Manny’s Blog

Sen. Manny Villar was in Bataan today to lead the gift-giving activities in his mother’s hometown in Orani.

It has been the tradition of Villar, and his wife Rep. Cynthia Villar, to visit Bataan every December to share gifts to their friends and neighbours in their ancestral home in Rizal St., Bgy. Pacar.

“It always feels good to visit Bataan and be reminded of how my Nanay Curing, the original Ms. Sipag at Tiyaga, lived as a young woman,” Villar, the standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party, said.

Villar’s mother, Curita Bamba Villar, was a native of Orani. She was daughter of a fisherman and a housemade. To help her family, she would collect empty tin cans and sell these to bagoong dealers. It is also in Bataan where Nanay Curing started selling fish.

Villar said he inherited his mother’s business mindedness, which guided him to succeed in business.

“She taught me the value of sipag at tiyaga, which has become my mantra in both my private and public life,” he added.

The traditional gift-giving is Villar’s way of thanking his fellow Bataoenos for their unfailing support for him as an “Anak ng Bataan.” The people of bataan warmly received Villar, Who erupted in cheers at the sight of him.

Villar gave out toys, toiletries and grocery items in water lily baskets to the neighbours. He also took the opportunity to touch-base with local leaders of Orani, led by Mayor Benjie Serrano and Vice Mayor Tonton Bernales, and listen how he could further help his hometown.

It was a fitting start to a historic day of hope for true change right on Bonifacio Day.

The Manila Cathedral was packed with orange for the 8:30 a.m. Mass.

Parañaque Bishop Jessie Mercado officiated the ceremony attended by Nacionalista Party (NP) standard bearers Senator Manny Villar and Senator Loren Legarda, along with their families and supporters.

Also present were the NP senatorial candidates Sen. Pia Cayetano, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Adel Tamano, Susan Ople, Gwendolyn Pimentel, and Ramon Mitra.

After the Mass, Sen. Villar and company trooped to the Commission on Elections offices at Postigo street, cheered on by thousands eager to witness the landmark filing of certificates of candidacy (COC). Banners, flaglets, and streamers waved just as they did the night before for the NP proclamation rally at the Macario Sakay Plaza in Moriones, Tondo.

The senator, donned in his signature orange shirt, was accompanied by wife, Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar, and their children Paolo, Mark, and Camille right up to the desk to file his COC.

“This is the beginning of our desire to uplift our countrymen from poverty,” Villar said in Filipino.

Villar’s COC was received as exactly 9:53 a.m.; Legarda’s shortly thereafter.

The NP senatorial hopefuls followed suit, including detained Col. Ariel Querubin, who got a temporary pass from detention.

“The Nacionalista Part offers true change not only in leadership but improvement in the lives of poor Filipinos,” Sen. Villar said.

“Tama na ang pamumuno ng elitista. Si Villar lang ang tunay na galing sa uri ng maralita. Alam niya kung pano kami tulungan (We’ve had enough of the elitist rule. Only Villar truly comes from the poor. He knows how to help us.),” said Rogelio, 45, a fishball vendor who had walked from Port Area, Manila, to catch a glimpse of the senator.

“This filing formalizes our campaign against poverty and corruption. Our slate has representatives who advocate for environment, overseas Filipino workers, health, women, and labor groups. We need to fight poverty,” Senator Villar reiterated.

Under a cloudy sky on the eve of Bonifacio Day, Senator Manny Villar formally declared his bid for the Philippine presidency atop a stage in Macario Sakay Plaza, Manila.

About 20,000 in attendance roared their approval, within sight of the humble house in Moriones, Tondo from where Villar’s family eked out a living early in his life. Just as he used “sipag at tiyaga” (industriousness and determination) to make a name for himself in business and public service, Senator Manny Villar made a promise to the Filipino people to lead them in a revolution for a better life if he is entrusted with the presidency in 2010.

Speaking in Filipino, Sen. Villar said: “This is the place where I started to dream,” and continued that coming from the ranks of the poor helped him realize what the majority of the country is going through. This sort of perspective is something none of his competitors have.

Supporters and believers came out in full force to witness the start of what they envision to be new era of hope for the Philippines. They amassed at the North Harbor Center then walked to the venue – many donned in bright orange that has long been the motif of Villar’s candidacy even in local legislative posts.

“This is a great day. Hopefully, the Filipino people can see that Sen. Villar is the best man for the job,” said Joyce, 28, an employee for a BPO firm who went with a group of colleagues to Moriones to attend the proclamation rally.

“Senator Villar is the clear choice of the youth. Experience and a track record will always beat out a popular last name. We know better than to be influenced by so-called legacies and unproven claims,” joined Gabby, 17, a student leader.

Mang Jess, 53, a family driver, peered out from the van he was driving. “It’s about time we had a truly pro-poor president,” said Jess, 68. “Yung iba puro pangako lang at drama lang. Puro anak mayaman naman na walang alam sa hirap ng karamihan.” (“The other candidates are full of promises and drama. They are all born rich, and they don’t know what the plight of the poor majority is.”)

With Nacionalista Party spokesman Rep. Gilbert Remulla as emcee, the proclamation night was graced by local government officials from all over the country, including Vice Mayor Isko Moreno from the host city.

The proclamation rally also formally saw the declaration of Senator Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People’s Coalition of her intent to run as Vice President, and the unveiling of the senatorial slate of the Nacionalista Party.

Boasting a true representation of all conceivable sectors, the Nacionalista Party senatorial lineup is a powerhouse of experience and ability: Atty. Adel Tamano, Col. Ariel Querubin, Mon-Mon Mitra, Toots Ople, Gwen Pimentel, Pia Cayetano, Bong Revilla Jr. and Bongbong Marcos.

“Because of the prevalent poverty in the country and the approaching elections, the word ‘change’ is often bandied about. There are those who advertise themselves as the savior of the nation from evil. But remember the elections are not about the candidates, rather about one who can lift us from our present situation,” said Villar.

The festive occasion was marked by musical numbers from popular TV host Willie Revillame, TV personality Valerie Concepcion, rapper Andrew E, popular rock band 6 Cycle Mind, and other guest performers. International billiards maestro Efren “Bata” Reyes also made a pitch for Sen. Villar.

The biggest surprise of the night was the appearance of comedy king Dolphy, who publicly declared his support for Sen. Villar’s bid. He is supporting Villar as a fellow Tondo resident who also had to work hard to overcome poverty.

“This election is about you, the Filipinos who have no voice in our society,” said Villar, as a light rain gave way to a shower of orange and silver confetti – surely a sign of better times to come.

Nacionalista Party President Senator Manny Villar urges the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce and other committees to conduct an inquiry on the plight of the Philippines’ creative industry to promote its growth and development.

“In my discussions with members of the creative industry, they told me that the Philippines must be the only country in the region that does not recognize its creative industry when in fact it contributes significantly to the economy,” said Villar.

To this end, Villar proposed Senate Resolution No. 1161, to give due recognition to the contributions and potential of the creative industry. The Philippines’ creative industry covers six major sectors, namely: performing arts; literature and publishing; visual arts, crafts and design; architecture and allied arts; film, broadcast arts and new media; and cultural heritage and cultural activities.

“Foreign organizations and individuals have been bestowing awards and accolades to Filipino artists and other members of the creative industry. We have very talented animators in Disney, recent recipients of the prestigious Cannes awards, stage performers at Broadway and West End, news broadcasters have been reaping recognition as well. In turn, we should extend more support to them,” added Villar.

According to Villar-filed S.R. No 1161, recognizing the potential of our local creative industry, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) spearheaded the creation of the Creative Industry Task Force in 2005, with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Center for International Trade, Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the British Council as partners;

The Creative Industry Task Force aims to harness the country’s creative talent and knowledge to fuel activity in the whole spectrum of the economy – from manufacturing to services. It defined the creative industry as consisting of those economic activities that capitalize on creativity and cultural content, producing goods and services with cultural and social value.

The Philippines’ neighbours in the region such as Singapore and Korea have implemented strategies and plans to enhance the competitive advantage of their respective creative industries. “It’s about time we give the creative industry the support and attention it so deserves,” said Villar.

Sitting relaxed in the elegant living room of the former Laurel mansion in Mandaluyong, presidential candidate Manny Villar served notice that he is not about to be counted out for next year’s contest. His first appearance in a serious television program

, Villar told Ricky Carandang of ANC that he plans to win public confidence in his first hundred days by initiating and delivering high impact projects in a highly transparent manner.

Without directly attacking front runner Noynoy Aquino, Villar was effective in drawing the differences between him and Noynoy on things that would matter after elections are over. Manny V simply drew on his life experience of building a business

empire from scratch as he emphasized that whoever lands in Malacañang would need the kind of experience he has had to effectively run the large bureaucracy… and yes, produce positive results amidst a fiscal crisis.

We all know, Villar pointed out, that the new President must build a lot of modern infrastructure for our economy to flourish. How can a candidate credibly promise to do this competently, he asked, if he has had no experience in building a road or a bridge for his constituents ever?

The former Speaker and Senate President observed that he will make it clear on day one of his administration that he intends to be totally transparent in all government contracts. He even wants public biddings covered by live television cameras. He said he wants to deliver a strong message to the bureaucracy by setting a good example in his style of governance… as he declares an end to business as usual.

Poverty reduction is on top of his agenda and to this end, he wants to deliver an annual GDP growth rate of no less than se-ven per cent during his term to make a dent on poverty. In the meantime, he intends to alleviate the impact of poverty on a growing portion of our population who are experiencing hunger with programs that directly help the poor cope with the daily challenges of living. Without freedom of want, he said, there is no true political freedom.

What strikes me with Manny V’s demeanor during the interview is the confidence he exudes that he is not just talking and promising but he can deliver. His self confidence is not arrogant but one that emanates from his rags to riches life story and his fairly short but meteoric political career thus far. Nothing seems to faze him anymore.

And he doesn’t seem to feel the need to viciously put down anyone to support his quest for higher office. He knows the rules of the game and he is ready to abide by these rules even as he decries early efforts to taint his image with suggestions of corruption in the C5 controversy.

I agree with him on that point… the C5 controversy is really a non issue that was blown out of proportion. Whatever may have been said about it, no one has been able to prove he made money out of it. Indeed, it is even now starting to benefit commuters in that part of Metro Manila.

My friends who are running Noynoy’s campaign should watch a replay of Ricky’s interview with Villar. Right now they are running on sheer emotion. The three-minute commercial produced by Kris and her showbiz friends is fantastic but is largely an appeal to emotions. But election day is still some months away and emotions have a way of dissipating over time.

Soon there will be comparisons made between Manny V and Noynoy on such things as potential ability to deliver on the promises of a heated campaign. Projecting leadership will matter as voters worry about the future. That’s when the things Manny said in this interview and the casual way he delivered his positives have the potential of changing even minds that were earlier committed to Noynoy.

The great thing that’s shaping up in this campaign season is the return of the two party system. More and more it seems it will be a one on one between Manny Villar and Noynoy Aquino.

Erap appears destined to lose more support as the campaign deepens… simply because he looks and sounds like the tired “has been” that he is. It does not help Erap to keep on saying he wants the election to vindicate him. He fails to understand it is not about him… it is about the country and its future. We also now have a new generation of voters who probably haven’t even seen an old Erap movie… who probably think Asiong Salonga was a former Senate President.

Gibo Teodoro, on the other hand, will fail to get traction and the defection of Lakas party members to Villar’s Nationalista Party is a good indicator of that. The stench of his association with Ate Glue would prove to be too much to bear for most voters. Gibo will find out it is not enough to have the oratorical talent of a brilliant lawyer.

Compared to Gibo, Villar has the advantage of having the proven management skills which Ondoy showed Gibo simply doesn’t have. But as the majority of voters totally disgusted with Ate Glue gravitate towards Noynoy, Villar and Gibo will find themselves fighting for the Arroyo loyalists who are in fact, only loyal to anyone who can provide them with funding.

This brings me to a handicap that Manny V must address: the growing impression that he is actually the real candidate of Ate Glue and Gibo is just a sacrificial red herring who is there only to attract the most vicious of anti administration attacks and thus shield Ate Glue’s real but secret choice. The problem with Villar is his reluctance to make a definite statement that he will go after the crooks of this administration. Has he promised Ate Glue and cohorts to be lenient or worse?

Ever pragmatic, Manny V thinks he can gloss over that and not alienate Ate Glue supporters if not Ate Glue herself. Problem is… the country is no mood for compromise. The imagery of the fight between good and evil is etched in many people’s minds. Manny must choose if he is good or evil.

I must confess I have yet to make up my mind between Manny V and Noynoy. On the one hand, I think we need Manny V’s pragmatism and experience to effectively deliver on the things our country needs badly. On the other hand, Noynoy is better able to win public confidence that at the very least it seems he can be trusted not to steal, not to live a profligate life and not put the presidency in disgrace.

Is confidence in a leader’s honesty and integrity more important than demonstrated competence and real world pragmatism? I don’t know.

Manny V’s strength is also his weakness as people have become more skeptical of leaders who have become as successful as he has on matters involving money. It doesn’t help Villar that he smells like a typical politician whose moral values are adjustable. But Noynoy’s strength is also his weakness as the emotional attachments to Tita Cory’s son evaporate in the grim reality of our day-to-day lives.

I guess, for now, it is turning out to be a good fight between Manny and Noynoy. At least, I do not feel I have to choose the lesser evil. Both promise to do the country a lot of good.

SOURCE: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=521574&publicationSubCategoryId=66

As the country recovers from a succession of typhoons that wreaked havoc to the economy and the Filipinos’ lives, Nacionalista Party President Senator Manny Villar believes that small businesses can lead the way towards recovery.

“I have always believed that small and medium-sized businesses are the engine of our economic growth. After the devastation brought about by the recent typhoons, these businesses should be supported to spearhead our recovery,” said Villar.

Moreover, Villar said, that it is during difficult and desperate times when entrepreneurs are born. “As an entrepreneur myself, I know that entrepreneurs are made of a stronger stuff. We are resilient and when we face setbacks, we are determined to recover our losses.”

Access to affordable credit, according to him, is very important to entrepreneurs. Among the steps that would ease up credit and financing to small businessmen is to encourage small and rural banks as well as micro-finance institutions to provide loans to those affected by the recent typhoons. The size of government and bank loans to SMEs, according to him, may also be increased.

According to Villar, many small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were badly hit by the recent typhoons, many of which have lost supplies and equipment, thus they also need assistance and support to revive their businesses.

“After bringing temporary relief to our countrymen, now is the time to help them rebuild their lives and their livelihood. We need to make available to them access to financing and other assistance to start a small business or to re-start their existing business,” said the former Senate president.

SMEs, according to Villar, have a multiplier effect on the economy since they employ a huge majority of Filipinos. “Entrepreneurs create jobs, which energize our economy. The SMEs and micro-enterprises are keys to hastening the people’s recovery from the devastation of the recent typhoons. Neighborhood eateries and stores are just as important as multinational corporations,” said Villar.

On top of generating jobs, Villar said, small businesses raise families and support communities. Villar and his siblings were raised through the earnings of their father who was government employee supplemented by the earnings of their mother who was a shrimp vendor in Divisoria. Until now, at the age of 85, Villar’s mother (Nanay Curing) insists on running a small store beside her house.

In its convention attended by over 5,000 supporters in Kawit, Cavite’s dominant political party, Partido Magdalo, emphasized its full support to the leadership of Sen. Manny Villar and sealed its alliance with the Nacionalista Party.

The two parties formalized their coalition agreement, with NP president Villar and Partido Magdalo secretary general and gubernatorial bet Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla as signatories.

Remulla said, “We are committed to deliver victory to Sen. Manny Villar in Cavite, anchored on our full confidence in his ability to lead the country and help our people get up from the quagmire of poverty.”

Villar said, “Our partnership strengthens and emboldens our drive against poverty which has been hurting our people. Mitigating it is our most important concern.”

Their written agreement stated, “The two parties shall mobilize their respective resources and efforts to bring about rapid economic recovery, political stability, and national peace and unity under a progressive and democratic social order.”

“Both parties shall retain their respective political identities while working together to find just and effective solutions to the nation’s social and political problems,” it added.

Earlier, majority of Partido Magdalo’s incumbent members and aspirants took oath as NP before Villar at the historic Laurel House in Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong, attended by Cavite Rep. Crispin “Boying” Remulla, former Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino spokesman.

Partido Magdalo is known for delivering a significant number of votes for presidential candidates it backed in the past.

The coalition is fielding a complete slate in Cavite in the coming 2010 elections.

Six breadwinner overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were overjoyed upon receiving the keys to their own houses and lots from Nacionalista Party (NP) President Manny Villar in the noontime show “Wowowee” hosted by Willie Revillame.

The recipients were Sarah Felecio of Negros Occidental, Marnelli Recabar of Iloilo, Rosemarie Jaca of Romblon, Judith Vicente representing Hazel Vicente also from Romblon, Jennifer Sonbise representing Joanne Sonbise of Parañaque, and Jolinald Chan representing Jenny Chan of Manila.

The OFWs each received a 40-sq.m. fully furnished two-storey, two-bedroom townhouse with a market price of P1.2 milllion. Vicente received a house and lot at Camella Seville subdivision in Caloocan, while the other five OFWs at Camelle Lessandra in Molino, Bacoor, Cavite.

On July 25, the homeowners joined as contestants in Wowowee’s special “Willie of Fortune” segment dedicated to breadwinner migrant workers. While watching the program with his daughter Camille, Villar was requested by Revillame to grant him a personal favor, which was to give each contestant a house and lot since the former is known to care for the welfare of OFWs. The breadwinners cried and hugged the NP president when he agreed.

“The OFWs are a source of inspiration to us. As breadwinners, they deny themselves their own needs to support their families. For their devotion and sacrifice, it is but right to reward them by realizing their own dreams,” said Villar.

Recabar, 27, took the role of provider to her siblings after their parents’ death. After graduating from high school, she started working to support her remaining family while struggling to complete her two-year college course in Iloilo. To add income, she even managed at one time to juggle three jobs: Air Transportation Office staff from Monday to Friday, SM saleslady from Saturday to Sunday, and part-time singer for hotels at night.

Burdened with making ends meet, the breadwinner left on July 7, 2004 for Japan, where she worked as entertainer. After six months, she returned to the country and engaged in several businesses. Currently, she is working as a real estate agent.

“Napakahirap po ng aming buhay. Kailangan ko pong kumayod para sa pamilya ko. Gusto ko rin po kasing makapagtapos ng pag-aaral ang mga kapatid ko para magkaroon sila ng magandang kinabukasan. Kaya kahit mahirap, kinakaya ko,” said the breadwinner OFW.

Similarly, Felecio, 41, went to Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia on July 26, 2006 as domestic helper to feed her large family. After less than three years of work, she was illegally terminated by her female employer upon discovering her employer’s husband’s illicit affair with another woman. She then returned to the country penniless.

With her family in mind, she joined Wowowee to secure money for their needs. While she did not win, she was more than happy when she realized that she was a recipient of a house and lot from Villar.

“Matagal ko na talagang pangarap na magkaroon ng sariling bahay. Ngayon, hindi na kami mangungupahan pa,” said the new homeowner.

Six overseas Filipino worker (OFW) families were overjoyed upon receiving the keys and title certificates to their own houses and lots from Nacionalista Party (NP) President Manny Villar in the noontime show “Wowowee” hosted by Willie Revillame.

The recipients were Sarah Felecio of Negros Occidental, Marnelli Recabar of Iloilo, Rosemarie Jaca of Romblon, Judith Vicente representing Hazel Vicente also from Romblon, Jennifer Sonbise representing Joanne Sonbise of Parañaque, and Jolinald Chan representing Jenny Chan of Manila.

The OFWs each received a fully furnished two-storey, two-bedroom townhouse with a market price of P1.2 milllion, and located at Camella Seville subdivision in Caloocan and at Camelle Lessandra in Molino, Bacoor, Cavite.

Villar, who was accompanied and assisted by his daughter Camille in giving the keys and title certificates to the OFW families, told Revillame, “Ako naman ay natutuwa, Willie, maraming salamat sa’yo sa pagkakataong ibinigay sa akin para makatulong sa kanila. Mahalaga kasi ‘yung nakatulong tayo sa katuparan ng kanilang pangarap. Ako naman ay galing din sa hirap, naramdaman ko ang kanilang nararamdaman, ang mga problema nila. Gaya ng sinabi mo kanina, Willie, napakahalaga ng bahay para ang pamilya ay buo at may pagkakataong magsama-sama.”

“At ‘yan nga ang nakakalungkot sa atin, dapat kasi magkaroon tayo ng isang bayang hindi na kailangang lumabas ng bansa para umasenso, magkatrabaho, para hindi magutom at makapagpagamot. Ito po ang mga kakulangan natin, kaya napipilitang lumabas ang ating mga kababayan. Ang pangarap po natin talaga sana ang bayan natin lahat po yan magagawa hindi magugutom, makakapagpagamot, at may bahay nang hindi lalabas ng bansa,” Villar added.

Revillame addressed the viewers, “Ako ay nandito sa harapan niyo hindi kulay pulitika. Sino man sa inyo ang gustong tumulong, open po ang wowowee, basta makakatulong sa ating mga kababayan. Walang pinipiling kulay, walang pinipiling kandidato. Bukas ang pintuan namin basta tutulong kayo. Taos sa puso niyo. Kaya siya (Villar) nandito, taos sa puso niya ang pagtulong.”

In response, OFW Felecio told Villar, “Maraming, maraming salamat! Super! Hindi ko makakalimutan habambuhay nagkaroon ako ng ganyang (bahay).”

Jaca said, “Senator, maraming maraming salamat po sa ibinigay n’yo sa amin. Nagpapasalamat din po ang pamilya ko dahil kahit ilang taon po ang ilagi ko sa abroad hindi rin makakabili ng ganoong klaseng bahay”

Recabar exclaimed, “Pinangarap ko lang po noon na magkaroon kami ng bahay. Bago mamatay ang papa ko sinikap niya pong magtayo ng bahay para sa amin pero hindi po natapos. At hindi ko po akalaing pagkalipas ng 10 taon, nagkaroon kami ng bahay na maganda sa isang subdivision, kasama ko ang aking mga kapatid. Maraming salamat po senador, at nagpapasalamat po ako sa Panginoon dahil kayo po ang naging instrumento sa pagbigay sa amin ng bahay at lupa. At sa Wowowee po, marami kayong natutulungan.”

On July 25, the homeowners joined as contestants in Wowowee’s special “Willie of Fortune” segment dedicated to breadwinner migrant workers. While watching the program with his daughter Camille, Villar was requested by Revillame to grant him a personal favor, which was to give each contestant a house and lot since the former is known to care for the welfare of OFWs. The breadwinners cried and hugged the NP president when he agreed.

The Wowowee host told Villar, “Hindi lang ho ‘house and lot’ ang kailangan namin sa inyo. Ang kailangan namin sa inyo ay magbigay tiwala sa inyo. Kung mamumuno kayo sa bansa namin, sana ho hindi kami mabigo. Kaya kami nasa harapan n’yo, kaya ako nasa harapan mo, naniniwala ako sayo.”

Villar was hugged afterwards by the blessed OFW families.

OFWS’ BACKGROUND

Recabar took the role of provider to her siblings after their parents’ death. After graduating from high school, she started working to support her remaining family while struggling to complete her two-year college course in Iloilo. To add income, she even managed at one time to juggle three jobs: Air Transportation Office staff from Monday to Friday, SM saleslady from Saturday to Sunday, and part-time singer for hotels at night.

Burdened with making ends meet, the breadwinner left on July 7, 2004 for Japan, where she worked as entertainer. After six months, she returned to the country and engaged in several businesses. Currently, she is working as a real estate agent.

Similarly, Felecio, 41, went to Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2006 as domestic helper to feed her large family. After less than three years of work, she was illegally terminated by her female employer upon discovering her employer’s husband’s illicit affair with another woman. She then returned to the country penniless.

With her family in mind, she joined Wowowee to secure money for their needs. While she did not win, she was more than happy when she realized that she was a recipient of a house and lot from Villar.

The Nacionalista Party (NP) led by Sen. Manny Villar chose 60 promising entrepreneurs out of thousands as this year’s awardees of “Pondo sa Sipag, Puhunan sa Tiyaga” in an event at the NBC Tent at The Fort, Global City in Taguig.

The awards, launched in November 2007 during the party’s centennial commemoration, aims to promote entrepreneurship as a way of combating poverty. The 2009 national winners receiving a capital grant of P100,000 each were Rufo dela Cruz of Calasiao, Pangasinan, who make and sell “Bella’s Puto Calasiao,” and Elisa Tomas of Quirino for her “Melizabeth food products” business.

Other awardees from Northern Luzon receiving P20,000 seed capital were Carlo Balneg of Abra, Dominador Codio of Benguet, Sr. Gabriela Dargiwan of Kalinga, Valentino Vicerra of Apayao, Angelina Tagay of Ilocos Norte, Elisa Abaya of Ilocos Sur, Romy Urbano of La Union, Armando Macatuggal of Quirino, Marvin Mapote of Isabela, Perlita Tiburcio of Nueva Vizcaya, Lucila Eugenio of Nueva Ecija, Conchita Hernandez of Aurora, Rodolfo Molina of Tarlac, Pamela Santos of Bataan, Remedios Udad of Pampanga, and Prisco del Moro of Bulacan.

Winners from Southern Luzon were Ramelito Barte of Quezon, Liza Perez of Laguna, Josephine Tacasa of Oriental Mindoro, Francisco Aranda of Sorsogon, Gregorio Basallote of Camarines Sur, Andres Canada of Camarines Norte, Asah Conde of Masbate, Imelda Dado Moratillo of Albay, and Floro Teano of Catanduanes.

Lone awardee from the National Capital Region was Susana Santiago of Valenzuela City.

Visayan winners were Meraluna Pascadero of Negros Oriental, Marybeth and Gabriel Sanoria of Cebu, Amy Alico and Joel Marquez of Leyte, Lorna Celespara, and Delita Montes of Samar.

Awardees from Mindanao were Eric Philip Macaso and Edgardo Tagalogon of Zamboanga, Jubella Acera of Camiguin, and Lilia Caga-anan of Misamis Oriental, Dionesia dela Pena of Misamis Occidental, Ofelia Gamao of Bukidnon, Rufina Anunciado of Davao del Norte, Reynaldo Deodor of Davao City, Florita Duag of Compostella Valley, Fe Sarabillo of Davao del Sur, Camilo Falcis of South Cotabato, Margarita Abaquita of Agusan del Norte, Jonathan Abayon of Agusan del Sur, Romeo Amahan of Surigao del Norte, Henry Capangpangan of Dinagat Island, and Leah Labordo of Surigao del Sur.

Winners in the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) category were: Gemma Victoria of La Union, Elisa Tomas of Quirino, Trinidad and Mario Yabes of Nueva Ecija, Romero Escio of Camarines Norte, Gregorio Palermo of Iloilo, Rosario Bation of Misamis Occidental, Rokaiya Kasan of South Cotabato, Zenaida Acaso of Basilan, Julia Buteng of Benguet, Leonardo Beniga of Agusan del Norte, and Nimfa Sagaral of Surigao del Norte.

Villar said, “We want to encourage our countrymen to come up with feasible business ideas that will not only uplift their lives but also the country’s economy. By honoring our model citizens, we seek to increase their tribe.”

The products of the winners, which included pottery, abaca handicrafts, mango preserves, wine, special lomi and pansit cogon, pastries, and native delicacies, were showcased in an exhibit also at the NBC Tent.

Likewise, NP also promoted its youth entrepreneurship program dubbed “BDABoss,” which seeks to harness entrepreneurial skills among the country’s youth.