessities desirable of a good community.

To industrialize, efforts shall be PHYSICAL RECONSTRUCTION AND SOCIA REORIENTATION with this program of government as a guide and the force of a disciplined bureaucracy and citizenry as implementor.

Development plans for the town will center on Parang as the industrial zone of Marikina roads will lead to Parang.” From there, the town’s new found wealth will then filter down to the other areas of town raising the living standard of its people and its environment.

Another innovative feature of this program is the special attention on communication as a tool to synchronize the people’s mind with that of government to ensure success.

The program’s format is so made to include commentaries for easier comprehension of the masses. Suggestions and/or comments from all sectors are solicited to improve and make the programs more meaningful and successful

I. GOVERNMENT

The municipal government shall adopt a “hands-on and objective” style of management. VISION, WILL and ACTION shall be its battle cry.

“BAYANIHAN” shall be its force.

EFFICIENCY shall e the measure of its control.

Desirable level of service shall be its goal and its limit.

Maximum employment of its resources in materials, equipment, manpower, financial and technology shall be done to cope with the basic intellectual and material needs of the people.

HONESTY, SINCERITY and INTEGRITY will be its moral guide and morale booster.

FORMALITY shall be the rule in all government transactions. All official business interactions shall have formality for better understanding, order and effectiveness. Formality and the exercise of it is giving due respect for each other.

Formality is speaking with candor, in a diplomatic tone. Formality is categorically saying YES if you agree, or NO if you don’t

It is most difficult to say NO especially to a friend or to a person in authority even if the transaction is bad. Sometimes people set aside their duties and put the government in compromising situations just to please a friend or relative. This has gotten us to a sorry state. Formality is respect for people and respect for one’s duty.

II. LIVELIHOOD TRADE and INDUSTRY

With more than 25% of the workforce unemployed or underemployed the towns population number against employment opportunities is quite acute. Subcontracting which can be a big source of livelihood is a peripheral consequence of the establishment of bigger industries and trade in this regard it is necessary to create a “better business climate” to encourage industries to come to Marikina.

BETTER BUSINESS CLIMATE

Here are the factors that potential industries look for in a place to set up businesses;

1. Accessibility to key markets for the product
2. Availability of materials
3. Size and quality of the labor supply
4. Cost and adequacy of the electric power water and communication
5. Transportation facilities
6. Availability of land and land options
7. Attitude of labor and labor unions
8. Voting records vs. business
9. Double standard of treatment of business vs. labor
10. General social climate
11. Economic climate
12. Political climate

Marikina has the advantage over some of the preceding factors but the following needs critical considerations.

LAND AND LAND OPTIONS

Marikina has developed to be a town of too many residents with very few industries. It has become the “lodging house” of the great metropolis. To meet this crisis the establishment of new residential subdivisions must cease to give way to industries which can give employment to the people and additional revenue to finance the development of much needed necessities. A review of the town plan, therefore, has to be done.

LABOR FORCE

The attitude to work force has a direct correlation to prevailing political and economic conditions. On the political front which borders on the framework of ideology and nationalism, a program calling for the revival of the “Bayanihan Spirit.” may somehow bring about better relations between capitalist and workers. On the economic front, the economy is getting stronger barring any unforeseen adverse political developments. There is therefore, some hope to start with and banking on the power of an effective information system to bring about better understanding of situations and relations, people can get their acts together and present a better image than most communities. Leadership will play an important role in this aspect.

TRAINING OF THE WORK FORCE

Marikina is fortunate to have several vocational training schools. More of these facilities shall be put up primarily for the benefit of the residents of Marikina. The support if the industrial establishments shall be harnessed through the “Bayanihan” program.

III. PUBLIC WORKS

Available local funds for public works shall be allocated first for the maintenance of existing facilities before construction of new ones is considered. Maximum efforts shall be exerted to get national funds expeditiously. To do this the local engineering office will prepare complete engineering studies and construction plans for all work in advance.

STREETS

The streets are the first contact of the people with their government. Therefore, due attention should be given to the maintenance of the streets which must be free from visual clutter and ugliness. The present state of our streets is depressing. Let us clean them up to raise the spirit of the people in order to make them productive and morally upright.

DRAINAGE SYSTEMS: CONSTRUCTIONS, RECONSTRUCTIONS AND/OR MAINTENANCE

This will take priority over road reconstruction as no road of any kind can last without a good drainage system. Flooding will be averted and the effective disposal of waste water will improve sanitation

ROAD MAINTENANCE

Priority will be given to maintenance of all streets to a level of service-ability. The main idea is to keep all roads properly maintained dry, without potholes, before more permanent and expensive structures and considered. When all these are done, the and only then should we think of concreting or asphalting any road. We would like development more to be for all.

ROADS: RECONSTRUCTIONS, CONCRETING AND/OR ASPHALTING

This will take second priority subject to the availability of local and national funds. Main streets shall be given priority as far as concreting is concerned since these are utilized by vehicles carrying heavy roads. Heavy traffic shall not be allowed in all streets not built for the purpose

SIDEWALKS

Sidewalks are meant for pedestrians (people) for safety and convenience. All sidewalks shall be cleared of all obstructions paved and maintained by the government. A neat sidewalk speaks well of the character of the people. We shall encourage people to clean their sidewalks regularly.

STREET LIGHTING

This will be given priority for safety reasons and to minimize criminality

STREET SIGNS AND MARKINGS

Functional and standardized street signs shall be installed in all street signs shall be installed in all streets for public convenience. Street markings for safety and traffic control shall be set up and maintained

IV. TOWN PLANNING AND DESIGN

A general review of the town plan shall be done. Needs and plans will be balanced in accord with our resources. The time table for the realization of this plan shall begin now. This community shall be built for us and we shall live with it now. The technology of tomorrow will keep up to the needs of future generations. The next generation can be given a good start if we make good ourselves and now. They must be endowed with happiness. With this pragmatic view, we shall deny ourselves excuses for failure. We shall not think of grandiose plans that may only fail and leave us destitute and lost. We shall design and build this town now and for us

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Housing is an acute problem in Marikina. As the old settlers parcel out to their children the small residential lands they own, pockets of depressed areas have spread all over town.

Efforts shall be exerted in giving order to the situation by proper information on housing design and construction giving due consideration to order, economy, sanitation and safety to life properly. Under the Bayanihan program, we shall put to task practicing architects under the leadership of the municipal government following the concepts laid down in the development of depressed areas. This is the least we should do with the meager resources of the town, and explore possibilities of tapping national government resources.

DEPRESSED AREAS

There are about 120,000 people or 1/3 of the population, living in about 45 depressed areas in Marikina. This is a problem that has to be faced squarely. These transients have resided in Marikina for 10 to 20 years. Many of them are native-born Marikeños and, most of all, they are humans and our countrymen. They must be cared for.

The common problems in depressed areas are:

1. Ownership of the land
2. Drainage systems
3. Roads and alleys (access)
4. Water
5. Light
6. Decent houses

Among all these problems, ownership of the land is the biggest problem. Most squatters are occupying government lands and other “open spaces” some legally and others illegally. There are houses situated in dangerous areas like river banks and creeks. There are many problems to solve this question of ownership which require a closer examination, for us to pinpoint specific solutions for consideration and acceptance:

1. The slum dwellers shall be given preference to stay in their present residences
2. If any transfer shall be done, the new place should be better than their present community. It has to be:
3. Permanent (ownership of the land)
4. In Marikina
5. With roads and drainage
6. With water
7. With light/power
8. The residents are willing to pay for the land
9. Payment should be made on installment and preferably on long term basis
10. Any decision should be made to effect immediate improvement of these areas or to stop further improvement on areas that have to be vacated eventually so that the affected residents will not waste any more money.
11. To stop buck passing and pinpoint responsibilities, the municipal government shall take full charge of the total human settlement function for Marikina

Everyone living in this town will be kept and cared for, but no new dwellers will be welcomed. Thus, strict implementation of the anti-squatting law will be enforced. This will be done with the help of the people in the depressed areas and make it their moral obligation to the community  in return to the accommodation extended to them.

Ownership of a small piece of land gives dignity and self-respect to a person. He becomes aware of other people and his environment. Such will add value to his every creation.

A community is made house built by private initiative, while the roads and utilities are provided with the government initiative. A community and to be in harmony with their environment.

Squatter settlements with improvements will serve as model communities themselves. We will cast away all fears and apprehensions and have faith that modern technology and economic recover will, in time, make these slums ideal and acceptable habitat. Anyway, western ideas on settlement here were born out of a past culture and old technology. “Form follows function” may as well be “technology follows need”, Technology will make squatter communities sanitary, comfortable and safe to a standard of their own.

The problem of housing the poor is not the house but the land.

In our climate, a simple structure like the “bahay-kubo” will suffice. The poor can put up a house though humble it may be, but functional just the same. If the government attempts to give them houses as well these people may not be able to pay for it and the government, on the other hand cannot give them for free. What the slums need is land which people can afford to pay. The least the government should aim is to get the action initiated and organized and provide the basic utilities which are normally its intention anyway. If government attempts to give them a house plus the land, this may result in futility as in the past. This is no mean task but not impossible. It must be done now for present and future generations.

SUBDIVISIONS

Laws covering subdivision establishment and maintenance shall be strictly enforced for the benefits of the residents. The government shall take over the development and maintenance of all subdivision which are deemed abandoned by their developers.

V. PUBLIC SERVICES

GARBAGE

Garbage will be collected regularly. People’s cooperation shall be called to effectively rid the streets of litter and garbage. The roadways shall be kept clean by the government but the cleaning of sidewalks shall be asked of the residents through the “Bayanihan” program.

POSTAL SERVICE

Efficient and complete postal stations shall be setup in convenient locations easily accessible to the people

PERMITS AND LICENSES

Expeditious but responsible checks and verifications for compliance of regulations shall be the rule. Useless, arbitrary and oppressive requirements shall be removed. Regulations for the protection of life and property shall be reviewed and/or established and strictly enforced. There shall be no compromise to life. Vague, oppressive and unreasonable regulations that give reasons for harassment and coercion shall be removed. Fear breeds corruption. Fear enslaves and robs men of self-esteem. We shall remove fear in everyone’s heart.

FIRE SERVICE AND CIVIL DEFENSE

Reliability shall be the measure. All efforts shall be exerted to retrain, equip and motivate the force to provide adequate protection to life and properly in all emergencies like fires, typhoons, and civil disorders.

The “Bayanihan” program will help in this area.

PEACE AND ORDER

There is pronounced peace and order in communities where people are united. The objective of the “Bayanihan” program shall be given emphasis. The police force shall be given full support for retraining, equipment and motivation. Reliability thru discipline shall be the focus of all program. As an incentive proper compensation shall be equitably and generously given to them. Justice will not be denied of any man. Free legal aid through the “Bayanihan” program will be extended to the poor.

HEALTH

Priority will be given to prevention. Preventive vaccination and inoculation shall be vigorously pursued. Clean water facilities shall be installed in all communities, preferably, through the MWSS. Drainage systems for waste shall be kept to standards.

TREATMENT

The economic situations have made it difficult for many to meet their health needs, Existing government functions related to health matters shall be activated will full support. Free medical aid to indigents shall be institutionalized. All civic participation in this regard shall be organized for maximum efficiency in the deployment of resources. We shall provide the medical needs of the people to keep their spirits high.

VI. HOSPITAL SERVICES

The existing government hospital shall be updated to give reliable service at all times. Strong support shall be extended to provide adequate service to the people

COORDINATION

The government shall employ “Purok Coordinator” (tagapagugnay purok) in each depressed area to assist the needy and coordinate government programs for effective implementation.

VII. EDUCATION

We shall support the national government program on free high school education. The municipal government shall provide land for a high school complex and endeavor to secure funds for building and other school facilities from the national government.

We shall elevate the status of teachers economically and professionally to be effective models of the lofty ideals to each one and in every heart and mind.

The molding of the character of the society’s members, to which this government shall be committed, will depend much on the institutions of learning. Social and individual discipline shall be given emphasis in the schools. Through the “Bayanihan” program the industrial and commercial sectors shall be harnessed for orienting the young minds to trade and industry, skills training and industrial ethics.

Above all things, the schools shall be kept physically in order so that children will grow up with a better idea of what is beautiful and what is not. School activities, both campus wide and town-wide that will promote exhilarating joy for the youth will be supported to kept them busy with worthwhile and wholesome group work.

VIII. FINANCE

Government money shall be spent wisely and honestly. The municipal government shall endeavor to control expenditures to minimize the burden to the people paying taxes and fees to the government. Emphasis shall be given on collection for added revenue and equitable distribution of payment. Graft and corruption shall be stopped. Higher productivity shall be demanded of all government personnel to save government money while improving the level of service for the benefit of the people.

All idle government resources shall be made to earn, while those in the present use shall be made profitable to supplement the local government finances.

Trade and industry shall be promoted to improve the economic condition of the town and consequently earn more in taxes and fees. Additional employments and wages will prime the town’s economy.

IX. ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS RECREATION AND LEISURE

Entertainment and recreation develop the mind and the body of our people. It keeps us in high spirits. Sports activities and cultural shows organized at the community level shall be done on a regular basis to entertain and to educate the people according to the “Bayanihan” program.

WHAT IS A DYNAMIC AND LIVELY COMMUNITY?

A community is dynamic and lively when:

1. The people can join and watch town-wide cultural shows, sports festivals, parades and other forms of entertainment which shall give entertainment and recreation to the most number of people.
2. The people can join group activities organized in the community and town level such as picnics, choral festivals, disco sa barangay, etc.
3. The people can join and organize family activities toward encouraging close ties and family relations like picnics or simply walking in the parks.
4. The people have a place which is quiet, peaceful , relaxing and has an invigorating scenery.
5. The people have a lively and boisterous place they can go & enjoy themselves with their families.
6. The people have a place to socialize and meet their friends, acquaintances and townmates.

The people should be able to enjoy these things with the least and if possible, without expense on their part.

HOW DO WE ENJOY THESE THINGS?

The initiative should come from the government itself. They should initiate and provide the following:

1. Public parks which are clean and peaceful
2. Place of recreation like the Marikina Park and other recreation area
3. Construction of activity centers in every barangay which are fully equipped with chairs, sounds and lighting systems to facilitate the setting up of entertainment & recreational activities, in these centers the people can hold meeting, seminars, dance parties and cultural activities ties without the need for tedious and expensive preparations.
4. There will be government personnel assigned to assist the people to organize & develop groups that shall initiate various sports and cultural activities for the enjoyment of the whole town and/or barangays
5. Communications to inform the people of all the activities and social events in town and encourage people’s participation. This shall be accomplished through the establishment of a community radio station, which is a novel idea envisioned for the town of Marikina.

To effectively promote government programs and harness the force of the collective efforts of the people, the municipal government shall set up its own community radio station to broadcast government programs that are appropriate and relevant to the need s of the town. A community newspaper shall likewise be established. Proper communication will bring unity in action and spirit.

Peace and order is the key factor to make these places of entertainment safe for the people for them to participate and enjoy them without fear of harm.

WHY DO WE HAVE TO MAKE MARIKINA DYNAMIC AND LIVELY?

We have to make the people think along positive lines of entertainment and recreation. We should make the town dynamic to produce high-spirited citizenry with healthy mind and body. The youth especially will be encouraged to engage in productive endeavors that shall develop their minds and bodies like sports, stage acting, singing, dancing and most of all other activities that will keep them away from drugs and harmful vices.

Enjoyment makes the people closer to each other paving the way for a united citizenry, one in mind and spirit. Marikina shall be known as a community of happy, dynamic and contented citizenry which they shall be proud of.

Recreation keeps people strong in mind and body. Year-round programs shall be launched as means to promote the “bayanihan” concept and in return harness the collective effort to support the continuous recreational activities.

Sports is a meaningful way to spent time, but only about 10% of the population has the inclination for it. Therefore, great consideration must be given to the 90% of the population, especially the youth who have nothing much to do to spent their time. In this regard the youth must be given the opportunity to get together and do things for their pleasure. To start with, activity centers will be set up in all communities. Under the convivial atmosphere stronger bonds of friendship shall develop and they will get to know each other better until the communication may lead them away from the baser instincts of youth. At a level of collective thinking, the bigger the more worthwhile ideas and activities may ensue, which may lead them to sports cultural activities or community work. These exercises will give them the oy of fulfillment which makes them better persons and valuable members of society. This will give everyone better alternatives than drug and alcohol.

MARIKINA RIVER PARK AND RECREATION AREA

The Marikina River is one of the natural resources that we can be proud of. Public places for recreation are diminishing with the growth of population centers. The Marikina River banks is the only available public land the local government can develop into a scenic and recreational area available to all. The length of the river stretches from Nangka to Calumpang cutting through the barangays of Marikina. All the barangays have streets and alleys going to the river making it accessible and convenient for all.

BUT THE MARIKINA RIVER OVERFLOWS

It does but in our experience, they are just contemporary. At most twice a year and the overflows last only for hours. In developed countries like Japan, the river banks are utilized to the optimum as recreation and promenade areas as envisioned by these projects.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO DO

First of all, all the roads and alleys leading to the river from the barangays shall be given necessary improvements. Seconds, the river bank and the river itself shall be cleared of garbage, debris and other eyesores. This shall be done with the help of everybody through “Bayanihan” programs. Then, improvements in the river banks shall be introduced, a promenade area which will run covering the whole area from Nangka to Calumpang, basketball courts, and other sports and recreational facilities shall be constructed.

VISION

Let us view in our minds and try to dream of the following one Sunday morning at the riverbanks of Marikina, there are many people

Some are strolling

Some are biking

Some are playing basketball

Some are playing volleyball

Some are playing softball

Kids running around

Some are boating

Others are enjoying food and the picnic

A practicing drum and bugle band

Marching boyscout

Balloons, ice cream, gulaman and halo-halo

Some are jogging

A group of youth singing

Dozing in the grass under the shades of the trees

Kite flying

Sweethearts promenading

WHAT GOOD SHALL IT GIVE US?

First and foremost, our community will be a dynamic, alive and a happy place which the people shall be proud of and where everybody are friends in an atmosphere of peace and security.

We will have something to be proud of Marikina. We will be proud to call ourselves Marikenians. Our Marikina River Recreational shall provide natural refuge from urban jungle of city life.

This park will give employment to many Marikeños and additional income to the government.

“AN ORDERLY PEACEFUL SURROUNDING, A HEALTHY AND CLEAR MIND” (POSITIVE ATTITUDES)

CURTURAL

Full support shall be given in cultural activities since there is a need to create a distinct intellectual and physical character for Marikina to unify the various ethnic mixture of the residents. It is believed that our community cannot reach its full potentials without oneness of perceptions and aspirations

The contemporary culture of Marikina should be a good mix. The various regional orientations must be presented but at the same time lose their individual regional identity in the ensuing culture- the new culture with a character distinctively contemporary Marikeñan. In this way we can be one homogeneous group, one in joy and one in responsibility.

Regular town-wide activities shall be initiated by the municipal government for interaction.

These programs will succeed through the proper communication of ideas as embodied in the bayanihan program.

BAYANIHAN

Towards a truly developed, orderly peaceful Marikina.

Program of unity for the people and the government.

BAYANIHAN

A program of action with emphasis towards the collective effort of the people through people’s organizations, sectoral groups, community and civic organizations guided with the belief that in oneness we can uplift human and social dignity.

UNITY, DIGNITY AND RESPECT

Organizations and associations establish their own norms and code of conduct to which members voluntarily submit themselves. This leads to the establishment of individual and social discipline of society as a whole. This utilizes traditional social control ostracism to be laugh at by the neighbors and townmates so that conforming to acceptability shall be the guiding principle of everybody.

This proposition is based on the following ideals:

1. Our past failures to give us satisfactory solutions to our numerous problems have killed initiative of everyone. We need to begin anew but with more timely orderly and systematic approaches to be effective.
2. Any program no matter how good, will not succeed without the cooperation of the people.
3. The people are genuinely interested to help and support such programs, but due to lack of a clear and comprehensive direction and respectable leadership, effective implementation is not achieved Programs should be communicated properly and must be simple for all to be able to generate unity and support
4. An organization needs unity to survive, and it is imperative to encourage, expand and support community groups in every purok, sector and town wide organizations
5. Organizations encouraged voluntary acceptance and obedience of the rule of conduct and discipline of members not only of the organization but of the society as well. This is the first stage to develop a healthy and productive mind for good of society

HOW UNITY AFFECTS SOCIAL DISCIPLINE:

ALSA CALUMPANG: To many, the unity of the people of Calumpang is only seen during elecions, but there is more than what meets the eye. Barrio Calumpang in spite of the fact that it is notorious for vices and nightly entertainment, can boars of being a safe and peaceful place because of the unity and concern of the people. Every resident of Brgy. Calumpang goes along with each other conforming to norm and accepted social behavior.

Anybody who shall violate the rules of society, commit something wrong against these fellowmen or go against what has been decided by the group is penalized by being boycotted. Boycotting a person is worse that being jailed or physically injured. To be boycotted means nobody shall speak to a person who had done something to or even come near. Anybody who shall violate this is penalized by asking him to treat the group to merienda or buy the group “Bilao” of Puto or Bibingka. These things are done half- jokingly but it leaves its mark that anybody given this kind of treatment learns a lesson that he will not forget all his life.

This provides for social self-discipline to each and everyone living in Calumpang. At the same time, this kind of unity serves as a deterrent to bad elements who shall think twice before doing anything wrong in the barrio. Through the concerned efforts of every resident, no malefactor shall go soot free; nobody has committed a wrong and run away with it. This unity and cooperation extend from small to big community organizations.

We can sagely say that in a community where there is unity and cooperation it surely enjoys peace and security.

The unity of Calumpang started as far back as we can remember due to an extreme necessity where the interest of everybody is at stake. We have now in our midst grave need and that is to uplift the dignity of the people and improve their material conditions.

We shall implement this spirit of unity through this concept of unity Bayanihan.

WHAT IS UNITY?

Unity is cooperation. Unity is respect towards our fellow men. In unity, “dignity and honor” shall prevail and will teach everyone to conform with social order. Unity is more than the laws of government, for it controls through human dignity which is unique every being. The penalty for violation is the anger of friends and to be the laughing stock of the community. Unity promotes the concept of nationhood, a sense of belonging to a group, belonging to a nation. Unity is helping each other. In unity we can find strength that we shall use to find solutions and resolve social needs and other problems.

HOW DO WE UNITE?

Right attitude and Communication.

From the things mentioned, through the strength of programs brought proper communication, unity shall develop. People shall be encouraged to join association which shall cater to their basic interests. With the assistance of the government in materials and organizational needs, recognition and granting of authority, these associations shall be strengthened, and will expand and become dynamic towards productive endeavors. Everyone shall be encouraged to join at least one association that suits their needs to be a part and be involved.

WHAT ARE OUR SHORTCOMINGS?

Bayanihan and Unity is not a new concept. All past leadership have exerted efforts to achieve unity, peace and progress for all but we may ask what happened? We have grand and beautiful dreams in the past but why are we now in our present predicaments?

Our main shortcoming is COMMUNICATION. Perhaps we overlooked the fact that our town is composed of 400,000 ideas and needs. How to unite and make as one this 400,000 ideas is our primary problem. We should remember that no government programs will succeed without understanding between the people and the government. Proper communication should be emphasized.

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION

Communication is dissemination of ideas to each and everyone. Gatherings and discussions including mass media, i.e, radio, television and newspaper is communication.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION?

Communication will develop unity of thought, ideas and common sentiments among the people. Communication shall inform the people of how they can participate to make our program and project succeed.

Marikina has a population of 400,000 and 120,000 of which can be found in depressed areas 125,000 in subdivisions and another 125,000 in the población. Migrants compose around 70 percent of the total. Original social communication is not enough for everybody to be inform of things about the community. In order to unite the hearts and minds of people living in Marikina, we need to institute this program of communication. This will make people closer to each other, develop a feeling towards our own town of Marikina and concern themselves to its development. Communication shall initiate all these things expanding and strengthening unity and cooperation. Out first job in communication is sending this paper to inform you of our Bayanihan program.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO ANSWER THE NEED OF INFORMATION/COMMUNICATION

First, is the establishment of UGNAYAN CENTERS to facilitate the formation and organizations of associations. These centers in concept would be like churches which is the center of worship and devoted to spiritual activities. In like vein, our UGNAYAN CENTERS shall be the local point of all activities in the community whether social, recreational, political, etc. Through the associations, the UGNAYAN CENTER shall function as the vehicle for information gathering and dissemination for and to the people. It is in these centers that we shall strengthen the band of unity and the community through recreational as well as social activities.

Second, establishment of a community newspaper devoted to the dissemination of public information which is exclusive to the service of our community.

BUT THERE ARE ALREADY RADIO AND TV STATIONS AND OTHER NEWSPAPERS

Yes, but they cater primarily to issues of national concern. Marikina has its own needs and problems. Mass media outlets simply does not deal with Marikina alone. In answer to our needs, it is best to provide for our own. What we need in our locality are local information on issues concerning our community which shall directly address the problems of communication of each Barangay, sectoral or civic organizations.

THERE ARE ALREADY EXISTING BARRIO HALLS AND SOCIAL CENTERS IN OUR COMMMUNITIES

Yes, but they are not enough and lack the necessary facilities attuned so the needs of the people. The envisioned Ugnayan Centers shall be equipped with facilities and discussion groups. It shall be provided with sounds systems, chairs, lights and other necessities.

It will be easier for the people to conduct meetings and organize community interactions and develop closer ties among the neighbors. Organizational activities entail expenses. The establishment of this centers will lessen the cost of producing these activities and make it easier for everybody to participate.

UNITY AND ACTION

The natural result of unity and action and this will also be its measuring rod.

In order that unity and cooperation can be maintained, we need to have the proper vision, realistic, productive practical and implementable. It is important to have a small dream that can be achieved; and every achievement, small as it maybe, shall give the much-needed boost.

WE HAVE TO ADJUST TO MODERN TIMES

Communication is the trend of modern times. With the growth of population comes the need to develop and adopt modern communications systems. We will use this gift of mankind which modern science and technology has brought to us. This is a gift to mankind that has to be used for the betterment of humanity and society. There is no secrets or new idea with the methodology and approaches we introduce here. We only need to pick-up the best of these ideas by learning from past experiences, then applying and implementing these to our present situation.

Today, the people’s spirit is at its lowest ebb, frustrated and losing hope. Everyone becomes selfish because of their need for spiritual and material thing. Survival of the fittest is the rule making each one the enemy of the scarce resources available. This brings more hardships to everyone and slowly, we are sinking into a dismal abyss of problems and never-ending needs.

We should face the realities of our present time.

If not today, when? Tomorrow maybe too late.

If not ourselves, who shall work for us.

OUR MAIN CONCERN

Our main concern is to see the people of Marikina with an uplifted spirit, proud in self-dignity and honor, full of self-respect, observant concerned with the government and his fellowmen, and that each man shall be a symbol of hope. Aware of his social responsibilities, humble in his victory and magnanimous in his success.