The farmers and fisherfolks in Aurora province especially those living in Barangays Dibet, Dibacong and Esteves all in Casiguran, are in danger of losing their homes and livelihood because of an economic zone project soon to rise in the area.
The Aurora Special Economic Zone (ASEZA) project will cover 500 hectares of irrigated farmlands, excluding residential lots and coastal areas that will also be affected by the project.
In an interview, Fr. Nilvon Villanueva, vicar forane of Infanta prelature said implementors of the project just came to the proposed site and started surveying the land and putting boundary marks without even informing the people.
Farm lands eyed for the project are privately-owned by farmers who possess certificates of land ownership (cloa).
The place earmarked for ASEZA is the rice granary of Casiguran, Aurora.
The project will not only affect and displace farmers but also fisherfolks since ASEZA will also put up a marine sanctuary that would deprive fisherfolks of fishing grounds, Villanueva said.
Affected townspeople and Infanta clergy are protesting the plan claiming that there has not been any consultation especially among those who will be displaced by the ecozone project.
The ASEZA project is mandated by an executive order from the office of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the priest disclosed.
Villanueva is not convinced ASEZA will bring development to the people.
It will only benefit the investors, he said. He lamented that the people had not been consulted or given the chance to voice out their resistance to the project before it was launched.
But he admitted that later there was a dialogue with Governor Bella Angara Castillo, but not with Representative Sonny Angara who authored the project. The congressman merely promised to discuss the issue with the people.
In an earlier report, Castillo assured the people that their welfare will be given priority and no displacement will happen.
Villanueva said roads leading to the projects are now being paved and the airports being developed and expanded.
ASEZA is building two airports in a small and poor province like Aurora, Villanueva said ironically.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Prelate condemns local govt’ move to legalize gambling in archdiocese
VOICING strong opposition on the attempts of local government of Cagayan de Oro City to legalize small town lottery to curb the illegal numbers game, Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma fiercely denounced the move saying it is not the right solution to stop gambling in the city.
“Systematic, wide-spread and big-time gambling by whatever name or adjective, is still gambling. Whether gambling is legal or illegal, whether it is operated by an individual or by the government, it is still ‘the same dog with a different collar’, Ledesma declared.
The prelate released a strongly-worded statement following the news that majority of the city councilors are to vote for the resolution of legalizing small town lottery in the city.
Ledesma had earlier commended the massive campaign of the local government against gambling following the shooting of a radio broadcaster who accused some police officers as “protectors” and “operators” of illegal gambling in the city.
The accusation led the governor and PNP provincial officials to immediately put a stop on all gambling activities.
But in an apparent change of mind, the city councilors now want to legalize small town lottery, saying it would provide additional income for the city coffers. They also claim that small town lottery has been declared legal by the Supreme Court, hence, they have no power to stop it.
“We are deeply saddened by the news that majority of our city councilors—apparently with the blessings from their superiors—are going to vote affirmatively for the resolution allowing the introduction of another gambling game: the small town lottery (STL),” said Ledesma.
Citing teachings from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the prelate said, “games of chance… become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others.”
“STL will even be worse than the illegal games now because it will effectively and openly encourage even the poor wage earners to gamble and gamble to their own disadvantage—just look at who mainly form the lines of the Lotto now,” the prelate said.
The archbishop pointed out that gambling can be addictive and threatens family stability.
“Addictive gambling shakes the stability of the family! And worse still, STL will effectively make addicts not only of our poor but also out of our children,” he said.
Ledesma took a dig on the alleged “financiers” of gambling, saying that legalizing the game would present a strong temptation for government and police officials to fall deeply into corrupt practices.
“STL will just put a legal mask to the present “financiers” and even corrupt more our city officials and PNP officers,” he said.
The prelate debunked the claim of city officials that money generated from gambling will fund social services.
He expressed fear that the money will only go into the pockets of powerful government officials to fund their favored candidates in 2010 elections.
Ledesma also said gambling is taboo among the Muslims. Legalizing it in the city, where a big percentage of population is Muslim, will be a slap to their belief, said the prelate.
Appealing to their moral sense, Ledesma urged the City and Provincial councils not to allow the culture of gambling to permeate the local society.
“This statement is also our way of reiterating our consistent objection to the putting up of a Casino anywhere in the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro (Misamis Oriental and Camiguin), and to the putting up of “slot machines” in any of our hotels and establishments,” Ledesma said.
“Systematic, wide-spread and big-time gambling by whatever name or adjective, is still gambling. Whether gambling is legal or illegal, whether it is operated by an individual or by the government, it is still ‘the same dog with a different collar’, Ledesma declared.
The prelate released a strongly-worded statement following the news that majority of the city councilors are to vote for the resolution of legalizing small town lottery in the city.
Ledesma had earlier commended the massive campaign of the local government against gambling following the shooting of a radio broadcaster who accused some police officers as “protectors” and “operators” of illegal gambling in the city.
The accusation led the governor and PNP provincial officials to immediately put a stop on all gambling activities.
But in an apparent change of mind, the city councilors now want to legalize small town lottery, saying it would provide additional income for the city coffers. They also claim that small town lottery has been declared legal by the Supreme Court, hence, they have no power to stop it.
“We are deeply saddened by the news that majority of our city councilors—apparently with the blessings from their superiors—are going to vote affirmatively for the resolution allowing the introduction of another gambling game: the small town lottery (STL),” said Ledesma.
Citing teachings from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the prelate said, “games of chance… become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others.”
“STL will even be worse than the illegal games now because it will effectively and openly encourage even the poor wage earners to gamble and gamble to their own disadvantage—just look at who mainly form the lines of the Lotto now,” the prelate said.
The archbishop pointed out that gambling can be addictive and threatens family stability.
“Addictive gambling shakes the stability of the family! And worse still, STL will effectively make addicts not only of our poor but also out of our children,” he said.
Ledesma took a dig on the alleged “financiers” of gambling, saying that legalizing the game would present a strong temptation for government and police officials to fall deeply into corrupt practices.
“STL will just put a legal mask to the present “financiers” and even corrupt more our city officials and PNP officers,” he said.
The prelate debunked the claim of city officials that money generated from gambling will fund social services.
He expressed fear that the money will only go into the pockets of powerful government officials to fund their favored candidates in 2010 elections.
Ledesma also said gambling is taboo among the Muslims. Legalizing it in the city, where a big percentage of population is Muslim, will be a slap to their belief, said the prelate.
Appealing to their moral sense, Ledesma urged the City and Provincial councils not to allow the culture of gambling to permeate the local society.
“This statement is also our way of reiterating our consistent objection to the putting up of a Casino anywhere in the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro (Misamis Oriental and Camiguin), and to the putting up of “slot machines” in any of our hotels and establishments,” Ledesma said.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Manila archdiocese joins global call against climate change
With barely few days left before the world plunges into an hour of darkness, nations all over the world are gearing to link arms in a show of unity even just for an hour to fight a menace that threatens the life of mother earth.
In a show of solidarity, the Archdiocese of Manila will join the global community on March 28 in switching off electricity for an hour in a pitch against global warming.
Dubbed as Earth Hour, the worldwide activity aims to send out a strong message to humanity on the gravity of climate change and a challenge to every citizen to find solutions to the worsening problem.
The global event which was first initiated by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia two years ago calls on every individual to become responsible steward of creation and to work for its sustainability.
Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, in a video message released by the Archdiocesan Ecology Ministry, urged all parishes and religious institutions to participate in the hour-long activity.
“Sa gabi ng 28 ng Marso, mula 8:30 hanggang 9:30 ng gabi tayo ay makisama sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan. Bigyan natin ng pahinga ang daigdig, kung maari lang at hindi makakapinsala sa kalusugan, isang oras tayong hindi gagamit ng elektrisida. Ito ay isang paalala at paghiling o isang tagpo sa sandali. Kaya makisama tayo at subukan kung kayang tiisin ang walang elektrisidad sa isang oras” (On March 28, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. let us join this activity and show our concern for Mother Earth. Let us give our world a respite. As long as it does pose danger to our health, let us refrain from using electricity for one hour. I urge that we participate in this worthwhile activity, and strive to sacrifice for one hour without electricity), the Cardinal said.
At 8:30 p.m. on March 28, all parishes are encouraged to ring their Church bells to call people’s attention on the significant event, said Lou Arsenio, coordinator of the Archdiocesan Ministry on Ecology.
“Part of the recommendation is for the parishes to conduct holy hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.,” added Arsenio.
The world wide activity is being spearheaded by WWF organization of which the Ecology ministry is a participant.
Arsenio said the event is expected to draw participation from 10 million Filipinos and 500 businesses nationwide.
The Ecology Ministry office has been distributing materials and mobilizing religious institutions as well as parishes in different Metro Manila dioceses, asking their commitment to participate in the event.
The occasion is the time to be in solidarity with the world to combat the problem of global warming before it becomes too late, Arsenio said.
Celebrating Earth Hour is one way of educating people to become responsible stewards of the environment, she added.
To lessen the emissions of greenhouse gases that cause global warming, people are encouraged to observed some mitigating actions such as unplugging appliances and switching off lights when not in use.
The first event held in Sydney, Australia in 2007 had 2.2 million homes and businesses put off their lights for one hour. The unprecedented action had delivered its environmental message and captured the imagination of the world. Last year, the event had gone global with more than 50 million people switching off their lights, literally plunging major cities around the world in darkness.
Count down to Earth Hour on March 28 will be held at the Mall of Asia, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.
In a show of solidarity, the Archdiocese of Manila will join the global community on March 28 in switching off electricity for an hour in a pitch against global warming.
Dubbed as Earth Hour, the worldwide activity aims to send out a strong message to humanity on the gravity of climate change and a challenge to every citizen to find solutions to the worsening problem.
The global event which was first initiated by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia two years ago calls on every individual to become responsible steward of creation and to work for its sustainability.
Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, in a video message released by the Archdiocesan Ecology Ministry, urged all parishes and religious institutions to participate in the hour-long activity.
“Sa gabi ng 28 ng Marso, mula 8:30 hanggang 9:30 ng gabi tayo ay makisama sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan. Bigyan natin ng pahinga ang daigdig, kung maari lang at hindi makakapinsala sa kalusugan, isang oras tayong hindi gagamit ng elektrisida. Ito ay isang paalala at paghiling o isang tagpo sa sandali. Kaya makisama tayo at subukan kung kayang tiisin ang walang elektrisidad sa isang oras” (On March 28, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. let us join this activity and show our concern for Mother Earth. Let us give our world a respite. As long as it does pose danger to our health, let us refrain from using electricity for one hour. I urge that we participate in this worthwhile activity, and strive to sacrifice for one hour without electricity), the Cardinal said.
At 8:30 p.m. on March 28, all parishes are encouraged to ring their Church bells to call people’s attention on the significant event, said Lou Arsenio, coordinator of the Archdiocesan Ministry on Ecology.
“Part of the recommendation is for the parishes to conduct holy hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.,” added Arsenio.
The world wide activity is being spearheaded by WWF organization of which the Ecology ministry is a participant.
Arsenio said the event is expected to draw participation from 10 million Filipinos and 500 businesses nationwide.
The Ecology Ministry office has been distributing materials and mobilizing religious institutions as well as parishes in different Metro Manila dioceses, asking their commitment to participate in the event.
The occasion is the time to be in solidarity with the world to combat the problem of global warming before it becomes too late, Arsenio said.
Celebrating Earth Hour is one way of educating people to become responsible stewards of the environment, she added.
To lessen the emissions of greenhouse gases that cause global warming, people are encouraged to observed some mitigating actions such as unplugging appliances and switching off lights when not in use.
The first event held in Sydney, Australia in 2007 had 2.2 million homes and businesses put off their lights for one hour. The unprecedented action had delivered its environmental message and captured the imagination of the world. Last year, the event had gone global with more than 50 million people switching off their lights, literally plunging major cities around the world in darkness.
Count down to Earth Hour on March 28 will be held at the Mall of Asia, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Columban missionary to get award for humanitarian work
Columban missionary and founder of PREDA foundation, Irish priest Fr. Shay Cullen will be feted with a humanitarian award and a donation of 100,000 Euros for championing the rights of women and children, at the 2009 Meteor Ireland Music Awards in Dublin, on March 17.
The Columban missionary from Dublin has been nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize and other human rights awards for his advocacies.
He has been working in the Philippines since 1969, promoting human rights and uplifting the conditions of women and children who have fallen victims to all forms of human trafficking.
Cullen established PREDA (People’s Recovery, Empowerment Development Assistance) foundation in 1974 in Olongapo City to help victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking recover and find another chance to a better life.
The priest has initiated various projects aimed at restoring the individual’s self-respect and integrity. He started several income generating projects that help the poor live their life with dignity. Children who have been rehabilitated are sent back to school to continue their education
A vocal and indefatigable human rights activist, Cullen campaigned for the removal of the US bases when he discovered a prostitution ring selling children to US Naval base personnel in Subic.
He pushed for the conversion of the infrastructure into a commercial manufacturing zone.
The converted US bases in Subic and Clark now employs thousands of Filipinos in various capacities.
His human rights advocacy has also brought him to testify before the US Congress and the Philippine Senate.
A well-known speaker and prolific writer, Cullen has acted as facilitator at various international conferences and written numerous articles for print and online. His first book, an autobiography titled “Passion and Power” was recently launched in Ireland.
Other international personalities who have been recipients of the Humanitarian Award and donations include Mary Donohue (Rose Project Founder), Sir Elton John, Christina Noble, Bono, Sister Stanislaus Kennedy and Adi Roche, Fr. Peter Mc Verry and Paul Brady.
The Columban missionary from Dublin has been nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize and other human rights awards for his advocacies.
He has been working in the Philippines since 1969, promoting human rights and uplifting the conditions of women and children who have fallen victims to all forms of human trafficking.
Cullen established PREDA (People’s Recovery, Empowerment Development Assistance) foundation in 1974 in Olongapo City to help victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking recover and find another chance to a better life.
The priest has initiated various projects aimed at restoring the individual’s self-respect and integrity. He started several income generating projects that help the poor live their life with dignity. Children who have been rehabilitated are sent back to school to continue their education
A vocal and indefatigable human rights activist, Cullen campaigned for the removal of the US bases when he discovered a prostitution ring selling children to US Naval base personnel in Subic.
He pushed for the conversion of the infrastructure into a commercial manufacturing zone.
The converted US bases in Subic and Clark now employs thousands of Filipinos in various capacities.
His human rights advocacy has also brought him to testify before the US Congress and the Philippine Senate.
A well-known speaker and prolific writer, Cullen has acted as facilitator at various international conferences and written numerous articles for print and online. His first book, an autobiography titled “Passion and Power” was recently launched in Ireland.
Other international personalities who have been recipients of the Humanitarian Award and donations include Mary Donohue (Rose Project Founder), Sir Elton John, Christina Noble, Bono, Sister Stanislaus Kennedy and Adi Roche, Fr. Peter Mc Verry and Paul Brady.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
DFA foresees influx of Filipino pilgrims to Israel during Pope’s visit
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is foreseeing an increase of Filipino pilgrims going to Israel in view of Pope Benedict’s official pilgrimage to the Holy Land on May 11-15.
In a letter sent by DFA to the CBCP Media office, Shulan Primavera, Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs, said the DFA had received an advisory from the Israeli embassy informing that it has not made any changes in its visa policy in view of the papal pilgrimage to Holy Land.
Under its current policy, Israeli Embassy does not require Filipino citizens a visa to travel to Israel.
The embassy said it will issue a certification for Filipino pilgrims or tourists planning to go to Israel during the papal visit to facilitate their entry to the nation-state.
“To ensure that these pilgrims will not encounter difficulties concerning their visit, please advise the Israeli Embassy of the names of those Filipino pilgrims who will be visiting Israel under Church organized pilgrimage, for the issuance by the said Embassy of a certification that will facilitate their admission to Israel,” the embassy stated in its letter.
But anticipating an influx of tourists in view of the Pontiff’s visit to the nation-state, the embassy informed DFA that names of those going to Israel should be sent to the embassy to facilitate their entrance to Israel.
Termed as official pilgrimage, the papal visit to the Holy Land will include meeting with Israel’s government officials led by President Shimon Peres who will welcome the Pope on his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in the morning of May 11.
A meeting with the council of Religious Community leaders of Israel—the Chief Rabbis, the President of the Moslem Religious Court of Appeals, Christian religious leaders, and the heads of the Druze Community—is also slated on the same day.
Aside from meeting with civil and religious leaders of Israel the Holy Father’s itinerary include a visit and wreath-laying ceremony at the Yad Vashem Martyrs’ and Heroes Memorial of the Holocaust.
He will also tour the Temple Mount and visit the Western Wall on May 12. On the same day, he will pray with Catholic Ordinaries at the Cenacle (the Site of the Lord’s Supper). He will pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on May 15, the last day of his journey.
A papal Mass will be celebrated on May 12 at the Gethsemane Basilica at the Kidron Valley with about 5,000 people expected to participate.
On May 14, the Pope will go to Nazareth where he will meet with local leaders. He will celebrate Vespers at the Grotto of the Annunciation with bishops, priests and clergy, and representatives of Church movements of the Galilee, with participants roughly estimated at 3,000.
On May 15, the last day of his visit, the Holy Father will meet and pray with the Greek Orthodox Patriarch and Armenian Patriarch. An official farewell ceremony at the Ben Gurion International airport led by Peres will be feted on the pontiff as he officially ends his visit.
The Pope’s official delegation is composed of 40 representatives from the Vatican.
About 70 representatives of the foreign media will be accompanying the Pope in his official pilgrimage.
Healing the rift
The Papal visit comes at a time when Israel is smarting from Vatican’s move to lift the excommunication of a British bishop who had made comments denying the Holocaust.
Bishop Richard Williamson and two other bishops of Marcel Lefebvre’s Society of St. Pius X were excommunicated when they were consecrated bishops without Vatican’s approval.
Wanting to heal the rift with the ultra-conservative society, Vatican has lifted up the 20-year excommunication decree which drew worldwide criticism especially among Jewish circles, because of Williamson’s belief that the Holocaust never took place.
Vatican has since condemned Williamson’s denial of the Holocaust and demanded that he recant his statements.
Williamson apologized for his anti-Semitism remarks, according to news reports, although he did not entirely recant his personal views.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Filipino migrants are missionaries of faith: Bishop
ECMI chairman and Maasin Bishop Precioso Cantillas (center) and San Fernando, La Union Bishop Artemio Rillera (2nd from right) led the National Migrants Celebration in La Union on March 1.More than the money they earn abroad to support their family, which in turn helps prime up the economy, is the high regard of the Catholic Church on Filipino overseas workers.
Maasin Bishop Precioso Cantillas, Chairman of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) said the government looks at the importance of migrants in terms of financial gain, but not the Catholic Church which considers OFWs as modern-day missionaries in the countries where they work.
Leading the national celebration of Migrants Sunday in the diocese of San Fernando, La Union on March 1, the ECMI chairman said the occasion should lead people to reflect why Filipinos are pushed to go out of the country to seek greener pastures.
He admitted though that family needs and their children’s future are often the reasons that drive Filipinos to go overseas.
But he also noted that perhaps a deeper motivation is materialistic reason, to have more in life.
“We think we are greater when we have more things in life but in reality it does not define what we are,” Cantillas said. “We are great because we are children of God,” he added.
The problem of money, when solved with money maybe close to achieving a solution but it is never a complete solution, said the bishop.
He noted that OFWs have more temptation in terms of materialism, since what drives people to go abroad is to earn more money.
Cantillas explained that although money is not evil in itself, but the love for it can lead to evil. He said OFWs can take St. Paul as model because of his attachment to Christ, and not to material things.
The national migrant celebration has taken as theme “The Sacrifices of the Filipino Migrants mirror the journey of St. Paul.”
“Hopefully this celebration will not only make us aware of the plight of the migrants but will lead us deeper to real meaning of life and faith,” said the bishop.
He said migrants do a lot in terms of evangelistic activity outside of their own country.
A greater dimension is the sharing of their faith, their work, sufferings, and a lot is doing precisely that, he said.
“We are reminding our OFWs that their sufferings and difficulties are like the suffering of St. Paul. As Christians, Filipino migrants, like St. Paul should propagate the faith,” Cantillas said in his homily.
Statistics showed that among the 200 million migrants all over the world, more than 8 million are Filipinos, 4.13 million of whom are OFWs.
Pope John Paul II called them modern-day evangelizers praising their fidelity in the practice of the Catholic faith even in foreign countries.
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