PACQUIAO FEVER GRIPS OCCIDENTAL MINDORO

The twin events celebrating Manny Pacquiao’s 30th anniversary in boxing stirred excitement among the people of Sablayan. The first was Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-by-Blow, featuring a lineup of the country’s best professional boxers competing for glory. Headlining the card was the Philippine Boxing Federation Super Lightweight Championship bout between Alvin Lagumbay and Pepito. The second event was a dinner date with Pacquiao, which doubled as a town hall meeting with religious leaders and government officials, led by Mayor Walter “Bong” B. Marquez of Sablayan, Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano, and Congressman Leody “Odie” F. Tarriela.

This historic milestone not only commemorates the beginning of a legendary career but also rekindles the fervor of Pacquiao Fever in the region. For three decades, Pacquiao has been an inspiration—a symbol of resilience and a testament to the power of dreams. His influence on the people of Occidental Mindoro remains as strong as ever.

Little did the world know that a young boxer from General Santos City would rise to become one of the greatest fighters in history. His journey from poverty to boxing superstardom has inspired millions, resonating deeply with Filipinos—especially in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, where passion for boxing runs deep.

Pacquiao, accompanied by fellow motorcycle riders, toured the entire island of Mindoro before arriving in Sablayan to meet its people and pay homage to the town. From San Jose, he and his team rode directly to the Sablayan Astrodome to witness the ongoing bouts and participate in a meet-and-greet. Afterward, he proceeded to Siburan Hall at the Municipal Hall for the town hall meeting.

In his speech, the Pambansang Kamao reminisced about the hardships of traveling to Sablayan in the early days of his career—how he once rode a passenger jeepney along muddy roads, crossed raging rivers, and endured countless struggles just to fight. He acknowledged that part of his fame and glory is owed to this developing town, and he pledged to support Sablayan’s progress, even promising to push for cityhood if elected to the Senate in May.

The local officials of Sablayan, led by Mayor Walter “Bong” B. Marquez, Vice Mayor Edwin N. Mintu, the Sangguniang Bayan members, Governor Gadiano, and Congressman Odie Tarriela, honored Pacquiao by declaring him an adopted son of Sablayan through Resolution No. 2025-GGM490.

As a boxing fan and hobbyist boxing historian, I was thrilled to shake hands and rub elbows with local boxing personalities I had previously only known from afar. Meeting figures such as Ford Rafa, Inoncian, and WBO observer Daniel Sandoval was an unforgettable experience. Special mention goes to Madam Marife C. Barrera, CEO of Blow-by-Blow, and her friendly husband, Mr. Dan Barrera, a retired Philippine Congress employee, whose hospitality made the occasion even more memorable.

Meeting an online friend in person can be both heartwarming and surreal. The familiarity built over time makes it feel like a reunion with someone you’ve known forever, yet there’s an added thrill in finally bridging the digital and physical worlds.

Seeing Manny Pacquiao in the flesh and meeting online friends in person both reaffirm a fundamental truth: real connections transcend screens, and true bonds flourish in the physical world.

Try it—there is no substitute for real presence and face-to-face encounters.

Sana po ay sumablay kayong muli sa Sablayan sa ibang pagkakataon.

MANNY PACQUIAO AND BLOW-BY-BLOW GOING TO SABLAYAN

 Before becoming a Blow-By-Blow (BBB) boxing sensation, Manny Pacquiao first climbed the ring as a professional fighter at the Sablayan Astrodome in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. On January 22, 1995—exactly 30 years ago this year—Pacquiao began his professional boxing journey. At just 16 years old and weighing only 106 pounds, the future eight-division world champion and arguably the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in boxing history faced Edmund "Enting" Ignacio in a four-round bout. Pacquiao emerged victorious by unanimous decision, marking the beginning of his legendary career.

Local spectators who witnessed that historic fight recall how the young "Kid Kulafu" showcased remarkable determination and skill, setting the stage for his rise as one of the greatest in the history of the sport.

Sablayan Mayor Walter 'Bong' B. Marquez, himself a boxing enthusiast in his youth, ensured that this milestone would be celebrated grandly during Sablayan's 123rd Founding Anniversary. To honor the 30th anniversary of Pacquiao’s baptism of fire as a professional boxer, the celebration will feature "Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-by-Blow," a boxing program rejuvenated by Pacquiao. Notably, this platform was instrumental in catapulting Pacquiao to stardom, paving the way for the wealth and fame he enjoys today.

Blow-By-Blow first aired in 1994 and ran until 1999. It was briefly revived as Blow-by-Blow Reloaded in 2015 but ended in 2016. In November 2022, Pacquiao, through MP Promotions, relaunched the program, which now airs on One Sports television channel.

Through Vice Mayor Edwin N. Mintu, the Sangguniang Bayan of Sablayan passed a resolution declaring Pacquiao an adopted son of the municipality. The resolution reads: “As a world boxing champion, Manny Pacquiao has inspired the people of Sablayan not only through his achievements in the sport but also through his enthusiasm, virtues, hard work, and deep faith in God.”

Mayor Marquez emphasized that hosting this prestigious boxing event aligns with his administration’s vision of making Sablayan the “Mecca of Sports” in the MIMAROPA region.

This monumental event will mark a first in Occidental Mindoro’s history and a chance to solidify Sablayan’s place on the historical map of Philippine boxing. The Blow-By-Blow program will feature two championship fights:

1. Philippine Boxing Federation Super Lightweight Championship – Alvin Lagumbay vs. Pepito Masangkay (10 rounds)

2. Co-Main Event – Jimmy Ramiso Cannu (Quezon City) vs. Sugary Montales (San Pedro, Laguna)

Adding to the excitement, Manny Pacquiao, who has already filed his certificate of candidacy for senator, is expected to grace the occasion, making this a historic moment for the people of Sablayan.

There is no Peace and Unity without Justice

The words "Unity" and "Peace" seem to be the most abused terms in political gatherings. The unity forged between President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, symbolized by the green and red letters of the "Unity Team," remains fresh in the minds of the people.

Even before their campaign tarpaulins fade from the walls, the alliance between the Marcos and Duterte factions has already shown cracks. Their conflict has escalated to a point where it doesn’t even need to be written—it was something I had expected to happen. As the saying goes, "When two giants clash in the garden, all the plants get trampled." Everyone caught in the crossfire suffers. It is now evident that we are experiencing the onset of political instability in the country, and its effects are widespread.

Amidst this political turbulence, the so-called Occidental Mindoro Calls for Unity and Peace press conference, convened by Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro today, serves as a poignant reminder of the people’s yearning for a united and thriving nation. It is a plea for genuine leadership—one that prioritizes the welfare of the citizens over personal agendas and political vendettas.

Coincidentally, the local press conference attended by the province’s mainland mayors and Rep. Leodie “Odie” Tarriela came three days before The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) holds its “National Rally for Peace” on Jan. 13 at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, expecting to draw mammoth of its members all over the country.

The gathering was held at Season's Hotel and Convention Center a day after the Social Weather Stations (SWS) released the result of its survey showing that 41% of Filipinos were in favor of impeachment, 35% were against it, and 19% were undecided.

For Catholics like me, the proper understanding of "peace" in this context does not imply allowing government officials to escape accountability. True peace is rooted in justice, integrity, and responsibility. It requires addressing wrongdoing and ensuring that leaders are held to the highest ethical standards. Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of fairness, where transparency and accountability pave the way for harmony in society.

Whether or not the impeachment process against the vice president proceeds as a political move, the problems remain undeniable. The discord at the highest levels of government only fosters division and delays the resolution of critical issues such as poverty, education, health, and economic recovery. In times like these, more than ever, we need unity, professionalism, and integrity to guide the nation through its challenges.

Human rights are essential for true peace and unity. Peace thrives on justice and equality, while unity requires respect for every individual’s dignity. Upholding human rights fosters trust and harmony, creating a foundation for lasting peace. Without justice and inclusion, calls for unity and peace remain empty.

This intensifying struggle among the ruling elite proves the emptiness of calls for unity and peace if they lack a clear and actionable framework. A call for peace and unity without action is hollow!

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(Photo: Mio Lgu Sanjose)

Access to Fisheries for the Poor

The late Jose T. Villarosa, a former congressman from Occidental Mindoro, was one of the proponents and authors of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (RA 8550). His advocacy focused on safeguarding the rights of municipal fisherfolk and promoting sustainable fishing practices, particularly benefiting coastal communities like those in his province. While I do not subscribe to Villarosa’s politics, as a human rights advocate, I recognize that the Code has played a significant role in achieving economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR), including the right to adequate food.

As a local political observer in the province, I believe the implementation of fisheries laws and programs has significantly benefited Occidental Mindoro's fishing industry, particularly through increased fish production. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Occidental Mindoro recorded a 19.4% increase in the value of agricultural and fisheries production in 2021—the highest among provinces in the MIMAROPA region.

In the Municipality of Sablayan, the Philippine Fisheries Code (RA 8550, as amended by RA 10654) has been instrumental in:

Establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) to preserve biodiversity and fish populations.

Strengthening anti-illegal fishing programs to combat destructive activities.

Enhancing aquaculture and coastal tourism opportunities, which contribute to local economic growth.

However, the recent Supreme Court resolution declaring unconstitutional the provision of the Philippine Fisheries Code (RA 8550) that prohibits commercial fishing in municipal waters is a significant blow. As the Municipal Administrator of Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro, my heart bleeds for the fisherfolk and fisheries sector, as well as for the leaders of our local government unit (LGU) led by Mayor Walter "Bong" B. Marquez and Vice Mayor Edwin N. Mintu. This ruling is consequential but not yet a landmark decision, as it was issued by a Supreme Court division rather than the full en banc. A landmark status requires an en banc ruling, leaving room for further deliberation and appeal—hence this blog post.

We believe that by opening municipal waters to commercial fishing vessels, the ruling undermines the intent of RA 8550 to balance economic development with ecological sustainability and social equity. Allowing commercial fishing fleets to operate in these zones threatens to exacerbate the existing problem of overfishing.

This case underscores the urgent need for a balanced approach to fisheries governance. While commercial fishing is an essential contributor to the national economy, it must not come at the expense of small-scale fishers or the marine environment. Strict regulations and innovative solutions—such as gear restrictions, fishing seasons, and enhanced monitoring—are essential to ensure the sustainability of marine resources.

This ruling is not the Supreme Court’s final word and may still be reviewed or reversed by the full en banc. Until finalized, its implications require cautious interpretation. Stakeholders, including environmental groups, local governments, and fisheries advocates, should use this opportunity to appeal and argue for the protection of municipal waters.

As Oceana aptly puts it, “Human rights and environmental sustainability are inseparable when it comes to fishing communities.”

No to commercial fishing in municipal waters!

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(Photo: Jun Gulapa; “Gusto Kong Mangisda Pero ‘Di Ko Magawa".)