Vox Bikol Vol. 28 Issue No. 25

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Intercollegiate Unity. Student athletes from different state colleges and universities in Bikol region gather at the opening program of this year’s SCUAA (State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association) at BU grounds as the Photo: Vicco Ian Sayat G. / cs photography Philippine Airforce showed its support by showering confetti during the event. Bicol University hosted the event and emerged as overall champion.
Buhi fish kill caused by highly polluted waters --BFARerupts for the Mount Bulusan
Water quality tests confirmed lake’s high toxicity level
R. CaNaBE
5th time --Phivolcs
legaZPi CiTY (12 noveMBer) -The massive fish kill that hit Lake Buhi on October 29, 2010 was caused by highly polluted waters according to the water quality monitoring conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office No. 5. Water quality survey was conducted with the physical and chemical parameters
tests such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide. The first sampling was done in five stations on November 2, 2010 while the second test was conducted in eleven stations two days later. Based on the results obtained, Lake Buhi has very low dissolved oxygen content and very high ammonia nitrogen concentraBuHi / pagE 5
legaZPi (14 noveMBer) -- The MiliTanT Bagong Alyansang MakabayanBikol (BAYAN-Bikol) hit Ako Bicol (AKB) party list representatives for leaving their distressed constituents in Sorsogon affected by the increased activity of Bulusan Volcano in order to watch Rep. Manny Pacquiao’s fight today. AKB Reps. Rodel Batocabe and Alfredo Garbin Jr. were among the congressmen listed by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte who asked for travel permits to the US covering the date of the Pacquiao match. According to Tessa Lopez, public information officer of BAYAN-Bikol, “they could not have left at a worst time considering that Bulusan is about to erupt and that immediate assistance is needed by their constituents. It is as if they forgot that the volcano is acting up and the towns of Sorsogon are already covered with ash.”
Militants slam AKB for Las Vegas trip to watch Pacquiao fight
“What type of representatives are these who would turn their backs on their constituents in their time of need? Aside from medical and financial assistance what these people
aKB / pagE 4
legaZPi CiTY, nov. 12 -- MounT Bulusan in Sorsogon province belched on Friday morning a voluminous ash plume 700 meters above its crater rim that drifted and covered villages in the southwest flank of the volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. Phivolcs said the phreatic explosion occurred at 6:59 a.m., sending light gray ash column that was accompanied by rumbling sounds, a typical characteristic of Bulusan’s restive state. Ash falls were reported in the villages in the towns of Irosin and Juban. Phivolcs seismic instruments recorded a total of four volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Prior to the ash explosion, weak steam-
ing was observed from the crater during times of good visibility, Phivolcs said. Ed Laguerta, Phivolcs resident volcanologist, said Friday’s phreatic explosion had brought to five the ash and steam explosions since Nov. 6 when the volcano showed signs of restlessness, prompting the agency to raise its alert status to Level 1. Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said following an aerial survey on Thursday that the series of explosions at the summit of the volcano resulted to the joining of two explosion craters of the 2006-2007 eruptions into one crater. He also observed that ash deposits of the Nov. 9 explosions indicated that the ash grains are old and no new material from the magma is involved.
BulusaN / pagE 5
7th Pagsurat Bikol to honor Vincentian schools’ founders,
PreParaTions are underwaY For The 7th Juliana Arejola-Fajardo Workshop sa Pagsurat-Bikol, Bicol’s only annual creative writing workshop. Traditionally held in the summer months, the write-shop is finally scheduled on November 27 and 28 at the Our Lady’s Hall of the St. Louise de Marillac School (SLMS) in Pili, Camarines Sur. To honor of the 350th death anniversary of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, founders of the Pauline order of priests and the Daughters of Charity respectively, this year’s Pagsurat Bikol workshop is open only to the student writers and literature teachers of the Vincentian schools in Camarines Sur, Pili’s SLMS and the Universidad de Santa Isabel in Naga City. Workshop convener Carlos A. Arejola will conduct a creative non-fiction seminar
Cop and three others face kidnapping raps
naga CiTY (8 noveMBer)—a POLICE personnel of the Camarines Sur Police Office (PPO) and three other suspects are facing charges of Frustrated Kidnapping, Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammo, and violation of the COMELEC Gun-Ban, before the City Prosecutor’s Office here. Naga City Police Community Precinct 2 (PCP-2), Police Sr. Insp. Benigno Albao Sr. identified the suspects as Gerardo San Jose Oliver, 51, of Zone 6, Del Rosario, Naga
KidNappiNg / pagE 5
pagsuRaT / pagE 5
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volume XXvIII | Issue no. 25|
Vox Bikol Viewpoints
8 - 14 november 2010
Watching Pacquiao
The MiliTanT BaYan-Bikol had been very critical of party list group AKO BICOL or AKB ever since the latter fielded itself in the last National and Local Elections of May 2010. Very obviously funded and wellconnected, AKB had been charged by BAYAN-Bikol of being a “front” for erstwhile Malacañang occupant Mrs. Gloria MacapagalArroyo. The numerous advertisements it had on TV, print, radio, and even the huge billboards AKB put up during the campaign period indeed proved that it had adequate funding. This was not so surprising as the fact that even before it won in the elections, AKB was the only party list group whose press releases were carried by government media outlets PIA and PNA, indicating that AKB (or at least people within it) was in “friendly terms” with the Arroyo regime. Aside from AKB’s connection with the Arroyo administration, BAYAN-Bikol’s motive for opposing AKB at the time of the May 2010 Elections can also be viewed as due to the former’s cognizance that AKB’s triumph in the polls would entail BAYAN’s defeat. Simply put, AKB was poised to get the “Bikol votes” which were previously netted by BAYAN; and in fact, AKB did. BAYAN-Bikol’s recent criticism of AKB Representatives Rodel Batocabe and Alfredo Garbin Jr. for being among the congressmen who flew to Las Vegas to watch Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao’s boxing match, however, is significantly cogent. Why leave for the US to watch live a Pacquiao match when your Sorsogon constituents are presently severely affected by Mt. Bulusan’s eruptions and are in dire need of medical and financial assistance, BAYAN-Bikol asked. We too ask the two AKO BICOL Representatives: why leave for a boxing match when your duties as duly-elected representatives require of you to attend sessions at Congress, one of which are scheduled on November 15, a Monday? Are you not being paid taxpayers’ money to be present in these sessions and participate meaningfully in them? Or are you being paid taxpayers’ hard-earned pesos to watch Manny Pacquiao fight live in Las Vegas? With Congress reportedly being expected to approve the 2011 national budget amounting to P1.645-trillion, House Speaker Sonny Belmonte remarked that Congress’ sessions this week, beginning November 15, “[are] a very critical time and I think it is necessary for me to be around.” Those who flew to Vegas to watch Pacquiao’s fight think otherwise. Shame on them.
Coops
i ThoughT i’d share wiTh our readers some salient points of my lecture for fellow lawyers at the UP Law Center in Diliman, Quezon City, on Nov. 15, as part of our compliance with Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) as decreed by the Supreme Court. I decided to discuss “Cooperative Law and Jurisprudence,” in light of a new major law that is supposed to further propel social justice and economic development especially in the provinces: the PHILIPPINE COOPERATIVE CODE OF 2008 or RA No. 9520. Congress passed it on Dec. 16, 2008, and former Pres. Macapagal-Arroyo signed it into law on Feb. 17, 2009. Notably, the Dept. of Finance (DOF) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) issued the joint rules on tax exemptions of cooperatives under RA 9520 only on Feb. 5, 2010. Thereafter, during its meeting on Feb. 16, 2010, the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Cooperatives approved the implementing rules and regulations of the other provisions of RA 9520. The BIR further issued Revenue Memorandum Order No. 76-2010 on Sep. 27, 2010, which prescribes the policies and guidelines in the issuance of certificates of tax exemption of cooperatives. In law school, there is actually no course on cooperative law. It is also not included in the Bar examinations. Thus, lawyers have never really been trained in the laws on cooperatives. We get to learn them if and when coops consult us or if we help in organizing or managing coops. But there is one new thing that should encourage our people to do business using the coop model. Under article 61 of the new code, as the above-mentioned BIR Memorandum Order explains, “transactions of members with cooperatives are now expressly exempt from any imposition of taxes and fees thereby making the legislative intent for taxation to give way to the demands of social justice more apparent.” Our Constitution actually mandates the promotion of the “viability and growth of cooperatives as instruments of social justice and economic development.” (Art. 12, sec. 15). Indeed, Commitment 9 (h) of the 1995 Declaration and Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development adhered to by the Philippines resolved that states and governments, at the national level: “Utilize and develop fully the potential and contribution of cooperatives for the attainment of social development goals, in particular the eradication of poverty, the generation of full and productive employment and the enhancement of social integration.” Significantly, the UN has proclaimed 2012 as the “International Year of Cooperatives” as “a way of promoting cooperatives and raising awareness of their contribution to social and economic development.” (UN Doc. A/Res/64/136, 11 Feb. 2010) CDA reports that as of Dec. 31, 2009, 5.9 million people are members of operating cooperatives or 13.04% of our population 19 years old and above. There were 78,611 registered cooperatives and 102 laboratory coops (by minors) nationwide. But there were only 23,836 cooperatives actually operating. Much work certainly needs to be done.
Editorial
The Films Young Filmmakers Make
lasT saTurdaY, we have jusT finished the deliberation for the awards to be given for the 2010 Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival. This is an annual event where the cable channel gives a million peso each to selected young filmmakers. Out of some 100 entries, seven qualified this year. It is interesting how the sample gives so much about the obsession and interests of this generation. On the material, Joey Javier Reyes, a member of the jury, noted how the directors opted to work on the techniques – the form – of their works instead of the content. The films had lots of style and were highly referential. The directors, it appear, were bent on impressing the audience with the approaches that came from video games, MTVs and animation, Hollywood genre. Away from the surface and into the depth of what they are trying to say, the contents of the films this year reveal what, perhaps, this generation has been bothered with. Almost all of the films are about families, their dysfunction and their disappearance. Even in a dark film like “Dagim” by Joaquin Pedro Valdez, the tale begins with the father not coming home. In this film which deals with all kinds of vanishing, the two children set out to the mountains and find there a new family, or at least a brotherhood. Extreme to the end, the film shows an entire village disappearing. Militarization deals darkness to the village in this film In “Astro Mayabang,” the unusual hero goes home to a family where the father is always unconscious, drunk, and the mother is battered, drinking and smoking while praying the rosary. In “Tsardyer,” the Tausug family loses the mother. The boy then finds himself going to the mountains where he sees his uncle he so admires. The boy then starts working for the Abu Sayyaf as a “tsardyer,” meaning he is tasked with charging the cellphones being used by the group out there in the forest. The boy runs to the nearest home with electricity in order to do this. As in the previous years, I am a bit saddened by the fact that there are no entries using Bikol language in this batch. Two finalists in this year’s Cinema One Originals are given this label “regional” film. It is an exoticizing name but one that makes films in non-Pilipino language special. The film “Astro Mayabang” comes from Pampanga and is directed by Jason Paul Laxamana. The subtitles do not isolate the film because it stars Aaron Villaflor who has quite a following. The film itself is engaging because it tells the story of this young man who is very literal about his nationalism: he wears the flag around his body by way of a jacket bearing the flag design. He is proud of his being a Filipino even if it means putting down another nation. The nationalist is a racist, and we are not even aware of it. My favorite in the batch is a film from Cebu called “Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria Kirschbaum” (The Dream of Eleuteria Kirschbaum). Shot on extended takes, with the camera trailing Terya with her father, mother, sister, and cousin, the film is about Terya leaving home for Manila, and from there to Germany. She is going to marry Hans, a person she never sees yet. She is leaving not only her home but also her boyfriend. The action is simply that, but the film engages the audience with what I believe to be the best ensemble performance ever. On location in Olango island, a sanctuary from birds flying in from the northern hemisphere, the film adeptly manipulates the metaphor of freedom in birds that are either flying away or fleeing the island. While not winning Best Film, the Cebuano work by Remton Siega Zuasola gets the Jury Prize. I dream of sitting as member of Jury again but this time reviewing a film in Bikolnon, in all the splendors of its variations. The author, a member of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, sat as member of Jury in this year’s Cinema One Originals Digital Film festival with Joey Javier Reyes, acclaimed film director, Joji Alonzo, film producer, and Roger Garcia, Executive Director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Limited.
8 - 14 november 2010
Vox Bikol Viewpoints
J. Pilapil Jacobo
volume XXvIII | Issue no. 25|
Rapsodas Bicolanas, III: Cancion ni Oriol
Yaon digdi sa kaawotan, sa tahaw kan laboy, digdi sa sakuyang kinapupuroputan, an minamawot mong togdokan nin sarong magaya-gayang kinaban. Kaya, madya, dumulok sana, ranihan na ngani ining daga, lakawon an distancia pasiring sa katahawan. Saimo an sakong pag-andam. Kasubago, humininghing ako sa mga burak na mamula sa kaogmahan, asin magpasabog nin pahamot. Pinakioloyan ko man an mga kahoy na tawan ka nin dalan. Mapalumhok daa an mga gapo, tanganing dai magkalugad saimong pamitisan. Purota an frutas na nakakuriyat: amhi, iba, aratiles, bayawas. Tano ta an hamis dai pa nanamitan? Kun mawara ka, may mga usa na maabang. Kaputan mo an saindang mga sungay, o lunadan sinda, pag inabot nin pagal. Sa saimong pagrani sa sakuyang katahawan, diklom sana an makakahampang. Dai na umasa na padarhan taka nin luciernaga. Maski pa nin de color na liwanag hale sa mga mariposa. Yaon na ako duman. Naghahalat sana, sa katahawan. Handa ka nang maging hade? Bistohon ako bago pa sambiton an inosip saimong pangaran. Araatyan sana, patatanogon na an hawak, poon payo hanggan lawas: Bakong babayi. Bakong halas. Bakong gamgam. Huminuba sanang kagayonan. Salin Sa FIlipino Narito sa damuhan, sa gitna ng putikan, dito sa aking kinapupuloputan, ang minimithing pagtayuan ng magiliw na santinakpan. Kaya, halika, lumapit lamang, dumulog sa lupaing ito, lakarin ang agwat patungo sa kalagitnaan. Sa iyo ipinauubaya itong paghihintay. Pulutin ang mga bungang nakakalat: duhat, kamyas, aratiles, bayabas. Bakit ang tamis di pa nananamnam? Kung ika’y maligaw, may mga usang mag-aabang. Kumapit sa kanilang mga sungay, o sakyan sila, pag dumapo ang kapaguran. Kanina, bumulong ako sa mga bulaklak na mamula sa kasiyahan, at magpasabog ng halimuyak. Pinakiusapan ko ang kakahuyan na bigyan ka ng daan. Magpapalambot daw ang mga bato, upang hindi magkasugat iyong paanan. Sa iyong paglapit sa aking kalagitnaan, dilim lamang ang makakaharap. Huwag nang umasa na padalhan kita ng alitaptap o ng makulay na liwanag mula sa paruparo. Naroroon ako, naghihintay, sa kalagitnaan. Handa ka nang maging lakan? Kilalanin ako bago pa man sambitin ang iniulat sa iyong pangalan. Mamaya lamang, patutunugin itong katawan, na aking kabuuan: Hindi babae. Hindi ahas. Hindi ibon. Hubo’t hubad na bathaluman.
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Pope Benedict Xvi’s Message for g-20 summit:
The world “expects That appropriate solutions will Be adopted to overcome the Crisis”
Mr. PresidenT, The meeting about to take place in Seoul of Heads of States and Government of the world’s twenty-two leading economies together with the Secretary-General of the United Nations Organization, the Presidency of the European Union and some regional Organizations, as well as the leaders of various specialized Agencies, is not only of global importance but also clearly expresses the significance and responsibility which Asia has acquired on the international scene at the beginning of the 21st century. The Korean Presidency of the Summit is a recognition of the significant level of economic development attained by your country, which is the first among those not belonging to the G8 to host the G20 and guide its decision in the world after the crisis. The Summit seeks solutions to quite complex questions, on which the future of upcoming generations depends and which therefore require the cooperation of the entire international community, based on the acknowledgement -- which is shared and agreed by all peoples -- of the primary and central value of human dignity, the final objective of the choices themselves. The Catholic Church, in accordance with her specific nature, regards herself as involved and shares the concerns of the leaders who will take part in the Seoul Summit. I therefore encourage you to tackle the numerous serious problems facing you -- and which, in a sense, face every human person today -- bearing in mind the deeper reasons for the economic and financial crisis and giving due consideration to the consequences of the measures adopted to overcome the crisis itself, and to seek lasting, sustainable and just solutions. In doing so, it is my hope that there will be a keen awareness that the solutions adopted, as such, will work only if, in the final analysis, they are aimed at reaching the same goal: the authentic and integral development of man. The world’s attention focuses on you and it expects that appropriate solutions will be adopted to overcome the crisis, with common agreements which will not favor some countries at the expense of others. History, furthermore, reminds us that, no matter how difficult it is to reconcile the different socio-cultural, economic and political identities coexisting today, these solutions, to be effective, must be applied through combined action which, above all, respects the nature of man. It is decisive for the very future of humanity to show the world and history that today, thanks also to this crisis, man has matured to the point of being able to recognize that civilizations and cultures, like economic, social and political systems, can and must converge in a shared vision of human dignity, which respects the laws and requirements placed in it by God the Creator. The G20 will respond to the expectations placed in it and grant real success to future generations, if taking into consideration the various and sometimes contrasting problems afflicting the peoples of the earth, it is able to set out the characteristics of the universal common good and demonstrate its willingness to cooperate in order to attain it. With these sentiments I invoke God’s blessings on all taking part in the Seoul Summit and I avail myself of the occasion to renew to Your Excellency the assurance of my highest consideration. From the Vatican, 8 November 2010 BenediCTus PP Xvi
For More Than half a Century, justice remains elusive to Filipino Comfort women
Lila Pilipina, the organization of Filipino women who were used as sex slaves by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, said the Supreme Court decision denying their petition to hold the Japanese government accountable for its crimes against them, which was penned by Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo, was not only plagiarized but was also “twisted.” By anne MarXZe d. uMil Bulatlat.com Manila – narCisa Claveria or lola Isa, 80, vividly recalls her horrible experience with the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. Lola Isa is one of the 174 comfort women who bravely went public to demand justice from the Japanese government. “Lila Pilipina is demanding for an apology from the Japanese government. We want the truth to be written in history that the Japanese Imperial Army committed a horrible crime during the Second World War.” said Rechilda Extremadura executive secretary of Lila Pilipina, adding that rape or sexual slavery is a crime against humanity Lila Pilipina is an organization of comfort women who survived the Second World War. It was formed in 1994 under the auspices of the women’s group Gabriela. Prior to Lila Pilipina, in July 1992, the Task Force For Comfort Women (TFFCW) was organized by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) together with six women’s organization. The TFFCW through its massive media campaign encouraged victims of sexual slavery during the Japanese occupation to come out and hold the Japanese government accountable. In 1992, after more than half a century of silence, the women who were repeatedly abused by Japanese soldiers finally came out to tell their stories. Maria Rosa Luna Henson was the first. The horror oF 1943 There are 174 cases of comfort women that were documented by Lila Pilipina, 65 victims have already died. The remaining 109 lolas are still willing to continue their struggle for justice despite their age. “We would not stop until we achieve justice. We experienced extreme exploitation at the hands of the Japanese during the war,” Lola Isa said tearfully. Despite their age, Lola Isa and 84-year old Pilar Frias could still remember vividly how they were repeatedly raped by Japanese soldiers. They were both in their teenage years then when Japanese soldiers began abducting girls, mostly teenagers. Lola Isa, then 14 years old was a Grade 2 student while Lola Pilar was 16, she was in Grade 5. “There was one empty house in our barrio that was inspected by the Japanese and they suspected that those who lived in that house were guerillas. Then they started to look for the capitan del barrio (village chief) who happened to be my father,” Lola Isa told Bulatlat. They lived in Balintog, Abra. While the Japanese soldiers interrogated her father, she and her other siblings were asked to fall in line by the Japanese soldiers. “The Japanese soldiers asked my father how many children he has and he answered nine. But one of my siblings went to Manila. The Japanese soldiers then became very furious when they discovered that one of my siblings was not with us. They accused him of being a guerilla.” Then the cruelty began. The Japanese started to peel off the skin of Lola Isa’s father while her mother was being raped by Japanese soldiers. Her two other youngest siblings aged four and five were thrown in the air and were skewered with a bayonet. While trying to help his father, Lola Isa was forcibly pulled by the arm by a Japanese soldier. This dislocated the joints of her left elbow. Then the Japanese took her and her older sister Metria to the garrison where girls were confined and being raped by Japanese soldiers several times every night. “I was separated from my sister because she was directly put inside the garrison and I was not. I was put in some place also near the garrison together with some Japanese soldiers and some Filipinos. I was raped
COMFORT WOMEN / pagE 6
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volume XXvIII | Issue no. 25|
Vox Bikol Bikol news
8 - 14 november 2010
DENR to assess country’s iron deposits
rawis, legaZPi CiTY (8 noveMBer) -- Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje has directed the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to conduct an assessment of local iron deposits as possible raw material feeds to an integrated iron and steel facility that the government is planning to establish in the country. “We have to assess if we have sufficient iron ore reserves here in the country for the production of pig iron in case we put up our own integrated iron and steel facility. Being self-sufficient in iron ore raw materials will enable the government to save millions of dollars it is now spending in the importation of semi-finished steel raw materials for the government’s steel industry,” Paje said The move to establish an integrated iron and steel facility is intended to protect the country’s economy from being drained of its dollar reserves resulting from the importation of semi-finished steel as raw materials for the country’s steel industry. MGB study showed that the current consumption of the country’s steel industry is approximately four million tons per year, and is expected to increase to 8 million to 10 million annually. Current price of imported iron ore is $70 per ton. The study further showed that steel imports today, mostly in the form of semi-finished steels, represent the second highest importations, next only to oil and petroleum products. Paje said the MGB is tasked not only to evaluate the quantity of local iron ore reserve but also to determine if the grade of the iron deposits is sufficient for the production of steel in an integrated iron and steel facility. MGB metallurgical study revealed that iron ores must have a grade of at least 60% iron (Fe) in order to be eligible as raw material for the production of steel. As of 2009, MGB Director Leo Jasareno said the country’s iron reserve is placed at 493.5 million tons. The iron reserves are located in the following regions: In Region I, 6.07 million tons; Region II, 25.1 million tons; Region III, 15.23 million tons; Region IV-A, 34.92 tons; Region IV-B, 10.7 million tons; Region V, 318.6 million tons; Region VI, Region VI, 44,190 tons; Region VII, 17.9 million tons; Region VIII, 44.4 million tons; Region IX, 309,310 tons; Region XII, 4 million tons; and Region XIII, 17.04 million tons. (SONNY SALES)
UNEP top brass attends worklife seminar
wiTh The universiTY oF norTheasTern Philippines’ (UNEP) insatiable desire to continuously aim for better and quality education, also comes the package of building a well mannered relationship amongst its staff and members of the faculty. This was the essence of the just concluded Quality of Worklife Seminar held at the Caritas Christi Prayer and Renewal Center on November 9 and 10 and was conducted by Mr. Rodolfo C. Menguita, Training Director of D.M. Consunji. The two-day activity was headed by no less than the University President, Atty. Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda, together with the Vice President for Finance, Mrs. Deli Alfelor-Tibi; Vice President for Academic Affairs Mrs. Eleonor Osea and various UNEP Department heads who all came up with a positive realization that understanding oneself could lead to a better perception of one’s work and appreciation of one’s worth. Atty. Moraleda believes that a harmonious working relationship, especially among the university’s personnel will have an encouraging atmosphere to anyone who values camaraderie, loyalty and solidarity. “Positive thought will generate positive results. Any optimistic idea will also be translated into a successful endeavor. I guess that’s the best way to explain how important it is that you also understand others the way you want yourself to be also understood.” Ms Tibi, known for her religiosity and piousness affirms that indeed deepening your relationship with our Creator could fill in the vacuum of any unfulfilled longing—whether for your own personal relationship with other people, or your own personal communication with God. “We work to earn a living but you should not miss the main purpose of why we are here. All of us, at some point in our lives have to realize that there are things higher than ourselves and we have to realize that HE wants us to live and co-exist harmoniously.” Other attendees were the University’s Pinnacle Team which includes Ms. Violeta Lomibao, Dean of Education; Mr. Ricardo Gamurot, Jr, Dean of Liberal Arts & Sciences and GenEd; Mrs. Purissa Tan, Dean of CBED; Mrs. Wilma S. Ramos, OIC Dean for Nursing & Midwifery; Arch. Jose M Malazarte, Dean of Engineering; Mr. Ruel Malte, OIC Dean of Criminology; Ma. Chuchay Bailon, Program Head HRM and Mrs. Maria Dela Vega, High School Principal. Other participants were Ms. Editha F. Evangelista, Elementary Principal; Mr. Isidro Candido Jr., Director of Student Affairs; Ms. Herminigilda H. Salazar, University Librarian; Dr. Regina A. Gonzales, Alumni Director; Mrs. Amihan Marifreda Peyra, Property Officer; Mrs. Virginia Aguila, Campus Ministry Coordinator; Dr. Nilo Romeroso, PACUCOA Chairperson; and Engr. Alberto C. Bico, Physical Planning Director. Other personnel who took the time to temporarily stay from work and attend the seminar were Mrs. Gabriela Pornillos, Admission Officer; Mr. Julius Ballesteros, Head of Laboratory and Instrumentation; Col. Maximo Secilliano, Security Officer, Mr. Juanito Esplana, Head of MIS; Mr. Romeo Abano, Director for Folkloric Dances; Mrs. Celeste Belgado, Human Resources Director and Bernadette Joy S, Dychinco, Quality Systems Manager
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A rich harvest for 10th Ateneo National Writers Workshop
iF PoeTs, as ann lauTerBaCh forwards, protect language from serving any master, then this year’s Ateneo National Writers Workshop (ANWW) more that proved this truism, considering the dynamism and sovereignty of its literary genres, as well as its fellows and panelists. It was indeed a rich harvest of 24 literary pieces from 12 writing fellows in three session days in the 10th Ateneo National Writers Workshop held on October 25-27, 2010 at Instructional Media Center, Ateneo de Naga University. The workshop received a generous endowment from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and from the Office of the President, Ateneo de Naga University. An exhaustive critiquing of the writer’s outputs was done by 13-member panel comprised of Dr. Benilda S. Santos, Dr. Michael Coroza, Dr. Alvin Yapan, Prof. D.M. Reyes, Dr. Jazmin Llana, Kristian Cordero, Carlo Arejola, Mikael Co, Allain Derain, Jayson Jacobo, Alwynn Javier, Marco Lopez, Frank Peñones Jr. and Vic Nierva. This year’s fellows were Rodel Añosa (Masbate), poetry in Bikol; Jimple Borlagdan (Tabaco, Albay), fiction in Bikol; Maureen Gaddi dela Cruz (San Pedro, Laguna), poetry in Filipino; Glenn Diaz (Manila City), fiction in English; Noel Fortun (Las Piñas City), Poetry in Filipino; Adrian, Remodo (Naga City), Poetry in Bikol; Gerry S. Rubio (Virac, Catanduanes), Poetry in Bikol; Alyza Mae Timbol Taguilaso (Quezon City), Poetry in English; Michele Abigail Tiu Tan (Quezon City), fiction in English; Eduardo Uy (Gubat, Sorsogon), Poetry in Bikol, and Arnold Matencio Valledor (Panganiban, Catanduanes), fiction in Filipino. The inclusion of Bikol literature in the annual workshop is in line with the development and promotion of regional creative writing across the country being cornerstones in Philippine literature. Kristian Cordero and Yolando Jamendang served as the workshop directors, with Mitch Cerda and Mark Benedict Lim as workshop coordinators. Dr. Danny Gerona, Director of the Institute of Bikol Culture and History and professor of Ateneo de Naga University delivered the keynote address during the opening program. The region’s acknowledged historian cited Bikol’s rich history in culture and the arts, where literature had already started to flourish even before Spanish times. The annual fellowship in creative writing, which is organized by the Ateneo Institute for Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP), Ateneo de Manila University, is bestowed upon emerging writers across the nation. It immerses the fellows in the “fundamentals of writing as a craft, art, and philosophical engagement so that they can enter the mainstream of Philippine Literature with a sense of responsibility that adds depth and direction to national cultural practices.” Meanwhile, Naga City Mayor John Bongat feted the workshop fellows and panelists at Bob Marlin at Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City. The night illuminated with the literary-musical performances of selected fellows and panelists, including its special guest, Mrs. Sonia Roco who sang the classic Tagalog love song ‘Saan ka Man Naroon.’ Another significant activity of the workshop was the Bikol Night mounted by the Ateneo de Naga University. The workshop panelists, fellows, and guests were treated to an evening of poetry readings by Kabulig members, a Bicol literary group and selected fellows, and were serenaded by the AdNU Chorale and the city-based standup comedians and singing trio Pork Barrel. Poets Benilda Santos and DM Reyes were also honored during the Kabanggihan. A tree planting activity by the panelists, fellows and workshop organizers at Pacol, Naga City served as a fitting kick off for the 10th ANWW’s graduation ceremonies held at Panicuason Resort in Barangay Panicuason, Naga City. (Gerry S. Rubio, Virac, Catanduanes)
Waste...
He said the amount of time the boxer spends in training reduced the time he should be serving the people. “There is a conflict of interest because he is in Las Vegas when he is supposed to be here,” Bishop Gutierrez said. But the bishop said it’s up to Pacquaio to decide whether to quit boxing or not. “It’s up to him,” he said, adding that he understands why Pacquiao wants to fight and win his match with Margarito. “I understand he is raising money to put up a hospital in Sarangani,” the bishop said. Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone defended lawmakers who will attend Pacquiao’s fight. “I see nothing wrong with the congressmen watching to show their moral support… especially that they are not using government money,” Evardone said. “It’s not only Pacquiao’s title that is at stake but our country,” he
said. Pacquiao will fight Margarito on Saturday for the super welterweight championship at Dallas’Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao is a seven-division world champion, the first boxer in history to win nine world titles in seven different weight divisions. He is also the first boxer in history to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes.
Vigil...
he said. The prayer assembly on November 20 will also serve as a spiritual prelude to a prayer vigil in defense of life called by the pope on November 27. Pope Benedict has earlier called on all Catholics to join the prayer vigil for “All Nascent of Human Life” on the eve of the first Sunday of Advent which will be celebrated in all dioceses and
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parishes. Tirona urged all lay organizations to participate in both activities and affirm their “commitment to the sacredness of family and life.” (CBCPNews)
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AKB...
need are the presence of their congressmen for moral support,” added the militant leader. “It is really disheartening to know that we have these types of leaders that would say and do anything just to get elected and leave the people who placed them there afterwards,” Lopez furthered. Earlier, a Catholic bishop from Marbel criticized lawmakers for wasting money by flying to Las Vegas and watching the boxing match. Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez
expressed dismay that the money wasted by lawmakers in making the trip could have been spent for the poor; the prelate also questioned Rep. Pacquiao’s dedication to his duty as lawmaker when the latter is busy with boxing.
8 - 14 november 2010
Buhi...
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Vox Bikol Bikol news
volume XXvIII | Issue no. 25|
5
tion as compared to the optimum ranges set by the South East Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC). Moreover, very high traces of hydrogen sulfide was detected in five sampling stations during the water quality monitoring conducted on November 4. This critical water condition of the lake probably led to the massive fish kill in Lake Buhi. Low dissolved oxygen (or low volumes of oxygen in the water) occurs when water temperature rise and stratification occurs during respiration of plants and fish and during aerobic decomposition of organic matter. Under low dissolved oxygen, fishes will have poor growth, be prone to diseases or even die. It was also observed that about one-fourth of the lake is covered by water hyacinth which contributed to the depletion of dissolved oxygen by blocking the sources of oxygen such as photosynthetic activity by phytoplankton and wind aeration. Meanwhile, ammonia (NH3) is the major end product of protein catabolism excreted by fish. Its unionized form called UIA is highly toxic. It is caused by decomposed organic matters like unconsumed feeds and fertilizers, industrial and domestic wastes and decomposition of phytoplankton. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a poisonous gas which arises from a by-product of decaying and
decomposed organic matters like unconsumed feeds, plant debris, dead phytoplankton and fish feces. Too much of this will cause mass mortality due to suffocation and hemorrhages in gills of fish. These results were presented by Irmi Mora, BFAR Regional Fish Health Officer to municipal officials of Buhi on November 6, 2010 during a meeting held at the town’s session hall. Also present in this activity was a team from the Environment Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office of the Province of Camarines Sur headed by Luzena Bermeo; Caridad Roxas, Fishery Division Chief of the Provincial Agriculture Office and Central Bicol State University for Agriculture Environment Science Professor Joyce de la Trinidad. The 2007 data of the local government of Buhi showed that there were 15,597 registered fish cages that occupy 226 hectares of the 1,707 hectare lake. However, Lake Development Officer Ronilo Leal said that there are more to this figure with the growing number of unregistered fish cages. Fish cages in the lake produce 9 to 10 tons of tilapia daily. About 100 tons of tilapia and other fish stocks was lost due to the recent fish kill with an economic value of P80 million. Section 51 of Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code limits aquaculture activities such as fish cages and fish pens
in lakes to only 10% of the lake’s surface area. Ideally, the allowable percentage specified by law for fish cage culture in Lake Buhi should not exceed 170 hectares. However, the registered fish cages in Buhi Lake alone exceeded the allowable percentage. Municipal Councilor Zaldy Arcilla commented that the implementation of this national law can have more teeth once the municipal fishery ordinance (which is now on its second reading) is approved. He admitted that up to ninety percent of the lake has been occupied by fish cages contrary to the prescribed ten percent. He added though that the other lake resource users such as the National Power Corporation’s Hydro Electric Plant and the National Irrigation Administration’s controlled structure in Tabao River complicates the problem of increasing siltation of the lake by blocking the lake’s outlet in washing out sediment and water hyacinth. Municipal Administrator Beethoven Nachor presided over the meeting representing Mayor Rey Lacoste who was on official travel. He proposed a stakeholders conference to be attended by fish cage operators and marginal fisherfolk with BFAR officials and other researchers as resource speakers. BFAR-Bicol Regional Director Dennis del Socorro for his part said that regular water quality
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surveys will be done by his office at least once a week and support remedial measures in coordination with the Local Government Unit
such as capacity building trainings, provision of alternative livelihood to displaced fisherfolk and fish stock enhancement in Lake Buhi.
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Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Bulusan Volcano. Villagers, as well as tourist, were advised to keep out of the designated four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone due to danger posed by sudden phreatic or ash explosions. Pilots were likewise advised to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircraft. Meanwhile, the Bicol Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) the other day requested the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional office in Bicol to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) in Sorsogon affected by the Bulusan volcanic activities regarding the use of their respective calamity fund. Chief Supt. Cecillo Calleja, Philippine National Police (PNP) regional director, told members of the DRRMC at a council meeting that newly-elected town mayors in eruption- affected municipalities in Sorsogon expressed their
Bulusan...
lack of knowledge with the ways in using their respective calamity funds. Under the General Appropriations Act (GAA), LGUs could use five percent of their 20 percent economic development fund for calamity purposes provided the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or Sangguniang Bayan pass a resolution placing the area under a “state of calamity.” Bernardo Alejandro, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) director and concurrent DRRMC chair, explained that aside from placing a locality under a state of calamity, an executive order issued by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has given local chief executives authority to use their calamity fund for disaster preparedness measures. Alejandro asked the DILG to facilitate and inform town chief executives in Sorsogon regarding the proper use of the calamity funds. He said that “once they learn about the use of the calamity funds, they can start with their contingency measures.” (PNA)
during the two-day write-shop, a reprise of the workshop he conducted for the Department of Education Camarines Sur Division Office sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in August this year. Arejola, who is sitting for a second 3-year term in the National Committee for Literary Arts, was a panelist at the recent Ateneo de Manila National Writers’ Workshop and is scheduled to read a paper at the Writing in
Pagsurat...
Kidnapping...
City; Nicasio Casimiro Tipones, 44, Zone 4, of Barangay Capucnasan; and Richard Agravante Agapito, 35, of Barangay Mayaopayawan, both of Milaor, Cam. Sur; and SPO1 Francisco “Bong” Bustinera Y Agricola, who was implicated by one of the suspects. Oliver alleged that it was Bustinera who masterminded the foiled kidnapping of four year-old Zybelle Anne Delgado Parafina at Villa Sorabella Sub., Concepcion Grande, in this city last Friday (Nov. 5). In an official report of the Naga City Police Office, PO3 Allen Buen foiled the kidnapping on the 4 year-old minor at the latter’s residence at Lt. 22, Block 26, Sol St. Villa Sorabella Subdivision, at about 11:00 noon of Nov. 5, when suspects Oliver, Tipones and Agapito were caught grabbing the minor at said residence. Reportedly, PO3 Buen had been conducting surveillance at the area as directed by PSI Albao based on an informant’s tip that a probable kidnapping will occur in the vicinity. According to the investigator on the case, PO2 Romeo Idian “It will penalize virtually anyone who speaks against it because it will mandate employers, even if against their will, to provide contraceptives to their employees,” he added. He also explained the bill will subject the country’s young to a brand of sex education that is foreign to Philippine culture and corrosive to values as it purports to reject abortion but classified abortifacients as essential medicines. The cardinal concluded by saying “it is this spectre of a society that has lost its moral bearings
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Luzon panel of the 53rd Philippine PEN Confab in Cebu City on December. Also slated for a last quarter staging is the 7th Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon, previously held during the September Peñafrancia festivities. This year’s awards rites is slated on the last week of December in the charming garden fronting the Museo de Caceres in the historic grounds of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in Naga
City. Top entries in the poetry, fiction, drama, children’s fiction, essay categories and the newlylaunched screenplay for short films category, along with winners of the Premio Bibiano Sabino Bikol Book Award, the Rawitdawit para ki Ina, and the Writer of the Year will be honored at the December awards rites. The Premio Arejola is widely regarded as the region’s premiere literary prize.
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RH...
will of most Filipinos,” the 79-year old prelate said. He noted that during the EDSA I and II, “when the issue was political, and the goal was toppling a dictator or a corrupt leader, the Church was hailed as a force for reform and liberation.” Having served President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines in 1986, he said when the voice of the Church proved a useful instrument to attain the tipping point, “virtually everyone whose voice mattered praised the role of the Church.” “Now that the issue is moral and much more proper to the Church’s concern, we are accused of using undue influence and interfering in politics,” he added. He said he witnessed bishops and archbishops who drafted the post-election statement which declared the 1986 elections were marked by massive fraud. He further said had the bishops then thought it undemocratic to issue that statement and if they respected the views of those who thought contrary to their opinion, history might have made a few more twists and turns before something like EDSA could happen. “I assure you, the drafters of the statement did not rely on surveys and opinion polls as they read the situation based on their collective experience as they illumined their experience with principles from Scriptures and Church doctrines because they drew conclusions using right reason and sound logical principles,” he explained. Cardinal Vidal told the delegates that it is the same right to speak from the same principle which is being exercised by the Church as the issue then was not about toppling a dictator “but the reclaiming of justice.” “The issue not is not about claiming the power to dictate, but the protection of the values that hold our nation together and while the issues than and now may be different, the Church uses the same principles in its courses of action
– what the Holy Father (Benedict XVI) calls as ‘the ethical foundation of civil discourse,” he added. Referring to churchmen who criticize the Church for its vigorous opposition to the Bill on democratic principles who “may have also missed the point” because to reduce the debate into a purely religious issue is to imply that the objective moral principles that ground consensus are subjective opinions which will be open to further debates. Cardinal Vidal explained in many cases when consensus is not attained “the resulting action has always been one of license – to allow everybody to do what he or she wants as long as nobody gets hurt.” He said there is more to the RH Bill in its current form than mere democratic consensus or license because “if the RH Bill, in its present form passes into law, ironically, it will annul consensus” because it will impose itself on the consciences of individuals.
Vargas Jr., during the course of the apprehension, SPO1 Bustinera arrived in a green Wrangler jeep and urged Buen to release the suspects to his custody, allegedly to be brought to the PPO; Buen did not agree and pursued with the arrest of the three suspects. It was moreover reported that Bustinera had hidden a blue-green Yamaha motorcycle used by the suspects at a grassy lot some 200-meters from the Parafina residence. Vargas said that in a sworn statement executed by Oliver before a certain Atty. Rodel Abogado, Bustinera provided the Cal. 38 revolver and ammunition, including the Yamaha motorcycle used during the kidnapping. It was also Bustinera, according to Oliver’s sworn statement, who planned the criminal activities of their group. The victim’s parents, Edwin Morandarte Parafina, a local contractor, and wife Josefina Delgado Parafina, claimed that their daughter is a “special child,” and was partly traumatized by the failed kidnapping. (SONNY SALES) that keeps me from throwing in the towel even though I am now retired.” He reiterated his commitment to stand with human life advocates as they engage the larger society in dialogue as well as work together in “purifying” reason to recognize the objective moral principles essential to the proper functioning democracy. The international congress is being held at the Hotel Dusit Thani, Makati City from November 6 to 8. (Melo M. Acuna)
Ang Parabula ng Kambing
InIhanda na ang alagang hayop. Hindi na mahalaga kung sino ang nag-alaga kung kayâ hindi na rin kinuha ang pangalan nito ng eskribano na siyang nakatalagang mangasiwa sa buong ritwal. Hindi nga rin tiyak kung inaalagan nga talaga ang nasabing hayop. Basta ang mahalaga naroroon ito at walang pakiwari sa kung ano ang nakatakdang maganap sa umagang iyon. Dumating ang hari at reyna sakay ng karwahe. Naroroon din ang mga kawal at ang buong taong-bayan. Ginagawa lamang sa loob ng isang taon sa bukana ng bayan, ang nasabing ritwal bago ang ikalawang pamimilog ng buwan at ang paglitawan ng mga kakaibang bulaklak sa parang kung saan bago ito sumibol, madalas na makita ang mga ligaw na tupa, kambing at paminsan-minsan naliligaw din dito ang mga baboy na hindi rin nila pinapansin dahil sa paniniwalang mga naparusahang anghel ang mga baboy. Subalit minsan may isang ketongin na humuli, kumatay at kumain ng nasabing hayop. At balitang may ilang tao sa kaharian na kumakain na rin nito mula nang makita nilang nagpipiyesta ang ketongin. Lasang anghel daw ang laman ng mga hayop. Ngunit hindi tungkol sa baboy ang parabulang ito. Hila-hilang inilabas ang kambing sa kanyang hawla. Katulad ng ibang kambing naging maingay din ang nasabing hayop dahil na rin sa pangangaladkad ng kawal. Sa ritwal na ito, pamumunuan ng eskribano ang panimulang panalangin para sa kapatawaran ng kasalanan ng buong bayan. Ito ang taunang pampublikong pangungumipisal kung kailan ginagamit ang isang kambing bilang alay sa kanilang diyos. Kinakailangang lumahok sa nasabing ritwal ang lahat ng mamamayan ng lungsod, simula sa edad na pito hanggang pitumput-pito. Ang mga wala na o wala pa sa edad ay hinahayaan na lamang na magsunog ng kamangyan at mag-alay ng isang dosenang itlog ng pugo sa templo. Ang mga magulang naman ang nag-aalay para sa kapatawaran ng kasalanan ng kanilang mga anak na hindi pa abot sa hustong gulang ng paglahok sa kumpisal ng bayan. Sa pagusal ng mga dasal ng eskribano, lumakas ang ihip ng hangin at tinangay nito papasok ng bayan ang mga buhangin na nagmumula sa disyerto— dito nila itinataboy ang alay na hayop upang gumala at maligaw at sa kalauna’y inaasahang mamamatay sa gitna ng pag-iisa kasama ang kanilang mga kasalanan. Pagkatapos ng dasal ng eskribano, unang lumapit ang hari sa kambing, na para sa ritwal na ito’y nagsuot ng sako ng abono at naglagay ng abo sa kanyang ulo. Pagkalapit ng hari, lumuhod ito sa harapan ng hayop na walang muwang na ang hari ng lungsod ang naninikluhod sa kanya. Pinigilan ng ilang kawal ang hayop na nababalisa sa kahit
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volume XXvIII | Issue no. 25|
Vox Bikol Feature
8 - 14 november 2010
KRisTiaN sENdON CORdERO
anumang nangyayari paggalaw. Sa kaliwang tenga ng kambing, ibinulong ng hari ang kanyang mga kasalanan. Inabot ito ng limang minuto. Agad na tumayo ang hari pagkatapos ng pagbuyboy at nakayukong tinungo ang karwahe habang nakalagay ang kanyang kaliwang kamay sa kanyang dibdib. Sumunod naman ang reyna na para sa okasyong ito nagsuot ng itim na belo. Sa araw na ito, may ilan pang ginawang penitensya ng reyna. Napansin ng taumbayan na hindi ito nagsuot ng sapatos sa kabila ng balitang may isang silid ito na puno ng mga bulawan na sandalyas. Nang umagang iyon, nakayapak itong naglakad patungo sa kambing. Samantalang napansin din ng mga kawal na hindi gumamit ng anumang pabango ang reyna na balitang naliligo sa pinaghalong gatas, tubig mula sa natunaw na niyebe ng isang bundok na, katas ng mga rosas at iba pang mamahaling samyo na regalo sa kanya ng iba pang pinuno. Katulad ng hari, ibinulong din ng reyna ang kanyang kasalanan. Kanang tenga ng kambing ang nakalaan para sa kanyang pangungumpisal. Inabot ng anim na minuto ang reyna. Ngunit sa totoo lang, tatlong minuto lamang siyang bumulong ng kanyang mga itinuturing na kasalanan. Halimbawa, ang pagkalimot niyang magsuklay at magsepilyo. Nagkunwari na lamang siyang nagbubuyboy hanggang sa makaabot ang anim na minuto. Nakakahiya kasi na lumabas na mas makasalanan ang hari kaysa sa kanya. May ilang kawal at ilang babaeng alalay ang nagsabing hindi raw sinabi ng reyna ang lahat ng kasalanan nito dahil dapat daw ay buong araw itong nakaluhod sa hindi kukulangin sa sampung kambing. Samantalang nag-aamoy alimuom na ang paligid. Ito raw ang amoy ng kasalanan ng kanilang mga pinuno. Pagkatapos ng anim na minuto, tumayo ang reyna kasabay ng eskribano na siyang naghatid sa reyna patungo sa karhawe kung saan naghihintay ang haring nakayuko pa rin. Sa pagtapos ng pangungumpisal ng kanilang mga pinuno, ang taumbayan, ang mga kawal at ang babaeng alalay ng reyna ang sunod na magsasabi ng mga kasalanan. Ngunit hindi ito gagawing pabulong. Tanging ang magasawang pinuno lamang ang may karapatan na gawin ang nasabing akto sa ganoong pamamaraan. Pakakawalan ng eskribano sa pagkakatali ang kambing at dahan-dahang isasatinig ng lahat ang kanilang iba’t ibang kasalanan, habang itinataboy ang kambing palabas sa kanilang bayan patungo sa disyerto. May mga magsisimulang magpukol ng bato sa kambing na sa ilang pangyayari’y nagmistula na ring bato ang hayop. Hindi na ito gumalaw kahit anong pilit na pagtataboy. Kayâ minsan, inisip na lamang nilang sunugin ito mula sa hawla. At
itapon palabas ng lungsod. Mahalagang mailabas ang labí ng kambing. Hindi kailangang manatili ang kasalanan sa kanilang gwardyadong teritoryo. Sa maraming pagkakataon, hindi na nakalabas pa ng buhay ang kambing sa bayan dahil nasasapol kaagad ito sa ulo. At katulad ng nakatakda, itinatapon na lamang ito sa disyerto. Noong nakaraang ritwal napatay kaagad ng isang kawal ang alay na kambing kahit hindi pa nauubos na sabihin ng marami sa taumbayan ang kanilang mga kasalanan. Balitang nakiniig sa asawa ng iba pang asawa ang kawal na iyon na ibinunton sa kambing ang galit nito sa kanyang karibal. May mga nagagalit kung namamatay kaagad ang kambing dahil nangangahulugan daw ito ng kamalasan para sa mga negosyo ng kaharian. Dahil hindi lahat ng kasalanan ay naipapasa sa hayop. Ngunit may mga natutuwa rin dahil maagang matatapos ang taunang suanoy na ritwal. At dahil sa napakaraming, sabay-sabay na tinig ng mga kasalanan, wala ring naiintindihan ang dalawang pinunong nag-aabang sa mga kasalanan ng taumbayan. Lalo na ang haring nagbabalak sanang ilista ang mga kasalanan ng kanyang mga kawal at ang reyna naman sa kanyang mga babaeng alalay. Maging ang eskribano’y wala ring nauunawaan. Ito rin sana ang okasyon ng isa’t isa na malaman ang mga lihim ng kanilang nasasakupan, subalit wala ni isa man na kasalanan ang nakakalusot sa kanilang mga tengang hawig sa kambing. Sa pagpapatuloy ng ritwal, isang napakalaking halimaw na umuungol mula sa kailaliman ng kuweba, isang baliw na unos, o sigaw ng lehiyon ng mga pinalayas na anghel ang nalilikhang tunog ng pinaghalu-halong tinig ng mga kasalanan. Samantalang kumakaripas naman sa takbo ang kambing palabas sa bayan, palayo sa mga makasalanan. Kapag tuluyan nang nawala sa kanilang paningin ang kambing dahil sa palagay nila’y kinakain ito ng mga buhanging naghuhugis alon sa disyertong kasing lawak ng dagat— isa-isa nang magsisipag-uwian ang lahat papasok sa kanilang bayan. Buong araw silang mamamahinga at patuloy na mag-aayuno. Habang sa gawing silangan ng disyerto, may isang bayan din ang nagsasagawa ng isang mahalagang ritwal. Isang liturhiya, isang paghihintay at pag-aabang, kung saan ang kambing ang pinapaniwalaan nilang sugo ng kanilang diyos. Sa bayang iyon, walang nakakatiyak kung saan nagmumula ang mga naliligaw na kambing na ito. Mga kambing na dumarating na hapong-hapo. Sugatan. Mga kambing na kailangang iligtas sa kamatayan. Hindi sa lahat ng kanilang pag-aabang, may dumarating na kambing kung kayâ ganoon na lamang ang kanilang pasasalamat sa pagkakataon na may marinig na tinig ng kambing o kaya’y makakita ng aninong gumagalaw at may sungay sa gitna ng disyerto. Kapag dumating ang kambing itinuturing nilang parang ang diyos ang bumisita sa kanila at dahil mula sa sugong ito’y kukunin nila ang gatas at keso, dalawang bagay na pinaniniwalaan nilang kaloob ng diyos, na nananahan sa pusod ng disyerto, sa pinagmamasdang kawalan.
Comfort Women...
before they transferred me to the garrison.” In the garrison, her sister Metria was beaten up and raped by the Japanese. Their house was burned down by the Japanese soldiers. Their mother and father and two siblings were buried alive. Her other brothers were also taken by Japanese soldiers and became their slaves. Lola Pilar, on the other hand, was slashed on her face by a jungle knife when she did not answer the Japanese soldier who was asking her questions. “He was asking me in Japanese, I did not answer because I could not understand.” She and her auntie were doing laundry at the back of their house then. Her mother and father were not in the house. The Japanese soldiers submerged her head in a drum full of water. Her hands were tied at her back and then the two Japanese soldiers took turns raping her. The sexual abuse did not end there. When they evacuated from their house in Sipocot, Camarines Sur to a school together with other families, a group of Japanese soldiers came to the school. Only the girls were left behind in the school as many of the men went on hiding because they were being suspected to be members of the guerilla and would probably get killed. Lola Pilar said there were many guerillas in their place. Lola Pilar still remembers the Japanese officer who took her to the mountains, “Capt. Kodama took me and three other girls. We were tied by our waist with abaca rope and they took us on their journey looking for guerillas in the mountains.” It was in the mountains while the Japanese were hunting guerillas where we were used as sex slaves,” she said. Fighting back her tears, Lola Pilar said they were too tired not only from walking but also because they were repeatedly raped. She was also brought to the garrison later. She was again repeatedly raped, “When we declined they would beat us up or burn us with cigarettes.” Both lolas were able to survive the cruelty of the Japanese soldiers. In 1944, both were able to escape when the Japanese soldiers fled. In September of 1945, Japan formally surrendered. Lola Isa was reunited with her other siblings, only four of them were alive and one went missing. Lola Isa’s older sister Metria lost her sanity. Lola Pilar was also able to reunite with her whole family. Survival after their dreadful ordeal was also difficult. All their crops were ruined, even the farm animals were dead and supplies were scarce. Lola Isa said that they barely ate. “Before the Japanese came here our life was not difficult. I did not experience hunger because we had plants and other crops within our backyard.” Their sTruggle For jusTiCe Lola Isa and Lola Pilar struggled to live a normal life. “I dreamt of being like my grandfather who was a teacher. But the Japanese took that away from me,” Lola Isa said while crying. She said she is so enraged by the inaction of the Philippine government and that her tears are more because of anger than agony. They were not able to continue their studies since the Japanese occupation. They also went through psychological problems as they were perceived as dirty women who worked as sex slaves for the Japanese soldiers. But Lola Isa was thankful that his husband Aneceto was able to understand what she went though. “His two sisters were also victims and they were never found at all.” Lola Pilar, on the other hand, did not tell her first husband of her ordeal. Her first husband died, they have three children. Her second husband knew about her ordeal when she went public after Henson. “He was ashamed; he even said that he married a whore. Now we are separated.” Lola Isa has six children and Lola Pilar has seven children, two of them have died. Despite old age, both are determined to continue fighting until they achieve justice. “We demand for not only an apology and compensation. We demand that our story be written in history, that there were women like us who they abused and some were even killed. We believe that by giving us justice this
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grave violence against women will never happen again,” said Lola Isa. “We would never get tired of fighting. This struggle is not only for us but for all victims of violence against women,” Lola Pilar said. The lolas of Lila Pilipina also support the fight of other women victims of rape by American soldiers like Nicole and Vanessa as well as in other parts of the world like Iraq and Afghanistan. Extremadura said they have exhausted all venues to make the Japanese government accountable. But justice remains elusive. The US, Canada, the Netherlands and the European Union have already passed resolutions supporting the demands of comfort women while the Philippines did not even pass one. On Nov. 8, Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) refiled House Resolution No. 576, a resolution urging the government of Japan to formally acknowledge, apologize for, and accept its historical responsibility over the sexual slavery of young women during World War II. “Despite having Filipino victims estimated to reach thousands, the Philippines is the only country in the world that chose not to support the claims of its comfort women. Instead, the government upheld the San Francisco Peace Pact where the State allegedly waived all further claims for compensation in exchange for nominal war reparations.” GWP said in a statement. What is even more painful for the lolas is that their own government did not even make a move to make the Japanese government responsible for their crime. The country’s Supreme Court denied their petition, worse, the decision was even plagiarized. “It was not only plagiarized, it was also twisted,” said Extremadura referring to the decision penned by Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo who allegedly lifted portions from foreign sources without proper attribution. “This is an injustice committed by our very own judicial system,” she added. (Bulatlat.com)
8 - 14 november 2010
Vox Bikol notices
Bounded on the NE., along line-1-2; by Lot-10, on the SE, along line 2-3; by Lot17, on the SW., along 3-4; by Lot-8 all of Blk-4, and on the NW., along line 4-1; by Road Lot-4, all of Pcs-05-001253. Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) Square meters more or less registered in the name of Sps. Allan F. Alcantara and Lina C. Alcantara, of legal age, Filipino and with residence at No. 32 Jacob Extension, Naga City. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and date. In the event that the public auction should not take place on the said date due to lawful cause/s, it shall be held on November 12, 2010 without further notice. September 22, 2010, Naga City, Philippines. (sgd) jorge B. loPeZ sheriFF iv vox Bikol: october 25, nov. 1 and 8, 2010 deed oF eXTrajudiCial seTTleMenT oF esTaTe wiTh aBsoluTe sale over a MoTor-veheCle Notice is hereby given that the late JEDION R. BALDOVIA died on August 11, 2009 at San Fernando, CSur left a motor-vehicle and more particularly described to wit: “Make: MITS/ FUSO; Type of Body: Jitney; Model: 2003; Engine No.: 4D30358023; Chassis No.: SPM2003121824C; Plate No. EVN-694 Certificate of Registration No. 6858158-6 dated June 10, 2008 including its Franchise covered by Certificate of Public Convenience under Case No. 05-2003-1000 with Route at Naga-Pasacao vice versa” That this deed was settled and do sell, cede, transfer and convey absolutely by way of absolute sale unto Jackson John Marco Vergara. Acknowledged before notary public Tirso Mariano, per doc no. 2311, page no. 64, book no. XXXXI, Series of 2010. vox Bikol: october 25, nov. 1 and 8, 2010 Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Fifth Judicial Region Branch 23 Naga City ejF no. 2010-13 IN THE MATTER OF THE CORRECTION OF ERRONEOUS ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF ABIGAEL MARCIAL ANDAL BY CORRECTING THE GENDER FROM MALE TO FEMALE AND TO DELETE MARCIAL BESIDE HER FIRST NAME, ABIGAEL MARCIAL ANDAL, tioner, No. 97-023-0958. This Deed was extra judicially settled by way of Absolute Sale unto Rosseler D. Lim. Acknowledged before notary public Tirso P. Mariano, per Doc no. 2976, Page no. 96, Book no. XXXXI, Series of 2010. vox Bikol: november 8, 15 and 22, 2010 deed oF eXTrajudiCial seTTleMenT oF esTaTe wiTh waiver oF shares Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late ROSARIO AGOTILLA died on January 24, 2005 at Gogon, Camaligan, CSur left a parcel of agricultural land, situated in the Bo. Of Patong, Pamplona, CSur, with an area of 16,841 more or less, covered by TCT No. 10981, Certificate of Land Ownership Award No. 00579282, TD No. 97-008-00950. This Deed was extra judicially settled by way of waiver of share unto Victor I. Agotilla. Acknowledged before notary public Tirso P. Mariano, per Doc no. 2956, Page no. 92, Book no. XXXXI, Series of 2010. vox Bikol: november 8, 15 and 22, 2010 deed oF eXTrajudiCial seTTleMenT oF esTaTe wiTh aBsoluTe sale Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late TERESITA DE LOS SANTOS SAN JUAN died on December 6, 1999 at Naga City left a parcel of land, situated in Balatas, Naga City, with an area of 142 sqm., covered by TCT No. 640, Emancipation Patent No. A-189924-H. This Deed was extra judicially settled by way of Absolute Sale unto Sps. Toribio Magalona Domer Jr. and Zora Hernandez Domer portion of land with an area of 50 sqm., that the remaining portion of 90 sqm., shall be transferred as co owners among heirs. Acknowledged before notary public Tirso P. Mariano, per Doc no. 2911, Page no. 83, Book no. XXXXI, Series of 2010. vox Bikol: november 8, 15 and 22, 2010 eXTrajudiCial seTTleMenT oF esTaTe wiTh waiver oF righTs Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late EPIFANIO MENDIZABAL died on July 12, 2010 at Bicol Medical Center, Naga City and buried at Bula, CSur left a certain parcel of residential land together with residential house situated at Gogon-Dugcal, Camaligan, CSur, KATIBAYAN NG ORIHINAL NA TITULO BLG. 18765, with an area of
volume XXvIII | Issue no. 25|
7
Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POICE BAAO MUNICIPAL POLICE STATION Baao, Camarines Sur noTiCe oF losT Malanie Borason y Lunelli, 52 years old (July 22, 1958), married, and resident of Zone 1 Bgy. San Juan, Baao, Camarines Sur., appeared personally to this office and requested to put into record that on or about 8:00 A.M. of October 13, 2010, allegedly the wallet color black of his husband Giovannie S. Lunelli, Italian Citizen, were found believed to be slipped at the Bacsain Store located at Bgy. San Ramon this municipality when her husband were buy a red horse beer at aforesaid store on or about 5:30 P.M. of October 12, 2010, said wallet is containing of some important document to wit: I-Card, Non-Professional driver license, cedula and cash money more or less six thousand pesos (Php 6,000.00), exerted effort to locate the same but to no avail. vox Bikol: october 25, nov. 1 and 8, 2010 Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 5th Judicial Region, Naga City EJF No. 2010-18 noTiCe oF eXTra judiCial sale Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (PAG-IBIG FUND) with principal business address at the Atrium of Makati City, as mortgagee, against LINA C. ALCANTARA, of Welville Subd., San Felipe, Naga City, as Mortgagor, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of August 23, 2010 amounts to SIX HUNDRED SIXTY ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY TWO & 70/100 (P661,682.70) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges but excluding expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned will sell at public auction on NOVEMBER 8, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter at the main entrance of the City Hall of Naga City to the highest bidder, for cash or manager’s check and in Philippine Currency, the following property with all its improvements, to wit: TCT NO. 40755 A parcel of land (Lot 9 Blk-4 of the consolidation subdivision survey Pcs-05-01253, being a portion of Lots 3182E 3183-F, 3182-G, 3182-H, 3182-I, Pcsd-05-005152 & Lot- 3182-D-1, Pcs-05019463) situated in the Barangay of San Felipe, City of Naga, Island of Luzon.
Peti-
Spec Proc. No. 2010-0076 -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF NAGA CITY, AND THE NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE, Respondents. x-------------------------------x ORDER Filed before this court is a verified petition seeking the correction of some erroneous entries in the record of birth of petitioner Abigael Marcial Andal under Local Civil Registry No. 91-1629 of the Naga City Civil Registry. These entries are: 1. Petitioner’s gender which is incorrectly recorded as male instead of female; and 2. The name Marcial which appears in petitioner’s record of birth as part of her given name is actually the family name of her mother, Yolanda Anyayahan Marcial, and thus must be deleted so that her true and correct name ABIGAEL MARCIAL ANDAL may appear thereon. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same shall be heard by this court on January 25, 2010 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning, at which time and date, all persons who have claim any interest which would be affected thereby may appear and register their opposition thereto. Have this order published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Camarines Sur. Furnish the Civil Registry Office of Naga City, the National Statistics Office, the Office of the Solicitor General, the City Prosecution Office of Naga City, and the parents of the said petitioner with copies of this order and the instant petition. SO ORDERED. Given this 8th day of November, 2010 at Naga City, Philippines. (sgd.) valenTin e. Pura, jr. Presiding Judge vox Bikol:november 8, 15 and 22, 2010 deed oF eXTrajudiCial seTTleMenT oF esTaTe wiTh aBsoluTe sale Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late JOSE BORABIEN died on September 28, 1991 at Manila, consisting of a parcel of land, situated at Vinagre, Tigaon, CSur, with an area of 204 sqm., covered by TD
150 sqm., more or less. This Deed was extra judicially settled by way of waiver of rights in favour unto Mercedes B. Mendizabal. Acknowledged before notary public Florencio B. Rosales, per Doc no. 798, Page no. 150, Book no. ____, Series of 2010. vox Bikol: november 8, 15 and 22, 2010 noTiCe oF eXTra judiCial seTTleMenT wiTh sale Notice is hereby given that Extra-Judicial Settlement is made and entered into by and among: ANGELICA I. TUDIO, of legal age, Filipino, married and resident of Blk. 49, Lot 11, Kapayapaan Ville, Canlubang, Calamba City; JOSEFINA L. CARTER, of legal age, Filipino, married and resident of 13697 E 55th Lane, Yuma, Arizona, ERLINDA P. LAGDAMEO, of legal age, Filipino and resident of Balayan St., Bagobantay, Quezon City and BERNARDITA T. LAGDAMEO, of legal age, Filipino, single and resident of Himaao, Pili, Camarines Sur and ARTURO T. LAGDAMEO, of legal age, Filipino, married and with residence and postal address at Himaao, Pili, Camarines Sur. That they are the surviving heirs of the late Josefina Tiongko, who died intestate on January 22, 1998 at Pili, Camarines Sur, without a Will or Testament, and without any outstanding debts with any person or entity; and that said deceased left
a parcel of land covered by TCT No. 25603 and is more particularly described as follows: “A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 1689-A of the subdivision plan Psd-0517280-013105, being a portion of Lot 1689, Cad-291, Pili Cadastre), situated in the Barangay of Himaao, Municipality of Pili, Province of Camarines Sur, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the E., along lines 9-1-2 by Irrigation Canal; on the SW., along lines 2-3-4-5 by Lot 1689-B, Psd-051728-013105; on the E., along line 5-6 by Irrigation Ditch (3.00m. wide); and on the NE., along lines 6-7-8-9 by Lot 1688, Cad-291, Pili Cadastre. Beginning at a point marked “1” on the plan being S. 45 deg. 42’W., 23.39m. to point 2; thence N. 79 deg. 34’W., 130.12m. to point w; thence N. 84 deg. 01’W., 37.05m. to point 4; thence N. 58 deg. 58’W., 148.19m. to point 5; thence N. 05 deg. 10’W., 61.82m. to point 6; thence S. 80 deg. 31’E., 9.23m. to point 7; thence S. 76 deg. 21’E., 39.40m. to point 8; thence S. 82 deg. 07’E., 234.24m. to point 9; thence S. 00 deg. 28’W., 94.35m. to point of beginning, containing an area of THIRTY THOUSAND (30,000) SQUARE METERS. This Deed was a subject of of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate among ourselves with Absolute Sale in favor unto ELLEN E. BAGASINA, acknowledged before notary public Felix V. Brazil Jr. under Doc. No. 3302, Book No. 649, Page No. IX, Series of 2010. voX Bikol nov. 15, nov. 22, and nov. 29, 2010
Gospel...
And Jesus replied, “Taking husband or wife is proper to people of this world, but for those who are considered worthy of the world to come and of resurrection from the dead, there is no more marriage. Besides, they cannot die for they are like the angels. They too are sons and daughters of God because they are born of the resurrection. “Yes, the dead will be raised, and even Moses implied it in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. For he is God of the living and not of the dead, and for him all are alive.”
Available at: INA NIN BIKOL FOUNDATION, INC. Peñafrancia Basilica, Balatas, Naga City
GospEl (NovEmbER 7, 2010)
Lk 20:27–38
brothers; the first married a wife, but he died without children; and the second and the third took the wife; in fact all seven died leaving no children. Last of all the woman died. On the day of the resurrection, to which of them will the woman be wife? For the seven had her as wife.”
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volume XXvIII | Issue no. 25| 8 - 14 november 2010
Naga prelate clears priest of molestation charges
Catholic laity to hold prayer vigil vs RH bill
Manila, nov. 9, 2010—a coalition of pro-life, family life and lay organizations are coming together in a collective show of resistance against the proposed reproductive health bill being deliberated in Congress. Led by the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, the laity are organizing a prayer vigil called “Prayers and Reflections on Human Life” on November 20 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Manila Cathedral. Laiko National president Edgardo Tirona said now is the time for the laity to defend the Catholic faith “against those who are trying to propagate the culture of death in the guise of alleviating the lives” of the poor. “As a Church, we cannot just be complacent and allow this insidious attempt to ruin the moral and spiritual fabric of our society,”
HATAW. College students from different colleges and universities in Bikol released their baloons after the field demonstration dubbed as HATAW in this year’s Regional SCUAA meet hosted by Bicol University.
Some Sadducees arrived. These people claim that there is no resurrection and they asked Jesus this question, “Master, in the Scripture Moses told us: ‘If anyone dies leaving a wife but no children, his brother must take the wife, and the child to be born will be regarded as the child of the deceased man.’ Now, there were seven
Cs pHOTOgRapHY
vigil / pagE4
Cardinal Vidal sees ‘head-on collision’ on RH Bill
Manila, nov. 7, 2010— sPeaking before 500 delegates during the 17th Asia-Pacific Congress on Faith and Family, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said the Church’s struggle to preserve and promote the values conducive to nurturing faith, family and life appears to be heading “towards a head-on collision” with those who push for the passage of RH Bill. He downplayed claims by some sectors that the Catholic Church tries to impose itself on the rest of the citizenry. “The Church is being portrayed as an intolerant power block bent on imposing its will on the nation, running roughshod over the
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Manila, nov. 9, 2010—CaCeres Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi has cleared a member of the archdiocesan clergy from charges of molesting a teen-age boy in a local motel. In a statement sent to CBCP Media Office today, the 74-year old prelate said apparent attempts to destroy and discredit the church have been made by some sectors and individuals. “The accused priest and the Archdiocese of Caceres vehemently deny the said accusation,” Archbishop Legaspi said in his statement.
“We are saddened by the fact that this false and malicious accusation is being made at the time when our priests are having their annual clergy retreat,” he added as he asked the faithful for prayers at this time. The investigation initiated by church authorities revealed a complaint made with police authorities of an alleged sexual offense committed against the complainant who identified the alleged perpetrator through the plate number of a car. As the police performed follow-up investigation, it was
learned the plate number belonged to a car owned by Msgr. Peter Beriña. It was Msgr. Beriña’s driver who admitted using the car without the priest’s knowledge and permission. The driver said he entered the motel with a female companion on the date and time of the alleged incident. The same driver said Msgr. Beriña was nowhere near the place of the incident, but “out of nowhere, the 17-year old boy comes forward complaining and accusing Msgr. Beriña.” “Apparently, Msgr. Beriña is innocent and the accusation against
him is false and fabricated,” Archbishop Legaspi said. He vowed to look into the possibility that some malicious ploy against the church and its priests has been launched. The prelate further said the Archdiocese of Caceres is prepared to take appropriate legal action against the people behind in what he described as “defamatory accusations.” He likewise called on the faithful “to be cautious and discerning, and ultimately take the side of the truth.” (Melo M. Acuna)
Bishop says politicians’ Las Vegas visit a waste
uCan (12 noveMBer) -- The MoneY spent by 50 politicians flying to the United States to watch Filipino boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao meet Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito on Oct. 14 would be better spent on the poor, a Catholic bishop says. Pacquiao, a member of the House of Representatives after winning in the May 2010 elections, was also letting down his constituents by not giving them his full attention, said Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez. “It’s really a big hindrance. How can you serve full time if you are practicing because your focus is boxing?” the bishop said.
WasTE / pagE 4