Category: Documents

A Call to Serve the Poor and the Needy

Since  Christ  willed to be born poor, he chose for himself  disciples who were poor. He made himself the servant of the poor and shared their poverty.  He went so far as to say that he would consider every deed which either helps or harms the poor as done for or against himself. Since God surely loves the poor, he also loves those who love the poor. For when one person holds another dear, he also includes in his affection anyone he loves or serves the one he loves. That is why we hope that God will love us for the sake of the poor. So when we visit the poor and needy, we try to understand the poor and weak. We sympathize with them so fully that we can echo Paul’s words:  ” I have become all things to all men”

Although in his passion he almost lost the appearance of a man and was considered a fool by the Gentiles and a stumbling block by the Jews, he showed them that his mission was to preach to the poor: “ He  sent me to preach the good news to the poor.” We also ought to have this same spirit and imitate Christ’s actions, that is, we must take care of the poor, console them, help them, support their cause.

We must try to be stirred by our neighbors’ worries and distress. We must beg God to pour into our hearts sentiments of pity and compassion and to fill them again and again with these dispositions.

Word of God

 Prov 14:31 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and           needy….Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker , but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

 Psalm 9:17-18 “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “ I will protect them from those who malign them”.

Values / Attitude  (towards the poor and the needy)

Kindness               Empathy               Generosity                Charity

Doctrine

Fraternal Charity :  A Work of Justice Pleasing to God ( CCC 2462 ).   How can we not recognize Lazarus, the hungry beggar in the parable ( cf. Lk 17:19-31 ), in the multitude of human beings without bread, a roof or a place to stay? How can we fail to hear Jesus : “As you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me” ( Mt 25:45 )?

Moral

Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. T he corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity.

Worship

Prayer of intercession has particular value, for it is an act of trust in God and, at the same time, an expression of love for our neighbor. I n reality, our prayer will be all the more pleasing to God and more effected for our growth in holiness if, through intercession, we attempt to practice the twofold commandment that Jesus left us. Intercessory prayer is an expression of our fraternal concern for others, since we are able to embrace their lives, their deepest troubles and their loftiest dreams. Of those who commit themselves generously to intercessory prayer we can apply the words of Scripture : “ This is a man who loves the brethren and prays much for the people” ( 2 Mac 15:14 )

Faith Response

Affirmation/ Conviction : Empathy with the poor in the community

Commitment:  Involvement in the feeding program of our parish

Celebration / Prayer:

Prayer of the Faithful ( General  Intercessions, Monday first week of Lent) with the response :  Lord, let us love and serve you in others.

1.              That the Church may become a home for the lost, the stray, the weak and the wounded. Let us pray to the Lord.
2.              That  rich nations may seriously undertake steps to help in the development of poorer nations. Let us pray to the Lord.
3.              That through our practical generosity, the neglected and rejected of our society may be drawn to the Kingdom of God. Let us pray to the Lord.
4.              That we may spread the reign of the Kingdom in our homes, workplaces and in the community we belong. Let us pray to the Lord. 5.              That the dead may enter the Kingdom prepared for them. Let us pray to the Lord.

Father, knowing your boundless love for all people, we confidently bring  our intentions before you in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen

BLESSED ARE THE POOR

The Church’s social doctrine is marked with a “preferential option for the poor” PCP 11 asserts that this option, following Christ’s own, takes on great urgency in our country where a very great  number   of our people wallow in abject poverty and misery, while tremendous social privileges and deference are accorded the rich and powerful. ( PCP 11 312 )

This option, however, must be properly understood. The Church obviously desires to bring the message of salvation to every human being, to every culture and social environment, but in the first place to those who are most in need. Thus “the preference for the poor is a Christian preference,” for Christ came to proclaim a message of salvation to the poor (cf. John Paul 11, to people of Tondo,3). It is an “option in the exercise of Christian charity to which the whole tradition of the Church bears witness. It affects the life of each Christian inasmuch as he or she seeks to imitate the life of Christ. But it applies equally to our social responsibilities and hence to our manner of living.(CFC1187)

Word of God :  Lk 6:20-23

The poor incarnate the evangelical values in their lives:
Blest are you poor, the reign of God is yours;
Blest are you who hunger, you shall be filled;
Blest are you who are weeping, you shall laugh.
Blest shall you be when men hate you, when they ostracize you and
insult you and proscribe your name as evil because of the Son of Man…
Rejoice and exult, for your reward shall be great in heaven.

Values/Attitude

Kindness     Generosity     Empathy     Charity     Detachment

Doctrine:  Love for the poor

God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them.” Give to him who begs from you, do not refuse him who would barrow from you”; “ you received without pay, give without pay”( Mt5:42)It is by what they have done for the poor that Jesus Christ will recognize his chosen ones ( Mt25:31-36) When the poor have the good news preached to them” it is the sign of Christ’s presence. ( Lk 4:18 ) The Church’s love for the poor is a part of her constant tradition .This love is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, of the poverty of Jesus and of his concern for the poor. Love for the poor is even one of the motives for the duty of working so as to be able to give to those in need.( Eph 4:28) It extends not only to material poverty but also to the many forms of cultural and religious poverty.(CCC 2444)

Moral

St. Luke does not speak of poverty “of spirit” but simply of those who are “poor”(cf.Lk6:20). In this way, he too invites us to live a plain and austere life. He calls us to share in the life of those most in need, the life lived by the Apostles, and ultimately to configure ourselves to Jesus who, though rich, “made himself poor” (2 Cor8:9)

Worship

The ultimate criterion on which our lives will be judged is what we have done for others. Prayer is most precious, for it nourishes a daily commitment to love. Our worship becomes pleasing to God when we devote ourselves to living generously, and allow God’s gift, granted in prayer, to be shown in our concern for our brothers and sisters. This is the worship most acceptable to God.(GE 104)

Faith  Response

Affirmation :     Appreciation of the blessedness of the poor

Commitment:   Giving hopeful advice to the confused and weary

Celebration   :   Prayer for solidarity with the poor

Compassionate and loving God,
We praise you for the many gifts you provide us
May we be mindful of those who go without, each and every day. Help us to provide the resources needed for our brothers and sisters. Burdened by the suffering caused by poverty and oppression, Let our work this day be a reminder of our interconnectedness with all your beloved children. Open our eyes to see the needs of the community. Cleanse our ears to hear the cries of the poor. Anoint our hands and feet to be instruments in fulfilling your justice. We ask this all through your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever, Amen.

We, PhilCCRS and FTCC,  Stand With Our Bishops:

As in the days of the prophet Nehemiah where those “who were building the wall, those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other” (Nehemiah 4:7), we, the Philippine Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services, Inc ( PHILCCRS) and the Federation of Trans-parochial Charismatic Communities (FTCC) stand together with all the laborers in the vineyard of God in our pursuit of Truth, Justice and Peace for our country.

We will continue our work of building the Kingdom by proclaiming the Truth and our mission to defend God’s people by seeking Justice for the maligned, persecuted and the oppressed.

Having worked through the years so closely with the Archbishop Socrates Villegas, D.D. and Bishop Teodoro Bacani, D.D., Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, D.D., and Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, D.D., our organizations can attest to their good-will and moral ascendancy.

Thus, we declare our full support for these men of Peace and we enjoin everyone to journey with them with our love and prayers.

We Stand With Our Bishops For Truth, Justice And Peace!

With PhilCRRS & FTCC and our Members,
Dr. Arcadio L. Tamayo, M.D.
National President

Pastoral Letter of Bishop Bernardino C. Cortez of the Prelature of Infanta

4 August 2019

ST. JOHN MARIE VIANNEY

Dear Brother Archbishops, Bishops and Administrators:

Greetings of Peace!

Come September until October 4, 2019 we will celebrate the Season of Creation. This is the time to promote and expound our Pastoral Letter – “An Urgent Call for Ecological Conversion, Hope in the Face of Climate Change.”

In spirit of solidarity for “our common home” (Pope Francis) and in this regard, may we present to you our appeal and campaign: NO TO KALIWA DAM! We ask you, your ecology ministry, earth ministry desk to support us in our 10 Million Signature Campaign – No to Kaliwa Dam,

Please seriously consider our appeal as expressed by the letter that follows:

August 1, 2019

Your Excellences: Archbishops and Bishops: Maka-Kalikasang Pagbati – Laudato Si!

We would like to thank you for the Pastoral Letter “An Urgent Call for Ecological Conversion, Hope in the Face of Climate Emergency.” You have encouraged us “to discern the issues and actively care for the Earth.”

A Petition to President Rodrigo Duterte to Revoke the Kaliwa Dam Project

The Kaliwa Dam Project violates legal processes and the Philippine constitution, is destructive to the environment, and is against the country’s national interest.

With the increasing demand for water supply in Metro Manila, costly options appear to seemingly solve this concern. In fact, the recent “water crisis” was used to expedite and justify the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project as the solution to such.

We stand against this short-term solution because the Kaliwa Dam Project:

● Will be built on the ancestral domain of at least 5,000 Dumagat-Remontados;

● Is being expedited by the railroading of its legal process, particularly the right of the Dumagat-Remontados to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent process under IPRA;

● Will destroy the biodiversity and habitat of 126 species in 300 hectares of the Sierra Madre and endanger 100,000 residents downstream with the risk of massive flooding;

● Will entail an unnecessary 10.37 billion-peso loan from China, further worsening our debt-ridden economy;

● Will need every Filipino, including those outside Metro Manila, to shoulder the debt;

● Faces a short lifespan of 5-6 years due to the high rate of sedimentation the dam will cause;

● Allows China to settle disputes on the project using their laws and on their territory;

● And may cause our government to surrender Philippine territory to pay off the loan.

We thus call on President Rodrigo Duterte and all government leaders to revoke the Kaliwa Dam Project. We believe that this project will not address the problem but also make conditions worse for the Philippines. Alternative water solutions that are both cheaper and more sustainable (e.g. watershed rehabilitation, repairing and improving existing dams and water distribution facilities, water conservation policies) have been offered by various experts.

We, the Filipino people, say NO to Kaliwa Dam, and YES to alternatives!

“Caring for ecosystems demands far-sightedness, since no one looking for quick and easy profit is truly interested in their preservation. But the cost of the damage caused by such selfish lack of concern is much greater than the economic benefits to be obtained.”

(Laudato Si, No. 36)

Wilfredo G. Villanueva
July 28, 2019

Corregidor is that tadpole-shaped island guarding the entrance of Manila Bay. Called Fort Mills, it was the last stand of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East or USAFFE against the Japanese onslaught in 1942.

Vice President Leni Robredo is our Corregidor in 2019, being the last stand of the organized opposition against the evil regime of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The battle begins on August 9 at the Department of Justice. Every Filipino and Filipina worth his or her salt should pray on-site or in their homes, or show up in the area for a demonstration of support while the Vice President and other opposition figures explain their side vis a vis the charges of sedition on testimony of a reinvented witness called Bikoy.

If Leni falls, BBM will take her place and the script will be concluded with the resignation of Duterte. President Bongbong Marcos, feel it in your bones. And shiver.

But unlike in Japanese times, we cannot hope for a return of democracy as we know it. The country will be cut up into states under a federal government and there will be no term limits for elective officials.

We have no more time. The enemies of our values, tradition, history, flag, are fast advancing. It will be open season for the Marcoses, GMA, Dutertes AND China. Kiss the Philippines goodbye.

What can we do, given that:

We have no murdered Ninoy Aquino to rally around;

Our opponents have studied the People Power playbook and have plugged all loopholes, making another instantaneous EDSA an uphill climb, if not an impossibility;

We have no singular message or spokesperson;

We are a sad people, we wake up and sleep with hopelessness.

Here’s what I think we can still do:

Pray. Returning to God is 51 per cent of the agenda, or we will just be like a “poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.” Let God show the way out of this morass.

Act. Begin by using social media as a bulletin board only. Views and opinion are still welcome but posts of this nature must ring with pride and optimism for the cause, otherwise keep your thoughts to yourself and your loved ones.

Act. Show up in rallies if able. Hong Kong is everyone’s dream of a malawakang protesta.

Act. Campaign, just like for Ocho, but this time for Leni. Create awareness on what’s happening to her, start conversations wherever you are centering on “last stand,” “Leni the tireless government official still addressing the needs not only of the laylayan ng lipunan but also of our need for a beacon in stormy seas, an inspiration, grace under pressure, family values, beauty inside and out in the face of bako-bakong pamunuan.”

Yun lang muna. Please share away. No need to ask for permission. Thanks.

July 30, 2019

Dear PMPI Network Cluster Members,

Warm Greetings from the National Secretariat.

As you may have already heard, the DENR and its attached government body – the Mines and Geosciences Bureau – have decided to allow OceanaGold Philippine, Inc. (OGPI) to continue its operation under its already expired Financial/Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) No.1. Based on the MGB official list of approved mining contracts, FTAA No.1 already expired last June 20, 2019 (see attached “MGB letter to OGPI.Didipio”).

More importantly, the community-members of Nueva Viscaya including the Provincial Government and the LGU of Didipio, Municipality of Kasibu have been consistent with its demand to stop the mining operations of OGPI, and recently called for the non-renewal of its FTAA (see attached documents – Sangguniang Panlalawigan.Didipio, Sangguniang Barangay.Didipio, Ofc of the governor advisory.Didipio), and this stance against OGPI is shared by Most Reverent Jose Elmer I. Mangalinao, DD, Bishop of Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya (see attached Bp.Mangalinao letter.Didipio).

In this light, may we ask you to show your solidarity with the peoples of Nueva Viscaya by appending your signature (e-signature) in this statement that are right now in protest against the orders of DENR/MGB and moreover facing legal sanctions from OceanaGold Philippines, Inc.

 For information, kindly see below a brief summary on the OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. history in Didipio, Nueva Viscaya

 OGPI, formerly the Australasian Philippines Mining, Inc. (APMI), is the transferee of FTAA (Financial/Technical Assistance Agreement) originally granted by the government to Climax Mining Limited, also an Australian company in 1994.

 OGPI FTAA covers 17,626 hectares of mineral lands in Didipio. The FTTA allows OGPI to go on full-scale commercial production and utilization of Gold, Copper, Nickel, Chromites. Lead, Zinc and other minerals except for cement raw materials like marble, granite, sand and gravel and construction aggregates.

 FTAA No.001 of OGPI. in Brgy. Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya has already expired last June 20, 2019.

 An application for renewal of FTAA was filed at DENR last October 2018 (according to MGB letter dated June 20, 2019 addressed to OGPI President Jose P. Leviste, Jr.). The application and the letter to OGPI was done without the knowledge of the LGUs and the affected communities.

 A favorable endorsement by the MGB for the renewal of the FTAA was issued by MGB last April 30, 2019. A copy of the letter was shown to the Didipio group, but were not allowed to take a picture or secure a copy. The endorsement was addressed to the DENR Secretary. The justification was that OGPI had complied with all requirements for the application of renewal.

 The LGU particularly Governor Carlos Padilla is very vocal in opposing the renewal of OGPI.

 The POs (People Organizations) in protest against OGPI are SAPAKKMMI, DESAMA and ANVIK.

Thank you in advance. We hope for your positive response on the matter.

27 July 2019

The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” (Gen 4:10)

O God, our Father,
who hears the cries of Your children,
look upon us in Your mercy.
We pray that we be delivered from the evil of the killings that stalks our island.

It is a violence that has deprived our people of peace;
a violence that has orphaned many families; and
a violence that has traumatized and instilled paralyzing fear
in our communities.

Stretch out your loving hands, O Father,
and move us so that we may truly be our ‘ brother’s keeper’.

Embolden our government officials to speak out against the killings.

Challenge our police and military personnel to fully embrace their mandate to serve and protect the people.

Empower our communities to stand
for the sanctity and primacy of life.

Disturb those responsible for this evil and have blood in their hands,
especially the ones who are impelled by their ideological agenda.

May they have a change of heart and be renewed.

Be with us, O Lord,
so that, in these dark times,
we may have the courage to be instruments of Your peace.

This we ask through Jesus Your Son, the Prince of Peace, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Mary, Queen of Peace and Mother of life, pray for us.
St. Catherine of Alexandria, Patron Saint of the Diocese of Dumaguete, pray for us.
St. Charles Borromeo, Patron Saint of the Diocese of San Carlos, pray for us.
St. Francis Xavier, Patron Saint of the Diocese of Kabankalan, pray for us.
St. Sebastian, Patron Saint of the Diocese of Bacolod, pray for us.

Negros Island
27 July 2019

In a span of less than a week, senseless killings continues to rise in Negros.

Clearly that after President Duterte declared the Memorandum Order 32 in the entire region it encourages more attacks on the civilian community, an attack that is comparable to Oplan Sauron that claimed the lives of 20 farmers in Negros Oriental.

List of EJK Victims in Negros since Duterte came to power:

2017

1. Alexander Ceballos- Jan. 20, 2017 – NFSW- Murcia
2. Wenceslao Pacquiao- Jan. 25, 2017- KMP- Calatrava
3. Oden Asebuche- May 16, 2017- South Negros
4. Arman Indeno- July 21, 2017- Brgy. Kagawad , Brgy. Igmaya-an, Don Salvador Benedicto
5. Glenn Absin- July 23, 2017- Guihulngan
6. Alberto Tecson- July 24, 2017- Vice-chair, Pamalakaya Guihulngan
7. Danilo Salazar- July 28, 2017- Guihulngan
8. Rene Faburada- August 4, 2017- Guihulngan
9. Leodegario Benero Jr.- August 17, 2017- Brgy. Captain, Brgy. Hinakpan,Guihulngan
10. Marlyn Vidal – August 26, 2017 – Guihulngan
11. Oscar Asildo- August 30, 2017- DepEd Bookkeeper, Guihulngan
12. Luardo Yac- Sept. 7, 2017- Kaugma-on- KMP- Guihulngan
13. Geofrey Absin- November 3, 2017- Guihulngan
14. Eden Bacordo-September 15, 2017-SB of DSB
15. Leah Mae Sadoa-September 15, 2017 -live in partner of Eden Bacordo
16. Arnold Larida-September 15, 2017-Body Guard of Eden Bacordo
17.Webby Argabio- September 8, 2017-KabankalanCity
18. Eleuterio Moises- November 28, 2017- Bayawan –MEFA-KMP
19. Elisa Badayos- November 28, 2017- Karapatan coordinator- Oriental
20. Flora Gemola- December 2017- NFSW Chair- Sagay City

2018

21. Ronald Manlanat- February 2018- NFSW- Sagay City
22. Jerry Turga-May 8, 2018 vice-chair-KMP Central Negros, Moises Padilla
23. Edmund Sestoso, May 1, 2018, Dumaguete
24. Julius Barellano- June 2018 –NFSW
25. Robert Selendron (DSB)(nangunguha ng kangkong)
26. Heidie Malalay Flores- August 21, 2018-Guihulngan
27. Jaime Delos Santos- October 6, 2018, Pamalakaya chair- Guihulngan
28. Marchstel Sumicad- October 20, 2018 – Sagay 9 massacre victim
29. Rene Laurencio- October 20, 2018 – Sagay 9 massacre victim
30. Morena Mendoza- October 20, 2018 – Sagay 9 massacre victim
31. Marcelina Dumaguit- October 20, 2018 – Sagay 9 massacre victim
32. Angelife Arsenal- October 20, 2018 – Sagay 9 massacre victim
33. Eglicerio Villegas- October 20, 2018 – Sagay 9 massacre victim
34. Paterno Baron- October 20, 2018 – Sagay 9 massacre victim
35. Rannel Bantigue- October 20, 2018 – Sagay 9 massacre victim
36. Joemarie Oghayon- October 20, 2018 – Sagay 9 massacre victim
37. Benjamin Ramos Jr. – November 6, 2018 – Kabankalan City
38. Jessebel Abayle-February 21, 2018-Siaton-TFM
39. Carmelina Amantillo-February 21, 2018-Siaton-TFM
40. Consolacion Cadevida-February 21, 2018-Siaton-TFM
41. Felimon Molero-TFM- -February 21, 2018-Siaton-TFM
42. Dr. Avelex Amor –November 20, 2018( Canlaon Health Doctor)
43. Jesus Isugan-December 27, 2018-Guihulngan
44. Demterio Fat-December 27, 2018-Guihulngan
45. Jaime Revilla-December 27, 2018-Guihulngan
46. Jun Cubul-December 27, 2018-Guihulngan
47. Reneboy Fat-December 27, 2018-Guihulngan
48. Constancio Languita-December 27,2018-Sta. Catalina
49. Gabby Alboro-December 28, 2018-Guihulngan

2019

50. Remegio Arqiullos-January 11, 2019-Guihulngan
51. Sanito “Tating” Delubio-March 1, 2019-DSB
52. Edgardo Avelino-March 30,2019-Kanlaon City
53. Ismael Avelino- March 30,2019-Kanlaon City
54. Rogelio Recomono-March 30,2019-Kanlaon City
55. Melchor Pañares -March 30,2019-Kanlaon City
56. Genes Palmares -March 30,2019-Kanlaon City
57. Mario Pañares -March 30,2019-Kanlaon City
58. Ricky Recomono -March 30,2019-Kanlaon City
59. Gonzalo Rosales-March 30,2019-Kanlaon City
60. Anoj Enojo Rapada- March 30, 2019-Sta. Catalina
61. Franklin Lariosa-March 30, 2019-Sta. Catalina
62. Valentin Arcabal- March 30, 2019-Manjuyod
63. Sonny Palagtiw-March 30, 2019-Manjuyod
64. Steve Arapoc -March 30, 2019-Manjuyod
65. Manolo Martin- March 30, 2019-Manjuyod
66. Bernardino “Toto” Patigas-April 22, 2019-Escalante City
67. Felipe Dacal-Dacal – June 8 – Escalante City
68. Lito Itao- cheif -tanod, June 27, 2019, Buenavista, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental
69. Joemar Mahilum- July 2,2019, Escalante
70. Salvador Romano, July 2, 2019, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental -riding in tandem