Speech made at Rotary District conference in Baguio

If you are wondering what I said in my speech at the Rotary District Conference in Baguio, then the following is an exact transcript :

"Good afternoon, I am Richard Silvester from the town of Bolton. My full time job in Bolton is working for The Department for Work and Pensions which is part of the British government and deals with social security claims. I am also an elected Councillor on Bolton Council and am in my 8^th year as a Councillor. I am also a former Rotaractor.

Through this group study exchange, I have been able to visit both Quezon City Council and shadowed a Quezon City Councillor and also visited the Social Security System (SSS) and Government Social Insurance System (GSIS) so I have been given the opportunity to see both aspects of my two vocations.

Whilst shadowing Councillor Alex Herrera of Quezon City Council, I visited the Paaralang Elementary Congressman Calalay School and was invited to present graduation certificates to the students at the graduation ceremony.

In the UK and my town of Bolton, we do not do this at a school level and when I return to England, I will be suggesting that we do the same as I saw that the students were really motivated and the students looked beautiful in their white robes.

I was also able to take part in the flag ceremony at Quezon City Hall on a Monday morning at 7am. Again we do not do this in Bolton so it was great to see a band playing and workers from each Council department standing in line whilst the ceremony took place to start the working week. I will suggest to the Mayor of Bolton that we do the same and will see what the answer is.

I was also able to visit the Senate of The Philippines whilst in Manila and as a politician, I was struck that in The Philippines, there are only 24 members of the Senate and in your Congress, you have about 250 members. In the UK, the upper House of Parliament, The House of Lords has over 800 members whilst the lower House of Commons has over 650 members. Perhaps in the UK we need to reduce the numbers of our representatives and in fact in the British Parliament, they cannot all fit into the chamber.

Councillors in The Philippines are also full time positions, whilst in the UK as Councillors, we do our work in our own time and it is voluntary. I completely agree that Councillors should be full time positions and it was good to shadow a Councillor here to see the work involved.

From my visits to the SSS and GSIS government departments to see the work of social security, I was encouraged to see that the work done was almost exactly the same to that of which I do at home. If anything, the computer systems here are much better than the department which I work for as all claim forms are scanned into the computer system. The GSIS also had its own museum and art gallery which was interesting to see.

On the whole, social security in The Philippines faces the same challenges as my own department in the UK in that it runs at a deficit – it does not collect the amount of contributions to that which it pays out so it will be interesting to see how The Philippines government addresses this problem.

Which leads me to introduce my colleague Amy who also works in my town of Bolton and deals with many of the problems in the housing sector."

Visit to see the children of K-N-L - R-V-C Daycare Centre

We visited a daycare centre for children in a deprived area in District 2 of Quezon City. The children were delighted to see us and we kept them entertained by handing out gifts and talking to them. For the children to see foreign guests come to visit them is a real experience and for us as a team it is moving too, to see their smiles and laughter.

The Rotary Club of Quezon City are helping this project through their community initiatives. They do a lot of good work and the Rotarians of this Club looked after us very well. In the evening we went to their Rotary meeting at Club Filipino and made our presentation and we spent a very enjoyable day and evening with them. 

 

Visit to Quezon City landfill and Biogas project

As the team is now back in Quezon City, the Rotary Club of Quezon City (which was the first and original Rotary Club of Quezon City) hosted us for the day. We were shown the Quezon City dump and landfill site and Biogas project. I have to give credit to Quezon City Council at their organised recycling collection of waste and their Biogas project which produces energy from waste. The City Council is rightly proud of their achievements so far in energy production from waste and the amount of materials which are recycled. They certainly have the right attitude and approach and we can learn a few lessons from them in the UK.

Miuch of the recycled is packaged and sent to Co-operatives as well and they sell the materials and the profit goes to local deprived communities.

This for me both as a Co-operative Councillor and a keen recycler was excellent to see and hear about.

Rotary and Rotaract District Conferences in Baguio

I attended both the Rotary and Rotaract District Conferences in Baguio City in the north of The Philippines. Baguio itself was a very nice city up in the mountains and cooler than Metro Mianila.

We were again well looked after by the Rotarians of District 3780 and again I would like to thank them for their hospitality.

 

We stayed in Forest Lodge within Camp John Hey by a nice golf course and Pine forest. We attended the opening ceremony of the Rotary conference in the conference centre within Camp John Hey which was an excellent event and included traditional dancing by the indigenous people of this area which was quite spectacular. There were also speeches from the District Governor 'Penny' and envoy from the World Rotary President who had come from Taiwan.

 

After this opening ceremony I travelled with the Rotaractors who were also present, to their conference at the Hotel Supreme in Baguio City. I was the guest speaker and made a presentation to them regarding my own experiences when I was in Rotaract and President of Horwich & Blackrod Rotaract Club in 1995-1996. The Rotaractors appreciated me coming to speak to them and they presented me with a very nice plaque in return.

Rotaract here is very active and the Rotaractors in this District 3780 are a real credit to the Rotary movement.

 

The next day on the Saturday afternoon, my team made our presentation to the District Conference about our experiences here. I spoke for around 3.5 minutes and it went very well. We also played our Gangdem Style music video which we have made and filmed whilst out here in various locations and it went down a hit with much applause.
 

Saturday evening was the District Governors Ball and I wore a black tie for this event. All of us had much fun dancing and celebrating. The Australian VTT team who were also out here left to go back to Australia directly after the Ball so we all said some sad goodbyes to each other. The Australians when we have met them at joint events have added some 'down under' laughter and culture to our trip - we have got on with them very well - they are really nice people and I enjoyed their company.

 

At around midnight I left the Governors Ball and went to see the Rotaractors again at their own Party still in my black tie. Again they gave me a warm welcome and I spent around an hour celebrating with them at Hotel Supreme.

 

I traveled back to Quezon City with some members of Rotaract and we stopped to have a nice swim in The Philippine Sea on route. The Sea here is nice and warm and clear and is just like getting into a hot bath.

Off to Baguio to talk Roteract

I am on my way to Baguio City which is in the north of The Philippines and in the mountains to attend the Rotary District conference and hopefully also the Rotaract District conference running alongside. At the Rotary Conference my team will be giving a presentation on the trip and what we have learnt. At the Rotaract conference, I hope to speak about my experiences as well. I am a former member and Past President of Rotaract in Bolton. I was President of Horwich & Blackrod Rotaract Club (now dissolved) in 1995-1996. Rotaract is the junior arm of Rotary for ages 18-30 so it will be good to see what Rotaract is up to here in The Philippines and what projects they are involved with. Unfortunately back at home in District 1280, Rotaract has seriously declined since I was a member with only a couple of Cubs left so it will be interesting to see what their secret of success is here in attracting young people to get involved. I do hope that Rotary in District 1280 and indeed throughout RIBI, will try to sponsor more Rotaract Clubs before it dies completely.

Corregidor and war memorial

A day trip to Corregidor Island was organised by the Rotary Club of Balintawag in Quezon City. Two Rotarians, Club President Tony and new member Richard accompanied us. Corregidor Island is located in the Bay of Manila, 26 miles from Manila and has strategic locality. In the Second World War the island changed hands several times between the Americans and Japanese and some significant fighting took place for control. We were shown many of the sites on the island which included bombed out barracks, gun and battery locations, war cemetery sites and tunnels. President Quezon and his family were evacuated here along with the Gold reserve of The Philippines in WW2. The team laid a wreath to all of the war dead at the main Pacific War Memorial which is located here. Many lives were lost by each side during the Second World War defending and attacking this tiny island because of its strategic importance and we were told that because Japanese troops were held up by 5 months instead of 5 weeks as predicted by the Japanese in taking this island, that the invasion of Australia was halted because of this. I found the day trip to this little island very enjoyable and the fast boat to the island a nice experience.

Special Action Force and talking Fairtrade with an organic co-operative

I had a great visit to The Philippine Police Special Action Force. On arrival I was greeted by some of the top officers of the SAF dressed in green army style uniforms. I was taken into the conference room and sat facing the officers across the conference table. A video was played showing hostage situations, officers on an assault course, speeding along in boats etc like they were our SAS.

                                                                       

Outside a tank as lined up and officers in combat gear and another section in riot gear stood to attention. I was invited to inspect them and each shouted out his name, rank and equipment he carried to perform his duties. I was then invited to the firing range to try out some of their weapons. I tried out a UMB assault rifle and hit the target dead centre several times. The officer instructor seemed very pleased with my performance. I have never used a weapon like this before or indeed any type of gun and I don’t advocate the use of guns in general. It was an interesting experience to see the guns used by this Special Action Force however because as we all know, Police forces around the world unfortunately have to deal with hostage situations and be trained properly to deal with such circumstances.

 Later in the day I was in the more relaxed setting of an organic farm and had a very nice lunch of all kinds of organic produce from a farming Co-operative. As a Co-operative Councillor, I am always pleased to see people working together for the good of their community via Co-operatives. A few days before departing for this trip, Bolton Council celebrated its 10^th anniversary of being a Fair Trade town and I have been promoting Fair Trade wherever the opportunity has arisen. At this organic Co-operative interest was shown by the Chairman of the Co-operative in becoming Fair Trade recognised and I will facilitate putting people in touch with each other. The Philippines has many Banana, Pineapple, Mango and Coffee producers however few are Fair Trade recognised despite being Co-operatives. I hope more can be done in this respect and some funding help for Co-operatives if possible.

A visit was organised to Eastwood Police Station which is within Quezon City. The Police Major in charge of the station duly toured us around the various sections and the Police officers were very pleased to see us. It was interesting to see that they had a women’s and children’s desk and a dedicated officer for any abuse experienced by either or both women and children.

Metro Manila Development Authority and an earthquake simulator

After returning from Boracay Island a visit was arranged to Metro Manila Development Authority which comes under the office of The President of The Philippines. Their responsibilities include everything from Waste Management, Flood prevention, Road Traffic Management to Earthquake and Natural Disaster co-ordination. We were invited to sit in a model house and experienced the effects of a Magnitude 7 Earthquake in a simulator. We were also shown the traffic management system.

The Authority co-ordinates their responsibilities over 17 City Council areas throughout the Metro Manila area and each of the City Mayors decide the policies of the MMDA via a Metro Manila Council. It struck me that it was a similar set up to AGMA in Greater Manchester however on a much bigger scale. This Authority has a lot to do however they seem very well focussed. We were given a very warm welcome which included a band playing for us on arrival and departure.

Boracay and meeting the mayor

As a member of this Rotary Study Exchange team out here in The Philippines, I have been very privileged to have been looked after and hosted by this Rotary District in every way possible. Individual Rotary Clubs have taken it in turns to host the team and to organise trips for each of our professional vocations.

The Rotary District organised a three day excursion to Boracay Island in the south of the country which is a small island around 7miles long. It is reached by around 1 hours flight from Manila and then by a small passenger boat.

On arrival at Casa Pilar resort hotel, the Mayor of Boracay met us and also Marlo, a Rotarian of Boracay Rotary Club. We were actually in another Rotary District.

This excursion as to see the effects of tourism on a small island. Boracay is one of the favourite holiday destinations of the Philippine people as well as South Korean and Taiwanese tourists mainly because of its white sandy beaches and clear blue sea.

It was a wonderful experience going to Boracay as it was a tropical island paradise and one of the highlights was to go snorkling and see all the beautiful types of different coloured fish by the coral reef. However the island is very busy with many tourists and its popularity is there to see. I think the islands Mayor will have a lot on his plate over the next few years as development increases and improvements to the infrastructure take place however he is keen to keep the islands natural habitat as well so it will be a fine balancing act.

Club Filipino and its presidential relations

I have spoken at two Rotary Multi Club meetings so far. One of these was at the 'Rotary Centre' in Quezon City. For a City to have an actual Rotary Centre is impressive however Quezon City has 102 Rotary Clubs and is its own District as well which is even more impressive.

The other venue for the other Multi Club meeting was at 'Club Filipino'. This is not some seedy nightclub as some might suspect but an exclusive members-only social club and recreational facility. Established in 1898 as an elite Filipino country gentlemen's organization, the club has developed a reputation for being a meeting ground for Filipino political progressives throughout its history.

It is most notable in recent Philippine history for serving as the inaugural venue for President Corazon Aquino during the People Power Revolution of 1986. The Club had some impressive paintings of that inauguration and the Rotary meeting took place in the same room. I have to say that during this trip I have been in some places that set the history of this country.

 

Addressing the (empty) senate chamber

I also managed to gain access to the Senate of the Philippines. Senate is the upper house of Parliament here and is currently in recess due to elections. The Senate building is located next to the GSIS (Government Social Insurance System) and the Senate actually rent that part of the building from the GSIS. 

Whilst at the GSIS it was arranged that I went next door through the two heads of security. The Senate Chamber is actually quite small as it only has 24 Senators for the whole country. They sit behind actual desks so it is rather like being in a school room.

I was able to walk around all of the floor of the Senate Chamber and up to the podium in front of the Speakers Chair and formally addressed the Chamber in my role as a Councillor. 'I bring you greetings from The Mayor of Bolton'. The two security ladies watching duly said thank you and took me to the roof of the building where the helipad was for an excellent view over the Bay of Manila, Manila City and the Asia Expo area.

I left my card on the podium for the next Speaker of the Philippines Senate once the elections are over and done with.

Getting close to the Presidential Palace

I also managed to gain access to the Malacañang Palace which is the Palace of the President of The Philippines, also in Manila. This was an unannounced visit by myself and two lady Rotarian's who drove into the Malacañang Palace compound and directly to Gate 6 where the President's office is located.

Mr President was at home and the flag in the courtyard outside was flying. Again there was minimal security and just one guard on Gate 6 who seemed pretty perplexed that an English Councillor had just appeared asking to see the Palace.

He waived us through so we were in the courtyard. I simply wound down the car widow and took a sneaky photo to prove I had been in. Photos are not actually allowed and the guard did not see.

We couldn't gain access to the inside of the Palace with the President being in however they asked if we could go back the day after at 3pm when we could have a tour.

Unfortunately our schedule didn't make this possible but I can say that I got up to the front door and in the courtyard area so was right outside. To be there was great as history was made when President Marcos fled from this exact spot in the revolution, gun shots and pot shots being fired as he left. That was not the case for me but a salute from the guard on the gate as we drove out in direct contrast - how nice and respectful.

 

As a politician I am always interested in visiting decision making places. I had the opportunity of visiting Quezon City Council Chamber which is a modern Council Chamber and a large flag of The Philippines is hung behind the presiding officers seat.

Court house and coconut palace

I have visited Quezon City Court house and a Court room. I have studied law and have a general interest in legal issues. The Philippines court system has no juries and everything is decided by a Judge. Actually I was put in the dock as well and swore the oath that I tell the truth and nothing but the truth. As a politician this was no problem as I do this all the time so the Judge was happy and I was free to go. I managed to get out of that one then !

 

Whilst in Manila, I visited the Coconut Palace which is the residence and office of the Vice President of The Philippines. What a nice Palace this is and beautifully decorated. I went around the whole place including the grounds and swimming pool area at the back. The Palace backs on to the Bay of Manila.

It was amusing that there was minimal security - there was just one lone guard sitting at a table at the front door. I had a photo with him. Other guests who had visited included world President's and Prime Ministers. One memento which I noticed was a plaque presented by the President of Bangladesh who had been there last year. I took a photo of it to show all of my Bengali friends in Oldham.

Rotary Hour, graduations and getting involved

We have been very well hosted by the Rotarian's of District 3780 here in The Philippines.

One of our duties was to be interviewed as a team on UNTV for 'Rotary Hour' at their TV studios in Quezon City.

It was quite a nice experience I thought to see how a TV station actually works but then it hit home when sitting on set in front of the TV cameras and the interviewer / presenter appeared and introduced himself, why exactly I was there.

 

The minutes counted down and the programme began with a series of direct questions to any of us - why we were here, what we were doing and what we thought / knew of the Rotary. All in all it was not daunting and I felt pretty relaxed. Apparently our interview has already been aired although I have not seen the finished product (perhaps I was edited out !) but at the Rotary District Conference which we attend next week, we can see the programme and will get a DVD of it to play to everyone back home (I am sure you are awaiting with anticipation !).

On one of my vocation days, I visited a local school and attended a graduation ceremony. It is actually graduation season here and it is a tradition that all the pupils and their parents attend. The pupils looked beautiful dressed in their white gowns and hats. Rather like a University graduation but for young children at school. All politicians attend and a member of the Philippines Senate was present as well as local Councilors. 

I was asked to go on stage and help present the graduation certificates which I did. It was a very special moment for these kids and their parents and gave them a real sense of achievement which they can carry forward in their education. I couldn't help thinking, why do our schools not do this as well ? We can certainly learn some lessons and will be mentioning this when I get home.

 

Environment, tree planting and social security surpluses

I’ve visited the Quezon City Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department who gave me an overview of the environmental problems, how they are trying to become a more environmentally sustainable city, their efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the planting and protection of trees, the production of energy from waste garbage and the upgrading of street lights to use LEDs. All of these issues are very similar to what we are doing in Bolton and I’m very impressed with their work.

I also visited the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippine Government and I was shown an indigenous tree planting scheme and was given the opportunity to take part in transplanting the seedlings into grow bags. This project is very important in protecting and improving the rural environment and forests of the Philippines.

Visits have also taken place to the Philippine Social Security System Government Department and the Philippine Government Social Insurance System which are two separate social security departments. The first being for ordinary working citizens and the second for all government employees. I was given a very warm welcome at both departments and a presentation on the work that each do.

I was told that the SSS department has an imbalance in the contributions collected and the benefits paid out and they would like their government ministers to increase the levels of contributions. So currently they are running at a deficit.

On the other hand the GSIS department is running in credit so does not pay out as much as it collects. This is because government departments are compliant in making employee contributions whereas the SSS department has many problems in collecting ordinary employee contributions. I was struck when visiting the GSIS that they have their own art gallery and museum with many expensive artefacts including a 20 million peso wood carving picture and two grand pianos for twice weekly concerts all funded within their budget.

First day and flag raising

Monday morning at 7am we attended the weekly flag ceremony outside of Quezon City Hall. I was struck by the ceremony itself and the importance given to it to start off the working week. Basically the Mayor of Quezon City, Herbert Batista, sat at the front with us and all the employees of the council’s various departments stood in lines to attention, sung the national anthem whilst the Philippine flag was raised and the mayor addressed them before they started work.

When I get home I am going to suggest to our Chief Executive and the Mayor of Bolton that we do the same. I have heard that there is two foot of snow in Bolton town hall square at the moment however even this would not be an excuse to prevent Bolton’s weekly flag ceremony taking place!

Welcome to Manila and on with the campaigning

After a long journey we finally arrived in Manila to a warm welcome from our Rotarian friends. For the first week I stayed with the Calalay family who are involved in local politics. Boyet Calalay is a Rotarian and Chief of Staff for his father Councillor Boy Calalay and his father is currently running for election to the National Congress (equivalent to our House of Commons in the UK). I’ve been helping out with the election campaign each evening after our scheduled Rotary programme of activities in some very deprived areas of Quezon City and meeting the local people.

I have found all the people here in the Philippines so welcoming and friendly, even the poorest of society who have virtually nothing are still so optimistic that they can improve their lifestyles and there is a real sense of community and solidarity among residents. These people will go and use their vote on election day because they realise the importance of casting their ballot. That is a real contrast where in the UK we get on average only 30% of people bothering to vote.

In the UK as councillors we do our best to engage voters in the local area but here in the Philippines people living in the poorer communities can really see the effects of politicians engaging with their local community with the projects that they are delivering to try and improve people’s lives. Perhaps we can learn some lessons from the Philippine people to address disillusionment with politicians at home.