Greenhills, San Juan City
24 April 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the book launching of the People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) during the PPVR Summit 2012 at Xavier School, Greenhills, San Juan City.

The book contains the narrative and graphic account of the organization’s initiatives which are aligned with the reform agenda of the President. It is authored by Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, PPVR Chairperson Karina David, Atty. Joey Mendoza and fourteen PPVR national council members.

President Aquino allowed the members of the People Power Volunteers for Reform to ask questions and address their concerns in an open forum. One volunteer from Mindanao asked about the power shortage problem in the region and the measures being takes to resolve the issue. President Aquino replied that the power supply in Mindanao is stable and is continuously monitored. In addition, he said that Department of Energy Secretary Jose Almendras will be sent to Mindanao to check the status of the power industry. Another volunteer asked President Aquino on how Philippines will deal the “bullying” activities of China regarding the ownership of the Scarborough shoal. The Chief Executive said that the country will diplomatically resolve the dispute and will seek the assistance of the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea. But he also stated that when the need arises, he will defend the patrimony of the Philippines. Some other issues were tackled including barangay and ARMM elections, promotion of organic agriculture and rice exportation capability of the Philippines and status of the Malampaya gas plant case.

PPVR is a civic association which was organized in 2011 by different non-government organizations such as CBA Bukidnon, PNoy-Pinay, Change Politics, Pagbabago Cavite and Muslim Alliance for Noynoy Aquino (MANA) among others. It was formed to continue the fight against corruption and support the advocacy of President Aquino for honest, good and reformed governance. PPVR functions as a watchdog for corrupt practices in government (Bantay Gobyerno), as a guide of Filipino people in volunteer work (Gabay), as a helping hand for assisting the needs of the citizens (Kaagapay) and as a link connecting ordinary people and the government (Tulay).

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