C4C Joins Sigaw ng Bayan

Chairman Diasnes Guests on NBN4

Another milestone in the young history of the Campaign for Change Foundation is its membership to the Sigaw ng Bayan, a strong coalition that calls for Charter Change through a People’s Initiative. C4C’s national affiliation further reinforces its advocacy to introduce reforms which is anchored on economic and social advancement, people empowerment and wider opportunities for every Ivatan. It is also an indication of the Foundation’s support for national government efforts towards greater heights by introducing institutional mechanisms for change.

C4C has also found a new ally and friend who is no less than the Spokesperson of Sigaw ng Bayan and a member of the 15-Man Charter Change Advocacy Commission, Atty. Raul L. Lambino. During his official acceptance of the Foundation’s membership to the Coalition, he wrote, “I am most honored for your offer to help us continue advocating reforms in our country, most especially systemic reforms that must be put in place without further delays. Welcome and thank you so much!”

Relatedly, on 11 August 2006, while Dr. Diasnes was in a light meeting with Atty. Lambino at his law office along Quezon Avenue, when the monsoon rain was causing heavy traffic in the City, Atty. Lambino effortlessly said, “Carlo, you appear live on NBN 4 at 8:00 tonight. Be there by 7:45 for your make-up.”

There was no time to say no to the man who has traveled around the country to stand and cry for change and tell the message of hope for every Filipino. Chairman Carlo rushed to SM City North to buy a necktie, made it to the station ten minutes before airtime, and sat on the “Tinig ng Bayan” program with his Special Assistant, Miss Malu Fabia.

Anchored by Mr. “Super Mario” Garcia and Ms. Pinky Aseron, Dr. Diasnes and Miss Fabia discussed why they are battling with a cause and are going back to Batanes to do it. Both said with compassion that after gaining more skills, knowledge and experience through education and in the professional realm, “It’s pay back time for the Province which allowed you to leave and become a better person.”

They also articulated why the Campaign for Change Foundation is clamoring for change in the way Ivatans should use their resources and talents to become economically self-reliant, thereby reducing their dependency on government and developing their sense of ownership for programs and projects where they are a part of.

Updates on the People’s Initiative were taken up by the third program guest, Atty. Emmanuel Tumanda of the Alliance of Concerned Lawyers for Charter Change.

In closing, Dr. Diasnes spoke to the Ivatans and expressed C4C’s aim in joining the Sigaw ng Bayan Coalition, and sought the support of the people of Batanes in the great clamor for change.

By the Foundation Convenors, August 2006