An environmental watchdog told winning political candidates to stop putting up “thank you” tarpaulins on major thoroughfares, but instead thank their constituents by serving honestly.
The waste and pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition said poll winners can say “thank you” to their constituents without putting up banners and tarpaulins that harm environment and add to visual pollution.
"Above all, the most meaningful 'thank you' that politicians can make is to offer the people a real honest-to-goodness public service minus self-aggrandizement and corruption," Manny Calonzo of EcoWaste Coalition said.
Politicians can thank voters by organizing various charities supported by party funds, Calonzo said, “such as feeding programs for street children, the elderly and the indigents.” He also stressed that Styropor food containers should not be used for the occasion so as not to add to the garbage problem.
He added that the funds meant for tarpaulins and banners can be used instead to support charitable causes. He mentioned the children cancer ward of the Philippine General Hospital, and fire victims that left thousands of families in Barangay Damayang Lagi in Quezon City and Barangay Cupang in Muntinlupa City homeless.
The group lamented the volume of trash generated by campaign materials during the last elections and the politicians’ indifference to join the clean up drive.
“Please understand that we have yet to clear the streets of campaign materials used in the last election and here you are aggravating the mess with a new wave of tarpaulins,” Calonzo said.
He noted that several busy streets in Pasay City such as Arnaiz, C. Jose, F. B. Harrison and Zamora are still filled with campaign materials even days after elections.
“They [politicians] surely can express their gratitude by going out of the streets and leading community 'bayanihan' to remove and recycle unsightly campaign materials,” Calonzo said.
Eco volunteers reported to have noticed the appearance of so many “thank you” messages placed in major hubs and thoroughfares as well as pedestrian overpasses and footbridges.
“Thank you” tarpaulins have been spotted in various parts of the metropolis such as in España Blvd., Lacson Ave., Ongpin St., Roxas Blvd. and Plaza Miranda in Manila, Quezon Memorial Circle, E. Rodriguez Ave. and Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City, 9 de Febrero St. and Martinez St. in Mandaluyong City, and SLEX, Parañaque City.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Pope challenges priests to use new media in witnessing the Gospel
Coinciding with the universal Church’s celebration of the Year for Priests, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI suitably chose a theme for the 44th observance of World’s Communication’s Day that reflects on the importance of priests witnessing the gospel in the world of new media.
The pope’s message titled “The Priest and the Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World: New Media at the Service of the Word” challenges the clergy to open themselves to the vast possibilities the field of digital communications offer in the area of evangelization.
“Priests stand at the threshold of a new era: as new technologies create deeper forms of relationship across greater distances, they are called to respond pastorally by putting the media ever more effectively at the service of the Word,” the pontiff said.
Indeed, the development of new communication technologies, has created a new breed of generation completely at home in the digital world, who are at ease in communicating with their vast circle of friends via social networking, such as youtube, facebook and twitter.
Although not discounting the traditional means of communication, the multimedia means of communicating, however, appeals much more to today’s younger generation, who spend so much time blogging, tweeting or facebooking friends and acquaintances.
The pope said that “today’s cultural shifts, to which young people are especially sensitive” presents a challenge to priests who are called to proclaim the gospel.
“The increased availability of the new technologies demands greater responsibility on the part of those called to proclaim the Word, but it also requires them to become more focused, efficient and compelling in their efforts.”
By utilizing multimedia resources from the web for evangelization, the pope said, “priests can introduce people to the life of the Church and help our contemporaries to discover the face of Christ.”
Since the Vatican promulgation of social communication document Inter Mirifica in 1963, the Church has consistently acknowledged the role of media in the work of evangelization.
The late Pope John Paul II, acknowledged as the most media savvy among the popes, made use of the modern media throughout his pontificate, thus reaching out to the faithful in various parts of the globe through the television or internet.
Pope Benedict XVI, closely following the steps of his predecessor, has also acknowledged the impact of digital communications in today’s society, especially the younger generation.
In last year’s WCD message, the pope addressed this younger set as the digital generation who are very much at ease with technology and whose idea of effective communication and nurturing human relationships is through the use of social media networks in cyberspace.
In an effort to reach out to the youth, the Vatican has launched its own youTube channel in 2008, followed by a facebook application called Pope2you in 2009. The application allows users to send virtual postcards and message of peace and hope to friends. The portal has 8,889 fans as of present. It has also an application for iPhone and iPod Touch that provides video and audio news on the pope’s travels and speeches, as well as other Catholic events happening worldwide.
To reach out and minister to this digital generation, it is imperative then that priests should know how to communicate using their language. But since not all priests are media savvy, where even sending an ordinary email could prove a real challenge to some, using and developing the available resources in cyberspace for evangelization would probably take a while. And this is true not only for priests, but also for religious congregations and the rest of the Catholic Church.
But then, the pope stressed that the “priests present in the world of digital communications should be less notable for their media savvy than for their priestly heart, their closeness to Christ. This will not only enliven their pastoral outreach, but also will give a “soul” to the fabric of communications that makes up the “Web.”
The pontiff also highlighted the importance of integrating media formation with seminary formation, so that knowledge of modern technology will be “shaped by sound theological insights and reflecting a strong priestly spirituality grounded in constant dialogue with the Lord.”
However, the challenge remains in place. Pushed within this “digital continent” that typifies the present generation, priests and religious, for that matter, cannot ignore the responsibility entrusted on their shoulders -- of using new forms that modern technology provides in proclaiming the gospel.
The Holy Father stressed this further by saying that “the world of digital communications, with its almost limitless expressive capacity, makes us appreciate all the more Saint Paul’s exclamation: ‘Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!’ (1 Cor 9:16)
The pope’s message titled “The Priest and the Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World: New Media at the Service of the Word” challenges the clergy to open themselves to the vast possibilities the field of digital communications offer in the area of evangelization.
“Priests stand at the threshold of a new era: as new technologies create deeper forms of relationship across greater distances, they are called to respond pastorally by putting the media ever more effectively at the service of the Word,” the pontiff said.
Indeed, the development of new communication technologies, has created a new breed of generation completely at home in the digital world, who are at ease in communicating with their vast circle of friends via social networking, such as youtube, facebook and twitter.
Although not discounting the traditional means of communication, the multimedia means of communicating, however, appeals much more to today’s younger generation, who spend so much time blogging, tweeting or facebooking friends and acquaintances.
The pope said that “today’s cultural shifts, to which young people are especially sensitive” presents a challenge to priests who are called to proclaim the gospel.
“The increased availability of the new technologies demands greater responsibility on the part of those called to proclaim the Word, but it also requires them to become more focused, efficient and compelling in their efforts.”
By utilizing multimedia resources from the web for evangelization, the pope said, “priests can introduce people to the life of the Church and help our contemporaries to discover the face of Christ.”
Since the Vatican promulgation of social communication document Inter Mirifica in 1963, the Church has consistently acknowledged the role of media in the work of evangelization.
The late Pope John Paul II, acknowledged as the most media savvy among the popes, made use of the modern media throughout his pontificate, thus reaching out to the faithful in various parts of the globe through the television or internet.
Pope Benedict XVI, closely following the steps of his predecessor, has also acknowledged the impact of digital communications in today’s society, especially the younger generation.
In last year’s WCD message, the pope addressed this younger set as the digital generation who are very much at ease with technology and whose idea of effective communication and nurturing human relationships is through the use of social media networks in cyberspace.
In an effort to reach out to the youth, the Vatican has launched its own youTube channel in 2008, followed by a facebook application called Pope2you in 2009. The application allows users to send virtual postcards and message of peace and hope to friends. The portal has 8,889 fans as of present. It has also an application for iPhone and iPod Touch that provides video and audio news on the pope’s travels and speeches, as well as other Catholic events happening worldwide.
To reach out and minister to this digital generation, it is imperative then that priests should know how to communicate using their language. But since not all priests are media savvy, where even sending an ordinary email could prove a real challenge to some, using and developing the available resources in cyberspace for evangelization would probably take a while. And this is true not only for priests, but also for religious congregations and the rest of the Catholic Church.
But then, the pope stressed that the “priests present in the world of digital communications should be less notable for their media savvy than for their priestly heart, their closeness to Christ. This will not only enliven their pastoral outreach, but also will give a “soul” to the fabric of communications that makes up the “Web.”
The pontiff also highlighted the importance of integrating media formation with seminary formation, so that knowledge of modern technology will be “shaped by sound theological insights and reflecting a strong priestly spirituality grounded in constant dialogue with the Lord.”
However, the challenge remains in place. Pushed within this “digital continent” that typifies the present generation, priests and religious, for that matter, cannot ignore the responsibility entrusted on their shoulders -- of using new forms that modern technology provides in proclaiming the gospel.
The Holy Father stressed this further by saying that “the world of digital communications, with its almost limitless expressive capacity, makes us appreciate all the more Saint Paul’s exclamation: ‘Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!’ (1 Cor 9:16)
Monday, May 3, 2010
LAIKO sets criteria in choice of candidates
An association of Catholic lay groups has spoken amid the din of the electoral campaign, urging its fellow lay faithful to apply one basic criterion in their choice of candidates in the coming election.
In a statement aptly titled “We Make Our Voices Heard”, the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, has appealed to the public to look for a “fundamental quality for leaders of our country—that of Wisdom, based on fear of the Lord.”
“Let us choose candidates who, by their words, actions and priorities, clearly show their fear of God and obedience to His commandments,” the statement partly read.
A candidate who has fear of the Lord, “respects and stands up for life,” “honest, and will not tolerate corruption” and “genuinely loves the poor,” it said.
“[But] even as we choose candidates who possess these qualities and require that they be strict with themselves in upholding these values, they, however, must not be quick to condemn others who do not have the same qualities. Instead, we look for leaders who are transformational, who will unify and lead others by example,” the statement further read.
Affirming the stand of the Church on the kind of values to look for in a candidate, Laiko urged fellow faithful to “elect only those who have made clear their belief in the sacredness of life and vow to protect it.”
“We believe that the stand of candidates on issues that concern life, marriage and family is fundamental as it goes into the core of their being and faith in the Creator of Life,” it said.
It also reminded fellow voters to choose candidates who have a track record of clean and honest service in the community and have transparent program of governance that will benefit the poor.
Laiko serves as the secretariat of the Episcopal Commission on the Laity of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The association is composed of Archdiocesan/Diocesan Councils of the Laity, National Lay Organizations, National Movements and Church-oriented groupings. It promotes nationwide initiatives and coordinates national programs of the laity.
In a statement aptly titled “We Make Our Voices Heard”, the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, has appealed to the public to look for a “fundamental quality for leaders of our country—that of Wisdom, based on fear of the Lord.”
“Let us choose candidates who, by their words, actions and priorities, clearly show their fear of God and obedience to His commandments,” the statement partly read.
A candidate who has fear of the Lord, “respects and stands up for life,” “honest, and will not tolerate corruption” and “genuinely loves the poor,” it said.
“[But] even as we choose candidates who possess these qualities and require that they be strict with themselves in upholding these values, they, however, must not be quick to condemn others who do not have the same qualities. Instead, we look for leaders who are transformational, who will unify and lead others by example,” the statement further read.
Affirming the stand of the Church on the kind of values to look for in a candidate, Laiko urged fellow faithful to “elect only those who have made clear their belief in the sacredness of life and vow to protect it.”
“We believe that the stand of candidates on issues that concern life, marriage and family is fundamental as it goes into the core of their being and faith in the Creator of Life,” it said.
It also reminded fellow voters to choose candidates who have a track record of clean and honest service in the community and have transparent program of governance that will benefit the poor.
Laiko serves as the secretariat of the Episcopal Commission on the Laity of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The association is composed of Archdiocesan/Diocesan Councils of the Laity, National Lay Organizations, National Movements and Church-oriented groupings. It promotes nationwide initiatives and coordinates national programs of the laity.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Prelate urges parishes to hold vigil for credible elections
Barely a week before the nationwide elections, Infanta prelate Rolando Tria Tirona called on all parish priests and administrators to hold a day of vigil before the Blessed Sacrament for a clean and peaceful election.
In a pastoral letter read in today’s Masses in all churches and chapels in the prelature, the bishop emphasized the importance of making the upcoming polls credible for the good of the country and the future generations.
He tasked all parish priests and administrators to set aside a day before May 10 for a Holy vigil, while he encouraged all the faithful, especially the youth to join and lead the prayers.
While reminding the public to vote according to their conscience, Tirona also urged voters to choose their candidates wisely.
Select candidates whose development agenda benefits the poor and the environment; who have respect for life, God-fearing and just, he said.
The bishop also called on all the candidates to show some “political maturity and statesmanship” in their speech and behavior and become good examples to their supporters.
Commending all those who work for the success of the May 10 elections, Tirona said he is praying for them, especially the teachers, the police, the AFP, the Comelec officials, the PPCRV volunteers, and poll watchers.
You are doing a lot of sacrifice for the good of the country. The only way to accomplish a clean, peaceful, credible and honest election is when we are united and ready to help one another, he stated.
Reiterating the need for unity and of voting according to one’s conscience, the bishop stressed, “It is our duty to ensure the success of the electoral process. Let us give this ‘automated voting’ a chance to succeed. Let be vigilant and monitor closely the voting process and the outcome of election.”
In a pastoral letter read in today’s Masses in all churches and chapels in the prelature, the bishop emphasized the importance of making the upcoming polls credible for the good of the country and the future generations.
He tasked all parish priests and administrators to set aside a day before May 10 for a Holy vigil, while he encouraged all the faithful, especially the youth to join and lead the prayers.
While reminding the public to vote according to their conscience, Tirona also urged voters to choose their candidates wisely.
Select candidates whose development agenda benefits the poor and the environment; who have respect for life, God-fearing and just, he said.
The bishop also called on all the candidates to show some “political maturity and statesmanship” in their speech and behavior and become good examples to their supporters.
Commending all those who work for the success of the May 10 elections, Tirona said he is praying for them, especially the teachers, the police, the AFP, the Comelec officials, the PPCRV volunteers, and poll watchers.
You are doing a lot of sacrifice for the good of the country. The only way to accomplish a clean, peaceful, credible and honest election is when we are united and ready to help one another, he stated.
Reiterating the need for unity and of voting according to one’s conscience, the bishop stressed, “It is our duty to ensure the success of the electoral process. Let us give this ‘automated voting’ a chance to succeed. Let be vigilant and monitor closely the voting process and the outcome of election.”
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Public urged to remain vigilant during May polls
With ten days to go before voters troop to the polls, an election watchdog called on all citizens to remain vigilant amid speculation of election failure.
Fr. Jose Dizon, convenor of Kontra Daya, a monitoring group against election cheating,
said there is a need to be vigilant to prevent poll cheating and failure.
He said many uncertainties, glitches and problems remain, despite assurances of the Comelec that everything is in place for the upcoming elections.
For this, he called on various groups and networks for a meeting on May 3 at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, to discuss the election scenario.
Dizon said they will discuss the Kontra Daya Monitoring Guide “that hopes to give us a sense of the scenarios on election day.”
With the monitoring guide people will have the means “to monitor and report on the conduct of the elections.”
“Our IT experts and online media volunteers meanwhile will explain the online mapping of incidents of poll irregularities so that we can see the nationwide trends,” Dizon added.
Dizon asked members to monitor nationwide the polls on May 10 to get a first hand data of the conduct of elections.
“With enough information, we can determine our next course of action, should there be signs of election failure, fraud, massive disenfranchisement, poll violence and other irregularities.”
Fr. Jose Dizon, convenor of Kontra Daya, a monitoring group against election cheating,
said there is a need to be vigilant to prevent poll cheating and failure.
He said many uncertainties, glitches and problems remain, despite assurances of the Comelec that everything is in place for the upcoming elections.
For this, he called on various groups and networks for a meeting on May 3 at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, to discuss the election scenario.
Dizon said they will discuss the Kontra Daya Monitoring Guide “that hopes to give us a sense of the scenarios on election day.”
With the monitoring guide people will have the means “to monitor and report on the conduct of the elections.”
“Our IT experts and online media volunteers meanwhile will explain the online mapping of incidents of poll irregularities so that we can see the nationwide trends,” Dizon added.
Dizon asked members to monitor nationwide the polls on May 10 to get a first hand data of the conduct of elections.
“With enough information, we can determine our next course of action, should there be signs of election failure, fraud, massive disenfranchisement, poll violence and other irregularities.”
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