Dec 21 2008 by Gerard Fernandez

VOL. 35

No. 28

Dumaguete

City,

Philippines,

Sunday

DECEMBER 21, 2008

P 10.00

PDIC may pay Solons hit RB clients by Jan CARP mess T

he Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation PDIC is now doubling their time in the liquidation of the assets of four rural banks so that by January, they hope to be starting to act on claims up to P250,000 per client.

The Monetary Board has placed the following rural banks under PDIC’s receivership namely: The Rural Bank of Bais City; the Pilipino Rural Bank

based in Cebu, the Rural Bank of San Jose in Batangas, and the Rural Bank of Parañaque. The PDIC personnel in the RB Bais are headed by

Army ready despite truce he Philippine Army in Negros Oriental said that despite the six-day truce sought for by the rebel NPAs namely Dec 24-26 and Dec 31-Jan 1, the government will be ready as if in an offensive mood, so as not to be complacent in case of truce violations. “The problem with this pushed to the wall not govprotracted war is that the ernment who is always in the enemy is the one calling the offensive to crush the rebel shots for truce, when Turn to page 20

Christmas the Festival of surprises BY: FR. HORACIO DELA COSTA

hristmas is when we celebrate the unexpected; it is the festival of surprise. This is the night when shepherds wake to the song of angels; when the earth has a star for a satellite; when wise men go on a fool’s errand, bringing gifts to a Prince they have not seen, in a country they do not know. This is the night when one small donkey, bears on its back, the weight of the world’s desire, and an ox Turn to page 22

Imelda Salgado and some 20 other staff members who are handling receivership operations. Salgado assured that by January, the PDIC will start accepting applications for payment of P250, 000 per client. As receiver bank, the PDIC is mandated to gather and preserve the assets, and liabilities of the banks. They will control, manage and administer their affairs for the benefit of depositors and creditors. PDIC will also promote and safeguard the interests of the depositors by providing deposit insurance of P250, 000 each. Turn to page 22

BY DEMS REY T. DEMECILLO

HALT FORCIBLE ACQUISITIONS

epresentatives Jocelyn Limkaichong (1st District) and George Arnaiz (2nd District) criticized the Department of Agrarian Reform for alleged corruption and lack of transparency just days after the two solons along with Rep. Pryde Henry Teves (3rd District) decided to support a resolution extending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program for the next six months without the mandatory acquisition and distribution of lands.

Limkaichong took DAR to task for its inability to submit all the documents needed by the Congressional Oversight Committee that is overseeing the performance of the program. For his part, Arnaiz accused DAR of installing bogus and unqualified agrarian reform beneficiaries which

is the main reason for some lengthy court litigation and a source of trouble among legitimate farmers who have been marginalized. He cited a case in Pamplona where a DAR employee who is not even a resident of the town was declared an agrarian reform beneficiary. Arnaiz dares

DAR to sufficiently answer the reported anomalies. Basing from personal experience, Rep. Teves has also decried the alleged discrepancies in the basis for land valuation and the selection of beneficiaries. The Negros Oriental district representatives said that Turn to page 2

Supreme Court:

Polo Plantation is under CARP he Supreme Court has ruled last September 18, that the Polo Plantation of Tanjay, despite its being an economic zone, is still under the CARP program, as such, it is to be paid P85-million in compulsory acquisition, by the government, so its 394-hectare Polo estate can be turned over to qualified beneficiaries. In its 16-page decision penned by Justice Renato Corona and concurred buy Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Antonio Carpio and Adolfo Turn to page 20

“THE WORLD’S PROMISES ARE EMPTY WHEN IT COMES TO IT’S RELEVANCE TO ETERNITY.” Merry Christmas!

2 Solons hit ...

December 21, 2008

(From page 1) these malpractices of some DAR people are prevalent nationwide which was one of the main reason why they objected to the plan of extending CARP for the next five years without the reforms they sought. There are still more than one million hectares of land, now mostly owned by politically influential families that are target for acquisition and distribution under CARP. However, the solons insist that for more than 2 decades CARP proved to be a failure, hence, the thrust of the government now should be on providing funds to improve support services given to the CARP beneficiaries and to develop thousands of idle lands in the mountains. Sought for comment, the Public Relations Officer of DAR, Ms. Aileen Alaban, asked the solons to be specific as to which areas are these alleged bogus ARBs were installed so that the Provincial Agrarian ReGEORGE P. ARNAIZ form Officer and the concerned Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer can ably respond. Congressman 2nd District, NegOr.

critical repor ting reporting

HOW MEDIA SEES IT, AND NOT OTHERS

BY ELY P. DEJARESCO

Not affected by recession

D EMILIO MACIAS, II Governor, Negros Oriental

TOP OF THE WEEK

BY DEMS REY T. DEMECILLO

PD Marquez won’t seal cops’ guns this season

econd District Representative George Arnaiz believes that Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas should explain how the Legacy group was able to acquire 10 rural banks when it was already financially insolvent. “The BSP can be public by surprise. The blamed for it is the main banks which unilaterally regulator of the country’s stopped operations and now banking system, it should under receivership are the have been able to monitor three branches of the Rural the Legacy group when it Bank of Bais, Filipino Rural acquired these banks,” Bank of Dumaguete City Arnaiz stressed. and the Rural Bank of Five rural banks abruptly Subangdaku-Dumaguete. declared a bank holiday a The Philippine Deposit few days ago catching the Turn to page 6

City dads deny anew aid to bizmen group

or the third time, the Negros Oriental Business Development Foundation Incorporated represented by Engr. Gregorio L. Uymatiao failed to get the approval of majority of the city councilors to grant Dumaguete City Mayor Agustin Perdices authority to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with NEGOR FOUNDATION during Tuesday’s special session.

Both Perdices and City Council’s Finance Committee Chairman Chiquiting Sagarbarria have long expressed their support of the MOA first presented on Sept. 18 which would have entitled NEGOR FOUNDATION to receive millions of pesos in aid from the city treasury for their operations.

However, Councilor Alan Gel Cordova strongly opposed the agreement considering it disadvantageous and unfair to the government and entered a negative vote. Four other councilors abstained; they are SK Federation President Athena Gene Duran, ABC President Raul Turn to page 19

on’t expect PNP officials leading this year the ceremonial sealing of all the firearms issued to policemen as a guarantee that the latter will not fire their guns during the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Unlike his predecessors, vincial Police Director has Sr. Supt. August Marquez appealed to the public to Jr., Provincial Director of immediately report those Negros Oriental PNP, does policemen who will be firnot believe that sealing the ing their guns upon greeting nozzles of the firearms will the holidays. guarantee that the policemen Meanwhile, Dumaguete will not actually fire their City Chief of Police Supt. guns. Leopoldo Cabanag re“It will be easy for them minded traders that there is to break the seals and re- a designated area where place it with new ones,” said they can sell firecrackers; Marquez. Instead, the ProTurn to page 6

espite the collapse of world financial markets in some countries, the number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) continues to increase, and so with their remittances. It is an exceptional fact that employment abroad among Filipinos remains strong, therefore, our biggest dollar earner industry.The Filipino manpower is not affected, and so will our economy in that same sense. All these, inspite of the worldwide econcomic meltdown. Of course it cannot be perfect, some jobs have been lost, just as new jobs are also created like the 37,000 new available jobs in Quatar and 6,000 new jobs for Filipinos in Dubai. In Dumaguete, we have heard of a recruitment for thousands of jobs for Guam and a Dumaguete lawyer has been commissioned to recruit such workers. There are about over one hundred thousand Negrenses working and living abroad as of the moment. It is important that our government monitor their welfare abroad so as not to lose their jobs. Overall, right now, there are 8.5 million Filipinos both living and working abroad. The President – who had earlier ordered the setting up of a P1-billion expatriates liveli-

Special lane for OFWs

hile the Capitol complains that many treasurers in the towns fail to collect all the real property tax due from lands, buildings and machineries, the municipality of Manjuyod has remained on top for having the highest collection from January 1 to September 30.

Manjuyod managed to collect P 11,887,748.95 million in real property tax. In contrast, the town of Vallehermoso collected only P 570,000.00 for the same period. However, when measured according to tax collection efficiency, Manjuyod is ranked 3rd 87.04% with P 13.6 million target and P11.9

million in actual collection, while Valencia ranked first with 101.00% P3.01M (target) P 3.06M (actual collection) and Tayasan, second at 94.19% P1.06M (target) P 1M (actual collection). The real property tax collection efficiency is measured after taking the difference between the annual tar Turn to page 20

19 Tour operators raise amendments at orde-hearing

t least 19 Travel and Tour Operators, of Dumaguete mostly accredited by the Dept. of Tourism have instituted various amendments to the proposed tourism ordinance in the city during a public hearing presided by Resolution 30 author Kag. Manuel Sagarbarria held at the Shaman Tours patio hosted by Sylvia Uy, member of the tourism council last Thursday. The amendments to Resolution 301 series of 2006 as authored by Kagawad

(email: elydejaresco@yahoo.com)

The country’s airports have designated the socalled OFW lane at the customs area for their easy arrival and departure. Just imagine the state of our economy if the OFW remittances were not around. God bless our OFWs.

hood fund for displaced OFWs – assured that the government will not hesitate to take any action required to help the OFWs wherever they might be. For returning or retiring OFWs, they can work in call centers and process as outsourcing sectors, as they have a good command of the language.

Manuel Sagarbarria, include basic tax clearances which will be relaxed, that tourismtrained, experienced and or educated personnel be pre-

ferred; and DOT accreditation of the firm is required, including the proof of business activity during the year. Among those who attended

the public hearing and Christmas socials at the same time were tour operators like: Teresa Limbaga – Turn to page 19

For your information, as of October this year, the OFWs remitted to their families in the Philippines some 15 billion dollars, an amount equivalent to 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Now, that’s what you call a real manpower industry. We just wish that they can earn those dollars at home without leaving their families behind even though how temporarily.

December 21, 2008

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234 December 21, 2008 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234

For FEEDBACK: email elmarjay@pldtdsl.net

Christmas reflections

C Editorial

CARP must first Reform itself

hree congressmen from Negros Oriental are unanimous in proclaiming that CARP must first clean up the mess it has created before it talks of extending the land reform program. Better still, put it on “suspended animation” status the aspect of mandatory acquisition, until CARL or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, shall have mended its fault-ridden track record.

It is true that the task of giving land to the landless is not yet finished, 1.3million hectares still to be given away to the landless, but the general track records of the CARP will show that it has yet to clean up its tracks before proceeding any further. It has done much harm than good overall. Firstly, let’s face it, the CARP people have now learned to circumvent the law. Thanks to the infamous DAR BOYS who will be enjOying their millions raked in this very systematically syndicated scheme. They want to eat their cake and keep it too. This means that while CARP will give lands to beneficiaries, there have been countless of incidents nationwide that even non working people are given lands as beneficiaries which is unfair to the landowner and the entire program. Thousands of carpable lands have landed into the hands of land speculators which is a virtual defiance of

the very heart of CARP. Of course there are but a few exceptions to these observations. We do not need to mention similar cases of Caranoche and Polo plantation as the classic examples of land reform excesses. Second, the support program of government is still wanting that there are more failures than success stories in land reform. We want that trend reversed. We want more success stories than sad tales of failure. First, the land beneficiary cannot secure a crop loan out of his land. Second, he has yet to pay amortization for many years until he can fully own the land. Third, most developed lands taken over by the beneficiaries have become generally less productive, instead of becoming more productive. In short, land reform has generally downgraded, instead of having upgraded the state of agriculture in our country. Therefore, we agree that CARP mandatory acquisition of land should be first put to a state of “suspended animation” only to be resurrected at the right time when ample guarantees shall have been formulated by a new law to be crafted by Congress in six short months, hoping that its major mistakes in the past will not be repeated, nor replicated. Bottom line is, let CARP reform itself first, before extending the very good program it espouses.

Lost in “Legacy” B

anking industry estimates that some P12 billion in deposits nationwide may have been lost with the collapse of the 10 Legacy Group-related banks that declared a “bank holiday” last week.

Dateline Manila by Bingo P. Dejaresco

It is considered “lost” because those not covered by the P250,000 insurance coverage of PDIC will be a loss for depositors; those covered by the PDIC – a loss of all of us taxpayers – because it is taken away from the P44-billion reserves of PDIC, a government-owned corporation. The P12 billion deposit loss is about a huge 27% or more than one-fourth of the P44-billion reserve capital of PDIC. PDIC has to be recapitalized as well with people’s money. There are currently 2,011 rural banks in the country with an arithmetic average of P54-million average deposits per rural bank

from an aggregate total industry deposit of P108 billion. Probably due to its attractive “Double Your Money” in Five Years Promo, the Legacy Group was able to corner P12 billion of the P108 billion total industry deposit or a substantial 11% of total. Since there are 10 known affiliated banks of Legacy Group, the average deposit of each bank would be a stupendous P1.2 billion. Since the Pilipino Rural Bank (PRB) based in Cebu had three branches (including Tagbilaran City), it would be reasonable to note that each branch had deposit carnage of P300 – P400 million?

Did Negrenses lose the amount of P300 – P400 million in PRB in this city? Because of the Bank Secrecy Law, it would be hard to pry open the books of the branch – aside from the BSP, PDIC and inside information records. Many would be too embarrassed to admit the investment mistake or would like to keep the amounts secret for various personal reasons. According to an August 2008 Philippine Daily Inquirer report, the Legacy Group of Banks disclosed total assets of P17.8 billion of which P12 billion was in deposits which Turn to page 20

hristmas, for me, has always been a time for reflection. Christmas is special because I truly believe in salvation through Jesus Christ.

I also believe in my heart that we are saved by God’s grace, not by our deeds. That is how good the Lord is to us, His children. All the Lord wants from us is to obey His commandment, that is to love God with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our strength. So since Christmas is at the end of the year, I usually spend time to reflect whether or not I have fulfilled His commandment. For me, the genuine measure of success in life is to determine how we have fared in obeying God’s simple commandment. I try looking back at the significant things that I have done this past year. Then I find out whether or not these things were in obedience to God’s commandment. Many times, I must admit, in my reflections, I have failed Him. I look back what happened this year and I think many times, rather than loving God, I have loved myself with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my strength. I think that is called selfishness. Many times, I have taken the easy road, rather than that bumpy road less traveled. Many times, I have not been honest. What a tragedy, I must say. What a failure, I must add. I recall attending a lecture in Legal Ethics recently. The speaker began the lecture by asking how many of the lawyers in attendance have asked for a postponement of a court hearing. Everyone raised their hands. The speaker asked, were you honest in your reasons for asking for postponement? No one answered. The truth is, there is a host of colorful reasons for skipping court hearings: having diarrhea, the witness has high blood pressure, stomach ache, conflict of schedule, etc. Lawyers have a reputation of being liars because even in the simplest of things (asking for postponements), they cannot be honest. Not surprisingly, they become the butt of jokes. Bato bato sa langit, ang tamaan huwag magalit. I have to be “lawyer enough” to admit this. Guilty. What is relieving and consoling, is God’s faithful assurance that despite my failures, God will save me out of His grace. After reflecting, I try to look forward and do better next year. I hope that we will have time to reflect about our sins this past year, and avoid them next year. If everyone does this, I think the world will become a better place to live. Merry Christmas! 35

35 YEARS OF COMMUNITY JOURNALISM

ELY P. DEJARESCO Editor-Publisher ATTY. JAY I. DEJARESCO Associate Editor

MARLEN I. DEJARESCO Business Manager

GEROME JUMALON News Photographer

DEMS REY T. DEMECILLO Editorial Assistant

RUBEN G. LABARES Graphics

JENNY B. DECIAR Legal Publications Officer

Pioneer BI-WEEKLY Newspaper in Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental. Address: E.J. Blanco Drive, Piapi, Dumaguete City. News and Advertising: (035) 225-4760 Fax: (035) 225-4760 E-mail: negroschronicle@yahoo.com Entered as Second Class Mail Matter in Dumaguete City on July 1, 1973.

http://www.negroschronicle.com

Member: Philippine Press Institute National Press Club Dumaguete Press Club

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678 December 21, 2008 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678

Everyday Heroes

HER story

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890

Why

othing happens without a reason. I have been doing something for some time now and I am going to share with you, for the first time, why I am doing it.

When I was nineteen, I sat in a crowded movie theater. While those all about me were laughing, I was quietly crying in the dark. The movie was “Some Like It Hot”, a comedy. In the movie, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe shared a special love, a beautiful love. I wanted someone like that I could love and who could love me. I searched all my life, but never found that love… until now. When I was first married, my wife had a lot of trouble sleeping. There has been a lot of violence and tragedy in her young life and she was plagued by horrible violent nightmares. She would wake in the middle of the night crying out in terror. While she was half

awake, I held her trembling and whimpering in the darkness. As I held her tight, I would whisper reassuringly in her ear. “It is alright, Dear.” “You are safe, it is okay.” Just before she would dropped off to sleep again, I would say softly, “Mahal Kita Walang Iba”. It has been a year now, and even though she now sleeps peacefully all night long; I still whisper softly those same four words as she drifts off. Whenever she leaves the house to go to school, the market or visit her family, I stop whatever I am doing and see her off. It does not matter what I am doing, her depar Turn to page 20

A Journey Through Cancer

JAMES “KOJAK” HUGHS

E-mail kojak3238@yahoo.com

Christmas

t is the most wonderful time of the year once again. Wherever you are in the world, you know that its Christmas. We celebrate it in different ways and sometimes in different dates. In Austria, the holiday season starts with the feast of St. Nicholas which falls on the 6th of December. Heiliger Nikolaus accompanied by the devil asks children for a list of their good and bad deeds. Good children are rewarded with gifts. Another interesting Christmas tradition from this country is the popular Silent Night (or Stille Nachts in German) which was first sung in 1818, in the village church of Oberndorf. mas in South Africa is a summer holiMeanwhile, it is believed that the day. For it is in December when the Christmas tree originates from Gersouthern summer brings magnificent many. Germans during the Middle days of sunshine. They may not have Ages placed evergreen trees inside a White Christmas but they do have their homes or just outside their doors the beach, the rivers and the shaded to show their hope in the forthcoming slopes. spring. Some historians trace the Latin American Christmas is lighted Christmas tree to Martin Luther, the Las Posadas which is a the Father of Protestantism. He attached nine-day celebration beginning lighted candles to a small evergreen December 16 and ending Decemtree, trying to simulate the reflections of ber 24. It is a yearly tradition the starlit heaven — the heaven that which symbolizes the trials looked down over Bethlehem on the which Mary and Joseph endured first Christmas Eve. Snow is most often associated with Christmas but ChristTurn to page 22

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567 ast September 30 – together with other pilgrims – I stood on Shepherd Hill in the Holy Land of Bethlehem where shepherds took shelter in caves of limestone bedrock while watching their flock by night two thousand years ago. ———————manger. This was the first Out there in a distance Christmas. And this was the first our guide pointed to us the gift-giving associated with church of Nativity in all its Christmas – spontaneous, free, splendour. Later that day we generous, unsolicited. were privileged touch and kiss ———————the silver star that marks the exWhat is the relevance of act spot where our Lord Jesus this first Christmas gift-givwas born. ing in Bethlehem thousands ———-———of years ago to the present To recall. It was there observance of the yuletide that the shepherd, guided season? by the brilliant rays of a star, Gift-giving on Christpaid homage to the child mas. This is a wonderful traborn in the manger. They dition that bring forth joy to were the first of the glad tid- people – especially the eldings – a privilege given by erly and the children. The God only to his favoured realization that you are bechildren. ing remembered, the kind ——————— thoughts of caring souls – all Later three astronomers these and more circumfrom the east arrived at the scribe the beautiful message grotto guided likewise by the of Christmas – the outpourrays of the star. They offered ing of spontaneous unsolic their gifts to the child in the Turn to page 21

Christmas in our hearts

12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890 12345678901234567890

JENNY LIND ELMACO E-MAIL

jenny.elmaco@yahoo.com

12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 12345678901234567890123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 12345678901234567890123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 12345678901234567890123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 12345678901234567890123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 ave you tried being mean and ugly? Or you forgot to mince some 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 poisonous words? Have you turned words into heavy metal and 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 drop them like bombs? I just did a couple of days ago, and I have 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 never felt more human because it made me feel miserable. The 12345678901234567890123 details of it will not fit in this space. 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 M UFFET 12345678901234567890123 real friends. Bombs are not only present 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 DOLAR Life’s circumstances can in war torn countries. We have 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 change people. We have life loads of them inside our hearts and VILLEGAS 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 changing moments. Some of those they can travel just as far as the tip can turn us into paragons or cariof our tongues. We are capable of BY: ART catures. We cannot choose the annihilating the whole neighborhood situation, but we can choose our or just our homes where our loved UMBAC response. ones live. The effect is not short When I heard stories about canlive. The shrapnel can be embede-mail: cer patients being short tempered, I ded inside the hearts forever, and blue_bell57@yahoo.com prayed to be different. But lately, my no amount of surgery can take it fuse has become shorter over trivial out. things. When I was little, I passed Moods are like shifting sands. by a house where the father was When it happens, it is easy to pass beating his entire family and I on the buck and blame someone was so scared I thought I would else’s. I can rationalize and say that never love a man or even marry. “Yes, people who have cancer are But God gave me someone not easy to live with and you know, who is perfect for my eccentricities it’s not me but it’s the side effects and more than I deserve. I won’t of anti cancer drugs,” or “It’s be able to cope with cancer easily stress. And stress makes me a mon without the support of a good husband, children and a community of Turn to page 6 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 HERE’S really no question about Christmas being able to 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 survive. It will, whether in good times or in bad. In fact, I think 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890 the bad times will make Christmas surface its true nature his Christmas song has always been a favorite of mine. and spirit better than the good times. They can be a blessing Every time I hear it, or sing it, my heart is touched by the in disguise. soft loving whispers of angels. To me, it is one of the The problem is how people are They hardly lead us to pray. They most solemn and beautiful Christmas songs ever writtaking the drastic changes that don’t nourish our faith. They ten. seem to accompany this year’s eco- don’t improve our knowledge Yet, when this song was first John Sullivan Dwight. He nomically challenged Christmas. and love for Christ. To make composed by Adolphe Charles called his English translaWhat we really have to do is just to sacrifices is rendered taboo. Adam, a 19th century Frenchman, tion “O Holy Night”. And tostay calm, and learn our precious if We now have many genFR. ROY it met with strong disapproval from day, it is recognized as a abject lessons. erations of people for whom Our problem is that we seem Christ has become a stranger CIMAGALA church authorities. One French most elegant and moving BY: NANCY bishop even commented that it Christmas carol, with its to be so obsessed with the cool, to Christmas. The connection easy and heavily sentimental between Christ and Christlacked musical taste and showed words and music echoing in RUSSELL a total absence of “the spirit of re- full “the spirit of religion”. feel of Christmas that we have mas has been broken, a reCATAN Usually only the first verse ligion”. Adam’s original title was forgotten what Christmas is all sult of an unchecked errant “Cantique de Noel”; he wrote the is sung. But I love the 2nd and about. Its external and commer- socio-cultural drift. music and his friend Cappeau de 3rd verses that reflect the true cial aspects have drained the The phenomenon calls to Roquemaure, a French poet, spirit of Christmas, its joy, its true substance of Christmas. mind to images. One, a struce-mail: wrote the lyrics. sung proclamation the our King, Just take a quick look at the ture that has become so topnrcatan@i-manila.com.ph The words we sing today our Savior, and our Lord is crop of Christmas songs and gim- heavy there is no other way but come from the pen of a clergy- come to bring us love, peace, micks lately. They seem to be for it to collapse. Or, two, a bal man and music scholar named meant to make us feel good only. Turn to page 9 Turn to page 6

Shifting Moods

Christmas always survives

Footsteps and Fingerprints

O Holy Night

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 December 21, 2008 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123

Biggest diocesan school

head is no “chalk talk”

email at: demcarl2003@yahoo.com

Born and raised in Dumaguete City, he never thought of becoming a priest despite being schooled in the seminary, but he found little fulfillment in the secular world that after six months of working in a Makati firm, he decided to answer God’s call and entered the priesthood to the initial objection of his family. Seventeen years later, Rev. Fr. Thadeu Enrique N. Balongag could not feel more blessed and spiritually satisfied. His superiors saw in him the best qualities of a perfect administrator to the only diocesan college in Negros Oriental and appointed him President of the Colegio De Santa Catalina De Alejandria or COSCA in 2006. This faithful servant of the Church fully embraced his appointment as the local Catholic community expresses confidence that Fr. Balongag who exhibits a high sense of duty, expertise, intelligence and industry, just like the founding Fathers of COSCA led by Bishop Epifanio B. Surban, is the best person to lead this venerable institution as it enters into its Golden Jubilee which will be marked by celebration of 50 years of Faith, Hope and Love. cese-wide overhaul and improvement of curricula and teaching methodologies that are always based on teacher-student needs determined by professionals through examinations and research. The enrollment system is now fully computerized. Under our community extension programs, scholarships in high school and college are offered for our adopted communities namely Poblacion 8 and Sitio Canday-ong, Calindagan that have been recipients of our medical and dental missions.

DEMS: Tell us about your childhood. Fr. Balongag: :I was born and raised here in Dumaguete City in the Escolta area thus affording me the chance to see the dramatic changes of the community. We used to swim in the boulevard and go fishing in the 70’s when the waters were still cleaner. The Silliman University campus used to be our playground and we ate snacks at the old Sans Rival. I entered St, Joseph Seminary in 1980 and ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Angel Lagdameo in 1992. DEMS: Briefly narrate the history of COSCA. Fr. Balongag: It maybe said that the origins of the Colegio De Santa Catalina De Alejandria are rooted in fires and ashes. It was in December 1953 when a fire burned the town’s commercial district including the original St. Paul Academy, the Sisters of Paul then decided to relocate in the Bantayan area, living the diocese with a huge land which was later the site of the Cathedral. Later a small school that catered only to Kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils after almost 50 years, COSCA has retained its grade school and high school under the Basic Education Department. It now offers 11 college courses under the Liberal Arts and Education, the College of Business, the College of Criminology, the Allied Health Sciences, and Computer Science and Information Systems.

DEMS: What is your vision for COSCA? Fr. Balongag: I want it to be an institution of higher learning that is strong in research, social involvement and curriculum contributing to the progress of the city and province with the welfare of the community as its topmost priority. DEMS: What is the overall state of the diocese-run schools? Fr. Balongag: The diocese has 14 elementary and high schools in Siquijor and Negros Oriental. We are improving in all aspects: instruction, faculty development, physical plants and facilities and financial management. DEMS: What is the greatest threat to Catholic-run institutions?

DEMS: Will the Church allow married priests in the future? Fr. Balongag: I don’t think so. Celibacy is a form of discipline and there are biblical passages supporting that. DEMS: If you were not a priest, what would be your profession? Fr. Balongag: I would probably be working in the field of Human Resource Management; I am always interested in human development which started when I fell in love with Psychology. DEMS: Please reflect on your priesthood. Fr. Balongag: A blessed one although it is an epitome of life’s joys and struggles. I have met many wonderful people but also nasty ones.

Fr. Balongag: Basically, government’s policies and legislations that completely subsidized public school system. Public schools are now in stiff competition with small private schools that survive mainly on tuition fees. I think that the government should also recognize and help the existing private schools that are around far longer than the public schools.

DEMS: Who is Santa Catalina De Alejandria?

DEMS: Is it more difficult teaching the youth today than in the past? Why?

Fr. Balongag: St. Catherine of Alexandria is a scholar before she became a saint. She was sentenced to death by Emperor Maximinus for not renouncing her Christian faith. St. Catherine of Alexandria is the patron saint of Dumaguete City, a university town. She is a fitting symbol of COSCA as an educational institution, forever on the quest to achieve academic excellence!

Fr. Balongag: Circumstances have changed; students now as they say belong to the socalled Generation X and are so exposed to the media. To be effective, teachers should always talk with sense and avoid “chalk talk.” We also need to employ modified teaching strategies depending on the culture and the lifestyle of the time.

DEMS: What makes COSCA distinct from other colleges and universities? Fr. Balongag: Our mandate lies in serving the local Church, the Diocese of Dumaguete and dedicated to the formation of an empowered and educated local Catholic community. DEMS: What are some of the projects completed under your term thus far? Fr. Balongag: Our focus has always been the three pillars of education: instruction – the school is an instrument of learning; research – it is an instrument for advancement and discoveries; and extension – it is a source of help and relief for the community in need, spiritually, morally, psychologically and physically. COSCA leads all Diocesan schools in a dio-

O Holy ... (Catan) From page 5

joy and freedom from the chains of oppression. I would like to share these verses with you. Sing them along with me. 2 Verse: Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand. So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here came the wise men from the Orient land. The King of Kings lay in a lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our friend. nd

DEMS: Differentiate religiosity and spirituality. Fr. Balongag: Religiosity is conforming to the external practices. It’s like going to Church primarily as an obligation. On the other hand, spirituality is a way of life and is best manifested in holiness. DEMS: Is Philippine society increasingly becoming secular? Fr. Balongag: A survey showed that there are already Filipinos who do not anymore believe in God! Secularism means purely this world and nothing in the afterlife. It has something to do with pre-occupation with mundane affairs and veers us away from having a closer and deeper relationship with God. DEMS: Is it difficult to become a priest at this age and time? Fr. Balongag: Yes, others may not be able to respond much easier now. Before there were fewer distractions, but it also depends on the recipient if he nurtures God’s call. DEMS: Do you think the Catholic Church will run out of priests? Fr. Balongag: The Lord Almighty will not allow it!

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger. Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! Behold your King! Your King! Before him bend! 3rd Verse: Truly he taught us to love one another; His law is love, and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother, And in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise his holy name. Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we;

Shifting Moods ...

(Muffet)

From page 5

ster.”

But no matter what kind of rationalization, hurt is hurt, and nothing can mend a broken heart except a sincere apology, lots of making up and God’s healing touch. The hardest part is that His power and glory evermore proclaim! His power and glory evermore proclaim! Jun, my husband, and I warmly extend to you and your loved ones our sincere wishes for a joyful, blessed and glorious Christmas, and a fruitful and prosperous New Year 2009!

when we hurt someone, we will never know how deep we have gone through the marrow of the heart. We will not be able to measure the cut. Is it going to heal? And it haunts us. On the other hand, if someone hurts us, the ball is inside our court. We would know how to handle the ball. We can either throw it back and inflict the same pain or choose a better way, pass it to God’s court and allow Him to change our hearts, so forgiveness can take place. Christmas is just around the corner. We can love or mess up. But the season, like life, is temporary. The message is not. Eternal love. Unconditional. God does not love us in slices. Jesus was born for the good, the mean and the ugly inside each one of us.

REV. FR. THADEU ENRIQUE N. BALONGAG COSCA President DEMS: What is the central message of Christmas? Fr. Balongag: It is redemption. We should thank God that he sent his only begotten Son to save and redeem us.

Arnaiz blames ... From page 2 Insurance Corporation has already assured the affected depositors that it will begin getting their money back on the second week of January after the liquidation of the bank financial statements and assets. Each depositor can recover up to P 250,000 after claim validation but won’t get a penny more if his/her deposit is more than the said amount. Bais City Mayor Hector “Tata” Villanueva airs his assurance that the President

PD Marquez ... From page 2 the type of pyrotechnics can be sold to the public as reflected in a Camp Crame directive and the need to secure a mayor’s permit to avoid arrests. of the Rural Bank of Bais Paul Montrenegro will make sure that the affected depositors will be getting their money back as soon as possible. Montenegro has also reportedly gone to Manila to ask the BSP to rehabilitate RBB.

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 December 21, 2008 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789

For Free Deliveries & Inquiries:

YUSAY CREDIT AND FINANCE CORPORATION COD Bldg., Dr. V. Locsin St., near Dumaguete Police Station, Dumaguete City

HEIDI’S PPA AWNSHOP

“Trusted for Fast and Personalized Service” offers: Real Estate Loan * Chattel (Vehicle) Loan * Pension Loan

DAIL Y AILY

SAILING SCHEDULE

ROUTE DEPARTURE TIME ROUTE

LOW as 2% interest PER MONTH and as HIGH as 60% COLLATERAL VALUATION

DEPARTURE TIME

DUMAGUETE-SIQUIJOR SIQUIJOR-DUMAGUETE 6:00 AM *** 6:15 AM 10:30 AM 7:00 AM*** 2:30 PM 12:00 NN 4:30 PM DUMAGUETE-LARENA 5:30 PM Siquijor

“The Pawnshop with a Heart” Along Sta. Rosa St., Dumaguete City Tel. No No.. 225-9841 & their Newest Branch at Silliman Ave., Dgte. City Tel. #422-9002

for as

no processing fee

C & L Suites Inn Residencia Maximo Along E.J. Blanco Drive, Dgte. City “Ideal haven for visitors to unwind in a

LARENA-DUMAGUETE Via 5:45

AM DELTA CAR FERRY DUMAGUETE-SIQUIJOR 6:00 AM SIQUIJOR-DUMAGUETE 10:30 AM 8:00 DEL Y AM TA CAR FERR DELT FERRY 2:30 PM 12:30 DUMAGUETE-SIQUIJOR 6:00AM SIQUIJOR-DUMAGUETE 8:00AM PM 10:30AM 12:30PM 5:00 PM

Plaza Maria Luisa Suites Inn

Perdices St. Dgte. City Tel. No. 225-6219 / 422-9671

“As good as ORIGINAL”

Legaspi St., Dumaguete City

spacious place away from home”

Tel. 225-7994

Ink Refilling Station

Ser vices/Pr oducts Of f er r ed vices/Products • Ink Refill Services for Hp,Canon,Epson,Lexmark Cartridges • Ribbon Refill • Cartridge Repair • Cartridge Reconditioning • Toner Refill • Remanufactured Ink PRINTER MAINTENANCE • Original Ink Tel. No. 226-1488 / 422-9695

FREE

All Memorial Plans are accepted except St. Peter Plan Inc.

2:30PM

Garden of Saints

***every Mondays 5:00PM and Saturdays only

Ticket Sales and Offices

DUMAGUETE CITY: Pier 3, Delta Fast Ferries Passenger Terminal Tel. Nos. (035) 420-1111 / 420-0888 P MART Tel. No. (035) 422-9292 SIQUIJOR, SIQUIJOR: Port Area, Siquijor, Siquijor LARENA, SIQUIJOR: Port Area, Larena, Siquijor

MEMORIAL CHAPELS

At the WATERFRONT • Tel. 225-9501

Camanjac, Dumaguete City Day & Night Service, 24 Hours a Day 225-6580 Tel. Nos.: (035) 225-8777

Transient’s favorite • Clean • Low Rates

OCEAN FAST FERRIES INC.

Bringing the islands closer to you.

Pier 1 Warehouse Bldg., Cebu City, Philippines, 6000 Tel. Nos. 255-7560 Fax #255-0115; 416-6670 E-mail: marketing@oceanjet.net Website: www.oceanjet.net

DELTA Marine International Pty. Ltd.

PLEASE CHECK-IN (1) ONE HOUR BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME.

Schedules subject to change without prior notice

ROUTE

CEB-TAG CEB-DUM (via-tag)

EFFECTIVE JULY 22, 2008

DEPARTURE 6:00 AM 9:30 AM 3:35 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 AM 3:35 PM

10:00 AM 7:40 AM 7:30 AM 2:20 PM 8:00 AM

DAP-DUM SQJR-DUM

12:20 AM 6:00 AM

TAG-DUM

8:00 AM 5:45 PM 12:20 AM

6:00 AM

TAG-SQJR

DUM-DAP DUM-SQJR TAG-DAP (via-dum)

SQJR-TAG (via-dum)

DUM-CEB SQJR-CEB

3:35 PM

DUM-TAG

TAG-CEB

7:30 AM 2:20 PM 6:00 AM

CEB-SQJR

(via-tag & dum)

DEPARTURE 7:05 AM 9:30 AM 4:10 PM 5:30 PM

ROUTE

(via-tag)

(via-tag & dum)

DAP-TAG (via-dum)

5:45 AM

(via-dum)

6:15 AM 6:15 AM 7:45 AM 7:45 AM 9:15 AM 9:15 AM BAC-ILO 10:45 AM 10:45 AM ILO-BAC 12:45 PM 12:45 PM 2:15 PM 2:15 PM 3:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:15 PM 5:15 PM SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

CALL/TEXT reservations 0922-867-7974 Text “OCEAN JET HELP” Smart (216) Globe (2278)

Legend: CEB-CEBU BAC-BACOLOD TAGBILARAN

DAP-DAPITAN DUM-DUMAGUETE

ILO-ILOILO T A G

FOR MORE INQUIRIES, CONTACT

TAGBILARAN

Tel.: (038) 235-3562 / 501-9023 Mob: 0922-3178314

DAPITAN 09226929618

Mob:

DUMAGUETE

Tel.: (035) 226-1085 Mob: 0919-7442648

0918-2859924

09228576249 BACOLOD

Tel.: (034) 433-5359 Mob: 0922-3916298

ILO-ILO

Tel.: (033) 335-8887 Mob: 0922-7413046

Avail of the / “LIBRE BALIK PROMO” on the following routes CEB-TAG-CEB 800/Roundtrip) 500 (one way)

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456 December 21, 2008 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456

PROMISES TO KEEP

Husbandly Affection The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. I CORINTHIANS 7:3

All of this confuses the typical male. He sees showing affection as part of sexual foreplay, and he is normally aroused in a flash. In other cases men simply want to skip the affection business; they are aroused already.

“Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:14 When Jesus says we can ask for anything, we must remember that our asking must be in his name—that is, according to God’s character and will. God will not grant requests contrary to his nature or his will, and we

can not use his name as a magic formula to fulfill our selfish desires. If we are sincerely following God and seeking to do his will, then our requests will be in line with what he wants, and he will grant them.

TODAY’S

GOSPEL Luke 1:26-38

he angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the Angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a

THE IRRESISTIBLE CHARM OF CHRISTMAS “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…” – Isaiah 9:2 hen we look back in our childhood, it is clear to us that Christmas marked the birth of something new and transforming and inspiring. Christmas brought a vision of human no- Dr. PROCESO UDARBE bility and people ploughed the depths of life’s spiritual meaning. However, Christmas has become matter-of-fact, an ordinary yearly occurrence, much of the spiritual significance having been eroded. We have somehow lost the meaning of Paul’s exuberant words: “In Christ old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” For us to rediscover the basic truths of the Bethlehem event, we should do what modern technology does with the old movies. It transforms the old black and white movies into vivid living color. And so we can now view the old movies, such as Ben Hur, Gone With the Wind, Jesus of Nazareth, and others in live, splendid, glowing color. What we sorely need this Christmas is a spiritual process by which a spiritually drab celebration can assume brevity in motion and long on

en must get through their heads this vital idea: Women find affection important in its own right. They love the feeling that accompanies both the bestowal and the reception of affection, but it has nothing to do with sex. Most of the affection they give and receive is not intended to be sexual. You might better compare it to the emotion they exchange with their children or pets.

son in her old age, and this is the six month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. ———————— A few days before Christmas, we are asked to reflect upon the request of God to Mary and her answer to His will for her life. Mary is the perfect human example, after Jesus, of obedience to the Father’s will. It might do us good to reflect a little upon the cost to Mary of her obedience. She would have been shunned by her relatives for being pregnant out of wedlock for a start. Yet, knowing this suffering and much more was to be hers if she said, “Yes,” she willingly surrendered all to God’s will.

meaning. We want a season alive in living color. The papers report that the duration of our celebration is the longest in the world. We began in late October, and we finish in the socalled Feast of the Three Kings in the first week of January. How may we experience Christmas in living color so that its charm is once again irresistible? The charm of Christmas, first of all, is attributed to its theme of selflessness. It had its origin in the heart of God, “for God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son and that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This is regarded as the central theme of the Bible; it speaks of God’s generosity in the coming of One who was in the form of God and came as lowly slave. Selflessness is portrayed in the story of the Nativity: Joseph confused and bewildered, not quite knowing what was happening stood by as protector of Mary and the child; Mary, embarrassed by being pregnant with a child out of wedlock, says to the angel: “Be that as it may, I submit to the will of God.” Three wisemen from the East, risking their Turn to page

Let’s look in on a hypothetical couple we’ll call Brenda and Bruce. They have been having tension lately because Brenda hasn’t responded with much enthusiasm to Bruce’s request for sex. As our scene opens she senses Bruce has that look in his eyes again, and she tries to head him off at the pass: “Bruce, let’s just relax for a few minutes. Then maybe you can hold my hand, and we can hug. I’m not ready for sex just like that. I need a little affection first.” 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 123456789012345678901234567890121234 aron nga umaabot na usab ang Pasko, unsa ma’y m a a y o n g pinaskuhan nga atong ikahatag sa Ginoo? Aduna unta ko’y sugyot alang kanatong tanan: Pwede ba nga hatagan nato’g gasa ang Ginoo diha sa atong paghimo ug personal nga resolusyon nga dili na mopatronize sa Suertes/Pick FR. GAMMY TULABING JCD, VG 3? Ug pwede pud nga atong dungagan ang atong personal nga resolusyon nga dili na dyud manugal bisan pa’g legal ang matang sa sugal. Mo-focus na lang gyud kita sa pagtrabaho ug pagpaningkamot. Kung ako pa’y minyo, malipay kong’ pakan-on ang akong pamilya gikan sa bunga sa akong singot, ug dili gikan sa dinaog sa sugal, legal man o illegal. Gambling may not be perse immoral, but the way it is done here in the Philippines has really become immoral. For one, people have already lost their sense of values. People have already lost their sense of priorities in life. Tiaw ba kanang ang gamayng kuwarta nga maggamit na unta’g palit ug usa ka kilo nga bugas para sa pamilya isugal pa gyud! Pila kaha sa mga kabataan karon ang motungha sa mga eskwelahan nga gikutoy ang tiyan kay wala pa’y pamahaw tungod kay ang gamayng kuwarta nga ipalit unta’g bugas para sa pamilya napildi na man hinoon sa Suertes/Pick 3? Pila na man ka mga magtiayon ang nagkabulag tungod sa sugal? Pila na man ka pamilya ang naungkag tungod sa sugal? Pila na man ka mga asawa ang gitamparos ug gidagmalan sa ilang mga bana tungod sa sugal? Pila na man ka dato unta apan napordoy hinoon tungod sa bisyo sa sugal? Kung kining mga hitaboa dili makaingon nga ang pagpanugal immoral, ambot na lang og unsa’y atong itawag niini? Again, some people may argue that gambling by itself is not immoral, but there is no doubt that the way we do it has made it very immoral. Considering the very immoral effects that gambling brings. Another bad effect that gambling brings is that it makes people lazy because of the promise that there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Maghulat na lang kanunay sa suwerte nga moabot kuno. The coins confiscated at the Calindagan raid which amounted

Stop Gambling Please

Turn to page 17

Bruce bristles with a bit of macho impatience and says, “You’ve known me for years. I’m not the affectionate type, and I’m not going to start now!” Does this sound incredible or farfetched? I hear versions of it regularly in my office. Bruce fails to see the irony in wanting sex but refusing to give his wife affection. A man growls, “I’m not the affectionate type,” while reaching for his wife’s body to satisfy his desires for sex, is like a salesman who tries to close a deal by saying, “I’m not the friendly type—sign here, you turkey. I’ve got another appointment waiting. Although they shouldn’t have a hard time understanding this simple logic, men lose track of Harley’s First Law of Marriage: When it comes to sex and affection, you can’t have one without the other!

HISTORICAL NOTES

Diocese Timeline 11 June 1580: Tanjay, considered one of the oldest and more important settlements in Eastern Negros, was established as an Augustinian mission area. The first Augustinian missionary of the town was Fray Bartolome BY: REV. FR. ROMAN C. de Alcantara. In 1599, SAGUN. JR. Tanjay was ceded to the secular clergy with Father Diego Ferreira as parish priest. 15 March 1620: Cebu Bishop Pedro Arce, OSA, constituted Dumaguete as independent parish from Tanjay. Gov. Gen. Alonso Fajardo of Manila earlier stipulated that the new ecclesiastical territory would also comprise the southern districts of “Ciaton (Siaton), Marabago (Bacong), Maralongon, and other outlying settlements.” Fr. Juan de Roa y Herrera was the first parish priest. 1627: From the Jesuits of Bohol, Siquijor Island became a satellite mission of Dumaguete under Father Pedro Gomez de Herbaute. 1732-1733: Czech Jesuits in Western Negros, Fathers Anton Malinsky of Prague and Lorenz John of Leitmeritz, conducted monthly pastoral visitations in the tiny settlement at Bayawan. However, nearly a century ago, sometime in 1635 the village of Bayawan had already formed part of the missionary expansion of Spanish Jesuits in Negros. 1754 – 1776: As parish priest of Dumaguete, Father Jose Manuel Fernandez de Septien built the first massive stone church in Negros and convento surrounded by a wall over two meters with four watchtowers as its four corners. 19 December 1780: Siquijor was segregated from Dumaguete parish. Cebu Bishop Mateo Joaquin Rubio de Arevalo assigned to the Island Father Jose Cristobal de los Angeles, a secular priest, who took possession on 1 February 1783. 1796: Creation of Siaton-Dauin parish that Turn to page 9

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 December 21, 2008 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121

Dumaguete Diocese ... From page 8 (Sagun) extended the entire stretch of Southern Negros Island up to the river of Sicopong. Father Jose Barredo was parish priest from 1796 to 1835. 1800s: Guihulngan became a parish under the patronage of Our Lady of Buen Suceso. In 1813, it was administered by Father Cipriano de San Jose whose jurisdiction included the other northern mission areas. Coming to succeed were Fathers Bernardo Ruiz in 1830, Buenaventura de la PeÔa in 1832, and Alejandro Jaime in 1843. 1816: Beginning this year until 1844, Father Pedro Bracamonte was parish priest of Tanjay, together with the adjacent towns of Amlan, Bais, Ayungon, Jimalalud, and

Bishop Pedro Arce (1613-1645)

Jinobaan. Much of the information given above are culled from Breve reseÔa de lo que fue y de lo que es la dioceses de Cebu … (1886) by Felipe Redondo y Sendino.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNIT Y OPPORTUNITY A leading US-based multi-level marketing company engaged in direct selling of nutritional and health supplements in 13 countries will begin operations in the Philippines in the first quarter of 2009. Interested individuals who wish to distribute and sell their products may attend an INFORMATIVE MEETING on December 27, 2008 1:00 – 5:00 pm @ Plaza Maria Luisa Suites Inn, Dumaguete City. Registration is free.

For details, please contact Al Tundag – 09173350381

MES

PAGC e-GA OR

(Formerly Hassarams Arcade) Tubtubon, Sibulan, Negros Oriental Tel. No. 4198171

TOTAL

FUN PRIVACY

low 21 t ns be o Perso old are n years ed to play allow

AVT ONLINE CASINO Khan Commercial Arcade

Aladdin’s Black- Treasure Wishes Chamjack ber

THE NEWEST SUBDIVISION

P3.2M

Ready for occupancy Furnished

Lot - 340 sqm. Floor - 100 sqm.

Christmas ... From page 5

loon that has become so bloated and flighty that it gets detached from its foundation. It’s about time, I think, that some deep correction be made. We should not be surprised that we have some disconcerting developments enveloping our Christmas this year. We have been building up these developments for years. The current crisis was just a matter of time. If the correction is not done by us, then circumstances will make sure we get back to the original meaning of Christmas. That’s how I see the dramatic changes taking place now. That’s part of God’s providence. And the correction, the healing, will always involve pain. These past few days, I, and I suppose many others, have been forced to revisit economic concepts and financial terms I have long ago left behind. Bailouts, layoffs, recession, bankruptcy, hedge fund, Ponzi scheme, etc. are making the top of the list in people’s vocabulary these days. If only for this development alone, I think we already have benefited something substantial from the current global crisis. It has introduced us to the intricacies of the world of economics and finance that are now getting more complicated and sophisticated. We need to get better acquainted with these realities, so we can improve our stewardship over them. I don’t think it’s part of the Christmas spirit to cling to the ancient order of things. What is essential to Christmas is for our hearts to be firmly anchored on Christ even as we flow with the times. And to be firmly rooted in Christ means to be good, simple and austere, honest, prudent. It means to have a spreading sense of justice and solidarity, a clear idea of the common good. It means to fight against greed and deception, the temptation to dominate others, to be vain and given to purely worldly values. It is averse to self-enrichment at the expense of others. It does not mean to be naïve, to stick to one rigid way of doing things, or to one unchangeable world order. In fact, it is open to anything. It delights in changes and progress. It respects and fosters variety of opinions and positions in our temporal affairs as long as they enrich our unity. The only thing neces-

sary is that everything be done with Christ and for Christ. His will and commandments should be followed. And achieving this goal will always entail sacrifice. Are we ready to face this challenge? Unfortunately, this is the element that’s often forgotten or ignored these days. People fail to see the importance and relevance of Christ in their business. They don’t know how to relate Christ to their human affairs. Christmas invites us to allow Christ to truly be born in us. That’s its ultimate significance. Christ wants to come to us, for we are actually meant to be with him. We need to correspond to this loving invitation effectively.

# 70 RIZAL BOULEVRAD, DUMAGUETE CITY TEL #: (035) 225-9028 / TEL FAX #: (035) 422-9210 CEL #: 0919-840-2069 EMAIL: whynotservices@yahoo.com whynotservices@gmail.com

200 meters after Silliman Heights

Call: 0918-929-6047 50% downpayment 50% upon completion

(Cimagala)

WHY NOT TRAVEL AND SERVICES

CADAWINONAN

SERVICES: INTERNATIONAL / DOMESTIC TICKETS FAST CRAFT TICKETS/BOAT TICKETS PASSPORTING/VISA ASSISTANCE LOCAL TOURS/ HOTEL RESERVATIONS VAN / CAR RENTALS

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE & SALE

NOTICE OF DECLARATION OF SOLRE HEIRSHIP & DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

NOTICE is hereby given that the heirs of the late DANIEL K. DIAZ namely: Antonia V. Diaz, Jasmin Chrysa V. Diaz and Joseph V. Diaz have filed and executed an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate & Sale on Lot 1, Psc-07002000, covered by TCT No. 18126, situated in the Barrio of Piapi, City of Dumaguete, Island of Negros containing an area of 436 sq.m, more or less; Lot-2-C, Psd-07-034538, covered by TCT No. 24603, situated in the Barrio of Piapi, City of Dumaguete, Province of Negros Oriental, containing an area of 108 sq.m., more or less in favor of Demetrio S. Nochefrranca per Doc. No. 427, Page No.88, Book No. II, Series of 2008 of Notary Public of Atty. Florence A. Tangente.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the estate of the late JOSEFA PASTOR, MARIA PASTOR, PAZ PASTOR, ROSARIO PASTOR, SOCORRO PASTOR with respect to a parcel of land situated at Poblacion 004, Dumaguete City, known as Lot No. 1102, Dumaguete Cadastre, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 16401 with an area of (260) square meters is the object of Declaration of Sole Heirship and Deed of Absolute Sale executed by the Sole-Heir Vendor PASTORA PASTOR in favor of the Spouses, DEMETRIO T. LARENA and MILAGROS ANTONIA P. LARENA, re: Doc. No. 146, Page No. 42, Book No. 03, Series of 2008, ratified by Atty. Jose G. Hernando, Jr. of the City of Dumaguete.

The Negros Chronicle Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 2008

MARJORIE’S BOUTIQUE 3rd Floor, EBT Building Rizal Boulevard Dumaguete City, Tel no. 225-7214

CEBU BANT ANGL BANTAAY PPANGL ANGLAAW AS NI UNCLE MAR LOPEZ Dec. 19, 20 & 21, 2008 YMCA, Dumaguete City

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 December 21, 2008 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456 December 21, 2008 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 September 9, 2008 2007 December 21, 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789

HEALTH IS WEALTH

Bust stress, stay healthy and live longer “In my distress, I cried out to the Lord and He heard me, my cry reach His ears.” – Holy Scripture nti-stress authorities said that holidays like Christmas, despite its merrymakings, are also considered stressful moments. Below are some effective ways in alleviating negative stress reactions in our hectic life. These techniques would truly dissipate stress if you follow them well: 1. CHANGE YOUR SLOW DOWN. Stress is ATTITUDE. Learn to look at called a “Hurry Disease”. So, things positively. Stop useless don’t rush things and keep worrying, forgive offenses, phase. Shun workaholism. be moderate in all activities, Most ambitious workers learn to say NO, and be happy. known as Type “A” Person2. WATCH YOUR ality are candidates for heart DIET. A well-balanced diet attack and stroke. They suf(good nutrition), a variety of fer “Burnt-Out Syndrome” vegetables, fresh fruits, low and may die early. Listen to carbohydrates and fat, high soothing music. Appreciate art protein and fiber diet, eat and nature. 7. EXPRESS YOUR more fish than animal meat, low salt and sugar. Eat less. ANGER ADEQUATELY. Take vitamin supplements and This is a healthy outlet of your pent-up emotion which minerals when needed. 3. EXERCISE MOD- consequently results in psyERATELY DAILY. This is a chosomatic illnesses which must to keep fit, strong and make suffer needlessly. 8. AVOID HARMFUL healthy. Aerobics, like brisk walking, is proven to be good HABITS AND POLLUfor your heart and other body TIONS. Such vices like smoking, heavy drinking, organs. 4. GET ADEQUATE abusing drugs, womanizing, SLEEP, REST AND RE- excessive eating, gambling, LAXATION. Be sure to sleep etc. are injurious activities and an average of 6 to 8 hours at will lead to early death. Avoid night. A 30-minute catnap is pollutants from air, food, found to be beneficial to most water and environment. 9. LAUGH AT YOURpeople. An elderly needs an SELF. Laughter is proven to hour rest in the afternoon. 5. MANAGE YOUR be the best medicine. SomeTIME WELL. Prevent time- one said that a person withwasters: long tv shows, chat- out a sense of humor is like a ting needlessly, etc. Avoid salad without dressing. 10. STAY OUT OF BAD procrastination, too. Do your DEBTS. Money is not bad but priorities first. 6. BE CALM AND love of money is evil. A lot of

JOB OPENING FOR

HOTEL SUPERVISOR

FEMALE; Single; 22 years of age or above; College graduate with working experience, preferably good in public communication, good leadership, and computer literate; and willing to be assigned in Cebu, with free board and lodging. Please submit your resume/bio-data At BELNOR BAKERY

Dr. V. Locsin St., Dumaguete City

Or contact Belinda at TTel. el. no. 225-4 750 225-4750

BY DEMS DEMECILLO NEIL RIO

DR. ANGEL V. SOMERA (Dr. Angel V. Somera) Fellow, Phil. Psychiatric Association Diplomate, Phil. Board of Psychiatry

people in our society today are too obsessed with wealth. They want to get rich quick and keep up with the Joneses. But once they become broke, they panic and suffer extreme insecurity and land in the hospital. So, budget well and live within your means. 11. HAVE A REGULAR MEDICAL CHECK-UP AND SEEK PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING. This will determine whether your physical or mental set is alright or not. Remember, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Psychotherapy can help resolve deep-seated conflicts that may cause a lot of stress which shortens your life span. 12. FOR DAILY LIVING. Maintain a strong faith, be prayerful, read the Holy Scriptures, receive the sacraments, serve your church and community well. Never neglect your poorest neighbors. Be an authentic Christian.

LOT FOR SALE 7600 sq.m. besides H y p e r m a r t , Dumaguete City. Please call 09228201047

WANTED Bookkeeper Part-time Call: Call:0918-929-6047 0918-929-6047 Submit biodata, resume to: NEGROS CHRONICLE EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF EST ATE AND ESTA DEED OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

FOR SALE Call 0918-929-6047

Code D1

Kind House & Lot

Location / Area Price Pulantubig 2689 sq.m. along highway, near SPUD concrete fenced, 6BR w/ basement + 2 maids quarter, spacious lawn P12M

CommercialBldg. and Lot plus

Locsin St., near PNP along, negotiable

next Lot

634 sq.m.

House & Lot

Near Batinguel Elem. School, 454 sq.m. 3 BR, 1 maids quarter spacious, fully furnished P3M

negotiable D2

P17M negotiable

negotiable

Suspect in robbery & homicide seized

NOTICE is hereby given that the heirs of the late GLICERIA VENDIOLA have filed and executed an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate and Deed of Sale of Real Property on Lot No. 2445, covered by OCT No. 17616, situated in Bontis, Bacong, Negros Oriental, containing an area of 5,384 sq.m. in favor to Mary Ann Abestano-Eide and Annalyn Ambos-Grotle per Doc No. 183, Page No. 38, Book No. 24, Series of 2008 of Notary Public Atty. Franklin O. Esmeña. The Negros Chronicle Dec. 14, 21 & 28, 2008 issue

Illegal Drugs, robbery and homicide suspect Winben C. Salmorin is now detained at the Dumaguete Police Station while authorities are trying to strengthen their cases against the man who is tagged as one of those who staged a 3-day serial robbery and shootings which resulted to the death of a saleslady of Kent’s Cell Shop. nitially, lawmen thought they have arrested on Thursday a suspect who could be involved in a simple misdemeanor of carrying with him a matchbox containing marijuana leaves with seeds and stalks, but it turned out he is one of the suspects responsible for a series of hold-ups from Tuesday until Thursday morning, which resulted to the death of a salesgirl. Some of his alleged robbery victims Policemen identified the suspect are Maria Eden Dalen and Estella Mariz as Winben C. Salmorin of Melrose, Ogabang and Iranian national Saman Mangnao, Dumaguete City. Sources Vasheghani Fakahani and common law in the police department said that he wife Michelle Siaron who were attacked is now being tagged as one of those on Wednesday at 8:30PM, near Mormon who robbed and shot 20-year old Church and on Thursday 4:55AM at CrossRechelle Sabanal on the forehead at ing Motong Road and EJ Blanco Drive, re2:00 am Tuesday causing her immespectively. diate death near the parking lot of The sisters lost two mobile phones, Hypermart in Bagacay, Dumaguete City. Turn to page 19

Stabbings injure 3, suspects arrested

hree persons were injured after two separate stabbing incidents in Dumaguete City but some of the suspects have been identified and arrested. Twenty-four-year old Eugene V. Epis of Purok Santan, Taclobo sustained stab wounds in the back after he and his companions were waylaid by a group of 10 men who attacked him with knife and steel bar on the night of Dec. 10 just after a game of billiards. The suspects escaped to different directions. However, two witnesses, namely, Grace Jandog, 30, and Evelyn Valmoria, 27, guided the police leading to the arrest of two suspects Randolf Matagma, 20, and one minor. The suspects reportedly confessed the wounds in different parts of their body but are now recuperating at the NOPH. identities of their supposed accomplices Responding policemen managed to arrest who are now subject for follow up. Meantwo suspects, Isidro Roce and Oliver while, two persons were rushed to the Zaldariaga, who were positively identified Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital after by the victims when they were presented to them at the hospital. Initial investigathey were stabbed by two other men in tion showed that the victims have just finfront of Crestita Partosa Store. The vicished their drink in Milagring’s Eatery and tims were identified as Sandito Cabus, 39, on their way home, when they were asand Felix Turco, 28, they sustained stab saulted.

Gasoline collector held for P116K loss

29-year old lady cashier of VSR gasoline station at the intersection of San Jose and Real Streets, Dumaguete City is in hot water for allegedly stealing a total of P116, 702 representing collections of the said establishment.

The suspect identified as Crystal May Saguban, 29, will be charged of qualified theft after it was learned she could no longer account for the said amount despite requests from his supervisor Michael Nemenzo. Meanwhile, a rented apartment unit in Bagacay, Dumaguete City was practically looted by unknown bur-

glars while owner Michellen B. Bird went home to Bayawan City on December 12. When one of her sisters returned to Dumaguete City, it was learned that several appliances, valuables, mobile phones and jewelry worth millions were carted away by the still unidentified burglars.

Sunday ...

(Udarbe)

December 22

* Jes & Edz Wedding Ceremony & Reception 4:00pm-8:00pm Jordan 1&2 * Lifegiver Christian Academy Christmas Party 5:00pm-8:00pm Joshua 1&2

4 Birthday Christian Noel 25 * Happy 4:30pm-6:30pm Joshua 1&2 th

* Silliman University College of Nursing Meeting 8:00am-12:00pm Jordan 3 * Taster’s Christmas Party 12:00pm5:00pm Jordan 1

& Eva Wedding 11:00am-1:00pm 27 * Joseph Jordan 1&2 * Tayko Family Lunch 11:00am-1:00pm Joshua 1 Resort Manila Branch 28 * Antulang 10:00am-11:00am Joshua 2 * Oikodomeo Fellowship 9:00am-12:00pm Jordan 3 * Living Hope Fellowship 9:00am12:00pm Joshua 1 * Ken Jesus Birthday & Kerk Andrew Baptism 12:00pm-2:00pm Jordan 1

RMJ SURPL US SURPLUS

Dealer of all kinds of Japanese surplus appliances and more . . .

Dr. V. Locsin St., Beside DCDB Dumaguete City Tel. # 225-9748

OVAL REVIEW CENTER E.J. Blanco Drive, Daro, Dumaguete City

Tel. # 225-9922

Cel. # 0918-7076-144

Review for Teacher (L.E.T.) Nurses (N.L.E.)

From page 8

fortunes, future and friendships, going through the dangerous days of travel, hasten to go in search of the child, shepherds forgetting their sheep grazing under the stars and going to worship the baby born to be the Good Shepherd. All of these echo what the Master was to say in Galilee: “He who would find his life shall lose it… If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself…” This is selflessness portrayed in the Christmas story. We are called to this kind of selflessness. As one song puts it, “brighten the corner where you are,” and in our relationships we could be selfless. For us Christmas must become not only a symbol but a reality of “peace on earth.” And the prayer for each one is expressed in a song we have kept singing: “Let there be peace on earth…and let it begin with me.” The Charm of Christmas, most important of all, lies in the truth from our own experience that God is available to us when we seek Him. One line of an anthem calls us to accept this truth, even if it is not a Christmas hymn. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near.” As we all know, the coming of God into human life was the answer to the yearning of mankind for completion, for wholeness, for health, for peace, for consolation. And this human craving was brought into focus in that manger where Jesus was born. Christmas makes known to us God’s revelation of himself, that he is Immanuel – God with us, God available, God mighty to save. That is why amidst all the Christmas décor, the exchange of gifts, the feasting on the noche buenas, we must reflect on God as known, as loved, as needed.

AD P A WNSHOP PA No. 13 San Juan St., Dumaguete City

Unredeemed pledges whose terms have expired will be auctioned on December 31, 2008 at our place of business. EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

Cell No. 0917-314-0701

www.dumaguetefilipiñanashop.com

NOTICE is hereby given that the heirs of the late SERVILLIANO E. ELVINIA JR. have filed and executed an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate With Deed of Absolute Sale on onefifth (1/5) share on Lot No. 1203, Pls-847, OCT No. 7545, situated in Barangay of Mayabon, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, containing an area of 128,960 sq.m. in favor of Agnes Gono Rico, Bowyn M. Gono and Jackielu Gono Farinas, before Notary Public Atty. Florence A. Tangente on December 12, 2008 and known as Doc. No. 442, Page No. 92, Book No. II, Series of 2008. The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 28, 2008 & Jan. 4, 2009

Timely Gift of Love

The Lesh Family BY GRAMIRAF

t was a Sunday like no other when a huge number of families from Zamboanguita and the nearby towns trooped to the LFF Beach Resort in Dalakit, Zamboanguita in order to avail fo the free medical & dental services that the Lesh Family Foundation along with the Rotary Club South had started three years ago. On Dec. 14, 2008 more than a thousand people, young and old, received free medical services such as consultation, checkup, laboratory tests, medicines, and surgery.

The Lesh Family Foundation, founded by the late Dr. William Walter Lesh who, along with wife Ellen, had dedicated their lives to providing medical services, immunizations and rehabilitations to individuals in need. The foundation had its beginnings in Florida, USA back in 1984. Since then, the Lesh Family Foundation has carried out the mission of giving free medical services to those who need them, particularly in depressed communities where medical attention is much needed. Now on its second operation in the Philippines, the medical and dental mission last Sunday, Dec. 14, offered the services of the best doctors and dentists in the province for free. Laboratory tests which are normally very costly were given for free. Surgeries were performed and medicines were given free of charge. Those who come from distant towns were provided

with free transportation. Various groups came and it was like having one of those family fun days but this gathering was for health reasons. Members of each household had their blood pressure and sugar checked, blood type classified, and other initial health check. Others with more serious needs like surgery & tooth extraction proceeded to the next stage. Free medicines were given to those who need them after consultation and surgery. Susan Lesh, trustee for the foundation said, “I love medical missions. It just fills my heart”. A nurse by profession, Ms. Lesh traveled all the way from Florida in order to reach out to as many communities in need of medical help. The foundation has started daily clinic in Mangnao that aims to help eradicate TB or tuberculosis, still one of the major causes of deaths in the Philippines.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Notice is hereby served to the public that Mr. AVENIANO D. BANGAY new owner of F/B GLEMIZALCA I and F/B IGUE JAKE applied at MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority, Maritime Regional Office VII, Cebu City) for change of Ownership of the above-named vessel from vendor JOSEFINA VDA. DE JUSAY of vendee AVENIANO D. BANGAY as per Deed of Sale date Oct. 19, 2007. The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 2008

EL CAMINO BLANCO ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION Come and feel the total relaxation…. Acoustics Jammin’ @ Barefoot Bistro Every Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays 9:00 p.m. onwards

Great food…Great music…Great atmosphere….. Cor. EJ Blanco Dr. & Flores Ave., Piapi, Dumaguete City

Call us up at (035) 225-9428/ 422-5373

LFF has also established a permanent clinic in Mangnao, Negros Oriental, Philippines in order to treat and give out free medications to women and children of Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental. This clinic provides care for more than 1200 women and children. The other aspects of the LFF mission include counseling and adoption, therapy and equipment for handicapped children, Christian broadcasting, providing medical care, food and supplies, renovation fo orphanages to improve living conditions, educational programs and village ministries, youth missions, crisis pregnancy counseling, and evangelism. DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT NOTICE is hereby given that the heirs of the late RIZALINA TEVES, the mother of the late Dominador T. Regis, Jr., have filed and executed a Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement on Lot No. 4416-A, being a portion of Lot 4416, covered by TCT No. T-7757, situated in the Barrios of Pamplona and Azagra, Municipality of Tanjay, Province of Negros Oriental, containing an area of 81,859 sq.m. per Doc. No. 122, Page No. 36, Book No. I, Series of 1996 of Notary Public Manuel R. Arbon. The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 28, 2008 & Jan. 4, 2009

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 September 9, 2007 December 21, 2008 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567

CAR SALE No. 1 dealer of Surplus Cars and SUVs Best Buy! Best Condition! Prices Negotiable

P150T

P210T

LD SO P275T

Contact:

P145T

LD SO

P275T

P260T

JULIUS, owner

Tel. 225-8912 Rizal Boulevard Tinago Area

P390T

MULTIMEDIA PROJECTOR COMPUTERS PROJECTORSCREENS LAPTOPS PRINTERS/HUBS AND OTHER OFFICE EQUIPMENT FOR RENT FOR INQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 09197079402 * 09183531784

(Sagun)

Door #4 South Pacific Bldg., Perdices St., Dgte. City PRODUCT LINE:(w/ Installation) • Automotive Windshields, Doorglass & Backglass • Automotive Rubber • Acrylic Plastic • Safety Glass • CarTinting (1pc. Windshield- no cut) All kinds of Architectural Glasses • Sliding door • Windows • Jealousy • Glass and Frame etc.

AGENCIA CIUDAD PAWN SHOP Main Branch JAT Building San Juan St., Dgte. City Branch 1, San Jose St., Dgte. City, Beside UCPB Tel. # 225-8543 / 225-7651

W ANTED: SSecretar ecretar ecretaryy

Female Good English Pleasing personality Over 23 yrs. old

Send your biodata to: Jay Rm. 306 Check-Inn Pension House Locsin St., Dumaguete City

Sta. Rosa, Dumaguete City Tel. No. 422-7384

TOPS DETERGENT BAR Available at Traders Lucky Mart Pinili St., Dumaguete City

Tel. No. 226-1527

& , 304 ., Philippines 6200, Tel. No. 225-9625

NO TIME? I knelt to pray but not for long, I had too much to do, Must hurry off and get to work, For bills would soon be due. And so I rattled a hurried prayer, Jumped up from off my knees. My Christian duty now was done, My soul could be at ease.

This Breakfast could yet change

All through the day I had no time, your Life. To speak a word of cheer. NO TIME to speak of Christ to friends, They’d laugh at me I feared. NO TIME, NO TIME, so much to do, That was my constant cry. NO TIME to give to those in need;

At last, t’was time for me to die…. And when before the Lord I came, I stood with downcast eyes, With his hands He held a book, T’was the BOOK OF LIFE. Brotherhood of He looked into the book and said, Christian Businessmen “Your name I cannot find, and Professionals I once was going to write it down But never found the TIME.”

FREE BREAKFAST for First Timers Cell No. 0917-314-0701

www.dumaguetefilipiñanashop.com

Just cut out and present this invitation to: Bethel Guest House: 1st Saturday 7:30 a.m.

SPUD celebrates Christmas Karambula sa Sidlakan

Merry Christmas! The SPUD Community celebrates its Institutional Party with games, creative presentations, and a grand salu-salo.

Fighting cocks from Dumaguete City and Guihulngan tied in first place during the Karambola last Tuesday during the Pinaskohan Festival at the Sidlakan Village grounds.

BY LEA JANICE REMATA SICAT t is often said that there is a child in each one of us. This proved to be true in St. Paul University’s Institutional Christmas Party held on De cember 18 at its Student Community Hall. Aptly themed “Bring Out the Child in Me in this Year of St. Paul,” the entire SPUD family, from the Sisters to efore New Year sets in, the College of Enthe School Personnel, donned a plethora of colorful, child-like attires reminisgineering and Design of Silliman Univeregros Oriental cent of carefree yesteryears as they partied the night away in familial revelry. sity finds itself in a newly renovated home. Bags 2 Gold and Among the guests were the Alumni Board Members, school chaplains Fr. The Uytengsu Hall, the first of three buildings of als 3 Bronze Med Ramonito Maata and Fr. Melchor Parcon, Provincial Board Member Mariant in the 5 – man – Chess Team the College, boasts of 10 re- rooms; new flooring and inEscano Villegas, and homecoming New Yorkers, Mr. Tony Millares, a former Delegate furbished rooms, new fac- sulated partitions and roofing, teacher of SPUD, and his wife, Eileen Millares.

NegOr bags SU Engineering opens awards in newly – Rebuilt Home Chess tilt

Sr. Ma. Nilda Masirag, spc, School President, stressed in her Christmas Message that the true meaning of this season lies in its spirit — that of the Birth of Christ, of the Emmanuel, giving effervescent hope to all of humanity the possibility in the midst of the impossible. She went on and wished everyone a joyfilled Christmas and a fruitful New Year. Highlighting the celebration was the one-of-akind Creative Christmas Dance Competition among the School Personnel. The work force of the different departments including the

Business, Nursing, Arts and Sciences, Education, Grade School, High School, Staff, and Maintenance each had their take on a Christmasthemed presentation with a child-like twist. Each group came out in full holiday swing with myriad costumes, gimmicks, and dance moves that electrified the delighted audience. Topping the contest was the Nursing contingent with the Grade School and the High School Departments close at their heels. The Maintenance group bagged the Most Creative award as they re-enacted the Christmas Belen using indigenous

SAFETY TIPS DURING YULETIDE SEASON Christmas Lights • Write the phone numers of the fire station near your telephone. HOTLINES: 160 • 422-9672 • 225-3445 VHF: 152.05 • Let a competent certified electrician install your Christrmas lights and decors. • Use Christmas lights and electrical decorations that are aporoved by the Bureau of Products Standards (BPS) or with ICC marks. • Do not overload convenience outlets and electrical cords. Any excess load might result in heating which could cause fire. • Use only lights and decors designated for outdoor use, outside your office and home or other for their specific purpose.

materials. Judging the event were Provincial Board Member and Cultural Presentations guru Mariant Escano Villegas, Sibulan Vice Mayor Emmanuel Diputado, and SPUD Alumni Board Secretary Lea Remata Sicat. The Sisters, meanwhile, showcased an inspiring medley of Christmas songs using the Indonesian windpipe instrument, Angklung. Indeed, the SPUD community fittingly capped year 2008 with such amazing Christmas festivities beaming out hope and happiness in the year to come and beyond. It is also their prayer that everyone will have a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous new year.

Silliman University’s Varsity Team Members, Junaico Segismar and Rayelynn Posadas reasserted their Supremacy in the Visayas-wide Philippine Olympic Festival Eliminations to grab the Championship crown in the recently concluded National Olympic in Cagayan de Oro City. While Tanjay City’s Cecile Reginaldo and Villamae Cabrera landed Bronze medalists in the Girls – 20 Under Bracket; and Hannah Reginaldo, also Bronze Medallist, in the Girls – 14 Under Bracket. SU’s former board one skipper Rowyn Ontal acted as the coach of the delegates. The Negros Club 64, Inc., will hold a victory X-mas party in honor of this excellent performance today, Dec. 21 at 3:00 p.m. This will likewise coincide with the awards ceremony of the All-Star-Cast year-end Blitz Grand finals sponsored by Atty. Cyrus C. Reconalla and Atty. Alfredo A. Orquillas.

ulty & guidance counseling offices and computer

revamped electrical system, Turn to page 19-A

Horse back riding in Sidlakan

Tourism entrepreneur Rhina Diago enjoys how it feels to be riding on horseback which is a special feature at the Sidlakan during the Pinaskuhan Festival 2009.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345 December 21, 2008 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789 BY DEMS REY DEMECILLO BY LELE MARTINEZ

theCIVICcircle

Around Negros

Ten years and counting

Bais’ Yuletide Pride

(Civic clubs and organizations are welcome to submit their articles and pictures about their services and activities. It is free of charge. Deadline for submission is Wednesday. You may send by email to: elydejaresco@yahoo.com – EDITOR)

Thousands continue to flock to the famous Bais revolving Christmas tree made of local and recycled materials. This year’s theme emphasizes the city’s rich marine life and the need to preserve the same for livelihood and the enjoyment of the future generation. Bais Mayor Hector “Tata” Villanueva said that aside from the rides, free ice cream and cotton candy will be distributed to the children every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and from December 25-31.

cjomartinez@yahoo.com

ecember 16, 1998 – an ordinary busy day at the Negros Orien tal Provincial Hospital . There was however, an air of excite ment in the New Diagnostic Center as the hospital prepared to inaugurate its Dialysis Center with one dialysis machine. At this time, Dumaguete City only has one dialysis machine running at a private hospital, and patients who need dialysis had to go to Cebu or Manila Two years before, Dr. Eusebio Z. Benemerito, a well known Nephrologist from La Libertad based in Florida , known to family and years after: The Dialysis Center Medical Staff led By Provincial Health Officer 1 Dr. friends as Dr. Boy, 10 Felix Sy, Dr. Kenneth Coo, Dr. Ofelia Saad and Dr. Julien Hitosis and guests pose had laid the ground- before the streamer of the proposed expansion of the Center. work to donate dialysis machines and other machines; he sent extra di- next ten years. It had achospital accessories for a alysis machines for Dipolog, quired new machines and plans to have 10 machines running in the next few years at a reasonable cost for local patients. The NOPH Dialysis Center is the pride and showcase of the province’ health system, courtesy of the continuing support of Dr. Benemerito, Governor Emilio Macias III and the The inauguration of the NOPH Dialysis Center on Dec 16, 1998 is attended Rotary Club of by NOPH Provincial Head Officer Dr. Moni Flores, Dr. Nanding Barrios and Dumaguete. As I see the the members of the Rotary Club of Dumaguete. excited faces of Dr. Dialysis Center at a govern- for Bohol, Davao and Kenneth Coo, Consultant ment hospital to assist indi- Negros Occidental. Thou- of the Center, and the medigent patients. It was his dream to have a Dialysis Center in the NOPH to serve the local patients. With a matching grant worked out with his Rotary Club of Port St. Lucie and the Rotary Club of Dumaguete, Dr. Boy’s dream of a Dialysis Center for Negros Oriental took off. From one dialysis machine, he sent two more, Dr. E. Z. “Boy” Benemerito, the prime mover of the NOPH three more, and many more Dialysis Center and wife Dr. Malu S. Benemerito

Our very own Outstanding Negrense: Dr. E.Z. “Boy” Benemerito, the man who started the vision for the NOPH Dialysis Center.

sands of dialysis procedures are done at the NOPH yearly as the numbers of machines increased. The NOPH Dialysis Center became the first dialysis center in a provincial government hospital in the country. Fast forward to December 16, 2008 – The medical staff of the NOPH Dialysis Center held a simple affair to celebrate its 10th year and to unveil its plans for the

cal staff discuss the improvement plans for the Center, I look back to that day ten years ago when the Dialysis Center first opened. It is a wonder to see one small center grow to what it is now. Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental is blessed to be supported by men of vision who make their dreams come true. Thank you, Dr. Boy. You are truly an Outstanding Negrense.

Coast Guard watches local town ports o prevent mishaps especially during this season when thousands of people will be traveling by sea to go home for the holidays, the Philippine Coast Guard and the local government units of Sibulan and Amlan are now strictly monitoring the incoming and departing sea vessels to ensure that they are not overloaded. In recent days, dozens of people have Capt. Joseph Badajos, Dumaguete died in various parts of the country when Coast Guard Station Commander warns boats filled beyond capacity capsized. Turn to page 17

Valencia eager to use all P34M royalty

he municipality of Valencia Second District Rep. George Arnaiz want to seek the intervention of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo so it can directly handle and spend the P 34 million royalties paid by the Energy Development Corporation to the LGU. However, since the law required the the LGU now finds it difficult to recover proceeds of the royalty be remitted to the the amount fast for use in some local Department of Budget and Management Turn to page 19

4-story NOPH to rise in 2009

onstruction of a four-storey building to house the obstetrics department, charity wards and private rooms at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hopsital will commence in 2009 albeit is not expected to be completed by year end.

While the projects main proponent, Governor Emilio Macias II is not yet sure the total cost of the building yet he is cer-

tain to seek financial support from the three District Representatives Jocelyn Turn to page 19

FARMERS CALL FOR CARP EXTENSION

More or less than 200 farmers under the umbrella of MANAAKA (Maguumang Nagkahiusa Alang sa Kalamboan) marched along the city streets bringing with them placards calling for the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

Stop gambling ...

(Tulabing)

From page 5

BY REA LYNN D. REAL

THIRTY YEARS AGO

(From the CHRONICLE Files)

Mayors issue ration cards

ecember 23, 1978—The Provincial Fuel Allocation Board headed by the governor has given authority to municipal mayors to issue permanent ration cards for private motorists in their respective towns.

This developed as the provincial allocation board has been authorized by the Department of Local Governments and Community Development in Manila to formulate policies relative to fuel distribution in the provinces. The local constabulary will also be the implementing agency of whatever policies

to close to P400,000.00 prove that indeed gambling is milking on the poor. Coins are poor man’s money. Coins are poor man’s wealth. Instead of saving P10.00 or P20.00/day so that a person becomes P10.00 or P20.00 richer/day, he becomes P10.00 or P20.00 poorer/day because of gambling. No matter how much we educate the people not to patronize gambling, if gambling is available, people will always

regarding fuel allocation the provincial allocation board may formulate. It was pointed out that every province has its peculiar needs and problems regarding fuel allocation. The DLGCD headed by Sec. Jose Roño has therefore localized the policies on fuel distribution.

patronize it. So we really need the help of the police to work harder in order not to make illegal gambling available to the people. It is here that the components of education and police action go together. The Churches, the schools, the business sector, and of course the government will never be remiss in educating the people about the ill effects of illegal gambling, but we need the police together with the civilian force to act in the spirit of cooperation so that illegal gambling may be minimized, if not totally eradicated.

Coast Guard ... From page 16 the public not to insist of going on board the boats when it has already reached its maximum capacity and to make sure that the pump boats they are boarding have registration. Sibulan Mayor Antonio Renacia and Amlan Mayor Bentham De la Cruz said that the municipal government has assigned police personnel to assist the Coast Guard and officials from the Philippine Ports Authority assigned at the Sibulan and Tandayag sea ports to ensure passenger safety.

BOSTON CAFE

TWENTY YEARS AGO

177 rebels return

ecember 25, 1988—A total of 177 rebel returnees have been served by the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) in Negros Oriental for the year 1988 under the government’s National Reconciliation and Development Program (NRDP). 116 yielded to military and local governEmilio Teves, Provincial Social Welment in different towns in the province. fare Officer of Negros Oriental, said the The DSWD released P59, 303 to rebel returnees are former members of supplement the NRDP services covering the Communist Party of the Philippinesassistance to the rebel returnees. Teves New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). He said said the rebels who availed of the am61 rebel returnees were received by the nesty are now engaged in income generBayanihan Center housed at the DSWD ating ventures. provincial office in Dumaguete City while

Sta. Catalina Cor. Noblefranca Streets Dumaguete City

(035) 422-8450 Tel (035) 225-7452 Tel (63928) 326-4555 Mobile

Tel. Nos. 225-7452 / 422-8450 Cell. No. 09283264555 / 09062708575 09228597701 / 09228597702

Unit 201, The QC Pavillion, Gorordo Avenue Lahug, Cebu City www.federalphoenix.com (032) 232-6861 Tel (032) 232-4715 Fax

TEN YEARS AGO

Kagawads give-up initiative fund

ecember 21, 1998—City Councilors decided to give up the naming of impact projects for an available P10-million Kagawads Initiative Fund from the city government because it is counter productive to them as legislators who will be manning and naming infrastructure projects. They would rather let the Office of the Mayor play its role in its implementation.

City Councilors gave up their privilege of selecting P10-million worth of impact projects through the Kagawads Initiative Fund stating that it might be ideal but not politically sound because some sectors might be unwittingly excluded from its enjoyment. This was the gist of a collective privilege speech delivered by Rules Committee Chairman Kag. Samuel Dicen. In gist, he

said that compared to the last administration wherein each councilor had P250,000 at his disposal for project of his choice, the collective fund of P10million for all councilors to choose in part or in whole might exclude some areas which might not be politically beneficial. The councilors voted 8 in favor and 2 abstention on giving up the KIF.

Even if others are not. Even if others will not. Even if others can not. “He who walks honestly walks securely.” A message from:

Proverbs 10:9

Brotherhood of Christian Businessman & Professionals

50% DOWN PAYMENT 50% UPON COMPLETION

LOTS FOR SALE Contact: 0918-929-6047 REAL PROPERTIES FOR SALE:

LOT-A

Lot NO. 5721, Situated at Apolong, Valencia, Negros Oriental, containing an area of 2,953 square meters. - price: PhP1.8M Neighboring residences are owned by foreigners - Clean title with only two registered owners. ———————————————

LOT-B

2. One property, with two separate titles, being separated by a barangay road passing through them: LOT NO. 4529, Situated at Valencia, Negros Oriental, containing an area of 1,189 square meters and LOT NO. 4528, Situated at Valencia, Negros Oriental, containing an area of 633 square meters - price for the whole property: PhP1.6 M. With more than a hundred standing matured lanzones trees. - Clean title with only one signatory to the deed of sale. ———————--——————-

LOT-C

3. BEACH LOT Situated at Dauin, Negros Oriental, containing an area of 7,081 square meters. - Negotiable Price: PhP 15.5M. - Only one signatory to the deed of sale LOT-D

4. LOT NO. 6805, Situated at Opao, Seit Siaton, Negros Oriental, containing an area of 22,432 square meters - Price: PhP60.00 per square meter. Elevated property with scenic view of Tambobo Bay where the Yachts can be seen being docked. Just a road away from the river - Clean title. With proper documents. ——————————------—— Contact: 0918-929-6047.

FOR SALE:

RUSH SALE

Estate Real Esta te Call: 0918-929-6047

1. Commercial Lot Location: Looc Area 194 sq.m. K-10 Clean title P6 M negotiable 2. House & Lot Location: Bantayan Area 1,852sq.m. K-11 6 bedrooms, garage, lawn huge sala, kitchen fence P10M negotiable Clean title

HOUSE & LOT FOR SALE 200 sq.m. P1M

STOCKS OCKS Contact 0918-929-6047 NEW ST HOUSE AND LOT (K 1) LOT FOR SALE (K 8) Area: 160 sqmtrs. Location: Casa Alicia Subd., Candau-ay, Dgte. City Price: P2.5M Description: 3 bedrooms, garage, lawn, with good neighbors.

HOUSE AND LOT (K 2) Area: 320 sqmtrs. Location: Casa Alicia Subd., Candau-ay, Dgte. City Price: P4M/ negotiable Description: 3 bedrooms, garage, lawn, with good neighbors.

Area: 250 sqmtrs. Location: Casa Alicia Subd., Dgte. City Price: P4M Description: 3 bedrooms, garage, lawn, with good neighbors.

Piapi, Dumaguete City

AGRI LOT

BEACHLOT – 2nd lot from seashore Area: 1497 sqmtrs. Location: Mayabon, Zamboanguita Rush Sale Package Price: P1.6M (M2)HOUSE FOR SALE –FULLY FURNISHED Area: 1132 sqmtrs. Location: Camanjac, Dgte. City Price: P3.7M (M3) BEACHLOT -W/ BEACH HOUSE Area: 1000 sqmtrs. Location: Campaclan, Sibulan Dgte. City Price: P5M

Lot : area 220 sqmtrs. , ideal for simple residence, near Silliman Heights subdivision, has a huge barangay road and there is a short cut roads if ever there is a road renovations someday, clean tilte, price ; 160, 000

HOUSE AND LOT (K 11)

House and lot : area : 200 sqmtrs. bungalow house, landscape, has a right of way, clean title, descent neighbors, price : P350, 000 still negotiable, place: Combado, Bacong, Negros Oriental, 15 minutes going to Dumaguete City.

Beach lot : area : 1,000 sqmtrs. place: Bacong, negros oriental , goodneighbor, price 2.5 m, ideal for mini resort, clean title

HOUSE AND LOT (K 13)

House and Lot : area 300 sqmtrs. near the beach, clean title, descent neighbors, very near to municipal public market, police stations, elementary and highschool area,

HOUSE AND LOT (K 14)

House and Lot , area : 500 sqmtrs. fenced, near health center, with huge right of way that can be accessible road that connects to Bagacay, Rosario Heights and even going to valencia, near highway, with two bearing mango fruits, huge garage, still have enough space for landscapes or even building a rest house, 3 bedrooms, clean title, price : 1.6 m but still negotiable.

HOUSE AND LOT (K 5) Area: 1,200 sqmtrs. Price: P 2M Location: Upper, Cantil-e Description: 3 bedrooms, garage, lawn, right of way and good Neighbors.

AGRI LOT

09298214829 09185003366

HOUSE AND LOT (K 15)

House and lot, area 450 sqmtrs. bungalow house, 4 bedrooms, fenced, with garage and landscape, near daycare center, near highway, huge right of way, price: 2.6m, clean title and the price is still negotiable, it is 8 minutes going to Dumaguete City. Location: Northern Junob near Silliman Heights

(K 2)

Area: 2,280 sqmtrs. Price: P500 Thousand Location: Lutao, Bacong, Negros Oriental Description: 4 coconut trees and sources of wood trees.

HOUSE AND LOT (K 7)

HOUSE AND LOT (K 16)

House and Lot , 580 sqmtrs, 2 storey, with garage, landscape , in front of the way, 4 bedrooms, fenced, friendly descent neighbors, price 2.6 m, clean title. Location: Northern Junob near Silliman Heights

RUSH SALE

Location: Northern Junob, Four Bedrooms, Open style living area 2 CR’s (inc. ensuite to main bedroom) Sari-Sari Store possible fifth bedroom Under Cover Parking, approx 8 minutes to downtown (4 mins. to Lee Super Plaza)

D SOL

Call 0918-929-6047

(M1)FARM LOT Area: 1.6 hectare Location: Mayabon, Zamboanguita

LOT FOR SALE (K 10)

BEACH LOT FOR SALE (K 12)

Area: 900 sqmtrs. Price: P1.5M Location: Combado, Negros Oriental (Bacong) Description: Accepts 2 payments, 3 bedrooms, with underground, Garage, lawn, 3 rooms of piggery and respectful neighbors.

FOR SALE

Contact Nos.

Location: Sibulan; Area: 400 sq.m.; Price: P2M (negotiable) Clean Title

HOUSE AND LOT (K 4)

0918-929-6047

1 unit aircon Carrier Ultima with Timer 2 double deck steel beds.

(K 1)

Area: 14,700 sqmtrs. Location: 120 coconuts at Combado, Bacong, Negros Oriental, with Price: P4.5M negotiable Right of way and good neighbors.

FOR SALE Sprawling 4.1 Has. of land Ideal for Downtown Subd., Sulodpan, Bacong Contact:

BEACH LOT FOR SALE (K 9)

HOUSE AND LOT (K 3)

Mango Avenue Contact: 0918-929-6047

Northern Junob, Area: 4,908 sq.m. Products: 100 coconut, Hundreds of corn plantation Price: P4.9M. Accept 2 payments, with Clean Title

(M4) BEACHLOT (1) Area: 4 hectares@450/sqmtrs. (2) Area: 1 hectare@1500/sqmtrs. w/ seawall and w/right of way from highway to the Beach Lot. Location: Malatapay, Zamboanguita

(M6) HOUSE & LOT Area: 365 sqmtrs. Location: Bogo, Dgte. City Price: P2.5M

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT P5000/month Taft Street, Dgte. City

COMMERCIAL BUILDING FOR RENT -1ST Floor Only P20,000/month Taft Street, Dgte. City

09189296047

Beach LOTS for Sale Call: 0918-929-6047

(M5) LOT FOR SALE Area: 649 sqmtrs. Location: Highway, Camanjac Price: P900T

Call:

Code Area B1 B2 B3 B4

3,400 sq. mtrs 1,200 sq. mtrs 1,085 sq. mtrs 1.4 hectare

Location

B5 20,000 sq. mtrs B6 40,000 sq. mtrs Near Beach: B7 2,100 sq. mtrs B8 2,900 sq. mtrs B9 3,400 sq.mtrs

Price

South Poblacion, Bacong Buntis, Bacong South Poblacion San Miguel Bacong (Near Ducomi) Bulak, Bacong Boundary of Bacong & Dauin South Poblacion, Bacong South Poblacion, Bacong San Miguel, Bacong, w/House

ALL SOLD-OUT

REAL ESTATE

ALL SOLD-OUT

10 M w/ clean title 1.5 M w/ clean title 2.5 M w/ clean title 15 M w/ clean title 15 M w/ clean title 40 M w/ clean title 2.3 M w/ clean title 3 M w/ clean title 9 M w/clean title

MUMBAKI

City dads ... From page 2

The irony of religions

s I go farther through my spiritual journey I am coming closer to a realization that the evils and the ills of the temporal world today is because of RELIGIONS which have effectively divided humanity and by the looks of it, RELIGIONS (as contradistinguished from FAITH) might even cause the total destruction or annihilation of the entire human race.

The exclusivity culture of the religions of the world; the believer and nonbeliever division; the salvation craze which separates the “saved” and the “unsaved” as perceived by pastors, theologians, preachers, evangelists and even the lay man; the increasing, though wrong, implication of terrorism upon Muslims and Arabs; the arrogant attitude of Government Leaders as being anointed by God and thus must be blindly obeyed without question; the motivation of attaining dominance in numbers; The establishment of a ONE-WORLD GOVERNMENT and ONE-WORLD RELIGION being jointly pursued by the affluent governments and religion of the World; are all indicative of believing God, and to Christians, of believing Christ, for the wrong reasons. Let me talk of my own faith as a Christian. I always refer to the story of the GOOD SAMARITAN as an exemplification of Jesus Christ and his teachings. It was not the priest or lay leader who demonstrated the true Christian heart of LOVE and EMPATHY; rather, it was the despised Samaritan whose acts of great compassion Jesus instructed us to emulate. Jesus even made a more extraordinary instruction to love our enemies. I remember an anecdote where a Rich and arrogant man lost his only daughter in the hands of a murderer-rapist. Not having been able to seek solace and comfort from anything nor anyone he decided to unload his heavy heart by declaring during the necrological service not to speak evil of the murderer and violator of her own daughter but condemn the heinous act. Miraculously, by his extraordinary declaration and display of compassion to the murderer and sexual assaulter,

he found inner peace and the pain is no more. Since then he lived a fulfilled and humbled life. Unknowing to him, his demonstration of compassion converted many people from Christian-like to a true follower of Jesus Christ irrespective of one’s religion. Looking at the world governments today, whether Christians or not, a culture of war and violence developed over the years. You hear campaigns such as WAR AGAINST TERRORISM; WAR AGAINST PROSTITUTION; WAR AGAINST CORRUPTION; WAR AGAINST DRUG ADDICTION; and so on and so forth. I wonder if, as Christians, we can change the campaign to something like: SAVE THE TERRORIST; SAVE THE PROSTITUTE; SAVE THE GRAFTER; or SAVE THE DRUG ADDICT. An extraordinary feat indeed but this is precisely the Divine Command to love one’s enemy - a Religion with empathy. Now I understand why the modern Popes of the Roman Catholic Church continually offer their deepest and most profound apologies of the horrors of the INQUISITIONS when the TRUE FOLLOWERS of Christ were persecuted by the ROMAN PAGANS who felt threatened by the increasing popularity of the TRUE GOD and HIS LIVING WORDS AS TOLD and REVEALED BY JESUS CHRIST. Perhaps the modern Popes realized that the evil acts of their forefather continue to haunt the “Christians” of today leading them to doctrines which are completely the antithesis of being Holy. Terrible things were done in the name of Jesus, but by those who have stolen that name and were violating his teachings in their actions;

19 Tours operators ... From page 2 Tanjay Express Travel; Pearl Cambronero – Pabloza Travel & Tour, Tanjay City Janette C. Infante – Maganda Travel & Tour Bing Amistoso – King A Travel; Mariejun Grace Cataylo – PR Travel Consultant; Lele Martinez – Why Not Travel; Sol Quiambao – Dgte.

Sunshine Travel; Mary Joy T. Sojor – Sun Travel & Tour. Elsie Lee – 8 Wonders Travel & Tourl Duane Uy Villegas – Shaman Air Travel & Tour; Sylvia Uy – Shaman Air Travel & Tour; Jun Turtal – Gateway Travel; Pamela Florentin – Negros Oriental

Atty. Joel Cadiogan Obar joel_obar@yahoo.com

worse, they even called themselves Christians. One modern philosopher says: “Religion, when it means following the universal and beneficent teachings of their founders, has been the greatest force for peace and justice in history; while in the perverted sense in which it is practiced by many people has simultaneously been the greatest force for war, violence and oppression.” We do not need to look so far for evidence. In the Philippine scenario, we have “Churches” who reluctantly rebuke an oppressive, repressive and corrupt administration and rather opt to strike a “happy coexistence” to benefit each others’ greed for power and wealth. I pray that the celebration of this year’s Christmas Season would be a different one as we look deeply into the recesses of our Christian Heart and struggle to bring back CHRIST into CHRISTIANITY and get rid of our mentality of exclusivity of salvation in one’s religion. This, to me, is the true essence of loving your neighbor as yourself and I entertain no doubt that through this concept true conversion follows, thereby bringing peace, justice, equality and dignity to all irrespective of religion including the atheist. Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to one and all. (email: jcobar@gmail.com)

Travel & Tours; Kaye Camille Ollague – Grandeur Travel & Tours; Carla Canlas – Grandeur Travel & Tour; Ely Dejaresco – Sidlakan Tours & Travel; Chad Yrad Acabal – Dgte. Outdoors Travel & Tours; Gerome Villegas – Coast to Coast Travel & Tour; Sally Turtal – Gateway Travel & Tour.

Infante, Rotelio Lumjod, Amy Dicen and Nilo Sayson. Councilors Noel De Jesus, Esperidion Catan, Franklin Esmeña and Romel Ermaes, who are all close allies of Perdices and Sagarbarria voted yes to the MOA. Absent were Sagarbarria and Remollo, he had voted against the MOA twice. Under the MOA, the Foundation will help the city “entice” tourists and investors here. But most councilors criticized the vagueness and the perceived duplication of functions of existing government offices. Even then, Remollo and Duran loudly wondered why the Foundation takes the job of the city tourism office, city planning development office and others. Infante has questioned the propriety of having Sagarbarria and Perdices reportedly in the Board of the Foundation. Cordova explained that the MOA is disadvantageous to the city government for its participation is limited only to giving money and has no voice in the formulation of the business group’s policies. Remollo also wanted an accounting for the P 200,000 which the city has granted to the Foundation in the past. Others also also asking for the financial statement that covers the P 3 million grant the Foundation received from the provincial government and P 1 million each from the three district representatives.

Suspect in ... From page 12 cash and jewelry while the Iranian and his Filipina partner lost some cash and valuable documents. The victims reportedly identified Salmorin as the one who robbed them at gun point alone with his motorcycle riding companions. Salmorin’s arresting officers PO3 Liberato D Faelogo, SPO1 Dario G Paquera, PO2 Elmer M Langcoyan and members of the Barangay Intelligence Network Willy Tan and Alexander Quinamot said that they were conducting beat patrol when they chanced upon a group of 10 “suspicious looking men” in front of Banco de Oro at about 10:30pm, Thursday hence they

4-story NOPH ... From page 16 Limkicahong (1st District), George Arnaiz (2nd District) and Pryde Henry Teves (3rd District) for the completion of the edifice. The governor is also looking forward to the acquisition of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI next year which is intended to “strengthen the Provincial Diagnostic Center.”

City remembers poor thru free meal fete every Christmastime

umaguete City Mayor Agustin Perdices and Vice-mayor Woodrow Maquiling will lead local government officials and employees in spreading Christmas cheers by distributing gift packs to 5,000 indigent families and free meals to 3,000 indigent children on Tuesday, December 23. A total of P 1 million was allotted for this annual tradition and broken down as follows: P 837,000 for gifts and P 180,000 for the meals. Funds were taken from the savings of the city government as well as from private donations.

MAYOR AGUSTIN PERDICES

Lumjod featured at DT

Consistent number one and three-term Dumaguete City Councilor Rotelio Lumjod blames auxillary police legislation author Kag. Alan Cordova for frequent deferment even as the AP is now urgently needed in the wake of increased crime incidence. But why really is the city government apparently putting the need to augment our police force seemingly in the back seat? Lumjod was guest of DYEM FM’s public affairs program Dumaguete Tonight hosted by Florence Baesa, featuring city and provincial policy makers every Thursday. alighted from their vehicles to check them out. But they saw Salmorin dropped a matchbox to the ground which was

checked found to contain the illegal drugs. The same suspect yielded during the body search one bonnet

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF NEGROS ORIENTAL 7th Judicial Region PALACE OF JUSTICE BUILDING Ground floor, E.J. Blanco Drive, Piapi, Dumaguete City OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act No. 3135/1508 Filed by Duplamilco Inc. Against JOVENAL SAMELLANO ESPLAGUERRA of UPPER TALAY, (NEAR CASAMIANI)DUMAGUETE CITY to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of November 10, 2008 amounts to P889,720.36, excluding /including penalties, charges, attorney’s fees and expenses for foreclosure, the undersigned or his duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on February 19, 2009 at 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Office of the Clerk of court, 1st floor, Hall of Justice, Piapi, Dumaguete City to the highest bidder, for cash or manager’s check and in the Philippine currency, the following property with all its improvements, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 35253

“A parcel of land (Lot 4970-B of the subdivision plan, Psd-07-062130, being a portion of Lot 4970, Dumaguete Cadastre), situated in the Barrio of Talay, City of Dumaguete, Island of Negros. Bounded on the NW. along line 1-2 by lot 4971, Dumaguete Cadastre; on the NE., along line 2-3 by lot 4970-A, on the SE., along line 3-4 by Lot 4970-C; both of the subdivision plan; on the SW., along line 4-1 by lot 4972, Dumaguete Cadastre containing an area of THREE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE (355) square meter, more or less.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 35254

Valencia wants ... From page 16

infrastructure projects and livelihood programs. Meanwhile, Arnaiz is keeping his fingers crossed and praying that no political storm and massive reduction in tax collection next year will unfold so that the expected P 451 million allocations with the Department of Public Works and Highways will all be released for the concreting of major and secondary roads of the second district.

“A parcel of land (Lot 4970-C, of the subdivision plan, Psd-07-062130, being a portion of Lot 4970, Dumaguete Cadastre), situated in the Barrio of Talay, City of Dumaguete, Island of Negros. Bounded on the NW., along line 1-2 by lot 4970-B; on the NE., along line 2-3 by Lot 4970-A; on the SE., along line 3-4 by Lot 4970-G; along line 4-5 by Lot 4970-H, all of the subdivision plan ; on the SW., along line 5-6 by Lot 4969; along line 4972, both of Dumaguete Cadastre, containing an area of SEVEN HUNDRED TEN (710) square meter, more or less. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on FEBRUARY 24, 2009 without further notice. Dumaguete City December 2, 2009

The Negros Chronicle Dec. 14, 21 & 28, 2008

BY:

(Sgd)MARIA ANTONIA BULADO Clerk of Court VI & Ex-officio Sheriff (Sgd) ULDARICO JALANDONI Sheriff IV

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 December 14, 2008 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456

SU Engineering ... (From page 15) and remodeled toilets. Its fresh coat of paint of colors that evoke memories of old Silliman makes its presence more prominent along the acacia tree-dotted east quadrangle that is blessed with a great view of the sunrise over the Visayan sea. One of the standing testaments to the spirit of giving of its alumni and friends, the Uytengsu Hall was a gift from the Uytengsu family in 1963, when the late Don Tirso Uytengsu was a member of the SU Board of Trustees. Don Tirso was a prominent Sillimanian civic leader and a pioneering industrialist here in Dumaguete and Cebu. Prior to his donation of the building, he had given a memorial scholarship named after his son, Wentworth, a freshman prelaw student at Silliman at the time when the war broke and who was active in what is now known as the SUROTC and the guerilla movement. Wentworth died at the hands of the Japanese kempeitai a few days before the liberation. This legacy and support to Silliman University is continued by the Uytengsu Foundation. Dr. Wilfred Uytengsu, the son of Don Tirso and Chairman of Alaska Milk Corporation, and himself a Sillimanian,

Lost in Legacy ...

(Bingo)

(From page 4)

they had to service from a cash level f only P2.8 billion. The rest of the P14 billion was in loans and other assets. Records also show that since last year, the BSP wanted to recommend “receivership” of the Legacy Group banks to the Monetary Board for being undercapitalized by P2.8 billion. Somehow, the Legacy Group was able to wangle a TRO from the Manila Trial Court sala of Judge Nina Velasquez – preventing the BSP from Implementing the findings of its examiners. The BSP went to the Court of Appeals but was overtaken by events last week that saw an almost programmed declaration of bank holidays of the banks – one after the other. Meantime, the brains behind the Legacy Group named Celso de los Angeles Jr. is said to have sold out of the group earlier and is reportedly now a town mayor of Sto. Domingo Albay. Just for the record, the names of the banks that declared “bank holiday” are as follows Rural Bank of Parañaque. Rural Bank of Bais in Negros Oriental, Pilipino Rural Bank in Cebu and its branches, Rural Bank of San Jose in Batangas, Bank of East Asia in Cebu, Philippine Countryside Rural Bank in Cebu and First Interstate Bank in Leyte; Dynamic Bank (Rural Bank of Calatagan) in Batangas, San Pablo City Development Bank (Laguna) and the Nation Bank in Bacolod City. Meantime the mother company of these bank The Legacy Group has been in business

supported the renovation of the Uytengsu Hall costing about P7 milllion. The Uytengsu Foundation has also donated two buildings to the University: the Uytengsu Computer Center and the Uytengsu Foundation Computer Studies Hall. Both are home to the College of Computer Studies. School year 2009-2010 will see full utilization of the newly renovated Uytengsu Hall. Meanwhile, Silliman University ranked Top 3 among schools in Category A (with 10-24 examinees) in the Electrical Engineering Licensure Board Exam given last month. In the Civil Engineering Licensure Board Exam given last November 23, 2008, the passers are: Achay, Helbert Antoine Anoos, Siquijor; Beraño, Rowyn Karl Teramoto, Dumaguete City; Calibo, Chuck Yannick Realista, Siquijor; Chan, Jewell Mabel Ung, Dumaguete City; Culi, Ralph Emmanuelle Salaveria, Dumaguete City; Faburada, Rommel Wah, Dumaguete City; Jamin Jay Cabrera, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental; Maestre, Christine Remorosa, Davao City; Maquiling, Mark Anthony P., Surigao del Norte, Caraga Region; Tejada, Joan Odtohan, Surigao del Norte; and Villegas, Vinia Villo, Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

since 1997 dealing with pension, educational and memorial pre-need plans, micro-financing, automobile and motorcycle financing, credit card and lending to OFWs. Their affiliate names are: Legacy Consolidated Plans Inc., Legacy Scholarship Pension Plans, Credit Plans Inc., Legacy Motors and Legacy Credit Card. What is troubling are news from Manila that the Pension Plan of the Legacy Group which was authorized to sell 1 billion pension plans was able to corner as early as 2003 – a total of 700,000 military soldiers and public school teachers. Will they be able to claim anything from their pension plans when they retire? The poor military privates who fight our battles – with little sophisticated arms and few ammunition – will retire with worthless pension plans? Will our underpaid public school teachers – often terrorized and humiliated during elections – still earn a blissful retirement life if their pension plans are worth nothing? It is a disturbing thought – considering that there are allegedly 700,000 plan holders. It would be prudent if Boholanos with such pre-need plans (pension, education, memorial) check on the status of their pre-need plans and loans with these companies, if they have any. Prudence should dictate that. It has been a sad week for the banking industry, indeed. We hope the problem will not extend to the pre-need industry. For comments: email to bingo_dejaresco@yahoo.com.ph or bohol-rd@mozcom.com

Supreme Court ... Manjuyod tops ... (From page 1)

(From page 2)

Azcuna, the High Tribunal cited the following important points: 1. That the DAR secretary has exclusive jurisdiction on whether or not a land is to be under CARP, and to whom the lands will be disbributed; 2. Polo Plantation failed to exhaust administrative remedies in its entire petition; 3. The Polo Plantation never got any DAR approval for its land conversion to another use, even as this is a pre requisite before being converted into a ecozone; 4.This pre condition proves that the favorable recommendation of PEZA did not ipso facto change the nature of the Polo estate, instead it remained as an agricultural land, thus subject to CARP; 5. The Local Gov’t Code requires an ORDINANCE, not just a resolution of the Sanggunain in exempting Polo Plantation from CARP; and 6. Only the DAR Secretary can identify and select who are to become CARP beneficiaries and that beneficiaries may not be actual tenants but those willing, and able to make the land productive under DAR monitoring. Thus the Supreme Court

get collection against the actual collection of a particular town. Provincial Treasurer Danilo Mendez explains that Valencia emerged as most efficient among the 19 towns for primarily because the said LGU reduced its annual target due to some errors in assessment and retirement of some properties. Vice-Governor Jose Petit Baldado said that he is not surprised why his hometown topped in the real property tax collection since it hosts URSUMCO and Sycip Plantation. But he also attributed it to the political will of the local government unit and the awareness of the people of their civic duty to pay their taxes honestly. The complete ranking of the towns according to its efficiency in collection will be published next week. granted the petition of the farmers, and the Court of Appeals resolution be reversed. Also reinstated was RARAD regional adjudicator Arnold Arrieta whose issuance of TCT and CLOA were declared valid by the High Tribunal.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. 7, CEBU CITY CASE NO.: 07-08-5154

(07-07-0351)

MARIVIC ANDRES Applicant/s. x—————————————————/

N O T I C E Applicant is a grantee a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a VH service on the line: Within Dumaguete City and to any point in the Cities and Province of Neg. Or. with the use of one (1) unit which said CPC was granted under case no. 07-07-0351 valid until June 6, 2012. Applicant in this application requests authority to convert the service from VH to GT express service so as to allow her to operate on the line: Dumaguete CityBayawan and vice versa and to charge the rate authorized by the Board for this type of service. This application will be considered by the Regional Board on January 09, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at its office, Kiwanis Bldg., Dumaguete City on which date applicant/s shall formally submit his/her evidence. At least five (5) days prior on the above date applicant/s shall publish this Notice on one (1) newspaper of general circulation in Cebu/Visayas and served by registered mail, copy of the application and this Notice to all operators affected, as appearing in the attached list. Parties opposed to the granting of the application, must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same applicant/s and if they so desire to appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its record, and the documentary evidence submitted by parties, unless the Board deem it necessary to receive additional documentary and / or oral evidence. WITNESS, the HON. ROMULO V. BERNARDES, Regional Director, this 16th day of December 2008. (Sgd.) ATTY. EVELYN CARMELITA G. MISAL Hearing Officer IV

The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 2008

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. 7, CEBU CITY CASE NO.: 07-08-5145

07-06-0201)

ARNOLD LITUANIAS Applicant/s. x—————————————————/

NOTICE Applicant is a grantee a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a VH service on the line: Within Dumaguete City and to any point in the Cities and Province of Neg. Or. with the use of one (1) unit which said CPC was granted under case no. 07-06-0201 valid until May 11, 2011. Applicant in this application requests authority to convert the service from VH to GT express service so as to allow him to operate on the line: Dumaguete CityBayawan and vice versa and to charge the rate authorized by the Board for this type of service. This application will be considered by the Regional Board on January 09, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at its office, Kiwanis Bldg., Dumaguete City on which date applicant/s shall formally submit his/her evidence. At least five (5) days prior on the above date applicant/s shall publish this Notice on one (1) newspaper of general circulation in Cebu/Visayas and served by registered mail, copy of the application and this Notice to all operators affected, as appearing in the attached list. Parties opposed to the granting of the application, must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same applicant/s and if they so desire to appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its record, and the documentary evidence submitted by parties, unless the Board deem it necessary to receive additional documentary and / or oral evidence. WITNESS, the HON. ROMULO V. BERNARDES, Regional Director, this 16th day of December 2008.

The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 2008

(Sgd.) ATTY. EVELYN CARMELITA G. MISAL Hearing Officer IV

OBITUARY Victoria Bernardez –Florendo, 85

he was a familiar face in the Church choir at Silliman, in civic circles with the Lion ess Club, in alumni homecomings, women’s auxillary group, and most of all, an active Factoran clan grand lady. To many of her peers, she is popularly known as VIC. VIC Florendo 85, is the better half of popular RTC judge and golfer the late Teodoro Teddy Florendo who as a couple were very active in the civic circle of the city. Both were also active church members at Silliman church. Vic would have turned 86 on Sunday Dec. 28. At her interment last Friday at the Dumaguete Memorial Park, brother VICTORIA BERNARDEZ-FLORENDO Lorenzo, delivered of whom are ‘maldito’ and the following piece: some ‘bu-otan’, but all ‘siIn December 28, 1922 aw ka-ayo’. They are Lorenzo and Genoveva Teodoro, Jr. (Teddy B), AnEmperado-Bernardez gave tonio (Anton), Bernard (Debirth to their eldest and only ceased) and Carlos (Carl). daughter. They named her At one time, she was Victoria. the manager of the Great Vic, Auntie Vic, Vicky, Pacific Life Assurance Co. Nanang, Lola Vic to many branch office in Dumaguete of us, had four more broth- City. She was also a memers who came after her, ber of several socio-civic Rodolfo (now deceased), organizations with which she Constantino, and the twins spent a big part of her life: Lorenzo, Jr. and Genovevo. Da Girls, Order of the EastMost of her education ern Star Mt. Kaladias was at Silliman University Lodge, Gideons Interna(from elementary school tional and Lions Club Interand up) and was only dis- national. She was also acrupted by World War II. tive in Silliman University as After the war, she com- a member of the Silliman pleted her Bachelor of Sci- University Church where ence degree in Music at the she sang in the choir in her University of the Philip- days as a student and as a pines Conservatory of Mu- member of the Silliman Unisic, Manila. versity Medical Center One of her main ac- Women’s Auxiliary. complishments was to get Vic peacefully went married to the late RTC home to her Maker on DeJudge Teodoro Florendo cember 15, 2008 at 5:10 in from Bauang, La Union. the morning. Vic will surely They settled down in be missed but her memory Dumaguete and raised a will be etched in the hearts family of four boys, some of those who love her. Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. 7, CEBU CITY CASE NO.: 07-08-5156

(07-07-0732)

ARNOLD LITUANIAS – vendor NICASIO ABEJERO - vendee Applicant/s. x—————————————————/

NOTICE Applicants vendor/vendee request for the approval of Sale and Transfer of a Certificate of Public Convenience including one (1) unit VH service authorized on the line: Within Dumaguete City and to any point in the Cities and Provinces of Neg. Or. which said CPC was granted under case no. 07-07-0732 valid until November 16, 2012. Applicant vendee now desires to continue the operation with conversion of service from VH to GT express service so as to allow him to operate on the line: Dumaguete City-Bayawan and vice versa and to charge the rate authorized by the Board for this type of service. This application will be considered by the Regional Board on January 09, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at its office, Kiwanis Bldg., Dumaguete City on which date applicant/s shall formally submit his/her evidence. At least five (5) days prior on the above date applicant/s shall publish this Notice on one (1) newspaper of general circulation in Cebu/Visayas and served by registered mail, copy of the application and this Notice to all operators affected, as appearing in the attached list. Parties opposed to the granting of the application, must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same applicant/s and if they so desire to appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its record, and the documentary evidence submitted by parties, unless the Board deem it necessary to receive additional documentary and / or oral evidence. WITNESS, the HON. ROMULO V. BERNARDES, Regional Director, this 16th day of December 2008. (Sgd.) ATTY. EVELYN CARMELITA G. MISAL Hearing Officer IV The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 2008

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 December 21, 2008 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012

35 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012

21 Today many of us Christmas in ... Bethlehem. are preparing for another

(Umbac)

(From page 5)

ited loving among people of goodwill. ——————The years have come and gone and so with our Christmases from that first one in

Christmas to make do with whatever limited resources to share with others. It is such a wonderful feeling to be able to give freely and of our own accord without being asked. ——————-

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. 7, CEBU CITY CASE NO.: 07-08-5157

(07-03-2921)

FELIPE PALADAR – vendor MACARIA QUIJOM - vendee Applicant/s. x—————————————————/

N O T I C E Applicants vendor/vendee request for the approval of Sale and Transfer of a Certificate of Public Convenience including one (1) unit PUJ Dual service authorized on the line: Dumaguete City – Zamboanguita and vice versa which said CPC was granted under case no. 07-03-2921 dated January 9, 2004. Applicant vendee now desires to continue the operation and extend the validity of her CPC with the use of the same unit and to charge the rate authorized by the Board for this type of service. This application will be considered by the Regional Board on January 09, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at its office, Kiwanis Bldg., Dumaguete City on which date applicant/s shall formally submit his/her evidence. At least five (5) days prior on the above date applicant/s shall publish this Notice on one (1) newspaper of general circulation in Cebu/Visayas and served by registered mail, copy of the application and this Notice to all operators affected, as appearing in the attached list. Parties opposed to the granting of the application, must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same applicant/s and if they so desire to appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its record, and the documentary evidence submitted by parties, unless the Board deem it necessary to receive additional documentary and / or oral evidence. WITNESS, the HON. ROMULO V. BERNARDES, Regional Director, this 16th day of December 2008. (Sgd.) ATTY. EVELYN CARMELITA G. MISAL Hearing Officer IV The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 2008

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. 7, CEBU CITY CASE NO.: 07-08-5146 (07-06-0616)

It has been a long, long time ago in Bethlehem. Now we have to be resigned to the realities of modern times. The spirit of giving has been pre-empted by the culture of asking which comes in different forms, dimensions and intensity. The demands made to bear on some sectors in our society – in the name of Christmas – is simply scary. Consider those who have contracts with the government. Consider those businessmen who must deal with some characters in the government bureaucracy. These are among the many vulnerable subjects in the culture of asking because it is Christmas. ——————— This may be out of tune with the spirit of the season. But let me share with you what a friend told me about gift-giving on Christmas. Christmas is the time of giving – free, voluntary, unsolicited giving. This is the true essence and spirit of Christmas. Christmas is not asking or worse, demanding. The Holy Family, Joseph and Mary before their escape to Egypt never went around Bethlehem asking for gifts or hand outs. Without Him asking, gifts were given to the child

A Different View

‘Maayong Pasko’

o all our readers and friends, may this Christmas bring happiness and joy to you and your family. Let us all pray and wish for a safe and prosperous new year. May it bring better opportunities and happier lives for all. Have a nice day everyone! Watch the cholesterol, ok?

Jesus by the three wise men who travelled far to give. This is how it started. ——————— Today the prevailing culture of asking in the name of Christmas is something we cannot ignore if we are to be true to our inner feeling to give, to share. Even if we are asked – and we will be asked by more people for there are so many of them out there – let us give graciously what little resource we can afford to give. ———————I have been asked for a suggestion on how we can actualize the spirit of giving in these times of financial difficul-

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. 7, CEBU CITY CASE NO.: 07-08-5146

ARNOLD LITUANIAS Applicant/s. x—————————————————/

(07-07-0110)

BY: DINDO GENEROSO

ture is more important. I will stand by the gate, on the balcony or at one of the windows. I have asked her to always look back and find me. She now searches every place for my smile as she rides off. I want her to get into the habit of looking back and trying to finding me. It is important. I have a special reason. A wise man once said, “You live forever if someone remembers your name.” This is my bid for a

little immortality. My wife is much younger than I. One of these days, God will call me home and she will be left alone. When the pain of loss fades, she will start down that same road on her motorcycle, by habit she will look back for me. In that moment she will call my name. She will hear me softly say, “Mahal Kita Walang Iba” and for a brief instant, I will live again in her heart. Who knows, maybe God will let me stand on that balcony and take care of her once again. That would be my heaven.

ties. I suggest this: why don’t we decongest or even clear our closets of those beautiful and expensive things we don’t or

seldom wear anymore. And give them to people who are only too happy to wear those hand-me-downs.

Why ...

(Kojak)

(From page 5)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. 7, CEBU CITY CASE NO.: 07-08-5148

ARTHUR & VIRGINIA NOBLE Applicant/s. x—————————————————/

(07-07-0519)

CECILE PRESTIN Applicant/s. x—————————————————/

NOTICE

Applicant is a grantee a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a VH service on the line: Within Dumaguete City and to any point in the Cities and Province of Neg. Or. with the use of one (1) unit which said CPC was granted under case no. 07-06-0616 valid until January 11, 2012. Applicant in this application requests authority to convert the service from VH to GT express service so as to allow him to operate on the line: Dumaguete CityBayawan and vice versa and to charge the rate authorized by the Board for this type of service. This application will be considered by the Regional Board on January 09, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at its office, Kiwanis Bldg., Dumaguete City on which date applicant/s shall formally submit his/her evidence. At least five (5) days prior on the above date applicant/s shall publish this Notice on one (1) newspaper of general circulation in Cebu/Visayas and served by registered mail, copy of the application and this Notice to all operators affected, as appearing in the attached list. Parties opposed to the granting of the application, must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same applicant/s and if they so desire to appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its record, and the documentary evidence submitted by parties, unless the Board deem it necessary to receive additional documentary and / or oral evidence. WITNESS, the HON. ROMULO V. BERNARDES, Regional Director, this 16th day of December 2008.

Applicant is a grantee a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a VH service on the line: Within Dumaguete City and to any point in the Cities and Province of Neg. Or. with the use of one (1) unit which said CPC was granted under case no. 07-07-0110 valid until February 26, 2012. Applicant in this application requests authority to convert the service from VH to GT express service so as to allow him to operate on the line: Dumaguete CityCanlaon and vice versa and to charge the rate authorized by the Board for this type of service. This application will be considered by the Regional Board on January 09, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at its office, Kiwanis Bldg., Dumaguete City on which date applicant/s shall formally submit his/her evidence. At least five (5) days prior on the above date applicant/s shall publish this Notice on one (1) newspaper of general circulation in Cebu/Visayas and served by registered mail, copy of the application and this Notice to all operators affected, as appearing in the attached list. Parties opposed to the granting of the application, must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same applicant/s and if they so desire to appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its record, and the documentary evidence submitted by parties, unless the Board deem it necessary to receive additional documentary and / or oral evidence. WITNESS, the HON. ROMULO V. BERNARDES, Regional Director, this 16th day of December 2008.

Applicant is a grantee a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a VH service on the line: Within Dumaguete City and to any point in the Cities and Province of Neg. Or. with the use of one (1) unit which said CPC was granted under case no. 07-07-0519 valid until August 9, 2012. Applicant in this application requests authority to convert the service from VH to GT express service so as to allow her to operate on the line: Dumaguete CityBayawan and vice versa and to charge the rate authorized by the Board for this type of service. This application will be considered by the Regional Board on January 09, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at its office, Kiwanis Bldg., Dumaguete City on which date applicant/s shall formally submit his/her evidence. At least five (5) days prior on the above date applicant/s shall publish this Notice on one (1) newspaper of general circulation in Cebu/Visayas and served by registered mail, copy of the application and this Notice to all operators affected, as appearing in the attached list. Parties opposed to the granting of the application, must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same applicant/s and if they so desire to appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its record, and the documentary evidence submitted by parties, unless the Board deem it necessary to receive additional documentary and / or oral evidence. WITNESS, the HON. ROMULO V. BERNARDES, Regional Director, this 16th day of December 2008.

The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 2008

(Sgd.) ATTY. EVELYN CARMELITA G. MISAL Hearing Officer IV

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. 7, CEBU CITY CASE NO.: 07-08-5150

(07-08-0252)

FIDELA ABRENICA Applicant/s. x—————————————————/

The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 2008

(Sgd.) ATTY. EVELYN CARMELITA G. MISAL Hearing Officer IV

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. 7, CEBU CITY CASE NO.: 07-08-5152

(07-07-0353)

The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 2008

(Sgd.) ATTY. EVELYN CARMELITA G. MISAL Hearing Officer IV

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. 7, CEBU CITY CASE NO.: 07-08-5149

MARIVIC ANDRES Applicant/s. x—————————————————/

(07-03-3453)

MANUEL MIRA Applicant/s. x—————————————————/

NOTICE

Applicant is a grantee a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a VH service on the line: Within Dumaguete City and to any point in the Cities and Province of Neg. Or. with the use of one (1) unit which said CPC was granted under case no. 07-08-0252 valid until Jan. 22, 2013. Applicant in this application requests authority to convert the service from VH to GT express service so as to allow her to operate on the line: Dumaguete CityBayawan and vice versa and to charge the rate authorized by the Board for this type of service. This application will be considered by the Regional Board on January 09, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at its office, Kiwanis Bldg., Dumaguete City on which date applicant/s shall formally submit his/her evidence. At least five (5) days prior on the above date applicant/s shall publish this Notice on one (1) newspaper of general circulation in Cebu/Visayas and served by registered mail, copy of the application and this Notice to all operators affected, as appearing in the attached list. Parties opposed to the granting of the application, must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same applicant/s and if they so desire to appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its record, and the documentary evidence submitted by parties, unless the Board deem it necessary to receive additional documentary and / or oral evidence. WITNESS, the HON. ROMULO V. BERNARDES, Regional Director, this 16th day of December 2008.

Applicant is a grantee a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a Filcab service on the line: Dumaguete City–Sibulan and vice versa with the use of one (1) unit which said CPC was granted under case no. 07-03-3453 dated December 21, 2003. Applicant in this application requests authority to extend the validity of his CPC with the use of the same unit and to charge the rate authorized by the Board for this type of service. This application will be considered by the Regional Board on January 09, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at its office, Kiwanis Bldg., Dumaguete City on which date applicant/s shall formally submit his/her evidence. At least five (5) days prior on the above date applicant/s shall publish this Notice on one (1) newspaper of general circulation in Cebu/Visayas and served by registered mail, copy of the application and this Notice to all operators affected, as appearing in the attached list. Parties opposed to the granting of the application, must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same applicant/s and if they so desire to appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its record, and the documentary evidence submitted by parties, unless the Board deem it necessary to receive additional documentary and / or oral evidence. WITNESS, the HON. ROMULO V. BERNARDES, Regional Director, this 16th day of December 2008.

The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 2008

(Sgd.) ATTY. EVELYN CARMELITA G. MISAL Hearing Officer IV

Applicant in this application requests authority to convert the service from VH to GT express service so as to allow her to operate on the line: Dumaguete CityBayawan and vice versa and to charge the rate authorized by the Board for this type of service. This application will be considered by the Regional Board on January 09, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at its office, Kiwanis Bldg., Dumaguete City on which date applicant/s shall formally submit his/her evidence. At least five (5) days prior on the above date applicant/s shall publish this Notice on one (1) newspaper of general circulation in Cebu/Visayas and served by registered mail, copy of the application and this Notice to all operators affected, as appearing in the attached list. Parties opposed to the granting of the application, must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same applicant/s and if they so desire to appear on said date and time. This application shall be acted upon by the Board on the basis of its record, and the documentary evidence submitted by parties, unless the Board deem it necessary to receive additional documentary and / or oral evidence. WITNESS, the HON. ROMULO V. BERNARDES, Regional Director, this 16th day of December 2008. The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 2008

(Sgd.) ATTY. EVELYN CARMELITA G. MISAL Hearing Officer IV

The Negros Chronicle Dec. 21, 2008

(Sgd.) ATTY. EVELYN CARMELITA G. MISAL Hearing Officer IV

... Army ready ... School kids go high-tech in rebelandia Christmas (From page 1) (From page 1)

Schoolchildren of Linantuyan, a former rebel lair in Guihulngan, saw perhaps for the first time computer sets with much appreciation and excitement as seen in the faces unaware that a simple trouble in the PC will render it inutile and useless unless the Army donor has enough spare parts to upgrade or replace them as experienced by most computer users. Anyhow this is far better than none at all.

Christmas ...

(Elmaco)

PDIC may ...

(From page 5)

(From page 1)

before finding a place to stay where Jesus could be born. It’s a beautiful practice where each family in a neighborhood will schedule a night for the Posada to be held at their home. Children and adults are the pilgrims (peregrinos), who have to request lodging by going house to house singing a traditional song about the pilgrims. All the pilgrims carry small lit candles in their hands, and four people carry small statues of Joseph leading a donkey, on which Mary is riding. However it is in the Philippines where we have the longest and most creative Christmas celebration. We start decorating in September and we end the festivities mid January the next year. We have our very own Christmas ornament – the Parol. We go carolling, we exchange gifts, we attend a lot of Christmas parties. Prayer and worship is at the top of our list with the Simbang Gabi. And who could forget the much anticipated Noche Buena. While we rejoice though, while we have fun, while we enjoy being with our families and friends, let us not forget the real reason for the season: our Savior is born. To honor Him , first and foremost, during this day is the best way to celebrate Christmas. P.S. Thanks to my international friends and to dear, reliable Google for the info above. Merry Christmas everyone!

The Bais Rural Bank has been one of the most stable rural banks in the past. In fact it had been a consistent Central Bank awardee until its board of directors decided to sell out some of their shares of stocks because of alleged conflict of interest of certain personalities in the management of the bank. Then came the Legacy group who bought the shares without perhaps informing the depositors that some of the funds were already channeled to other investments like the buying of sugar centrals among others. And then the financial crisis hit them and thus affecting the rural banks concerned according to PDIC sources. RBais president Paul Montenegro was appreciated by many depositors as he offered his own personal funds to bail out the small depositors below P100T if only to save them from a bleak Christmas. The Montenegros of Bais who are major stockholders of the

bank, were not even able to withdraw their eight digit deposits. One city councilor of Dumaguete was also reportedly hit with an eight digit fallout, according to unofficial reports. But there is hope. The Lhuillier family of Bais is reportedly working out to help bail out the historic bank of Bais, the bank that the Bais sugar industry built. Paul Montenegro, its president, is now in Manila talking with Bais patrons to help bail out their province mates in the sugar industry. PDIC ASSURANCE In this connection, the PDIC assured the depositing public that the Corporation will pay all valid claims for deposit insurance depositors of a bank under receivership is insurance payment funded from the PDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund . PDIC subsequently tries to recover the amount from the bank, but it would only be able to do so after the bank’s liquidation. When the proceeds from the bank liquidation is not sufficient to meet its obligations, PDIC suffers a loss. Therefore, without the deposit insurance provided by PDIC, the loss will be borne by the depositors.

plays host to the Lord of heaven. This is the night when we are told to seek our king, not in a palace, but in a stable. Although we have stood here, year after year, as our fathers before us, the wonder has not faded; nor will it ever fade; the wonder of that moment when we push open that little door, and enter, and entering find, a mother who is virgin, and a baby who is God. Chesterton has said it for us all: the only way to view Christmas properly is to stand on one’s head. Was there ever a home more topsy-turvy than Christmas, the cave where Christ was born? For here, suddenly, in the very heart of earth, is heaven; down is up, and up is down; the angels look down on the God who made them, and God looks up to the things he made. There is no room in an Inn for Him who made room and to spare, for the Milky Way, and where God is homeless, all men are at home. We were promised a savior, but we never dreamed God Himself would come and save us. We know that He loved us, but we never dared to think that he loved us so much as to become one of us. But that is the way God gives. His gifts are never quite what we expect, but always something better than we hoped for. We can only dream of things too good to be true; God has a habit of giving things too true to be false. That is why our faith is a faith of the unexpected, a religion of surprise.

lion. If we reverse the situation then the government will be calling the shots, not the rebs,” commented one military officer. Noting that the New People’s Army may take advantage of long ceasefires especially with the 40 th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26, the Philippine Army has decided to declare a four-day ceasefire but troops are still on alert for possible attacks the rebels may stage. The government has declared a four-day ceasefire on December 24 and 25 and December 31 and January 1. However, 302 nd Brigade Commander Col. Cesar Yano is contemplating of launching offensives in between these dates if only to keep the rebels at bay and deny them the opportunity to conduct surprise attacks Now, more than ever, living in times so troubled, facing a future so uncertain, we need such faith. We need it for ourselves, and we need to give it to others. We must remind the world that if Christmas comes in the depths of winter, it is that there may be an Easter in the spring. ( A historian, the late Fr. Horacio de la Costa, SJ, was the first Filipino provincial of the Society of Jesus. He later served as assistant to the Jesuit Father General in Rome . )

against government installations and police and military camps. Dumaguete City Chief of Police Supt. Leopoldo Cabanag has placed the entire city police department on heightened alert so that policemen are prepared in the event the NPA will attack the headquarters to commemorate the 40th founding anniversary of the communist underground movement. Under a truce, or somo, the rebs can go home to their families without prejudice of being sighted by intelligence operatives. Under a truce, any party can always instigate a violation and attributed to others instead of the combatants. In short a truce only works well for the rebels, not for the military who are in constant red alert 24/7 because the enemy uses guerilla tactic which is hit and run. The rebs are nearby their families while the soldiers are far away from their homes during the holidays. During the holidays, acts of terrorism can be committed by the enemy while the state continues to keep watch. It is more difficult to be watching, rather than being on the offensive and call the shots, explained one officer. But on the whole, why declare only six days truce when we can do it the whole year round. To hold a truce and hold peace talks are more beneficial than daily violent combats, and a never-ending war, said one tanod who was witness to sporadic fightings in the mountains.