hi-tech fasting

(This column appears in today's edition of the Leyte-Samar Daily Express)

Hi there! It’s another week. So Madoff is in Jail. That should give him more than enough time to ponder upon his crime or reflect about the Lenten season, whichever comes first. I’m wondering if we’ll ever see something like that to Filipinos who did what Madoff did, or something to that effect. You know seeing some felon (or whatever you call them) being carted off to jail after all those investigations (and name-dropping, if I may add).

Talking about the Lenten season. Did you happen to see a news feature last week? It was something about hi-tech fasting. You know, refraining from all these techie stuff that our modern-day lives are made of. Not a bad idea, it’s a kinda more realistic sacrifice in this season which calls for just that – sacrifice.

And while we are into sacrifice (again in this season), can we qualify as sacrifice (that’s fit for the Lenten season) what some parishioners are into these moments or in a few weeks’ time? A bubwit informed us that – thanks to the recent reshuffle - aside from getting settled in their new homes or rectories (or beds to be more specific), some priests had on top of their agenda the raising of rates or fees for church services, or whatever you call that which you pay the church services aimed at the salvation of your soul. Well, if indeed that’s true, it’s a case of care-for-the-spiritual-health-can-always-come-later, much, much later. Anyway, why do I say sacrifice? It’s the economic crunch dear (oh no not again). It suddenly occurred to me, alas even the salvation of souls cannot do away with the economic crisis.

Back to the news. There was this item about the Mary of the Poor Foundation and their project which includes a giant image of Mary. That statue, when erected is expected to stand higher than the statue of liberty. This big project is a manifestation of their big love for mama Mary, or so explained a foundation member (to the consternation of some church officials, of course). Well, I’m tempted to say that that the same thing can be said in some of our parishes. Make it big or else you don’t love the lord. Surely, in this day and age, sacrificing in the name of one’s faith can come in various forms. (Do I add in shapes and sizes?)

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Calbayog News. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has formally turned-over the Calbayog City Pilot Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) to the City Government of Calbayog.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino who is also chair of the City Solid Waste Management Committee led the City Officials during the simple ceremonies at the MRF site in Brgy. Payahan. JICA Philippine Office Representative Makato Iwashi and JICA Project Team Leader Takashi Goto were on hand for the activity.

In his message, Mayor Sarmiento said that in a way, the MRF is Calbayog’s – and that of the other municipalities in Samar – answer to RA 9003, or the Solid Waste Management Act. Calbayog is expected to share the technology with her neighboring municipalities as stipulated in the Memorandum of Commitment.

The 2.9 million-peso building which is one of the only three constructed by JICA in the country (the two are in the Cities of Sagay and Davao) features a composter, a weighing machine, a shredding machine and a jet water sprayer. Also included in the package are video recorders, cameras, multi-media projector, computers and printers, waste management information and campaign materials and the 1.9 million-peso Mistsubishi Montero. Trainings in Japan have been availed of by Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, Engr. Reynaldo Gonzaga and Engr. Danilo Mado. More LGU personnel are expected to undergo training in October this year and in 2010.

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A week ago today, various women’s group participated in the Women’s Day celebration in Calbayog. On hand for the events were Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, Councilor Ina Rabuya (Chair of the SP Committee on Women), Carmen Barangay Captain Amy Cabral and Myrna Tecbobolan of Bantay Abuso Network, among others.

Various health, beauty and livelihood services for women were provided at the Cardinal Rosales Plaza. Close to a thousand participants availed of the free services.

The day’s program was hosted by DYOG’s Eleen Lim.

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Birthday greetings: Councilor Florencio Enriquez and Sarah Judloman – Soteraña will both turn a year older today. Happy Birthday.

Advanced Birthday greetings to Archbishop Jose Palma. He will celebrate his birthday on Thursday, March 19.

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This is it for now. Have a nice week everyone! Ciao!