Outreach in Adams held

The Catechetical and Mission Office conducted an outreach in Adams, Ilocos Norte in celebration of the Mission Month, October 29.

Located on top of a mountain, Adams remains one of the economically challenged towns of Ilocos Norte. This town and Barangays Balaoi, Caunayan, Pancian and Pasaleng of Pagudpud make up the recently established quasi-parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, whose church is in Pancian. Rev. Antonio Calautit, SVD administers the parish.

The office, in collaboration with the parishes' catechetical coordinators, began planning for the outreach as early as July. That same month Bishop Sergio Utleg and the clergy approved the plan as a course of action for the whole diocese.

Catechesis on the Church's missionary life was given in schools and in parish churches from August to October. Donations in cash and in kind were submitted to the parish offices and ultimately to the Catechetical and Mission Office as part of the people's response.

A Eucharistic celebration presided over by the bishop, with Rev. Nolasco Pascua, Jr., Catechetical and Mission Director, and Rev. Calautit concelebrating, at the St. Isidore Chapel formally opened the day's mission.

In his homily, Bishop Utleg said the outreach is a way to show God’s love for the least of our brethren.

He also said Adams is a perfect place to conduct such activities because of its distance and the presence of indigenous people. He admitted, “When they said that the outreach will be in Adams, I approved it because it would not only be in celebration of the Mission Month but also of the indigenous peoples who are honored during the Mission Month."

Bishop Utleg is the Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

A catechetical instruction for the children followed the mass. Meanwhile, more than 300 adults and children availed of the medical and dental clinic offered by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Medical-Dental Charity Clinic of the Social Action Commission, at the Adams Central Elementary School hall.

The office prepared lunch for all. A gift-giving ended the outreach.

Residents, Bishop share concerns about mining plans at province-wide meeting

"Paradise," for Michaela Dupagen of the indigenous Isneg tribe in the northern Philippines, is the town she lives in at the foot of a mountain.

At 64, she climbs hills beneath the Cordillera mountain ranges to plant rice in rain-drenched fields. She picks bananas, pineapples, pomelos and vegetables, and digs for roots in the forest for her family's food. She bathes in waterfalls and drinks from rivers and streams.

The elected councilwoman in Adams also serves as spokesperson for indigenous people in that town of Ilocos Norte province, more than 450 kilometers north of Manila situated below. On June 24, during a public consultation on mining exploration in her province, she told UCA News she was worried about the "luxuries" she and fellow Isneg might lose to mining activities.

Dupagen said her anxiety began when she heard news over radio earlier in the month about a plan of Benguet Mining Corporation (BMC) to explore for ore in a 21,000-hectare area of the province. The area includes Bolaoan community, where she and about 1,000 Isneg live.

So when Governor Michael Keon of Ilocos Norte, heeding the call of Bishop Sergio Utleg of Laoag, convened the consultation at the provincial Capitol, Dupagen came to Laoag City with more than 30 other indigenous people from Adams.

Keon and Bishop Utleg, along with representatives from BMC, the regional Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, NGOs as well as Church workers and volunteers, attended the meeting.

Dupagen and her companions echoed their "strong objection" to mining, as expressed in a June 13 petition signed by 445 Adams residents.

According to the petitioners, the "few jobs" mining activities promise to generate is not worth the environmental "destruction" they expect the industry to cause. They are also concerned about being deprived of their livelihood once natural resources are destroyed.

BMC president Benjamin Philip Romualdez, a cousin of Ilocos Norte Congressman Ferdinand Marcos Jr., told meeting participants, "We don't want to disturb your peace."

His company had "not gotten any permit" yet, he stressed, but he appealed to residents to allow it to explore for ore in the towns of Solsona, Nueva Era, Vintar, Dumalneg and Adams.

Citing Benguet Mining's corporate profile and history of business operations in the country, he said, the company is not only investing in mines. "We are here to invest in Ilocos Norte."

MGB officials estimated the company would invest more than US$60,000 in exploration activities.

Bishop Utleg noted the "risks" involved in mining and cited the destruction of areas in neighboring Abra province, where Canadian and Philippine mining partners are drilling. "Mining is too risky as far as Philippine experience" goes, he asserted.

According to the bishop, who bikes and climbs mountains in his spare time, "Abra is barren" because of "irresponsible development," while Ilocos Norte is "beautiful with green vegetation and forests."

Even if BMC officials are asking permission only for exploration, he continued, "we have in our minds that someday, once this starts rolling, the end result is to mine."

His diocese covers Ilocos Norte province and Laoag City, where 68 percent of the 658,500 people are Catholics. The rest are mostly Christians and indigenous peoples, some of whom follow native beliefs.

Dupagen, a Catholic, told UCA News at the consultation that she shares the bishop's apprehension. She believes investors will take the "rich natural resources" and "leave us empty-handed." She added, "While they say mining could generate more jobs and development opportunities, these are just temporary."

Fellow Adams resident Jesusa Tawali, 64, citing popular tourist spots in their town, said she was concerned landslides and flashfloods might occur after the land is dug up and forests disturbed.

BMC, according to its website, has been mining in the country since 1903, primarily for gold and chromite. In 2005, it applied for a permit for a financial and technical assistance agreement needed for mine exploration in Ilocos Norte, Perla Reyes of the regional MGB office told UCA News on June 27.

She said MGB records show the bureau on May 31 ordered the issuance of a public notice of the corporation's application.

Source: UCANews, June 27, 2008

EAP’s first Magna Cum Laude to receive DSAC awards

by Roselyn Foronda & Alanah Mae P. Ramelb

For garnering the highest honors so far by a scholar graduate under the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) of the Diocesan Commission on Social Action (DSAC), Eldefonso B. NAtividad, Jr. will be awarded by the Commission in a fitting ceremony in one of the First Friday Masses at the Bishop’s Residence.

Natividad who earned his Bachelor in Secondary Education (BSE) degree at the College of Teacher Education (CTE) and graduated Magna Cum Laude will receive two medals: Bishop’s medal (given to all DSAC scholars who finished a four year degree) and the DSAC Director’s medal (given to DSAC scholars who graduate with honors).

During his speech at the Silaw Awards (Recognition Day) at Mariano Marcos State University-College of Teacher Education (MMSU-CTE), Natividad was glowing with zeal, joy, confidence and satisfaction as he delivered a speech in response to the fruitful and meaningful experiences molded within the portals of his Alma Mater. He conveyed inspiring messages to his fellow graduates. He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to those who, in one way or another, have helped him achieve his dreams. Natividad, Jr. finally challenged poor students like him : “Inadequacy is never a hindrance to success.”

Natividad has been a beneficiary of the Commission on Social Action’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP) for six years. His experiences in the Commission’s apostolate formed him as an academician who is rooted more on realities than mere theories.

Moreover, two other scholars and a volunteer of the Commission on Social Action graduated this year. Germelina R. Domingo, a beneficiary of EAP for four years, earned her Degree in Bachelor of Science in Management at the Divine Word College of Laoag (DWCL). While Meryl Corpuz, a fresh face under the program, received her high school diploma at the Ilocos Norte National High School. She will be pursuing her chosen degree at DWCL still under the EAP of the Commission.

Furthermore, Alyssa Marie P. Ramelb, a student volunteer of the office, finished high school with honors at the Mariano Marcos State University Laboratory High School. She is from Bacarra, Ilocos norte and has been connected with the social action apostolates for the past four consecutive years. She will be enrolling Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at MMSU.

Bishop joins DSAC program evaluation

The staff and volunteers of the Diocesan Commission on Social Action (DSAC) with the Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg, DD, Bishop of Laoag, conducted the triennial program evaluation on December 3 – 6 at the St. Arnold Janssen Pastoral Hall, Laoag City.

This undertaking allowed the Commission and the Bishop to assess and reflect on the implementation of the DSAC strategic pastoral plan for January 2005 – December 2007. Also, the results of the evaluation guided the Commission in making necessary adjustments to meet the demands of the next three years.

Five program areas were evaluated, to wit: (1) Relief and Rehabilitation, (2) Welfare – to which the San Lorenzo Ruiz Medical and Dental Clinic belongs, (3) Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Advocacy and Awareness, (4) Livelihood and Sustainable Development and (5) Education and Formation.

The activity was culminated by the celebration of the Eucharist officiated by Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg, DD, and the awarding of medals, plaques and certificates to the volunteers and former scholars of the commission most of whom are now employed in prestigious in the country.

4 priests lead bikers in Tour of Life and Peace

by Alyssa Marie P. Ramelb


Dressed like professional cyclists, Fr. Vic Hernando, Fr. Leonardo Ruiz, Fr. Anthony Dimagiba and Fr. Amado Picardal, CSsR (a guest priest from Davao) and some biker groups zoomed for the first Tour for Life and Peace, April 14. This served as an avenue for the promotion of love, equality and peace among people.

The bikers gathered at Laoag and proceeded to Claveria where they started the tour at around 7:35 AM. They reached Laoag, the finish line of the tour at around 5:00 PM. Along the way from Claveria to Laoag, the bikers stopped to rest at every Parish.

Despite the long and tiring travel, the bikers felt happy and contented because they conveyed a message promoting life and peace.

With the cooperation of various biker groups, in coordination with the Diocesan Commission on Social Action, Fr. Picardal organized the said activity.

Laoag carries out Alay Kapwa program

by Alanah Mae P. Ramelb

The launching of the 2008 Alay Kapwa Diocesan Program was held at St. William Cathedral Parish last February 17, Second Sunday of Lent. This year’s national theme is “Protection and Preservation of the Environment: A Christian Responsibility.”

For two days, February 16 and 17, the commission strictly monitored the solid waste management within the vicinity of the cathedral. Other activities included an exhibit of organic farm products conducted by the Commission’s Sustainable Agriculture Program. This was held at the St. William Cathedral grounds, where the public could avail of the products in exchange of some donated amounts.

The event culminated with a Eucharistic celebration, with the Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg, DD, Bishop of Laoag as main celebrant and homilist.

Laoag Diocese celebrates Earth Day

by Kara Camille L. Pedro

The Diocese of Laoag together with Government and non-government units of the Province of Ilocos Norte celebrated Earth Day, April 22.

The celebration, which aimed to promote the preservation and protection of the environment, and to awaken the awareness of people on ecological concerns, began at exactly 6:00 a.m. with an Ecowalk from the Provincial Capitol towards the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) where breakfast was served. The participants the headed back to the Provincial Capitol for the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) of the Provincial Environment Code by the Honorable Michael Marcos-Keon, Governor of Ilocos Norte, together with Municipal Mayors, heads of their respective Sangguniang Bayan and representatives from the non-government sectors.

After the signing, all proceeded to the St. William Cathedral where the Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg, DD, Bishop of Laoag, led the faithful in a Holy Mass, called the “green sacrament”. Then an ecology vigil, through prayers, songs and dances as well as film viewing, was held.

Other activities such as the exhibit of organic products, Information and Education Campaign (IEC) on Environmental Preservation and Protection and photo exhibit were also conducted.

DSAC Staff conduct seminar on solid waste management and biotechnology

Prof. Francisco C. Bitagon

Last February 1, 2008, upon the invitation of Bishop Artemio Rillera, D.D., the Diocesan Social Action Educational Team led by Fr. Leonardo Ruiz, DSAC Director, conducted a seminar on Solid Waste Management and Biotechnology at the St. Christopher Parish School in Bangar, La Union. The participants were Diocesan Catholic School Teachers and non- teaching staff.

Fr. Leo started the seminar with a talk on the integrity of creation which everyone must protect and preserve, after which he discussed on Solid Waste Management. Fr. Leo reiterated on the importance of segregation in which it is important to put up a “material recovery facility” where all garbage are kept before segregated. He likewise discouraged the use of plastic bags which are contributory to the destruction of the environment.

Prof. Francisco C. Bitagon then enriched the first talks by discussing the negative effects of biotechnology, especially the so-called Genetically Modified Organisms or GMO. Despite its potential role in solving the global food shortage, Bitagon warned the audience about the possible side effects of GMOs, some of which are health hazards, allergy, poisoning and cancer. It also poses dangers to the environment like gene contamination.

Faithful join nationwide Call for Truth and Integrity

by Prof. Francisco C. Bitagon

Amidst religious diversity, members of various Christian denominations in the province participated in the Mass for Truth and Integrity at the St. William Cathedral, Laoag City last March 7, 2008. The said mass, which kicked-off the ecumenical rally initiated by the Church Leaders Ecumenical Forum –Ilocos Norte (CLEF-IN), was officiated by Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg, DD, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Dioces of Laoag and the Roman Catholic Diocese Clergy concelebrated in the said mass.

The participants who waved banners condemning surmounting corruption in government marched to the Iglesia Filipina Independent Church.

At the Iglesia Filipina Independiente Church, an ecumenical service was conducted. The opening prayer was led by Rev. Esther Padre, Conference Minister, United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP), after which different representatives of the Christian denominations read the Scriptures. The reading of the Statements/ Manifestos was done in the following order: first was that of the Roman Catholic Church, followed by the UCCP, The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (CMHR) and the Jesus is Lord Movement (JILM). Intermission numbers were rendered by the CMHR, the UCCP and the student groups. The statement of the different sectors expressed a common appeal for the truth to come, out so that integrity be restored.

The closing prayer and benediction was given by Bishop Rosario Acoba of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. The ecumenical service came as an after-math of the rallies conducted in Metro Manila and in keeping with the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines Pastoral statement of seeking the truth and integrity in connection with the corrupt practices of the present administration particularly the ZTE NBN deal.

Fr. Abe, at 74, goes ahead

Father Carlos H. Abesamis, SJ, known to many as Abe, has peacefully returned to his Creator last January 31, 2008, after forty years of zealously promoting the Kingdom of God.

Abe is a close friend of social action workers. DSAC-Laoag has been very special to him as some of its staff and its director are his personal acquaintances and students. Even when he was already sick, he never turned down the commission’s invitation to share precious insights on the Kingdom of God - the core-concept on which social action work is based.

Abe has gone ahead but certainly he continues to guide the commission’s apostolate. We are indeed blessed to have him as intercessor and mentor, albeit in ways only God can fathom.