Some techniques and motivations have been exhausted almost in every field
of discipline. All parents and guardians exerted much effort to impose discipline. We leave nothing to uncertainties, for we are really entitled to directly implement them. But we are certain that to be effective, we must get them familiarize with why we did the same. In order for them to absorb our real intention, we must prepare them to understand each of our tasks, and the key is education.

If ever we understand how education plays an important role on ones life, regardless of degrees and profession, we can easily refine each of our child’s discipline. Education is defined as “ the knowledge or skill obtained or developed by a learning process”, or “a program of interaction of a specified kind or field, may be a driver education or college education”. (google.com, June 13, 2008). We understand it to be an “upbringing or Tarbiyah in Arabic . Some hindrances on education vary according to each of our environment, especially on ones locality.

In our locality, parents sometimes failed to impose because of financial incapacity and trust on being educated. Majority of us survive through small-scaled farming where in the income is not even enough for the entire family’s daily survival. It’s a hand to mouth survival that requires every day effort. Base on other observations, this happens because of very limited knowledge in expanding their livelihood into better one. If they are exposed in a certain field, they can improve such to support their living. What they harvest was very satisfactory, yet they fall short in the other means of having an extra income out of their effort. They lack the skill to drive on to their advancement.

Furthermore, the above paragraph made each parent stagnant, requiring young to support them. It is the young that can find ways to progress their economic status. The young can have means to uncover related area that improve a living. But if the young failed to discover, the parent remain the same, together with their offspring. The only means of improving is through proper education of the young. If ever they endure, there is better chance for advancement. To be specific on this issue, the trading and marketing of every farmer will progress. Generally, it is the middle business men who pay more than the farmer, because of very limited knowledge on trade and market of products. Where as if the young will be equip in such area, the income will booster. They can trade and market directly through proper channel. They will get better in trading and marketing products because the young can assist them technically.

Therefore, equipping the young with enough skills, will keep them busy in their different areas, imposing discipline becomes handy. Imparting much of it is minimize, for they already practice what is require of them as an expert on their field of specialization. If the parents will encourage them to till soil, instead of educating them, the agony will linger from generation to generation. An inch of land cultivated is not enough to prepare them and compete with others. This society is congested that they cannot find where to mark. Though tilling soil entail spacing and curve but instills interval and timing. This is not to discourage farming as a skill, but proper knowledge must be observed. Digging and cultivating are not enough. Let us educate them, for it is the key for discipline, and what we impart can be within, rather than for a strict compliance.

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THE CRY OF THE CHILD IS
NOW THE CRY OF THE NATIVE

Dedicated to the people in the ARMM

I am the Native of this Land, I am he who has the right to reap  its  fruits,  and to select my Leader.

I am he who dreams to see this land Beautiful. I am he who shall take the green of its pastures, the Mine on its surface, the might of its rivers.  

I am he who fashions them with my hands, my heart, my mind. I am he who struggles to transform them into life and power, to reach the star of my dream.

I am he who defends this land from foreign invasion. I am he who donates blood to regain its sovereignty.

I am he who suffers every time the bullets sprayed on its surface. I am he who has the courage and passion to build this land until the world shall know my strength. 

I am he who hears the cry of my people, longing for dignity which you have expelled from them. I am but I am a citizen of the world with equal right to live on its surface. I am a  dreamer,  like  ordinary  human  whose  strength  depends  on  you.

This is my dream, your dream, our dream. So heed me, for  the  future  is  mine…
 

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Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao general elections are held  for its  regional governor, vice-governor and  members of the  Regional Legislative Assembly on August 11, 2008.

 Some candidates who are politicians are ready to take the leadership by all means.  They buy their way to power through “vote buying.”

 Vote buying in its literal sense is perceived as a simple economic exchange. Candidates “buy” and citizens “sell” votes, as they buy and sell apples, shoes,  or radio sets.  The act of vote buying by their outlook is a contract  in which votes sell their votes to the uppermost bidder.

In the Philippines in general, electoral process actually entails time, money and supporters.  This situation develops certain attitude among the people in selecting their leaders.  For example, some do not vote unless they are given gifts, bonuses and money; others are no longer interested to cast their votes for they know that candidates who resort to bribery and coercion can obtain more votes and may be subsequently elected to office.  Until finally, the electoral process lost its value to most people.

In other words, elections have been ridden with violence and massive frauds.      Some politicians used to bargain, persuade, coerce, bribe, buy and manipulate votes. led to conflicts, disputes, and killings in their respective  areas.

More chances are always given to those candidates  who have means and resources. Who are these people? Some believe that they are mostly traditional politicians or a new politicians who used to adopt the political strategies of the former. They wish to wield  power by occupying key positions in the government using their  means and resources to buy their way to power.

Thus, politicians from any sector of a society can hardly  win in an election if they are poor and do not have the resources. This is quite true because political  ever-spending during poll campaign has become a norm in the electoral process and laws are not enough to check it.

This observation shows the importance of money and other resources for politicians are buying their way to power.  The new breed honest politicians, who are not rich, encounter difficulties in assuming leadership in the political scene.

The continuity of this problem in the election has triggered numerous problems causing the county’s stagnation.  For instance, for the period of more than 50 years in Lanao Sur and Marawi City , the people’s need for socio-economic and political development have not been realized.  This situation has greatly motivated concerned people to actively participate in the electoral process.

Therefore, it is about time for concerned and honest leaders and intellectuals to make electoral reforms because if politicians buy their way to power, they are expected to recover their expenses through graft.  There is indeed a need to formulate  strategy for voters education in view of the ARMM election.

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The culture of deception is the handiwork of the evil as emphasized by many religious scholars. The sign of this deception is already at hand in almost  every part of the world.

Its detection or symptom according to some theorists is when a man tries to conceal the truth, or favor the story of the wicked man. When this happened,  man forfeits his noble mission on earth to sow the seeds of righteousness and reduced him to a grazing animal, the lowest among the low. Why human beings are so heedless to overcome this evil deed?

The culture of deception is really spreading fast in almost every corner of the world, outnumbering the remaining righteous mammals on earth.  This become the tool of every man to get him on top like the politicians who never won in any race but they are always in power through deception. 

This culture of deception or evil handiwork has gone too deep in our present time, that penetrates even the deepest primordial instinct of the learned men in the society, local or abroad, as we now begun to experience the discomfort ride of  this 21st century, where the poor increase their number and become heedless, while the rich continue to hoard selfishly, and even prepares to purchase million dollar tickets to the moon rather than to give few pennies to the needy. This is really happening not illusion.

Man in his lost direction never eat his fellow man bodily, but he enjoys eating his fellow man’s property through deception. Other tribes never eat the flesh of the pork which is unlawful (haram in Islam) but he/she enjoys eating haram in other forms, like stealing, cheating or selling illegal merchandise.

Islam teaches mankind the highest dignity of man that will bring him to the highest strata of heaven, like the history of the prophets in the past that their legacies and excellent behavior never die until the end of this world. But why Islam is now being perceived in other parts of the world or even in this country as a religion of terrorism? This is again deception to cover up the truth.  Whoever perpetrate this act of terrorism forfeits his right to be called as Muslims. Terrorism is condemn in Islam in a strongest word. Is it not a crime to address a man opposite to his noble mission?

The danger of this 21st century is the virtual increase of the hypocrites whose mouth speak thousands of goodness but behind those sweet-talk is deception or motive unworthy, blurring the path of righteousness that causes confusion to humanity as evidence of the fact confronted by all humans in this crucial moment.

Many men today overshadow their sense of logic against their ego, in exchange of the life of the next world which is everlasting. The truth stands out distinctively against wrong known by many but practiced by few. So deception is rampant all over the face of the earth. Just be ready and hold on firmly for the discomfort ride of this 21st century.  Remember that in every adversity that comes, God brought with it the seeds of an equivalent advantage for the good men to survive. 
 

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There are questions that must be addressed after the release of Prof. Nur Misuari from detention.  Among the questions is what safety mode  of Misuari he should act if he will not be given chance once again to run the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao? This ARMM actually is   the only legislated political instrument he can handle in order to implement the perceived un-implemented aspects of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines 1996 peace accord.

 The renewed call for the dormant Sabah claim is perceived to be the Misuari safety mode. If this is being pursued he might have an indirect back up by the GRP and on the other side, Malaysia might resort to strengthen its mutual cooperation and understanding with the GRP. The call therefore will take time to wait its outcome. On the part of Misuari, the call will moderate his pending rebellion charges despite of its adverse effect on the Muslim Filipinos in Sabah .

 Mesuari after his release was expected to lead a unified Moro National Liberation and to subsequently run the ARMM after his election once again as Regional Governor.

 The purpose of tripartite meetings of the MNLF, OIC and GRP representatives is to determine aspects of the 1996 peace accord which were not implemented and those were not included in the RA 9054, the expanded autonomy of the present ARMM,  with the hope to amend the said Act  in order to meet the demands of the MNLF. 

 However, Khaled Musa, deputy chairman of the MILF committee on information, told Luwaran that the renewed call for the Sabah claim now by Misuari, in tandem with the Sultanate of Sulu, is an issue too hot to handle and could boomerang to his leadership. 

 Musa identified two possible impressions created which can be adverse to the personality of the newly freed MNLF leader: 1) It would appear that bringing up the issue once again is an act of vengeance or retaliation to the Malaysians for turning him over to the Philippines after he defected to Sabah after a failed “rebellion” in 2001; and 2) It would create the impression that he is out on a “demolition job” related to the GRP-MILF Peace Talks, which Malaysia facilitates since 2001.

 Brother Misuari may have all the best intentions in the renewed call for the Sabah claim, but if not handled cautiously could only benefit those who want the Muslims to quarrel among themselves,” Musa stressed.

 Sabah Progressive Party President Datuk Yong Teck Lee said Malaysia ’s National Security Council (NSC) should closely watch developments in the southern Philippines with the collapse of the Moro peace deal and release of former rebel leader Nur Misuari , Malaysia ’s Star reported.

 Misuari spoke before thousands of his followers in a peace congress in Davao City on May 23-24, ending his over an hour speech with challenge to Malaysia to bring the Sabah claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ justice arm located in The Hague , The Netherlands.

 Among those present when Misuari made the challenge in Davao City was Hadji Akmad Bayam, a former chief propagandist of the MNLF. Bayam noted that one of the claimants to the leadership of the Sultanate of Sulu, stood beside Misuari as he delivered his speech.

 "Misuari is considered among the rightful claimants (of Sabah ) as his great-great grandfather, Panglima Maha Besar of Sulu, led the contingent that protected the Sultan of Brunei, the great-great grandfather of the present Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah," said Bayam.

  Malaysia , said Bayam, has long been apprehensive the Misuari-led MNLF would forge an alliance with the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu for the Sabah claim. "This is now happening with Misuari at the center of the issue," he added.

 "The MILF criticism on the matter is unwarranted because the claim of sovereignty and proprietary (rights) over Sabah is exclusive to the Sultanate of Sulu and its subjects to which Nur Misuari rightfully belongs," said Bayam, saying the claimants have all the aces backed by authentic historical documents.

Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin G. Sema, whom other senior MNLF leaders and commanders installed as MNLF chairman, aired great concern over Misuari’s revival of the Sabah claim.

 Sema, whose taking over of the MNLF leadership is not accepted by Misuari and his followers, "strongly appealed to Misuari not to use the Sabah issue to stir restlessness among local Muslims in Sabah and here in southern Philippines ."

 He said the Sabah claim is an old issue which should not drive a wedge between the Bangsamoro people and Malaysia .

 Even the Philippine government, Sema said, uses diplomacy and respect in dealing with the Sabah issue to preserve relations with Malaysia.  

Despite of those mentioned arguments and perceived adverse effects of the renewed call for the resting Sabah claim, Misuari, if not to run for the forthcoming August 11 election and not to be given chance to run once again the ARMM as Governor,  might  resort to such call for “security purposes."

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Moro problem remains unsolved, and perceived to be worsening, under the administration of president Gloria Macapagal Aroyo. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Bangsamoro must understand and give serious attention to the problem in order not to waste time and efforts.

The GRP have made a series of negotiations with the Moro rebels in order  to cease  the Moro problem in Mindanao.  The Moro rebels aim to to establish an Islamic government and the latter is enthusiastic to strengthen the sense of Filipino nationalism within the constitutional framework.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, in particular, is known as secessionist group and the GRP therefore sticks to preserve its territorial integrity as enshrined in its constitution.

At the start of the negotiation, It is obvious that the MILF has led the latter toward its vision.  The fact, their 2001 Tripoli accord provides that ‘negotiation and peaceful resolution of the conflict must involve consultations with the Bangsamoro free of any imposition in order to provide chances of success and open new formula that  permanently respond to the aspiration of the people for freedom.”  The negotiated political process which should be the establishment of Bangsamoro Juridical Entity may be tough to the government to implement because the prospective result might contravene the territorial integrity of the State.

Moro struggle is a continuing cycle. Its different forms, modes and strategies indirectly pressure the Philippine government to make “laws and policies” governing “projects and programs” implemented, and the rest have been executed, for the Bangsamoro.  But, government projects and programs failed to address the “Moro  problem.”

Question has been raised why this Moro problem continue to persists? This question invites diverse opinion among observers.  It may be known to those who are really conscious and have sufficient knowledge on  Moro history.  This I think distinct from Muslim problem. It is unique. It refers to the inclusion of the Bangsamoro into the Philippine Republic, hence, without this there can be no Moro struggle against the government for genuine self-determination, a separate Bangsamoro state.  Muslim problem, on the other hand,  is broader enough. It refers to socio-economic, political and educational problems of the Muslims.

The quest for a separate Bangsamoro state can be achieved through armed struggle or political settlement- that means the legal constraints have to be set aside and the will of the people, the Bangsamoro in particular is a paramount consideration.

The Philippine Constitution provides the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao  which was conceptualized and legislated in order to address the Moro problem. This autonomy, however, failed to realize the “people’s expectation.”   

The first Government enhanced autonomy offer was proposed by Estrada in 2000 which the MILF utterly rejected; the second in February 2003, which the MILF did not care to look at; and the third suddenly rejected without looking at the so-called package.  This government offer is an act of abandoning the consensus points on ancestral domain aspect of the Tripoli Agreement of 2001.

Obviously, the government is shifting to constitutional process in order to offer Bangsamoro Federal set-up. Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, told members of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines that the objective of the move is to allow the creation of a Federal Bangsamoro Governance after a peace pact between the government and the MILF is signed.

Constitutional experts, some of whom helped frame the 1987 Constitution is working on “fast mode” to allow for a “federal framework” that would “clear the way” for the government to “really respond to the Bangsamoro aspirations,”  Dureza said.  This is not among the consensus points reached by the government and MILF peace panels. The details of the Federal framework will  be left to the Congress to legislate.”

Secretary Norberto Gonzales, National Security Adviser, who was also present, told reporters separately that the proposed federal state, which he acknowledged was not part of the consensus points reached by the government and the MILF,  is “actually at the informal level, being mentioned (by the MILF) because when you look at the package of the MILF, they’re really looking at something like…statehood and that is not possible.. in the terms of our Constitution today. But the idea of federalism, the Bangsamoro states will be possible but of course that will call for a Constitutional amendment…”  This is necessary since government cannot execute any agreement against its constitution.

If government continue its  initiative to amend its constitution in order to implement what was agreed between the MILF and GRP and the MNLF and GRP peace panels, I think political settlement can move forward. to accommodate the “desired ends” of the Bangsamoro..

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In the beginning, the Pencil Maker spoke to the pencil saying,  "There are five things you need to know before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and you will become the best pencil you can be."

First: You will be able to do many great things, but only  if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand.

Second: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but this is required if you are to become a better pencil.

Third: You have the ability to correct any mistakes you might make.

Fourth: The most important part of you will always be what's inside.

Fifth: No matter what the condition, you must continue to write. You must always leave a clear, legible mark no matter how difficult the situation.

The pencil understood, promising to remember, and went into the box fully understanding its Maker's purpose.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you; always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct mistakes you might make or grow through them.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.

Five: On every surface you walk, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to serve God in everything.

Everyone is like a pencil...created by the Maker for a unique and special purpose.

By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart and a relationship with God daily.

YOU WERE MADE TO DO GREAT THINGS!
 

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Once upon a time there came a man with a “GOLDEN COMPASS” He arrived in a place which to him his home. He sat under a shade of the place which instills his trust and confidence. He starts knocking at their doors for many times but no one was there. He glances at his Golden Compass and wonder whether he was really on the right direction. He noticed the compass to be directing him to the East, but he was in East. He knocked again until he was mistaken to be a beggar, doors were closed. Wondering of nowhere, he diverted his compass to the North. The people were astonished by his direction, but he was welcome. The man with the golden compass started to settle down, although he disorganizes the people with his anonymity.

The people of the East learned that he was not a beggar but a man with a golden compass. The people of this place think of best mode in entrapping him. He was caught and was brought back to the original direction of the compass. When he was there, keeping his compass in hands, naughty boys came to play with his compass. They thought it is a toy. He cannot avoid the boys, and think rationally of depending his compass. He must find a place that can understand the best of this golden compass.

Alas! The man said. I must redirect my compass again. He retuned back in North and he was given the same treatment before. They knew that he was not a beggar nor a peddler, but a man who bring with him a compass that directs the well- being of the people and the community. He was provided with a place that can be regarded as sanctuary for a golden compass and all individuals who believed on the “MAGIC OF THE GOLDEN COMPASS”. The man live happily ever after with his golden Compass.....THE END!

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