Graduations 2011 and Start of School Year 2011-2012 at DWST

"Beware of the Ides of March!" warns the soothsayer to Julius Caesar. In the seminary, the Ides of March (March 15) is always welcomed with both anxiety and excitement. Thus begin the final exams, comprehensive exams, submission of papers, revalida, graduations and, of course, the  long summer vacation.

Academic Degrees

Last graduation day on March 26, 2011, the main celebrant at the baccalaureate mass was Bishop Joel Z. Baylon, an alumnus of DWST, and recently appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Legaspi. The keynote speaker was Ambassador Henrietta de Villa.  The formal graduation ceremonies followed after the mass.  The  administration's representatives, Fr. Fred Saniel, SVD, Rector of DWST, and Fr. Alex Muana, SVD, the Dean of Studies, together with the main guest, Mrs. Tita de Villa, handed out the diplomas and awards to the graduating students.

Fourth Year Graduating Class

Mrs. Tita de Villa delivers her keynote address

Bishop Baylon at the Baccalaureate Mass

The were 22 graduates of the Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS); 39 of the Four-Year Ecclesiastical Course (18 obtained an STB diploma from Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome and 19 were awarded  an MA in Theology in the non-thesis program). For the Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Theology, there were 52 graduates--meaning these students have completed the first two years of Ecclesiastical Course which the government recognizes as an AB civil degree.

Some CTS Graduating Students

Honors

For this academic year, there was no summa cum laude honor student for the Ecclesiastical Course (that means a student who has no academic marks lower than 90 and whose average grade is from 95 to 100), usually the most prestigious of the awards. Omi Intia from the Oblates of St. Joseph, however, was awarded the summa cum laude distinction for his M.A. in Theology Major in Pastoral Ministry (non-thesis).

Omi Intia, OSJ delivers the Valedictory Speech

ALAP Award

The Arnoldus Library Academic Paper (ALAP) Award, the very first one, was won by Mark Angelo Ramos, a SVD scholastic and first year theology student. His term paper was on  “Recovering the Spirituality of the Pharisees of the First Century C.E.,"  a study of the beliefs and practices of practices of the Pharisees that reflect their relationship with God using not only the canonical Gospels but also Josephus, and the Mishnah. Its aim was to present the Pharisees in a wider historical context besides the often negative portrait of the evangelists and draw out the elements of their spirituality by which Christian theology and spirituality might be enriched.

ALAP Awardee Mark Ramos with Fr. Antolin Uy (most senior of the faculty)
Ms. Nica Lepalam (Chief Librarian);
at the back: Tita de Villa and Fr. Fred Saniel, SVD (Rector)

SVD-ALS Graduation

On March 25, 2011, the SVD-ALS also had its second graduation ceremonies at the Arnoldus Hall of Divine Word Seminary. There are around 40 learners who attended the daily modular sessions; 12 passed the Accreditation and Equivalency tests of the Department of Education. The "baccalaureate" mass was presided by no less than Fr. Nielo Cantilado, SVD, Provincial Superior; Ms. Ilsa Reyes of DZMM's Salitang Buhay was the keynote speaker. For more information about SVD-ALS, please click here.

SVD-ALS Graduation with Fr. Randy Flores, SVD

Start of Academic Year 2011-2012
DWST began the Academic Year on June 6, 2011. The traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit on June 14 to open the school year was presided by Fr. Michael Sandalo, CRSP, Rector of St. Paul's Scholasticate (Barnabites). The academic convocation was held on June 27 with Fr. Stephen Gonzales, OSJ, who teaches Christology here, delivering this year's  theological course--"Towards a Filipino Contextual Image of Christ." For the opening ceremonies of the CTS, please click here.

Fr. Mike at the Mass of the Holy Spirit

Fr. Stephen's theological discourse in powerpoint

SVD Diaconate Ordination
Eight SVD scholastics were ordained as deacons last June 25 at the Sacred Heart Hear Parish in Kamuning Quezon City. Ordaining prelate was Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of the Diocese of Cubao. The eight will be ordained priests on Dec 3, 2011.

New SVD Deacons
From left: John Mark Veloso, Sedfrey Nebres, Gilbert Razon; Reniel Nachimma
Bishop Ongtioco (ordaining prelate); John Paul Marquez, Peter Tran Vu, Louie Cris Gregorio,
and Sherwin Aromin

Numbers
There are 248 enrolled students of DWST--194 regular students; 54 CTS students. The total number of faculty members, both resident and non-resident, is 32.

At the liturgy to open the Certificate in Theological Studies SY 2011-2012

Sharing of Ms. Bambi L. Gamban  (CTS graduate 2011)



Sharing of Sister Teresa Valdez, RVM (CTS Graduate 2011)

Ukay-Ukay sa Tagaytay a Success

Summer Garage Sale - Ukay Ukay sa Tagaytay

A garage sale, Ukay Ukay sa Tagaytay, will be held on May 21-22, 2011 (Sat-Sun) at the Divine Word Seminary here in Tagaytay City for the benefit of the SVD-Alternative Learning System (ALS).

May 22 will be also the occasion for the SVD Perpetual Vows 2011.

By donating your used (but in good condition) items like shoes, bags, toys, home items, etc. you will help send  out-of-school youth to the Alternative Learning System.

Drop off point is at the SVD. Just inform the guard it is for Ukay-Ukay ALS c/o Fr. Randy Flores, SVD.

For more info, please contact 0917-6284849.

To know more about the SVD-ALS, please click here.

RIP - Fr. Hermie Bacareza, SVD and Fr. Erasio Flores, SVD

We mourn the death of Fr. Hermie Bacareza, SVD, 80  (d. April 23, 2011) and Fr. Erasio Flores, SVD, 78 (d. April 28, 2011). They were classmates in the seminary and even in death--God called them back almost at the same time. "The Lord has given; the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" (from the prologue of the Book of Job).

Last 2009, with the other two former classmates--Fr. Dom Flores, SVD and Fr. Victor Bunanig, SVD--they celebrated together their golden jubilee in the priesthood with a mass at the place where they were ordained--Sacred Heart Parish in Kamuning Quezon City.  Here's the homily of Fr. Dom Flores, SVD at that Eucharistic celebration.

Golden Jubilee Celebration Sermon

FRIENDS:

My classmates have unanimously designated me to give the sermon today in the name of us all. But don’t you worry; you’ll also have a chance to listen to each one of them later on at the end of the Mass.

Background of the Celebration
We would like to put in wider picture our celebration today, in the context of the SVD Centennial Celebration. Exactly one hundred years ago this year (1909-2009), the first two German Divine Word missionaries arrived in the Philippines to start a new mission in the Province of Abra. Throughout this year (2009), especially in the month of August, special celebrations took place in various parts of the country, especially in the Province of Abra, where the SVD was born, to commemorate the ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SVD PRESENCE in the Philippines.

Golden Jubilee Celebration
It is in this wider perspective that we would like to celebrate our Golden Jubilee today. Fifty years ago to this day, 18th October, also Mission Sunday then, four young men were ordained priests in this same church of the Sacred Heart parish, Kamuning. It was still a “baby” church then; but now this parish church like us has grown in age by fifty years, but has also grown in wisdom and grace. The ordaining prelate was the late Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Siino. I remember, being an Italian he spoke very fast. (In some parts only the angels could understand him). But he made us priests forever!

SVD Ordination 1959: from left - Erasio Flores, Dom Flores, Vic Bunanig, Hermie Bacareza

My brothers and sisters, these four young men are here now with us - all present and accounted for, but only because of the grace of God! Like soldiers coming home from battle, we may have been wounded or bruised, but we are still much alive; we may look tired but we are not yet retired; we may have been outnumbered by other ordination classes (only four), but we were never out-fought. We were young once and good looking once upon a time; but, well, see for your selves, we’re now looking good.


Mission Sunday
Since we were ordained on a Mission Sunday like today, we heard, loud and clear, the same challenging message of Christ addressing the four of us then in a very personal way: “Go and make disciples of all nations... Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...Teach them all that I told you... I’ll be with you always.” (Gospel)

Notice all the action verbs: “Go, make disciples, baptize, teach...” Christ urged us to go and do what we have to do. And so we went willingly and joyfully to all four corners of the globe

Golden jubilee mass, Oct 18, 2009, Sacred Heart Church, Kamuning, Quezon City

The first: Fr. Gene Bacareza: He was assigned to Germany. And so he went to his first love, the German people, with whom he ministered for 11 years. Later on he returned to the home mission where continued writing lot of books and earning academic degrees. To me he is THE PROFESSOR-SCHOLAR of our class.

The second is Fr. Vic Bunanig: He applied and was appointed to Indonesia, where he went soon after ordination. He’s still there ministering to the present time. The Indonesians are his first and last love. I asked him whether he is already thinking of coming home for good. He said that he has no plans. It’s because the Indonesians are his first and last love. To me he is THE MISSIONARY PAR EXCELLENCE of our class.

Our third is Fr. Erasio Flores. We are not related at all except in Christ. He first worked in San Jose, Mindoro after ordination. But soon the Superiors and confreres spotted him as good export material for Rome, Italy. They got him there and eventually he became one of the Councilors at our SVD Generalate. Later he also has had missionary stint in Spain and Germany. To me, Fr. Erasio is THE SERVANT-LEADER of our class.

The fourth is Fr. Dom Flores, that’s gracious me! I was ministering unobtrusively in the Philippines for my first 25 years as home missionary. Then suddenly, my superiors remembered me after my Silver Jubilee. The SVD Generalate of which Fr. Erasio was then a member, sent me to the South Pacific – to American Samoa. I was missionary there for ten years.

When our mission there was accomplished they transferred me to Australia. At first I didn’t want to go to Australia, but I finally accepted for three reasons: Australia is a multicultural country; a secular society; and fewer vocations (priests and religious). So, I’d like to call myself THE MISSIONARY DOWN UNDER of our class.


The Challenge of Mission Sunday to us all:
1. To the Youth who are here today and are listening: If you are looking for true happiness, don’t hesitate to follow Jesus. Join His missionary work! Follow your heart and don’t stifle his voice when you hear Him calling you today. He may not invite you again... Decide to follow Him now!
2. To Parents: Allow your sons or daughters to follow Jesus if they feel Jesus is calling them. Join the many parents who have offered children to God;
3. To EVERYONE: Be a missionary at home by studying what is Christ’s mission; Support the home or overseas mission with your material help. Above all, be in solidarity with the missionaries by praying for them.

Finally, we’d like to adopt the theme of the SVD Centennial Celebration as our very own: “WE REMEMBER, WE REJOICE, WE RENEW!” So as Ordination Class 1959, we shall always REMEMBER God’s goodness to us as His missionaries. We REJOICE in His faithfulness, though at times we may have been unfaithful. And we RENEW today our undying commitment to Him for the rest of our lives.

(Personal testimony): Recently I was asked by a group of young SVDs: “If you were given a choice today, would you still choose to become a priest? I said: “Yes, I would.” They repeated the question a second and a third time. And looking at their eyes, I said with all sincerity: “I would and I would still become a priest.” I’m sure the same holds true with my classmates today. So today we commit ourselves once again to Christ the King as His missionary priests for ever and ever.

Amen.

Arnoldus Library Academic Paper Award (ALAP Award)

The Arnoldus Library is giving an award, the Arnoldus Library Academic Paper Award (ALAP Award). The ALAP Award comprises a plaque of recognition from Divine Word Seminary and a cash honorarium of P5,000.00 from an anonymous donor coursed through Fr. Dominador Flores, our SVD missionary in Australia.

The award will be presented at the Graduation Ceremonies on March 26, 2011 to the student who has written the best academic paper (term paper or synthesis paper) for the school year 2010-2011 as determined by an Award Committee chaired by Fr. Randolf Flores, SVD.

The aim of the award is both to reward excellence and to encourage students to write academic papers with high quality.

Who is eligible?
• A bona-fide student of Divine Word Seminary who has submitted his or her academic paper on time to the Dean’s Office and whose grade given by the moderator is not lower than 95%.
o The M.A. thesis is not covered by the ALAP Award.
o Academic paper means the annual term paper or the synthesis paper only.


Procedure:
• The chairperson of the board of judges will check over the academic papers submitted at the Dean’s Office. He will then select three potential winners from which the Award Committee will choose the best. The criteria of the short list would be:
o (1) the moderator’s grade
o (2) the form and style
             footnotes, bibliography, English, and the like
o (3) content
             the novelty of the study
             the use of sources
             the flow of the arguments
o (4) effective Conclusion
             not just a simple summary
             but an articulation of what the readers can learn from the paper.

What must the student do?
• To see to it that at the Dean’s Office his or her academic paper has been given a grade by the moderator.
• Deadline for the short list: March 21, 2011 before 5:00 p.m.

SVD-ALS Accreditation and Equivalency Test Passers for 2010

SVD-ALS' visit of Jose Rizal's ancestral house

The result of the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency Tests of the Department of Education is now released online. The tests were conducted last October 2010. We are happy to announce our SVD-ALS learners who passed the tests:

Elementary Level:
1. Aguilar, Liezel
2. Atlas, Liezel
3. Delos Santos, Vicky
4. Serwelas, Merry Grace

Secondary Level:
1. Aguilar, Lara Jean
2. Cerezo, Jhon Carl
3. Daguil, Charlene
4. Gornez, Jude Marcus
5. Improgo, Raiza Jhoana Pauline
6. Isla, Jan Carlo
7. Martinez, Miguelito
8. Sabidolas, Sheralyn

As in the past year, we have a 100% passing rate for the elementary level (4 out of 4). For the high school this year, out of the 22 learners who took the tests, 8 passed (8 out of 22 or 36.36%). For this year then, there are 12 passers or 46.15%. Last year, there were 9 passers out of 46 takers or 19.56%. We did a lot better this time, on its second year of SVD-ALS. We hope to raise the passing rate to 50% next examination in October 2011.

Out of the 9 learners who passed last year’s tests, 7 are now in college as scholars of the Alfonso Yuchengco Foundation through the initiative of Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD. We hope to send all of this year’s 8 high school level passers to college. The Pepsi Cola Plant in Muntinlupa, through its HR manager, Atty Allan Montealegre (former SVD novice), is also offering a work and study program for our ALS passers.

For the rest of the learners—there are 129 registered, around 40 of them attend the daily modules—we shall continue to prepare them for the tests and at the same time assist them in livelihood training programs. With financial assistance of the Pondo ng Pinoy foundation, SVD-ALS has a basic computer literacy program; and with the invitation of the Ming Ramos Foundation, some learners attend massage therapy trainings at the DAP-Tagaytay.

The graduation ceremony will be held on March 25, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the Arnoldus Hall, Divine Word Seminary.

At this point, we would like to thank our generous benefactors and supporters for a successful ALS year:

1. Divine Word Seminary, through its Rector, Fr. Fred Saniel SVD, for lending the former Arnodus Dispensary building as the SVD-ALS center;

2. Philippinische Gottesdienst Gemeinde in Vienna, Austria through the initiative of Fr. Rosendo Sandoval, SVD whose donation paid the salaries and benefits (SSS) of the three teachers for this year;

3. Pondo ng Pinoy Foundation with the support of Bishop Chito Tagle and the Diocese of Imus for the Basic Computer Literacy Program;

4. Saint Jude Catholic School for their outreach youth training programs and school supplies;

5. Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Foundation, through its head, Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD for the supervision and partnership;

6. Miss Bambi Gamban, a CTS student, for the handling the Basic Computer Literacy program, computer units, and guitars;

7. Mr. and Mrs. Jess Cue for supporting the bookmark project;
8. Miss Cristina Pahilan for assisting in the beekeeping project;

9. Mr. Paul and Mrs. Thelma Mauricio for the financial assistance, computer units and computer chairs;

10. Ms. Heddy Lee for the Christmas gatherings;

11. The SVD Sunday Group and Fr. Raul Caga, SVD for sponsoring the educational trip;

12. Mr. Byron and Mrs. Nini Carbon; Ms. Seni Basilio for the guitars;

13. Saint Jude Parish for school supplies;

14. Aida and Joanna Lou Velarde for school supplies;

15. Atty Yolly Doblon for financial assistance;

16. CTS alumni through Dr. Marita Guevarra for financial assistance;

17. SVD scholastics for the spiritual and moral support;

18. Divine Word School of Theology Students’Association (DWSTSA) for livelihood project;

19. Sandiwaan Center through Fr. Ben Beltran, SVD for the computer units;

20. Fr. Ed Fugoso, SVD for financial assistance.

There are more unnamed supporters of SVD-ALS, may God doubly bless them.

May God be blessed trough the SVD-ALS and may he reward your generosity (2 Cor 9:7).

With the SVD-ALS learners,

Fr. Randy Flores, SVD – Site coordinator
Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD – Treasurer
Ms. Olive Tolentino – Instructional Manager (IM)
Ms. Perla Costa – IM Aide
Ms. Ritchelle Razon – IM Aide

Please click here to know more about SVD-ALS

If you want to join the SVD-ALS support group, please write to Fr. Randy Flores, SVD  email addresss: rrandy33@yahoo.com

Canon Law Forum for the Laity

The graduates of Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS), the Saturday program for the lay at the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City will conduct a Forum on Canon Law entitled “Batas ng Simbahan Para sa mga Layko” (Canon Law for the Laity).

The aim of the said forum is to offer to the laity the opportunity to know the canonical-pastoral issues facing the contemporary Church i.e., marriage; their rights and obligations; and their role in the Church.

Two of the leading Canon lawyers in the country have earlier agreed to be the resource speakers for the Forum: (1) Father Adolfo Dacanay, SJ, professor of Theology at the Ateneo de Manila University, a judge in the ecclesiastical tribunals of Manila and Lucena, and author of Canon Law and Marriage (Ateneo de Manila Press, 2000) and Sacraments of Initiation (Anvil, 2006); and (2) Father Jerome Marquez, SVD, professor of Canon Law at the Divine Word Seminary and San Carlos Seminary, defender of the Bond at the National Appellate Matrimonial Tribunal of CBCP and director at Saint Jude Catholic School in Manila.

The Forum will be held on 22 January 2011 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the chapel of Divine Word Seminary. There will be a minimal registration fee of only One Hundred Pesos (PHP100.00).

For more information, please send a text message to mobile number 09182977004 or please call (046) 4716951.

For the Certificate in Theological Studies program of Divine Word Seminary, please click visit www.ctstagaytay.blogspot.com

Doctor Marita Panganiban-Guevarra, M.D. is the over-all coordinator of the Forum; Father Randy Flores, SVD acts as the adviser.

Fiesta of Hesus Nazareno Parish, Dasmarinas, Cavite

TV5 News clip of the Procession - January 9, 2011

For this year's fiesta, which was on a Sunday, the 6:30am mass was celebrated by Bishop Chito Tagle; the 8:30am mass became the fiesta mass with the SVDs--Fr. Nielo Cantilado was the main celebrant and Fr. Lino Nicasio preached the homily.Concelebrating were Frs. Jerome Marquez and Randy Flores who were the pioneers of Hesus Nazareno-Dasma; two Chinese students Frs. Wang and Wang; Fr. Kit Ramirez, the assistant parish priest, and Fr. Manny Mijares, one of the newly ordained SVDs who helps in the parish during week-ends.

Homily of Fr. Linus Nicasio, SVD

Bisperas, the night before the Fiesta. Dasmarinas City Mayor Jenny Barzaga gives her inspiration speech at the Dance Contest for youth sponsored by the ALS under Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Foundation dubbed as ALSayawan

Miss Laila "Chikadora", special guest, with SVD-ALS learners

Before the Fiesta Mass. Mrs. Teresita "Inday Jaca" (front left), one of the first contacts of the SVDs with Fr. Linus and lectors , Baby and Mila. At the back, Fr. Jerome, Fr. Nielo and Fr. Ed (parish priest)

At the Our Father. The church has a 2,000 seating capacity

The image of the Black Nazarene

At the procession

The following is an article on the history of the parish written last year for the SVD Centennial Book

The Mission History of Simbahan ng Hesus Nazareno
in Dasmariñas Bagong Bayan, Cavite
Fr. Randolf C. Flores, SVD
21 April 2009

Simbahan ng Hesus Nazareno (Church of Jesus, the Nazarene) is, at present, the only SVD parish in the Diocese of Imus (Cavite). It began as a pastoral center on Holy Week of 2001 under the care of the Parish of the Risen Christ in Bulihan (Silang, Cavite)—at that time still administered by the SVD but was turned over to the Diocese in 2003. Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD and Fr. Randolf “Randy” Flores, SVD, who were teaching Canon Law and Bible respectively at Divine Word Seminary, volunteered to run the pastoral center which, after three years (9 January 2004), became a quasi-parish with the former as the first parish priest (until 2005).

The Beginnings

The establishment of the Simbahan ng Hesus Nazareno, although a result of careful planning and the effort of people of goodwill, was also providential—as one that was “guided by the Spirit” (cf. Gal 5:25). Since the SVD Philippine Central Province was turning over the parish in Bulihan, a former resettlement area, to the diocesan clergy, there was a suggestion from the Vicariate of Immaculate Conception, one of the five vicariates of the Diocese to which Bulihan belonged, for the SVDs to do community organizing in another resettlement area, the Bautista Property located at Barangay Sampaloc IV, in Dasmariñas Bagong Bayan (DBB, Cavite). In the mid-80s, informal settlers from Metro Manila including those from NAIA, Legarda, and MIA Road were relocated to Bautista Property. Statistics showed that there were close to 40,000 relocatees, 60% of whom were children in this 33 hectare relocation area. The diocesan clergy had noticed the growing number of the population, the increasing demands for sacramental services of a priest, the worsening situation of peace and order, the illegal drug problem, and the poverty of the place—the main source of livelihood was doormat making.

Negotiations began towards the end of the year 2000—between the late Fr. Joel Maribao, SVD, then the provincial and Bishop Manuel Sobreviñas, then the bishop of Imus; between Fr. Restituto “Resty” Lumanlan, SVD, then the parish priest of Bulihan and Mr. Ed Pamintuan, former general manager of the government’s National Housing Authority (NHA). The government through the NHA owned the 7,512 sq. m. and the abandoned garment factory located at Barangay Luzviminda Dos which Fr. Resty had judged as the best site for a church building, a convent, an SVD mission center, and a school in the future.

In the meantime, Fathers Jerome and Randy, with two SVD scholastics—Alan Leus and Bernard Sabijon— started to live in a rented house in a nearby subdivision, Bahay Pangarap, in March 2001 in time for the Holy Week preparations. They were assisted by Mrs. Teresita “Inday” Jaca, the lay leader of that place, and Miss Ivy Jaca, her daughter—they were the first contacts of the SVDs.

The pioneer group was supported by Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City headed by Fr. Antolin Uy, SVD, then the rector. The support ranged from providing household needs like cabinets and beds to the use of vehicles. Likewise, Miss May Cristobal of Pasay, a friend of the group, gave the initial fund to pay the rent and food for the first two months while the SVD District of Manila provided the monthly missionary allowance.

After the summer break of 2001, the group decided to move to Bautista Property, to live closer to the relocatees. With Mrs. Ana Tapanan and Arjay Venus—a working student then and now an SVD scholastic—as house helpers, they rented a house in Zone which served both as a residence and a pastoral center and named it, "Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Center." Masses, baptisms, weddings, formation talks, and meetings were conducted at the center. It became a "house church" (cf. Acts 1: 13).

In 11 August 2001, the first Basic Bible Seminar was held in the small chapel of City Homes Subdivision. Fathers Randy and Jerome were assisted in facilitating the seminar by SVD scholastics who were doing their week-end apostolate in Bautista. Three of them are now ordained missionaries of the SVD—Fr. Ferdinand “Ferds” Resuena (now in East Timor), Fr. Ruel “Dudz” Lero and Fr. Alvin Jayma, both are working in the SVD Philippine Southern Province. The SVD scholastics also began to form a youth group, a youth choir, and helped in organizing the BECs which was headed then by Mrs. Gemma Patricio.

Also around this month, the Caburlotto Sisters near Tagaytay City, through the initiative of their superior Sr. Idangela del Ben, sent Sr. Leah Salaga nd Sr. Shirley Vidal to the center to assist the volunteer catechists and eventually to run the catechetical program of the center which their sisters still do until now. The first group of catechists consisted of the two sisters, Mrs. Marina Lopez, Mrs. Erly Navera, and Soledad Brimbuela; and Fathers Jerome and Randy who taught elementary pupils at the public school of Bautista and at the City Homes Academy respectively.

In the same month (13 August 2001), Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Foundation, Inc. was created to assist the operation of the Center, especially the acquisition of the land and the support of the livelihood programs. Led by Ms. Victoria Amalingan of the SC Vizcarra company and with the valuable assistance of two sisters who are SVD friends—Ms. May Cristobal and Ms. Fe Cristobal—the Foundation was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 7 Nov. 2001.

The following year, the Center, through the financial support of Mr. Edwin Ty, opened its doors to the out-of-school children and youth and non-literate adults. Sagip Dunong (“Save Knowledge”), a non-formal education or Alternative Learning System duly accredited by the Department of Education was established.

Communities of the SVD Pastoral Center

Apart from Bautista Property and Bahay Pangarap, two more subdivisions were under the SVD pastoral center—City Homes and University Hills. Later on, Saulog, Sitio Talisayan and the whole territory of Barangays Luzviminda Dos and Sampaloc IV were included. Then parish priests of these areas—Fr. Ted Villanueva of the Sacred Heart Parish in Area C where Bautista Property belonged and Fr. Fr. Sharkey Brown of the Mabuting Pastol Parish in Pala-Pala where the rest belonged— willingly allowed the SVDs to do community organizing through basic ecclesial communities (BEC), conduct liturgical services, Bible seminars and Bible sharings.

Since there was no church building yet, liturgical celebrations were done in different places—in the basketball court and club house of Bahay Pangarap, in the small chapels of City Homes and University Hill, in the nursery centers and streets of Bautista, and most of the time under a borrowed tent (cf. Exodus 40:2) in front of the abandoned garment factory being negotiated with the government to turn it to a multipurpose center which would house the church and the convent. In fact, it was under this tent that the first mass was celebrated in 9 January 2002 by the just installed bishop of Imus, Bishop Chito Tagle—it was the feast of Poong Hesus Nazareno (Jesus, the Nazarene). When Bishop Tagle would raise the pastoral center to a quasi-parish in 2004, the community decided to name the new parish, Simbahang Hesus Nazareno (and in that church and in that same year, the same bishop would ordain to the priesthood four SVD deacons).

Mrs. Yolly Cayabyab, Mr. and Mrs. Ben and Cora Garcia, Mrs. Gemma Patricio from Bautista Property; Mrs. Inday Jaca and Miss Lita Uko from Bahay Pangarap; Mrs. Nida Serdeña, Mrs. Bella Angeles, and Mr. Ceferino “Fering” Lopez from City Homes; Mrs. Erly Navera from University Hills; and Mrs. Salvacion “Ning” Engojo from Saulog, were the early contacts and lay leaders of the communities belonging to the SVD pastoral center.

From Garments Factory to Church Building

The meetings between the representatives of the SVD and NHA bore fruit. The latter allowed the use of the land and of one of the abandoned garments factories (called “MODAS”) in Luzviminda Dos which Fr. Resty, the main negotiator from the SVD side, saw it as a “very strategic site” (it sits today near a major road where jeepneys ply from Brgy Paliparan to the town of Dasmariñas passing through De La Salle University, the biggest academic institution in the province of Cavite).

A problem, however, arose. Former members of the labor union who had worked in the old factory claimed ownership of the scrap inside the building as their union’s share when the factory closed down in 1994. Representatives of both side sat down to solve the matter---Miss Lita Ukol, Fathers Jerome and Randy, Mr. Fering Lopez, and Mrs. Yolly Cayabyab from the church’s side; Mr. Dominador “Doming” Aganan (labor union leader) and Mr. Ronnie Abayon (barangay chairman of Luzviminda Dos) from the labor union’s side. Negotiations and meetings were mediated and facilitated by Mayor Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga, then the Dasmariñas mayor (now congressman) and Mr. Romeo Joson (barangay chairman of Sampaloc IV). The final deal was for the pastoral center to pay P60,000 in cash to the union members which was the value of the metal scrap inside the building. That deal was signed by both parties inside the mayor’s office. The community then conducted fund-raising activities especially asking the families to give monetary donations in the masses for their dead on All Saints Day. The Pink Sisters of Tagaytay, through their superior Sr. Josanne Bautista, donated 50% of the amount. Thus, on 7 March 2002, after blessings and prayers were said, future members of the Simbahan ng Hesus Nazareno, entered triumphantly the old factory—the new “God’s house.”

The Simbahan ng Hesus Nazareno Today
Today, the parish runs the following ministries:
• Liturgical Committee (Lay Ministers; Lectors and Commentators; Ushers; Altar Boys; Choirs; Liturgical Arts; Apostleship of Prayer; and Maintenance)
• B.E.C. Organizing
• Basic Bible Seminars
• Livelihood Program (Microfinance System)
• Family Life Ministry under the Family Renewal Movement and El-Shaddai
• Youth Ministry
• Catechism for Children c/o Caburlotto Sisters and Volunteer Catechists
• Formation
• Health
• Environmental Concerns

The second and the present parish priest is Fr. Edilberto Orpilla, SVD (2005- ) whose assistant was Fr. Jose “Joey” Guinto, SVD (2005-2008) and now Fr. Christopher “Kit” Ramirez, SVD (2008-).

Only eight years old but the Simbahan ng Hesus Nazareno has touched many lives. Indeed, it is trying to live the SVD “Prophetic Dialogue” as it fulfills the vision of the Diocese of Imus—“A community that is God-oriented and therefore oriented to neighbor, life, society and creation.”

Simbang Gabi 2010: Homilies from Divine Word Seminary

photo credit: Ms. Cris Pahilan

Here is the link to the  homilies which you may use for preaching and meditation for Simbang Gabi 2010. This is a yearly service, free of charge, from Divine Word School of Theology (Tagaytay City).  Most of the writers for this year's collection are students of the course on Wisdom Literature under Fr. Randy Flores, SVD (third year Theology students). We thank Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD for pushing this project to come out every year, even if it is only an online service. (but downloadable in pdf format).

Click on Simbang Gabi 2010 Homilies

Click on Simbang Gabi Homilies Collection (past years).

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Fr. Randy Flores, SVD 

8:00 in the evening --
Schedule of Simbang Gabi Masses at the Chapel of  Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City.

SVD Location Map

046-4131253 for more info.

SVD Philippines - Ordination 2010

This morning even if windy and damp in Tagaytay City  we witnessed the ordination to the priesthood of five young SVD missionaries:  (1) Fr. Joey Ruega who was born in the province of Abra; Fr. Tups Marqueses from Legaspi City; Fr. Manny Mijares, first SVD from Masbate; Fr. Garry Bacol from Bohol province and John Wang (Wang Peng Fei) from Mainland, China. Two of them received a foreign mission assignment--Fr. Bacol to Argentina and Father Wang to Kenya.

Around 60 priests, 100 SVD seminarians and brothers, and 400 visitors prayed in the chapel of Divine Word Seminary with Bishop Ben Famadico of the Diocese of Gumaca in Quezon province, the ordaining prelate. The bishop is an alumnus of the seminary and in his homily he spoke about his own trial in the seminary--the death of his father followed by a thought of leaving the seminary to help his family. It was the late Fr. Franz Josef Fetzer, SVD then the parish priest of Roxas, Occidental Mindoro, the Bishop's birthplace, who encouraged him to remain in the seminary by narrating to him a personal story of his vocation. The bishop remembered very well the last words of Fr. Fetzer which the former also left as words of encouragement to the young men about to be ordained: "Ben, God will not abandon you. God will always provide."

The happy event, however, was marked with a sad news-- the death of Mr. Emmanuel Venus, the father of Frt. Arjay Venus, one of our SVD scholastics.  Frater Arjay (from Bautista in Dasmarinas, Cavite) was the ordination's food coordinator and thus was doing his task as his father lay dying in hospital.  

R.I.P. Father Wilhelm van Kuijk, SVD (1911-2010)

Father van Kuijk, SVD succumbed to pneumonia yesterday at around 2:00 pm. He was 99 years old. He will be buried at Christ the King Seminary Cemetery on December 6, 2010 preceded by a mass at 3:00 pm.

Father van Kuijk was one of the recipients of the first SVD Mission Awards held last January at Saint Jude Catholic School. Click on the image for the citation.

Benedict XVI, Light of the World

 

We have now the electronic copy of the just-off-the press book (interview) of Benedict XVI wherein his remarks on condom and resignation are generating discussions. On Nov. 30 from 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm at the Arnoldus Hall (Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City), there will a be forum on RH Bill with Dr. Ligaya Acosta with reaction from Fr. Raul Caga, SVD (Moral Theology, Alfonsianum). The organizer is Tagaytay Religious Association.

Randy Flores, SVD
TRA Chairperson

Forum on Human Life vs. RH Bill

Forum on Discipleship and Friendship in the Gospel of John

Forum on "Discipleship and Friendship in the Gospel of John" is being organized by the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines and the Diocese of Imus. It will be held at Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City on November 13, 2010. Please click on the image for the invitation.

For further details, contact Father Gilbert Urubio, email:
likasbebet@yahoo.com

or Miner Generalao of the Philippine Daily Inquirer - email:
may_neer@yahoo.com

Concert missionary, Fr. Raul Caga, SVD, featured in Philippine Daily Inquirer

RIP Father Steve Baumbusch, rector of PIME Tagaytay

We received the sad news this morning that PIME's rector Father Steve Baumbusch drowned in the sea of Lubang Island (Occidental Mindoro). Requiescat in pace; our condolences to his family and to the PIME community.

The edited video is part of the homily of the late Fr. Steve to the academic community of Divine Word Seminary at the opening mass for this school year (date June 16, 2010.

PIME stands for Pontificio Istituto Missione Estere (Italian: Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) and their seminarians study at Divine Word Seminary (Tagaytay).

Profile of Father Baumbusch from the PIME website:

Fr. Steve Baumbusch was born in Columbus, Ohio. He is a graduate of the former PIME Saints Peter and Paul High School Seminary in Newark, Ohio. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Detroit, and studied theology at the ...Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Following his ordination in 1983, he spent six years as a teacher and dean at Sts. Peter and Paul High School Seminary. In 1989, he began a six-year stint as PIME US Regional Superior at the regional headquarters in Detroit. During his tenure as Regional Superior, he initiated the formation of the PIME mission in Cuanacaxtitlan, Mexico, among the native Mixtec Indians, PIME's first mission in Mexico. From 1995-1998, he served as Formation Director for PIME's college seminarians in Detroit. In August 1998, Father Steve left the United States and was assigned to the Philippines (Columbio, Sultan Kudarat).

Inspired by the Gospel of Luke: The Socio-Political Condition of Tagaytay City

"Action in behalf of justice is to be pursued as a sign of Christian witnessing to Christ and His teachings." - PCP II.

Just sharing to you what we are doing at Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City (Philippines) when we study the Synoptic Gospels, especially Luke, this liturgical year's Gospel.



Please find time to click on all the links contained in the link below.


Inspired by the Gospel of Luke: The Socio-Political Condition of Tagaytay City

Thanks to Sister Teresita, FMM who provided these and other clippings

Divine Word Seminary at the "We Renew" Recollection

Taken at the end of the Holy Hour with the community of Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City singing a hymn to the Blessed Mother. Occasion is the recollection with the theme "We Renew"' - to solemnly conclude the Phil SVD centennial celebration.  Holy Hour "reflectionist" is Fr. Ronnie Crisostomo, SVD who ended his sharing with a paraphrase from Lao Tzu "From wonder into wonder our mission begins." (original quote: "From wonder into wonder existence opens").

9:00 AM - New Schedule of Sunday Mass at Divine Word Seminary

Beginning on Sunday, September 5, 2010,  mass/Eucharist at Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City will start at 9:00 am instead of 8:00 am to accommodate more week-enders coming from outside Tagaytay.

Tagaytay Religious Association's open letter to former President Fidel V. Ramos

Here's my letter to former president Fidel V. Ramos as a public reply to his series of articles on the socio-political and environmental condition of Tagaytay City. Please click here to read online or scroll down.

On Sunday (22 August 2010), the Tagaytay Religious Association will have an assembly to discuss the matter. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

 

Tagaytay Religious Association

(Founded in 1971; in partnership with Tagaytay Ministerial Fellowship

and other Christian Churches in Tagaytay since 2010)

Office Address:
Divine Word Seminary,
SVD Road,
4120 Tagaytay City
Tel no. 046-413125
Fax no. 046-4131251


August 20, 2010

Dear Former President Fidel V. Ramos,

Shalom!

When I read your and Miss Jullie Yap Daza’s articles on Tagaytay City in the Manila Bulletin, I blessed the Lord for, at last, the socio-political and environmental condition of our city was brought into public eye—by no less than two respected figures of our country—a former president, one of the best we ever had; and a well-known journalist and award-winning television talk show host.

Tagaytay indeed is an “incomparable God-given asset” as you said. Even more so because, in this small city, it is home to a hundred religious houses (Catholic) and Christian churches. If it is not for our conscience and Christian calling, we can choose to live comfortably inside the walls of our convents and churches and just close our eyes to what we ourselves also witness as “Tagaytay’s deterioration” and numb our ears to the silent cries and hushed laments of the people around us. But we cannot. The proclamation of the Word of God to which we committed ourselves includes, to quote a document of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), “the condemnation of injustice and of those elements in a society which are against the will of God."

“What are you, religious and Christian churches, doing in Tagaytay?” This is the kind of question that we usually receive from visitors who frequent Tagaytay and observe its “deterioration.” A month before the last elections, the Tagaytay Religious Association (TRA) consisting of 70 Catholic religious houses and the Tagaytay Ministerial Fellowship (TMF) with 26 Christian churches had worked together to host a candidates forum aimed to discuss in a civilized way the condition of our city [www.tagaytayforum.blogspot.com]. The incumbent mayor who was then running for re-election chose to absent himself from the forum and, in a letter he distributed to each religious house, accused me, its head organizer, of being “an ardent supporter and campaigner of the Opposition in Tagaytay City as early as 2004 [sic] and a constant detractor of the Tolentino Administration even in his church homilies” (please see the attached file for a copy of his letter).

“Sustainable development and continuous good governance,” as you wrote, “are the responsibility of government.” But you have also pointed out that “the leaders of the business sector, the religious, academics, and the marginalized should be encouraged/included as stakeholders in actualizing above goals without fear of being branded as ‘enemies’”. It is so encouraging to ‘hear’ from you that “whenever there are differences in opinion—if people’s interests are met—ordinary Filipinos should speak out freely in the spirit of community-building without fear of reprisals” [emphases mine]

Thank you, FVR!

Sincerely,

Fr. Randolf C. Flores, SVD
President of the Tagaytay Religious Association (TRA)
Divine Word Seminary, 4120 Tagaytay City
E-mail address: rrandy33@yahoo.com

Blogs:
Divine Word Seminary - www.divineworseminary.blogspot.com
Tagaytay Candidates Forum www.tagaytayforum.blogspot.com

Attached files:
List of members of Tagaytay Religious Association and Tagaytay Ministerial Fellowship
Letter of Mayor Abraham Tolentino

Legend of FT

Medium Rare
Legend of FT
By JULLIE Y. DAZA
August 9, 2010, 4:46pm

KUDOS! Hurray! Cheers! Salamat!

Former President FVR has spoken up, asking P’Noy to “do something to reverse Tagaytay’s deterioration.”

As one who grew up loving Tagaytay for its garden-like weather and springtime air, I am outraged that the good people of that once many-splendored place kissed by the mist and beloved of the moon have not expressed their outrage over the promotion of their ex-mayor to MMDA chairman. Was it coincidence that during the nine years that Francis Tolentino was mayor, the city’s charm faded, allowing a honky-tonk to squat across a convent and a Palace in the Sky to be turned into a dump?

According to an urban legend of the time, the First Lady was so incensed when she noticed that the initials FT were emblazoned in metal and other materials everywhere on public property. Angered by the ubiquitous display of one man’s vanity, arrogance and abuse of authority, she summoned the mayor to explain.

“What are your initials doing all over Tagaytay, FT?” she demanded to know.

“Oh,” FT replied, “but those are not my initials.”

“No? So what do they mean?”

FT replied, “Forward, Tagaytay!”

Two Tagaytay mayors and their cohorts

Two Tagaytay mayors and their cohorts
By Former President Fidel V. Ramos
Last of Two Parts
Manila Bulletin
August 14, 2010, 8:02pm

The more one delves into the present condition of Tagaytay – our God-given eco-tourism crown jewel – the more is unearthed about its continuing environmental degradation, abuse of peoples’ rights by City Hall, and overall decline – all under the continuous administration of brother-Mayors Francis Tolentino (1995-2004) and Abraham Tolentino (2004 to date).

The above-mentioned observations of eminent journalist Jullie Yap Daza cannot be ignored as these come from one who knows and is deeply concerned about our future. Probably not known, however, to accountable Cabinet members, much less President Benigno Simeon Aquino III himself, is that Tagaytay – the only world-class tourist destination within easy driving distance from Metro Manila and Calabarzon – has deteriorated into an ecological fiasco and center of unbridled dynastism.

The DENR, DILG, DoT, DPWH, DoST and DepEd secretaries, and Chief PNP, among other government agency heads, should now take a good look at Tagaytay – beyond the usual elite tourist spots, classy golf courses, and fine-dining restaurants – and do a quick visit of the public places that common people frequent.

To discover the reality, one should also check out the commercial-educational areas around the Ninoy Aquino rotonda, Picnic Grove, Mahogany Public Market, People’s Park in the Sky (PPIS), garbage dumpsites along the slopes down to Taal Lake, squatter colonies, etc.

Tagaytay 2004 Letter of Undertaking

In January, 2004, the top Tagaytay elected officials – Mayor Francis Tolentino, Vice Mayor Virgilio Ambion (City Council Presiding Officer), and First Councilor (now Mayor) Abraham Tolentino – committed to the people of Tagaytay to undertake and guarantee its sustainable development/enhancement in accordance with United Nations standards.

These undertakings are embodied in their Letter of Undertaking based on various international covenants, Philippine laws (specifically RA 7623 – July 1992, and RA 8425 – June 1998), Executive Orders (EO 84, s–93; EO 296, s–96; and EO 412, s–97), and Presidential Proclamations (PP 740, s-96 and PP 906, s–96). The LOU resulted from dialogues/consultations at that time with civil society leaders, environmentalists, and sectoral representatives.

Anchored on and within these parameters, said LOU committed the City of Tagaytay, being signatory to the “UN Earth Charter” and the “Local Government Declaration at the World Summit on Sustainable Development” in Johannesburg, to:

* Continuously sustain the environment... through sound policies, to pursue economic growth without sacrificing its ecological environment.

* Practice good governance... to reduce poverty in all forms. The “Tagaytay City Action Plan on Poverty Reduction through Good Governance” addresses the economic/social/environmental/political dimensions of poverty, based on the “Minimum Basic Needs Approach” of the “Social Reform Agenda” (RA 8425), and the guidance of the National Anti-Poverty Commission.

* Capitalize on its tourism potential... with private sector-led initiatives to ensure growth thru Eco-Tourism. Accordingly, its officials should make sure Tagaytay does not stumble into the pitfall of promoting tourism while, in the process, neglecting its ecological quality and imposing heavy tolls on the environment.

* Strictly adhere to Proclamation No. 740 (s–1996)... to preserve the ecological balance within the one-kilometer-radius area around the People’s Park in the Sky.

Philippine cities, as a whole, have been in the forefront of above refocusing of development strategies. For one, Tagaytay City has numerous partnerships with international organizations intended to spur growth/ progress within the bounds of sustainability. Principal among these are: World Bank’s “Up-Scaling Poverty-Focused City Development Strategies,” “UN Habitat and Cities Alliance,” and UNEP’s Management Systems.

Contrary actions to Promises/Covenants Galore

So far, in spite of such an array of covenants, LOUs, and promises undertaken by two Tolentino administrations, only contrary, self-serving actions have taken place in Tagaytay. All its “City Development” undertakings, which are both processes and products, are supposed to engage its officials and stakeholders in a long-term vision of sustainably clean and attractive habitats/workplaces/destinations.

These are all presumed to maximize the comparative advantages of Tagaytay's future livability, competitiveness, and bankability.

The “Good Urban Governance Campaign,” on the other hand, is designed to operate within the universally accepted norms of good urban governance, namely: Efficiency, Security, Equity, Transparency, Accountability, Civic Engagement, Citizenship, Decentralization, and Subsidiarity.

Under the “Clean Cities Center Project,” where Tagaytay officials promised to focus on hotels, restaurants, and other tourism destinations, key agencies/staff of Tagaytay City were to be trained to apply waste minimization and cleaner pollution prevention techniques – not only among its commercial and religious institutions but within City Hall itself.

Contrariwise, what has happened in the past 12 years was the creeping but steady forcing out of dedicated officials and law-abiding investors – to the political/economic advantage of the ruling family dynasty.

More unfulfilled undertakings

Other promises of the Tolentino administrations which have not been fulfilled are:

* Strengthen the City Development Council... as a vehicle for multi-partnership to strictly implement Land Use and Zoning Ordinances. The CDC helps ensure that poverty reduction programs, projects, and activities are integrated in local development/investment plans.

* Reactivate the Tagaytay City Advisory Council... as civil society multi-sectoral component to the CDC to actualize people’s participation/empowerment thru public service cooperation.

* Improve recycling, composting, and other waste minimization programs... in accordance with existing laws/regulations, to include mandates in UNEP programs and “Clean Cities Waste Minimization Strategies.”

* Recognize the existing water resource policies of the Tagaytay City Water District... to continue existing programs adopted by the TCWD Board, vis-a-vis the need for incumbent TCWD officials to be given sufficient time to implement necessary programs, thereby ensuring continuity/sustainability.

What the record of the unbroken years under two Tolentino brother-mayors reveals is the imposition of a culture of impunity – reminiscent of the PGMA era in the ARMM.

Again, we say: Take a hard look at the track records of these two dynastic families (Tolentino-Ampatuan) and see their similarities/ parallelisms.

Binges of self-aggrandizement; another Maguindanao?

Instead of implementing the glowing promises cited above, the Tagaytay government engaged in binges of self-aggrandizement, denudation of forests and hill slopes to give way to property acquisitions, depletion of water resources, and abusive local governance.

Is Tagaytay (and its environs) destined to become another Maguindanao? Are the Tolentinos the Cavite twins of the Ampatuans?

As a frequent visitor-regular taxpayer of Tagaytay, FVR has this to say:

(1) Paramount above all in the strategic development of the entire Tagaytay-Taal area was, and continues to be, the preservation/ enhancement of its unique environment/eco-system – an incomparable combination of land, sea, and sky that is easily within reach to all of us – Filipinos and foreigners, the youth and elderly, the rich and poor alike.

No similar natural God-given cluster of beautiful landscapes exists on earth – except perhaps Mt. Everest in the Himalayas – which according to our First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition, we know to be inaccessible.

(2) At the very top of the whole breathtaking Tagaytay-Taal area is the ‘People’s Park in the Sky’ from where one can see four large bodies of water and the majestic presence of Mts. Makiling and Banahaw. For ordinary Filipinos who cannot afford an exclusive vantage point like the SM Highlands – particularly provincianos from Mindanao, the Visayas, Bicol region, and Northern Luzon – a visit to PPIS is a memorable once-in-a-lifetime treat.

It is, in one package, a place for enjoyment, reflection, thanksgiving, renewal, bonding, and inhaling fresh air.

(3) Only token adherence has taken place the Letter of Undertaking in the City Government’s public pronouncements, media releases, executive orders, and legislative ordinances/resolutions. Certain actions for public consumption are made for purposes of just paying lip service to these commitments. Such attitudes by Tagaytay’s officials are not acceptable because they amount to criminal negligence.

(4) Sustainable development and continuous good governance are the responsibility of government. But, since government cannot do these vital goals by itself, the leaders of the private business sector, the religious, academics, and the marginalized should be encouraged/included as stakeholders in actualizing above goals without fear of being branded as “enemies.” Whenever there are differences in opinion – if people’s interests are not met – ordinary Filipinos should speak out freely in the spirit of community-building without fear of reprisals.

Time again for a presidential commission

To save Tagaytay-Taal, it is time again for a Presidential Inter-Agency Task Force/Commission to:

(1) Facilitate investigation of the official complaints and prosecution of those who deserve to be prosecuted according to law.

(2) Restore and guarantee Tagaytay-Taal’s sustainable development.

Please send any comments to fvr@rpdev.org. Copies of articles are available at www.rpdev.org.

Can’t P-Noy do something to reverse Tagaytay’s deterioration?

by Former President Fidel Valdez Ramos
Manila Bulletin
First of Two Parts
August 7, 2010, 7:32pm

President Aquino III’s appointment of former Tagaytay Mayor Francis Tolentino as MMDA Chairman has created waves of protests from responsible Tagaytayans – concerned residents, taxpayers, voters, and tourists/visitors. Complaints against Chairman Tolentino and family have been exposed in various broadsheets: “Mismanagement, Corruption, and Election Fraud in Tagaytay” by Buddy Cunanan (The Manila Times, Aug. 3, 2010) and “New MMDA Chief Faces Plunder, Graft, and Other Charges” by Michael Punongbayan (The Philippine Star, Aug. 4, 2010).

Protect P-Noy’s integrity

While these stories appear to come from one source, Reverend/Pastor Ronald Tan, former executive assistant of then Mayor Tolentino (1995-2004), Rev. Tan formalized his charges in a complaint filed with the Ombudsman last July 21. This is only one of several cases filed against Mayor Francis and/or incumbent Mayor Abraham Tolentino with the Ombudsman, DILG, and Comelec.

Quoting Tan, The Philippine Star reported that the two Tolentino brothers... “amassed some R500 million in ill-gotten wealth by way of unabated graft and corruption, abuse of power, and authority in the form of real estate properties, businesses, vehicles, and bank deposits, which in no way can be justified as having been acquired legally through their earnings as public officials or even their private business ventures.”

Comes now Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda with an unjustified dismissal of these serious charges as “simple harassment” with this statement:

“Tolentino is aware that graft charges would be filed (against him). The President is also aware of the graft cases filed before the Ombudsman, Lacierda told reporters. The President and other sectors view the charges against Francis Tolentino as ‘simple harassment,’ he added.” (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Aug. 4, 2010).

Criminal neglect by two mayor-brothers

These complaints need to be looked into immediately by Malacañang and not taken lightly – if only to protect the integrity of President Aquino III, whose basis for appointing Francis Tolentino as MMDA Chair was reportedly that he and the latter were Ateneo classmates.

Without getting into above-mentioned criminal, electoral, and administrative cases which will take time to unravel and decide upon, this writer now focuses on the People’s Park in the Sky (PPIS), which was Tagaytay’s major attraction in 1998 for thousands of domestic tourists, foreign visitors, religious faithful, and local residents.

Tragically (and wastefully), however, in the past 12 years, this prize destination has deteriorated into a dirty, smelly, and ugly kind of place. As early as July 12, 2006, FVR wrote a detailed report to PGMA on “the deplorable ecological-environmental state today of Tagaytay, in particular, its centerpiece attraction called the PPIS.”

“With this letter are photographs of the PPIS taken on April 14, 2006 (Good Friday) and the old Tagaytay-Talisay road taken on July 8, 2006. The first set of photos shows the massive deterioration that the PPIS, an unequaled eco-tourism asset, has suffered. It used to be one of Tagaytay’s prime attractions and favorite weekend-holiday destination of thousands of common folks who cannot afford to enjoy the breathtaking view from expensive, high-end vantage points in the Taal-Tagaytay area. Clearly, its facilities and surroundings are in a state of unmitigated disrepair, possibly the result of the criminal neglect of local officials who are responsible for its upkeep.

“The second set of photos shows the continued dumping of garbage along the old national road that extends from the Aguinaldo Highway rotonda at Tagaytay down to Talisay, Batangas. These pictures reveal the need to completely pave and widen the same, which is still a dirt road except for patches of concrete on the Tagaytay side. The Batangas portion is already concreted, widened and apparently well-maintained.

“Let me also submit a CD video of a joint investigation conducted by DENR’s Solid Waste Commission Team headed by Raul Jardin and ABS-CBN’s Bantay Kalikasan on May 6, 2004. Said video shows one of the open garbage dumps in Tagaytay located on a creek flowing towards Taal Lake, and records the total unconcern/inefficiency of responsible LGU managers.”

This has created a stinking, disgraceful eyesore polluting the immediate environment and downstream areas below Tagaytay.

Environmental sustainability

Continues FVR’s report to PGMA: “A Presidential Commission on Tagaytay-Taal (PCTT) was created on April 24, 1993. Under the PCTT, the 10-year (for municipalities) and 20-year (for the whole Tagaytay-Taal area) strategic plans were adopted on November 28, 1995 to promote/insure their sustainable development with these long-term objectives:

* Preserve the natural beauty of the environment.
* Develop the area as an eco-tourism zone.
* Put in place support infrastructures and programs to generate local economic and livelihood development for the people.

“Conscious of the ecosystem’s criticality as the basis for development planning, PCTT’s Chairmanship was transferred from DoT to DENR as the Office of Primary Responsibility on May 6, 1997 per EO 412, s-1997.

“In the run-up years to the Centennial of Philippine Independence (mid-1995 to mid-1998), the PPIS was substantially enhanced as part of the ‘Freedom Trail’ in Cavite Province – identified by the National Centennial Commission chaired by former Vice President Salvador Laurel.

“During those years, various improvements were added to the PPIS to maximize people’s appreciation of this historical-recreational center, notably the Centennial Heroes’ Hall, Presidential Room, Library/Reading Center, Viewing Decks, Outdoor Bandstand, Religious Statue/Worship Place, Picnic Huts, Children’s Playground, Souvenir Shops, and necessary amenities of clean toilets, running water, and safe passageways.

“The main structure, which was and continues to be a DoTC antenna facility, was likewise cleaned up and integrated as part of a wholesome, friendly and presentable complex for people’s enjoyment.

Abolition by Pres. Estrada; inaction by Pres. Arroyo

“Unfortunately and inexplicably, former President Joseph Estrada abolished the PCTT – in one swoop on December 9, 2000 without any provisions for the orderly transfer of its national functions, property/assets and civil service-eligible personnel – per EO 327, s-2000.

“Upon the petition of the unpaid staff, the implementation of said Estrada EO was mercifully deferred for a brief period thru EO 65, s-2001. Then DENR Secretary Heherzon Alvarez, to his credit, took care of the interim residual problems by placing PCTT’s functions, personnel, and assets under DENR’s Taal Volcano Protected Area Management Board in August, 2001, in line with Republic Act 7586. Thereafter, primary responsibility for the implementation of the 10- and 20-year master plans was devolved to the municipalities concerned and Tagaytay City, respectively.

“Last January 3, 2004, on the request of several concerned residents of Tagaytay, then Mayor Francis Tolentino signed a ‘Letter of Undertaking’ committing, among others, to sustain the local environment. While the Tagaytay LGU adopted some of the PCTT master plan’s features, the actual implementation has been characterized by ‘tokenism’ amounting to neglect and unsustainable development, exemplified by:

* “Heavy commercialization;
* “Increase in squatter colonies; and
* “Poor waste disposal systems.”

“The substantial repair and rehabilitation of the PPIS building and its facilities/surroundings will surely expand eco-tourism and other beneficial activities. With the help, support and cooperation of civil society leaders as already manifested in their past dialogues/consultations, and positive action-teamwork on the part of national and LGU officials, Tagaytay – including the PPIS – could be restored to its pristine beauty and made a self-sustaining, revenue-producing, and livelihood-generating educational center; religious retreat/worship place; economic zone for SMEs; and healthcare/retirement community, without becoming overburdened with crass commercialization and squatting.

“It will, however, take consistently good local governance – in which public officials/concerned residents/private entities must join effectively as partners and stakeholders – to make the above happen. Not just goodwill but, more importantly, political will should be exerted constantly to secure/perpetuate this incomparable God-given asset for posterity.

“At this point in time, years after the National Government’s initial enhancements, it is essential to revisit the strategic development plans for Tagaytay as a city for all Filipinos to be proud of, and restore the quality of the PPIS. The primary focus should be on the entire Tagaytay-Taal ecosystem’s sustainability so that it can remain among the nation’s ‘crown jewels’ for the enduring benefit of our people.”

Appeal to P-Noy

Can’t P-Noy do something quickly to reverse Tagaytay’s deterioration? It deserves more than just nonchalance from Malacañang. Just visit the PPIS which has been wiped out from Tagaytay’s official 2010 website – because it is now a sorry mess.

Please send any comments to fvr@rpdev.org. Copies of articles plus photos are available at www.rpdev.org.

God sees the truth but waits

Click here to watch video


MMDA chairman commits ‘boo boo’ with reporter

New MMDA chair gets flak from TV reporter, evades media in office 

Pananakot



New MMDA chief sworn in

By Cathy C. Yamsuan, Leila B. Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:41:00 08/04/2010

Filed Under: Government, Graft & Corruption

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III Tuesday swore in Francis Tolentino as chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority, dismissing as “simple harassment” accusations that the appointee and his brother had amassed some P500 million in ill-gotten wealth.

Tolentino was among 42 officials who took their oaths under the new administration in simple ceremonies at the Palace.

Among those sworn in were Cayetano Paderanga as director general of the National Economic Development Authority; Angelito Banayo as head of the National Food Authority, and Macra Cruz, officer-in-charge of the beleaguered Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda downplayed the graft charges lodged against Tolentino in a news conference.

“Before (Tolentino) was appointed, he and the President had a talk. (Tolentino is) aware that graft charges would be filed (against him). The President is also aware of the graft cases filed before the Ombudsman,” Lacierda told reporters.

“The President and as well as other sectors view the graft charges against Francis Tolentino as simple harassment,” he added in Filipino.

Lacierda noted that the cases recently filed against Tolentino were made “by those candidates against (a) brother” who won in the last elections.

Tolentino himself is a former mayor of Tagaytay City.

Defeated vice mayoralty candidate in Tagaytay City Ronald Tan had accused Tolentino and his brother Abraham, who is Tagaytay City mayor, of plunder and graft.

Tan, who used to be Tolentino’s executive assistant, said the brothers’ illicit riches came in the form of real estate properties, businesses, vehicles and local and foreign bank deposits, which they could not have amassed through their earnings as public officials or even as businessmen.

Tan claimed that Tolentino had approved blatant land-grabbing activities and questionable auctions of prime lands in the city. He added that Tolentino’s brother Abraham later continued the practice.

He said the auctions were staged, with real estate taxes increased along with zonal values. The time period for auctioning the properties was also shortened to three years from 10 years, he added, leaving land owners with arrears in real estate taxes suddenly without properties to their name. The parcels of land later came under ownership of the Tolentinos’ favored winner or relative, he further said.

“Complainant knows for a fact that all 7-11 franchises in the city are owned by the respondents who likewise own several hotels, restaurants, gasoline stations, buildings, large tracts of land, houses and lots, luxury cars and other wealth which technically and logically cannot be acquired by a city mayor with a salary grade of 30 unless said wealth was amassed through ill-gotten means and unabated graft,” he said.