05/08/2026
STATEMENT AND UPDATE
To address those who have reached out asking for an update regarding the unauthorized use of my family's materials, including the photo capturing President Ramon Magsaysay with my grandparents in Basag, which was taken directly from the Tivi, Tiui, Tiwi page and published in the LGU-commissioned book TIWI: Molding the Pots of Prosperity from the Springs of History.
Here is the exact scenario and its sheer absurdity: a private family photograph from my personal archive was scraped from my page and printed in an official book without my permission, consent, or attribution. Yet, that very same book explicitly claims "All rights reserved" and states that no part may be reproduced without written permission from the Municipality of Tiwi and the author. Consider the irony: under their own copyright blurb, if I now wanted to repost or publish this photograph, a piece of my own family history taken from me without consent, I would technically need their written authorization to use my own property. It is deeply hypocritical for a publication to strictly enforce ownership over its contents while completely disregarding the basic rights of the families whose heirlooms it appropriated. Respect for intellectual property must work both ways, and public institutions and established authors must hold themselves to the exact same standards they demand from the public.
For transparency, I have officially notified LGU Tiwi via email to Mayor Jojo Climaco, Vice Mayor Jaime "Ami" Villanueva - Office of the Vice Mayor - Tiwi, and the LGU Tiwi - Tourism Office through Mr. John Albert Fabrero to seek official rectification. Author Danilo Madrid Gerona (Danny Gerona) and his daughter Karen have also reached out directly, and I have clearly communicated my position to them. While initial responses involved passing the buck—attributing the issue to previous project teams or former staff—this is an issue of institutional responsibility that the current leadership and publisher must own, not just a legal obligation, but because it is simply the right thing to do.
I have extended a fair amount of leeway and set a firm deadline for both the LGU and Dr. Gerona to present a tangible and proper resolution. While I remain open to settling this constructively, should the deadline pass without a fair outcome, all options will be explored, and appropriate next steps will be taken accordingly.
This will be my final public post on this matter until a formal resolution is reached or the deadline lapses. Thank you to everyone who has voiced concern and support for safeguarding our local history and archival rights.
