Vox Bikol Vol. 28 Issue No. 31

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MAiN: cor. p. burgos & geN. luNA sTs., NAgA ciTY Tel Nos.: (054) 473.72.62 / 478.34.58 brANches:
This photo is from the official facebook page of Naga City, “Ciudad nin Naga: An Maogmang Lugar”. For more photos on “Paskong Nagueño 2010”: visit, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ciudad-nin-Naga-AnMaogmang-Lugar-Naga-City-Bicol/110525158999311
“Dealer of quality home appliances & furnitures”
IRIGA • LEGASPI • SORSOGON
disTribuTor
Buhi Mayor: No more fish cage permits
Lacoste orders nonrenewal of permits for fish cage operator
Sonny SaleS
LIGHT OF THE MARTYRS. Naga City’s Plaza Quince Martirez is suffused with multi-colored Christmas lights for the holidays, bringing cheer to passerby.
Photo by: Paolo Suzara
Albay’s outstanding educators, students feted
legAZpi ciTY, dec. 22 (piA) — Educators and students who have shown exemplary performance in their respective fields manifesting the advancement of the education system in the province were cited in Albay’s Gawad Edukasyon awarding ceremonies Friday (December 17) held at the Albay Astrodome here Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, who pioneered the education enhancement program in the province in 2008 under the program Education Quality for Albayanos (EQUAL),
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buhi, cAMAriNes sur (20 deceMber) - - Determined to save this town’s lake ecology, Buhi town Mayor Rey Lacoste was reported to have finally ordered the non- renewal of permits of an estimated 600 Tilapia fish cages now occupying some 70% of the 1,618 hectares of Lake Buhi. Sources at the Local Government here disclosed that Lacoste’s action were among the extreme measures proposed by an interagency group who had studied the lake’s
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Bikol towns get P1M good housekeeping incentive from DILG
LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 22 – Two lowly municipalities of Bikol have been awarded an amount of P1 million each by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as Performance Challenge Funds (PCF) for meeting the benchmark of good local government housekeeping. These municipalities are Sto. Domingo,
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Lake Buhi, filled with wde, thick bed of water lilies in this photo, shall soon be free of fish cages that smother the lake. Photo by Marissa Reorizo-Casillan
International agencies launch health project in Bikol
NAgA ciTY, dec. 22 — The Philippine Red Cross local chapter here, in cooperation with the Agencia Española Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarollo (AECID), Spanish Red Cross, and Australian Red Cross, has recently launched a new project in the province of Camarines Sur to reduce the vulnerabilities of communities to health risks and natural disasters The project, dubbed as Convenio 10-C01-033 is a community-based health development and disaster risk reduction project, will soon be implemented in seHealtH / paGe 5
Sorsogon police officer awarded
sorsogoN ciTY (deceMber 23) -– police Senior Superintendent Victor Pelota Deona, Deputy Regional Director for Administration of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region V, yesterday, December 22, awarded “PNP Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting” (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal) to Police Officer I Jose B. Caspe who showed courage in hounding two armed individuals suspected to be selling illegal
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Volume XXVIII | Issue no. 31|
Vox Bikol Viewpoints
20 - 26 december 2010
Christmas Crimes
The disTurbiNg reporT froM The Naga City Police Office (NCPO) is that “December crimes” this year have shot up by 17% as compared to last year’s. In its report, the NCPO cited data which showed that there were 111 known incidents of crime during the period between December 1 to 20 of this year, while “only” 95 cases were filed for the same period last year. In addition, the statistics that the NCPO presented is complemented by anecdotal accounts of how crime seemed to be not only currently more rampant, but also more brazen and audacious. For those residing in Naga’s peripheral barangays, the fear of “riding-in-tandem” armed robbers is quite palpable. Unfortunately, the threats these marauders pose extend even to those who live in Naga’s downtown or centro. The news of a local contractor who had been held-up and robbed while near his Dayangdang residence sent ripples of apprehension across what was erstwhile known as “an maogmang lugar.” To a certain extent, the spate of criminal activity particularly that pertaining to property is not at all surprising. People are largely more moneyed during the last month of the year owing to 13th month salaries and bonuses, and hence become more liable to be targeted by felons. Moreover, the holiday season has spawned an attitude of excessive spending on gifts, glitter, and gaiety which consequently instills the urgent need to have more cash for splurging, perhaps despite one’s dire situation. Frequently—and quite sadly—this has urged many towards crime. Thus ironically, the “holy day” that is Christmas becomes the very occasion for felonies to be committed. Undoubtedly, they are injurious to others; yet too, these crimes are against the very substance of what Christmas is all about. There is much to be appreciated therefore in efforts to return to a more austere and meaningful celebration of Christmas and the year-end holidays. These efforts can be seen— again, unsurprisingly—in communities which are not that proximate to commercial centers, and hence, are not that disposed to associate Christmas’s celebration with extravagance and possession of consumer goods. For these communities, the Christmas season is ostensibly about family, friends, and faith sans the worries of not having enough to spend.
Namulaan
soMe people hAve New YeAr’s Resolutions and some people buy round fruits. If I may borrow a classic comment from Cristy Fermin who is consistent with her abhorrence of Kris Aquino, which I share: Kris is someone who, it seems does not have New Year’s resolutions. The punch line is this: kaya si Kris inuulit niya ang sarili na parang kasaysayan. Now, who says, there is no gem in talk shows. That’s classic. And I love it. New Year’s resolutions, in my book, however, are too middle-class. They reek of private-school upbringing. If one traces one’s likelihood of making New Year’s resolution, the path will bring you back guiltily to parents whose notion of a smart kid is one who can point to “leezards” and who can imitate the mooing of cows even if pasturelands are images in coloring books. My memory of making promises not to do some things again, deemed as bad or evil, is more provincial and has nothing to do with resolutions written on paper or tucked in notebooks. My memory of an impending change in the year has something do to with taboos. Later in life as a student of anthropology, I would obsess with its original spelling “Tabu.”And yet again, that word exotic now tremulous and now whispery in its raw nomenclature, will bring me to another domain, that of scent. On the dresser of my aunts, I recall seeing that word, Tabu, on the body of a perfume bottle. How would my aunts react (Bless their souls) if they are living now if I tell them that their favored scent was created by a man who was instructed to make a perfume for a whore. In my mind, there was nothing cheap about the scent: jasmine, ylang-ylang and rose are never whorish. But I guess the perfume was meant to be the scent of the forbidden. That my aunts when they dabed “Tabu” on their neck, and flicked a drop on their quivering pulse points, and sprayed the space into which they walk with their tulle and satin skirts, were really about to go to places – jam sessions, barn dances, ballrooms – where the forbidden and the seductive were a smile away. So, the child who realizes the taboos and the tabu and the perfume grows up recognizing that as the old year leaves this world and the new year swings in with the mighty embrace, the duty of each person is not to promise not to do anything again. Rather, that person should face the universe and its territory of do’s and don’ts. In our household, the resolutions do not come in the form of lists but in the overwhelming fear of acts and processes that could and should not be done when the first day of the year alights with such candor. The taboos have pre- and post-taboos. At the strike of midnight, we rush from room to room, opening closets and cabinet doors. We open all the doors to the house. We are allowing the good wind of good will and happiness to come into our house. In doing this, we throw all cautions to the new Four Winds. Fear is in the taboos not being observed. The kitchen is vacated during the First Day. No one cooks. No one even buys matchstick. No one buys anything at all. We are awake during the New Year otherwise we will be asleep always through the years. We caution ourselves from being mamulaan, literally cursed to do that thing you are doing when New Year comes. If you are angry when the clock hits midnight, then you will be always angry through the new year. Hadluk kami mamulaan. The night before, linukay, a dish of glutinous rice heavy with coconut milk and blessed with brown sugar has already been cooked. Sometimes, pancit is also prepared, the long noodles promising long life. Sometimes, we buy fruits but not for their roundness but for their nutrients and their scent. When the clock strikes 1 in the morning, and we are convinced the old year is dead, it is good to eat the fruits, savor their shape, be joyful of their juice. Their shape, in our clan, has nothing to do with good fortune but more about good memories. Somehow, we sense some absence. Somehow, we do not talk about those who are not anymore with us. We long for them (but we are quiet about this longing). We tear a bit. Some cry. We pray for a good life, just good life for all from the forces of the Tender Universe and not from a Tray of Overpriced Plants and their Fruits condemned to be mystical and round.
Editorial
Misa de Aguinaldo
Fr. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon sosog sA pAg-AdAl Ni pAdre Fidel Villarroel OP, an Misa de Aguinaldo saro sa mga suanoy, o iyo ngani gayod an pinakasuanoy na tradisyon relihioyosa sa Filipinas. An enot na prueba kaini makukua sa isinurat ni Padre Ignacio Alcina SJ, sa saiyang Historia de las Islas e Indias de Bisayas kan taon 1668. Si Padre Pedro Murillo Velarde SJ nagtao man nin testimonio na ipinadagos an tradisyon sa saiyang isinurat na Cursus Iuris Canonici Hispanici et Indici, na inimprenta kan taon 1763. Sinda Padre Vicente Salazar OP, Padre Benito Corominas OP asin Padre Serapio Tamayo OP nagsurat man na an tradisyon buhay kan ika-18 asin ika 19 siglo. Naontok sana ini sa panahon kan Arzobispo Felipe Pardo kan 1682. Alagad sa saiyang pagkagadan kan 1689, nagpadagos liwat ini. An tradisyon kan Misa de Aguinaldo gikan sa España, particularmente sa Sevilla asin Granada, asin Mexico. Alagad sa ngonian, dai na ini ginigibo sa España asin Mexico, huli ta binawi na an pribilehiyong ini. Alagad sa Filipinas nagpadagos huli ta kan 1961 tinawan nin extension kan Vaticano an Filipinas sa laog nin limang taon, alagad maski natapos na an limang taon nagpadagos an pag-observar kaini sagkod ngonian. An dahelan kan pagtugot sa Misa de Aguinaldo para sa pagpadanay kan mga katutubo (natives) sa pagtubod asin pangataman kan relihiyon sa rona na ini sa kinaban. An Misa de Aguinaldo sarong misa votiva, boot sabihon, Misa na puedeng bakong sosog sa kalendaryo liturhiko alagad igua nin espesyal na intensyon. An Misa de Aguinaldo para sa kaomawan ni Santa Maria. Kaya an mga pangadie kaini bako estriktamenteng pang-adviento, kundi para ki Santa Maria. An Misang ini puede man gamiton sa mga Sabado sa bilog na taon. Pati an kolor kan vestidura kan padi sa Misa de Aguinaldo, bakong lila (violet) na iyo an pang-adviento, kundi puti. Alagad an espiritu kan Misa pag-andam para sa pasko. Ini paghalat, siring ki Maria na naghahalat kan pangaki niya ki Jesus. Kaya ngani dati sa España an Disyembre 18, fiesta kan Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza (Mary, the expectant mother). Uya pa an mga karakter kan Misa de Aguinaldo: ini ‘novena-mass’, boot sabihon siyam na aldaw, poon Disyembre 16 sagkod Disyembre 24; ini ginigibo amay na aga (summo mane – very early in the morning); o bago magbanaag an liwanag (ad auroram – at dawn); o bago magsirang an saldang (antequam dies illuxerit – before daybreak); poon pa kaidto, dakul na tawo an mina-atender kaini asin maogma (festive) an celebrasyon asin inaawit an Gloria. An tataramon na Aguinaldo originalmente an boot sabihon regalo sa panahon nin Pasko sagkod sa Epifania. Dai inaapod na Aguinaldo an regalo sa ibang panahon. Kaya an Misa de Aguinaldo, garo man regalo kan mga tawo sa Dios. Inaapod man ini sa tataramon na Tagalog na Simbang Gabi, huli ta an misa sine-celebrar madiklom pa. An Misa de Gallo, sa España iyo an Misa pag-matangang banggi (Midnight Mass) kan fecha 24 kan Disyembre. Kaya an mga Misa de Aguinaldo minatapos sa Misa de Gallo. Ngonian igua na nin mga nadagdag na bagong forma kan Misa de Aguinaldo o Simbang Gabi iyo an misa pagkabanggi – antisipada, arog baga kan Misa pagkabanggi nin Disyembre 15 – para duman sa mga dai makakasimba nin amay na aga. Mahihiling na dakul na beses an paggamit kan mga terminolohiya pinagriribay-ribay. Linalaom na an pagpartisipar sa mga Misa de Aguinaldo makapag-andam sa gabos para sa misteryo kan pagkamundag kan Aki nin Dios sa kinaban. Ini sarong importanteng pangyayari sa kasaysayan na maski an mga historiador na bakong Cristiano, pinag-notaran. Kaya, pati an pagbilang kan mga taon siring kaini: B.C. boot sabihon ‘Before Christ’, bago kan panahon ni Cristo asin A.D. – ‘Anno Domini’ o ‘in the year of the Lord’, sa panahon kan Kagurangnan. Sa Misa de Aguinaldo ipinapangadie na magdanay lugod an nasyon na Filipinas sa pagtubod sa Dios.
20 - 26 december 2010
Vox Bikol Viewpoints
Volume XXVIII | Issue no. 31
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Benedict XVI’s Christmas 2010 Message
“May the birth of the savior open horizons of lasting peace”
Verbum caro factum est” – “The Word became flesh” (Jn 1:14). Dear brothers and sisters listening to me here in Rome and throughout the world, I joyfully proclaim the message of Christmas: God became man; he came to dwell among us. God is not distant: he is “Emmanuel”, God-with-us. He is no stranger: he has a face, the face of Jesus. This message is ever new, ever surprising, for it surpasses even our most daring hope. First of all, because it is not merely a proclamation: it is an event, a happening, which credible witnesses saw, heard and touched in the person of Jesus of Nazareth! Being in his presence, observing his works and hearing his words, they recognized in Jesus the Messiah; and seeing him risen, after his crucifixion, they were certain that he was true man and true God, the only-begotten Son come from the Father, full of grace and truth (cf. Jn 1:14). “The Word became flesh”. Before this revelation we once more wonder: how can this be? The Word and the flesh are mutually opposed realities; how can the eternal and almighty Word become a frail and mortal man? There is only one answer: Love. Those who love desire to share with the beloved, they want to be one with the beloved, and Sacred Scripture shows us the great love story of God for his people which culminated in Jesus Christ. God in fact does not change: he is faithful to himself. He who created the world is the same one who called Abraham and revealed his name to Moses: “I am who I am … the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob … a God merciful and gracious, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (cf. Ex 3:14-15; 34:6). God does not change; he is Love, ever and always. In himself he is communion, unity in Trinity, and all his words and works are directed to communion. The Incarnation is the culmination of creation. When Jesus, the Son of God incarnate, was formed in the womb of Mary by the will of the Father and the working of the Holy Spirit, creation reached its high point. The ordering principle of the universe, the Logos, began to exist in the world, in a certain time and space. “The Word became flesh”. The light of this truth is revealed to those who receive it in faith, for it is a mystery of love. Only those who are open to love are enveloped in the light of Christmas. So it was on that night in Bethlehem, and so it is today. The Incarnation of the Son of God is an event which occurred within history, while at the same time transcending history. In the night of the world a new light was kindled, one which lets itself be seen by the simple eyes of faith, by the meek and humble hearts of those who await the Saviour. If the truth were a mere mathematical formula, in some sense it would impose itself by its own power. But if Truth is Love, it calls for faith, for the “yes” of our hearts. And what do our hearts, in effect, seek, if not a Truth which is also Love? Children seek it with their questions, so disarming and stimulating; young people seek it in their eagerness to discover the deepest meaning of their life; adults seek it in order to guide and sustain their commitments in the family and the workplace; the elderly seek it in order to grant completion to their earthly existence. “The Word became flesh”. The proclamation of Christmas is also a light for all peoples, for the collective journey of humanity. “Emmanuel”, God-with-us, has come as King of justice and peace. We know that his Kingdom is not of this world, and yet it is more important than all the kingdoms of this world. It is like the leaven of humanity: were it lacking, the energy to work for true development would flag: the impulse to work together for the common good, in the disinterested service of our neighbour, in the peaceful struggle for justice. Belief in the God who desired to share in our history constantly encourages us in our own commitment to that history, for all its contradictions. It is a source of hope for everyone whose dignity is offended and violated, since the one born in Bethlehem came to set every man and woman free from the source of all enslavement. May the light of Christmas shine forth anew in the Land where Jesus was born, and inspire Israelis and Palestinians to strive for a just and peaceful coexistence. May the comforting message of the coming of Emmanuel ease the pain and bring consolation amid their trials to the beloved Christian communities in Iraq and throughout the Middle East; may it bring them comfort and hope for the future and bring the leaders of nations to show them effective solidarity. May it also be so for those in Haiti who still suffer in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and the recent cholera epidemic. May the same hold true not only for those in Colombia and Venezuela, but also in Guatemala and Costa Rica, who recently suffered natural disasters. May the birth of the Savior open horizons of lasting peace and authentic progress for the peoples of Somalia, Darfur and Côte d’Ivoire; may it promote political and social stability in Madagascar; may it bring security and respect for human rights in Afghanistan and in Pakistan; may it encourage dialogue between Nicaragua and Costa Rica; and may it advance reconciliation on the Korean peninsula. May the birth of the Savior strengthen the spirit of faith, patience and courage of the faithful of the Church in mainland China, that they may not lose heart through the limitations imposed on their freedom of religion and conscience but, persevering in fidelity to Christ and his Church, may keep alive the flame of hope. May the love of “God-with-us” grant perseverance to all those Christian communities enduring discrimination and persecution, and inspire political and religious leaders to be committed to full respect for the religious freedom of all. Dear brothers and sisters, “the Word became flesh”; he came to dwell among us; he is Emmanuel, the God who became close to us. Together let us contemplate this great mystery of love; let our hearts be filled with the light which shines in the stable of Bethlehem! To everyone, a Merry Christmas!
bago
KAdAKol sATo AN lAbi-lAbiNg NAMuMuYA sa anuman na bago—bagong gamit, bagong bado, bagong rogaring, bagong gawe-gawe, bagong kapalibutan, asin kadakol pang ibang bago. Sa pag-abot kan bagong taon, namumuya an kadaklan na paghorop-horopan an mga agiaging kaipuhan bagohon o mga gamit na kaipuhan baguhan. Sa paglipas kan panahon, may mga kayumagging Pinoy na boot nang mag-bago nin kublit. An konsepto kan kagayonan nabagohan naman. Siring man an mga balor asin mga pagtubod, nagkaigwa naman asin padagos na nagkakaigwa sinda nin bagong pagpapakahulugan. An pagbanyos sa mayhelang luma na asin an mga bagong mediko masabing an kalinturado kaipuhan nang punasan nin malipot. Bago naman an kadakol na metodolohiya; siring man an nagkapirang mitolohiya. Sa pahingorag na pagkakataon, sinasabi na kan tawo na nag-bago naman an klima asin an dalagan kan natural na kinaban—nagbago na an ruta kan mga bagyo, an kabihiraan kan mga linog, asin an ponomenon kan mga ipo-ipo. Siring sa dating pagkamoot na pirit linilingawan, siring ini sa sinasabing: nag-bago na an gabos. May mga pagbabago asin mga bagong bagay na nagtutulay sana sa kapritso asin sa daing pakimanong pagmawot. Siring sa pagmawot sa mga bago kan kataid— bagong refrigerator o washing machine, bagong iron gate o bagong lanai sa harong. Ini si mga bagong bagay na kun daing makamtan, mayo man esensyal asin permanenteng epekto. May mga bagong estado na labi-labing gayo an paghimo alagad minsan suntok sa bulan dawa ngani minsan marahayon man an katuyuhan, arog kan pagbabago nin mga pananaw sa buhay, pagbabago sa tarom nin dila o pagbabago sa mga tinutubudan na doktrina asin prinsipyo sa buhay. Kanigoan na gayo an ibang pagba-bago. Igwang subuot pagbago nin dalan na inaagihan, igwang boot magbago nin katungdan. Alagad igwa man nin simpleng pagbago nin cellphone number kun dakol na an kaiwal, stalker, tagahanga, o bata. Halawig an riribayan kun temang bago an pinaguulayan. Minapoon sa mga bagay siring kan ambisyon, pangatorogan, pamibion, o pangangaipo. Sa Bikol, minapoon an pagrurip sa bago sa manlaen-laen na pagtaram kaini—bago, bàgo, bag`o asin iba pa. Alagad minsan an bago puwede man na luma. Igwa man nin mga bago na siring sa parikala ni San Agustin sa pakikipag-olay niya sa Kagurangnan, ‘suanoy na gayon alagad minadanay na bago—presko o làbas’. Bago man an siring ki Platon na iyo sana an natatadang permanenteng bagay sa kinaban. Pirmi ta ining hinahanap—boot tang magdalan nin bagong pelikula, muya tang magbakal nin bagong bag, bako nang bago an diyaryo kasuudma, bako naman bago an samyo kan olor na aroaldaw na napaparong. An mga inarog na bagay bako nang bago. Siring sa sabi ni T.S. Eliot asin kan saiyang mga pag-iriba: ‘Giboha an arinman na bago!’ An rawitdawit, minsan bagong tataramon, bagong porma, bagong lenggwahe, bagong parasurat, bagong ano pa man, kun ini minapasabot nin sensibilidad na nasurat na, bako naman ining bago. An pag-osip, minsan abang gayon kan mga linya asin urulay kan mga karakter, kun an naratibo nabasa na sa ibang libro o pahina, bako na ining bago. Siring man kaini an sa ibang porma nin arte asin humanidades. Bako nang bago an baretang iyan—pirmi ta ining nadadangog. An bagay na paliwat-liwat na sanang nangyayari, bako naman bago. An bago ito subuot dai pa nagigibo kan iba, o mayo pang entidad na nakakahaman. Bago gayod kun mapuho na an korapsyon. Bago gayod kun dai nang labi-labing pagtios asin kawaran. Bago an kapanoan, siring sa kabalintunaan na an bagay na ini bago sa gabos panahon. Paglaog kaining bagong taon, ano pa daw na bago an maninigo tang gibohon? Ano pa daw na pagpapakahulugan sa tataramon na bago an puwede tang itao? Tibaad ini an magpapa-bago sa paaboton na taon. Ta kun daing bagong bagay, daing bagong mga pangyayari, daing bagong karahayan, dai ini maninigong apodon nab ago. An bago sa sunod na taon iyo sana na ini minatulay, minasulong asin nabubuhay sa bagong panahon asin espasyo. Daing ibang bago sa sunod na taon kundi an mga bilang sa kalendaryo, an signos kan mga Tsino, asin an taon-taon na pasabong kan mga palyadong manghuhula. An matatada sato gabos na luma, daan, suanoy, kaidto pa. Hanapon ta man logod an kun anong mga bago. Maogmang bagong taon sa gabos! Si Vic Nierva nagba-blog sa http://aponihandiong. blogspot.com.
Things may not be so bad after all
By William Grimm
eAch YeAr, The pope gives Christmas greetings to the leaders of the Roman Curia. This year, referring to the expanding scandal of the sexual abuse of children by clergy that was covered up and facilitated by bishops and superiors and until recently pooh-poohed by Rome, Pope Benedict told them, “We must ask ourselves what was wrong in our proclamation, in our whole way of living the Christian life, to allow such a thing to happen.” My first thought on reading his speech was to wonder if the self-appointed defenders of the faith who man the ramparts at any criticism of the Church will now hurl invective at the pope. Certainly, saying that something has gone wrong “in our whole way of living the Christian life” is a damning indictment, especially since the pope said “our whole way,” not “their way” or “some people’s way” or “part of the way.” On second thought, I realized that things might not be as dire as the pope seems to think. His use of the past tense, though probably not significant in itself, may be a
reminder that things can be headed in the right direction. There are three reasons for my confidence. The first, of course, is the resurrection of Christ, the proof that bad news will never triumph in the end, regardless of the painful way of the Cross we must travel. The second is related to recent history. Though the Vatican continues to say that priestly formation programs must be examined and strengthened, and episcopal visitations of seminaries have become the favored way of imitating effective action, the fact is that the modern training of priests and the men who have gone through that training are not a major problem and are more likely a solution. While there have been, of course, priests who were ordained since the 1970s who have abused, in fact studies show that post-Vatican II clergy are less likely to be abusers than their seniors have been. The majority of abusers and the bishops, superiors and curialists who put
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Volume XXVIII | Issue no. 31|
Vox Bikol Bikol news
20 - 26 december 2010
irigA ciTY, dec. 23 (piA) -- A three-day training on Good Governance, Gender and Enterprise Development for Local Executives, also dubbed as TAGGED-LGU will be spearheaded by the University of Northeastern Philippines’ (UNEP) Graduate School from January 26-28 here. Also an endeavor of UNEP’s Political Science Department, the confab will gather local members of the local executive, including administrative personnel and staff whose lines of expertise is centered on public service. Atty. Remelisa AlfelorMoraleda, UNEP President said that they decided to spearhead this undertaking in the light of putting the university in the forefront of bringing good ideas and learning to their constituents. “This conference will not just aid our local executives but will also make them adept leaders in their own fields of specialization. Good governance reflects in the kind of service that we give and eventually manifests better consequences, favoring among others, our very own constituents.” Joining the pool of resource speakers are Ms. Crispina B. Almonte, University Extension Specialist from the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industry (UPISSI), Professor Nestor Rañeses, UP ISSI Director and Small Enterprises Research and Development
UNEP conducts TAGGED-LGU course in Iriga
Runners promote wetlands conservation
legAZpi ciTY (20 deceMber) -- usiNg the resurgence of running as a booming sport nowadays, runners and environmentalists alike campaigned for the conservation of wetlands in Camarines Sur pooling several hundreds of advocates yesterday at SM Mall in Naga City. Mario Maglinao ruled the Jingle Bell Run - Run to Save Our Wetlands 13 K event with a time of 40 minutes, trailing behind him was Martin Balaybo both of Albay Runners Club. Local duathlon athlete Franklin Peñalosa managed to outrun other runners which earned him the third place. fund and heighten awareness of the public on the conservation of the region’s wetlands specifically Cagsao in Calabanga, Camarines Sur. Gail Cea, chief of the protected areas wildlife and coastal zone management section of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Office in Naga City was deeply appreciative of the Jingle Bell Run organized by Junior Chamber International Cariñosa chapter’s effort to adopt the Cagsao Wetland. “This will complement the DENR and municipal government of Calabanga’s thrust to protect, rehabilitate and expand the manpropagules last year through Smart Communications. Smart Communications estimated the mangrove survival rate at 80-90 per cent. Under the Ramsar International Wetland Conservation Treaty, wetlands are defined as “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres... also it may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six metres at low tide
(SERDEF) Executive Director and Ms. Edna Tejada, Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Camarines Sur. Almonte will deliver her lecture on Entrepreneurship and Business Opportunities, including Entrepreneurial Process and Project Development Cycle. She will also tackle issues concerning Gender and development Perspectives and mainstreaming in LGUs. On the second day of the confab, Almonte, through her lectures will revisit the LGU mandate, focusing on the nature, scope and roles of LGU, concepts of good governance with the LGUs as initiators of sustainable development. Almonte will also discuss the Good Governance Agenda of the new administration being pushed by His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III. The Aquino administration made it clear from the very start of his mandate and even reiterating it during the historic event witnessed by millions of Filipinos and spectators all over the worldthat on top of his administration’s agenda is to cut the culture of bad governance by getting rid of the red tape and rampant corrupt practices committed by the past administration. P-Noy’s administration is set on pursuing good governance through transparency, accountability and moral ascendancy. (Lizel S. Macatangay)
Police...
drugs in the town of Irosin, Sorsogon on December 18, 2010. Present during the conferment were PNP Sorsogon Provincial Director PSSupt. Heriberto O. Olitoquit, family of PO1 Caspe, Sorsogon Provincial Police Office personnel and members of media who covered the event, 10:00AM, at the Sorsogon Medical Mission Group (popularly known as SorDoc) Hospital in Sorsogon City where Caspe was confined. “The activity is tendered in recognition of Caspe’s outstanding courage displayed in responding to his service in our fight against
From paGe 1
criminal elements,” PD Olitoquit said. It can be noted that PO1Caspe sustained a gunshot wound during a hot pursuit operation together with members of the Police Intelligence Service (PIS) of Sorsogon Police Provincial Office (SPPO) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Brgy. Gabao, Irosin town, Sorsogon, about 5:45 in the afternoon of Dec. 18. The successful police operation and the enormous courage demonstrated by PO1Caspe resulted to the arrest of the two suspects identified as Corporal
“It’s good to run and promote healthy lifestyle as well campaign for environmental conservation,” Maglinao said in the local dialect. Maglinao accompanied by his team mates, urged every runner to hit the road and compete, and if it would permit, join every fund raising events for the environment. Race director Andreco Primero said Sunday’s run sought to raise Rommel Gavino y Valdez of the 83rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army based in Catanduanes and one Rigoberto Atienza y Falcon, resident of Nabua, Camarines Sur as well as resulted to the recovery of one (1) Cal.45, one (1) Cal.38 handguns and seven (7) sachets believed to contain shabu. “We believe that the sacrifices
grove reforestation project along the town’s coastal barangays,” Cea said. She said the JCI Naga Cariñosa will conduct a mangroveplanting project at identified areas fringing San Miguel Bay soon as they acquire propagules. Cagsao wetland is now expanding its area with at least 10,000 hectares of mangrove reforestation site, planted with 170, 000 of and valor shown by Caspe in doing his duty to maintain and promote peace and order in the community will serve as inspiration to be emulated not only by the police force but by every civil servant with the strong desire and sincerity to serve the larger community,” said Olitoquit. (Bennie A. Recebido, PIA Sorsogon/SPPO)
lying within the wetlands”. The winners for the 13 km (male category) are: 1st place, Mario Maglinao of Legazpi City, Albay; 2nd, Martin Balaybo also of Legazpi City; and 3rd, Franklin Peñalosa of Camarines Sur. For the 13 km (female category): 1st place is Cindy Lopez of Camarines Sur; 3rd is Lilibeth Pepino also of Camarines Sur. In the 6 km (male category), the winners were: 1st, Jeffrey Añonuevo of Legazpi City, Albay; 2nd, Ronaldo Añonuevo also of Legazpi City; and 3rd, Marino Lagyap of Camarines Sur. Meanwhile in the 6 km female category, the winners were: 1st, Florence Florece of Camarines Sur; 2nd, Eleanor Llorente of Camarines Sur; and 3rd, Susan Maravilla also of Camarines Sur.
Gospel...
From paGe 8
After Herod’s death, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go back to the land of Israel, because those who tried to kill the child are dead.” So Joseph got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when Joseph heard that Archilaus had succeeded his father Herod as king of Judea, he was afraid to go there. He was given further instructions in a dream, and went to the region of Galilee. There he settled in a town called Nazareth. In this way what was said by the prophets was fulfilled: He shall be called a Nazorean.
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pollution levels after a fishkill incident in November this year had devastated 80% of the Tilapia fish stocks in the lake. Earlier, the Buhi Lake Development Office also disclosed that among the estimated 600 fish cage operators, it was not certain what percentage had legal permits from the local government. In recent report titled, “Lake Buhi Needs Capacity Management” by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region-5, it was revealed that since an 1998 enormous fishkill in the lake which amounted to P 33-Million in losses, Tilapia growers in Buhi were already conducting “bad aquaculture practices” such as overcapacity, overstocking, and overfeeding which resulted to negative impacts on the lake’s environment.
Buhi...
Vox Bikol Bikol news
From paGe 1
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The report was authored by Nonie P. Enolva, chief of the monitoring and evaluation section of BFAR. Also in the same report, BFAR Bicol director Dennis V. Del Rosario had recommended to the Buhi local government to strictly implement a lake capacity management system to limit fish cage occupancy to only 10% for commercial fish production. The report also noted that overcapacity in the number of fish cages have obstructed the free flow of lake waters, while the excessive aquaculture produced wastes which resulted to the over-growth of water hyacinths that blocked sunlight in the lake waters. The lack of sunlight, in turn, resulted to very low dissolved oxygen levels which was detrimental in sustaining aqualife in the lake.
In a Sangguniang Panlalawigan session this week, Camarines Sur Vice-Governor Fortunato Peña said the provincial board will support whatever course of action the town council of Buhi will take to preserve the endangered ecology of the lake. The Vice-Governor said they have asked the help of Rinconada District Congressman Salvio Fortuno to pursue a previously proposed Lake Authority Bill for lakes Buhi and Bato, which had been earlier marred by conflicting political views among previous local officials and Congressmen. The Lake Bill seeks to protect the ecology of both lakes and sanction their commercial use, through an annual budget earmarked by the national government for its sustainability and preservation, Peña said.
Albay and Mobo, Masbate which, along with 13 other considered top ranked local government units (LGUs) nationwide are being esteemed by the DILG for their good performance in internal housekeeping focused on good planning, sound fiscal management, transparency and accountability and valuing of performance information. Sto. Domingo in Albay that sits near the southeastern foot of Mt. Mayon is a fourth class coastal town of nearly 35,000 population based on the 2007 official count conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO). It has 23 barangays whose residents as mostly farmers and fishermen. This municipality under the stewardship of its local chief executive, Mayor Herbie Aguas has been excellent in the Housekeeping area of good planning, transparency and accountability, valuing performance information and sound fiscal management, according to the DILG. Mobo, Masbate under the leadership of its lawyer-mayor, Percival Castillo is also a fourth class town located around six kilometers next to Masbate city, the provincial capital. It has a population of about 33,000 during the 2007 census distributed among its 29 barangays whose economies are mostly dependent on agriculture and fishery. This municipality has also been showing exceptional performances in planning, fiscal management, transparency and accountability and valuing performance information, the DILG said. The 15 LGUs including Sto. Domingo and Mobo that are within the 4th to 6th class groups were recently given formal recognition and awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) in line
1M...
From paGe 1
with the DILG’s commitment to aggressively scale up interventions to elevate the practice of governance that values transparency, accountability, participation and performance into an institutionalized status. The other municipalities are Anilao, Iloilo; Balete, Aklan; Balilihan, Bohol; Catigbian, Bohol; Clarin, Misamis Occidental; Dumulog, Bukidnon; Datu Paglas, Maguindanao; Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte; Naawan, Misamis Oriental; Pitogo, Quezon; San Agustin, Surigao del Sur; Santol, La Union; and Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte. Wearing the SGH also entitles each LGU of the PCF that will be utilized as a counterpart fund to LGU’s allocation from the 20 percent development fund for the implementation of projects that are consistent with national objective to achieve the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDG), DILG regional director for Bikol Blandino Maceda on Wednesday said. These 15 LGUs were the maiden batch of SGH awardees and they will also be the first grantees of the PCF that the DILG under Sec. Jesse Robredo is institutionalizing based on the Performance-Based Incentive Policy approved by the Development Budget Coordinating Committee (DBCC). This Policy, Maceda said provides for an incentive framework to rationalize national government intergovernmental transfers to LGUs towards improving the latter’s performance in governance and delivery of basic services. “By linking financial incentives to the LGUs own performance, the latter is motivated to perform better and deliver quality services to the people,” Maceda
explained. The PFC, he said is an incentive fund to LGUs in the form of counterpart funding to high-impact capital investment projects in the Annual Investment Program and funded the 20 percent Development Fund consistent with national priorities. It shall seek to rationalize national government intergovernmental transfers to LGUs and encourage alignment of local development initiatives with national government development agenda and priorities, Maceda said. The Fund shall be open to all provinces, cities and municipalities awarded with the SGH provided that the LGU shall allocate counterpart fund to implement capital investment projects aligned with the national development agenda and priorities, he added. In a statement following the release of cash grant to the two Bicol towns last week, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said that “through the PCF, we are opening the window for our LGUs to manifest their competitive spirit and high-octane performance so that, hand in hand with us in the national government, we can ensure that economic development sets in at the local level to help eradicate or dramatically reduce poverty incidence throughout the country.” The grants, according to Robredo may support capital investments from a menu of investment projects that support national priorities, particularly President Benigno Aquino III’s priority programs on improving social services, providing public infrastructure, enhancing economic services, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and promoting good governance. (PNA)
lected communities in the province to reinforce the capacity of the communities and local structures to improve their basic health management. Aside from the project’s health component, it also aspires to strengthen the community’s capacity in disaster preparedness. Target areas for project implementation are the municipalities of Siruma, Lagonoy, and Garchitorena. The municipalities of Buhi and Iriga were also added but the direct beneficiaries would be the Indigenous People in its respective selected barangays. IPs in the two aforementioned municipalities are considered the most vulnerable and tagged as marginalized communities as they live along the slopes of Mount Asog and its many tributaries. Nanette Rodrigazo, PRC Camarines Sur chapter administrator, said that the province is indeed lucky for having been chosen as the recipient of several projects funded by AECID, particularly the Spanish Red Cross. “The Spanish Red Cross in particular, and of course AECID and now the Australian Red Cross have been our constant ally in alleviating and uplifting the condition of our constituents here in Camarines Sur, particularly those
Health...
From paGe 1
communities which we consider vulnerable and prone to natural disasters. We are indeed thankful that they never grow tired in supporting our chapter’s endeavors.” The project will have the following components: capacity building for the staff, volunteers and local special bodies, organization, training and mobilization of volunteers on Health, disaster, water and sanitation , provision of equipment and supplies to health and disaster volunteers, repair and rehabilitation of health and water facilities including the provision of basic medical equipment to BEMONC (Basic Emergency Maternal, Obstetric and Neonatal Care) including establishment of Botika ng Barangay. Information-educationcommunication campaigns, drills and collaboration meetings with key stakeholders and other project partners and the development of mechanisms for project monitoring, evaluation, and reporting will also be undertaken. The project is a partnership between the provincial government, the LGUs of the municipalities aforementioned, the Philippine Red Cross-Camarines Sur chapter, Spanish Red Cross, and Australian Red Cross. (PIA CamSur)
Albay...
said that over 70 awardees and qualifiers were nominated to this year’s awards program making it with the most number of participants since the program inception. Salceda bared that some 27 awardees and 49 qualifiers received each a certificate and plaque of recognition as well as cash incentives ranging from P3,000 to P200,000 each, depending on the categories, totaling to P2.1 million cash incentives. “With these numbers, both of educators and students, our main objective of providing Albayanos with quality education is gradually gaining more support from the various sectors of our society,” Salceda said. Dr. Rowena Ondiz, chief of Albay’s Research and Planning Division and Awards Committee in-charge, said the awards program has four categories, including Student Excellence in Academics and Leadership (SEAL); Ten Outstanding Teachers of Albay (TOTAL); Three Outstanding Principals in the Countryside of Albay (TROPICAL); and Kadunong LGU, for LGUs with best practices in education development. Albay’s Gawad Edukasyon has cited Rhod Jeran Sabater, of Polangui Comprehensive High School(PGCHS); John Eulo Bas, of Tabaco National High School(TNHS); Jessa Marie Monzon, of Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School (MORMS); Micah Madrelejos, PGCHS; Andre Nico Belen, of Ligao National High School (LNHS); Kimberly Rapirap, of St. Michael Academy; Roland Francis Dacillo, TNHS; Antonette Reburiano, PGCHS; Shaira Orogo, MORMS; and Aaron Castillo, of Legazpi City Science High School LCSHS), in the student category wherein each received P20,000 and plaque of recognition.
From paGe 1
Vox Bikol is now accepting short stories, poems and photo contributions.
voxbikol.ibfi@gmail.com
Don’t forget to include your name, age and occupation.
Please submit your work to
Michelle M. Damiel, LCSHS; Diana L. Desuyo, of Bicol Regional Science High School (BRSHS); Sixto O. Orzales, of Albay Central School (ACS); Leopoldo C. Brizuela Jr., LNHS; Nora J. Laguda, MORMS; Shirley M. Rustria, of Oas North Central School (ONCS); Hazel C. Asejo, of Aquinas University of Legazpi Science High School (AUL-LSHS; Ruben B. Cenita, AUL-LSHS; Roger B. Bañal, TNHS; and Nancy M. Aguda, ACS composed the list of TOTAL who each received P100,000. Three school principals namely Dr. Norma B. Orozco, of Pagasa National High School (PNHS); Rhodie H. Quirab, of Ligao East Central Elementary School (LECES); and Carmen J. Beldad, ACS topped the list in the TROPICAL awardees each also receiving some P100,000. Most outstanding LGU cited was Tiwi, lead by Mayor Jaime C. Villanueva; Outstanding LGU was Libon, under the headship of Mayor Agnes Dycoco and Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro. Manito Mayor Caesar Daep was conferred with a special mention award. Kadunong LGU’s most outstanding bagged P200,000; outstanding, P100,000; and special recognition, P75,000. Ondiz furthered that aside from the major awards, at finalists also received P5,000 to P10,000 each; and qualifiers P3,000 to P5,000 each, depending on the categories they were nominees. “Gov. Salceda wants that all those who signified interest in joining the education enhancement contests receive prize,” Ondiz said. With its expanded education programs and activities, Albay has created the Provincial Education Department (PET) and initially funded it with some P170 million. (MALoterte, PIA V/Albay)
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20 - 26 december 2010
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From paGe 3
Things may not be so bad after all
reputation ahead of children’s welfare were men who were trained before Vatican II. Apparently, something about the screening of candidates back then and the image of priesthood and Church that was taught to them underlie or are at least linked to the problem we face today. In that case, so long as we continue to choose and train our priests as we have been doing for four decades, the problem of sexual abuse by clergy and its cover-up will eventually become a matter of isolated cases. And with effective procedures in place to handle those cases the abuse, pain and scandal they cause will continue to decrease. The third reason for confidence is hinted at in the fact that a major part of the pope’s comments rely upon St. Hildegard of Bingen’s account of a vision she had in 1170. The saint describes the agony of the Church due to corruption among the clergy. In the nearly 2,000-year history of the Church, there
has been no shortage of reasons for such anguish. Nor will there ever be a shortage of such reasons. Over the centuries, though, many ordained men have made the same complaint. Yet, the pope used the voice of a woman to issue a call for reflection, repentance and reform. Whether Pope Benedict intended it or not, relying upon Hildegard intimates a major reason for hope in facing and healing our situation. One of the encouraging signs of the continuing and continuous work of the Holy Spirit in the Church is the fact that people who have not traditionally been leaders of the Church — lay and Religious women and laymen — are taking on such leadership roles as theologians, administrators, canon lawyers and parish ministers. Their perspectives and professionalism are helping us find “a new way of being Church,” as the FABC (Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences) describes our vocation today. They are breaking down the clergy-centered way of being Church that has abetted and exacer-
bated the abuse crisis. The post-Vatican II clergy have shown an overall level of integrity that is counteracting the actions of some of their forebears. Laity and Religious in that same period have taken roles in shaping the day-to-day life of the Church in the world that are often overlooked and sometimes opposed by those whose intellectual, theological, professional and emotional roots are in that older world. The pope’s message to the cardinals sitting around him at the Vatican may be a worthwhile call to reflection for those old men. But, if as they trooped out of the Sala Regia, they looked through some of those windows that Pope John XXIII opened to the world they may have seen that there are rays of sunlight out there. ____ Father William Grimm is a Tokyo-based priest and publisher of UCA News, and former editor-in-chief of “Katorikku Shimbun,” Japan’s Catholic weekly.
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Vox Bikol notices
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: dec. 13, 20 and 27, 2010 republic of the philippines regioNAl TriAl courT 5Th Judicial region branch 25, Naga city PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF MANUEL NAPOD BERJA, MANUEL NAPOD BERJA, Petitioner, SPEC PROC. NO. 2010-0083 -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF CANAMAN, CAMARINES SUR Respondent. x--------------------------------x order A verified petition was filed by petitioner MANUEL NAPOD BERJA, through counsel, praying that after hearing, an Order be issued directing the Local Civil Registrar of Canaman, Camarines Sur to correct the entries in his certificate of live birth as follows: Date of Parent’s Marriage From: December 8, 1987 to October 30, 2003 Place of Parent’s Marriage From: Daet, Cam. Norte to Caramoan, Cam. Sur Notice is hereby given that this petition will be heard on FEB. 24, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. before the sala of this Court at which time, date and place, all interested persons are cited to appear and show cause, if any, why this petition should not be granted. Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Camarines Sur, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks. The Deputy Sheriff of this Court is hereby ordered to cause the posting of this Order at the Bulletin Boards of the Hall of Justice, Naga City, at the Barangay Hall of Sta. Lucia, Magarao, Cam. Sur and at the Office of the Local Civil Registrar, Canaman. Cam. Sur at least one month before the scheduled hearing. Furnish the Office of the Solicitor General, the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, the National Statistics Office and the Local Civil Registrar of Canaman, Cam. Sur with a copy of this Order, together with the petition and annexes. SO ORDERED. Given this 13th day of December 2010 at Naga City, Philippines. (sgd.) JAiMe e. coNTrerAs presiding Judge Copy furnished: RTC-OCC Naga City (for raffle publication) Prov’l Prosecutor Office, Naga City-with copy of petition & annexes Solicitor General-Makati City-with copy of petition & annexes Local Civil Registrar-Canaman, Cam Sur-with copy of the petition & annexes National Statistics Office-with copy of petition & annexes For posting (3) Atty. Amador L. Simando Jr. Manuel Napod Berja- Mariner’s Village, Sta. Lucia, Magarao, Cam Sur vox bikol: dec. 13, 20 and 27, 2010 republic of the philippines regioNAl TriAl courT 5th Judicial region branch 57 libmanan, camarines sur
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republic of the philippines regioNAl TriAl courT fifth Judicial region branch 23 Naga city 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, Petitioner, 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,
PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY UNDER RULE 108 OF THE REVISED RULES OF COURT, JUNE JIMENEZ AGRITO, Petitioner, SPEC PROC. NO. L-01707 -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF LIBMANAN, CAMARINES SUR, Respondent. x--------------------------------x order In this verified petition, petitioner seeks the correction of the clerical error in the record of birth of JUNE JIMENEZ AGRITO as appearing in the office of the Local Civil Registrar of Ragay, Camarines Sur by changing his gender from FEMALE to MALE. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let the same be set for initial hearing on February 14, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. All interested persons may appear and show cause, if any, why the petition should not be granted. Let a copy of this Order be published for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province. SO ORDERED. GIVEN this 25th day of November, 2010 at Libmanan, Camarines Sur, Philippines (sgd.) irMA isidorA M. boNcodiN-ZAMudio Judge vox bikol: dec. 13, 20 and 27, 2010 eXTrAJudiciAl seTTleMeNT of esTATe wiTh wAiver of righTs
This is hereby given that the estate of the late SEVERO C. PADILLO died on April 30, 1980 at Goa, CSur left parcel of land located at Matacla, Goa, CSur with an area of 324 sqm.; being a portion of lot 768, Cad 339, Goa Cadastre. This was a subject of Extrajudicial Settlement among heirs and do Waive, Transfer and Convey in favor to Lorena Salazar Padillo. Acknowledged before notary public Leoncio M. Clemente, per doc. No. 194, Page no. 46, Book no. 196, Series of 2010. vox bikol: dec. 20, 27 and Jan. 3, 2011 eXTrAJudiciAl seTTleMeNT of esTATe wiTh wAiver of righTs This is hereby given that the estate of the late SEVERO C. PADILLO died on April 30, 1980 at Goa, CSur left parcel of land designated as lot 1833, Cad 339, Goa Cadastre, located at Matacla, Goa, CSur with an area of 2,993 sqm.; being a portion of lot 768, Cad 339, Goa Cadastre. This was a subject of Extrajudicial Settlement among heirs and do Waive, Transfer and Convey in favor to 1) Lorena Salazar Padillo, portion of lot 1833, bounded on the NE by lot 768, Cad 339 Goa Cadastre 2972., an area of 482sqm., and portion of lot 1833, bounded on the NE & SE by lot 2972, on the S by lot 2971, all of Cad 39 Goa cadastre, an area of 945sqm., 2) Yolanda Salazar Padillo portion of lot 1833, bounded on the NE by lot 1833 port., an area of 1,427sqm. Acknowledged before notary public Leoncio M. Clemente, per doc. No. 193, Page no. 40, Book no. 196, Series of 2010. vox bikol: dec. 20, 27 and Jan. 3, 2011
deed of eXTrAJudiciAl seTTleMeNT of esTATe wiTh doNATioN of shAres This is hereby given that the estate of the late ESTELA BERNISCA-VELOSO died on February 13, 1979 at Duran, Balatan, CSur left parcel of agricultural land located at San Antonio, Minalabac, CSur with an area of 4 hectares, covered by TD No. 0180030. This Deed was a subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Donation of Shares, in favor to Maribeth Bernisca Verdeflor. Acknowledged before notary public Tirso P. Mariano, per doc. No. 3192, Page no. 40, Book no. XXXXII, Series of 2010.
Christmas...
can make rich and beautiful hearts out of our own— hearts who can love as He loves; who can forgive as He forgives; and generous hearts who take joy in none other than self-giving,” he said. The prelate noted that situations of unpeace, such as threats of war, political unrest, and armed conflicts, can sometimes blur the people’s faith and hope in God. “In our country, acquiring peace in Muslim Mindanao seems almost hopeless while insurgency, coup attempts, and crimes such as extrajudicial killing, terrorism and the like continue to interrupt the smooth progress of national affairs,” he said. “With the approval of RH Bill, a woman’s womb can be a ferocious threat to those who are yet to be born,” he added. But despite difficult situations, the prelate said, still “many a great wonderful thing happens in this most anticipated season of the year.” He said Christmas brings cheer to people’s hearts and lead people to become good and generous to one another. “We marvel at how the street children, the prisoners, the people in Payatas and Smokey Mountain, and the indigenous tribes could sing their heart out to the tune of Christmas Jingles. Armed Forces have their camps decorated with Christmas trees and lanterns; insurgents leave their guns in the fox hole. Conflicting parties seek reconciliation and most often, ceasefire and peacetalks befall on Christmas,” Odchimar said. The prelate said the transformation happens because of “the irresistible power of Christ to change the face of the world according to His own plan.” “If we look at the stable at Bethlehem in its utter
From paGe 8
Pope...
San Diego’s resignation is in accordance with Canon. 401, paragraph 1 of the Code of Canon Law which requires bishops to tender their resignation upon reaching the mandatory age of 75. The prelate has been bishop of Pasig for the past seven years. Ordained bishop on August 10, 1983, San Diego served as Coadjutor Apos-
From paGe 8
From paGe 8
Coup...
to our people,” he said. Garcia pleaded guilty last week to a lesser offense in a deal with the Office of the Ombudsman. The former general could not post bail earlier because he was facing a plunder case. The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan, however, allowed him bail after he pleaded guilty of bribery. “One of the reasons why I believe the president’s approval rating has been going down is that six months into his administration his campaign slogan against corruption is not realized,” Bishop Bagaforo said. Meanwhile, the presidential palace said it is not happy with the deal with Garcia even as the Department of Justice issued a hold-departure order against the former general. “We can’t just let him walk away. It’s unacceptable to the administration. It will again be a serious blow to its anti-corruption efforts,” said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. (UCAN)
ordinariness, it reflects the same indigence, misery, and confusion in the world; but, the very presence of the Holy Child laid in the manger signifies the overwhelming transformation of that empty place into a beautiful belen,” he explained. Christmas, Odchimar said, should not lead us merely to remember, but to experience in our hearts the deep joy in Bethlehem. “We relive the ethereal serenity and peace which this holy night brings and we are made witnesses to the fulfillment of the promise of Hope,” he said. “Jesus’ nativity must not be seen as an event of the past,” the prelate said. “Rather, it is a new era marked by the dawning of the Great Light, which transcends earthly reckoning of time.” “And this is the good news: We are living in this era of new expectation for peace, joy, and prosperity!” he furthered. (CBCPNews)
tolic Vicar of Palawan from 1983 to 1987 and Apostolic Vicar from 1987 to 1995. He was appointed second bishop of San Pablo Diocese in 1995, succeeding Bishop Pedro Bantigue. In 2003, Pope John Paul II named San Diego as first bishop of Pasig when the Archdiocese of Manila was subdivided to form the three new dioceses of Pasig, Kalookan and Cubao.
Available at: INA NIN BIKOL FOUNDATION, INC. Peñafrancia Basilica, Balatas, Naga City
GOSPEL DECEMBER 26, 2010
MT 2:13–15, 19–23
Volume XXVIII | Issue no. 31| 20-26 december 2010
After the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and appeared in a dream to Joseph and said, “Get up, take left that night for Egypt, where he stayed until the death the child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and stay of Herod. In this way, what the Lord had said through there until I tell you for Herod will soon be looking for the the prophet was fulfilled: I called my son out of Egypt. child in order to kill him.” continued on paGe 4
Christmas challenges people to transform society—CBCP head
Vatican’s nativity scene with Filipino figures unveiled
roMe, dec. 25, 2010—The nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square, featuring nine Filipino statues to complement the traditional figures of the Holy Family, was unveiled during a solemn evening ceremony on Dec. 24. The Governorate of the Vatican City organized the event which was attended by ecclesiastical authorities of the Holy See and civil authorities from the City and Province of Rome. Mercedes A. Tuason, Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See, with Josephine Bantug, led the Filipino community in Rome during the unveiling. Filipino sculptor, Kublai Ponce-Millan, designed the statues to represent different indigenous groups of the Philippines in a festive celebration of faith, music, food and family on the occasion of the birth of Jesus. The attractive smiling figures dressed in colorful native attire and playing musical instruments, portray the joyful spirit of Philippine Christmas which is known as the “longest and most festive celebration in the world”. Asked to comment about the Vatican nativity scene, His Eminence Giovanni Cardinal Lajolo, President of the Governorate of the Vatican City, recognized the special contribution of the Philippines. He also noted the dynamic faith of Filipino Catholics and underlined that the Philippines is the largest Christian country in Asia. His Eminence Angelo Cardinal Comastri, Archpriest of the Basilica of St. Peter led the prayer service of the nativity scene. A Tagalog Christmas carol sung by the Karilagan Filipino choir from Sentro Pilipino was a special highlight. At exactly 6:00 p.m., the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI lighted a candle for peace as he watched the unveiling ceremony from the window of the papal apartments. In the darkness, he blessed the assembled crowd with the light of the single candle. In her message, Ambassador Tuason thanked the Governorate of the Vatican City State for giving the Philippines a special place in the center of the Roman Catholic Church’s celebration of the birth of Christ this year. Tuason added that allowing the Philippines to participate in this event marked in a special way the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Holy See”. The Philippines is the first country outside Italy to be given a major part in the Vatican nativity scene, since this tradition was first begun in 1982 under the pontificate of John Paul II. Filipinos are honored as they join the hundreds of pilgrims who come to St. Peter’s Square at this time of the year, to contemplate the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to call all peoples into the one family of God. (Fr. Jose V.C. Quilongquilong, S.J.)
MANilA, dec. 25, 2010—iN the face of poverty and difficult situations, Christmas challenges people to act in order to transform the society they live in, a Church leader said. The core message of the Christmas season “compels us to accept our individual role in this crucial and intricate work of transforming the face of the earth,” CBCP president and Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar said. Just as Jesus has transformed the world at his Incarnation, so we should begin it by receiving Jesus in our hearts, Odchimar said in a Christmas message. “If we allow our hearts to be mangers on which He lays, He
MESSAGE FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
It is often a spectacular scene to behold how the revered Christmas season lightens up the souls of people, enabling each one of us to sing a happy Christmas tune. For a time it helps us forget the daily grind and complexities of life. But then again the Christmas spirit is not simply a feeling to enjoy. It is an encounter with a person. Love which is the cause of this joyful season ceases to be a vague idea or feeling but is now born in flesh, in the person of Jesus. Our encounter with the love personified compels us to encounter our fellowmen too. Loyalty and sincere concern is the face of love within the family and among friends. It is commitment and understanding for married couples. It is holy perseverance and observance of vows for the religious. Love is also spoken and lived in our government when great leaders transcend the natural barrier of politics and decide to join forces to serve the people better. Love has a sweeter face when we turn an enemy to a friend. As we approach the holy crib with utter reverence and gratitude for the greatest gift that humankind has ever received, the Holy Child wishes that He be born in the cradle of our own souls. We will know if He is truly born in us, if we are able to look forward for the coming New Year with great hope. Love is truly powerful for it is “the greatest of them all” (Corinthians 13:13). Let us fill this New Year with the love we learned from Jesus this Christmas. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all!
cHriStmaS / paGe 7
Pope names Cardinal Rosales Pasig Apostolic administrator
MANilA, dec. 22, 2010—MANilA Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales has been appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Pasig by Pope Benedict XVI upon the resignation of Pasig Bishop Francisco San Diego. Cardinal Rosales’ appointment, which was announced on December 21 at 12:00 noon in Rome (7 p.m. local time), is concurrent with his being Archbishop of Manila. The pope has accepted the resignation of Bishop San Diego who turned 75 on October 10, 2010. pope / paGe 7
+Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D. Archbishop of Caceres
Bishop warns of coup over general’s deal
The releAse of forMer philippiNe Armed Forces comptroller Carlos Garcia after a plea bargain agreement may lead to a coup d’état by disgruntled soldiers, a Filipino Catholic bishop warned today. “I don’t want it to happen but that’s a possibility. You know, it can create dissatisfaction, and at the same time, others might take the law into their own hands,” said Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo. “What I see in this decision by the Ombudsman is its impact to society. It sends out a wrong message
coup / paGe 7