Davao town receives P1M for prefab coffee storage

By Ruth Palo

DAVAO CITY: The regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has turned over P1 million to the local government unit (LGU) of Bansalan in Davao del Sur for the construction of a prefabricated coffee storage in Sitio Gagpang, Barangay Alegre in the town.

The project aims to ensure coffee quality and available supply for marketing.

In a turnover ceremony on Wednesday, January 18, in Davao City, DA 11 regional executive director Abel James Monteagudo said the project is part of the intensified support of the agency for coffee farmers in the Davao Region.

"Coffee beans from the foothills of Mt. Apo are regarded as one of the best in the country and even made headlines as they have won the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition since 2018," Monteagudo added.

With this project, according to him, the number of local and international buyers could increase and there is a need for postharvest facilities to help the coffee farmers meet the required quality and demand.

He said a postharvest facility determines the quality of coffee cherries as every step of postharvest activities can cause significant quality loss and lead to a lower market price.

Here’s the newest basilica in the Philippines

 

The St. Dominic Parish in San Carlos City was formally declared a minor basilica during Mass presided over by Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, on Jan. 14, 2023. (CBCP News)

By Roy Lagarde via CBCP News 

The church of St. Dominic in Pangasinan province’s city of San Carlos was formally declared a minor basilica Saturday, making it the first church of such stature in Asia under the patronage of the founder of the Order of Preachers.

At a Mass on Saturday, Jan. 14, the parish was formally declared a minor basilica, and the church will now be known as the “Minor Basilica of Saint Dominic”.

The liturgy was presided over by Archbishop Charles Brown, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, with Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, his auxiliary bishop Fidelis Layog, and Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner, the Master of the Order of Preachers, as concelebrants.

At the start of the service, Bishop Layug read the decree from the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments designating the 250-year old church as a minor basilica.

Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila then blessed the special insignia of a minor basilica: the “ombrellino” or a large umbrella highlighted with alternate red and yellow silk stripes, and the “tintinnabulum” or a bell mounted on a pole.

In his homily, Fr. Timoner said that the new basilica under the patronage of St. Dominic is the fifth in the world— three are in Italy and one in Argentina that were declared basilicas shortly before or after the 7th centenary of the death of St. Dominic.

“This is the first, and perhaps, the only one after the 8th Jubilee celebration,” Fr. Timoner said.

Of the approximately 1,800 minor basilicas in the world, the Philippines is home to 21 and two of them are in the Lingayen-Dagupan archdiocese.

A minor basilica is a special designation conferred on churches from the Vatican based on, among others, architectural beauty, historical or cultural significance and liturgical celebrations.

Minor basilicas are located throughout the world while major basilicas are all located in Rome.

A basilica ranks in importance right below the principal church of the archdiocese, which is St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, the archbishop’s church in Dagupan City.

Various privileges and obligations such as plenary indulgences are attached to visits to a minor basilica by the faithful.

Cardinal Advincula said the basilica also shows Pope Francis’ “closeness with us all”.

“He has given official recognition to the depth and intensity of our devotion to St. Dominic, and he urges us to invite more people to come closer to the Lord to experience his great love,” the cardinal added.

The rich Catholic history of San Carlos, originally known as Binalatongan, dates back to 1587 with the arrival of Dominican missionaries that evangelized Pangasinan. The town’s first church was made of bamboo and nipa.

The church’s original site was moved to higher locations three times in the 17th and 19th centuries due to seasonal flooding.

In the 18th century, most churches were built of bricks and the largest bricks produced then were from San Carlos. After the Palaris revolt in 1765, a new church in its current site was built and completed in 1773.

Santo Domingo Ybanez de Erquicia who received the crown of martyrdom in Japan’s Nagasaki prefecture and San Francisco Gil de Federich who died for the faith in Vietnam’s Gulf of Tonkin were both Dominican missionaries who once ministered in the parish.

We have the same mission as Christ

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

IT’S intriguing to note that Christ would just appoint as his apostles practically anyone. It would look like his choice was done purely at random. He would even choose someone who would betray him. And many times, he would scold his apostles for their lack of faith and understanding. And the severest rebuke was even given to Peter, the head of the apostles, whom he told, “Get behind me, Satan!” (Mt 16,23)

We are reminded of this fact when in the gospel of St. Mark, Christ simply chose 12 out of the many disciples who followed him. (3,13-19) What we can derive from this observation is precisely that we, being meant to be conformed to Christ, the pattern of our humanity and the savior of our damaged humanity, are also meant to be apostles, to be involved in his mission. Christ treats us the same way he treats himself.

We have to be more aware of this truth about ourselves and try our best to act on it. To be an authentic Christian is not simply to be interested in one’s own sanctification. He also has to be involved in the sanctification of everyone. A Christian is at once interested in sanctifying himself and in sanctifying others as well.

To be sure, if we have the proper Christian frame of mind, we know that every event, circumstance, situation and condition in our life is an occasion to do apostolate. Even when one is isolated for one reason or another, he still can do apostolate, because this duty is not limited to dealing with others in a direct, physical way. It can be done with prayers, sacrifices and intentions. Indeed, there is no moment in our life when we cannot apostolate!

We also have to realize that our pursuit for sanctity cannot be genuine if it does not involve doing apostolate. In fact, the tasks of sanctification and apostolate mutually help each other. One cannot be without the other.

When we are active in the apostolate, we get the chance to deal with our weaknesses and shortcomings better. Temptations can hardly affect us when we are occupied with this business of doing apostolate.

Obviously, if we are sincere in our pursuit for holiness, we would also feel more strongly the urge to do apostolate. If our prayer is authentic, if our sacrifices are generous and purely intended, if our recourse to the sacraments and the waging of ascetical struggle are stable, there can be no other effect than for us to get involved in the lives of others for their own sanctification.

What should ideally happen is to have the same drive and zeal that Christ had in carrying out his mission. He once said: “I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning!” (Lk 12,49) This will obviously require a lot of effort and discipline. But let’s never forget that we have to ask for God’s grace for this ideal to take place.

We can be sure that by earnestly pursuing this duty of ours as Christians, we would receive the joy and peace that the world cannot give, a joy and peace that, while involving a lot of effort and sacrifice, will always be palpable.

This is what we can see in Christ and in all the saints!

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

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Census finds 32 water bird species thriving in 2 Agusan del Norte towns

by Philippine News Agency

BUTUAN CITY (PNA) – At least 32 water bird species are found thriving inside the monitoring site in Lake Mainit stretching across the towns of Jabonga and Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte province, highlighting the need for sustained ecological preservation.

WHITE Browed Crake (DENR CENRO Tubay FB)

“The census also recorded 12 new water bird species foraging and taking refuge inside the monitoring site in Lake Mainit,” the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Tubay, Agusan del Norte (CENRO-Tubay) said in a statement on Thursday, Jan. 19. 

It was referring to the Annual Asian Water Bird Census (AWC) launched on Wednesday, Jan. 18, which is conducted during the second and third week of every January not only in the country but also in other parts of the world, particularly in Asia.

The Top 5 water bird species with the highest number found inside the monitoring site in Lake Mainit include the Tufted Duck, Whiskered Tern, Intermediate Egret, Common Tern, and the Javan Pond Heron.

“The census also recorded 12 new water bird species foraging and taking refuge inside the monitoring site in Lake Mainit,” the CENRO-Tubay said.

The new bird species include the Yellow Bittern, Purple Swamphen, Wood Swallow, White Throated Kingfisher, Philippine Duck, White Browed Crake, Common Tern, Slender-billed Crow, Swiftlets, Short-Billed Brown Dove, Olive Backed Sunbird, Yellow Vented Bulbul, and Spotted Dove.

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The CENRO-Tubay noted the number of thriving bird species inside the sites this year decreased compared to 2022.

“Last year’s total individual count was 44,508 water birds. We recorded an almost 17 percent of decrease in their number this year,” it said.

ITZY overwhelmed by Pinoy fans’ love, cheers in Manila concert: ‘You’re the best’

by Jonathan Hicap

Three years after their first outing in Manila, K-pop group ITZY returned to the Philippines with a two-night concert that drew loud cheers from Filipino fans.

ITZY held their “Checkmate: The 1st World Tour” in Manila on Jan. 14 and 15 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

ITZY at their press event at Glorietta Activity Center on Jan. 13 (Jonathan Hicap)

ITZY at their press event at Glorietta Activity Center on Jan. 13 (Jonathan Hicap)

ITZY at their press event at Glorietta Activity Center on Jan. 13 (Jonathan Hicap)

ITZY at their press event at Glorietta Activity Center on Jan. 13 (Jonathan Hicap)

ITZY at their press event at Glorietta Activity Center on Jan. 13 (Jonathan Hicap)

Manila was the first stop of the Asia leg of the world tour and their first concert in 2023. They launched the world tour in Seoul in August last year and embarked on a US tour until November.

When they first came to Manila in December 2019, ITZY held their Premiere Showcase Tour after having just debuted in February of the same year.

ITZY performing in Manila in December 2019 (Jonathan Hicap)

More than three years later, after the pandemic restrictions were eased, ITZY launched their first world tour “Checkmate.”

In Manila, ITZY opened the show with “In The Morning,” “Sorry Not Sorry,” “Shoot!,” “What I Want” and “365.” 

“Kamusta kayo? [How are you?]” said Yeji.

“Na-miss ko kayo, Midzy [I missed you, Midzy]” said Lia.

“Masaya akong makita kayo [I am happy to see you],” said Ryujin.

“Mahal namin kayo [We love you],” said Chaeryeong.

In Manila, ITZY also performed “Cherry,” “Icy,” “Free Fall,” “#Twenty,” “Wannabe,” “Dalla Dalla” and “Sneakers.” 

ITZY at their “Checkmate: The 1st World Tour” in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (J. Lucena/LNPH)

ITZY at their “Checkmate: The 1st World Tour” in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (J. Lucena/LNPH)

ITZY at their “Checkmate: The 1st World Tour” in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (J. Lucena/LNPH)

ITZY at their “Checkmate: The 1st World Tour” in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (J. Lucena/LNPH)

ITZY at their “Checkmate: The 1st World Tour” in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (J. Lucena/LNPH)

ITZY at their “Checkmate: The 1st World Tour” in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (J. Lucena/LNPH)

ITZY at their “Checkmate: The 1st World Tour” in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (J. Lucena/LNPH)

ITZY at their “Checkmate: The 1st World Tour” in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (J. Lucena/LNPH)

Each member also had solo spots. Ryujin performed “Boss Bitch” by Doja Cat; Yuna sang “Maniac” while Lia had “Red” by Taylor Swift. Chaeryeong performed “Bloodline” by Ariana Grande and Yeji sang “Hotter Than Hell” by Dua Lipa.

They finished their set with “Cheshire,” “Loco,” “Not Shy,” “Domino,” “Trust Me (Midzy),” “Boys Like You” and “Nobody Like You.”

“Midzy, I think I can feel how much you have been waiting for us. So I want to say, really, really, thank you so much and I really missed you so much. So this time is really an honor to me and (it is) the happiest moment in my life. Salamat sa paghihintay at salamat napasaya ninyo ako [Thank you for waiting and thank you, you made me happy],” said Yuna.

Chaeryeong said, “I’m so surprised to see you guys welcoming (us) warmly. Thank you so much for waiting and welcoming us.”

She added that they started their first Asia tour “with great energy, thanks to Philippine Midzy. I will never forget these cheers from you guys. You are the best. Thank you always and I love you, Philippine Midzy. Mga Midzy, the best kayo [Midzy, you are the best].”

“First of all, thank you for coming here and I was really surprised you guys cheering. Even when we were doing the soundcheck, we were so surprised that we think today will be so crazy. I think we expected, maybe more than we expected you guys give us so much energy and so much love tonight so thank you for that,” said Ryujin.

She added, “And I always saw Filipino Midzy [online] and they always wanted us to come to the Philippines so bad and now we finally came. Sorry if it took a little long time.”

Lia said, “First of all I want to say thank you so much. The amount of energy, the amount of love, the amount of support you guys always give to us is unbelievable and we are so grateful for it.”

“From the new year, we have prepared for this Asia tour and a lot of you came to welcome us. And while doing our performances on stage today, we were able to see how much love and excitement all the fans have for us. Thank you so much for this beautiful memory and from now on, we will be working so much harder so we can come back to Manila,” said Yeji..

A day before the concert, ITZY held a press event at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.

ITZY’s “Checkmate: The 1st World Tour” in Manila was presented by Live Nation Philippines.

Stop sale of counterfeit items, promote high-quality PH products

by Manila Bulletin

In its latest biennial report in December 2022, the European Commission’s Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List identified the Baclaran, Cartimar, Divisoria and Greenhills markets in Metro Manila, Philippines as offering a wide range of counterfeit goods on retail and wholesale basis.

This is the first time that Philippine markets have been cited in the biennial list since its launch in 2018.

In the report, the European Union said that the watch list is a selection of marketplaces and service providers reported by stakeholders. The name of each marketplace and service provider mentioned is accompanied by a short summary of the allegations of the reporting stakeholders and, where provided, a summary of the response of the mentioned marketplace or service provider to those allegations.
The latest report highlighted in particular shoes, with some stalls allegedly also running online shops offering counterfeit goods.

Filipinos are well aware of the robust trade in these four markets that are known to be sources of apparel and accessories, shoes, and other commonly used merchandise. Whenever balikbayan relatives visit, a trip to any or several of these markets is frequently included in their itinerary.

But it is the sale of counterfeit goods and pirated items that is most concerning.

According to the EU report, in April 2022 the National Bureau of Investigation seized more than EUR 1 million (₱59.5 million) worth of possible counterfeit goods in the Greenhills shopping center, coupled with the public pledge to take additional steps to curb further sales.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) promptly vowed to help rid the four markets — and similar outlets — of outlawed goods and thus remove this glaring stigma on the country. IPOPHIL has called the attention of the concerned local government units, namely, Parañaque City (Baclaran), Pasay City (Cartimar), Manila (Divisoria) and San Juan City (Greenhills) to enforce the provisions of the Intellectual Property Code of 1997 and the Department of Interior and Local Government’s IP-related regulations.

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Business permits are issued by LGUs to stores that are allegedly serving as distribution points for illegal trade and commerce. Hence, non-enforcement of the law is clearly a mark of poor governance. Not wanting to be called out for inaction and ineptitude, local governments would certainly heed the IPOPHIL’s call for decisive action.

The patronage of counterfeit products caters to a lingering colonial mindset on the part of consumers that popular foreign brands are superior to Philippine-made products. Those who are more informed and enlightened know that in the global economy, such goods are actually manufactured in the Philippines and other lower middle class countries whose skilled workers are capable of meeting international quality standards.

Filipino consumers must be informed and educated to set aside their propensity to settle for counterfeit items. Efforts of Filipino enterprises to bring to the market high quality goods that meet global standards must be enhanced and encouraged.

 

In the Philippines, is it considered rude or impolite to call someone by their first name?

Dayang Marikit

Yes, but it depends on your rank, relationship and dynamics towards each other.

• It's not acceptable for children to address their parents and elders by their first names.
• Between siblings, elder siblings might take offense if younger siblings address them by their first names, they are rather addressed as (Kuya/Older Brother) and (Ate/Older Sister). The youngest sibling could be addressed as (Bunso) but it's perfectly acceptable to address them by their first names.
• In school and work settings, you would be required to address your teachers and work superiors as (Sir/Ginoo) and (Ma'am/Ginang). People would generally find it disrespectful to address your teachers and work superiors by their first names.

What would happen if the Philippines broke apart?

Bisaya

Proud Bisaya Ko

Barok and Takya Blog | Bisaya Podcast

The most valuable thing we can have as Filipinos is unity. Our resilience

[1]

 and strength are found in our unity and togetherness. If the Philippines were to break apart, it would spell disaster for us all, as it would signify disunity amongst our people. Although many of us have different beliefs, cultures, customs, and lifestyles, it's important to remember that we're all Filipinos at heart with a shared vision for progress and development. We are bound by our national pride, which unites us from different islands and regions across the country. The betterment of our nation depends on each one of us embracing our differences while coming together in love, appreciation, and support. As long as we remain united, the potential of what we can achieve is limitless.

Footnotes

[1] 

The Spirit of Being Resilient in Filipino Culture

Keeping that apostolic fire burning

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

AS persons, we are meant by definition to care for one another. We are meant to relate ourselves with everybody else one way or another. No man is an island, it is said. That is why we are given the proper faculties—our intelligence, will, emotions, passions, appetites, etc.—so that we could do what we are designed to carry out.

And as persons created in God’s image and likeness, we are meant to help one another to achieve that ultimate dignity of ours—to be truly God’s image and likeness, sharers of his divine life and nature. We can say that our life here on earth is meant to work out the process of our own deification in and with God through Christ in the Spirit. This is what apostolate is all about.

We are reminded of this duty of ours in that gospel episode where Christ, followed by a big crowd from different places, started to preach and to perform some miraculous cures, including driving out unclean spirits from a number of persons. (cfr. Mk 3,7-12)

We need to be more aware and, more important, more adept in fulfilling this duty of ours. We cannot deny that instead of always being concerned with others, we have the tendency for a variety of reasons to be self-absorbed, self-centered and self-indulgent. We have to do something about his predicament.

The secret of having that apostolic fire burning in our heart is of course that of exerting the constant effort to identify ourselves with Christ, the pattern of our humanity. We can only be truly apostolic in a stable way to the extent that we identify ourselves with Christ. Thus, the apostolate can only be the effect and the overflow of our own sanctification, that is, of our own effort to be like Christ.

We have to understand that Christ is asking us to do our part, always together with him, just as he asked his apostles to do so. And that’s because, first of all, even if Christ being God does not need us to do this, he wants it that way since he is treating us the way he treats himself. We are his image and likeness.

It’s actually for our own good. Our involvement in the apostolate actually matures and perfects us as persons and as children of God. It detaches us from our own self-centeredness and self-absorption, and draws us to the dynamics of love and self-giving.

We have to remember that loving God who we do not see is accomplished by loving others who we see. An apostolate is that exquisite part of loving others since it involves not only caring for some material good for others, but rather for their ultimate spiritual good.

Secondly, God has designed and wired us to help one another not only in our material and temporal needs, but especially in our spiritual needs that are aimed to our supernatural destination, nothing less than our participation in the very life of God. We need to realize more sharply that we are actually responsible for one another.

Of course, this participation in the divine life can only happen with the grace of God and never just by our own efforts alone. That’s why the second person of the Blessed Trinity became man, Jesus Christ, who offers himself as our way, our truth and our life.

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

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

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