| CARMEL CEBU CENTER FR. TOON MOL JOINS CEBU COMMUNITY On September 13, Fr. Toon Mol arrived in Cebu. The community including the seminarians and neighbors has long anticipated his arrival. He joined as the new member of Cebu community. The seminarians organized a lively program to warmly welcome this new confrere and mentor to seminarians. During the said program there was an exchanged of hopes and wishes. In behalf of the whole community, Pete the community prior and rector delivered words of welcome. There were other welcome parties organized by the friars and associates and by the Carmelite Lay community. FR. TOON VISITS OLD FRIENDS Fr. Toon visited his old friends in Escalante on September 28 until October 11, 2002. Before going to Escalante, he was then very eager and excited to meet again the people of Escalante. His heart really belongs there. Escalante is part of his life. During his visit, he attended the fiesta of Old Escalante and he had consultation with his doctor in Bacolod City. He went back to Cebu on October 11, 2002 tired, but satisfied and has new energy to start his life in Cebu. More visits to Escalante will be included in his schedules. SEMINARIANS GO HOME FOR SEMESTRAL VACATION Seminarians studying at Rogationist Seminary left last October 2, 2002 for semestral vacation. The first semester ended last September 29, 2002. Before leaving for vacation, the semestral evaluation was held. Generally, the first semester was fruitful and exciting. It was good experience especially for the first year seminarians. Unfortunately, not all of them were recommended to continue for second semester. Three seminarians were advised to leave on different reasons. Number of days during semestral break was allotted for vocation campaign. The seminarians visited different schools to conduct vocation talk. They are expected to be back in the seminary on October 19, 2002. The second semester will start on October 22, 2002. NANAY DIDI LEAVES SAN ALBERTO After almost 9 years of working in San Alberto, Nanay Didi left San Alberto. She really deserves to rest and enjoy life. She ended her work as kitchen personnel last October 02, 2002. To pay tribute to Nanay Didi for her wholehearted support to Carmelite Formation Center, a special party was organized. This said party was attended not only by the seminarians, friars, Carmel youth and Carmelite lay community but also of some individuals who loved Nanay very much. She is really a Nanay to many people in Nasipit. CARMEL MINDANAO HOSTS SEMINARY SUNDAY The Carmelite Community of San Francisco hosted a Seminary Sunday. Fr. Eduardo Albi�o, the community prior, exerted efforts to make this activity successful. During the masses of that Sunday, the formators presided and co-presided while the seminarians served as choir and readers. The Carmelite College Seminary was introduced to the people and an appeal was made for their support. There was also integration between seminarians and Carmel Youth of Mindanao. Added to color to the day was the exhibition basketball game of the seminarians vs. Mount Carmel College varsity team. Unluckily, the seminarians lost for few points. The formators and seminarians made a positive assessment on the whole affair. PREPARATIONS FOR SEMINARIANS CONCERT ON FINAL PHASE The ad hoc committee of the seminarians concert this coming December led by Sheldon Tabile finalized the necessary preparations for the coming concert. The final date is on December 15, 2002, Sunday. The venue is SM City Cinema 1. Number of sponsors expressed already their contract and commitment. The posters and tickets are now ready for printing. The whole seminary community needs your support and prayers especially for this project. CARMEL MANILA CENTER TERESA OF AVILA COMMUNITY The months of September and October for Teresa community were hectic months. For the month of September, Fr. Aris Escobal and Fr. Toto Jaranilla gave orientation sessions on the Basics of the Scripture to the employees of Social Security System (SSS). The two months were months of recollections and retreats for the Friars. Fr. Toto met with the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (CMSSTCJ) for a day of reflection. The followers of Sr. Crocifissa Curcio were gay and enthusiastic which reflected the person of their foundress. With the Tertiaries of Las Pi�as, Fr. Gilbert tackled the Seasons of the Heart written by Fr. John Welch, O.Carm on September 27-29. The Donum Dei Family shared how the Little Flower, Therese of Liseaux, touched them on September 29 with Fr. Toto. Those were months of constant travel. Fr. Gilbert Sabado went to Bicol with Fr. Toto from September 19-25 to visit the Tertiaries and initiate vocation promotion. The tertiaries capably assisted Fr. Gerry in vocation campaigns up to Sorsogon. First and Second weeks of October saw Fr. Gerry off again to campaign in Isabela and Bulacan with the College Seminarians, Joey Chanco and Ricardo Sanchez, who were having their Semestral Break. Fr. Marlon Lacal and Fr. Tony de la Cruz visited the local communities of Agusan, Mindanao; Cebu and Negros, Visayas for deliberative meetings and follow-up on various ministries and local initiatives. It was the season of celebrations. On the seventh day of October 2002, Fr. Martin Pierik and Fr. Toto Jaranilla celebrated the Mass to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Cum Nulla with the Manila tertiaries and nuns of Stella Maris Monastery in Tanay, Rizal. Our community celebrated the Fiesta of Sta. Teresa on the 15th of October 2002, presided by our visiting friar, Fr. Esmeraldo Reforeal. It was participated by novices, student friars, friars, friends and relatives which came in drove to join us on this joyous occasion. Finally, it was the months of surprise visits. Fr. Eugene Bettinger, O.Carm. of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province in the United States visited the local communities from September 30 to October 25, 2002. His visit was part of his sabbatical leave and the Philippines is just one of his destinations. He chose the Philippines in Asia because of his interests and inspiration which he learned from his Spiritual Director back in the US. ST. ELIJAH STUDENT FRIARY Days came and gone, yet memories of life in the student friary continued... These months, September and October, in the life of the student friars marked the crucial moment. Most of us were busy preparing and working over our papers, assignments and requirements in the arena of academics as the first semester would now come to an end. Yet full of energy and vigor, we fought a good fight and we did it with all our best. Aside from a busy schedule in school, Alain had his exposure in West Rembo, Makati City which started last September 10. The exposure is part of the curriculum of ICTC which gave emphasis to the ethnographic study of a particular community in an exposure area. The exposure will end on the second day of December. Days before the semester came to its close, the seven first year student friars had their process retreat together with other first year students in ICTC in Our Lady of Rogate Retreat Center in Marikina from the 10th till 14th of October. The retreat focused on Healing the Inner Child. Fr. Ben Moraleda,CSsR and Ate Jopie Calleja facilitated the said retreat. On the other hand, Fr. Aris Escobal was busy having individual conferences with the student friars and at the same time in the Young Carmel Philippine Foundation (YCPF) office. Despite these schedules, he visited the student friars who were on exposure. Alain in West Rembo, Makati, Rico in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Emman in Cavite City. While Fr. Gilbert Sabado visited the different parts of Central and Northern Luzon, giving examinations, interviews for the possible candidates for college and postulancy program next school year. The first semester in ICTC ended last October 18, 2002. A few days after, (October 21-25) all the student friars had their retreat and common studies in Tali Batangas. The retreat study was facilitated by Sr. Joy Carmel Jumawan Carm.O.L.. The retreat/study was focused on John of the Cross. The student friars had a great time spending their time on the thoughts of Saint John of the Cross and with Sr. Joy Jumawan. SPRING OF CARMEL On August 5, the whole community attended the despedida party of Fr. Krisna, who will go home in a few days to Indonesia. Fr. Anton was in Cebu from August 7 to 11 to attend a leadership training. The novices continued with their module on prayer and went to the Zen Center in Marikina to practice Zen on August 13 and 14. On August 19, the Spring of Carmel community went for an outing to a resort in Malolos with very fresh tilapia and hito. The next three days were spent on the module of enculturation given by Fr. Domingo Moraleda, CMF. Fr. Peter arrived from Holland after three months well-earned vacation. August 30, two novices went with Fr. Bernard to NAIA to meet him. One of the novices, G-von was hospitalized for a number of days because of amoebiasis. On September 10, Anton facilitated a recollection for the CICM of the Capitol Region Cluster on Carmelite spirituality. The novices attended from Sept. 12 to 14 the Exodus module on Liturgy in Context. On September 15 all the Carmelites in Manila assembled in Titus Brandsma Center for Eucharist and supper at the occasion of the golden profession jubilee of Fr. Bernard Roosendaal. From September 16-20 the module on the vows was held. Aside from the facilitators all formators participated in this topic. After an orientation and sending-off Eucharist on September 23, the novices left two days later for their respective exposure area. Three were in Nakar, Quezon, with the indigenous people, two stayed in Payatas, while two lived and worked with the farmers in Pampanga, and one was a caregiver for the elderly in Montalban. They returned home after a meaningful experience on October 5. The next week was spent in processing their experiences while the last two days were set aside for reflections on the Church of the Poor by Bishop Labayen. To conclude the first half year of Exodus XV all novices and formators who participate in this program, had an outing in Pansol, Laguna. On October 15 the novices attended a temporary profession and afterwards proceeded to the Teresa community to celebrate her feast day with the members of the community in a Eucharist and supper. CARMEL ESCALANTE CENTER NEWS FROM ESCALANTE In memory of the 17th Anniversary of the infamous Escalante Massacre that caused 20 lives of sugar workers and peasants, the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and the O.Carm.- JPIC Negros in cooperation with other sectoral organizations sponsored a Memorial Mass at 10:00 in the morning of September 20, 2002. A procession to the Massacre site followed and a short liturgy was offered in the site. The theme of the celebration is: Justice is a Gift from the Father, let us enjoy it! Hundreds of parishioners and sectoral leaders attended the activities. Mount Carmel College participated in the Annual Convention of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) held last September 25 to 27 at the Xavier Estates and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro City. The theme of this years gathering is Seeing Within, Looking Beyond with more than 1,400 Catholic educators coming from all over the country. The challenges for Catholic Educators and Catechists are more demanding especially in the fast growing number of students in the public school system. Speakers were Fr. Ben Nebres, SJ, Bishop Ted Bacani, Ambassador Tita de Villa and the new Department of Education Secretary Edilberto de Jesus. Earlier, Fr. Christian Buenafe, O.Carm. attended the CEAP Superintendents meeting and Mrs. Erlinda Barairo with the CEAP Retirement Fund General Membership meeting. Sr. Mary Paul Plasabas, SFIC (Associate Dean) and Mr. Ernie Gale (Principal) were also delegates to the convention. After nine days novena masses and series of activities, the Parochial Fiesta Celebration in Old Escalante was successfully held. Fr. Antonio de la Cruz, O.Carm., the Commissary Provincial presided the Thanksgiving Mass with Fr. Harry Bloem, O.Carm, the Parish Priest and brother- priests concelebrating. There was a procession, exhibition games and cultural programs in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron to cap the days celebration. The Community of Escalante (6 friars and 6 associates) made their annual retreat at the Stella Maris Retreat House in Dumaguete City with the theme Spirituality and Leadership last October 22- 25, 2002. It was also an occasion for the community to reflect and pray, to share and listen from one another, to relax and recreate, to visit and celebrate with other members of the Carmelite Family. Fr. Christian B Buenafe, O.Carm., the Superintendent of the Carmelite School System in the Philippines attended the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) Superintendents Commission meeting held at Pryce Hotel, in Cagayan de Oro City last September 23 & 24, 2002. Around 80 Congregational and Diocesan schools superintendents tackled burning issues affecting the Philippine educational system, especially the governments policy on private schools subsidy, and some points in the proposed bill of students rights. Also, the superintendents committed to Transformative Education that shall integrate Political Education, Justice and Peace Education, Gender Sensitivity Education and Environmental Education in the Basic Education curriculum. The Board of Trustees of the Carmelite School System in the Philippines met in Mount Carmel College, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur last September 30, 2002 to approve the annual plans, programs, budget and other academic related programs for the four (4) schools of the Carmel school system. On October 3, Sr. Flor Pauline Duran, Carm. O.L., a BOT member, cut the ceremonial ribbon marking the opening of the 45th Foundation Anniversary of Mount Carmel College of San Francisco. Fr. Christian B. Buenafe, O.Carm. addressed the MCC Family of San Francisco in the program which culminated with a an agape. The 3- day celebration revolved around the theme: The Family is the Heart of Evangelization: Today and Tomorrow. The First Inter-Carmel Schools Students Encounter held last October 2, 2002 at Diwata Training Center, in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur gathered 115 Carmelian student leaders coming from Mount Carmel College of San Francisco, Mount Carmel High School of Rosario, Father Urios High School of Prosperidad in the province of Agusan del Sur and Mount Carmel College of Escalante City, Negros Occidental. The first ever encounter aims to foster unity and cooperation among Carmelian students in the Philippines was really a success. The students had forged ties and closer relationships through group dynamics and sharing, as well as through inputs and plenary sharing. Speakers include Fr. Toots Buenafe, O.Carm. on the State of Philippine Education System and the Challenges to Student Leaders, , Dr. Victor Amoroso on Philippine Biodiversity, Atty. Carlito Ranoco, a Carmelite Associate on O.Carm. Justice and Peace, Sr. Mila Margaret Montegrejo, Carm. O.L. on the The Family. The Agusan Carmel Schools President, Fr. Gabriel Dolotina, O.Carm. with his co-administrators prepared the gathering and made the event successful and enriching to our young people, the students who are entrusted to us thru our schools. They are the Youth of Carmel.. UPDATES FROM THE TOC NATIONAL COUNCIL Cum Nulla Celebration To commemorate the 550th year of the Papal Bull Cum Nulla, the NCR TOC Communities led by its National Spiritual Director (Fr. Toto Jaranilla, O Carm) and National Prioress (Nimfa C. Tangcuangco, TOCarm) journeyed on a pilgrimage to the Star of the Sea Carmelite Monastery in Tanay, Rizal last Monday, October 7, to celebrate the momentous occasion with the Second Order Nuns, led by Mother Maria de los Angeles, O.Carm. The celebration started with a Living Rosary at 9:00 a.m. ably directed by Sis. Bay Aromin, TOCarm from Fatima, Las Pinas Community and participated in by members coming from ten (10) NCR/Luzon Communities namely: Tanay, Laguna, Las Pinas (Fatima and Pilar), Quezon City (Sikatuna, Proj 4, Cubao, Kamias), Manila (Sta. Ana) and Makati. Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Toto and Fr. Martin Pierik, O Carm. A simple lunch was shared in fellowship with one another soon after. Meanwhile, reports reaching the National Office have it that Tarlac TOCs also celebrated the occasion with the Carmelite Nuns, headed by Mo. Teresa Medina, O Carm. Triduum Masses for the occasion were held from October 5-7. Fraternal Visits There were two (2) fraternal visits held during the months of September/October. On Sept. 20, Fr. Toto with the National Prioress and NFC Director left for Bicol and paid a visit to the TOC Community in Guinobatan, Albay. Fr. Gerry Sabado, O Carm took this opportunity to tag along for his Vocation Promotion initiatives. Since the visit coincided with the Bicol Regions well known Pe�afrancia Fiesta, the Guinobatan TOCs included a visit to Naga in our itinerary. So On Sept. 22, Sunday, the group proceeded to Naga and attended Mass at the Penafrancia Basilica. In the afternoon, they decided to visit the OCD Carmelite Nuns at the nearby Monastery. It was there that Sis. Nimfa and Sr. Cecilia Rose, OCD, who were once school mates at the Ateneo de Naga University, met again after so many years. What is perhaps significant is that they both entered Carmel at the same time, in February of 1991. Last October 5, Saturday, the three (3) National Council Officers again left for Sta Cruz, Laguna. They were joined later by Mila Exconde, TOCarm (Regional Coordinator) and Mila Irasga, TOCarm at the venue. And the Award goes to... by Jofti A. Villena This journalist personifies what Mindanao journalists have always wanted to do - report Mindanao events from the eyes of their fellow Mindanaoan; fought editors over inaccuracies that portrayed Mindanao as a hopelessly war-prone and violent land with deliverance nowhere in sight; with devotion to accuracy, this journalist stuck to facts in the face of pressures - deadline or otherwise and was always quick to lash out at colleagues who compromised the truth by accepting bribes; a relentless critic of war and continues to support through writings a culture of peace, cultural understanding and a tri-people approach to Mindanaos complex problems. And the award goes to... Before you cast your votes, let us take a sneak preview on this years award and its roster of nominees. This years Titus Brandsma Awards had been a battleground but compared to other battles, this is not a fight over some piece of land, of dominance or rule, even ideology or on whos right or wrong. This is the battle of the noblest. A hard won battle because all of them, in their own little way, have made their existence meaningful carrying in their hearts noble causes they vowed to pursue. Two common passions bind them, PEACE and LOVE for Mindanao. This was, indeed, a survival of the fittest, not in terms of physical strength, but the strength of spirit, to face the pressures and challenges of being a Mindanaoan journalist who is in the line of fire at this time. Journalists risk their lives to get to the bottom of events as they happen, with one of them already had reached his end. Now, let us take a peek on each of the nominees. Sixteen years of a budding career in journalism, Ms. Estella Estremera is now at her prime. Starting out as a reporter during the 80s and presently being the Managing Editor of Sun. Star Davao, she had continuously done brave acts in journalism as described by her editor, Mr. Antonio M. Ajero. She had written several investigative reports, which made her colleagues in the industry, young and old proud of her. Various issues clearly depicting the struggles of women, children and the indigenous of Mindanao have been the topics of her investigative reports. Her writing techniques and abilities add to the color and better understanding of her stories aside from her passion to educate them accurately. No doubt, she has the blood of true nobility. Staunch advocate of TRUTH who has used the power of tri-media to the advantage of the cause he had pledged to pursue: truth behind the news; and, peace and development in Mindanao, among the tri-people - the Muslims, indigenous people and Christians, Sr. Estrella Corotan, OND as she described Mr. Romy Elusfa. His passion to give voice to the Mindanaoans led to the establishment of the Federation of Reporters for Empowerment and Equality (FREE-Mindanao) last July 5, 1997 and now, FREE is a formal Mindanao-wide journalist organization. The federation strive to be One that would persistently seek the truth behind the news and to present the news and opinions according to the perspectives of the Mindanaoans. Aside from this great contribution to the media industry in Mindanao, Mr. Elusfa manifested his biased for TRUTH in several of his works in print and broadcast and advocacy for PEACE through his membership to various organizations such as Peace Consortium-Central Mindanao (co-convenor); Agong Network and Solidarity Network for Justice and Peace. His untiring leadership in mobilizing different sectors to address local and national issues affecting the lives of the people, his commitment in media advocacy, bias for truth and Mindanaoan perspective, his involvement in fact-finding missions and immersions and his participation in various forms of education, formation and mass actions to intensify the awareness of various sectors made him the greatest contender of this years award recipient and gave the jury difficult time to decide. Educator cum journalist, this best exemplifies a man who, aside from writing stories, has been giving constant lectures to students and even to colleagues for the enhancement of their craft. This sharing of talent is what sets apart, Mr. Allan Mediante to other of his colleagues. He is the editor-in-chief of Gold Star Daily and the President of Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC). Also, he is the Chairman of Mindanao Countryside Journalism. Mr. Mediante in his 20 years had also worked with media organizations as editor and publisher, which makes him knowledgeable enough to train people outside the media industry such as municipal information officers, union workers, nurses association and employees of a bottling company. The COPC project for investigative reporting against corruption made him busy these days since he is the Chairman of the project team of the COPC. This project is aided by the Australian government and led him to head the delegation of 12 journalists in a Benchmark Training in Sydney and Canberra cities in Australia. He also currently chairs the same project committee working with Australian consultants on three (3) manuals for the investigative reporting against corruption. Also, he is considered a highly qualified recipient of the award. Recently, a sad event had sent another threat to the industry. Journalists, as the nature of their work need to be where the events are as they happen even if it is a war zone area. They are known to risk their lives to get their news hot from the oven. Mr. Edgar Damalerio at 34 was at the height of his career as journalist and could do more for his Mindanaoans if faceless enemies did not cut his life short. He was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding suspects on a Monday evening of May after emerging from a press briefing called by the Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. He led a colorful life as a broadcaster and investigative journalist. He was working as the managing editor of the weekly Zamboanga Scribe and commentator/reporter of RPN 9-dxKP in Pagadian City. Through his career as investigative journalist, he had done various but major contributions to his Mindanaoan community that led to counter-corrective measures. To name a few, he had exposed land grabbers in cahoots with DENR and DAR officials; investigated and exposed the plight of around 400 families in Sitio Tugaya, brgy. Dalama, Tubod, Lanao del Norte on their demand to acquire title of their tilled and occupied land waived by former logging concessionaire, FINDLAY, Inc.; as media liaison officer of the Federation of Agrarian and Industrial Toiling Hands, Inc. (FAITH, Inc.) helped in organizing civilians in Pagadian and Zamboanga del Sur and in Mindanao in assisting law enforcement agencies in the maintenance of peace and order, promoting civilian volunteerism against crime, terrorism and corruption. Other achievements were KBP Golden Dove Awardee for Best Public Affairs Host 2001 for radio in all provincial stations nationwide, anchorman of the citys most controversial news and commentary program, LINUGDANGAN, tagged as the most vocal critic of the Cerilles administration, initiated the first and only public affairs and talk show program on television, ENCUENTRO through the Kismet Cable TV Channel 16, help in the promotion of countryside journalism and Mindanao investigative reportage. These, indeed, are concrete examples of brave acts in journalism by a modern day Titus Brandsma, Edgar Damalerio. Another contender was from Mindanao Gold Star Daily, Incorporated, presently its executive editor. Also, writes for the Manila Times and the wires. Mr. Herbie Gomez is a journalist for more than 13 years and had several laudable accomplishments that are worthy of emulation. This Cagayan de Oro-based journalist advocates peace, press freedom, good governance and environmental causes, among others, which are reflected in his writings whatever the format. He was twice elected president of citys premiere and biggest news media group, Cagayan de Oro Press Club, Inc. (COPC) and during his two terms (1999-2000, 2000-2001) received a multimillion peso AusAID grant for ethical-enhancement and skills training program for Cagayan de Oro-based journalists, the first time in the organizations history. Also a first time that a Philippine media organization was able to avail of an AusAID grant through the Philippine-Australian Governance Facility (PAGF). As a result, Mr. Gomez together with the 11 other journalists were sent to Australia (Sydney and Canberra) to attend short courses on investigative journalism and anti-corruption at the Australian Center for Independent Journalism (UTS) and Australian National University (ANU), respectively. The group is still undergoing an Australian-facilitated training course in Cagayan de Oro and is in the process of developing a training manual for the press club. Aside from this work, he was also appointed recently as the point man of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) for Northern Mindanao. As far as accomplishments are concerned, probably one of his greatest was being one of the pioneers of Cagayan de Oro-based online journalism. He developed the Mindanao Gold Star Dailys official website, http://goldstar.sni.ph and maintained his personal website, www.herbiegomez.20m.com where he posts some of his recent works for the purpose of public service. His website has become a source of information for Filipinos, mostly Mindanaoans, living abroad. Truly, journalists like Mr. Herbie Gomez had reached enormous heights, and had done conscientious efforts to deliver quality service to Filipino people, here and abroad. Romelo Quismundo Endrina, or Mel Endrina is the column writer of the hard-hitting column of FREE Headliner Today, ZOOM LENS. He had worked with several outstanding media organizations such as DWOO (correspondent), Southern Recorder (reporter), Gold Star Daily (staff writer), RMN-DXMY-AM (reporter), The Mindanao Express (reporter/columnist), MBC-DLRH, Philippine News Agency, Peoples Journal/Taliba and Manila Times as correspondent and Headliner as reporter, town editor, managing and editor-in-chief. Presently, he is the vice-chairman of FREE-Mindanao (print) and also a member of Bayan Muna. With this trail of journalism experiences, he surely is one of those few whom you can depend on to deliver news and information that we need. If you are a regular INTERNET user and happen to be a subscriber of MindaNews, an online newspaper, then the name Pat Diaz do ring a bell to you. He was not a graduate of any baccalaureate course in communication, but took up postgraduate studies (Master in English) from Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro city. Though, he was an education graduate, which makes him fit in the arena of journalism in its battles to uplift the plight of the Filipino people especially the Mindanaoans through education. Come to think of it, sounded more like Titus Brandsma as educator, though we might think, how did he get into the business of writing news? Well, he did not have any formal schooling in journalism. Patricio Ponce Diaz built his journalism profession on professional and liberal reading, mastery of English, seminars, conscientious self-critical practice and good community relations. His career trail started when he was a high school teacher at Notre Dame of Cotabato, college teacher in English and Literature at Notre Dame Colleges (now a university), edited two major publications in the history of Mindanao press - Mindanao Cross and Mindanao Kris, written books on Mindanao, publishes numerous articles in various publications (Mindanao Cross and Mindanao Kris as editor; Mindanao Trend and Sun.Star Gensan as columnist; Philippine Daily Inquirer as contributor), now as a regular opinion writer (COMMENT) for MindaNews. He is well known for his hard-hitting and strong criticisms of public officials and even the government. As journalist, he was given a chance to travel to different parts of the world, United States and ASEAN countries. Now at 70, he is still active in writing his comments though he is in his residence and of course up to date to what is happening. Thus, with this kind of exemplary dedication and commitment to education and public information to Mindanaoans as journalist, educator and peace advocate for nearly three decades, Titus Brandsma Award, with the Jurys decision, is giving Lifetime Achievement Recognition to Pat Diaz. Finally, we have reached the end tail of a list of highly qualified nominees. The Jury decided unanimously on whom best epitomizes the spirit of Titus Brandsma his convictions, his life and principles on press freedom and education. A true-blooded Mindanaoan with a passion greater than anybody has witnessed. She bleeds whenever her island of birth is featured as a war stricken area where hope is unknown and unimaginable. She feels the same anxiety whenever her fellow Mindanaoans particularly the Muslim is pictured as savage people who brutally kill or who have no regard for life. With all these, she felt she had to commit herself to a mission to straighten these inaccuracies about Mindanao and our Muslim brothers, to bridge the gap between Muslims and Christians, to be able to settle their differences and to reach absolute reconciliation. Thus, this kind of life led her to pioneer with kindred Mindanao journalists in several initiatives, though short-lived because of lack of funds or marketing savvy. Among these were the Cooperative Media of Mindanao (CMM), which published the weekly Pag-asa magazine and the Mindanao News and Information Center (MNIC) and its news arm, MindaNews. She was also the main organizer of the First Mindanao Media Summit this year, which resulted in a Code of Protocol and journalistic ethics when reporting about Mindanao. With her insights, she helped form the Mindanao Institute of Journalism (MinJourn) and the Mindanao Center for Peace and Development (MCPD). Hope your guesses are of the same with the Jurys winner. This years recipient of the Titus Brandsma Award is Ms. Carolyn O. Arguillas of Mindanao News and Information Center. Her devotion to accuracy and biased for TRUTH uncompromisingly won her the award. Titus Brandsma Award will again open its search on 2004. --------------------------------- Are poor families good news for us Christians? Or they are everywhere in this sprawling city, families housed in shanties in the streets, in niches along the bayside, the riverbanks, under the bridges, along roads... their stories vary in some detail and yet some things are the same, the structures they contend with, their resiliency, their persistent struggle, their hope, their faith and their frustration... With this public knowledge, questions such as the title of this article, brought about reflection and challenge to us as church workers. Thus, the ninth TSAT of the Philippine Church Communicators Network (PCCNet) provided the venue for this kind of reflection. The ninth TSAT entitled, Are poor families good news for us Christians?, was held last September 18, 2002 at Titus Brandsma Center. Organized by the PCCNet, where Titus Brandsma Center-Media is a member, the TSAT became a venue for discussion and sharing on the plight of poor families. Unlike the past forums, this TSAT was designed in a talk show format (Mel & Jay type) so as the sharing would directly come from the panelists, whom are members of the urban poor themselves, instead from the hosts and experts/specialists. This way, the sharing was rooted from true-to-life experiences. Opinions and learned insights from the hosts and experts served only as the synthesis of the forum. Also with this format, we were able to save time because the open forum was already inserted in the program proper. The audience can ask questions or give their point of views simultaneously. The forum was given this focus because of the coming Fourth World Meeting of the Families on January 2003. This is to answer or if not to provide awareness that poor families are a majority in the Philippine population and that whatever preparations or agenda the meeting would have, the Church must bear them in mind and not to overlook their needs and plight. The meeting gives the theme, Christian Family, Good News for the Third Millennium. Thus, the ninth TSAT came up with the above-mentioned theme. The primary question that brought PCCNet to this theme was, where do families at the margins fit in? This is where our contribution would fall, to provide greater sensitivity and realization, as members of one FAITH. Panelists were members of families from different sectors. We have Gil Galdo, contractual worker, member of Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Manggagawang Kontraktuwal (SNMK); Lucy Lopez, battered wife, member, Alyansa ng Kababaihang Anak Pawis (AKAP); Rejienald Bacosa, street child, client of Silong Tanglaw Foundation; Leodegania Bu�ales, elderly, member of Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE); and Norola Omor, from a displaced family in Mindanao. Our experts were social workers from Silong Tanglaw and DAMPA – Charisma Cabatit and Evelyn Abagao. Committees to facilitate the forum were formed among the members. Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN) was assigned in writing the script and program proper; Radio Veritas-Asia was assigned in the registration of participants; Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA) was to do the documentation in video format; TBC-Media for the invitation letter, physical arrangement and budget. Masters of Ceremony were Jofti Villena and Imma Belza of Ligaya ng Panginoon. Briefing was scheduled two hours before the scheduled time (2-4 PM) to prepare the panelists and give them a set of guide questions. The talk show proper discussed about two major concerns: being a Christian and being a Christian family. Emphasis was given to peace, love, justice, healing, forgiveness and solidarity with the poor, both in Islam and Catholic Christianity. Truly, their stories vary but their needs, as mentioned, remained the same. One challenge, therefore, to us Christians sprawled during the forum. That is, are we Christians really there to accept them whole-heartedly, without passing on judgment and freeing ourselves, our hearts from discrimination? Are we Christians good news to poor families? Its up to us to reflect and take action on it! |
| CARMEL NEWS SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2002 |