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“Whoever eats this bread will live forever”

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AS we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we are reminded that Christ has given us everything for us to be what God wants us to be. Christ is the living bread, and he offers it to us freely and abundantly. He offers us all the means so we can handle all the conditions and situations of our life here on earth, both the good ones and the bad ones, properly, i.e., in a way that would lead us to our eternal life.

We need to enliven our belief that in Christ we have everything, we have what is truly and ultimately needed by us. Many of our needs are passing, are of a temporal nature. It is Christ who we truly and ultimately need.

And he gives himself to us so completely as to make himself bread to be eaten by us. Although he is like air since we cannot truly live without him, he compares and makes himself bread, because unlike air, he as bread has to be deliberately sought.
This duty of seeking him is what we have to be more aware of. In the Gospel itself, we hear our Lord saying, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Mt 6,33)

We have to learn to subordinate our earthly and temporal concerns and plans to the task of seeking Christ. We have to be wary of being influenced mainly if not solely by the standards of practicality, convenience and other worldly values. That’s our problem. God is often left behind in the play of our competing interests.

As our Lord said: “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?” (Mt 16,26) We should not lose the spiritual and supernatural character of our life, and do everything to keep ourselves from being dominated by a purely worldly and temporal outlook in life.

We need to seek Christ and be close to him always. This intimacy is what we have to build up and maintain. Thus, we have to learn to make seeking Christ a permanent attitude and disposition in our life. Whatever we may be doing, whatever situation we may find ourselves in, let us always seek Christ.

Our Lord himself tells us to seek him with insistence. “Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you…” (Lk 11,9) We have to understand that to lead a truly upright and moral life, we need to be existentially close with Christ.
And Christ is actually very close to us. He is actually very accessible to us. He does not play hard to get. He is at the very core of our being, because he is the main cause of our existence. Besides, his overpowering love for us is what makes him truly close to us. It’s us rather who tend to ignore him.

We have to understand that our moral life does not depend so much on our knowledge of moral principles as on our living relationship with God. It’s this intimate relationship with God that would effectively guide us as to how to think, speak and act. It’s this relationship that would enable us to live charity all the time in spite of difficulties.

This intimacy is attained when we develop this Eucharistic mind frame, that abiding belief based on Christ’s teaching, that in the Eucharist we have the real presence of Christ and, in fact, the very bread of life, the bread that gives us the true, ultimate life, and not just biological, physical and material life.

The Positivity effect

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The pessimist finds difficulty in every situation.
The optimist finds an opportunity in every difficulty.

Social media had been a vital partner for most of us. It put forward our message, aspirations and feelings so to speak. Similarly, social media had been very quick to judge on people’s intentions , reactions and even it goes beyond by making interpretations that are clearly gathered from a wide latitude of data either positive or negative highlighted to a spin and packaged to forward a censure or an appreciation, depending on the slant the web focused on, it can be a negative thing or a positive one.

The pessimist finds difficulty in every situation. The optimist finds an opportunity in every difficulty. These quote is an overly used line attributed to Winston Churchill and many more. I tell you the web or the net can be either of the two.

Today, while reading a reply of a congratulatory comment I made when our School Organ won 2nd Runner Up in the Kultura Sinirangan Depratment of Tourism Video Infomercial Contest, I was able to come across this
Thank you very much, sir Clemelle! Salamat san imo unwavering support sir, encouragements, and for always showing us the bright side in everything, more than enough to keep us fighting They have won Php. 50,000 price money from a measly Php. 5,000 budget.

The bright side in everything made my day, it was a thing that was spawned from the simple encouraging we do and the rather small amount of money we contribute to a cause that is both institutional and community focused effort.

We sometimes forgot the power of positivism in the efforts that we do.

There is one phenomena that I want to share its called the Positivity Effect. This psychological phenomenon suggests that positive emotions enhance self-perception, self-esteem, and performance. It creates a virtuous circle where positivity reinforces positive thoughts and emotions. Psychologist call this as the Cognitive Flexibility: Positive emotions enhance cognitive flexibility, allowing us to adapt to changing circumstances. This flexibility aids problem-solving and creativity.

Thus, based on Real Science Positivity clearly helps in enhancing performance and thus, creating good results. This is proven every single day, every time!

Top NPA leader killed in Leyte clash; Army urges rebels to surrender

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CATBALOGAN CITY – A top-ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) and two of his comrades were killed in an encounter with government troops in the hinterlands of Barangay Cogon, Carigara, Leyte, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

The fatalities were identified as Juanito Sellesa Jr., alias Tibor, an executive member of Island Committee (IC) LEVOX of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC); Eugene Paclita, alias Dimple, squad leader of Squad 2; and Lito Delante, alias Dodong, a member of the same unit.

Troops from the 93rd Infantry Battalion(IB) engaged the rebel group in a firefight as part of a focused military operation in the area.

According to authorities, Tibor was the primary suspect in the killing of Jesus Sarcilla of Barangay Binibihan, Carigara, on December 7, 2021, in front of the victim’s own child.
Criminal and human rights violation cases were filed against Sellesa, including one for violating International Humanitarian Law currently pending at Branch 48 of the Regional Prosecution Office 8, under the Commission on Human Rights Regional Office.

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the successful operation led by Lt. Col. Charlie Saclot, commander of the 93IB.

“Ang pagkaka-neutralize sa tatlong ito, lalo na kay alias Tibor, ay nagsilbing hustisya para sa pamilya ni Jesus Sarcilla na walang awang pinatay sa harap ng kanyang anak. Panandalian man niyang natakasan ang batas, ito rin ang naghatid sa kanya sa kanyang huling hantungan,” said Vestuir.

He urged remaining insurgents to surrender before the military’s deadline at the end of the month.

“Our ultimatum for them to abandon the armed struggle is still in effect until the end of the month. We urge them to seize this opportunity to reunite with their families and avail themselves of government programs. Otherwise, they must be prepared to suffer the same fate as their comrades in Carigara,” Vestuir warned.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, said the success of the operation was the result of intensified civil-military coordination. He also condemned the NPA’s continued recruitment in Eastern Visayas.

“This is an outright violation of humanity and justice. They prey on the vulnerable, manipulate the people, and undermine the government’s peace and development efforts,” he said.

Orio called on communities to remain vigilant and reject any NPA presence.
“There is no honor in deceiving the people with false promises. As Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, I will not allow these insurgents to steal the opportunity of building a progressive Eastern Visayas,” he said.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA/ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

Acidre backs balikbayan box reforms: “A victory for every OFW family”

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Chairperson of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs and TINGOG Party-list Representative Jude Acidre joins key government officials during the ceremonial signing of the Joint Administrative Order on Balikbayan Boxes held at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City. From left to right: OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Department of Finance Undersecretary Charlito Martin Mendoza, TINGOG Party-list Jude Acidre, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Director Atty. Regino Mallari Jr., and Bureau of Customs Deputy Commissioner Atty. Vener Baquiran. Photo courtesy of TINGOG Party-list.
Chairperson of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs and TINGOG Party-list Representative Jude Acidre joins key government officials during the ceremonial signing of the Joint Administrative Order on Balikbayan Boxes held at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City. From left to right: OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Department of Finance Undersecretary Charlito Martin Mendoza, TINGOG Party-list Jude Acidre, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Director Atty. Regino Mallari Jr., and Bureau of Customs Deputy Commissioner Atty. Vener Baquiran.
Photo courtesy of TINGOG Party-list.

TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Representative and House Overseas Workers Affairs committee chair Jude Acidre hailed the signing of a landmark Joint Administrative Order (JAO) on balikbayan boxes, calling it “a victory for every OFW family.”

Speaking during the flag ceremony at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Central Office in Mandaluyong City on Monday, June 16, Acidre said, “Today, we will witness the signing of a Joint Administrative Order that will fix long-standing regulatory issues and restore the dignity of a tradition that means so much to Filipino families.”

The JAO, signed by key agencies including the Departments of Finance, Trade, Transportation, and Migrant Workers, the Bureau of Customs, and others, aims to strengthen regulation of sea cargo forwarders, eliminate abusive practices, and ensure safe and timely delivery of balikbayan boxes.

Acidre, who pushed for the reform following complaints from OFWs, stressed: “Behind every remittance is a longing. Behind every tear is a strength the world doesn’t always recognize.”

Reflecting on his 13 months as committee chair, Acidre said his work was grounded in listening to the experiences of overseas Filipinos. “This has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding roles I’ve ever been entrusted with in Congress,” he said.

Among his key initiatives were a harmonized reintegration policy under the proposed Bagong Balikbayan Act; micro-credentialing of OFW skills via the ETEEAP; access to distance learning for OFWs; anti-ambulance chasing provisions in the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers; development of an OFW pension system; establishment of an OFW Global Center in Hong Kong; a digital one-stop shop for government services; and rehabilitation of the National Maritime Polytechnic.

He also cited three major laws under his leadership: the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, the OFW Remittance Protection Act, and the Financial Literacy for OFWs Act.

Acidre thanked Speaker Martin Romualdez for his trust and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac for his partnership. “This isn’t just my legislative work. This is now my personal commitment,” he said.

“Because at the heart of every policy, every law, every reform—we must remember that our OFWs are not just workers. They are people. They are family.”

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

Number of constructions in Eastern Visayas posts 9.3% increase in the 1st quarter of 2025(preliminary data)

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TACLOBAN CITY– The region’s total number of constructions increased by 9.3 percent, from 1,392 constructions recorded in the 1st quarter of 2024 to 1,522 constructions in the 1st quarter of 2025.

The regional increase was brought about more than two-fold (247.6%) by the combined number of additions/alterations and repair buildings, from 42 constructions in the 1st quarter of 2024 to 146 constructions in the 1st quarter of 2025.

The number of residential buildings also went up by 3.7 percent, from 831 constructions in the 1st quarter of 2024 to 862 constructions in the 1st quarter of 2025. On the other hand, the number of non-residential buildings decreased by 1.0 percent, recording 514 constructions in the 1st quarter of 2025 from 519 constructions in the 1st quarter of 2024.
In the 1st quarter of 2025, the number of residential buildings comprised 56.6 percent of the total constructions in the region, while non-residential buildings and additions/alterations and repairs accounted for 33.8 percent and 9.6 percent, respectively.
The total value of constructions in the region increased to P4.5 billion in the 1st quarter of 2025 from P 3.8 billion in the 1st quarter of 2024.

This spike was attributed to the nearly six-fold (596.1%) surge in the value of construction for additions/alterations and repairs from P0.07 billion in the 1st quarter of 2024 to P0.5 billion in the 1st quarter of 2025. The total value of non-residential buildings increased by 23.9 percent, from P2.2 billion in the 1st quarter of 2024 to P 2.7 billion in the 1st quarter of 2025. On the other hand, the total value of residential building constructions declined by 11.1 percent, from P1.5 billion in the 1st quarter of 2024 to P1.3 billion in the 1st quarter of 2025.

In terms of share to total value of construction, non-residential buildings’ value of construction comprised the bulk at 60.5 percent. The value of construction of residential buildings contributed 29.3 percent, while additions/alterations and repairs accounted for 10.2 percent of the region’s total value of constructions in the 1st quarter of 2025.

Average cost of construction per square meter was estimated at P11,109 for residential buildings and P10,993 for non-residential buildings.
Data were based on the results of construction statistics from approved building permits. (PR)

Girl, 6, allegedly raped, found dead in Burauen, Leyte

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ORMOC CITY– The body of a six-year old girl was found dead in an abandoned house and was suspected to have been raped.

The tragic incident was reported on the evening of June 17, 2025, in Barangay Cansiboy, Burauen, Leyte.

The victim was identified as a local resident of the barangay. The suspect, known by the alias “Amiel,” a 50-year-old married farm laborer, and the witness, “Risa,” a 43-year-old mute woman and the victim’s aunt, are also residents of the same barangay.

According to police, at around 11:20 pm, a certain alias “Videl” personally reported the incident at the Burauen Municipal Police Station (MPS), stating that a possible homicide had occurred in their community.

Responding to the report, personnel from Burauen MPS immediately proceeded to Barangay Cansiboy to investigate.

Upon arrival, they were approached by a visibly distressed witness who communicated via sign language. She pointed to the suspect and narrated that she saw him allegedly seize the child and bring her into an abandoned house nearby. She further described how he used torn pieces of the victim’s clothing to gag her.

Initial police investigation revealed that at approximately 7 pm, the victim was at home having dinner with her grandmother, cousin, and aunt. After the meal, the child’s grandmother—who is a barangay tanod—left for duty at the nearby outpost. When she returned around 9 pm, the victim was no longer in the house, prompting the family to launch a search.

During the search, the suspect, who had joined the search efforts, suddenly went to an abandoned house near the family’s residence and shouted that the child was inside. When asked how he saw the victim in the dark, he claimed she was visible due to a light.
The child’s grandmother recounted that upon retrieving her granddaughter, she noticed bleeding from the child’s private parts.

The victim was immediately rushed to Burauen District Hospital aboard a barangay rescue vehicle but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

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