One voice, one act

Discordant, dissonant voices, coming from various sectors of society, are not going to help, in any way, in bringing an end to the hostilities in Mindanao. What is sorely needed is one collective, deafening voice, with a message that can persuade, and also intimidate. As of now, the babel of voices emanating from the corridors of power is sending the wrong signals to the rebels and extremist groups.

Somehow, the National Security Council must now be summoned to a meeting. The escalating problem in Mindanao has turned into a monstrous headache and is beginning to threaten our national security. Handled carelessly and recklessly, the Mindanao conflict can turn into a major conflagration.

Look at how the Philippine stock market has been reacting to the hostilities in Mindanao. As the southern problem turns from bad to worse, the stock market is following the same route. Yes, the bourse is going down, down, down -- and continues to go down to what seems to be a bottomless pit. Note that the capital market is a barometer of the state of the nation's economy.

Immediate, definitive and resolute action from the national leadership has become very urgent. Wishy-washy, urong-sulong types of action will only serve to prolong the agony, angst and pain which the people in the affected areas are now suffering. Ironically, though, dramatic and creative solutions to the Mindanao problem are yet to be seen.

With the "Mr. Clean" image of Commissioner Rufus B. Rodriguez, the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) is gradually but surely regaining public confidence in its role as income-generator of the government. Before Rodriguez took over the helm of BID, the agency was almost always associated with money-making and monkey-business. Thanks to Rodriguez, the image of the BID has been dramatically recast.

In 1998, the cash earnings of the BID, from visa application fees, work permit applications, arrival and departure permits, amounted to P326 million. In 1999, the BID earnings from these sources went up to P410 million. This year, the BID expects to collect a whopping P1 billion, a first-ever in the history of the bureau.

So far for year 2000, the BID has been averaging a collection of P82 million a month. By the time 2000 draws to a close, Rodriguez expects the P1- billion target to be met. That this spectacular feat is being achieved, in the face of tremendous pressure from entrenched syndicates in the country's airports and seaports, is a testimonial of how integrity and hard work can combine in restoring public confidence in a sensitive government agency like the BID.

Silvestre "Silver" Sarmiento, former Cabinet minister, who resides at 2 Jasmin St., Valle Verde II, Pasig City, has an interesting, very doable idea on how to boost domestic tourism in specified towns and cities. He said the projects can be undertaken by the city or municipal government, with the assistance of NGOs and the townspeople -- of course, with technical and financial support from the Department of Tourism.

The components of Silver's proposal include the following:

* WELCOME ARCH. Each entry seaport and airport should have a welcome arch. This could be set up along highways and city/town boundaries.

* SCENIC DRIVES. The route from the port of entry or town boundary should be developed into a scenic drive. The area should be cleared of debris, garbage, junks, piles of wood or stones, and the roads should be repaired and maintained. Also, ornamental plants and trees should be planted along the route.

* IDENTIFICATION OF TOURIST AREAS. The tourist spots -- churches, antique houses, historical ruins, historical places, town plazas, schools, etc. -- should be pinpointed to visitors.

* REMOVAL OF SQUATTER SHANTIES. The local governments should relocate these eyesores. Ugly things that obstruct the beautiful views of seashores, mountain sites, rivers or local scenery should be removed.

* POLITICAL WILL. NGOs, mediamen, well-meaning citizens should work hand in hand with the authorities concerned in implementing these proposals.

Art A. Borjal's e-mail address: [email protected]