ADVISORY and release: Empty kaldero and timba, symbols of poor's concerns days before SONA

NEWS RELEASE
23 Jul 2010

MEDIA ADVISORY (see below)
for Tomorrow, July 24

Hunger stays at above 20%; not the best time to pull rice subsidies, group tells P-Noy


The results of the second quarter survey of the SWS, which showed that 21.1% of families continue to experience hunger, is proof that the Aquino administration should not push through with its plan to nix rice subsidies, said the urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay).


"If anything, this shows that the Aquino administration must instead increase rice subsidies, in order for cheap rice to be made available in the public markets," said Carlito Badion, the group's vice chairman.


Hunger has remained over 20% for three successive quarters, noted the SWS, including a record-high 24% in the fourth quarter of 2009. 'Severe' hunger even rose by 1.4%, or an increase of about 250,000 families, from the first to the second quarter of this year.


The Department of Finance, along with other concerned agencies, has announced this month that a "decision has been reached" for government to stop subsidizing the price of rice, and let market forces alone determine prices. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, meanwhile, has said that it has been agreed "on principle" to scrap the government's 'food-for-school' program.


Both decisions await President Aquino's final approval, the departments said.


"The government is saying that this has to be done in the name of fiscal reform, in light of the NFA's (National Food Authority) massive debts," said Badion. "Yet we seem to recall that one of Aquino's campaign promises is to provide cheap rice by curbing corruption -- and this is what he should do to improve the government's finances, not by sacrificing the stomachs of millions of Filipinos in need of cheap rice."


If Aquino pushes through with this, said the group, he will be doing even worse than his predecessor Gloria Arroyo, who severely limited access to cheap rice by selling it only to holders of 'Family Access Cards'.


"If government is wondering why the previous administration's rice subsidy program did not seem to help the poor, there's the answer: they didn't make it available to the poor," said Badion. "To have a real effect, the subsidized P18.25-per-kilo rice must be sold at public markets, accessible to all, and always guaranteed enough supply."


The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has said that dropping rice subsidies would result in an "immediate escalation of rice prices."


"This is where 'market forces' will take you," said Badion. "Aquino will be tempting fate if he risks spiralling rice prices, especially at this time."


SONA concerns: Rice subsidies, water crisis
With a "battle for the basic necessities" seemingly taking shape, Kadamay will focus on the issues of rice subsidies and the water crisis with its participation in the expected massive rallies at President Aquino's first State of the Nation Address (SONA).


The group has earlier made its call to "end water privatization" as a lasting solution to the severe water shortages being experienced in Metro Manila.


"In truth, there is no 'water crisis'," said Badion, "only a 'service crisis' by Maynilad. Clearly, there is something wrong with a system that has seen fit to increase water rates by more than 400% over the past 13 years, yet couldn't assure quality and reliable services to its consumers."


Two days ahead of the SONA, the group will be presenting its own version of the 'State of the Urban Poor' (SOUP), which they have also done the past two years. This year, a forum will be held amidst the urban poor residents of Sitio San Roque, in Barangay Bagong Pag-Asa, North Triangle, Quezon City.


The forum will highlight the "real state" of the urban poor and its urgent demands on the Aquino administration. Afterwards, the participants will stage a noise barrage along North EDSA to enjoin people to troop to Aquino's SONA.

Reference Carlito Badion, Kadamay Vice Chair | 0939.387.3736

MEDIA ADVISORY
State of the Urban Poor (SOUP) Forum
Tomorrow, July 24, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
SRCC Multi-Purpose Hall, Sitio San Roque, Brgy. Bagong Pag-Asa, North Triangle, Quezon City

Featuring: Carmen 'Nanay Mameng' Deunida, urban poor icon and Kadamay chairwoman emeritus, presents the urban poor's challenge to President Aquino, two days before his first SONA.

Guest Speakers:
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan's Eleanor de Guzman
Kilusang Mayo Uno's Elmer 'Bong' Labog
Task Force Urban Conscientization (Church group)

5:30 PM Noise Barrage along North EDSA (near Trinoma)
Featuring: Empty calderos to signify hunger and need for increased rice subsidies, and timba, tabo and palanggana to protest the water shortages, as noisemakers to enjoin people to troop to the SONA.


For further details, please contact Jon Vincent Marin, Kadamay PIO, at 0910.975.7660