central house bulletin - de la salle · pdf filecentral house bulletin page 1 of 7 29 april...

CHBC-1213-19 INDIVISA MANENT

READING— JOHN 14:23-29Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

REFLECTIONConflict is part of the life of any community. Conflict is the one sure reminder that we are – after all – not the same – but different persons. For community life to mature, therefore, some conflict is even necessary. When resolved well, conflict leads to a better appreciation of the members of the community and a deeper respect for their and our individual differences. It leads as well to the deeper realization of what ultimately binds us all together. And so the question is not so much ‘How we can avoid conflict?’ but ‘How can we handle conflict?’ If we are open to it and able to deal with it well, conflicts can in fact surface the great treasure of community life.

Jesus, today, speaks about peace and it is quite telling that in the first reading from Acts 15:1-2; 22-29, the followers of Jesus are pictured in the midst of conflict. It would seem that Jesus is not inviting us to avoid conflict, but rather to affirm the work of His Spirit in us. And

what is His Spirit, other than the Spirit that loves and addresses the other as brother or sister through all circumstances – even through misunderstanding, conflict and difficulties. What is our own attitude towards conflict in the group or community? How do we re-affirm our love for those we share community life with, even in the midst of conflict?

RESPONSELord, We thank You for the young people who have helped us become the brothers and sisters You wish us to be. We are grateful for the ways in which they have brought to light our most genuine and most loving selves.

We pray Lord, for our brothers and sisters, that You will show them the way and help them recognize their direction in life as they wait on Your will.

May they live in the world as Your servants, open and enthusiastic but just as willing to listen. Teach them to learn and to grow in their understanding of life and Your purposes in the world about them. And amidst life’s disappointments, teach them to rejoice in the gift of themselves. AMEN.

This letter is a fine testament to how De La Salle put on love, even as he confronted his errant brothers. De La Salle, in this letter, is both gentle and firm. And a little of his sense of humor shines through.

03 DECEMBER 1706You are the first one to whom I am writing this month, my very dear Brother. I want nothing more than to be able to comfort you in your troubles, but I hope you see that I cannot do so unless I know what they are. I am not sure at all what worries you. You simply tell me that you are not well. I do not know if this is only a reason to be sent elsewhere. You tell me hardly anything in your letters. A thing that needs saying only once, you repeat over and over again.

Let me know all your problems. If they come from the fact that I don’t write to you, from now on I will write to you. But please, make sure that your letters are written in a better hand and with better spelling, for I can hardly read them.

The only reason you give me for transferring you is that you do not fit in the community in Reims. Surely you realize that in our Society we must adapt ourselves to wherever we may be sent by our Superiors, since obedience is the principal rule and the source of the greatest contentment among the Brothers.

I do not understand what you mean by saying that you are disgusted with the way you are treated. Explain this to me and I will try to remedy what troubles you.

Be assured, my very dear Brother, that I want only your welfare and peace of mind, and that I am

Devotedly yours in Our Lord,

CENTRAL HOUSE BULLETIN of 7 29 April - 19 May 2013


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LASALLIAN FEASTS

08 MAY Our Lady of the Star

15 MAY Saint John Baptist de La Salle

BIRTHDAYS

29 APR Br. Crisanto Moreno FSC

01 MAY Jing Eustaquio (DLSP-CoRe)

Ramel Alson (St. Benilde FSC Community)

04 MAY Erlinda Poblete (LFC* Community)

05 MAY Br. Manuel Pajarillo FSC

08 MAY Keane Palatino (LEAD & DLSP)

10 MAY Nancy Martin (DLSP-ADM)

12 MAY Br. G La Seng nFSC (Myanmar)

#VSC13 VOCATION SUMMER CAMP

Forty-one Aspirants, Contacts and Discerners from all over the Philippines, 10 Lasallian Partners and four Young Brothers gathered together to share three days of faith, give service and build community with one another in the City of Smiles— Bacolod City.

DAY ONE - FAITH

This day allowed the participants to be more sensitive with the stirrings of their hearts through the inspiring messages of faith and vocation by Mr. Sonny Alvarez and Br. Dante Amisola FSC. Br. Mandy Dujunco FSC capped the morning with a short yet meaningful recollection on seeing things with the eyes of faith. In the afternoon, the participants were given a tour of Universoty of St. La Salle and St. Joseph’s School-La Salle. Br. Mikey Cua FSC gave the synthesis of the day during the night prayer.

DAY TWO - SERVICE

In the morning, the participants went to Bahay Pag-asa

Youth Center to share their skills and talents. The most significant experience of the participants was their interaction with the residents over snacks and lunch, where they got to hear the life stories of the young boys in conflict with the law.

In the afternoon, the participants enjoyed the beauty of nature in the USLS Ecopark for recreation and relaxation. In the evening, the programs for the coming school year of the Vocations Ministry Office were presented to the group for streamlining of activities and plans in vocations promotion in the different ABCD Communities. Br. Iñigo Riola FSC shared a striking synthesis during compline to close the day.

DAY THREE - COMMUNION

On the last day of the camp, communion was developed and strengthened as the participants did a city-wide amazing race. As a community, the participants were able to learn about the significant events of the life of St. La Salle, got to visit and experience the Bacolod culture as they performed tasks and raced around the places that are distinctly Ilonggo. #VSC13 culminated with a Eucharistic celebration, where six new aspirants from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao signed up for the Aspirancy Program, while 19 others renewed their contracts.

Chefs Richard Ynanan and Andrew Go of the Institute for Culinary Arts (ICA) prepared a sumptuous dinner for all the participants and staff of the camp. A simple and meaningful solidarity night followed, which ended with the testimonials of the incoming Postulants, Eugene de Luna (Lipa) and Felix Murillo (Bacolod) and incoming Novice, Ranier Guillergan.

It was a successful #VSC13 as the ABCD’s all went home with bodies nourished by the delicious Ilonggo food served to them and with hearts full of enthusiasm and renewed vigor in discerning God’s will in their life brought by the whole experience of the Vocation Summer Camp 2013.

Amu kami ni ya sa Bacolod! (This is how we do it in Bacolod!) —Report by Br. Alex Diaz FSC

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURESWe wish to thank and welcome our Brothers whose presence among us strengthens our sense of being one in mission with other Lasallians in the Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD) and in the Pacific-Asia Regional Conference (PARC).

Br. Vincent de Paul Quan FSC will return to Vietnam on 06 May. Br. Vincent was with the community of the


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Lasallian Formation Center while completing his Master of Arts degree at the Institute for Religious Studies (IFRS).

Br. Simon Andrew Tran Van Thien FSC from Vietnam will arrive on 01 May to begin his MA in Counseling at DLSU. Br. Simon will be based at DLSU-Manila.

Br. Joseph Lian Thang FSC from Myanmar will arrive on 05 May and will be part of the Lipa Community. Br. Joseph was assigned to St. Joseph’s School-La Salle from 2006 to 2008 while completing his MA in Information Technology at the University of St. La Salle. He will be part of the IT staff of DLSL for the coming school year.

Br. Martin Sellner FSC will be arriving on 18 May to join the Manila community. Br. Martin, who returns to the Sector after many years in the United States, will be principally based at De La Salle Santiago Zobel School to assist in the mentoring of Science teachers and in the animation of the community.

DLSUMC PEDIATRIC RESIDENT PLACES 3RD IN BEST ORAL PAPER PRESENTATION IN SINGAPORE SCIENTIFIC MEETING

De La Salle University Medical Center (DLSUMC) Pediatric Resident, Dr. Maria Alegria R. Almazar, placed third in the Best Oral Paper Presentation category of the 22nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Singapore Radiological Society and College of Radiologists of Singapore. The conference, held from 06-09 March, also incorporated the annual 6th Nuclear Medicine Update and a post-conference AIRP Radiologic-Pathology (RAD-PATH) course at the NUHS Tower Block Auditorium in Singapore. This year’s theme, “Advances in Oncologic Imaging and Therapy,” as well as the whole program were developed to address several clinical and basic science tracks in a more comprehensive manner, wherein international and local experts from diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology and nuclear medicine can participate. Aside from Dr. Almazar, another DLSUMC Pediatric Resident, Dr. Victoria Gonzales, was also among the researchers from all over the world who presented a paper in the said conference.

EETA LAUDS LA SALLE GREEN HILLS GRADE SCHOOL FOR ITS INNOVATIONS IN LEARNING METHODOLOGIES AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS

La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) Grade School was conferred by the 2nd Excellence in Educational Transformation Award (EETA). This prestigious award— created by ABS-CBN Bayan Academy, Rex Book Store and Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. for Innovations in Learning Methodologies and Delivery Systems— was given last 16 April at the Isla Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

LSGH was cited for its innovative approach in institutionalizing a learner-centered educational approach to its curriculum. In the LSGH learner-centered paradigm, the school strives to empower pupils by engaging them in individual and group learning activities that foster inquiry, critical thinking, reflection, decision-making and personal evaluation.

Moreover, EETA credited the school for its effective utilization of technology in order to reinforce its learner-centered education. LSGH introduced the e-tablet through the Personal Learning Device Program (PEARL), using technology to support its learner-centered education. This initiative helped students— aided by standard-issued tablet computers— achieve faster, deeper and more relevant learning.

Mr. Jose Ramelle E. Javier, Grade School Principal, stressed the positive impact of the learner-centered education and the use of technology in the behavioral changes of LSGH grade school pupils. He indicated that students have been more democratic, inquisitive and more engaging with their teachers and others. Students have been imbibing the spirit of learner-centered thinking because they have been displaying critical thinking.

With this recognition, LSGH Grade School would like to inspire and empower other educational institutions to


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embrace innovative learning with the use of technology, as it enhances learning to a great extent. Exposing students to digital technologies would prepare them for the real world where digital is the primary means of communication— a sentiment felt by LSGH President Br. Felipe C. Belleza Jr. FSC.

LSGH Grade School foresees that with the implementation of learner-centered activities with the aid of technology, the Philippine educational system will be able to create individuals who are competent in their fields of expertise, globally aware, competitive, involved and effective citizens of their country. ––Article by Mrs. Carol F. Vacunador and Mr. Noel M. Menor

* With notes from Michael Benedict Lopez, author of “LA SALLE GREEN HILLS GRADE SCHOOL: Embracing the Big Technology with A Bang” in Morato (2013). Towards a 21st Century Education. Excellence in Educational Transformation: Text and Cases Volume 2

iSMILE WITH ONE LA SALLE RAISES 417K FOR CHARITY SERVICES

(L-R) Sr. Elvira Theodore I. Ibardolasa, SPC, DLSHSI Director for Administrative Services (DLSUMC); Dr. Deo Panganiban, Director for Alumni Relations and Assistance and iSmile with 1 La Salle project head; and Dr. Armando Sayao, Operation Smile International representative

The iSmile with 1 La Salle project has truly gone the extra mile. Beyond changing the lives of 147 children with cleft lip and palate, the joint De La Salle Health Sciences Institute (DLSHSI) and Operation Smile International mission turned over to DLSUMC a total of Php 417,568.25 for its Charity Ward Fund. The donation was the excess from the total funds raised for the whole project, which was reported to be Php 921,422.00 of cash and in-kind donations.

The bulk of the money raised was spent for the laboratory tests for the medical evaluation of close to 200 patients and the operations of the whole mission, including the board and lodging of more than 50 Operation Smile volunteers aided by more than 100 local volunteers from DLSHSI, transportation and other materials. This event marked the 30th foundation

anniversary of Operation Smile and was made more meaningful by the celebration of DLSHSI’s Silver Jubilee. The project, led by the Alumni Relations and Affairs and Resource Generation offices, was overwhelmingly supported by the DLSHSI community, company partners and friends, including the local governments of the cities of Dasmariñas, Imus and Tagaytay; the municipality of Carmona and the province of Rizal. Sales of the iSmile with One La Salle merchandise also raised more than Php120,000.

SPECIAL SECTION

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR BEAUTIFUL LAND? WHERE DOES DAANG MATUWID LEAD OUR PEOPLE?(AMRSP’S REFLECTION ON THE CURRENT SITUATION OF THE PHILIPPINES UNDER THE PNOY REGIME)

INTRODUCTION

In the past years we have experienced political instability brought about by massive corruption, economic turmoil, escalating social unrest and distrust under the Arroyo regime. Everyday the broadcast and the print media would highlight one of these problems. Until one day hope suddenly glimmered when the people put their trust in a man who embodied righteousness and advocated anti-corruption through his slogan— Matuwid na Daan (Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap). Editor’s note: The Straight Path (If no one is

corrupt, no one will be poor)

The rise to the presidency of Noynoy Aquino brought so much hope. He made us believe that change is possible, that corruption could be curtailed, and that public service is, indeed, a public trust. In the first months of his reign, he relentlessly pursued those who were perceived to be guilty of corruption, and we were all aware of the drama that unfolded on national television when the former first family was stopped from running away from the wheels of justice. Days, months, three years have passed. We hold him to his promise of change. While it is true that there has been headway in the fight against corruption much more remains to be done. NO big fish has been convicted since 2010 and with the way the tentacles of the corrupt have stymied the judicial process, PNoy’s term might be over and the cases will still languish at the courts.

While we acknowledged the effort of some government institutions in carving out corruption, like the DPWH, DEPED, DOJ and others, we were saddened with the news of continuing corruption and abuse on the use of public funds by some congressmen and Senators (the much controversial MOOE fund distribution). These showed that still much needs to be done. We believe that Governance is not only a fight against corruption;


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it is the delivery of a better and far more humane life for those who have the least. It is the realization of Hope, it is a dream turned into reality. And yet today we still witness grinding poverty, agrarian unrest, violations of human rights, assaults on the integrity of creation, the trafficking of our women and children. So much needs to be done. Let not our Hope be shattered and our dreams turned into nightmares. We are now in the third year of PNoy’s term and it is time we ask ourselves so many questions: Akin to the question, “Which way Lord?”, we ask those in authority: Where is this government leading us?

ON THE STATE OF PHILIPPINE ECOLOGY

When a series of typhoons (Sendong, Pablo, etc.) hit us the past years, bringing devastation beyond our imagination, we need not be an expert to see what is happening and to be profoundly troubled by it. Brown, bare and eroded hills have replaced luxuriant forests in almost all parts of the country. The unabated logging and mining operations made hell out of our mountains, dried up river beds, and poisoned our fields, causing the yield from the croplands to fall substantially and tremendously. Fisher folks are complaining that their fish catches are shrinking in the wake of the extensive destruction of coral reefs and mangrove forests. The emerging picture is bleak. The attack on the natural resources of the country, which benefit very few Filipinos, is rapidly whittling away at the very base of our natural world, leaving a gloomy and dark prospect to future generations.

As we reflect on what is happening with our beautiful land, we are convinced that this assault on creation is also an assault on our faith. God intended this land for us, His special creatures, not for us to destroy and turn it into a wasteland, but for us to care for it, protect its fruitfulness and prevent it from being devastated (Ge. 1:28, 9:12). He appointed us as stewards of His creation yet we allow such blatant disregard of the sanctity of creation by not conscientiously doing enough to stop illegal logging and mining operations perpetrated by the few and influential elite. The granting of the environmental clearance certificate to Sagittarius Mines in Tampakan showed the insincerity and the double standard scheme that the Aquino Administration employs for it says it will control and regulate mining and logging operations on the one hand, then it issues permits on the other, a policy that benefits only the few, the powerful and the elite while neglecting the interest of the tribal communities and the poor; at the same time, destroying the integrity of creation.

We have seen enough deaths caused by the devastation of nature. This has to stop! We need more action on the side of the government to ensure that our mountains,

seas, rivers and plains or what is left of them will be protected and preserved. Otherwise, we will begin to wonder about what really is the agenda of the Aquino administration pertaining to the environment. Does the government really care for its preservation? Why is it bent on allowing big mining industries to continue with their operations? Why is it allowing the APECO project? Is it really for the good of all or is the same old system of corruption at work, for clearly the ones who are the beneficiaries are those close to people in power? Look at Mindanao, the impact of ecological devastation affected the source of energy so much so that people there had to suffer rotating brownout due to power shortage. Until when would they suffer? We are simply asking. We are simply wondering. Daang Matuwid — is this the way that truly leads to a better future of the people? Or is it simply the old scheme with a new popular name?

HUMAN RIGHTS

While we are thankful that some laws on human rights have been passed, we are saddened by the continuing culture of violence and impunity. We raise our voices with the victims of extrajudicial killings whose numbers are on the rise each day. We are indignant at the massacre of the family members of a B’laan tribe leader who opposed the entry of Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI) in their ancestral domain area. These innocent people were killed during a raid conducted by the military at their farm house. Three (3) members of the Capion family died while the youngest daughter was wounded. We mourn for the many cases of unresolved killings, including that of our own, Fr. Tentorio, and the many nameless leaders of peoples’ organizations. Day by day in so many places, unabated killings take place as if it were the most normal thing to happen in a civilized and Christian country like ours. We cannot simply be silent with this show of impunity for aside from the fact that the victims were defenseless; their only sin was to stand for what they believed is truthful and just! What do these killings mean? Is there still a rule of law? Are we back to the former days of anarchy — when the law of guns, influence and money ruled? Is this what Daang Matuwid means? Where is this government leading us? Where are we going?

We are saddened by the fact that the labor policy in this country continues to favor capital over labor rights. The many unresolved labor disputes show that injustice is still prevalent. We denounce continuing labor lock-out and union busting that leads to arrests and killings of labor leaders in the frontlines of struggle. We are anxious about the continuing departure of so many Filipinos to find a greener pasture in other foreign lands simply because our country can’t offer them anything better. We watch with grief the separation of


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families and of loved ones who have to battle the pains of loneliness, neglect and abuse in other countries just to ensure that they can feed their families at home. Obviously, this continues to be what Daang Matuwid means to many Filipinos working abroad.

Almost on a daily basis, we hear in the news and receive frantic calls from so many poor communities about demolitions that are sometimes accompanied by violence. The continuing struggle of the urban poor is too much to bear. We have witnessed how people are driven out of their homes and shelters, how helpless and powerless they are, like dogs and pigs. While we understand that they have to be relocated to a safer ground, the government must also ensure that their rights will be protected and not harmed; their jobs have to be ensured. We recall with pain the brutal demolition that the government effected in the communities of Corazon de Jesus in San Juan, Silverio compound in Paranaque, San Roque and BIR Road in Quezon City. We watched with horror the use of excessive force on helpless civilians. Moreover, we are very troubled thinking about what would happen to the hundreds of thousands of homes that will soon be demolished in the Coastal area leading to Cavite. We used to believe in Daang Matuwid; yet, with what we have seen and experienced, we are raising our voices with tens of thousands of informal settlers. Where are we going? Where is this government bringing us?

AGRARIAN REFORM

The farmers, whom we believe are the backbone of this country, are the biggest victims and losers of the development agenda of PNoy’s Daang Matuwid. In the countryside, they are threatened by the continuing development aggressions perpetrated by the powerful landlords. Looking back, we witnessed the courageous stand of the Anti-Apeco tribal and farmers’ leaders who marched from Aurora to Manila to denounce what they perceived to be a threat to their lives and livelihood; yet, their cries fell on deaf ears. The President pretended to listen to them; but it seems it was only meant to have good media photo-ops and not really to respond to the needs and anguish of the farmers. This same thing happened to the Hacienda Luisita farmers and the farmers belonging to the Task Force Mapalad. A hope-filled promise was given to them; however, its fulfillment is yet to be seen. The farmers are now restless and angry for they feel they are being taken for a ride by the present regime. The land distribution promised to them remains just that…a promise; as always, a broken promise. Together with the farmers, we doubt the effectiveness of the leadership in the Department of Agrarian Reform. We enjoin, therefore, the Administration to listen to the plea of the farmers and the Catholic Bishops Conference that

the DAR leadership be replaced to ensure effective implementation of the most important social justice program of governance, which is Agrarian reform and land distribution. If Daang Matuwid is sincere in fulfilling its promise; then, the PNoy government must give out the lands now, including his family’s very own Hacienda Luisita!

TRUTH-TELLERS AND WHISTLE BLOWERS

We thank God for having been given the rare privilege of taking an active part in the triumph of truth over lies in a culture of fear and moral bankruptcy. Jun Lozada, Heidi Mendoza, George Rabusa, Lorena Baylon, Nagamura Moner, etc. were, for us, true prophetic voices who wanted to challenge the thundering sounds of the Goliaths in this mountain of lies known as the government. As they upheld the truth, we began to realize with growing horror and increasing indignation the extent of corruption that is systemic in our government bureaucracy then and even now. We see its toll on our suffering people who could actually live in abundance if the resources of the country were truly used for their good.

We are saddened by the way the PNoy administration is treating the case of Jun Lozada. It is unthinkable to imagine that Jun’s heroic act that has put him and his family, not only in danger, but in a state of continuous dislocation would be in vain. We cannot go back to “business as usual” simply because “higher-up” officials want to get back at Jun. We cannot understand the indifference that the PNoy government is showing about Jun Lozada.

Jun Lozada experienced his own “kairos” which led him to become a truth-teller. Under the Arroyo government he lived the life of a fugitive – tormented and hunted by those he angered with his expose’. Is it too much to ask that we allow him to live a normal life free from harassment as gratitude for his heroic acts?

We are fully aware that the law is blind and spares no one but the God we know is a compassionate God, the God we worship is a God of justice and love. Let Jun Lozada and all truth tellers be given the chance to live in peace and rebuild their lives.

SO MANY QUESTIONS, SO FEW ANSWERS

Almost three years under PNoy, we ask so many questions: for ourselves, for our people, for our leaders. We ask these questions that we may be constantly reminded of our purpose: to Serve God and His people. For Ourselves: What else we must do to effect change in Church and society? For our people: Until when should we close our eyes to the reality that too little had


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changed in our society, and what else we should do to effect true change? For our leaders: Are you happy living in illusion that the lives of our people improved while in truth nothing significant happened to them?

We have so many questions in our minds, questions that we want to be answered, questions that perhaps cannot be answered. But one thing is certain. We cannot be stopped from our obligation to be the voice of the voiceless and be in solidarity with the poor, the neglected, and the abandoned.

For Reference: Fr. Marlon Lacal, O.Carm Executive Secretary Tel. nos.: 724-44-34/4485644 Email: [email protected]/[email protected]/[email protected]

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