LOREN CALLS FOR 'REVOLUTION' AGAINST POVERTY

SAN JUAN, Metro Manila, Aug. 30 - Sen. Loren Legarda today called for a "revolution" against mass poverty, recalling the revolution launched by Filipinos against Spanish colonialism during the celebration of National Heroes Day here.

Loren spoke before the Shrine of Pinaglabanan, commemorating the Battle of San Juan del Monte, during which members of the Katipunan revolutionary society attacked the Spanish munitions arsenal 111 years ago today.

Speaking in Pilipino, Loren said that while in the eyes of the Spanish authorities the Filipino revolutionaries were repulsed during their assault on the armory, the incident served as an "inspiration" for Filipinos to continue their struggle for freedom and dignity.

She noted that while the Filipinos now have already achieved their national independence, "we still must continue our fight against the problem of poverty, which to me is the greatest challenge that the present generation of Filipinos must face."

"May we be as determined as our forefathers in their fight for freedom so that we can escape from the clutches of poverty and enjoy prosperity and democracy for our people," Loren said. Loren praised the San Juan city government led by Mayor J. V. Ejercito for initiating projects to improve the economy of San Juan,

such as the establishment of the San Juan Manpower and Livelihood Training Center, and the support and encouragement of commerce and industry, especially small and medium enterprises that provide employment to San Juan residents.

Loren noted that under the manpower and livelihood training program, San Juan residents are being taught such trades as food processing, refrigeration, cosmetology, electronics, dressmaking, reflexology, massage, steel welding and caregiving. "While San Juan is one of the smallest geographical unit in Metro Manila," Loren observed, "it is one of the most progressive cities in the metropolis, in terms of educational institutions, commercial, restaurant and food-catering services, recreational and cultural places, and industrial enterprises."

Loren exhorted local residents and all Filipinos to remember their history, specially their struggle for freedom, democracy and progress, in order to inspire the present and future generations of continuing their battle for the prosperity and progress of the entire country.

Loren declared that while the fight for national independence may already have been achieved through revolutionary and peaceful struggles, the Filipino people still needed to be liberated from the problems of poverty, unemployment and sluggish economic growth.

"We must draw inspiration from the spirit of the Katipuneros who shed their blood that this country may live in freedom and that future generations should also enjoy the blessings of abundance, progress and peace," Loren declared.