Vol 22, No. 1 J- anuary 2 - 8, 2017

JANUARY 2 - 8, 2017 | VOL. 22, NO. 01 | Php 12.00/copy balikasonline@yahoo.com | 0912.902.7373 | 0977.839.5547

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PAGBANGON SA KALAMIDAD Batangas, isinailalim sa State of Calamity

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ASUNOD ng matinding hagupit ng bagyong Nina sa kalakhang bahagi ng Southern Luzon, idineklara na ang State of Calamity sa buong Lalawigan ng Batangas nitong Martes, Disyembre 27, o isang araw pagkatapos manalasa ang naturang bagyo.

Sa paghupa ng malalakas na hangin na may kasamang pabugso-bugsong ulan noong Lunes ng hapon, Disyembre 26, kara-karakang nagpulong ang Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) sa pamumuno ni Gov. Hermilando I. Mandanas upang i-assess ang naging bagsik ng bagyo at ang mga napinsala nito sa lalawigan.

Dahil sa pagpatumba ng malalaking puno at poste ng kuryente na nagdulot ng pagkawala ng daloy ng kuryente sa malaking bahagi ng lalawigan, paglubog ng ilang barko at pagkasira ng maraming kabahayan sa Isla Verde, Lunsod ng Batangas at sa bayan ng Tingloy, kaagad na inirekomenda ni Gob. Mandanas ang pagdeklara ng pagsasailalim sa State of Calamity ang buong lalawigan.

Kaagad namang umaksyon ang Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa pangunguna ni Vice Gov. Sofronio Nas Ona, Jr. at sa isang special session nitong Martes, pinagtibay ang Resolution No. N-397-2016 (Declaring the Entire Province of Batangas under State of Calamity due to “Typhoon Nina”).

>>>#NINA_PH..... sundan sa P/3

15 finalists of Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas presented to the public MUST READ also!

#NinaPH: 18 crews, still missing >>>NEWS... turn to P/3

BOI approves JG Summit's expansion in Batangas >>>BUSINESS... turn to P/6

BEAUTY AND BRAINS. The 15 lovely finalists of the search for Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas 2017 who was first presented to the public through a press conference at the Batangas City Convention Center, December 27. The pageant is slated on january 15. Read the story on page 8.| JM RAYOS

JANUARY 2 - 8, 2017

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NEWS

DOE, NGCP RESTORE POWER SERVICE

Energy Sector pushes “Bayanihan”for quick restoration of power COMMITTED Committed to immediately restore power supply in typhoon-hit areas, the Department of Energy (DOE) with support from local government units and private institutions has brought back electricity to priority areas in Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions before New Year.

“Restoring power in town centers and nearby communities affected by Typhoon Nina would not be possible if not for all the strong men and women who continue to give their full effort and time in restoring damaged energy facilities,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi.

In Catanduanes, the National Power

Corporation (NPC) and the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) already energized the Virac Airport yesterday afternoon as the Mariinawa Diesel Plant has resumed operations.

“The operation of the airport is critical in improving the access of relief operations among others to the whole province of Catanduanes,” said Cusi.

For transmission facilities in the on-grid area, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), after deploying 500 technical personnel, reported its milestone achievement yesterday (31 December) that the Naga-Daraga 230 kV line and the Naga-PiliNGCP linemen and engineers work 24/7 to facilitate restoration of power supply in areas affected by Typhoon Nina in Southern Luzon and Bicol Regions.|Contributed Photo

#Taskforce NINA of NGCP works Day & Night, Rain or Shine work to upbeat Emergyncy Power Restoration in Barangay Pawili, Bula, Camarines Sur.|

Iriga line have been restored servicing the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon and Camarines Sur. On the distribution side, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) reported that the Santa Cruz substation in Iriga City and Tigaon substation are ready to receive power supply via a distribution feeder to restore power under the franchises of Camarines Sur III Electric Cooperative (CASURECO III) and Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO IV).

In Albay Province, APEC reported that the power in Legazpi and Ligao cities were partially restored, while the Tabaco Substation serving Tabaco City is ready to received power.

In Sorsogon, Sorsogon II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SORECO II) reported that the power is partially restored in the province.

For Oriental Mindoro, the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ORMECO) has fully energized as of 30 December 2016 the towns of Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay and Bulalacao, while the remaining towns undertaking household restoration are Socorro (92%), Pola (74%), Baco (37%), Calapan (66%), Naujan (11%) and Victoria (13%).

NEA also reported that as of 30 December, the household restoration stood at 45.95% or a total of 811,327 households served.

>>>POWER.. turn to P/6 ................................................................................................................................................................ ..............................................................................................

Youth Forum, isinagawa sa NAVERA Nat’l High School NAGDAOS ng Youth Forum ang Popcom Division ng City Health Office sa Natalia V. Ramos National High School (NAVERA) kung saan tinalakay sa may 200 grade 9 at 10 students ang mga problemang kinakaharap ng kabataan ngayon gaya ng droga, teen pregnancy, at sexually transmitted infections.

Layunin ng proyektong ito na mabigyan ng sapat na kaalaman ang mga kabataan hinggil sa Adolescent Sexuality and Reproductive Health .

Ipinaliwanag ni PCI Jose Naparato, deputy chief of police ng Batangas City PNP ang masamang maidudulot ng droga at ang mga paraan kung paano ito maiiwasan.

Aniya, pangunahing dahilan kaya naliligaw ng landas ang mga kabataan ay problema sa magulang, peer at environment kung kayat pinayuhan niya ang mga ito na magkaroon ng bukas na komunikasyon at magandang relasyon sa pamilya.| PALAKAT News

Sekyu, patay sa pamamaril ng riding-in-tandem AGONCILLO, BATANGAS. Patay sa pamamaril ng ridingin-tandem ang isang security guard sa National Highway, Brgy Bilibinwang, Disyembre 22 sa bayang ito.

Ang biktima ay residente ng Brgy. Subic Ibaba ng bayan ding nabanggit na kinilalang si Delio Canuzo y Landicho, isang security guard.

Sa ulat ng kapulisan, bandang 6:45 ng gabi nang makatanggap ng tawag si PO2 Joseph Alconez mula kay PO3 Maribel Sarmiento hinggil sa nangyaring insidente sa nabanggit na lugar.

Sa pamumuno ni Police Senior Inspector Amiel Bernardo C. Sanhi Jr., kaagad na tinungo ang pinangyarihan ng krimen upang isagawa ang imbestigasyon. Napag-alaman na bandang alas 6 y media ng gabi nang araw na nabanggit nang sakay ang biktima sa motorsiklo kasama ang kanyang anak na nakilalang si Beverlyn Canuzo, nang mapansin nilang sinusundan sila ng isang motorsiklo. Pinaputukan ng paulit-paulit ng di pa nakikilalang mga suspek gamit ang kalibre 9mm pistol si Delio Canuzo na naging sanhi ng kamatayan nito.

Kaagad namang nakatakas ang mga suspek at tinahak ang daan patungong Laurel Batangas. Narekober sa crime scene ang walong (8) basyo ng baril at isang Rusi na motorsiklo. Samanatala, pinaghahanap na ng pulisya ang mga suspek habang patuloy pa rin ang isinasagawang imbestigasyon. | YSON A. SEBULINO

5 bus ng DLTB, pinasabog, sinunog LEMERY, Batangas – SINUNOG ng ilang empleyado ng Del Monte Land Transportation Bus Co. (DLTB Co.) ang ilang pampasaherong bus nito na nakagarahe sa Lemery Terminal bandang alas-7:00 ng gabi nitong Huwebes, Disyembre 29.

Nabatid na bandang alas-2:00 ng madaling-araw ng naturang petsa, nagsimulang mag-rally o mag-tigil pasada ang mga empleyado ng naturang bus company upang igiit ang hinihinging pagtataas ng sahod na gawing Metro Manila Rate sa halip na provincial rate.

Sa ulat na ipinadala sa BALIKAS News ng tanggapan ni PSSupt. Leopoldo Cabanag, acting provincial director ng Batangas, nabatid na nagroronda sa may bahagi ng Brgy. Malinis ng nasabing bayan si PO2 Camilo A. Manguiat nang mapansin niya ang isang fire incident sa loob ng naturang bus terminal.

Kaagad niya ito pinagbigay-alam kay Police Chief Inspector Rodel Sibalo Ban-O, Officer In Charge, Lemery MPS, upang maimbestigahan ang naturang pangyayari. Nabatid na tatlong (3) bus

ang lubos na nasunog, samantalang dalawang yunit pa ang partially burned.

Ayon pa sa ilang residente malapit sa naturang terminal, nakadinig sila ng pagsabog sa garahe at kasunod nito at lumiyab na ang isang pampasaherong bus.

Kaagad namang sumaklolo ang ilang fire marshalls mula sa mga kalapit bayan ng Lemery at tuluyang naapula ang apoy bandang alas-7:44 ng gabi.

Naaresto naman kaagad ang limang (5) suspects na nakilalang sina Albert San Presentacion Gabriel, Lloyd Nicolas Ocares, Wilmar Biaca Caro, Arvin Arrellano Soliven at Joselito Santiago Guevarra, pawang mga bus drivers ng DLTB Bus Co. Nahabol naman at nadakip ng pulisya si Ernesto Villanueva Jr y Garcia sa bayan ng Alitagtag, Batangas.

Hanggang sa sandaling sinusulat ang balitang ito, inihahanda na ng otoridad ang mga kaukulang dokumento sa pagsasampa ng kaso laban sa mga akusado.

Sa pagtaya naman ng Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), aabot sa

BAGAMAN at nagkaroon ng pansamantalang abersya sa ilang terminal ng naturang kumpanya, patuloy naman ang mga biyahe nito sa Batangas City, Nasugbu, Lipa at iba pang ruta sa Batangas sa kabikulan at kabisayaan.|

humigit-kumulang P30-milyon ang kabuuang pinsala ng panununog.

Bagaman at nagkaroon ng pansamantalang abersya sa ilang terminal ng naturang kumpanya, patuloy naman ang mga biyahe nito sa Batangas City, Nasugbu, Lipa at iba pang ruta sa Batangas sa Kabikulan at Kabisayaan.

Tikom naman ang bibig ng ilang empleyado na sinubukang makapanayam ng BALIKAS News.

May ilang dekada na ang nakakaraan, ilan ding kawani ng dating Batangas Laguna Tayabas Bus Co (BLTBCo.) ang nagsisipag-rally din laban sa kumpanya. Dating naggigirian ang magkalabang Potenciano Group at Bitanga Group na nagtapos sa pagsasara ng kumpanya sa mahabang panahon.

Noong 2010, nakuha ang Del Monte Motor Works (DMMW) ang BLTBCo. Taon ding iyon sumilang ang DLTBCo. na isang subsidiary company ng DMMW, at binuhay nito ang mga dating ruta ng BLTBCo sa Southern Luzon, Bicol Region at Eastern Visayas.| BALIKAS News

JANUARY 2 - 8, 2017

NEWS

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#NINAPH: 18 CREWS, STILL MISSING Araw-araw na search and rescue operation, wala pa ring resulta

PORT OF BATANGAS – BAGAMAN at nakaligtas ang may 15 tripulante ng lumubog na M/V Starlite Atlantic, isa na ang kumpirmadong patay samantalang patuloy pa rin ang paghahanap sa 18 iba pang tripulante nito na karamihan ay mga cadettrainees.

Nasa kalagitnaan ng Verde Island Passage ang naturang barko bandang alas10:00 ng umaga noong Disyembre 26 na umano’y kukubli sana sa bahagi ng Batangas Bay nang salpukin ng naglalakihang alon at malakas na hangin sa patuloy na paghagupit ng bagyong Nina.

Matapos ang may mahigit kalahating oras pa, tumagilid na ang naturang barko at tuluyan na itong lumubog kasama ang may 35 tripulante nito sa karagatan sa pagitan ng Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro at Maricaban Island ng bayan ng Tngloy, Batangas.

Marahil ay napuruhan ang naturang barko ng bagyong Nina na nag-landfall sa Isla Verde, Batangas ganap na ika-9:15 ng umaga na sinundan pa sa bayan ng Tingloy bandang alas-10:10 ng umaga.

Kabilang sa mga nakaligtas sina: Eric Cuevas, master; Russen Andal, ab; Rommel Olaco, ab; Ricky Lalen, chief engineer; Angelo Estinote, oiler; Nestor Santiago, oiler; Airon Barrera, deck cadet; Jonathan Garcia, deck cadet; Jill Violyn Gonzales, deck cadet;

Rhonvic Ricohermoso, deck cadet; James Bernard Padilla, engine cadet; Marjeon Baldonasa, engine cadet; Bobet Rabasto, engine cadet; Jose June Bernabe, deck cadet.

Ang Starlite Ferry Atlantic ay rehistrado sa Starlite Ferries, Inc na pag-aari ng pamilya ni Energy secretary Alfonso Cusi na dati ring PPA general manager.

Samantala, sumadsad naman sa baybayin ng bayan ng Brgy. San Miguel, Mabini, Batangas ang isa pang barkong MV Super Shuttle Roro 5 matapos hampasin ng naglalakihang alon at malakas na hangin sa kasagsagan ng pananalasa ng bagyong Nina.

Nailigtas naman ang may 25 pasahero at tripulante ng cargo ferry na pag-aari ng Asian Marine Transport, Inc..

Tumaob naman dahil sa malalaking alon at malakas na hangin ang M/B San Miguel 12 sa baybayin ng Lobo, Batangas. Maswerte namang nailigtas ang walo nitong tripulante.

Sa gasan, Marinduque, sumadsad din sa baybayin dito ang Tanker Obama, samantalang isang barge ng Philippine Ports Authority ang lumubog ang kalahating bahagi sa Virac Port, Catanduanes.

Pito pang barko at motorboats na nagkubli sa Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro ang sumadsad na kinabibilangan ng Oceanjet 12, Oceanjet 10, MV Baleno 5, MV Baleno 7, MV Baleno 8, Starlight Polaris, at Blue Sea.||

FILE photo ng MV Starlite Atlantic bago ito.|

BALIKAS News

...................................................................................................................... <<<#NINA_PH.. mula sa P/1

Pagbangon sa kalamidad Sa paunang datos ng PDRRMO, umabot sa mahigit 3,000 pamilya o lampas sa 12,000 indibidwal ang naapektuhan sa kasagsagan ng bagyo noong Disyembre 26. Higit ding 3,000 kabahayan ang nawasak.

Nag-landfall si bagyong Nina, na may tagalay na hanging umaabot sa 185 kilometro kada oras malapit sa gitna at bugsong umabot sa 215 kilometro bawat oras nang dumaan sa Batangas.

Sa Batangas, unang nag-landfall ang bagyo sa Isla Verde dakong alas-9:15 ng umaga ng Disyembre 26, sinundan sa bayan ng Tingloy at huli sa Calatagan.

Sa island municipality ng Tingloy, nawasak ang pier, at totally damaged ang may 250 kabahayan, habang 1,303 naman ang nagtamo ng mga bahagyang sira.

Sa bayan ng Calatagan, 19 kabahayan ang totally damaged at 229 naman ang partially damaged; at aabot sa mahigit P4-milyon ang pinsala sa agrikultura.

Trahedya sa karagatan Lumubog malapit sa bayang ito Tingloy ang isang roll on-roll off vessel na MV Starlite Atlantic ng Starlite Ferries, Inc., na naging

dahilan ng pagkawala ng 18 nitong crew members at pagkalunod ng isa. May 16 na tripulante ng nasabing barko ang nailigtas.

Ang Starlite Ferries, Inc. ay pagmamay-ari ng pamilya ni Energy secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Sumadsad naman sa baybayin ng bayan ng Brgy. San Miguel, Mabini, Batangas ang isa pang barkong MV Super Shuttle Roro 5 matapos hampasin ng naglalakihang alon at malakas na hangin sa kasagsagan ng pananalasa ng bagyong Nina. Nailigtas naman ang may 25 pasahero at tripulante ng cargo ferry na pag-aari ng Asian Marine Transport, Inc..

Tumaob naman dahil sa malalaking alon at malakas na hangin ang M/B San Miguel 12 sa baybayin ng Lobo, Batangas. Maswerte namang nailigtas ang walo nitong tripulante.

Patuloy naman ang koordinasyon ni PDRRMO chief Lito Castro, sa mga CDRRMOs at MDRRMOs sa lalawigan upang makuha ang kumpletong datos sa pinsala ng bagyo, partikular sa mga bayan ng Tingloy, Mabini at Isla Verde sa Batangas City.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS, may ulat ni Vince Altar

ANG briefing ng Starlite Ferries sa mga pamilya ng mga naging biktima ng paglubog ng MV Starlite Atlantic.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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AGARANG SERBISYO PUBLIKO. Pinangunahan naman ni Gov. Mandanas ang post-disaster assessment meeting sa Batangas Capitol para dagliang makapaghatid ng ayuda sa mga kababayan.| ERIC ARELLANO

NAG-ULAT si PSWD chief Jocelyn Montalbo kaugnay ng relief operations sa mga apektadong lugar, habang nakikinig sina (L-R) Senior Board member Rowena SombranoAfrica, 2nd District BM Ma. Claudette Ambida-Alday, PDRRMO chief Lito Castro at PHO chief Dr. Rose Ozaeta.|

IDENEKLARA ang State of Calamity sa buong Lalawigan ng Batangas noong Disyembre 27, 2016, sa mungkahi ni Gov. Dodo Mandanas at inaksyunan ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan sa isang special session, na pinangunahan ni Vice Gov. Nas Ona.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

OPINION

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Maranatha!

A bilingual weekly newspaper of general circulation published by the PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS, INC., a corporation duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Certificate No. CS201401804.

JANUARY 2 - 8, 2016

OPINION

IT means “Come, Lord Jesus” or “the Lord is coming.” This Aramaic word appears in the Book of Revelation (22,20) to express the desire for the speedy coming for the second time of Christ, our Savior and King.

It also appears in the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians (16,22) to reinforce an injunction made earlier. It also appears in the Letter of St. James (5,8-9) to signify the need for vigilance for the coming of Christ.

In all these cases, the word strikes as something important and serious that deserves to be known and used by us to express its many nuances. It evokes a kind of expectation as well as a holy fear to offend God. It would be nice if we could use it as a password that would immediately put us in a certain frame of mind.

Especially now in this season of Advent when we are preparing for the birth of Christ, we should remind ourselves that we are not only interested in that nostalgic feeling of Christ’s birth but also in the more serious business of preparing ourselves for his second coming.

In a sense, this is the distinctive flavor of the season of Advent and Christmas. It’s about looking forward to Christ coming again in glory as our King to reclaim us as his people. That is why we should remind ourselves again that our attitude toward Advent and Christmas should not just be mainly sentimental and emotional. It has to be strictly theological so that we can identify the proper direction we should take in this season.

We need to strongly remind ourselves that we are just passing by in this world. We are meant for another world, the so-called “a new heaven and a new earth.” (Rev 21,1) We ought to develop this kind of outlook in life.

That’s why we have to know what really is essential in this earthly life of ours so that we do not get unnecessarily entangled, confused and lost.

We even need to train our very instincts to discern the things proper to us as children of God. Let’s hope that the word, “Maranatha,” can help us to see what really is necessary in life—our personal sanctity and our role in the continuing work of salvation through our personal apostolate.

“Maranatha” should not lead us to think that we think little of our present life with all its projects, concerns, challenges, etc. It should not evoke an idealistic other-worldly attitude. Rather it should help us see the link of our earthly life and our eternal life with God in heaven.

Precisely in this season of Advent, one of the liturgical prayers we say is the following: “Father,…teach us to judge wisely the things of earth and to love the things of heaven.” “Maranatha” should make us see the connection between heaven and earth.

The word should heighten our awareness of our duty to sanctify ourselves and do apostolate, taking advantage of whatever circumstances we may be in to pursue these goals.

In other words, let’s hope that the word can elicit the passion and zeal for holiness and apostolate. This pair can never be separated, since holiness by definition involves not only loving God but also loving others with God’s love. Holiness will always be apostolic. It necessarily involves entering into the lives of others for God. And before we get some strange ideas about this truth of our faith, like, it is too fantastic, undoable, if not inhuman, etc., we need to reassure ourselves that this is the passion that would actually make us fully human, fully Christian, children of God, perfect image and likeness of God. As to its practicability, we cannot have any doubt about it, since God, for his part, is giving us everything for it to take place. He has sent his Son who became man to us. And this God-man, Jesus, died on the cross in his supreme act of self-giving to us. Nothing is spared to make us be what we ought to be.

On our part, we have been wired and equipped for this passion for holiness and apostolate. With our intelligence and will, and always activated

by God’s grace, we can enter into the life of God himself, and the lives of others.

This is the tremendous wonder of our life—that in spite of our weakness, mistakes and sins, we are still, as St. Augustine would put it, “capax Dei,” capable of God. And if we are capable of loving God, then we too must be capable of loving others. | WWW.CBCP.NET

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The Pope is a heretic? You can’t be serious!  MICHAEL COOK Commentary IF you read the New York Times, you would be inclined to think so. From its pages, conservative Catholic columnist Ross Douthat has been waging a war on Pope Francis, accusing him of being a Machiavellian tyrant who is subverting the teachings of Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI and trashing traditional Catholic morality.

To be fair to Douthat, his is not the only voice croaking in the fever-swamps of the internet. Some Catholic websites and bloggers are hinting that he should resign. One blogger talks venomously about the “Dictatorship of Mercy”. Another has recycled a clip from Downfall, the 2004 film about the last days of the Third Reich, featuring Francis as a paranoid Hitler vowing impotently to crush all resistance. (The Pope is like Hitler? The guy responsible for the deaths of 12 million people? Come on, guys, get a grip on yourselves!)

There was a time in the not-so-distant past when Popes were so revered that they dispensed blessings to the faithful from a throne carried on the shoulders of Papal chamberlains. But over the last couple of years, some Catholics have steeped themselves in such bitterness that they can say nothing good about this Pope. Every speech, every initiative, every new appointment, is scrutinized for evidence confirming his perfidy.

It is an extraordinary situation. Christians in the West, and especially the Catholic Church, are under intense pressure from aggressive secularism. The most powerful symbol of resistance is the Pope—and some of best divisions have revolted. Imagine the American troops at the Battle of the Bulge, surrounded and exhausted. Patton is coming to their rescue; he’s closer, even closer, almost there! And then Patton joins the Germans. It’s just weird.

After nearly four years, Francis’s enemies have piled up more complaints than the 95 Theses which Luther nailed to the door of All Saints Church in Wittenberg— from whose feet he washes on Holy Thursday to being squishy on abortion to saying “who am I to judge?” about a homosexual.

The central controversy revolves around a section in Amoris Laetitia, the document he published earlier this year on married life. In it Francis tackled the delicate question of how the Church should treat Catholics who

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are divorced and remarried. Can they receive Holy Communion? For Catholics this is a crucial issue. The Church does not recognize the dissolution of a valid marriage and intercourse in a new marriage is viewed as an act of adultery which needs to be confessed and absolved. Otherwise a person may not receive Holy Communion, which Catholics believe is the Body of Christ.

With divorce so common nowadays and an astonishing level of religious ignorance, the Church has a problem. There are Catholics who don’t even know that their Church forbids divorce. Others insist that their first marriage was valid, no matter what a priest may say. Others know nothing about the theology of Confession and Communion. If this is the case in relatively theologically literate countries like the United States, where the ratio of Catholics to priests is about 1500 to 1, it is far worse in countries like the Philippines, where it is 9500 to 1.

The stern standard response to such people has been that they can only receive Communion if they get an annulment, separate or demonstrate that they are living, in the quaint words of Catholic moralists, as brother and sister. Unsurprisingly, most people find these options too strict.

As a result, a number of Catholics receive no spiritual help from their Church. Their children remain unbaptized and they feel abandoned. The message Francis sends to them is: No, you are not excluded; let’s try to work this out without compromising the teachings of the Church. But this is difficult. If they are admitted to Communion willy-nilly, this would imply that the Church accepts divorce and no longer believes in the sacredness of Holy Communion.

What Francis suggests in Amoris Laetitia is that priests and bishops should lead people gently on an uphill climb towards the truth. His approach is not intended to be lax—elevating individual conscience above the moral law—but pastoral, guiding people to understand, appreciate and eventually love the moral law.

Admittedly, one could wish for greater clarity about how to implement this compassionate approach. The pronouncements of John Paul II and Benedict XVI were chiselled and razor sharp; Francis exhorts and is vague on the details. Writing in the 1940s, Pius XII wrote

>>>COMMENTARY ... turn to P/5

Joenald Medina Rayos Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Nicetas E. Escalona Lifestyle Editor

Jerick M. Dorado Copy Editor

Atty. Roberto Iñigo D. Sanchez Legal Consultant

Melinda R. Landicho | Yson A. Sebulino Sarah Joy Hernandez (On Leave) News Reporters

Janlei Benedict G. Rayos | Cartoonist

Gerry M. Zamudio | Atty. Jesus Dureza Atty. Jose Sison | Atty. Ramel C. Muria Benjie Oliveros Columnists Kier Labrador | Webmaster

Jack L. Aquino | Jessie delos Reyes John Maico Hernandez | Elmer Delen Contributing Writers Ronalina B. Lontoc Special Project Editor Benjie de Castro | Circulation In-Charge

Ang pangalang “BALIKAS” ay hango sa mga salitang ‘balik’ at ‘kalikasan’. Hangad ng pahayagang ito na maging kasangkapan sa paghahatid ng mahahalagang impormasyon upang maibalik ang dating anyo ng ating inang kalikasan.|

JANUARY 2 - 8, 2016

5

OPINION

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Manigong Bagong Taon sa Lahat!

MANIGONG Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat! Tulad ng dati, ang New Year’s Resolution ko sa taong ito ay talagang talagang talagang tutuparin ko na ang New Year’s resolution ko noong isang taon. Pramis!!  Malaking problema raw ng Philippine Fireworks Asssociation ang mga ismagler ng paputok mula sa China. Mukhang mas malaki ang problemang ito kaysa Spratlys.  Ayon sa mga Intsik ay pantanggal ng malas ang mga paputok. Ayon naman sa DOH, ang paputok ay pantanggal ito ng kamay, daliri at mata.  Walang trapik sa Metro Manila nitong nagdaang Pasko. Sana araw-araw ay Pasko.  Ayon kay PNP Chief Bato ay di naitutuloy ang ban sa paputok, kasi unfair naman daw talaga sa mga manufacturer ng paputok, kaya dapat mag-ingat na lamang at huwag ipagbawal , para lahat ay Masaya sa pagsapit ng Bagong Taon! Sa totoo lang ay tuwangtuwa ang aming kasambahay, dahil hindi na siya palalayasin ng iesmi, kasi tamad siyang maligo at malakas talaga ang putok!  Nagdeklara si Duterte ng tigil – putukan sa MNLF, MILF at NPA, para maging tahimik ang Pasko at Bagong Taon. Dapat seguro ay ideklara na rin muna niya ang tigil-putangina upang maging tahinik din ang media.  Teknikal daw ang pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon at spiritual ang pagdiriwang ng Pasko. Kasi nga naman ang Pasko ay ipinagdiriwang ng mga Katoliko lamang

bilang pagkilala kay Hesus, samantalang ang Bagong Taon ay ipinagdiriwang ng lahat kahit mga pagano.  Mas marami daw ang Masaya ngayong Paskong ito kesa noong nagdaang taon. Masaya rin kaya ang mga taga-Bicol na hinagupit ni Bagyong Nina noong Pasko.  Nabuking na si Leni Robredo ay nagbabakasyon sa Tate habang binabanatan ng Bagyong Nina ang Bicol.

Sa bagay kung nandito man siya ay magpapa-cute lamang daw siya sa media.  Masyadong mahal daw lalo na maninigil ang LTFRB. Lagot ang mga pasaway na driver ng Grab at Uber.  Tuwang-tuwa daw si De Lima sa pagbaba ng trust rating ng Pangulo ayon sa SWS survey. Ayon kasi sa survey ay 9 kada 10 adik ay hindi satisfied sa performance rating ng Pangulo, kasi daw ay 9 din kada 10 pushers ay tepok na.  Handa raw magresayn sa pagka-Pangulo si Duterte, kapag nasangkot kahit isa sa pamilya niya sa corruption. Ito ang panakamabigat niyang biro!  Dahil sa pangongotong ay sinibak ang dalawang police omen sa Kyusi. Tutong ang nadale nila ngayong Pasko.  Apat pang pulis-Kyusi ang naaresto dahil sa robbery extortion ngayong magtatapos ang taon at nadestino na sila ngayon sa Jolo, Sulu. Mahihirapan sila ngayong mangikil sa mga Abu Sayyaf.

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D. I. Y. IN our fast-paced and changing world, Do It Yourself resources are almost indispensable.

They fill up bookstores and the Internet abounds with “self-help” and “do-it-yourself” kits, manuals, and video tutorials.

The range of topics these DIY sources cover is the universe of man’s basic needs: personal, social, economic and material needs, etc. For example, once product warranty is over, one could Google or Youtube a simple fix for a washing-machine or to get ideas for a school project, etc. This amazing alternative of being able to fix your household equipment and many more, isn’t only economical but also helps one learn new tasks and skills.

Of course, resorting to professional help may still be needed—given the possible hazards and special tools we may not have—when dealing with more sophisticated gadgets or appliances.

Outside of these material concerns is the constant hunger of every man and woman to seek selfimprovement, equilibrium, and fulfillment. Our nature’s imperfections imply that there will always be relationships to improve or fix, work to make more efficient and productive, emotional and psychological settings that have to be positively tweaked!

Thus, the self-help universe is becoming both a challenging and lucrative niche for many life-coaches, diet/health doctors, therapists, mentors, directors, and more. These are but a testimony of man’s natural hunger for inner integration and perfection.

The common idea in many of these DIY character forging sources is: You can do it!

Isn’t this great? We can actually fix ourselves? But as liberating and fulfilling this motto may sound, it contains a subtle personal distortion: overemphasis on the self’s capacity. David Brooks says we developed this self-mentality from what the philosopher Charles Taylor called the “culture of authenticity”: “This mindset is based on the romantic idea that each of us has a Golden Figure in the core of our self.

There is an innately good True Self, which can be trusted, consulted, and gotten in touch with. Your personal feelings are the best guide for what is right and wrong. (…) Your desires are like inner oracles for what is right and true. You know you are doing the right thing when you feel good inside. The valid rules

of life are those you make or accept for yourself and that feel right to you.

(Road to Character)” Undoubtedly, with a power-tool like freedom man can plot his destiny for better as well as for worse. Man realizes that every DIY method has its limits.

It may solve problems of the mind, body and emotions but cannot fully address the unique needs of his soul.

This is especially true when it comes to the experience of sin on the person. No matter how much modern thinkers try to deny or belittle the reality of sin, its glaring effects in murder, injustice, corruption, etc. cannot be trivialized. Man humbly becomes aware that the healing of his sinful condition can only come outside, from someone (not something) who can forgive sins: that is, God. Now God has a different DIY. He could have looked upon man’s sinful condition and said, “Don’t Involve Yourself! After all, it’s man’s fault!” But He chose otherwise, in fact, He became too involved by becoming a man. Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Letter closing the Jubilee Year of Mercy emotionally describes how Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery. He says: “This Gospel account, however, is not an encounter of sin and judgment in the abstract, but of a sinner and her Saviour. Jesus looked that woman in the eye and read in her heart a desire to be understood, forgiven, and set free. (Misericordia et misera no. 1)” Jesus wasn’t going to give her a quick fix for sin, or a vaccine that would prevent her from ever sinning again. No! Jesus isn’t looking for sinless men or women, He wants men and women who are willing to love and trust in Him in this co-project of man’s holiness.

“Mercy gives rise to joy, because our hearts are opened to the hope of a new life. The joy of forgiveness is inexpressible, yet it radiates all around us whenever we experience forgiveness. Its source is in the love with which God comes to meet us, breaking through walls of selfishness that surround us, in order to make us in turn instruments of mercy. (Ibid. no. 3)” If we humbly decide to carry on with our miseries, limitations, and trials with Jesus’ help, we will never be overcome by sadness or depression. Instead, our weaknesses will always be occasions to encounter Jesus’ merciful presence and love.|

Blessed Mother Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces THE well-known and much publicized perceived mira-culous phenomenon that apparently took place in Lipa—through the inter-vention of the wellknown and revered Blessed Mother Mary, Mediatrix of all Graces —in 1948 has become the cause of discussion if not downright dissention particularly on the part of the Catholic devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the above said title. They are far from happy and at peace. They would not just sit down and take things as if everything is alright, everything is in order.

Reason: They are in one way or another understan-dably much offended by and resentful of the official decision written down and made known to all those concerned by the competent Vatican Office that there was no such miraculous event in Lipa at that time under the patronage of the Blessed Mother.

That there were certain apparent signs of a miracle, yes. But that there was actually a true and real miracle that then took place, no.

Result: The Catholic devotees convinced that the Lipa event was truly miraculous are much offended and resentful. It is understandable wherefore that they are earnestly seeking the reversal of the aforesaid negative appreciation of the Vatican Office concerned.

The truth of the matter is that as published by certain media outlets, even the highest incumbent Ecclesiastical Authority in the place—personally knowing and accordingly appreciating the same Lipa phenomenon—did not exactly agree with the pronounce-ment of the said Vatican Office. And understandably enough, he was affirmed by the Marian devotees concerned. So it is that the matter of the said Marian miraculous event has become an existential question not only in Lipa but in other places in the Country with the same devotion.

So it is that dated 9 July 2016, the Commission of the Doctrine of the Faith—counterpart of the Vatican Office concerned—of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines—issued its own “Pastoral Advisory” ending with the following pronouncement: “The belief in and private devotion to our Mother Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces is centuries old and should be fostered as a private devotion. But it must not be based on the alleged Lipa apparitions…”

In other words, the Marian devotees concerned have all the right and prerogative to continue with their opted devotion to Our Lady under the said title. But let them do this by virtue of their own personal option—not precisely because of a miraculous event said to be taken place in a Sisters’ Convent in Lipa. It is exactly the same as in the case of the Nazarene of Quiapo, the Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran, the La Naval in Quezon City—and many other devotions. The competent Vatican Office has not issued any pronouncement at all on any miraculous feature of any of the said subjects of religious devotion. But their respective devotees are far from becoming less in fervor and in number just because no downright formal and official miracle has yet been officially attributed to any of them by the Vatican Office concerned.

Precisely, who knows if the Lipa devotees concerned fervently and avidly continue with their personal devo-tion to the Blessed Mother Mary, Mediatrix of all Graces, would eventually bring to fore the much desired and awaited miracle?!

................................................................................................ <<<COMMENTARY.... from P/4

The Pope is a heretic?

You can’t be serious! documents like Amoris Laetitia only for bishops; Francis addresses himself to the whole Church. It would be helpful if lay readers did not need supplementary commentaries from bishops, theologians and canon lawyers to construe his “apostolic exhortation” properly.

But in the end the success of Francis’s policy depends not only upon the good will of the strayed sheep but on the priest’s determination to hold the line on Catholic doctrine.

The Pope’s critics fear that he is leading the faithful astray by prattling on about fairy floss notions like mercy and forgiveness. But he is the head of the Catholic Church, gifted, as Catholics believe, with special inspiration from God to lead them through the shoals and reefs of history. If the needle of his compass swings to the mercy of God, perhaps that is exactly what the world needs.

“Mercy” is not a get-out-of-jail-free

card; it is a responsibility laid on the Pope’s shoulders. In fact, the Old Testament Mass reading on the day of his election was prophetic: “the one who is merciful will govern them”.

Ultimately, the pastoral strategy sketched out in Amoris Laetitia is a judgement call. But Catholics can be sure that Francis is not a cryptoMarxist liberation theologian, as some of the loopier voices in the swamp are croaking.

The media has been spotlighting simmering discontent amongst some Catholics. One of the most disappointing aspects of recent events is the silence on the part of senior clergy. Some have made offhand remarks to the media but what is needed is clear, sturdy and charitable articles and interviews defending Pope Francis. The real scandal is not what the Pope has been teaching but that his theologians have been ducking for cover.

>>>COMMENTARY ... turn to P/7

6

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

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JANUARY 2 - 8, 2017

BUSINESS

BOI approves JG Summit's expansion in Batangas BATANGAS City – THE unending campaign of cause-oriented groups of Batangas for a more decisive role of the government in regulating environmentally-critical industries is facing another challenge ushering the new year.

This after the Board of Investments has given the green light to the three new projects that will be undertaken by various subsidiaries of the Gokongwei-owned conglomerate JG Summit Holdings, Inc. in this city.

The conglomerate said in a statement that it is spending P16 billion for the construction of new petrochemical plants in the country starting his year.

Two pioneering projects of JG Summit Petrochemical Corp. got the nod under the preferred activities of the existing investment priorities plan with the endorsement of the Department of Science and Technology.

The first JGSPC project is a P4.2 billion plant for the production of butadiene and raffinate.

The first project is expected to produce butadiene and raffinate at 70,000 metric tons (MT) and 89,000 MT annually, respectively, while the other is seen to yield benzene at 126,000 MT annually, toluene at 76,000 MT, mixed xylene at 46,000 MT, C8+/C9+ Cut at 18,000 MT, and non-aromatics at 29,000 MT. The other is a P3 billion project for the production of benzene, toluene, mixed xylene, C8+/C9+ Cut, and non-aromatics.

These projects are set to generate 112 jobs

once fully operational in 2021 or after four eyars from now.

What is more disturbing for the environment crusaders is that another wholly-owned subsidiary JG Summit Olefins Corp. (JGSOC) was also given the go-signal for the expansion of its naphtha cracker plant with a project cost of P8.6 billion.

Said naphtha cracker plant located in Brgy. Pinamucan is experiencing systemic troubles in 2016 that caused panic and health problems to the residents nearby.

The project is expected to enlist 21 personnel when the expanded operations start in July 2021.

“We very much welcome investment projects such as these. The company’s initiative and innovation in expanding their petrochemical plants is definitely a big boost to the manufacturing industry and its subsectors,” Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said.

All the projects will be located in the JG Summit Petrochemical complex in Batangas City, where JGSPC currently operates two polyethylene and polypropylene plants with a combined capacity of 320,000 MT and 180,000 MT, respectively.

The complex also houses the country’s first and only naphtha cracker facility which is another BOI-registered project of JGSOC. From the time the naphtha cracker started commercial operations in 2014, JGSOC has been able to provide JGSPC with a stable and

KINILALA ng pamahalaang lunsod ng Batangas ang mga natata-nging kooperatiba sa lungsod hindi lamang sa mga karangalang natamo nito kundi sa mahalagang papel nila sa pag-unlad ng lokal na ekonomiya.| PALAKAT PHOTO

THE JG Summit complex in Batangas City.| competitive source of feedstock for its polymer plants.

The naphtha cracker expansion project of JGSOC will allow JGSPC to pursue construction of additional new or expanded downstream units to help further maximize the potential derivatives value from each of the newly-registered derivatives.

“As soon as these projects become fully operational, the firm will directly sell butadiene, benzene, and other petrochemical

products to China, Korea and other Asian countries,” the BOI said.

With this turn of events, residents of Batangas City fear that more health-related problems will come into the picture in the coming years with the expansion of these environmentally-critical industries.

The city government’s information office don’t have any information releases yet on these matter.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

Marubeni buys 20% share of Calaca Thermal Plant JAPANESE business conglomerate Marubeni has bought the 20 per cent stake in the 270-mgawatt thermal plant located at Brgy. Puting Bato, Calaca, Batangas.

Puting Bato Power Station has been in commercial operation since April 2015.

The 15 percent stake from South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation (SLTEC) and 5 per cent from the Phinma Group, Marubeni was able to acquire the shares through

LEGAL NOTICE DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE WITH EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF A SHARE OF ROGELIO A ABANTE NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late ROGELIO A. ABANTE who both died intestate in Lucena City on January 16, 2001, consisting of a share in a parcel of land situated in Brgy. San Agustin, Bauan, Batangas, covered by TCT No. T107186, with an area of 4,545 square meters, more or less, has been extra-judicially settled by and among his heirs with waiver of rights, per Doc. No. 707; Page No. 142; Book No. XLII; Series of 2016 of ATTY. MEYRICK ANDREW S. OSEÑA Pahayagang BALIKAS | Dec. 26, 2016; Jan. 2 & 9, 2017

EXTRA-KJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF SEGUNDO BIENVENIDO FAMPO NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late SEGUNDO BIENVENIDO FAMPO who both died intestate in Batangas City on July 13, 2016, consisting of a parcel of land situated in Ambulong, Batangas City, covered by TCT No. T-42174, with an area of 1,627 square meters, more or less, has been extrajudicially settled by and among his heirs with waiver of rights, per Notarial Register of ATTY. DENNIS MACATANGAY. Pahayagang BALIKAS | Dec. 26, 2016; Jan. 2 & 9, 2017

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the local unit Axia Power Holdings Philippines Corporation.

“With the sale of shares to Axia Power, Ac Energy’s ownership in SLTEC is at 35 per cent, while that of Phinma Energy and Axia Power are at 45 and 20 percent respectively”, Ayala said in a disclosure to Philippine Stock Exchange.

It could be noted that Marubeni had participated in the past power projects

initiated by the Ayala and Phinma groups.

“Taking this opportunity, Marubeni,together with Phinma Energy and AC Energy, is exploring jointly developing new projects in the future and intends to build strong and stable relationships with the Phinma group and Ayala group”, Marubeni said in a separate statement.

YSON A. SEBULINO

<<<POWER.. from P/2

Energy Sector pushes Bayanihan for quick power restoration Amid all this, Cusi said, “The momentum to restore power to the household level continues as we aim for a prosperous New Year by bringing light to our people’s hopes and dreams this 2017.”

Cusi also said that “the heroes of restoration are the personnel and crews from both the private and public institutions who dedicated their holidays rehabilitating energy facilities just to provide access again to power supply to these devastated areas.”

“We are now calling on additional technical people to go for 100% restoration to the households in the Bicol region because the holidays are over,” Cusi concluded.

Meanwhile, as typhoon Nina exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the entire

energy sector, spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE), has mobilized various assets for the quick restoration of power facilities in Southern Luzon and parts of Visayas downed by typhoon Nina.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi instructed immediate restoration of power facilities using “bayanihan” or Task Force Kapatid in the typhoon-hit area as the priority of DOE and the energy family.

“The DOE commits to mobilize as many technical personnel and transport the necessary equipment and facilities to attain 100% energization of main commercial areas with hospitals, vital government offices, banks and other necessary communal

facilities before New Year,” emphasized Sec. Cusi.

He added that priority towns include: Daet in Camarines Norte; Naga City, Goa, Tinambac, Iriga City, Libmanan in Camarines Sur; Ligao City, Legazpi City and Tabaco City in Albay; Sorsogon City in Sorsogon; Boac in Marinduque; and, Calapan in Mindoro Oriental.

On transmission system, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) deployed around 500 line personnel coming from North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Operations and Maintenance Group to Bicol Region and targeted the restoration of lines and facilities by New Year’s Eve (31 December 2016).

Of the 38 transmission

facilities, two substations and 18 priority transmission lines were restored, while the remaining transmission lines (16), substation (1) and switch-yard (1) are still undergoing rehabilitation.

Earlier, Secretary Cusi asked NGCP and NEA to initiate contingency measures for Typhoon Nina and to ensure easy mobilization of assets for the recovery and rehabilitation of affected areas.

“More than a thousand personnel from both private and public institutions have been mobilized to ensure the return of power supply before New Year’s Eve, so that our affected kababayans would have brighter hopes in the coming of the year,” Cusi concluded.|BALIKAS News

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

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JANUARY 2 - 8, 2017

LIFETIMES

7

Pope Francis: Christmas message ‘URBI et ORBI’ Dear Brothers and Sisters, Happy Christmas!

Today the Church once again experiences the wonder of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the shepherds of Bethlehem, as they contemplate the newborn Child laid in a manger: Jesus, the Saviour.

On this day full of light, the prophetic proclamation

resounds: “For to us a child is born, To us a son is given.

And the government will be upon his shoulder; and his name will be called “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is 9:6) The power of this Child, Son of God and Son of Mary,

Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Makikilala ang taong may lihim na pagtingin.

Hindi mo akalain na siya pala ang iyong lihim na mangingibig. Maging praktikal.

Lucky numbers at color ay 5, 19, 27, 35 at metallic silver.

Aquarius (Ene. 20-Peb.18) - Ipagpaliban ang binabalak na pagbabago para sa bahay, opisina o trabaho. Kung may asawa, malamang pinagdududahan ng kabiyak o siya ang may nadaramang pagkaakit sa iba. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 28, 35, 39 at avocado green.

Pisces (Peb. 19 - Mar. 20) - Sa kabila ng kabiguan, mararanasan na mapaunlad ang karunungan. Huwag matakot na maki-pagsapalaran sa negosyo dahil uunlad kung sisimulan. Lucky numbers at color ay 12, 19, 22, 37 at dollar green.

Aries (Marso 21- Abril 19) – Handang makiisa ang pamilya sa layunin o binabalak. Malamang magkakaroon ng bagong manliligaw o pag-ibig. Isang Aries ang magbibigay ng kasiyahan o kalungkutan. Lucky numbers at color ay 2, 22, 32, 42 at tan.

Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) - Puno ng enerhiya at maliksi ang katawan subalit mananaig ang pagkatamad. Ngayon mo haharapin ang dapat ayusin tungkol sa negosyo, sa trabaho o tahanan. Lucky numbers at color ay 7, 23, 34, 41 at oak brown.

Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - Kung mag-a-apply ng trabaho, matatanggap kung lakarin sa umaga. Kung may nasimulan, matatapos nang walang sagabal.

Lucky numbers at color ay 6, 8, 13, 39 at emerald green.

Cancer (Hunyo 22-Hulyo 22) Malamang magkakaroon ng tensiyon sa pagitan ng kapitbahay o kasamahan dahil sa hindi pagkakaunawaan. Lucky numbers at color for ay 17, 27, 37, 41 at electric blue.

Leo (Hulyo 23-Ago. 22) - Tiyakin na hindi mawawala ang tiwala ng nakakataas sa trabaho o pinapasukan. Walang problema sa pinapasukan subalit magkakaroon ng gusot sa tahanan. Lucky numbers at color ay 5, 16, 22, 42 at orange.

Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Magiging daan ka sa pagbabati ng miyembro ng pamilya o kasamahan na nagkakaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan.Magkakaroon ng sideline na kikita. Lucky numbers at color ay 13, 19, 37, 45 at light blue.

Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) – May susubok ng iyong pagtitimpi o kakayahan. Ngayon mo gamitin ang iyong hinahon at talino.

Huwag mainip sa paghihintay sa kausap dahil maaalintanang darating. Lucky numbers at color ay 5, 10, 15, 30 at aquamarine.

Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - Magkakaroon ng katunggali at masusubok ang iyong kakayahan. Maaaring magkaroon ng diskuntento sa pinaglilingkuran dahil sa iyong performance o dahil sa tsismis.

Lucky numbers at color ay 3, 7, 12, 44 at white.

Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - Magkakaroon ng pagtatalo tungkol sa pera.

Nakatakdang magkaroon ng problema sa karelasyon na dapat ayusin kaagad upang hindi lumala. Diplomasya ang kailangan.

Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 18, 28, 38 at orange.|

is not the power of this world, based on might and wealth; it is the power of love. It is the power which created the heavens and the earth, which gives life to all creation: to minerals, plants and animals; it is the force which attracts man and woman, and makes them one flesh, one single existence; it is the power which gives new birth, pardons faults, reconciles enemies, and transforms evil into good. It is the power of God. This power of love led Jesus Christ to strip himself of his glory and become man; it led him to give his life on the cross and to rise from the dead. It is the power of service, which inaugurates in our world the Kingdom of God, a kingdom of justice and peace.

For this reason, the birth of Jesus was accompanied by the angels’ song as they proclaimed: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” (Lk 2:14).

Today this message goes out to the ends of the earth to reach all peoples, especially those scarred by war and harsh conflicts that seem stronger than the yearning for peace.

Peace to men and women in the war-torn land of Syria, where far too much blood has been spilled. Above all in the city of Aleppo, site of the most awful battles in recent weeks, it is most urgent that assistance and support be guaranteed to the exhausted civil populace, with respect for humanitarian law. It is time for weapons to be still forever, and the international community to actively seek a negotiated solution, so that civil coexistence can be restored in the country.

Peace to women and men of the beloved Holy Land, the land chosen and favoured by God. May Israelis and Palestinians have the courage and the determination to write a new page of history, where hate and revenge give way to the will to build together a future of mutual understanding and harmony. May Iraq, Libya and Yemen – where their peoples suffer war and the brutality of terrorism – be able once again to find unity and concord.

Peace to the men and women in various parts of Africa, especially in Nigeria, where fundamentalist terrorism exploits even children in order to perpetrate horror and death. Peace in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, so that divisions may be healed and all people of good will may strive to undertake the path of development and sharing, preferring the culture of dialogue to the mindset of conflict.

Peace to women and men who to this day suffer the consequences of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, where there is urgent need for a common desire to bring relief to the civil population and to put into practice the commitments which have been assumed.

We implore harmony for the dear people of Colombia, which seeks to embark on a new and courageous path of dialogue and reconciliation.

May such courage also motivate the beloved country of Venezuela to undertake the necessary steps to put an end to current tensions, and build together a future of hope for the whole population.

Peace to all who, in different areas, are enduring sufferings due to constant

dangers and persistent injustice. May Myanmar consolidate its efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and, with the assistance of the international community, provide necessary protection and humanitarian assistance to all those who gravely and urgently need it. May the Korean peninsula see the tensions it is experiencing overcome in a renewed spirit of cooperation.

Peace to those who have lost a person dear to them as a result of brutal acts of terrorism, and to those who have sown fear and death into the hearts of so many countries and cities.

Peace – not merely the word, but a real and concrete peace – to our abandoned and excluded brothers and sisters, to those who suffer hunger and to all the victims of violence. Peace to exiles, migrants and refugees, to all those who in our day are subject to human trafficking.

Peace to the peoples who suffer because of the economic ambitions of the few, because of the sheer greed and the idolatry of money, which leads to slavery. Peace to those affected by social and economic unrest, and to those who endure the consequences of earthquakes or

other natural catastrophes.

Peace to the children, on this special day on which God became a child, above all those deprived of the joys of childhood because of hunger, wars or the selfishness of adults.

Peace on earth to men and women of goodwill, who work quietly and patiently each day, in their families and in society, to build a more humane and just world, sustained by the conviction that only with peace is there the possibility of a more prosperous future for all.

Dear brothers and sisters, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given”: he is the “Prince of peace”. Let us welcome him!

To you, dear brothers and sisters, who have gathered in this Square from every part of the world, and to those in various countries who are linked to us by radio, television and other means of communication, I offer my greeting.

On this day of joy, we are all called to contemplate the Child Jesus, who gives hope once again to every person on the face of the earth. By his grace, let us with our voices and our actions give witness to solidarity and peace. Merry Christmas to all!

All the Glitz with SM Accessories THIS New Year, now’s definitely the season to add some glitz to your accessorizing game. It’s that perfect time to add accessories that sparkle, shimmer and shine from day to night.

SM Accessories has pieces that not only celebrate the festive mood of the season, but also elevate your style for New Year.

There are exquisite with beaded and embellished

clutches, stunning statement necklaces and even bedazzled stackable bangles perfect for a night out. There are also trendy chokers and dangling earrings for that right amount of flair.

Choose SM Accessories available at the SM Stores at SM City Batangas and SM City Lipa.|advt.

Create a new look for the new year with Glitzy clutches from SM Accessories which will bring sparkle to your New Year. There’s nothing like a statement necklace to amp up your style or a lace choker will add a feminine touch to your look, plus elegant earrings.|

................................................................................................................................................................. <<<COMMENTARY.... from P/5

The Pope is a heretic? You can’t be serious!

Tragically, this controversy is quenching the zeal of at least a certain sector of educated and pious Catholics for re-Christianising society.

From the first days of his pontificate, Francis’s agenda was re-evangelisation of the spiritual deserts of the West.

As he wrote in his brilliant and exhilarating encyclical, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) soon after he was elected in 2013: I dream of a “missionary option”, that is, a missionary

impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation … As John Paul II once said to the Bishops of Oceania: “All renewal in the Church must have mission as its goal if it is not to fall prey to a kind of ecclesial introversion”.

Well, guess what? “Eccle-

sial introversion” is back in business, at least on the internet. Once again some of the best and brightest Catholics are becoming inwardlooking, navel-gazing, censorious, hypercritical and judgemental. The Pope foresaw this in Evangelii Gaudium: One of the more serious temptations which stifles boldness and zeal is a defeatism which turns us into querulous and disillusioned pessimists, “sourpusses”.

Nobody can go off to battle unless he is fully convinced of victory beforehand.

With sourpuss atheists like Richard Dawkins predicting the “complete death of organized religion” in his lifetime, re-evangelisation in the Western world was always bound to be a tough gig. It’s a pity that the Pope’s critics are doing their best to spike their own guns. _____________ Michael Cook is editor of MercatorNet

F.E.S.T.

JANUARY 2 - 8, 2017 | VOL. 22, NO. 01 balikasonline@yahoo.com

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15 finalists of Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas presented to the public

IFTEEN candidates who will vie for the Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas 2017 are not only physically endowed but have also revealed themselves to be family and career-oriented, know what their goals are and unanimous in saying that marriage can wait and that one has to be prepared for it.

F

The beauty contenders bared themselves as they answered well the questions thrown at them by the local media in a press conference held at the Batangas City Convention Center.

With almost all of them determined to finish their college degrees, two of them are planning to take up medicine while the others are interested in becoming flight attendants to explore the world.

Many of them are also committed to helping their families.

On their opinion about the governance of Pres. Duterte, some of them were bothered about the killings that are happening but also acknowledged the good accomplishments of the president.

Asked what the number one problem facing women today, some of them mentioned violence, teenage pregnancy, “selling of oneself” or implied prostitution as well as inequality all of which they said could be addressed through education .

When querried what are the top priorities they would tell Congressman Marvey Mariño and Mayor Beverley Dimacuha to consider for the benefit of Batangas City if given a chance to meet the two leaders, they mentioned traffic improvement, campaign against, illegal drugs, health care and education of street children and rugby boys.

The candidates and the barangays they are representing are the following: Kiana Mari Castillo (Talahib Pandayan), Kezia Margarette Bolaños (barangay poblacion) Joana Marey de Chavez (Libjo), Jewel Mae Bawal (Sta. Rita), Arleen Gutierrez (San Jose Sico), Chastine Lontoc (Cuta), Marry An Manalo (Bolbok), Liana Rose Barrido (Kumintang Ibaba), Cheszelle de los Reyes (Bilogo), Vanessa Mae Castillo (Alangilan), Mary Alexandra de Mesa (Balete), Joan Rapada (Ilijan), Hencel Shaira Vizco (Alangilan), Diana Bantugon (Alangilan) and Ryene Sylviene Kalalo (Pallocan West).|

Press Presentation ng Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas candidates.|

SSS, inaasahang malagdaan ng joint resolution sa P2,000 dagdag pensyon bago magtapos ang taon

“Isang Katutak na Saya! Parine na!”

NAKAKASA na ang mga gawain sa pagdiriwang ng Batangas City Fiesta Celebrations 2017 sa temang “Isang Katutak na Saya! Parine na!”.

Isinagawa noong ika-27 ng Disyembre ang Bb Lungsod ng Batangas 2017 motorcade sa loob ng poblacion bilang pagpapakilala sa publiko ng 15 naggagandahang kandidata sa Bb Lungsod ng Batangas 2017.

Ito ay sinundan ng press conference sa Batangas City Convention Center kung saan higit na nakilala ng local media ang mga beauty contestants.

Highlight ng selebrasyon ang Sto Nino ng Batangan Fluvial

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procession sa Calumpang River sa ika-5 ng Enero bilang pagpupugay ng mga Batangueno sa Mahal na Patron.

Kaalinsabay nito ang Alay sa Sto Nino cultural presentation sa Batangas City Convention Center na tatampukan ng mga mag-aaral mula sa ibat-ibang paaralan sa lungsod.

Ito ay may temang “Pag kasama ang Sto Nino, Tuwat’s Ligaya ang dulot Nito”.

Gaganapin naman sa January 6 ang Children’s Art Competition sa SM City Batangas.

Sa gabi naman ang paborito ng mga kabataan na Battle of the Bands sa Amphitheater ng Plaza Mabini.

Magpapakitang gilas naman ang mga kandidata sa Bb Lungsod ng Batangas 2017 sa Talent Show na gaganapin sa Batangas City Convention Center sa January 13.

Kokoranahan naman sa ika-15 ng Enero sa Batangas City Sports Coliseum ang pinakamagandang dilag sa pinaka-aabangang Bb Lungsod ng Batangas Quest 2017.

Ito ay tatampukan ng mga sikat na artista sa telebisyon at pelikula.

Sa mismong araw naman ng Kapistahan sa January 16 isasagawa ang parade na magsisimula sa Batangas City Sports Coliseum grounds.

Para sa mga nagnanais magkaroon ng trabaho, muling magsasagawa ng Handog ni Mayor: Trabaho para sa mga taga-lunsod ng Batangas sa Batangas City Convention Center sa ika-21 ng Enero.

Inaanyayahan ang lahat na makiisa sa mga nabanggit na gawain na inihanda ng pamahalaang lunsod ng Batangas sa pangunguna ni Mayor Beverley A. Dimacuha.|