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Manay
Salie just wants to run
It's nice to know that I still can make the front page! While I grew up
amidst intrigues and politically motivated
tricks, the only thing i do not really like is
when I am linked to irregularities. While I know
more bad propaganda will be thrown at me, I only
wish that fairness in journalism is still there.
For your information, I left the campaign staff of Joseph Santiago. I
_was not_ fired for reasons I prefer to keep to
myself. I would also like you to know that I
have long thought of running for the vice
governorship and I filed because I wanted to. I
do not believe I can "rock the boat"
so to speak. I just want to run.
The mayor is safely tucked in his place and Joseph will be our next
congressman if we work together. My support goes
to Joseph Santiago, Hector Sanchez and Mayor
Cito. I only hope they realize that when all
have gone, I'm still be there for them.
Many thanks and I hope inspite of all the turbulence to come, I might
just be worthy of your vote. Best regards!
Manay Salie
Wireless
Internet, "mere posturing"
Dios marhay na aldaw saindo gabos!
This has reference to the news item (March 7, 2001) in the Tribune's
Major Development section: Wireless Internet for
Rural Schools. Allow me to comment on the
feasibility of the promise of the Hon. Leandro
B. Verceles, Jr.
At a glance, it would create an impact on the youth and the IT buffs.
However, on a closer look, it is mere posturing
on the part of the proponent. For Internet to
penetrate rural areas, two things have to be
considered, IT infrastructure and cost.
On IT Infrastructure: Telephone lines in the province are limited to the
urban fringes of Virac. So, only these areas can
have access to the WWW. Consequently, wireless
technology of cellular phones (Smart, Piltel
& Globe) is also limited to Virac, save for
a public call station in San Miguel (tama ba?).
The critical mass of cellphone users is in Virac,
otherwise, the technology could have spread to
Bato and Calolbon.
The point is, wireless technology in the rural areas is a big gamble on
the part of private business (i.e. a hole in
their pockets). If government would intervene,
this will just be another waste of taxpayers'
money reminiscent of the failed Municipal
Telephone Program some years back.
On the cost of accessing the Web, using wireless technology
would be very costly. Just imagine using
a cellular phone in accessing http://catanduanestribune.tripod.com.
At a rate of P30-40/hour (Manila Internet cafe
rate), approximately a half-hour will be
consumed to finish your paper which will amount
to approximately P15-20. At this amount, one can
already have at least 4 issues of the Tribune
from the newsboy. In short, this
does not make sense. Just have the critical mass... private sector will
take a look. Just like in basketball, have
height... will play!
Another promise of the congressman is to "give free e-mail
addresses to every Catandunganon within one
year." If your report is correct, this is a
stupid promise aimed at the ignorant. With
Yahoo, Hotmail, Netaddress AOL, among others,
anybody can do this in a much shorter time at no
cost also.
Finally, there is a web address for Catanduanes at the National Economic
Development Authority (NEDA) website in its
government links. The website is http://pdx.rpnet.com/catanduanes/.
Unfortunately, it is not accessible. Whoever is
the proponent of this must look into the matter.
Sayang, this is a step in the right direction.
Mario Alberto
mlalberto@hotmail.com
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