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Since I announced my
transfer to the Monetary Board effective July 3 to fulfill a wish of
resuming my 'interrupted' banking career, I have been besieged by
questions as to who would succeed me as Press Secretary. I responded
by saying that I have shared my thoughts with President Arroyo on
the matter but everything is all up to the President.
When pressed by the Malacaņan Press Corps, (almost daily) I revealed
my preference for an insider, meaning a present member of the
Cabinet.
Now, with the concurrence of all concerned, I am pleased to announce
that Jess Dureza, currently the Presidential Adviser on the Peace
Process, will succeed me effective June 16.
Jess has requested President Arroyo additional time to wind down his
affairs, which was granted. As of now, Jess is still in Libya, on
the invitation of Col. Khadafi's son, Sail Al Islam, who has been
brokering among MNLF leaders to ensure enhanced implementation of
the 1996 Peace Agreement with the MNLF.
From Libya, Jess sent me a copy of the following message which he
earlier sent to President Arroyo after being offered the position:
"I humbly accept the new task and I thank the President for the
honor and privilege of serving her and the country as Press
Secretary. I consider this as a progression of my work and
commitment for peace and development, this time perhaps with a
bigger, wider platform. I will give it my best shot. I hope I can
fit in the big shoes Sec. Toting Bunye is leaving behind with
distinction."
The next question now is who will replace Jess Dureza as
Presidential Adviser of the Peace Process?
Just last Monday, he was about to start his well deserved vacation
after a long brilliant military career. But soon, he will be back in
harness, this time in civvies.
When I advised Jun Esperon that I would be announcing his
appointment and he may have to cut short his vacation, his reply,
without batting an eyelash, was "I am awed, humbled by the big task.
But the challenge is by itself the incentive and the inspiration.
I'm ready, Sir."
So there you are, the "revamp" is complete.
Will there be any more additional announcements? Definitely. The
high profile positions involved, however are non-Cabinet, but
nevertheless very vital in helping achieve the development programs
of this administration.
*****
With less than a month
to go before our 110th Independence Day celebration, the President
has asked the members of her Cabinet to match the traditional
flag-raising and wreath-laying activities with government programs
that will "honor the sacrifices of our heroes, not by words alone
but through deeds that give flesh to their vision."
Among the government's programs and projects that will be showcased
as part of the Independence Day celebrations are livelihood
assistance projects, housing projects, healthcare programs, feeding
programs for school children, food security, distribution of
Conditional Cash Transfer Cards, education programs, care for the
environment, energy independence thrusts, among other pro-poor
services.
Vice President Noli de Castro will lead the Kawit, Cavite
celebrations and will highlight government's housing programs, while
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap will lead a multi-town FIELDS
(fertilizer, irrigation, education and training, loans, dryers and
other post-harvest facilities, seeds) caravan from Malolos, Bulacan
to San Isidro in Nueva Ecija.
In Pugad Lawin, anti-poverty programs will be the centerpiece of the
celebration, together with a caravan and the distribution of
conditional Cash Transfer cards. At the Mabini House in Batangas,
education will be the theme of the celebration.
In Calamba, Laguna, the theme will be environment with a caravan for
Laguna de Bay cleanup and tree planting activities at Mt. Makiling.
In the Bicol Region, the spotlight will be on tourism, with a
caravan showcasing the country's natural beauty.
In Bacolod City, energy independence will take center stage, with a
caravan featuring the government's biofuel projects.
Training vouchers will be distributed in Iloilo City, while health
programs take top billing in Cebu City.
Pro-poor services in Northern Samar and Dinagat Island, social
services for Lumads in Davao City and distribution of agrarian
reform community projects in ARMM are other highlights of the coming
Independence Day celebration.
For our part, the Office of the Press Secretary will oversee the
'codification' and updating of all existing memoranda of agreement
between government agencies, such as PNP, AFP and DOJ, and the
different media grops and organizations. The idea is to further
ensure and guarantee the exercise of freedom of speech and freedom
of the press.
*****
Note: You may email us at totingbunye2000@yahoo.com and
totingbunye2000@gmail.com.
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