The Christian Register Volume 4 Number 1 by Christian Register Ifi

Easter and beyond OM’S CORNER

E JOURNEYED from Ash Wednesday, when we were reminded how Satan tried to lead Jesus astray, to the glorious Easter morning. In all those days, we saw how Jesus spent his life serving the least, the last and the lost among God’s people. But, the Church challenges its faithful to go beyond merely remembering. We are invited to emulate Jesus and be of Christian service to others – an action that calls us to reflect deeply on the life and love of Jesus, from giving a cup of water to the thirsty (Mark 9:41) to dying for someone (John 15:13). We should conform to the servanthood of Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:45)

military, raked and burned homes, schools and farms. The Lumad were subjected to various human rights violations – from harassments to extrajudicial killings. Such crimes are deliberately whitewashed and regretfully underreported. The indigenous people’s plight was further highlighted when they marched to Kidapawan City, North Cotabato, among the 6,000 peasants pleading that the government release to them long-awaited relief goods. They were dispersed violently on April 1. The scenes proved painful and ironic: farmers supposedly producing rice asking for it; responded to with bullets. Injustice took the form of poverty, hunger and violence. It also translated into injuries and detention – even court cases – for scores, demise for the families of at least two.

Christian service is concretized by service to others (Mark 9:35, 1 Peter 4:10, John 15:12-13). To become a person for others is the “spirituality” of Christian service. In secular language, we may call it “style of It’s a mockery of justice no less how life and method of work” deeply grounded police involved in the carnage were in the principle of serving the people. awarded medals. There we see another irony: Bullets to the victims, medals to the Serving others is the very essence of our executioners. ministry. We need to remind ourselves that self-importance is the opposite of service. The cases represent the reply to resistance To understand this is to save the faithful in this country. Dissent is criminalized from selfishness, church workers from while extrajudicial executions are careerism in the service. decriminalized. While the vulnerable face environmental disasters, poverty and We should also see selflessness in the hunger, they also have to endure state context of God’s peace, a part of the terror and repression. Church’s mission in the world. It is rooted in the very person of Christ “who is our Through all this, the Iglesia Filipina peace” (Ephesians 2:14). Therefore, the Independiente stands with the indigenous Church must be a medium through which people and peasants, among the many God’s peace is shared and spread to the groups that suffer indignity. It is only world. just for the Church to question the rampant cases and the seeming impunity. The Church makes herself an instrument The Church must take action as a vital of peace by responding to situations expression of Christian service for just of violence. It goes to the very roots of peace. violence. It strives to understand the questions that surround the conditions Christ suffered for us to unshackle us from and contributes to the means to finally end grief and sorrow, and rose from the dead violence. so that we may receive the gift of new and “abundant life” (John 10:20). It would be One such example is the Church’s support a mockery of God’s grace if we do not for the Lumad of Mindanao, who resist claim such a precious gift for ourselves mining activities forced on their ancestral and for others. lands. They are now locked in a situation of violence. We should all learn to serve the least, the last and the lost among God’s people, just Mining corporations, protected by the like Jesus.

THE CHRISTIAN REGISTER

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EU funds project for human rights defenders NPO, CoP to continue solidarity with Lumad IFI schools want association Mindanao clergy commit to Lumad CO staff reaffirms commitment Mass for Pinoy overseas In the Middle East, triumph of the faith Becoming Alberto

EDITORIAL The sanctity of the ballot Achieving shalom ‘I stand in solidarity with Kidapawan farmers’ On May 9, vote for the interest of the people And the winner is…

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31 ‘Don’t give us a king!’ Women say Isang ‘kasa’

G o in g b a c k h o me

Volume 4 Number 1 | January - April 2016 1500 Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila, Philippines, 1000

For IFI, call of pioneering union in PH still alive IFI, TEC explore shared ministry Strong in the faith

Renaissance of Aglipayanism in Bohol Free spirits behind bars

Raise the youth in ‘caritas’

THE MOST REV. EPHRAIM FAJUTAGANA, D.D. Editor-in-Chief VAUGHN GEUSEPPE ALVIAR Managing Editor JANESS ANN ELLAO Writer DCN. NIÑO FRANCO MAMORBOR Lay-out Artist LEAH VALENCIA Cartoonist JUN VINCENT ALAY-AY Editorial Assistant

For Filipinistas of Paete, alternative story is truth

RT. REV. JOSELITO CRUZ REV. WILFREDO RUAZOL Editorial Consultants

A RT- ic le

TH E OF F I CI AL PUB LICA TION OF THE IGLESIA FILIPIN A IN DEPEN DIE N TE

EDITOR’S NOTE

’VE READ resources on the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, from those written by our very own scholars to, among others, one written by an Atenean and published by Ateneo – two volumes that covered the infectiousness of the IFI at its inception, its loss of property through a Supreme Court ruling, the schisms and theological reforms. This search was brought on by disappointment. First, history books carry only little – some, wrong – data about the Church. Second, a values teacher in high school refused to add to her “list of religious sects founded in the Philippines” the IFI. Third, during a class my sister took, in her History class while taking UP’s (get that) History program, the professor said the IFI was a noble church and then asked: “Nage-exist pa ba ’yon? (Do they still exist?)” The underlying issues, I think, are acceptance and awareness. And I look at three words – three foundational characteristics of the Church – that we should evaluate if we are to regain our force.

Little victories professionals and talents. If we can identify our lawyers or medical professionals, we can conduct free legal assistance sessions or dental-medical missions, for example.

so why don’t we identify best practices and benchmarks? Better yet, why don’t we devise “sister parish/diocese” schemes?

Dioceses should start buying properties. On these, they can build incomegenerating infrastructure or help better the faithful’s lives, just as they did in the dioceses of Cagayan De Oro and Romblon and Mindoros.

As a church, we must not forget our duty to enrich our faithful spiritually. The Obispo Maximo has kept encouraging priests to embrace their context in their prayers and conducting Bible studies. Mass should not bore people; and the Church should fill the parishioners with the Holy Spirit, with inspiration, with excitement.

For others that cannot afford new properties, there’s always property development. It can be as small as planting fruit-bearing trees or vegetable gardens, then selling the produce. The power of student ministries cannot be denied if we are to look at start-up sects. They’ve grown because they’ve targeted students. We should find the method instructive.

CHURCH

We should not dismiss the church building as a place for Sunday Mass. It should be home. It should be the go-to for anyone who wants to close their eyes and pray, no matter the day. It should be a place of choice for groups that want to gather in the name of the Lord.

The Church should foster spiritual growth. As one bishop put it in a recent conversation, the Church should help Catholic, in its purest sense, means the people mature in prayer. We should universal. As such, we have to abolish explain why we pray our prayers so that parochialism. Instead of capitalizing on they are not empty. The Church should INDEPENDENT the walls that divide our parishes, we also lead people in prayer, and then lead should look to the name of the IFI and see them to lead prayers. The faithful should A church worker said that somewhere in a spiritual bridge. be taught to meditate, i.e. talk to God on the life of the Church, we stopped planting their own. churches and began problematizing about A constant challenge for us is our sustaining the churches we have. recognition. Roman Catholics dismiss us For church workers to be prepared for this as an illegitimate religion, whose baptism demand, we should train them, from the We should be strong on our own feet, should not be recognized (thus, they remost basic areas like comprehension to and the first step is to improve and build baptize our children or force them to hear the advanced areas such as innovation. churches. If to minimize expenditures, let Mass in their churches). Other sects put us us encourage members to build preaching in the fold of traditionalists and claim we Let us excite the membership by looking stations. These can affirm and strengthen are doing worship all wrong. at our rich heritage. Stories must be adherence to the IFI; and may soon grow documented to inspire our members. We into parishes. We should assert ourselves. Let us keep should not abort the traditions that set us wearing items that say we are IFI, joining apart from other churches – the “Lupang Some members are unaware about the groups that advance appreciation for the Hinirang,” the flag on altars. locations of our churches, or lack the Church; express that we are IFI. Let us determination to seek them. Let us tell also learn to defend the faith. Most importantly, let us not forget, in members traveling elsewhere if we have the sea of problems, to bask in the little even just chapels in their destinations, and We should not just dismiss national successes and look at the good news from our children that they should locate their programs. Our doubt is a lingering all corners, no matter how few and far Church or build communities. problem, and saying no at the very apart. beginning does not do our Church any Connected to that, we need to encourage good. members here and abroad to organize, just as they did in Dubai, Hong Kong, We should also strengthen the Managing Editor Singapore. partnerships between and among our parishes and dioceses. They should be able Let us harness the power of our to measure themselves up to one another, CATHOLIC

VAUGHN GEUSEPPE ALVIAR

THE CHRISTIAN REGISTER

OI K OUMEN E

EU f u n ds p r o j e c t f o r hu man r ights de f e n de r s

ABOUT THE COVER

written by JANESS ANN ELLAO

CHILDHOOD stops for the Lumad children in conflict areas, this November photo from Kilab Multimedia tells us.

Dubbed “Confronting Challenges on Human Rights Defenders in the Philippines,” the project will employ several methods to address the various needs of human rights champions, said the NCCP in a statement.

Mindanaoan Lumad families are in exodus because of a conflict that strikes at the integrity of their ancestral domain, and thus their identity. Leaders who oppose mining and logging activities are either threatened or murdered by occupying soldiers and militiamen. Communities either leave their homes or live wrapped in fear and insecurity.

Activities under the project will include education and training, public advocacy and lobbying, and support for defenders who are under threat, the NCCP explained. It will also provide means for victims of human rights violations to rebuild their lives, including livelihood assistance, medical support and psychosocial intervention.

The Iglesia Filipina Independiente, in its call to prophetic witness, has stepped up its efforts to help the indigenous people.

ABOUT THE EDITORIAL CARTOONIST

The EU’s European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights invested P27.8 million ($600,000) to the project. It is the third partnership the EU and the NCCP forged over the union’s 25-year involvement with civil society groups, said Jerome Riviere, deputy head of Political, Press and Information Section of the EU delegation to the country. Consortium partners include the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (Katribu), Hustisya, and alternative news media Bulatlat. The NCCP’s stance against human rights violations in the country is derived from

LEAH VALENCIA is an artist based in Manila. She is also an urban poor rights advocate. She organizes urban poor families in their fight for genuine social transformation.

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the biblical teaching that we are created in God’s image and likeness, as such “entitled to God’s bounty,” said Rev. Rex Reyes Jr., NCCP general secretary. The partnership is timely as human rights violations continue to go unsolved, said project coordinator Mervin Sol Toquero, citing a spike in human rights offenses in areas with mining interests. Subjects of human rights violations face long-term challenges, some survivors said in testimonials during the program. Torture victim Rolly Panesa is yet to secure a job after his 11-month illegal arrest, detention and torture. Then a security guard, he was accused by the military to be a certain Benjamin Mendoza, an alleged leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Lumad leader Josephine Pagalan shared that attacks on the Lumad continued, and that the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood held its moving up ceremony at the Tandag Sports Complex evacuation site on the date of the launch of the human rights project. Hustisya’s Cristina Guevarra said “an important element of the NCCP-EU project is the practical support that will be offered to victims of human rights violations and their immediate families.” NCCP member churches may be attacked and branded “Communists” for the support they give to human rights defenders and victims of abuses, but they do not plan to back down, Reverend Reyes said. “The defense of human rights is a task of every person.” (Reposted from www.bulatlat.com)

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HE NATIONAL Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and the European Union (EU) launched on March 17 at Balay Kalinaw of the University of the Philippines Diliman a three-year project to support human rights defenders in the Philippines.

The defense of human rights is a task of every person.

TH E OF F I CI AL PUB LICA TION OF THE IGLESIA FILIPIN A IN DEPEN DIE N TE

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NPO, CoP to continue solidarity with Lumad

IFI schools want association written by JUN VINCENT ALAY-AY

written by REV. JONASH JOYOHOY

HE NATIONAL Priest Organization (NPO) Board of Governors and the Council of Priests (CoP) will continue their solidarity with the Lumad forcibly evacuated from various communities in Mindanao because of mining. In a joint meeting held at the Iglesia Filipina Independiente’s cathedral in Davao City on Jan. 15, NPO and CoP unanimously decided to continue Kapitbisig Kasama ng mga Lumad (Solidarity with Lumad), an initiative to gather support for the Lumad among Church members and partners. Kapitbisig was formed in October 2015 as a short-term joint project of NPO, CoP and Ramento Project for Rights Defenders of the South Central Luzon Bishops’ Conference. NPO and CoP agreed it was necessary to continue the program as thousands remain in various evacuation sites in Mindanao and militarization and the threat of paramilitary groups persist. The program aims to improve on services it has provided to the Lumad. The program will also continue to facilitate solidarity visits to various evacuation sites in Mindanao. Last January, IFI, through Kapitbisig, gave 550 sacks of rice to the evacuees and raised P200,000 in less than two months. The priests hope that the mobilization of bishops, priests, seminarians and the faithful in support of the Lumad struggle could become more frequent. NPO and CoP said they would be able to serve on a larger scale with a partnership they forged with Bread for the WorldGermany.

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EADERS of IFI schools need to organize an association to advance programs for IFI-owned and -operated learning institutions. This is what principals and administrators expressed in an appeal to the Executive Commission during the 3rd National Conference of IFI Schools in the Philippines, held April 18-20, 2016, at IFI Conference Center, Manila. Rev. Dr. Jose D. Falogme Jr. stressed that it was high time for IFI schools to organize under an association to pursue a common vision, mission, goal and philosophy in order to progress in the field of academic excellence. Falogme, the school director of the Epiphany School of Peace and Goodwill IFI Learning Institution in Odiongan town in Romblon, said there were several advantages if all IFI schools – around 56 so far – formed an association, the Association of IFI Schools in the Philippines (AIFIS-Philippines). The conference was attended by over 30 principals and administrators representing

some 25 IFI-owned educational institutions nationwide, organized under the auspices of the Committee on IFI Schools (CIFIS) and the program department of the Obispado Maximo. The CIFIS is set to meet member-schools to hold a dialogue with stakeholders on the advantages of forging an association as well as look into new policies being implemented through the committee. The gathering was held to create a leadership framework and other programs to further unify school administrators and policymakers in addressing issues and identify assets that can be developed, among others. Resource persons include Reverend Falogme and Dr. Lito F. Norona, an active church leader in Santa Cruz, Laguna, and vice president for academic affairs of Union College. During the plenary session, the attendees approved the holding of the 4th National Conference on April 12-14, 2017, in Bohol.

written by MONSIGNOR MANUEL V. MARASIGAN Chair, MCC Secretariat

written by VAUGHN GEUSEPPE ALVIAR

T IS THE YEAR of the Lumad.

The 13th Mindanao Clergy Convocation (MCC), held Feb. 15-19 in Cortes town, Surigao del Sur, committed the clergy in the southern Philippine conference to the plight of the Lumad, the indigenous people of Mindanao, through declaring 2016 as their year. With the landmark proclamation, the participants agreed to Rt. Rev. Antonio Ablon’s proposition to create a Lumad Concerns Desk, both in the parish and diocesan levels; and approved the National Priest Organization Mindanao Region’s proposal for the clergy to donate P100 monthly through salary deduction for the Lumad.

CO staff reaffirms commitment

Datu Jose Campos testified that the Lumad also have their political, cultural, economic, and religious or spiritual systems; and, in general, believe that education is the key to progress. Sarry Campos, secretary general of Mapasu, called on the audience to support the Lumad, especially in seeking justice for their slain leaders. The participants were hosted by the Parish of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the Diocese of Cortes, led by Rt. Rev. Julius Dacera.

Obispo Maximo Ephraim Fajutagana formally opened the MCC on Feb. 16 through celebrating the Holy Eucharist. Isidro Anggos, vice chair The participants also released the of the Diocesan Council, said words Church-Lumad Solidarity Statement at of welcome. The bishops comprising the Feb. 18 plenary session and in the the Mindanao Bishops’ Conference evening held the Lumad Solidarity Night. (MinBisCon) gave solidarity messages, after which the clergy paraded around The MCC revolved around the theme the town center. “Promote God’s Peace, Be Steadfast in Christian Service!” (Col. 1:2; Mk 10:45; Rt. Rev. Jonathan Casimena of the Isa 61:1), highlighting the “Church Davao diocese of the ECP, preached Ministry to the Lumad.” during the Concordat Thanksgiving Eucharist on Feb. 17, celebrated by The clergy visited the evacuees at Tandag MinBisCon president Rt. Rev. Rudy Evacuation Center. There were speeches Juliada. and presentations from both the clergy and the Lumad. After the program, the In his homily, Bishop Casimena clergy were divided into ten groups and highlighted the importance of the assigned to various Lumad groupings for anniversary of the pact between lunch and further solidarity. the ECP and the IFI, in view of the ecumenical relation and prophetic B’laan Datu Dolping Ogan, secretary ministry illustrated by the life and general of Davao-based NGO calling of the prophet Elijah. Kalumaran, or “Kusog sa Katawhang Lumad sa Mindanao,” had a talk There were inputs and biblicoabout the “Kasaysayan sa Pilipinas theological reflections, but the priests ug Pakigbisog sa Katawhang Lumad also engaged in a friendly competition (History of the Philippines and Struggle — there were basketball games in the of the Lumad),” reacted to by Rt. Rev. late afternoon and early evening. Romeo Tagud (convenor of Friends of Lumad) for IFI, Rev. Ricardo Nuesa and Bishop Juliada, MinBisCon president, Rev. Armando Untal for the Episcopal celebrated the Holy Eucharist on Feb. Church in the Philippines (ECP). 19 to formally close the MCC.

EMBERS of the Central Office (CO) staff drove up to Baguio City on March 30 for an Easter recollection that refreshed their concept of work for the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. In the two-day event, the employees of the Obispado Maximo retraced their essence as the workgroup central to the execution of Church programs, through workshops, group dynamics and open forums.

The event was facilitated by Rev. Ramil Aguilar and Vincent Alay-ay of the program department. Speaking were Very Rev. Eleuterio Revollido, rector of the Aglipay Central Theological Seminary, on the Bible’s content on working for the Church, and Vaughn Alviar of The Christian Register, on corporate ethics. The program was based on prior findings that, although strong at volunteerism, the staff needed improvements in corporate ethics. In an event graced by Obispo Maximo Ephraim Fajutagana and General Secretary Joselito Cruz, the staff committed to formulating their own mission and vision statements, and setting long- and short-term goals.

TH E OF F I CI AL PUB LICA TION OF THE IGLESIA FILIPIN A IN DEPEN DIE N TE

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Mindanao clergy commits to Lumad

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HE WEEKLY chronicle of the National Cathedral presaged the emotional March 13 Mass for Migrant Sunday. Instead of carrying a reflection or readings, the pages had in full a statement criticizing the government for its treatment of overseas Filipino workers, released last year to observe the second decade since Flor Contemplacion was sentenced to death in Singapore. “We see Flor in every Filipino leaving the country, which according to official estimates has reached a staggering 6,092 daily,” the National Council of Churches in the Philippines said in the statement, signed by Obispo Maximo Ephraim Fajutagana as chair. “Flor was one of the millions of Filipinos left with no choice but to work in a foreign land in order to provide a better life for their families back home.” Our neighbour city-state hanged Contemplacion after finding her accountable for killing another OFW and a boy under her care in 1991. The incident strained bilateral relations between the Philippines and Singapore, and incarnated for the country the dangers of labor export. Decades since, both the statement and the National Cathedral dean, Very Rev. Julius Caesar Barrameda, said the country had much to learn. Bringing home the point was speaker Shera Salva, a 23-year-old single mother from Quezon City repatriated in Feb. 29, who narrated during the Homily her experiences as a victim of illegal recruitment and human trafficking. A certain Edna came to their home in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, asking her if she wanted to work abroad, she recalled. “She said she would help me work abroad, and I wouldn’t spend a single cent.” She felt obligated to say yes to the offer. “We couldn’t afford to buy [the baby] food and milk. I’d be lucky to see coins, even just P50, in my mother’s wallet… We were sinking in debt.” In a process called direct employment, she was lured with a glistening promise 8

THE CHRISTIAN REGISTER

of working in Dubai, earning $400 monthly as a waitress. But, when she finally began work in September, she became a domestic helper in Egypt, her salary at $250. Her employers became abusive, she noted. They would even lock her up in a room, lock her out for the night, go on a vacation leaving her without food or money. When she complained to the embassy about her situation, they paid her a visit and notified her she had to prepare $5,000 if she wanted out of her contract. She was unable to produce the money. The couple employing her then confiscated her cell phone – she would take it when the couple was away. She would connect to the Internet through free Wi-Fi she could pick up from a window only to update her family. Her worried parents sought help from Migrante International, which prodded the embassy to take Salva and bring her home. In the process, she was made to sign a document saying she would withdraw her police report of the couple’s abuses. Complaints of illegal recruitment are common to Migrante, said Earl John Pastor, the Migrante coordinator for Quezon City. They were now handling over 100 cases, with the number stacking up rapidly because of the labor export policy, poverty and unemployment. “If Shera is made to sleep outside their home, many others are even sexually abused, especially women,” said Pastor. Migrante, citing a 2012 report, said some 55 percent of OFWs are females. “Sometimes what you think is greener pasture is not green at all,” said Reverend Barrameda. “Some don’t get what they expect. Think also about the months, years OFWs spend away from their families.” “People would expect you to bring home chocolates and shirts but I came home only with myself,” said Salva. “I’ve made big mistakes in my life, at one point thinking what happened to me in Egypt was my punishment, but I hope I become a lesson to all of you.”

Mass for Pinoy overseas written by VAUGHN GEUSEPPE ALVIAR

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In the Middle East, triumph of the faith written by VAUGHN GEUSEPPE ALVIAR

OU MAY KNOW the Middle East as the epicentre of Islam, but it also hosts a triumph story for the Iglesia Filipina Independiente in the diaspora – a community that lives out the Pro Deo et Patria call. The story goes by the name IFI-United Arab Emirates Community. The Aglipayans there celebrated the community’s fifth anniversary on Feb. 19 at Zabeel Park in Dubai, the city where it holds most of its activities. The program, attended by some 100 members of the IFI and the community’s supporters, centered on a Bible exposition and team-building engagements. The community showed its impressive abilities when it commemorated the 113th anniversary of the IFI. It also holds weekly Bible studies and several other

fellowships for the faithful in UAE. It voiced out concerns on issues that troubled overseas Filipino workers, including the tampering with balikbayan boxes and the tanim-bala. Top officials of the IFI hailed the Aglipayan community in the Middle East for its efforts, an initiative begun and sustained by the laity, even without an ordained leader or institutional support from the IFI. The community is unrelenting in its mission to provide spiritual guidance to Aglipayans and Filipinos in the Middle East, said president Mark Reginio. The group continues to encourage members to join its activities regularly, he said. “There are so many Aglipayans here. We hope we can locate them.”

TH E OF F I CI AL PUB LICA TION OF THE IGLESIA FILIPIN A IN DEPEN DIE N TE

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Becoming Alberto written by VAUGHN GEUSEPPE ALVIAR

BISPO Maximo Alberto Ramento had a defense for the Iglesia Filipina Independiente’s crusade for the workers of Hacienda Luisita. He called it the theology of land. To him, it was simple: God gathered the 12 tribes of Israel in one place and provided for them. It was an egalitarian community. “God owns land. The first land reform was by God,” he said once – forcefully – in a dap-ayan at Hacienda Luisita. “No paper can dictate ownership of land.” The workers of Hacienda Luisita and longtime sympathizers know best that he took the fight seriously. Paying homage to his uncompromising principles, they called him the bishop of the poor, workers and peasants, the oppressed. The ruling powers understood his stance differently. To them, it was more insurgency than theology. Thus, he was labelled subversive.

10 T H E C H R I S T I A N R E G I S T E R

the coffin of Rev. William Tadena, His impassioned crusade would soon find Ramento praised the unparalleled him lifeless. courage of the assassinated priest while summoning Aglipayans to help the The police long ruled that Ramento’s poor, the political prisoners and all the death on Oct. 3, 2006, in a dilapidated vulnerable. IFI church building was homicide by robbers who apparently took his ring and The battle rages on, for both the Obispo stereo. After an investigation, the IFI has Maximo and the Hacienda Luisita not let up on the clamour to declare the workers for whom he fought. In fact, the death a murder case. fervor only intensified and spread across a whole gamut of advocacies. The Obispo Maximo was fearless because he thought the defense of the weak and In the homily he dedicated to Tadena, vulnerable was the calling of the Church, he explained: “As Aglipayans, we may many times tagged an enemy of the state. be afraid, but our love for country flows They call us Communists, he said, but in our blood.” To him, that set apart we’ve in fact been fighting for the same Aglipayan spirituallity from any other things even before Communism. The – and, approaching the 10th year of his Word simply had to become flesh. murder, he has become a shining example of it. After his tenure as the highest leader of the Church, Ramento had retreated to the The IFI named a project after him – the Tarlac City church to feed street children Ramento Program for Rights Defenders. and host meetings for workers, Very Rev. It is supported by Bread for the World Eleuterio Revollido said in a homily at and implemented by the South Central the Church, before the bishop’s coffin. Luzon Conference, to aid and develop human rights activists, especially in A year before then, when he spoke before workers’ rights and peace, advocacies

As Aglipayans, we may be afraid, but our love for country flows in our blood.

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Martyred leader reminds Church that Word must be flesh

close to the bishop’s heart.

Conference Center.

The Ramento Conference on Catholicity and Globalization in October 2015 should reflect the global impact of the church leader. Through it, he became an example for Christians everywhere, to defend God’s creation in the age of “imperialist globalization.”

Service, said OCC’s Rev. Franz Segbers in a lecture, was the context that made all churches, whether they be labelled Orthodox, Protestant or Alternative, truly catholic, i.e. universal. There is a divine call for churches to champion the dignity of Creation, he explained.

The program, held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Concordat between the IFI and the Old Catholic Church, carried a biblical verse: “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations.” (Matthew 24:14)

At a Mass on the last day of the conference on Oct. 3, coinciding with the death of Ramento, Reverend Segbers The Tarlac City church has stopped said in a sermon that the Obispo Maximo hosting Masses after the 2006 incident, should be honored as a martyr. but the diocese is pooling funds to prepare it for the commemorative “When these persons who defend the Mass and for regular Sunday Masses, rights of the poor are honoured with the he revealed amid a rally in front of the Christian designation of ‘martyr,’” he National Cathedral, right after the Mass. explained, “then we are striking out at the scandal of staying silent. The victim will The protest, said Obispo Maximo not remain nameless. They are dignified Ephraim Fajutagana during the rally, by name.” symbolizes a continuing effort by the IFI to live out Ramento’s legacy. Efforts are being made to honor the bishop when the IFI celebrates the 10th The Word should become flesh.

It’s apt for the occasion, some 50 participants from the IFI, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines and the OCC would agree. It gathered speakers to lecture on labor issues, migration, women empowerment, the plight of the indigenous people – especially the Manobo in Surigao – at IFI

year of his martyrdom in 2016, taking off from the commemoration of the first decade of Tadena’s death, during which the Mass was held at the La Paz town chapel where he was killed. The diocese plans to hold Mass for Ramento in the church he was killed in, said Bishop Dindo Ranojo, the newly elected bishop of the Diocese of Tarlac.

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T HAS BEEN more than half a year since the brutal killing of a school director and two tribal leaders that infamously put the once-quiet town of Lianga, Surigao del Sur, in national and international news.

Fear lingers, however.

defenders,” noted Save Our Schools spokesperson Rius Valle.

As the Lumad continue to fight mining companies that encroached on their ancestral land, they also continue to suffer attacks.

The latest to join that demographic was Grade 3 Lumad student Alibando Tingkas, 15. On Jan. 17, in an incident Obispo Maximo Ephraim Fajutagana said was “barbaric” and “very unChristian,” he died of gunshot wounds to the chest, after paramilitary group Alamara fired upon him and two others.

The Iglesia Filipina Independiente had early on condemned the “systematic oppression” of the Lumad – but there is no recess for the violence weeks before the elections, so the Church is keeping an eye on the situation, among the chronic Attacks also follow kids to their homes. human rights problems the Aquino On June 15, 2015, soldiers opened fire on administration has failed to address. a Lumad family’s house in Pacquibato District, Davao City. The military The eruptions of harassment have not reported they killed three NPA members spared children. They are being prevented in that “encounter,” but a survivor from attending classes in what the claimed otherwise. military said were schools affiliated with the New People’s Army (NPA). Lumad leader Aida Seisa, the survivor, said they were celebrating her daughter’s As of January this year, said human birthday with some tribal leaders when rights group Karapatan, 29 kids lost the attack took place. They shouted, their lives to extrajudicial killings “We are all civilians here,” but the guns under President Aquino. With Lumad continued firing, she recalled. resistance growing, opposing forces seemed to have found a weak spot in “My daughter does not want to celebrate the children, “their future leaders and her birthday anymore,” she told The

FOR THE LUMAD,

THE STRUGGLE

CONTINUES written by JANESS ANN ELLAO

12 T H E C H R I S T I A N R E G I S T E R

Christian Register. Her daughter was hit in the arm during the attack.

rights group Karapatan Surigao del Sur asked in a news report.

Seisa was among the Lumad who sought sanctuary at the IFI’s National Cathedral last October, toward the end of the monthlong Manilakbayan, a protest caravan from Mindanao to Manila that campaigned for justice for the Lumad.

The cases have only stacked up. Three suspects had been identified in the murder of Dionel Campos in Liangga, but daughter Michelle claimed none had been arrested. On Feb. 24, several Lumad, including two children, were hurt when suspected Alamara members The Manila City Hall had then forced the burned down one of the dormitories Lumad out of their camp at Liwasang at the United Church of Christ in the Bonifacio, allegedly after pressure from Philippines Mission Center in Haran, Malacañang to clear roads for the AsiaDavao City, Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The IFI was among the sanctuaries that “This is the kind of impunity perpetrated opened for the protesting indigenous by the Aquino regime and the Armed people. Forces of the Philippines. They do not arrest criminals among their ranks and Last March 13, 2016, the military and in paramilitary groups. They even have the local government of Surigao del drinking sprees with them,” Michelle told Sur declared the region a “conflictMichel Forst, United Nations Special manageable area” that was “ready for Rapporteur on the Situation of Human further development.” Rights Defenders, in a visit to Geneva, Switzerland. Less than a week after that announcement, however, a Manobo Meanwhile, the National Council of farmer was fired upon by a soldier Churches in the Philippines, of which while tending his farm. The farmer the IFI and UCCP are members, have survived, but the attack triggered a forced pledged unwaivering support despite evacuation of at least 33 families in San the violence. “They may have burned Miguel town in the province. down our buildings, but they fueled our commitment to serve the indigenous “Is this how the 402nd Brigade ‘manages peoples,” general secretary Rev. Rex conflict’ in Surigao del Sur?” human Reyes Jr. said in a press conference.

“

They may have burned down our buildings, but they fueled our commitment to serve the indigenous peoples.

“

TH E OF F I CI AL PUB LICA TION OF THE IGLESIA FILIPIN A IN DEPEN DIE N TE 13

EDITORIAL

HE CHURCH was thrust into controversy recently over information that it was endorsing Bongbong Marcos in his bid for the vice presidency in May. There is no truth to that, said the Obispo Maximo in a statement, citing item 19 of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente’s Articles of Religion.

The sanctity of the ballot

“(The) Church is politically independent of the state, and the state of the Church,” the item notes. “The Church does not ally itself with any particular school of political thought or with any political party. Its members are politically free and are urged to be exemplary citizens and to use their influence for the prosperity and welfare of the State.” The statement also upheld the Filipinistas’ capacity to discern their own choices, while reminding us that the positions at stake should be given to people who are “able men [and women] who fear God, men [and women] of truth, those who hate dishonest gain…” (Exodus 18:21). A recent pastoral letter from the Obispo Maximo further reminded the faithful that it is our “essential duty as citizens to elect those persons who are most committed to the principles of public

service and dedicated to the common good.” Voters need to look for integrity; see whether candidates are honest and fair, beyond the words they say and their bearings. We should choose the self-less. Moreover, we should cast our votes on people who are well-versed on and can address the threats to human dignity – genuine agrarian reform, national industrialization, sovereignty and patrimony, peace, free education and other forms of human development, true democracy. Do not be swayed easily. Scrutinize those who promise the moon and the stars. Shun and condemn those who vie for your votes not with excellent platforms but with money or fear. Be wise to comprehend sweet lies and false hopes, the avalanche of misinformation and misstatements, the mud-slinging. It is the season of deception, and people who lie through their teeth deserve to lose. The Church refuses to accept that all the transgressions every election time cannot be stopped and should instead be accepted as a part of this democratic undertaking. Let us be vigilant against these violations and never fall hopeless. Let us use the election to awaken our political consciousness, find and expose self-serving motivations and help our vulnerable brothers and sisters. Let us use our votes to champion change; let us decide based on our intelligent, prayerful assessment. This May, we should all guard the sanctity of the ballot, by looking out for our nation and looking in for the best options.

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ACHIEVING SHALOM New ministry to support Lumad in their struggle written by REV. HARDELIO ALFECHE JR. Diocese of Ozamiz

NE OF THE USUAL Christian greetings used today is “shalom.” But more than a greeting, it is a prayer that God’s peace be upon the person we meet (Luke 24:36), as the Hebrew word literally means “peace.” While shalom is one of the most commonly used, it is, like love, a misunderstood word. God’s peace is not merely the “absence of war.” His peace or shalom is justice, peace and the integrity of creation (Isaiah 55:17-25). In His peace, all people live an abundant life, opposite the poverty and hunger that millions today endure. In His peace, all human beings live as one race, none superior or inferior; the whole created order exists in harmony, all mutually benefiting from one other. Many Christians greet each other with peace during the Eucharist. Most of the time, though, it is only a liturgical gesture, not an action or service. It is not lived out, and is instead buried in hatred and chaos. One proof of this is extractive mining. It is probable that the owners and incorporators, even members of military and paramilitary groups protecting them, are Christians. But, they watch mountains – ancestral lands – being leveled, with utter disregard for the

Lumad. Some may even be behind the continuing harassment, displacement and killing of the indigenous people. The Church declared 2016 as the Year of the Lumad. In this regard, the Mindanao Bishops’ Conference established the Mindanao Lumad Ministry (MLM) to serve the Lumad of Mindanao. MLM is a step toward the realization of God’s peace or shalom. It is no lip service and, like Jesus, “came [to being] not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).” While the Church will be a living sacrament to the Lumad through MLM, it will never try to convert them into Christianity, as if to belittle their faith. The ministry will focus on living in solidarity with the Lumad, joining them in their struggle against destructive mining, land conversion and militarization. MLM will also attend to their needs, such as food and clothing. The ministry calls every member of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente to, like brother Gilbert Paborada a few years ago, be ready to lay down their life to help the Lumad and the other oppressed sectors. To minister to the Lumad is to be like Christ, to serve the God of life and salvation, to realize the Kingdom of God here on earth.

R E FL E C TI O N

‘I stand in solidarity with Kidapawan farmers’ written by REV. RC GUMBAN Ramento Project for Rights Defenders

T IS NOT A CRIME to be poor. Still, the North Cotabato provincial government and state security forces brutally treated the poor when they opened fire on the starving farmers. The incident is pure savagery committed by those who took an oath to protect the welfare of the people. For the longest time, our government leaders have failed to uplift the lives of farmers and peasants. The number of instances when the government showed its insincerity to look after the welfare of its people has become too downright many that one could no longer keep count. It failed to provide farmers genuine agrarian reform. They were subjected to land-grabbing and oppressive taxes. They have become victims of corruption, from the infamous fertilizer scam to the pork barrel scam. The money that could have improved the lives of Filipino farmers were siphoned to the pockets of the few. It showed with the bloody dispersal on April 1 that it has not changed. The long months of extreme drought in Mindanao were so catastrophic that all the farmers’ crops were destroyed. The provincial government declared a state of calamity early this year, enabling the release of calamity funds; but the farmers did not receive any aid. These deprived people mustered their strength and demanded immediate help. It is outrageous that our farmers, who essentially provide our meals, are I STAND/28

TH E OF F I CI AL PUB LICA TION OF THE IGLESIA FILIPIN A IN DEPEN DIE N TE 15

FEA TUR E

SALT + LIGHT Y

OUNG people of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente across the country this year zeroed in on the example of Jesus as they gathered for the annual Summer Youth Camp. Somewhere between 200 to 700 youth convened in different venues, together expounding on the theme this year: “YIFI: Called to be salt and light. Christ be our light in defending workers’ rights!” The challenge this year comes from the classic teaching of Matthew 5:12-16, which instructs Christians to preserve the dignity of Creation like salt, and to

16 T H E C H R I S T I A N R E G I S T E R

spread the light of the Word. It gets a contemporary retelling as it adopts workers’ rights, for which the Church has been a staunch supporter. The local churches did not disappoint, incarnating Christ and the Pro Deo et Patria call with their activities – lectures zeroing in on the concerns of workers, from contractualization to the stalemate in agriculture; immersions to fishers, farmers and the indigenous people. They held presentations that invigorated the spirit of nationalism, even recognized outstanding youth. Of course, fun was on the table. The participants indulged in contests in the different arts, even in pageants. They prepared for intermissions playing up their many talents and developed their potentials with group activities, some involving the great outdoors.

Young Aglipayans nationwide retrace Christ’s service

As an homage to the people who made the different diocesan events truly a highlight of youth ministry for the IFI, The Christian Register selected some of your posts all over social media for sharing on our pages.

TH E OF F I CI AL PUB LICA TION OF THE IGLESIA FILIPIN A IN DEPEN DIE N TE 17

On May 9, vote for the interest of the people written by REV. WILFREDO RUAZOL

LECTION time began as throngs quickly jam-packed political line-ups, from the national to the municipal levels. Choices are polluted by media exposure and name recall. “Winnability” is synonymous with the resources to buy into airtime or space. With so much gimmickry, it’s understandable for a voter to ask if the 2016 Philippine elections can bring about crucial changes, said Obispo Maximo Ephraim Fajutagana in an interview with The Christian Register. It’s a recurring challenge, as the citizenry constantly falls for the same lies and promises, he added, claiming some candidates portray themselves as propoor. “Helping the voting population to become aware of the real issues is a concern of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente,” he said. The pastoral letter “Cast our votes for the common good” is his attempt to lay down the criteria for individuals to cast wise votes.

dignity, good governance and national democracy.” With the elections just days away and candidates turning more aggressive in wooing the people, the Church reminds voters to “judge the merits of each candidate against the most compelling and critical issues the country has been perpetually facing.” “Our nation needs political leaders who are committed to pursue genuine agrarian reform, national industrialization, national sovereignty and patrimony, a government that works for total human development, education that is patriotic and people-oriented, full respect for human rights, and peace based on justice,” the IFI leader said, virtually outlining what is set to be unfinished business for the Aquino administration. The Diocese of Surigao’s Bishop Rhee Timbang, president of the Supreme Council of Bishops, admonished church members to “strive to make [their] individual vote an act of faith, an expression of a truly free society, and a demonstration of a genuinely sovereign and democratic nation.”

“Justice, peace, righteousness, national In the letter released on Epiphany sovereignty and integrity of creation,” Sunday, Jan. 6, the Obispo Maximo the bishop added in his admonition, reminded the public to “elect leaders who should serve as “criteria for discerning will stand on people’s interests and will candidates … [who] keep the interests of advance just peace, respect for human the people.”

18 T H E C H R I S T I A N R E G I S T E R

In another pastoral letter, “Living the ways of the kingdom” published on Palm Sunday, March 20, Obispo Maximo Fajutagana asked the faithful to “pay attention to what candidates and their parties are espousing in relation to people’s issues and policies in the pursuit of a just and peaceful society, and their commitment to the principles of public service and dedication to the common good.” While convinced that the elite-dominated elections cannot give birth to a genuinely democratic government, the Church encourages the faithful “to exercise their electoral rights.” The Church reminds the clergy to guard against traditional politics and to take caution in relating with candidates to avoid the impression that the Church is endorsing political parties and candidates. “Our participation in the electoral process is not partisan, and the Church does not endorse any particular candidate or party,” said Obispo Maximo Fajutagana. The Obispo Maximo calls on the nation to vote for candidates who demonstrate “genuine commitment to defending and advancing the welfare of the weak rather than the strong, and the promotion of the common good over the interest and gains of the narrow few.”

How lack of choices can threaten democracy

“

... [A]n election is about choosing for a public office and not simply voting for someone.

“

And the winner is… written by YOSHIKO LEIGH ALVIAR Diocese of Tuguegarao

HERE is no suspense.

For some 558 posts at stake in the May 9 vote, unopposed candidates need only one valid vote to claim the spot they desire. It’s virtually an assured victory, which this time around includes former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, reelectionists Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos and Gov. Lilia “Baby” Pineda.

vice mayor, 30 for municipal councilor, 21 for city mayor, 23 for city vice mayor, 1 for city councilor, 12 for governor, 11 for provincial vice governor and 8 for Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The issue of unopposed candidates is old, however it is unfamiliar to some people. I messaged random people on my Facebook friend list, and most of them were apparently unaware of the issue. Many answered, “Ano ‘yon?” Some were shocked: “May ganun din pala sa higher forms of election?”

Much talked-about are political dynasties. These are roughly defined as people from the same clan who win one position consecutively, occupy two or more elective positions in one term, or are seen as When I asked them what they thought occupying an area as their “turf.” might be the reasons no one would want to run against them, some said contenders However, unopposed candidates rarely get may fall prey to violence, or not have media coverage during elections. enough clout or money to spend on the campaign trail, including under-the-table The biggest number of unopposed transactions. candidates is in Ilocos Sur with 25 candidates. Isabela follows with a close Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal 21 candidates, then Ilocos Norte with 19, explained the factors to Philstar. Pangasinan with 16, Apayao with 11, and Cagayan and Pampanga with 10 each. Popularity is a foremost factor, he said. Noticeably, the biggest numbers come A candidate may be known for a stellar from North and Central Luzon. performance in his recent term, thus nobody would run against him. For a Records from the Commission on contender, it might be a waste of time and Elections show that of the 558 posts, 32 money. are for congressional representative, 194 for municipal mayor, 226 for municipal He also said some unopposed candidates

are in areas controlled by political dynasties. I am familiar with candidates that have been unopposed for years because they come from “unbeatable” families. Competition leads to greater effort. It can force politicians to come out with stable platforms and scrutinize their plans. It gives people options, which are foundational to elections – an election is about choosing for a public office and not simply voting for someone. The lack of choice kills the essence of elections and, therefore, democracy. Present conditions may be tolerating the issue. Willing and qualified people may ultimately fear the repercussions to them. Some people may stick with the candidates with good performance, but they may also be sticking to candidates that are ruling. Another issue that needs addressing is the one-valid-vote rule. The issue is generally unstudied, and perhaps the vote requirement is a matter to start with. While some unopposed candidates come from political dynasties, with such ease of victory, an unopposed candidacy can also lead to a political dynasty. One vote is too much for too few; and one candidate too little for too much.

TH E OF F I CI AL PUB LICA TION OF THE IGLESIA FILIPIN A IN DEPEN DIE N TE 19

R EFL EC TI ON

corruption in high places. But, the people have seen and experienced otherwise.

‘Don’t give us a king!’ written by DARLENE MARQUEZ-CARAMANZANA National Council of Churches in the Philippines

N THE EARLIER times, Yahweh anointed leaders among His chosen people. They provided moral and spiritual guidance, settled disputes and ensured that the narrative of their faith was handed down from one generation to the next (Deut. 6:4-9). These tasks reminded the chosen ones of Yahweh’s salvific act. In Theocracy, Yahweh had a direct relationship with the people and mediated by anointing leaders like Moses, among others. The people also had a direct relationship with Yahweh, through which they could bring their concerns at once. Such proved to be a workable relationship until the people saw Samuel’s heirs unfit to replace him. A clamor to be ruled by a king grew stronger because of that, as well as the example of nearby civilizations then governed by a person negotiating with other nations for political, social and economic survival. Though the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon – three of the greatest kings that Israel ever had – brought glory and honor, they were also characterized by corruption, extravagance, murder, plunder of resources, land-grabbing, forced labor, violence against women, wars. Yahweh warned the people that atrocity could happen under a king, but they stubbornly insisted on it. He, nevertheless, punished kings who did not lead well and instead made the people suffer. Our leaders have been weighed and found wanting. They have flaunted milestones under the daang matuwid agenda: economic improvements; more foreign investors; job opportunities; curbing 20 T H E C H R I S T I A N R E G I S T E R

Many are disappeared and killed; cases are unresolved. The ancestral land of the indigenous peoples, rich in mineral and natural resources, are being plundered. They join women, the LGBT community, the poor and workers suffering from various forms of violence. People have been deprived of social services, from healthcare to the increase in the monthly pension of senior citizens. Meanwhile, politicians and their cohorts are raking in millions from salaries, incentives and kickbacks. The government keeps covering up their ineptness with the conditional cash transfer, only to find out it is also a source of corruption. The Philippine government has been selling the country’s sovereignty in the name of political and economic gains, only to get crumbs from the table of powerful nations. The Filipino people are facing a critical juncture in history with the national election. Strutting around are traditional politicians, giving out promises. Guns, gold and goons make up the vote, like many other things in the Philippines. Filipinos should take to heart Yahweh’s reminder not to put “kings” in power. The people should choose leaders who will give justice to the weak and fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute; rescue the weak and the needy, deliver them from the hand of the wicked (Ps 82:1-4); keep justice and do righteousness, for soon God’s salvation will come and deliverance will be revealed (Is 56:1); deal wisely and execute justice and righteousness in the land (Jer 23:5); and do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). Who should the people vote for? Here is a guide from the Church: (1) One who seeks and employs justice, (2) one who works for peace and pursues it, (3) one who upholds righteousness in his/ her leadership; (4) one who stands for national sovereignty; (5) one who works for the integrity of God’s creation. The Church will be vigilant as ever, once again bearing pastoral and prophetic witness as it faces the election. Let us refuse deception.

Women say written by DARLENE MARQUEZ-CARAMANZANA National Council of Churches in the Philippines

The wealth of the nation is concentrated in the hands of only 50 families, resulting in the perpetuation of poverty. Women say: Give us a leader with a heart for the people! The rate of poverty has not changed significantly since 2006, and the government continues to flaunt economic progress. Women say: Give us a leader that wills the poor’s economic upliftment! Impoverished families could hardly make both ends meet because the prices of basic commodities are increasing uncontrollably. Women say: Give us a leader who knows how it feels to starve and be in need! Farmers do not own the land they till, are left out by economic globalization and do not have subsidies from the government. Women say: Give us a leader who will push for genuine agrarian reform! Our workers do not enjoy just wages, security of tenure and humane working conditions. Women say: Give us a leader who will espouse national industrialization! Indigenous peoples are denied their rights to ancestral domain and selfdetermination. Women say: Give us a leader who can solve the plight of our indigenous peoples! Women continue to suffer from all forms of violence. Women say: Give us a leader who will work toward ending violence against women!

NEWS

T LEAST two were killed when state security forces opened fire at the protesting drought-hit farmers in Kidapawan City last April 1. Citing a biblical passage – “Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake?” – Iglesia Filipina Independiente Obispo Maximo Ephraim Fajutagana said, “There are people who would; and they fed starving farmers with bullets.” The 6,000-strong protest demanded the release of 15,000 sacks of rice as government subsidy, after all their crops dried up. As early as last year, local and international agencies have warned that this year’s El Niño would be the fiercest in recent history, coupled with the rising global temperatures.

Kilab Multimedia

#BigasHindiBala

When rice producers ask for rice

The North Cotabato provincial government had declared a state of calamity back in January, but the starving farmers said they received no help from rocks instead of bullets. the government. “This government ... has neglected the plight of farmers who depend on the land they till for their daily sustenance,” Obispo Maximo Fajutagana said. Apart from the two fatalities, dozens were injured, many of whom sustained gunshot wounds.

written by JANESS ANN ELLAO

The mission found the police had destroyed evidence by clearing the crime scene “through burning of personal effects confiscated from the protesters during and after the dispersal.”

The 27-member team was barred from entering hospitals where the injured protesting farmers were confined. Anakbayan said the wounded farmers Retreating farmers were holed up at the were handcuffed to hospital beds and Spottswood United Methodist Church, the bishop’s residence in the province. For guarded by heavily armed police. days, the compound was heavily guarded The provincial government, headed by by the police and soldiers, and military tanks roved the area. The forces left only Gov. Emmylou Mendoza, told the media that they were taking full responsibility on April 5. for what she referred to as “clearing operations,” not a dispersal. At the same To date, 81 farmers, some elderly and time, she pinned the blame on progressive pregnant, were arrested and detained. groups supporting the starving farmers. The starving farmers were charged with direct assault and required to post bail The local government attempted to amounting to P6,000. discredit the farmers’ struggle by saying that a ranking official of the New The National Council of Churches in People’s Army (NPA) was among those the Philippines and other concerned arrested. groups launched a national fact-finding mission to clear the details of the violent “Yes, the farmers are indeed NPA. Sila ay dispersal, including among others Nagugutom, Pinahihirapan at Api (They are allegations of torture and claims by the starving, abused and oppressed),” noted police that the deaths were caused by

youth activist Vencer Crisostomo during the Global Day of Action protest last April 8. The tragedy in Kidapawan, now likened to the Mendiola and Hacienda Luisita massacres, has gained attention from different groups. Celebrities such as couple Robin Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez, sisters Anne and Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Daniel Padilla, Bianca Gonzales, Nora Aunor and Monique Wilson threw support for the farmers, some donating sacks of rice that were distributed as soon as the police left Spottswood. Lito Roxas, chair of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas in North Cotabato, urged Filipinos to keep sending help to the farmers until they could harvest again. He said that if the El Niño ends in March, as predicted by the weather bureau, they can harvest only in September. Obispo Maximo Fajutagana called on the IFI faithful and clergy to open churches as shelters for the drought-hit farmers, and gather support and resources for them.

TH E OF F I CI AL PUB LICA TION OF THE IGLESIA FILIPIN A IN DEPEN DIE N TE 21

FEA TUR E

N THE BEGINNING, the people of Patungan thought the Kaybiang Tunnel would open their place up to the world. Before the P745.180-million TernateNasugbu Tunnel opened to connect Cavite and Batangas, people in this village — officially listed as Barangay Santa Mercedes — had either to ride a boat or trek Pico de Loro to get to the Maragondon town center. The arduous travel was unavoidable. They had various concerns to settle at the munisipyo, from business permits to conditional cash transfer. Hospitals were nowhere near. The only time they were not required to travel was during the voter registration, when the Comelec staff went to them.

Isang ‘kasa’ IFI on troubled grounds written by VAUGHN GEUSEPPE ALVIAR

People thought the tunnel finally gave them a safer choice for travels. They thought, too, that it would give them opportunities for tourism. Residents of Patungan, a secluded Maragondon shoreline beyond Ternate, boast a dramatic sunset and waters tamed by hills extending to the sea. They also have fish catch to feed guests. A few know that such a place exists. To the residents, their home would be noticeable for the droves of motorists visiting Kaybiang Tunnel. And why would these people refuse to pay for the experience the villagers are familiar with? Their home would be plucked from obscurity and turned into prime land. Soon, however, forts began to rise at the entrance of their village and armed men began to restrain people from entering Patungan. The people suspected that something was wrong — and, true enough, someone was beginning to mark the village as their own. The reason for the restriction, the plan the people decry, is a megaproject to turn the place into a luxury resort. Nowhere in the plan does it say the residents would keep their addresses. The villagers reacted first with confusion, then resistance. The response intensified when some members of the community were arrested for alleged possession of

22 T H E C H R I S T I A N R E G I S T E R

Life in Patungan is hard, but it is home, it is worth fighting for...

firearms (one was spared because of a misspelled warrant of arrest) and the claimants of Patungan thought to bribe some owners to leave their homes. The idea was to plant unrest there, to divide and conquer, the residents allege. Now the village is half rubble. Once big homes, even new ones, are no more; their owners waived their rights to the claimant. Their inhabitants were put in a resettlement area, with scintillating promises of groceries, rice. Promises unfulfilled, the remaining residents say. Anyone who plans to start or restart a life cannot. At the gate, guards do not allow construction materials in. Not even visitors. (I was fetched beyond the checkpoint by a boat, residents cautioning that I hide my press ID.) A video is circulating online of a burial parade not allowed out — the road was set on fire, there was a tussle that had some men put down the coffin and pick up stones to throw at the guards. So intense is the situation that regular Masses in the community chapel officiated by a Roman Catholic priest were disrupted. When Bishop Emiliano Domingo of Cavite, led his clergy in a pastoral visit to Patungan, residents asked if he could lend a priest to say the Mass for them. Fear could have driven people out. But, that had no place with home on the line, residents said, while they signed my notebook — it was supposedly for two interviewees only, but everyone around wrote their names when someone said, “Para malaman nilang hindi tayo natatakot (So they may know we are unafraid).” Fishing in Patungan, aka “Fishville,” has become less and less profitable because a few kilometers from the people’s boats would be foreigners’ bigger, more superior ones. At night, when even

mothers join their husbands to fish, they leave keeping in mind their utang and their homes lighted by a generator they share with the whole neighborhood. If anyone fails to pay for the gasoline, they leave their kids studying by the candlelight.

the forces of the claimant, at any time of any day, the alarm would be immediate. Someone is always guarding the fort. These are men who’ve arrived from a day of work at sea. These are women of all ages, some of whom tuck their babies in a crib in their kampuhan.

All of them carry their own mugs when Life in Patungan is hard, but it is home, it they go to the dilapidated sheds they’d is worth fighting for, the villagers say. put up. They would survive nights with their kasa — a jar with one sachet of Some claim they’ve grown up in coffee and another of Coffeemate, 1/4 Patungan. Some say Patungan has been kilo of sugar, all of which they buy from their home for generations. Some fell money everyone chips in — and each in love in Patungan, and began their others’ company. They would survive families there. Some are fighting for their with a mutual love for Patungan. kids. Everyone isn’t going to be landless, at least not without a fight. They all When a confrontation happens, they’ve ask: “How can they wipe out a whole learned from each other never to back barangay?” out.Even women would fight, wherever their claim would place them. They The fight has changed the people. When once camped out near the Maragondon the tsunami alarm would sound off, they town hall, when those slapped with would not scurry to the higher ground claims of illegal possession of firearms that surrounds them. Instead, they would were detained there. They were at the hurry to a spot near the sea where they’ve President’s last Sona. built their own fort. The clinking would mean an enemy was crossing the line. They will be wherever their fight takes them, they say, however far from the Every time there is a confrontation with home – so they may keep it.

TH E OF F I CI AL PUB LICA TION OF THE IGLESIA FILIPIN A IN DEPEN DIE N TE 23

N E WS

G o i ng bac k ho me

How IFI built homes, not just houses written by VAUGHN GEUSEPPE ALVIAR

HOUSE is not a home, so says the classic song.

It is a fact “Yolanda” survivors would strongly agree to, having been confined for years now to their bunkhouses, a constant reminder of coping still incomplete and promises delayed. It was Nov. 8, 2013, when “Yolanda” pummelled the Visayas, the strongest to make landfall in history. With wind speeds reaching 315 kilometers per hour and spawning storm surges, it killed over 6,000 and affected 14 milion people, 4 million of whom were rendered homeless. When survivors were transferred to the bunkhouses from the evacuation centers, the President pledged it would take only a few months before they were put in permanent houses. Until now, however, those who lived through “Yolanda” are still in shelters made with plywood. Some are horrified still by the loud sound of rain hitting the iron sheets, unfiltered because there is no ceiling. There are design differences among the 200 bunkhouses – of 24 rooms each – built in Leyte and Eastern Samar, but they essentially have the same lapses, noted housing and human rights groups. 24 T H E C H R I S T I A N R E G I S T E R

How can families live in rooms the size of two Ping-Pong tables? How can they have private lives if they are separated by thin wood? In the biggest blow to the rehabilitation efforts, a report said the shelters were subpar and overpriced — the actual structures assessed at under P200,000 but listed at nearly P1 million.

project, the IFI has already awarded homes to its beneficiaries in Caridad, Baybay City; Marabut town; and Buenavista, Palompon, areas that had not been reached by any form of help from the government.

Reverend Ruazol and IFI Bulig Katilingban’s (the Visayan arm of TFER) Rev. Allan Caparro showed that The government lacked will power and contrast to guests from The Episcopal consultation with the survivors, said the Iglesia Filipina Independiente Task Force Church when they visited the rebuilding on Emergency Response’s Rev. Wilfredo project in Palompon, Leyte, a part of celebrations for the Concordat the two Ruazol. Not to mention the projects churches signed 55 years ago. helped only a small number of the affected communities, he added. How is such progress possible? Reverend Ruazol gave three cardinal rules. Compared to the government’s housing

ASK

THE COMMUNITIES WERE ASKED WHAT THEY NEEDED. The people said they needed livelihood so TFER distributed 10 boats in Palompon and 30 in Caridad. Again with the help of locals, TFER came up with a uniform design for the homes — a base of concrete, walls of knitted bamboo and nipa roofs.

EVERYBODY WAS INVOLVED IN THE BUILDING PROCESS. The men supplemented the work of the hired carpenters to augment the cost, while the women cooked lunch for the workers. The scheme also helped IFI as it rebuilt its churches. The volunteer work fostered a sense of ownership, said Reverend Ruazol.

THE BENEFICIARIES WERE TAUGHT TO SUSTAIN THE PROJECTS. They founded cooperatives and were also trained in poultry farming, among others. These would ensure that the residents would continue developing their communities, because much still needs doing, said Reverend Caparro.

INVOLVE

ORGANIZE

The series of activities on Feb. 4 was initiated through the Workers’ Assistance Program (WAP) of the IFI, in cooperation with the Church Workers Solidarity, Defend Jobs Philippines and Kilusang Mayo Uno, among others. The exposure gathered bishops, priests and the lay from nearby dioceses as well as visiting partners from the United States’ The Episcopal Church at the site of the controversial Kentex fire in Valenzuela City. The observance is the first time in years that the IFI opted to commemorate the

HE EPISCOPAL Church (TEC) sent a delegation to the Philippines to celebrate the 55th year of its Concordat of Full Communion with the Iglesia Filipina Independiente through meetings and solidarity visits on Feb. 3-7. The TEC group consisted of six staff members of The Most Rev. Michael Curry, the new Presiding Bishop of TEC: Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, Bishop James Magness, Rev. Margaret Rose, Dr. Peter Ng, Rev. Reynald Bonoan and Rev. Winfred Vergara.

UOD anniversary through an exposure, aside from the usual dialogue and forum. The IFI attributes much of its unique identity to the UOD, whose aspiration for liberation aligned with religious freedom, or the separation from the Vatican and the Roman polity. The chair of the Council of Leaders of UOD, Don Isabelo Delos Reyes, in fact proclaimed the IFI in a meeting of the union, thus the IFI’s claim that the Filipino working class gave birth to the indigenous Church.

For IFI, call of pioneering union in PH still alive written by REV. RAMIL AGUILAR

In the present day, the concerns of the UOD manifest in the IFI’s thrusts “of and for the poor and oppressed.” The IFI now runs the WAP which galvanizes rights advocates for workers, in an attempt to develop further the Church’s ministry to the Filipino working class.

ministry of IFI via exposures and community visits. Meetings were hosted by IFI Conference Center. The IFI delegation included Rt. Rev. Joselito Cruz, Most Rev. Godofredo David, Rt. Rev. Raul Tobias and Very Rev. Eleuterio Revollido.

For community immersion, the TEC delegation was divided into two groups. One group – Bishop Fitzpatrick, Reverend Rose and Reverend Bonoan – visited the IFI’s housing project in Leyte. The rest visited the site of the Kentex tragedy in Many outcomes were borne out of the Valenzuela City, as well as urban-poor cooperation between the IFI and TEC, the communities in Parañaque and Manila Obispo Maximo told The Christian Register. and political prisoners. The agreement was the culmination of a series of cordial fellowship meetings and The visits were an opportunity for the mission-dialogues. Churches to discuss areas for shared ministry, addressing the Concordat agenda However, he added, the IFI still aims to to be responsive to the challenges of the enter into more projects with TEC. fast-changing world, said Rev. Ramil Aguilar, who led the second subgroup. The meeting between the two churches is the first official visit of the American The visit concluded with a Concordat side of the Concordat panel, mainly Council meeting, a Mass and a fellowship familiarizing them about the life and program.

IFI, TEC explore shared ministry written by JUN VINCENT ALAY-AY

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N EWS

PASTORAL visitation and dialogue marked the Iglesia Filipina Independiente’s celebration of the 114th founding anniversary of Union Obrera Democratica (UOD), the first modern trade union in the country.

FEA TUR E

SEMINARIAN almost three decades ago, I was assigned to a faith community in Buguey, a town in Cagayan where the Iglesia Filipina Independiente is not a strong presence. Back then, there were other IFI communities. Now, only this mission church and its parish in Camalaniugan town preserve the IFI faith here. In fact, even this one would have been lost if not for the decision of one family – the Balanzas. A few years before I was sent to the mission, leaders had told me the church building stood proud on land beside the National Highway. It had to be relocated because of a road-widening initiative there. The Balanza family selflessly donated a lot they owned, on which the place of

A few years after I left, the congregation was again tested, this time by factionalism. A parish in Santa Teresita town, whose priest was then in charge of the mission, defected from the IFI, joining some parishes in the area that had long ago embraced a faction. Inang Lucing said they were not aware of the change at first but noticed how the priest changed some administrative procedures and then wanted to change the name on the façade of the church. That’s when they rallied the people behind the name of the IFI and shunned the defecting priest. Now, the congregation of the St. Anthony de Padua mission survives even in the absence of a regular priest to hold Masses and attend to their various spiritual needs. Sir Portas has already passed on,

Strong in the faith A church in Northwestern Cagayan proves ‘alone’ is not ‘weak’ written by REV. GIL ALVIAR Diocese of Tuguegarao

worship now stands. Aglipayan spirituality had long been their way of life so they could not risk losing it, they told me when my assignment began.

bequeathing the leadership of the mission to Inang Lucing. Now, she is an icon of Aglipayanism in San Vicente, Buguey, making sure their whole clan stays in the Aglipayan faith.

“My parents have reared us to be a strong foundation of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente,” Protacio Balanza, or “Sir Portas,” had told me. Then a teacher, he was the only surviving male of the clan, already the second generation of the founding family here.

I keep remembering how the church held processions three decades ago, heading out to the spot in the National Highway it once stood, passing by farmlands. That stopped because they lacked a priest to guide them, with the Camalaniugan parish an hour away.

My two-month assignment was over quickly.

There are signs that the congregation is growing, however. I see the mission for its promise of expansion, into a parish and even into an evangelizing force in Northwestern Cagayan.

“Inang Lucing,” real name Lucita Balanza, the younger sister of Sir Portas, would echo that memory every time we recall the times we’d spent then, the most recent being last year when I brought my family with me for the first time.

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Even when the second generation of the Balanza family is gone, Inang Lucing assured me, the church will live on.

written by VAUGHN GEUSEPPE ALVIAR

OHOL gave Obispo Maximo Ephraim Fajutagana a salvo of delightful stories in August – churches filled with faithful for Mass, missions earning up to P40,000, an impressive turnout for the 113th proclamation anniversary of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. “Bohol is promising but they hadn’t had their own bishop for years,” said Rt. Rev. Santie Azaula, taken from priesthood in the Bataan-Bulacan diocese and consecrated as the diocesan bishop of Bohol in May 2014. It was a matter of harnessing all the resources, he said. That involved reigniting the fervor of faith for both the ordained and the laity. “The priests’ work depends on the leader. They were kind of spoiled in the beginning. They would strongly resist the bishop then,” he noted. “They needed to be united behind a system.” “The first thing they got from me was a scolding,” he recalled. It was during a clericus supposed to begin at 8 a.m. that pushed through at 2 p.m. That was a wake-up call for the clergy to commit to the Church, he said.

Bishop Azaula was instrumental in raising the pay for priests in Bohol – from P5,000 to P7,000 – but that had to come with a paradigm shift. On his encouragement, many priests did not allow themselves to say Mass only once every week or to confine worship to the church. He also makes sure to be an open line for complaints against priests and church leaders. For the first time in decades, he noted, all parishes in the diocese had their own priest. He did not want the opportunity to go to waste. So, Bishop Azaula turned his priests into mouthpieces for his ingenious program – “Pot of Golds,” or Pledges, offerings and tithes for God’s overflowing love for your development and service. It was a perfect way to meld the Bible and financial progress, and soon enough a profitable endeavour. “Parishes here, when I began, earned little. Cambagi was earning only P3,000 and now earns P12,000. Tagbilaran City earned P8,000 to P10,000 and now makes P20,000 to P30,000,” said Bishop Azaula. “It just boomed, and we’re now seeing possible parishes among our

missions, new missions to build.” It also has to do with the spiritual benefit the overhaul has caused in Bohol. Services for the Sacraments are free. Priests hold Masses multiple times in a week, some even daily; and also conduct home visitations and Bible studies. The diocese holds conventions not only for the trisectoral groups but also for families, altar servers, lay ministers. Just this Holy Week, vigils turned into Bible studies. All that energy may soon be focused on increasing presence across Bohol, especially in towns where there is no IFI presence. “The problem now is money, because when you send a missionary priest, you need to finance his needs,” said the bishop. “But, because the parishes are filled up and finances are picking up, our graduating seminarians can be our next missionary priests.” “Bohol just needs workaholic church workers, and that’s what we are striving to become,” he said.

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FEA TUR E

Renaissance of Aglipayanism in Bohol

Voices of women political prisoners in the Philippines written by KLEIN EMPERADO Diocese of Negros and Siquijor

R EFL EC TI ON

“

The reason they were behind bars was their single-minded desire for justice.

INTO man ang kulungan, hangad ko pa rin ay kalayaan.” (Prison cells may be made of gold yet I still desire freedom.) That was the most striking statement I heard from a 56-year-old woman political prisoner during a weekend visit to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig. Behind bars were the spirits of women whose fervor so majestically burned that government authorities suppressed their rights, their freedoms. They were accused of various crimes, from sedition to murder and homicide, illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and more. The only crime they would confess to is their drive to serve the people. Even behind bars, the spirits of these women did not waiver and falter. Even there, even then, they held on to the struggle for justice and equality.

The author was not able to take pictures because phones were not allowed inside the prison facilities. A recipient of the Youth Exchange Program in 2014, he accompanied four Swedish participants for 2015 to Camp Bagong Diwa.

‘I stand in solidarity with Kidapawan farmers’ From page 15 hungry – and met with bullets. It is immoral of our government leaders to withhold funds as if the need wasn’t urgent and to inflict pain on the powerless.

I do not see the need for water cannons, gunshots and criminal charges. I do not find necessary the arrest and detention;

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Through my eyes, I saw how the free spirits talked without reservations. Words contained no trace of desperation despite the gloom that encased them. The bodies

hospitals turning into garrisons; a church desecrated by armed men; relief goods blockaded. I do not understand why the Department of Agriculture said the El Niño was not that catastrophic; and why the President, after being mum for weeks, pinned the blame on the so-called leftists. What I see is a dire need for reform in the Philippine National Police, among the five most corrupt government institutions. Many are watching the developments in the graft charges for North Cotabato Gov.

“

Free spirits behind bars

of these women had been suppressed, but not their souls. As if living in the world beyond the high walls, they practiced their freedom to speak, to express their ideas and dreams. Strength sprung from their mindset: The reason they were behind bars was their single-minded desire for justice. Sometimes, one of the prisoners confessed, it was inevitable to feel sad and loose hope. When down, they would look to each other; their fellow political prisoners would never fail to inspire and reinvigorate their weary souls. Strength could also come from outside the bars, they said. They asked that we reveal their faces, bring with us their cries — the inside was muting them so it was important for them that we remind the world of their crusade. Tears fell from their eyes. They still wanted to be free again; free to be with the people, to serve them, struggle with them, fight with them against the oppressive, the powerful.

Emmylou Mendoza. People want the agriculture sector reenergized. Being a church minister, what happened to our farmers in North Cobato saddens me. I pray that they may, in their anguish, find hope in each other. I also pray for the families and friends of those who were killed in that bloody encounter. I stand in solidarity with them, echoing the widespread condemnation for that ruthless and inhumane act.

In Cebu and the other Bisaya-speaking parts of the country, we call it karidad, from the Spanish word caridad.

written by JAY L CONTENTO Diocese of Cebu

In whichever language, charity is generosity and helpfulness to the weak and vulnerable, the needy, the suffering. It is the capacity for mercy, for care, for compassion; something that, as stewards of God’s creation, we should muster. Charity is the capacity to be brothers and sisters in God — from giving alms to prayer to forgiveness; from awareness of issues to acting on them. The youth must be treated as a vital force, because of the promise we bring. There are thousands of able youth in the Cebu diocese alone, with 10 parishes and dozens of missions, outstations and chapels in three deaneries: Island (Santa Fe, Hilantagaan and Kinatarcan); Pataba (Paypay, Tabuelan and Bato); Cebu (Cebu, Talisay, Alcantara and Camotes).

Jay L COntento is a recipient of the Youth Exchange Program between the IFI and the Chuch of Sweden. He also recently came back from a program of the US government for youth leaders of the Southeast Asian region.

Before 2015 ended, members of the Youth of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente — 250 youth in the Island deanery and some 50 from the Pataba deanery’s Paypay parish — gathered for the Youth Camp for Social Action. In the Youth Adventure Time, we held a mangrove planting activity, a coastal cleanup, planted edible gardens (a response to food scarcity), attended gender-sensitivity workshops and visited local politicians for surprise interviews on their platforms. We saw our impact. That event was followed recently with the Summer Youth Camp in Kinatarcan Island, attended by 250 individuals. In keeping with the theme — “YIFI: Called to be salt and light. Christ be our light in defending worker’s rights” — we not only attended lectures but also visited fisherfolk to ask about their hardships. In my hometown Santa Fe, the YIFI has been rallying support for the roadsharing agenda, which would make the

roads more accommodating to bikes and pedestrian. We also visited homes and other denominations to introduce the I Vote Good campaign, a movement for clean elections. We helped organize a forum for local candidates to talk about their plans. The youth-oriented activities of the Church should magnify the strengths and opportunities for the YIFI, both as Filipinistas and Filipinos. They should spawn leaders and measure the gaps that time made in terms of conventional modes of worship and living out. The youth should be made more active in the ministry. Meanwhile, older members must mentor instead of look down on them. The young ones should be enlightened, prevented from abandoning the majestic Aglipayan faith for other forms of theology and methods of worship, even faithlessness. Young people should be raised in our own spirituality — one that acts in charity. It does not necessarily cost much to adopt an advocacy, to care. What it should take is passion. Be it giving to the poor used clothes or warm broth or teaching them livelihood skills; or teaching kids the basics of faith. There are many problems to solve. Three other keywords account for Aglipayan theology – scripturae, scientia and libertas. But, caritas is a good start. Come to think of it, it connects to all three concepts. Charity is living like Christ. It compels us to look at the evidence of injustice. It disengages us from ourselves and teaches us to look at kapwa, to liberate them from their shackles. I’ve been active in the Church since I was a kid. I was sacristan when I was in elementary. As soon as I got to high school, I was active in the YIFI. I became an officer of the parish and now am the diocesan youth president. With all the years I’ve spent to serve the Church, and now with a better grasp of its state, I know many worry that the future is bleak. For me, the IFI will live on as long as we Filipinistas know and live out charity.

TH E OF F I CI AL PUB LICA TION OF THE IGLESIA FILIPIN A IN DEPEN DIE N TE 29

R EFL EC TI ON

Raise the youth in ‘caritas’

OOK at the logo of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente and you’ll find among the four words at the core of the nationalistic Church a trait that should define all humanity – caritas, the Latin term for charity.

FEA TUR E

For Filipinistas of Paete, alternative story is truth written by VAUGHN GEUSEPPE ALVIAR

HE CHALLENGE for alternative communities is the tendency for their pronouncements to be alternative, too. Among those tested by this issue is the Saint James the Apostle parish in Paete, Laguna, standing by its claim to a local tradition there.

celebration – known locally as Urig – was found on a water lily at the Laguna de Bay. The IFI claims the image was found by Ka Binoy dela Cruz, and bequeathed in 1918 to godchild Mauricio Paelmo (Uri) and his wife Epifania (Pane).

IFI. However, festivities ended when he married a non-IFI member, who did not approve of the annual event. Every year, Ka Uri would visit his godfather during Christmas; and once noticed the Santo Niño hidden in a baul. Ka Binoy told him to resume celebrations, and after a few years awarded the image to him.

People outside the IFI allege that Ka Uri only stole the image from the older The Iglesia Filipina Independiente Roman Catholic Church there, but the community of Paete is not about to lose IFI community counters the claim with a the battle for the origins of “Salibanda,” letter from Rosario Paelmo Lantican, the Rosario brought the Child Jesus with a unique practice where people dance to custodian of the image now in the United them when they migrated to the United “Paru-parong Bukid” and “Santa Clarang States. States, bringing it to the Philippines Pinong-Pino” while parading an image of yearly until 2009 when traveling alone the Child Jesus. In a letter dated Aug. 2 last year, she said became too risky for her. Since then, in Filipino: “The claim [that my father they held festivities at their address in Watchers generously pour water over the borrowed the image and never returned California, but maintained the gathering parading believers, the women wear red it] is not true.” in Paete through providing funds and saya and white kimona. organizing other details with their She explained that Ka Binoy began relatives. According to folklore, the image of celebrations every third Sunday of the Santo Niño at the center of this January for Urig with his church, the IFI Paete stands by Rosario’s account.

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Novele t a ho nor s Nanay Pa z Past reveals power of God, faith community written by VAUGHN GEUSEPPE ALVIAR

HE ELDERS of the Noveleta parish were all smiles one Sunday paper, dated Oct. 17 last year. remembering the arrival 60 years ago of Nanay Paz, now an image “I was a sacristan here,” said Ola, who beloved to droves regardless of sect. was 12. Some 300 followers waited for the entourage of Nanay Paz at the Gathered at the parish’s meeting room Noveleta boundary in Barrio San Jose. were some of the first, now oldest, He and other sacristans held the ciriales adherents of Nanay Paz in Noveleta and processional candles for the aftertown; recalling about Nov. 13 in 1955, lunch procession then and then served in the Sunday when Filipinistas of Noveleta the Mass that followed. welcomed what would be an important figure in their worship of God. Nanay Teresa, the narrative said, was a Muslim royalty who ran from her family “We welcomed Nanay Paz, Nanay Teresa when she found out she was to marry a and about three to four jeepneys of the person she did not love. She once went faith healer’s followers at the boundary of to the Roman Catholic cathedral in Noveleta,” recalled Eddie Ola, now based Antipolo and found the 17th-century in the United States and travelling home image of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y yearly for festivities held in the image’s Buenviaje, through which the Mother honor. told her to make a replica in Noveleta. The Nanay Teresa he referred to was the faith healer that decided the image should be moved to the Noveleta church to join the image of the Santa Cruz on the altar, said Nanay Celia – Marcelina Santos – in an official history released by the parish. Santos, a native of Cavite City, was a follower of Nanay Paz even before it was relocated to Noveleta, explained the

That encounter so moved the Muslim that she converted to Christianity. From Alan Rahah Libato, she was christened Teresa dela Paz. To complete her task, she then asked for donations of P3.13 for the making of the image, then instructed some followers, including Santos, to locate a church that had the Santa Cruz. Nanay Paz soon

found her place at the foot of the parish patron, also reportedly miraculous. After Mass on Sundays, Nanay Teresa would heal. When the faith healer died, the two important images to the IFI kept aiding pleas, said Raymond Salazar. He explained the parish has become a destination for thousands, especially those who have concerns relating to travel. Believers have different ways of expressing thanks. Some would arrange with the parish to clothe the image and the Holy Cross. Others, like Ola, would find themselves in Noveleta every time the parish holds a fest for Nanay Paz. Paeng Balen, now a known photographer in Cavite province, would take photos for church events. Others would join the altar servers and sacristans. Perhaps the biggest display of thanks is the Mother’s declaration as Reina de Noveleta. “Many might not believe these and many more,” the historical document said in Tagalog, “but the 60 years of Nanay Paz with the IFI caused more intense belief and deeper faith, not only among Aglipayans…”

TH E OF F I CI AL PUB LICA TION OF THE IGLESIA FILIPIN A IN DEPEN DIE N TE 31