Celebrate Christmas simply in solidarity with typhoon victims, public urged

MANILA, December 24, 2011— An environmental watchdog has urged the public to celebrate Christmas simply but meaningfully, in solidarity with the victims of flash floods in Northern Mindanao.

The EcoWaste Coalition called on the people to avoid crass consumerism in celebrating Christmas and instead donate generously to disaster relief and rehabilitation programs initiated by various sectors to help affected communities, especially in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

Coalition president Roy Alvarez said that by keeping the celebrations simple, “we avoid falling prey to obtuse consumerism that has veiled the genuine meaning of Christmas and literally wrapped our surroundings with trash.”

“We invite the faithful to celebrate the joyful season in a way that is closer to the simplicity of the first Christmas and to find inner happiness in looking after our fellow human beings and the environment,” he said.

The group also appealed to both public and private sectors to cancel firework shows on Christmas and the New Year and channel the funds instead to help rebuild the lives and homes of typhoon victims.

A simple celebration of Christmas would cut down unnecessary expenses and wastes, as “unrestrained celebrations eat up huge amounts of raw materials and energy, and generate voluminous wastes and pollutants, including greenhouse gases that cause the planet to heat up,” the group pointed out.

The group said “discarded plastic bags, disposable containers, packaging materials and party leftovers from Christmas bazaars and parties usually end up in marginalized communities where these are either buried or burned, posing health and environmental hazards to residents.”

“We therefore urge the public to be environmentally responsible and remember the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) as Christmas is observed,” the environmental watchdog said. (CBCPNews)

Christmas Message Of Senator Loren Legarda

Peace of mind amid the turmoil, true and genuine happiness, blessings for the body and soul, a sustainable future for all. That is my wish for you this Christmas and always. Thank you for being a part of my blessed Christmas.

A Time to Grieve, A Time to Build

Christmas is a time of rejoicing. But this year in Cagayan de Oro we mourn and express our condolence for all those who have perished in the wake of Typhoon Sendong on Dec. 16-17.

In some places entire families have been washed away by the rampaging waters of Cagayan de Oro River. Others died in their sleep trapped inside their homes by the sudden rise of flood waters that reached unprecedented levels past midnight.

There are accounts of how a mother clutching the hands of two children was able to escape from the floods, only to lose another child whose pleas for help could be heard receding in the darkness of the night. Another family was able to hold on to an uprooted balete tree that floated out into Macajalar Bay and reached the shores of Camiguin Island. Floating bodies have been retrieved from the waters of nearby towns. The low-lying communities of Cala-Cala and Isla de Oro have been leveled by a tsunami-like river surge.

Practically everyone in the city has lost some relatives or personal friends in this calamity. Schools have lost some students and staff; officemates have not reported because of the condition of their homes; and a number of unidentified bodies still await a dignified burial in a common resting place.

In some of our churches, the Misa de Gallo could not be celebrated because the church became a refuge for families seeking higher ground. In one chapel, even pigs and other animals were brought in and tied at the foot of the altar. Lay ministers were scandalized until the parish priest reminded them that this must have been the same situation in the stable of that first Christmas night. We have also started to celebrate the Misa de Gallo in the evacuation centers.

Even as we grieve with those directly affected by this tragedy, the challenge for us now is to help re-build the lives and broken homes of the survivors. The evacuation centers are slowly being organized in the distribution of relief goods – in particular, water, food, medicine, mats, blankets, etc.

We are heartened to see many volunteers and organizations coming forward to share their time, energy and resources. Our affected parishes and social action workers have collaborated with government agencies in running these centers in the City Central School, West City Central School, Macasandig, Bulua, Kauswagan, Iponan, etc. The 14 centers have been providing shelter and basic needs to more than 7,000 families and 43,000 individuals. Meanwhile, the listed number of dead and missing has reached nearly 700 persons.

The longer-term challenge is to help these families re-build their present homes or re-locate to safer grounds. We are heartened by the visit of President Aquino and other public officials. His declaration of a state of national calamity and observation that families should not be allowed to return to extremely dangerous areas are welcome statements. Last January 2009, the city had already experienced severe flooding. Some old-time residents recalled that this phenomenon happens every forty years. But barely three years after that, Typhoon Sendong came with greater vengeance.

We have to cast a broader look at the entire river basin area of Cagayan de Oro River. This extends to the northwestern part of Bukidnon and surrounding areas. Illegal logging and irresponsible mining activities have contributed to the degradation of the environment and the siltation of the river bed. The erection of man-made structures may have also impeded the natural flow of the waters. (The continued hydraulic flush mining along Iponan River has likewise caused widespread flooding of the Canitoan-Iponan areas of the city.) It is for these reasons that we have to strengthen the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council, a multi-sectoral effort to protect and conserve our most precious natural resource after our human resources – the river system.

As we approach Christmas week and the coming of the new year, may I propose a Family-Adopt-a-Family program. Families unaffected by the flood can invite to their homes an evacuee family, especially those that have lost their homes or loved ones, for a few days or for a Christmas meal to share the spirit of the season. May the new-born child in the manger fill us with the spirit of solidarity in moments of adversity and hope in the sharing of love and life with one another. “Make us know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart” (Ps. 90).

ANTONIO J. LEDESMA, S.J.
Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro
21 Dec. 2011

Use of same rice variety in Phl farmlands decreases yields-PhilRice

SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija, December 18, 2011-Here’s one tip for the country’s rice farmers: don’t use one and the same rice variety over and over again. That is if you want to increase your yields.

This advice was offered by a biotech expert of the Philippine Rice Research Institute who emphasized that pests become immune when exposed to one and the same rice variety for a long time.

Thelma Padolina, chief of the Philippine Rice Research Institute’s plant breeding and biotechnology division, said resistance of rice plants to pests decreases principally due to two reasons : one due to intensive cropping and two : the use of the same variety every season.

“If pests are continuously exposed to the same variety, these might evolve into more powerful types that would overcome the resistance of the varieties,” Padolina said.

Padolina said not all outstanding traits are present in one rice variety such as high-yielding, resistant to pests, excellent grain and eating quality among others. She said PhilRice breeders keep on improving varieties to help the farmers keep pace with the evolving pests and diseases, changing climatic conditions resulting in various  stresses such as low and high temperature, submergence, salinity that reduces yield, and changing preferences of farmers, millers and consumers.

She said modern rice varieties yield higher than traditional ones as they are more efficient in absorbing nutrients and more effective in photosynthetic activities owing to plant physical traits such as short upright leaves and more tillers.

Many modern varieties, she added, are resistant to “biotic” and “abiotic” stresses. Biotic stress refers to occurrence of pests and diseases while abiotic stress includes drought, salinity, high and low temperatures, and other environmental conditions that cause harm to the plant and reduces its yield.

Padolina said while there are rice varieties that have evolved by natural and farmer selection, rice varietal development remains a priority in a country with a fast-growing population and with a rice self-sufficiency goal.

She added that PhilRice is actively pursuing breeding to provide the farmer more choices and allow him to cope with rapid changes in the biophysical and socio-economic environments as evolution by natural and farmer selection in rice is simply too slow for the needs of modern humans.  

Padolina said traditional varieties, mostly planted in the highlands, are low-yielding and late-maturing.  Based on studies, the rice produced by highland farmers is only sufficient to meet their rice consumption for five months as rice is grown between six to seven  months and yield per hectare is very low.

Furthermore, she said that an intensive cropping using traditional variety is not possible in the terraces or in the highland farms because of the varieties’ long maturity.

Although traditional varieties mature within 150-180 days, they are good sources of resistance and grain quality traits which are being replicated in the development of new and modern rice varieties. (Jason de Asis) 

Youth challenged to proclaim God’s love; be role models to others

MANILA, December 17, 2011—At the closing liturgy of the celebration of the CBCP Year of the Youth, December 15, Episcopal Commission on Youth Vice-Chairman and San Fernando Auxiliary Bishop Roberto Mallari challenged the young people to continue proclaim the truth of God’s love and become role models to fellow youth.

Mallari said it is important that there are young people who will proclaim the truth of God’s Love and would challenge fellow youths to aspire for greatness because so many young people are deprived of love from their families and communities.

“The Church in the Philippines can be called a young church. Majority of our members are young. We are [a] vibrant community; full of idealism because of you my dear young people. And because you are many, you serve as a gauge and reference for the lifestyle of this world,” he said during his homily.

Mallari invited the youth to take advantage of the liveliness and aggressiveness of loving in a more radical and authentic way.

He also challenged them to go against the currents of materialism and consumerism.

“In a world marked with various forms of materialism, Catholic youth must dare to be different to manifest pure love that flows forth from Divine Love,” he added.

Mallari said that Jesus inspired the young people during the whole year celebration of the CBCP Year of the Youth and that the youth in return felt intensely the tight embrace of God’s love.

“The CBCP desired so much that during the whole year of the youth, our young people would have felt very intensely the tight embrace of God’s love for each of them and would really have deep conviction that each of them is truly loved so that they will also have the confidence to love others,” Mallari said.

He expressed that the prelates would also like to instill in each of the youth their great hopes that young people too, have to aspire for greatness.

Quoting former CBCP President and Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar in his pastoral letter announcing the opening of the Year of the Youth, he said, “Dear young people, we need you. The Church needs you. Echoing the loving words of Pope Benedict XVI,…we affirm ‘your lively faith, your creative charity and the energy of your hope. Your presence renews, rejuvenates and gives new energy to the Church’.”

“In the same manner, today I urge you to give all you can [to] glorify God and His Church,” Mallari stressed.

The bishop explained that the various activities held within the celebration of the Year of the Youth, such as the visit of the relic of St. John Bosco, the beatification of Blessed John Paul II, and the National Youth Day, were not coincidences, but meant to make the young people see clearly that God loves them and is challenging them to aspire for more in their relationship with Him.

Mallari again quoted Bishop Odchimar saying, “trust that this will provide a new impetus and grace from above to pursue our desire as one Church to give a preferential option for our young people.”

Posting questions to the youth, he asked: “What are the things that we have to stop doing which we found ineffective and inefficient in our work for the youth? What are the things that we have to continue doing in line with our vision/mission statement? And finally, what are the things that we have been longing to do but we have not started yet?

“May your answers to these questions put you on the road to take seriously your journey to greatness in God’s Kingdom and help you to be more concrete in following Christ more closely and loving Him more dearly,” he concluded.

More than 500 young people from different Catholic Schools in Metro Manila and youth ministers and leaders in the dioceses of the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog attended the closing liturgy.

Main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist was ECY Chairman and Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon, with ECY Vice-Chairman and Auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando Pampanga Roberto Mallari, Infanta Bishop Rolando Tria-Tirona, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Bernardino Cortes and eight other priests, as concelebrants.

After the mass, a simple meal was served to those who attended the closing liturgy and thanksgiving of the Episcopal Commission on Youth. (Jandel Posion)

Malolos’ outstanding youth conferred with Blessed Pedro Calungsod award

MANILA, December 16, 2011—Some 59 outstanding young people in the diocese of Malolos were conferred with Blessed Pedro Calungsod Award during the Diocesan Youth Big Day last December 10.

The diocesan commission on youth which organized the affair anticipated that this year’s celebration would bring young people to a renewed living of their Christian faith, to stand firm and strong in the pursuit of transforming society following the footsteps of the Lord.

Awards were given by Fr. Angelito Santiago, the diocesan youth director and Fr. Boyet Atienza.

Awardees were DCY volunteers, young professional and youth ministers from the 10 vicariates of the diocese.

Vicariate of St. Didacus of Alcala (Valenzuela): Paul Bryan P. Barnacea, Mark Lester E. Risma, Kim Albert C. Grabillo, Maricris A. Bacong, Delo D. Monterde, Randolf J. Yabut, Roxanne L. Asis, and Angelo N. Buhay.

Vicariate of St. Francis of Assisi (Meycauayan): Dominic Jay P. Roberto, Ralph Irvin DR. Ramos, Raffy R. Montalban, Angelo Y. Caburnay, Marydel M. de Jesus, Mark Saavedra, and Glenn Christian A. Encarnado.

Vicariate of St. Joseph the Worker (San Jose del Monte): Maria Rosario Corazon D. Sia, Princess Jackie R. Mata, and Edralyn Mabesa.

Vicariate of Immaculate Conception (Sta. Maria): Cris B. Gonzales, Jayson T. dela Cruz, Lourdes M. Bartolome, Roby Ramos and Kimberly V. Aseñas.

Vicariate of St. Martin of Tours (Bocaue): Reuben P. de Guzman and Lambert Michael I. Resurreccion.

Vicariate of St. Michael the Archangel (San Miguel): Raymart Espiritu, Angela T. Juan, Carlo Zadie delos Santos, Caithlin B. Gonzales, and Ralph Michael G. Omaña.

Vicariate of San Augustine (Baliuag): Ferdinand Guansing, Arriane S. Garcia, Kateina Mari Ann U. Martin, Eugene L. Gonzales, Robelle C. Abaquita, Darwin I. Placido, Joman S. Juan, Elchie Guevarra, Arjay R. Javier and Rowell B. de Sotto.

Vicariate of St. James the Apostle (Plaridel): Leomar Cordero, Rochelle Jose and Crispin Manalo.

Vicariate of St. Anne (Hagonoy): Jhonny C. Clemente, Rene Rose P. de Jesus, Melissa del Rosario and Vann Joseph B. Ibasco.

Vicariate of Immaculate Conception (Malolos): Cherie Rose C. Rubiano, Joanne Mica B. Cruz, and Han Benzen R. Buenaventura.

DCY volunteers, young professionals and youth ministers: Abner Cruz, Sta. Monica Parish, Former VCY Chairman-Vicariate of Baliuag, Joseph Sebastian, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, VCY Chairman-Vicariate of Hagonoy, Conrado de Castro, St. John the Baptist Parish, DCY Volunteer, Carlito Villanueva Jr., Sto. Rosario Parish, DCY Volunteer, Jerone Carlo Labausa, St. John the Baptish Hagonoy, DCY Volunteer-Music Ministry, Elimark Cruz, (DYP) Diocesan Young Professionals Member, Jan Robin Rodriguez, Youth Minister, Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and Mary Grace Principe, Sto. Cristo and St. Andrew Kim Taegon Parish Bocaue, Former DCY Staff.

Aside from the Blessed Pedro Calungsod awards, the diocesan youth big day ended with the youth jam 3. (Jandel Posion/Narwin Gonzales)

Luisita farmworkers ask CBCP for support, prayers

MANILA, December 15, 2011—Various groups of Hacienda Luisita farmworkers are seeking the support and prayers of the Catholic hierarchy for the successful implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision to distribute the 4,916 hectares of HLI to farmers.

Luisita Peasant and People’s Alliance (LUPPA); Sentro para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo (SENTRA); Hacienda Luisita Peasant Supporters Network; and Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikutltura (UMA) are asking the influential Catholic Bishops Conference to include them in their prayers and homilies.

“The power of prayer makes us stronger and braver most especially [in the face of] our latest information that the Luisita management is using a supervisor group to reverse [its] 14-0 decision,” said Lito Bais, Chairperson, United Luisita Workers Union- Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (ULWU-UMA), in a recent forum.

Bais added that the death of their fellow farmers and farmworkers is an inspiration for them to be more aggressive in pursuing the HLI case.

Likewise, Atty. Jobert Ilarde Pahilga, Executive Trustee of Sentro para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo and a Founding Member of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyer (NUPL) also asked the CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace (NASSA) to visit and celebrate a Eucharistic Mass in Tarlac.

“The visitation of the different Church communities, especially our beloved Bishops [to celebrate Masses in Tarlac], will be a big help to boost the moral aspects of the HLI victims,” Pahilga added.

Pahilga also hopes the CBCP-NASSA chaired by Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo will continue to support the HLI farmers and persists in urging the Supreme Court to be always on the side of truth.

Also present in the forum and pledged their support for the farmers were Sr. M. Francis Añover, RSM, national Coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines –Mission Partner of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP); Lay missionary Conrad Esemple of Columban Missionaries; and ANAKPAWIS Partylist Rep. Rafael Mariano, who also discussed the legislative Initiative for Land Reform.

Meanwhile, a Holy Mass was offered at the National Shrine of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Baclaran, Parañaque City, on December 14 in thanksgiving for the partial victory of the five-decade struggle of the farmworkers of Hacienda Luisita for land and justice.

Free land distribution

“Our position is irrevocable; we want Hacienda Luisita be distributed [for free!],” this was the statement given by Felix Nacpil Jr, Chairman of the Alyansa ng Mga Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (AMBALA) on the alleged attempt to convince the Supreme Court, to reverse its early decision on the Hacienda Luisita row.

The Luisita farm worker alliance and its mother federation said petitioners of the Stock Distribution Option (SDO) have been highly misinformed and gravely misled by Hacienda Luisita Inc. to pursue the scheme in vain attempt to reverse the 14-0 decision of the Supreme Court to distribute the 4,916 hectares of land to qualified farm worker beneficiaries, according to the Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA).

The Supervisory Group had filed a motion for reconsideration and clarification asking the court to nullify its November 22 decision.

However, UMA secretary general Rodel Mesa questioned the motion filed by HLI supervisory group and cited that this action is the opening salvo of the Cojuangco-Aquino family to challenge the SC 14-0 decision on Luisita.

“They (HLI supervisory group) are also workers like us being exploited by the Cojuangco-Aquino. We asked them not to be used as pawn against their farm worker counterparts,” Mesa said.

“We urge them not to be deceived by the management and their cohorts among their ranks promising them fool’s gold in exchange of their support for the reinstatement of the Stock Distribution Option” Mesa added. [Yen Ocampo/CBCPNews]

CBCP declares ‘Year of Mission’

MANILA, December 14, 2011— The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has declared a “Year of the Pontifical Mission Societies’ on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the PMS in October 2012.

“It is to be a grace-filled year, marked by renewed enthusiasm for dedicated service as Christ’s evangelizing disciples,” said Cebu Archbishop Palma in his first pastoral exhortation as CBCP president.

The Philippine Year of the PMS will run from January 1, until December 31, 2012.

Palma said that through various activities like seminars, mission activities in Catholic schools, new mission initiatives at home and abroad, “we hope to rekindle among Filipinos a dynamic commitment to the effective preaching of the Good News of Jesus Christ—even to the ends of the earth.”

The PMS, he said, have been generously serving the local Church in the Philippines since their establishment here in 1932.

Thus, he added, 2012 commemorates eight decades of uninterrupted dedication to the Church’s mission of evangelization.

Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 expressed his gratitude to the PMS for its “valuable service” and its efforts to promote “love and solidarity.”

Similarly in 2011, the pontiff once again thanked the PMS for its assistance in supporting “evangelizing activities in mission territories.”

The CBCP head encouraged the Filipino faithful to join the PMS mission events as well as various diocesan initiatives – “all in celebration of the gift of the Christian faith that dedicated missionaries brought to our shores.”

“As your bishop-shepherds, we exhort you, the Filipino faithful, to wholeheartedly respond to nationally-initiated PMS programs as well as local efforts coordinated by the PMS Diocesan Mission Directors,” Palma said. [CBCPNews]

2 arrested by Aurora cops for drugs and illegal firearms

MARIA AURORA, Aurora, December 12, 2011-Two suspects were nabbed by police authorities for drug possession and illegal firearm in Brgy. Ramada, Maria Aurora, Aurora.

Aurora Provincial Director Police Sr. Supt. Ervin “Jojo” Gumban said that the arrested were Edgar Cajucom Y’ Baribal, 32 years old and resident of Brgy. Suklayin and Sarah Fajardo Y’ Gordo, alias KC Escotto a resident of # 23 Brgy. Tangos, Navotas City.

The duo were nabbed by Aurora cops following the report of tipster that Cajucom carried firearm boastfully shown tucked in his waist while driving a Yamaha STX colored red with a girl riding in tandem and plying at Brgy. Ramada.

“The Aurora Provincial Intelligence Branch immediately conducted intelligence build-up,” Gumban said, explaining that the team eyed Cajucom passing on standby place at said area where he was flagged down and first held for requisition for not wearing helmet while driving a motorcycle a clearly violation of RA 10054 or Motorcycle Helmet Act, the suspect alighted from his driven motorcycle wherein operatives discovered the firearm tucked in his waist.

Suspect was disarmed by police and immediately seized from his possession and control one .38 caliber loaded with six cartridge, motor document was asked for inspection, the suspect got his wallet from his pocket wherein from his wallet fell down a small transparent plastic sachet containing crystalline substance, a suspected ‘shabu’.

Cajucom’s partner Fajardo was also arrested for her facial feature and strong indication of drug using and after being apprised of their constitutional rights,  they were held for custody and brought to APPO including the confiscated evidences after inventory.

Aurora crime laboratory examined the two suspects and were confirmed under the influence of shabu and now being detained at Aurora provincial jail. (Jason de Asis)

Youth pledge to remain committed in ministry after 'Year of the Youth'

LAOAG City, December 12, 2011—Some 150 youth leaders from parishes and organizations in the Diocese of Laoag committed themselves to a more active youth ministry in their respective settings even after the celebration of the CBCP-Year of the Youth has ended.

The commitment was made by the youth leaders during the just concluded three-day Diocesan Youth Leaders Assembly (DYLA).

Convened by the Diocesan Youth Commission, the youth assembly on December 9 to 11was the third gathering held within the Year of the Youth.

The DYLA was first convened on December 10 to 12, 2010 at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Pasuquin to officially open CBCP-Year of the Youth (YOTY). It was considered to be the first call for youth councils to renew their ministry. The assembly served as a venue for parishes to report on the different activities they were doing.

The second youth assembly was held on May 7 and 8, 2011 in the same parish. In response to the diocesan pastoral assembly for the golden jubilee of the diocese, the youth leaders revisited the diocesan decrees on youth to create comprehensive implementing guidelines for youth ministry in the diocese.

The just concluded third DYLA, also held in the same parish was a time to present the fruits of DYLA I and II. It was also an occasion for the DYC to pass on the various learnings drawn from the Northern Luzon Regional Conference for Youth Ministers (NLRCYM) and from the National Youth Day.

The three-day activity was centered on the theme of CBCP-YOTY “Stand firm in the faith, do all your work in love.” It started with an advent recollection by Fr. Lester Menor, the diocesan youth director.

Sr. Darlen Pardillo, fdz shared how the young may become firm in the faith. She stressed that the young must always be “IBA” explaining that they must have “Identity, Bearing, Capability to Act.”

On the second day, Ms. Maila Sapinit, a Redemptorist lay missionary stressed to the young people that “being a Catholic youth leader is the noblest kind of leadership for you are volunteers.” You are doing all of this for the love of God, she said.

The DYC presented to the participants the Implementing Guidelines of the Decrees on Youth of the diocese on the last day of assembly.

The closing Mass was held at the Cathedral Parish of St. William presided by Diocesan Administrator Msgr. Noel Ian Rabago.

Msgr. Rabago told the faithful that youth ministry is a community effort and that it is not only limited to the DYC. He also challenged the youth leaders to continue their commitment even after the CBCP-YOTY has culminated.

The celebration of CBCP-YOTY will end on December 16, the National Youth Day in the Philippines. (Mark Vertido)

12,000 CL farmers exempted of irrigation fees due to typhoons

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, December 11, 2011-The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) announced that 12,000 farmers from Nueva Ecija and certain towns in Central Luzon who have been receiving irrigation supply from the giant Pantabangan Dam will be exempted from irrigation service fees (ISFs) after their farmlands were devastated by typhoons “”Pedring” and “Quiel” two months ago.

“The farmers will be granted the ISF payment exemptions following the two-month validation conducted by the agency which found that a total of 15,000 hectares out of its service area of 104,000 hectares were severely damaged by the twin typhoons,” Josephine Salazar, operations manager of the NIA’s Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems which operates the Pantabangan Dam said.

Earlier, NIA administrator Antonio Nangel voiced support to a request of local officials in Nueva Ecija to exempt local farmers from paying the ISFs during the cropping season, as their lands were hit hard by the calamities.

The request was made by Gov. Aurelio Umali, Vice Gov. Jose Gay Padiernos and the provincial chapter of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines led by its president, Peñaranda Mayor Ferdinand Abesamis who noted the trail of destruction left by the twin typhoons in the province where at least P2 billion worth of palay was damaged.

Umali said that the losses suffered by local farmers will surely affect the food security situation in the entire country.

A resolution passed by the SP chaired by Padiernos said the damage will surely burden the farmers and their families who pay an average of 2.5 cavans and 3.5 cavans of palay per hectare during the rainy and during the dry season, respectively for irrigation water provided by NIA through the Pantabangan Dam.  

But Salazar clarified that those who will be exempted are farmers with average yields of 40 cavans and below and not those above the ceiling provided by NIA.

“That’s our standing policy, adding that if those above the 40-cavans ceiling are exempted, this will surely affect the operations of UPRIIS particularly in the maintenance of irrigation facilities and the water delivery,” Salazar said.

“We cannot possibly grant the request of other farmers whose average yields are above 40 cavans as this will affect the operations of UPRIIS,” she furthered.

She said that the 15,000 farmers who will be exempted translate into around P3 million worth of ISFs which could have been utilized for irrigation canal maintenance and the fuel requirements of UPRIIS. 

UPRIIS services the 27 towns and five (5) cities of the province, Candaba in Pampanga and San Miguel and San Ildefonso in Bulacan involving 88,000 farmers, of whom who 62,046 paid a total of P232.4 million last October. Last year, farmers paid P203.4 million in ISFs. (Jason de Asis)                 

Senate 'anti-discrimination bill' mandates religious intolerance—lawyer

MANILA, December 10, 2011—In trying to legislate homosexual behavior, those responsible for and supportive of amendments to the Anti-Ethnic or Racial Profiling and Discrimination Act of 2011 or Senate Bill (SB) 2814 are demonstrating religious intolerance, according to a lawyer.

As a whole, the bill “clearly…prohibits all unlawful acts directed at a person’s ethnic roots, race, religion/belief, language disability or other status,” said Atty. Jo Aurea Imbong, Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Legal Office, during a weekly forum at Club Filipino in San Juan.

“During a recent Senate plenary proceeding, however, very disturbing provisions were added that penalize unlawful acts and so-called “intolerance when directed at sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity.”

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago was responsible for adding the provisions to the bill now titled “An act prohibiting discrimination, profiling, violence and all forms of intolerance against persons based on ethnicity, race, religion or belief, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, disability, or other status.”

If the bill, approved on Third Reading on November 21, is enacted as is, the so-called intolerance will end up being directed at people on matters of religion.

“Hate crimes”

Section 4, Nos. 10 and 11 dwell on the creation of a new crime called “hate speech” which refers to instances when one ridicules a person, insult, suggest inferiority or hatred or uses adjectives against the other person, Imbong explained.

“Hate crimes” pertains to another person’s “sexual orientation,” the lawyer added.

“Magkakaroon ng bagong krimen — hate speech and hate crimes. What’s this? Kung ikaw ay nagbitiw ng salita na nakakasira ng pakiramdam ng mga lesbians, gays, bisexuals at transgenders, hate crime na iyon at hate speech. Besides, puwede ka pang ihabla. Anong klaseng panukalang batas ito?” she asked.

The result is a crime of religious intolerance, based on Sec. 3, No. 6 of the bill itself.

“If they refuse to tolerate practice, persons or beliefs on religious grounds, that’s a crime of religious intolerance,” Imbong pointed out.

Protecting religious freedom, free speech

Part of the official statement of the CBCP Legal Office on the legislative measure further explains religious freedom:

“Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion is one of the foundations of a democratic society. It includes the fundamental right to act according to religious beliefs in the field of morality.

It should be recalled that freedom of religion also protects the freedom of the public expression of religious belief and religious doctrines. Consequently, public expressions of faith or religious morality should receive a greater level of protection than other forms of free speech. Such is the case for example, for the religious sermons of ministers.

Effectively, the public expression of faith or religious morality should not be liable to prosecution because of their opposition to certain ideas or practices morally objectionable, so long as that opposition is expressed peacefully. It has never been a crime to merely express religious belief, nor should it ever be.”

“Government has taken over the Church in teaching what is right and wrong,” the lawyer observed.

“Government should not meddle in religious doctrine and faith: Religious witnessing (viewed in the bill as “intolerance”) is also a form of ethical, moral, ideological and spiritual expression, protected by the Constitution,” she continued.

Sex, gender not on the same level as race, ethnicity

Meanwhile, Antipolo Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, the new Chairman of the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Family and Life (ECFL) pointed out that the Commission opposes the Senate version of the anti-discrimination bill as it “creates problems regarding ethics, marriage, the family and religious freedom.”

“The difference in sex or gender does not belong to the same level as the difference in race, color, religion, or ethnicity, etc.” Reyes said.

He also explained that discrimination is not necessarily a negative thing; it’s unjust discrimination that the Church fights against.

“Although Church teaching is against homosexuality, the Church loves homosexuals as she loves other people. The Church is also against any unjust discrimination against homosexuals,” the prelate said.

The bicameral meeting for the House and Senate versions of the bill originally scheduled on December 13 has been postponed to next year. (CBCP for Life)

Pantabangan Dam releases water to prevent overflowing

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, December 9, 2011-To prevent the giant Pantabangan Dam from overflowing, the National Irrigation Administration is prompted to release water from its reservoir as it nears the spilling level which is four meters shy of the spilling level of 221 meters while the dam’s elevation was recorded at 217 meters yesterday.

Josephine Salazar, operations manager of the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems which runs the dam said that the dam’s elevation at this time of the year is much higher as historically level is only at around 202 to 204 meters.

“Our high water level has given us the luxury of releasing water before the onset of the dry season, adding that at 217 meters, they can sustain the irrigation needs of up to 111,000 hectares of agricultural lands in Nueva Ecija and portions of Central Luzon,” Salazar said.

“With this water level now, farmers can afford a third cropping without experiencing drought. Novo Ecijano farmers are blessed with an abundance of water at the Pantabangan Dam unlike other areas which rely on run-off the river water,” she said.

Pantabangan Dam, the largest among the country’s national irrigations systems that include the Magat and Angat Dams, has a maximum irrigation capacity of only 102,000 hectares but this has been augmented by the construction of the Casecnan Dam which diverts irrigation water from the Casecnan and Taang rivers to the Pantabangan Dam through a 26-kilometer underground tunnel.

“UPRIIS is prioritizing the rehabilitation of irrigation canals damaged during typhoons Pedring and Quiel to fast-track water delivery schedule and make the tail-end portions receive irrigation water,” Salazar said, explaining that her office is in the process of validating the list of areas to be covered by exemptions from payment of irrigation service fees (ISFs). (Jason de Asis)

Court’s questionable rulings cannot be resolved through reconciliation-Kiko

MANILA, December 8, 2011-Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan weighs in on the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines's (CBCP’s) called on for reconciliation between the Chief Executive and the Supreme Court and end their recent war of words.

Pangilinan pointed out that the key issue in the clash between the executive and judicial branches are the string of controversial rulings that have placed grave doubt on the fairness and the impartiality of the court, saying that many of these rulings have prevented the executive department from pursuing its commitment to addressing pervasive corruption and exacting accountability and justice.

“These highly questionable rulings cannot be the subject matter of mediation or conciliation or talks. I may be mistaken, but I am afraid that, at this point, any talks between the two branches will just be for show or pakitang tao lamang and will not help address the problem,” he said.

Earlier, three bishops who are all known to be close to the Chief executive’s mother, the late and former president Corazon Aquino issued statements Tuesday to stress the need for Aquino and some SC officials to restrain comments after an unseemly public spat.

As they said, yuletide season is coming: thus; peace, reconciliation, and respect for each other is important as Christmas is fast approaching. (Jason de Asis)

Thanks Secretary Robredo for GBAC’s seal of good housekeeping but...

BALER, Aurora, December 7, 2011-GBAC (short for Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo) added another feather in her cap and made the province proud again by bringing home the proverbial bacon: the “Seal of Good Housekeeping” award of the Department of the Interior and Local Governments (DILG). The selection of the province as an awardee was announced by no less than DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo during the annual fiesta celebration in Dipaculao recently.

The good-natured secretary said the Aurora provincial government, led by Governor Angara-Castillo, has satisfactorily and publicly disclosed its fiscal management and operations and complied with auditing procedures.

In case you don’t know, the seal is given to local government units that have excelled in the areas of planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, financial management and budget execution, procurement and resource mobilization. The LGU must be able to pick out items in its annual investment plans that support national development priorities aimed at reducing poverty, spur economic development, and help conserve the environment through programs in ecological waste management or disaster risk reduction among others.

We never had the slightest doubt in our mind that Aurora, led by Angara-Castillo is more than deserving of the award. It is a fitting tribute to the efforts of her administration to promote good governance anchored on her development agenda codenamed HEALTH which stands for health, education, agriculture, livelihood, trade and tourism development and human resource development.

In fact, way back in 2004 when she first became governor, she was perhaps the first governor who mouthed the words “good governance” as her development agenda. And she exemplified this by promoting transparency and accountability of public officials and employees.

But while Angara-Castillo is every bit deserving, we are a little bit concerned with how frequent the award is being won by practically majority of LGUs all over the country. In the province, for example, all eight LGUs won the award and in neighboring Nueva Ecija, 27 of 32 LGUs got the award. Others are Bacolod, Negros, Camiguin province, Laoag City, Cebu City, Amlan, Bohol, Bulacan province, Ilo-ilo and many more.

With all due respect to you Secretary, when an award being given is being won by majority of aspirants, I have the feeling that the value of such an award is downgraded and it becomes ordinary to say the least. The award should be distinct, it should give honor, pride and an air of exclusivity on the part of the winner. Kung masyadong maraming nananalo ng award ng DILG, para mong sinabi na give-away lang yan.

We are not saying that those LGUs which won are less deserving. But when there are so many winners, Secretary Robredo and the DILG must raise the bar so that only a few will stand out. Yes only a few because if there are so many winners, you practically put the non-winners in a bad light. Para bagang sinabi mo na ang mga hindi nanalo ay hindi anak ng Diyos!

What I am saying is that make the criteria very difficult to achieve because the harder the hurdle is to overcome, the sweetness is the victory.

Otherwise, people might say you are just trying to please the LGUs. O namumulitika ka lang Secretary.   

Maybe all the standards set by the DILG have been met by the participating LGUs; hence, they were all given due recognition to their endeavor. It is only on matter of naming it, outstanding or recognition.(Jason de Asis)

Priest named Aquino awardee for journalism

MANILA, December 6, 2011— For a mission that has spanned many years as documentary journalist, an Oblate missionary has been named as the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Fellowship Awardee for Journalism for 2011.

Fr. Eduardo Vasquez, Jr, was given recognition on Tuesday by the United States Embassy and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation held at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City.

No less than President Benigno Aquino III handed the recognition to the Catholic missionary during the awarding ceremonies on Monday for his accomplishment and potential in journalism.

The priest was recognized for his social work and public service through the media group, i-Watch.

Deeply convinced in the power of media as a tool for evangelization and social transformation, he founded the organization in Upi, Maguindanao in 2006.

The i-Watch is a video documentary outfit of the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) and manned by people from the grassroots that were trained by Vasquez in the field of video productions.

Through the years, it has produced documentaries on socio-political, cultural and environmental issues particularly in Southern Philippines.

The nature of Vasquez’s works has put his life at risk many times especially when he was assigned in the war zones of Pikit, North Cotabato and Datu Piang, Maguindanao from 2008 to 2010, where he documented silently the plight of the displaced civilians and other victims of human rights abuses.

Aside from Vasquez, Lt. Roberto Beltran, operations and administration office at the naval forces in Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union, was named as this year’s Aquino Fellow for Public Service.

Established in 1998 by the US Embassy in Manila as the Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Fellowships for Professional Development, it was renamed in 2009 the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Fellowships for Professional Development to commemorate President Aquino’s significant contribution to the strengthening of Philippine democratic institutions.

The Aquino fellows will travel to the United States on a three to four-week professional exchange program through the US Embassy’s International Visitor Program. [CBCPNews]