It’s official. Nick has just named myself and Dean Jorge Bocobo as the two Press Secretaries for Filipino Voices. I consider it to be a big honor and privilege to represent Filipino Voices - a blog that I truly think will be the very important website in the future — in any engagements with the media. I would like to formally thank Nick for trusting me with this huge responsibility. You’ve seen how I work so you could expect more of the same from me if and when a media outfit would like to hear Filipino Voices’ side on things. I am likewise flattered to be sharing the position with THE DJB.
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Here are the submissions for the Philippine Issues Writing Project after Week 1
Peter Ahon, submitted, “Nursing is Apolitical?”. I read it with great interest, as his sister is about to become an OFW nurse. His article makes the inherent statement, or question, that a great majority of our bright minds would rather become nurses and work abroad, than get involved in the dirty and corrupt politics of government… And thus, he poignantly asks, if nursing has become apolitical? Quite an intriguing thesis really.
Coy submitted a video of a Jun Lozada campus speech. The issue Coy is focusing on is the defunct NBN deal. And I can understand why he would choose such an entry. The issue is still not resolved, and it goes to the heart of what everyone is thinking, the corruption that pervades the Arroyo Administration. The video has that hidden message.. the youth.. their indignation.. their growing awareness and willingness to participate..
Jon Magat also submitted an interesting entry, banning condom ads and educating the youth. It’s the issue of sex education, and how the banning of condom ads seem frivolous, as compared to actually teaching the youth on sex. I think, for many young kids, teens, and even college students, this issue has become very much relevant, and important in their lives. We should take notice too, because such an issue ultimately becomes a part of an even larger debate on family planning, and even on overpopulation.
Benign0 submitted a video on Deforestation. May sound a bit too environmental, until we experience that next barrage of killer rain.. In his own words, “It’s a little story to highlight how deforestation is one of the causes of these killer mudslides and flashfloods that kill tens of thousands of Pinoys every couple of years — you know, the kind of stuff that ends up in Page 4 of the papers within a day or two of their occurence?”
“Heck” of my “Blogville” made a passionate entry, “Ang Pamumundok at Ang ZTE”, a passionate plea for a better government, one that is not so riddled in corruption. This is one of the more passionate posts we’ve had this week, written in Tagalog, I’m sure everyone will enjoy reading his entry. Sounds almost like an Obama speech for a moment there.. main theme.. CHANGE.
And lastly, Nick’s entry, “Poverty in The Philippines, Our Biggest Issue”. I’m passionate about this, poverty has been one of the main issues that has kept me blogging, if you have read my post on Pedro and Some Corned Beef, you will know why it is near and dear to my heart.
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To join, simply write an entry about any Philippine Issue, link to the writing project page and leave a comment to notify the Filipino Voices team that you are indeed joining. Many prizes await those who would participate in this project. 
And that’s it for this week. Even with just six entries thus far, I am excited, hopeful, and encouraged that this project will truly bring out the issues that are at the forefront of our thoughts. Thank you everyone for your submission. If you haven’t already done so, get to writing, we need your ideas!
Note: The original project page will contain the updates. Our new deadline is June 27 to give everyone time to participate. Please email us either through nick [at] tingog [dot] com, or through our contact page, the address with which you wish us to send you FREE sticker as a “thank you” for participating in the project.
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Go benj! Congrats
I think I’d be joining this writing project as soon as I can think of a Philippine issue to talk about.
Much luck with this writing project! Apir!
I want to join.
makasali nga LOL!
congrats Benj.
hmmm, i wish i can come up with a decent entry for this writing project before june 27…. haha! i think i need to bring back the advocate side of me, but i am too occupied with personal issues
Mr. Press Secretary! Congrats dude!
I will join this project. I think its about time that I make a stand (again) on Philippine Political Issues.
Congrats Benj
Congrats… I guess it’s gonna be like Y-Speak Online.