"While we are aware that there are escalating problems in Pampanga such as the continuing conflict between Gov. Panlilio and the Provincial Board, the unresolved issue on the striking BALAS Quarry Workers and the calls for the resignation of the current Provincial Administrator, among others, we believe that a genuine effort to resolve them will be more beneficial to the Kapampangans than a political exercise that will further polarize and divide the community. We also recognize that there are members of the civil society, church groups, business organizations and supporters of Gov. Panlilio that have expressed disappointment with his performance during the past year. Thus, while we continue to support Gov. Panlilio’s crusade to promote good governance in his province, we also believe that he should listen to the voices of these groups and work at immediately addressing and resolving these growing concerns in order for him to become a more effective governor.

"As current local government leaders, we believe that all these issues arise as a result of the changes and reforms being implemented in the province. Reforms do not come easy. It requires continuing engagements between the provincial leadership and the other stakeholders in the locality. We do believe that given time, Governor Panlilio’s initiatives will ultimately result to better delivery of basic services to his constituents.

"In light of all these, we urge the people of Pampanga not to support the recall initiative. We ask the Kapampangans to give Governor Panlilio a chance to fully serve his term and continue the reforms that he has begun. Moreover, we ask all Kapampangans to be patient with Governor Panlilio because we believe that despite the current situation, he is at the moment still the best person who can govern the province in an effective and ethical manner. Should there be a need, the members of Kaya Natin are willing to help organize and/or facilitate a dialogue between Governor Panlilio and disgruntled members of the civil society, business groups, people’s organizations and his former supporters in Pampanga.

"Finally, we sincerely hope that this movement to recall Gov. Panlilio will be put to rest at the soonest possible time so that we can unite towards working for a better Pampanga and ultimately, a better Philippines." –(Sgd.) HON. GRACE PADACA Governor, Isabela / (Sgd.) HON. JESSE ROBREDO Mayor, Naga City / (Sgd.) HON. TEDDY BAGUILAT, JR., Governor, Ifugao / (Sgd.) HON. SONIA LORENZO, Mayor, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija

***

Thursday, September 11, 2008 is an important day for me. It is when I get to introduce our guest speaker at the Inter-City Rotary meeting of District 3800 sponsored by my Rotary Club of Pasig City.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro will be speaking at the Valle Verde Country Club Ballroom at noon.

Interested Rotarians can call Edgar Manalang at 09279414528 or any Pasig Rotarian (President: Dr. Sonny Samson) to inform us that you are making up that day.

***

This is a letter that I truly enjoyed reading:

"Assalamu Alaykum (Peace be with You)

"I am Armand N. Nocum, a former reporter of the Inquirer and I recently put up a halal food business in Metro Manila to show that there is more to our Muslim brethren than just the Abu Sayyaf, the MNLF and the MILF.

"I and my Muslim Tausug wife Annora also believe that the food we introduce could somehow break down the wall of bias and indifference that some of us Christians have put up towards Muslims down South.

"We figured that if food is the best way to a man’s heart, then exotic Muslim food – like the spicy Malaysian satti or satay we offer – could somehow give Filipinos here an appreciation of the unique gastronomic delight the less understood Muslims have to offer.

"Muslim food appreciation may bring understanding and respect of their religion, culture and norms.

"And we are happy that through the establishment of our small Satti Grill House outlets in SM Fairview Food Court and at MH del Pilar and Padre Faura, Christian and Muslims are coming together to break bread daily.

"However, the recent outbreak of war in Mindanao has shown us that we should do more than offer Muslim food here.

"This is the reason why we decided to start our Books-4-Guns project. We plan to flood Mindanao with used and new books, magazines, and all kinds of reading materials to open up the eyes of young Christians and Muslims there to the reality that they have a better future picking up a book than a gun.

"Although I’m a Christian and my wife is a Muslim who grew up in Zamboanga City and Sulu, respectively, we had a common experience of having many guns in our childhood but remembering books to be very rare. Old newspapers can only be read as they are brought home wrapped in dried fish bought from the city.

"We call our small project A-book-Saya Group (ASG). Of course it is a play on the word Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) because we want to show how the giving of books could help stop one more potential terrorist or rebel from picking up guns or bombs. We’ll find fulfillment even if in our lifetime, our books could help stop only one or two potential terrorists from bombing civilians.

"We hope you could help us disseminate our ASG project to the public. Initially, we have designated our Satti Grill House outlets in SM Fairview Food Court and MH del Pilar and Padre Faura as drop-off points for the books. Later, we hope to tie up with newspapers, private and government firms to help take in the books.

"Donors may contact us through Nos. 7992745/3393732 or 09175208013/ 09195897879 or at www.sattisfaction.blogspot.com and zamboyo66@yahoo.com.

"Mucho y mas gracias."

***

I will surely try your halal food, Armand, if I find myself free for lunch in your area. Good luck to both you and Annora in your advocacy for peace.