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NAGA CITY (14 SEPT) -- THE highest political power in the land has declared during the Peñafrancia Novena Week Naga City and the province of Camarines Sur as ‘pilgrimage capitals’ of the Bikol region. In his Executive Order (EO) #33 dated September 10, President Benigno
Albay public protests power hike LEGAZPI City, Sept. 15, 2010—Militant groups have staged mass protests here opposing the power rate increase imposed by Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda to consumers of Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO). Bayan Muna, Gabriela and Albay Consumers Watch (ACW) staged a picket at Peñaranda Park fronting Albay Capitol in protest of the P1.66 per kilowatt hour power hike which the power cooperaALBAY / PAGE 5
Only 3.9 kilograms of shabu seized in Masbate port - PDEA LEGAZPI CITY (14 SEPTEMBER) -LABORATORY experts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Bikol said that only 3.98 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” were seized on Wednesday by anti-drug operatives in Masbate and not 5.28 kilograms as earlier reported. In a joint PNP-PDEA press conference
mASBATE / PAGE 8
Aquino III, took cognizance of the annual celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia as an “epic historical event that [had] become part of our cultural heritage,” and that Naga City “where the 300-year old image is enshrined, has long been recognized and considered as PILGrIm CITY / PAGE 5
10th Ateneo National Writers Workshop to be held in Naga, fellows named LOYOLA HEIGHTS, QC—THE 10TH Ateneo National Writers Workshop, organized by the Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP) with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Office of the President, Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU), will be held on October 24-28, 2010 at the AdNU Campus, Naga City. Twelve fellowships were awarded, with six going to writers from the Bicol Region who write in the Bikol languages. Covered by the fellowships are their board and lodg-
ing, a modest stipend, and the opportunity to learn from an esteemed panel of Atenean writers and critics. The fellows for this year’s workshop are: For poetry in English: Alyza May Timbol Taguilaso (Quezon City); For poetry in Filipino: Noel T. Fortun (Las Piñas City), Maureen Gaddi dela Cruz (San Pedro, Laguna); For fiction in English: Glenn Diaz (Manila City), Michelle Abigail Tiu Tan (Quezon City); For fiction in Filipino: Arnold Matencio Valledor (Panganiban, Catanduanes); For poetry in Bikol: Gerry Rubio
(Virac, Catanduanes), Adrian Remodo (Naga City, Camarines Sur), Eduardo Uy (Gubat, Sorsogon), Richard Madrilejos (Tabaco, Albay), Rodel Añosa (Ticao, Masbate); For fiction in Bikol: Jimple Borlagdan (Tabaco, Albay). Panelists for this year’s workshop include prize-winning writers like Benilda S. Santos, Alvin B. Yapan, Marco AV. Lopez, Michael M. Coroza, Frank Peñones and Carlo Arejola to name a few. This year’s workshop is co-directed by Kristian Cordero and Yolando Jamendang, Jr. (V. Nierva)
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Volume XXVII | Issue no. 69|
Pilgrims’ city PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER #33 AND Naga City Resolution No. 2010-280 had declared the city on which INA’s image is enshrined as a “pilgrimage capital/city.” The EO was issued on September 10 or the day of the Traslacion while the city resolution— despite its terseness and otioseness in comparison with the President’s declaration—was issued three days later. These official government acts, one from the national and the other from the local, were unexpected but well-received developments during the 300th year celebration of the devotion to INA. They formally established Naga City as a pilgrimage site in which INA’s devotees from all over would be welcomed. The government’s EO and city resolution instituted Naga as “pilgrims’ city.” WE thus laud that the President directed that “[T]he programs and activities instituted during the Peñafrancia Festival must be conducted in an atmosphere of peace and order that must be assisted and maintained by the government, and that the solemnity and sensitivity of the nature and character of the festivities must be preserved.” For this, in fact, had been the plea of the local church and many sectors of the community to the Naga City government in recent years: that of preserving the solemnity of INA’s fiesta while at the same time, securing the numerous pilgrims from both here and abroad who call themselves devotees of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. This newspaper had earlier expressed its opposition to the commercialization and prostitution of INA’s feast through the staging of street parties and public drinking sprees which exploited the fiesta celebration. Malacañang’s further prescription in the EO is thus certainly most welcome. It stated “the government shall ensure that the conduct of the observances essential to the feast, which include but are not limited to the Traslacion, the Fluvial and Dawn Processions and other cultural and historical remembrance activities, shall be respected, and that commercial exploitation during the pilgrimage period such as street parties that may become rambunctious, drinking sprees in plazas, street vending that obstruct passages towards the pilgrimage sites, and other similar activities, shall be discouraged.” The institution of Naga City as a “city of pilgrimage” has long been hoped for our community, toward which end the Council of the Laity of the Archdiocese of Caceres had sought to petition then Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo to consider enacting an ordinance which would declare the city precisely as a pilgrimage city. Alas, Robredo and his City Legal Officer, Angel Ojastro, hid behind the excuse that such an ordinance might violate the Constitutional provision on the separation of the Church and State. Robredo and Ojastro believed that an ordinance which established Naga City as a “pilgrims’ city” in which devotees would be provided the necessary basic services and facilities when they make their pilgrimage here; and that which protected and preserved the solemnity of the Peñafrancia Fiesta celebration; might be contrary to the Philippine Constitution and thus effectively rejected the idea. Fortunately for us, the President of the Philippines and his team of legal advisers, and the new Naga City Mayor John Bongat and the City Council, thought otherwise.
Editorial
Vox Bikol ViewPoiNts
13 - 19 september 2010
Notes on the Pilgrim City and the Pilgrim Province THE CELEBRATION DOES NOT END with the 300 years. As the fiesta was winding up, an EO or Executive Order from the highest office in the land was released declaring Naga City and the province of Camarines Sur as the Pilgrim Capital of the Philippines. Last night, as if to confirm the magnificence of the rituals held to honor the Virgin of Peñafrancia, the pagoda carrying the Icon blazed through the dark waters of the Naga River, the votive candles on the river banks never ever more incandescent, and the devotees humbled by the sheer power of this Faith that travelled through continents and dreams. A TV network has confirmed that some 2 million people have descended upon this small city of Naga. Maybe, it did not reach that number but the fact is there were just too many people in the small space of this pilgrim city that anyone estimating the multitude is bound to exaggerate and be convincing. The possibility of millions coming to Naga is always there from now on. The declaration has me counting both the privileges and the problems – what business people call the strengths and weaknesses, the threats and opportunities – in this city and the neighboring towns of the province. First of all, it is a smart move to expand the pilgrimage territory into the other towns around the city. For around Naga are sites that have links with colonial history and arrival of the new faith. Immediately, places like Canaman, Magarao, Quipayo and Milaor come to mind. I do not count out the other provinces of Albay and Sorsogon that will become the other entry points for the pilgrim. The declaration is an urgent call for us to prepare even more. The 301st anniversary is even a more auspicious year. If the 300th enabled people to look back and do the reckoning, next year is the time to look forward in the future, marking time and, who knows, initiating the first step into the next hundreds of years of devotion. The city and the province have to do many things. More than ever, the Church and the State (the local government units) have to try to work together. The citizens have to be
brought on board and be directly part of the reinvention of the city and the province. This year, the carrying capacity of the city was tested to the limits. The number of taxis dwindled, with drivers unable to bear the rush. Those cabs that continued to operate were interested only in long-distance destinations. The trimobiles became even more unfriendly: all trips were “espasyal.” Tourism and trash go well hand in hand when certain places become popular. The city will earn and the institutional Church will also get some revenues. There is nothing wrong with this. The old issue, however, about commercialization of an otherwise religious activity, will rear up its ugly and divisive head. The crucial task is maintaining a healthy and optimum ratio between pilgrimage and politics. There is enough wealth, both spiritual and material, in being a pilgrim capital. In the absence of hotels, the city can engage homes to offer Bed-and-Breakfast services. This is done in other places that are noted for big tourist influx. These homes should be accredited and their owner/operators asked to undergo orientation. We do not need homes exploiting tourists/pilgrims. We need markers and maps are significant. They should not only guide the stranger to the city; these markers should inform the tourist/pilgrims about the many sites related to their pilgrimage. We have to work on humble sites and grand symbols. The old San Francisco Church and the Lady of the Porteria will gain their prominence. The Colgante Bridge must be properly designated. Where the old settlement of Naga was located should be identified. We should rework a history from below: people designating sites and explaining them. Already, in one of the interior streets near Mabini a banner hangs which says the street was where the bodies recovered from the Colgante incident were taken. They call it a hallowed street. Then the most difficult part comes: the cleaning of the river. For the river represents what the Church and the State should commonly hallow.
Babaye Babaye, ipinagboot kan karpinterong aki mo an samong pagkakan saiya. Sa saiyang mga ngimot man nagluwas an kahurutan na inomon siya kan gabos. Aram niyamong ini makulog asin matarom sa saimong daghan. Alagad, ika man nagpahunod. Babaye, tadaw ta pirmi ika na sana an minapahunod? Tadaw ta ika na sana an minasapo kan kulog? Tadaw ta ika an sa daghan may nakatadok na punyal? Ay, abaa nang kasakitan!
Gospel... quickly and write there fifty.’ To the second he put the same question: ‘How much do you owe?’ The answer was: ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ Then he said: ‘Take your bill and write eight hundred.’ “The master commended the dishonest steward for his astuteness. For the people of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the people of light. And so I tell you: use filthy money to make friends for yourselves, so that when it fails, these people may welcome you into the eternal homes. “Whoever can be trusted in little things can also be trusted in great ones; whoever is dishonest in slight matters will also be dishonest in greater ones. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling filthy money, who could entrust you with true wealth? And if you have not been trustworthy with things which are not really yours, who will give you the wealth which is your own? “No servant can serve two masters. Either he does not like the one and is fond of the other, or he regards one highly and the other with contempt. You cannot give yourself both to God and to Money.”
Tibaad, ini man an dahilan kun tadaw sa pagpintakasi niyamo ngunyan, an inaagod mi babaye man. Labi-labi an samong kamawotan na makiparte sa gabat kan saiyang andas. Mala ta minsan nakakaagid kami sa mga kapay, daing kabaing an pag-otob kan panata. Tibaad iyo ini an samong maldisyon huli ta kami mga sumbikalan. Kami na sana man an pagabat sa maninigo kutang kagianan. Pagiana man an samong mga daghan. *** Maogmang fiesta sa saindo gabos!
13 - 19 september 2010
Vox Bikol ViewPoiNts
Volume XXVII | Issue no. 69|
Ang Mahal na Birhen ng Pagsalat
3
KRISTIAN SENDON CORDERO
Huling Bahagi
Isang kabalintunaang kailangang tingnan sa debosyong Penafrancia ang matinding pangangailangang masalat ang imahen ng Birhen. Kailangang may panghawakan dahil umiinog lamang ang buong selebrasyon sa Ina sa dalawang mahalagang pagdaloy: ang paglipat at ang pagbabalik, ang Traslacion at ang Sakay sa ilog. Mayaman sa simbolohikal na pagpakahulugan ang nasabing debosyon sa Ina na kung matutukoy lamang ng mga Bikolnon, maaninag nila ang kanilang nakaraan at ang mga di-mawaring hamon ng hinaharap. Kung matuklasan at maunawaan na ito ng marami sa mga deboto, higit nilang makikita na ang tunay na kahulugan ng debosyon sa Ina ay paggawad ng tingin sa iprinuprusisyon ding Divino Rostro. BATA PA AKO NOON NANG una kong masaksihan ang prusisyon sa ilog. Maaga pa lamang ay lumisan na kami sa aming bahay, upang maglakbay ng isang oras patungo sa Naga. Sakay kami ng inupahang dyip, kaming magkakamaganak at ilan pang mga kinumbidang kapitbahay. Tamang-tama ang dating namin, nagsisimula pa lamang ang misa at may garahe pa kaming nakuha sa loob ng seminaryong malapit sa katedral. May bayad ang parking lot dahil nakita kong nagabot ang tiyo ko ng pera sa security guard. Mula sa katedral, kahit hindi pa naigagawad ang huling basbas ng pari ay nagsimula na kaming bagtasin ang daan patungo sa malapit na tulay, sa may Colgante, kung saan nangyari ang malagim na trahedya noong 1972, ilang araw bago tuluyang ideklara ang Batas Militar. Ilang oras ang ginawa naming paghihintay sa pagdaan ng pagoda ni Inâ. Habang naghihintay, nangaakit naman ang mga kalembang ng mga sorbetero sa paligid habang may isang booth ng Pepsi ang may napakamalaking megaphone kung saan lumalabas ang mga dasal: ang mga misteryo ng santo rosaryo. May mga lobong napakawalan kung kaya paminsan-minsan may umiiyak na bata at may nagmumurang matanda. May naglalako ng panyo, pamaypay at may mga naka-unipormeng nagroronda sa Colgante, samantalang nakahanda naman ang isang ambulansya. Matapos ang ilang oras na paghihintay sa ilalim ng araw ay nagsimula ng magsigawan ang mga tao na parang may parating na artista, parang dumalaw si Nora Aunor, paglalarawan ng isa kong tiya. Inilabas ng mga taong naghihintay sa tulay ang kanilang mga puting panyo. Iwinagayway, parang akto ng pagsuko. Habang nag-ayos ng kanilang puwesto ang mga nasa tulay at ang mga nasa pampang ng ilog. Naglabas ng mga sagradong bagay na pinaniniwaalang magkakaroon ng pagbasbas sa pagdaan ng birhen. Sa may pampang at sa tulay, nakahilera ang mga pula at puting kandilang may sindi, paminsan-minsan, sa isang nagmamadaling sandali, maaninag ang kanilang mga liyab sa rabaw ng malabnaw na tubig ng ilog. Nakapuwesto ako noon sa isang bahagi ng tulay kung saan tila binigyan ako ng pagkakataong makita at marinig ang lahat sa aking paligid. Ilang minuto pa’y mas lalong lumakas ang hiyaw, iba’t ibang tinig subalit tila iisa ang sinisigaw, Viva La Virgen! Viva Patrona kan Kabikolan! Pagbubunyi sa birheng ina na napapalibutan pa rin ng mga boyadores at saserdotes sa kanyang pagodang hila-hila ng mga bangkeros. Kinakanta ang himno opiysal—ang Resuene Vibrante, sa Kastila ang koro samantalang ang mga berso ay sa Bikol. Lumakas nang lumakas ang hiyaw habang papalapit na ang birhen sa aming kinalalagyan. Sa pagdaan ng pagoda, isang pambihirang eksena ang kumintal sa aking alaala: Nakita ko na may mga batang inilublob ng mga matatanda sa ilog habang ang iba namang di-hamak na marunong ng lumangoy ay lumukso din sa tubig. Tila pagbibinyag, isang inisasyon upang kamtin muli ang identidad, sariwain ang kaakuhan, gunitain ang mga pangyayari katulad nito, ang pagbabalik na muli sa sinapupunan ng buhay—ang tubig. Ngayon ko nauunawan kung bakit kahit na marumi na rin ang agwa bendita sa mga simbahan, kahit na pinamumugaran na ito ng mga kiti-kiti ay nagagawa pa rin nating idutdotang mga daliri at mag-antada, katulad ng kung paano nakikipagsapalaran ang buong katawan sa maruming tubig ng ilog kapalit ng ginhawa o lunas na inihahandog ng patrona. Pagkatapos na makadaan ng pagoda, dahan-dahan naming tinahak kasabay ng marami pang daluyong ng tao
ang daan patungo Basilika kung saan tuwinang ginaganap ang misang pamumunuan ng mga obispo ng Bikol. Patuloy ang paglakas ng mga sigaw ng pagbubunyi samantalang tila bumagsak ang mga bituin sa kalupaan sa dami ng mga kandilang nakapalibot sa harapan ng altar. Umaawit ang koro at nag- aamoy insenso ang paligid. Sa sanaysay ni Ross Poole na Memory, History and Claims of the Past, tinukoy niya na maliban sa pagpapakahulugan sa nakalipas, ang kolektibong alaala ay hindi lamang tagapag-ugnay o tagapagpa-kahulugan ng kung ano ang nakaraan, kundi ito rin ay bukal ng kolektibong identidad. Ang identidad na ito ay nakita kong itinatanghal sa buong espektakulo ng Peñafrancia. Ayon kay Poole: “ It (Collective Memory) is also a source of group identity: it provides an account of group’s existence up to— and even beyond the present moment. It provides a narrative of struggle and achievement, victory and defeat, in which members of the group can find their present identity.” Sa isang rehiyon katulad ng Bikol kung saan namamayani pa rin ang Katolisismo, hindi mapapasubalian na ang kasaysayan man o ang gunita ng nakakaraming Bikolnon ay may pagdulog sa imahe ng Inâ bilang isang di-mahawakan na handuman. Maaaring ito ang malalim na dahilan ng pagnanais na makasalat ng mga deboto at boyadores sa imahe. Ngunit kailangang mabatid na hindi lamang sa imahe natatapos ang karanasan ng pagsalat. Ang buong proseso ng pagpapakita ng debosyon kay Ina ay tinitingnan ko bilang primodyal na pagpapakahulugan ng mga Bikolnon sa buhay sa anyo ng tubig, sa ilog at dagat, kung saan umiinog ang nagbabagong kultura, kung saan unang hinubog ang mga bagyong sa kalauna’y humubog rin sa mga taong sinubok ng kalikasan. Ang mga ilog at dagat na ito ang nagsilbi ring lagusan at tagpuan ng mga katutubo at dayo, ng mga nananahan at nagkikipagsapalaran. Ang konstelasyon ng kanilang (Bikolnon) na kamalayan ay konektado sa tubig, sa agwa, na maging ang pinakamatayog na bundok sa Naga, ang Isarog ay tinatawag na Vulcan de la Agua. Kapansin-pansin na sa pagtukoy sa imaheng ito ng birhen hindi siya tinatawag na reyna o senyora o birhen ng mga Bikolnon, siya ay tinatawag na Inâ, ang umaangkin sa atin na atin rin. Ang pagpapangalang ito bilang ina ang kagampan na tinitingnan ko na patuloy na tinatangka ng maraming Bikolnon, na bagamat namamayani ang mga ‘kasalatan’ itinatawid pa rin ng mga Bikolnon ang kanilang mga buhay na tila nasa pagitan ng tunggalian ng kosmolohikal at temporal na kaasyusan. Sa pamamagitan marahil ng patuloy na pagturing sa Penafrancia bilang isang Ina/ tao/ semi-divine/ o kapangyarihan na tumatalab sa kanyang mga deboto, Bikolnon man ito o iba, mananatiling mas higit siyang gunita sa halip na isang tuldok o muhon lamang sa akdangkasaysayan ng Bikol. Sa sanaysay ni Poole, binaggit niya na ang histograpiya ay nanatili lamang sa ikatlong panauhan, samantalang ang gunita ay isinasalaysay sa unang panauhan. Hindi rin nakakapagtaka para sa akin na sabihin na ang gunita ay higit na pinapatalas ng mga ‘personal na engkwentro sa kapwa o ang pagbibigay mukha sa mismong karanasan, absurdo man o abstraktong pagpapakita o rebelasyon katulad ng banal o sagrado. Kakambal ng debosyon sa Inâ, na hindi masydaong napaglalaanan ng kritikal na pagtingin ay ang Divino Rostro. Sa sanaysay na ito, tinutukoy ko ang kaugnayan ng debosyon sa banal na mukha sa Ina, sa kung paanong paraan nagiging
lunsaran ng ating mga etikal o moral na pananaw ang ating alaala. Maaari bang tukuyin na ang Ina ang nagpapatalas sa gunita samantalang ang mukha ng kanyang anak ang moral na sandigan na nag-uudyok para gawin ng tao ang angkop at wasto sa kanyang kapwa? Maaari. Kung gayon ang handumanan ng Peñafrancia ay hindi lamang natatapos sa mga ritwal ng pagsalat dahil mananatili itong salat kung hindi nito magagawang tingnan ang mukha ng banal sa kapwa. Sa pamamagitan ng pagluluwal sa tunay na pagpapakahulugan ng debosyon sa Peñafrancia, maitatampok ng mga Bikolnon, hindi lamang ang kanilang identidad o ang kanilang mga ritwal, kundi ang partikularidad ng kanilang mga pagsakit at tagumpay, ng kahirapan at ginhawa na kinukundisyon pa rin ng mga makapangyarihang institusyong itinataguyod ang pyudal na sistema ng pulitika, turismong walang pakundangan sa kapakanan ng kapalibutan at samu’t sari pang mga trahedyang madalas ay isinisi na lamang nila sa langit, mga pangyayari na dumarating o nagsasalitan lamang sa dalumat ng kasaysayan at biyaya ng gunita. Totoong isang historikal na imahe ang birhen, antigo at minsan na rin itong ninakaw9 at patuloy ang banta na ito’y mawala uli dahil na rin sa nakapatong nitong korona sa ulo. Ngunit sa tingin ko, kinakailangang hindi lamang manatili sa lebel ng historikal na pagpapahalaga sa imahe man ito o sa kasaysayan ng tatlong daang taon ng debosyon kundi kailangang ipagpatuloy ang pagsasalaysay at ang pagtatagpo nito sa mga “saysay” na umiinog at tumatatak sa mga personal na karanasang naitatala sa gunita ng kanyang mga deboto upang patuloy nitong taglayin ang lakas at bisa ng pananampalataya sa ating mga buhay. Matapos ang misa sa Basilika, bumalik uli kami sa aming dyip at bumiyahe pauwi ng Iriga. Tila hinihele ng buong kalangitan ang dyip namin, pinapatulog ang lahat sa loob—mga hapong peregrino. Ngunit alam kong may kanyakanyang kuwentong nakalaang pag-usapan sa mga darating na araw: mga alaala ng pagbisita sa Naga. May mga inaasahang sagot sa mga dasal marahil ang mga matatanda, mga lumang dasal na nangangailangan ng panibagong artikulasyon at kasagutan. At dahil ito ang piyesta ng mga bagsak-presyo, may mga bagong nabiling gamit ang ilang kapit-bahay namin habang may dalang mga kinulayang sisiw ang dalawa kong pinsan. Samantalang ako naman ay ibinili ng Nanay ng isang larawan ni Inâ, sa larawang ito nakasulat: “Siisay ini na nagbabanaag siring sa kaagahan? Magayon siring sa bulan, maliwanag siring sa saldang asin mangirhat siring sa hukbo na andam sa pakilaban?” Tinangka kong basahin ang mga nakasulat at marahang sinalat ang larawan ng Peñafrancia, ni Inâ, nagdasal yata ako noon, bago ko ito isinilid sa aking bulsang puno ng barya. Mga Tala Poole, Ross. Memory, History And Claims of the Past. (Photocopied Material) 21 pahina. Tolentino, Roland. Ang Birhen ng Peñafrancia at South Border sa Sa Loob at Labas ng Mall Kong Sawi/Kaliluha’y Siyang Nangyayaring Hari: Ang Pagkatuto at Pagtatanghal sa Kulturang Popular. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 2001. Aureus, Carlos O. Nagueños. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 1997.
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Vox Bikol BiKoL News
Volume XXVII | Issue no. 69|
13 - 19 september 2010
Chorale sings praises DOH-DepEd-LGU forge UNEP to Ina in Cine-Musical partnership vs. Dengue SORSOGON CITY- EDUCATION, HEALTH AND city government officials of Sorsogon forged a partnership as government intensified its campaign against dengue which continues to rise in the Bikol region. DOH officials led by Assistant Regional Director Virgilio Ludovice turned over Olyset Net worth P1.5 million to the City Schools Division led by Dr. Virgilio Real, Schools Division Superintendent, and the city government represented by City Health Officer Dr. Larry Garrido, City Coun. Mike Go, chair of the city council’s health committee, and City Legal Officer Atty. Glenn Olbes. In a simple turn-over program held here Tuesday, Ludovice said the DOH is distributing nets to various DepEd divisions in the region as part of its campaign to establish dengue-free schools and to arrest the increasing number of dengue victims. He described as alarming the current situation of dengue cases in the region where most provinces registered triple-digit increases to as much as 700 per cent. Ludovice stressed that the trend was opposite to the national trend where a decrease is now being noted.
Based on the statistics presented by Camilo Aquino, DOH mosquito-borne disease coordinator, the highest increase of 700 per cent in dengue cases was registered in Catanduanes wherein 192 victims have been confirmed for the period January-September 10 this year compared to only 24 during the same period last year. Albay registered 406 cases with one death, up by 389 per cent from 83 cases registered last year, Sorsogon came in third with 210 cases with three deaths up by 262 per cent from 58 cases in 2009 and Masbate up by 28 per cent from 38 cases last year to just 49 this year. Of the six provinces only Camarines Sur registered a decrease in dengue cases although still big in number with 562 cases down from 842 but chalked up five fatalities compared to just one death in 2009. Camarines Norte maintained its record of cases at 17 for 2009 and 2010. Aquino said that over-all statistics for Bicol showed an increase of 35 per cent in confirmed cases and 125 per cent in deaths. Ludovice said the net given to DepEd is pre-treated with permetrine, a chemical that is proven effective in repelling mosquitoes and other insects and could last for
seven years. He said the net may be used as screen for windows and doors of school buildings to protect children from mosquitoes. Real expressed gratitude for the donation saying it would immensely help them in their own school-based campaign against dengue. He said they would seek the help of the Parent-Teachers Associations in installing the nets but would await the information from the City Health Office which barangay should be prioritized. Olbes, meanwhile, said the city government is willing to assist the DepeEd as he urged all sectors to lend a hand in the campaign. The fight against the disease is not the sole responsibility of the government but should be a shared undertaking of all sectors, he pointed out. Dr. Edgar Garcia, provincial health officer, meanwhile, assured the public that health workers are exerting efforts to assist the community in combating the recurring menace. Garcia also thanked the DOH, DepEd and the local government units for their help in the campaign noting that an increase in number of cases has been recorded in the province.
AdNU Hosts Dolot Ki Ina 2010 NAGA CITY (9 SEPTEMBER) JUST a day before the Traslacion, the Ateneo de Naga University was once again packed with students and faculty members from various Catholic schools all over the Bikol Region to celebrate Dolot Ki Ina 2010. The annual event is a collaborative project from the Bicol
Association of Catholic Schools (BACS). Participants coming from the Catholic Educational Association of Caceres and Libmanan (CEACAL), Catholic Educational Association of Daet (CEAD), Catholic Educational Association of Legazpi (CEAL), Catholic Educational Association of Sorsogon (CEAS), Catholic Educational As-
NAGA CITY --- UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF the University of Northeastern Philippines’ (UNEP) best performers, the UNEP Chorale sings its heart out once again in a loving tribute to the Bikol Patroness, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, held September 13, 2010 at this city. Dubbed as “Simon’s Way- A Cine Musical,” the event carried its audience to a stream of beautiful music and adoring melody of praises offered to no less than our “Ina” in line with the celebration of the three hundred years of her devotees’ unceasing faith. Ferdinand Dimadura, the maestro behind the successful musicale, expressed his gratitude to everyone who poured out their support for the success of the said event. “I would like to thank, of course the UNEP Chorale for being one of our performers, for showcasing once again their outstanding calibre when it comes to their craft. I am happy that they are continuously widening their turf in the music industry, not just here in the Bikol Region but also in the International scene.” “Cine Musical” is Dimadura’s magnum opus to describe the new form of art that he wants to convey to his fellow Bikolanos. “Simon’s Way” is a result of his stunning love for arts and his thirst to prove his craft as one of the best composers and film director in his genre. During the said event, the UNEP Chorale belted out amazing pieces of its various rendi-
tions along with the Musicians of the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), one of the oldest orchestras in Asia founded by Dr. Alexander Lippay in 1926. They also performed with other celebrated performers which includes the Ambassadors of Culture and Arts Troupe, one of the pride of Universidad de Sta. Isabel; Musicians from St. Scholastica’s College of Music and Kwerdas De Naga, with the special participation of Ms. Jeline Oliva, one of ABS CBN’s Pilipinas Got Talent Grand Finalists. UNEP Executive Vice President and VP for Finance, Miss Deli Alfelor-Tibi was also pleased with the Chorale’s performance during the musicale. “They never stopped amazing me. Every performance is a new experience, making them better and better each time they go up on stage.” Miss Deli, also UNEP’s Chorale energetic Manager said that the chorale have already created its niche in the international scene, proven by various international awards it has reaped during the past years. In 2006, the chorale gave one of its biggest achievements, not just to the university but also to all Bikolanos, when it won the highest Silver Diploma Award in the 4th World Choir Games in Xiamen, China . The chorale bagged another victorious feat in 2008 during the Hongkong International Youth and Children’s Festival held at the former’s Crown Colony’s Cultural Center. (Lizel Macatangay)
sociation of Virac (CEAV), and the Masbate Catholic Educational Asinitiates a corresponding responsiis Balaog Inako, Balaog Itao. sociation (MACEA) all gathered in bility. It is not just for the BikolaThe theme is BACS` collecthe university from the afternoon nos but also for others. It must be tive answer, especially the youth of 9 September to the early mornnourished, protected, and shared. who are the present and future ing of 10 September. Dolot Ki Ina 2010 officially caretakers of this great devotion Over 2,500 representatives started at 4:30 PM with an opening and tradition. coming from 23 schools participrogram in front of the Ateneo de Balaog Inaako pertains to pated in the special event. Naga’s Four Pillars. the positive response to the gift SADI BALOY AD This year`s theme is Balaog From 7:30 - 10:00 PM, the that is the devotion and also an 1/8 page, b &Itatao w, 3.8” Inaako, Balaog (Gift xto 5.14” affirmation that Ina is God`s gift to students participated in various Position Page 4. Bikolanos. The nature and devoreceive, GiftRequest: to Share), aon variation parallel activities on different locaof the theme for the celebration of right tions within the campus. At 10:30 Note/Instructions: bottom Me Ad”. tionposition is initiatedon bytop God.“Buy We have the Tercentenary of our Devotion PM received Ina from God. Balaog to Our Lady of Peñafrancia which Afterwards, the students Itatao means that the gift received proceeded to the front of the Christ the King Church for the Living Rosary; a Midnight Mass was then held at the University Gym with Fr. Wilmer Tria serving as the main celebrant. After two hours of rest, the participants went to the Basilica Minore at 3:00AM and joined the Dawn Restaurant-Bar Procession. Barlin St., Sta. Curz, Naga City (formerly Oasis) Tel. 478-46-93
Vox Bikol BiKoL News
13 - 19 september 2010
Happy Tercentenary Fiesta to All!
Volume XXVII | Issue no. 69|
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Greetings From: FACIAL ● MASSAGE ● SPA FREE CONSULTATION
Unit D, A r istocr a t Hotel Bldg ., Elia s A ng eles St., N a ga C ity Tel.N os.: ( 054) 811. 5471/ 4 73.4822
Pilgrim City... PETITION age City This September 2010 the pilgrimage capital of the Bikol Exec. Secretary Fr. Andrew Two years ago, the Council And Every Year Thereafter” had Recepcion said that it “[was] a region.” of the Laity of Caceres (CLAC) gift from INA. It will preserve the reportedly undergone “styling” The President’s EO stated filed a petition with the Naga from Vice-Mayor Gabriel Borthat programs and activities held religious nature of devotion and City government who was then dado before reaching the desk of the continuity of the changes inas part of the Peñafrancia Fiesta NAGA: G/F Aristocrat Hotelstituted Bldg., Elias Angeless St., Naga the City Tel#: (054) 811-5471 / 473-4822 headed by Mayor Jesse Robredo Mayor. during the tercentenary.” “must be assisted and mainto enact an ordinance which But unlike the President’s EO tained by the government, and declared Naga City as a “pilgrim which contained directives and that the solemnity and sensitivity NAGA SP RESOLUTION city.” guidelines pertaining to the staAn earlier resolution by the to the nature and character of the The said petition urged the tus of Naga City and Camarines Naga City Sanggunian Panglungfestivities must be preserved.” city government pass an orSur as “pilgrimage capitals,” the sod (SP) declaring the City as a Moreover, the EO stipulated dinance which would provide “Pilgrimage City” had been spon- Perez resolution merely declared that government must ensure that basic services and facilities such Naga City as a pilgrimage city sored and subsequently adopted aside from respecting the essenas shelters and parking places owing to the annual Peñafrancia last August 24. tial activities of the feast, “comto the huge number of pilgrims Fiesta celebration and to the However, Resolution No. mercial exploitation during the who visit the city during the 2010-280 received approval from significance of 300th year compilgrimage period such as street feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia memoration of the devotion to Naga City Mayor John Bongat parties that may become ramevery September. Our Lady of Peñafrancia. only on September 13, three days bunctious, drinking sprees in plaThe ordinance, the petition Unmentioned in the Perez after the President’s EO had been zas, street vending that obstruct indicated, would also identify resolution were possible funcissued. passages towards the pilgrimage “religious zones” that would tions or tasks of the City governSponsored by Hon. Joaquin sites, and other similar activities, be free from commercial and ment in view of its declaration Perez and co-sponsored by Hon. shall be discouraged.” “distracting” activities inimical of Naga as “pilgrimage city.” Remarking on the President’s Cecilia de Asis, the resolution to the religious celebration. “Declaring Naga City As PilgrimEO, Tercentenary Celebration
Albay...
From PAGE 1
tive has passed on to more than 200,000 member-consumers. The groups bearing streamers and placards sounded the liberty bell to warn consumers that the power cut threat to ALECO was made to condition the minds of Albayanos to justify the power rate hike and the privatization of the cooperative. After the picket, the protesters motored to the public markets of Daraga and Legazpi City sounding empty plastic bottles with stones to get sympathy for ALECO consumers. With the battle cry “Albayano ka, konsumidor ka, kaentra ka!” ACW underscored that even the governor and businessmen were consumers themselves.
The ACW has documented the fiscal position of ALECO as well as the shenanigans committed inside during the past ten years to manifest their stand that a rate increase will not save the ailing cooperative but to design austerity measures and prosecute those involved in plunder. In support to mass protest against the rate hike, Fr. Ramonchito Segubiense has called for an assembly of consumers on Sept. 14, 2010 to firm up resolutions also on how to go against the impending private takeover of ALECO by synthesizing the sentiments and concerns of the different sectors against Salceda’s move. (Elmer James Bandol)
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The petition, moreover, asked that the city government ban “civic activities that are offensive and scandalous to pilgrims, and are not in harmony or congruence with the religious nature and character of the Peñafrancia Fiesta.” Robredo, who had been severely criticized by the local church in previous years for abetting the “commercialization” of the Peñafrancia celebration, sent the petition to City Legal Officer Angel Ojastro who stated that such an ordinance “may violate certain legal tenets” found in the Constitution. Ojastro alleged that an ordinance declaring Naga City a ‘pilgrim city’ might violate the legal doctrine on “the separation of the Church and State.” (F.J. Lagdameo)
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Vox Bikol BiKoL News
Volume XXVII | Issue no. 69|
Masbate... on Thursday, Pedrito Magsino, PDEA regional director, corrected the report concerning the right weight measurement of the seized illegal drugs, noting that when the shabu materials were weighed excluding the plastic packages at the agency electronic weighing scale, it yielded only 3.98 kilograms. Magsino allayed reports and speculations that the miscalculation of the correct weight of the illegal drugs might be the handiwork of unscrupulous anti-drug operatives. He said “our operative used the standard weighing scale to determine the correct quantity of the illegal drugs including its packaging.” Asked of the street value of the shabu, Magsino replied that with the present street value of shabu in Bikol ranging from P10 million to P15 million per kilogram, the value of the confiscated illegal drugs was estimated at P48 million. The PNP and PDEA were one in saying that the 3.98 kilograms of shabu was the biggest seizure made by anti-drug operative so far in the past two years in Bikol. Chief Supt. Cecilio Calleja, Bicol police director said police intelligence operatives based in Manila said that the two arrested female drug courier were members of a drug group operating in Manila under a drug lord who is presently languishing in jail for illegal drug trafficking. When pressed to name the jailed drug lord, Calleja refused to name names because according to him it may jeopardize an on-going investigation. At the press conference held at Camp Simeon Ola the PNP and the PDEA confirmed that Bikol region specifically the provinces of Sorso-
From PAGE 1
gon and Masbate are being used by drug syndicates as transshipment points for illegal drugs to and from Manila and the Visayas regions. Earlier, a joint anti-drug police and military operatives collared on Wednesday two female drug traders and seized from them five kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride popularly known as “shabu” at the port of Masbate City. Arrested were Faith Gadiane y Enolba, 25 and Hope Sasan y Floreta both natives of Cebu City; the suspects were in possession of a large quantity of shabu stored in boxes hidden in the suspects’ personal belongings. Anti-drug operatives nabbed the suspects while they were about to embark a roro sea vessel at about 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Masbate port; the sea vessel was bound for Cebu. Initial investigation indicates that the suspects came from Manila and they were bound for Cebu via the nautical highway from Pilar, Sorsogon to Masbate. Magsino said they have a strong case against the suspects as the arrests were witnessed by members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Justice (DOJ), a village chief and the media. He said the arrest of the two female drug peddlers came after their intelligence operatives informed them about a drug shipment to Cebu to be hand -arried by two suspects. The suspects are now in the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial office, charges of violation of the Comprehensive Anti-drug Act have been filed in a local court here against the two suspects. (PNA Bicol /PIA/mal)
DECLARING THE CITY OF NAGA AND THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR AS PILGRIMAGE CAPITALS OF THE BICOL REGION AND RECOGNIZED TOP TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES PROCLAMATION NO. 33
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES DECLARING THE CITY OF NAGA AND THE PROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR AS PILGRIMAGE CAPITALS OF THE BICOL REGION AND RECOGNIZED TOP TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES WHEREAS, Section 15, Article 14 of the 1987 Constitution declares that the State shall conserve, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage; WHEREAS, the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is the only regional feast in the country and, for the past three (3) centuries, has become an epic historical event that has become part of our cultural heritage. Beginning every September of every year until mid-October, the City of Naga and the Province of Camarines Sur welcome millions of pilgrims from different parts of the country and the world who participate in the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia; WHEREAS, the City of Naga, the Heart of Bicol, where the 300year old image is enshrined, has long been recognized and considered as the pilgrimage capital of the Bicol region;
13 - 19 september 2010
WHEREAS, the State, pursuant to the Philippine Constitution and recognizing its duties and responsibilities, as expressly prescribed in Section 15, Article 14 thereof, and cognizant of the contributions of the Peñafrancia festivities to the local economy, regardless of religion, promotes peace and order, provide an environment conducive to tourism, a venue for appreciation of Bicol arts and culture, its indigenous and culinary arts, natural wonders and archaeological treasures. NOW THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare and proclaim the City of Naga and the Province of Camarines Sur as pilgrimage capitals of the Bicol region and recognized top tourist destinations of the Philippines. The programs and activities instituted during the Peñafrancia Festival must be conducted in an atmosphere of peace and order that must be assisted and maintained by the government, and that the solemnity and sensitivity of the nature and character of the festivities
PHILIPPINE VETERANS BANK, PHILHEALTH SIGN AGREEMENT FOR REGION 3 PHILHEALTH EMPLOYEES Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and long-time partner, PhilHealth, recently signed a memorandum of agreement whereby PVB will be providing PhilHealth Region 3 employees ATM and payroll services including PVB’s unique “5-in-1” card that works as a company ID, ATM, timekeeping card, debit card, and discount card . The MOA was signed by PVB President and CEO Ricardo Balbido Jr. (2nd from left) and PhilHealth President Dr. Rey Aquino (3rd from left) during the inauguration of PVB’s San Fernando, Pampanga branch. Witnessing the event were PhilHealth Area Vice President for NCR and North Luzon Tito Mendiola (leftmost), and key local officials from Pampanga including (from left) Vice-Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao, San Fernando City Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, and Governor Eduardo Panlilio. must be preserved. Towards this end, the government shall ensure that the conduct of the observances essential to the feast, which include but are not limited to the Traslacion, the Fluvial and Dawn Processions and other cultural and historical remembrance activities, shall be respected, and that commercial exploitation during the pilgrimage period such as street parties that may become rambunctious, drinking sprees in plazas, street vending that obstruct passages towards the pilgrimage sites, and other similar activities, shall be discouraged. Accordingly, the local government units within the areas are thereby enjoined to ensure that the nature and character of the Peñafrancia Festival shall not be unduly breached and that such commercial undertakings shall not be conducted in public places so as not
to disturb and disrupt the activities, but shall be confined to enclosed places such as in malls, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, theatres, assembly halls and the like. Consistent with the foregoing premises, and in recognition of the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia to the local economy and to our nation’s cultural heritage, the government agencies in the City of Naga, in the Province of Camarines Sur and in the Bicol Region, such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Labor and Employment, among others, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Caceres, shall put together their technical and financial resources and par-
ticipate in the conduct of trade fairs, job fairs, skills training and seminars on agriculture, aquaculture and crafts during the months of September and October, and the Philippine National Police is hereby mandated to provide security assistance to the pilgrims and maintain peace and order during the period of celebrations and festivities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed. DONE in the City of Manila, this 10th day of September, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Ten. (SGD) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
Vox Bikol Church News
13 - 19 september 2010
Bikolano... Bastes said he was truly overwhelmed to see the fluvial procession and hear the Bikolanos’ shouts of joy and victory For his part, Virac Bishop Manolo Delos Santos said his province of Catanduanes has its share of significant number of Peñafrancia devotees. Asked of ways to further deepen the faith, Bishop Delos Santos said there should be renewal, education and evangelization. Former Senator Francisco S. Tatad said that while the Bikolanos’ devotion to our Lady of Peñafrancia has reached various parts of the world, it has remained “basically identified with Bikol, (the Archdiocese of) Caceres as we sing in the hymn Patrona del Bicol.” “On the 300th year anniversary of the Bikolanos’ devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, we’re seeing the arrival of pilgrims from all over the world,” Senator Tatad said. The presence of overseas Filipinos who participated in the International Pilgrims Congress
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from September 16-17 showed that the devotion has spread across the world, he added. He said the solemn Mass presided by Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP with several archbishops from various places even outside the country showed the “great fervor, which you don’t see in other places.” The former lawmaker said a foreign bishop who saw the multitudes shouting ‘Viva La Virgen!’ almost broke down to tears because it was a moving experience. Filipinos look at Our Lady of Peñafrancia as a source of hope, the former senator said. “Inspite of all our problems, the moral difficulties of the times, marked by secularism and relativism spreading around the world, the faith seems to be strong,” he explained. Legazpi City-based businessman Romeo Tan said he is a staunch devotee of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Interviewed after the briefing for the voyadores and other passengers of the barge bearing the region’s icon, Tan said he
Thousands... from the archdiocese. “The traslacion was a success, from the procession from the Peñafrancia Shrine to the Metropolitan Cathedral to the security and the traffic,” Msgr. Vergara said. He acknowledged the close coordination between the archdiocese and the city government and other agencies including the military and the medical professionals. “The procession which usually last for four hours, has been significantly reduced to an hour and a half, through the spiritual forma-
Ethics...
From PAGE 12
great value on freedom of speech, freedom of political affiliation and respect for the rule of law, with a strong sense of the individual’s rights and duties, and of the equality of all citizens before the law,” he observed. “Catholic social teaching has much in common with this approach,” the Holy Father noted, “in its overriding concern to safeguard the unique dignity of every human person, created in the image and likeness of God, and in its emphasis on the duty of civil authority to foster the common good.” He continued: “Each generation, as it seeks to advance the common good, must ask anew: what are the requirements that governments may reasonably impose upon citizens, and how far do they extend? “By appeal to what authority can moral dilemmas be resolved?” “These questions take us directly to the ethical foundations of civil discourse,” Benedict XVI stated. “If the moral principles underpinning the democratic process are themselves determined by nothing
more solid than social consensus, then the fragility of the process becomes all too evident,” he said. “Herein lies the real challenge for democracy.” “The Catholic tradition maintains that the objective norms governing right action are accessible to reason, prescinding from the content of revelation,” the Pope affirmed. “According to this understanding,” he continued, “the role of religion in political debate is not so much to supply these norms, as if they could not be known by non-believers -- still less to propose concrete political solutions, which would lie altogether outside the competence of religion -- but rather to help purify and shed light upon the application of reason to the discovery of objective moral principles.” The Pontiff said, “This is why I would suggest that the world of reason and the world of faith -- the world of secular rationality and the world of religious belief -- need one another and should not be afraid to enter into a profound and ongoing dialogue, for the good of our civilization.” (Zenit)
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tion of the participants,” he added. Cultural Presentations “All the activities were done by the Church with the exception of the traditional Civic-Military Parade, which was supervised by the city government,” Msgr. Vergara further said. He said this year’s theme “Growing in Holiness with Ina” is more than appropriate because it emphasizes the devotion should not end with Ina but rather on God as the Blessed Mother is just an instrument, a way to God. (CBCPNews)
JOEL NOORA
VIC NIERVA
Devotees of Ina along the riverbanks.
world.” “So too in the political field,” he added, “the ethical dimension of policy has far-reaching consequences that no government can afford to ignore.” Benedict XVI stated that the central question at issue, then, is this: where is the ethical foundation for political choices to be found?” The Pope highlighted the example of St. Thomas More, “the great English scholar and statesman, who is admired by believers and non-believers alike for the integrity with which he followed his conscience, even at the cost of displeasing the sovereign whose ‘good servant’ he was, because he chose to serve God first.” The Pontiff continued, “The dilemma which faced More in those difficult times, the perennial question of the relationship between what is owed to Caesar and what is owed to God, allows me the opportunity to reflect with you briefly on the proper place of religious belief within the political process.” “Britain has emerged as a pluralist democracy which places
attributed his being able to overcome trials through Mama Mary’s intercession. “I believe in her intercession and as a businessman that I am, I am calling on my colleagues to seriously consider becoming devotees in the near future,” Tan said. Police Chief Supt. Cecilio Calleja said he appreciates the preparation and cooperation of Church leaders and local government units and national government agencies in keeping the Peñafrancia celebration peaceful and orderly. Interviewed by CBCPNews, the Bicol police director said they have not monitored any untoward incident despite the influx of hundreds of thousands of devotees from all walks of life, the country and various parts of the world. The Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams led the Catholic Church officials from other diocese and countries. He presided the concelebrated Mass at the Basilica Minore del Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia. (Melo M. Acuna)
Volume XXVII | Issue no. 69|
Jueteng... these prelates are that also receive, not just jueteng money, but also from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), a state-run agency which is in charge of casinos around the country. “These people (jueteng lords) would like to earn or have goodwill of Church people and they would like to save their souls so they are willing to pay for it,” he said. “Of course if you are a big fellow you have to pay more. It you are a smalltime operator you have to pay less. That is buying your salvation through jueteng payola.” When he was still archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, he admitted he himself was offered by a jueteng lord of a hefty financial
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aid for the repair of their seminary which was heavily damaged by a storm. Cruz said he immediately rejected the offer which was amounting to P3 million. “My point exactly is that we don’t need money from jueteng for our projects… that you don’t need these people to be able to build churches, etc,” he said. Asked whether he would bring the issue to the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Cruz said it never crossed his mind as yet. “Frankly, I can’t say that because I’m no longer active (member of the CBCP). That is there command and responsibility,” he said. (Roy Lagarde/CBCPNews)
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Volume XXVII | Issue no. 69|
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Vox Bikol Notices
13 - 19 september 2010
NOTICE OF SALE ON EXECUTION OF REAL PROPERTY WHEREAS, by virtue of the Writ of Execution issued on Civil Case No. 2008-0124 entitled Lolita Almine vs. Cipriano Motos III by Atty. Jesusa I. Mampo, Branch Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Branch 19, Naga City, dated April 13, 2010 for the of the sum of P697,757.12 exclusive of attorney’s appearance fee and expenses of execution; on levy was made by the sheriff herein upon the IDEAL SHARE on the rights and participation which the defendants have in the real properties herein-below described, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT9605(6263) Location: Palestina, Pili, Camarines Sur Area: 1,677 square meters In the name of Cipriano A. Motos, Jr.” “TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT173(21847) Location: Palestina, Pili, Camarines Sur Area: 28,815 square meters In the name of Cipriano A. Motos, Jr.” NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of said Writ of Execution and in the accordance with Rule 39, Section 19, of the Rules of Court, the undersigned will sell at public auction to the highest bidder, for CASH in Philippine Currency, on September 27, 2010 at 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Municipal Hall of PIli, Camarines Sur that IDEAL SHARE of defendant Cipriano Motors III in the above described properties in their satisfy said Writ of Execution. In the event that the auction sale should not take place on the said date due to lawful cause/s such as typhoon. It shall be held on October 4, 2010 SAME TIME WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE. August 25, 2010 at Naga City, Philippines (Sgd.) PELAGIO J. PAPA, JR/ Sheriff IV Vox Bikol: August 30, Sept. 6 and 13, 2010 Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 5th Judicial Region Branch 57 Libmanan, Camarines Sur PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY UNDE RULE 108 OF THE REVISED RULES OF COURT SHYRINE E. ADONES, Petitioner,
Spec. Proc. No. L 1675 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 her Certificate of Live Birth as appearing in the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Libmanan, Camarines Sur, by correcting her date of birth from February 27, 1997 to February 27, 1988 and the date of marriage of her parents from July 24, 1993 to July 28, 1983. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and in substance,let the same be set for initial hearing on SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 at 8:30 am. All interested persons may appear and show cause if any, why the petition should not be granted. Notify the petitioner, her counsel, the Court Prosecutor, the Solicitor General, and the Local Civil Registrar of Libmanan, Camarines Sur. The petitioner is directed to cause the publication of this order for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation chosen by raffle, before the date of hearing. SO ORDERED. Given this 9th day of August 2010 in Libmanan, Camarines Sur, Philippines (Sgd.) LORE R. VALENCIA- BAGALACSA Pairing Judge Vox Bikol Aug. 30, Sept. 6 and 13, 2010 EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTEB SALE Notice is hereby given that the late Sps. PEDRO and MAGDALENA BARRIENTOS, died intestate on Nov. 5, 1988 and March 2004 both at Sta. Elena, CNorte. That the deceased Sps. Left a parcel of land situated at Manlubang, Sipocot, CSur with an area of 40,691 sqm., under ARP No. 97-029-00010. This deed was a subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Absolute Sale in favor unto Nolimie B. Lacibal. Acknowledged before public Atty. Florencio R. Rosales, per doc no. 827, page no. 166, book no. 22, Series of 2010. Vox Bikol: Aug. 30, Sept. 6 and 13, 2010
DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE Notice is hereby given that the late MARIANO PORMENTO died intestate on March 28, 1998 at Manila. That the said deceased left 10 parcels of agricultural land situated at Salvacion, Ragay, CSur with an area of 40,691 sqm., under ARP No. 97-029-00010. This Deed was a subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with Absolute Sale in favor unto Barangay Salvacion, Municipality of Ragay, Province of Camarines Sur, represented by Brgy. Captain Raul L. Roma. Acknowledged before public Atty Tirso Mariano, as per doc. No. 2188, page no. 39, book no. xxxx, series of 2010. Vox Bikol Aug. 30, Sept. 6 and 13, 2010 Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TIRAL COURT 5th Judicial Region Branch 31, Pili, Camarines Sur BANCO FILIPINO SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE BANK, NAGA BRANCH. Mortgagee, SPEC. PROCS. NO. P-1883 For: Extra-Judicial Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage under Act No. 3135 as Amended. -versusSPS. EDWIN AND JULIANA VELORIA Mortgagor x-------------------------x NOTICE OF EXTRA JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act No. 3135, as amended by Act No. 4118, filed by the BANCO FILIPINO SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE BANK, NAGA BRANCH thru its 4th AVP and Branch Manager JESSIE F. SAVILLA, as mortgagee, against Spouses EDWIN and JULIANA VELORIA, mortgagor, with residence and post office address at Block 28, Lot 22, St. Paul Subdivision, Palestina, Pili, Camarines Sur, the registered owner of the mortgaged property, to satisfy the mortgagee indebtedness, which as of August 31, 2010, amounts to EIGHT HUNDRED FORTY THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY SIX and 92/100 ( P840,438.92). PESOS, representing the unpaid principal and accrued interests, penalty and other charges as of said date excluding the expenses for the foreclosure, the undersigned Sheriff IV will SELL at PUBLIC AUCTION on OCTOBER 6, 2010 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning to 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the Office of the Clerk of Court VI & Ex-
Officio Sheriff, RTC, Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur to the highest bidder for CASH or MANAGER’S CHECK, the property described herein with all the improvements now existing thereon, to wit: LOT 8, BLOCK 9 A parcel of land (Lot 24, Block 28) of the subdivision plan, (LRC) Psd-69523 (Sheet 3) being a portion of lot 1-B-2-B-1, described on plan (LRC) Psd- 67228, LRC (GLRO) Record No. 19719, situated in the Barrio of Palestina, Municipality of Pili, Province of Camarines Sur, bounded on the NE., points 2 to 3, by Road Lot 35; on the SE., points 3 to 5, by Road Lot 16; on the SW., points 5 to 1, Lot 22; and on the NW., points 1 to 1 by lot 23, both of Block 28, all of the Subdivision Plan. Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, being S. 0 deg, 26’W., 1046.85 from B.L.B.M. No. 1., Bo of Palestina, Mun. of Pili, Camarines Sur; thence N. 66 deg. 04’E., 12.59 m to point 2; thence S. 21 deg. 35’E., 14.40 m. to point 3; S. 22 deg. 09’W., 4.01m to point 4; thence S. 66 deg. 11’W., 9.06m. to point 5; thence N. 24deg. 06’W., 17.15m. to the point of beginning; containing an area of TWO HUNDRED AND SIX (206) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on the plan and marked on the ground by P.S. Cyl. Conc.Mons. 15x 60 cms.; bearings true; date of the original survey December 1-8, 1919, and the of the Subdivision Survey, January 10-31, 1967. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the aforementioned description of the property and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.
Volume XXVII | Issue no. 69|
Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TIRAL COURT 5th Judicial Region Naga City NOTICE OF EXTRA JUDICIAL SALE UPON EXTRA JUDICIAL PETITION FOR SALE UNDER act 3135 as amended, filed by the GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM (GSIS) against Sps. Alex A. Arejola and Arnelfa P. Arejola with postal address at Lot 8, Block 13, Gimenez Park Subd., Concepcion Pequena, Naga City or NIA Compound, Panganiban Drive, Naga City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness in the amounts of PESOS: ONE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY TWO THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SEVEN & 10/100 (P1,422,207.10), inclusive of interests and penalties and other charges as of April 30, 2006, plus expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned WILL SELL at public auction on NOVEMBER 10, 2010 at 10:00 o’clock a.m. or soon thereafter at the lobby of the City Hall of Naga, to the highest bidder, for CASH and in the Philippine Currency, the following properties with all the improvements thereon, to wit:
WARNING:
TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 43273 “A PARCEL OF LAND( Lot 8, Block 13, Sheet 1, of the consolidation-subdivision plan (LRC) Pcs-12176, being a portion of the consolidation of Lot 4, Pcs-4257, Lots 2 and 6, (LRC) Pcs-5847, and Lot 2-B, (LRC) Psd-99309, L.R.C. rec. Nos. 19719, 20599, 33067 & 51543), situated in the Barrio of Concepcion Pequena, City of Naga, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the North., points 2 to 3 by Lot 10, Block 13; on the E., points 3 to 4 by Road Lot 6; on the S., points 4 to 1 by Lot 6, and on the W., points 1 to 2 Lot 7, both of Block 13; all of the consolidation-subdivision plan. Beginning at a point marked x x x containing an area of TWO HUNDRED FORTY ( 240) SQUARE METERS, and ARNELFA P. AREJOLA.” Declared under Tax Declaration No. 01-0092611. Prospective buyers may investigate for themselves the title herein above-described and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. In the even that the auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on November 22, 2010, without further notice. Naga City, September 3, 2010
It is absolutely prohibited to remove deface or destroy this Notice of Sale on or before the date of sale, under penalty of law.
(SGD.) EDGAR A. HUFANCIA Sheriff IV
Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur, September 6, 2010 For the Clerk of Court VI and Ex-Officio Sheriff: By: (SGD.) FELIX F. GUMBA Sheriff IV Copy furnished: Banco Flipino Savings and Mortgage Bank, Naga City, Naga City Thru: Mr. Jessie F. Savilla 4th AVP & Branch Manager Sps. Edwin and Juliana Veloria Blk. 28, Lot 22 St. Paul Subdivision, Palestina, Pili, Camarines Sur
Vox Bikol: Sep. 13, 20 and 27, 2010
Copy furnished: Sps. Alex A. Arejola And Arnelfa P. Arejola Naga City
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GSIS, Naga City Vox Bikol: Sep. 13, 20 and 27, 2010 EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE This is hereby given that the estate of the late PASCUAL MUCEROS died on February 20, 1986 at Malansad, Viejo, Libmanan, Cam. Sur left a parcel of land containing an area of 2,738 sqm., That in consideration of the amounts paid do hereby sell, transfer and convey by way of Extra Judicial Settlement with Absolute Sale unto Leonardo Espanol.. Acknowledged before notary public Leoncio M. Clemente, doc. No. 81, page no. 18, book no. 193, series of 2010. Vox Bikol: Sep. 13, 20 and 27, 2010 DEED OF EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE This is hereby given that the estate of the late PIO CORNELIO died on November 19, 2009 at San Felipe, Naga City, left a parcel of agricultural land containing an area of 18,780 sqm.,, with TD No. 01-022-4737, and embraced by TCT No. 273. That in consideration of the amount paid do hereby sell, transfer and convey by way of Extra Judicial Settlement with Absolute Sale unto Eduardo Preconcillo Froyalde, a parcel of land with an area 200 sqm., of. Acknowledged before notary public Tirso P. Mariano, doc. No. 2423, page no. 86, book no. xxxx, series of 2010. Vox Bikol: Sep. 13, 20 and 27, 2010 DEED OF EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE This is hereby given that the estate of the late LEONCIO ALBO died on March 27, 1993 at San Antonio, Milaor, CSur, left a parcel of agricultural land containing an area of 6,445 sqm.,, with TD No. 97-14-00883, OCT No. RP-4674 (29421). That in consideration of the amount paid do hereby sell, transfer and convey by way of Absolute Sale the 2 parcels to wit: Parcel I-Julieta SilvestreTamora, 644 sqm., portion of OCT No. RP-4674 (29421) and Parcel II- Dunn Jeffrie Silvestre Austria, 363 sqm., portion of OCT No. RP-4674 (29421). Acknowledged before notary public Tirso P. Mariano, doc. No. 2361, page no. 74, book no. xxxx, series of 2010. Vox Bikol: Sep. 13, 20 and 27, 2010
GOSPEL (SEPTEMBER 19, 2010)
Jesus told his disciples, “There was a rich man whose steward was reported to him for fraudulent service. He summoned the steward and asked him: ‘What is this I hear about you? I want you to render an account of your service for it is about to be terminated.’ “The steward thought to himself: ‘What am I to do now? My master will surely dismiss me. I am not strong enough to do hard work,
Volume XXVII | Issue no. 69| 13 - 19 SEPTEmBEr 2010
LK 16:1–13 (OR LK 16:10–13) and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I will do: I must make sure that when I am dismissed, there will be some people to welcome me into their house.’ “So he called his master’s debtors one by one. He asked the first who came: ‘How much do you owe my master?’ The reply was: ‘A hundred jars of oil.’ The steward said: ‘Here is your bill. Sit down CoNTINUED oN PAGE 3
Thousands of devotees to flock Peñafrancia Tercentenary
Pope stresses ethics in politics LONDON, SEPT. 17, 2010-BENEDICT XVI is underlining the need to base political decisions in ethical foundations and objective moral principles, without which democracy is threatened. Today in London, the Pope addressed representatives of civil society, the academic, cultural and entrepreneurial world, the diplomatic corps and religious leaders at Westminster Hall. The meeting took place on the second day of the Pontiff’s four-day state visit to the United Kingdom. The Holy Father affirmed, “There is widespread agreement that the lack of a solid ethical foundation for economic activity has contributed to the grave difficulties now being experienced by millions of people throughout the ETHICS / PAGE 9
8 bishops get jueteng payola too—Cruz MANILA, SEPT. 14, 2010— NOT just government officials but even some Catholic bishops are receiving payola from the illegal numbers game called jueteng. Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz admitted he is saddened with what is happening but these church officials are getting jueteng money as donations from the illegal gambling operators. “There are about 12 dioceses that we are looking into but we are most certain of the eight (dioceses that are getting jueteng money),” he said. Cruz revealed there were certain changes in the payola system for Church officials because of the new government. In the past administration, he said, they know very well who JUETENG / PAGE 9
He added they begun the month of September with the Harubay announcing the coming novena masses and coming fiesta of Ina involving various organizations with the appropriate recollections. A trade fair in honor of Bishop Francisco Gainza y Escobas, a former prelate of Caceres who passed away in 1863, will end on Monday, September 20 at the SM Naga grounds. Bishop Gainza is being acknowledged as responsible for bringing new farm equipment to the rich farming community in the Camarines provinces during his time. The fair showcases the products of farmers and entrepreneurs
Dr. BoB mENDoZA
NAGA CITY, SEPT. 18, 2010— Thousands flocked the Bikol region’s commercial center as the Archdiocese of Caceres rolls out the red carpet to the faithful devotees of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in celebration of the three hundredth year of devotion to the revered icon. Msgr. Romulo Vergara, Rector of the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia told CBCPNews their preparations paid off as everything has gone smoothly well according to plans. “The lay faithful and the religious had their different committees from the spiritual and physical preparations and all the other activities we had,” Msgr. Vergara said.
SImVALE SAYAT
THoUSANDS / PAGE 9
Devotion to Peñafrancia is
distinctively Bikolano—bishop NAGA CITY, SEPT. 19, 2010—The Bikolanos’ deep devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia is what makes the region’s faithful different and distinct from other devotees. This was the impression shared by Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD in an interview with CBCPNews at the Archbishop’s Chapel, a couple of hours before the traditional fluvial procession along the Bikol River yesterday. “(The devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia) is something different and very unique,” he said. Recalling his first visit to Naga City eight years ago while preparing for his assumption as co-adjutor bishop of the Diocese of Sorsogon, Bastes said Caceres Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP insisted then that he spent his first days in the Bikol region “to pay homage to Ina” before assuming his new appointment in Sorsogon. BIKoLANo / PAGE 9
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