Articles

MANILA--Members and friends of Focolare have observed the first death anniversary of Focolare founder, Chiara Lubich through a Eucharistic celebration and a book launch of her writings. Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams led the memorial Mass together with His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, other bishops and clergy of the Archdiocese of Manila at the Manila Cathedral on March 13.
Bishop-emeritus of Alaminos Most Reverend Jesus A. Cabrera, during his homily, described Lubich as a woman full of love for God, for men and for the Church.

Some of the count ry’s top merchants had a glimpse of the upcoming SM City Naga during the recent Tenants’ Preview at the SMX Convention Center. SM Prime Holdings President Hans T. Sy welcomed the tenants during the event together with SCMC President Annie Garcia, VP for Leasing Daisy Chua, and SM City Lucena’s Mall Manager Jason Terrenal.

LEGAZPI CITY--Women have greater educational advantage over men in all six provinces of the Bikol Region both in 2000 and 2003, estimates of gender-related development indicators generated by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) showed.
The Gender Development Index (GDI) measures the average achievement in the three basic dimensions captured in the Human Development Index (HDI) – health, education and standard of living – adjusted to account for inequalities between women and men.

Ligao City--The children who witnessed the gunfight between forces of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) last Feb. 18 in barangay Balanac are severely traumatized, according to Cylek Manano of the Children’s Rehabilitation Center.
The Children’s Rehabilitation Center is a non-government organization which helps children involved in armed conflicts in the country cope with physical health problems and emotional disorders.

Legazpi City --Environment activists rescued what they believe might be the smallest living offspring of the world’s biggest fish— a whaleshark (rhincodon typus) the size of a forearm.
The World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature said maritime officials, along with the environment activists in Pilar, Sorsogon, a town in the eastern Philippines, rescued the 15 inch–long newborn whale shark last week and released it in deep waters.

Naga City --Nicole is a victim again, according to the official statement of Gabriela. According to the statement released by the progressive group, Nicole’s retraction through her new affidavit is a clear manifestation of the pressure the Subic rape victim is experiencing.
 

Masbate CITY--If the murder of Vice Mayor Antonino de Jesus of Milagros town here is any gauge, then there’s reason to fear that the 2010 elections in this province could become the hottest and bloodiest in the annals of the province.
The grim scenario was underscored by no less than Bishop Joel Z. Baylon in his “open letter” to all elected officials of the province, municipalities and barangays.

Legazpi City--The 15-member training staff of the Police Regional Mobile Group (PRMG) here was relieved by Bicol police regional director Chief Sup’t. Paterno P. Bangui to give way to an impartial investigation on the hazing allegedly committed by the training officers against newly recruited police scout trainees triggered by video expose sent to the Napolcom regional office.
Also relieved of his duties as PRMG group commander was Sr. Sup’t. Josel Q. Regondola who was temporarily replaced by Senior Sup’t. Eliciar Bron during the duration of the probe.

Sorsogon City--The provincial government of Sorsogon has started distributing PhilHealth cards to indigents and the underprivileged during the conduct of the Provincial Mobile Services Caravan (PMCS) in Irosin last week.

MANILA--With the
“alarming ” number of
minors involved in pornography,
advocacy for the passage of the
anti-child pornography bill has
increased.

The Catholic bishops’
leadership said it is good that
the legislators are finally doing
something about child pornography,
but the bill against it must be passed
soonest.

Fr. Conegundo Garganta,
CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on
Youth executive secretary (ECY),
said a strict law against criminals
who profit from child pornography
must be put in place.

Donsol, Sorsogon-- Fifty rural women from all over the region together with the Department of Agriculture’s Lady Employees Association (DALEA) officers and members attended the Women’s Day Celebration held recently at Amor Beach Resort in Donsol, Sorsogon. The celebration’s theme was “Babae, yaman ka ng Bayan”. The annual celebration of women’s day recognizes the significant contribution of women to society, culture, business and politics.