The Negros Chronicle March 04, 2012 issue by Gerard Fernandez

VOL. 38 No. 39 Dumaguete City, Philippines Sunday, March 4, 2012

P12.00

Not all earthquake victims have yet been served. The DSWD, the Red Cross, the LGUs, NGOs and People’s Organizations continue to pour food assistance to long lines of unserved earthquake victims such as this one in Ayungon.

4.2 aftershocks continue to rock Negros Oriental

strong aftershock, enough to jolt some sleeping but distressed residents in quake-damaged Tayasan and surrounding towns, hit northern Negros Oriental anew Wednesday at 5:13 A.M. serving as a grim reminder of the unprecedented 6.9 magnitude quake, which destroyed much of the first district more than three weeks ago. To page 18

PNP NegOr reshuffled! BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

R T

eshuffling of police chiefs in Negros Oriental is ongoing. Effective March 1, 2012, Mabinay chief of police P/SrInspt Edilberto Deocades, will be swapping posts To page 18

Sibulan drug ring busted? wo persons were arrested in Poblacion Sibulan, Negros Oriental in a buy-bust operation jointly conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police, Tuesday.

PDEA Chief Reyford Yap identified the suspects as Jorreen Lamboon, 32, of Bantayan, Dumaguete City and To page 17

Phivolcs allays fears of 2 lakes’ rupturePage 2

By Dems Rey Demecillo

untinlupa Congressman Rodolfo Biazon, Chairman of the Committee on National Defense and Security, stressed the need for the revision of the current hazard maps used by both national and local agencies to reflect the changes of the nature, cycle and path of disasters. In Friday’s committee hearing, the former senator pointed out that the revised hazard map must reflect the changing patterns and nature of disasters including landslides and rockslides, flooding, tsunami, earthquake and volcanic eruptions.

In so doing, government officials will be guided on how to mitigate and prevent these disasters and provide the population and communities with the much needed information on how to properly react when disaster

strikes. It was observed that some areas not known to be disaster prone are lately becoming high risk to calamities, thus To page 17

Supreme Court meets local Judges

upreme Court Associate Justice Roberto Abad pla ne d in t o Dumag uete Friday, and met with several judges of the Regional Trial Courts of Negros Oriental and their city judges counterpart, as he briefed them on the proposed revised rules for hearing and adjudicating dispute —in just two short days —as a means of speeding up the judicial process, in efforts to reduce the backlog of cases in various salas. Justice Abad, as chairman of the 2011 bar

SC Associate Justice Roberto Abad (right) briefs local judges on the new trends to speed up trial procedures.

examinations also took time to personally congratulate Silliman Univ er sity f or making it to the 6th place and the passing of 13 of their

graduates. Host of the dialogue was SU’s Salonga Law Center headed by Atty Myrish Antonio and Dean Mikail Lee Maxino.

Th e 6t h placer f ro m Silliman U is Atty Ivan Maxino-Bandal, son of RTC Judge Rosendo Jr and Hope To page 20

“SUCCESS IS LIKE A DUCK–SMOOTH IN THE OUTSIDE BUT PADDLING FURIOUSLY IN THE INSIDE.”

March 4, 2012 2 Twin lakes’ rupture: possible, not probable

HOW MEDIA SEES IT, AND NOT OTHERS

nvironmenalists say that the much-feared rupture of the Twin Lakes of Balinsasayo and Danao in San Jose in case of a major earthquake, is possible but not prob able, meaning, it is not likely to just happen. But extreme care and caution should be made on the environment so as not to provoke, hasten, degrade, deteriorate, and worse, destroy its natural factors of preservation. A team of geologists from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), headed by Dr. Art Daag, made an on-

BY ELY P. DEJARESCO

sight ocular inspection on perceived sinkholes in some areas in northern Negros Oriental that were badly hit by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province last Feb. 6. analyst of the PHIVOLCS Seismic Station in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, Dr. Daag’s team had already visited Negros Oriental earlier but had to go to Cebu upon request of provincial officials to have a suspected sinkhole in the town of Dumanhog investigated. Molas said th e sinkholes in Negros Oriental may have resulted in the thousands of aftershocks

felt in the last three weeks following the main shock that jolted many parts of Cebu, Negros and other areas in the Visayas. Meanwhile, the number of deaths due to the powerful temblor that left a trail of devastation in Negros Oriental has risen to 57 as of last count. A report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Council as of 5 p.m. Sunday said two more bodies were recovered by residents under the rubble at the landslide area in Bar an gay So lo ngon , La Lib er tad town. While the bodies were already beyond recognition, the PDRRMC report said residents believed they were those of Reban and Charito Lisondra.

TOP OF THE WEEK 1,000 houses okd for flood victims undreds of families, who lost their homes at the height of the flooding brought by Typhoon Sendong will soon be relocated in a 7.8 hectare lot in Banilad, Dumaguete City following the recent approval by the Board of the National Housing Authority chaired by VicePresident Jejomar Binay for the construction of 1, 000 houses within the second quarter of the current year.

Dumaguete City Mayor Chiquiting Sagarbarria prefers to call the relocation site as the Banilad Plain View Sub division w ith enough amenities that in-

clude an elementary school, health center, mini-public market to entice the residents along the banks of unpredictable Banica River To page 18

f someone offers a senator P100 Million each just to convict CJ Corona, and on the other hand, another offers each senator two million solid votes in the next election just to acquit CJ Corona, which do you think is the most attractive offer? You be the judge. Email your answers to me at dejaresco_ely@yahoo.com. -o0oTuesday’s mammoth INC rally nationwide, which was projected as a religious exercise cannot be denied that it had political undertones even if left unsaid, and even denied. What are these undertones? First, the sheer number of 600,000 warm bodies who braved the afternoon sun to “air their prayers” is something that inevitably sent the chills to senators that if their decision for or against the chief justice is not acceptable to the people, then we are talking here of a potential 9M votes lost from each senator who voted against their wishes in the impeachment trial. Their votes can never be made confidential. -o0oThe impeachment court judges should stop referring to themselves as “senator-judges” because as they sit in that honorable tribunal, they cease to become legislators (temporarily) in the

Impeachment made a mark

BY DEMS REY DEM ECILLO

Pryde, Josy differ on impeach retreat wo solons belonging to the administration coalition in the House of Representatives are offering divergent views on the decision to drop the 5 articles of impeachment against Chief Justice Renato Corona.

3rd District Cong. Pryde Henry Teves, of the Nationalist Peoples Coalition, deplored the lack of consultation considering that 188 solons, himself included, signed the 8 articles of impeachment and thus should

have been consulted before House Impeachment prosecuting panel headed by Iloilo Cong. Neil Tupas decid ed to dr op 5 o f th e charges. However, 1st District To page 18

lawyers bared Bandal is 6th at Bar 19 new umaguete City has nineteen new law

tty. Ivan Maxino –Bandal, son of RTC Judge and Mrs. Rose ndo ( nee Hope Maxino) Bandal, Jr, placed 6 th in the last Bar Examinations given last year by the Supreme Court. He is 29. He is a Silliman law alumnus, cum laude Class 2011. He is also a magna cum laude graduate of SU mass communications. He is formerly associate editor of the Supreme Court newsletter. He started his law studies in San Beda, then UP and came back to Silliman wh ere “ther e is no place like home,” he said, and topped 6th place To page 19

(email:dejaresco_ely@yahoo.com)

Political undertones of some prayer rallies

TWIN LAKE BALINSASAYAW San Jose, Negros Oriental

The provincial government of Negros Oriental has forwarded the request to PHIVOLCS after suspected sinkholes were observed in Tinaogan, Bindoy town, along the sho relin es of Ayungon town and some parts of Guihulngan City, said Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo on Sunday. Accor ding to Jo e Molas, science research

critical reporting

yers from Silliman (13); Foundation U (5) and one from NORSU, in the person of young Atty Peter Ulpoc. Silliman 6th placer is Atty Ivan M. Bandal who joins his 12 other fellow SU law graduates Joshua Francisco Ablong, Elizab eth Karla P. Aguilan, Michelle Lyn A. Apao, Ter rence Anton Callao, Cleo Marie Santillan, Con rado A. Concepcion II, Rudy D. Cunanan Jr., Aldeo Jesus E. Diez, Rudylen O. Laurente,

Melissa Grace G. Legaspi, Romela Mae L. Napao and Izra Elita C. Singson in giving honors to its alma mater. SU Law posted 65 percent passing rate. Foundation University also hailed the news that five of their examinees passed the bar namely Jean Paul A. Diputado, Peter To page 19

CJ Renato Corona will go down to history as a major factor in reforming the judiciary. entire duration of the impeachment trial. They are judges, period. Not senators for the moment, so as provided for in the Constitution. So stop confusing the issue by addressing them as senatorjudges. Let’s call them judges, period. Impeachment judges. -o0oLet everyone , especially the mass of people, remember that the impeachment court renders a decision both on the basis of law and politics. This is because impeachment is a political process, not legislative nor judicial. Just as a mammoth prayer rally set under a mid afternoon sun, necessarily has its political implications even how much it is denied by the organizers. -o0oLessons learned: there is no substitute to experience. Durability, sustainability, seniority and seasoning are ingredients that neophytes have to develop and learn. The idealistic and energetic prosecutors in the Corona trial were no match to the old, experienced and quick-thinking defense attorneys. Kudos to them! This can also be seen among older, and between younger judges. -o0oSo what are left are articles 2, 3 and 7 in To page 16

March 4 , 2012

March 4, 2012

For FEEDBACK: elmarjayd@yahoo.com

How should a judge behave in court? ithout his permission, let me re-publish a timely article of my former law school professor and good friend Atty. Mel Sta. Maria. He is a broadcaster and legal analyst of TV 5. He commented on actuations of some judges in the impeachment court during the proceedings. I think not a few share his view: Most of the time, lawyers say that the judge in his or her sala is GOD. He or she can do anything, but we know that this is not the case. A judge, like any other public official, is a public servant. He or she owes his or her position to the sovereign people. He or she serves the litigants and even the lawyers. He or she is supposed to dispense justice in the right civil way. And in the dispensation of justice, decorum and conduct are very important. In the impeachment proceedings, there have been disturbing actuations of certain senatorjudges. We saw, for example, how a senator-judge called a public prosecutor and interrogated him in front of the whole nation on TV, as if the lawyer was her student. She even gave him a grade. The congressman was obviously unduly embarrassed. Words like gago (idiot), “What are you thinking?” and others have been uttered. Intentionally or unintentionally, these judges may have brought humiliation and embarrassment to the prosecution lawyers. In ordinary courts, a lawyer who has been unduly lambasted by an arrogant loud-mouth judge has a remedy. The aggrieved lawyer can make a report to the Supreme Court which investigates and punishes the erring judge if warranted. In the case of Juan dela Cruz vs. Carretas (A.M. No. RTJ-07-2043), the Supreme Court, through Justice Renato Corona, castigated and penalized a judge for his arrogant treatment of lawyers and litigants. The ruling is enlightening, thus: “SEC. 1. Judges shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all of their activities. A judge should possess the virtue of gravitas. He should be learned in the law, dignified in demeanor, refined in speech and virtuous in character. Besides having the requisite learning in the law, he must exhibit that hallmark judicial temperament of utmost sobriety and self-restraint. In this connection, he should be considerate, courteous and civil to all persons who come to his court. A judge who is inconsiderate, discourteous or uncivil to lawyers, litigants or witnesses who appear in his sala commits an impropriety and fails in his duty to reaffirm the people’s faith in the judiciary. He also violates Section 6, Canon 6 of the New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine JudiTo page 19

Editorial

Impeachment’s virtual end

he political nature of the impeachment trial of the Chief Justice , we believe, has caused its sudden if not abrupt end. Not exactly the end that was Tuesday, but its impending end like within this month, because the prosecutors have surprisingly rested their case, and withdrew five of its eight grounds or articles of impeachment. It is now time for the defense team to present it’s eveidence. Wittingly or unwittingly, the massive show of force, 600,000 - strong of the Iglesia ni Cristo, at the Quirino grandstand, may have been successfully, camouflage as a purely religious exercise, but people only know too well that the unseen hands of politics could not be far behind. We suspect and say that there was this unseen hand of politics behind even without uttering a political word, but simply the fact that the group was apparently pro-Corona. Those pro-Corona and anti-Noynoy flyers circulated among the crowd, were expected because the lead counsels of the defense panel and the Gloria Arroyo legal team are members of the INC. And what are the political implications that resoundingly reverberated silently in the halls of the Senate? Remember, INC has 10 million members and at least 9M voters. It can swing the votes against senator-judges who will be anti corona and who are running for reelection next year. Mind you the people at large will insist

on how each senator voted, and hopefully they will explain their individual votes for the education of the people. It cannot be mere coincidence that at the precise moment of the mammoth rally , the prosecution also suddenly announced their withdrawal of six articles of impeachment and resting their case so suddenly, came just in time when the crowd of 600,000 voters of the INC swelled at the Quirino grandstand. Did someone near the Pasig call them to “back off?” Why the so-sudden withdrawal by the prosecution? It was unscheduled, and far from the ordinary. Apparently it was not a team decision to withdraw from the case. There was seemingly a clear message of : drop it , or else we drop you from your senate seats next elections! It is our fearless forecast that with only three and still hazily and hastily proven accusations against Corona on alleged violation of the constitution and betrayal of public trust, the senator judges gleaning from their body languages of being dis-satisied and unimpressed with the prosecution, there is a slim chance that Corona could be acquitted, and that the next day the Chief Justice might resign as an innocent man. All for those unseen political pressures behind. That’s the price of political impeachment trials only in the Philippines. Looks like many people are now educated, that this judicial kind of justice has to give way to the political kind, in cases of impeachment.

How RP can hit tourist targets

Dateline Manila by Bingo P. Dejaresco

hat our ASEAN neighbors are luring 10 to 20 million tourists a year while RP lags at only 3 million is indeed “a puzzlement” as the King of Siam would say. Now that a working 4.2 million tourist target (2012) and a brilliant slogan of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” are in place, we hope to dish our own ten-cents worth of input to the business exercise.

The assumption here, however, is that local tourists are as important as the foreign ones in revving up the economy based on tourism-activities. The others are (a) we are a nation of 7,000 islands and (b) our target market that is distinctly stratified based on their economic propensity to spend. At the outset, we daresay that one of the main drivers of tourism (separated islands as we are) are the profoundly attractive low budget airplane

rates given by the so-called LCCs (Low Cost Carriers) like the Cebu Pacific, Zest Air, Airphil and SeaAir. Now even the lowly drivers, house helps and the like are now seated with the well-heeled patrons because of these discounted (by the thousands) air fares. Definitely, these have allowed the low-budget local and foreign tourists to come and see the islands at vastly reduced air transport costs. So from the consumer

standpoint, the current investigations being done by Congress in the wake of House Bills Nos. 716 and 1283 must be taken in the context of the overall benefit to the economy. The issues of promo tickets being non-refundable, non-endorsable, non-reroutable and being forfeited (if unused) have already been calculated in the matrix of the airlines “profitability” despite the severely reduced To page 19

36 YEARS OF COMMUNITY JOURNALISM

ELY P. DEJARESCO Editor-Publisher ATTY. JAY I. DEJARESCO Associate Editor GEROME JUMALON News Photographer RUBEN G. LABARES Graphics

MARLEN I. DEJARESCO Business Manager DEMS REY T. DEMECILLO Senior Reporter 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.

Commercial Advertising Rate: Per Col. Inch P350.00 http://www.negroschronicle.com dejaresco_ely@yahoo.com

Member: Philippine Press Institute National Press Club Dumaguete Press Club

March 4, 2012

Muffled sobs here can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats children,” 1993 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela stressed. The frail 93 year statesman’s yardstick resonates here where over 1.7 million children huddle in Metro Manila slums.“ State of the World’s Children rising. 2010 meets this issue head on. This pattern holds worldReleased by United Nations wide. “Children born into toChildren’s Fund, Tuesday, day’s already crowded cities SOWC’s theme is children in a account for 60% of urban world of “imploding cities.” growth. One out of three kids Impoverished rural mi- huddle in shacks atop rubbish grants and children cascade dumps or even cemetery into urban centers like shacks.” In eight years, 1.4 bilOlongapo, Batangas, Naga, lion will cluster in informal Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, settlements, SOWC forecasts. Many children are seared by Cagayan de Oro and Davao. That torrent hasn’t ebbed. “the urban experience, all too By 2010, urban residents often one of poverty and exclualready crested at 49 percent. sion.” Often clean water, health Demographers clocked that care, electricity, schools are a surge in city populations at 2.3 block away —but beyond reach percent annually. Today half of due to myopic governance. A full 2012 population is urban —and Turn to page 7

EDSA on my mind

“T

s we celebrate the EDSA revolution, the template for peaceful change in government, which failed in Tiananmen square albeit, succeeds in the squares of Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen during the so-called Arab spring. As we try to piece together events that brought the crowd to the famous highway, what comes to mind are some salient facts. First, was it a revolution of the people by the people and for the people? I believe the jury is still out on the issue, because firstly, it was only a Metro Manila and selected cities phenomena. Secondly, the issues were a bit vague as far as the Masa was concerned, the reason why it was dubbed as a middle class uprising and boycotted by leftist elements. Finally, the leaders were opposition politicians and only a breakaway group from the military led by Secretary Enrile and General Ramos. For the sake of historical when the populace had reached accuracy, it behooves EDSA the level of its discontent, to use chroniclers to supply more accu- Shakespearian phraseology. It rate details on the events that led could have been more accuto EDSA and caused the down- rately depicted as a mutiny that fall of the Marcos regime which was supported by the middle restored civil liberties. As stated classes in Metro Manila and seearlier, it was not a spontaneous lected cities. Indeed, Cardinal national uprising that occurred Turn to page 7

JOHNY M ERCADO

(E-mail: juanlmercado@gmail.com )

A Journey Through Cancer

Rage

Smoking Spree

ryngeal cancer in adults. Secondhand smoke causes heart disease in adults and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infection and asthma attacks in children. Secondhand smoke is also known as environmental tobacco smoke, which is the combination of sidestream smoke or the smoke coming from the end of the burning tobacco and the smoke which is exhaled by the smoker. If you are sitting right next to a person who does this, you can either leave the place peacefully or tell the person politely that his cigarette is killing you. You might get a varied kind Turn to page 7

MUFFET DOLAR VILLEGAS e-mail: blue_bell57@yahoo.com

Gospel-fresh

Pope who managed to assume—excuse the vulgarity—a rock star status among the young because of his powerful messages and deep insights. He made the whole world thinking seriously. He left them deeply impressed, challenged and motivated. We need to understand and appreciate the true value and character of the gospel. If we have faith, then we know that the gospel is the living word of God. It has an eternal value, always fresh, new and relevant to the present, whatever the situation. In spite of its historical age, it accompanies us in real time. It’s time’s soul. The gospel is the very foundation of reality. The world would not be understood properly if not Turn to page 10

JAMES “KOJAK” HUGHS U.S. Army, Cpt (ret)

Footsteps and Fingerprints

HAT’S how the secretary of the late Pope, now Blessed John Paul II, described the very rich spiritual and pastoral messages of the first Polish Pope in Church his-

tory. John Paul’s messages had a life of their own, he said, because they were gospel-fresh, inspired by the gospel. As an Adele song would have it, they “set fire to the rain,” as they forcefully grappled with real issues, purifying and clarifying them, and putting things in their right places according to gospel truths and values. In the papal biography that he wrote, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz (pronounced ZHEE’-vish) said the Pope read the gospel daily and drew his inspiration for his work from there. He corroborated the truth of faith that the gospel can never be passé, because it is the word of life itself. “A life with Karol” offers an intimate view of the life of the

hey were two different foreigners with almost the same story. They went to a local government office on some minor official business. Suddenly, they were met by an enraged Filipino waving a gun and screaming, “You ********* foreigners are ruining my country!!!” He actually threatened to kill them. Both Americans were every Filipino within hearing. shocked. They could not imag- Some months ago, other forine why they deserved this treat- eigners sat by as another foulment. What had they done? I mouthed American said even was “shocked” too, but not at the more ugly, nasty things about the Filipino as much as at my expa- Philippines. They did not stop triate friends. him either. Finally, a normally Now, I do not condone the quiet security guard came over actions of the government of- and politely asked him not to talk ficial but I understand the bad about his country. Do forcauses. I understand why he eigners think these incidents are became enraged. One of the not talked about in Pinoy comreasons I wrote this column is munity? Do you think these to respond to that rage. proud, polite people are not anI was “shocked” by my ex- gered by these and other outpatriate friends, because just a rages? Here, some foreigners week before, they sat silently by routinely talk to Filipinas like they and watched an American stand are whores. These women are in a public place and say ugly, somebody’s sister, somebody’s nasty things about the Philip- wife, they deserve respect. In pines and the culture. They did America, this conduct would not stop him. They did not even probably get your butt whipped criticize him for his violation of Turn to page 7

f you are a smoker, you are not only killing yourself but the rest of those who are near you. They can be your coworkers, passengers, clients, or even your loved ones.

Research shows that exposure to second hand smoke, also called involuntary smoking or passive smoking, increases risk for adult lung cancer. A summary of a medical news story, as reported by MSNBC, reveals that there are 900,000 men and 380,000 women worldwide who are diagnosed with lung cancer due to smoking each year. It also increases the risk for cervical, kidney, liver and stomach cancer. Researchers said that passive smoking increases the risk by 50%. Other sources revealed that secondhand smoke may increase the risk of breast cancer, nasal sinus cavity cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors in children, and nasopha-

AMB. JOSE V. ROMERO, JR., PH.D.

We are all pilgrims

“A

FR. ROY CIMAGALA

t its heart, the journey of each life is a pilgrimage, through unforeseen sacred places that enlarge and enrich the soul.” With this provoking statement by O’Donohue, Joyce Rupp begins her reflections in Chapter Two [Walk in a Relaxed Manner: Life Lessons from the Camino by Joyce Rupp] on being a pilgrim. She admits that walking the Camino in Spain as a pilgrim sounded so romantic, exciting and rewarding. But she quickly learned that being a pilgrim entails long, arduous walks through unknown territory, in uncertain weather, coping with strange food, primitive comfort facilities and without really knowing if she would have a decent place to sleep in in the evening. However, she realizes that the beauty of the journey in the end more than compensates for the difficulties met. We are all pilgrims. The life we live is our pilgrimage. It is how we live, how we respond to what life brings us, that creates the difference in our spiritual … and physical … journey. I always marvel when I return to visit my roots in Vermont, USA, that people comment on how much younger I look than my sister and brother who are four years

younger than I am. I contribute that to the fact that I have learned to live gratefully, accepting what I have, whether little or much, as gifts from God. God has delighted in taking me out of my comfort zones and setting my feet on pilgrimage through strange and unknown experiences … Turn to page 13

NANCY RUSSELL CATAN

e-mail: nancy.catan@yahoo.com

7 BCBP attends to Ayungon homeless 38

March 4, 2012

Muffled... (Mercado)

From page 6

third of urban kids lack these basic amenities. Daily, they grapple with the five deprivations of slums: dry water taps, lack of toilets, cramped makeshift houses, often razed in forced evictions. “Their urban childhoods reflect the broad disparities that cities contain: rich beside poor, opportunity beside the struggle for survival. Children mired in urban penury fare as badly as, or worse, than children living in rural indigence.” “U5MR” offers a good cross-check indicator. “U5MR” — what? That’s shorthand for the stark Under-Five Mortality Rate. Out of every 1,000 births here in 1990, there were 59 kids who never made it to age 5. We slashed that to 29 in 2010. Today, the country is almost on par with the Dominican Republic but lags behind Malaysia’s 6. As result, we’re wedged at slot 80 in an overall ranking of 193 countries. Is that good enough? Not if “life is the threshold at which other hopes begin.” “The number of the poor and undernourished wears an increasingly human face,” the Unicef study notes. The ill-fed poor are increasing faster in urban than in rural areas. Even the well-fed can suffer the hidden hunger of micronutrient malnutrition. Here, 21 out of every 100 infants have low weight at birth. Wasting and stunting (32 percent) result when kids are nursed by wizened chronically malnourished mothers. Globally, poor nutrition contributes to more than a third of under-five deaths” Overall data shows urban dwellers worldwide enjoy better access to drinking water and sanitation than people in rural settings. Even so, water and sanitation coverage to keep pace with rapid urban growth. There is no substitute for water. You can’t drink oil. Every man, woman and child needs almost four liters of water daily. Our “water abundance” is a shattered myth. Each Filipino has 4,476 liters of internal renewable resources. Malaysians have 21,259 liters. Water disparities are

starkest within the same city. Squatters who huddle in shacks along foul esteros or rubbish dumps pay 15 times more for murky water from peddlers than those who shower with hot water in high-walled subdivisions. “We pay more for our gastroenteritis,” says a nun who works in Cebu’s waterfront slums. Don’t let those glowing overall enrollment figures fool you either. Poverty compells 33 out of every 100 to quit school before reaching Grade 6. From grades 5 through the end of high school, boys drop out 2 to 2.5 times more than girls. In five years, school dropouts here bolted from 1.8 million to 2.2 million. Slum kids are least likely to enrol or are first to quit school. Yet, that is their only escape hatch from a lifetime of need. Worldwide, urban areas show pronounced disparities in the amount of schooling children receive. Of 2.5 milliion people in forced labor as a result from trafficking, up to almost half are children. Many end up in brotherls. We’re fixated by the Monday-to-Thursday impeachment trial in the Senate. Will we get a Supreme Court chief justice who won’t fudge his statement of assets and liabilities or shove dollar accounts under the rug, many ask. SOWC 2012 poses equally pressing concerns. How do we strip away blinders on the plight of children in our cities? The dominant image is still that of a shriveled sub-Saharan child. Statistical averaging masks the reality of hungry kids beyond our blinders. Can we cobble better plans and deliver effective services for their unique needs, from birth registration to immunization and protection from sex trafficking? That calls for going beyond lip service. The government, especially at local levels, must forge effective partnerships with citizens and international agencies to shatter marginalization’s shackles on our kids. Every disadvantaged child bears witness to a moral offense: (our) failure to secure his right to survive and thrive,” writes Unicef’s Anthony Lake. SOWC 2012 is about muffled sobs of kids who drew the short straw.

Some P100,000 worth of immediate food assistance to scores of homeless earthquake victims in Ayungon and Guihulngan City were distributed thru the Red Cross. The amount was the assistance from 30 BCBP chapters nationwide given thru MANCOM. Among those BCBP members who joined the relief operations were Brothers and Sisters Leo & Babes Cabrera, Edgar & Becky Diputado, Archer & Denissa Palubio, Terry & Luding Orbeta, Ely & Anabelle Escorial, Edi Abba, Sarah Perocho, Henry & Mimi Mascardo, Frank Palomares, and several others.

EDSA on ... (Romero)

From page 6

Sin’s call for the faithful to mass in EDSA was not a call for a peaceful revolution leading to a change of government but rather a humanitarian attempt to protect the adherents of Enrile and Ramos who were facing certain annihilation from the Marcos militia. That the net result was the toppling of the Marcos dictatorship, thanks to the intervention of President Ronald Reagan, which was more the effect rather than the cause of the EDSA mutiny. As the saying goes, victory has many parents while defeat is an orphan! While not taking away any credit from Ramos, Enrile and Cory, we must also recognize the heroism on the late Cardinal and the religious who knelt in front of the tanks as they clutched their rosaries, the broadcasters who hid inside buildings so they could continue to inform the public what was going on, the families that provided a human shield and provided sustenance to the military holed out in Camp Crame,

RED CROSS briefing MC144 volunteers

and last but not the least, my intrepid daughters who jumped in the car oblivious of personal safety upon hearing the call from his eminence to join the crowd at EDSA. Indeed, EDSA was the product of a confluence of factors – the revolution of rising expectations, unmet during the protracted authoritarianism of Marcos, the economic meltdown precipitated by the cartelized Opec, and crony capitalism. The rising unpopularity of the Marcos regime began with the Ninoy assassination, but the proverbial straw that broke the camels back was the perceived flawed elections in 1985. While the mutiny in the armed forces was an important factor, what actually toppled the regime was the withdrawal of support by the US of the Marcos administration. General Ver’s forces could have easily crushed the mutineers, but when Reagan through Senator Laxalt ordered Marcos to “cut and cut clean, “it was game over. Some twenty-six years later, is it fair to ask where are we? Many historians are of the belief that the Cory Constitution hurriedly drafted by the late president’s selected few was a restoration of traditional politics credit Marcos in the first couple of years of his reign with having reduced not

Smoking ... (Muffet)

From page 6 of response, from a simple nod to violent reactions. You are exposed to secondhand smoke in restaurants, public places, cars, workplaces, or even right inside your own home. Your very loved one or protector, or the same person who is worried for you to get sick, is the one giving you this deadly killer. There are many people who dismiss this fact as a crap. But secondhand smoke can be measured by testing indoor air. An individual who has been exposed to secondhand smoke, if tested, can reveal the level of cotinine (a nicotine byproduct inside the body) in the blood, saliva or urine or body fluids. There are 4,000 chemicals found in secondhand tobacco smoke, and 250 are known to be harmful. Fifty of these can cause cancer. These notorious chemicals are identified as arsenic which is a heavy metal toxin; chromium, a metallic element; cadmium, a metal used in batteries; beryllium, a toxic metal; benzene, a chemical which is found in gasoline; ethylene oxide, a chemical used to sterilize medical devices; vinyl chloride, a toxic substance used in plastic manufacturing; nickel, another metallic element; and plolonium-210, a chemical element that gives off radiation. The International Agency for Reasearch on Cancer, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) have classified secondhand smoke as a known human carcinogen or cancer – causing agent. It is sad that others are caught in the crossfire of smoking.

TEJEROS swim pool no more

Rage

(Kojak)

Student volunteers of the MC144 masscom class from NORSU are being briefed by Red Cross administrator Louella Bael on their duties and responsibilities in helping distribute food and bottled water to the earthquake stricken victims in the northern part of Negros Oriental. Most of them hired a V-Hire and rendezvoused with the Red Cross team in the relief distribution site.

only his personal enemies but also enemies of the state like the oligarchs, warlords and dynasties. His folly was having substituted the plutocrats with his crony capitalists and the Trapos with his KBL (Kasal, Binyag and Libing) lapdogs. The Cory Constitution unfortunately extended the discredited US carbon copy of a constitution lock, stock and barrel plus more. This is where we are today. P-Noy, in the next few years, could salvage the Cory Constitution by reviewing the inward looking, almost autocratic provisions in the economic provisions, replaces this bicameral with a unicameral system with a real party list provision. A decentralized government with fiscal autonomy to remove local government units from the clutches of Malacañang could also be an important amendment. Finally, he should do away with the medieval and superannuated impeachment process, already abandoned in mature polities and substitute this with a Constitutional Court to try impeachable officials like himself, so that this ridiculous political process will not make a mockery of the bill of rights enshrined in the constitution.

From page 6

on the spot. Fortunately for them, most Filipinos are more polite, tolerant and respectful. There are rules of conduct for guests in our home and in your country. When you act or allow others to act in a boorish obnoxious way, do not be shocked when someone screams out in frustration. In “Bambi,” the Disney film, Flower said, “If you cannot say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” That is pretty smart for a

skunk. There are problems in every country. Publicly pointing out even real problems here serves no useful purpose and often hurts others. If you do not like life here in the Philippines, you can always go home. To the enraged government official, I want to say; it is not all foreigners. Most foreigners respect and love this country. There are many foreigners that are even actively working to help the Philippines improve the quality of life here. So do not blame all foreigners for the acts of a few.

March 4, 2012

Strength out of weakness For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. –– I Corinthians 1:25

Luke 6:43-49

“N

o good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers. 45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts

TODAY’S

GOSPEL

New International Version (NIV)

Romans 12:1-21 A Living Sacrifice 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God —this is you r tr ue and p ro per worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good,

them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God h as d istr ib uted to each o f you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, To page 9

Sunday Thoughts SURPRISED BY GRATITUDE (Part III) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name; bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:1

aven’t you been surprised by the way some people express their gratitude? One of the surprises I’ve DR. PROCESO UDARBE had as a writer-preacher was when eight Physical Therapy boardpassers came to see me after the board exams. They told me they had gone to the board exams with some trepidation and lack of self-confidence. But they said they drew a lot of encouragement and inspiration from my sermon “Barking Up the Wrong Mountain.” My surprise: could a four-page sermon be that helpful? But to these young people, it was. I’m quite sure you yourselves have been amazed at what people thank you for and the way gratitude has been expressed. The main reason we are thankful, at least from my

personal experience, is that we are kept alive daily by love. You and I know what it means to be loved on the human level, loved when we are difficult to live with, loved when often we don’t deserve it. Some of us are surprised by gratitude. And one reason is that when we have caused others to dislike us, when we have blundered, or are caught in a conflict with someone, we cannot love ourselves. Because we cannot love ourselves, we sometimes say, “I hate myself,” and it is impossible for us to accept the love of God or the love of others. But God’s love, we are assured, is constant.

ou’re probably too young to remember the Charles Atlas ads in the old comic books. They are where we get the phrase “ninety-seven-pound weakling.” Here’s this droopy little skinny guy at the beach with a fairly neat girl. Along comes a guy built like a professional wrestler on steroids. He deliberately kicks sand in the skinny guy’s face. The girl hops up and walks off into the sunset on the bully’s arm. Don’t let this happen to you, the ad says. Charles Atlas sold body-building. His philosophy was the stronger you were, the less sand you would have to wash out of your eyes. Weakness is unacceptable. forward with others so that you could impress Few, if any of us, enjoy being weak. them? The best foot forward includes elimiActually, we hate it. When it comes right nating any hint that you have a weakness or down to it, most of us will do anything we soft spot. can to avoid appearing weak. “Be strong,” Maybe, like me, you expend a lot of ef“Look confident,” and “Never let them see fort trying to appear to be something you are you sweat,” are just a few of the things we really not—strong. tell ourselves and others most days. UnMy moments of greatest personal weakderneath it all is the horribly mistaken ness came when I was trying to pretend I was notion that to acknowledge weakness is a self-sufficient and strong, and my moments sin. of greatest personal strength were when I was In our culture, there is such a tremen- able to admit to being needy and weak. Maybe that has been true for you as well. dous emphasis on being strong that we Christ wants to use those experiences to teach have become a culture of cover-up artists us to depend on Him rather than ourselves who put on the makeup of “I’m strong” when the real truth underneath is “I’m for the power to do what we do. When Paul depended on Him, the lives of thousands weak but I’m just too afraid to admit it.” When was the last time you honestly were changed. That can be true for us as well. let someone know how weak you were in We can have that kind of influence on others a given area of your life? Was there ever if we let Christ do it through us. Are you a weak person trying to pretend such an occasion? Most of the time, you are strong, or are you a strong person weren’t you trying to put your best foot because you know how weak you are?

Catholic schools must be distinctly catholic e have to state clearly the importance of a Catholic School for the future of the Church and Society. We have to be reminded that Catholic Schools should provide “an education that no other school can supply—excellent academics imparted in the context of FR. GAMMY TULABING JCD, VG Catholic teaching and practice.” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). Part of our vision for Catholic Schools is to make Catholic Schools distinctly Catholic. Schools are distinctly Catholic if their teaching is based upon the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Scripture, Catholic virtues and moral values. Schools are distinctly Catholic if doctrine and tenets of the faith are well taught and deeply integrated throughout the curriculum. Doctrine and Faith must be evident in all aspects of school life. Schools are distinctly Catholic if they provide regular opportunities for prayer, worship, and reception of the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. Schools are distinctly Catholic if a vibrant faith community is present at them and that community is connected to and relates well with the parish community. The school is distinctly Catholic if it is an effective vehicle of evangelization and ongoing faith formation. The school is distinctly Catholic if the centrality of the family is recognized. Efforts are made to evangelize parents and to support and involve them in the spiritual and academic formation of their children. The Catholic School must be guided by a clear mission that is Catholic and Christ-centered. The entire school and the parish community understand this clear mission that is Catholic and Christ –centered and work together to carry it out. Graduates know and understand the teachings of the Catholic faith. Their world view is shaped by Catholic teaching and moral principles. Teachers and administrators have a strong personal faith whereby they give witness to the Christian life and integrate Catholic teaching into all subject areas. While maintaining a strong Catholic identity, Catholic Schools welcome students of other faiths. Schools across the Diocese serve a diTo page 12

Pigafetta in native king’s island ere’s an account of the first island that Antonio Pigafetta set foot upon the invitation of the native king: li mo(s)tro Corazine (s)pade et rodelle et fece fare a vno vna leuata poi Lo condu(ss)e (s)upª la tolda dela naue q(ue) he in cima de la popa et fece portare la (s)ua carta de vauigare et La REV. FR. ROMAN C. bu(ss)ola et li di(ss)e p(er) SAGUN, JR. linterprete como trouo Lo (s)treto p(er) vegnire alui et Quante lune (s)onno (s)tati (s)enza vedere terra Se marauiglio He showed the king cuirasses, swords, and bucklers, and had a review made for him. Then he led the king to the deck of the ship, that is located above at the stern; and had his seachart and compass brought. He told the king through the interpreter how he had found the strait in order to voyage thither, and how many moons he had been without seeing land, whereat the king was astonished. in ultimo li di(s)ce q(ue) voleua (s)e li piace(ss)e mandare (s)eco dui homini acio li mo(s)tra(ss)e algune de le (s)ue co(s)e re(s)po(s)e q(ue) era contento yo ge anday cõ vno altº Lastly, he told the king that he would like, if it were pleasing to him, to send two of his men with him so that he might show them some of his things. The king replied that he was agreeable, and I went in company with one of the other men. Quando fui in tera il re leuo le mani aL ciello et poi (s)e volta contª nuy dui face(ss)emo lo (s)imille ver(s)o de lui co(s)i tuti li alt(ri) fecero il re me piglio p(er) La mano vno (s)uo principale piglio laltº compag° et cu(ss)i ne menorõ (s)oto vno coperto de cane doue era vno balanghai longo octanta palmi deli mey Simille a vna fu(s)ta When I reached shore, the king raised his hands toward the sky and then turned toward us two. We did the same toward him as did all the others. The king took me by the hand; one of his chiefs took my companion: and thus they led us under a bamboo covering, where there was a balanghai, as long as eighty of my palm lengths, and resembling a fusta. To page 11

March 4, 2012

P.E.P. (People, Events, Places)

2012 BPI-DOST Science Awardees

hree students of Information Technology, Biology, and Mechanical Engineering are this year’s recipients of the prestigious Bank of the Philippine Islands-Department of Science and Technology Science Awards, now on its 23rd year. They are: L. Athena Gene Duran, BS Information Techno logy, with h er p roject “F-E xSys: An Anu ra Morphometric Classification Expert System;” Kia Angela Gargantiel, BS Biology, with her project “The Antibacterial Activity of Cobra-Cobra, Ipomoea Setosa (Ker Gawi), Seed Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus (Rosenbach) and Escherichia coli (Migula);” and Jason Jun Patula, BS Mechanical Engineering, with his project, “Non-Conventional Mini Refrigerator for Chilling.” In fitting ceremonies held last Thursday, February 23, at the Audio-Visual Theater of Silliman U niversity, the awardees each received a cash prize of P25,000 deposited via a BPI Express Teller Account; a plaque of recognition; and a letter offering a job position as a junior officer of the BPI, including the distinction of having their names inscribed on a bronze tablet together with past awardees from Silliman University permanently installed at Villareal Hall inside the campus. On hand to personally present the award were Senior Vice-President Emmanuel Herbosa, Vice-President and Executive Director of BPI Foundation, Inc. Florendo “R andy” Maranan, and Roslyn Tambago, assistant director of the PS & T-NO. Assisting them were Dr. Ben Malayang III, president of Silliman University; VPAA Dr. Betsy Joy Tan; Prof. Mirasol Magbanua, chair of the SU Bio logy Dep artment and chair, BP I-DOS T Science Awards Committee; D r. Tessie Cabije, dean of the College of Engineering and Design ; En gr. Jesus Amiscaray, thesis adviser; Dr. Margaret Helen Alvarez, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and, Engr. Ed Omictin representing D r. Dave Marcial, thesis adviser and dean of the College of

Computer Studies. Duran’s project is a computer application for assisting untrained individuals in classifying Philippine frogs without the aid of an expert. Once the classification process is done, basic information and explanation on the conclusion will be displayed together with the system output. According to Duran, the idea of computer technology being made useful to sciences, like Biology, was attention-grabbing. She muses, “If computers can be used for knowledge preservation and the scientific process, then that is interesting.” Coming from Dumaguete, Duran is this year’s University Leadership Awardee and former member of the Dumaguete City Council representing the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation and secretary of the provincial federation. Representing her parents during the awards ceremony was Duran’s sister, L. Angelique Gene Duran. “I like Science because the theories and principles are applicable to everyday life. It is very easy to study science because the environment around you is your own laboratory,” shares Gargantiel, the daughter of Raul and Kynette Gargantiel and a g radu ate of S t. Scholastica’s Academy in Bacolod City. Researches are a staple in her life having

BY CECILE M. G ENOVE cmgedcon@yahoo.com

Gospel ... been a research apprentice in a study on wastewater treatment in Bayawan, Negros Oriental, giving her th e ch ance to stu dy the ch emic al and biologic al properties of the Bayawan landfill. Patula’s engineer-cousins influenced him to choose Mechanical Engineering as his course. “They taught me about the technical aspects of simple machines, thereby giving me motives of making childish inventions,” recalls Patula. Last summer, he thought of a project that can make use of the heat of the sun to power an appliance that provides comfort to people, like a refrigerator. The project is both cost-efficient and environmentfriendly, helping people save on electricity and promote the use of green and renewable energy sources, as well as providing job opportunities. He is one of the three sons of Ricardo and Milven Patula of To page 10

RUSH SALE Price: Negotiable Call: 09189296047

The 20 journalists from ASEAN member-states pose with India’s External Affairs Minister, Shri Krishna (center, back row), during a courtesy call held Feb. 13, 2012 prior to the Delhi Dialogue IV held in New Delhi, India. One of the 20 visiting journalists is Rachelle Nessia (3rd from left, 2nd row) of the PIA in Negros Oriental, along with Lily Ramos (4th from left, first row) of PNA. (RMN/PIA)

From page 8 then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give ge ne rous ly; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one anothe r above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritua l fe rvor, se rving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who re joic e; mourn with those who mourn.16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord.20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e] 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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March 4, 2012

2012 BPI-DOST ... (Genove)

Provincial PESO Focal Person Nanette Tindoc discussing the rights and responsibilities of children as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) during a career and employment coaching session held Feb. 3, 2012 at Ong Che Tee High School in Bacong, Negros Oriental. The sessions are conducted together with DOLE to assist high school students choose the collegiate course that matches their skills, while helping steer the graduating college students towards the right career path. (RMN/PIA/PESO)

Gospel-fresh (Cimagala)

From page 6

viewed from the fundamental angle of the gospel. The gospel offers the ultimate dimensions, the most essential aspects of any given issue. As St. Cyprian would put it: “the commands of the Gospel are nothing else than God’s lessons, the foundations on which to build up hope, the supports for strengthening the faith, the food that nourishes the heart.” Beca use of the gos pel, Blessed John Paul II helped in dismantling the Communist Bloc be-

cause of the inherent inhumanity of communism as viewed from the gospel. He exposed the true character of Liberation Theology that tried to hybrid Christianity with communism. He also warned about the excesses of unrestrained capitalism, so prone to greed and individualism. He fired up the youth all over the world, even provoking a kind of spiritual and moral revolutionary transformation in very paganized Western sectors of the world. He restored the true and original role of women and the laity in general in the world and in the Church. He gave a big boost to the proper role of the family in

MARCH

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• OPAPP Meeting - 9:00am-11:00am Jordan 3 • NORECO 11 MCEC Meeting 3:00pm-5:00pm - Agape --------------------------------------------------------• CENRO Dumaguete Seminar 7:30am-4:00pm - Joshua 2 • Philippine Association of Court Social Workers Convention - 1:30pm-7:00pm - Jordan 1 --------------------------------------------------------• Philippine Association of Court Social Workers Convention - 7:00am - 7:00pm - Jordan 1 • Philippine Association of Court Social Workers Convention - 7:00am - 1:00pm - Jordan 1 --------------------------------------------------------• Ateneo de Manila School of Government Watch - 10:00am-12:00pm - Agape --------------------------------------------------------• BCBP Men - 7:00am-9:00am - Agape • Dumaguete Diabetes Club Monthly Meeting - 2:00pm-4:00pm - Joshua 2 --------------------------------------------------------• Jeremiah Christian Center 9:00am-11:00am - Joshua 1 • Living Word - 3:00pm-5:00pm - Jordan 3 • Family in Christ Ministry 3:00pm-5:00pm - Agape • Jesus is Lord - 5:30pm-7:30pm Agape • Church of Christ - 6:30pm-8:30pm Joshua 2

society, the dignity of labor, the authentic relationship between faith and reason, religion and the sciences. He clarified the true nature and purpose of philosophy and theology. Because of the gospel, he learned how to forgive his would-be assassin and to deal with all sorts of leaders of different suasions, including those who professed to be atheists and anti-Catholic. He also learned how to bear suffering, physical and moral, all the way to this death. He also knew how to be strong before big challenges and threats. When he had to correct an erring churchman, he did not hesitate to do so after giving enough time and space for warning and conversion. The gospel was his primary material in delivering his messages to different people in different situations and in different countries—in all his trips to the different countries, in his addresses to bishops and

priests, politicians, students, children, poor, etc. Our usual problem is that we tend to consider the gospel as just another book, just another source of some inform ation, or just one more literary material, etc. We fail to consider it as it truly is, the living word of God that has to be read and handled with faith. Especially these days when there is literally a glut of information and a surfeit of data of all colors, the gospel tends to be treated just like one more of them, just like one more among many. We fail to realize that the gospel has an inherent spiritual force. It can only be read, understood and used in the spirit. The devil, in tempting Christ, also used scriptural passages, but obviously not in the proper spirit. We can also cite the gospel in the same way if we are not careful. It’s w hen our thoughts, words and actions are inspired by the gospel that we can expect a certain divine freshness, newness and forcefulness in them.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF NEGROS ORIENTAL 7th Judicial Region BRANCH 37 (FAMILY COURT DESIGNATE) Dumaguete City SP.PROC.NO.2011-5017 IN RE: PETITION FOR THE ADOPTION OF MINOR SARAH LYNN MACANI WITH PRAYER FOR THE CHANGE OF NAME OF SAID MINOR TO SARAH LYNN MACANI SCALF SPOUSES EUGENE RANDALL SCALF AND RIZA G. MACANI-SCALF, Petitioner. X————————————————————————/

ORDER Petitioner-husband, an American national, and his Filipina wife, both of legal age and residents of Purok 6, Maslog, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, claiming to have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications to adopt, desire to adopt minor Sarah Lynn Macani, daughter of petitionerwife. Further, petitioners pray that upon the grant of the petition, the name of the aforesaid adoptee be changed to Sarah Lynn Macani Scalf. The petition is set for hearing on August 14, 2012 at 9:00 o’ clock in the morning at the session hall of this Court in the Hall of Justice, E. J. Blanco Drive, Dumaguete City. Any interested person may appear on said date, time and place and show cause why the petition should not be granted. The Court Social Worker, to whom this petition is assigned, is directed to conduct a child and home study and submit a report thereon at least one month before August 14, 2012. The Petitioners are directed to cause the publication of this Order once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in this province and in Dumaguete City. Furnish copies of this Order to the petitioners, the Solicitor General and the City Civil Registrar of Cebu City at their given addresses. SO ORDERED. Given this 16th day of December 2011 in the City of Dumaguete, Philippines. (Sgd). NOEL P. CATACUTAN Presiding Judge The Negros Chronicle Feb. 19, 26 & March 4,2012

(From page 9)

Dumaguete City. In his remarks, SVP Herbosa said that looking at the awardees gives him hope. He said that when these students graduate, they will all go their separate ways, but they will always converge at that place where making a difference in life is key. “They will showcase their individual strengths to develop the Filipino collective – it is talent in motion, with a lot of heart, done intelligently, executed competently,” Herbosa expounded. Gargantiel, in her response on behalf of the awardees, articulated that despite the obstacles and sacrifices, they never regretted every single moment of the whole process of doing research and discovering new things. “After all, that is where the fun and learning really is. Yes, it is strenuous, exhausting, and demanding but we have learned in doing these researches that in order to suc-

ceed, one must be willing to fail,” she said. Moreover, Dr. Malayang challenged the two agencies that these researches should have a niche in the marketplace, and perhaps, they could use a third partner so that these brilliant ideas can be made usable, commerciable, and applicable to society in general. As Dr. Malayang mused, “Science has to be done and applied to serve others. How might these ideas translate into a creative power of society? Great science is like great poetry. It has to be read and heard, thereby sharing and appreciating the high level of creativity and the elegance of thought of these bright, young minds.” To date, more than 600 awardees have been recognized coming from only 10 universities all over the country – Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Silliman University, Saint Louis University, University of the Philippines Diliman and Los Baños, University of San Carlos, University of Santo Tomas, and Xavier University.

LAW EACH WEEK SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY A public service of the Sen. Jovito R. Salonga Center for Law and Development ARRAIGNMENT AND PLEA 1. What is arraignment? Arraignment is a formal mode of implementing the constitutional right of the accused to be informed of the nature of the accusation against him. 2. What are the purposes for which the offended party may be required to appear at the arraignment? The private offended party may be required to appear at the arraignment for the purposes of:  Plea-bargaining;  Determination of civil liability;  Other matters requiring his presence. 3.

May an accused be arraigned in absentia? No. The accused must be present at the arraignment and must personally enter his plea.

4. If an accused pleads guilty to a capital offense, what should the court do before rendering the judgment? The trial court is called upon to conduct a searching question into the voluntariness and full comprehension of the consequences of his plea and require the prosecution to prove his guilt and the precise degree of his culpability. 5. What are searching questions? It means more than informing cursorily the accused that he faces a jail term. It also includes the exact length of imprisonment under the law and the certainty that he will serve at the national penitentiary of a penal colony. 6. May an accused withdraw his plea of guilty? Yes, it is improvident. At any time before the judgment of conviction becomes final, the court may permit an improvident plea of guilty to be withdrawn and be substituted by a plea of not guilty. In fact, the Supreme Court has oftenly set aside judgments of conviction in capital offense because of the improvidence of plea when such plea is the sole basis of the judgment of condemnatory judgment. The withdrawal, however, is not a matter of strict right. 7. What may the accused do before arraignment if there are defects of the information against him? Accused may, at or before arraignment, move for a bill of particular to enable him properly to plead and to prepare for trial. The motion shall specify the alleged defects and the details desired. 8. X was charged with the crime of homicide. When he was arraigned, he pleaded guilty. He was brought to the witness stand and testified that he killed the victim in self-defense. He was acquitted. Was the acquittal proper? No. The acquittal is void because the rule is that, one who pleads guilty unconditionally admits his guilt. What the court should have done when he testified that he killed the victim in self-defense was to stop the proceeding and order the re-arraignment of the accused; try and acquit him if the evidence of self-defense can be proven. Without these things being done, the court cannot acquit the accused. (Contributor, Ihra Faith Magno)

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March 4, 2012

For SALE: House & Lot

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LOCATION

PRICE

2.1 hectars 4 hectars 6,287 sqms 8,000 sqms 9,000 sqms 7,413 sqms 10.4 hectars 1,900 sqms 615 sqms 1,500 sqms 800 sqms 500 sqms 2,000 sqms 1,000 sqms 450 sqms 500 sqms 2,287 sqms 1,725 sqms 1,744 sqms 2,551 sqms 1,000 sqms 2,873 sqms 6 hectars 417 sqms 3,000 sqms 1,500 sqms 6,000 sqms 1,800 sqms 2,017 sqms 330 sqms 1,040 sqms 5,000 sqms 2 hectars 3,020 sqms 800 sqms 4.5 hectars 400 sqms

Batinguel, Dumaguete City Zamboanguita, Neg. Or. Motong, Dumaguete City Batinguel, Dumaguete City Candau-ay, Dgte. City Candau-ay, Dgte. City Zamboanguita, Neg.Or. Dauin, Negros Oriental Motong, Dumaguete City Batinguel, Dumaguete City Batinguel, Dumaguete City Batinguel, Dumaguete City Batinguel, Dumaguete City Tub-tubon, Sibulan, Neg.Or. Tub-tubon, Sibulan, Neg.Or. Tub-tubon, Sibulan, Neg.Or. Bagacay, Dumaguete City Junob, Dumaguete City Bagacay, Dumaguete City Bagacay, Dumaguete City Bagacay, Dumaguete City Candau-ay, Dumaguete City Candau-ay, Dumaguete City Valencia, along brgy. road Valencia, Negros Oriental Bantayan, Dumaguete City Candau-ay, Dumaguete City Bajumpandan, Dgte. City Zamboanguita, Neg.Or. Banilad, Dumaguete City Banilad, Dumaguete City Balugo, Valencia, Neg.Or. Talay, Dumaguete City Balugo, Valencia, Neg.Or. Bajumpandan, Dgte. City Zamboanguita, Neg.Or. Motong, Dumaguete City

21M 8M 5.029M 6.4M 11.7M 9,636M 6M 1.33M 992.5K 2.25M 1.2M 750M 2.2M 1.5M 450K .5M 5.75M 3.504M 2.616M 3.826M 1.5M 2.873M 33M 625.5K 4.5M 7.5M 3.9M 2.16M 1M .6M 1.2M 6M 12M 1.5M 8M 2.5M 1.2M

500 sqms 1,832 sqms 2 Hectars 1,525 sqms 765 sqms

Cangmating, Sibulan, NegOr. Bacong, Negros Oriental Zamboanguita, Neg.Or. Zamboanguita, Neg.Or. Ajong, Sibulan, Neg.Or.

2.5M 5.5M 16M 3M 2M

5,576 sqms 942 sqms 1,000 sqms 4,000 sqms 40 hectars

3.5M .95M .95M 8M 120M

5,025 sqms 825 sqms 900 sqms

Jawa, Valencia, Neg.Or. Bong-ao, Valencia, Neg.Or. Jawa, Valencia, Neg.Or. Bacong, Dumaguete Bayawan, Neg.Or. 15 hectares rice field, 25 hectares coconut plantation Siaton, Neg.Or. planted with various fruit bearing trees Balugo, Valencia plain area Cadawinonan, Dgte. city Plain suited for subdivision site Junob, Dumaguete City residential area Talay, Dgte. City Along Valencia road Calangag, Bacong, Neg.Or. Combado, Bacong, Neg.Or. Boloc-boloc, Sibulan, Neg.Or.

700 sqms

Sac-sac, Bacong Neg.Or.

146,606 sqms 4 hectars 8 hectars

742 sqms 1,500 sqms

30.00 per sqm only 550.00 per sqm only 550.00 per sqm only 700.00 per sqm only 1,500.00 per sqm only 1.5M .4M 800.00 pe sqm only 1M

New Stocks

HOUSE AND LOT FOR SALE Pulangtubig, 360 sq.m., 3BR, 2CR, with garage, a nice lawn and a good-looking fence @ P3M Motong, 359 sq.m., 2-storey, 3BR, 2CR, uses hardwood floor, with garage (newly renovated) @ 4M Junob, 300 sq.m., 3BR, 2CR, with garage and a concrete fence @ 2M Junob, 450 sq.m.,2BR, 2CR with a big lawn @ 1.7M Bantayan, 300 sq.m., 3BR, 2CR with garage including a car @ 3M Cantil-e, 880 sq.m., 4BR, 3CR, with garage and a nice and pleasing lawn facing the East @ 7M

HOUSE AND LOT FOR SALE Pulantubig, 360 sqms, 3BR, 2CR, with garage, a nice lawn and a good looking fence @ 3M Motong, 359 sqms, 2-storey, 3BR, 2CR, uses hard wood floor, with garage (Newly Renovated) @ 4M Junob 300 sq.m., 3BR, 2CR, with garage and a concrete fence @ 2M Junob, 450 sqms,2BR, 2CR with a Big Lawn @ 1.7M Bantayan, 300 sqms, 3BR, 2CR, with garage including a car @ 3M Cantil-e, 880 sqms, 4BR, 3CR, with garage and a nice and pleasing lawn facing the East @ 7M Pulangtubig, 225 sqms. With road right of way, clean tittle @ 1.3M only Bantayan, 2 storey house, 5BR w/maids Quarter, 3CR, 2nd floor uses hard wood flooring, 210 sqms lot area, clean tittle @ 2.2M only Candau-ay, 259 sqms lot area newly built house, 3BR, 2CR, Semi furnished, clean titles @ 3M only

CALL: 0918-929-6047 * Along the road * Aircon, cable-ready * Fenced with garage * Hot & Cold shower Price: P5M negotiable Call: 0918-929-6047

PRIME LOT SALE: El Pueblo Genovevo 475 sq.m., clean title, near the new club house, has a good view of Mt. Talinis

LOTS FOR SALE Around Negros NEW STOCKS • Sta. Aguida, Pamplona, 10 hectares @ P30.00 per sq.m. • San Jose, 29 hectares with coconut trees and sugarcane plantation @ P50.00 per sq.m. • Sta. Catalina, 4.3 hectares with sugarcane plantation ready for harvest @ P25.00 per sq.m. • Northern Junob, Dgte City, 19,900 sq.m. @ P1,500.00 per sq.m. • Candau-ay, Dgte City, 12,782 sq.m. @ P500.00 per sq.m. • Junob, Dgte City, along the road with fruit-bearing coconut trees @ P2,000.00 per sq.m. • Jimalalud, Neg. Or. 6,844 sq.m. with fruit bearing, coconut trees P60,000.000 only

CALL: 0918-929-6047

Two sides adjacent to good neighbors, two sides free, negotiable

Call: 0918-929-6047

NEW LOTS FOR SALE  Bayawan City, located in the heart of the city, near City Hall, 349 sqms at 3,500.oo/sqm  Bacong Negros Oriental located at the National highway, wide frontage, 1,308 sqms at 1,500.00/sqm  Meciano Road, Dgte City, interior lot, suited for boarding house and restaurant, 525 sqms at 1,500.00/sqm

LOT FOR SALE

Motong-4,118 sq.m. @ 1,100/sq.m., clean title, along the brgy. road with 5 0 ful l g rown sweet mangoes, 34m frontage Contact: 0918-929-6047

Lot adjacent to SUMC P14M, negotiable 859 sq.m. (CHET) Call: 0918-929-6047

RESIDENTIAL LOT FOR SALE IMMEDIATELY 700 SQUARE METERS, NEAR THE ROAD, NEAR FATIMA SUBDIVISION REASONABLE PRICE, NEGOTIABLE HEDRIANA ENTRANCE, PIAPI, DUMAGUETE CITY IF INTERESTED, CONTACT ELY DEJARESCO, TEL. NO. 0918-929-6047 OR ROSE BASELERES, TEL. NO. (Globe cp#) 0906-457-4857

Pigafetta ...

FOR SALE Residential Lot 2,500 sq.meters at Bong-ao, Valencia, Negros Oriental Price: affordable and negotiable

Call: 0918-929-6047

LOT FOR SALE 2,297 sq.m. @ P1,800/m2 Junob/residential/ 1 block fronting Silliman Heights

Call: 0918-929-6047

COMMERCIAL LOT FOR SALE Airport Area, 1,744 sq.m., clean title, 20 meters from the highway, suited for apartment and commercial spaces P2,200 per sq.m. only

Call: 0918-929-6047

COMMERCIAL LOT FOR SALE Banilad, Dgte. City, 2,772 sq.m., clean title, fronting the highway, wide entrance, suited for apartment, gasoline station and commercial spaces, P2,000 per sq.m. only

Call: 0918-929-6047

(Sagun)

HEIDI’S PAWNSHOP “The Pawnshop with a Heart” Along Sta. Rosa St., Dumaguete City Tel. No. 422-7735 & their Newest Branch at Silliman Ave., Dgte. City Tel. #422-9002

AGENCIA AGUEDA PAWNSHOP • Accepts cellphones, appliances and jewelry with high appraisals at 4% advance interest . • No hidden charges and no Value added Tax. • Pwede ang partial payments ug data-data sa mga principal loans and installment plans on expired items. • Open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Corner Taft and Cervantes Sts. Dumaguete City

Tel No. 422 6477

From page 8

ne sede(ss)emo (s)opª la popa de que(s)to (s)empre parlando con (s)egni li suoi ne (s)tauano in piedi atorno atorno cõ (s)pade dague Lanze et targoni fece portare vno piato de carne porco cõ vño vazo grande pienno de vino beueuamo adogni boconne vna ta(ss)a de vino lo vino q(ue) li auan(s)aua qªlque volta ben q(ue) fo(s)ceno poche (s)e meteua in vno vazo da p(er) si la (s)ua ta(s)a (s)empre staua coperta ninguno alt° li beueua Se nõ il re et yo We sat down upon the stern of that balanghai, constantly conversing with signs. The king’s men stood about us in a circle with swords, daggers, spears, and bucklers. The king had a plate of pork brought in and a large jar filled with wine. At every mouthful, we drank a cup of wine. The wine that was left [in the cup] at any time, although that happened but rarely, was put into a jar by itself. The king’s cup was always kept covered and no one else drank from it but he and I.

3837

Catholic ... (Tulabing)

From page 8

verse population in terms of economic status, background, ability. Enrollment reflects the diversity of the parishes and local community served by the school. Ideally, all parishes value schools as an important ministry of the Catholic Church of the Diocese and accept their responsibility to support Catholic school education. Parishes and schools need to work collaboratively in a strong supportive relationship. Ideally, students and their families are active and involved in their local parish. Another part of our vision for Catholic Schools is to make Catholic Schools academically excellent schools. Our schools should provide superior comprehensive academic programs. Now, please allow me to delve into some of our ideals, though we know very difficult to achieve, but not impossible, if only we can put things in place, with God’s grace, in due time. Part of our ideals is for all teachers and administrators to be certified and demonstrate excellence in their profession and are faith-filled role models committed to the mission of the school and the mission of the Church. We can also dream of up-todate technology and current educational resources to be used effectively by all teachers to enhance teaching and learning. It’s okay to dream, wala man na’y bayad, but we can also w ork hard together to achieve the ideal. We also have to include the need for each school to have an effective school board whose members have the necessary expertise and training to provide leadership and support for the school, school administration, and pastor. Also part of our vision is to have Fiscally Stable Schools. This can be translated to school facilities that are of high quality and fully sufficient to support a

superior educational program. Each school campus must be safe, attractive, clean, and in good order. There’s also a need for the revenue for schools to improve to sustain a vision for superior education. Here, increase in enrollment is seen to be of great help. Catholics should remain affordable for parishes and for parents who desire a Catholic School education for their children. Ideally, all parishes contribute to the financial support of diocesan Catholic schools. And to add more ideals, stewardship should be well understood and practiced in local faith communities. Stewardship is far more than a means of funding ministry; it is a life-changing commitment of time, talent, and treasure. The school needs to maintain an enrollment capable of supporting a high quality program. Then, if this is effectively done, teacher compensation can be made sufficient to attract and retain qualified, excellent teachers. Then, ideally again, the school should operate with a balanced budget and practice good business management. Lastly, we need to remember that Catholic schools don’t focus solely on “measurable outcomes, or even helping students learn essential facts and marketable skills that prepare them for employment”. But rather “Catholic schools exist for a supernatural purpose.” Catholic schools are “about the formation of men and women in all aspects of life and living. Each student must be what God intends him or her to be. They must be helped toward their eternal salvation” God is first, and when we put Him first, the other entire good things find their proper place. Like what Pope Benedict XVI said “I pray that in our Catholic schools —from early childhood to college - we will be forming saints. Through obedience to the Holy Spirit, and His light entrusted to the Apostles, may our pupils and students begin to be more like Christ to the glory of the heavenly Father.” Amen

2007 March 4,9,2012 14September

AUCTION SALE AGENCIA BELEN Main Office Legaspi Street In Front of Holy Child Dumaguete City All unredeemed and unrenewed expired items will be auctioned on March 15, 2012 at 9:00a.m. at this office.

AUCTION SALE AGENCIA BELEN Branch I Noblefranca Street Dumaguete City All unredeemed and unrenewed expired items will be auctioned on March 16, 2012 at 9:00a.m. at this office.

AUCTION SALE AGENCIA BELEN Branch II Cor. Perdices & Sta. Rosa Street Dumaguete City All unredeemed and unrenewed expired items will be auctioned on March 17, 2012 at 9:00a.m. at this office.

AUCTION SALE AGENCIA BELEN Branch III Dr. V. Locsin Street Dumaguete City All unredeemed and unrenewed expired items will be auctioned on March 19, 2012 at 9:00a.m. at this office.

AUCTION SALE AGENCIA BELEN Branch IV Twin Arcade Bldg., Dumaguete City All unr edee med and unrenewed expired items will be auctioned on March 20, 2012 at 9:00a.m. at this office.

Orthodontics Dr. Seeress Mae R. Heniel General Dentistry and Orthodontics Clinic Address: No. 53 Pinili St., 2 nd Flr., Cornelio Bldg., Dumaguete City 6200 Negros Oriental, Philippines

AD PAWNSHOP No. 13 San Juan St., Dumaguete City All unredeemed pledges wh ose terms have expired will be auctioned on March 31, 2012 at our place of business.

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Not ice is her eby given that the intestate of the late APO LINARIO EGE consisting of Lot No. 2666 locat ed at Poblacion, Siat on, Negros Oriental, an unregistered land covered by Tax Declaration No. 4261 with an area of 536 square meters, was the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement Among Heirs dated February 17, 2012, entered as Doc. No. 375, Page No. 75, Book No. XLI, Series of 2012, in the notarial register of Atty. Elizur V. Umbac. The Negros Chronicle Feb. 26, March 4 & 11,2012

“Mula sa Dec. 11, 2011 ang Palawan Pawnshop at Express Pera Padala ay magbubukas na tuwing Linggo, 7 days a week na po kami.”

37 38

March 4, 2012

Securing the E-quake striken

Members of the Army’s 302nd Brigade based in Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City under the command of Col. Francisco M. Patrimonio, the Brigade Commander, continuously providing transportation and manpower assistance in the relief operations activities of the different kind-hearted donors to the victims of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that recently hit the province of Negros Oriental. Early today, the brigade facilitated the hauling of 45 sacks and 152 boxes of assorted relief goods and 20 sacks of rice from the GMA Kapuso Foundation prior to the distribution to earthquake victims in the municipalities of Ayungon, Tayasan, La Libertad, Jimalalud and Guihulngan City, all of Negros Oriental. Also in the hauling are 18 large sacks, 14 large boxes of noodles and 60 large boxes of assorted relief goods donated by the City Tourism Council of Dumaguete City.

19 new lawyers ... From page 2

400-5241

A. Concepcion II, Rudy D. Cunanan Jr., Aldeo Jesus E. Diez, Rudylen O. Laurente, Melissa Grace G. Legaspi, Romela Mae L. Napao and Izra Elita C. Singson in giving honors to its alma mater. SU Law posted 65 percent passing rate. Foundation University also hailed the news that five of their examinees passed the bar namely Jean Paul A. Diputado, Peter Chuck A. Lagos, Chrislyned G. Gar ces, Remed io T. Gabas Jr. and Mel Nick S. Logronio. Looking forward FU College of Law Dean Retired Judge Eleuterio Chiu advised the new bar passers to bear witness and conduct themselves in accordance to the university’s mission to produce lawyers that are highly ethical, morally upright and competent.

READERS VIEWS

No killer river, only killer flood Dear Editor: I would like to refer to your issue of February 26, 2012, particularly the front page article, Damages down P665M to 507M. On page 18, there is a sentence referring to Banica and Ocoy rivers as “killer rivers.” It is unfortunate that our rivers are branded as such. There are no killer rivers, but there are dangerous floods that sometimes take lives because we choose to build our homes in its path. One of the main causes of flooding is deforestation due to overlogging which is also an activity of man. Our rivers are life-giving, the source of water needed for life to grow. (Esther: Sorry. Our copy editors missed that phrase. It should have been killer flood—ed.) On another occasion, there was also a reference to killer trees in your

We are all ... (Catan) From page 6

into a different culture (Western to Eastern), a different climate (cold temperate to hot tropical), a vastly different life situation (life on a mountain farm to life in a busy city), and from single independence to happily married dependence. My life has been and continues to be a p ilgrimag e from

newspaper. (Esther: Pls cite what issue.—ed) There are no killer trees. There are only trees that have been neglected and poorly managed. If a tree falls because a main root has been cut by man to make way for cementing, then are we to blame the tree? Same thing for dead branches that should be monitored and removed before they fall. It is also not to do away with trees but to plan our development perspectives to include them in our environment. I hope that we will give more consideration to the elements that cannot speak for themselves and no longer brand them as killers. What and where would man be without our friends, the trees and the ri vers. (ESTHER WINDLER.)

strength to strength, from blind acceptance of His plan for me to awed wonder at the beauty I have experienced in my life. Joyce’s reflections strike a deep chord within me because they express the unspoken feelings in my heart. I share her conclusions about the pilgrimage of life: “As a pilgrim, life gets simpler and the mind becomes clearer. The heart loses its hold on what is left behind and resonates more and

more with the beauty of what is. In the rhythm of the journey, the spirit gathers its own rhythm of adventure and harmony.” I can only look forward to the beauty and newness of each day in my life pilgrimage.

March 4, 2012

Arnaiz backs ...

the CIVIC circle From page 16

BY LELE MARTINEZ (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: dejaresco_ely@yahoo.com – EDITOR)

HEALTH IS WEALTH

How to stop smoking

cjomartinez@yahoo.com

Compassionate Relief Times of crisis call for great awakening Alarming catastrophes necessitate great compassion Deluded times have need of great insight Chaos and disorder compel deep reflection In these momentous times, only repentance can change the tide* * Wang Tuan-cheng

n times of crisis, the community sees the great love and support people from all walks of life give to ease the grief and suffering of those affected. During the recent flooding and earthquake, massive help and assistance have poured in from many parts of the Philippines and from around the world. Private individuals, organizations and the local and national governments, including foreign governments, have given aid.

Among the many organizations who gave is the Tzu Chi Foundatio n, w ho se n ame means ”compassionate relief.” It is an international humanitarian nongovernmental organization founded by Dharma Master Cheng Yen, a Buddhist nun, on May 14, 1966 in Hualien, Taiwan. She was inspired by her master and mentor, the late Venerable Master Yin Shun, a proponent of Humanistic The different items from Tzu Chi Foundation prepared for Buddhism. distribution to the earthquake victims. From its humble beginning of 30 housederly distribution of the aid. Dharma Master Cheng Yen: wives in Taiwan who Th e gr ou p has its ow n “These are momentous gave and car ed f or the crowd control and the voltimes—our planet is ill and needy, the group has grown unteers were enjoined to so is our society. We human to about 10 million interna- give with both hands in a beings are destroying our tional volunteer members cheerful manner, giving digplanet, and all across sociworldwide with chapters in nity to the receiver. ety morals are disappear50 countries. They abide by Master Ch en g Yen ing. It grieves me deeply the rules of “No politics, no deeply believes that all peopropaganda, and no reli- ple are capable of true com- that people are confusing gion” and provide relief to passion with action to re- wrong and right, and that people suffering from disas- lieve suffering. The group’s this blindness and ignoter s all over the wor ld. mission involves Charity, rance is spreading. We face Though the Tzu Chi Foun- Medicine, Education and a planetary emergency, but dation has Buddhist origins Culture in the spirit of sin- we are like children playing and beliefs, the organization cerity, integrity, trust, and in a house on fire, oblivious is more popularly known for honesty. They believe in the to the danger. In such times, its selfless contributions equality of all beings and the we truly must reconsider through medical missions Buddha-nature potential in the way we are living and look deeply into our own and relief during disasters. ev er y person . Th ro ugh hearts. We may think that This month, the Tzu charitable hearts, the priviChi group from Cebu came leged obtain blessings and we are only one person and with aid for the earthquake joy, and the impoverished can make little difference. But each of us, every day, is contributing to the col lect ive prob lem through our daily actions. It is not too late to turn the tide. But, it can only happen if ea ch o f us t hinks deeply about what is h ap pening t o ou r world and how our actions contribute, and take action to change. It is critical that we self-reflect, recognize the error of our ways, repent and begin anew. Only by t ra nsfo rm in g th e Tzu Chi volunteers hand out donations to the families, many hearts of humanity with little children. can o ur world b e saved. victims in Tayasan and La receive security and peace. When mo re p eo pl e Libertad. They had earlier The Tzu Chi group had have hearts of goodness and shipped their donations in previously done a medical think good thoughts, speak vans that were transported mission here in Dumaguete; wholesome words, and do by local volunteers who this time they came to bring good, it will have a proused their own trucks to compassionate relief for the found impact on our socibring the Tzu Chi donation earthquake victims. ety. It will create a cycle of of rice, foodstuff and houseAs we reflect on the goodness. Our world now ho ld items to th e many disasters happening really needs such a cycle of victims. Many locals also all over the world, it is good goodness.” joined the group in the or- to ponder on the words of

ne has to realize the fact that once the habit of smoking is formed, it is very difficult to stop it. Many smokers attempted to cut it, but failed for lack of strong determination and technique in its management. However, it ’s not t oo lat e ye t to sta rt , irregardless of age whether young or old.

Her e ar e ef fectiv e steps to be strictly followed, as advocated by a smoker who successfully quitted smoking after a hard battle against the smoking habit. • You got to be firmly determined to stop smoking. • Always keep guard for that urge to smoke. • Substitute cigarette smoking by chewing a gum, etc. • Put something inside your pocket like a key, rosary beads, etc. as a substitute for the usual cigarette pack you used to get from your pocket. • Bear in mind three (3) important reasons why you qu it: ( a) to stay fit and healthy, (b) to live longer, (c) to save money or something valuable. • Beware of “just one” mistake. If you are extracareful, it may cause you to be hooked again. • Be prepared to cope

with situation or feelings which tempt you to smoke. • Be sure to refuse a cigarette offered by anyone. • Keep busy by taking up new hobby, sport or exercise. • Reward yourself for the progress you have made to stay smoke-free. • Feel proud that you made it through this difficult period (withdrawal stage). • Keep in close contact with those who have been supportive in your efforts to stop smoking. • Don’t easily feel discouraged for sling back is common and which usually occurs in the first week where withdrawal symptoms are strongest and your body is still dependent on nicotine. • Temptatio ns to smoke occurs mostly during stressful events which could happen unexpectedly when ex-smoker reach out for

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF NEGROS ORIENTAL 7th Judicial Region BRANCH 37 (FAMILY COURT DESIGNATE) Dumaguete City SP. PROC. NO. 2012-5050 In re: Joint Petition for Adoption of Minor UZZIEL MAR BAJADA CORONADO And change of his name from UZZIEL MAR BAJADA CORONADO to UZZIEL MAR CORONADO MANCILLA, SPOUSES REYNALDO HUMBERTO MANCILLA and LORNA CORONADO MANCILLA, Petitioners. x————————————————————/

ORDER Petitioner-husband, an American citizen, and his Filipina wife, both of legal age and residents of Purok Sta. Lucia, Buñao, Dumaguete City, claiming to have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications to adopt, desire to adopt minor Uzziel Mar Bajada Coronado, son of petitioner-wife. Further, petitioners pray that upon the grant of the petition, the name of the aforesaid adoptee be changed to Uzziel Mar Coronado Mancilla. The petition is set for hearing on August 10, 2012 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning at the session

DR. ANGEL V. SOMERA Fellow, Phil. Psychiatric Association

cigarette automatically. Try to understand how it happened so that it does not occur again. • Pray hard for divine interventions to fight and rebuke this “satanic hold” in you. • Think of Professional Help after trying hard and you still fail to conquer smok ing by undergoing “Comprehensive Smoking Cessation Program” which include: intradermal nicotine patch, water therapy, psychotherapy, desensitization process, etc. Goo d lu ck and May God guide you all the way, my friend. Kudos to Hon. Bentham de la Cruz, Municipal Mayor of Amlan, Negros Oriental, for initiating the move to stop smoking in this province.

hall of this Court in the Hall of Justice, E.J. Blanco Drive, Dumaguete City. Any interested person may appear on said date, time and place and show cause why the petition should not be granted. Publish this Order once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Negros Oriental and its component cities. The last publication shall not be within four (4) months before the date of the scheduled hearing. Likewise, let this Order be posted on the bulletin board of this Court, at petitioner’s expense, for at least thirty 30 days before the hearing. Furnish copies of this Order to the petitioners, the Solicitor General and the Civil Registrars of Jimalalud and Dumaguete City at their given addresses. The Court Social Worker, to whom this petition is referred, is directed to immediately conduct a home and case study and submit a report at least thirty (30) days before the hearing. The report, signed on every page by the Social Worker concerned, must contain the names and addresses of persons who supplied the collateral information that became the bases of the report. SO ORDERED. Given this 13th day of February 2012 in the City of Dumaguete, Philippines. (Sgd.) NOEL P. CATACUTAN Presiding Judge The Negros Chronicle March 4, 11 & 18 2012

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

MERYL SHOES STORE San Jose St., Dgte. City All kinds of shoes latest in style Tel. No. 422-9571

No tice is hereby given that the estate of th e late C orazon F. Cuadra has been subject to an extrajudicial settlement per Doc. No. 308; Page No. 62, Book No. X, Series of 2011, of Notary Pu blic Alexan der C. Villacastin. The Negros Chronicle Feb. 19, 26 & March 4, 2012

March 4, 2012 Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF NEGROS ORIENTAL 7th Judicial Region Branch 63 Bayawan Ci ty SPEC.PROC 412 IN THE MATTER OF CORRECTON OF ENTRIES AS TO SEX FROM MALE TO FEMALE, FIRST NAME AND MIDDLE NAME OF THE PETITONER FROM JULIEPER AND CALICANO TO JULIEFER AND GALICANO, MAIDEN FAMILY OF THE MOTHER FROM CALICANO TO GALICANO, DATE OF MARRIAGE OF PARENTS FROM MAY 16, 1978 TO MAY 24, 1978 AND INDICATING THE MIDDLE NAME OF THE FATHER AND MOTHER AS DELA CRUZ AND ANTIQUE, RESPECTIVELY, IN THE RECORS OF BIRTH OF JULEIPER CALICANO BAYOT a.k.a JULIEFER GALICANO BAYOT. JULIEFER GALI CANO BAYOT- GAGA-A Petitioner, - versus THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR FOF BAYAWAN CITY, NEGROS ORIENTAL Respondent x—————————————————————————————/

ORDER Petitioner, in her verified petition, alleges that she was born on May 18, 1979 at Bayawan City, Negros Oriental and her fact of birth was duly registered before the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental. However, in her records of birth, the entries as to her Sex was erroneously entered as MALE instead of FEMALE, her first name and middle name JULIEP ER and CALICANO instead of JULI EFER and GALICANO, maiden famil y name of her Mother from CALCANO to GALICANO, date of marriage of her parents from May 16, 1978 to MAY 24, 1978 and indicating the middle name of the father and mother as DELA CRUZ and ANTIQUE, respectively. Thus, this petition. The petiti on being sufficient in form and substance, let the same be heard on June 04, 2012 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning at the Session Hall of this Court along Severino “Nene” Martinez Street, Bayawan City. Interested parties are hereby enjoined to appear on the aforesaid Date, time and place and show cause why the petition should not be granted. Let this order be published immediately, at the expense of the petitioner, for once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Negros Oriental and its five component cities. Furnish copies of this order to the Solicitor General, the Local Civil Registrar of Bayawan City,Negros Oriental, the petitioner and her counsel. SO ORDERED. Given in Chamber this 18th day of January, 2012 at Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. (Sgd).ANANSON E. JAYME Executive/Presiding Judge

The Negros Chronicle March 4, 11 & 18, 2012

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF NEGROS ORIENTAL 7th Judicial Region Branch 63 Bayawan Ci ty SPEC. PROC. 417 IN THE MATTER OF CORRECTION OF ENTRIES AS TO SEX FROM MALE TO FEMALE AND DATE OF MARRIAGE OF PARENTS FROM JULY 24, 1992 TO JULY 11. 1992 IN THE RECORDS OF BIRTH OF ROGEN BARTE PANTALITA, ROGEN BARTE PANTALITA, Petitioner, - versus THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF BAYAWAN CITY, NEGROS ORIENTAL, Respondent, x——————————————————————————————/

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Petitioner, in her verified petition, alleges that she was born on March 9, 1993 at Bayawan City, Negros Oriental and her fact of birth was duly registered before the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental. However, her sex was erroneously entered as MALE instead of FEMALE and the date and place of marriage of parents as JULY 24, 1992 instead of JULY 11, 1992. Thus, this petition. The petition being sufficient in form and substance, let the same be heard on August 30, 2012 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning at the Session Hall of this Court along Severino “Nene” Martinez Street, Bayawan City. Interested parties are hereby enjoined to appear on the aforesaid date, time and place and show cause why petition should not be granted. Let this order be published immediately, at the expense of this petitioner, for once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Negros Oriental and its five component cities. Furnish copies of this order to the Solicitor General, the Local Civil Registrar of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, the petitioner and her counsel. SO ORDERED. Given in Chamber this 1st day of February 2012 at Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, Philippines.

The Negros Chronicle March 4, 11 & 18 2012

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March 4, 2012

critical reporting HOW MEDIA SEES IT, AND NOT OTHERS BY ELY P. DEJARESCO

(email:dejaresco_ely@yahoo.com)

(From page 2) the impeachment trial. No. 2, the failure to declare CJ’s assets and liabilities. But will justice and equity allow the judges to accept illegally obtained evidence? No. 3, was the flipflopping, if any, in supreme court PAL decisions a one-man decision or collegial? Answer is obvious. No. 4: was the issuance of the TRO illegal? If legal, who defied it? Again, the answer is obvious. With the remaining trial days, and mostly days for the defense with no more talks from the prosecutors, we find both an acquittal and a resignation looming. But how will the uneducated massa react to this? -o0oIf CJ Corona is convicted and removed, then the Cojuangco’s claim of a P10-billion compensation to Had. Luisita glows in the horizon. The poor Hda. Luisita farmers will have to pay just compensation, and charged to taxpayers’ money, like yours and ours. HEALTHCARE COLLEGE OF DUMAGUETE

Freedom Park underwater This is one rare photo of FREEDOM PARK underwater during the height of Typhoon Sendong, which could have been the heaviest three-hour downpour that hit and devastated large portions of Negros Oriental. The Freedom Park area is one of the low portions of the city. Reports say that during World War II, there were deep trenches due to bomb-hits by both American and Japanese air forces. There is also a reported old creek which lies underneath causing quick floods during heavy downpours. This was one of the heaviest downpours in three short hours in years.

Disasters or not, doctors must always be around

he doctor who was on leave when the governor visited his primary hospital in Nabigo, Tayasan said he can explain his side in the proper time and forum. Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo was fuming mad upon seeing no doctor was around at a Community Primary Hospital (CPH) in a hinterland barangay of the first district while conducting an ocular inspection on damaged infrastructures following the earthquake last February 6. Degamo had just conducted an ocular inspection of damaged portions of the road network that connects hinterland barangays from the 2nd to the 1st district today, when he decided to also see for himself the status of the Nabigo CPH in Tayasan, which is about 30 kilometers from the poblacion while on its way back to Dumaguete. Degamo was surprised to see a mother who have waited for several hours with her 8-month old baby seeking medication. The mother, Maica C arao, sa id the y shuttled a “habal-ha ba l” from the mountain barangay of Guincalaban, Tayasan, some 16 kilometers away from the CPH, only to be told the doctor is out. As a primary hospital, Nabigo is sup-

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Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF NEGROS ORIENTAL 7th Judicial Region Branch 63 Bayawan City SPEC. PROC. NO. 358 IN THE MATTER OF CORRECTION OF ENTRY AS TO THE DATE OF MARRIAGE OF PARENTS FROM APRIL 7, 1969 TO NOT MARRIED IN THE RECORDS OF FROILAN PALMA TERANIA, FROILAN PALMA TERANIA, Petitioner, THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF BAYAWAN CITY, NEGROS ORIENTAL, Respondent, x———————————————————————/

AMENDED ORDER Petitioner, in his verified petition alleges that he was born on January 11, 1972 Bayawan City, Negros Oriental and his fact of birth was duly registered before the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental. However, the entry of the place and date of marriage of his parents was entered as April 7, 1969 instead of not married. Thus this petition: The petition being sufficient in form and substance, let the same be heard on April 12, 2012 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning at the session hall of this court along Severino “Nene” Martinez Street, Bayawan City. Interested parties are hereby enjoined to appear on the aforesaid date, time, and place and show cause why petition should not be granted. Let this order be published immediately, at the expense of the petitioner, for once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Negros Oriental and its five (5) component cities. Furnish copies of this order to the Solicitor General, the Local Civil Registrar of Bayawan City, Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, the petitioner and her counsel. SO ORDERED. In chamber this 1st day of December 2011 at Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. (Sgd.)ANANSON E. JAYME The Negros Chronicle Executive/Presiding Judge March. 4, 11 & 18 2012

posed to refer patients to the Bindoy District Hos pital when needed. The midwife , Evelyn Soreno, can only provide Oresol for the baby because the physician, Dr. Max Beth Tilao, has reportedly gone on leave since February 29. She cannot even provide a dextrose for the baby because the nurse on duty is not also around. Tilao is supposed to be replaced by the next shift Dr. Matthew Eric Valente starting March 1 yet.

Degamo imme diately instructed provincial administrator Arnel Francisco to prepare a memorandum to all community hospitals in the province addressed to the supe rvis or, Dr. Chilse a Cacaldo, that henceforth, no doctor be allowed to go on leave unless the next shift has already reported for duty to ensure continuous delivery of basic health services to indigent patients in hinterland barangays. Dr. Tilao said he can explain his side satisfactorily if a memo reaches him./.jg

March 4, 2012

BY: NEIL RIO DEMS DEMECILLO B LAS LIBATON

Peers want tricycle driver-rapist lynched Aside from the special M alabago, Jimalalud cash relief aid operation, the CHRONICLE and DYEMfm also sent goodies to earthquake victims in Jimalalud and Tayasan. Newsmen Frank Palomares and Columnist James “Kojak” Hughs giving foodstuff to victims in Jimalalud.

NOTICE OF AUCTION All unredeemed pledges left during the month of October 2011 of the ff CEBUANA LHUILLIER PAWNSHOP branches will be sold at Public Auction on March 10, 2012 at Aguinaldo St., Bais City (8:30 am) • Aguinaldo St., Bais City • Roxas St., corner Mabini St., Bais City, Negros Oriental • National Highway corner Aglipay St., Bais City • 499-E National Highway, Public Market, Tanjay, Negros Oriental • Magallanes St., Tanjay, Negros Oriental • Poblacion Amlan, Negros Oriental • Public Market, Sibulan, Neg. Or. •

L. Aguilar St., Pamplona, Negros Oriental at South Road, Tabuctubig, Dumaguete City (8:00 am) • 57 Silliman Ave., Brgy 6, Dumaguete City • 149 Gov. Perdices St., Brgy 5, Dumaguete City • Cervantes St., Dumaguete City • Level 1, Bldg.5, Dumaguete Public Market Complex, Dumaguete City • Noblefranca cor Sta. Catalina St., Dumaguete City • Cor. Mabini & Pinili Sts., Dumaguete City • Unit B, G/F Bricktown Center Bldg., North cor Aldecoa Drive, Brgy Daro, Dumaguete City • Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete City • Corner Maria Cristina & Legaspi St., Dumaguete City • Cor Perdices Sta Rosa St., Brgy 3, Dumaguete City • San Jose St., Dumaguete City • South Road, Tabuctubig, Dumaguete City at Poblacion, Basay, Negros Oriental (8:00 am) • National Highway, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental • National H-way, Siaton, Neg.Or. • Juan Luna Street., Brgy Poblacion, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental • 1160 Rizal St., Tinago, Bayawan, Neg.Or. • Claro M. Recto St., Bayawan City • Poblacion, Basay, Negros Oriental at Catamboan, Lazi, Siquijor (8:30 am) • North Poblacion, Larena, Siquijor • Atad Street, New Public Market, Siquijor • Catamboan, Lazi, Siquijor at S. Villanueva M.L. Quezon, Guihulngan Cty (8:30 am) • Pob. Mabigo, Canlaon City • S. Villanueva M.L. Quezon, Guihulngan Cty • National H-way Pob. Jimalalud. Neg. Or. • Door #3 Public Market, Tayasan, Neg. Or. • Poblacion Bindoy, Negros Oriental • Poblacion Manjuyod, Negros Oriental • National Highway, Poblacion Ayungon, Negros Oriental at Lumbangan Mabinay, Negros Oriental (8:30 am) • Lumbangan Mabinay, Negros Oriental

Solon urge:... From page 1 the need to update the existing hazard map. Third District Cong. Pryde Henry Teves couldn’t agree more even as he urged the Department of Public Ways and Highways to ensure that all government infrastructures such as roads, bridges, school buildings and the like would possess enough integrity and quality to withstand any occurrence of calamities. Both Teves and Biazon also underscored the need for scientists, particularly of PAG-ASA and PHILVOLCS, to consider using terms that are easily understandable by common folks when iss uing the ir advisories for better appreciation and action by the affected communities. On the othe r ha nd, Congre sswoma n Jocelyn Limkaichong scored some alleged irresponsible media personalities who caused panic in some barangays in her district when it broadcast an impending catastrophe that did not materialize. She claimed that a radio block time program aired a warning that the town of La Libertad and the City of Guihulnga n will be s ubmerged in underwater. The lady solon demanded for sa nc tions to be me te d against those responsible for causing further distress to her constituents, who are trying hard to recover after the 6.9 magnitude earthquake. Biazon noted that the Office of Civil Defense failed to fully extend financial assistance to the victims of Sendong and the Feb. 6 earthquake. OCD Administrator Benito Ra mos reported that all 41 fatalities of Sendong were given P 10,000 cash aid each, while the 6 injured and 5 missing were not yet served. Of the 58 confirmed dead during the Feb. 6 earthquake, only 39 were given financial aid including 21 of the 35 injured. The families of the 19 dead and 14 injured are still processing the documents to claim the financial aid. The 55 missing mostly buried alive in the two la ndslides in Guihulngan and La Libertad are presumed dead but cannot claim any assistance

from the national government. It will take 7 years before any missing body can be officially declared dead according to existing law. Biazon urged the OCD and DPWH to speed up its assessment and validation of the damage to infrastructure brought by Typhoon Sendong and the 6.9 magnitude earthquake to determine if the national government ha s enough funds for rehabilitation and reconstruction activities. Prompt completion of the assessment would help ensure that Congress can act on any request for supplemental budget. In the first district alone, Cong. Limkaichong said that the reconstruction of bridges alone would require P411 million, but the DPWH has only obligated P60 million for the rehabilitation of more tha n a doze n de stroye d bridges and P35 million for the repair of roads and detours currently undertaken by administration. Governor Roel Degamo earlier submitted a revised damage assessment report pegging the quake damage at P507 million from P665 million as earlier claimed. The ne w figure s exclude all bridges and roads of the national government. Former Finance Secretary Margarito “Gary” Teves, who was invited during the hearing, indicated his availability in negotiating with foreign funding institutions to secure grants and loans for the reconstruction of public infrastructures such as school buildings, rural hea lth centers, roads, bridges and housing for those who shall be relocated to safer grounds. Teves, who built a network of friends in the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and other credit agencies as a financial expert recognized worldwide, said that reconstruction and rehabilitation of the province can be realized by securing both foreign grants and loans. However, Limkaichong balked at the thought of contracting loans from foreign funding agencies without any assurance of transparency. She is open to securing foreign loans only if the projects will not be under negotiated contracts but rather through the usual bidding process and subject to the usual accounting procedures to avoid wastage. (By Dems Demecillo)

side from speedy justice and a life sentence, the over 2000 tricycle drivers in the city want the city mayor to revoke the license of a tricycle driver who kidnapped and raped a l4-yearold high school student and dumped his victim in a grassy nook. This should teach criminal tricycle drivers a hard lesson, they said. A tricycle driver in this city was charged before the city prosecutor’s office with six criminal raps for sexually molesting a 2nd year high school student, who is a resident of a poblacion barangay. This was disclosed by Philippine National Police Women and Children’s Desk chief SPO4 Josefa Lakandula who is also eyeing the possibility of letting the suspect undergo a drug test. Lakandula said what the suspect did to the 14-yearold girl was not normal. He first abducted the girl on Saturday noon, punched her twice in the body, brought her to an undisclosed place in Dumaguete, hogtied both hands and feet, then raped her several times. The girl also said she was made to drink a kind of liquid which is bitter in taste. On Sunday, the victim’s parents reported to the Women’s Desk that their daughter was missing, and on Monday, she was dumped near the Iglesia Ni Tw enty-fou r-year-o ld suspect Cristo church in Taclobo. According to Lakandula, the girl was able to Lin bird S. Abiera o f Lo wer return home very weak, because she has not eaten Camanjac, Dumaguete City is detained without bail. Keeping him several meals since Saturday. The suspect, a 24-year old resident of a rural in jail would assure his safety. barangay in the city is charged with abduction with rape in relation to RA 7610, two more counts of rape and three other counts of sexual assault for by what the suspect had done, placing other things in her genitals. prompting them to troop to the The girl had positively identified the suspect police station. They wanted through the pictures of drivers in the Traffic Manhim dead, or for the city to reagement Office, that caused his arrest. voke his driver’s license. Other tricycle drivers in the city are angered

Sibulan drug ring ...

(From page 1 )

Amando Batomalaki, 32, of Malabago, Cebu. Seized from the suspects were three transparent heat-sealed plastic containing shabu, P 4,000 cash used in the buy bust, and other drug paraphernalia. Yap claims that the two are capable of selling nearly 50 grams of shabu every week. The two suspects are now detained as charges were filed against them for possession and selling of illegal drugs.

Shooting kills 1, 3 others injured A

family of nine in Sitio Kombol, Barangay Mabigo, Canlaon City was straffed by a group of persons last night, one was killed on the spot, and three others were wounded. Initial police investigations showed that on or about 8:00 o’clock last night, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, the suspects, who were later identified as brothers Ting-ting and Didoy Dela Paz, fired at the residence of Emiliano Palayahay using undetermined caliber of firearms, hitting the victim in the head that caused his instantaneous death. Also wounded in the alle ge d massascre incident were Emiliano’s wife, Visitation, who sustained a gunshot wound in the right chest and in the left arm, as well as his son, Franklin, 28 years old, married, who saw to it his five-year old daughter Justine will not be hurt by covering her body and his daughter-in-law Judith. The three of them are now recuperating at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital . Immediately arrested by the police is the alleged guide, Jerry Bellocog. Recovered at the crime scene were seven spent shells of Cal. 45 pistol. In an interview, Visitation Palayahay claimed that Ting-ting Dela Paz was formerly a security detail of Canlaon City Vice

Mayor Chubasko Cardenas and the other brother Didoy Dela Paz was a henchman of Junie Jimenez, a defeated vice mayoralty candidate in the 2010 elections. Palayahay admitted that she is a political leader of the late Mayor Undo Cardenas since 1986 and down to his younger brother Dr. Siegfred “Bebot” Cardenas, who ran for mayor in 2004 but lost. She disclosed that after the first volley, his son, Rommel, jumped from the window and ran for help to the police station. Members of the Palayahay family are tenants of former Dumaguete City Councilor and former provincial sports coordinate Ernesto “Buddy” Ravello.jg

March 4, 2012

PNP NegOr ... From page 1

f they cannot come because of the earth quake aftermath, then “mohammad will go to them,” to hear hundreds of pending court cases. It took them four days to transport by land via the nautical highway this multi million mobile court (foto above) courtesy of the Supreme Court for use by the earthquake-stricken towns under RTC Branch 64 under Excecutive Judge Fe Bustamante and MTC Judge Kennedy Duka. With close to a thousand pending cases, stalled

Atty. MIDAS MARQUEZ Judge FE BUSTAMANTE Presiding/Executive Judge Court Administrator

because the Guihulngan courthouse *(foto above) was hit by earthquake, the mobile court was turned over by Court Administrator Atty Midas Marquez personally last Thursday to local justice officials.

The court will be travelling around its jurisdiction namely to Vallehermoso, Jimalalud, Canlaon, La Libertad and Tayasan courts to hear all kinds of pending cases. “This hopefully will

help speed up the pending court dockets in these areas,” Midas Marquez the court administrator said. MEANWHILE, the Silliman Salonga Law Center announced that they are helping indigent litigants for free, covering meritorious cases. Those interested may contact Atty Mirish Antonio, its head; or Atty. Mikail Maxino, law dean of Silliman University. Tel. 422-2006 local l62.

FOR RENT COMMERCIAL SPACE UP AND DOWN GOOD FOR RESIDENTIAL AND STORE 73 NORTH ROAD ALONG HIGHWAY BANTAYAN/BUNAO (FRONTING SUZUKI BUILDING) SEE TO APPRECIATE

422-0663/ CELL 09065558492

1,000 houses... From page 2

City Central School children conduct earthquake drills in their school campuses in order to know what to do in case disasters like these occur.

ind-hearted people from all over, will shortly be giving some l,l33 families in Dumaguete some P3.85-million for them to rebuild their damaged houses wrecked by typhoon Sendong last Dec l7. The amount will be distributed by the Disaster Advisory Council headed by the city mayor. The Dumaguete City Disaster Advisory Council led by the Chairman Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria last Wednesday afternoon approved P3,855,000 in financial assistance to the victims typhoon Sendong that badly hit in the city last December 17,2011. During the meeting Mayor Sagarbarria informed the council upon the request of Marina Mendoza, City Social Welfare Officer, to release financial assistance to families who were affected by typhoon Sendong. Of the total amount; P5,000 for each of the 388 totally damaged house-

holds for the total of P1,940,000; P2,500 for each of the 738 partially damaged households for the total of P1,845,000 and P10,000 for each of the 7 persons for the total of P70,000 who died during the typhoon Sendong. Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria said, the budget will be taken from the financial donation of the typhoon victims that was given by the LGU’s, private individuals and among others. The city government collected almost P6 million cash and check donation for typhoon victims. City Welfare Officer Marina Mendoza for her part said upon the ap-

proval of her request, the DSWD will have to wait for the resolution created by the Disaster Council so that they may release immediately the financial assistance to the victims. Meanwhile, Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, also informed the council that the National Housing Authority approved, the 1,000 houses to be build in barangay Banilad and barangay Bajumpandan, while the Gawad Kalinga will also do their share to build 250 houses for the typhoon victims in the city, but the city government still looking the area in the city.

to relocate and stay. The NHA will shoulder th e pur ch ase o f the lot pegged at P 50 million and the construction of 1,000 housing units at P 210,000 each. Sagarbarria said that each beneficiary will be paying P 200.00 per month as amortization. Ap pr oximately 383 families, whose shanties were w ash ed ou t wh en floodwaters breached the banks of Banica River will

with Bacong police station chief P/SrInspt Leopoldo Ijan. PNP provincial director P/SrSupt Edward Carranza said Deocades had been performing well in Mabinay but had stayed there more than his stint of duty. Carranza had just been designated as full pledged provincial commander after one year of serving as officerin-charge of the provincial command from September 21, 2011 to February 21, 2012. He had already caused the relief of Guihulgan city police chief P/CInspt Errol

4.2 after ... From page 1 Government seismologists of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said that the strong aftershock measured at magnitu de 4.2 at its ep icen ter tr aced at on e k ilometer sou th east o f Tayasan, Negros Oriental w ith a depth of n in e kilometers and was tectonic in origin. The aftershock was felt at Intensity 4 in Tayasan, Negros Oriental; Intensity 3 in Guihulngan City and be the first priority. Hundreds more, whose dwellings were partially damaged will also be relocated permanently in the Banilad housing site. The remainder will be reserved for other families whose homes are considered within the danger zones of the city. Sagarbarria said that the city is helping NHA in securing the documents to proceed with the project at the soonest possible time with the construction to begin preferably in May 2012. (By Dems Demecillo)

Ayungon Silica Mines

Garchitorena who is now assigned in Region 7, Canlaon City police chief P/SrInspt Petronelli Gracia and the offic er-in-charge of the Bayawan city police station. The new chief of police in Guihulngan is P/SrInspt Alvin Futalan and P/Supt James Arsenio Turbela in Canlaon City . Carranza explained the movement of personnel has the concurrence of the PNP regional commander PCSupt Marcelo Garbo. In June this year, another movement of police station commander is expected and in the forthcoming local and national elections to make sure these chiefs of police will be impartial in the enforcement of election laws.

Bindoy, Negros Oriental; and Kab an kalan City, Negros Occidental; and Intensity 2 in Ayu ngan , Negros Oriental. More than 2,000 aftershocks were recorded after the powerful 6.9 magnitude earthq uake str uck th e Negros-Cebu region last February 6 causing deaths to more 58 people with 55 missing, already presumed dead.

Pryde, Josy ... From page 2 C ong. J oc elyn “Josy” Limkaichong, a stalwart of the Liberal Party, said otherwise. She believes that the decision of Tupas and his panel should be respected especially when it is assumed that they secured the blessings of the Speaker of the House and Majority Leader. The Lower House impeached Corona in December 2011 amid strong objections by the minority particularly on the manner it was carried out. Teves is not surprised that Tupas and company are regularly scolded and lectured by some senators for their apparent failure to ensure that they have air tight cases against the Chief Justice. He believes that part of the reason why the House prosecution team is in dire straits is due to the frustration of some senators for their perceive unpreparedness and poor crafting of the articles of impeachment. (By Dems Demecillo)

Run by Bacolod’s Zayco Brothers, the Silica Mines of Ayungon covers 1,500 hectares, 800 are developed. The province, municipality and barrio are entitled to excise taxes in a 40-30-30 sharing. How is it doing post earthquake scenario?

March 4, 2012

How RP can ... (Bingo)

From page 4

fares. We do not expect airlines to give “missionary rates” that will eventually threaten their own corporate viability. The issues of alleged over booking or unbridled cancellation of flights, however, are of course clearly nonnegotiable in any part of the globe. The other issue is on infrastructure. The BOI (Board of Investments), in designing the Investment Priority Policies for 2012 on Tourism must realize that in many placesamong the missing infrastructure is that there are not enough rooms for tourists. Clearly the goal is to enthuse not discourage investments in rooms. Thus the recent plea of the Philippine Hotel Federation to BOI must be heeded with utmost leniency. Pioneer incentives for all categories (de luxe, first class, standard, economy) –as long as accredited by the Department of Tourism, the per room investment minimum be-

ing sought is reduction from US$ 100,000 to US$ 50,000 (P4-M to P2M) with a 6 year tax incentive or ITH. For Pioneer (under modernization), the per room adjustment requested is US$ 5,000 per room from US$10,000 (P200,000 from P 400,000 (de luxe and first class) and US$2,000 ( P80,000) for (standard and economy). The in view is to lure more investors in Class A projects as well as medium-priced hotels for the lower B and C tourist markets. After cheap airline rates and room infrastructure should come in the “segmentation” of the tourist target market. Right off, one can say, a study on the unrivaled ascendancy of the Camarines Sur “action-packed” and the Danao Bohol tour packages must be put under scrutiny. It seems that there is a growing market of tourists who would like to be “participatory” (water sports, ziplines, plunge, air balloons, kayaking, diving) rather than mere “passive spectator” tourists.

REVERE BEAUTY products, produced by the company of Dumagueteño entrepreneur Julio “JunJun” Sy, president and CEO of TAO Corporation, has launched and exported beauty products from organic raw materials indulgent in skin and hair care. LR: Jeff Zipagon, Agnes Santos, Girlie Ong, Sol Cosuco, Eve Aba, local distributor; JiJi Recto, pres and CEO of Revere Beauty, Grace Larano and Lorna Gamboa.

P10M ready to rebuild Highway 2000 bgy roads

ome P10-Million is earmarked by the provincial government to re build heavily damaged major barangay network roads which used to link the commercial trading routes of the interior of Negros Ori-

ental.

he re-cently c o nc l ude d Ca me lla Dumaguete’s First Annive rsary Fun Run proved a succe ss with over 300 runne rs participating, and more spectators as the runners were tagging along family and friends. Winners include 3k Adult Male 1st Jay-R Pionela 2nd Laure cio Romeo 3rd Art Villareal Fe male 1st Chr isti na Raga 2nd Elma Ferraren 3r d Ma ril ou Montederamos 3k Childr en Male 1st Jor ry Ycona 2nd Lopez Feux 3rd Arcel Bohol Female 1st Reyshel Queding 2nd Catherine Pionela 3rd Evelyn Dio 5k Male 1st Si mat Isa ac 2nd La urec io Wilbe rt 3rd Riez Enriquez Female 1st Lije ven Nors 2nd Irish Belleza 3rd Myline Sumile. Held at the Camella Dumaguete development ar ea a t Pa linpinon, Dumaguete City la st February 26, 2012, the run was a community effort between the Metro Dumaguete Road Run-

The provincial government’s “Highway 200 0” project has i ncurred heavy damage as a result of the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit the first district of Negros Oriental. Highway 2000 is a road network from the mountain municipality of Mabinay traversing the hinterl and barangays o f Ayungo n, Tayasan, Ji malalud, La Libertad up to the boundary with Guihulngan, which was started in mid-1994 during the time of then and late governor Emilio Macias II. Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. that has built over 250,000 houses in 21 provinces in 48 cities and municipalities. Camella Dumaguete introduced the first Model Houses that showcased fully furnished homes, the first Grand Gate launch, and the first development to introduce top quality amenities such as Caribbean pine trees, lush gardens, pocket parks, meditation ponds set against a magnificent view of the Negros Oriental Twin Peaks al ong with a grandiose gate, CCTV security system jogging trails, basketball court, children’s playground and Pavilion.

tion the runners. Race instruction was announced by Engr. Deo Salem and Be rnabe Bustil lo a nd Dumaguete City Vice Mayor Hon. Allan Cordova fired the official gun s tart. Camella Dumaguete General Manager Joseph Y. Sison and Camella Visayas Operations Head Atty. Pamela Gako personally oversaw the event. The race was smooth and organized and after the race, runners were given hot choco and McBurgers for snacks to rejuvenate themselves. Friends and family members had fun at

Photo shows the Camella 1st Anniversary Runners during gun start ners Club (MDRC), the Traffic Management Office (TMO), the General Services Office (GSO) and the Camella staff. Runners and specta tors alike were all smiles upon seeing how bea utiful the ne ighborhood of Camel la Dumaguete has become. In its first year, Camella Dumaguete has become a benchmark for quality. It is the first and only nationwide developer in the region and is part of the largest homebuilder in the Philippines,

Only a few remaining units are left for a Dumagueteño to acquire. Camella Dumaguete is a living proof of a successful project with more than 50% units sold in less than a year and with units almost sold out as projected on the first quarter of 2012. MDRC manned the registration table and oversaw the race as Camella Dancers performed the calisthenics as a warm up dance exercise in front of the stage area to pre-condi-

the Photo Booth that started at 6:30 a.m. Ca mell a Da ncer s pe rformed an intermission number before the awarding - 3k - below 14 years old male and female category each received 1st ,P1500;2ndP1000;3rdP500; 3k adult division male and female categor y ea ch r ecei ved 1st P1500;2ndP1000;3rdP500; 5k above 14 years old male and female category each received 1st P3000;2nd P2000;3rdP1000.

Major cracks and landslides were noted along the stretch of “Highway 2000” during an ocular inspection conducted today by Gov. Roel Degamo together with provincial Engr. Franco Alpuerto and Engr. Victoriano Calderon. Some 150 meters of road in Sitio Bolocaue, barangay Eli in Jimalalud, was rendered unpassable due to a collapsed portion of the mountain as a result of the earthquake. Degamo directed the provincial engineer’s office to make the necessary actions to clear the road of fallen rocks

How should ...

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ciary which provides: SEC. 6. Judges shall maintain order and decorum in all proceedings before the court and be patient, dignified and courteous in relation to litigants, witnesses, lawyers and others with whom the judge deals in an official capacity. Judges shall require similar conduct of le-

gal representatives, court staff and others subject to their influence, direction or control. (emphasis supplied) It is reprehensible for a judge to humiliate a lawyer, litigant or witness. The act betrays lack of patience, prude nce and re straint. Thus, a judge must at all times be temperate in his language. He must choose

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19 new lawyers ...

From page 2

in the bar. He told the CHRONICLE that all he prayed for was that all his classmates will just pass the bar. Instead, the Lord gave him the 6th place. He now works with the country’s top tax firm Salvador and Associates in Makati. He has two other brothers who are also lawyers, Michael and Jayson. SU law dean Atty. Mikail Maxino, his uncle, said SU will honor Ivan with a torch parade and tribute this Wednesday. He will be in Singapore for corporate planning sessions with his firm.

Ch uck A. Lagos, Ch rislyn ed G. Garces, Remedio T. Gabas Jr. and Mel Nick S. Logronio. Looking forward FU College of Law Dean Retired Judge Eleuterio Chiu advised the new bar passers to bear witness and conduct themselves in accordance to the university’s mission to produce lawyers that are highly ethical, morally upright and competent.

and mud even as a P10 million funding is already available for the continuation of the road network. However, with the landsl ides and cracks, Engr Alpuerto said variations of the contract is possible while a relocation survey is being conducted by a private contractor. Degamo said he is pursuing good programs and projects of his predecessors that redounds to the benefit of the public, Highway 2000 being an alternate route and even a major access road for farmers to bring in their products to the lowlands.jg his words, written or spoken, with utmost care and sufficient control. The wise and just man is esteemed for his di sc ernment. Ple as ing speech increases his persuasiveness. Equanimity and judiciousness should be the constant marks of a dispenser of justice. A judge should always keep his passion guarded. He can never allow it to run loose and overcome his reason. He descends to the level of a sharp-tongued, ill-mannered petty tyrant when he utters harsh words, snide rem arks o r sa rc as tic comments. As a result, he degrades the judicial office and erodes public confidence in the judiciary.” No matter how incompetent a lawyer may be to the thinking of a judge, he or she has no right to ridicule, embarrass or condescend upon this lawyer. The judge may reprimand, but he or she must do so civilly for, after all, he or she is not king or queen in the courtroom but a public servant.

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March 4, 2012

Supreme court... From page 1 Bandal. UP Prof Rowena Guanzon, OIC for the Institute of Administration of Justice, facilit ated the event, and whose parent s were major donors of the Guanzon Hall at the Salonga Law Center. She is a Silliman law alumna. Among the judges and lawyers who at tended t he roundtable dialogue were : JUDGES Fe Bustamant e; Gerardo Paguio; Arlene Dato; Jessie Tinagan; Orlando Repollo; Rosendo Bandal Jr.; Mercidita Sarsaba; Marie Rose Inocando-Paras; Noel Catacutan; Neciforo Inot; Fiscal Ely Escorial; Provl Fiscal Ju ditho Agan; Pro f Mars Maxino. In an exclusi ve CHRONICLE interview, Justice Abad lamented that in big cities, RTC salas have an average of 1000 to 3000 cases per sala. To his commendation, Negros Oriental RTCs have less than a thousand average pending dockets. NEW RULES The new proposed rule is to conduct two hearings only per case and a decision has to be met. In this manner, there will more cases heard,

more cases concluded, and more income for lawyers. The first hearing is for pre-trial conference where issues and witnesses are defined and threshed out. The second hearing is the adjudication stage where a marathon hearing is conducted, specific issues are threshed out, and all the parties meet face to face while the judge seeks reconciliation if possible. Abad also lamented that the detention of prisoners take lo nger because of pauper litigants..Not only can they not afford bail, they also cannot afford the services of a lawyer. The Si lliman Salonga Law Center offers free legal services to pauper litigants with meritorious issues and cases.DYEM fm Star Energy FM is hosting a weekly Q and A program abou t the programs of the Salonga legal assistance and research center. Abad said that if the lawyers show sign of delaying the case, the judge will simply dismiss the case in pursuit of the new rules of speedy trial. Therefore all parties must come prepared before the trial begins. A very timely advise by a Supreme Court Justice to all officers of the court.