Feb. 14-20, 2011 1

A few tstorms. Afternoon clouds. Hot.

Hottest: 95°F (Monday, June 6)Coolest:77°F (Monday, June 6)

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US USD 43.245000 EU EURO 62.246900 Japan YEN 0.530400Bahrain DINAR 114.750800

BSP as of June 1, 2011

Country Currency Phil. Peso

Copra (kg) Php 63.00Refined Sugar(kg) Php 62.00NFA Rice (kg) Php 32.00Oil (barrel) USD 114.25Gold (troy oz.) USD 1,540

DOT takes notice

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte. Kapit Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Delivery of Social Services or KALAHI-CIDSS will also find its way to 15 additional towns here in the region.

This according to a report from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Regional Office 8 thru its Director Leticia Corillo.

New beneficiaries of this poverty-reduction program are the eight towns in Leyte, namely: Abuyog, Alang-alang, Babatngon, Barugo, Burauen, Calubian, Matag-ob and Tanauan.

Included for Northern Samar are the towns of Bobon, Catarman, Lavezares and Lope de Vega.

Also, in Eastern Samar, the identified towns are Dolores, General MacArthur and Llorente.

KALAHI-CIDSS is a government program which provide primary framework for fighting poverty in the country. Accordingly, its key objective project is to assist in strengthening people’s participation in barangay (community-level) governance and to develop their capacity to design, implement, and manage development activities that reduce poverty.

Said program is largely funded by the internarional organizaion World Bank.

Present during the orientation and selection process were Director Edgar Pato, National Project Manager of the project; Millennium Challenge Corporation Development Assistance Specialist; Ms. Marivic Anonuevo, MCA-P managing Director; and World Bank Task Team Leader for KALAHI CIDSS project Ms. Malou Padua; Director Corillo. Also, First District of Leyte Board Member Roque Tiu who represented Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla; and local government executives.

June 6-122011Vol. 2No. 13P10.00

continued on page 3

by Eden Benusa-Reyes

37th National Geodetic Engineers convention hosted in Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte. More than 1,000 Geodetic Engineers all over the country have gathered here in the city for the 37th Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (GEP) convention.

According to Engr. Venerando E. Lubiano, Regional president and this year’s convention Chairman, he said the event is very important to their members in order for them to enhance their

profession, obtain additional points on their continuing professional career, and for other requirements in the renewals of their licenses.

The convention started June 2-4, 2011 at the Tacloban city Astrodome.

This year’s theme is on: Promoting Public-Private Partnership for Effective Land Governance.

15 more towns in EV to avail poverty-reduction program

Visit to Guiuan gives boost to tourism

Give respect to the Philippine FlagMore meaningful flag day celebration this year-Robredo

by Eden Benusa-Reyes

p2

INSPIRATION.A child looksat the huge poster for the commemoration of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s 150th birth year. Ph

oto

by

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PALO, Leyte. Get a calendar and close your eyes. Then with your extended finger, randomly point your finger at the calendar—whatever date your finger lands on it’d undoubtedly fall on a Philippine fiesta.

Filipinos are inherently happy people, combine it with religious fervor, and you’d get genuine love for fiestas. Each municipality, town, city and most of the time, even barangays, have their own patron saint which means when the celebrated day comes—there will be lots of food, drinks, and colorful festivities.

One of the most popular festivals held all throughout the Philippines is the Santa Cruzan which is held annually in the height of Summer in the month of May. Introduced by the Spaniards, it is now considered to be the “Queen of Filipino Festivals,” beautiful town ladies are selected to participate in this colorful pageant parade that celebrates and commemorates the search of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (Reyna Elena).

In Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City held its grandest Santa Cruzan yet: the Tacloban Grand Santa Cruzan. Different barangays with their own “reynas,” in a pageant-like competition, vying to be the best “Reyne Elena” contingent. This year’s winners are:

Reyna Elena 2011 •Ms. Cyril E. Valera (Pictured above), Brgy. 91-Abucay,

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by Edwin Tumalad

Santa Cruzan:

A Filipino Fiesta

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2 Feb. 14-20, 2011 Feb. 14-20, 2011 3Political-EconomyNews2

Registration of Leyte farmers pushed

DOT’s visit to Guiuan a big boost to tourismGUIUAN, Eastern Samar.Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Alberto Lim was in the town for a day, yet his visit had proven to be more than that.

In the words of some local businessmen and town’s folks , Sec. Lim’s recent visit seems to be what their town is needing so as to boost its tourism industry as well.

For one, Jon Dee, this newspaper’s Business Manager who is a staunch supporter of local tourism, had shared the same elation upon learning that the highest official from DOT was in their town.

For an entrepreneur and a resident in Guiuan like him, Sec. Lim’s visit had helped in validating the town’s tourism potentials, especially on its cultural, heritage, and rest and recreation sides. At present, resorts, hotels, retirement villas and recreational venues are mushrooming in Guiuan, particularly at Calicoan Island, home of the annual surfing competition in the region.

The surfing competition is held during the month of October, and it has been drawing large crowd of local and foreign adventure seekers and visitors. Also, Guiuan is being recognized for its 16th century Baroque Church.

In a report, National Museum of the Philippines considered

A Directorate Meeting also highlighted the said event.

Notable guests and speakers for the said event include Usec. Ernesto D. Adobo, CESO III, DENR-Usec. For Field Operations, Engr. Cecilio C. Reyes, National GEP President; Engr. Epifanio D.

Guiuan’s church as a “national treasure.”

On its historical side, Homonhon Island in Guiuan was believed to be the first place where Ferdinand Magellan had landed after his successful navigation around the world.

Also, during World War II, Gen. Douglas Mac Arthur was believed to have landed first in Guiaun before proceeding to Leyte to liberate the country.

Meanwhile, DOT Regional Director Karena Rosa Tiopes said that Guiuan has always been among the priority development areas of Eastern Samar and Eastern visayas.

“It has a lot of potentials, both in terms of being an investment and tourist destination. Its rich culture, history and heritage--- matched with its tourism sites, make it ideal for tourism development. “

She however said that stakeholders just need to make a concerted effort to nurture these potentials into viable economic ventures.

Also, Mayor Annaliza Kwan is reportedly pushing for the ultimate promotion of Guiuan’s various attractions and destinations through the development of its airport and other amenities for tourists. (Jack Sparrow, with reports from A. Almadro)

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte. “Pag KASAMA KA sa interbyu KASAMA KA sa benepisyo”.

So says the slogan adopted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in connection to their new program dubbed as National Farmers Registry System (NFRS).

NFRS aims to put a reliable data-base of all farmers in the country, which include: accurate information about land parcels (size, location as per title and coordinates); and accurate information on owners, farmers, tillers/tenants, leasers, other (as in titles, tax declaration, others), and current land use.

For this year, the program is set to be implemented on three pilot provinces in the country, which also include Leyte.

The other two provinces are Quezon in Luzon and Bukidnon in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Director Antonio G. Gerundio, of DA-Regional Office 8, has said that aside from the great benefits a registered farmer can get from the DA programs and projects, the database will provide the government with accurate information about the actual state of the industry, its risks and vulnerabilities, critical

46th N. Samar anniversary all set

CATARMAN, Northern Samar. All is set for the 46th Founding Anniversary of Northern Samar.

This was confirmed by Engr. Romeo M. Cardenas the Provincial Planning and Development Officer of Northern samar.

Said anniversary will be on June 19, in time with the celebration of Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday.

Engr. Cardenas said, activities for the weeklong celebration include the Search for Miss Northern Samar, boxing tournament, a variety show, jobs fair, agri -fair, family day, women’s summit and bloodletting.

Cardenas also informed that the celebration will start on June 13 and to end on the19th.

An anniversary parade will

highlight the said celebration.He said, they are expecting

the active participation and cooperation from the different national government offices, local officials, non-government organizations, academe, church and religious sectors, and other organized group in the province to make the event more colorful, lively and meaningful to every Nortehanon as well as to the visitors.

To recall, the province of Northern Samar was created by Republic Act No. 4221 which was approved by the Congress on June 19, 1965 dividing the whole island of Samar into three independent provinces namely; Northern Samar, Western Samar (subsequently renamed Samar) and Eastern Samar.(Mel Caspe with reports from PIA)

Lopez, Professor- UP-Diliman- College of Engineering; Jose P. Gatus, Chairman Emeritus-GEP Academy; Mr. Dennis Wright, President- Peregrine Development International; Atty. Eulalio C. Diaz, Administrator- Land Registration Authority; Hon. Benjamin O. Mindajao , PRC-BGE Chairman; Engr. Ralph C. Pablo

37th National from p. 1 . . .

June 6-12, 2011 June 6-12, 2011

Maasin City is “Red Orchid” Awardee for the second time

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte. The city government of Maasin bags the “Red Orchid” award for the second straight time.

In a letter from the Department of Health (DOH) sent to Mayor Maloney Samaco, inviting the city implementers to receive the “Red Orchid “ award on May 31 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria, Pasig City, Maasin City Healthy Initiatives (HCI) Team Leader Christopher Plateros bared Wednesday.

Plateros added that the city mayor himself will attend the awarding ceremony together with City Health Officer Dr. Fancilisa I. Tan and the HCI team leader himself.

Plateros said that Maasin City got the award for the strict implementation of the local Anti-Smoking ordinance based on

Republic Act 9211 or known as the the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

It was learned that awardees are chosen on the strength of their comprehensive efforts to implement a 100% Smoke-Free Environment following the World Health organization’s (WHO) “MPOWER” initiative, an acronym that denotes six proven tobacco control policies, namely: Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies; Protect people from tobacco smoke; Offer help to quit tobacco use; Warn about dangers of tobacco; Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and Raise taxes on tobacco.

The assessment held last March, 2011 by the evaluating team composed of different line agency-representatives such as

the National Center for Health Promotion and DOH based in Manila, to name a few, monitored the implementation of the anti-smoking law at some identified places.

The implementation of anti-smoking campaign was also based on DOH Administrative Order 2009-0010 regarding the comprehensive 100% smoke-free environment policy which calls on the absolute smoking ban in DOH offices, hospitals and other attached agencies and engaging all local government units to do the same in their health facilities and other public places and Civil Services Memorandum Circular 17 on the prohibition of smoking in all government agencies.

The DOH Red Orchid Awards 2011 aims to commend the 100% tobacco-free provinces, municipalities, cities, government offices, DOH Centers for Health Development and DOH hospitals. (R.G. Cadavos)

gaps in governance, and the specific investment needs of every locality.

“This (database) will give us a highly reliable basis for decision-making, particularly in policy formulation and in conducting prompt government interventions when and where these are most needed, especially during calamities,” Director Gerundio further said in a press statement.

“The database, when completed, would also enable the DA to allocate resources rationally and efficiently to generate maximum returns for the farmer-beneficiaries.”

“Thus, it is very important for every farmer to be included in this database so as to be given priority in the allocation of government resources. So, we are exhorting all farmers in Leyte to come out and register during actual registration day which will commence next month, particularly on June 1,” Gerundio stressed.

According to DA, the following requirements should be presented for registration: valid identification (ID) or birth certificate; title of the lot or if none a tax declaration or proof of titling application in the absence of the former two documents.

If no documents are available, they may submit an affidavit of ownership and other necessary documents to attest that the farmer is actually cultivating the land.

Joining the DA for this purpose are the concerned local government units (LGUs) and other locally-hired enumerators, who would “gather complete and accurate data on farmers’ socioeconomic profiles, landholdings, crops, tools, equipment, and infrastructure facilities and related assets, among others”.

Leyte covers 40 towns and 3 cities.

Accordingly, the selection and identification of pilot areas is based on a vulnerability assessment conducted by the DA to determine which areas are threatened with the biggest possible agricultural damage from calamities.

The criteria include: area devoted to agriculture (40%) and vulnerabilities (60%) that includes flooding/La Niña (20%), El Niño (20%) and landslides (20%).

Said NFRS program however is a voluntary registration system, according to DA. (Eden Benusa-Reyes)

Asst. Director- DENR-LMB; Dir. Romeo P. Versoza, Regional Technical Director-DENR Region III; Engr. Baltazar Caimoy, Head-Technical Services-DAR; Engr. Rogelio E. Olivate, Governor-GEP-Region III, and other directors and heads of departments from DAR, DENR, academe and private sectors, among others.

City mayor Alfred S. Romualdez welcomed the participants and Leyte 1st district Representative Ferdinand G. Romualdez served as Keynote speaker.

Lectures during the convention ranged from Effective Land Governance through Coastal Reforms, GEP-DENR Partnership in Land Administration, Land

Management, The Role of DAR and GEs in the Implementation of CARPer Law (RA 9700), Quantitative Analysis on Coastal Projects, LRA Computerization Program, LMB Administrative Issuances, Climate Change and Reading and Approval of the Minutes during the past GEP

continued on page 6

More meaningful f lag day celebration this year-RobredoTACLOBAN CITY. To make more meaning to the 2011 National Flag day celebration, Interior and Local Government Sec. Jesse Robredo had issued a memorandum circular to all local chief executives encouraging the display of the Philippine flag around their respective area of jurisdiction.

Memorandum Circular no. 2011-61 dated April 27, 2011, which was addressed to all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, barangay chairpersons and DILG regional directors, reminded them to conduct simple and fitting programs and the display of the

Philippine flags in every home, government buildings, schools, universities, hospitals, public places, restaurants, hotels, department stores, malls, banks, and roads from May 28 until June 12.

This is in line with this year’s 113th anniversary celebration of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) will be spearheading this year’s celebration.

Robredo also specified the activities for the Independence Day celebration to include the

simultaneous ringing of church bells, fog horns and flag raising ceremony in the morning of June 12.

Meanwhile, City Local Government and Operations Officer (CLGOO) Adoracion “Dory” Perigrino said that they in the city government are also encouraging all the people in the government and private sectors based in the city to display Philippine Flags-- up to June 30 this year.

“Tungod gudman nga triple celebration ine denhi ha syudad han Tacloban, deri-deretso

na an pamutang han aton mga bandera ha mga institusyon, government offices and vehicles, public places, hospitals, ngan ha mga business establishments sugad man ha mga kakalsadahan ha syudad kutob na han Hunyo 30,” she explained.

“Ine in mahitungod deri la kay National flag day o kun Independence day, kundi tungod liwat charter day han Tacloban an Hunyo 12 ngan Fiesta han Tacloban an Hunyo 30. Pero, only in this highly urbanized city of Tacloban la sugad hine,” Perigrino added. (Eden Benusa-Reyes)

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar. In connection with the series of activities and various programs of the 8th Infantry Division Philippine Army regarding Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP)/Bayanihan and Peace Development Team (PDT), the 34th Infantry Battalion had joined with the municipal Peace and Order Council Meeting (MPOC) in the different municipalities in Samar last May.

The meetings were conducted in the towns of Paranas, Motiong, and Gandara, in Samar.

Also attending during the series of meetings were 1LT Franchild J. Dusil of 34IB, LTC William Penafiel, Jr., Commanding officer of 34IB, together with the local chief executives, namely, Hon. Felix T. Babalcon of Paranas, Hon. Francisco Langi, of Motiong, together with the Municipal assessor Ms Acila G. Baco, and Hon. Antonieto T. Cabuenos, of Gandara.

Concerned constituents from the three respective towns also joined in the meetings.

Accordingly, the primary purpose of their meetings is to build and strengthen the relationship between the government troops and the local government units, local government agencies and the civilian residents of said areas.

Meanwhile, LTC Peñafiel expressed his appreciation to the concerned civilians who relentlessly supported the efforts of the Army to ultimately attain peace and development in the Samar. (Eric G. Tupaz)

Troops remain vigilant in Samar

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TACLOBAN CITY. Shelter is one of man’s basic need.

To provide shelter for his family has always been a top priority for every family man.

Nowhere will a family feel satisfied and dignified than when they are sheltered decently.

Aware of such aspirations, Gawad Kalinga through its founder Tony Meloto and the City Government of Tacloban partnered in the realization of providing shelter to some 16 families in Barangay 103, Palanog, this city.

The Gawad Kalinga units were made possible through the contribution of the Tacloban Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry initiated by its president Jack Uy.

The community where the recipients beneficiaries now live is now known as “I love Tacloban GK

Village”Tacloban Mayor Alfred

Romualdez and the TFCCI president turned over the units to the beneficiaries last May 26, in time for the barangay’s fiesta celebration.

Keys to the dwellings as well as certificates of occupancies were given to the respective owner beneficiaries. Groceries considered as “pasaka” were also given to the recipients.

The 16 units initially constructed will be added by 40 units or a total of 300 constructed units by year’s end. Two project sites, Brgy.103 Palanog and Brgy. Cabalawan has been chosen for the construction of 1,000 more houses in 2013.

Meanwhile, 13 units will soon be finished in, Brgy. Cabalawan, second project site of Gawad Kalinga. An additional 50 units will rise in the same project site, known now as GK Kapitbahay. (PR/PIA-8)

Gawad Kalinga constructs, distributes houses to Tacloban recipients

3

National Museum of the Philippines considered Guiuan’s church as a “national treasure.”

4 Feb. 14-20, 2011 Feb. 14-20, 2011 5Opinion Opinion

The Tiethat Binds

When is a mana man and when is

a woman a woman?Leon O. Ty Trust

Publisher

Aaron J.P. AlmadroEditor-in-Chief& Art Director

Eden Benusa-ReyesManaging Editor

J. Colima BajadoWaray/Cultural Editor

Jon Facundo DeeBusiness Manager

Michael Ty SumayodCirculation Manager

Contributing WritersMel Caspe, Eric G. Tupaz, R.G. Cadavos,

John Sumayao, Edwin Tumalad

ColumnistsMsgr. Mon Aguilos, Jenelyn Garcia,Atty. Djhoana Antoni-Clemencio

IllustratorJojo Noble

“All babies are flown from the Universe/From there they’re lifted by the hands of angels/

God gives them the stars to use as ladders.”(Excerpt from All Babies by Sinead O’Connor)

I speak with courage because I will not quote and you may seek me to take full responsibility of every intention these

words will bring you. Above all, I hope that they become seeds for us in our search for understanding and solution.

When we entered primary education we were taught the concept of family and it being the foundation of society; and, for those of us who received Catholic catechism we learned that God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. From the moment we knew we could learn, we were taught to love, obey and honor our parents; and, not to learn this was not only unspeakable but beyond conception. In the deepest recesses of ourselves, we always had known though that it was right to do such with or without us being instructed.

The tie that binds us to our parents is beyond the fact that we are products of their sperms and egg cells. It transcends the fact that our mothers carried us in their wombs for nine months. It is much more complex than them being the givers and us the takers of care and sustenance. They are not just progenitors of the future because they are unique individuals capable of anything and everything… even wanting a life with or without us. The tie that binds us leads us to expect them to be the first bearers of love. In our souls, this tie makes us want them to be our first protectors. In our hearts, this tie allows us to believe they are the heralds of trust. Nobody taught us to create this tie. We did not need to learn that we needed our parents to love and protect us and for us to trust in them. We just did.

There are children though who need to unravel this

Dear Atty. Djho, I am a transsexual (male to female). I have a foreigner boyfriend. Lately, we have been talking about getting married. I understand that under Philippine laws, marriage can be contracted only between a man and a woman. In my Certificate of Live Birth, my sex is male. Can I petition the NSO or the court for a correction of entry (particularly a change in sex from male to female) so that I can marry my foreigner boyfriend? Yours, Marie

Coming now to the question of whether one who was born a man and by the wonders of science now a woman, can

seek for the correction of entry, particularly in his sex, in his birth certificate: the answer is found in Silverio vs. Republic, GR No. 174689, promulgated on October 22, 2007. The facts of the case are analogous to the legal situation confronting our sender.

The Supreme Court, through now Chief Justice (then Associate Justice) Renato C. Corona as ponente, ruled that “NO LAW ALLOWS THE CHANGE OF ENTRY IN THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE AS TO SEX ON THE GROUND OF SEX REASSIGNMENT.”

The provisions of law pertinent the instant situation are Article 412 of the Civil Code, Rule 108 of the Rules of Court, and Republic Act 9048 which was approved as law on March 22, 2001.

Section 1 of RA 9048 provides: “No entry in a civil register shall be changed or corrected without a judicial order, except for clerical or typographical errors x x x.” On the other hand, Section 2, Number (3) of the same Act defines a clerical or typographical error as “a mistake committed in the performance of clerical work in writing, copying, transcribing or typing an entry in the civil register that is harmless and innocuous, such as misspelled name or misspelled place of birth or the like, which is visible to the eyes or obvious to the understanding, and can be corrected or changed only by reference to other existing record or records: Provided, however, That no correction must involve the change of nationality, age, status or sex of the petitioner.”

4 June 6-12, 2011 June 6-12, 2011 5

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The Silverio case stresses that “under RA 9048, a correction in the civil registry involving the change of sex is not a mere clerical or typographical error” which can be corrected administratively and summarily. “It is a substantial change for which the applicable procedure is Rule 108 of the Rules of Court” and the correction has to be done through the court via a judicial and adversarial proceeding.

The entries in the civil register that require judicial and adversarial proceeding for any change or correction sought are, as per Article 407 and 408 of the Civil Code: “acts, events and judicial decrees concerning the civil status of persons” such as “(1) births; (2) marriages; (3) deaths; x x x.” Sex reassignment is not among these acts, events or judicial decrees. It is neither recognized nor mentioned by any law, expressly or impliedy. There being no law, there is no legal basis for a correction of entry in the birth certificate on the ground of sexual reassignment.

It is worthy to note that, according to Silverio, “to correct simply means ‘to make or set aright; to remove the faults or error from’ while to change means ‘to replace something with something else of the same kind or with something that serves as a substitute.’”

“When is a man a man and when is a woman a woman?” This is how Chief Justice Corona opened the October 22, 2007 Decision. And according to said Decision, “under the Civil Register Law, a birth certificate is a historical record of the facts as they existed at the time of birth. Thus, the sex of a person is determined at birth, visually done by the birth attendant (the physician or midwife) by examining the genitals of the infant.” Therefore, if the determination of a person’s sex made at the time of his or her birth or the recording of entries is not attended by mistake or inaccuracy, the corresponding birth certificate will contain no error. Therefore, no correction is necessary. For a man is a man and a woman a woman upon birth!

So send in your questions and problems to gahumweekly@gmail.com and I’ll answer them in the following issues.

Jen Garcia

Soujourner’S muSingS

Atty. Djhoana Gene A. Antoni-Clemencio

The Law and me(againST The worLd)

tie that binds. There are some who suffer from physically abusive fathers who say in the aftermath of their violence, “Pasalamat kamo amo la ini iyo gin-aagain. Waray ini magkatunga han pangastigo han iyo lolo ha ak.” There are some who are inflicted a million paper cuts when their mothers verbally and emotionally abuse them for the sins of the fathers. Many children are in agony and helplessness over the pain that their battered mothers go through. Many children are ailed with isolation as their parents pass their responsibility of parenthood to others such as relatives, strangers, or the State. They are children who must learn to unravel the tie that binds or else they will continue needing the love and protection of parents who give such and trust parents who cannot be trusted. If they do not unravel the tie that binds, they will just become part of the vicious cycle because there will be no recognition of error thus the children when they become parents will repeat the same mistakes.

There are laws that have been legislated to protect the children such as the RA 9262 (Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act of 2004) and RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act). Their existence has made me ask three questions. Do we really need laws that could punish just to know what to do right for our children? Is the natural law of kindness not enough to rule parent-children relations? Are they effective in getting to the root of the problems?

I was a child. I am a child. I will always be a child. I have learned how to deal with the tie that binds. Just like any sojourner in the world, I met my parents by chance and they too met me by chance. I believe that there is no better rule than kindness among sojourners… one-way or two-way street, it does not matter… as long as I do what is right.

The 20th century is an epoch of global transformation. With the advent of highly modernized

technological innovations, nations and people became interconnected. This significantly caused the emergence of western-dominated economic, political, environmental and cultural conversions. Apparently, this has a great impact on a nation’s progress.

Craig Lockard, a professor in Wisconsin cited that the global linkages rooted from international trade, investment, travel, popular culture and other forms of interaction, raised a phenomenon where a society’s status became significant in other parts of the world.

This has resulted from the advances in communication, transportation and information technologies. The extensive interaction between widespread of people is a good scaffold towards development.

These views simply imply that for a society to become globally competitive, it has to establish connection with other nations.

Definitely, science and technology come into play. The need for the people to be technologically-acquainted becomes an important point to consider. Communities have to learn the complex scope of science advancements.

This necessity can be fulfilled through the strenuous process of education, which covers the utilization of the different resources around us including books.

Recently, it is sad to note that because of the promising convenience in generating information offered by technology, the value of books is neglected. It is very much disheartening that most of the teenagers are captivated by the “click and show” technique in doing their assignments and other school works while, these costly reference materials around them are left untouched, or the worst, forbidden as a garbage.

It must be noted that nothing can supersede the reliability of books if learning is desired.

From books, the great men are created; discoveries were also made and reflected; histories are evinced. Thus, the importance of these must not be overlooked, rather it must be emphasized. The youngsters must be taught and be reminded of the significance of this written endeavor for this is one of the instruments that maketh a wise man.

With this premise I’ve come to hope and wish that parents, educators and other professionals will do their vital shares to rekindle the longing and love for books within the heart and mind of this young generation.

This is not to disparage the existence of modern science, but this is to encourage the equal valuing of technology and books for indeed technology has become a product of bounded gems of knowledge represented by books. These two must therefore be employed as tools in enhancing communication, in acquiring valuable information and in achieving personal growth.

This also speaks of the significance of bringing technology and books into greater heights to strengthen communication and thereby intensify the chance of our society to be globally competitive-for these two rise as our extraordinary gizmos to toughen our linkage with other nations, which will precisely unlock the sealed door for the nation’s total progress and prosperity.

Ms. Annie Cirera, a Secondary School Teacher at Calingcaguing NHS, Barugo, Leyte.

This column is for Gahum readers’ thoughts on current events, issues or plain observations in Eastern Visayas.E-mail us at gahumweekly@gmail.com

PerSPecTiveS

Neglected GemIn A Hot Pot

Annie Cirera

Heroes everyone

Editorial

“Everyone claims to have the right reasons. But if everyone is right, who is wrong? Who

loses?”

J. Colima Bajado

TrajecTorieSThe “Buayas”of Palawan

and Leyte-Samar

I can say that I have had traversed the whole Philippine archipelago, that is the three main islands, Luzon-

Visayas-Mindanao, in my early 20’s. For different reasons, from writing stuff to a straightforward leisure, I have had been to the Ilocos’ tipmost Pagudpod, shoot in all the Visayan Islands, and wander the land of promise, Mindanao. Last week, I was privileged to visit Palawan- unwinding, supposedly.

The first and remarkable destination I took during my dayfirst of the weeklong stay was the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center- more of a crocodile farm, in Puerto Princesa City. I was taken aback to eye the displayed skeleton of the biggest-live-crocodile caught in the country, in the early 90s. Ignacio Francisco Alcina’s Historia de las e indios de Bisayas…1668 suddenly hit me talking about the crocodiles, yes, buayas, that were then unrestrainedly breathing in Loom river in Borongan, Catubig river, Pambujan, and all over the Samar and Leyte regions. This means, crocs in our region are then prevalent.

Going back to Tacloban, as rampant as the buayas are the drivers and/or porters waiting for their “prey” out/inside the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport. It has been a recurring experience from my previous (local) travels in the region that our drivers (even tricycle drivers), overcharge itinerants, especially most when they noticed ones ignorance to the existing fares of the place.

Neither defamation nor slander is intended, it has been a poignant observation that there are some of us who cannot help, really, but to ride on the coat tails of our trippers, worst, even fellow Warays. Upon claiming my two suitcases from the baggage carousel of the DZR Airport, a porter, most willingly, asked me if I need assistance. “Ta hala, kay nararambingan ak,” I replied. What a showcase of munificence a fellow Waray can offer, I uttered to myself. It was my first time to accept porter assistance.

He helped me bring my suitcases and also got me a city-proper-bound taxi. When my baggages were already set in the taxi, he was now asking me 500 pesos. Anu!? I exclaimed. I thought I heard it wrong. But yes, it was 500 pesos. I can’t believe he was asking me 500 pesos for a two medium sized suitcases! He did not even carry it, for the bags were reeled. I did, as frugal as I am, not pay him the said amount. I gave him 250 pesos instead. Fair enough, I believe.

I thought the misery ended there. But after I got off from the taxi, the driver was

asking 400 pesos for the fare. “Mapadismayo!” I exclaimed again, now coupled with a long sigh. “Mano, diri na gad la ako nakausa sakay hin taxi pakanhi”, I added. I handed him 250 pesos, the usual amount I give for fare from the airport to my place, just in the city. The moment I entered my room, I turn on the fan to cool off, unwind again(!), both my physical and spiritual faculties.

I will be making various travels in the future, certainly. And I hope I will just encounter the literal caymans, crocs, alligators and its kind like that in Palawan. I have the courage to face them. I am more anxious of meeting by any chance, this thick-skinned buayas, skin thicker that of a rhinoceros, and mouth wide-opened, ready to devour their prey.

And yes, I am in a way dismayed of our contemporary buayas in the region. Because in the 1660’s, Fr. Ignacio Alcina made a noteworthy observation that: “Y es que ningun caiman que es natural del rio, o laguna, donde esta el pueblo, hace mal a indio alguno de el.” Or as translated by Fathers Kobak and Gutierrez, “It is that of no crocodile, which is a native of the river or lake where the town is, will harm any native belonging to it.”

I would rather have those crocs of before, than these crooks of today.

6 Feb. 14-20, 2011 Feb. 14-20, 2011 7Regional News6 Art / Heritage 7

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delegates, tired from the long haul, still managed to partake of the dinner offered by the An Waray Party List. The historic Hotel Alejandro once again became the venue for the late supper. Regional Coordinator Philip Jude Acidre, in his own words, “represented the representatives” (i.e., Congressmen Florencio Noel and Benedict Neil Montejo) by extending to the delegates the messages of welcome and encouragement by the two legislators.

DAy 4: BACk TO TACLOBANThe last day of the conferences still saw the delegates tackling serious topics on church heritage. Atty. Jo Aurea Imbong, aware that the delegates were eager to take the earliest flight back home, yet presented the legal aspects of Church heritage conservation. The lady lawyer had in her hands the R.A 10066, a.k.a. the Philippine Heritage Law of 2009, and discussed how this law would be applied to the Church in the Philippines.

Her talk was followed by three brief “clinic presentations” on issues and concerns by persons actively involved in Church heritage advocacy. Chosen by the local organizers, local writer and historian Emil Justimbaste, nationally known interior designer Leo Almeria and professor and archaeologist Jobers Bersales, almost in a quick fashion, conveyed to the assembly specific cases that have had been posing as challenges and problematic issues relative to church heritage and cultural preservation.

Justimbaste’s report was on the present status of the 18th century fortification at a then-Jesuit-administered church in Hilongos, Leyte. He showed what has remained of the fortifications walls and some bastions, especially the ruin standing beside the Immaculate Conception Church, probably the older convento. Almeria, on the other hand, was ready with picture slides in his attempt

to reconstruct the history and evolution of the Sto. Niño Church of Tacloban, even as he offered suggestions for improvement in the light of principles, legislation and guidelines on cultural heritage conservation. Finally, Bersales deputed by the SVD fathers, discussed some facts about the Divine Word University Museum Foundation. He shed light on its history and development and informed the body of the SVD’s plan to restore the accessibility of the museum that was an important repository of East Visayan heritage until the university’s closure in 1995.

The convention officially ended with a pontifical mass celebrated by Bishop Julito Cortes, STD, the chairman of the CBCP Permanent Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church. After the mass, the delegates --or all that was left of them—were led to the Sto. Niño Church Rectory for the final luncheon prior to departure. This “farewell lunch” was courtesy of the priests and personnel of the said parish headed by Msgr. Alex Opiniano, and Father Gani Petilos with the abled assistance of Father Amadeo Alvero, a coordinator of the convention-related activities. As if meal-partakings were not to end.

MIND, EyE AND SOuLMuch has been said of the “mind dimension”, or the papers presented during the gathering.

To be equally acknowledged as part of the visual (and auditory) feasts were the cultural groups that performed at one time or the other during the convention. First were the Rah Rah Rousers of Palo whose choral renditions left the audience rapt and in awe. Then there were the enthralling voices of the Palo Ambassadors Choir and the head-turning performances of the Palo Ambassadors Orchestra.

The Tacloban City Band didn’t want to be outdone by delighting the “dining audience” with melodious renditions of standard hits

using a couple of wind instruments, while the UP An Balangaw wowed them by performing a repertoire of choreographed Visayan ditties and medleys. The Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company, showed to the delegates what it takes to be the cultural gem of the Leyte-Samar Region and one of the Philippines’ best performing arts group.

There certainly were activities that tended to the needs of the soul. Lauds were recited (and sometimes sung) before the start of the sessions each day. The Eucharistic celebrations saw two bishops at one time or the other, around 29 priests, and the rest of all delegates to the convention. And finally, the heart of the convention – the heritage pilgrimage when delegates-turned-pilgrims visited five of the region’s sacred and heritage-rich places.

GRATITuDEAt this point, I wish to acknowledge the major role played by the Leyte Samar Heritage Society, the organizational partner of the Archdiocese of Palo during this convention. Barely incorporated in 2010 and based in Tacloban City, the Heritage Society is composed of scholars, cultural workers, media practitioners, educators, community leaders and cultural heritage advocates actively working on the traditional and heritage culture and arts conservation of Eastern Visayas. As heads and members of the various working committees, they were there since the planning, organizing, implementing stages of this endeavour making the whole enterprise a concrete example of active lay participation. Salamat hin madamo!

Msgr. Ramon B. Aguilos, MSEM, STDMember, Palo Archdiocesan Commission for Church HeritageBOT Chairman, Leyte-Samar Heritage Society, Inc.

A Cerebral Gathering, a Visual Feast... from page 8

June 6-12, 2011 June 6-12, 2011

convention, among others.Meanwhile, City Assessor and Convention

Vice-Chairman Engr. Carlos Cordero expressed elation on the said gathering as the event had boosted the city’s economy.

Also, said the event has greatly helped his co-members based here in the region as they are spared from incurring big expenses due to the proximity of the venue aside from getting additional points for their profession which they would use in the renewal of their licenses at PRC.

Engr. Cordero, with the assistance of his fellow board of governors and the city tourism office, was also instrumental in their bid for the hosting of the said convention here in the city.

As of press time, hotels and apartelles in the city are reportedly packed with visitors coming from the said event.

The city government of Tacloban thru Mayor Alfred Romualdez was also instrumental in providing necessary assistance for the convenience, safety and success of the event.

No. 7 Most Wanted Person in Palo Arrested

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by Eric Gotico Tupaz

Camp Ruperto K Kangleon, Palo, Leyte. The Number 7 Most Wanted Person was arrested recently by elements of the Regional Intelligence Division led by SPO3 Ananias Monteroso and PO2 Renerio Dellera under the supervision of PSInsp Dinvir L Revita, Tracker Team Leader, at Brgy Baras, Palo, Leyte, according to PSSupt Elizar Patano Egloso, PRO8 Spokesperson.

Glenn Figueroa, 22 years old, single, Filipino and a resident of Sitio Bakhaw, Brgy Candahug, Palo, Leyte was the Number 7 in the List Municipal Level of Most Wanted Persons of Palo by virtue of an Alias Order of Arrest for the crime of Robbery with violence against or intimidation of person under Article 294 No5 of the Revised Penal Code, docketed under Criminal Case No. 2010-07-341 issued by Hon. Rogelio C

Season, Presiding Judge, Branch 9, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Tacloban City, Leyte dated August 03, 2010 with a corresponding bail bond fixed at 100,000.00 pesos.

Figueroa was brought to this Office for booking and further referred to the Office of Regional Trial Court Branch 9, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Tacloban City, Leyte for proper documentation and is now detained at Leyte Provincial Jail, Brgy Kauswagan, Palo, Leyte.

PSSupt Egloso said that PRO8 has intensified its manhunt operations against wanted persons in Region 8. He is encouraging the people in the community to cooperate and provide any information regarding any wanted criminals in the locality. All aspects of police work are anchored upon active community consent, trust and participation, he added.

Camp Ruperto K Kangleon, Palo, Leyte. Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership of PCSupt Arnold Rayala Revilla plans to finalize its security preparations before the 113th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence which has the theme: “WATAWAT ko, Iwawagayway Ko” on June 12, 2011. The highlights of the activity will be the simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at historical and cities and municipalities of Region 8.

Regional Director Revilla has directed all provincial directors and chiefs of police to increase police visibility and intensify checkpoint operations as well as mobile and

foot patrols in accordance with the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS).

Likewise, Regional Director Revilla has directed all Chiefs of Police to ensure the flow of traffic and to supervise traffic aides to avoid traffic vehicular congestion during the celebration.

Director Revilla further said that PRO8 Headquarters will commemorate the Philippine Independence anniversary a simple ceremony which includes a wreath laying in honor of our fallen PNP Heroes on June 12, 2011 (Sunday) in the morning at PRO8 Grandstand. This activity will be attended by all organic PNP personnel.

PRO8 Steps Up Security for Independence Day Celebration

The National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and the Northwest Samar State University, in coordination with the ASCA-NwSSU, Lamiraw Literary Arts Organization, and Katig Writers Network, Inc., proudly announce the 8th Lamiraw Regional Creative Writing Workshop (LRCWW) to be held on November 8-11, 2011 in Calbayog City, Samar.

Panelists invited in said workshop are Dr. Marjorie Evasco of De La Salle University-Manila, Prof. Merlie Alunan, Professor Emeritus of UP Tacloban, Dr. Victor Sugbo of UP Tacloban, Dr. David Genotiva of Eastern Visayas State University, Ms. Janis Claire Salvacion of National Maritime Polytechnic, Mr. Dante Rosales of Ibabao Arts Council of Calbayog, and the guest panelists Mr. Harold Mercurio of Northwest Samar State University; Mr. Voltaire Oyzon of Leyte Normal University, and Mr. Jethol Paanod of Naval State University.

Fifteen slots are open to young and adult writers who are willing to hone their craft in poetry, fiction, essay and drama. Three slots are allotted for fellows coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao areas (1 slot per area), nine slots for writers residing in Samar, Leyte and Biliran, and three slots for Inabaknon writers in Capul, Northern Samar. Applicants who have not yet attended any regional or national writers workshop are given top priority. Writers may send entries in Waray, Sebuano, Inabaknon, or English. Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao guest fellows may submit works/entries in their regional language provided that there is a translation for every work (either in Filipino or English). Likewise, the Lamiraw organizers require all writers from Eastern Visayas to provide translation of their entries in Filipino or English for the benefit of non-Region 8 fellows.

by Phil Harold Lacaba Mercurio

8th Lamiraw WorkshopCall for Submission

Interested writers may submit any of the following: 5 poems, 1 short story, 2 essays, a one-act play, or any reasonable combination of the above genres in hardcopy and on CD containing the manuscripts, its translation and the application form in MS Word format ( font size 12, Arial) and two 2x2 pictures in JPEG format. The entries and other requirements can also be submitted at lamiraw@yahoo.com. A statement from one person of authority (an established writer or a notary public) attesting to the originality of the work must also be included in the submission. The application form posted at Panitikan.com or the NCCA website can be used.

The privileges of workshop fellows include free board and lodging, and a proportionate travel allowance. Walk-in auditors will have to pay a registration fee of P3,000.00. Applications must be postmarked on or before August 30, 2011.

All entrees will not be returned to its senders and will be kept as file copy of Lamiraw Workshop, thus applicants are advised to secure a copy of their manuscripts.

Send all applications to Phil Harold L. Mercurio, Secretariat, Lamiraw Regional Creative Writing Workshop c/o Office of the Arts, Social and Cultural Affairs of NwSSU, Calbayog City, Samar, 6710. For inquiries, call at 09177982781 or email lamiraw@yahoo.com.

LEONILO D. LOPIDO is a Waray poet from Villahermosa, a barangay along the river, in the town of Dolores, Eastern Samar. He had attended workshops in the region and in one of the country’s institutionalized workshops, the Iligan National Writing Workshop (the other two is Silliman and UP). He had received awards for his works like the Dr. Jimmy Balacuit Sr. Memorial Literary Award, Pasidungog Eduardo Makabenta Sr. Para Han Siday and Chito S. Roňo Literary Award for Poetry, where these poems are part of his winning pieces. (Permission to reprint granted by Prof. Phil Harold Lacaba Mercurio, CSRLA Coordinator)

PAG-AGSA

ni Leonilo Lopido

Kada upat ka bulan

Pinaaagsahan ni Inday

Hin paglukad, an iya

Kalubian dit ha Palansa.

Hasta nga linanyog nala

An kalubian ni Inday

Waray man la may inagsa

Bis mag-ikaupat nga malon

Han nalaya nala niya nga gugma.

PAGNAWA

ni Leonilo Lopido

Ha katutnga

Hit pagninawa ko

Hinin dalan

Han kinabuhi

Usahay nakabat

Ha ak alimpatakan

Kon ano’n gamit

Han kada pagsidlit han adlaw

Ngan pagsirang han bolan

Kon di ka ginlalamragan

Mga Siday ni Leonilo Lopido

POLICE HITS

37th National from p. 3 . . .

Provincial jail personal nga panginginanoon ni gobernor han E. Samar

BORONGAN, E Samar. Personal nga mannginginano hi Eastern Samar Provincial Governor Conrado Nicart ha sitwasyon ha provincial jail aber malikayan an nahitabo nga pagpuga hin pira nga mga preso.

Amo ini an naging reaction ni Nicart ha pagpaki-anhi han local media ha iya bahin han nahitabo nga jailbreak han Mayo 8, 2011 kun diin upat nga inmates in umeskapo.

Segun kan governor nahibaro hiya han nahitabo ugaring iya personal nga kakadtuon an lugar basi makita kun ano an angay buhaton.

Segun pa ha iya waray pa gad hiton hangyo han warden nga iya gin-disapprove.

Narekupo na an tulo nga pugante, usa hini in natad-an nga patay, samtang duha pa an naarestar naman han mga tanod ha barangay Canyopay ngan Hebacong mga iraya nga barangay.

Usa pa an waray mahikit-i ngan gin-alerto na an mga barangay nga maging ikmat.

Segun naman kan Warden Sammy Afable an provincial jail in may-ada 105 nga preso nga naghuhulat pa han ira sentensya.

Natuod naman hi Afable nga kun madudugangan an ira tawo malilikyan na gud an sugad nga pagpuga hin mga preso.

Dugang pa ni Afable nakadamo na daw gad hira personal nga ginbisita ni Governor ug nag lalaom hiya nga tutumanan hini an iya hangyo hin kadugangan nga tawo. (Eric G. Tupaz)

PNP ig iimplementar an bag-o nga wage hike yana nga hunyo

PALO, Leyte. Pagsulod hit sunod nga bulan an Philippine National Police in matikang na pag implementar han bag o nga umento ha sweldo ha mga uniformed personnel siring ni, Police Region 8 Director c/supt Arnold R. Revilla.

Ginsumat ni Director Revilla nga subay han direktiba tikang kan President Benigno S. Aquino III para ha mga empleyado ha gobyerno pagpa implementar han tinatawag nga third tranche han salary increases yana nga June instead ha July.

An increase ranges tikang 11 to 21 percent kun diin an mga rookie policeman in makakarawat nah an ira monthly salary increase na abot hin P1,342.

Guin inpormar ni Police Superintendent Eleazar P. Egloso nga an kinada bulan nga base pay schedule han Police Uniformed Personnel ngan han ira monthly salary

pagtikang hit bulan hit hunyo 1 in amu it masunod:

Police Officer 1, P13,492 from P12,150. Police Officer 2, P15,359 from P13,785; Police Officer 3 to P16,986 from P15,307.

The Senior Police Officer 1 P19,685 from P17,599; Senior Police Officer 2 from PP18,873 to P21,193; Senior Police Officer 3 from P20,241 to P 22,817; Senior Police Officer 4 from P21,709 to P24,567; Inspector (Lieutenant) from P25,388 to P28,839; and Senior Inspector (Captain) from P27,190 to P31,251.

The Chief Inspector (Major) from P28,572 TO P32,942; Superintendent (Lieutenant Colonel) from P30,461 TO P35,380; Senior Superintendent (Colonel) from P32,485 TO P38,003; Chief Superintendent (Brigadier General) from

P34,655 TO P40,828; Police Director (Major General) from P36,981 TO P43,872; Deputy Director General (Lt. General) from P43,355 TO P51,283; and Director General (General, PNP Chief)from P47,500 TO P57,500.

Sumala pakan Colonel Egloso labot la han ira monthly salary, an kapulisan in nagpapakakarawat guihapon hin mga allowances.

Guinsaysay ni Director Revilla nga an pondo nga ginamit in nagtitikang han 2011 budget nga guin aprobahan han kongreso.

Kasumpay hini nga increase an PNP 8 regional director nag aghat ngadto han kapulisan nga pauru upayon pa an ira trabaho ha paghatag hin serbisyo ngadto ha katawhan alinsubay han ira tinatawag nga PNP Integrated Transformation Program.

ni John Sumayao

with P10,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate•1st runner up, Ms. Alexis Manibay, Brgy. 88-San Jose, with P7,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate.•2nd runner up, Ms. Juliane Jover, Brgy 31 Burgos Pampango, with P5,000 , trophy and certificate.•3rd runner up, Ms. Redgil Rios, Brgy. 65-Paseo de Legaspi, with P3,000 , trophy and certificate.Best Reyna Elena Costume:•Ms. Redgil Rios, Brgy. 65-Paseo de Legaspi, with P5,000 cash prize,trophy, certificate.Best Contingent Grand Santa Cruzan 2011:•1st place: Brgy. 65-Paseo de Legaspi, with P50,000 cash prize2nd place: Brgy 31 Burgos Pampango, with P30,000 cash prize•3rd place, Brgy. 91-Abucay, with P20,000 cash prizeBest float:•Brgy. 68-Anibong, with P25,000 cash prizeMost Disciplined Contingent:•Brgy 91-Abucay, with P5,000 cash prizeMost Participated Sagala:Brgy. 65-Paseo de Legaspi, with P5,000 cash prize.

With this Grand Santacruzan celebration, it only proves that we, Filipinos, are innovative and make festivals even more festive.

Fiestas from p. 1 . . .

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8 Feb. 14-20, 20118 Art/Heritage June 6-12, 2011

St. Anthony of Padua ShrineSchedule of Masses

Weekdays: 6:00 a.m.; 9:00 a.m.Saturdays: 6:00 a.m.; 9:00 a.m.; 11:00 a.m.; 6:00 p.m.Sundays: 6:00 a.m.; 9:00 a.m.; 11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

Other Services: Please call (055) 582-1161Sulangan, Guiuan, E. Samar 6809

We are the newest dig in town

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Guiuan Business CenterSan Nicolas St., Guiuan, E. Samar 6809.

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Contact 09272253389 and 055-271-2640.

**********

A Cerebral Gathering, a Visual Feast, a Heritage PilgrimageDAy 3: HERITAGE PILGRIMAGE TO SAMAR CHuRCHES IN BASEy, BALANGIGA AND GuIuANThe third day was actually a “heritage pilgrimage day,” so to speak. The tour convoy consisting of three tourist buses, a shuttle bus, a few other vehicles, and an ambulance left Tacloban around 6:20 a.m. Its destination: Guiuan, with stops in Basey and Balangiga – all Samar towns, one belonging to Western Samar (also to the Diocese of Calbayog), and two to Eastern Samar (the Diocese of Borongan). It arrived in Basey in time for breakfast scheduled at 7:15 a.m., sponsored by the Basey Municipal Government. The delegates dropped by the church where a local school teacher and a DOT municipal officer showed them the beautiful ceiling paintings. And thanks to the express permission of the parish priest, Father Andres Pacoli, a few delegates still went up the rectory which could even pass for a museum, given its antiquated structure, the folk images and icons displayed, the presence of a pre-dieu of an old altar, a heavy steel chest, the wooden flooring and the intricate carvings on the furniture sets.

Some delegates dared climbing up the belfry which was built in 1845 and where nine bells are presently installed. One small bell had the name of Fr. Antonio Sanchez and the year 1893 on it. Convention participant Dr. Rollie Borrinaga, a UP-SHS professor, volunteered the following information: “Father Sanchez compiled the second oldest Español-Bisaya

It was a gathering that challenged the mind, appealed to the eye and soothed the soul.

La Luna Beach ResortBanago, Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar

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Enjoy seafood right off the clear waters and home-cooked by the owner himself, an Italian food connoisseur.

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by Msgr. Ramon B. Aguilos, MSEM, STD

Bisaya-Español dictionary, first published in 1895 (the oldest dictionary was compiled by another Sanchez, Jesuit Fr. Mateo Sanchez, in Dagami, Leyte in 1616 and published in Manila in 1711).” Borrinaga actually climbed the belfry twice, first to take a picture of the bells, the second to accompany Prof. Regalado Trota Jose, the country’s top expert on church bells, who took notes of their specifications. “One of my purposes in climbing up,” the UP professor and historian continued, “was to verify the folk information that one of the bells at Basey belfry belonged to the church of Jaro, Leyte. The evidence was not there.”

After a tour of the Basey Church and its environs, the participants left for Balangiga, the next stop-over, around 8:30 a.m. The delegation arrived in the said town at around 9:30 a.m., and what was originally scheduled as a seven-minute stop-over at the Balangiga church, it lasted nearly an hour. At Balangiga Dr. Borrinaga became the instant tour guide of the entire contingent as he recounted the painful but heroic role that the Warays put up against American aggression during the Philippine-American War of 1899-1901.

Later, the participants were led to the Balangiga Memorial at the town plaza. There were displayed the sculptures of National Artist Napoleon Abueva depicting the Balangiga incident in 1901.

The delegation hit Guiuan at 11:45 a.m., or shortly before noon. This stage of the convention would be the most unforgettable.

Part 2 of the 7th Biennial National Convention for Church Heritage Workers and Practitioners (May 9-12, 2011)

to page 7

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In fact, it was the highlight of the entire four-day experience: a pilgrimage to one of the churches declared as a National Cultural Treasure, the Immaculate Conception Church.

Who wouldn’t be awed at the sight of the church -- an excellent example of “fortress baroque”, exuberantly carved doors, a rich interior, richly carved retablos (not just one but three!), the shell and coral mosaic swags outlining the baptistery, the buttresses, the forts, bulwarks and many more. The church did not fail to enthral and amaze the convention delegates. Msgr. Lope Robredillo, parish priest of the Guiuan church, a Scripture scholar and Church historian, gave the delegates a large but highly informative dose of Guiuan’s pride and the nation’s treasure. He eloquently described the history, architecture and interior design of the church. He established it as being a fortress church by informing the delegates the basic quadrangular layout with four bastions. He pointed out milestones in the church’s physical existence, such as the damage caused by the typhoon, and the sheer deterioration through time. Notwithstanding these and many other threats, the church has retained its magnificent beauty.

Archbishop Jesus Dosado, CM, the other speaker, offered the “heritage pilgrims” a different twist in the convention experience. He led them to a spiritual and theological safari: a discussion on the what, why and

how of pilgrimages and visitas Iglesias. The archbishop of Ozamiz, as if wearing his cap as a theology professor, offered basic elements of these journeys that had spiritual or religious motivations: from Genesis to Exodus in the Old Testament, to the Jewish and later Christian traditions of pilgrimages to Jerusalem and other sacred places, the Christian custom during the Middle Ages in Europe, as well as their contemporary versions like the one during the Jubilee Year 2000, the turn of the millennium. The good archbishop likewise proffered insights on the practice of visita iglesia as a Filipino tradition by mentioning important churches in the Philippines that have been havens of pilgrimages and spiritual gatherings. The talk ended with a note on the Beatification of the Blessed John Paul the Great on May 1 when pilgrims from every corner of the world assembled at the St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City.

The “Guiuan Experience” also meant being treated to a sumptuous lunch –an array of mouth-watering dishes and delicacies prepared by the Guiuan municipal government. Thanks, too, to Mayor Ana Liza Kwan whose welcome talk at the start of the afternoon conference offered the contingent some vignettes of the Guiuan town as an emerging tourist destination in Eastern Visayas.

Back to Tacloban at 8:30 p.m., the

Folk art at the Basey Church – one of the Stations of the Cross