We welcome the statement released by the Bicol Association of Catholic Schools or BACS regarding their opposition to the tradition of having a military parade during the week of the Novena to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. As all sectors are enjoined to re-examine the manner in which we celebrate INA's feast, the BACS' statement demonstrated the Catholic schools' efforts to participate in this call towards renewal.

Highly acclaimed singers, dancers, band players and majorettes of the Performing Arts Group of the University of Northeastern Philippines wowed and captivated the shoppers at SM City Naga with its breathtaking performances during the mall's 2009 Independence Day celebrations.

Naga is vanishing. It is vanishing fast. In the place of those that are quickly disappearing come forth places that I yet have to know. In fact, it can be said that while I mourn the disappearance of the city of my youth, some are finding spaces that fill their lives with meaning. But for the moment, I search for those things that made this city for me and my remembrance.

On June 19, 2009, in line with the call of Archbishop Legaspi to discern concrete ways of enhancing our devotion to Ina to prepare for her 300th anniversary, the Bicol Association of Catholic Schools issued a statement calling for the scrapping of the Military Parade during the Peñafrancia.

Legazpi City (18 June) -- Some 656 job applicants during the June 12 Independence Day Mega Job and Livelihood Fair were hired on the spot, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOL) regional office here yesterday. Ernesto Bihis, DOLE Bicol regional director, said a total of 295 applicants were hired by government agencies, 258 by local employers while 103 were hired for overseas jobs.

MANILA, June 17, 2009-Church officials called on Manila's city council to reverse its decision and recognize the public's opposition to Pandacan oil depot's continued operation. The Archdiocese of Manila condemned the recent approval by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim of an ordinance allowing oil companies to keep their depots in the city.

VATICAN, June 18, 2009-- In preparation for the Year of Priests, Pope Benedict XVI has sent a Letter to the priests of the world, calling on them to live out the words of St. John Vianney, "The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus." The Holy Father will inaugurate the Year of Priests during Vespers at St. Peter's Basilica tomorrow, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

MANILA, June 16, 2009-Fr James Reuter, SJ, has stepped down as the executive secretary of the CBCP's Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media (ECSCMM) after 39 years. Early this month, the CBCP Commission has accepted the resignation of Reuter due to poor health.

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- The United States will, in accordance with its agreement with Iraq, withdraw combat troops from all Iraqi urban areas, U.S. Ambassador to Baghdad Christopher Hill said here on Thursday. "We signed that (security) agreement and we will absolutely comply fully with it. And that means pulling all combat forces out of the ... cities," Hill told reporters.

MANILA, June 19 - The salary increase of government workers nationwide takes effect July 1, 2009, Malacañang said today. Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita said that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Executive Order (EO) No. 811 on June 18 to effect the hike in the salaries of government workers. The directive provides for the appropriation of P18.4 billion from the 2009 General Appropriations Act and savings of different departments, bureaus, offices and agencies of the national government.