God’s providence and our little contribution

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

“HE said to them, ‘There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.’ But they said to him, ‘Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.’ Then he said, ‘Bring them here to me,’ and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.” (Mt 14,16-19)

And so the story goes that led to the great astonishment of Christ’s disciples when at the end, in spite of what little the disciples contributed in the feeding of the people, there was a great amount of excess of the bread—12 baskets full—that was given to the crowd that followed Christ.

This gospel episode simply shows us that God always provides for our needs, no matter how helpless we may be in certain situations in our life. We should just trust in God’s almighty providence even as we do our part in resolving whatever problems and predicaments we can find ourselves in.

In this regard, Christ himself reassures us with these words: “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Mt 6,26)

And he continues: “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not [c]arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Mt 6,28-30)

Yes, with a little help from us, the full wonder of God’s grace and providence would be revealed to us. This was articulated by Christ himself during the multiplication of the bread.

It is very moving to realize that what God is asking of us is actually very little in comparison to what he will be giving and doing for us. Another gospel episode that highlights this point is that of the miraculous catch of fish. (cfr. Lk 5,1-11)

Christ asked Peter to go to the deep and lower the nets for a catch. Peter at first was hesitant because he was fishing the previous night and caught nothing. But to Peter’s credit, he just obeyed Christ. And lo and behold, Peter caught such a large quantity of fish that he had to ask help to bring the enormous catch of fish to the shore.

It is indeed very reassuring that this is actually what happens in our relationship with God. All that we need to do are just the little duties we have, and God’s grace will come to us in abundance.

We simply have to do things in good faith, in obedience to God’s will, though sometimes God’s will would require extraordinary effort and sacrifice. But then again, whatever investment we have to give, even if in our own estimation it is already quite sizable, is nothing compared to what God will give us in return.

Corresponding to God’s will in our own small way is the highest yielding investment we can make. Let us remember that God can never be outdone in generosity. Christ himself said: “Whoever has (referring to one’s faith and trust in God) will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” (Mt 13,12)

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Mixed oil price adjustments next week

by Myrna M. Velasco, Manila Bulletin

For the fifth time in a series of cost adjustments in the past two months, the pockets of consumers will be eased partly with the anticipated rollback in diesel and kerosene prices next week, but motorists using gasoline are not as lucky because the cost of this commodity will go up.

Industry players estimated that the price of diesel will be reduced by P0.45 to P0.65 per liter; and kerosene prices will be slashed by P0.50 to P0.70 per liter, while gasoline prices will climb by P0.55 to P0.75 per liter for RON92 products; and P0.65 to P0.85 per liter for RON95 gasoline commodities.

Oil firms will implement the calculated price adjustments on Tuesday, Aug. 2, as part of their routine when it comes to cost movements in the deregulated downstream oil industry.

The pricing adjustment reference is anchored on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), and they also factor in foreign exchange (forex) rate fluctuations as well as market premiums, biofuel costs and other charges.

An added price relief in consumer-budgets will be the projected price reductions for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to the tune of more than P2.00 per kilogram; which is the preferred cooking fuel in Filipino households.

LPG prices are adjusted based on the cost swings of international contract prices (CP) that are benchmarked on Saudi Aramco, the pricing reference for Asian markets.

Prior to the next round of oil price swings at the pumps, a monitoring report of the Department of Energy (DOE) showed that domestic oil prices still incurred net increases of P32.95 per liter for diesel; P28.05 per liter for kerosene; and P18.90 per liter for gasoline products.

The general price trend in the world market last week had been cost downtrend, but as of Friday (July 29) trading, international benchmark Brent crude significantly climbed back to $110 per barrel; while Dubai crude jumped to $102 per barrel anew – manifesting then that price hikes may reign at the pumps again in the weeks ahead.

Filipino consumers are still left without choice given the heavy reliance of the country on importation in meeting its oil needs – and the only assurance coming from the government would be grant of targeted subsidy to the marginalized sectors – such as the transport and agriculture sectors – if surging prices will dominate pricing trends again.

The Marcos administration is still figuring out its policy when it comes to volatile oil pricing. There is no definitive commitment yet from the new leadership at the DOE if proposed measures, like fuel cost unbundling, will be strongly supported by Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla.

There have been proposals for the country to seriously study the setting up of strategic petroleum reserve (SPR), but the only policy pronouncement from the Marcos administration for now is to whet the appetite of investors in oil and gas exploration so this could usher in long-desired energy security for the country.

Davao City to outsource durian

By Richy Nalagon

The government of Davao City, through the City Agriculturist's Office (Cagro), said it will deliver its commitment to have an abundant supply of durian during the Kadayawan season by outsourcing the "smelly but inviting" fruit from neighboring regions.

The unusual weather patterns caused by climate change have affected the cyclic production of durian in the city, resulting in a supply deficit.

Typically, the annual volume of durian that Davao City produces can reach over 12,000 metric tons (MT).

Davao City recorded 15,485 MT of durian in 2019, over 17,000 MT in 2020 and 12,930 MT in 2021. However, only over 3,000 MT of durian were harvested for the first half of this year.

During the I-Speak media forum on Thursday, Cagro head Edgardo Haspe said that because of the unusual weather patterns felt in the city's highlands early this year, a significant number of durian trees did not bear fruit in time for the Kadayawan season.

He said in order to respond to the high demand for the fruit during Kadayawan season, the Cagro is currently in talks with durian consolidators from other regions to import durian into the city.

"We are now discussing with the Durian Industry Council Association of Davao City, if, based on their monitoring, there is available supply from neighboring provinces and regions, just like North Cotabato, Kidapawan, Makilala, to supply the need for durian during that period," Haspe said.

Although there is still durian left to be harvested from the city's highlands, this will still not be enough to supply the market and the estimated 50,000 tourists who are expected to come during the Kadayawan season.

"As we have observed based on our monitoring, naa pa'y nabilin na portion in Toril, Sibulan, Catigan, portions of Marilog and Baguio, Calinan. Siguro dili na ni kaabot og 5,000 tons (As we have observed based on our monitoring, there are still some left in some parts of Toril, portions of Marilog and Baguio, Calinan. Maybe that will no longer reach 5,000 tons)," Haspe added.

Although Haspe admitted that this Kadayawan season's durian harvest in the city is proving to be underwhelming, he said the industry remains lucrative.

He added that more and more farmers are engaged in durian production due to its favorable prices in the global market.

In 2019, the total land area for durian farming in Davao City was recorded at 3,222 hectares.

This had since increased to 3,389 hectares in 2021. Haspe said the city's durian processors have also been increasing in number.

"Our durian processors here in the city are increasing.

There is one in Calinan, here in Tibungco; they come to our office to ask where they can find supply," Haspe said.

On top of this, Davao City is also eyeing building a direct link to the Chinese market.

The Cagro head said that the city's durian usually has to go through consolidators in other countries, such as Thailand, before ending up in mainland China.

He said exporting directly to China will increase the profit margin of Davao City's durian farmers as well as the city's visibility in the global market.

Our favorite wet market once a week.

 

Rossana Balcom-Döring is feeling thankful at Agdao Public Market.

DA provides livelihood assistance to People’s Organization in Laak

Davao de Oro --- To ensure food security and alleviate the poverty of local farmers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) provided livelihood assistance to the People’s Organization in Laak, Davao de Oro, named Conception Alternative Learners Livelihood Organization (CALLO).

A total of 8,330 hills of Banana Lakatan, 15 sacks of feeds, and 30 packs of 8 in-1 vegetable seeds were distributed to the CALLO in Barangay Conception, Laak, Davao de Oro, on July 22, 22, 2022. 

The assistance is part of the Banana Production, Mallard Duck Production, and Gulayan sa Barangay project under the DA’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, which aims to support the farmers and fisherfolk through the provision of intervention programs.

Mayor Antonio L. Libuangan expressed gratitude for the agency’s support by providing income-generating opportunities that will sustain their daily needs and help it become a self-sustaining organization in town. He also stressed that the local government will continue to monitor the recipients to ensure the success and development of the project. 

Association Chairman Dominador Clarion Jr. said in response that the whole association is thankful for the assistance poured into their association that will help them get through in life, particularly in recovering from the effects of the current pandemic.

SAAD Area Coordinator, Anna Marie Malabarbas, leads the distribution of assistance together with Municipal SAAD Coordinator Ramil C. Madayag and in collaboration with the Civil-Military Operation of the 60th Infantry MEDIATOR Battalion. (Rheafe Hortizano –Information Office, Photos by LGU Laak)

Senior citizens warned against social pension scams

By Moises Cruz

SENIOR Citizen Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes reminded the elderly and their families to exercise caution and to avoid people promising financial assistance and other benefits that are authorized for release by government agencies.

"My advice to my older peers is to not trust anyone or any organization that asks for money in exchange for a social pension or other government assistance," Ordanes said.

"It is obvious that this is a scam, because the government is providing free financial aid," he added.

A concerned individual contacted the Senior Citizen Party-list about a supposed senior citizens' organization that has been recruiting members, collecting dues, and soliciting with promises of social pension for the underprivileged seniors.

Ordanes asked the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to look into the scam.

Where to watch Binibining Pilipinas

All 40 candidates of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas during the Grand Parade of Beauties.

By Iza Iglesias, Manila Times

After months of preparations, the competition will finally come to an end as Binibining Pilipinas 2022 crowns its new set of queens tomorrow night, July 31, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Forty beautiful ladies will be vying for four titles and that will allow them to represent the country in Miss International, Miss Intercontinental, Miss Grand International, and Miss Globe.

Pageant fans are in for a treat as Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Miss Grand International 2016 1st runner-up Nicole Cordoves will return to host the 58th edition of Binibining Pilipinas.

Providing support to the duo are Miss Grand International 2020 first runner-up Samantha Bernardo and "Pinoy Big Brother" alumnus Edward Barber who will both give some commentary throughout the course of the program.

Meanwhile, breakout P-pop act SB19 composed of Pablo, Stell, Josh, Ken and Justin will perform the anthem "Win Your Heart." The quintet's take on the Binibining Pilipinas theme song debuted during the press presentation of the candidates.

This year's edition of the Binibining Pilipinas has adopted a P-pop flavor in the previous pre-pageant activities. The press presentation had a live performance from the internationally-known female quartet 4th Impact, male group 1stOne and girl squad Dione at the talent competition, while Alamat also performed during national costume fashion show.

The delegates also underwent a P-pop dance workshop at the Addlib dance studio, which also taught them stage confidence.

The show, which starts at 10 p.m., will have a live telecast on TV5, A2Z Channel 11, The Kapamilya Channel, and the Metro Channel. It will also be broadcast on iWantTFC and the Binibining Pilipinas official YouTube channel.

Tickets are still available via Ticketnet, ranging from P500 for general admission, to P10,500 for VIP.

Lala Sotto: MTRCB has no jurisdiction over social media, online streamers

MTRCB chairperson Diorella ‘Lala’ Sotto-Antonio (Facebook)

by Robert Requintina, Manila Bulletin

Violent themes and sexual content may proliferate on social media, but the newly appointed chairperson of the Movie and TV Review Classification Board (MTRCB) Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio pointed out that the agency has no jurisdiction over online streams and posts.

“Wala po talagang juridisction ang MTRCB over social media and online streamers. So we are very limited to television programs and motion pictures. But as I’ve said, I don’t see anything wrong with working with them,” says Lala, during a lunch with the entertainment media at Mario’s Restaurant in Morato, Quezon City last Wednesday.

 Lala suggests that it would help if the jurisdiction of MTRCB would be expanded.

“I hope it will not be taken against me, but my humble opinion is yes, makakatulong siguro kung ma e-expand yung juridisction ng MTRCB. One of my goals is for the MTRCB to be the partner-parent at home, especially for parents who are busy. I want to ensure a safe-viewing experience for children,” she says.

Lala, 45, says there were no specific instructions or orders from President Marcos Jr. when she was appointed to MTRCB. But she reveals that her team has met with popular streaming service networks in the country.

“It’s safe to say that we have had short talks with Netflix already. We also started meeting with Amazon Prime. I’m looking forward to a healthy and harmonious relationship with them because the role of MTRCB is very limited to motion pictures and television programs,” she adds. “With the local streamers, I choose to work with them. I am open to dialogues and open to communication with them.”

When asked if she would be a strict MTRCB head, Lala says: “I cannot say na magiging mahigpit ako because I don’t want to compare my being the chairman to the previous ones. I feel I have big shoes to fill because I choose to emulate Senator Grace Poe. But the chairmen who came after her did a great job naman. Lahat magaganda yung nagawa during their term. Wala naman akong nakikita na dapat kaming magcensor. MTRCB is just an agency which will rate and classify movies and TV shows. I am blessed to have a working board.”

 Lala says she’s confident that the movie industry will bounce back following the lockdowns brought about by the pandemic. “Kaka-open lang ng ating cinema but am very confident that we will be able to work with them. Makaka-ahon din sila.”

Daughter of Senator Tito Sotto III and actress Helen Gamboa, Lala earned her Bachelor of Arts major in Diplomatic Affair degree at the Dela Salle University College of St. Benilde. She also earned credits from the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education for the short-term course Applying Behavioral Insights to the Design of Public Policy, and the two-month course on Strengthening Community Health Workers.

Prior to her appointment, Lala was in public service for 22 years. She was a three-termer councilor in Quezon City’s sixth district from 2013 until 2022. Before that, she also served as councilor from 2001 to 2010 in the city’s third district.

Lala was the author of the ordinance requiring bicycle riders to wear helmets while within Quezon City’s borders. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, she authored ordinances granting a special risk allowance to frontline Quezon City public health workers, requiring the use of facemasks or other coverings in the city’s public places, and establishing the Quezon City General Hospital dialysis and a separate dialysis center for Covid positive patients.

If time permits, Lala says she enjoys watching historical movies and documentaries. The first two movies that the MTRCB board reviewed were “Maid In Malacanang” and “Katips.”

Recalling the first time she got a call from the Palace, Lala says: “I was so surprised. They asked me to attend the July 5 oath-taking. But I was positive for Covid so nahiya naman ako sabihin na I couldn’t make it because I had to complete the seven-day quarantine period. Then they called asking me to attend the July 7 oath-taking.”

On the reminders of her parents, the MTRCB chief states: “Yung mga paalala sa akin ng mga magulang ko, nagsimula yan 22 years ago, noong unang pumasok ako sa politics. So ngayon andyan pa rin ang simple reminders nila on humility, about being sensitive to other’s feelings and needs, diligence, conscientious, working that is glorifying to the Lord, yung ang paalala sa akin ng mga magulang ko na paulit-ulit. My passion for public service will be with me wherever I go. So yung malasakit mo sa bayan mo, sa mga kapwa Pilipino, hindi mawawala yun. Dala-dala ko lagi yun. Kasama na rin doon yung natutunan ko bilang konsehala sa loob ng 18 years. Wala na po akong plan bumalik sa city council because panahon na i-expand yung kakayahan natin na makatulong sa iba at sa mas nakararami.”

Lala reveals her goal as chairperson of MTRCB. “I just want to do a great job that is glorying the Lord. Gusto kong lang paghusayan at patunayan na deserving ako sa katungkulan ko ngayon.”

Biz leader: More European consulates to open here

Photo by Mark Perandos/SunStar Davao file

By: IONA FINLAY C. MENDOZA

MORE European countries are expected to open their respective consulates in Davao City soon, said the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Southern Mindanao Business Council (ECCP-SMBC) on July 27.

Chairman Antonio Peralta said during the Wednesdays Media Forum at Ayala Abreeza Mall that most of the new foreign consulates would be from Nordic and other European countries.

“Those consulates that are coming from different countries, especially from Nordic countries like Finland. The Netherlands has recently opened here but there are still upcoming countries,” Peralta said, citing Italy and Switzerland as among the 11 consulates that would open soon.

According to Peralta, these countries and their investors see prospects in Davao City, along with the rest of the Philippines. He also said the recent amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, Foreign Investments Act, and the Public Service Act attract foreign investors.

The Republic Act (RA) 11595 “An Act Amending RA 8762 or the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000” lowers the paid-up capital requirements for foreign retail enterprises, among others; RA 11647 “An Act Amending RA 7042 or the Foreign Investments Act of 1991” allows foreign investors full ownership of small and medium-sized enterprises; while the RA 11659 “An Act Amending Commonwealth Act 146 or the Public Service Act” also allows full foreign ownership of public services in the country.

“When these consulates come, they are like listening posts advising their respective embassies in Manila that there is this opportunity that they should pursue in Davao or Mindanao,” Peralta said.

The chairman added that ECCP-SMBC, in coordination with the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, has been continuing its efforts to promote Davao City to European countries.

“This is one of the clear dividends that we got under the governance of former Mayor Sara Duterte... We want to see more investments coming in,” Peralta said. ICM

Internet down in parts of Luzon following big earthquake

by Robert D. Reyes, Manila Bulletin

Following the massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake that shook the island of Luzon this morning, several parts of the region, particularly Ilocos Sur and Abra, remain not to have electric power and Internet services as of this posting.

Converge ICT issued advisories for their subscribers in Narvacan and Tagudin, both in the province of Ilocos Sur for possible connectivity issues as of 10:50 AM. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) assures their clientele that their technical team is working to resolve the issue at the soonest possible time.

As of 12:30 PM, Smart Communications issued a network advisory stating that emergency power generators are active on their towers (where available) and that the telecommunications company is working with power companies, as well as local government units to help restore services as soon as possible.

DITO Telecommunity and Globe Telecom have yet to issue network advisories as of this posting.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DSWD-DROMIC), Internet and electricity are currently down in some parts of Baguio City as of 12:35 PM.

Massive quake relief effort begins

 Marcos in Abra This handout photo taken and received on Thursday, July 28, 2022 courtesy of Irelee Beralde shows President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (front row) visiting hospital patients evacuated to the grounds of the provincial hospital in Bangued town, Abra. AFP PHOTO

By Kristina Maralit , William B. Depasupil, Francis Earl Cueto and Arlie O. Calalo

THE government has mounted full-blown relief efforts in areas in Northern Luzon that were jolted by a 7.3-magnitude earthquake last Wednesday.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday flew to Abra, which was the worst hit by the earthquake, to inspect and assess the resulting damage. He was joined by Secretaries Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. of Interior and Local Government, Erwin Tulfo of Social Welfare and Development, Jose Faustino Jr. of National Defense, and Anton Lagdameo, special assistant to the President.

At a situation briefing in the town of Bangued, Marcos ordered national government agencies to work closely with local governments "so that we can make sure na walang nangangailangan na hindi natin nabigyan ng tulong (that anyone needing our help will not be denied).

"We will just have to do as much as we can, as quickly as possible," he said.

With power in the entire province restored and communication lines and internet service steadily stabilizing, the President said the next step is to ensure all affected residents have enough food and potable water.

He said he will order the procurement of potable water purifying systems so that the use of plastic bottles for collecting water is minimized.

Marcos instructed the Department of National Defense and the military to deploy all available air assets to help the Department of Social Welfare and Development's field offices in Region 1 in distributing food and relief packs to residents in mountainous areas.

He also directed local agencies to provide tarpaulins and other construction materials to build temporary shelters for people who cannot yet return to their quake-damaged homes.

"We've covered as much as we can. We will continue to monitor, especially in the areas na wala pa tayong balita (where we haven't received news yet)," Marcos said.

13 national roads in quake-hit areas reopened to motorists –DPWH

Faustino said close to 5,000 families in Abra, Ilocos and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) were affected by the earthquake.

He said 2,312 families in Ilocos and CAR alone are staying in 31 evacuation centers.

Office of Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro 4th who was also at the briefing in Bangued, said the death toll remained at five while the number of injured had risen to 131.

Alejandro said the damage to infrastructure in Ilocos alone has reached P33.8 million.

Landslides close roads

The figure will rise once reports of damage to agriculture and other assets come in, he said.

At least 13 national road sections in the CAR blocked by rocks and debris loosened during the earthquake have been cleared and reopened, Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan said on Thursday.

Eight other roads were still being cleared.

More aftershocks recorded as Magnitude 5.1 quake rattles Isabela.

He put the initial damage to national roads at P59.23 million.

Already passable to vehicles are the Abra-Kalinga Road, the Abra-Ilocos Norte Road and Abra-Cervantes Road, all in Abra.

In Benguet, reopened were the Asin Road, Marcos Highway, Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road, Baguio-Bauang Road and Congressman Andres Acop Cosalan Road.

In Kalinga, reopened were the Mountain Province-Calanan-Pinukpuk-Abbut Road and the Kalinga-Abra Road.

In Mountain Province, already cleared were the Mountain Province-Cagayan via Tabuk-Enrile Road and the Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur Road, and the Santa Rancho Road (Calungbuyan Bridge) in Ilocos Sur.

Also on Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) logged more than 800 aftershocks from the earthquake.

More aftershocks are expected in the coming two to three days, with magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 5.0, Phivolcs said.

A 5.0-magnitude tremor was recorded at 4:02 a.m., Thursday, about 12 kilometers southwest of the town of Tayum, Abra, near where the earthquake struck.

Intensity 4 was felt in Bangued, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; Intensity 3 in Sinait, Ilocos Sur and Tabuk, Kalinga; Intensity 2 in Gonzaga, Penablanca, Cagayan, and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; and Intensity 1 in Baguio City and Claveria, Cagayan.

Marcos vetoes bill expanding Davao Light franchise area

By Catherine S. Valente

(UPDATES) PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has vetoed a measure seeking to expand the franchise area of the Davao Light and Power Company Inc., Malacañang said on Thursday.

Press Secretary Rose Beatrix "Trixie" Cruz-Angeles said the President vetoed the bill "due to, among others, its susceptibility to infringe on the franchise coverage area of the North Davao Electric Cooperative."

"While I recognize the prerogative of the Honorable Members of Congress and the laudable intent of the bill to further improve and develop access to electricity within the captive market of the expanded franchise area, I am constrained to veto the bill due to the susceptibility of the proposed expansion of the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company Inc. to legal and/or constitutional challenge due to the apparent overlap and possible infringement into the subsisting franchise, permits and contracts previously granted to North Davao Electric Cooperative Inc.," Marcos said in his letter to Congress.

The President explained that North Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. has existing franchises in the expanded franchise area that will subsist until 2028 and until 2033.

"The bill runs counter to the provisions of Section 27 of Republic Act 9136, or the Epira (Electric Power Industry Reform Act) mandating that 'all existing franchises shall be allowed to their full term,'" he said.

Marcos also said "the bill, while on its face amends the franchise of another entity over the expanded area, is a prohibited collateral attack on North Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. franchise."

"This is contrary to a jurisprudentially settled doctrine that a franchise cannot be subjected to a 'collateral attack.' In view of these considerations, I am constrained to veto the above-mentioned enrolled bill," he added.

Still, Marcos said he remains committed to the total electrification of the Philippines "with utmost respect for the concomitant rights of the public service entities engaged in supplying electric service, as well as the consumers thereof."

House Bill 10554 sought to amend Republic Act 11515, extending for another 25 years the franchise granted to Davao Light and Power Company Inc.

It would have placed Tagum City, Island Garden City of Samal and the municipalities of Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro and Talaingod under the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company Inc.

These areas are currently serviced by the North Davao Electric Cooperative Inc.

Daao Light and Power Company Inc. currently services Davao City, Panabo City and the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte.

Let’s look forward to Judgment Day

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

“THE Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous.” (Mt 13,47-49)

With these words of Christ, we are made to understand that there is such thing as Judgment Day that comes after our death. And after Judgment Day, we either go to heaven or hell.

These are truths of our faith, the so-called Last Things, that should not scare us, but rather should urge us to go through the process of making the proper preparation. In fact, if we have to follow the example of Christ, we somehow should look forward to our death, followed by the Judgment Day, and intensely hope to be in heaven.

We know that Christ was clear from the start of his redemptive life on earth about his death. He was even predicting it a number of times. We too should somehow have the same mindset of Christ—sure that one day we will die, and that therefore we should prepare ourselves for it so as to be confident to face God on Judgment Day. 

This is simply to be realistic about our whole life. We should know what our earthly life is all about, and how each event and circumstance of our life give us that confidence to face God on Judgment Day.

Thus, instead of shying away from the consideration of the Last Things, we should rather be always mindful of them, since they would imbue us with proper sense of purpose and direction at every moment of our life. We would, in fact, be reflecting Christ’s life in ours. And that, by the way, is the proper way to live our life.

In the same gospel cited above, there is also mention made about the need to know how to blend the new and the old things in our life. (cfr. Mt 13,52) It’s a clear reference to the fact that we live in time and that we go through stages of development. We should know how to be consistent and focused on what is truly essential in life as we go through varying conditions, circumstances and situations.

Truth is, our life here on earth is God’s time in his eternity to create and redeem us. In other words, we are still a work in progress. But it’s a divine work in which we have a big role to play, since we are supposed to knowingly and willingly correspond to his designs for us, to his will and ways. That’s because we have been created in God’s image and likeness, endowed with the power to know and to will and love.

Our proper correspondence to God’s ongoing creative and redemptive work on us depends to a large extent on our awareness of the Last Things, like our death and judgment, that would make us aware of the real purpose of our life and of what we ought to do to achieve that purpose.

May we develop the proper attitude toward the Last Things, even to the extent of looking forward to our death and judgment, so we would be keenly aware of what we need to do to achieve the ultimate purpose of our life!

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Landslides close roads

By William B. Depasupil

LEVELLED TO THE GROUND The 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Abra on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 leveled homes and buildings and rendered roads impassable in nearby Benguet as shown in these photos. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BENGUET REP. ERIC YAP

(UPDATE) LANDSLIDES caused by the powerful quake that hit many areas in Luzon rendered 14 national roads in the province of Abra and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) impassable, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.

A number of bridges connecting Abra to nearby provinces were also damaged.

"Our teams of engineers are conducting an assessment to evaluate the structural integrity and damage caused by the earthquake as we simultaneously clear debris along national roads and bridges," DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said.

Bonoan ordered DPWH regional and district engineering offices in Luzon to immediately inspect public infrastructure for any damage.

The DPWH has sent road maintenance crews and equipment for debris clearing operations to affected areas.

The DPWH said among those closed to vehicular traffic were Kalinga Road, Abra-Ilocos Norte Road, Calaba Bridge and Abra-Cervantes Road.

Other roads in CAR closed to traffic were Kennon Road; Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road, Bobok Bisal, Bokod due to soil collapse, Poblacion, Bokod; Baguio-Itogon Road, Itogon Bridge; and Congressman Andres Acop Cosalan Road and Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road.

Also impassable were Kalinga-Abra Road in Ableg, Pail, Kalinga, and K0497+000 onward Abra, Pantikian to Balblasang, Balbalan and Lubuagan-Batong Buhay Road in Upper Kalinga; Banaue-Hungduan-Benguet Boundary Road, K0389+700, Wangwang, Tinoc in Ifugao; and various sections of Baguio-Bontoc Road, Mountain Province-Cagayan via Tabuk-Enrile Road, Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur Road via Kayan Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur Road via Tue, all in Mountain Province.

Seven road sections have limited access in CAR and Region 1 — Asin Road, K0305+820, Asin, Baguio City; Palispis Marcos Highway, K0273+780, Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet; Baguio-Bontoc Road, Balili Bridge, Benguet; Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya K0254+300, Sitio Lamut, Beckel, La Trinidad, Benguet; Congressman Andres Acop Cosalan Road K0318+800, Sitio Bugao, Barangay Adaoay, Kabayan, Benguet; Baguio-Bauang Road, K0296+600 LS, Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet; and Calungbuyan Bridge, Santa Rancho, Santa, Ilocos Sur.

All DPWH offices in the CAR were on alert, monitoring roads, bridges and related infrastructure for damage as aftershocks threaten the region.

Germany: Lufthansa ground staff strike, hundreds of flights canceled

 The departure board at Frankfurt airport showing numerous flights are cancelled.

The carrier's ground staff went on strike, prompting more than 1,000 flights to be canceled. The walkout comes as the air travel industry faces several crises.

The ground staff workers' union stepped up pressure on the German carrier

More than 1,000 flights in Germany were canceled Wednesday, affecting some 134,000 passengers as Lufthansa ground staff went on strike.

At Frankfurt Airport, more than 600 flights were canceled and many posts were unfilled as workers walked from the job.  Munich, another big Lufthansa hub, was hit by the strike, with flights from Berlin, Bremen, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover and Stuttgart also affected.

The Lufthansa strike is the latest disruption to air travel during this busy summer season. The strike had ripple effects for other airlines reliant on Lufthansa ground crew that assist with their flights.

Many airlines, including Lufthansa, had already been forced to cancel thousands of flights due to strikes and staff shortages. Hourslong queues have been reported at numerous European airports for check-in and security, prompting passenger complaints as many of them return to air travel for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020.

The labor union Verdi called for the walkout, hoping to see a 9.5% pay increase for about 20,000 workers. The strike is scheduled to last until early Thursday at 6 a.m. (400 GMT) local time.The organization also warned further strikes could take place until their demands are met.

"Lufthansa reduced its staffing during the (coronavirus) crisis, despite being saved by the taxpayer, and now there are personnel shortages in all corners," Verdi representative Marvin Reschinsky told AFP news agency. "We now need financial investments in personnel to make sure air travel is still possible in the future."   

Lufthansa spokesperson Martin Leutke called the chaos "a sad day" for those who were unable to catch flights for holidays due to the strike. The German carrier called the walkout "wholly unnecessary" and said it was not proportionate to the status of negotiations.

The airline is attempting to rebook stranded passengers who missed their flights, but Leutke said the process is "not easy in the peak travel period because all flights are full."

What is the status of the talks with the ground staff?

The union and the airline have held two rounds of talks so far over wages while a third round is scheduled for early August. So far, the airline has only conceded about half of the union's demands regarding wage increases.

However, the union has rejected the airline's offer and said it is not enough to keep apace with Germany's inflation. 

"Should Lufthansa be stubborn next week and not improve its offer, we will consider further consequences for industrial action. Strikes would not be ruled out," Verdi representative Reschinsky said.

ar/dj (AP, dpa, Reuters)

PHAP backs Marcos on affordable medicines

By Ed Paolo Salting, Manila Times

THE Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) said it is supporting the call of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for cheaper medicines and affordable health care for Filipinos.

In a statement, the PHAP, which represents the research-based medicines and vaccines manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the Philippines, also welcomed the President's directive to align health protocols as well as to strengthen cooperation with the private sector to enable full capacity for businesses.

"As a science-driven industry, PHAP is supporting the reopening of the economy through the research and development of diagnostics, vaccines and medicines, and ensuring that they are available in the country," the statement read. "Its members are also vigorously working with the government for a stable supply of life-saving treatments amid global challenges."

The organization is partnering with the government to help protect frontliners and communities affected by the pandemic, and continues its information campaign on the value of vaccination.

The PHAP also supports Marcos' call for healthy competition in the industry in order to bring down the cost of medicines for all Filipinos. Marcos initially made the announcement after meeting with the Indian ambassador to the Philippines where he said he was encouraging local pharmaceutical companies to explore joint ventures with their Indian counterparts, particularly in the area of generic medicines and therapeutics.

DENR plants 230 bamboo seedlings along Bamban River

BAMBOO PLANTING Department of Environment and Natural Resources personnel and volunteers take part in a bamboo-planting activity along the Bamban River in Tarlac. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By Jerry Hernandez, Manila Times

BAMBAN, Tarlac: To boost reforestation in the province of Tarlac, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) planted about 230 bamboo seedlings along Bamban River.

A total 3,600-square meter portion of Bamban River was covered in the tree-planting undertaking.

The department noted that several activities were conducted in preparation for the activity.

"The DENR has regularly conducted clean-up activities in collaboration with partner agencies and the 40 estero rangers deployed in the area who collected an average of about 14,500 kilos of waste daily," Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office head Celia Esteban said.

The clean-up activities conducted in the region this year have yielded 140,000 tons of waste materials.

Councilor wants Davao City to showcase IP attire

PAYING HOMAGE Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio (left) walks with Sen. Maria Imelda Josefa 'Imee' Marcos during the first State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday, July 25, 2022. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

By Ruth Palo, Manila Times

DAVAO CITY: Second District Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre has proposed an ordinance requiring the city government employees to wear an Indigenous Peoples (IP) attire every Monday of the month to celebrate local culture.

Alejandre's move came after various political leaders during the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. took this chance to showcase their respective city or municipality's cultural and ethnic attires.

Alejandre, who chaired the 20th City Council Committee on Tourism, in his privilege speech during its regular session on Tuesday, July 26, said culture and tradition receive less acknowledgement and appreciation.

"It came to my knowledge that although we are a country rich in culture, tradition and history, we have somehow failed to appreciate our diversity and mocked the identity that shaped us," he said.

During Marcos' SONA on Monday, Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio chose to wear the traditional attire of the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe, which is one of the eleven tribes in the city.

He said many praised Duterte-Carpio for promoting her city's culture. However, Alejandre said a few people have called out what she wore and called it a "cosplay."

They failed to realize that the Bagobo traditional attire worn by Duterte-Carpio, which she borrowed from Bae Sheirelle Anino, the deputy mayor of the Tagabawa tribe in Davao City, is not a cosplay, but a representation of one of the biggest indigenous tribes in Davao City, said Alejandre.

She wore the Bagobo Tagabawa traditional attire because she wanted to show appreciation for the IPs, he said.

"Those who insulted Duterte have proven their ignorance of our country's culture when they labeled her as a cosplayer without even realizing that they have also insulted the efforts made by the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe in weaving the said attire," Alejandre added.

"The vice president was also bashed on social media for cultural appropriation, when in fact, she had consulted the Tagabawa tribe on the proper way of using this traditional attire. May this incident, therefore, become a learning experience for all of us. We must learn the difference between cosplay and paying homage to our culture and tradition."

He said the comments of some Filipinos on Duterte-Carpio's traditional attire likewise opened his eyes to the harsh reality that there is still more to be done in appreciating our culture.

"May we always promote our culture in any way that we can. Even President Marcos emphasized in his first State of the Nation Address the crucial role of tourism and culture in providing regular employment for the Filipinos. Finally, may we never forget our culture and just call it a mere cosplay," Alejandre added.

Alejandre, who was appointed by then President Rodrigo Duterte as executive director of the National Commission on Culture and Arts, described the Bagobo tribe as one of the largest groups of IPs in Southern Mindanao. The tribe is composed of three sub-groups, namely the Tagabawa, the Clata or Guiangan and the Ubo.

VP Sara to wear traditional Bagobo dress on SONA

These subgroups may belong to one sociolinguistic group called the Bagobo, but they differ in some ways such as dialects, dance steps, costumes and color preferences.

Alejandre believes that it is high time we raise the level of cultural awareness of society, especially among youth, so they will be more sensitive to the words they say or post online.

In 2020, the City Council passed an ordinance requiring all public and private schools in all levels in Davao City to include in their curriculum the teaching of local history.

'Genghis Khan,' 'Manila by Night' and other PH film classics return to the big screen

Ishmael Bernal’s ‘Manila by Night

 

Guided by the theme "Pamanang Lokal: Binhi ng Kulturang Pilipino," the SM Malls took part in the National Heritage Month celebrations by highlighting the Philippines film tradition in its cineplexes across the country.

In partnership with Filipino Heritage Festival Inc., SM showcased a collection of critically acclaimed classic films —"Manila by Night," "Genghis Khan" and "Sonata," as well as a special screening of the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival visual spectacle, "Magikland." There was also a concert series fittingly titled "Alagad: Silang Bumuhay Sa Teatro" (A Tribute To The National Artists For The Theater).

The iconic Genghis Khan presented by FDCP Film Archives and Society of Filipino Archivist for Film (Sofia) took center stage at SM City Cagayan de Oro. This classic film, directed by Manuel Conde, is based on the life of the legendary Mongol ruler and emperor and was the earliest film to depict Genghis Khan's life. It further holds the distinction of being the first Filipino movie acclaimed in an international film festival with a technical achievement citation on its premiere at the 1952 Venice Film Festival. It likewise screened at the 1952 Edinburgh Film Festival.

At SM City North EDSA, Ishmael Bernal's Manila by Night took moviegoers back in time to the country's capital in the '80s. This restored version, again presented by FDCP and Sofia, delves into the hidden nightlife of ordinary people living in Manila.

SM City Bacolod proudly showcased the works of two homegrown filmmakers Peque Gallaga's Sonata through Pelikula Natin, and Christian Acuna's Magikland produced by Brightlight Productions and Gallaga Reyes Films. Sonata, which highlights the beauty of Negros, is a heartwarming story of failure and redemption through the healing power of love. Magikland, a Filipino fantasy adventure film and official entry to the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, revolves around four children transported to a fantasy world in a mobile game.

At the SM Mall of Asia, the Alagad concert series directed by Floy Quintos, paid tribute to National Artists in music and the performing arts.

The National Heritage Month celebration takes pride in creating among the Filipino people a consciousness, respect, and love for the legacies of the nation's cultural history. And indeed, the moviegoers in participating SM Cinemas across the country felt a sense of pride in seeing the Filipino film classics and the undeniable artistry of the Filipino creative.

Rentenerhöhung 2022: Es gibt auch mehr für Witwen und Witwer

Von: Jasmin Farah, MERKUR

Seit dem 1. Juli dürfen sich Rentner und Rentnerinnen als Entlastung über mehr Rente monatlich freuen. Doch auch Witwer und Witwen profitieren.

Die Inflation aufgrund der Corona- und Ukrainekrise trifft viele hierzulande hart. Das gilt besonders für Rentner und Rentnerinnen. Sie wurden anfangs beim Entlastungspaket der Ampelkoalition nicht bedacht. Doch vor wenigen Monaten hat Bundesarbeitsminister Hubertus Heil (49, SPD) angekündigt, die Weichen für eine Rentenerhöhung stellen zu wollen. Diese gilt zum 01. Juli 2022, mit der Folge, dass die Renten zum Teil deutlich erhöht worden sind.

Rentenerhöhung: Witwen und Witwer

Zudem soll eine neue Rentenbesteuerung in Kraft treten. Auch Witwer und Witwen, die eine Hinterbliebenenrente beziehen, profitieren vom Rentenplus. Das betrifft etwa 5,3 Millionen Menschen deutschlandweit. Grundsätzlich hat ein verbliebener Ehe- oder Lebenspartner Anspruch auf Witwen- oder Witwerrente, wenn der Ehe- oder Lebenspartner stirbt.

Dem liegt zugrunde, dass der Betroffene vom Staat finanziell aufgefangen wird, gerade dann, wenn der Verstorbene mehr verdient hat. Allerdings müssen einige Voraussetzungen erfüllt sein, um eine Hinterbliebenenrente zu erhalten:

Die Ehe- oder Lebenspartnerschaft hat mindestens ein Jahr bestanden.

Die oder der Hinterbliebene ist keine neue Partnerschaft eingegangen.

Der verstorbene Partner muss eine Mindestversicherungszeit von fünf Jahren erfüllt haben.

Doch wie viel erhalte ich als Hinterbliebener? Das hängt generell von den Ansprüchen des Verstorbenen ab. In den ersten drei Monaten nach dem Tod des Partners wird sie in voller Höhe weitergezahlt. Danach wird das weitere Einkommen angerechnet. Aber: Auch die Hinterbliebenenrente soll in Westdeutschland um 5,35 Prozent und im Osten um 6,12 Prozent steigen. Hinzu kommen die Freibeträge. Grundsätzlich wird das Nettoeinkommen, das die Freibeträge übersteigt, zu 40 Prozent auf die Hinterbliebenenrente angerechnet. Im Juli steigt der Einkommensfreibetrag allerdings von 902,62 auf 950,93 Euro im Westen und im Osten von 883,61 auf 937,73 Euro.

A MOST DOWN-TO-EARTH BOOK

Overall, “Down to Earth” is a beautiful middle-grade book that I think a person of any age would enjoy. “Down to Earth” is a fascinating, middle-grade adventure that makes you feel in awe of the Universe, and I loved reading it! There are many reasons why I adored reading this book.

Do you feel like you’re living life but missing the information necessary for true happiness and fulfillment? Do you feel like someone threw you into life without the user’s manual? It’s hard to play a game when you don’t know the rules—especially when it’s the game of life! 

When tragedy strikes, it's easy to harden our hearts and cry out, "God, why did you let this happen?" Maybe then, we started praying. Before, when everything went smoothly, we would not even think a minute about praying... .

"To be a Christian without prayer, "said Martin Luther, "is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." Prayer is the only way of becoming what God wants us to be. This is the reason why Jesus spent many hours praying.

Unquestionable, our needs bring us to a place of prayer. Confronted with danger or tragedies, as I mentioned earlier, we look for God's help. Difficult times always cause the hearts of men to turn to God into prayer.

Let me ask you: How long has it been since you've brought your burdens to God? Since you asked His forgiveness for your shortcomings?

In his very interesting book "People in Prayer", Dr. John White reminds us that prayer is a divine-human interaction and it is always God who takes the initiative. White writes: "God speaks and we respond. God is always speaking. To hear his voice is not usually a mystical experience. It consists merely of a willingness to pay heed to God who lays a claim to our lives."

Yes, God always speaks. It is up to us whether we will listen and respond to Him. Many think we are the ones who initiate prayer. But prayers begin and end with God.

There was a time, I wasn't in the mood to pray any more. It seemed that God didn't listen to my prayer any more. I didn't get what I prayed for. Of course, not... ! That's not the meaning of praying to God. Will all my wishes be granted? Heaven forbid!

Sometimes, after we have prayed, God's answers may puzzle us. But as time goes by and as events unfold we see God's purpose in his answers. We might get a larger vision, what HE likes. Not what WE like... .

Think about it for a moment" How does the idea that prayer begins and ends with God affect me now? Do I have the habit of listening to god? How do I respond to Him? How do I usually pray?

I confess that a long time ago I have been trying to persuade God to change other people in my surroundings or circumstances. Nothing changed. Of course not, what a fatal attraction? I got confused because God never granted my requests. Meanwhile I got God's answers to my prayers. Maybe very simple: I was willing to let God change me... .This is how each one of us should start. Happy endings. Because I prayed according to His will... .

Talking about prayer, we also have to mention the probably most down-earth book in the bible which is  Proverbs. Its education prepares you for the street and the marketplace, not the schoolroom. The book offers the warm advice you get by growing up in a good family. It covers small questions as well as large ones: talking too much, visiting neighbors too often, being unbearably cheerful too early in the morning. Proverbs simply tell how life works most of the time.

I always love to quote proverbs, which express the truth about life in an elegant, witty kernel. You should not hunt through it for proverbs you might like. You should study the whole book to get its overall point of view. This takes time, for Proverbs covers dozens of subjects in subtle detail.

Germany sees alarming shortage in essential medicine

Author Sabine Kinkartz, DW

Body temperatures of up to 40°C are frequently a symptom of COVID-19, also among children. But supplies of fever-reducing antipyretics are running out. The question is: why?

It's business as usual at the Arcades Pharmacy in Berlin. Customers come and go — many of them are parents looking to stock up on medication used to combat fever and pain, which can be a problem also with a COVID-19 infection.

For younger children who can't swallow pills, there's a sweet-tasting juice containing either paracetamol or ibuprofen. Normally, more than 10 million small bottles of this medicine are sold each year. Now though, shelves are beginning to look empty.

"The paracetamol juice was already beginning to get a bit scarce back at the beginning of the year," says one chemist, who didn't want to give her name. "Meanwhile, we're out of stock on ibuprofen juice, as well as nasal spray. And supplies of fever suppositories are low."

What's more, she adds, there's no improvement in sight: "We've been stocking up for the winter, which means coordinating deliveries now. And what we're seeing is that all contracts for anti-pain and anti-fever medication for kids have been canceled."

Supply shortages, high demand

The Berlin pharmacy is no exception: supply shortages are having an impact across the country. More and more desperate parents are using social media to share their distress as they fail to bring their children's fever down or fight painful fever cramps.

Pharmaceutical companies fail to make their scheduled deliveries citing booming demand coupled with a shortage of raw materials. 

After the easing of anti-COVID-19 restrictions such as the mandatory wearing of masks, German pediatricians saw lots of children with respiratory illnesses and runny noses. And pharmacies saw customers stock-purchasing after media reports of serious bottlenecks in supply chains and delays in delivery schedules.

What really helps when we catch a cold?

The pharmaceutical industry currently faces problems with supply chains plus a lack of skilled workers. But for years now, they have not made money off producing painkillers for children. Health insurers pay €1.36 ($1.39) for a bottle of paracetamol juice. The same amount as ten years ago.

"Rapidly rising active ingredient and production prices have turned the production of drugs like paracetamol juices into a loss-making business," complains Andreas Burkhardt, general manager at the pharmaceutical company Teva. "No company can sustain that in the long run."

Pharmaceutical giant Ratiopharm still produces such medication. But now they have also canceled orders for winter stockpiling. Due to "unexpected and massively growing demand in the market" and the "increased delivery delays among our active ingredient manufacturers."

Where it leads when important drugs are no longer available became clear at the beginning of the year with the breast cancer drug Tamoxifen — a drug for which there is no substitute and which is urgently needed by many chronically ill patients.

Here too, there were serious bottlenecks partly triggered by manufacturers who had withdrawn from production, citing cost pressure.

Gynecologist explaining a diagram of a woman's breast

Germany is experiencing a shortage of Tamoxifen, a medication for breast cancer patients

In February, Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) waded in and ordered that, in light of the emergency, medicines based on Tamoxifen may now also be imported from abroad. This does not solve the supply problem; the next scarcity is expected for the second half of 2022.

Chemists again mix their own potions

Germany's BfArM currently lists more than 260 medicines that are currently not available in Germany. These include common antibiotics, thyroid medicine, blood pressure reducers, and also medicines that are urgently required in hospitals. In some cases, chemists guarantee supplies by producing their own medicines. But for that, they still need the appropriate raw materials.

"Basic materials are traded globally and there are often only a few producers of a single active ingredient, mostly in Asia. If there is for example a problem in a factory in China, or one country imposes a trade embargo, then many producers are subsequently affected," says Ursula Sellering of the German Federation of  Pharmacists.

A view of Pfizer's Paxlovid production line

Currently, good money is to be made with anti-COVID-19 drugs, such as Paxlovid

Paracetamol, too, is currently difficult to obtain on the global market. "However, if a pharmacy still has stocks, it can also produce its own anti-fever medication," says Sellering. 

That's the way it's likely to stay, he warns. "The production of medicines is time-consuming and there is a lack of staff in pharmacies and other sectors." Not to mention the costs. 

Andreas Burkhardt, at the pharma company Teva demands that "systematic financial pressure" must be eased, especially for critical medicines that are only produced by a few manufacturers." The contracts under which health insurance companies pay fixed amounts, he says, should be suspended until more and new competitors could enter the supply again.

This is not in sight, at least not according to the current ideas of the Federal Ministry of Health. The plan, it seems, is to extend the status quo —  until 2026.

Privileged but not feeling entitled

By Fr. Roy Cimagala*

THAT’S how we should behave. We may be quite privileged in life because of the many gifts and other endowments God and others may have given us, but we should never feel entitled to anything. Instead, our attitude toward these privileges should be one of willingness to serve more, doing a lot of good while passing unnoticed, and all for the glory of God and for the good of all.

That amusing story of the mother of the apostles, James and John, asking Christ that her sons be given a special place in heaven (cfr. Mt 20,20-28) teaches us this precious lesson. I suppose the mother can be excused for making such a request. Mothers will always be mothers who wish to have the best for their children. But Christ purified that request.

“Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” Christ asked them, referring to the fact that Christ in the end will offer his life on the cross for the salvation of mankind. Whether James and John understood what Christ meant or not, it is to their credit that they immediately responded, “We can.”

But Christ kindly told them that it “is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father,” somehow deflecting them from this request and instead suggesting to focus more on what they should be doing as apostles.

This gospel episode actually warns us to be wary of our tendency to feel entitled because of the privileges we may be enjoying in life. We should rather sharpen our desire to serve and not be served, always following the example of Christ who said, “The Son of man has not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mt 20,28)

Let’s remember that to serve is the language and the action of love. It authenticates any affirmation of love that we make, converting it from intention to tangible reality.

This is the attitude meant for us, with God himself as the exemplar. Imagine, Christ served us by dying on the cross. Before that, he shocked his apostles when he insisted that he be allowed to wash their feet. That was to give an example to them, and us, so that what he did we would also do.

The angels too, superior to us in nature, are made to serve us, following a divine law articulated by Christ himself when he said: “Let him who is greatest among you become as the youngest, and him who is the chief as the servant.” (Lk 22,26)

Christ is the very epitome of this proper attitude. Being God, he emptied himself to become man and to bear all the sins of men by dying on the cross, all for the purpose of saving mankind. (cfr. Phil 2,7)

He reiterated this point when he lamented about the domineering sense of entitlement of some of the leading Jews of his time while praising the poor widow who put all that she had into the temple treasury. (cfr. Mk 12,38-44)

While it’s true that we obviously are entitled to our rights, we should not feel entitled to privileges and favors that are above our rights and needs. If they come and we cannot avoid them, then let’s be thankful.

But let’s be reminded that these privileges, favors and blessings are meant for us to strengthen our desire to serve and not to be served. But as it is, we should try to avoid them, since they tend only to spoil and corrupt us.

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

DepEd issues enrollment guidelines for SY 2022-2023

Drop-box enrollment system implemented by some public schools (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN)

by Charie Mae F. Abarca, Manila Bulletin

In preparation of the school year (SY) 2022-2023, the Department of Education (DepEd) released a set of guidelines for enrollment in the context of the gradual reintroduction of face-to-face classes and reflective of the current health and safety situation in the Philippines.

Under DepEd order No. 35, the department reintroduced in-person enrollment, highlighting that minimum health and public safety standards must still be observed in schools across the country.

“These enhanced enrollment guidelines shall guide learners, parents, legal guardians, and teachers in enrollment procedures for Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High School, and Senior High School, including Alternative Learning System (ALS) for SY 2022-2023,” the memo read. DepEd likewise encouraged State and Local Universities, Colleges, and private schools offering basic education to adopt this policy.

Enrollment period will officially start on July 25 and end on Aug. 22, 2022.

After two years of implementing remote enrollment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, DepEd has once again greenlighted the resumption of in-person enrollment, adding that this will help prepare learners, parents, as well as educators in the forthcoming five-day face-to-face classes beginning Nov. 2, 2022.

The in-person option may be done in school where parents can physically process the enrollment. Students, according to DepEd, may likewise enroll themselves as long as their Enhanced Basic Education Enrollment Form (BEEF) are signed by their parent or guardian.

Apart from the in-person enrollment DepEd also introduced additional procedures: remote enrollment and enrollment through dropbox forms.

Remote enrollment means that it will be done via email or any available online platform set by the school. With this procedure, schools were tasked to make the Enhanced BEEF available both in digital and print format.

“Filled up digital copies of the BEEF shall be submitted through the official email address of the school which shall be made available by the school authorities or through available messaging platforms by the school,” said DepEd.

Enrollment using dropboxes, on the other hand, requires the submission of the printed and filled up copy of BEEF in the established dropbox which may be placed in front of the school, Barangay Hall, or any other visible location.

DepEd previously announced that SY 2022-2023 will officially begin on Aug. 22, 2022. With a target of 203 school days, the academic year will end on July 7, 2023. Blended learning, according to DepEd, may only be implemented until Oct. 31, 2022 as all public and private schools nationwide were mandated to implement five-day in-person classes beginning Nov. 2, 2022.

Former mayor, 2 others dead in Ateneo de Manila shooting

Police arrested the suspect Chiao Tiao Yumol. PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

By Francis Earl Cueto, Manila Times

Three persons, including a former mayor in Basilan, died in a shooting incident at the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) in Quezon City on Sunday.

Initial reports from the National Capital Regional Police Office said that the victims were former Lamitan City Mayor Rosita Furigay, her aide Victor George Capistrano and a security guard of the university.

The former mayor was supposed to attend the graduation of her daughter Hanna Rose from law school.

The event was cancelled.

A fourth victim was reported to be in critical condition.

The police arrested the suspect, identified as Chao Tiao Yumol, 38, a resident of Lamitan City. Recovered from the scene was a caliber .45 pistol with silencer.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was "shocked and saddened" by the killing.

"We mourn with the bereaved, the wounded, and those whose scars from this experience will run deep. We commit our law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate these killings and bring all involved to justice," the President said.