September 20, 2011

Good News: 32 entries vie for The Liberal Project

The jury to decide on this year’s The Liberal Project convened for the first time on 19 September 2011 and reviewed the 32 entries submitted by legislative offices, local government units and the civil society.

Dr. Edna Co, Dean of the National College of Public Administration and Governance of the University of the Philippines (UP NCPAG); Miriam Grace Go, fellow at Newsbreak; and Lito Arlegue, Executive Director of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) compose the jury. They acknowledge the diversity of the nominated projects – bills, government initiatives, LGU undertakings, NGO work, and even consultative processes, nevertheless, the jury has agreed on a criterion to rate the various entries. “The principles that the projects adhere to shall be their defining element,” said Co who is the chair of the jury. Online voting will also be open beginning 01 October 2011.

The Liberal Project was launched to acknowledge initiatives that help create more freedom in the society. The nominated endeavors are expected to promote the liberal values of participatory democracy, good governance, human rights, rule of law, free trade, property rights, and transparency and accountability. They are existing initiatives that Go, an investigative journalist, branded as “good news.”

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) that spearheads the program is delighted about the initial outcome of the activity. “Being a liberal is more than being a card holder of the party, but to exemplify liberal principles as embodied by the nominated projects,” expressed Jules Maaten, FNF Philippines Country Director.

The presentation of The Liberal Project will be on 27 October 2011 that coincides with the Freedom Speech with President Aquino as the invited speaker.