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With Christ, we become invincible

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FR. ROY CIMAGALA
FR. ROY CIMAGALA

WE should have no doubt about this truth of our faith. Christ himself said, “Whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.” (Mk 8,35) There is no greater loss we can have in this life than the loss of our life. But if we lose it for Christ’s sake, we are assured of saving it. In St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, the same assurance is made. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” he said. (8,31)

It’s important that we develop this kind of confidence based on this assurance of Christ. We should feel strongly and constantly the presence and power of Christ in our mind and heart. It’s actually when we fail to feel that presence and power that we become easy target to our weaknesses and the temptations around.

Our problem is that we tend simply to rely on our own powers which are no match even to our own weaknesses, much less, to the evil spirits around. Remember St. Paul warning us: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph 6,12)

But with Christ, we can conquer everything that is not good for us. Yes, we can conquer even death, as St. Paul himself assured us: “If we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.” (Rom 6,8)

Let us work on how we can have Christ’s presence and power strongly felt in us. That is the ideal condition for us to have since we have to deal with all sorts of difficulties, challenges, trials, temptations, weaknesses, etc. in this life.

When we are tempted, it only means that we have been giving an opening to this temptation since we have failed to be with Christ. Thus, when temptations come, we should enliven Christ’s presence and power in us, perhaps by making many acts of faith and other ejaculatory prayers. That way we will feel strong and ready to face temptations, eager even to do some hand-to-hand combat with the temptations, if needed.

We need to see to it that our union with Christ should, as much as possible, be abiding, completely sealed with no opening, no matter how minuscule, that can allow our weaknesses, the sinful allurements of the world and the devil himself to enter.
Only with Christ can we be keenly aware of the many dangers that lurk within us and around us. Only with him can we immediately and strongly resist the temptations and be unaffected by our weaknesses and the sins around.

In other words, we really need how to pray always. This means we have to know how to convert everything into prayer, always relating everything to Christ—our joys and sorrow, our work and rest, our successes and defeats, etc. Yes, everything can and should be a material and occasion to pray.

We should be in constant awareness of Christ’s presence in us and around us. And our relation with him should be driven by love, by our desire to be with him and to do his will. We have to feel the need for him. In fact, he should be our greatest need, without whom we should feel completely empty. Nothing should replace or substitute for him in our mind and heart. We need him more than we need air.

 

Kalipay ngan pagbuhat hin kaupayan hatag han Salida

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CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III

Kun ha pagkita han Salida, nalilipay kita, maupay!
Kun ha pagkita han Salida Nagin mas maupay kita, mas makalilipay!

As a Waray, whose thoughts are written in English and in the most imperfect way, I dare not translate the words. For the audience, understands its own language better.
Let me talk about films and how it must inspire not just entertain.

Films that show people overcoming obstacles in life have a special ability to uplift and encourage viewers. These movies frequently feature characters that overcome impossible obstacles by being brave, resilient, and persistent. These kinds of stories are not only entertaining, but they also act as potent reminders of the human spirit’s ability to triumph against hardship. More significantly, they can inspire viewers to be kind, compassionate, and to feel a part of the community.

Filipino movies like Bituing Walang Ningning , Oro, Plata, Mata (1982) Directed by: Peque Gallaga. Peque Gallaga’s Oro, Plata,,José Rizal (1998) Directed by: Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Bayaning 3rd World (1999) Directed by: Mike de Leon,Dekada ‘70 (2002) Directed by: Chito S. Roño. Starring Vilma Santos, Anak (Vilma Santos). And lately, we have Anak (2000)Tanging Yaman (2000),Mano Po (2002), Dekada ’70 (2002) Got 2 Believe (2002), Magnifico (2003).

All These is what film buff calls maupay nga salida. Still good films must not only entertain but it must, it should give inspiration that would allow the people to emulate. It must be a sort of catalyst for good works beyond the screen.

Ultimately, movies that depict triumph over life’s odds encourage viewers to be kind and generous. They remind us that everyone faces challenges and that a little kindness can go a long way in helping others overcome their struggles. By showing the positive impact of compassion and support, these films inspire viewers to act with kindness in their daily lives. These inspire people to be doer of good and not just as a sponge absorbing depiction and illustration of good it becomes an originator of what is good, in words and in need.

Kun an salida makahatag hin inspirasyon ngan rason pagbiulig , pag upay ngan pag buhat hin mga butang nga makalilipay, mas maupay !

United States hands over P11.6 million worth of equipment to boost Cagayan’s capacity to respond to disasters

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MANILA-On September 9 and 10, the United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), handed over a mobile storage unit and mobile energy systems worth more than P11.6 million ($208,000) to boost Cagayan province’s disaster risk reduction capacity.

USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn handed over a mobile storage unit that can store 50,000 food packs to Cagayan Provincial Administrator Atty. Maria Rosario Mamba-Villaflor.
The mobile storage unit will allow the provincial government to store food and non-food items so they can rapidly deliver life-saving assistance in the immediate aftermath of disasters.

“For many years, USAID has dispatched teams to Cagayan and other provinces in Northern Luzon to support local government units in providing life-saving assistance during calamities,” said Mission Director Washburn.

“As your friend, partner, and ally, the U.S. government remains committed to strengthening our partnerships and working with the Philippine government to rebuild and restore lives following disasters.”

During the turnover, USAID also formalized a partnership with Cagayan province and the World Food Programme to strengthen Cagayan’s emergency response efforts through the Preparedness and Response Excellence in the Philippines, or PREP, project.

This project will help reduce disaster risks by improving irrigation canals, water systems, and water-harvesting facilities; set up community flood-control dikes; introduce climate-resilient crops; construct community evacuation centers; and provide cash-for-work training so communities can bounce back from natural disasters.

“People’s empowerment is at the heart of the disaster preparedness and good governance program of the governor,” said Provincial Administrator Mamba-Villaflor. “The governor extends his gratitude on behalf of the people of Cagayan.”

USAID also handed over mobile energy systems (MES) to the municipalities of Lal-Lo and Santa Ana.

The MES units will provide clean and reliable power to support relief operations and essential services in the aftermath of disasters, as well as help restart the power grid.

Because the systems are mobile, they can be deployed anywhere they are needed, particularly in remote and off-grid areas. Unlike traditional generator sets, they only require sunlight to recharge.

While in Northern Luzon, Mission Director Washburn also discussed USAID’s work to support Tuguegarao City’s solid waste management system with OIC City Administrator Juanito Calubaquib and city councilors.

He also spoke with Cagayan Vice Governor Melvin Vargas Jr. about USAID’s programs in the region and visited Santa Teresita municipality to see the Emergency Operations Center that USAID helped construct more than a decade ago.

Since 2010, the U.S. government, through USAID, has provided around P19.6 billion ($344 million) in disaster relief and recovery aid, as well as boosted the disaster risk reduction capacity of over 100 cities and municipalities in the Philippines. (PR)

P 39.90-M flood control structure project in Catarman underway

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Catarman N. Samar-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Northern Samar First District Engineering Office is currently constructing a flood mitigation structure along the Somoge River in Barangay Somoge, Catarman, Northern Samar.

The P139.90-million project, funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, involves the construction of a 308-linear meter flood control structure resting on a steel sheet pile foundation to prevent riverbank erosion. The project also features 309 linear meters of stonemasonry and 274.5 meters of Portland cement concrete pavement.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio emphasized that the project aims to address the community’s severe flooding issues.

“By implementing this project, we are taking a significant step toward mitigating flood risks, protecting lives, and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in the area,” DE Ignacio said.

Brgy. Kagawad Gemma Dasig Basierto, expressed her appreciation for the project. “Regarding the flood control along the riverside, we are very thankful. In the past, the river was far from the road, but now scouring along the riverside continues. That’s why we are grateful that there is an ongoing flood control project. One day, it will benefit future generations. Without it, Brgy. Somoge might disappear from the map.

“When Tropical Storm ‘Enteng’ recently hit, we were very thankful that the road (highway) didn’t flood, which used to be the signal for residents near the riverside to evacuate. Now, even if it rains all night, the road no longer floods, and we are deeply grateful to the government for providing us with this flood control project here in Brgy. Somoge,” she further stated.

“Tungkol diyan sa flood control sa may riverside, malaki ang aming pasalamat kasi noon malayo pa ang ilog sa kalsada, ngayon patuloy na scouring diyan sa may riverside. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami na may ginagawang proyekto na flood control diyan. Balang araw mapapakinabangan yan ng mga susunod na mga generasyon. Baka mawala sa mapa ang Brgy. Somoge. Recently ng dumating ang “Enteng” na tropical storm, malaki ang aming pasalamat na hindi na bumaha sa kalsada (Highway), yun ang palatandaan na kailangan na mg-evacuate ng mga taong nakatira malapit sa riverside. Sa ngayon, kahit magdamag ang pag-ulan, hindi na bumaha, kaya malaki ang aming pasalamat sa gobyerno na nagkaroon kami ng flood control project sa Brgy. Somoge.” she further stated.

This project seeks to enhance local resilience against flooding and improve the community’s quality of life.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

Globe partners with First Gen on renewable energy to advance Net Zero ambition

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Globe has renewed its strategic partnership with First Gen Corporation, a leading power generation company supplying renewable and clean energy in the Philippines, to further its commitment to attaining net-zero emissions by 2050.

The partnership will contribute to expanding Globe’s Renewable Energy (RE) sites through Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) under Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) and the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP).

Globe plans to increase the number of facilities powered by renewable energy from the current 29 to nearly 70 within the next two years, more than doubling its clean energy use. First Gen, a key collaborator since 2020, is one of its partners in this endeavor.

“Globe and First Gen share the same vision of a decarbonized and regenerative future where sustainability is ingrained into the organization and operations. We are pleased to continue our partnership and are committed to supporting Globe as it journeys towards greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact,” said Carlos Lorenzo Vega, Vice President for Power Marketing, Economics, and Trading of First Gen. Raymond Martin Aguilar, Globe’s Vice President for Risk and Property Management, added: “At Globe, sustainability and risk management are core strategies for building business resilience. This partnership with First Gen is a testament to our dedication to these principles.”
To seal the alliance, a ceremonial signing was held recently among Globe, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) Philippines, and First Gen. The collaboration involves RE adoption not only for Globe’s high energy utilization facilities but also for STT GDC Philippines’ data centers in Cavite.

The telecom industry, with its substantial energy consumption, especially within core sites, plays a pivotal role in today’s digital age. Globe’s Scope 2 emissions, derived from electricity consumption, have historically accounted for an average of 30% of its total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

To realize its net-zero ambition, Globe took the bold step of transitioning its sites to RE beginning in 2019 despite RE being limited and costlier than fossil fuels. By year end 2023, approximately 18% of the total energy consumption of Globe, is now powered by RE, avoiding an estimated 77,000 tonnes of GHG emissions.

“As the first publicly-listed company in the Philippines to have approved near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), this partnership fuels us in our pursuit of our net zero ambitions by greening the network and partnering with sustainability-driven companies,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Globe remains at the forefront of environmental sustainability in the Philippine telecom sector, actively engaging stakeholders and championing industry practices that advance sustainability. (PR)

TCDEO opens new FMR in Brgy. San Roque

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Tacloban City — The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) completes the concrete paving of a new farm-to-market road (FMR) in Bgy. San Roque, Tacloban City.
This newly paved road is now fully operational, marking a major advancement in local transportation and economic development.

Funded under the 2023 General Appropriations Act – Department of Agriculture, the project had a total contract amount of P99.37-million.

The road, constructed with durable portland concrete cement pavement (PCCP), stretches 3.72 lane kilometers. It also features safety measures, including strategically placed signages to guide and caution drivers.

The new FMR is set to change how agricultural products are transported from farms to markets. By providing a smoother and more dependable route, the road aims to reduce travel time and increase accessibility for both farmers and local residents.

This development is expected to foster greater economic opportunities within the community by making it easier to distribute goods and access markets.

District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse praised the project’s impact, stating, “The completion of this road will greatly improve transportation for our local farmers and offer residents a more reliable route to the market. This development is a proud achievement for us and will significantly contribute to the community’s economic and social advancement.”

(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)

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