"RA 1998: Displacing Farmers, Benefiting Traders"

"RA 1998: Displacing Farmers, Benefiting Traders"

(Notes on the recent passage of the Rice Tarrification Bill)

As part of its neoliberal-globalist venture by entrenched entities, the present administration has made another scheme affecting agriculture, with the recent signing of the House Bill 1998 or the Rice Tarrification Act.

This act, promoted by its apologists as a measure to the recent crisis on foodstuffs, hath rather created mostly negative reactions from the populace. Driven by the recent events surrounding rice shortage and failure to support farmers in the countryside, the Duterte administration, whom earlier promised to promote self-sufficiency in foodstuffs, hath resorted to neoliberal-oriented measures, as it assures that the lifting of importation restrictions will moderate prices and to curb the high inflation that plagued consumers, especially the poor, as it thoroughly reform and revolutionize the system of rice imports, as well as relaxing them to allow free flow of such imports, regardless of its effects to domestic production of rice and by extension, other foodstuffs.

But despite its intent to resolve the issue on food supply, people, particularly farmers criticised the measure if not exposing the government's general neglect of the agricultural sector favouring those of the traders and in respect to the existing neoliberal-oriented agreements. That, with little allocation to agricultural development in the countryside, the focus on increasing rice imports without bolstering domestic agriculture hath rather retained the supposed self-reliant country being a mere reliant on import, all regardless of higher world market prices and volatile rice production of its neighbouring countries. 

Is it really sufficiency, just competition,
or just killing the farming sector in the name of free trade?

Using the alibi that "consumers must be freed of food supply apprehension" and "provided with price stability at an affordable level." This measure assumes that it will address those concerns through free and open competition.

But obviously, this act does also meant that the Philippines, whilst feigning that its government "continues to help farmers" can now bluntly import unlimited quantities of rice all at low prices from its neighbours be it Vietnam, Thailand, or even China. In Vietnam for example, the kilo of long grain, white rice is $550.00 per metric ton or P 28.10 per kilo. Yet with these "cheap" prices, no local farmer, regardless of its hard work can able compete with rice prices coming from its own neighbours, making the government or rather entrenched entities simply depend on imports instead of supporting its very own farmers in planting rice and various foodstuffs all for agricultural self-sufficiency. 

Furthermore, there are provisions in that said law in which reduces the functions of the National Food Authority all from being a state distributor of subsidised rice for the masses to those of being buffer stocking of palay bought from local farmers, aside from that, there were even attempts to "just" disband the foodstuff trading institution be it by simply reducing its functions to direct rice importation, making the latter task all primarily in the hands of importers.

Amusing isn't it? Ironically, the countries that the Philippines bought rice for its domestic stock, hath seriously promoted self-sufficiency and its government even adheres to its support for farmers in their need for agricultural development such as those of rice production- that as according to IBON Foundation made last 2018, Vietnam allocated US$400 million, Thailand allocated US$2.2-4.4 billion, and China allocated US$12-37 billion in supporting the rice industry. For sure the goal of supporting their farmers caters to feeding its population through their much-needed produce, while its surpluses served as the sources of what Juan de la Cruz is eating, so why on earth Juan, who takes pride in his farm and romanticises it through Amorsolo's planting rice paintings end depending on its neighbours?
. 

Yet still, there are those who favour in it for chrissakes

But despite critcising, there are those who stood up to defend that law thinking as if a panacea for the crisis if not can be amended or as one may say say "balance" or "side by side" with "agricultural modernisation" as if easier to be taken through.

By insisting that the law will benefit farmers, if not telling that "rice farmers will be accorded protection from unfair competition through the imposition of import tariff duty of thirty-five (35) percent on imported rice". It tries to make the law appear as can able to cushion the effects despite the fact that the law really promoted competition against continuous rice importation.  If not delusionally speaking that it will "provide" additional resources to support their production; if not that the state will assume itself as a buyer both from other countries and from farmers and by telling everyone that the law itself as a win-win solution for both farmer and consumer.

Amusing isn't it? Of course, for an apologist of that law will say that the bill as necessary to resolve the crisis on rice and by extension, food supply of the country regardless of its negative effects. And sometimes delusions appear in each statement posted in social media thinking the government will still able to help the farmers back such as the proceeds from the tariffs imposed on foreign rice imports under the act will be used in "modernizing agriculture" further be it by "providing mechanized equipment to local farmers", and "in introducing modern 21st century concepts of farming", assuming that this will make farmers productive and competitive via lower rice wastage and cheaper farmer inputs; or urging the authorities to disband the National Food Authority altogether which they think impedes the free flow of cheap produce and to promote free market/trade further.

How ironic then if not adding salt to a gaping wound in a form of this peasant/agricultural question meant to be addressed this kind of neoliberal idea which benefited self-interest oriented traders and corrupt officials alike in making that law happen.

Well, since there are those did recognise both sides of the issue, its benefits and risks, then did they also think about resolving the peasant question first prior to this issue on rice shortage? 'Land reform' under a landlord/compradore-led order isn't done efficiently what more of their so-called 'agricultural support' which the Department of Agriculture as well as its affiliated agencies ought to brag much throughout the term. There are even those who rather subjectively blame protectionist policies on agricultural products that caused it to be sold in series of expensive prices for years, yet they failed to address issues on smuggling, cartels, moneylenders, and exploiters of various personages that caused this issue on shortages.

What more of developers willing to reduce agricultural lands through conversion into non-agricultural ones such as those of subdivisions and commercial complexes. As according to Omi Royandoyan:

"...If a liberalized rice trade regime will serve as main policy track sans state support, this will result in a substantial reduction in rice production where a sizable number of rice lands will be freed up, ready or prime for land conversion. This scenario is most favorable to the real property developers especially since these rice lands are in lowlands and strategically located near the town centers. The further we liberalize our rice industry, the bigger the risk to food insecurity."

From this, perhaps no matter how the order and its apologists tried its best to justify their acts, then frankly speaking that the law itself, both in essence and existence, hath obviously taketh the side of the trader rather than the farmer, of those who liveth through interest seeking than by the soil, being the promoter of food security.

"You cannot legislate taste. Freedom must be enjoyed even by people who do not have taste."

 "You cannot legislate taste. 

Freedom must be enjoyed even by people who do not have taste."

(A note made in memory of Armida Siguion Reyna)

Anyway, to keep this note short, this writer is ought to say that despite her passing yesterday at the age of 88, her memories will continue to last, that her contributions in the field of culture overcome her physical death, thus making her immortal and youthful to those who remember, be it because of music, of her acting, and even in civil rights especially those of defending freedom of speech, press, and of course, expression.

And admittingly speaking, this person may hath heard few of her songs; and most of which were quite reflect of her era as those times Filipino music was poetic to the ears; but in the field of cinema in which some of her movies this person watched, she was remembered in her variety of roles, especially villainous ones that capture the attention of every audience during those days.

But, what this person really remembers much was her days taking part in the protests defending civil rights particularly those of expression, especially the time she criticised the former Censor Czar Manoling Morato due to the latter's censorship procedures whose basis was on "preserving public morals" to the extent of attacking good quality films particularly those of controversial character thus affecting Filipino cinema and culture in general. 

In an old article, she once described the board of censors (which Manoling Morato was involved) as arrogant and terrible claiming to be as guardians of morals and thus they can tell their children what to do, what to see, and what to read. 

"But the ones who make the final decisions are the parents." Armida said. "You cannot relegate that to the church or the school or the government. Eh kung gusto ko ba papanoorin ang anak ko ng 'In the realm of the senses' kahit 12 years old siya, anong pakealam mo? (If I want my kids to watch 'In the realm of the senses' even they're in 12 why bother?) Nowhere in PD 1986 does it say that this board as a guardian of public morals."

And with that statement shows how she defend artistic freedom from those attempting to negate it, especially those who use morality as its basis. "You cannot legislate taste. Freedom must be enjoyed even by people who do not have taste."

From this, no wonder why there are those who appreciate artistic freedom even in this era of repression. For sure in the otherworld she would hath exchanged pleasantries with her colleagues Bernal, Brocka, and Cervantes, laughing if not worrying over a cup of coffee or a glass of beer as they talk about the status not just of Filipino movies, but also of culture. 

Need not to explain further tho, but for sure to rekindle some memories, for sure there are those, if not everyone will end settled listening to Jon Santos as he imitates the late Chanteuse with humour especially during his stand-up comedy shows. Sorry for the thought tho,  but with all her actions, Armida Siguion Reyna shows how culture, expression should be cherished. 

"Prosperity, Happiness, and Long Life: Celebrating a festive year of good luck at Binondo"

"Prosperity, Happiness, and Long Life:

Celebrating a festive year of good luck at Binondo"

(Or "Notes after yours truly celebrated the Lunar Year of the Pig at Binondo")

Ever since it became a non-working holiday some few years ago, Chinese New Year was more than just a celebration of luck, but also a commemoration of Filipino-Chinese friendship if a recognition of Chinese culture and community which remained influential in the Philippines for centuries.

And Chinese Filipinos, although do not make the majority of the population of the country, have been a prominent member of the Filipino community, especially through their influence in the business, particularly in the commercio-mercantile sector. Its culture been embedded alongside Hispanic and American ones, especially those of food, language, and even family affairs that binds Filipino families closer.

And also to think that admist the present stormy relations brought about by the recent events like the Panatag and Kalayaan group of isles, of illegal migrants trying to takeover Filipino jobs, and Duterte's preference towards the Chinese despite these problems, this didn't interrupt the occasion, its dragon and lion dances, what more of the sumptuos food that makes the event remembering.

Traversing Ongpin, entering its temple, and venerating the cross

Given the Filipino's perchance for Chinese food, consulting Feng Shui experts for good luck, as well as reading their Chinese horoscope for good prospects, Chinese New Year is itself the ideal day to engage these things.

And with this writer traversed Chinatown district at Binondo through Ongpin st. there lies a festive mood with its dragon and lion dances, restaurants filled with people, and others selling trinkets of various sorts, all with one desire: good luck, wealth, wealth, and long life.

So is the temple, where Chinese and even Filipinos alike offered joss sticks and offerings to Guan Yu and other Chinese deities for a blessing, of burning Joss paper money and lighting candles for their deceased loved ones, followed by drinking ginger tea at the corner to quench their thirst. Yet some would rather enter the site just for a picture spree to be posted in social media sites like Facebook or Instagram afterwards. 

But the occasion itself, what more of the district, isn't limited to Daoists or Buddhists alike; the Longos cross for instance, known as Binondo's watchful companion for Christians, hath honoured and served the lord Jesus Christ all in a fusion of Filipino-Chinese customs and traditions. 

So strange to some that with its fusion of customs, if not an appropriation of Chinese worship to a Christian figure, emphasises respect, love, and devotion to the Lord, whose Cross, bearing heart-like figure alluded to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and covered with gold plated covering, is always adorned with sampaguita garlands, offered by its devotees lit joss sticks all alongside prayers and petitions. Local folks always say that one should need to drop by Binondo's Miraculous Cross to pay respect and for good luck whenever in that district. True enough, for the Cross also gained devotees, and miracles were also attributed through the veneration of this Cross. 

Expect more trinkets

And as Ongpin's corners been sprawled with trinkets and statuettes bearing good luck to its buyers, it is expected to say that people started to converge, buying if not asking about its prices. And most would say they would buy either the statue of the laughing buddha or the money-bearing tree harnessing good luck at the corner of their houses or their offices, or the tantric deities at the nearby store either for worship or for the sake of curiosity.

But since the year marks with its signature animal, there are statues of pigs whose appearances are those of happiness and hope, making those who born of that year feel the luck in it what more of buying it and be displayed showing that the buyer was born on that year and therefore enjoy its good luck thereof.

"Not just Chinese, but also Filipino"

As this person traversed, would say that these events shown at Ongpin or even Binondo aren't limited to things Chinese. Some portions of the street did carried features likely to be shown in a Filipino Fiesta such as crossdressers spewing fire, of drummers commonly played their tunes during ati-atihan, or even Muslims peddling their own wares like brass, ceramics, anything that can be sold knowing  that said occasion is also considered a time to market their wares at Ongpin's sidewalks.

What more that there are street kids performing their own version of Dragon and Lion dances especially those near the bridge and at Ongpin cor. Salazar and at Alonso, creating makeshift heads out of sacks and plastic box containers, much better if brought from a nearby prosperity store or painted boxes, glued cartons and styrofoam cups to look more like a dragon and danced away through the beat of the plastic container-turned-drum, all at the amusement of others willing to throw coins for them.

***

Anyway, as this person sought the festive mood, enjoyed the meal, and took pictures bearing everyone feeling the desire for good luck, would say that amidst all the challenges surrounding Filipino-Chinese relations, it is indeniable that in that occasion that the spirit of Filipino-Chinese amity continues to flourish, to the extent that generations of Filipino-Chinese thrives, carrying Chinese traditions yet bearing the aspirations every Filipino wanted to realise such as a just, strong, and prosperous country that is, the Philippines.

And thus, no wonder why this person's friend said that:

"Why not instead of 'Long Life, Prosperity and Happiness' should be 'Prosperity, Happiness, and Long Life'? For to cut it short, this meant the Philippines itself in its shortened form, PHL."

That's all for now, Gong Xi Fa Cai!

"Still, the struggle to reclaim lost charm over goddamned Manila"

"Still, the struggle to reclaim lost charm over goddamned Manila"

(Or the desire for a rooted future against the delusions of a continuing past)

At first, it is worth believing that Manila can be considered as a reflection of the Filipino's state of mind, given its surroundings, of idealistic visions side by side with inconvenient truths, it seems that the Philippines' capital city, and its extension the surrounding cities that composes the metropolitan region, is itself a city of extreme contrasts, and thus can become an intense personal experience: for it can be chaotic and at the same time orderly, dirty and at the same time divine, these contrasts creates a view that one of which is that "if you can't find beauty and poetry in Manila, you will never find it anywhere" paraphrasing Carlos Celdran.

However, to some people, this kind of Manila, including those of its neighbouring cities is plain simple chaotic area that meant to be "cleansed" that is, purged including those of its old charm in favour of modern delusion. For in recent years, seeing old structures, no matter it tries to retain its old charm and relevance, been facing threats two and fro by those who treated those as mere prime lots for structures that according to them as monuments to modernity.

The recently-demolished House of Precast in Escolta 

Sorry for the thoughts for as any other concerned, there are places in Manila that can't just be removed and reduced to memories; and ideally, those who churn thoughts of nostalgia should have the will to express concern than letting it go those that meant to be revitalised in the name of heritage and of bridging both past and present for the future.
And to think that there are dreamers that took seriously in making an idea into reality, this isn't enough: for they need to encourage people from all walks of life to rekindle not just memories, but to help hand in hand in reclaiming lost charms for the years to come.

Obviously it may take years, decades, even centuries to entice people to rekindle and to join in that said quest; for as most rather letting it go for an illusory future, it becomes difficult to encourage people. There may be pages of various sorts spewing out nostalgia, but are they serious in rekindling? Perhaps a few of those who talk about their childhood express hopes that the Manila of theirs, what more of its neighbouring cities should revive their almost lost heritages than letting it forgo in favour of a continuing chaos everyone endures. 


Forgo? Never! Preserve? Better!

Speaking of the quest to rekindle memories of the past, the idea of conserving past edifices has been marred various problems, and most of which hath been engulfed Manila- especially after the recent demolition of the old Meralco building in San Marcelino, the Admiral apartments in Roxas Boulevard, the Arguelles-designed Philippine National Bank at Escolta, and even the Locsin-designed Mandarin Oriental and the Hotel Intercontinental in Makati, to name a few, just to give way to new developments particularly those of high-rise residential buildings.
And because of this, this kind of concern has made some individuals, such as heritage advocate Ivan Man Dy, dare to question authorities esprcially those actions fail to address problems of heritage conservation despite recognising it: Quo Vadis Manila?

For with this kind of expression both shows lament and angst, to tell what the city or even the entire capital region is going to shows how the order, whose idea deals about development, is increasingly becoming rootless cosmopolitan in its perspective. That same order may express some semblance of identitarianism, yet knowing that developers whom the system rubbing elbows to quietly trying to evade if not circumvent orders for their interest-seeking ventures, these made heritage conservationists and others concerned vent aloud their concerns as much as possible in order to make these authorities aware that these prewar or even postwar edifices aren't just structures for chrissakes, but witnesses from a distant past that's full of idealism whilst keeping its rooted charm.
And to think that well-known Mr. Ivan Man Dy, known for conducting regular heritage and history tours in Binondo through his Old Manila Walks, saidth that there are structures that have been constructed such as during the Commonwealth period like the recently-closed "Uy Su Bin Building"; this and more are made it presumed as an Important Cultural Property under Republic Act 10066, that is the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.

Uy Su Bin and the recently demolished Philippines Free Press Building
Source: Ivan Man Dy, Google

But despite that said act not all would have saved by its provisions knowing that there are no safeguards to justify its existence, let's just say how about tax incentives, or even tax exceptions alongside substantial funds for its rehabilitation and revival of districts known for its ages-old architecture? Remember,  especially after the case of the old Free Press Building in Avenida Rizal which was built during the American period, that shows no law could ever stop a demolition permit that was issued by the Manila City Hall last October 2018.


Again, the desire to bridge the past and present for the future

As a "ContemporAntiquitarian", seeing a sordid state of heritage especially in a heavily urbanised area reflects the country that "moves on" without any roots. With the fast-changing landscape now dominated by skyscrapers and residential buildings, what more of inherent values that been replaced by crass commercialism and the likes, the issue on heritage has becoming a topic secondarily, if not less-discussed even by those who seriously take interest in social circles be it as actual as a forum or in social media.

the Angela apartments: reduced into a mere fragment of a memory
(source: Ivan Man Dy)

But to think that each and every Filipino hath been studied history, Filipino language and culture, humanities, yet remain aloof in what goes in its surrounding as it favours own consumerist fantasies and for officials, whims coming from those who treat heritage as a doormat if not the desire to fill their pockets with kickbacks, this kind of indifference towards urban renewal is driven by the idea that there are things that are meant to be unnecessary to keep an image especially in the changing times.
And at times they would say that edifices, no matter how significant, can be costly if maintained, and not all would opted to go to an old structure as most chose to look something's new. They would even describe that the structure be bereft of significance as opposed to the so-called "boxed-type, glassy" edifice that according to theirs as "modern", "sleek", "futuristic", anything that outweighs the grandeur of the past and its remarkable structures like El Hogar Filipino.

Urban renewal necessitates decisiveness and clear vision, two things which the present political order in the Philippines obviously lacks off, or worse, opted to disregard thinking that there are assistants who can able to do those duties- and be turned down by the same elected officials thinking about their pockets.
But come to think of this: that in an era when the majority of 'new additions' to every community are parasitic glass boxes, seeing an old edifice is itself a welcome sight indeed. Be it because of its age-old endurance or its sleek style featured, it seems that seeing, what more of entering an old edifice is itself entering history for these edifices witnessed the storms of time, and no matter how its walls collected dirt or grime of years, chances are a concerned would have express the need to revive, bring hope, make it future-proof as any other structure that wishes to be part of the future than letting it wallow on its past till condemned. London did that, so is Paris, Madrid, Shanghai, even Singapore whose old portions of the city been kept well-preserved as part of its identity. So how about Metro Manila then?


"not all dealt seriously that damned word heritage"

However, as said earlier not all dealt seriously that damned word heritage. Of course they studied history and humanities, but did these people from the order treat heritage seriously? Their assistants would have since they are paid to study and offer suggestions to their elected higher-ups; but these higher-ups treated the issue on heritage on the backburner unless they are being pressured by a heritage group especially if an old yet remarkable structure been threatened by demolition.

But come to think of this: as the buildings which surround every community and created memories for its inhabitants created a sense of belonging. And ideally, this matter which became a major issue on heritage should been treated proactively rather than reactive especially if being threatened by demolition and the likes within that affected district.
And from these structures it made architecture as the backdrop to everyone's lives as well as those of communities in a way Perez-Samanillo, Regina, Roman Santos, Monte de Piedad, Calvo, or even the abandoned Plaza Fair created memories over Escolta-Sta Cruz area in Manila. But as time goes by, no matter how remarkable they are this didn't stop from facing threats of unbridled developmental aggression as others favour money over heritage, of being succumbed to the delusions of so-called "modernity" than clinging on identity; perhaps no matter how significant or structurally sound it stood for decades, these rather ended as pile of rubble for another glassy nonsense- and from this, no wonder why these so-called "faceless boxes of modernism" are considered "alienating" and therefore "belong nowhere" all because they exist everywhere.

Anyway, tradition and beauty are fundamentally important to architecture and even urban planning, but not all observed that kind of dictum as there are those who chose to create something that disrupts the orderliness of a district. The beauty that brought about by Locsin, Luna de San Pedro, Arguelles, and others may be recognised, but despite its recognition there are frustrated ones that desired to just simply making them irrelevant, condemned, and thus demolished in order for faceless ones to take place;
and the system? Sadly to say, are the ones who tolerate unless slapped by those whose desire for uphelding heritage forces them to reconsider. Metro Manila may still continue as a reflection of the Filipino mind, and with this kind of existence, sadly to say, that Filipino mind be like confused, if not marred by its delusions.