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Loving God first and always

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FR. ROY CIMAGALA
FR. ROY CIMAGALA

IN that part of the gospel where Christ talks about making war in order to have peace and about considering those who love father and mother more than him as not worthy of him (cfr. Mt 10,34-11,1), we are actually reminded that we really have to love God first and always if we want to love everybody and everything else properly.

God is a God of love. That is his very nature which he wants to share with us since we are his image and likeness, sharers of his life and nature. But given our wounded human nature, there is now some need for making war, for doing some struggle, if we want to love properly or to share the very nature of the love of God.

That is why when Christ was asked what the greatest commandment of God was, he unhesitatingly said that it is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Mt 22,37) It is this giving our all to God that comprises what true love is. And so doing, we actually receive from God a lot more than what we give him.
Of course, we need to have a strong faith to believe in this truth about what true love is. We have to be wary of our tendency to rely more on our own human estimation of things that only give us a narrow, superficial if not erroneous view of things.

Thus, we need to discipline ourselves, or using the words of Christ, we need to enter by the narrow gate. Given our wounded and sinful condition here on earth, Christ suggests that we choose to enter by the narrow gate. (cfr. Lk 13,22-30) That’s simply because we are very prone to get spoiled by the good things in the world and to develop undue attachments that detach us from God who is our everything in life.

Entering by the narrow gate also corrects our tendency to be presumptuous of God’s mercy without giving due consideration to divine justice and retribution. That’s why, Christ also told us that to follow him, we ought to deny ourselves and carry the cross. (cfr. Mt 16,24)
It does this even while it also helps us from avoiding falling into the opposite predicament, which is despair. In other words, it helps us develop a true, correct and delicate conscience, not a lax nor a scrupulous one.

We should make some kind of working plan for us to follow this indication of Christ. This concern should be attended to with deliberate effort. We should not take it for granted, since we know we are notorious for easily falling into an easy way of life, into a happy-go-lucky kind of lifestyle.

In short, this indication is not meant for us to be a killjoy. It certainly does not prevent us from enjoying the things of this world, as long as we know how to convert the things of this world into a pathway to God, a form of prayer, a way to engage with God in an abiding way.
Thus, we have to be wary of our tendency to be completely taken over by worldly values, like practicality, profitability and the like, which while legitimate can be inimical to us if not inspired by love for God and for others, that is, when they are pursued simply for self-serving interest. We have to be most wary of the new developments in technology, etc., which can easily intoxicate us and take us away from God.

MGen moves targets green energy capacity

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Dr. Paciente Cordero
Dr. Paciente Cordero

The power generation arm of Manila Electric Co., (Meralco) called Meralco Power Gen Corp. (MGen), gears up to develop larger renewable energy (R E) projects toward achieving its target green energy capacity thrust.

In a statement released from MGen it said “we expect some major expansion projects in the next six months to a year and these will not be the 50 to60 megawatts (MW), but bigger projects.” Accordingly, MGen will consider to commission this month a new solar project in Rizal that will expand the operational renewable energy capacity to 200 MW, from its present 75-MWac solar plant in Baras, Rizal being developed through PH Renewables Inc., a joint venture with Mitsui’s local unit MitRenewables Philippines.

In collaboration with MGen Renewable Energy Inc., MGen is building a 1,500 MW of renewable energy projects within five years time, initially locally for the Philippines and look for other opportunities in Southeast Asian countries.

Incidentally, as early as 2021, MGen had already ventured towards a balanced and low carbon energy mix through the opening of BulacanSol’s 55-MW solar plant in San Miguel, Bulacan.

MY COMMENT:
Each time that I read about the number of local companies and foreign investors geared at tapping the country’s rich renewable resources, viz, wind, solar, and hydro, I say to myself that once the Philippines is able to conquer its energy security problem, only then can we say that its economy and standard of living are on the road to recovery.

I am still inviting renewable energy investors to visit central Philippines – the Visayan Regions 6, 7, and 8 and tap their solar, wind and hydro resources for their R E potentials.
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Rains

AL ELLEMA
AL ELLEMA

Coping with climate change is a tough challenge as even the weather bureau could not accurately predict weather changes. The abrupt changes in weather conditions are keeping people sick in catching with such unpredictable weather changes.

A sunny morning is not an assurance of a sunny afternoon or evening. People on the go are often caught under the rain after travelling under the scorching sun, downing a healthy condition into a sudden illness.

This results in going into an unexpected rest from work and a loss of income to feed the family. In many instances, people are forced to cancel travels to work for a living. This happens most in people whose main means of public transportation are seacraft that are banned by authorities even with a mere gale warning that is true on paper but not in reality. The vessels that are equipped with safety lifejackets and lifeboats are barred from sailing even in the calmest sea condition.

Above all, rains cause floods, inundation and landslides. The best preemptive measure that government could do is issue warnings for people to evacuate to safer grounds. It also allows procurement of food and relief goods to ensure that people are provided with food in case of disaster.

But rains are blessings that water the plants that bear fruits for man’s sustenance. The farmer is happy everytime it rains as long as it does not cause floods and erosions. By and large, it is God’s gift that mankind abused to cause man’s own perdition. Let rains be blessing as we manage to contain such grace from becoming disastrous floods. Be happy and that when it rains.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

Globe simplifies SIM registration for fully-verified GCash users

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Globe has made it easier and more convenient for fully-verified GCash users to register their SIMs before the July 25 deadline.

With a simple text, Globe subscribers who are also GCash users can quickly register their SIMs in compliance with Republic Act (RA) 11934 or the SIM Registration Act. Those who complete registration will also get 1GB of free data.

“We’ve always believed in the power of technology to streamline processes and enhance customer experience. By providing a quick and simple way for our users to register their SIMs, we’re bolstering consumer security and ensuring that their connectivity services will remain uninterrupted,” said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO.

Under this new registration protocol, selected Globe subscribers will receive a notification inviting them to register their SIMs by texting “GCASH”, followed by their birthday in “mmddyy” format, to 8080. For example, a user born on May 22, 1983, shall text “GCASH 052283.” This mode of registration will be operational until July 19, 2023.

By opting to register via this route, subscribers can request GCash to send their account details to Globe. They also certify that all details earlier submitted to GCash, including their full name, birthday, sex, address, and IDs, are accurate. This showcases how Globe and GCash are working together to empower their customers and give them the ability to conveniently exercise their right to data portability under the Data Privacy Act.

Once Globe receives and validates the information provided, customers will receive an acknowledgment text message within a few days.

The text method is the second mode of SIM registration via GCash. Earlier, Globe and GCash rolled out a registration protocol where GCash users can register their SIMs via the app. There, fully-verified users will encounter a prompt to facilitate their SIM registration. They will also receive free 1GB data upon completion.

SIM registration is mandated by the Philippine government under Republic Act 11934, enacted in December 2022, to combat the proliferation of cybercrime, including scams and other forms of fraud. By registering their SIMs, mobile phone users can protect themselves against cybercrime and help ensure that their SIMs are not used for illegal activities.

With the deadline for SIM registration fast approaching, Globe is encouraging its fully-verified GCash users to take advantage of the easy registration process available through text message and the GCash app. Non-compliance may lead to SIM deactivation and potential disruption of mobile services.

Globe has several platforms available for SIM registration. Globe customers, including GCash users with unverified GCash accounts, may use the GlobeOne app or the Globe microsite at https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg to register their SIMs. In-person assistance remains available at Globe Stores and EasyHubs across the nation. (PR)

Pres. Marcos extends assistance to N.Samar farmers, fisherfolks

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CATARMAN, Northern Samar — President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. distributed assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in this province on Friday(July 14), before leading in the inauguration of the Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) project.

The provincial government also received P10.2 million worth of abaca seedlings from the Department of Agriculture.

The President emphasized the importance of agriculture, which he promised to support in terms of production and income for local farmers.

He also reiterated his desire to bring down the price of basic goods like rice and services as one of his priorities.

One of Marcos’ plans to achieve this is through the Kadiwa Program, in which agricultural products produced by farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives and associations and community-based organizations are brought by the government directly to consumers through strategically located Kadiwa stores at lower prices compared to the regular markets or stores.

The COVID-19 experience, he said, should be a learning experience for Filipinos to focus more on local food production.

“When the pandemic hit, everything closed. We became dependent on imported rice. We must not have a repeat of what happened. We need to prepare,” the President, who is also the Department of Agriculture Secretary, said.

The President arrived around 10:30 a.m. in Catarman, along with Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan.

Rep. Paul Daza, Vice Gov. Clarence Dato, Catarman Mayor Francisco Aurelio Rosales III, and other local officials welcomed Mr. Marcos.

The President was immediately led to the provincial capitol grounds for the ceremonial turnover of P2.6 million worth of tractors, P863,111 worth of multi-cultivators, and a pump irrigation system amounting to P384,000 to farmers and fisherfolk associations in the province.

He then proceeded to the provincial capitol gym which was filled with farmers, fisherfolk, indigents, and other beneficiaries waiting to receive their financial assistance from different programs of national government agencies.
(RACHEL V. ARNAIZ)

Rep. Libanan, Gov. Tan led the groundbreaking of the Maydolong-Basey road project

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Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan, 4Ps party-list representative, and Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan led in the groundbreaking of the Maydolong(Eastern Samar)- Basey(Samar) road project on Sunday(July 16). The road project, connecting the two provinces, is projected to help the development of areas where the road traverses. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan, 4Ps party-list representative, and Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan led in the groundbreaking of the Maydolong(Eastern Samar)- Basey(Samar) road project on Sunday(July 16). The road project, connecting the two provinces, is projected to help the development of areas where the road traverses. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

BASEY, Samar – Travel from Borongan City to Tacloban City will now be fast and easier with the Maydolong (Eastern Samar)-Basey (Samar) road project formally inaugurated.

On Saturday (July 15), Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list led the groundbreaking of the project in the Maydolong side while Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan spearheaded the opening of the Basey road section the following day, Sunday (July 16).
The Maydolong side starts in Barangay Del Pilar while the Basey section starts in sitio Campo 10 of Brgy. Guirang.

“This road is an advantage to Eastern Samar residents because six to eight municipalities will benefit from this shortening of travel time from 4 hours to about 2 hours,” Gov.Tan said.

Currently, travelers from Eastern Samar have two road options when going to Tacloban City. The first is thru the Buray-Taft road and the second is the Borongan-Quinapondan-Lawaan-Marabut-Basey road.

It will take four hours before a traveler reaches Tacloban if they use these two roads.
These roads will also ease the accessibility problem during heavy rainfall when the Buray-Taft road is closed to traffic due to flooding and landslide along the Taft side of the national road.

“This will also benefit economically the people living in communities along the area helping them to improve their condition,” Gov. Tan added.

The Maydolong-Basey road on the Samar side passes through Wespal, where two of the top tourist destinations in Basey town are located. These are the jump-off area to Sohoton Cave and to the entrance to one of the famous waterfalls in the municipality, the Balantak Falls.

Basey Mayor Luz Ponferrada agrees with Gov. Tan adding that aside from communities that will economically benefit the project, the road will strengthen connectivity and inclusivity, and promote public safety and welfare.

“Our residents who are residing in their area will now have access to the services that they well deserve,” she said.

Rep. Libanan, in his message, stressed the importance of a road network for Samar Island to further strengthen and hasten development.

“We are the third largest island but we lack of road network. If this road is completed, this will be the third to cross the two provinces that is why I am thankful that this is now happening because constructing a project like this is not that easy,” he said.

He added that the road will be the island’s trailblazer to progress and development and will going to be the legacy of present leaders will left behind to future generations.

“This road will help the two provinces in trading, sharing of culture, and tourism industry,” Libanan said.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

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