ILOCANDIA RUMBLINGS

LGU Excise Tax Share for Genuine Agrarian Reform Second of three parts A glance on the Cost of Production (COP) form of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) tells a lot about the state of the tobacco industry. From start to finish, the field activities, equipment and the number of mandays employed shows a backward if not primitive production process compared to other tobacco producing countries. The feudal character of the Philippine countryside is also apparent. Landlordism and the scarcity of land in the region generate prohibitive land rent. Foreign control over our agricultural production is also evident, with majority of the chemical inputs for the crop are imported. Besides these things, the exploitative and oppressive marketing scheme also becomes undeniable when one thoroughly studies the form. Presented below the computed COP are the percentages of the different leaf classes. Based on the NTA projection, about 67% of the leaves fall under Class AA to C that commands ...

Zaldy Alfiler (standing in red shirt), Secretary General of STOP Exploitation explains the bases of the groups' demand for P128/kilo of dried Virginia tobacco leaves during the March 27 dialogue with the National Tobacco Administration. Alfiler said that besides the P26.00 increase for daily basic needs, the cost of production for every hectare in the region increased by an average of P2,600 in the past two years. Democracy is not something that popped out of thin air. The concept and practice of democracy evolved and continues to progress through social processes. While the development of the concept comes naturally with the advancement of human society, the contents and benefits of democracy are not readily available. The people can only claim the space for participation, criticism, and dissent it provides through organized assertion and ardent struggle. The March 27 dialogue between the tobacco farmers led by Solidarity of Peasants Against Exploitation (Stop Exploitatio...

As the year comes to a close, the people of Ilocos take pride that they braved and overcame the odds and challenges thrown by US-Benigno C. Aquino regime, and the fledgling presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. The period is characterized by three significant campaigns – the demand for Aquino’s accountability as his regime ends, the battle against traditional politics during the election, and the consolidation of people’s demands to challenge the new administration under Rodrigo Duterte. The militant mass movement and the people of Ilocos persisted in their struggles for genuine economic and social transformation amidst the intensified implementation of Oplan Bayanihan. They launched wide-spread education and information campaign on burning social issues. They trooped the streets, engaged the public, and questioned the authorities to spread their desire and platform for genuine democracy social justice, progressive culture and industrialization. Makabayan chapters and allies in the regio...

Photo grab from GMA News Online (http://images.gmanews.tv/webpics/2016/08/640_ZZZ_082616_oslo_peace_talks_3_2016_08_26_10_48_31.jpg)  Historians and social scientists have always attributed Ilocano diaspora on their search for friendlier environment and better livelihood. The narrowness of the land and harsh climate of the region had always made living a challenge for the Ilocanos. Land-strapped, the feudal exploitation is much more intense compared to others. Constant visit from dry spells and strong typhoons make bountiful harvests difficult. Economic opportunities are hard to come by, political dynasties of landed and merchant clans replaced foreign dominance that pervaded during the Spanish and American period in all aspects of society. These factors shaped the Ilocano to be hardworking and resilient, tirelessly struggling for better living conditions – for a good life or nasayaat a panagbiag in Iloco. A study conducted by Joy Racquel R. Tadeo in 2012, then a student ...

Today, September 27, the world celebrates World Tourism Day. Tourist destinations across Ilocos prepared different treats and come-ons for local and international tourists. Vigan City in Ilocos Sur leads the celebration in the province, and probably in the whole region being one of the world’s New Seven Wonder Cities. The place boasts of well-preserved Spanish houses and mouth-watering foods like empanada, bagnet, longganisa, and sinanglaw . Calle Crisologo, where most of the famed Spanish houses are located is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vigan, a small city with limited resources found its niche in the tourism world by banking on its rich cultural heritage. Policies and facilities reflect its inclination to keep this sector afloat and running to boost its economy. Looking at the industry in a wider-scale, tourism came early as a must commodity for industrialized countries. But it was only during the 80’s that the industry got a stable foothold in developing economies like the Phi...

(This is Ilocandia Rumblings’ maiden piece and before we enjoy reading, let me give you a short introduction.) Ilocandia Rumblings was conceived to bring to the readership of Northern Dispatch some insights on and analyses of the issues and events in the Ilocos Region – mainly the provinces of La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte from the point of view and standpoint of the oppressed and exploited. This blog aims to expand its reach and readers, and make the aspirations of the hardworking people west of the Cordillera; the rumblings in the peasant communities, workplaces, coastal areas and slums, reverberate in the web. In order to get to the bottom of every issue and event that will be written here, this writer will immerse in the communities and the different sectors in the Ilocos region, listen to the roars and whispers of people, and witness the transformation of society. It shall dissect Ilocos society and expound on It shall express the ideas and thoughts of the...