senator richard gordon Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Sep252009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Dick Gordon proposes a 9th ray to the sun in Philippine Flag – should Mindanao care?

Advocacy, ARMM, BIMP-EAGA, Blogging, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline

Independent Senator Richard Gordon probably has too much time on his hands. This was the very first thing that came to my mind when this Mindanaoan blogger learned that Senator Dick Gordon filed a proposal before the Senate to add a ninth ray to the sun in the Philippine Flag. Yes, you read that right. A ninth ray to the sun in the Philippine Flag. According to him, the additional ray will symbolize his "advocacy to champion reforms in Mindanao." Now don't ask me exactly how a 9th ray can make a whole lotta difference but if you ask the senator (who, I think, also has plans to run for president come May 2010), he says this move is part of his many advocacies for "peace and continuous growth and development not only for the Muslim people but also for the whole of Mindanao." The me...

Feb102009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Discover Region 12 and ARMM in Intramuros – until Feb. 16 only!

Announcements, ARMM, Mindanaoan Update, Muslim Mindanao

Curious as to what Region XII, Mindanao and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) can offer? Head on down to the Intramuros History Town and discover the beauty of these two Mindanao areas. The said exhibit will go on an extended run until Feb. 16, 2009 only so you better hurry up! Better yet, why not make that visit your Valentine's Day celebration? From what I gathered from Sen. Richard Gordon, the Region XII and ARMM showcase in Intramuros History Town has so far been drawing roughly 6,000 visitors daily. Not bad, eh? I wonder how many of those 6,000 are certified Mindanaoans who just happen to be in Manila? :) This Intramuros History Town project, conceived by Senator Gordon, is pretty interesting and can really help boost tourism especially for the Island of Mindanao. Espe...

Jan192009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Is Mindanao really RP’s “Wild West”?

Advocacy, Commentary, Government, Mindanao, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion

This got me thinking when I received a press release from the Office of Sen. Richard Gordon recently. The PR read: "Turn around Mindanao’s image as RP’s ‘Wild West’ – Gordon" The senator said that Mindanao has "gained a negative reputation in the international media as the country’s “Wild, Wild West” due to the continued spate of kidnappings, sporadic bombings, and the poor peace and order situation." Is our beloved island Mindanao really the Philippines' version of the so-called "Wild West"? In a meeting with the Regional Development Council of Region 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Gordon challenged Mindanao executives to turn around Mindanao's negative image from being the “Wild West of the Philippines ” into a premier tourist destination with its unique history and ...

Dec312008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Gordon’s New Year’s Message

Government, News

Here's the full text of Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon's New Year's Message. This coming year 2009 (year of the Ox), I also hope that each and every one of us can be the change or agent of change that our country (badly) needs. It really all comes from within! Sen. Gordon's year 2009 message: Let us be the change our country needs. I extend my warmest greetings to my kababayans here and abroad as you, along with the rest of humanity, eagerly await the dawn of New Year 2009! Each New Year is a symbol of hope and a herald for new beginnings. The year 2009 stretches across us like a horizon, filled with opportunities to be explored and challenges to be overcome. As we celebrate another milestone in our history, let us not forget the lessons we have learned from the past and continue t...

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Finally, an update on Mindanaoan journalist Marlene Esperat’s case

Controversial, Crime, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

I learned from Senator Richard Gordon today that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is set to revive the investigations into the brutal murder of Mindanaoan journalist Marlene Esperat. Esperat, who exposed an alleged illegal procurement of P432 Million worth of fertilizers, was slain in her own home in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao by an assassin who later on reportedly confessed that he was hired by two officials in the Department of Agriculture - Central Mindanao. What really dismayed me was the fact that she was even gunned down in front of her own children. “This time we will investigate why a resident Ombudsman in the Agriculture Department in Mindanao was killed because she wanted to expose an anomaly. So far, the case has made some progress in courts but the masterminds have ...

Nov52008 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Senator Richard Gordon on Obama’s victory

Headline, News

From the Office of Senator Richard Juico Gordon: “I join the rest of the world in extending our warmest congratulations to US president-elect Barrack Obama for his historic electoral victory. His ascendancy to the most powerful post in the world as the first African-American President signals a political and cultural paradigm shift as it sends a clear and loud message to all peace and freedom-loving nations – CHANGE IS IN OUR HANDS. The impossible has happened. Change has indeed come to America, and it was made possible by the power of the ordinary people." - Sen. Dick Gordon