Vol. XIX, No. 16 - April 21 - 27, 2014

>>Earth Day 2014: A time of hope...

> News. ...P/2

Vol. 19, No. 16 | April 21 - 27, 2014 E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com Telephone: (043) 417.1662 Smart/TNT: 0912.902.7373 Globe/TM: 0917.512.9477 Php 12.00/copy

Sharing Good News..

Bridging Communities..

Towards Development

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Philippine Press Institute National Association of Newspapers Since 1964

BALAYAN, Batangas – Tuwirang ugnayang pangkomunikasyon at ekonomikal. Ito ang umano ang nais buuin sa pagitan ng mga bayan ng Lubang, Occidental Mindoro at ng pamahalaang bayan ng Balayan, Batangas sa malapit na hinaharap.

Kamakailan lamang, bumisita ang ilang opisyal ng Lubang LGU sa baying ito sa pangunguna ni Ginang Pilar Sanchez, maybahay ni Mayor Juan Sanchez

kasama si Vice Mayor Charles Villas, mga konsehal ng bayan, mga department heads ng kanilang munisipyo. Kasama rin sa delegasyon si PInsp. Ariel Roldan, hepe pulisya ng Lubang.

Ayon kay Vice Mayor Villas, pangunahing layunin nila sa naturang bayan ay upang magkaroon ang dalawang munisipalidad ng ugnayan at upang makita’t mapatunayan na rin kung gaano kaunlad ang bayan ng Balayan.

Sa kanilang paglilibot sa nasasakupan ng bayan ay napatunayan nila umano ang malaking kaunlaran ng Balayan. Ito anya ang nais din nilang

>>>PARTNERSYIP..sundan sa P/2 .............................................................................................................................................

‘QUIA SURREXIT DOMINUS VERE’. Sapagkat ang Panginoon ay tunay na nabuhay! Karaniwang makikita sa mga pangunahing lansangan saan man sa Pilipinas ang pagpo-prusisyon sa imahen ng Panginoong Muling Nabuhay, alin aman sa hatinggabi pagkatapos ng Misa ng Muling Pagkabuhay o sa umagang-umaga ng Linggo ng Muling Pagkabuhay, bago simulan ang Dagit at Pagbati. Kuha ang larawan sa Parokya ni Santiago sa Ibaan, Batangas.| TIA

The Poor and Resurrection

140 SPES grantees, nagsimula na

NAGSIMULA na ang may 140 Special Program for Employment of Student (SPES) grantees sa kanilang summer job sa pamahalang lunsod ng Batangas noong Abril 14 at tatagal hanggang May 28.

Mayroon silang 30 araw upang magtrabaho sa iba’t ibang departamento ng lokal na pamahalaan kung saan tatanggap sila ng P322.50 na honorarium kada araw.

Layunin nito na mabigyan ng pagkakataong makapaghanapbuhay ang mga mag-aaral at out of school youth lalo na yaong walang kakayahang makapag-aral dahil sa kakulangang pinansyal.

Makakatulong ang honorarium na kanilang matatanggap bilang pandagdag sa tuition sa darating na pasukan.

>>>TRABAHO..sundan sa P/3

Phil Coast Guard, sinigurong p. 2 My Lenten story... ligtas ang biyahe ng mga barko ....................................................................................................................... p. 4

PPI marks 50th Year with Two-Day Fete

p. 8

p. 5

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NEWS

Balikas

April 21 - 27, 2014

Earth Day 2014: A time of hope FORTY-FOUR years ago, the first Earth Day was celebrated in the United States amid a backdrop of anti-war sentiments.

Today, we celebrate Earth Day in the midst of a different conflict in a modern, fast-paced world; one that pits man versus nature, man versus himself.

Millions of people around the world will devote this day to various activities honoring the only home we have.

Simple gestures will mean a lot for our planet: planting a tree, picking up trash, conserving energy, avoiding wasteful practices or simply pausing to enjoy the earth’s wonders.

The Philippine Network of Environmental Journalists Inc. (PNEJ) joins the world in commemorating Earth Day. We join the celebration mindful of the lessons we have learned from natural calamities that brought to our doorsteps the problems of neglecting our environment and our planet. Climate change and its deadly consequences are here.

Typhoons Ketsana (Ondoy) and Parma (Pepeng) came as a wake-up call for the Philippines in 2009. Ketsana brought Metro Manila, the country’s political and economic center, to its knees due to unprecedented flooding.

Pepeng hit almost two weeks later and its unrelenting rains unleashed landslides and spawned widespread flooding in Central and Northern Luzon regions.

Lives and billions of pesos

worth of government and public property were lost to these successive typhoons.

After the rebuilding and recovery, many continued living their lives, choosing to forget the nightmare. Many Filipinos were hoping, and praying, that the horror of 2009 won’t happen again.

But four years later, Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) brought a clearer picture of the wrath of climate change right before the Filipinos’ to eyes. In one fell swoop, thousands have died and an entire city in Eastern Visayas, Tacloban, was leveled by a storm surge unprecedented in the country’s modern history. The reality of climate change is not only at the country’s doorstep — it has entered the door and that door had been shut. There’s no turning back.

The picture is now even clearer as the Intergo ernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in its recent report released in its session in Japan, said there is real danger that climate changes may put communities and nations in the brink of war and conflict over precious and scant resources, like food and water.

Philippine Climate Change Commission Vicechair Maryanne Lucille Sering says this scenario is not farfetched because climate changes will place already scarce natural resources under greater pressure and put large population groups to flight from drought, flooding, and

DEVASTATION. A day after the supertyphoon Yolanda hit the Visayas late last year.| other extreme weather conditions.

“For the Philippines, these ingredients of danger are already present. With an

increasing population exposed to increasing intensity of typhoons during the last 5 years, even in areas not often visited by typhoons,

the dangers are now becoming a reality,” Sering says.

We celebrate Earth Day today by accepting the reality that our planet is fragile and

ENVIRONEWS.PH vulnerable to the acts of nature and man. People around the world should brace themselves as extreme weather is the new normal.|

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Summer is the best time to fight dengue mosquitoes—DOST study Summer may be the best time to eliminate the breeding sites of dengue-causing mosquitoes to prevent a dengue epidemic in the coming rainy season.

This was revealed by Dr. Frances Edillo of the University of San Carlos in her talk during the 32nd anniversary celebration of the Department of Science and TechnologyPhilippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

Her statement stems from a DOST-PCHRD funded study, which she led in Cebu

City, proving that transovarial transmission of the dengue virus occurs in the study site.

Transovarial transmission is the transmission of a virus from the mother mosquito to its offspring. Horizontal transmission, on the other hand, is the transmission from mosquito to humans and vice versa.

The study is limited to Aedes aegypti, the more common vector or carrier of the dengue virus in the country.

The research group collected larvae and pupae from house and field premises in four randomly selected sites in Cebu City, every month from November 2011 to July 2012.

Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a technique for making multiple copies of a gene from a sample DNA,

the researchers were able to determine the presence of three of the four dengue serotypes or variations from the collected samples. These identified serotypes are DENV-1, DENV-3, and DENV-4.

The research also revealed that the month of April registered the highest minimum infection rate in the mosquito samples.

Edillo explained that if the larvae and pupae infected with

dengue virus survive to become mosquitoes in the following rainy season, these mosquitoes could set off an epidemic among humans via horizontal transmission.

In addition, she noted that Cebu City exhibits a pattern wherein a dry season with a low number of dengue cases is followed by a rainy season with a high number of dengue cases.| WWW.DOST.GOV.PH

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Fish kill sa Lian, ikinabahala ng mga mangingisda LIAN, Batangas – Lubos na ikinaalarma ng mga residente ng baying ito ang biglaang paglutang ng nangamatay na libong isda sa isang ilog sa Barangay Bungahan, sakop din ng bayang ito, kamakailan lamang.

Bukod sa mlalaki nang isdang maaari nang anihin, nadamay rin sa fish kill ang maraming tilapia fingerlings

at iyong alangan pa ang laki para anihin.

Lubos ang paghihinagpis ng maliliit na mangingisdang apektado ng naturang insidente sapagkat bukdo sa malaking perwisyo sa ang pagkawala ng kanilang mga isda ay gayundin ang oportunidad na makapangisda pa dahil apektado na ang kanilang pangisdaan.

Kaugnay nito, masusing pag-aaralan ng kaukulang komite ng Sangguniang bayan ng Lian upang matukoy ang sanhi ng fishkill at papanagutin ang sinumang responsible rito, o kung ito’y epekto ng sobrang init ng panahon o climate change.| BALIKAS NEWS TEAM

.................................................................................................................................. <<<PARTNERSYIP...mula sa P/1

Ugnayang Lubang-Balayan, magsusulong ng ekonomiya ma-replicate sa bayan ng Lubang.

Dahil dito, kaagad umanong irerekomenda ng buong delegasyon sa pangunguna ni Villas kay Mayor Sanchez na simulant kaagad ang mahahalagang hakbangin para sa tuwirang ugnayan ng dalawang munisipyo.

Kaugnay nito, direkta ring makikipag-ugnayan si Balayan mayor Manny Fronda kay Sanchez upang

tingnan ang posibilidad ng pagkakaroon ng direktang access sa transportasyon sa pagitan ng dalawang bayan para sa mas epektibong palitan ng trade and commerce ng mga ito na siyang magsusulong sa kanilang pag-unlad. Kabilang na rito ang pagkakaroon ng isang daungan o pier sa bayan ng Balayan, gaya ng sa Lubang, upang mapadali ang transportasyon ng bawat mangangalakal.

Bukod sa Balayan, nakikita rin umano ni Vice Mayor Villas na ang bayan ng Nasugbu ay isa ring potential na trading partner ng bayan ng Lubang.

Sa kasalukuyan, ang mga mangangalakal at maging ang mga turistang nagpupunta sa Lubang ay dumaraan sa bayan ng Calatagan kung saan mayroong daungan at regular na biyahe ng mga pampasaherong bangkang de motor.| BALIKAS

NEWS

April 21 - 27, 2014

Phil Coast Guard, sinigurong ligtas ang biyahe ng mga barko ROMBLON, Romblon -- Kaugnay sa Ayon kay Chief Petty Officer matatagpuan sa island municipatuloy na pagpapatupad ng “Oplan Bartolome A. Villanueva, station palities kung saan ang mga pasahero Ligtas Biyahe,” tiniyak ng Philippine commander ng Philippine Coast sa lugar na ito ay sumasakay Coast Guard (PCG)-Romblon na Guard sa Romblon, mahigpit silang lamang sa pampasaherong bangka ligtas at maginhawa ang biyahe ng nagbabantay sa mga pier upang o pumpboat.

Apat na shipping lines ang nagmga barko paluwas ng Luzon maiwasan ang overloading sa mga mainland pagkatapos na gunitain barko. Sapat naman aniya ang ooperate sa lalawigan Romblon na ang Semana Santa ngayong taon. bilang ng biyahe ng mga barko sa kinabibilangan ng Navios Shipping Gaya ng inaasahan, dagsa na lalawigan kung kaya naiiwasan ang Lines, 2Go Travel, Super Shuttle Roro naman ang mga pasahero sa mga overloading dahil halos araw-araw at Montenegro Shipping Lines.

Inaasahan ng PCG na posible ng port terminal at daungan ng mga ay mayroong bumibiyahe kung barko upang sumakay pabalik sa kaya’t maisasakay ang lahat ng mga lumiit ang bilang ng mga pasaherong kamaynilaan matapos na mag- pasahero. luluwas sa susunod na dalawang bakasyon noong nakaraang linggo Sinabi pa nito na simula Abril araw dahil karamihan sa mga sa kani-kanilang bayan sa Romblon. 19 hanggang Abril 21, nakapagtala nagbakasyon ay nakasakay na Kapansin-pansin rin ang sila ng 3,171 pasaherong sumakay noong Sabado at Linggo.

Ipinaalala rin ng pamunuan ng mahabang pila sa mga ticketing paluwas ng Batangas sa mga office ng mga kumpanya ng ferry pangunahing pantalan gaya ng Coast Guard sa publiko na maaaring boat at barkong rumuruta sa Poctoy Port, Romblon Port at dumulog sa kanilang tanggapan at mga sub-station na nasa daungan Romblon, Sibuyan at Tablas island Cajidiocan Port. para kumuha ng tiket papuntang Mahigpit din umano nilang kapag nangangailangan ng serbisyo Batangas port at North Harbor, minomonitor ang sitwasyon sa iba o kung mayroong idudulog na Manila. pang maliliit na pantalan na reklamo.| DINNES MANZO ................................................................................................................................................

<<<TRABAHO...mula sa P/1

140 SPES grantees, nagsimula na Ayon Public Employment Service Office Manager (PESO) Noel Silang na siyang namamahala sa nasabing programa, isa ang Batangas City na kinikilala ng Department of Labor and Employment sapagkat marami ditong estudyanteng nabibigyan ng trabaho tuwing summer vacation.

“Hindi lang ito nagsisilbing work experience sa mga estudyante kundi nakakatulong din ng malaki sa kanilang mga gastusin sa pagbubukas ng klase” aniya.

Idinagdag pa niya na sa taong ito, 97 sa mga SPES grantees ay bago at 47 naman ay mga dati na.

40% na sweldo ng mga SPES ay magmumula sa Department of Labor and Employment o DOLE at

60% naman ay sa pamahalaang lungsod.

Ayon pa din kay Silang, may 20 SPES grantees ang Mc Donald’s fastfood chain kung saan ang honorarium ng mga ito ay magmumula sa nabanggit na establisyimento at sa DOLE. Nagpadala din ng 7 SPES grantees ang provincial government sa city government upang magtrabaho sa loob ng 20 araw. Matatanggap nila ang kanilang allowance mula sa pamahalaang panlalawigan at sa DOLE. Sumailalim sa masusing panayam ng DOLE ang mga grantees bago sila natanggap.

Pinakikinabangan ng pamahalang lunsod ang mga grantees hindi

lamang sa kanilang mga tungkulin sa mga departamento kung saan sila ay nakatalaga kundi sa mga gawaing pangkomunidad.

Ayon kay Nelson Espiritu, SPES grantee, malaking tulong sa kanyang pag-aaral at sa kanyang pamilya ang honorarium na matatanggap. Sa isang linggong pagiging SPES grantee aniya ay nagkaroon sila ng karagdagang kaalaman sa mga gawain sa gobyerno at natuto silang makiharap sa mga taong lumalapit sa kanilang tanggapan.

Ang SPES ay may 15 taon nang ipinatutupad ng pamahalaang lungsod bilang bahagi ng programa ng PESO.| RONNA E. CONTRERAS

PHOTOBOOTH @ YOUR SERVICE: Call/Text: 09129027373

Balikas

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Mga ipinanganak sa health facilities, tumaas ang bilang LUNGSOD NG LIPA –Tumaas ang bilang ng mga ipinanganak sa mga health facilities base sa resulta ng isinagawang 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Sa resulta ng 2013 NDHS, anim sa bawat 10 sanggol na inianak sa nakalipas na limang taon ay ipinanganak sa isang pasilidad pangkalusugan o health facility. Masasabing mas mataas ang bilang ng ipinanganak sa isang pasilidad pangkalusugan base sa huling sarbey kumpara noong 2008 na may naitala lamang na 44 na porsiyento.

Sa CALABARZON, sinabi ni Rosalinda P. Bautista, regional director ng PSA na dating National Statistics Office (NSO), umabot sa 65 porsiyento ang inianak sa pasilidad pangkalusugan, mas mataas kumpara sa porsiyento sa nasyonal. Sa loob ng limang taon, tumaas ng mahigit 10 porsiyento ang bilang ng inianak sa mga pasilidad pangkalusugan kumpara noong 2008 na umabot lamang sa 53 porsiyento sa rehiyon.

“Kung pagbabasehan ang resulta, maganda ang naging bunga ng programa ng ating mga lokal na pamahalaan sa pakikipagtulungan sa Department of Health (DOH) nitong nakaraang 5 taon upang mahikayat ang mga mamamayan lalo na ang mga ina na manganak sa isang ospital o iba pang klase ng pasilidad pangkalusugan,” sabi ni Bautista.

“Nakatulong din ang pagkakaroon ng gobyerno ng libre o kaya ay mas abot kayang paga-mutan para mahikayat ang panga-nganak sa isang mas tamang pasilidad at

maiwasan ang panganganak sa bahay.”

Base pa rin sa nasabing sarbey, tumaas din ang porsiyento ng bata na ipinanganak ng isang health professional tulad ng doktor, nars at midwife. Sa buong Pilipinas, 73 porsiyento ng batang inianak ay ipinanganak ng isang health professional. Mas mataas ang porsiyento sa ating rehiyon na umabot sa 85 porsiyento. Kumpara noong 2008, mas mataas, sa ngayon, ang porsiyento ng inianak ng isang health professional na noong 2008 ay umabot lamang sa 62 porsyenteo sa nasyonal at 75 porsyento sa rehiyon.

Ang 2013 NDHS ay pang-10 sa mga national demographic and health surveys na isinasagawa ng National Statistics Office (NSO) kada limang taon simula pa noong taong 1968. Layunin nito na mangalap ng datos na may kinalaman sa bilang ng ipinapanganak ng isang babae (fertility), pagpaplano ng pamilya, at iba pang impormasyon tungkol sa kalusugan ng ina at kanyang anak. Ang mga datos mula sa sarbey ay basehan ng gobyerno sa kanilang pagpaplano upang mas mapaunlad ang kalusugan ng bawat mamamayan.

Sa kabuuan, ayon kay Bautista, masasabing gumanda ang kalidad ng pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng mga ina at kanyang anak sa nakaraang limang taon. Subalit ang Millenium Development Goal (MDG) target ng bansa na kailangang lahat (100%) ng ipanganganak na bata ay sa isang pasilidad pangkalusugan ianak at mga health professionals lamang ang magpapaanak ay hindi maabot sa taong 2015. | CHARITY BAUTISTA

COLLEGE THESIS TUTORIAL, EDITING & PRINTING Call/Text: 09129027373 / 09194200526

4

Balikas PPI @ 50 and beyond

OPINION

April 21 - 27, 2014

Urbi et Orbi VATICAN CITY — The following is the text of the Vatican's official Englishlanguage translation of Pope Francis' Easter Sunday "Urbi et Orbi" (Latin for 'to the city and to the world') read by him in Italian from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.  “Dear Brothers and Sisters, Happy Easter!

The Church throughout the world echoes the angel’s message to the women: “Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised . Come, see the place where he lay” (Mt 28:5-6).

This is the culmination of the Gospel, it is the Good News par excellence: Jesus, who was crucified, is risen! This event is the basis of our faith and our hope. If Christ were not raised, Christianity would lose its very meaning; the whole mission of the Church would lose its impulse, for this is the point from which it first set out and continues to set out ever anew. The message which Christians bring to the world is this: Jesus, Love incarnate, died on the cross for our sins, but God the Father raised him and made him the Lord of life and death. In Jesus, love has triumphed over hatred, mercy over sinfulness, goodness over evil, truth over falsehood, life over death.

That is why we tell everyone: “Come and see!” In every human situation, marked by frailty, sin and death, the Good News is no mere matter of words, but a testimony to unconditional and faithful love: it is about leaving ourselves behind and encountering others, being close to those crushed by life's troubles, sharing with the needy, standing at the side of the sick, elderly and the outcast. "Come and see!": Love is more powerful,

>>>EX CATHEDRA..turn to P/7

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.

Office: The BALIKAS Centre, Guades Comp., Purok 3, Brgy. Calicanto, 4200 Batangas City, Philippines  043.417.1662 |  0912.902.7373 | 0917.512.9477 E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com | www.facebook.com/pages/Balikas Lipa Office: San Sebastian St.,Brgy. 10, Lipa City Joenald Medina Rayos Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Ronalina B. Lontoc

Columnists: Gerry M. Zamudio | Atty. Jose Sison Atty. Jesus Dureza | Atty. Ramel C. Muria

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Staff Reporter: Melinda R. Landicho Contributors: Jack L. Aquino Jerome Jay C. Sapinoso Jessie delos Reyes

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Official Representative - Lipa Office

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Nicetas E. Escalona Lifestyle Editor

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Commercial : P165/col. cm. | Legal Notices : P130/col. cm

Ang pangalang “BALIKAS” ay hango sa mga salitang ‘balik’ at ‘kalikasan’.

Hangad ng pahayagang ito na maging kasangkapan sa paghahatid ng mahahalagang impormasyon upang maibalik ang dating anyo ng ating inang kalikasan.|

CBCP online

The Philippine Press Institute quietly marks its golden anniversary with the conferment of the annual media awards, the holding of its annual assembly and other events in Metro Manila. Former President Fidel V. Ramos will be keynote speaker with this year’s golden theme “@50 and Beyond”.

The theme has added significance because what lie “beyond” this editorial celebratory milestone are real challenges that the Philippine press still must face. It has to deal with issues on credibility , media killings, legislative advocacies, search for justice, press freedom, capacities and working conditions of media workers, mechanisms of redress, internal discipline and viability, among others. And decidedly, the bigger challenge today is the emerging dominance of cyberspace as a faster platform for information and views.

It is in this environment that PPI is marking its half-century milestone mindful that the Philippine press must continue and remain to do its role in upholding press freedom and provide the public with verified, accurate and truthful information that is vital to democracy.

So while we celebrate, we are also burdened by the thought that there is much yet to be done “@50 and Beyond”.| ....................................................................................................

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The Poor and Resurrection RESURRECTION has deep personal meaning to the poor. It signifies their belief in spiritual rebirth which the Risen Christ promised to those who follow Him. It gives the poor a glimpse of a brighter future which shall come after enduring the long night of deprivation and suffering.

The role of the poor in salvation history is a central one. The Old and New Testaments affirm the primacy of the poor and marginalized people in the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ Himself has chosen to be poor. His apostles and disciples were excluded from society because they did not belong to the affluent and influential classes. His teachings call people to give up everything to serve God and others.

Easter Sunday signifies the sum of all teaching about redemption and salvation. People celebrate the same in deep reflection knowing that Jesus died and rose from the dead so that they will have eternal life.

Resurrection reflects the deliverance of people from suffering. It refreshes their hope and strengthens their conviction for truth and goodness. Resurrection represents the coming of a new dawn for those who have been confronting difficult life situations. Those who follow Jesus believe in the resurgence of good even in the darkest nights.

The Risen Christ gives people reason to find new meaning in their existence. He invites them to open their hearts for genuine reconciliation and solidarity.

He calls everyone to do justice and be with one another in the search for peace. He strengthens people’s hearts so that they can withstand the onslaught of injustice

and violence in their lives.

In a country where people are mired in widespread poverty, belief in the Risen Christ demands more than traditional religious celebrations and rituals. As long as the number of street children and abused minors are increasing, belief in resurrection will remain farcical and useless. Poverty and violence contradict the message of salvation and make the celebration of Easter a mere perfunctory one.

With pervasive corruption and greed in public and private spheres, it has become difficult for the masses to feel compassion and see hope. It seems that the passion of the poor has no end in spite of the Easter Sunday that they celebrate every year.

Belief in the Risen Christ is liberating and transformative. Faith should inspire people to establish a society consistent with the messages of justice, peace and solidarity. Jesus’ resurrection did not mean that reliefs from hunger, fear and violence may be had only after death. His resurrection manifests God’s fulfilment of the promised freedom for the captives and deliverance for the poor and the oppressed. His triumph over death inspires humankind conceives a world which draws people nearer to God and prepares them for eternal salvation.

Believers need to see the world a new and judge it according to the message of resurrection so that they can response to the situation of the poor. The Risen Christ invites us to work for the redemption of the world and to help in the building of God’s Kingdom here on earth.|

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Ang Mabuting Balita Nagpakita si Jesus sa Kaniyang mga Alagad KINAGABIHAN ng araw ng Linggo, ang mga alagad ay nagkakatipon. Nakasara ang mga pinto ng bahay na kanilang pinagtitipunan dahil sa takot nila sa mga Judio.

Dumating si Jesus at tumayo sa kalagitnaan nila.

Sumainyo ang kapayapaan! sabi niya. Pagkasabi nito, ipinakita niya ang kanyang mga kamay at ang kanyang tagiliran. Nang makita nila ang Panginoon, tuwangtuwa ang mga alagad. Sinabi na naman ni Jesus, Sumainyo ang kapayapaan! Kung paanong isinugo ako ng Ama, isinusugo ko rin kayo. Pagkatapos, sila'y hiningahan niya at sinabi, Tanggapin ninyo ang Espiritu Santo. Ang patatawarin ninyo sa kanilang mga kasalanan ay pinatawad na nga, subalit ang hindi ninyo patatawarin ay hindi nga pinatawad.

Ang Pag-aalinlangan ni Tomas Ngunit si Tomas, na tinatawag na Kambal at kabilang sa Labindalawa, ay wala roon nang dumating si Jesus. Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ng ibang mga alagad, Nakita namin ang Panginoon!

Sumagot si Tomas, Hindi ako maniniwala hangga't

hindi ko nakikita at nahahawakan ang butas ng mga pako sa kanyang mga kamay, at hangga't hindi ko naisusuot ang aking daliri sa mga sugat na iyon at sa kanyang tagiliran.

Makalipas ang isang linggo, muling nagkatipon sa loob ng bahay ang mga alagad at kasama nila si Tomas.

Nakasara ang mga pinto, ngunit nakapasok si Jesus at tumayo sa kalagitnaan nila. Sinabi niya, Sumainyo ang kapayapaan! At sinabi niya kay Tomas, Tingnan mo ang aking mga kamay. Ilagay mo ang iyong kamay sa aking tagiliran at huwag ka nang mag-alinlangan pa, sa halip ay maniwala ka.

Sumagot si Tomas, Panginoon ko at Diyos ko!

Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, Naniniwala ka na ba dahil nakita mo ako? Mapalad ang mga naniniwala kahit hindi nila ako nakita.

Ang Layunin ng Aklat na Ito Marami pang himala ang ginawa ni Jesus na nasaksihan ng mga alagad, ngunit hindi nakasulat sa aklat na ito. Ang mga nakatala rito ay isinulat upang kayo'y sumampalataya a na si Jesus ang Cristo, ang Anak ng Diyos, at upang magkaroon kayo ng buhay sa pamamagitan niya.|

April 21 - 27, 2014

OPINION

Bumalik sa kaniyang kabit...

MAAARING malagay sa alanganin ang isang lalaking may-asawa sa simpleng salitang “cohabit”. Sa ating batas o sa Revised Penal Code, ang ibig sabihin nito ay nagsama sa isang bahay bilang mag-asawa at bilang mister at misis kahit pa hindi naman sila kasal. Ang lugar kung saan sila nakatira ay nagiging mainit din lalo kung ang isang lalaking mayasawa ay nakikisama sa isang babae na hindi naman niya misis katulad na lang ng ipinakikita sa kasong ito ni Pablo.

Bago siya nagpakasal ay niligawan na ni Pablo si Rosa na may-ari ng isang maliit na tindahan/sari-sari store. Sa katunayan, pagkatapos siyang sagutin ni Rosa ay may ilang taon din silang nagsama sa kanilang bawal na pag-ibig. Parang kuntento na rin sina Pablo at Rosa sa klase ng kanilang buhay. Hindi nila gusto na matali sa kasal sapagka’t ay parang ganoon na rin ang relasyon nila kahit na hindi sila lumakad patungo sa altar ng simbahan. Para sa kanilang dalawa ay sapat nang sabihin na “mahal” nila ang isa’t isa. Pero ang ganitong maluwag nilang relasyon ang lumalabas na sa bandang huli ay pagsisisihan din nila.

Dahil nga hindi nakatali sa kasal at walang malinaw na “commitment” ika nga, nagpatuloy si Pablo sa kanyang pagiging babaero, palipat-lipat lang siya sa kandungan ng iba’t ibang babae. Nakilala niya ngayon si Nila na sapat ang angking ganda para pansamantala niyang makalimutan si Rosa. Dahil sa kanilang pagkikita ay nabago ang pagtingin ni Pablo sa kasalan.

Bago pa niya nalaman ay inaalok na niya si Nila ng kasal at ang babae naman, pakipot pa noong una pero agad din na pumayag sa alok ng binata. Kaya hayun, nagpakasal sina Pablo at Nila. Sa maikling panahon ng kanilang pagsasama ay naisip ni Pablo na hindi maganda para sa kanilang mag-asawa na manatili sa Maynila at baka maamoy pa ni Rosa ang nangyari at manggulo pa sa kanila ng kanyang bagong misis. Kaya’t lumipat ang bagong kasal sa probinsiya at nagdesisyon na doon na lang tumira. Hindi pa nagtatagal sa piling ng misis ay nabagot na naman si Pablo. Hindi talaga bagay sa kanya ang magpakasal at ang buhay mayasawa. Hinahanap niya ang dating karelasyon at matindi ang naging pangungulila niya kay Rosa. Isang buwan matapos nilang magpakasal ay nagpaalam kay Nila si Pablo upang pumunta sa May­ nila. Ang palusot ng lalaki ay aayusin lang niya ang ilang bagay at babalik din matapos ang isang linggo. Dumaan ang isang linggo pero wala kahit anino ni Pablo na nagbalik sa

kanyang misis. Kaya ang ginawa ni Nila ay sinundan si Pablo sa Maynila.

Natagpuan niya ang lalaki na nakatira sa iisang bubong kasama ni Rosa na dati nitong karelasyon.

Nakababad pa ang lalaki sa tindahan at sinasamahan ang kanyang kabit. Nang komprontahin ni Nila ang mister ay inamin nito na kalaguyo niya si Rosa at hindi niya maiiwanan ang babae. Bahala na raw si Nila sa kung ano ang gusto niyang mangyari.

Kaya kinasuhan ni Nila si Pablo at ang kabit nitong si Rosa ng concubinage. Ayon kay Pablo ay inosente siya at walang kasalanan dahil hindi naman niya ibinahay si Rosa sa tahanan nila ng asawa o sa ibang lugar sa ilalim ng iskandalosong sirkumstansiya. Tama ba si Pablo?  MALI. May tatlong paraan para magawa ang concubi-nage: Una, kung ibabahay ng la- laking mayasawa ang kanyang kabit sa tahanan nila ng kanyang misis, o pangalawa, kung ibabahay niya ang kabit sa ilalim ng iskandalosong sirkumstansiya at pangatlo, ay kung makisama siya sa ibang babae na hindi niya misis. Sa ginawa ni Pablo na pag-abandona sa kanyang asawa at pagsama sa kanyang kabit, malinaw ang ebidensiya na nakisama siya sa ibang babae na hindi naman niya asawa at nagkasala siya ng “concubinage” (Pp. vs. Pitoc and Del Basco, 43 SCRA 756).  MALI. Ang pag-amin ni Romeo ay sapat na para patunayan ang ginawang krimen. Ang hindi maipaliwanag na katotohanan ay bakit matatagpuan ang isang lalaki sa dis-oras ng gabi na nag-iisa sa kuwarto kasama ng isang babaing may-asawa na. Ang mabigat pa nito, nasa kama ang babae at walang pahintulot sa mister kung bakit nandoon siya at wala sa kanilang tahanan. Sa abot din ng pagkakaalam ng babae ay walang kamalay-malay ang kanyang mister kung nasaan siya. Lahat ng ito ay sapat na para mahatulan sila ng adultery.

Ang ebidensiya sa adultery tulad sa ibang kaso ay puwedeng base sa tinatawag na “circumstantial evidence” o pruwebang galing sa mga sirkumstansiya o pangyayari. Basta’t ang kailangan lang ay sapat ito para talagang walang alinlangan na ginawa ng mga akusado ang krimen. Madalas magkaroon ng paghatol sa mga ganitong krimen kahit pa walang direktang ebidensiya sa aktong batayan ng krimen. (U.S. vs.

Legaspi, 14 Phil. 38.)|

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Mufti says concerns of Christians justified BEIRUT: Christians’ concerns over their presence in the Middle East are justified, said Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani Thursday, as he urged the release of the kidnapped nuns and bishops in Syria.

Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani “Christians’ fears nowadays over their presence and their dignity in the Middle East are right and justified especially as they watch on television their nuns and bishops getting kidnapped and their religious symbols destroyed,” the mufti said during a ceremony for Dar al-Fatwa.

Qabbani said that attacking Christian symbols is rejected in Islam and that Muslims should respect Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani the churches, symbols and rituals of Christians.

He said some actions against Christians in the region and Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim by contradict the Islamic traditions and principles and Syrian rebels. urged action over the kidnapping of bishops and nuns The mufti also warned against Sunni-Shiite strife in Syria. citing the weekend clash between two families in Western “All Muslim officials, whether kings, princes, or Bekaa that led to the killing of six people. presidents, should save Islam from the aggression of “Why are you killing each other? Why are you some Muslims against Christian nuns and bishops and sacrificing your sons and loved ones and accepting to exert serious efforts to secure their release,” he said. have them in coffins? Do you know where you are going?

The mufti was referring to the nuns who were seized Wake up Sunnis, Wake up Shiites. Beware of fighting by rebels and forced to evacuate their convent in against each other,” he warned.

Maaloula early last month and to the April kidnapping He also said that Sunni-Shiite clashes are the result of Aleppo’s Greek Orthodox Archbishop Boulos Yazigi of the officials’ rhetoric and their challenging each other.

Balikas 5 My Lenten story and accident I HAVE a Lenten story to tell.

When I was a small boy in barrio Guihing in Davao del Sur, Lent or “mahal nga adlaw” by tradition was observed in the strictest way as passed on by our traditions in the family that originally came from Guimbal, Iloilo in the Visayas.

For example, on “Biernes Santo”, no one should laugh, nor even talk if we could help it. We had to stay indoors as much as possible “kay patay ang guinoo” (god is dead). We had to refrain from doing anything except to do “pamalandong” or quiet meditation --although the quietude was more because of fear of “gaba” or heaven’s wrath. And yes, we observed fasting and abstinence -- although this was no big deal as not eating meat or not having a full hearty meal was an ordinary occurence in the house.

Funny, but I recall not feeding our backyard pigs that we raised specially intended for June school opening expenses not because of “fasting” but I thought it would be a good excuse to spare myself of that tedious daily chore. Pity the pigs!  EARLY ECUMENISM ---Then we had to wait by the roadside to kiss the image of "Baby Jesus" as it passed by, cradled by sweating volunteers in “soutana”, ringing a bell (similar to that of our favorite ice cream vendor) who went the rounds, house to house. The face of Jesus Christ in images in the house altar had to be covered with velvet and to be removed only on Easter Sunday. By the way, the altar with all the “stampitas” occupied a central place in every Catholic house I knew. Early in my childhood, I also got a taste of what "ecumenism" was all about. Our nextdoor neighbors were Protestants, in fact, the father was a pastor and their house served as their church where they held services. During "mahal nga adlaw" and while we Catholics observed fasting and all, nextdoor our friends would butcher their prized pigs for a “fiesta-like” celebration. And we devout Catholics were not bothered at all and understood perfectly that they were as devout in their own way as we Catholics were.  TOTAL STOP -- When the “sinakulo” or the re-enactment of the Crucifixion was eventually aired over the radio, we stayed glued to our Philips transistor the whole day to listen and imbibe the reenactment of the Crucifixion. On Good Fridays, the world I knew just literally stopped. No vehicles were moving. All roads were empty. My father who was seldom in the house being a regular passenger bus driver, would be home by then and we children would enjoy take turns in massaging him by walking barefoot all over his tired body. Even plane flights were suspended for the day, I recall. Later in life, I moved to Davao City. And things changed. The Lenten days became “vacation” time for many.  “BIERNES SANTO” ACCIDENT --- I have an unforgettable story. I was already a lawyer and was with my family on a Lenten “vacation” in Guihing in our farm. I can’t remember now the year but I know President Marcos was at Malacanang then. For one reason or another, I did the unthinkable on that “Biernes Santo”. I just bought a new handgun and I thought I’d try it out, shooting at empty tin cans on the ground. Of course, I shattered the quiet stillness amidst swayingcoconut trees. I could hear my wife Beth calling from the house telling me to stop. Yes, I did but not until I emptied all my re-loads.

Then, I mounted “Mulach”, my trained thoroughbred horse and galloped away. I knew Beth would be angry again at me calling from the house. But I could not hear her as “Mulach” gracefully whizzed throughthe trees responding to my thug and pull of the reins. But something unsual happened. Suddenly, without my prompting, Mulach made a sharp turn to the left and stopped, literally throwing me in the air towards a coconut tree. Instinctively, I raised my left hand as I hit the tree. Dazed, I stood up and I saw my left arm limply dangling by my side. It was torn from its elbow socket. Were it not for my arm shielding my head, it could have been fatal. Injured and in extreme pain, Beth tied my almost detached arm with a stick and drove me to the city one hour away. But since it was Good Friday, no doctors were around so she brought me instead to a “manghihilot” who promptly returned my dislocated elbow in place, wrapped it with herbs and of course, with some murmured prayers and some “saliva” rituals.  ABROAD & DISABLED -- I dreaded the thought of being hospitalized and having a doctor put me in a plaster cast as I had to go on a trip abroad in the next few days, so a “manghihilot” was fine with me. I was on a sling with my left hand totally immobilized (I am a “lefty” to make it worst) but the Monday after, I was on a plane winging to Geneva, Switzerland to participate in a lobbying campaign against pharmaceutical companies and “irrational drugs” and promote generic drugs during a World Health Organization annual assembly that I committed I would attend. I was so disabled I could not even fix a necktie. When I returned home, still in a

>>>DUREZA..turn to P/7

BUSINESS

Palace welcomes news on possible increase in mango exports to the U.S. MANILA — The Palace on Tuesday welcomed the United States’ plan to import more mangoes from the Philippines by allowing more mango-growing regions in the country to ship their produce to the US. Malacanang also said it is pleased with the news that the US now allows Philippine carriers to fly to different destinations in America, which would mean greater economic benefits for both countries.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing that after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) addressed the air safety concerns of the US Federal

Aviation Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Philippine carriers can now serve US and European destinations.

“If, in another front we get good news, then we welcome that news with total appreciation and we hope that it will result in even more beneficial outcomes to our farmers and to our industry,” Coloma said on the planned increase in US mango exports to the US. “Let us be aware that

there is an entire spectrum of relationships in the international field—both multilaterally and bilaterally,” he said.

It was recently reported that mango industry representatives have until June 9 to respond to proposals from US plant health authorities on mangoes imported from the Philippines.

If the proposals put forth by the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are approved, four new mango-producing regions in the Philippines could ship their products to the world’s largest economy.

Current US rules only allow the import of Philippine mangoes from the region of Guimaras, but Filipino

officials have asked American authorities to recognize new pest-free areas that also produce mangoes.

After an assessment, APHIS has recommended that mango-growing regions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao be declared free of mango seed weevil and mango pulp weevil.

US President Barack Obama is arriving in the Philippines late this month as part of his four-nation Asian tour. Obama is also visiting Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.

Coloma said President Aquino and his American counterpart will discuss topics of mutual concern, such as defense and security, and economic relations.|PNA

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Power plant distibutors sa Mindoro, lumagda sa kontrata SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro — NIlagdaan ang isang kontrata sa pagitan ng power distributor na Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (OMECO) at Emerging Powers Incorporated (EPI) kamakailan sa Sikatuna Beach Hotel, San Jose.

Ang kontrata ay nagtatadhana sa EPI na maging pangunahing pagkukunan ng kuryente sa lalawigan sa sandaling magsimula ang operasyon ng planta sa kalagitnaan ng taong 2016.

Ayon kay Occidental Mindoro Congressman

Josephine Sato, kabilang sa mga dapat pasalamatan si Congressman Reynaldo Umali ng ikalawang distrito ng Oriental Mindoro sapagkat naging daan ito upang makapagpatayo ang EPI ng Montelago Geothermal Power Plant sa Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Dagdag pa ni Sato, marami ang sumubok na mamuhunan para maging power provider ng lalawigan subalit ang EPI lamang ang may konkreto at magandang panukala na mababang halaga ng elektrisidad,

FOR SALE

Offset Printing Machine Solna 124 Offset Machine | Japan-made Vertical Platemaker |3-Phase Power Motor Converter Push-Button Switch Set up For details, Call / Text 0912.902.7373 or 0917.521.9477

BANKING

WOMEN’S RURAL BANK, INC. Deposits | Loans | Financing Services Carandang St., Poblacion, Rosario, Batangas

BATANGAS RURAL BANK FOR COOPERATIVES, INC. Deposits | Loans | Financing Services Collecting Agent of Meralco, BCWD, etc.

Pastor Avenue, Market Site, Cuta, Batangas City

“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” - Theophrastus, philosopher

pantay na pakikitungo sa dalawang lalawigan, at kasunduang maaring tumanggap pa ng ibang power provider.

Ipinaliwanag din ni Sato na nakahanda na at maari ng gamitin ang P200 milyon na bahagi ng kabuuang pondong P800 milyon na nakalaan para maisaayos ang linya ng dalawang lalawigan sa power plant, .

Nagpasalamat naman si San Jose Mayor Romulo Festin sa lahat ng naging instrumento, lalo na sa pamunuan ng OMECO at EPI, upang magkaroon na ng magandang serbisyo ng kuryente sa hinaharap.

Sinabi naman ni Governor Mario Gene Mendiola, na inilapit niya kay pangulong

Benigno Aquino III ang problema sa elektrisidad.

Ayon pa sa gobernador na patuloy na sususportahan ng kanyang pamunuan ang mga kapakipakinabang na proyekto para sa lalawigan.

Kasamang dumalo ni Mendiola si Vice Governor Peter Alfaro ang ilang miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Ang Montelago Geothermal Power Plant ay may kapasidad na 40 megawatt (MW) na paghahatian ng dalawang lalawigan ng Mindoro.

Base sa panukala ng EPI, maaring pumatak sa P6.58 per kilowatt hour ang halaga ng kuryente mula sa power plant.| VOLTAIRE N. DEQUINA

LEGAL NOTICE EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF SHARE NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late MARCELINO M. CALALO who died intestate on September 2, 2010 consisting of a parcel of land and a building erected in this land, containing an area of 342 square meters and 60 square meters, respectively, covered by Tax Declaration of Real Property TD/ARP No. 02-0012-00373 and Tax Declaration of Real Property TD/ARP No. 02-0012-00374, respectively, both situated at Muzon 2.0, Alitagtag, Batangas, have been extrajudicially settled by ang among his heirs with waiver of share per Doc. No. 33; Page No. 07; Book No. V; Series of 2014 of ATTY. JOSE DOMINGO L. TAN, Notary Public.

Pahayagang Balikas / April 14, 21 & 28, 2014

SERVICE

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES Company Registration Consulancy & Processing

E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com

April 21 - 27, 2014

6

PhilMech develops compact cornmill

SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija — The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) based in this city is currently conducting the prototype testing of a compact cornmill which the agency developed.

THe compact cornmill can be easily transported and has a milling efficiency better than some imported units.

PhilMech executive director Rex L. Bingabing said the cornmill developed by the agency is locally fabri-cated and has state-of-the-art design features that makes it more compact and more efficient than existing

cornmills.

Bingabing said the machine can help increase the consumption of corn grits in far-flung areas where there are no corn-milling facilities but where corn planting is a major activity.

“Corn grits, popularly known as “mais-bugas,” is a staple in many parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, and can also be consumed in communities where corn farming is more viable.

But many far-flung communities hardly have or are far from corn milling facilities,” he said.

The corn mill, which was

>>AGRI-BUSINESS....to P/7

JUDICIAL NOTICE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 87 ROSARIO, BATANGAS IN RE: PETITION FOR THE CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF ESTRELLA BABASA GOMEZ TO EFFECT CORRECTION IN THE ENTRY “JANUARY 11, 1955” THE BIRTH DATE OF THE PETITIONER, PROPERLY AS “JANUARY 21, 1954” ESTRELLA G. CADANO Petitioner; versus

SPEC. PROC. CASE NO. 2014-257

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF IBAAN, BATANGAS, Respondent.

X------------------------------X ORDER A verified petition has been filed by the petitioner through counsel, praying the Court that after due notice, publication and hearing, this petition be granted ordering the Local Civil Registrar of Ibaan and the Administrator and Civil Registrar of the National Statistics Office, to correct the entry in the birth date of petitioner so that it will be properly entered as “January 21, 1954” after payment of the fees prescribed by law.

NOW THEREFORE, finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, notice is hereby given that this case be set for hearing on May 12, 2014 at 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon before the session hall of this Court, on which date, time and place, all interested party may appear and show cause why the petition should not be granted.

Let copy of this Order be published at least once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Batangas, prior to the scheduled date of hearing at the expense of the petitioner.

Likewise, let copy of the petition and this Order be furnished the Office of the Solicitor General, the Local Civil Registrar of Rosario and the National Statistics Office for their Comment/Opposition thereto.

SO ORDERED. Rosario, Batangas, May 17, 2014.

(Sgd.) DORCAS O. FERRIOLS-PEREZ Assisting Judge Pahayagang Balikas April 14, 21 & 28, 2014

Tawag na sa Pahayagang Balikas Telephone No. (043) 417.1662 * 0917.521.9477 * 0912.902.7373 para sa inyong pagpapalathala.

Nicetas E. Escalona, Lifetimes Editor

LIFE TIMES Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - May lihim na pagtingin ang isang kasamahan o kaibigan. Huwag bigyan ng pagkakataon na pagsamantalahan ang iyong kabaitan. Mag-ingat sa paglakad ng hindi madapa, matapilok o matalisod dahil magiging mahina ang bandang ibaba ng katawan.

Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - Iwasan ang palaging mainit ang ulo. Magiging lubos ang kaligayahan kung kasama ang minamahal. Mag-budget sa paggastos upang may maitabi sa kailangang gamit.

Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Magiging masaya ang pakikisalamuhang sosyal kung bibigyan ng panahon. Ang tamang asal sa pananalita at pakikisama ay dapat pairalin.

Aquarius (Ene. 20 - Peb. 18) - Madaling pakitunguhan ang mga kaibigan. Ang samahang pangkaibigan ay posibleng mauwi sa pag-iibigan.

Pisces (Peb. 19-Mar. 20) - Ang mga kaibigan ay maaasahan ng tulong kung kailangan. May pagkasensitibo ang minamahal kaya sikapin na magparaya at lawakan ang pang-unawa.

Aries (Mar. 21-Abril 19) - Isang kamag-anak o kasamahan ang malamang na magkaroon ng hinanakit.

Ang pagpapahinga ay makabuluhan sa kalusugan.

Umaayon ang panahon sa proyektong pangkomunidad.|

<<<AGRI-BUSINESS....from P/6

PhilMech develops compact cornmill designed by a PhilMech team from the agency’s Agricultural Mechanization Division led by Dr. Michael

Gragasin and Romualdo Martinez, will be tested in Masbate (Luzon), Bohol (Visayas), and Surigao Del

.............................................................. <<<F.E.S.T....from P/8

PPI marks 50th Year... have a strong voice in local affairs.

The Civic Journalism Community Press Awards, launched in 1996 and conferred annually on outstanding community newspapers, will be one of the highlights of the upcoming PPI anniversary celebration. The PPI’s institutional partnership, initially with Konrad Adenauer Foundation and currently with Coca-Cola Philippines, has made this undertaking possible.

This year’s awards program will see daily and weekly newspaper finalists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao vying for the coveted top prize in each of the following categories: Best Reporting on Disasters Best in Culture, Arts and History Reporting Best in Photojournalism Best in Environmental Reporting Best in Business and Economic Reporting Best Editorial Page Best Edited Paper The criteria for judging include how the competing newspapers served as catalyst for community action during the year under review (2013) and coverage of issues that are relevant to community life and aspirations. Finalists

will receive Plaques of Merit.

Winners will receive cash prizes and special trophies The two-day event will also mark this year’s annual PPI members’ assembly, which will bring together representatives from least 50 newspaper members from across the country. Meanwhile, Pahayagang Balikas is the only member of PPI in Batangas.

The annual membership meeting and launch of new partnership programs with Holcim Philippines, Plan International, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Nickel Asia Corporation and Eon will take place on May 2, the culmination of the two-day PPI golden anniversary gathering.

The 50th Anniversary is being supported by Coca-Cola Philippines as principal partner, Malaya, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Standard Today, The Philippine Star, Journal Group, and BusinessWorld. It is sponsored in part by Nickel Asia Corporation, PLDT, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Metrobank Foundation, First Philippine Holdings Corporation, SM Investments, PhilHealth, UNILAB, SM Retail, Land Bank of the Philippines, and Traders Hotel Manila.|

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<<<DUREZA... from P/5

My Lenten story and accident sling and my arm swelling, I still managed to personally send a written petition, in behalf of our Consumers’ Movement of Davao (“Konsumo Dabaw”) to then President Marcos asking for the adoption of a generics drugs law in the country.

The rest is history. My arm

took months to heal and even up to this day, some lingering pains of misplaced muscles still gently bring me back those memories.

And with Beth’s constant reminders, (you bet wives never forget) I was back doing quiet “pamalandong” every Good Friday since.|

Norte (Mindanao) up to the end of this year.

“This research effort supports the Food Staple Sufficiency Program (FSSP) of the Department of Agriculture which encourages households to also consume other staples like milled white corn, which can help relieve pressure on local rice supplies,” Bingabing said.

White corn serves is the staple of about 15% of the total population, mostly in

major islands of Visayas and Mindanao, in the form of corn grits.

“The implementation of the White Corn Program [under the FSSP] aims not only to sustain the requirement of white corneating populace and address hunger problems but also to encourage riceconsumers to incorporate white corn to their usual eating habit,” the PhilMech researchers, said.

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Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) Ang minamahal ay hindi magkakait ng tulong kung kailangan. May haharaping pagkakagastusan na hindi maiiwasan subalit ang magandang balita ay lumalandas ang suwerte.

Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - Umaayon ang panahon sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga kaibigan. Mangingibabaw ang kapusukan ng damdamin na dapat mapaglaban dahil mapapahamak ka.

Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - Isang bagong relasyon sa pag-ibig ang magbibigay sigla. Dahil sa kasiglahan, ano man ang hirap o bigat ng gawain ay magaan na mairaraos.

Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Bagong pagibig ang uusbong. Simulan na magtipid at mag-ipon para sa kinabukasan. Ang mahalagang bagay na gustong gawin ay maipagpapaliban.

Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Hindi magiging abala subalit maraming mahahalagang gawain na matatapos dahil sa angking enerhiya. Panindigan ang prinsipyo upang hindi maloko ng iba. Darating ang hinihintay.

Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) - Ang nakaraang suliranin ay maaaring makalimutan o magkaliwanagan sa kinauukulan. Magaan ang pasok ng pera sa negosyo.

.............................................................. <<<EX CATHEDRA....from P/4

Urbi et Orbi

love gives life, love makes hope blossom in the wilderness.

With this joyful certainty in our hearts, today we turn to you, risen Lord!

Help us to seek you and to find you, to realize that we have a Father and are not orphans; that we can love and adore you.

Help us to overcome the scourge of hunger, aggravated by conflicts and by the immense wastefulness for which we are often responsible.

Enable us to protect the vulnerable, especially children, women and the elderly, who are at times exploited and abandoned.

Enable us to care for our brothers and sisters struck by the Ebola epidemic in Guinea Conakry, Sierra Leone and Liberia, and to care for those suffering from so many other diseases which are also spread through neglect and dire poverty.

Comfort all those who cannot celebrate this Easter with their loved ones because they have been unjustly torn from their affections, like the many persons, priests and laity, who in various parts of the world have been kidnapped.

Comfort those who have left their own lands to migrate to places offering hope for a better future and the possibility of living their lives

7

April 21 - 27, 2014

in dignity and, not infrequently, of freely professing their faith.

We ask you, Lord Jesus, to put an end to all war and every conflict, whether great or small, ancient or recent.

We pray in a particular way for Syria, that all those suffering the effects of the conflict can receive needed humanitarian aid and that neither side will again use deadly force, especially against the defenseless civil population, but instead boldly negotiate the peace long awaited and long overdue!

We ask you to comfort the victims of fratricidal acts of violence in Iraq and to sustain the hopes raised by the resumption of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.

We beg for an end to the conflicts in the Central African Republic and a halt to the brutal terrorist attacks in parts of Nigeria and the acts of violence in South Sudan. We ask that hearts be turned to reconciliation and fraternal concord in Venezuela.

By your resurrection, which this year we celebrate together with the Churches that follow the Julian calendar, we ask you to enlighten and inspire the intiatives that promote peace in Ukraine so that all those

Pinoy recipes. Lutuing Pinoy Callos

THIS savory stew of ox tripe and shank cooked with chorizo de bilbao in spicy tomato sauce. Color and flavor from the chorizo de Bilbao, makes this recipe a lot different from other tomatobased stews.

Ingredients: 2 Lbs beef tripe 1 Beff foot 1 Lemon 1 Medium size onion 1 head garlic 2 Birds eye chilli 1 Red bell pepper 1 Green bell pepper 2 Pieces Chorizo de Bilbao 1 Can green Peas 1 Can chick peas 1 Cup black olives 1 Can tomato paste 1 Cup tomato sauce Cooking oil Salt to taste Cooking Directions: Wash tripe and feet thoroughly and put in deep casserole.

Add water and squeeze some lemon juice, boil until tender.

Repeat the procedures until bad smell of the soup goes away.

Heat oil in a frying-pan and Sauté garlic and onion.

Add birds eye chilli, stir for a few minutes then add the red and green pepper.

Add Spanish sausage and stir fry to infuse the flavor to the vegetables.

Add the tender ox feet and tripe and Sauté for a few minutes.

Add the stock (used to boil ox feet and tripe) and simmer for 10 minutes Pour in Tomato sauce, season with salt and add the tomato paste.

Stir, then add black olives, chick peas, and green peas.

Simmer for 5-10 minutes or just enough for the vegetables to heat through Transfer to a platter & garnish with peppers

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PAHALANG 1 Paglipat ng sakit sa iba 5 Mahinhin 10 Tambang 11 Gaya ng turista 12 Hampas 14 Hawla: Ingles 15 Ire 16 Pakikipagsapalaran 18 Last Entry 19 Maslaking barko na lumubog sa Atlantic noong 1912 20 Kapos sa pangangailangan 22 Mabangis 23 Department of Agriculture 24 Palara 25 Layunin: Ingles 26 Gaano karami 27 Init 28 Pantukoy sa pangalan ng tao 30 Tabako

31 Isa sa 3 musketeers 32 Kostumbre PABABA 1 Pilapil 2 Pinuno ng monasteryo 3 Otso 4 Ha? 6 Simbolo ng Alabamium 7 Lumisan 8 Mahika: Ingles 9 Palayaw ni Philip 13 Mataas na padalisdis 14 Tatak ng kamera 16 Tiyaga 17 Ingay ng aso 19 Bahagi ng barko 20 Guniguni 21 Kasangkapan ng banda ng musiko 22 Hinggil sa araw 23 Ms. Zubiri, artista 25 Mataas na baraha 26 Unlaping pamilang 27 Hamak 29 Katumbas ng 3.1416

involved, with the support of the international community, will make every effort to prevent violence and, in a spirit of unity and dialogue, chart a path for the country's

future.

Lord, we pray to you for all the peoples of the earth: You who have conquered death, grant us your life, grant us your peace!"|

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>Wanna be featured here? Please contact us at 0917.512.9477 | 0912.902.7373 | 043.417.1662 for inquiries.

F.E.S.T.

Ronalina B. Lontoc, Special Project Editor

......................................................................... >>>FESTIVALS & FEASTS..., EVENTS..., SHOWBIZ & SPORTS...TRAVEL & TRENDS<<<

April 21 - 27, 2014

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PPI marks 50th Year with Two-Day Fete HE Philippine Press Institute, also known as the association of Philippine newspapers, will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a two-day commemorative event slated to unfold on May 1 at the Traders Hotel in Manila.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos will be the keynote speaker for the 18the season of the Civic Journalism Community Press Awards.

Dubbed “PPI @50 and Beyond,” this year’s PPI golden anniversary theme calls to mind the national newspaper association’s collective and individual feats as well as the enormous challenges facing the Philippine press.

The spate of journalist killings that continues to alarm both local and international media groups and human rights advocates, newspaper viability in the

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increasingly digital era, the muchanticipated passage of the longoverdue Freedom of Information bill, and poor media compensation and working conditions alongside the need to professionalize the journalists ranks are some of the issues that continue to hound members of the press, particularly those working in communities.

“As PPI head for the past 12 months or so, I've had the privilege of touching base with some media colleagues all over the country,” says PPI chairman-president Atty. Jesus Dureza. Yet, the concurrent Mindanao Times publisher has also seen “that the challenges affecting the media have remained the same.”

It is against this backdrop that the PPI marks “its half-century milestone, mindful that the Philippine press must continue to perform its role in upholding press freedom and providing the public with verified, accurate and truthful

information that is so vital to democracy,” says the newspaper association in a statement.

Toward this end, the PPI has forged strategic partnerships (and strengthened existing ones) with select development and corporate institutions to implement vital media projects in the coming months. The PPI’s upcoming initiatives resulting from these partnerships will be formally launched during its 50th anniversary celebration. It is also set to begin this year the promotion of the organization of regional press councils as public redress mechanisms.

2013 Civic Journalism Awards While the PPI is well aware of the issues confronting the media, particularly at the community level, it continues to recognize the outstanding contributions of the community press to the reconstruction of public life where ordinary folk

>>>F.E.S.T. ..turn to P/7

SIES baran 1st P receiv Awar

PBA tryout isinagawa para sa mga kabataang Batangueño

Go away from drugs....

Harness your talents at

D’ BLADES JAMM We welcome home-grown bands, students, amateur jammers.

BLADES Centre, Guades Comp., Purok 3, Calicanto, Bats. City For inquiries and schedule, Call of Text 0912-902-7373 to 74.

3 Day Sale at SM City Batangas on May 2, 3 and 4 It’s 3 day sale shopping madness once again in Batangas as SM City Batangas hold its mallwide 3 DAY SALE on May 2, 3 and 4.

Shoppers gets the chance to enjoy value for their money with up to 70% savings on great selections of apparels, fashion accessories, home furnishings, baby needs, sporting goods, electronic gadgets and home appliances with SM City Batangas’ almost 200 stores to shop to. Plus a chance to win 1 of the 2 units of SUZUKI SHOOTER 115 Fi for every P500 single receipt purchase cash or charge from SM Department Store, SM Supermarket, ACE Hardware, Our Home, Surplus Shop, Toy Kingdom, Watsons and all other participating stores at SM City Batangas.

An additional special 10% discount will be given to SM Advantage members when they shop at SM Department Store, Our Home, Surplus Shop, Appliance Center, Sports Central, Toy Kingdom and Ace hardware from 10am to 12nn on the first day sale.

SM City Batangas’ 3 DAY SALE is on May 2, 3 and 4 with mall hours extended from 10am until 10pm and early mall opening of 9am on the first day of sale.

Services Offered: * Rehearsals * Rentals * Tutorial *Band Service We also offer: Photobooth Service for all occasions.

Call: 043.417.1662