Butuan City Expats Information Resource for Butuan City | Butuan

05-16-10

Greetings All!

Dawn on the Agusan River after a midnight shower always has a special appeal. 

The critters, hunkered down during the night, seem to arise a bit earlier than usual to shake off the chill of a shivering night.  All seem bright eyed and much more vocal than after a rainless night.  Our rain gauge at Riverside Marina is the amount of collected water on the canopies of the boats at the dock.

You’d think that after 7 years a two-legged hominid with opposable thumbs would have figured out a method of removing canopy water while staying dry.

Alas, the conundrum of this author.

I wish to thank all for their expressions of well wishes for our family medical issues of the last couple of months.  Major surgery involves many emotions and responsibilities.  All went well and recovery is on course.  Again, thank you.

As you may know elections were held in this country last Monday.  It appears that relatively few glitches in the Philippines first attempt at automated polling were experienced.  Quite an accomplishment methinks!

In Butuan, a new administration was voted into office, and many believe that the automated system allowed for a more accurate and sanctified process.  Butuan had been under the leadership of a single family for decades and the results of that leadership is the Butuan City we see on this day.  It is what it is, and it was what it was.  We acknowledge, appreciate and remember yesterday, but focus our attentions on the tomorrows to come.  It serves no purpose to do otherwise.

As with any administrative change, initial directives are usually uncomfortable and soon criticized.  This is the point that measures leadership, and the next election is when said leadership is held accountable.  The new administration has a wonderful opportunity to chart a completely new course of direction and procedure, and warrants full support of the citizenry.  My sense is that most are very optimistic about the future of Butuan City.

As I have repeatedly stated in the past, (while being heavily criticized by the ‘fellowship of the miserable’ crowd), Butuan will progress as the world continues to shrink in an educational and technological sense.  The miserable say, ‘that’s how things are done here’, and, ‘it will never change’.  In their mind for example, the concept of ‘Filipino time’ is a mandate by birthright.  To these folk, Filipinos are considered less than human based on higher standards of lifestyle they view or experience in more ‘developed’ parts of the world.   A displaced family in Brgy. Ong Yiu due to a massive fire, (as experienced by some 1200 last month), is not worthy of their compassion or charity, in their minds.  All the miserable do is criticize and whine about issues that others have the courage, civic tendencies and human concern that they sorely lack.  The miserable sponge off the efforts of people who volunteer to achieve the best for all humanity in their community, country and world.  Butuan is blessed to have many individuals and families who are engaged and willing to volunteer their efforts for causes proven to be of a positive civic nature.  With a new administration occupying City Hall, perhaps a group of individuals donning t-shirts emblazoned with ‘Up with Butuan’ might demonstrate support one day a month and encourage others to stand tall?  Cleaning a street, painting a building, constructing a garbage bin, or filling in potholes,…and the like. 

I have seen it happen elsewhere, and it is quite a powerful message.

Last year I spoke of the children of some of the more prominent/historical families, most in their early 30’s, choosing to return to Butuan and start small businesses.  These folks are educated well, and have spent considerable time in other more ‘developed’ nations, and returned with the expectations of international standards, and driven somewhat by nationalistic pride, created business operating procedures bereft of stereotypical defunct Butuan standards.  By their continued example of professional conduct, they have inspired people-especially first time voters. 

The second factor that inspired Butuan voters, in my opinion, was the return of the Balanghai boat, and the entire construction and launching process.  The Balanghai, crewed by the Filipino Mt. Everest team, represented an entirely different expectation of life wherever they sailed, and continue to sail, most notably here in Butuan.  How could one not be drenched in Goosebumps infused with nationalistic pride as these heroes unloaded a cargo of freedom to Butuan’s Agusan shores?   I think that this cargo found its way into all Butuanons hearts, and along with the examples set by the young Butuanon business folk, awoke a dormant passion louder than the sacrifice of money for a vote. 

Butuanons stood up and were counted-legitimately.  Congratulations to you!

Freedom is an intoxicating concept, and once a person sniffs its sweet taste, it steamrolls.  The Butuan of 2015 will be quite different than the Butuan of 2010. 

-Another shopping mall?

-An ‘upcoming events’ medium?

-An industrial/manufacturing facility?

-Substantially decreased unemployment?

-A new signature industry?

-A dependable police/fire service?

-Paved roads with street signs?

-Adequate drainage system?

-A potable water system?

-Recreational amenities?

Yes to all, me predicts!

Oh, and no daily blackouts either!

 

And speaking of blackouts, can we stop with the ‘El Nino’ malarkey?  Puleeeease.

I wonder how the old folk who lived through invasions and wartime bombings would react to all the griping about the electricity being off for a few hours each day.  

The blackouts do take their toll however, in so many ways, especially economically.  The City of Butuan is a very attractive venue for major commercial investment as it enjoys quality educational choices, adequate housing choices, a ready and available workforce, easily accessible port facilities, (both air & sea), and a City Hall that appears very receptive to accommodating new business.  Ample electricity supply and the recent failings of same are a real challenge for any recruitment.  A viable Chamber of Commerce would also be a great asset.

The number of tourists visiting Butuan via Bancasi airport is 50% of what it was last year, according to our survey at the Tourist Assistance Center at the arrival terminal.  Last March, 638 foreign visitors landed at Bancasi.  Last April, 590 touched down.  This year less than 250 arrived per month.  Explicit warnings about traveling to Mindanao were prevalent this year due to upcoming elections, but in my mind the electrical deficiencies were the greatest deterrent.  Who would want to travel and spend their money in a locale that is not capable of keeping the lights on?  Would you?  The costly blackouts reach every sector.

 

8am Saturday June 5 is our first yard sale of the season!  A plethora of USA made tools, various and sundry home appliances and fixtures, and featured will be Gingoog Electric Trading Company demonstrating their line of 1^st quality portable generators, as well as their line of electrical widgets.  If you want to consign, bring it by.  We have some old stock from last year that will disappear at great prices also.  The truth is I only do these yard sales for the free donuts from Jack.

I am happy to report that the sheeting is installed on the first BAMATA sailboat.  Our design engineer, Toby,  chose to build sailboats amongst the clouds and we are sure that he is more comfortable in the skyward seas.  Fair winds, my friend…….

Wednesday at 11am at Café Caliente, and this week, many spouses/partners are planning to attend, so all are welcome and encouraged. 

Don’t forget the river flotilla next weekend.  Friend Roy’s refitting of his 30’ will likely be ready to sail in time.  The boat is available for sale in the 25K range, and is fitted with ample deck space and live wells.  This class of fiberglass boat is a rare find in Mindanao.

Our community Peso jar contents were emptied in support of retaining a lawyer for one of the children who was allegedly prostituted by a local Expat.  This case is monitored very closely to ensure the integrity of the process and the veracity of the verdict.

Freedom remains in dry dock, and is in the reconstruction phase.  All of the bilge rot has been purged as well as the failed fuel tank.  The helm has been relocated to a flying bridge above, which allows for a greatly increased deck area.  It has been an unfortunate, but fun project, and I expect her hull to be in the drink next month.  We’ll have new electronic equipment to test, so plan on hopping aboard!

Alcohol Anonymous meetings are held every Sunday morning downtown at 10am.  Though I am not a member, please contact me for details, as it is a friendly and welcoming group. 

Time to rejuvenate the motorbike rides, in a more peaceful and respectful manner of individual prowess.  Wanna join?  We’ll discuss on Wednesday at Café Caliente.

 

‘Til next time,

Greg May

Popularity: 10% [?]

03-13-10
Greetings All!
The river rarely meets meander phase these days!
River traffic has slowed, though there have been a few small shipments of large diameter logs in past weeks. The daily blackouts continue to plague the region, as well as the entire island of Mindanao, so say varied reports. ANECO, Butuan’s electricity provider, is making every effort methinks to maintain their lines and relationships with their customer’s under very difficult circumstances. ANECO is a distributor functioning at the whims of a provider. In CDO, a blackout schedule was provided to customers, but was not followed, which methinks is much worse than being surprised by a blackout! ANECO folks are polite, conscientious and competent, and one hopes that the populous treats them with due courtesy in these difficult times.
Conspiracy theorists abound as to why the blackouts are occurring, relative to the upcoming elections, but the bottom line is that Mindanao is in electrical ‘trouble’ and solutions are likely far off. Feeding the conspiracy crowd is the question of why has all this missing electricity suddenly been found for the Pacman fight, and why can’t it be ‘found’ every day?
As we know, the blackouts have quite a profound ‘trickle down’ effect on our community. For the aged and homebound, medical equipment, air conditioners and fans stress an already strained condition. Small business, which drives local economy, is put to real tests. The cost of the purchase, maintenance and operation of private generators is a difficult burden for a bottom line to meet. Additionally, orienting a generator so as not to be obtrusive can be difficult in limited space, and folks are less inclined to partake in a relaxing meal next to a loud, stinky generator. For example, last Wednesday at the Expat 11am Café Caliente gathering, our group of 17 watched 12 customers be turned away at the restaurant doors due to the blackout, as well as the lunch orders associated with our group. That is tough to take. A substantial ice manufacturer reported that sales were down 70% because a 48hr constant supply of electricity was required to ‘cook’ the ice. Other businesses have chosen to purchase generators, but they are loud and many available here are of poor quality. Loud generators are not very inviting! Here at Riverside Marina, we have laid off staff, and our boat projects are invariably delayed. Heck, last week I was scared to turn on my shears to buzz-cut my scalp, for fear that I’d end up with an inverse Mohawk if the elec died after the first pass!
Since we last met, a number of exciting events have played out.
1. It appears that we have secured the introduction of the highest quality genetic material for beef cattle this region has ever experienced, (market value upwards of 100K). I have been seeking a qualified partner in this search for 7 years. In short, the goal is to increase the quality/taste/nutrition/marketability of the domestic cattle population. But the intent is to include the small producer, not necessarily the large producers. With the invaluable assistance of Mssrs. Rogelio Yu and Sid Calo, it appears a burgeoning relationship with Caraga State University is at hand. The CSU administration should also be lauded for considering the relationship with great care relative to embryonic research. CSU has wonderful facilities and a beautiful campus but is in its infancy. They have the technical talent-now they have the opportunity. I’ll keep y’all posted.
2. The leadership of BAMATA, the Banowaon-Manobo-Talaandig Tribal Council is facing the challenges of maintaining/preserving/respecting their indigenous culture in the face of a shrinking globe. One of the dynamics in play is the astute recognition that effective management of their natural resources is perhaps the keystone of said challenges. One stated goal is to be reluctant to market raw resources but rather utilize said resources to produce an end product offering to the world. It rarely makes good business sense to sell raw material only to have to pay for the finished products made from same. Only a very few profit from this type of business model and this region has quite a few examples of this type of practice. The exciting news is that Riverside Marina was very fortunate to be able to retain the craftsmen who constructed the balanghai vessels, to construct (2) 16’ sailboat frames. With these frames, our sailing Pro Toby G. is going to design a unique boat with today’s version of sailing technology. Upon the completion of the first prototype, we will deliver said boat upriver, (waaaay upriver), to the tribes, and explore how they can manufacture said boats with the materials unique to their clime, as well as their design input. The finished product intends to be a collection of differing seafaring experience formulated into a craft constructed of unique materials. These vessels will be presented to the world bearing the Tribal logo on each sail, along with an informational book introducing the Tribes and our region to the world, as well as a catalogue of all wares produced by Butuanons and surrounding peoples. Upon completion of the first two prototypes, I will initiate the process of securing the necessary patents as well as international classification of this unique wooden sailboat, found only in our clime! All are welcome to drop by Riverside Marina to view to construction process. Construction of the first prototype begins this Tuesday.

It bears noting that both of these projects would not have been possible without Art Valdez and his crew of heroes permitting my support and participation of their magnanimous undertakings. This connection between me and Art’s bunch would not have happened without a few forward thinking Butuanons I met when I was ‘permitted’ to participate in both the Butuan Global Forum, and Butuanon Yahoo discussion board.
It appears that unfortunately these forums are lorded over by a single dictatorial moderator who apparently is unable to get over his high esteem of himself, by allowing differing viewpoints that don’t coincide with his vision of how the world, ‘should be’. What is most unfortunate is that rules are meted out dependent upon his own interpretations and whims, and with his ‘delete’ button, thwarts and manipulates differing viewpoints. Legitimate discussion groups have ‘teams’ of moderators to guard against just this type of information manipulation. I encourage the Butuanon members of these discussion boards that are on my mailing list to question this embarrassing conduct, for such censorship only perpetuates the impoverished human conditions prevalent in a Butuan.
Without my previous inclusion in both groups, I don’t meet some of the locals who have assisted in the above named projects. Butuan loses. This is a prime example of how censorship stunts growth for all. If Butuan did not have a 70% poverty rate, manipulating the two premier Butuan related discussion groups, ‘might’ have a degree of validity, but given current human and political conditions, choking the free exchange of ideas only perpetuates same. Butuan has much more salient issues than being bogged down with internet snits.

To wit;

3. Lastly, this next event may not be accurately described as ‘exciting’ in its overall context, but it is very encouraging for those who are built with a civic ‘bent’. In reference to Item #3 in the last newsletter, I was honored to receive an invitation to meet with the Director of the International Justice Mission (IJM) yesterday in Cebu. This was coordinated by the administrative staff of Project Destiny Kids-a local shelter and rescue Ministry for Butuan’s trafficked and prostituted children. Much was learned. As you may know, human trafficking/child prostitution, (in all its forms), is perhaps the most difficult crime to prosecute, if for no other reason than the victims are ‘unreliable’ on a witness stand. IJM retains a staff numbering 40 investigators and lawyers, and its offices reside in a compound resembling a ‘Bourne series’ security setting. This is testament to inherent disregard the pimps/traffickers have for human life or civility. Be it known that sex with any child 18 or under is a prosecutorial offense, and an increasing number of countries are following the USA’s lead in prosecuting its citizens for offenses occurring in other countries.
As presented in the last newsletter, most of the more notorious of the local Expat population chose to leave Butuan last year, with a little encouragement from yours truly. This is my specific advocacy. Others involved in the fight against child abuse/trafficking are after local individuals who have/and are, making fortunes on the skin of Butuanon boys and girls. More Butuanons need to step up, and if you email me, I’ll direct you to local advocacy groups. Rescued children are feeling safe enough to name names, and identify rapists via photos. Soon, posters will pop up at all Ports warning all visitors that Butuan’s children are ‘NOT FOR SALE’. Knowing and experiencing the tactics and threats of these creeps and rapists, I and those others involved in this advocacy are feeling a bit more at ease knowing that IJM has our back.
To date, none of the death threats, texts or letters that have circulated around Butuan defaming or threatening me, have been signed by a living, breathing human being whose presence on this earth can be quantified. An unsigned letter’s content is never worth the paper it is written on, but this is how cowards conduct their lives, in the creepy shadows of society. An adult wouldn’t have them, so they go after the kids!
Get angry and do something…today!
Til next time,
Greg May

Popularity: 20% [?]

02-15-10

Butuan Ramblings!

Greetings All!

Holidays are passed, the world turns and the river flows.

Butuan Ramblings (BR) has restarted and reshaped and refitted its design!  My thanks to all that have wondered where my weekly offerings had disappeared to, and wondered about my health/security. All is now well.

BR is going to ease off the pedal a bit because my honeydo list is rather top heavy at this time.  Freedom is being completely refitted, a construction project at the Marina is commencing, and a book I wrote about my solo horseback ride across the USA in 1996 is in editing phase.

My plan is to spook up an offering twice a month, and I continue to seek guest columnists-so if you want hang your butt out on a limb from this tree, you are most welcome!

We will wait until end of March, early April for the first yard sale of the year.  Current listing is attached.

We are offering a new transport service which features airport pickup, a tour of Butuan and a stop at each hotel to view accommodations.  See attached.

The airport kiosk continues to be well received.  Advertising rate is P500 per month, with the added bonus of free ad space on the www.butuanexpats.com website.

Our property in Sintos Subd. is for sale, with very attractive terms for a qualified buyer.  No bank financing needed!  See attached for a sample mortgage.

Want to live in Butuan for free??!!  See attached ‘2nd floor’ for details.

Congrats to friend Roy in the refitting and recent launching of Rosebud, a 30′ vessel outfitting for fishing.  Shakedown cruises are imminent!

Island Motor Tours is a new venture in our clime.  Wander by the new, well designed, Malvar Circle Commercial Center next to City Hall/Uncle Sam’s and look for the two beautiful motorcycles, and you have found friend Dan welcoming you to chat. www.islandmotortours.com provides info.  Welcome Dan!

Speaking of motorbikes, let’s try for next Sunday morning for our next ride?

In the coming weeks I will explore the following issues;

1. The rolling blackouts in our clime.

2. The current Butuan taxing structure.  For example, a business in San Vicente pays the same tax rate as a downtown biz, yet does receive the same quality of essential services. Can this be changed to reflect fairness?

3. Human trafficking/child prostitution in Butuan.  As some of you know, a consortium of agencies with which I am involved with has successfully encouraged three Expats involved in this crap to vacate these climes in the last year.  This year we ratchet up pressure as convictions are the goal.  Soon posters will be seen in all local ports and participating businesses, increasing the awareness that Butuan’s children are not for sale.  Two Expats residing in Butuan are currently under investigation by an international advocacy group.  The advent of Project Destiny Kids has been the keystone in this advocacy, as it provides a loving shelter in which prostituted children can heal, and more importantly, identify child rapists via photographs.

4. I have been exploring the feasibility of introducing a Hospice chapter in Butuan.  According to a prominent local physician, there is an abnormally high cancer rate in Butuan.

5. I hope to be able to report that Butuan City will be added to the list of Ports of Call in the Philippines before summer.  International cruising yachts are always looking for ports that have available integral services.  Once we have networked effectively so that these needs are available, Butuan can be added to the international list.  In addition, Butuan is perhaps the most effective and accessible typhoon shelter in the country.  The hurdle to overcome is the worldwide perception that Butuan, (as part of Mindanao), is not a safe harbor.  Imagine large cruising yachts laying up at the downtown PPA facility!

6. Riverside Marina has contracted with the gents who built the Balanghai boats to construct framing for two 16′ sailboats.  Friend Toby, who started his sailing career with Neptune, will oversee the ‘modernization’ of these frames and bring them to completion.  The prayer is that via the facilitations of friend Sid Calo, and Datu Andaya of the BAMATA tribal council, that we can collectively design these ‘day sailors’ with uniqueness substantive enough to warrant international classification.

The end product would be a floating piece of furniture whose features celebrate the heritage of the BAMATA Tribal members, whose logo will be on its sail.  The unique wood, design and representative history will be offered to the world via the internet.

7. Prior to the May elections, I hope to be able to explain to this readership exactly how much money enters the Butuan Government and the source of same.  In the interest of transparency, I wonder if the citizenry is able to quantify revenues and audit expenditures.  It seems that current leadership is criticized profusely for mismanagement of public funds, but I have never seen any supporting documentation.  I have always thought that any person serving the public trust would embrace such a review.

8. There is a dearth of community notices of upcoming events among the local media.  Let us find out why.  Cable provider’s interpretation of community access channels seems to be the allowance of advertising by a select few private businesses, as well as utility notices.  ABS-CBN is not much better, though they only have a 30 minute window for their evening news.  In many other climes, local TV Cable providers are mandated to provide such a community channel specifically for upcoming events and notices.  I wonder if that is true here.  This void of information was really evident when most of the citizenry was not informed about the arrival of the Balanghai boat, or its send-off.  These wonderful and uplifting events were missed by 90% of the citizenry.  That is a real shame.

9. Speaking of the Balanghai’s-currently sailing south of CDO-I will keep you updated periodically of their progress.  Construction of a third boat, designed to act as a tender, is scheduled to begin this week.

10. The institution of a Community Action Center.  This is basically a resource for citizens to voice their questions and concerns about issues that arise in both public and private relationships.  A sort of mediation center, but with teeth!  Hopefully a CAC can be absorbed with the Chamber of Commerce, when the Chamber attains viability.

To that end, please consider, (or reconsider), joining, (or rejoining), the Butuan Chamber of Commerce.  Past misdeeds are past.  Let them lie and serve as learning points of the future. There is little chance of growth if a business community is fractured.  A vibrant COC advocates on behalf of the private sector.  Without same, public sector interests can run amok.

Chamber President Alan Silor is a bright, humble and forward thinking gentleman.  Please give the man a chance to succeed on behalf of Butuan.

Thank you,

Greg May

www.butuanexpats.com

Popularity: 10% [?]