Vol. 21, No. 1| Jjanuary 4 - 10, 2015 by Pahayagang BALIKAS

January 4 - 10, 2016 | Vol. 21, No. 1 | Php 12.00/copy balikasonline@yahoo.com | 0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373

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Ocean Quest Philippines’ Bilang ng isinisilang na dedicated actions for illegitimate child, mataas Coral Propagation pa rin sa Lunsod Batangas >>>NEWS....turn to P/2

>>>NEWS....turn to P/3

Change we must work for in 2016? >>>OPINION....turn to P/4

VOLUNTEERS used an improvised ‘karton’ in assisting a dolphin swim back to the sea. The mammal was found grounded along the shoreline of San Juan town during the holiday break.| JESSIE F. DELOS REYES

BB. LUNSOD NG BATANGAS 2016 Semi Finalists: Anna Mae Recopuerto, Rachel Cueto, Darling Pearl Holgado, Chamian Lyn Melo, Ivy Kate Luna, Metalica Mira Espeleta, Michelle Anne Mendoza, Gel Rabida, Yvonne Juzette Bay, Niña Rouselle Andal, Jainil Corpus, Pauline Mae Cantos, Renz Allen Kim Babao, Patricia Irish De Castro, Mary Grace Longos, Krystal-Lyn Lumanglas, Anna Mae Broncano, Moira Marella Alim, Jessel Joy Tan, Arleen Gutierrez, Alec Nicole Suarez, Shania Clair Valdriz, Michelle Ann Malapitan, Evangelee Diane De Castro, Johanna Abigail Orlanes, Ross Violyn Royeras.| BHENG MANDO

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

OPINION

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JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016

Ocean Quest Philippines’dedicated actions for Coral Propagation OCEAN Quest was established on August 10th. 2012. Although newly established, most of our methodology and material has been developed through earlier research dating as far back as 2004. This gives Ocean Quest its head start advantage to all its preceding developments. Our first coral propagation program took place in Pulau Tenggol, Malaysia on September 22nd 2012. It is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program for Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad (PNMB). We are proud to have coral nurseries in one area propagated for 10 years that started from sand and rubble, now thriving to 2400 sq meter eco destination in Perhentian Islands (malaysia) , furthermore a 2 year old nursery in Brunei that started from 10 sq meters , is now stretching to a 3 hectare Coral Garden ,all made possible with science, direct action and passion. Our research team in Malaysia and Philippines are comprised of scholars who are specific Coral PHDs, Marine Biologists and Bio Engineers who are hands on to continuously innovate and enhance the program essentials to make our Coral Propagation Projects succeed.

Ocean Quest Training Coral Nursery .| Public trust was the key for sponsored support that enabled

Photo by Eric Yee – Ocean Quest Philippines Coral Propagation Instructor

Left to right ( Ocean Quest Malaysia CEO –Anuar Abdullah, Ocean Quest Instructors Ben Sarinda, Jessie De Los Reyes, Laura Reavitz, Sean Calma, and Eric Yee.|

Ocean Quest to make use of scientific and essential tools and equipment that make the programs more efficient. Due to Ocean Quest program’s success and public trust, we were recently granted this year a whole island in Malaysia to be an Ocean Quest sanctuary with an allocation of 45,649.42 sq meters (4.5 hectares nursery area). Now in the Philippines, Ocean Quest aims to continue its success in Malaysia in rehabilitating damaged coral reefs through education and direct action by utilizing hands on workshops along coastal communities. A team of multinationals comprised of 3 Coral Propagation Instructor Trainers and 6 Instructors with 25 Coral Propagators who are all based around the country has started on more than 8 Coral Nurseries in Bohol, Dumaguete, Mindoro, Batangas and Masbate. We are currently occupied setting up projects in Cebu, Romblon and Palawan. Ocean Quest calendar in our website gives updates about what we are doing wherever we are in the Philippines. It also gives information on volunteer and education courses we offer to both divers and non-divers. Coral Planting Workshop and Seminar participants are comprised of people of various ages, from different countries coming together for one goal, to help bring back the cycle of life to the oceans. We aim to get everyone involved in learning about corals and getting course participants directly involved in coral propagation, the aim is to secure our archipelago's future food supply is on the way. Ocean Quest programs are usually conducted in a resort or MPAs house reef which we scientifically determine to have the ideal conditions for Coral propagation. We don’t use or submerge manmade/artificial structures such as metal, pvc pipes or cement balls/blocks to minimize the already numerous foreign objects entering our oceans. A shoreline full of substrate (live rock) can be selected carefully as these natural rocks are already

REGGIE REYES

home to corals and are suited for coral broodstock revived only from Colonies in risk of dying from disease and being suffocated by sand, these will be the new generation of corals for this reef, and we simply give these corals their second chance. We also document each broodstock through digital imaging and metrics for tracking purposes beneficial to its sustainable growth for transplanting to a reef that needs rehabilitation 18-36 month later. Ocean Quest training and techniques teaches never to frag/cut broodstock from healthy Coral Colonies that are not in danger, one can’t justify planting a forest by cutting down a forest, which we instill on coral farmers we train. Ocean Quest programs are conducted to have almost zero impact amongst Coral patches in and around an assigned training nursery by enhancing diving skills of participants during a course, this protects the new broodstock (Coral Seedlings) propagated by likeminded coral advocates. These nurseries are prepared a day before the Workshop by Ocean quest Coral Propagation Instructor Trainers/ Instructors. Ocean Quest education empowers advocates that propagate at least 3 brood stock for each natural rock collected on site. 50 -

80 new coral babies are on its way to feed and grow just after 3 days from propagation, furthermore, around 70 corals fragments are plugged into the reef, some rescued and turned over to receive much needed sunlight again on each propagation dive. All Ocean Quest training programs are just part of habit forming diving instilled to participants who do direct actions to rehabilitate the Coral reefs. Certified Coral Propagators submerge themselves in coral conservation with an aim to inspire their friends and family, simply deciding that diving with purpose is key to conservation of the oceans. Any organization who is interested in setting up a nursery in an area to learn about our techniques, or just want to join or support our programs, Ocean Quest Programs in www.oceanquest.ph are just a click away. Ocean Quest is a nonprofit organization and only materials cost for propagation and diving, course professional fees, common in a structured education /direct action system, are collected and given back to support the research and innovation, for the sustainability of the program through our certified Coral Propagation researchers and Instructors. |

“We can never have too much Coral propagators with sustainable program in this time of coral decline” -RR

Left to right: Ocean Quest Philippines Founders and Instructor Trainers Reggie Reyes , Analynne Sison , Miko Zulueta

JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016

NEWS

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Bilang ng isinisilang na illegitimate child, Pagpapakalat ng sulat ni nananatiling mataas sa Lunsod Batangas VM Laqui, inaksyunan ng SB NANANATILI pa ring mataas ang bilang ng mga batang ipinanganganak na illegitimate sa Lunsod ng Batangas sa kabila ng malakas na kampanya ng Tanggapan ng Panlunsod na Tagatalang Sibil (City Civil Registrar’s Office (CCRO) gaya ng regular na libreng kasalan na may libreng legitimation at iba pang kaugnay na programa. Ayon sa birth registration records ng CCRO mula Enero hanggang Nobyembre ng 2015, may kabuuang 4,182 ang naparehistrong legitimate habang 3,982 ang illegitimate. Makikitang maliit lamang ang diperensya ng bilang ng legitimate sa illegitimate kahit puspusang ipinatutupad ng CCRO ang taunang libreng mass wedding para sa mga walang pinansiyal na kakayahang makapagpakasal sa simbahan o sibil at ang kasamang benepisyo nito na

libre ding legitimation ng kanilang mga anak kung ang mga ito ay kwalipikado. May 37 bata ang nakinabang sa libreng legitimation project na ito ngayong taon. Samantala, patuloy ang pagsasagawa ng mobile registration ng CCRO sa mga barangay kung saan ito ay nakapagbigay ng ganitong serbisyo sa may 23 barangay ngayong 2015. Sa ilalim ng proyektong Oplan Kamalayan, may kabuuang 3,724 birth certificates na nagkakahalaga ng P186,200.00 ang libreng ipinamigay sa mga Grade 1 enrollees ngayong taon upang masiguro na ang bawat batang papasok sa eskwelahan ay rehistrado. Sa proyektong Oplan: TalaTama, nagsagawa ang CCRO ng serye ng school visitations sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga school principals kung saan ang kanilang team

ay nagbibigay ng impormasyon at tulong sa mga magulang at guro kung papaano mag-file ng petition para sa pagtatama ng mga clerical errors sa mga birth certificates ng mga eskwela sa mas maagang panahon upang maiwasan ang pagmamadali kapag malapit na ang graduation kung saan ang birth certificate ay isang requirement sa elementary at high school. Ang CCRO ay nakapagsagawa nito sa may 12 elementary schools ngayong 2015. Patuloy rin ang malawak na information campaign na isinasagawa ng nasabing opisina sa pamamagitan ng mga seminar at fora na isinasagawa nito hindi lamang sa mga eskwelahan kundi sa komunidad upang maipaliwanag ang pagpaparehistro ng kapanganakan, kasal at kamatayan at iba pang mga pangangailangang sibil ng mga mamamayan.|ANGIE BANUELOS

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Nagakasagawa kaagad ng isang pagpupulong ang mga kasapi ng Sangguniang Bayan ng Mataas na Kahoy kaugnay ng umano’y ipinakalat na liham ng ikalwang punumbayan dito na nagsasabing siya na ang acting mayor dahil sa warrant of arrest laban kay Mayor Jay Manalo Ilagan.|

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Gov’t to spend P6.5-B for rehab of 73 prov’l roads THE amount of P6.5 billion has been appropriated in the 2016 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the rehabilitation and upgrading of provincial roads in 73 provinces. The allocation of funds is based on the performance of the chosen provinces which complied with good governance standards. Aside from good governance standards, Budget Secretary Florencio ‘Butch’ Abad said that the qualified provinces have met social development benchmarks, and established monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Dubbed KALSADA (Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan at Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran), Abad said the program is “an innovative devolution program that aims to institutionalize good governance by enabling and shepherding local government units on Local Road Management.” The program will rehabilitate and upgrade provincial roads and transfer these road assets permanently to the provincial government which will maintain them. It will also develop the Provincial Road Network Development Plan for each province and promote the use of an online open data portal as a mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of provincial roads. Allocations were determined by a combination of performance and

need criteria, such as inclusion in the Budget Priorities Framework provinces, utilization and completion of local road projects under the Special Local Roads Fund, and regular appropriation and use of maintenance funds for local roads. Abad also said the program has put in place a monitoring and evaluation system to ensure that the upgrading and rehabilitation of the roads will be completed. In collaboration with the World Bank and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the government has created a system that uses geo-tagging for reporting on the status of the projects. Through the Open Roads Portal, the public can check online which roads have been selected for rehabilitation or upgrading and track the progress of the road project from start to completion. Abad said KALSADA will increase the provinces’ ability to bring their road networks to s us t ai nably- mai nt ainable conditions by incorporating both Public Financial Management and technical criteria developed by the Department of the Interior Local Government through the Philippine Provincial Road Management Facility, an earlier governance reform program to improve the way provincial governments plan, budget, and maintain local infrastructure.

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson agreed that KALSADA is indeed an exemplar considering that capital funding required to offset road asset depreciation has never been given to provinces. Singson also said Provincial, Arterial Roads, and Farm to Market Roads (FMR) will get the bulk of infrastructure investment in 2017 after completion of all construction and upgrading of national roads and bridges this year. Likewise, local bridges and roads will be upgraded to ensure the safe use of local infrastructure. Meanwhile, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, Secretary-General of the League of Provinces of the Philippines and a champion of the KALSADA program said that “This is the first time in Philippine local governance that the government is implementing a national incentive program for local road management to enhance connectivity and economic productivity.” He added that KALSADA responds to last year’s General Assembly Resolution of the League of Provinces of the Philippines that urges the DBM and the DILG to formulate guidelines for a Provincial Road Network Development Program, taking off from the lessons of the DILG, DFAT, and pilot LGUs' collaboration on the Provincial Road Management Facility.| PIA

MATAASNAKAHOY, Batangas -Agarang nagsagawa ng kaukulang pagpupulong kamakailan ang lahat ng mga miyembro ng Sangguniang Bayan ng Mataas na Kahoy kabilang ang ABC President Jerry Reyes maliban kay Konsehal Roy Landicho upang maisaayos ang isyung kinakaharap laban sa kanilang punong bayan Mayor Jay Manalo Ilagan. Ang pagpupulong ay naglalayong maimulat sa mga kababayan na mayroong ginagawang aksyon at naninindigan ang Sangguniang Bayan para sa kapanatagan at kaayusan ng bayan. Pinangunahan ni Konsehal Edwin Ariola bilang chairman ng Kometiba ng Legal Matters ang pagpupulong kung saan tinalakay niya ang liham na ipinamahagi ni Vice Mayor Henry Laqui sa mga pinuno ng bawat departamento ng lokal na pamahalaan hinggil sa pagiging Acting Mayor dahilan sa Warrant of Arrest at kasong ibinibintang laban kay Mayor Ilagan kung kaya't hindi umano magawa ang responsibilidad sa bayan. Bukod dito, tinalakay rin ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng Peace and Order sa kanilang bayan. Kaugnay nito, binuksan ni Konsehal Boy Obtial ang patungkol sa riding in tandem na siyang bumaril sa isang nagngangalang Carding Ilagan. Nagbigay rin ng komento si Konsehal Edwin Ariola hinggil sa presensya ng RPSB Battalion sa Brgy Santol, gayon din ang kawalan ng local police na kung saan sila dapat

ang in charge dito. Hiling na lamang ni Konsehal Chester Vergara sa nasabing kapulungan na magkaroon ng agarang pagpupulong sa RPSB para sa ilang paglilinaw. Samantala, isa pang isyung tinalakay ay ang patungkol sa kasalukuyang estado ni Mayor Ilagan. Dito ay binanggit ni Konsehal Ferdinand Dimaano ang sitwasyon ni Mayor Ilagan at Vice Mayor Laqui na bihirang makita. Gayon din, ang pamamahagi ng ikalawang punong bayan ng liham na siyang nag aassume ng posisyon bilang Acting Mayor na kung saan ay walang legal na basehan. Nagkaroon ng talakayan, binanggit ni Konsehal Chester Vergara at Konsehal Edwin Ariola na hangga't nagagawang pirmahan ni Mayor Ilagan ang lahat ng dokumento, wala siyang nakikitang problema na kaagad namang sinegundahan ni Konsehal Aga Vergara at binanggit na hangga't walang nabibinbin o naaantalang operasyon ang lokal na pamahalaan, ito ay malinaw lamang na nagagawa ng punong bayan ang kanyang tungkulin. Sa huli, buong pagkakaisang napagsang ayunan ng mga miyembro ng Sangguniang Bayan na si Mayor Ilagan pa rin ang legal at lehitimong punong bayan ng Mataas na Kahoy hangga't walang court o DILG ruling na siyang ipiniprisinta ang kabilang panig.| MINIE PADUA

Gun Ban Basic Information PERIOD OF THE BAN January 10, 2016 up to June 8, 2016 (120 days before and 30 days after the Election Day) PROHIBITED ACTS Unless authorized by the CBFSP, the following are the Prohibited Acts during the election period: To carry firearms and deadly weapons outside residence or place of business, and in all public places. To engage the services of security personnel To transport firearms and explosives, including its spare parts and components SUSPENDED, INEFFECTIVE, AND WITHOUT FORCE AND EFFECT Issuance of firearms licenses; Issuance of permits to carry firearms outside residence; Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR), Mission Orders, Letter Orders (LO), and Acknowledgement Receipts; PENALTIES Imprisonment from 1 to 6 years; Permanent disqualification from public office and loss of right to vote; Deportation for foreigners, but only after prison term is served; Cancellation of and/or perpetual disqualification to secure license or; permit; WHO MAY BEAR, CARRY, OR TRANSPORT FIREARMS OR DEADLY WEAPONS? Listed under Rule III, Section 1 of COMELEC Resolution 10015 are the persons who may be authorized to bear, carry or transport Firearms or other Deadly Weapons during the Election Period. PERTINENT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS Article VII, Omnibus Election Code (B.P. Blg. 881) Republic Act No. 7166 COMELEC Resolution No. 10015 WHAT’S NEW? The application for the certificate of authority to bear, carry or transport firearms or deadly weapons can only be accomplished online. Steps on How to Apply for Certificate of Authority ONLINE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF APPLICATION FORM FILING AND RECEIVING OF APPLICATION PROCESSING OF APPLICATION AND RELEASING OF CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY/LETTER OF DENIAL Compiled by BALIKAS Reportorial Team

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

OPINION

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OPINION

THERE is no mistaking that while someone must be good for something, not everyone however is fit for marriage intents and purposes. This is a downto-earth reality that is squarely premised on the inherent nature of and obligations intrinsic tomarriage—such as the requirements of mental composition, emotional constitution and physical make-up of the concrete man or woman concerned. One thing is the plain desire of getting married but definitely something else is to have the fitness, the capacity or aptitude for getting married. It is understandable wherefore that more and more couples do not get married at all—but simply unite and separate at will. In fact, more and more married men and women get married and eventually come to part ways at will—with or without having children. Thus it is too that more and more children from “broken families” become confused, angry or bitter even as they grow in years and realize their predicament of growing without the parenting presence of their fathers and mothers. And yet, there are individuals who even want to introduce and legalize divorce in the country—as if the fact of divorce and the divorce mentality would promote the right understanding andproper living of the reality of marriage. The truth of the matteris that divorce promotes divorce just as the possibility of divorcealready weakens the resolve to get married for a lifetime— inaccord with their own human dignity and pursuant to the inherent rights of the children born of their union. Divorce is not merely a direct contradiction to the standard Marriage Vows, but also a standing contradiction of the Family Code of the Philippines and a blatant contradiction of the Constitution of the Philippines. Hence, Filipinos who want divorce introduced and legalized in the country, say but one and the same thing: Change the working of the Marriage Vows! Change the Philippine Constitution! Change the Family Code of the Philippines. Thus it is that in the context of those pushing for the legislation of divorce, the constitutional principle of the “sanctity of family life” becomes but a big joke. That the constitutional resolve to “protect and strengthen the family” is simply a big lie. Andthat the equally constitutional consideration of the family as a “basic autonomous social institution” is but a blatant farce. Perhaps there is really a need to brace up for what looks like alooming disaster.|

Three faces of evangelization TO better understand the New Evangelization, let us first place it within the comprehensive context of the Church’s mission of Evangelization. “In its precise sense, Evangelization is the missio ad gentes directed to those who do not know Christ. In a wider sense, it is used to describe ordinary pastoral work, while the phrase ‘New Evangelization’ designates pastoral outreach tothose who no longer practice the Christian faith” (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Doctrinal Note on Some Aspectsof Evangelization, December 3, 2007, 12). The New Evangelization, therefore, is primarily addressed tothe baptized in the Christian West “who are experiencing a newexistential and cultural situation, which, in fact, has imperiled their faith and their witness.” This is a situation which Pope Benedict XVI has described as an ‘interior desert’ which “has virtually eliminated any question of God” (XIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Instrumentum Laboris, 86). It is a crisis “bearing in itself traces of the exclusion of God from people’s lives, or a generalized indifference toward the Christian faith itself, to the point of attempting to marginalizeit from public life” (Benedict XVI, Address to the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, May 30, 2011). But in fact the cultural situation so described applies as wellto certain parts of Africa, Asia-Oceania, and South America. Referring to Africa, Pope Benedict XVI observed that the situation in the continent call Christians “to reawaken their enthusiasm for being members of the Church…to live the Good News as individuals, in their families and in society and to proclaim it with fresh zeal to persons near and far” (Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Africae Munus 160, 2011). While the Christian West must deal with the challenge of secularism, materialism, and relativism leading to the abandonment of faith, the same problem to a lesser degree is posed to the “younger Churches,” especially those sectors that are highly influenced by great social and cultural changes. These, too, are “fertile ground for the New Evangelization” ( Instrumentum Laboris, 89). More specifically, following the lead of Blessed Pope John Paul II (Redemptoris Missio, 37-38) the New Evangelization hasto be directed to the cultural, social, political, economic civic, scientific and technological, communications and religiousdimensions of life. All these have been deeply influenced by the globalizing secularist and materialist culture.

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

JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016

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Change we must work for in 2016? I HAVE asked the question what change we should work for in 2016 in my column in another paper. I think there is merit in repeating the question until we are able to pool answers that can help us agree on how to resolve the problems confronting our society today. At the expense of being accused of patronizing the present regime, I dare say that not everything should be blamed on the leadership today. The grave problems confronting us existed even before this and the previous regimes came to office. It has become difficult to trace when and how these problems started. What cannot be doubted is that the past and present regimes all failed to reverse their effects in people’s lives. Efforts have not been enough to address these woes. Changes of leadership did not do much to confront them. We are in a perpetual Sisyphean state. We always find ourselves back where we started pushing boulders uphill in spite of the efforts we put into the task. Because of the failure of these regimes to address the dysfunctions in our economic, cultural and political systems, poverty and deprivation have worsened. Even with the display of obstinateness, in the guise of exercising political will, our political leaders failed to put government resources to proper use and address corruption, inefficiency, and wastes in the bureaucracy. Since politicians have been coming forward to offer us solutions, it is imperative that question whether the existing societal systems may be made to effect fundamental changes in their lives. Complementary to this is the query of whether the coming elections will serve the purpose of making the systems work for the people.

For sure, many politicians will deflect the question by shifting the query to the voters. It will be for politicians credit if they present the question in a way that will appeal to the messianic complex of the voters—the notion that their votes will determine whether or not the systems can still be made to work for the common good. The systems and the people running them needed to be fixed. No academic training is needed to understand this notion. To be relevant, the elections should results in placing the best people in public offices so that they can start fixing the systems. Elections that do not results in this are farcical and needed to be discarded. As gatekeeper institution, the electoral process must be able to raise the consciousness of the people so that they will use their resources in effecting fundamental change in the government and the prevailing systems. So what kind of change do we need to work for in 2016? The broken political system needed to be change so that we can change the malfunctioning economic and cultural system in the country. Unfortunately, the change that the next elections will bring will not be sufficient to effect the change that we like to see. A new regime that takes care of the people. This should be our aim in the next elections. Beyond the elections, however, are the changes that we must work for. There must be vision that can unite and move us forward. This is the kind of change that we must work for. This is that change that transforms the existing systems.|

The pastoral situation calls on the whole Church, the faithful, to participate in “overcoming the separation of the Gospel from life and reconstructing, in the everyday activities of the home, work and society, the unity of life which finds its inspiration in the Gospel and, in the same Gospel, the strength to realize it fully”

(cf. John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christifideles Laici 30, 1988). — Live Christ, Share Christ, CBCP Pastoral Exhortation on the Era of the New Evangelization, 2012

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JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016

OPINION

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Politics and internet in the age of self-representation THE selfie is both derided and hailed as a popular form of self-expression; but politically-speaking, what does it really signify? The ‘butterfly effect’ reminds us that a flap of a butterfly’s wings can cause a hurricane on the other side of the world. Applied to the taking of selfies, perhaps it is like the flutter of a butterfly’s wings: every selfie generates a disturbance somewhere else. The selfie effect is political which can be deadlier than a hurricane or tornado. Each selfie reflects and reinforces the dominance of individualism in contemporary society. This is made possible by the Internet which is ironic since the cyberspace is not a single entity but composed of multiple networks. How social is social media when selfies glorify the individual and not the anonymous multitudes? But we are not appalled because the ruling ideology promotes competitive individualism. When we pose for a selfie, we think it is a liberating act when in fact it symbolizes our submission to mainstream corporatesponsored ethos. As a counter-argument, we can highlight the social uses of selfies. This we can’t deny since there are visible proofs of how selfies are maximized by mass movements across the globe. We can also cite the value of selfies to many individuals who were deprived of the right to assert their identities for a long time. In the past, their concept of self was imposed by others, but selfies allowed them to see their true selves for the first time. Should we deny them this epiphany? As the taking of selfies becomes more ubiquitous because of mobile internet, there must be a better way of addressing its political role. It is easy to perceive the conservatism of this act but we can’t ignore its positive legacy at the same time. Perhaps the framing of the debate can be improved. We certainly can’t ban selfies but there’s a need to develop a critical appreciation of this seemingly mundane thing. Let the so-called social media influencers discuss the proper mechanics and ethics of selfie taking but for those of us who are interested in politics, especially the progressive side of politics, we have broader concerns to tackle. For example, if selfies promote individualism, we should probe the conditions that allowed this selfish attitude to dominate society. And if selfies empower many lonely individuals, we should question why the smartphone-powered visuals could override other potent acts of solidarity. It is individualism, not selfies per se, that should trouble us. We live at a time when there’s a breakdown of social institutions and the collective spirit is rejected in favor of self-interest. Technology developers and

innovators are primarily in search of commercial success and not philanthropy or social change. When they offer something new, disrupting the social order is far from their minds. The selfie was never conceptualized to challenge the status quo. Narcisisstic selfies, therefore, should not distract us from our urgent task: Changing the social conditions that put premium on individual glorification over community solidarity. As stated earlier, we should not ignore the power of selfies to inspire individuals, especially those who have been marginalized in society. Indeed, when individuals cannot find deeper ties around them, they cultivate a stronger sense of the self. If selfies can give an instant feeling of completeness, why stop people from pursuing this harmless addiction in the digital age? But there’s a problem if we simply accept that only selfies can provide a meaningful identity to individuals. The desire to be seen is perhaps a modern thing and we may wrongly assume that this can be achieved only through selfies. When societies disintegrate or individuals lose collective attachments, we become more aggressive or desperate to give better representation of our lives. We cling to these idealizations for survival. Our task, therefore, is to assert that there are superior alternatives to selfies. We should also demonstrate that community-building is more effective way of creating solidarity among individuals. That political participation reduces or even eliminates the superficial longing for personal aggrandizement. Or in other words, the idea of excessive selfies will be rendered irrelevant if selfies become unnecessary in the real world. To put it bluntly, no selfie enthusiast will thrive in a community where everyone is immersed in a collective political undertaking. Taking selfies is already part of our normal routine but why is there a lingering notion that it is awkward or that we have to defend it from time to time? To remove the guilt, we have to identify the roots of this confusion. At the risk of antagonizing the anti-selfies, I dare say that the abnormality lies elsewhere. The real problem is not the selfie or the selfie taker but our society which elevates individual competition as the essence of living. As long as there is a mad scramble for viral selfies, it is a troubling indicator of a society lacking in grassroots solidarity. The solution is not to mock the lonely Internet user but to change what is wrong in the selfie world. (http://bulatlat.com) _____________________ Mong Palatino is a Filipino activist and former legislator. He is the chairman of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Metro Manila. Email: mongpalatino@gmail.com.|

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Humihingi ng sustento babayaran kung doon pa MAG-ASAWA sina George rin sila nakatira sa bahay at Annie at may tatlong kaya ang dapat gumastos anak na lalaki. Sa umpisa para sa pagbukod ay si ay walang naging problema Annie mismo at ang kanisa pagsasama nilang maglang mga anak. May karaasawa pero makalipas ang patan bang humingi ng 10 taon, nagsimula nang sustento si Annie? magtaksil si George.  Nagkaroon siya ng relasyon hindi lang sa isa kundi sa MERON. Makatuwiran ang ating batas at hindi apat na babae. Matiisin si Annie at mapagpasensiya. Kahit hihingin ang imposible, hindi nito hahayaan na magtiis nagpoprotesta siya sa immoral na ginagawa ng asawa, ang isang asawa sa lalaking hindi na niya kayang lumalabas pa rin na tinitiis niya ang lahat para pakisamahan dahil sa ginagawa nitong pambababae at manatiling buo ang kanilang pamilya at sa pag-asang pambubugbog sa kanya. Upang payagan si misis na magkaroon ng hiwalay magbabago pa ang lalaki. Magpapatuloy pa sana sa ginagawang pagtitiis si na tirahan at magkaroon ng sustento mula sa kanyang asawa, hindi Annie kung “Sapat na sa ating batas na gumawa ang lalaki ng isang mali, immoral kailangan na hindi lang siya at hindi matitiis na kilos, sapat upang mapaalis na niya mismo ang kanyang magdala pa pinagmalupitan asawa mula sa kanilang bahay. Hindi niya puwedeng gamitin ang mismo ng kabit ni George. paglayas ng asawa para baliktarin ang batas at payagan siya na burahin ang lalaki sa Minumura at ang tungkulin niya sa kanyang pamilya..” kanilang sinasaktan na bahay. Sapat siya ni George kaya matapos ang mahigit 22 taong pagsasama, pinili na sa ating batas na gumawa ang lalaki ng isang mali, ni Annie na umalis sa kanilang tahanan at bumukod immoral at hindi matitiis na kilos, sapat upang mapaalis na niya mismo ang kanyang asawa mula sa kanilang kasama ang kanyang mga anak. Humingi siya ng hiwalay na sustento at panggastos bahay. Hindi niya puwedeng gamitin ang paglayas ng mula kay George pero ayaw magbigay ng lalaki. Ayon asawa para baliktarin ang batas at payagan siya na kay George, si Annie at ang kanilang mga anak na lalaki burahin ang tungkulin niya sa kanyang pamilya ang umalis ng kanilang tahanan, wala sana silang (Villanueva vs. Villanueva, G.R. L- 29959, Dec. 3, 1929).|

Be the poor that we preach...  H.E. SOCRATES VILLEGAS, D.D. President, CBCP MY brother priests: 2015 is Year of the Poor. It is also Year of Consecrated Life for the universal Church as willed by Pope Francis. As our year opens, I wish to offer you some thoughts on living out the call to simplicity so that the Gospel to the poor may better glow through us priests. From Pope Francis Addressing the Curia, the Holy Father laid out his thoughts on the danger of avarice and greed and materialism in our vocation. He said one of the maladies of ecclesiastics is the sickness of accumulating: when the apostle seeks to fill an existential void in his heart by accumulating material goods, not out of necessity but only to feel secure. In reality, we can take nothing material with us because “the shroud does not have pockets” and all our earthly treasures – also if they are gifts – will never be able to fill that void; in fact, they will render it ever more exacting and more profound. To these persons, the Lord repeats: “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked… Therefore, be zealous and be converted” (Revelation 3:17-19). Accumulation only weighs down and slows the inexorable journey! And I think of an anecdote: one time the Spanish Jesuits described the Society of Jesus as the “light cavalry of the Church.” I remember the transfer of a young Jesuit that while loading his many belongings on a truck: bags, books, objects, and gifts, heard an old Jesuit who was observing him say, with a wise smile: Is this the Church’s “light cavalry”?! Our transfers give a sign of this sickness. (December 23, 2014) From our vocation Let us return to our original reason for desiring to be a priest. We were trained for a difficult life in the seminary. We seemed to be in a perennial food lack; remember those days? We deprived ourselves of the warmth of family life and contented ourselves with living together with the brother seminarians. We cleaned the seminary ourselves, maintained the garden and observed the rules. We wanted to be priests hence nothing was unbearable. The ordination was our turning point. The Church entrusted her mission to our hands. We also received in trust the money of the faithful believing that priests help so many poor people. They gave us money to send poor children to school, to feed the malnourished, to help the sick receive medication, to defray the cost of burying the poor and so many more duties. Accumulation, comfort, and security And the sickness of accumulating possessed us so quickly. Money got stuck in our hands instead of sliding to the needy. The car became a status symbol even for the newly ordained when the chrism of anointing had hardly dried. The recreation became more sophisticated to expensive tourist sites unreached by the working class. We were no longer lacking in food; we were now choosing our food after being initiated into the palate of the filthy wealthy. It is bad for a priest to fall in love with a woman. It is worse if he falls in love with money. Ordination gave us access to church money but that money is not ours to enjoy. Our ordination gave us powers. In a manner of speaking, the ordained are supermen. But the awesome plan of God cannot be restored by a Church that is more concerned about power than of service, more interested in convenience than sacrifice. A Church that is so focused on the powers of supermen clerics will hardly inspire hearts for renewal. We priests can start touching hearts again if we talk less about our powers and instead expose ourselves more to the power of Christ to change us. When we demand integrity from public officials, can we humbly say like Saint Paul, “Imitate me because I imitate Christ”? In this Year of the Poor self accusation must precede prophetic denunciation of social corruption. Materialism and clericalism If our youth and children see shepherds who are more concerned about imitation than money we will see them staying with God. If we would be more focused on imitation of Christ before imposing fixed rates for the sacraments, we would see renewal. These times call for imitation before proclamation, imitation before teaching, imitation before mission, imitation before fund-raising. Imitation of Christ before all else! Our confused flock, like everyone else, listen only to life examples. The best fund-raiser is the holy priest because he is credible. People know his hands are slippery when he touches money. The donations always end in the tables of the poor. Clericalism speaks of privilege, prerogatives, entitlement, and special treatment. Clericalism prefers sacristies to the slums. Clericalism is more concerned with embroidered vestments than reconciled souls. When we look back at the history of the Church, Church reform always started with clergy reform. As the shepherds go so the sheep follow. When we lose humility, we lose perspective. When we lose perspective, we also become too reactive. When we become too reactive and possessive and materialistic, we become less effective and less credible as pastors. The loss of humility and the sickness of accumulation in Church ministry can be very costly. With materialistic clericalism laid aside, and Gospel empowered humble shepherding taking its place, we might be able to see the rainbow of hope in the Year of the Poor. Clerical accumulation injures the idealism of our seminarians, hurts the sensibilities of the youth, and confuses many of the faithful who know that Christ lived as a poor man and His disciples cannot be anybody less than that. Signs of simplicity As a brother in the vocation whose mission is to bring the Good News to the poor, let us impose on ourselves strict discipline in the following

>>VILLEGAS...turn to P/7

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

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JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016

BUSINESS

The‘longline’to improve mussels production IN the Philippines, particularly in most seafood restaurants, mussels are one of staple offerings. Some offer them baked, while others prefer to have them plain with soup. The fact that the country is surrounded with bodies of water

enables fisherfolk to get many of these. However, if the management or the way they grow these is insufficient, science says this would result to mussels that are poor in quality, small in size, and thus

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IT inventors at technopreneurs sa Mimaropa, bibigyan ng oportunidad ng DOST LUNGSOD QUEZON — Nakaimbento ka nga gadget o kaya game application pero ‘san mo gagamitin? Baka gusto mong pagkakitaan? Kahit ideya palang, isang-guni na sa Palawan International Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Business Incubator cum Start-up Hub o Palawan ITBI. Nilalayon ng Palawan ITBI, nakabase sa Palawan State University-Main Campus sa Puerto Princesa City, na matulungang umunlad at lumaki ang mga lokal na negosyo sa Information Technology. Ayon kay Regional Direc-tor Josefina Abilay ng Department of Science and Technology – Mimaropa, tuturuan sa Palawan ITBI ang mga maliliit na negosyante at ang

mga nangangarap magkaroon ng negosyo na gawing primera klaseng produkto at maibenta sa publiko ang kanilang mga ideya. Ang Palawan ITBI ay itinataguyod ng DOST MIMA-ROPA kabalikat ang Palawan State University (PSU), Palaweño ICT Association (PICTA), at ng Make a Difference (MAD) Industries of Malaysia. Ang pagpapatakbo sa Palawan ITBI ay isinunod sa sistema ng pangangasiwa sa MAD. Inaasahang makakatulong ang Palawan ITBI sa pagpapalago ng mga lokal na negosyong pang-IT at magbukas ng mga oportunidad sa trabaho at kabuhayan sa Timog Silangan Asya lalo na sa Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia at Pilipinas.| BALIKAS NEWS TEAM/PIA

having low meat content. According to the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the usual way of growing mussels in the country is through the "stake" method". Here, young mussels could freely attach to bamboo poles that were placed in coastal areas. To improve the green mussels production, DOST-PCAARRD has funded a project promoting the "Pinoy longline method". The project was implemented by the University of the Philippines Visayas, Samar State University, and Capiz State University. DOST-PCAARRD said that "longline" is a culture system originally developed in New Zealand, where high-quality mussels are produced. It added that Filipino mussel farmers can adopt this method, too. The agency said the Filipino version is composed of a 50-meter main line made of 20-mm polypropylene rope. In this main line, black plastic containers will be attached to serve as main buoy. DOST-PCAARRD described that the black plastic containers were the ones formerly used in transporting oil and soy sauce.

How to do it? On both ends of the main line, two plastic drums with polyethylene rope tied around its body will serve as end buoys. Place concrete anchors on both sides of the "longline" to maintain it and prevent it from moving. Meanwhile, for stocking, PCAARRD said mussel socks made of two-meter long 10-mm polyethylene rope with cylindrical cement, weighing one kilogram at the bottom, are used in this method.

It added that about 200 pieces of mussel spats are placed in onemeter mussel sock. Mussel socks must be tied to the "longline" at 50 cm interval. PCAARRD explained that since no bamboo poles are used in this kind of method, it will not cause sedimentation in the culture areas. The "stake" method, on the other hand, increases sedimentation in mussel beds, which causes the culture area to be shallow. | PNA

JANUARY 4 - 10, 2016

LIFETIMES 7 GSIS allots P1.6 B in emergency loan to members, pensioners in Oriental Mindoro, Albay and Sorsogon balikasonline@yahoo.com

Kabitenyo Kid’s Fair highlighted the 23rd Children’s Month celeb TRECE MARTIREZ CITY, Cavite – About 400 kids ages 3-5 years old including parents and employees of the provincial government joined together in celebrating the Cavite Children’s Month held recently at the provincial gymnasium. This year’s theme, “Komunidad at Pamahalaan Magkaisa, Pang-aabuso sa Bata, Wakasan Na” highlights protection from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination and encourages stakeholders to advocate for the protection of children in the homes, schools, community,

institution, organization and other settings. The children enjoyed the different activities that included arts and crafts sessions, amusement rides, party and entertainment like magic, bubble and puppet show and a story-telling session by TV and movie personality, Ms. Rita Avila. Tempra mascots as well as Hetty, Twirlie and Jollibee added fun to the celebration. The celebration showcased different activities that intensify public awareness of the rights of children particularly the right to protection. Vice Governor Jolo Revilla delivered the State of the

Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Pagpasensyahan ang senior citizen na kasama. Magiging ganun ka rin sa iyong pagtanda. Lucky numbers at color ay 1, 3, 27, 31 at bottle green. Aquarius (Ene. 20 - Peb. 18) - Ang iniinda ay sobrang stress prone. Sikapin na mailayo ang sarili sa epekto ng stress para hindi magdusa ang iyong tiyan at baga. Lucky numbers at color ay 7, 11, 29, 33 at navy blue. Pisces (Peb. 19 - Mar. 20) - Aaakit ka ng suwerte kapag makikipagsundo ka sa iyong mga magulang. Lalo na sa iyong biyanan. Lucky numbers at color ay 5, 9, 33, 21 at magenta. Aries (Mar. 21 - Abril 19) - Isang kababatang kaibigan ang masasalubong mo sa pagsa-shopping sa mall. Siya ang magbibigay ng bagong opportunity sa trabaho sa abroad. Lucky numbers at color ay 7, 11, 35, 41 at yellow. Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) - Matutuklasan ang isang guro na magtuturo sa iyo kung paano gamitin ang taglay mong ESP. Huwag maniwala sa mapanirang tsismis. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 27, 29, 35 at dollar green. Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - Suriin ang kontrata bago ito lagdaan. Talasan ang isip sa iyong paglalakbay. Lucky numbers at color ay 3, 9, 29, 31 at baby blue. Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - Inspired ka sa araw na ito dahil nakatanggap ka ng message na nagpasaya sa iyo, mula sa iyong mahal. Lucky numbers at color ay 15, 29, 35, 44 at carrot orange. Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Mararanasan ang resulta ng iyong ginagawa noon, magiging sentro ka ng usapin ngayon. Lucky numbers at color ay 9, 27, 44, 47 at indigo. Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Huwag magtiwala sa business offer ng isang Capricorn, mag-ingat sa iyong paglalakad. Lucky numbers at color ay 3, 11, 15, 23 at red rose. Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) – Ang iyong mga action ay mas radical. Isang simpleng tao ang magbibigay sa iyo ng mahalagang payo. Lucky numbers at color ay 11, 13, 9 44 at green. Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - Ang iyong boss ang magpapainit ng iyong ulo. Selfcontrol ang pairalin, maghanap ng productive hobby. Lucky numbers at color ay 1, 3, 7, 25 at red rose. Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - Tatanggap ng balikbayan box mula sa kaanak sa abroad. Ituloy ang hangad na maglipat ng bahay. Lucky numbers at color ay 11, 15, 27, 35 at yellow.|

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THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has earmarked Php1.6 billion in emergency loan to members and pensioners in Oriental Mindoro, Albay and Sorsogon. According to GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara, a total of 49,049 members and 9,315 pensioners will be eligible to avail of the emergency loan program in said areas until January 30, 2016. “Active members working or residing in the declared calamity areas are eligible to borrow if they are not on

leave of absence without pay, have no arrears in paying premium contributions, and have no loans in default (no unpaid amortization for more than six months). Pensioners who are residing in the calamity areas are qualified to avail of the program. ” Vergara said. The GSIS emergency loan package consists of an increased credit limit of Php40,000 for active members who have outstanding balance in their existing emergency loan and Php20,000 for first-time borrowers and pensioners. “There are 28,980 active members in Oriental Mindoro, Albay and Sorsogon who may avail of the P40,000 loan, while 20,069 active members and 9,315 pensioners are qualified to avail of the P20,000 loan,” the pension fund chief explained. The loan is payable in three years or 36 equal monthly installments at 6% interest per annum computed in advance and is covered by a loan redemption insurance,

..................................... Children’s Report stating the accomplishments of the provincial government thru the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children. Board Member Irene Bencito, Provincial Council for the Protection of Children Co-Chairperson greeted the audience and joined the children and parents in the celebration and Mr. Alvin Mojica, head of the PCLEDO also attended the event.| RUEL FRANCISCO

which deems the loan fully paid in case of death of the borrower, provided that the loan repayment is up to date. Active members may apply using their GSIS eCard or their unified multipurpose identification (UMID) card through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks located in GSIS offices, provincial capitols, city halls, selected municipal offices, large government agencies such as the Department of Education, 27 Robinsons Malls and SM Super Malls in Manila, Pampanga, and Cebu. Pensioners need to personally apply in the GSIS offices in the calamity areas and fill out an application form. Loan proceeds are electronically credited to the borrower’s GSIS eCard or unified multipurpose identification (UMID) card. Active members who have been affected by Typhoon Nona but are not qualified to avail of the emergency loan may borrow from

other GSIS loan windows such as the policy loan or the Enhanced Consoloan Plus where members may borrow a maximum amount equivalent to 14 times their monthly salary depending on their paid premiums remitted to the GSIS. Pensioners, on the other hand, may avail of the GSIS pension loan where they could take out a loan of up to six times their monthly pension, depending on their age. For more information on the emergency loan program, members and pensioners may call the GSIS Contact Center at 847-47-47; visit its website at www.gsis.gov.ph or email us at gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph. “Pensioners whose registered address in the SSS database differs from their current residence must present a certification of their stay in declared calamity area from NDRRMC, Department of Social Welfare and Development or their barangay chairman along with their application form,” Ocay explained.| PNA

............................................................................................................................................................... <<<VILLEGAS.. from P/5

Be the poor that we preach...

areas of priestly life: Avoid as much as you can foreign travels and frequent recreation in expensive tourist destinations. Even if such are paid for by friends and family, it is best to decline and choose austerity and simplicity. Rest is important but luxurious recreation is disrespectful for the poor who cannot even take a rest from their backbreaking jobs. Be more sensitive.

PA L A IS IPA N 1

9 12

16 19 23

20 24

25 28 32

31 37

33 38

40 42

29 34

30 35

39 41

PAHALANG PABABA 1 Kostumbre 1 Lamang 5 Rondalya 2 Beautiful ____ 9 Kanila 3 Bansag 10 Tunog ng baril 4 Yugto ng karera 11 Daluyan ng tubig 5 Pandak 13 Ngisi 6 Pantukoy 15 Palayaw ni Aurora 7 Ismid 16 Bayan sa Albay 8 Kaibigang babae 18 Peluka 12 Positibong sagot 19 Street: daglat 14 Pagsisisi 21 Parmasya 17 Paluwal 24 Ihalal 20 Pakunswelong halaga 26 Gunitain 22 Jones o Cruise 28 Notang musikal 23 Maalat na butil 31 Silver: daglat 25 Soltero 32 ___ for hire 26 Ibunton ang sala 34 Pinas o Vegas 27 Ihabi 36 Kinawawa 29 Disyerto 38 Isabay sa pagkain 30 Merkuryo 40 Manipis na metal 33 Simbolo ng Titanium 41 Ikot 35 Yugyog 42 Ilista 37 Balance: daglat 43 Komedyanteng babae 38 Cardinal Jaime ___ noon

High-end cars and expensive vehicles smack of vainglory and luxury, especially in a province like ours where there are so many who are poor who cannot afford a tricycle ride. There is no excuse for any priest to have such high-end vehicles. We need vehicles to reach the poor barangays (villages) and bring them the blessings of God. Expensive cars alienate the poor from the Church. We smell differently from the sheep. We need to return to the clerical attire or clerical cross in public places as a form of witnessing to the poverty of Christ. Loud colored signature shirts and pants are fashionable but we cannot let Christ glow unless we let our glamour go. To be simple is to be great in the eyes of God. The poor priest does not need to dress sloppy. We must give dignity to our vocation. (READ: Cardinal Quevedo: Priests should dress like Francis) It is a serious sin of omission for a priest not to have a regular poor person to help whether for education, health, or livelihood. While it is morally acceptable to set aside some savings for future needs, it must be done with prudence. The money spent for the poor on earth are savings in the heavenly kingdom. It is a scandal for a priest to die a rich man. We bring to heaven only what we give away on earth. We must be honest in reporting to the Curia the true financial condition of the parish or school. There are no fixed rates of offerings for the celebration of Masses, for confirmations, for funerals, for weddings and other sacramentals in our archdiocese as we agreed on. What the archdiocese forbids, the parish priest must not circumvent. We are only temporary stewards not chief executive officers. Our goal is ministry, not revenue upgrade. We need to re-examine what we keep in our bedrooms. A priest’s room and a bachelor’s pad are exact opposites. Is the Lord our only companion in this sacred space of the rectory? 'The bread which you withhold belongs to the hungry: the clothing you shut away belongs to the naked.' (Saint Thomas Aquinas) Always give alms to the poor who come to you. Do not be afraid to be fooled nor turn them away empty. Do not be afraid to pamper the beggars. They have no one to help them. If you have to make a mistake, make a mistake in being too charitable, in being too kind. There is no excess in kindness. We cannot outdo Christ in kindness. There is much to be done in the Year of the Poor but the first in the list is the simplification of priestly lifestyle. The renewal of the Church begins with the renewal of the priests. Let us take the lead in embracing the poverty of Jesus on the Cross. I impose all these challenges on myself first before inviting you to embrace them too. Let us look at Jesus. Let us look at Him and let us be like Him. That is our only duty—to be Jesus and to give Jesus who alone is our treasure. Sincerely yours, (Sgd.) +SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan

January 4 - 10, 2016 | Vol. 21, No. 1 balikasonline@yahoo.com

F.E.S.T.

SM Employees Bring Smiles to Children this Holiday Season THE employees of SM Batangas and SM Lipa made some 88 children of its security, engineering and janitorial agencies happy as they were treated to a half day experience in the mall with fun games, rides, toys and grocery basket giveaways through the SM ChriSMiles project. Done simultaneously last December 16 in the two malls, children of the malls’ security and janitorial agencies were welcomed by SM Batangas Assistant Mall Manager Gemina Buenaflor and SM Lipa’s Mall Manager Liza Dimaculangan At SM City Batangas,

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FIRST time to face the public and the press.

The 26 Bb. Lungsod ng Batangas 2016 semifinalists had their first public appearance in their motorcade that passed through major thoroughfares in the poblacion this morning, December 28, 2015. This was followed by a press conference at the Batangas City Convention Centre where employees welcomed the Biggs’ Diner and Go Nuts the local media asked some of the candidates on how they children with a kiddie party Donuts. could help in the campaign against climate change and in filled with fun games, gifts and ChriSMiles is an initiative fighting violence against women and children among other grocery baskets from of the SM Supermalls’ human BRYAN CASADO security personnel. resources department, issues.| Overjoyed with the mascot appearance of Jollibee, kids were dancing unstoppable. A delightful meal was also served as the children enjoyed a perfect photo opportunity with Jollibee. Meanwhile, SM City Lipa employees gave away toys and papasko envelops to the children and they were also treated to the fun carousel ride of SM Storyland and some food treats from Greenwich, Clydes Bread, Krispy Kreme,

organized to put into action the Christmas message of SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy, who encouraged them to “make more people smile this Christmas. After all, the word SMILES begins with SM.” It was a day of happiness and fulfillment for SM Batangas and SM Lipa Mall Admin employees as they were able to share time and blessing with the underprivileged children especially this holiday season.|

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Fiesta activities na aabangan sa Batangas NAKAKASA na ang mga gawain sa pagdiriwang ng Batangas City Fiesta celebrations 2016! Ang tema ng pagdiriwang sa taong ito ay “Patuloy Nating Pagyamanin Ang Nasimulan Na Natin!” Ito ay sinimulan noong ika-30 ng Nobyembre sa pamamagitan ng Bb Lungsod ng Batangas 2016 Screening sa Teachers Conference Center. Noong December 19 naman ginanap sa Batangas City Convention Center ang EBD Kabarangay Videoke Caravan Grand Finals. Isinagawa naman noong ika-28 ng Disyembre ang Bb Lungsod ng Batangas 2016 motorcade sa loob ng poblacion bilang pagpapakilala sa publiko ng 26 naggagandahang kandidata sa Bb Lungsod ng Batangas 2016. Ito ay sinundan ng press conference sa Batangas City Convention Center na dinaluhan ng mga lokal na mamamahayag. Highlight ng selebrasyon ang Sto Nino ng Batangan Fluvial procession sa Calumpang River sa ika-7 ng Enero bilang pagpupugay ng mga Batangueno sa Mahal na Patron. Kaalinsabay nito ang Alay sa Sto Nino cultural presentation sa Batangas City Convention Center na tatampukan ng mga mag-aaral mula sa ibat-ibang paaralan sa lungsod.

Gaganapin naman sa January 8 ang Senior Citizen’s Day kaalinsabay ng Children’s Art Competition sa SM City Batangas. Sa gabi naman ang paborito ng mga kabataan na Battle of the Bands sa Amphitheater ng Plaza Mabini. Magpapakitang gilas naman ang mga kandidata sa Bb Lungsod ng Batangas 2016 sa Talent Show na gaganapin sa Batangas City Convention Center sa January 14. Kokoranahan naman sa ika-15 ng Enero sa Batangas City Sports Coliseum ang pinakamagandang dilag sa pinaka-aabangang Bb Lungsod ng Batangas Quest 2016. Sa mismong araw naman ng Kapistahan sa January 16 isasagawa ang parade na magsisimula sa Batangas City Sports Coliseum grounds. Para sa mga nagnanais magkaroon ng trabaho, muling magsasagawa ng Handog ni Mayor: Trabaho para sa mga taga-lungsod ng Batangas sa Batangas City Convention Center sa ika-23 ng Enero. Inaanyayahan ang lahat na makiisa sa mga nabanggit na gawain na inihanda ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas sa pangu-nguna ni Mayor Eduardo B. Dimacuha.| RONNA E. CONTRERAS

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