Ha siyahan, waray mo la asiha adto nga ngidlis han ginbibina-id nga sundang ha iyo bairan, labi na nga naiipit an wala mo nga talinga ha ulonan, ngan duro pa an imo katurogon. Pero paghiram mo nga waray ha imo sapit an asawa, bumuhat ka tikang han katri nga iyo higdaan, daw hubog nga nalakat, para maniparaw kon nagsinga-in ini.
“Nag-iinano ka?” pakiana mo kan Carlos, an imo asawa, nga nakadto ha kusina. Nakaob ini ha atubangan han bato nga bairan ngan nagbibina-id han iya hilaba nga sundang, nasisiwakan han lampara nga dinagkutan.
Waray bumaton an imo asawa.
Humiling ka ngadto ha gawas han iyo balay—masirum pa hin duro. Diri pa nakikita an iyo natad, an dalan tipakadto han kabablayan ha ubos, bisan pa an higtaas nga kalubi-an hirani han iyo balay. Waray ka pa ngani nababati-an nga panugaok hin manok. Hilarum pa pagkita mo an kagab-ihon; sayo pa para mag-andam hit mga trabahoon kinabuwasan.
“Kay ano ka-timprano mo bumuhat?” nagtinukdawon ka nala, nagpinangalot hin kanan namok tinukban.
Baga waray la gihap hi Carlos nabati-an. Padayon ini nga nagbina-id, an iya sundang usahay nainggat kon nakakakuha han kanan suga pawa. Danay ini naukoy kadali para hiramon an kataruman han sundang, ginkikita kon hain pa an angay bairon ha kahilab-an han tarum.
Dara han kapiraw, ngan tungod hin kawaray baton tikang han imo asawa, tumalikod ka tipabalik ha higdaan. Ikakaturog mo nala an natikang nga kasinahon.
“Waning,” sangpit han imo asawa.
Lumingi ka ha iya. “Ano?”
“Timangno-a it kabataan.”
Naupay hin tigda an imo katurogon. Waray ka anay pakayakan. Buot mo bumalik ha higdaan, pero nawarayan ka kusog paglakat. Lumaksi an putok han imo kasing-kasing. Nagupong ka kon ano an buot sidngon han asawa. Nahinumdom ka han iyo tulo ngan gudti-ay pa nga mga anak nga imo binantayan ha matag-adlaw samtang it im asawa aadto ha iyo umhanan.
“Kay mag-arano ka?” pakiana mo ha iya.
“An aton tinirok ha alkansiya, hinay-hinaya nala paggasto,” bumuhat hi Carlos tikang han pagbina-id, masamdong an nawong, paminsar hilarum.
“Kay tika-in ka ngani? Ano ‘tim problema?” nagpapakaisug ka na, dungan lingkod ha bangko, ha may bintana.
“A waray gad,” baton han im asawa.
“Waray gad! Kay ano man asya ito ‘tim mga yakan?”
Ginkuha ni Carlos an takub han sundang nga nakasandig han lasa nga bungbong, ngan hinay-hinay nga ginbalik an matarum nga binalhag ha sakob han surudlan ngan iginsang-at ini dida han raysang nga nalabaw tikang han harigi.
Ginrabnot mo an butkon han im asawa, nagpapakatangis nga nag-iisug. “Tika-in ka? Babayaan mo Kami? Kay ano, may babaye ka ano?”
Nag-usig an iyo ayam ha gawas pakabati han imo tingug. Sumubad ngan bumaton liwat an iba pa nga kaayaman didto han kabablayan ha ubos, kumo nakada an iyo balay ha igbaw han bulod, hasta nga nagdaramo na an mga usig upod na an panguwang han iba nga kaayaman; gin-disturbo an kamingaw han masirum nga kagab-ihon.
Imbis nga manmulikas hi Carlos tikang han makusog mo nga pangapot, gin-gakos ka lugod niya nga puno hin paghigugma, ngan ginharuk-harokan ka pa. “Waray gad, ikaw ngan hit aton mga anak la it akon higugmaon.”
Nangungurog ka hin tangis, nagbabakho nga daw guti nga bata samtang nakada ka han kan Carlos mga butkon. Seryuso ngan diri ini ma-intrimis o parapanguwat nga imo asawa. Ngani, talagsa la ini magyakan kay mahuyo ngan mahilumon ini hin mga problema. Salit na-alarma ka hin ti-upay han iya panyakan hito nga takna. Naabat ka nga may mabug-at nga rason kon kay-ano nga ginkikinulba ka, tikang pa dida han una nga adlaw.
“Balik na pagkaturog,” hangyo han imo asawa.
“Diri ako,” dagmit mo nga baton nga upod an isug ngan tuok. “Sumati anay ako kon mag-arano ka. Kay ano ka nagyakan hito?”
Utro nga nangusig an kaayaman, diritso nanguwang hin maglanoy.
“Kay siyempre, ma-atender gud kita niyan hit karigos ni Elisa,” rason han im asawa. “Bangin ak hipulot hit inum-inom, ikaw mabantay ‘tat mga bata.”
Nanliparo an im mga mata, pero daw na-kontento ka han iya pahayag. Salit han pagsagubayi niya ha imo tipabalik ha iyo higdaan, umalagad ka dayon. Bumalik pa gud hiya paghigda ha imo sapit. Nagpinaminsar ka anay ha iyo higdaan, pero dara nga hilarum pa an kagab-ihon, nangaturog ka pa hin maupay. Nagbunga ini hin usa nga inup.
If what we mean by Holy Week is a week of living away from all forms of wickedness and irregularities, then what we need is not just one week, but a year-long exercise of holy living, given the kind of moral standard that we have in our country today.
That’s what the Bible prescribes, anyway—holy living at all times, and not just for seven days of every year. This is too short for people to practice righteousness, though they may religiously avoid committing sins during this period. Since the Bible, being the Word of God, ought to be followed by all those who profess belief in God, then such righteous living should thus characterize the lives of our people, particularly those in authority.
Surely, it is good as futile for people to try behaving like angels for a week, but living like devils the rest of the year. What can one week of holy living do in the collective efforts at implementing reforms in all government agencies that, historically, have been contaminated with various forms of corruption and irregularities? Does it not take year-round to correct anomalies that have been rooted in society? Of course, it does, even more if possible.
Per religious observance in the Roman Catholic world, Holy Week will remain in place and will in no way extend as of late. This we do not suggest to happen literally. What we recommend is upright living, which may be equivalent to holiness, as a way of life for all, especially to those who have access to power, money, and influence, for it is they who are in the right position to impose judgment and to implement reforms of widespread magnitude. This they should observe, nor only during the lent, but throughout the year.
May this week be the beginning of those genuine transformations for the better that should take place in corruption-laden agencies. May it be a turning point of a holy year in their lifestyles and moral standing that could translate to their leadership and public service. May that holiness that God requires prove to be permanent, not just something wearable that one could put on and off when necessary.
ORMOC CITY-An elderly man who was reportedly missing was found lifeless at a weedy and bushy portion of the back of the house of a village official 2 in Barangay Baugo, Maasin City on April 2.
Maasin COP Police Lt. Col. Jayson Balbarona, identified the victim as Renato Costillas, 62, single, self-employed and a resident of the village where his cadaver was found at about 6 am at the back of the house of Dante Suganob, a village councilor.
Initial investigation revealed that said victim was last seen alive on March 31 at about 6:30 pm talking with his neighbors before he left to get home.
However, his immediate family felt worried as he was not able to return home that night prompting them to search.
On April 2, a Sunday, Suganob and village police Danilo Bug-os found the lifeless body of the victim at the exact place which is allegedly frequented by poisonous snakes.
The victim appeared to have injury at the back of his right hand which is believed to be a snake bite.
Meanwhile, the family of the victim decided that the cadaver be brought to a local funeral for the conduct of a post mortem examination. (ROBERT DEJON)
FIRST MASS ANNIVERSARY. Bishop Precioso Cantillas of Maasin Diocese urged the entire Filipino faithful to join the people of Southern Leyte in observing the First Mass celebration. The prelate made the call during the 502nd anniversary of the First Mass celebration in Limasawa town, Southern Leyte on March 31, 2023.
(Photo Courtesy)
FIRST MASS ANNIVERSARY. Bishop Precioso Cantillas of Maasin Diocese urged the entire Filipino faithful to join the people of Southern Leyte in observing the First Mass celebration. The prelate made the call during the 502nd anniversary of the First Mass celebration in Limasawa town, Southern Leyte on March 31, 2023. (Photo Courtesy)
LIMASAWA, Southern Leyte – The local government unit of this island municipality and the Diocese of Maasin marked the 502nd First Easter Sunday Mass in Asia on March 31 this year in a simple rites.
The first Easter Sunday mass that happened on this island on March 31, 1521 that paved the way for the coming of Christianity in the country.
The 502nd First Easter Mass celebration started with the procession of Sr. Santo Niño de Cebu from Maasin port to Limasawa port in Barangay Magallanes.
This was followed by a mass celebrated by Bishop Precioso Cantillas attended by about 2,500 lay ministers, pilgrims, priests, nuns, youth, government officials, and residents of the island town.
“We must remember this every year. I am thankful for your sacrifice of coming here to thank the Lord for this blessing that He gives to us, of the life that He blessed us,” Bishop Cantillas said.
He added that this historical event should not only be remembered by residents of Limasawa and of Eastern Visayas but by all Filipinos.
During the program, Mayor Melchor Petracorta expressed his gratitude to the people who continue supporting the local government in the yearly celebration of the First Easter Mass.
He also expressed his gratitude to the people and organizations that help the municipality in their continuing recovery stage from the devastation of super typhoon ‘Odette’ which hit the town last December 2021.
Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia-Fresco, whose message was read by Rodel Balierbare of the regional tourism office, she commended the Diocese of Maasin, the local government of Limasawa, and the provincial government of Leyte for keeping the memories of history, religiosity, and heritage fresh in the minds of the young to continually be etched in the consciousness of the people.
She added that Limasawa is not just a place of religious and historical importance, but also a stunning natural wonder.
“With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests, Limasawa holds a significant place in our nation’s story and I believe it has a lot to offer in tourism,” Garcia-Fresco said.
“More than its physical and historical attributes, Limasawa Island’s culture and traditions are also worth exploring, from its delicious cuisine to its colorful festivals. This place holds enormous economic potential to the island and its people if we could only learn how to innovate and properly utilize its natural attributes coupled with a certain amount of sustainable tourism entrepreneurship. This effort can create job opportunities, generate income, and improve the standard of living for the local community when done right,” she added.
Also present during the simple program were Governor Damian Mercado, Vice Gov. Rosa Emilia Mercado,Rep. Luz Mercado(1st district), Philippine Coast Guard Eastern Visayas chief Commodore Romeo Pulido Jr., Philippine National Police Regional Director B/Gen Rommel Francis Marbil, Marina Regional Director Eusebia Cadlum-Boco, and Commission on Higher Education Regional Director Maximo Aljibe.
The celebration was highlighted by the festival competition with the continents from the villages of Triana and Cabulihan bagged the first place winning P80,000, villages of Magallanes and Lugsongan in 2nd place with a cash prize of P70,000,and the villages of San Agustin and San Bernardo in 3rd place with a P60,000) cash prize.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has turned over a fishing vessel to a group of tuna fishers in Northern Samar to help them have bigger catch. Lack of fishing equipment was cited by the fishers for low catch of tuna.
(BFAR Photo)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has turned over a P39 million worth fishing vessel to the members of the Northern Samar Pacific Towns Fishermen’s Cooperative (NSPTFC).
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has turned over a fishing vessel to a group of tuna fishers in Northern Samar to help them have bigger catch. Lack of fishing equipment was cited by the fishers for low catch of tuna. (BFAR Photo)
The turnover, held last March 29 in Mapanas town, was graced by Mayors Ronn Michael Tejano of Mapanas, Florencio Batula of Palapag, and Hector Ong of Laoang; Vice Mayor Clarita Gomba of Gamay and BFAR 8 Regional Director Dr. Hannibal Chavez.
Said vessel was given through the “Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program” of BFAR which aims to capacitate fishermen through the acquisition and allocation of bigger and better-equipped fishing boats for them to fish efficiently and contribute significantly not only to the region but to the country’s annual tuna production.
Fishermen from these areas are having difficulties in catching more tuna due to their lack of fishing equipment.
NSPTFC members are residents of the Pacific towns of Mapanas, Palapag, Lapinig, Laoang, and Gamay which are within the tuna conservation management zone (TCMZ) which is rich in tuna species like tambakol/ bariles, Eastern little tuna or bonito, frigate tuna or tulingan, skipjack (gulyasan) and yellowfin tuna or ‘tambakol/bariles.
Felipe Saulon, who is the chairman of the NSPTFC, said that they are happy to receive the boat and vowed to make it not just useful but ensure the success of the program itself.
Northern Samar has almost 1,000 tuna fishers who mostly rely on traditional fishing methods when catching tuna within the Pacific Ocean, according to the data of BFAR-8.
Through this program, the bureau foresees at least a 5.4% or 180-200 MT increase in tuna production in Northern Samar being provided with the state-of-the-art steel-hulled purse fishing vessel which can store at most 5,000 kilograms of fish catch.
In 2022, the province contributed 13% of Eastern Visayas’ total fisheries production and recorded the second-highest yield of tuna production in the region.
Mayor Tejano expressed his confidence in the project saying it will open a new and promising opportunity in the towns covered and boost the tuna industry in the process.
BFAR-8 Regional Director Chavez, in his message, said that the agency fully supports the fishermen.
“(And we) believe in the ability and determination of our fishermen here, especially the Northern Samar Pacific Towns Fishermen’s Cooperative who have actively joined and continue to join our capacity-building initiatives to be ready for a new, bright, hopeful, and improved future not only themselves but also the tuna industry of Eastern Visayas,” he said.
The BFAR and the municipal governments of Mapanas, Palapag, Lapinig, Laoang, and Gamay made a pact to support the NSPTFC in their future fishing operations through capacity-building initiatives, operation and management mentorship, overall programmatic functions, periodic monitoring and evaluation and other measures necessary for the effective, sustainable and efficient implementation of this program initially launched in Eastern Visayas.
The NSPTFC is set to conduct its first fishing activity within this month beyond their municipal waters where units of fish aggregating device (FAD) from the BFAR have been previously installed. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
ORMOC CITY-A lifeless body of a newly born male fetus was found in a swamp in Catbalogan City with the local police have yet to establish the mother of the baby.
The dead fetus was discovered on March 31 at about 3:30 am in Purok 3 of Barangay Pupua, Catbalogan City, the police said.
The local police said that at about 5:20 am on that day, they received a cellular phone call from a concerned citizen informing them that there was a dead fetus found in the swamp in the said barangay.
Upon receipt of the information the local police immediately responded to the place to verify the said report and upon arrival in the area the responding team saw a lifeless body of a fetus at the shoreline.
Catbalogan police immediately coordinated with Samar provincial forensic unit for the conduct of processing crime scenes. After processing the crime scene, the recovered fetus was immediately subject to an autopsy and post-mortem examination and will be turned over to the barangay officials of the same place for their appropriate action.
The local police are now conducting a thorough investigation into the identity of the mother of the male fetus. (ROBERT DEJON)
Katitirok
Ha siyahan, waray mo la asiha adto nga ngidlis han ginbibina-id nga sundang ha iyo bairan, labi na nga naiipit an wala mo nga talinga ha ulonan, ngan duro pa an imo katurogon. Pero paghiram mo nga waray ha imo sapit an asawa, bumuhat ka tikang han katri nga iyo higdaan, daw hubog nga nalakat, para maniparaw kon nagsinga-in ini.
“Nag-iinano ka?” pakiana mo kan Carlos, an imo asawa, nga nakadto ha kusina. Nakaob ini ha atubangan han bato nga bairan ngan nagbibina-id han iya hilaba nga sundang, nasisiwakan han lampara nga dinagkutan.
Waray bumaton an imo asawa.
Humiling ka ngadto ha gawas han iyo balay—masirum pa hin duro. Diri pa nakikita an iyo natad, an dalan tipakadto han kabablayan ha ubos, bisan pa an higtaas nga kalubi-an hirani han iyo balay. Waray ka pa ngani nababati-an nga panugaok hin manok. Hilarum pa pagkita mo an kagab-ihon; sayo pa para mag-andam hit mga trabahoon kinabuwasan.
“Kay ano ka-timprano mo bumuhat?” nagtinukdawon ka nala, nagpinangalot hin kanan namok tinukban.
Baga waray la gihap hi Carlos nabati-an. Padayon ini nga nagbina-id, an iya sundang usahay nainggat kon nakakakuha han kanan suga pawa. Danay ini naukoy kadali para hiramon an kataruman han sundang, ginkikita kon hain pa an angay bairon ha kahilab-an han tarum.
Dara han kapiraw, ngan tungod hin kawaray baton tikang han imo asawa, tumalikod ka tipabalik ha higdaan. Ikakaturog mo nala an natikang nga kasinahon.
“Waning,” sangpit han imo asawa.
Lumingi ka ha iya. “Ano?”
“Timangno-a it kabataan.”
Naupay hin tigda an imo katurogon. Waray ka anay pakayakan. Buot mo bumalik ha higdaan, pero nawarayan ka kusog paglakat. Lumaksi an putok han imo kasing-kasing. Nagupong ka kon ano an buot sidngon han asawa. Nahinumdom ka han iyo tulo ngan gudti-ay pa nga mga anak nga imo binantayan ha matag-adlaw samtang it im asawa aadto ha iyo umhanan.
“Kay mag-arano ka?” pakiana mo ha iya.
“An aton tinirok ha alkansiya, hinay-hinaya nala paggasto,” bumuhat hi Carlos tikang han pagbina-id, masamdong an nawong, paminsar hilarum.
“Kay tika-in ka ngani? Ano ‘tim problema?” nagpapakaisug ka na, dungan lingkod ha bangko, ha may bintana.
“A waray gad,” baton han im asawa.
“Waray gad! Kay ano man asya ito ‘tim mga yakan?”
Ginkuha ni Carlos an takub han sundang nga nakasandig han lasa nga bungbong, ngan hinay-hinay nga ginbalik an matarum nga binalhag ha sakob han surudlan ngan iginsang-at ini dida han raysang nga nalabaw tikang han harigi.
Ginrabnot mo an butkon han im asawa, nagpapakatangis nga nag-iisug. “Tika-in ka? Babayaan mo Kami? Kay ano, may babaye ka ano?”
Nag-usig an iyo ayam ha gawas pakabati han imo tingug. Sumubad ngan bumaton liwat an iba pa nga kaayaman didto han kabablayan ha ubos, kumo nakada an iyo balay ha igbaw han bulod, hasta nga nagdaramo na an mga usig upod na an panguwang han iba nga kaayaman; gin-disturbo an kamingaw han masirum nga kagab-ihon.
Imbis nga manmulikas hi Carlos tikang han makusog mo nga pangapot, gin-gakos ka lugod niya nga puno hin paghigugma, ngan ginharuk-harokan ka pa. “Waray gad, ikaw ngan hit aton mga anak la it akon higugmaon.”
Nangungurog ka hin tangis, nagbabakho nga daw guti nga bata samtang nakada ka han kan Carlos mga butkon. Seryuso ngan diri ini ma-intrimis o parapanguwat nga imo asawa. Ngani, talagsa la ini magyakan kay mahuyo ngan mahilumon ini hin mga problema. Salit na-alarma ka hin ti-upay han iya panyakan hito nga takna. Naabat ka nga may mabug-at nga rason kon kay-ano nga ginkikinulba ka, tikang pa dida han una nga adlaw.
“Balik na pagkaturog,” hangyo han imo asawa.
“Diri ako,” dagmit mo nga baton nga upod an isug ngan tuok. “Sumati anay ako kon mag-arano ka. Kay ano ka nagyakan hito?”
Utro nga nangusig an kaayaman, diritso nanguwang hin maglanoy.
“Kay siyempre, ma-atender gud kita niyan hit karigos ni Elisa,” rason han im asawa. “Bangin ak hipulot hit inum-inom, ikaw mabantay ‘tat mga bata.”
Nanliparo an im mga mata, pero daw na-kontento ka han iya pahayag. Salit han pagsagubayi niya ha imo tipabalik ha iyo higdaan, umalagad ka dayon. Bumalik pa gud hiya paghigda ha imo sapit. Nagpinaminsar ka anay ha iyo higdaan, pero dara nga hilarum pa an kagab-ihon, nangaturog ka pa hin maupay. Nagbunga ini hin usa nga inup.
(May kadugtong)