Mindanao IPs, Bangsamoros reaffirm kinship through ritual

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2 pulis na biktima umano ng pagmamalupit ng kapwa-pulis, bumalik na sa training | Video

2 pulis na biktima umano ng pagmamalupit ng kapwa-pulis, bumalik na sa training | Video

New Central Luzon Infantry Brigade assumes post

CALAANAN, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, March 8, 2012-The new top official of the 702^nd (Defender) Brigade, 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division (7ID), Philippine Army assumed his post last Monday replacing Col Felicito Virgilio M Trinidad Jr. who is transferring to the Army’s 1^st Infantry Division (1ID) in Western Mindanao as 1^st ID’s Assistant Division Commander.

Col Henry Sabarre, new brigade chief is now leading the unified armed forces command whose jurisdiction covers the Aurora, Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan.

Sabarre is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983.

“As I therefore take on the responsibility as Acting Commander of 702nd Infantry Brigade, I pledge myself to lead the troops of this brigade towards the furtherance of our campaign plan IPSP ‘Bayanihan’,” said Sabarre in his assumption speech, explaining he already chartered significant stride and considerable accomplishments under Col Trinidad.

“On Internal Security Operations (ISO), we have significantly reduced the remnants of various threat groups in our area of responsibility. Through our shared determination, hard work and team spirit, this brigade saw the successful handover of the Internal Security Operations responsibility of the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Aurora and Pangasinan to the local government units,” said Sabarre.

Under Col Trinidad, 702 Bde saw the much improved peace and security situation in 2010 which was highlighted by the declaration of an Insurgency-free Aurora Province on February 2010 and the Provinces of Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan on June 2010 and July 2010, respectively.

Bgen Alan R. Luga, Commander 7ID said that the clearing of the provinces in Central Luzon from insurgency can be credited by the help of local chief executives so that development can continue to come in.

In his speech during the turn over ceremonies, Trinidad said, “the big credit to this success should be given to the Local Chief Executives – our Provincial Governors, our Municipal Mayors and our Brgy Chairmen-for their leadership and good governance. Without their support and cooperation, we could have not been successful in our Bayanihan Programs.”

702nd (NOT 703) Brigade was where LtGen. Anthony Alcantara, now the Northern Luzon Commander and LtGen General Emmanuel Bautista, now the Commanding General of the Philippine Army had their stint as Brigade Commanders. (Jason de Asis)

BP: Binatilyo sa Aurora, patay nang masagasaan ng truck nang mahulog ...

Poetry group to launch poetry anthology on Luisita

MANILA, March 7, 2012—The progressive poetry group, Kilometer (KM) 64 will launch a book about the struggles of farmworkers of the disputed Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac, which is owned by the family of the current president of the Republic.

Titled “Ang Mga Panahon sa Hacienda Luisita” (Seasons in Hacienda Luisita), the book is a compilation of poems that deal with the aches and pains of the farmworkers’ struggle as laborers in the hacienda of the Cojuangco family for more than 50 years.

Rustum Gil Casia, poet and social activist and founder of KM 64 in a statement said the book will be softly launched on the eve of the group’s 9th founding anniversary, which will be commemorated by poetry and music, at the Conspiracy Garden and Café in Visayas Avenue in Quezon City.

KM64, for nine years, had been a staunch critic of the status quo, and had been known for its militant stance on people’s issues. Often called as “young rebels” of Philippine poetry, it has released so far 13 chap books (small books), a book and a series of pamphlets about the pressing issue on a particular time.

After the onslaught of typhoon Sendong last year, KM64 had organized a poetry-for-a-cause project to raise funds for the typhoon victims and survivors.

Among its members are poet, journalist and social critic Alexander Martin C. Remollino, a UST student leader during the ‘90s, from 2003 until the time of his death on September 3, 2010, E. San Juan Jr. (honorary member), Gelacio Guillermo, Kristoffer Berse and Catholic youth lay leader, Pia Montalban, among others.

It also boasts of having a huge following abroad, such as in the US, the Netherlands, and has chapters in Quezon province, in Tarlac, and in various colleges and universities in Metropolitan Manila. [Noel Sales Barcelona/CBCPNews]

Don’t ‘freeze’ plunder case vs GMA, Ombudsman told

MANILA, March 6, 2012—The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) urged the Ombudsman not to allow the plunder case against former president and currently Pampanga (2nd District) Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, get “frozen”.

In a statement, Pamalakaya national chair Fernando “Ka Pando” Hicap said, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales should make Arroyo and her former Agriculture Secretary, now Bohol Rep. Arthur Yap, accountable for the overpriced ice-making machines, amounting to P455 million (US$10,584,960.61).

“How long it would take Ombudswoman Carpio-Morales for her to officially act on a case which is waiting a politically and legally correct closure? She has enough powers under her disposal and she was given enough time to put an end [to] this truth and justice seeking undertaking, but still nothing substantial has been done,” Hicap said.

On December 7, 2011, Hicap and Pamalakaya vice chair Salvador France wrote a letter to the Office of the Ombudsman urging the former Supreme Court justice to speed up the investigation of the Arroyo-Yap case.

The alleged overpriced ice-making machines were purchased in 2009, for P2.3 million ($58,089.41) per unit. However, the bidding process is said to be “rigged”, that the Integrated Refrigeration System and Services (IRSS) had obtained the bid, illegally.

“The bidding process for the contract was allegedly rigged in favor of IRSS. The government at that time also promised the delivery of the 98 ice-making machines would be completed by June 2010. As far as we are concerned, we were only able to monitor 1 ice making machine unit which was placed in the district of Secretary Proceso Alcala in Sampaloc Village 2 in Sariaya, Quezon,” a portion of the letter of Pamalakaya, to the Ombudsman, read.

Pamalakaya also revealed that the IRSS had only become a duly registered company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a day before the bidding happened—that was on August 25, 2009.

Pamalakaya had charged Arroyo and Yap due to their alleged violation of Republic Act 9184. [Noel Sales Barcelona/CBCPNews]

2 baguhang pulis, biktima ng hazing sa Aurora | Video

2 baguhang pulis, biktima ng hazing sa Aurora | Video

RH bill will only burden, not help Filipinos—anti-RH

MANILA, March 4, 2012—Proponents of the reproductive health (RH) bill base the controversial piece of legislation on wrong premises that tend to burden — not genuinely aid — Filipinos, according to those who reject the measure.

One of the basic ideas that have come up in Congress debates and in news reports is the “unmet need for contraception,” which bill sponsors and supporters have claimed exists and which would justify the RH bill being made a top priority.

“‘Unmet needs’ should apply to basic deprivation and not to contraception. Unmet needs for decent shelter, food, education. Unmet need for protection against floods. Unmet need for decent jobs, justice, equal protection, real basic health care, and so on,” Willy Jose, a Human Resources manager, pointed out.

Jose explained that rather than taxpayers’ money going into the delivery of such basic services which Filipinos are in dire need of, billions of pesos would be poured into financing bedroom-related activities and their consequences.

Safe? Satisfying? Selfish?

“In effect, they want taxpayers to subsidize the irresponsible satisfaction of uncontrolled sexual urges. Certainly that is not the duty of the State, but they want us to believe otherwise.

“The right to a ‘safe and satisfying sex life’ is an invention of the UNFPA, which carries with it an implicit right to have ‘access’ to contraceptives. The RH bill authors lapped it up,” he continued. “For them, access means not only allowing but advocating and subsidizing these by force of law. This right is fictitious. For if it really were a ‘human right’ to be given contraceptives or contraceptive sterilization, it would follow that anyone who refused to provide them would be guilty of a human rights violation. There is no principled basis for this, as ‘authentic’ human rights claim no exception.”

“Selfish” has been the description given by some uninformed RH advocates to the refusal to shoulder expenses – by way of taxes – for other people’s use of contraceptives, for the distribution of such birth control supplies, and for programs that work to instruct even the youth on how to achieve a “safe and satisfying sex life.” Would this conviction be selfish?

“Hindi siya selfish kasi sa iyo morally wrong siya, eh ba’t ka magbibigay? Paano kung may poor na gambling addict na lumapit sa ’yo tapos humihingi ng pera – kung hindi mo ba bigyan madamot ka na?” (It’s not selfish because it’s about something that’s morally wrong, so why give your money (to pay for it)? What if a poor person who’s a gambling addict approaches you and asks for money – if you don’t give him money, does that make you selfish?)” said writer Nicole Bautista.

Being forced on the people

“I believe contraception is a moral evil. And since I’ve chosen no to contraception, I should not have to be forced to pay for it by way of taxes. The point is this – I’m being forced to pay for it. No one should have to be forced to pay for something one finds morally repugnant,” Jonjon Villaruel, a graduate student, pointed out.

“Furthermore, it is not true that people are not going to be forced to use contraceptives. It says right there in the bill – the contraceptive mentality will be included first in the education of children via sex education modules that, again, are morally objectionable and unconstitutional as well.”

Among the most staunchly rejected portion of the legislative measure – especially by parents, child development specialists and family advocates – is the comprehensive sex education program being imposed on all public and private schools, starting from Grade 5.

The six-year program – which does not consist of one subject but is to be integrated in six subjects including social studies and even math – is not mandatory, insist House Bill 4244 proponents and its uninformed supporters, owing to amendments they say have been made.

What many still fail to realize is that expressing an intention to make amendments and actually making such amendments (which incidentally can be done only during the period of amendments based on parliamentary procedures) are two different things. Since the House of Representatives is still in the period of interpellation as far as the RH bill is concerned, the version that includes mandatory sex education is the one that stands.

Warping the youth’s values via a 6-year program

“We all could use help in educating children but this is not mere biology or physiology. Sexual education is an endeavor reserved for those who have a personal relationship with children because it is a subject matter that deserves utmost prudence and knowledge about the maturity level of the children being educated. And who else knows their children better than their parents?” dentist Dicky Boncan stressed.

“With regard to the issue of maturity, my problem with school-based sex-ed is this: Boys and girls have different psychological maturity stages even if they are biologically the same age. How is one to deal with co-ed schools?” he continued.

Empower (not burden) the parents

“Other variables which cannot be addressed in this system are differences in parental arrangements at home, and teacher lifestyle/orientation bias. Most of the arguments I hear that favor sex ed in school is that many parents don’t know how to go about it. Well then, tap the schools to provide parent education classes on sex ed,” Boncan suggested.

“This will have two effects: One, it will allow parents to choose, based on their knowledge of their children, how to address their children’s needs, and second, it will create an atmosphere of parental involvement in the home.”

Sandra Villamor, M.D. is skeptical about the effectiveness of State-mandated sex education as a solution to the problems that the RH bill supposedly addresses. Most crucial in this equation, after all, are the children and their well-being, whom the State cannot deal with, with a view to individual personal formation.

“Tell me, when the government teaches my children sex education, do they have my children’s values formation in mind, or the country’s economy and population? The burden is not my children, but the huge government taxes and rising cost of living,” the physician said.

“The government can help me raise my children by cutting back on taxes so we can bring home a bigger paycheck, not by increasing our taxes to accommodate the RH bill.”

The ‘RH = development’ delusion

Regardless of values formation and issues of choice (or the lack thereof), the RH bill, some pro-free birth control Filipinos say, ought to be passed immediately because numerous Western and developed nations have their own RH laws already. Essentially, they see the Philippines as lagging behind, RH legislation as jumpstarting the country’s advancement, and thereby vital in catching up with the rest of the world.

“I guess if ‘advancing’ means being open to pole dancing kits for kids, Plan B vending machines in the school campus, and tax money going to abortion mills, then I guess we really are behind. But honestly, I don’t want that kind of advancement because I don’t want to live in a country that insists I have to use a condom to be called responsible. Last time I checked, responsibility builds character,” Bautista stated.

“Distributing contraceptives and making them available to just anybody, regardless of age and status, is counter-productive. We have countries that have adapted this method, such as the United States, to prove that. They have provided free contraceptives and medical care to the youth, and this has just encouraged promiscuity and as a result, countless ‘unwanted,’ out-of-marriage and teenage pregnancies occur,” observed photographer Karen Ilagan.

“Abortion clinics generate millions of dollars each year,” she added. “People have now become so desensitized and are now killing their unborn children just because they are found to have birth defects or just because there is a big chance that they might be born with defects. Is this the future we want for the Philippines?” (CBCP for Life)

NYC calls for transparency in tuition fees

MANILA, March 3, 2012— The National Youth Commission (NYC) is calling the attention of schools, colleges and university for transparency and full disclosure in all tuition and other school fees being charged for the next school year.

NYC Chairman Usec. Leon Flores III made the call on the reports that some schools are applying for tuition fee increases for the coming school year with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Flores said that the process of increasing tuition fees requires proper consultation first before imposing it.

He encouraged students to use their rights to join in discussions regarding tuition fee increase in their respective schools, colleges or universities.

The call was made citing CHED Memorandum Order No. 03 series of 2012 which is “Enhance policies, guidelines and procedures governing increases in tuition, and other school fees, Introduction of new fees, and for other purposes”. It is also indicated in the CMO that the enforcement of the memorandum shall be on AY 2013 – 2014.

Flores urged students to remain vigilant in monitoring tuition fee increases and other dubious fees implemented by their respective schools.

“We don’t want to go over with what happened last year when dubious fees arises in order to gain kick backs from students,” Flores said. (Jandel Posion)

Boac holds children’s congress to mark ‘Year of Mission’

BOAC, Marinduque, March 2, 2012—As part of the celebration of the ‘Year of Mission’, the Diocese of Boac held a congress of the Holy Childhood Association or the Sancta Infantia—one of the four associations under the Pontifical Mission Societies— last February 25 at the San Isidro Labrador Parish in Mogpog, Marinduque.

More than 700 children from the different schools in the diocese attended the 5th Children’s Congress focusing on the Mission year theme, “Remembering our History, Proclaiming Jesus’ story, Celebrating our faith”.

Fr. Ian Retardo, Mission Director of Boac, said the event aimed to encourage children to join and support the mission activity.

Retardo also said that during the congress, participants have been made aware that they have a role to fulfill for the mission year.

“As children, their simple gestures like offering prayers for the year of mission, material help and sacrifices in helping their fellow children is a valuable help [in] celebrating [meaningfully] the year of the mission,” Retardo explained.

Retardo furthered that the children can apply what they learned during the congress to become role model to their fellow children— by being prayerful, by going to Church, by reading the bible and by sharing their experiences and learnings from the said event.

Anthony Dameg, a PMS staff, gave an insight in the spirituality of the Holy Childhood Association during the morning session.

The afternoon activities include a bible hunt, paper rose origami and praying for missionaries around the world.

Boac Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista presided over the Holy Mass that ended the congress.

In his homily, the bishop emphasized the importance of children growing up active in helping the mission of the Church.

The Society of the Holy Childhood fosters mission awareness and commitment of children through its “children-helping-children” initiatives. (Jandel Posion)

Cebu launches local logo of Calungsod’s canonization

CEBU City, March 1, 2012— Following the declaration from the Vatican of the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod, the Archdiocese of Cebu has launched the local logo for his canonization slated on October 21 this year.

Centering on the theme: “Kinabuhing Gi-ula, Pagtuong Gimantala (Life that is Offered, Faith that is Proclaimed)”, the local logo, consisting of five basic elements was designed following the rules of uniqueness, timelessness, adaptability, scalability and simplicity.

Organizers emphasized that some other elements were inserted in the design such as the title of the event done in red color, converted image of Blessed Pedro, ten green leaves of the palm of martyrdom, islands of Guam and Cebu inserted in the palm, the Cross in red color at the tip of the palm and the year 1672 and 2012.

“In terms of the elements used, we chose the color red for prominence and visibility, the converted image of Blessed Pedro as a timeless image and contemporary comic art form, the ten green leaves on the other hand signifies the ten themes in the life of the blessed, the islands of Guam and Cebu as the place of his origin and martyrdom and the year 1672 and 2012 as the year of his martyrdom and canonization,” explained the organizers.

The local celebration of his canonization will take place in Cebu City in November.

Calungsod, a Filipino lay catechist and martyr (1654-1672) was among the blesseds and venerable from whose intercessions miracles were attributed and approved by the Vatican.

Authorized miracle of Blessed Pedro Calungsod reportedly happened in 2003 at a hospital in Cebu City when a woman who was clinically pronounced dead for two hours was brought back to life through the intercession of Calungsod.

Calungsod, together with companion Blessed Diego San Vitores, were killed while doing missionary work in Guam in 1672. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000.

After his canonization, Calungsod will be the second Filipino Catholic saint after Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, who was elevated to sainthood in 1987. (Jandel Posion)

Iloilo welcomes St. Clare of Assisi’s relic

JARO, Iloilo City, Feb. 29, 2012—The Archdiocese of Jaro is ready to welcome the relic of St. Clare of Assisi.

In a recent circular Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo requested the clergy, religious men and women to announce to the rest of the faithful the details of the visit of the relic of St. Clare of Assisi.

“We welcome this visit as a blessing in our Lenten journey, an opportunity for us to reflect on the life and virtues of St. Clare,” Archbishop Lagdameo said.

The said Relic is scheduled to arrive in the new Iloilo Airport on March 3, 2012, at 1:30 p.m., and will be brought by motorcade to the Jaro Carmel in Iloilo City.

At 2 p.m. Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo will celebrate the Holy Eucharist to welcome the Relic of St. Clare.

St. Clare’s relic will be enshrined at the Jaro Carmel chapel in the whole duration of its visit in Iloilo.

It will be available for public veneration from 3:30 until 10 p.m. on the first day of the visit.

Vespers will be prayed at 5:30 together with the Carmelite Community. The veneration of the Relic will resume at 6:30 p.m. while the sacrament of Reconciliation, prayers, and presentations are held.

On Sunday, March 4, the Jaro Carmel Chapel will be opened at 5:30 a.m. Lauds with the Carmelite Sisters will be prayed at 5:45 a.m. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided by Archbishop Lagdameo, will follow at 6:30 a.m.

After the Holy Mass the Relic will be sent off to Antique. (Fr. Mickey Cardenas)

Contractual labor to blame on sudden rise of unemployment in PH

ANTIPOLO City, Feb. 26, 2012—Anakpawis Partylist blamed contractual labor on the sudden rise of unemployment in the Philippines, as shown by the latest survey of the private statistics firm, Social Weather Stations.

Anakpawis executive president Joel B. Maglungsod in a statement said that the 24 percent unemployment rate is but a proof of the failed labor policies being implemented by the Benigno C. Aquino III administration, which includes contractual labor.

The SWS survey states that 10 percent of the labor force lost jobs in 2011 due to retrenchments, seven percent of which were due to unrenewed contract. Victims of company closure and termination represent the two and one percent of the unemployed in 2011, respectively, the SWS survey said.

“The government’s policy of labor contractualization deprives our workers their right to security of tenure making them vulnerable to such retrenchments and lay-offs. Contractual or casual workers, who already comprise majority of our workforce, are always in fear of losing their jobs anytime, whether they finish their contract or not,” the former solon said.

On the other hand, Anakpawis pushes for the legislation of House Bill No. 5110 or the Regular Employment Act that will prevent contractual labor in the country. The said bill is still pending in the House of Representatives. [Noel Sales Barcelona/CBCPNews]

PH fosters healthy family culture—priest

BACOLOD City, Feb. 25, 2012— Despite being threatened by issues affecting the family across the globe, the Philippines can export to the world a healthier culture of the family, according to a speaker in the recent National Conference conducted by the John Paul II National Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family.

Fr. Jose Granados, Vice President for the Central Session of Pontificio Instituto Giovanni Paolo II Per Studi Su Matrimonio E Famiglia in Rome, noted that in the Philippines marriage is much “more stable and its existence is covered by the laws,” which makes Filipinos look upon the family as a resource, not as a problem.

In his keynote address during the conference, Granados affirmed that in the perspective of Blessed John Paul II, the issue of marriage and the family is the crucial point for the new evangelization of society.

Touching on the prevalence of secularism, Granados mentioned that many people no longer believe in God, resulting in the superficiality of the present generation’s attempt to build a society without setting the foundations on a “common search for common roots and essence of human life.”

He cited that one of the greatest problems of our age is that many people have stopped believing in love and its capacity to regenerate the human being and transform society. Furthermore, he mentioned that “care for human love is at the center of the Church’s concern.”

The five-day conference opened with a Mass on February 13 at the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod led by Apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto.

In his homily, the nuncio lauded the effort of the diocese in hosting the national conference, describing it as “a concrete testament to the unrelenting commitment of the Catholic Church in the Philippines to uphold the truths regarding family and life.”

Pinto also said that “during these days, let Bacolod be the ‘Nazareth of the Philippines,’ in order to live a page of the Gospel in our families and in the family of the Church.”

Hosting the national conference initiated by the John Paul II National Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, is only one among the many projects the diocese is involved in its effort to preserve the sanctity of life and the family.

In the fight against the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, the diocese launched last year a massive Caravan for Life which traversed the whole island of Negros.

The diocese has also an ongoing awareness campaigns and the establishment of natural family planning (NFP) centers in the diocese.

The National Conference was attended by some 175 participants – Directors and Executive Officers of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life (ECFL) as well as members of the Clergy, Graduate students and professors. For this year, the theme was Blessed John Paul II’s Nuptial Theology: A Call to Family Ministry, Agenda for Humanity.

Gracing the Conference were Bacolod Bishop Vicente M. Navarra, D.D., ECFL Chairman and Antipolo Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, D.D., Bishop Camilo D. Gregorio, D.D. of the Prelature of Batanes, Bishop Juan De Dios Pueblos D.D., and ECFL Executive Secretary Fr. Melvin Castro.

In another development, the Bacolod City Council passed a resolution declaring February 13-20, 2012 as “Blessed John Paul II Week” as part of the 31st Anniversary of Blessed John Paul II’s 1981 visit to Negros. The resolution also recognized the numerous historic landmarks; notable among these is the John Paul II Tower in Reclamation Area that celebrated the Pope’s historic visit to Negros. (Fr. Deogracias Aurelio V. Camon)

Lay community marks 25th jubilee of foundation

ZAMBOANGA City, Feb. 23, 2012—A community of lay consecrated women known as the Emmaus Dialogue Community (EDC) has celebrated its 25th years of foundation last February 8.

Founded in 1987 as a Catholic lay private association of women, the members dedicate their lives for the mission of dialogue and peace between Christians and Muslims.

The community was officially given recognition as a lay association by the Archdiocese of Zamboanga in 1996.

As it expressed gratitude for its 25th anniversary celebration, the community also conveyed its appreciation to the prelates of Zamboanga—the late Archbishop Francisco Cruses, Archbishop Carmelo DF Morelos and Archbishop Romulo Valles—who had encouraged and supported the EDC’s vocation and mission.

The EDC has the Beatitudes as their Rule of life, taking inspiration from the Biblical story of the two disciples who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus.

Sharing the EDC’s charism and mission is another group of single and married lay men and women called Emmaus Circle.

This group of lay people live with their respective families but commit themselves to follow the spirit and mission of the Emmaus Dialogue Community.

As part of the Emmaus family, the Emmaus Dialogue Community and Emmaus Circle witness through their life the providential presence of God.

As committed lay people they witness to a life lived with love and compassion, and to the love of God and the love of neighbour guided by the beatitudes of Jesus. (CBCPNews)

1st artists’ village in the Southeast Asia inaugurated in Baler

BALER, Aurora, February 22, 2012–The 1^st artists village in the Philippines and Southeast Asia was inaugurated Monday here to generate local and international talented artists who are expected to trigger arts revolution in the country.

Senator Edgardo J. Angara, a known arts patron, led the opening of the artists village at the Dicasalarin beach resort in Barangay Zabali together with officials of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of Dr. Juan C. Angara Foundation.

Jun Yee, international installation artist and the BOT member told newsmen that the artist village is a pet project of the Senator - a private-driven institution that will help revolutionize culture and the arts in the country.

“The artist village is intended to serve as the private counterpart of the Cultural Center the Philippines (CCP) which will provide a venue for seminars, workshops and lecture series on various art disciplines such as music, theaters, literature, dance, visual arts among others,” Yee said.

“Our vision is to invite artists from Asia and the Asia-Pacific where they can showcase their arts skills and impart their knowledge to our local artists so that they can hone their home-grown talents by enrolling in our programs,” he said.

Yee was earlier asked by Angara to draw up the conceptual framework for the artists village. He said the project is a living testament to the passion shown by the senator for culture and the arts.

“In the history of the Philippine Senate, it is undeniable that it is only Senator Angara who contributed so much in the promotion of arts and culture in the country, with his landmark legislations that paved the way for the creation of the CCP, the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), National Historical Institute (now National Historical Commission of the Philippines), National Museum and the Gawad ng Manlilikha among others,” he said.  

Yee said that the project will accommodate a facility, called “longhouse,” for a lecture series and a clubhouse for social gatherings among artists. He said a second facility that will rise in the village involves workshop building for stone works, sculpture and experimental works of artists in the various arts disciplines.

The third facility involves construction of six cottages which can accommodate four artists each, where they may design their works of art using indigenous materials from the province.

Yee said the artists village will hold art festivals and painting exhibitions to enhance interaction among artists not only here but also abroad in coordination with the CCP.

The opening of the artists village was graced by national artists for literature Sionil Jose and Virgilio Almario and national artist for visual arts Benedicto Cabrera.

The establishment of an artists village in this capital town followed the earlier creation of an Aurora Arts Council which is also coordinating with various government agencies for arts-related events and activities in the province, an emerging hub for history, culture and the arts.

Senator Angara said that the artists village embraces artists from the widest sweep of creative discipline such as painters, architects, interior designers, landscape architect, dancers, musicians, poets, and writers then eventually expand into the fields of film photography, food, fashion, furniture and even cyber media of the internet and mobile technology.

“We are fortunate to have friends from the diplomatic corps, Mexican Ambassador Tomas Calvillo Unna and Argentinean Ambassador Joaquin Daniel Otero, with us for its inauguration. Three outstanding National Artists were our special guests: National Artists for Literature F. Sionil Jose and Virgilio Almario, and National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera,” Angara said.

Angara believes that this laboratory for artistic development is the first kind in the country and the whole Southeast Asia.

Around it will soon be built Artists Cottages, dwellings that will be designed by Junyee, Norman Tiotuico, Aquilizan and architect Jose Danilo Silvestre. The Artists Village also features an open-air amphitheater, sculpture garden and workshop, and an outdoor stone circle for poetry readings and the like inspired by the indigenous dap-ay.

The village also has special environmental sustainability features like rainwater collection, wastewater management, renewable sources of power and energy-efficient lighting system. (Jason de Asis)

GENEROSITY IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

BALER, Aurora, February 21, 2012-It is easy to fall in love with President Aquino not so much with his good looks for which he moderately possesses some. He is no Piolo Pascual who can send one Auroran lady swoon or shriek at his sight. Nor a John Lloyd Cruz who can send another girl’s heart flutters. What makes him ooze with sex appeal (in all sincerity) is his innate wisdom, his grasp of issues, his keen eye for details, his sharp, logical reasoning and his discernment of a class act when he sees one.

One cannot help but admire Mr. Aquino for lauding the Japanese government for donating the world-class Aurora Memorial Hospital even when Japan was being buffeted left and right with calamities. P-Noy hit the nail right on the head when he mentioned that it is easy for someone to give assistance to less fortunate people if he has a lot of moolah to spare. This is not to disparage the likes of Bill Gates and other high-profile philanthropists who have made a career of donating their own money for charity and for the betterment of the lot of others. But for one to donate quite a sizeable amount of resources to others when he himself is in dire need of such resources is a class act in itself, something which deserves the highest form of commendation that can be given.

Governor Angara-Castillo also said it is the ultimate tribute of Japan and JICA that they poured over P500 million in their own money to finance the hospital construction when the Japanese government could have opted to cancel the donation or defer its release, particularly since its own people need every single yen they could get for rehabilitation because of the massive earthquake and tsunami that swept through its shores. The effects of the twin calamities were no joke and one could see the trail of destruction it left in its wake in footages shown on television. The Japanese government had the option to pull out its aid to Aurora and Aurorans would readily understand. But the Japanese proceeded with the aid, as if telling Aurorans “we are true to our word and the show must go on.”

It’s like this: Japan is like a family member who has seen his sisters and brothers simultaneously drowning along with Aurora which is not even his next of kin. The natural reaction is to save your own household first. For after all, charity begins at home. Japan did not and in a rare display of goodwill to others, he saved a drowning Aurora at the expense of his own relatives. It went on with the aid for the benefit of Aurora at large.  

To say that such gesture is laudable and admirable is a gross understatement. We say it is the highest act of selflessness on the part of Japan. Never mind that several decades back, its soldiers earned notoriety for its war atrocities. But this is now all water under the bridge and this is dwelling on the past.

That singular act of generosity will ultimately bring blessings to this not-so-Christian nation.

To this we say “domo arigato.” (Jason de Asis)         

‘IBA NA ANG MAY PINAGSAMAHAN’

BALER, Aurora, February 20, 2012-Before President Aquino went to Aurora this week for his much-publicized visit, questions linger in the minds of Aurorans whether he would indeed push through with his whistle stop in this known Erap country. Afterall, his partymates in the Liberal Party in the province belong to the opposite camp of the Angaras notably Vice Gov. Gerry Noveras who is the provincial chairman and former governor Eddie Ong whose son, Macky works in Malacanang.

There have been doubts that the President will ever touch down in the province and we have it from good authority that he has reservations because of the province’s relative remoteness and isolation, not to mention the fact that the population is not so encouraging for a presidential visit of a known champion of the masses.

But the President showed his statesmanship when he came over and joined the Angaras in the celebration of the 33^rd foundation anniversary of the province and the 124^th birth anniversary of Dona Aurora Aragon-Quezon.

It turned out that President Aquino holds the Angaras in high esteem. Senator Ed Angara, for one, was a former colleague in the Senate who showed him the ropes in the Upper Chamber given the latter’s track record as a veteran legislator wise in the ways of legislation.

Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo is also a former colleague in the House of Representatives who has distinguished herself during her nine-year stint in the Lower Chamber, a fact not unknown to the Chief Executive.

And Congressman Sonny Angara was likewise a colleague who fondly recalled how the congressman-turned-senator-turned-President has endeared himself to House employees with his mass appeal, even befriending utility workers and janitors while puffing cigarettes just outside the hallowed halls of the House.

President Noy surprised Aurorans by visiting Aurora and even unraveled a much bigger surprise when he extolled the Angaras. Some might argue that the President must have been “inspired” no end by the stellar roles being essayed by the father-and-son tandem of Senator ed and Cong Sonny who are there as juror and prosecution team spokesperson, respectively in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona.

This is particularly evident on how he expressed confidence that Senator Angara is neutral in the trial while Cong Sonny has been dishing out a visibly impressive performance as a mouthpiece of the prosecution.

Given the connections established by the Angaras, it is needless to mention that the goodwill and rapport they forged with political leaders even from rival camps is paying off handsome dividends for the province and for its people.

Kahit papano, iba na rin ang may pinagsamahan. The Angaras have mastered pakikisama as an art and turned it as a potent tool to bring manna from heaven for the people of Aurora. It is something to be thankful for and for which we salute them. (Jason de Asis)          

P-NOY, JAPANESE ENVOY INAUGURATE ‘WORLD-CLASS’ AURORA HOSPITAL

BALER, Aurora, February 19, 2012-President Aquino shakes hands with Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe as they led the inauguration of the P594-million modern Aurora Memorial Hospital (AMH) during ceremonies in Reserva, Baler, Aurora. Also in photo are Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Aurora Representative Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Aurora Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona and local political and health officials and staff of the AMH. (Jason de Asis) 

Young Filipinos told to prepare for World Youth Day 2013

MANILA, Feb. 18, 2012—The CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) urged young Filipinos interested to attend next year’s World Youth Day (WYD) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to start their preparations, especially after organizers have recently unveiled the official event logo.

WYD 2013 organizers in Rio de Janeiro unveiled last week the official logo for the next international gathering of young Catholics slated from July 23 to 28, 2013 in Brazil.

The official WYD 2013 logo, designed by 25-year-old Brazilian Gustavo Huguenin, featured Brazil’s national colors of green, blue and yellow and elements that form a heart, arranged around Christ's image, inspired by the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue.

ECY executive secretary Fr. Conegundo Garganta said the unveiling of the WYD 2013 logo signals the start of the pilgrim’s preparation for the event.

“Although the event is more than a year away, pilgrims have to start making physical, mental, spiritual and financial preparations this early,” he said.

The official added that pilgrims, especially those without prior WYD experience, should get ready to adapt on the WYD’s realities of long walks, loaded-schedules, and climate variations, among others.

“They have to study and prepare for the rigors of daily requirements. They have to be physically and mentally ready for those,” he added, citing common complaints of past WYD pilgrims.

Garganta admitted that there are still no requirements set yet for applications to be pilgrims for the WYD, adding that no communication has been made yet between the ECY and the WYD 2013 organizers in Brazil. (YouthPinoy)