@cocoy chronicles

Plans within Plans on the Road to 2010

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:57:05 +0800

There is a gathering storm. The signs are all around us. The massacre that occurred in Maguindanao was a loud thunderous applause of impunity, and like 9/11, it raped our nation’s soul. It was followed by the sharp bolt of lighting that was Arroyo gunning for a Congressional seat in spite of history, and disregarding all sense of propriety. Then, with a little help from friends, the president’s history redefining declaration of Martial Law and finally, there was that blitz against governors allied with the political opposition.

Read the entire article on blogwatch.ph.

Apple Spent US$80 from War Chest

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:43:07 +0800

Apple Spent US$80 from War Chest:

Appleinsider:

Apple has not said much on its purchase of Lala, nor has it confirmed the price it paid for the company. Apple spokesman Steve Dowling has told multiple outlets the same line: “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not comment on our purpose or plans.”

Lala was apparently able to get a premium price from Apple because the company was said to have about $10 million cash on hand. That put Lala in a position of strength from a negotiation standpoint, as they did not have to sell immediately. The company’s employees are expected to have begun reporting to Apple Monday.

If the $80 million price tag is accurate, it’s still not a large sum for the company. Apple has more than $30 billion in cash and investments.

Most interesting development.

2010 Welcomes The DC Universe’s Earth One: What about...

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:52:07 +0800

Alfred looks like a Military man.

Batman of Earth One

Superman of Earth One

2010 Welcomes The DC Universe’s Earth One:

What about Geoff Johns? Well, we happen to have a bit from his first interview as well:

“BATMAN: EARTH ONE allows Gary and I to break the restraints of any continuity and focus on two things: character and story.”

It better be better than the Ultimates. I’m in.

Lobsters to grow huge

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:43:34 +0800

Lobsters to grow huge:

Time to go into the seafood business?

Why Gibo Matters

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:35:26 +0800

Why Gibo Matters:

The Warrior Lawyer wrote:

Gibo and handlers are well aware of this. He has a personal stake in ensuring that this election will be honest and fair, as history will never forgive him should he be as depraved as the incumbent. He will know when he’s beat. And will concede without undue delay. And in doing so, restore our faith somewhat in our frayed democratic institutions. This is why Gibo matters. He can rise above himself, and in so doing be a winner even in defeat.

I too think Gibo, under different circumstances would be a good president. His alliance with GMA is certainly a huge weight against him. Certainly, with his obvious brains— he is an asset to the Philippines. Post election day, I hope there will be a move for unifying the various factions in the Philippines and actually build something. Am I a hopeless optimist? yeah. probably. One can only hope and see what happens next.

What Startups Did Google Just Declare Open Season on?

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:30:32 +0800

What Startups Did Google Just Declare Open Season on?:

Liz Gannes wrote:

Real-time: Like just about every real-time search engine, Google (for now) depends on Twitter updates as its main source of data. Impacted: OneRiot, Topsy, Wowd, Collecta. Perhaps the most significantly affected may be Twitter itself, which should probably establish itself as the best search engine for its own data — but hey, cutting deals with all the giants may be an OK short-term strategy.

When Google was just starting they too partnered with giants. In fact, Google was at one time, the default search engine for Yahoo. Good strategy for twitter? yeah. Do i hope Twitter builds better search for tweets? yep.

Pushing the Envelope

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 11:48:00 +0800

The Filipino Nation is at a precipice. The river of blood that flow from Maguindanao is an endless stream of our nation’s collective shame. Their ghost hunts this nation and will forever hunt this nation until their Cry for Justice is quenched. So Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo justifies Proclamation 1959 to stall a virtual rebellion, and a State of Martial Law now exist in Maguindanao. For the second time in recent days, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has pushed the boundaries of propriety, of acceptable norm. Mrs. Arroyo pushes the envelope to shatter the status quo. Proclamation 1959 aims to dismantle the Ampatuan Regime, and remove the firepower they hold. On the face of it, our people cheer on, satisfied that Justice, Law and Order is being imposed. Is our collective alleluia inaugurating a new Era of Darkness?

In the past, Presidents have balked at using Martial Law powers as granted to them by the Constitution. Mrs. Aquino never imposed it even has her government was poised to fall and she overcame half a dozen coup d’eta attempts without invoking Martial Law. Mr. Ramos’ relatively calm administration had no need for it. Mr. Estrada’s abbreviated stay at the Palace with its infamous War with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front had not imposed Martial Law. There has never been such a need for it. The words “Martial Law” evoke such distaste in people’s mouth and past Presidents have perhaps considered it only to walk away because to impose it, will bring a reminder of 1972. Is there such a need for it now?

Philippine Commentary wrote:

Has the public got rid of the post EDSA 1 martial law allergy? It may be too early to tell since for many Filipinos, Maguindanao is a far off place. But if Manila was placed under martial law, people may yet develop a case of hives!

But what is really disturbing that it seems so easy for the civil courts to become non-functional with fear, thus giving more reason for the Executive to dabble with martial law. Who is to judge if the courts are non-functional? Answer: the Presidential Palace and not the independent and co-equal branch of government, the Judicature. This is something that the libertarians (some with law degrees) have glossed over even in Facebook posts.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s proclamation is obviously a trial balloon of sorts and may be shot in the arm. Let’s see if our democratic “immune system” can produce the antibodies against dictatorship.

The EDSA constitutional system however is riddled with contradictions and flaws and in itself a danger to democracy.

If past dangers to the nation is our benchmark, how then do we justify Martial Law in Maguindanao? Are the tools of statecraft so broken that we have to resort to Martial Law? Days prior to the imposition of Martial Law, the PCIJ Fact Finding Team observed these with regard to Maguindanao:

Poor handing and contamination of the massacre site

Poor handing of the remains

Apparent preference for testimonial rather than physical evidence

CAFGU Detachment, “MNLF Camp’s near the site

Vehicles allegedly used by suspects still unaccounted for;

Fear grips residents near the site, and seems to prevent them from speaking out

Enormous weapons arsenal of the Ampatuans not fully confiscated

Road leads to nowhere

Imperative to disarm all clans, political families in the area

Missing or still undisclosed documents

Government resources used to fly Andal Ampatuan Jr. and his lawyer Sigfried Fortun

Government response to the situation not fully eased the anxiety and fear of the residents and media workers in the affected areas; The threats to the safety and security of the communities linger, especially with the forthcoming elections likely to fireup the tension between partisan rivals and political clans

The Philippine Star quoted Justice Secretary Devanadera saying:

”
…that a number of towns controlled by the Ampatuans in Maguindanao are already in a state where allegiance to the duly constituted authorities is absent and the local government officials in those areas have effectively shut down the operations of municipal offices.

In several instances, she noted that armed groups have prevented people from obeying the law.

“Therefore that is a manifestation, an overt act showing that they are following some other forces.”

What guarantee is there that with Martial Law imposed, that justice be done?

Nothing in our recent past has justified the Return of Martial Law. If ever there was, coup d’tet and the war with MILF might have been good justifications. At face value, logic says that imposing this on Maguindanao is the right way yet why can’t I help but think that this preemptive action smacks of The George W. Bush Doctrine of act now and ask questions later? It sounds like a political move, tick tok, the chess pieces go. And all opposition can do is to play defense.

To think of Martial Law imposed on Maguindanao as simply about Maguindanao is to see with too narrow eyes. It is a case of damned if you do, damned if you don’t. How far then do you trust Arroyo to wield these powers? Arroyo holds on to power tightly and how she wields it, so casually. Would you trust that this isn’t a faint that becomes clear five moves down the road?

To top it all, to think of Maguindanao as simply an isolated incident is a mistake. Local Bosses Across the Country are readying for 2010.

Lhal wrote:

So either this proclamation of martial law is genuine or a cover-up is up to the people to decide. One could also note that Maguindanao is where this adminstration got most of its votes in the 2004 and the 2007 elections. This government to me is testing the waters. Martial law was the last resort of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos when he couldn’t run for President anymore. Now it’s being tested again by another unpopular president. I would not be surprised if one day when people would be caught by surprise again and see this country under martial rule. God help us.

Thus, how can we not think of all this in the context of Iran Election? Lara from ABC News tweeted this about Iran:

#Iran reportedly arrests 15 of the Mourning Mothers, who’ve held weekly demos protesting the deaths and detention of their children.

If we give Gloria Arroyo this, what is to stop her from doing more in the next six months? I can not help but think of Arroyo as Scar and she has unleashed the Black Lanterns upon us while the Yellow Light of the LPs and Orange color of NPs and every other party are busy scrambling for the ultimate prize of 2010. Will the color of the rainbows band together to oppose this threat? Will they find common purpose and an acceptable answer that gives justice to Maguindanao and restore balance?

The envelope has been pushed. A sitting president is running for a congressional seat—- a demotion and yet all indication points to the fact she wants to continue on staying in power. Then there is Proclamation 1959 that came from the heel of Arroyo’s announcement to seek a congressional position. Martial Law at last is imposed. While we Filipinos wrap our collective minds around the idea, are we in fact being blinded to the movement of chess pieces?

If Congress agrees with the President that will be license to push the envelope further. Unleash your imagination at what Arroyo can do, unopposed and sky is the limit. However our fears and rage made into light at the sight of blood flowing from Maguindanao, the sword of Martial Law must be returned to its sheath. The repercussions and the license to do whatever Arroyo wants is too high a price to pay. Just look at the Bush Doctrine and how unchecked power has done to the world in the name of those victims of 9/11. Maguindanao might be our Francis Ferdinand. Maguindanao might be our 9/11. Beware our Fears made into light, but do we have the ability to overcome Great Fear? As we chant, “never again,” the question remain, is our French Defense too slow?

mlq3: “Siya na nga!” Official theme song of Noynoy Aquino! SIYA...

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:40:35 +0800

mlq3:

“Siya na nga!” Official theme song of Noynoy Aquino!

SIYA NA NGA!

Aaaaaahaahhaah….

Solo:

Hanap ko ay tunay na kalayaan

Hatid sa’ting lahat, disenteng kabuhayan

Hanap ko ang isang tunay na pinuno

Sa kahirapan, lahat tayo’y ihahango

Chorus:

Siya na ba? Siya na nga! Siya nawa.

Tapos na sana ang matinding pighati

Siya na ba? Siya na nga! Harinawa.

Tanggalin ang tiwali. itatama ang mali!

Aaaaaahaahhaah….

Solo:

Babalik ang aming paniniwala

Ibibigay muli aming pagtitiwala

Hindi ka na namin pababayaan

Hinding-hindi ka namin iiwanan

Chorus

Siya na nga! Walang bahid, walang duda!

Buhay muli ang pag-asang minimithi

Siya na nga! Walang bahid, walang duda

Tanggalin ang tiwali, itatama ang mali!

REFRAIN:

Gising na mahal kong bayan

Siya na nga, maari kang tumaya

Sa pagtanggol ng kalayaan, kasama ka sa

Laban na tapat, laban ng lahat.

Chorus:

Siya na nga! Walang bahid, walang duda

Buhay muli ang pag-asang minimithi

Siya na nga (Siya na nga!) Walang bahid, walang duda

Tanggalin ang tiwali, itatama ang mali

Siya na nga (Siya na nga!) Walang bahid, walang duda

Buhayin muli ang pag-asang minimithi

Siya na nga (Siya na nga!) Walang bahid, walang duda

Tanggalin ang tiwali, itatama ang mali

Siya na nga! Siya na nga….(REPEAT)

……SIYA NA NGA

Blog Action Day 2009: Begun, Climate Change Has

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:00:00 +0800

Much of Luzon island in the Philippines has been underwater the past few days, brought about by Typhoon Parma (Pepeng). The growing consensus is that this is an effect of climate change. Climate Change 2001, has published the scientific basis for climate change. A BBC news article had quoted theIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that humans is very likely the cause, projecting an increase of temperature by 1.8 to 4 degrees celsius by the end of the century.

The US Global Change Research Program, the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment concurs with the IPCC. The European Academy of Sciences and Arts, the InterAcademy Council, the International Council of Academics of Engineering and Technological Sciences are some concurring organizations that human activity is likely responsible for climate warming.

A full list via wikipedia is here.

Business have largely gone green. It doesn’t just make good economic sense, but delivering technology for instance that uses less power but does more is great for the consumer. Like Apple reframes the green debate, backs it up with new data or how Apple and other companies quit the US Chamber of Commerce because that august body criticized legislation to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions.

While it is likely that Human activity may have accelerated climate change, a salient fact needs to be remembered is that the Earth is a dynamic system. There have been several, major and minor extinction events through out Earth’s history. Just to name two, one is the Permian-Triassic extinction event. It was called “The Great Dying”. It killed 83% of life on Earth and paved the way for the dinosaurs to rise. Another example is the more famous K-T extinction event that ended the Dinosaurs’ reign on earth and 75% of species on Earth became extinct.

Of course it would be disingenuous to say that “Climate Change” was the root cause of those changes. Confluences of events have contributed to those events and whether it is oceanic overturn, plate tectonics, continental drift, some nearby star, or humans being the cause of extinction, the point is: the Earth is a dynamic and ever changing environment and in Darwinian fashion, we must adapt or die.

On October 8, 2009, Manolo Quezon wrote a most interesting article. He talked about the long view of ignoring plans. he mentioned that city planers for Metro Manila had already noted where potential areas of concern would occur. Likewise, he quoted New Zealand social and environmental historian greg Bankoff who published a map in 2003 about flood prone areas, which was spot on, mlq3 said with what happened with Ondoy.

Those city plans were largely ignored. and Bankoff, hardly in the news then. So Ondoy hit and boom. Manila sunk.

In a related topic, Sparks’ made a post on “The Philippines in the Red”. It is a mapping study by a Canadian Research Center and the Philippines is most vulnerable to climate change.

The cynic in me says, in a few months people will forget Ondoy. The optimist in me believes the tide can change, if we the people want it bad enough.

In The Day After Ondoy, I wrote that the answer for our nation’s capital, Metro Manila is to unify the governments of the various cities under it. Our metropolis needs a coherent, unified plan to prepare for disaster, especially post disaster rescue and relief. We need to focus on adapting to the conditions of our environment as much as unification can help bring about one solution for various infrastructure needs of the city. Of course, it isn’t to say it will sit well with the politicians who will lose their jobs. That’s the thing isn’t it? That’s the bitter pill that needs to be taken.

If there is anyone who is at fault for the tragedy Ondoy visited on Metro Manila it is decades of ignoring the writing on the wall. This is just for flooding. What more Earthquakes?

Up north, our friends and family are tragically subjected to worst situation than what Metro Manila had experience a few weeks ago. Landslides in Baguio, much of our western coastline underwater and millions of pesos worth of crops destroyed. We can not just blame it on lack of preparation or lack of knowledge from the absence of a Doppler system. Though, it would have helped reduce grief if we did have information.

The tragedy of Luzon as Pepeng drowned it with rain is mind boggling. You can go checkout, United States Pacific Command as they provide disaster relief aid (not just to the Philippines, but through out the Pacific) for a sample of the devastation and the effort extended.

Various local governments would need to identify problem areas and adapt too. On the larger scale, the National Government must invest in technologies, and infrastructure to make relief and rescue operations, second nature. We can not stop the storms from coming or hope for their intensity to subside. It is like saying we can stop the sun from shining. There are things we can do.

We need better and more serious Infrastructure.

We need better Disaster Prevention, Relief and Rescue planning and coordination. We need to do better. We need to learn. That means we use every available technology to get things done in a non political way. Sure it’ll take years to build the infrastructure but we got to be savvy. We got to be ready for the next disaster. Not to mention a rethinking of the relationship between Local Government and National Government in delivering key relief and rescue.

We need to better manage our crops so as to reduce damage caused by typhoons.

There is a difference between working hard and working smart. We need the latter for obvious reason that our country isn’t rich.

Let’s not forget we need comprehensive planning for earthquakes, not so much as preventing tragedy (we can enforce tighter building codes) but providing for relief and rescue post earthquake tragedy. Tsunamis and Volcanic eruptions too and we need worst case scenarios and plans adapted to meet those tragedies.

Lastly, it is important to note that being pro environment—- building environmentally conscious technologies, especially power efficient ones that emit less greenhouse gas is economically sound. Meaning, it doesn’t matter if Climate Change is caused by humans. It doesn’t matter if you subscribe to the notion that Climate Change is marketing to sell to normal people. It just makes perfect sense to be environmentally friendly. You get more bang for processing muscle per watt is great, in any calculation for example. Being environmentally friendly is also being economically friendly and in my book the latter makes the greater sense to justify the former.

In my humble opinion, the question whether Climate Change is real or not no longer matters. It is like fighting the last war. The debate isn’t whether humans is the root cause of our climate problem. The debate is, how do we adapt? We need to build technologies that let us be more “one” with nature. If that means discovering new process for storing solar energy based on photosynthesis to power our digital tomorrow that would be great right? if it means building cars like the tesla or aircraft that doesn’t use fossil fuel, it would just be awesome. If it means building cities that are more environmentally attuned then that’s what we need to do.

Begun, Climate Change has. We must adapt or we perish. Choose.

***
*updated to include link to US Pacific Command.
**update-2 Flow had an interview with WWF CEO Jose Maria Tan and posted his take on blog action day.

*This also serves as my post for 15 October 2009, Blog Action Day

“Begun, Climate Change Has”, was first posted on Filipino Voices. If you wish to comment, please feel free to visit us there. Thank you.

Are Gold and US Treasuries in Conflict?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:02:21 +0800

Oil analyst and energy sector investor, and one of the smartest on Stocktwits, Gregor Macdonald (@GregorMacdonald), had this to say a few days ago:

…the purchasing power of Gold to the US 10 Year’s price is breaking out to a new high. This is probably going to be more exciting for the technical trader, but thematically I think the longer, macro view is also informed by such a change. After all, it has indeed been a very big week for the Dollar, Gold, and asset inflation generally. Indeed, it almost feels like a quiet crisis is unfolding as a decade of haywire(d) monetary policy looks ready to finally get some very nasty feedback from the biggest market of all: the US Treasury market.

Indeed.

The Fed for Fun and Profit

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:22:39 +0800

aiki14 wrote:

1) Stay short the long treasuries. You can be long the ETF TBT or use Futures if you trade these products

2) Continue being short the U.S. Dollar versus the currencies of the commodity based economies like Australia and Canada

2) Be long the commodities themselves. Copper, Precious Metals (Platinum and Silver are my favorites but I am long Gold on technicals as well), and Oil

Technical Traders will speak of momentum and trends. If these concepts can be translated to this context I would be short the Fed due to a strong trend towards wrongness and powerful momentum pushing them to continue their methodology.

Yeah, I’m short on USD, long on gold. I don’t know much about other metals to be informed and for some reason Oil isn’t performing the way I hoped it would, so i’m short Oil.

I also agree with aiki on the point that we should be short on Fed.

OpenPDC. Phasor Data Concentrator. stuff for processing...

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:14:32 +0800

OpenPDC. Phasor Data Concentrator.

stuff for processing streaming time-series data in real time using GPS-time via multiple inputs, time-sorted.

The Psychology of Google Wave

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:10:22 +0800

The Psychology of Google Wave:

It seems like a Fail. Then again, I’m still waiting for my invite.

Ars Technica: PSP Go Launch has become a nightmare for gamers, Sony

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:06:33 +0800

Ars Technica: PSP Go Launch has become a nightmare for gamers, Sony:

The problem is that many gamers use their PlayStation 3 to download PSP content, and Sony locked the downloads down to whatever system customers use to grab the content. That means that if you used your PlayStation 3 to download the games, you’re out of luck. This isn’t the only issue to hinder the PSP Go’s momentum.

As stupid as stupid gets.

Yes, I fell in love with Evernote.

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:46:03 +0800

Yes, I fell in love with Evernote.

mlq3: Here are some photos from 4 days of Tulong Bayan...

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:59:20 +0800

mlq3:

Here are some photos from 4 days of Tulong Bayan operations.

Your Typhoon Survival Kit

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:29:29 +0800

meong:

Being prepared is always one step towards survival. Here are some things that we think is important to have during times like these. Prepare them beforehand and keep them in a safe place at all times. Better yet, keep them with you, or in an area that is easy to reach and won’t get in the way of raging floods, etc.

YOUR TYPHOON SURVIVAL KIT

1. Clean drinking water. Good enough for a week. Consider having at least 1 gallon per person.

2. Other drinks. Consider: juices in packs, carbonated drinks, coffee.

3. Food. Also good enough for a week. Consider:

Snacks that are easy to store and carry (biscuits, cookies)

Non-perishable canned food (corned beef, tuna, pork and beans, vienna sausage, etc.)

Candies to maintain sugar in body and keep acidity at bay

Bread that will last for a few days, for carbo load

Instant noodles, if you have the means to cook

IMPORTANT: food for babies and the elderly if you have some staying with you

4. Food utensils.

Spoons, forks, knives, paper plates, drinking cups

Non-electric can opener

Cooking stove and fuel, if possible

Plastic bags

5.Medicines. Consider having medicines for the following:

Fever and nausea

Coughs and colds

Hypertension

Diabetes

Diarrhea

Anti-tetanus

Anti-leptospirosis

Other prescription drugs that you need to take

6. First Aid kit. Must contain band-aids, gauze, tweezers, alcohol, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, bandage scissors, absorbent dressings, antiseptic wipe packets, cold compress, gloves and thermometer.

7. Sanitation kit. Make sure that you have tissue wipes, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, diapers.

8. Toiletries. These include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap.

9. Blankets, towels, comforters, pillows. You can put them in large garbage bags to keep from getting wet.

10. Extra clothes and underwear. Put them in plastic bags to avoid from getting wet. If you can, pack something that will last you for a few days.

11. Jackets, sweaters, socks, caps. And anything else that will keep you warm and dry.

12. Emergency lights and flashlights

13. Fresh batteries. Have reserves for batteries of different sizes, especially for radios and flashlights.

14. Radio. Must be portable, battery operated, has functional AM station.

15. Mobile phone. Make sure the battery is fully charge, and that you have a spare one, too, in case of emergency. Also consider walkie-talkies.

16. Cash. Banks and ATMs might not be available so make sure that you have cash with you.

17. Keys. Have copies of keys to the front door, back door, garage, car keys, etc.

18. Items for pets. Consider also having a leash, muzzle, cage and food for your pets.

19. Umbrellas and tents

20. Water pails and dippers

21. Floatation devices like life jackets, styrofoams, old tires, etc.

22. Rope

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO PROTECT

Many people have died trying to go back for these things, so it’s important that you are well-prepared already at this point in time. Keep these documents in a water-proof container:

1. Birth certificates

2. Insurance records

3. Medical records

4. SSS, Pag-ibig and Philhealth records

5. Identification cards

6. Bank account numbers and records

7. Emergency contact numbers

8. Contact numbers of family, friends and loved ones

It is important that you have an ID with you wherever you go. Also, a list of people to contact in case something happens to you. If you can, put your emergency contacts on speed dial.

If you have more suggestions, please leave them in the comments section.

http://bayanihanonline.wordpress.com/2009/10/01/your-typhoon-survival-kit/

mlq3: Noynoy Aquino quietly helping out with relief operations...

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:27:52 +0800

mlq3:

Noynoy Aquino quietly helping out with relief operations in Tatalon this morning.

I’m impressed by the fact that the bag he’s distributing doesn’t have his name on it.

An appeal for a coordinated relief effort

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:15:57 +0800

An appeal for a coordinated relief effort:

(via arbetloggins)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s latest directives (English translation)

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:04:40 +0800

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s latest directives (English translation):

leflaneur:

For the benefit of non-Filipino donors, what follows is my own translation of the latest directives of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regarding the Typhoon Ondoy (International Code Name: Ketsana) disaster.

The most important thing to take note of: Donations must be addressed to or coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) so that they will not be taxed or confiscated.