Stricter and holier than God?

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

YES, we have to be wary of our tendency to be stricter and holier than God himself. This happened among many of the Pharisees in the gospel who made laws, and interpreted and applied these laws according to their own understanding, without referring them to God. (cfr. Mk 7,1-13)

Of course, in their case, some excuse can be made since they could not believe that Christ was the God who became man precisely to show us “the way, the truth and the life” proper for us.

As a consequence, they became rigid in the application of their laws which, by the way, cannot fully capture what is truly good and proper for us, since we are governed not only by human laws but also by a supernatural law.

Remember Christ asking the Pharisees about the sabbath law: “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy?” (Mk 3,4) In another instance, Christ was asked why his disciples did not follow the tradition of the elders…” (cfr. Mk 7,5)

To which Christ responded by saying, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me…You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” (Mk 7,6-8)

We have to be wary of this danger which we may call as the new pharisaism that is manifested in many ways—like the tendency to legalism and formalism, developing a legal system that is animated by what is called legal positivism, etc.

There is also what is called as the pharisaical conscience where grave sins are minimized while matters of little importance are magnified. Such conscience tends to be very judgmental and leads one to assume a “holier-than-thou” attitude. Even in the area of psychology, this tendency is shown in what is called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) where rigidity reigns supreme.

Pharisaism drips with sanctimoniousness and self-righteousness, a funny caricature of authentic holiness. It is an ugly bag of all violations of charity, often disguised as defense of justice and human rights. 

It is a collection of false reasons and rationalizations not based on faith, hope and charity. It’s more interested in pursuing one’s self-interest than in a genuine concern for the common good, and much less, in giving glory to God. It thrives in an environment of gossips, rumor-mongering and mob rule.

We have to be most wary of the dangers of pharisaism that can come to us anytime and in very subtle ways. When in our pursuit for truth, justice and beauty, we become judgmental and rigid, less patient, understanding and merciful towards others, we can be sure we are falling into the hands of a new pharisaism.

When in our legitimate pursuit for greater knowledge, power and fame, we do not make the corresponding conversions of heart and are unwilling to suffer for others, this new pharisaism is setting in.

Now that we are in an election campaign season, these manifestations of pharisaism come aplenty. Candidates and their followers are often pictured in black-and-white. They are portrayed either as saints and angels who cannot do any evil, or the devil personified who cannot do any good at all. There is so much mudslinging and bashing, creating a very toxic environment among us.

We need to have God always in our mind and heart to avoid this common danger of pharisaism.

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

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

A step closer to a better Sitio Tagbawi

Monkayo, Davao de Oro---Education has always been a priority of Governor Tyron Uy’s leadership in Davao de Oro, and for the next few days, another one (1) unit, two (2) classroom buildings will rise in the far-flung Sitio Tagbawi, in Brgy. Rizal, Monkayo.

Schools in highly urbanized areas are typical institutions, but for people in far-flung communities, it's an opening for more opportunities. The eradication of insurgency also brought major changes in the hinterlands, and for Sitio Tagbawi, it will be a game-changer.

Situated in higher grounds, four tribes reside in Tagbawi and its neighboring communities; the Mangguwangan, Dibabawon, Manobo, and Mandaya tribes.

In the year 2017, Sitio Tagbawi withdraws from supporting the communist group and was one of the pilot communities to benefit from the Oplan Pagbabago Program of the provincial government of Davao de Oro. Now that the presence of communists were totally banished from their area, development began to spur. 

Schoolchildren will no longer traverse kilometers as the learning institution will be brought closer to them. Two (2) more sitios; Little Depot, and Upper Pasian will also benefit from the project; a product of  PLGU-Davao de Oro’s culture of ‘bayanihan’ through “Bayanihan Sa Paaralan Program”, wherein volunteers from the Department of Education, 25th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, employees of the provincial government and other private partners go hand-in-hand for its completion.

A total of eighty (80) students are currently enrolled in the school, all from the three sitios with more or less three-hundred (300) households.

More projects are underway for Tagbawi. Sooner, a solar dryer and a water system project will be utilized by local farmers in the area, and transportation of local produce will be of comfort after the completion of a farm-to-market road. The provincial government initially targets to accomplish and turn over the school building with complete facilities on March 4, 2022. (JA, PAO-IPRD, photos by J. Cadiz)

DILG chief: Not yet time to make booster shots mandatory

By: THIRD ANNE PERALTA-MALONZO, SunStar Manila

DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said on Monday, February 7, 2022, that making coronavirus disease (Covid-19) booster shots mandatory is not yet timely, as the primary series remains to be the government’s priority.

“Sa ngayon, hindi pa ‘yan napapanahon. Ang ating priority pa rin, yung pag-vaccinate ng primary series (It’s not yet timely. Our priority is still to give the primary series),” he said in a television interview.

“Kung hindi natin uunahin ang mga ito, yung bawat isang tinuturok nating mga booster ay kawalan ng opportunity para mabakunahan sa primary series (If we will not prioritize this, the dose we give as booster is a lost opportunity for those who have not yet received the primary series),” he added.

Earlier, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the National Government should consider making booster shots a requirement for entry in business establishments, particularly in Metro Manila.

As of February 4, a total of 59,819,868 individuals have completed their Covid-19 vaccination with 60,659,350 have received first dose.

The Department of Health said 8,011,994 persons who have completed their inoculation already got their booster doses.

In Metro Manila, Año said 565,880 were still unvaccinated.

Meantime, Año said they have received the inventory of unvaccinated individuals from 12 out of the 17 regions in the country.

He said it will be used as the government’s guidance in deploying vaccine doses.

“Karamihan dito nasa lugar na malalayo, so ito rin ang magiging strategy natin kung paano mapaaabot ang bakuna rito (Majority of these are those from far-flung areas, so it will be part of our strategy on how to deliver the vaccines to these areas),” he said.

The DILG earlier instructed barangays to prepare a list of unvaccinated individuals in their areas of jurisdiction. (SunStar Philippines)

Do Latinos and Filipinos look alike?

Nelson Agelvis

Life coach, college counselor, college professor, English teacher, magazine editor, photographer, Venezuelan travel expert & more

I’m Latino (Venezuela) and I have been to the Philipines. In general, Latinos and Filipinos don’t look alike but many—millions—do, because the original indigenous Americans, from Alaska to Patagonia, are of Asian (Siberian and Polynesian) origin. And Filipinos are a wild mix of Asian, Polynesian, with some European (Spanish) and even some with African (the Aetas). If you look at the indigenous tribes of the Amazon, of the highlands of Peru and Bolivia, of the Southwestern United States, of Northwestern Canada, they look like many Filipinos. Many Filipinos actually look less Asian than many Amazonian indigenous people. Visiting the Philipines, I was surprised at how many Filipinos look like many Latin Americans from Peru to the Caribbean. The Filipinos of Aeta origin look like any Latin American from the coastal cacao-growing towns along the Caribbean. The Lumad, Badjaos, Igorot, etc. also look like some Latin American indigenous groups.

Anyway, the average Filipino looks more Southeast Asian while the average Latin American does not. But even though you could perfectly differentiate a group of 100 random Filipinos from a group of 100 random Venezuelans/Colombians, you will find some that are similar. Look at the current and former Miss Philippines. Their faces are like those of millions that you’ll find in Colombia/Venezuela. You put those girls in a Venezuelan/Colombian gym working out and nobody will ever think that they are not local girls.

And here are Philipinos of Aeta origin. There are millions of Latinos that look like them too (Would you guess they are Filipinos?).

Conclusion: Average Filipinos (not Miss Universes and not a remote tribe), have high Southeast Asian DNA (China, Malaysia, Polynesia) while Latin Americans have high indigenous (Native American) and European DNA (Spain, Italy, Portugal). So I can’t say we “look alike” but many—millions of us—do. Anyway, look like us or not, Filipinos are part of the Hispanic world from the Iberian point of view (Spanish colonial origin). They are our Asian cousins.

What is the impact of overseas Filipino workers to the Philippine economy?

 

Bisaya

Barok and Takya Blog | Bisaya Podcast

Overseas Filipino workers are a vital part of the Philippine economy. They contribute billions of dollars to the economy each year, and they play a critical role in supporting their families back home.

The money that overseas Filipino workers send home helps keep many families afloat, and it has a ripple effect throughout the economy. When families have more money to spend, they put it back into the local economy, which helps to create jobs and support businesses.

Overseas Filipino workers are an essential part of the Philippine economy, and they make a huge difference both for their families and the country as a whole. Thank you for your question!

THE KILLING WORKPLACE

I have experienced it many times. I have written about it many times. Nothing changed yet. Of course not! Even in times of pandemic, a workplace remains as a workplace. Even as a home office.

Fact is, nowadays, the modern workplace can inflict dangerous levels of stress on employees even more than decades ago. Jeffrey Pfeffer, author of "Dying for a Paycheck" , argues that these practices don’t help companies – and warns governments are ignoring an emerging public health crisis. Jeffrey Pfeffer is not the only one. Hundreds more followed Pfeffer's footsteps. 

We’ve all fallen victim to a job that seemed to suck the souls out of us. You might know the feeling — undue stress, high expectations, little return for hard work and so on. In a society that values hard work and professionalism, it can be difficult to recognize you’re in one of these toxic work situations.

Perhaps you’re the loyal type who’ll do anything for your employer, no matter the personal cost. Or the income is great, so you suffer through rough workdays to achieve your financial dreams. Others absolutely love their jobs but just can’t bring in the income they deserve. Whatever the reason, it might be time to let go of a toxic job if you find yourself saying "my job is killing me" and seek a better future. Here are five signs your job is killing you, along with how to find a better one.

It can be difficult to decide if you should stick through a rough patch at work or move on to something better. But how do you know if you should leave your job?  Here are some signs that your current job is not adding value to your life.

1. You dread going into work. It can take some time to get adjusted to a new job. But if you’ve been at it for months and still have trouble walking through the door without your chest tightening, it might be a sign that it’s time to move on. Don’t spend your life working at a job that fills you with constant dread.

2. There’s no opportunity for advancement. So, you’ve been with your company for some time, but it seems like you’ve hit a wall. Perhaps you’ve been passed on multiple promotions or you’ve asked for advancement opportunities and hit a dead end. Why stay at a job where you aren’t allowed to grow and achieve your very best?

3. You work with toxic people. Toxic people in the workplace can be a killer. Sometimes it’s just one or two coworkers who you can learn to live with. Other times, a manager or supervisor makes it impossible for you to succeed. You’ll probably never feel comfortable or happy in a workplace filled with negative energy.

4. The work is too easy or too challenging. Work with no challenges is boring. You need to face challenges so you can overcome them and grow in your confidence.  At the same time, a job that is much too challenging can make you feel incompetent and stressed. It’s important to find work that allows you to face and solve obstacles while not killing yourself in the process.

5. Work is impacting your personal life. If your job is causing so much chaos that you can’t sleep at night, it’s probably time to move on. Likewise, a job that cuts into your personal time can take a hit on your family and social life. Everyone needs downtime. Don’t let your job suck everything out of you.

When you’ve finally decided enough is enough, make sure to resign with grace. You don’t want to burn bridges, lose a potential reference or hurt your valuable reputation. Show your employer respect if you want to be respected in return.

Just because you’ve resigned doesn’t mean you should drop everything and skate through your last days. Show some self-respect by continuing to perform your job to your best ability. You are still being paid for your time, so make sure you are earning that pay fairly. Finish your last days with grace.

Of course, a stressful job can definitely affect your health negatively. People can only undergo a certain amount of stress before their bodies begin to suffer. Stress can cause headaches, insomnia and even paralysis when severe enough. It can also trigger symptoms of underlying mental illness. Overloads of stress can go as far as causing conditions like hypertension and stroke.

Of course it’s okay to quit! Not all employers and employees are good matches. Don’t spend your life being miserable because you feel obligated to stick with a dead-end job. Yes, your employer may be disappointed when you go, but that’s their problem, not yours. Just be sure you are quitting for the right reasons, not because of a personal vendetta. Also, make sure you’ve given a new job enough time to make an accurate assessment — it can take two or three months before you feel comfortable at a new job.

But some leaders are taking this idea of stewardship seriously. Companies such as Patagonia, Collective Health, SAS Institute, Google, John Lewis Partnership – which is employee-owned – and Zillow provide a template of what might be different. As I said, SOME leaders. Really only a very few. Not enough. I guess most leaders really don't care about their staff.

People get paid time off and are expected to use it. Managers don’t send emails or texts at all hours – people work, go home and have time to relax and refresh. The organisations offer accommodations so that people can have both a job and a family life. People are treated like adults and have control over what they do and how they do it to meet their job responsibilities, not micromanaged.

If your job is causing undue work stress in your life, take a moment to reassess the situation. It’s easy to have an overachiever mentality — until it makes you sick or shatters your personal life. Take some time to assess your life — your work responsibilities, your level of quality personal time and your health. If you want to be happy, it’s important to keep these areas of life well-balanced.

Most importantly, the companies are led by individuals who take their obligations to their people seriously. SAS Institute has a chief health officer whose job is not just to control costs but also to ensure employees are as healthy as possible.  Bob Chapman recognizes that everyone who comes to work at Barry-Wehmiller is “someone’s precious child” or family member.

People need to choose their employer not just for salary and promotion opportunities but on the basis of whether the job will be good for their psychological and physical health. Business leaders should measure the health of their workforce, not just profits.

And governments concerned about the health-care cost crisis need to focus on the workplace, because workplace stress is clearly making people sick. None of this is necessary – no one should be dying for a paycheck.

What makes us Filipinos?

 

Bisaya

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Are there necessary traits, practices, or beliefs that make us unique from other nationalities?

There are undoubtedly many things that make us Filipinos unique. For example, our culture is steeped in tradition and family values. 

We are also known for being friendly and hospitable people. But I think the thing that makes us most unique is our resilience[1] in the face of difficult circumstances.

Despite facing many challenges throughout history, we have always overcome them. We are a nation of survivors, which makes us so strong. We never give up, no matter how hard things get. This fighting spirit is what unites us as a people, and it's what makes us unique. So whatever challenge life throws at you, remember that you are not alone – Filipinos have been through worse, and we have come out stronger. We are a proud people, and we will overcome anything that comes our way! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Footnotes

[1] The Spirit of Being Resilient in Filipino Culture

(C) 2022 by Quora.com

IATF releases updated arrival protocols for foreigners coming to PH

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the country’s main gateway. (Photo from PNA)

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos, Manila Bulletin

The government’s pandemic task force has updated the arrival protocols initially set for foreigners who want to enter the Philippines for business and tourism purposes starting February 10, 2022.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the country’s main gateway. (Photo from PNA)

Based on Resolution No. 160-B of the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, fully vaccinated foreign nationals may enter the Philippines without visas provided that they qualify as former Filipino citizens with Balikbayan privilege.

They are also allowed to enter the Philippines if they are citizens of any of the 157 countries entitled to a stay not exceeding 30 days. These are:

Andorra

Angola

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Bahamas

Bahrain

Barbados

Belgium

Belize

Benin

Bhutan

Bolivia

Botswana

Brazil (up to 59 days)

Brunei Darussalam

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cambodia

Cameroon

Canada

Cape Verde

Central African Republic

Chad

Chile

Colombia

Comoros

Congo

Costa Rica

Cote d’Ivoire

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Denmark

Djibouti

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Estonia

Ethiopia

Fiji

Finland

France

Gabon

Gambia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Grenada

Guatemala

Guinea

Guinea Bissau

Guyana

Haiti

Honduras

Hungary

Iceland

Indonesia

Ireland

Israel (up to 59 days)

Italy

Jamaica

Japan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kiribati

Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Latvia

Lesotho

Liberia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Madagascar

Malawi

Malaysia

Maldives

Mali

Malta

Marshall Islands

Mauritania

Mauritius

Mexico

Micronesia

Monaco

Mongolia

Morocco

Mozambique

Myanmar

Namibia

Nepal

Netherlands

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Niger

Norway

Oman

Palau

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Paraguay

Peru

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Republic of Korea

Romania

Russia

Rwanda

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa

San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Senegal

Seychelles

Singapore

Slovak Republic

Slovenia

Solomon Islands

South Africa

Spain

Suriname

Swaziland

Sweden

Switzerland

Tajikistan

Thailand

Togo

Trinidad and Tobago

Tunisia

Turkey

Turkmenistan

Tuvalu

Uganda

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

United Republic of Tanzania

United States of America

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

Vanuatu

Vatican

Venezuela

Vietnam

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Foreign travelers must be fully vaccinated except children below 12 years old.

They must carry any of the following proofs of vaccination:

World Health Organization (WHO) International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis

VaxCertPH

National/state digital certificate of the foreign gov’t which recognizes VaxCertPH

Other proofs of vaccination permitted by the IATF

The passenger must also have a passport valid for at least six months at the time of their arrival, and valid return tickets or tickets for the country of their next destination.

Prior to their travel, they are required to obtain travel insurance for COVID-19 treatment costs from reputable insurers, with a minimum coverage of US$35,000 for the duration of their stay in the Philippines.

Foreign visitors are deemed fully vaccinated if they received the second dose in a two-dose series or a single dose vaccine more than 14 days prior to their flight to the Philippines. Their vaccine must be included in the emergency use listing of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the local Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or issued a compassionate special permit by the Philippine FDA.

Visa-free foreign nationals who fail to fully comply with the conditions and requisites shall be denied admission into the country and shall be subject to the appropriate exclusion proceedings.

However, once allowed entry, they are no longer required to observe facility-based quarantine but must self-monitor for symptoms for seven days. They must report to the local government unit (LGU) of their destination should they manifest symptoms.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles has clarified that “self-monitor” does not mean “home quarantine”.

Meanwhile, foreign children below the age of 12 but are traveling with Filipino nationals shall follow the protocols of their travel companion.

A foreign child from ages 12 to 17 traveling with their Filipino parent shall follow the protocol based on their vaccination status. However, if the child is unvaccinated, one parent should accompany the child during their facility-based quarantine.

9(a) visa bearers

On the other hand, foreigners with 9(a) visas (a tourist visa for pleasure or business) will be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated, except children below the age of 12.

They must carry acceptable proof of vaccination and a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to their flight.

These passengers will not be required to undergo facility quarantine but must self-monitor for symptoms.

Foreign nationals who fail to comply with the conditions must undergo facility-based quarantine and undergo testing on the fifth day. They may be discharged upon the release of a negative result but must complete the rest of their 14-day quarantine at home.

Metro Manila better prepared for dry season

By: Catherine Talavera - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — As the water level at Angat Dam continues to drop, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said Metro Manila and nearby areas are more prepared to face potential water supply issues in the dry season compared to the shortage in 2019 as augmentation measures are in place.

At a Laging Handa public briefing over the weekend, NWRB executive director Sevillo David said compared to 2019, the country is more prepared to address water supply issues it may face in the upcoming dry season due to the presence of deep wells and water treatment facilities, which were not available before.

Data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration showed that the reservoir water level of Angat Dam continues to decline as it stood at 197.85 meters as of 6 a.m. Saturday. This is lower than the dam’s normal high level of 212 meters.

David said the projects and activities of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and its concessionaires help in preparing for the needed water supply in the summer.

The MWSS said earlier that it has put in place supply augmentation measures, along with its concessionaires, to ease the pressure in the already drought-like trend of Angat and the sustainability of clean, potable water for the 19 million people in the service area.

According to the MWSS, among the augmentation measures by its west-zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. are the non-revenue water reduction of 40 million liters per day (MLD) for summer and additional 42 MLD at the end of 2022; the operation of existing 12 MLD deep wells (one MLD existing and additional 11 MLD for summer); the operation of four MLD Portable Water Treatment Plant by February 2022 and another 18.6 MLD by September 2022 in Cavite.

Other measures include the operation of the backwash recovery system in La Mesa Water Treatment Plants one and two, as well as network pressure management to equally distribute the available water through the regulation of 1,200 Pressure Regulating Valves and 50 primary Valves in the Bagbag network system.

East zone concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc. announced earlier that it is preparing its water supply contingency and augmentation programs for the summer to ensure water availability, as the water level at Angat Dam continues to drop.

“To prepare for the coming summer months and in light of lower-than-projected levels at Angat Dam, Manila Water puts into motion its water supply contingency and augmentation plans while working and coordinating closely with the MWSS and the NWRB, to help ensure that customers will experience continuous water supply even during peak demand periods,” Manila Water said in an earlier statement.

Among these contingencies are the maximization of the 100 MLD capacity of the Cardona Water Treatment Plant, which draws water from Laguna Lake; operation of deep wells which can provide additional 115 MLD and operation of the 20-MLD Marikina Portable Water Treatment Plant, which can treat water from the Marikina River.

Apart from the MWSS, David said the NWRB is also in coordination with the National Irrigation Administration, as the Angat Dam is also a source of irrigation for farm lands in Bulacan and Pampanga.

The NWRB earlier urged the public to conserve and use water wisely due to the Angat Dam’s lower than expected water level to ensure that sufficient water is available for municipal irrigation and hydropower uses in the subsequent months.

Oil prices go up Tuesday

By: Danessa Rivera - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — Oil prices will be raised for the fifth straight week on Tuesday.

In its oil price forecast, Unioil Philippines said both diesel and gasoline fuels would be increased by P0.70 to P0.80 per liter.

Global oil prices started the past trading week on a weak note as talks of a rate hike by the Federal Reserve spooked the market, Reuters reported.

Brent crude broke the $90-per-barrel level for the first time in seven years on Wednesday due to tight supply and the rising political tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the wire service said.

At the end of the trading week, global oil prices still recorded its sixth weekly gain, driven by concerns over geopolitical issues such as the attacks on the United Arab Emirates by Yemen’s Houthi group and a possible military conflict in Ukraine.

Data from the Department of Energy showed year-to-date adjustments stand at a total net increase of P4.95 per liter for gasoline, P7.20 per liter for diesel and P6.75 per liter for kerosene