FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA ADVISORY: July 1 concert-rally vs poverty in the Philippines

Members of the media are invited to attend the concert-rally dubbed "People's Summit: Alternative to G8 Summit" on July 1 on Ayala Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas at the heart of the business district, Makati City. Some 12,000 people are expected to march.

Makati, Philippines 30/06/2005

The event will be the highlight of the first part of the White Band Campaign against poverty by GCAP-Philippines. The other White Band Days are on September 10 and December 10. It will be preceeded by a march to the venue with a white-cloth dance, together with the playing of indigenous instruments. An ecumenical prayer by a Muslim Imam, Protestant Bishop and a Catholic priest will follow. Among the speakers are former National Treasurer Leonor Briones, the convenor of Social Watch-Philippines (on poverty and MDG); Fr. Ben Moraleda (on debt); Ed Mora (on trade); urban poor leader Edwin Nacpil (on poverty), and others from citizens' groups. The program will be interspersed with songs by local artists and celebrities like Noel Cabangon, Paolo Santos (invited), Jess Santiago (invited), Lolita Carbon and Asin and Becky Abraham, and a skit by UP Repertory. There will also be poetry reading by a noted feminist poet from the State University. White cloths will be tied to tree trunks and white balloons will be released to signify the White Band Campaign. Similar rallies, other mass actions and the Live 8 concerts will be held worldwide on July 1 to press the G8 leaders to help end poverty through just trade, debt cancellation and increase in the quality and quantity of aid. In the Philippines, the issue of good governance is also being raised. Referense person: Marivic Raquiza GCAP-Philippines coordinator (632) 920-8949, (632) 924-35-17 and 0918-9136619

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