Loving without measure

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

THAT’S how love should be if it is true. That is to say, if it is the love that flows from the same love which is the very essence of God and that is also meant for us, since we are God’s image and likeness.

We are reminded of this truth of our faith in that gospel episode where Christ was asked what God’s greatest commandment is. That is to say, what God really wants us to do and ultimately to be. (cfr. Lk 10,25-37)

That’s when Christ clearly said that the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

The response of Christ clearly indicates that we ought to give everything to God out of love. In other words, it’s an all-or-nothing thing, an incredible ideal to attain but for which we actually have been given all the means. 

We just have to do our part which, of course, will take some time and some process. The important thing is that we should try to put our mind and heart into this responsibility, and no matter how things go, we should just move on. God is always understanding and patient with us, “quick to forgive, slow to anger.”

We need to realize that true love has a universal scope. It is all inclusive. We are meant to love our neighbor, who is actually anyone and everyone, including those we do not know, and those who are strangers and are even our enemies.

Let’s also remember that our love for God is expressed and is proven by our love for others. St. John in his first Letter said as much, “He who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (4,20)

In this regard, we have to see to it that we are always thinking of the others, and of how we can serve them in any way. This will prove our love for God, since love is deeds and not just sweet words.

Obviously, to pursue this ideal will always be a work in progress, requiring a lot of patience and prudence. Before anything else, it will require that we be more and more Christ-like because only then can we really have this inclusivity of charity. Let’s hope that we be game with that.

The inclusivity of charity for sure is not an anything-goes matter. The truth cannot be compromised, but we have to understand the truth not as a fixed, frozen thing that can be fully captured by our articulated doctrines, laws and principles. The truth is a living thing, as living as God himself who is precisely the absolute truth. As such, it is dynamic and wrapped many times in mysteries and spiritual and supernatural realities.

It’s not that our doctrines, laws and principles serve for nothing. They are necessary, but as a guide to the truth, and not as truth itself. They will always need to be read, understood and followed with the proper spirit that can only come from God. They need to be continually updated, deepened, and polished.

It is with these parameters that we have to approach issues like whether we should be dealing with people who are non-believers, public sinners, those in what we call are in irregular situations, and even those who are in open enmity with the Christian faith.

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

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Climate change, now a risk factor for heart disease – expert

 

By Red Mendoza, Sunday Times

October 2, 2022

CLIMATE change is now one of the cases of having cardiovascular disease, according to a leading heart expert.

This comes as the Philippine Department of Health (DoH) has joined forces with the World Health Organization and other partners to strengthen their collaboration against numerous cases of cardiovascular diseases.

In an event recently held in Taguig City, Professor Fausto Pinto, president of the World Heart Federation, said that air pollution is now emerging as one of the main causes of heart disease, which is one of the top causes of death across the globe.

"Air pollution is responsible for around seven million deaths per year, and one of the systems that air pollution that has a significant impact is the cardiovascular system, so that is one area that we are ensuring that we can tackle this global problem," Pinto said.

Pinto emphasized that there is now evidence to support the claim that air pollution and climate change can, from a physiological standpoint, affect the cells in the respiratory system that is also linked with the cardiovascular system.

He said that they are now working on developing strategies on how to reduce the impact of air pollution and climate change, noting that this link between the phenomenon and cardiovascular diseases is "worrying."

Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, director of noncommunicable diseases of the World Health Organization, said that every country in the world has the "tools and protocol-based treatment that is available for the population."

"If you provide prevention and treatment, we will be able to save millions of lives and secure prosperity for countries," Mikkelsen said.

Mikkelsen said that worldwide, less than 50 percent of all heart disease detections are not diagnosed, and 40 percent of them manage their heart disease due to the high cost of out-of-pocket spending for medicines.

Khimo, Ryssi, Kice, Ann, and Bryan share how ‘Idol PH’ made a mark in their lives

Published October 1, 2022, 8:27 AM

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

The 12 finalists of ‘Idol Philippines 2022’

Khimo Gumatay, Ryssi Avila, Kice, Ann Raniel, and Bryan Chong feel blessed to be part of the biggest talent reality show in the country, “Idol Philippines” Season 2 and shared how it changed their lives.

“Idol Philippines’ was indeed a humbling experience and also a blessing po,””Idol PH Season 2” grand winner Khimo stated.

Khimo Gumatay

He also thanked the people who pushed him in joining the competition.

“Actually po, nung una hindi po dapat ako sasali ng ‘Idol Philippines’ pero sa tulong po ng mga taong nakapaligid po sa’kin na mag-push po talaga na sumali dito. Ngayon po, I’m beyond thankful po na sumali po ako rito sa ‘Idol Philippines,'”he added.

For Ryssi, the competition allowed her to clean her name and for her talent to outshine the controversies thrown at her.

Ryssi Avila

“Nabago po ng ‘Idol’ ung buhay ko kasi sila yung nagbigay sa akin ng chance na ipakita yung talent ko sa mga tao at iyon ang tignan nila at hindi yung mga controversy na nagdaan sa buhay ko,” she said.

Kice mentioned that the show made him closer to his loved ones.

“Yung family ko from all over the world, they connected even mga family members ko na hindi ko kilala, naglalabasan lang because they watch me,” he shared.

Ann and Bryan are also grateful for the opportunity that was given to them and how the show recognized their talents.

Ann Raniel

Bryan Chong

Last Sunday (Sept. 25), the Top 5 were welcomed to the “ASAP Natin To” family as they performed with other Top 12 contestants. Currently, the originals for the Idol Philippines Top 5, namely “My Time” by Khimo, “Totoo Na ‘To” by Ryssi, “Angels” by Kice, “Sa Wakas” by Bryan Chong, “Power” by Ann Raniel, and “Ang Pinakaiibigin” by Delly Cuales, are now available on Spotify and other various music platforms.

Davao de Oro vies awards in ATOP-DOT 2022 Pearl Awards

Five entries from Davao de Oro made it to the final list of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines- Department of Tourism 2022 Pearl Awards (ATOP-DOT) Best Tourism Practices of the Philippines right after the preliminary round on September 17, 2022, at the University of Sto. Tomas.

In a letter sent by DOT to Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, the organization congratulated the provincial government for having been listed as one of the finalists for the prestigious awards. 

The following entries from DdO made it to the finals: Best Practices in Responsible Tourism-Community Based Heritage Conservation Project/Program (Including LGU Assisted Programs on Heritage Tourism Indigenous Cultural Tourism, Best Tourism Week/ Month Celebration Best Tourism Promotions Video from PLGU-DdO Tourism, and LGU Nabunturan’s Best Tourism Event-Festival, and the Most Outstanding Tourism Officer. 

Senior Tourism Officer Christine Dompor, along with Municipal Tourism Officer of Nabunturan Leah Calamaba joins the final presentation of the entries at the Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, University of Sto. Tomas yesterday, September 23, 2022.

According to ATOP, the 17th Pearl Awards Night will be held on October 27, 2022 during the 23rd ATOP National Convention in Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City, Cavite.

Meanwhile, DdO’s Technical Working Group and Management Board of Davao de Oro Farm with Acting Provincial Administrator Fatima Montejo visited the province of  Misamis Oriental for a learning visit and exploration of possible potentials for agri-tourism in DdO.

The group benchmarked various agri-processing centers: MisOr Agri Development Complex, Silkwork Facility of PTRI DOST, LGU-operated tourism facilities in Claveria and Gingoog, and Oolong Tea Processing Facility.

According to Dompor, the group visited various agri-processing centers to redirect priorities and improve the value chain of agriculture and agri-business management in Davao de Oro. (JA. PAO-IPRD DdO, photos by C. Dompor)

PH short of 106,000 nursing staff—DOH

by Analou de Vera, Manila Bulletin

Nurses in PPEs

The Philippines is currently facing a shortage of healthcare workers, particularly of nurses, the Department of Health (DOH) bared on Thursday, Sept. 29

“Ngayon, ang nakikita natin talagang kakulangan would be our nurses (Now, what we are seeing is that we lack nurses),” said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a press briefing.

“We have a shortage or a gap of around 106,000 para mapunuan natin yung mga facilities natin (We have a shortage or a gap of around 106,000 so that we can fill our facilities) all over the country, both public and private,” she added.

The country is also struggling with shortage of doctors, especially in far-flung areas, said Vergeire.

Aside from doctors and nurses, Vergeire also noted that the Philippines is also in need of pharmacists, radiologic technologists, medical technologists, midwives, physical therapists, and dentists.

“If you talk about shortages in healthcare workers, marami tayong shortage ngayon (we have a lot of shortages now),” she said.

Migration

Among the reasons why there is a shortage of medical workers in the Philippines would be the migration of healthcare workers, said Vergeire.

Vergeire said that the DOH wants to maintain the current deployment cap of healthcare workers. Currently, the government has set a 7,000 cap on the deployment of medical workers overseas.

“Kung kami po ang tatanungin sa Department of Health, we would like to sustain and maintain this cap na wala na pang magiincrease pa sa mga naipapadala nating mga healthcare workers natin abroad (If the DOH is to be asked, we would like to sustain and maintain this cap so that there will be no increase in the number of healthcare workers to be sent abroad),” she said.

The DOH is also coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Labor and Employment regarding possible “incentives” for healthcare workers in order “ for them not to leave the country.”

Vergeire said that they are also pushing bills in Congress that seek to improve the conditions of medical workers in the Philippines.

Plantilla positions

Vergeire also urged medical professionals to apply in the plantilla positions being offered by the DOH.

“We have around 624 plantilla positions for nurses, 1,332 midwives plantilla [positions], and we have around 63 dentists na kailangan natin (that we need),” she said.

“We are calling our nurses here in the country, midwives in the country, our dentists, and other healthcare professionals, we have vacant plantilla positions,” she said.

“Kayo po ay makipag-ugnayan lamang sa aming DOH-HR Bureau para maiproseso natin ang inyong mga papel (Just contact our DOH-HR Bureau so we can process your papers),” she furthered.

The DOH is doing several measures to encourage health workers for them “to stay and work here in our country,” said Vergeire.

“Kailangan po namin ang tulong niyo sa ngayon, para po mag continue ang operations ng bawat facility dito sa ating bansa (We need your help right now, so that the operations of every facility in our country can continue),” she appealed.

Metro Manila under moderate risk classification for Covid-19 – OCTA

by Charie Mae F. Abarca, Manila Bulletin

Amid its “slow” but “steady” rise in infections, Metro Manila remained at the moderate risk classification for Covid-19, said independent OCTA Research group on Thursday evening, Sept. 29.

(Unsplash)

The growth of Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila has slowed, but cases are still rising. This was according to OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David who noted that the seven-day positivity rate in Metro Manila has climbed from 17.5 percent on Sept. 1 to 18.9 percent on Sept. 28.

In contrast, the reproduction number or the average number of secondary infections by each infected individual, has decreased from 1.28 on Sept. 19 to 1.10 as of Sept. 26.

“The average daily attack rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) was 7.42 per day per 100k [population] as of Sept. 29. This is considered moderate,” said David in a tweet. He then added that despite the slow increase in cases, the region’s healthcare utilization rate and intensive care unit (ICU) occupancy remained low.

With the developments in these Covid-19 indicators, David tagged Metro Manila under the “moderate risk” classification of the disease.

Farmers' group warns of rice shortage in 2023

By Bella Cariaso

September 30, 2022

A FARMERS' group on Thursday warned of a possible shortage in the rice supply in 2023 amid the devastation of Super Typhoon "Karding," and the decline in the palay output due to the high cost of agriculture inputs.

In a radio interview, Federation of Free Farmers National Manager Raul Montemayor said that the damage from the super typhoon could reach P4 billion to P5 billion.

"The damage of Karding is between 5 to 10 percent of the country's rice total production. The estimate of the Department of Agriculture (DA) is about P2 billion. But this is expected to double, since it has yet to assess all the affected areas, so we're looking at around P4 to P5 billion," Montemayor said.

While the rice supply is stable until the end of 2022, the buffer stock will be depleted by 2023, he said.

"Our worry is the supply for next year, the excess from 2022 will be limited. The government needs to work double time to increase the production to lessen our dependence on rice imports, which is very expensive," Montemayor added, referring to the peso devaluation.

According to Montemayor, prior to the onslaught of Karding, the farmers were already affected by the high prices of farm inputs.

"Based on the estimate of the DA, the rice output will decline by 1 million metric tons of palay as farmers did not use enough fertilizers and pesticides because of the high cost. Others decided to limit the number of hectares they planted," he noted.

Montemayor said that the DA should immediately release the assistance to the farmers to start planting again.

He expects an increase in the retail price of imported rice between P3 to P4 per kilo amid the high dollar rate.

Half of world's birds in decline – report

Birds fly along the Canso Causeway as wind and rain from Post-Tropical Storm Fiona hit the region on September 24, 2022 in Port Hastings, Nova Scotia, Canada.Drew Angerer/Getty Images/AFP

By Agence France-Presse

September 30, 2022

ALMOST half of all bird species are in decline globally and one in eight are threatened with extinction, according to a major new report warning that human actions are driving more species to the brink and nature is "in trouble."

The four-yearly State of the World's Birds report, which provides a snapshot of the plight of species globally and more broadly a barometer for biodiversity, comes as the United Nations steers an international process to protect nature.

"One in eight bird species is threatened with extinction, and the status of the world's birds continues to deteriorate: species are moving ever faster towards extinction," said the report released this week by BirdLife International.

Using data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the report said 49 percent of bird species worldwide have declining populations, with populations falling even in species not normally rare or at risk.

Roughly 13 percent are considered threatened.

The main threats include the growth of unsustainable agriculture, logging, invasive species, over-exploitation and climate change.

Most bird populations face a combination of human-caused threats.

"The natural world is in trouble. Human actions are driving species rapidly towards extinction, undermining ecosystem functions and services vital to our own survival," the report said.

BirdLife International, which has decades of survey data, said there are now 2.9 billion fewer individual birds in North America than there were in 1970, an estimated drop of 29 percent.

The European Union has seen a net loss of around 600 million birds, roughly 18 percent since 1980.

In both cases, the losses are most acute among long-distance migrants and farmland birds.

Birdlife said many key bird preservation zones were in a poor state and called for a global push to protect and restore habitats.

In December, nations gather to finalize a treaty to halt the decline of biodiversity and set humanity on a path to "live in harmony with nature" by mid-century.

BirdLife International chief Patricia Zurita said the framework under negotiation was "the world's best and perhaps last chance to halt the loss of nature" and restore biodiversity.

"The birds and the rest of nature are depending on us. And we are depending on them," she said.

Covid hospital admissions rise

By Red Mendoza

September 30, 2022

(UPDATE) THIRTEEN of the 17 local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region or Metro Manila continue to see higher Covid-19 cases and some have registered increased hospitalization rates, the Department of Health (DoH) said on Thursday.

The continuing rise in cases prompted the department to again prepare for the mobilization of the One Hospital Command Center.

Only the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela were not considered as moderate risk, acting Health secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during a briefing Thursday.

Tagged as moderate risk are the cities of Manila, Quezon, Marikina, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pasay, Parañaque, Taguig, Las Pinas, San Juan and Muntinlupa, and the town of Pateros.

Vergeire said the national daily average of 2,334 cases from September 22 to 28 is 7 percent higher than the previous week.

Covid-19 hospital admissions are also up in Pasig, Muntinlupa, Malabon, Makati, Navotas and Caloocan.

Vergeire said that despite the increase in admissions, overall bed utilization in Metro Manila remained below 70 percent.

Because the increase is more than 50 percent, the DoH has begun to monitor the situation, Vergeire said.

She said she has met with the DoH Metro Manila Center for Health Development, the LGUs and the different hospitals in the region to prepare the National Patient Navigation and Referral Center (One Hospital Command Center) for possible patient transfers, especially those with mild and asymptomatic symptoms.

Vergeire said there is no need to open additional quarantine and isolation facilities because there are enough quarantine and isolation centers to handle the new cases.

The rise in cases in the region was expected, and should not be blamed solely on the easing of the mask mandate, she said. Also coming into play are increased mobility, the presence of more infectious variants, and waning immunity.

"We all need to change our mindset, and we all need to remember that the virus will continue to stay with us, we will have to live with the virus," Vergeire said.

She added that if hospital admissions continue to rise and the number of severe and critical cases reaches more than 50 to 60 percent, the DoH will recommend bringing back the mandatory wearing of masks outdoors.

UP to allow 100% face-to-face classes for 2nd Sem AY 2022-2023

By Kaithreen Cruz

THE University of the Philippines (UP) will allow the conduct of 100 percent in-person classes "in all its undergraduate courses" in the second semester of academic year 2022-2023, the UP Media and Public Relations Office announced on Thursday.

"This is complementary to the university's adoption of hybrid and blended learning to equip students for the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and achieve educational resilience in a volatile and rapidly changing world," it explained.

The announcement came after Senator Pilar Juliana "Pia" Cayetano questioned five state universities and colleges (SUCs), including UP, for not fully implementing in-person classes.

UP clarified in the same post that "100 percent face-to-face classes for laboratory, studio, and practicum courses, among others, and all courses" in some of its constituent units for the first semester of the current academic year.