BAYgainvillea Project Launched at Poro Point Baywalk

San Fernando City, La Union — The BAYgainvillea Project was formally launched today, September 16, 2025, at the Poro Point Baywalk, San Fernando City, La Union, marking a collaborative effort to enhance the province’s natural beauty and promote sustainable development.

As part of the launching ceremony, the content of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the La Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council, represented by Mr. Xavier Mercado, and the Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC), represented by Atty. Felix S. Racadio, was presented to guests. The agreement underscores the commitment of both institutions to the beautification and maintenance of the Baywalk area.

The project envisions lining the iconic Baywalk with vibrant bougainvillea plants, transforming it into a scenic attraction for locals and tourists while promoting environmental sustainability. Beyond beautification, the initiative also seeks to engage civil society organizations, government agencies, and micro-entrepreneurs in the upkeep and expansion of the project.

In his message, Mr. Mercado emphasized that the BAYgainvillea Project is a significant beautification effort, especially in anticipation of the 2027 cruise ship tourism activity, when international visitors will dock at Poro Point to experience the beauty of La Union.

Community leaders from civic organizations, led by the Association of Tourism Industries and Networks in La Union and the Chamber of Commerce and Industries in La Union, joined representatives from various government agencies—including the Department of Trade and Industry, the City Government of San Fernando, and the Provincial Government’s Office of the Provincial Agriculture and other offices and members of the LU MSMED Council —in expressing support for the initiative. Guests also took part in symbolic planting activities, with bougainvilleas planted at the façade of Savie’s Restaurant, and schedules are being arranged for proper planting locations and maintenance.

With the MOU in place, both the MSMED Council and PPMC look forward to transforming the Baywalk into a colorful landmark symbolizing unity, growth, and sustainability for La Union. Visitors of the Poro Point Baywalk are also encouraged to bring water to help maintain the bougainvilleas.

Future greening projects are planned to further strengthen La Union’s reputation as a vibrant and eco-friendly destination for the benefit of the community.

Upuan (Florante)



Nakaupo ako lumalamon sila,

masasaya itong aking mga kaibigan.

Abot kamay nila ang bunga ng puno

dahil balikat ko ang ginawang tuntungan.

Habang namimitas lalong natatakam,

sila ay para bang wala ng kabusugan

kahit alam nilang mayrong mga langgam

at ang aking paa ang siyang inu-upakan.

Nais ko ng magpahinga,

marami na kong nagawa at natulungan

Akoy labis na nag-aalala,

baka ang puno ay tuluyan ng maubusan ng bunga.

Nakaupo ako nagbabantay sila,

ang mga aso koy laging maa-asahan.

Hindi ko lang alam ang binabantayan,

ito bang puno o itong aking upuan.

Itali ko kaya sa bahay ng langgam,

maglilingkod ba o maghahari-harian.

Masasagot lamang ang malaking tanong

kapag ako ay nawala na ng tuluyan.

Nais ko ng magpahinga,

marami na kong nagawa at natulungan

Akoy labis na nag-aalala,

baka itong mga aso ay maulol at magwala

Nakaupo ako naiinggit sila,

silang nais na pumalit sa aking upuan

Ayokong tumayo sa upuang ito

kahit itoy sinusurot at ina-anay.

Ang upuang ito ay para sa bantay

ng punong ang ibinubungay kayamanan.

Nangangamba ako kung uupo sila

baka ang puno ay lalong mapabayaan.

Nais ko ng magpahinga,

marami na kong nagawa at natulungan

Akoy labis na nag-aalala,

marami ang magtutulakan makuha lang ang aking upuanl

 Korapsyon: Kanser ng Bayan

Sa tuwing nakikita natin ang mga proyektong pinopondohan ng buwis ng taumbayan, hindi maiwasang magtanong: gaano nga ba ang tunay na napupunta sa proyekto, at gaano ang napupunta sa bulsa ng mga kawatan?

Ginawang normal ang SOP at kickback upang matiyak na may dagdag kita ang mga opisyal. Samantala, ang mga karaniwang mamamayan ay patuloy na naghihigpit ng sinturon, pilit na pinagkakasya ang kakarampot na kita. Bawat bilihin ay may kasamang buwis sa anyo ng VAT, kaya’t tila walang kawala sa bigat ng pasanin.

Masasabing mapalad pa nga ang mga kurakot—sapagkat ang mga Pilipino ay nananatiling matiisin at hindi nag-aalsa, taliwas sa Indonesia at Nepal kung saan mariin ang pagtutol laban sa katiwalian. Dahil dito, nananatiling bingi at pipi ang mga tiwaling opisyal sa mga hinaing ng bayan.

Tunay ngang ang nagpapalugmok sa ating bansa ay hindi kakulangan sa yaman o talino ng mamamayan, kundi ang walang patid na korapsyon na sumisira sa kinabukasan ng bawat Pilipino.

 Capacity Development or Costly Junket? The SK Manila Thailand Case

At a time when corruption and misuse of public funds dominate headlines, every government expense is under a microscope. The recent international benchmarking trip of 667 SK leaders from Manila to Thailand has become the latest controversy.

Councilor Juliana Ibay, president of the Manila SK Federation, defended the program, saying it was aligned with the urgent need to address HIV awareness in Manila’s depressed areas. Thailand’s globally recognized success in reducing HIV cases made it the chosen site for learning. According to Ibay, each SK leader will submit a Re-Entry Action Plan (REAP) to replicate Thailand’s best practices, while the federation aims to file ordinances and implement community-based HIV programs upon their return.

No one can deny that HIV is a silent pandemic in the Philippines, especially among the youth. Learning from countries with proven track records is commendable. However, the execution raises valid concerns:

Sheer Scale and Cost – Nearly ₱33,900 per participant plus a ₱6,000 daily allowance for 667 delegates totals hundreds of millions in expenses. Could the same funds have supported free HIV testing kits, educational drives, or local partnerships with NGOs?

Timing and Priorities – Manila is battling urgent issues such as flood control and housing. To many, flying out hundreds of youth leaders at once seems extravagant.

Public Trust Deficit – In a country where corruption is rampant, even legitimate programs are easily dismissed as junkets unless backed by visible, measurable outcomes.

The problem is not the concept of capacity development itself. Benchmarking abroad has value, but it must be strategic, cost-efficient, and impactful. Sending a smaller delegation or arranging hybrid learning with Thai experts might have achieved the same objectives with less backlash.

If the SK Federation wants to silence critics, it must deliver results fast. Re-Entry Action Plans should not remain on paper. Barangay-level HIV campaigns, school-based awareness programs, and local ordinances must be implemented immediately. Transparency is also key — publish all REAPs, budgets, and reports so the public can see where the money went and how the community benefits.

Capacity development should never be dismissed as waste. But when poorly timed, lavishly executed, and lacking immediate results, even the most well-intentioned programs risk being branded as yet another case of public money down the drain.

 

Private vs. Government-Funded Infrastructure: A Closer Look

Infrastructure plays a vital role in economic growth, mobility, and disaster resilience. But how these projects are funded and managed often determines their efficiency, quality, and accountability. Let’s break down the key differences between private-funded and government-funded infrastructure — and why recent controversies, like the flood control project issues, raise serious concerns about corruption.

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Private-Funded Infrastructure

Private infrastructure projects are financed by corporations or investors, not taxpayers. Because the funding comes directly from private capital:

• Funding Source: Money comes from investors or companies who expect a return on investment.

• Budget Flow: Funds are directly channeled into the project. Mismanagement can have immediate consequences, such as lawsuits, contract loss, or even bankruptcy.

• Efficiency: Speed and quality are critical. Delays or substandard work can damage a company’s reputation and profitability.

• Transparency: Private firms are accountable to shareholders and external regulators. While they face fewer public audits, they still operate under corporate governance and industry standards.

In short, private-funded projects are typically driven by efficiency and profit. Their survival depends on delivering results.

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Government-Funded Infrastructure (e.g., DPWH Projects)

Public infrastructure projects are intended to serve communities and are funded by taxpayers through the national budget. However, they are often more complex in execution.

• Funding Source: Taxpayer money coursed through the annual budget.

• Budget Flow: Funds pass through several agencies — from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to implementing bodies like the DPWH, then down to local governments and contractors.

• Efficiency: The process is slower, weighed down by bureaucracy, procurement rules, and sometimes political interference.

• Transparency Issues: While projects are subject to Commission on Audit (COA) reviews, corruption risks are higher due to the entrenched “SOP/kickback” system.

These layers of bureaucracy often dilute accountability, making it easier for corruption to thrive.

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The Flood Control Project Controversy

Flood control projects are critical to protecting lives and property, yet they have also become hotbeds of controversy.

In cases where funds were already released but the projects were substandard, delayed, or never built at all, yet contractors still got paid, the situation points directly to corruption. Kickbacks, disguised as SOP, are allegedly handed to officials in exchange for project approval or inflated budgets.

The defense of “budget availability” collapses here, because the funds were already appropriated. The real problem lies in the misuse and diversion of public money, leaving communities vulnerable while taxpayers shoulder the burden.

This is not just mismanagement — it is evidence of systemic corruption, especially when confirmed by COA reports, whistleblower accounts, or official investigations.

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The Bottom Line

• Private projects prioritize efficiency and profit.

• Government projects are supposed to prioritize public service but often get bogged down by bureaucracy and corruption.

• When public funds are misused, as in the case of questionable flood control projects, it is not “reasonable” — it is a glaring red flag of systemic corruption.

For true progress, reforms in transparency, accountability, and governance must be enforced. Otherwise, infrastructure meant to serve the people will only serve the pockets of the corrupt.

 Vico Sotto, Bagong Target ng mga Propagandists

Krizette Laureta Chu, Sass Rogando Sasot, at Tio Moreno ay sabay-sabay na umatake kay Mayor Vico Sotto—hindi dahil mahina ang pamamahala niya, kundi dahil natatakot silang maagawan ng spotlight.

Ang mga tirada nila ay malinaw na propaganda at diversionary tactics para takpan ang bilyones na nawaldas at ang mga contractor na yumaman sa flood control projects.

Habang si Vico ay may track record ng reporma—transparency ordinances, participatory budgeting, crackdown sa ghost employees, digitalization, libreng health care, scholarships—ang mga propagandista ay nananatiling tahimik sa korapsyon ng kanilang mga idolo.

Babala: huwag magpalinlang sa orchestrated disinformation. Ang selective silence ay anyo ng pakikiisa sa katiwalian.

 Substandard and Ghost Projects

Corruption often gives birth to ghost projects and substandard infrastructure. Why? Because a large portion of the allocated budget has already been pocketed through SOPs, kickbacks, and other illegal practices. With funds drained, what remains is too little to ensure quality implementation.

If the budget were fully and honestly utilized, there would be no room for ghost projects or substandard results. Every peso would be used where it truly belongs — to serve the people.

This is the harsh reality many try to keep hidden, but it is now an issue that must be confronted and exposed.