News and Updates

   Update 21 August 2008

The beating of the war drums in Mindanao is very sad indeed. It colored the entire week with a gray tinge.

Be that as it may, the week saw around 40 email responses to the position paper I emailed to people, entitled: “Christian Faith and Elections 2010.” All the feedback were positive including concrete suggestions. It seems to have touched on a pulse. Many expressed their desire to receive more concrete plan of action.

On Tuesday (Aug 12) we sent a letter to the Ombudsman Visayas asking for a meeting with representatives of three government agencies where we hope to pilot test the government’s anti-red tape law, even if the implementing rules and guidelines are still to be signed. Active cooperation would indicate good will on the part of these agencies.

Later that day, I had a sharing session with several women members of the Saturday breakfast club at the office who now have an outreach to prostituted women. Their stories regarding the resilience, faith, and generosity of these broken lives consoled me. It is clear that the word of God, in the bible, has a power to heal.

My mom’s 75th birthday last Aug 13 reminded me of how blessed I am with the gift of life and love of such a woman. Please help me pray for her and her needs.

I have been studying the consolidated reproductive health bill. I must confess that it is only now that I am getting some detailed understanding of the issues involved. It is really a matter of life and death, with the proposed bill introducing a culture of death by making absolute the right of a woman over her body at the expense of other and even more fundamental rights. It also takes away the right and duty of parents to be their children’s first teacher on human sexuality and morality. paign is needed.

The position paper on faith and engagement in 2010 that was circulated by Dilaab has elicited many responses, often long comments and suggestions. It seems to have touched a pulse.

While responsible parenthood must be promoted so the impact of poverty on the poor would be alleviated, the means for achieving this ought to be through natural family planning or NFP. The latter is in keeping with the dignity of the human person and promotes dialogue and respect between partners; it is an ecologically-sound approach (since nothing alien is introduced); is user friendly and are effective. With less than 1 percent of couples using NFP and about 50% of couples not using any method at all a very wide door is open to the NFP. A more effective information camLast Thursday 14 August, a new song, entitled “Gipukaw sa Gugma” (“Awakened by Love”) was played by the Agadier brothers. It is a combination of rock, ballad, and subdued rap. It calls on the youth to get involved in social transformation. We look forward to its first official performance and recording into CD.

I was in Manila last weekend (August 16 and 17) to meet some individuals on faith-impelled engagement for 2010. The trip was prefaced by a beautiful trip to a pottery maker in Tiaong, Quezon City . Ugu Bigay reminds me of that memorable line from the movie, “Babette’s Feast,” which says something like: “An artist’s voice cries out: ‘Give me a chance to do my best.’”

Two well-known individuals in the anti corruption fight were hospitalized the past week for a variety of illnesses that required blood transfusion. Let us continue to pray for Heidi Mendoza and Fr. Albert Alejo, SJ for their complete healing.

Finally, this week Geric Laude of the Toastmasters’ Club in Cebu shared the good news that the club’s speech contest will focus on heroic Christian citizenship and leadership in partnership with Dilaab. Praise God.

Yes, the crumbs that fall from the Master’s table are more than enough for us. What more if we are invited to the main course.

   Update 25 JULY to 10 AUGUST 2008

Dilaab has been emailing a position paper entitled, “Towards a Greater Faith-Impelled Engagement for the 2010 Elections.” The paper is actually the result of various circles of discernment held in Cebu and Manila concerning the aforementioned topic. One of these was held at the Communication Foundation for Asia last 26 (evening) to 27 July. As the gospel reading was on the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46), the main question brought before the said gathering was: “What is the pearl of great price that has made you stay in the country despite all the difficulties we are facing and the opportunities to leave for abroad?” The answers left one breathless and pondering over a very fundamental question. Indeed, it was soon evident that those who have found this pearl in the Philippines have also given up many things to obtain this treasure beyond price.

God is truly the best “appointments director.” During the trip to Manila and Pampanga by a Dilaab team (Glaldys C., Maritess T., and myself) from July 25 to 29, there were gaps in planning and in things beyond our control that were soon resolved by the unseen hand of Divine Providence. In two instances, transportation needs were provided for at the last minute with people we were meeting going exactly to our next appointment. A meeting whose agenda was unspecified even yielded the exact agenda from both sides. The only miscue was a movie watched at the end of the day that proved to be rather emotionally draining, and not the relaxation that was expected.

Resources may be opening up for several Dilaab initiatives in promoting heroic Christian citizenship and leadership, as well as graft and corruption intolerance. Praise God!

Our two days at the PNP Regional Training School no. 3 in Magalang, Pampanga was very well worth the effort. Selene Yu of the Potter’s Leadership Academy had given the two-day seminar on God-centered leadership before our input on Jacob’s Well. The latter introduces participants to the transforming power of the Bible. Due to the large number of trainees, not everyone was able to participate in the leadership seminar. It soon became apparent that Selene’s input already made the participants more reflective about life and their relationship to God and one another. There was depth and a sense that they were “called” to become policemen and women. Indeed, they had found a pearl of great price in the call to serve. Several even talked about relatively good prospects, as nurses, physical therapists, etc., prior to joining the rigors of training.

RTS 3 is at the foot of Mt. Arayat. There is a small hill at the back of the barracks. A “prayer mountain” is being constructed using donations and the sweat of cheerful trainees. I am hopeful for country when I remember the trainees and their trainors in Magalang. Maraming salamat po, Col. Romy Palgue and community.

Met with two prominent people in the field of communications upon my return to Cebu 30 July. Noel de Leon of the CFA came to Cebu to take footages and interview people for a video on graft and corruption. I look forward to the completed work, particularly on the ASEAN lamppost scam. A day later, our office had lunch with Fr. Francis Lucas of the Catholic Media Network (CMN) and we discussed areas of collaboration with Dilaab particularly in providing content for CMN’s 50+ radio network. Thank you Lord for such partners and exciting prospects.

The emerging initiatives and engagements of Dilaab has focused attention on what we are really trying to contribute. A key area is in the emerging agenda for 2010. At the very least, we would be reviving the LASER test to help people weed out undesirables. But this is just a first step. For people to choose good and reject evil, there must be options open to them. But how? We need to continue with our circles of discernment. At the moment, our network can continue igniting spaces of hope by bringing in three elements: individuals/groups that seek transformation (= combustible materials); the right spirit (= oxygen); and the vision and personal encounter (= initial spark). Another position paper will come out. This time it will be on a proposed framework for greater political engagement by different Christian denominations.

But it is not only 2010 that our office has been busy with. We helped organize a forum last August 6 introducing new computer technology that is really a new operating system (OS) that does away with built-in obsolescence and promises to help bridge the digital divide. Meanwhile initial consultations have been done regarding a planning meeting of the HEART network against graft and corruption.

And a very significant event is being planned for November. But I am getting ahead of my story…

In all of these openings and challenges, our office staff continues to pray daily before the Blessed Sacrament recognizing that with God nothing is impossible.

   Update 16 JUNE 2008

The past two weeks seem like a blur, a very joyful one.

The week began with a much-needed trip to the movie-house with my nephews and nieces for Prince Caspian. Nothing beats a good film on the struggle between good and evil. 

Work on the Dilaab News really takes time. Red tape at the post office does not help either. One just has to keep at it.

Thursday 12 June, the Kapampangan Marangal Inc. (KMI) were in Cebu for Luid Ka (“Hail to you”), a coffee-table book launch featuring their experiences of the May 2007 elections. Venue was conference hall, UP Cebu. Some highlights include the personal sharing by Ave and Banjo of KMI who were part of the original circle of discernment that led to the nomination of Among Ed. Their sharing showed that they were responding to the signs of the times from a faith perspective that turned crisis into an opportunity for real change. They also pointed out that there is a way to overcome the prevalent mentality of choosing the lesser evil and this is by identifying, encouraging, and supporting good candidates.

The same book launch was held in Cagayan de Oro the following day through a multi-sectoral network with Fr. Nathan Lerio of the Archdiocese of CDO being our point person. The boat trip to CDO yielded a lighter side involving a man who claimed to be a lawyer cum healer. He also claimed to have the answer to the problem of corruption. It is, according to him, a matter of having our backs aligned and he could massage backs. He may have been closer to the truth than he realized. After all, it is a matter of aligning personal conversion, family renewal, and social transformation.

The week also saw some breakthroughs in the preparation for an exploratory talk in Manila of individuals involved in faith-impelled initiatives against graft and corruption with the formation of a secretariat.

In the evening of Saturday 14 June, I was invited to share before a group that a parish priest had organized. Monsignor Rommel Kintanar invited barangay officials from his parish to a dinner-conversation. The atmosphere was non-threatening and with the good monsignor setting the pace for sincere listening. Each official was given a chance to speak on what he or she expected from the parish by way of collaboration. I was then given the floor on the topic, “Christian political involvement.” Monsignor Rommel ended with a note of thanks and a reminder of certain Church teachings on population. This was a very positive and proactive approach. Congratulations Monsignor Rommel!

Sooner than later, our Dilaab team was back in La Union to share a one-day seminar-workshop (“Circles of Discernment”) before parish pastoral council officers, school administrators, etc. Around 120 came Monday 16 June. The seminar allows participants to articulate what they feel is God’s plan for the nation and the obstacles that we face; then, it identifies faith-impelled solidarity as the missing link in social transformation; and, finally, it gives participants time to start planning for the formation of circles of discernment to promote heroic Christian citizenship, leadership, and advocacy work in their spheres of influence.

Based on the spoken and written feedback, participants found the event quite meaningful and practical. We are very grateful indeed to our host, Bishop Artemio Rillera of La Union, and to his staff for the opportunity to serve.

Steps are now being undertaken to revive Dilaab advocacies especially regarding illegal drugs and narcopolitics. Now is the time to take a proactive stance.

   Update 10 JUNE 2008

Two very important events happened within the span of one week.
  
First was the trip to La Union from 2 to 6 June by a Dilaab team to give a two-day seminar workshop before members of the Northern Luzon Regional Catechetical Council (NLRCC) during their 33rd assembly. Our four-person team came at the invitation of Bishop Artemio Rillera, SVD of La Union .
  
The module shared was a modified version of Spaces of Hope which connects love of God with love of country. In short: a good Christian, a good citizen. Yet from another angle: aligning personal conversion, family renewal, and social transformation.
  
Perhaps what captured the potential impact of the whole event was a comment by a prominent participant who stood up and, after clarifying certain  points, said something to the effect: I had some reservations about coming here for I usually do not attend such meetings. But I am really glad I came.
  
He was referring to the testimony that highlighted the need for a personal encounter with the Lord that leads to other areas of transformation and the need to align these areas. There is an effort to incorporate insights from the Spaces of Hope into the catechetical program of those who attended the event.
  
Bishop Rillera, our ever-gracious and generous host, gave us a beautiful glimpse of the Ilocano dimension of our being Filipino. Of course we were more than happy to have gone all the way to the fabled beach of Pagodpod and see the windmills of Bangi. Hope to see you again, Bishop Artemio.
  
The second event was what is called a branding workshop in Cebu last weekend, 7 and 8 June, conducted for us by our friends, Vicky Ortega and Grace Marci. This was nothing more than key people sharing their stories about Dilaab and their involvement in it. Of course, it was more  than this as well as we created as story that captured the essence of the movement. We call this story Siyanga ang is inspired by the Emmaus Story in Luke 24:13-35. To top it all, a Dilaab theme song, whose melody was composed by Trina Belamide, came in just in time for our group to sing it. It is a very moving piece indeed.
  
In the evening of Sunday 8 June, I tried out our story with my own nieces. It was a success and they easily understood the story behind the story, i.e. the continuing story of our nation with all our challenges. The youngest, not quite 10 years old, even identified the man who was with three disillusioned people from a town as Jesus. Wow. Siyanga.
  
Last but not the least, our online petition supporting Among Ed Panlilios choice of PNP director for Pampanga has opened up a window of support. A sample of the feedback we got is: I strongly support this effort. I am a priest myself and issues such as corruption and passivity of bad gov't officials cause POVERTY, let's be one with "among ed" by doing something in our localities against corruptions in all forms. Very encouraging words indeed. We are not alone in our desire for a better Philippines through better government and citizens.

   Update 19 MAY 2008

Just recently a businessman told me: “I really agree with what Dilaab is doing in the area of asking people to obey traffic rules, segregate their garbage, etc. We need to go back to the basics.”

His words encouraged me and affirmed what we are trying to do in the movement. Heroic Christian citizenship and leadership is all about the basics of civility and mutual respect. Ultimately, as we know, it is about really about our self-respect as individuals and as citizens.  What if the connection between these basics and our Christian faith becomes more explicit? Think of the energies that can be channeled for social transformation.

It is not all work at the Dilaab office. Unfortunately, our planned trip to the fabled island of Camotes will not be pushing through this weekend. Gusty winds and unpredictable weather might just be too risky for us. There is always a next time.

Our Dilaab blog received some much-needed updating the past week. A trio of young students was formed to improve the blog and make sure it is updated weekly. Internet-based developments have democratized the communication of ideas. It is no longer just the big media networks that are capable to spreading ideas widely and quickly. The lowly internet blog enables ordinary people to do so – but it needs the right chemistry of form and content.

Still, despite all these developments in the virtual world, the printed word is here to stay. There is something to be said about being able to hold the paper, even smell the ink, while reading. The May issue of our Dilaab News still awaits circulation though. We are working on bulk mailing arrangements with the post office as well as return envelopes for subscribers. Our tagline is: Dilaab News “where hope is news, and news brings hope.”

Last week our office also circulated an email entitled, “Helping a good man” regarding public support for Among Ed of Pampanga’s choice for police provincial director. Although most people who read such entries do not respond, those who did came out with good, practical ideas. One suggested an e petition. Another suggested the senate committee on appointments. People have been sharing the letter with their networks. We are now in the process of preparing an on-line petition.

Our outreach to the PNP and to schools received some boost with the promise of Dilaab supporters to help in the purchase of DVD movies that would be shown to participants of the two to six day training.

Plans for the launch of the coffee table book of the Pampanga experience of the May 2007 elections (“Luid Ka”) continue. Many positive developments like the enthusiastic partnership with local Kapampangan groups in Cebu. The June 12 event is fast becoming a major event, part of the laying of the groundwork initiative where there is a beautiful convergence between Among Ed’s team and Dilaab. The same launch will be done in Cagayan de Oro on June 13. Pictures do paint a thousand words and in this battle for the hearts and minds of Filipinos, the said book has and will touch hearts and minds.

The past week was also a happy moment to explore areas of collaboration with members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement of Cebu. Spiritual synergy can be an explosive, positive energy that can really promote the common good. I personally felt some nostalgia since my own journey towards spiritual wholeness started with the Charismatic movement and has led to the opening up of other vistas.

We did another run of the PNP heroic Christian citizenship and leadership program. Three runs within a month really stretched out resources but it was a good learning experience to help fine tune the program. After the May run, we will now be having the once-a-month run averaging 50 participants. We are also exploring possible partnerships to fund the renovation of the training center in Gaas, Balamban. A MOA is being designed.

I was asked to give an inspirational talk before police officers of the PNP region 7 at the start of a two-day seminar on the Purpose-Driven Life. I pointed out that inspiration ultimately comes from God, it being the “breath” that is the Holy Spirit. It was another opportunity to sow seeds of faith and hope.

Three beautiful opportunities presented themselves last week. One had to do with the formation of a pool of lawyer volunteers for Dilaab wherein contact with a very God-centered lawyer was made. Another was a nationally-known composer who will compose the melody for the Dilaab anthem. A third was a golden wedding celebration wherein a significant amount was given for the Dilaab HCCLP. Praise the Lord for a golden wedding with a golden heart for the nation. Praise the Lord for these blessings!

   Update 12 MAY 2008

Reviving a newsletter and turning it into a news-magazine is like renovating a building: we really do not know what the final outcome is until it comes out. Last week we worked on the May issue of Dilaab News and we got the fruit of our labors last Friday 9 May. We started to circulate the paper Monday 12 May. (For subscription info, just email info@dilaab.net or call 09209257335).

Although the paper’s dimensions are smaller than expected and still needs more improvement in layout as well as more pages, D News captures our spirit and makes us quite hopeful that we now have the beginnings of a monthly news-magazine.

D News will contain good news regarding social transformation from a faith perspective. The theme for the May issue is “the different forms of People Power.” What was quite memorable about the whole effort is the sense of community that it engendered. Our contributors, including some well-known ones, are from all over the Philippines . There are more than enough articles for the first two issues. We divided ourselves into teams for production, business, and circulation. We certainly had fun working together last Sunday 4 May. We plan to distribute the monthly issues on the first week of every month. Praise God.

I also met and talked with Fr. Onie Rosaroso, the PNP chaplain for region 7. Fr. Onie is involved with the League of Christian Police Officers in collaboration with the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP). They do follow-up work among policemen. Fr. Onie and I agreed to have a division of labor. Dilaab will work closely with Gen. Samson Tucay of the Police National Training Institute (PNTI) and Fr. Ronnie Arong, PNTI chaplain, for the five to eight day heroic Christian citizenship and leadership program (HCCLP). When trainees finish their one-year training at the PNTI, they will then be endorsed to Fr. Onie.

Another PNP HCCLP run was completed Pentecost Sunday 11 May. We are most grateful for prayers. Because of prayer, a tragedy was averted. A truck carrying trainees lost its brake and was stopped just in time before a gaping hole leading down the cliffs of the trans-central highway. Praise God for the presence of mind of the driver and the presence of a small tree. The truck is still recognizable and no one was seriously hurt.

Participants continue to be very lively and positive. This time we had around 110, nearly twice the size of the first group. Volunteers continue to inspire me with their generosity in time, talent, and treasure. One volunteer even had to hop on a motorcycle to get home one evening. It is not something we encourage, and will try to avoid in the future, but it showed dedication and even willingness to take risks. When it rains in Gaas, it pours. The five day training started with a mini deluge and ended with a mini deluge, pardon a bit of exaggeration.

Two brown outs show that a portable generator may be needed or a solar-energy machine, for that matter. Module versions less dependent on the power point should also be developed. 

Meanwhile, plans are afoot on replicating the training in two other training centers, one in Luzon, another in Mindanao .

What the HCCLP has shown me is what I would term as ‘incarnation for transformation.’ Jesus exchanged places with us in the incarnation. As baptized believers we too are called to exchange places. One of the things we need to be doing in our country, it seems to me, is for various sectors to ‘walk in the moccasins,’ of another, as the American Indian saying goes, so as to experience mutual transformation.

Other activities for the week include: sending of invitation letters to the exploratory talks of individuals involved in promoting graft and corruption intolerance from a faith perspective. A volunteer has also taken up the cudgels of documenting inspiring stories of conversion and transformation in the PNP, particularly at the Police National Training Institute. She will be getting in touch with contacts in the different regional training schools. Such stories should be told. Puede pala. In this connection, we have confirmed the book launch in Cebu of the Pampanga experience (Luid Ka, roughly, Mabuhay ka), fittingly on June 12.

We have also embarked on an information campaign regarding the issue of the Pampanga PNP provincial director. (A google search on “anti-jueteng cop” would explain more). I am attaching three files on the matter, just in case you are interested.

The week actually started with an update and report during the Cebu monthly recollection on the 2nd National Rural Congress. An archdiocesan team submitted its findings on various rural sectors. At the end of the report, an elderly priest stood up and expressed a concern: “But where do we begin?”

It is a very good and practical question indeed. With all the issues at hand, there is the danger of being overwhelmed. For us at Dilaab, we think part of the solution is to promote heroic Christian citizenship and leadership: to be a good Christian, one must also strive to be a good citizen and leader. We start here.

Our efforts require the mobilization of resources. We are very glad to note that several Dilaab supporters in the USA will help us purchase DVD and books connected to the HCCLP. Movies have a way to move hearts more than mere words.

What a wonderful co-incidence: Pentecost and Mother’s Day together. Although – tongue in cheek – the latter is really a Hallmark greeting cards invention, the motherly dimensions of birthing, nurturance, and keeping unity in the family are also the values of Pentecost. “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.”

   Update APRIL 28, 2008

It was with a tinge of sadness that I left the hill at Gaas, Balamban, Cebu last Sunday 27 April after a five-day, live-in training with police trainees who are the first participants of the Dilaab PNP Heroic Christian Citizenship and Leadership Program (HCCLP). After all, I was saying a temporary goodbye to home.

And who would not be attached to Gaas hill? There is fog in the morning and even during various times of the day. It is fresh and cool, away from the blistering heat of the city, and life is simple. I also got to do morning devotions with the trainees (5 am) followed by some physical exercise. Morning and evening devotions are now part of the daily routine of the 17 regional training schools of the PNP. I really received more than I gave.

The HCCLP has five components: a three-day sensitivity and teambuilding module; a two-day Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS); a two-day S Leadership (i.e. God-centered leadership); a one-day Jacob’s Well (discerning the signs of the times from a biblical perspective); and a one-day Spaces of Hope (a good Christian is also a good citizen). We end by reenacting baptism (not celebrating) in the early Church to stress that baptism is the point of unity among Christians and that Christian life is a journey needing support.

The HCCLP is the result of collaborative effort between Dilaab and other renewal groups. A closer look reveals that there is an effort here to integrate and align personal conversion, family renewal, and social transformation. To put it another way, we are trying to address what seems to us at Dilaab to be the missing link in social transformation: faith-impelled solidarity. We seemed to have touched a chord in the hearts of many Filipinos outside the PNP community. Donations of blankets, plates, rice, etc. for the said training is coming in from various quarters.

What was also given much emphasis in the training is forming a mechanism of support and sustainability for the trainees. We call this ASiN or Accountable Stewards in Network. Good intentions are not enough in the journey towards a life of integrity. There must be matrices of support.

ASiN has the following components around the concept of buddies: prayer buddies, counseling buddies, support buddies, etc. The idea is for buddies to journey together for mutual support. The cell phone and the internet become the means of contact, besides regular (weekly or monthly) contacts.
  
 It was also a time for me to reconnect with buddies from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement whom I had met nearly 30 years ago. Perhaps a collaborative effort between them and Dilaab?

The Gaas experience was so inspiring I ended up with another poem. This time dedicated to the youth.

While in the hills, we were able to record the exposition portion of the Saturday lectio divina of the breakfast club. The wonders of modern technology: giving an exposition even when physically absent.

Good new awaited our return Sunday morning. One of our Dilaab full-time staff, Bing Caminade, is three weeks pregnant. When I met Bing last Monday she informed me that three weeks ago during our daily Blessed Sacrament exposition, she had thanked God in advance for her pregnancy. God answers prayers! Another Dilaab baby. Meanwhile, a student in practicum at our office, Gran, is happy that he feels at home with us.

In our meeting with volunteers (Joy, Deedee, Gangging, Yoly, Ging, Beth – Raddy could not make it) of the S Leadership module last Monday 28 April, we shared what we were most grateful and least grateful for during the giving of the module. All felt they received more than what they gave. Reading the comments from the participants made everyone very happy that somehow they connected with the trainees. We look forward to the next run.

There was another volunteer, an unexpected one, during the first run at Gaas. Her name is Apple and is the youngest sister of Anbern, a full-time staff. Apple became our gofer. Her positive presence indicates that young people can be involved in the training and be inspired by it. I suspect we have stumbled upon a spiritual treasure. Why not invite young people to join?

Last Sunday’s gospel from John 14:15-21 is about the Holy Spirit as the original advocate who will guide believers and whom the world does not recognize. Surely it is the Paraclete who provides the guidance we have been receiving and will continue to receive as we reach out to the police and to one another in faith, hope, and love.

   Update APRIL 15 - 23, 2008

At 530 am last Wednesday 23 April, I heard footsteps outside the barracks room where I had stayed for the night. These were police trainees gathering for their early morning workout at a hilltop in Gaas, Balamban. From where I was staying, one could see Mt. Manunggal the tragic site snuffing out the life of a bearer of hope more than half a century ago.

 The trainees are part of the 5-day heroic Christian citizenship and leadership program (HCCLP) offered by Dilaab in partnership with the Police National Training Institute (PNTI) in charge of training police personnel. The same event is being planned for Cagayan de Oro and Pampanga. As they say, prevention is better than cure. Beyond this, one could say that a leaven for transformation is emerging among the ranks of the police.

After their physical workout, the trainees did their morning devotions. They end the day with their evening devotions. Seminar-workshops are sandwiched between these two prayer times.

From Tuesday (April 15) to Monday (April 21), a Dilaab team was in Manila for networking and seminar giving. Meanwhile a team of volunteers to the pool of speakers of our S Leadership (i.e. God-centered leadership) was busy preparing themselves to share their testimonies woven into the talks.

In Manila , the team joined the launch of a media campaign of the Coalition Against Corruption (Tuesday 15 April). We had lunch later on with someone who is now with the private sector but who feels called to serve once more in government, despite the excellent material remuneration the person is presently receiving. Public service is indeed a calling! A mid-afternoon meeting revealed a faith-impelled partner in Manila in the fight against corruption. Faith-impelled solidarity is the missing link in social transformation.

The next day we met Ate Angie, a former barangay captain of Kamuning, for an interview. Her stories of how she lived out her accountability partnership with Col. Cesar Binag (and now with the present station commander) touched us deeply. Here was one who was an exemplary heroic Christian citizen and leader working meaningfully with another inspiring figure for the common good of her locality. Her story – their story – has to be told. This is part of the good news of social transformation. Dilaab is now documenting their partnership as part of our puede pala initiative. In the afternoon, we met with Bishop Pabillo of NASSA (National Secretariat for Social Action) in Tagaytay. Plans for exploratory talks bringing together faith-impelled individuals in anti-corruption were agreed upon.

Thursday (17 April) saw us preparing for the talk for the next day. We also joined the sharing of experiences organized by Ventures for Fund Raising. How blessed we are for such experts sharing their expertise to non-profit organizations like Dilaab. Lessons: need for visibility and the positive approach.

We spent the whole day of April 18 giving the Jacob’s Well module in Pansol, Laguna to key personnel of the Police National Training Institute. While our Tagalog was rusty, the insights came through with very positive feedback from the participants, many of whom suggested we give the same to other government agencies, including the PNP and AFP.

Jacob’s well is a day-long module that aligns and integrates personal conversion, family renewal, and social transformation. God has indeed formed a good Dilaab team for this purpose. Back in Manila that evening, we spent time watching the play, “Altar Boyz.” It was delightfully playful and contemporary, with lessons for the heart and head.

The following day was spent with Joelo Delgado, the son of a dear friend. He has just graduated from college himself and was more than happy to network us with his friends for our advocacies. Like father, like son.

Lunch was with Vicky and Grace, our most-kind hostesses. Time went back very quickly as ideas for moving forward Dilaab were shared. They offered to facilitate an activity for Dilaab. Had supper with a Dilaab partner from Batangas to discuss some pressing matters.

On Sunday (April 20) the team met Among Ed of Pampanga and his team to discuss the book launch of Luid Ka (“Hail to you”) in Cebu on June 12. There is a convergence of energies in this book with Puede Pala. The good news that change is possible in politics is part of the good news in the evangelization of our political culture. But how does the silent majority in the Philippines encourage and support other good leaders in the likes of Among Ed to be in politics without encouraging men of the cloth to run for office?

Later that day, we celebrated mass at the PNP Regional Training School in Pampanga. Let us pray for the team there headed by Col. Romy Palgue.

Other possible outreach work in the public and private sectors was discussed during a meeting last Monday (April 21). Also discussed with a young man the possibility of becoming a priest. As the Pope says: not many, but a few good priests. Our Manila trip ended with breakfast with two Dilaab partners in Manila . Various templates for integrated social transformation in the private and public sectors were discussed. We felt that while the risks two years ago for Dilaab initiatives was the reel instead of the real, now is the time to reel the real since we already have efforts on the ground that have been tested.

Meanwhile, news from the radio informs us of a Filipino Papal Nuncio to Korea. Perhaps a visit to Korea by a Dilaab team to observe the world-renowned prayer mountains? Exhaustion catches up on the team by the time it returns to Cebu. This is somehow offset by the news that the ASEAN lamppost case has moved up to the Sandiganbayan. It pays to be vigilant but more work is needed.

The first reading last Sunday (Acts 6:1-7) 20 April 2008 provides a framework for understanding the developments in Dilaab. It is God who gives the growth (v. 7). Prayer and ministry of the Word (v. 4) must never be neglected. There will always be need for Spirit-filled volunteerism for specific services (vv. 3-6).

   Update 2 TO 14 APRIL 2008

Our CAPABILITY BUILDING efforts continue as we prepare to engage schools, parishes, and some government agencies with our educational effort through our heroic Christian citizenship and leadership program (HCCLP). We have started to distribute letters to potential supporters for our 5 day PNP HCCLP which begins on 21 April. A generous person gave five sacks of rice. We are looking for mattresses and blankets so our trainees would have a modicum of dignity as well as preserve their health in the mountains of Balamban, Cebu.

Two office volunteers for the PNP HCCLP have committed themselves to mobilize resources. One is the daughter of a former chief of police, now diseased. We have also contacted the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement of Cebu for a Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS) as part of the program. Meanwhile, a similar run is being planned in Cagayan de Oro.

On the other hand, we have started to send letters to schools and parishes informing them of our willingness to share our HCCLP with them starting July 2008. Another team of VOLUNTEERS are involved in disseminating the information and following up. Before June is over, we would have PILOT TESTED the HCCLP with people from a parish, a private company, senior citizens, elementary school, high school, a religious congregation, a barangay, etc. within and outside of Cebu. We are forming a pool of volunteers who will be group into teams. They will not just be speakers or sharers but called to give witness and to eventually be formators. In this regard, a Dilaab team gave an orientation before a group of religious sisters in Cebu. Enthusiasm was high. Now is the time to test the enthusiasm.

One group whose commitment has been tested are the BISROCK (Bisaya rock) BANDS whose music on the 12 little acts of good citizenship we have recorded. An MTV is now on the planning stage with doors being opened for a good production. Professionals are pitching in with their ideas. We hope this production would be on time for a planned Mindanao caravan for our bands. God willing...

We have also responded to a letter sent to us by the PNP hierarchy with regards the impasse on the choice of Among Ed Panlilio’s choice of PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR for Pampanga. Our letter is respectful and positive, even as it stands behind the good governor’s choice. Some volunteers are helping out in this initiative.

The discernment process for a possible CENTER FOR SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION continues. We are consulting an architect, an interior decorator, and an artist for this. Above all, we are praying and asking God if this is His will. Ideas for resource mobilization are emerging. These will be further threshed out when God’s will is clear. So far, most have positive inclination regarding the idea. No opposition really, just a concern of a possible overstretching of our human resources.

The trip to Manila 5 and 6 April led to the digital audio recording of our WEEKLY EXPOSITION on the Sunday gospel reading for use during our lectio divina at the office. Feedback was positive that the recorded exposition was useful. Praise God.

In Manila, I met with PROTESTANT PARTNERS of Dilaab to discuss joint efforts and, more importantly, to have fellowship with one another. While there, we agreed to explore the possibility of a first-ever reunion of PNP Values and Leadership School graduates who are now in Metro Manila. We hope to partner with a hotel in the area. In addition, initial discussions on Dilaab engagement in specific initiatives for good governance were made with Dilaabers in Manila.

Upon returning to Cebu, the undersigned met with the Dilaab EXECOM. Many things were taken up, including involvement in a NATIONAL CONSULTATION on Church-based initiatives in anti corruption and good governance, specific engagements of Dilaab, a possible engagement with Transco, preparations for positive engagement in
the 2010 elections, etc.

Meanwhile, some Dilaab friends from the USA committed themselves to helping our office acquire reference materials for use in our educational efforts. Thank God for their generosity. May He continue to bless them.

Last, but not the least, plans for an improved DILAAB NEWS were firmed up. Three teams, with corresponding volunteers, were formed: an editorial team, a business team, and a circulations team. Tasking is now clearer. A monthly new-magazine in tabloid form is envisioned to be circulated every first week of the month. It is really a way to evangelize the socio-economic political culture emphasizing on heroic Christian citizenship and leadership. For May, the theme is “New Forms of People Power.” A pool of writers and contributors is emerging that can only be a gift from God.

   Update 8 MARCH TO 1 APRIL 2008

As we bask in the afterglow of Easter, we are grateful to God’s providence and mercy that continues to guide our movement Dilaab. Consider the following:

1. Our Dilaab partner, the Regional Training School (RTS) in Cebu, organized a run for peace last 9 March which had a very good attendance. The RTS is fast becoming a beacon of inspiration for many people. Some even refer to it as the regional training seminary because of its daily regimen of prayer and reflection, over and above the skills, physical and professional training recruits undergo to become members of the PNP. The training is really wholistic.

Recognition is due to the leadership at the Police National Training Institute (PNTI) who are in charge of the 17 RTS all over the Philippines. A “God-centered, family-based, and service-oriented PNP” is attainable and is emerging.

At the end of the day last 9 March a Mass was celebrated and flowed into a program where recruits sang songs and entertained themselves and their partners, including members of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) and Dilaab volunteers.

2. The search for truth continues spurred by revelations regarding the ZTE/NBN deal. As of the third week of March, around 28 thousand signatures had been collected from parishes in Cebu. Copies of these signatures have been sent to the Supreme Court so our
manifesto for truth (signed by Cardinal Vidal) would be made known to the justices. We await with bated breath, the final outcome of the SC deliberations and resolutions particularly regarding EO 464. Would these lead to a better working of democracy, i.e. to better checks and balances between the branches of government? Let us see…

While a Dilaab team was in Cagayan de Oro to give a seminar in a parish, a group of Dilaab staff and volunteers attended a gathering featuring a public figure who wanted his story heard in Cebu. Sadly, some impulsive, unwarranted, and baseless remarks have
reduced his credibility. The more reason our search for truth must be based on principles and issues, not personalities.

3. The annual Dilaab membership and trustees meeting was held last 10 March. Among the significant agreements were: the construction of a John Paul II Center for Social Transformation; the invitation of new members to Dilaab Foundation Inc.; modification of Dilaab office organizational set-up; etc.

4. Preparations are now on high gear for spreading the Heroic Christian Citizenship and Leadership Program (HCCLP) of Dilaab in Cebu and in partner dioceses. Test runs of our modules (e.g. Jacob’s well and/or Spaces of Hope) have been made in a parish setting at
Cagayan de Oro (15 March), a corporate setting in Iligan (17 and 18 March), and with religious women in Bohol (26 and 27 March). These modules have also been tested among grade 5 students in Cebu (last 14 December 07) and high-school graduates in Argao (30 March 08).
A pool of volunteers (speakers, testimony givers, support team, etc.) for the sharing the modules is undergoing training even as the above-mentioned modules and others (“The Missing Link” and “Seven Secrets to Success”) are being developed. We will be sending letters to schools and parishes of our readiness to engage them by July this year. God willing.

5. Last 25 March, Dilaab staff members met with Mr. Dante Morales, Dilaab’s volunteer architect, for the revision of concept and design of the John Paul II Center for Social Transformation. The basic design is circular as this shape signifies healing and wholeness. The site is found in Sitio Kalunasan in Barangay Guadalupe. Providentially, “Kalunasan” has a play on words: “luna” (Cebuano “space”) and “lunas” (Tagalog “solution, healing, etc.”). Perhaps a place of healing in our journey towards wholeness?

6. Others: Dilaab News team met last 29 March to reorganize and plan for a monthly issue (eventually weekly). It was agreed that the publication will actually be a news-magazine in the form of a tabloid. Resumption is set for the first week of May. Another
very positive development is the engagement of members of the breakfast club in recruiting people to join Dilaab 300, our fund development effort.

   Update 5 February to 4 March 2008

It’s been more than a month since our last Dilaab update. My apologies. The highlights of the month are the following:

1.    Gave inputs on lectio divina (a diligent reading of the Bible accompanied by prayer) to several groups in the Archdiocese of Cebu as part of the thrust of the Archdiocese. There is hunger for the Word especially in trying to understand what it may have meant then to the original listeners and how the Word may have touched them.

The effort does not seek to replace methods of reading the Bible that are currently being used, only to enrich these with two elements: unadorned silence (i.e. no background music) and the exposition (i.e. the original meaning of the passage).

2.    Shared the Dilaab module, “The Missing Link,” before students at a local university. The open forum afterwards further validates my view that the youth are not apathetic about society but rather just uninspired by our supposed leaders.

Channeling their energies is a continuing challenge. Our link with the Bisrockers (Bisaya rock) is a heaven-sent gem for engaging this challenge.

3.    The expose regarding the ZTE/NBN deal sent ripples to the rest of the country. Dilaab’s engagement in the said case is through the following:

•    Part of the consultation leading to the drafting (14 February) of a pastoral statement by His Eminence, Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, which called for prayer and action. The latter includes positive engagement in transparency and accountability measures like
procurement monitoring, lifestyle check, and anti-red tape measures. A signature campaign was also called for demanding truth.

•    A signature campaign is ongoing taking its cue from the aforementioned pastoral statement. As of 6 March, a total of 20 thousand signatures have been collected.
The manifesto for the campaign cites high profile and unresolved cases of graft and corruption, both local and national. This manifesto is a joint effort last 17
February between Dilaab and the Church-based network in Manila, Watch and Pray.

•    The said manifesto has been sent to the office of Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno last 4 March since its calls on the Supreme Court, among others, to come out with a categorical ruling on EO 464 and for all branches of government to faithfully abide by it.

•    Two Masses for Truth have been organized at the Redemptorist Church (18 February) and the Virgen sa Regla National Shrine (21 February).

•    Meetings with an NGO network (13 February) and a Church-based network in Cebu (1 March). These meetings showed diversity of opinions and revealed that there are new forms of People Power. In addition, the Church-based network reached the agreement that the weak link in the search for truth is actually the Office of the Ombudsman where the aforementioned graft and corruption cases await resolution. An over-centralized set-up prevents the speedy resolution of cases. An action plan for making our sentiments
heard was agreed upon.

4.    Other activities: more meetings concerning our resource-mobilization efforts, the Dilaab 300 and an e-based volunteer recruitment effort was launched. The latter has already attracted 4 individuals.

5.  Meanwhile, we continue to pray for the appointment of Col. Cesar Binag as provincial director of Pampanga.

   Update 18 December to January 15 2008

Before the year was over, our staff members of the Dilaab Foundation Inc. were able to do a physical clean up of our office. The accumulation of seven years became obvious hen we collected several piles of papers. More space is now available and we have a sense of where things are through proper labeling. The psychological benefits are also immeasurable: a sense of ending one cycle and starting a new one.

This activity coincided with our preparations for the Dilaab Visioning and Strategic planning which was held on a weekend (thanks to people with very generous hearts) last 5 and 6 January. Pet Misa and Gody Limotlimot ably and gently facilitated this meeting. (Incidentally, they had also facilitated the first strategic planning for Barug Pilipino in 2004).

To prepare for the meeting, the undersigned came up with a report entitled: “2007: A Seed Germinates.” The report points out that the year 2007 saw different Dilaab initiatives starting to germinate, as the various sub-titles would indicate:


•    “Forming Dilaab Foundation Inc.”
•    “Standing Alongside: A Growing Dilaab Network.”
•    “A Highlight of the Journey: The 13 and 14 October 2007 Unity Retreat.”
•    “A Highlight of the Journey: The 24 November 2007 Dilaab Day of Thanksgiving and Covenanting.”
•    “Standing Behind People in Government and Business.”
•    “Standing In Front Thru Heroic Christian Citizenship and Other Initiatives.”
•    “A Growing Public Visibility.”
•    “The Values and Leadership School (VLS) and the Heroic Christian Citizenship and Leadership School (HCCLP) As Two Centerpiece Dilaab Initiatives.”
•    “Measuring Impact.”
•    “Working with the Youth.”
•    “Some Unfinished Business: Sustainability of and Support for Resolve for Transformation.”
•    “Centering Ourselves as an Evangelizing Presence through Lectio Divina.”
•    Etc.


The planning activity employed the so-called Appreciative Inquiry (AI) approach that starts by asking positive questions related to initiatives that somehow work, rather than focusing on problems. Four positive change core were identified:

•    Channeling desire for change.
•    Arousing positive yet practical activism.
•    Addresses different motivations to join and commit themselves.
•    Built on convergence

If there had been some success in the past, it is because of these four core values. We need to continue to tap these values in the coming years.

We also were able to bring to a fruitful completion our Misa de Gallo at the PNP Regional Training School (RTS). Various groups from the Dilaab network participated. Our last day was a very pleasant surprise, with a marvelous singing group (the Macroville Subdivision choir) providing the music. A short Christmas program followed and we ended with a boodle fight for breakfast. This time the tempo was a little faster with religious sisters having the time of their lives.

The last day of the year saw an exciting meeting with certain individuals who would ordinarily not be comfortable discussing issues concerning good governance. In advocacy work, one learns to bracket one’s biases in order to listen. It is a continuing challenge.

On 4 January 2008, we resumed our monthly first Friday advocacy mass at St Joseph parish in Mabolo, Cebu City. We showed the Audio-Visual Presentation made for our Day of Thanksgiving and Covenanting. With some generous donors, we also resumed our sharing of two specifies of Christ’s Body and Blood. A working team has been formed to coordinate the monthly masses.

Last 8 January in Cagayan de Oro, the undersigned found himself teaming up with Among Ed Panlilio of Pampanga in giving talks before two groups. These conversations center on the theme of good governance and heroic Christian citizenship.

Meanwhile, efforts at forming a working group for heroic Christian citizenship continue. We are hoping to have a nationwide synchronization of the 12 little things (every Filipino can do to help our country). We hope to launch this by the new school year, June 2008.

On Tuesday 15 January, Fr. Peter Malone MSC, an internationally-recognized film juror, started a two-day seminar on film and faith. The event was a collaborative effort between the Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA) and Dilaab.

   Update 6 to 12 November 2007

The Mactan saga continues. The mayor of Lapulapu City continues to harass a local businessman who is standing up to him. He is, in effect, asking Jun Pelaez, head of the Mactan Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to pay taxes twice. He is also harassing the tenants of Jun just because the latter had the courage to take him up on an alleged computer scam.  This is not to mention that it was during his preceding term that the ASEAN lampost and girl scout scams happened.

We also met some elected officials who will be forming the initial group of officials who will be part of network towards a vote-buying and SOP-free Philippines. Last elections these barangay officials of Kalunasan, Guadalupe, through the encouragement of
some people, made a covenant among themselves before a Marian shrine in Simala not to buy votes. Elsewhere, Fr. Ver Pedrano, a priest of a mountain parish in Carcar waged a campaign before voters and candidates for a vote-buying free area. Several parishioners
returned envelopes containing money to him. Information he received indicates 50% of the preceints as vote-buying free.

The network already has a nationwide figure, Governor ‘Among’ Ed Panlilio of  Pampanga, who is returning a P500 k money given to his staff (and forwarded to him) without any papers or accountability trails. His act of honesty has really opened up the hornets’ nest. How low has our political culture fallen.

God orchestrates things. The undersigned was in Manila for a meeting. While he was there he met two people whom he was trying to set up a meeting with. He met them unexpectedly. One of them gave him a tour of an ecospirituality center which had many practical tips like composting, a butterfly space, vermiculture, recycling, livelihood project, bonsai, deep well, use of indigenous materials, reflexology, aroma therapy,
using of recycled second hand materials, building around trees, ceiling made of floor mats, use of geometric space, medicinal plants, a bit of wilderness, etc. While in Manila, the undersigned witnessed the PNP Transformation Run which was organized by a partner, Col. Cesar Binag. Gen. Samson Tucay led the runners’ pack together with the head of the PNP. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can real transformation be attained. Kuya Sam left for Germany for a 12 day training on peace making.

Meanwhile, we received a request to give a retreat for a group of people who will be doing a critical job with regards good governance. 

   Update 23 October to 5 November 2007

Two weeks have gone by in a huff. Many surprises have come our way. Consider the following:

We found ourselves indirectly involved, in terms of providing moral/spiritual support and connectivity, with two activities that involved anti-corruption work and peace making. One was the support for an individual who was part of sting operation in one of the islands in the Philippines. Brave and conscience-motivated people need others to stand behind them so they could do the right thing. While we cannot go into all the details what that experience showed is that a missing link that the movement can provide is support those in government who want to be honest or remain honest by journeying with them during difficult moments. The motivation should be religious and spiritual, not partisan politics or ego-tripping. One needs to constantly search one’s heart.

The other activity was building bridges through the cell phone. By means of forwarding text messages, our office was able to clear up certain misunderstandings between two government offices. Tensions remain but there is a bridge.

The following day, Wednesday 24 October, the Dilaab network in Cebu gathered for a celebration recognizing God’s gift to the movement in the person of PNP Gen Samson Tucay who received the highest award given to a government career employees, the Presidential Linkgkod ng Bayan Award. Although the award had been given more than a month before, the evening brought joy and further bonding. A powerpoint presentation was made on “The Missing Link of Social Transformation”; a mass; a boodle fight (more like boodle peace), a way of eating within a group; and a program. The latter featured a Sinulog dance and a song number. We ended by singing: “Light Your Candle.”

Early on, we were also involved in meetings to try to resolve the raging controversy in Mactan between leadership in the local government of Lapulapu City and affected citizens. Our standing behind the latter is based on a judgment that the former has crossed the boundaries of decent governance into sheer abuse. At the same time, we will not countenance, businesses not paying proper taxes. At the moment, however, the local government’s allegations that this is the case is not convincing. What we see is harassment.

On Saturday 27 October we shared before one of the break-out groups of the Christian Family Movement (CFM) national conference in Cebu. Topic was “Organizing for Advocacy.” Suggested they consider a nationwide program of reaching out proactively to OFWs and their families. One of Dilaab’s advocacy outreaches, the Friends of Pedro, can partner with CFM on this since we have the modules and some experience on the proposed outreach. We will see what happens.

Monday 29 October was a mass with the Rotary Fuente Group for their silver anniversary. Once more promoted our CD on heroic Christian citizenship.

Other happenings included: all Saints and all Souls days wherein we asked for names of departed dead from our network; a couple from the USA who have retired in Cebu also gave the first monetary support for the Dilaab Day of Thanksgiving and Covenanting. Meanwhile, we are quite busy preparing for the said day, with all the invitations. We are also praying for sponsors to help out with the venue and food.

   Update 16 to 22 October 07

The Unity Retreat last 13 and 14 October is turning out to be a continuing drama. Subsequent events attest to this. That Sunday, Ines, a Dilaab volunteer who was supposed to be with us but could not, texted that her son had met an accident and was still lying on a road somewhere in Quezon province in very bad shape.  Fortunately the injuries turned out to be minor.  Praise God. Another such retreat is being planned for government personnel in a province in Luzon.

During the succeeding days, the number of volunteers for Dilaab increased and so did their
hearts. A crucial step forward was the agreement to pray the “Sacred Heart Prayer for a Transformed Philippines” (Protestant version: “Lord Jesus Prayer for a Transformed Philippines”) around 9 am daily. With such a united front of prayer, many mountains
will be moved. (See attachment for a copy of such prayer; do join us).

Such explosion of the volunteer spirit was ignited with the realization during the retreat that most of us have not yet really done our part for the nation; we have not yet risked our lives, as others have and continue to do so.

Monday 15 October, we received news of a ‘small miracle’ from one of the staff members of Among Ed Panlilio of Pampanga. Governor Mendoza of Bulacan had corroborated Among Ed’s disclosure of the distribution of money in Malacanang. The former had earlier denied having received money.

Tuesday 16 October saw the staff members of our office in Subic Bay to give a day-long seminar on heroic Christian citizenship (“Spaces of Hope”) for 41 police officers, mostly chiefs of police, from Ilocos and Bicol. Sargeant Nanding and Major Dimagiba provided us with assistance for the journey from Makati.

The seminar was a dream come true. In our five batches of participants in the PNP Values and Leadership School in Cebu, enlisted personnel often urged us to include officers in the program. Now we were sharing before such group. We were quite struck by the positive disposition and a spirituality that was exhibited by the officers considering they were only on their 8th day into the 30-day training.

One man stood up to read an entry from his diary. When he started we were on edge since he was unabashed about his anger. Soon our apprehensions dissipated. He admitted discovering the beauty of what he was undergoing. The team building exercise during the first three days by a group of psychologists helped him get disposed.

Another miracle occurred. After one or two participant mentioned about the need to have officers higher in rank than them to undergo the same program, someone called the undersigned to say that a one or three day seminar for a group much higher in rank is being planned with Dilaab tasked to organize the event.

That same day, I received a text informing me that a well-known movie personality was open to playing the role on the life of a Dilaab champion in anti-corruption work. If this is God’s will for our lady champion, this might help spread courage and hope to others.

Wednesday 17 October was a meeting in Cebu regarding a search for outstanding individuals and institutions in the Visayas and Mindanao. This is the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Triennial Awards. Positive strokes through recognition of role models can be a powerful way to stir up patriotism.

Two days later, we got involved in a prayer rally expressing support for members of the Mactan Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry who were harassed by the Mayor of Lapulapu City. The move by the local chief executive was a mistake which only galvanized support against him. More prayers are needed while the drama continues.

20 Oct Saturday had two meetings, one revisiting the key result areas of Kamatuoran (against illegal drugs and narcopolitics); the other with Faith and  Paul who are designing the Dilaab website. The following day we had mass at the Regional Training School of the PNP with close to 200 trainees. In the evening, met with Bishop Pabillo who was in Cebu.

Monday 22 Oct weekly meeting of Dilaab staff. It is amazing how we are coping up, barely, with the sheer work. Each staff member is doing the work of 2 to 3 people. Other resources need to be mobilized. Met two Filipino businessmen who are interested in the work we do. Asked them to consider helping out in obtaining new computers for us to move beyond the jurassic
period.

Things are falling into place. Thanks be to God.

   Update 9 to 15 October 2007

To say that the preceding week was “great” or “tremendous” seems an understatement.

After various activities, like outlining events for the 40-day celebration culminating in the Day of
Thanksgiving and Covenanting, developing a melody for the English version of Nasud Ko, revisiting and updating key result areas, etc., our Dilaab staff and volunteers were off for the first Dilaab Unity Retreat in Tagaytay. The trip was made possible by a very generous donor who felt that a prayer retreat would be the best way to begin the 40 days. He was right and our staff will be forever grateful to Ernie. The undersigned, for his part, administered exams on the NT and met with a team assigned to develop a module in support of the Archdiocese of Cebu’s 2008 pastoral thrust: “Contemplating Christ in the Bible…”

The retreat at the CBCP/NASSA (National Secretariat for Social Action) retreat house in Tagaytay was certainly the highlight of the week. There were about 45 participants, 24 of these coming from Cebu coming mostly from the corporate world, business, two rock musicians, and Dilaab staff. The retreat house at Bgy Asisan afforded a very green alternative to the pollution of urban living. We were the only retreatants and the facility quite affordable. Food was good.

The group arrived in the afternoon of Friday 12 October after a 2 hour bus trip. The undersigned had arrived earlier to concelebrate with Bishop Chito Tagle of Imus for the feast of Our Lady of Pillar. A group of young people played host to me. They were members of a group that I had helped organize in 1980 as a young professional! They were still at it and very active in parish work. Someone plants, another waters, but it is God who gives growth. How true.
 
Mass was the first group activity. The evening session began with an orientation followed by a getting-to-know-you session. Amidst laughter, glimpses of the hidden self began to emerge. Slept early for a 430 am session. No need for airconditioning what with the cool, clear mountain air.

Maritess led us with a blossom prayer dance at dawn. Participants were called to surrender negative feelings and entrust themselves to God. A renewal of baptismal vows greeted the dawning of a new day. With hearts starting to blaze with a fresh sense of God’s healing presence at the start of the day, the group was ready for a session on the journey to Emmaus. The
journey paradigm set the pace for the retreat, even as it was pointed out that the good news is tragedy, comedy, and fairy tale all rolled into one.

Other participants started to trickle in, like Alex Lacson, Heidi and Roy Mendoza, Bob Lopez, Arne de los Santos, Samson Tucay, Cesar Binag and other PNP partners. Even a trio from Governor Among Ed of Pampanga came. Little did we know that personal, regional, institutional, and denominational biases were slowly being healed. 

Bishop Tagle came around 1030 am. He shared on the Kingdom of God as synonymous with fullness of life. The good bishop’s humility, sharp intellect, quick and comic wit, coupled with true-to-life stories, brought the house down and our spirits soaring, so to speak. A group sharing session followed after lunch and siesta.
A spirit of openness prevailed and hidden selves were peacefully revealed and lovingly accepted. A sense of solidarity was forming. Tears were not wanting.  

Cesar Binag, his wife, Agnes, and their four boys performed a song for us “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” as we heard a testimony from him and Samson Tucay of how the Spirit is changing lives among policemen. Gen Tucay and Col. Binag witnessed to the power of love in uniting Protestants and Catholics, and in making the PNP a force for good, God’s presence, to reckon with.

After supper, “Nasud Ko” (“My Nation”) was performed by Alaine Agadier who composed the music. This wrapped up the whole day since it connected love of God with love of country, another dimension of the Kingdom of God. The rest of the evening included a movie entitled “Facing the Giants,” a story about surrendering to God’s will despite all odds. After supper, different groups emerged for more informal sharing.

Had a prayer mountain experience Sunday at 530 am. The spiritual exercise would have been more meaningful had we walked some distance from the retreat house. The prayer mountain had been a fruit of the Korean War when people prayed for their separated relatives and friends, and longed for a united nation through prayer. As we watched the sun rise, our spirits were likewise raised in prayer. An idea to pray a common prayer at 9 am daily (the time of Pentecost) came to
the fore.

Bishop Tagle ended his talk by connecting the Kingdom of God with human development; to accept the Kingdom is to become more human. Or, as the 1971 Synod of Bishops put it, “action on behalf of justice is constitutive of the preaching of the gospel.” This was an affirmation of what Dilaab stands for. A good Christian must also strive to be a good ciizen. Mass was celebrated wherein Christian unity was once more stressed, as Christians share in one baptism. After lunch, an impromptu poetry (“tula”) reading session was led by Heidi Mendoza.

Then a final session was held, “The Missing Link” that tries to present a spirituality of social
transformation as it is lived out in the Dilaab Movement. We ended up with an impassioned group singing of “Nasud Ko.” Lyrics from other Filipino languages can fit the song rather nicely. 

The remnant, mostly from Cebu, decided to go around Tagaytay on a jeep. Bad choice for a vehicle which turned out to be a smoke belcher. Visited the People’s Park in the Sky. Fog enveloped the place including the statue of the Mother of Fair Love, a rather apropos
patroness in a rather romantic place.

After supper, an informal sharing occurred which may have been the deepest prayer session of all. We asked each one to answer the question: “What struck you most about the retreat?” A long silence ensued after everyone had shared.

Rex, our bus driver, arrived at 5 am Monday. He had sacrificed to get to Tagaytay from Manila. We had to leave this early in order to be near Batangas City for a 7 am mass with Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa.
We arrived an hour and forty minutes later at the St. Therese College. It was to be an extension of the retreat with the Archbishop’s words echoing insights from the retreat and reverberating in our hearts.  Since it was St. Teresa’s feast (14 October), the main insight was: “God alone suffices.” From there we proceeded to the Benedictine Sisters near Lipa. On the way the good Archbishop of Lipa gave us a guided tour through the cellphone. The good Benedictine sisters
had prepared a generous lunch for us. This food and the presence of happy religious sisters made the stopover a feast for the stomach and the spirit. Plans are now afoot to organize a unity retreat for the government of Batangas in partnership with the Archbishop of Lipa.

Words fall short of the spiritual reality we experienced, a veritable Pentecost. Some words to describe the event as shared by some participants include: “connecting, restoring, rejuvenating…a heart to heart experience with our Lord through his fascinating children gathered around proclaiming His Word…now I know why we were sent here…I have reawekening of my senses and to act upon it…sense of responsibility to support good governance…promote peace and bring hope…what a journey it has been… humbling, Spirit filled communing, inspiring,
challenging, solidifying, uniting, a dawning, enlightening, illuminating, revealing, willing,
learning, laughing, crying, and loving four-day experience; thanks and praise to God…”

The experience gave us a glimpse of a nation being built through the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It is as if one was meeting long-lost friends whom one meets for the very first time.

There is hope.

   Update 2 to 9 October 2007

A relatively mild week in terms of activities and events. Still, much work was done:   

2 OCTOBER 2007: had breakfast with Selene Yu of the  Potter’s Leadership Academy and we discussed possible collaborative effort in view of emerging government partners of Dilaab. She was even open to inserting something from Dilaab into the S Leadership seminar.  She likewise suggested collaborating with the Young Minds Academy of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.
(RAFI).

In the afternoon had a brief meeting with the Presidential Anti Graft Commission (PAGC) team to clarify with additional training staff from the PNP Training Service that will be involved in the PNP Values and Leadership School. [many details and aspects still – period of testing]

In the evening, meeting with Dean La Vina of the Ateneo School of Government for some discussions on good governance.

Wednesday 3 October: met with the head of a government agency in charge of training. Discussed about a possible joint forum with Cardinal Vidal of Cebu on Church-State collaboration. Later had lunch with two former high-level government employees who are now in the private sector but continue to promote good governance.

Upon returning to Cebu, had an interesting conversation with a highly-visible person who asked if there is a mechanism for the Church to bring back into the fold corrupt officials who would like turn a new leaf. The sacrament of reconciliation and penance, it seems, provides the best framework for this.

On Saturday 6 October a seminar on heroic Christian citienship (“Spaces of Hope”) was given to around 200 college students of the University of the Visayas. It was a very interactive affair which culminated in a Mass. Young people want to contribute something meaningful to the larger society. The following day, a man approached me to share something on the vigilantism problem of Cebu. This was after I gave a homily mentioning the problem.

Met with a potential volunteer steward on volunteer management on Monday 8 October.  Hope she says yes. It will be a quantum leap for the movement to have a volunteer management team. In the afternoon, we met with the Deputy Ombudsman of the Visayas where we asked for an update of pending cases and how private citizens can help speed up the process. It is a learning experience for all.

During the week a beautiful development occurred in the partnership between local parishes and the Police National Training Institute with regards the deployment of police trainees in communities. Three Cebu parish priests agreed to do one of the following: tap into the parish network for foster homes for trainees, provide lodging for them in the parish church, and help identify out-of-school youth for possible scholarship funding with the TESDA.

This is faith and good citizenship in action, with Church and State linking hands for the common good. It is also giving out-of-school youth a fighting chance to become potential good citizens rather than potential criminals.

Meanwhile, organizationally, our staff continue to do their key result areas and work breakdown schedules for upcoming activities. Our hearts and our systems must be in the right place for us to be credible.

Last but not least, the Friends of Pedro website continue to be the fastest recruiter of volunteers
with a network called Friends of Jesus offering their services to set up on-line novena and prayers. The latter will weave insights from social transformation.


Thank God for making His presence felt by us His weak instruments.

   Update 25 September to 1 October 2007

God continues to affirm our humble efforts in social transformation. He even grants our hearts’
desires. A highlight for the week for me was visiting two old ladies whom I have not visited for quite some time. Lola Oping is 97 years old. Until last year, she always remembered to call me up during my birthday. Tiya Ever is around 93. Their smiles communicate joy and hope in the Lord.

Last Sunday’s readings jolt us out of our complacencies in the face of human misery. Doing
nothing can be dangerous to one’s spiritual health. “Fight the good fight of faith,” Paul reminds Timothy. This past week, we had our share of such fight. Some highlights:

1.    Anbern, our fund-development staff (a first time for us and just recently organized), departed for Manila for a two-day training on fund-development with a group focused on teaching non-profit organizations this vital element. God’s providential care provided Anbern with a place to stay (provided by a Dilaab supporter) around 7 buildings from the venue. With only 6 participants (more were expected), Bern had a chance to really interact and raise questions. She
learned that such work is fundamentally about relationships. She also got in touch with someone who is providing us with a database software (SQL) and other high-tech helps. Praise the Lord!

2.    We joined a presscon last Thursday 27 September with Mr. Jun Pelaez, president of the Mactan Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry, together with other business leaders on the issue of overpriced computer purchases and other alleged graft and corruption charges (remember the ASEAN lampost?)  against Mayor Radaza of Lapulapu City. The event came after a separate activity of installating several new monsignori for the Archdiocese of Cebu whose reading talked about Herod the Tetrarch and his love-hate relationship with prophets including Jesus.

While diversionary tactics are being employed by the mayor and his people, the basic issues remain unanswered. But the business community has awakened. People are silent no more, even as Dilaab promotes heroic Christian citizenship which admits that we (individuals and sectors) are all in this together, as part of the problem and part of the solution. The fight continues.

On the same day, we met with two volunteers who will, finally, construct our website. Another team in Manila is willing to share their gifts. Praise God.
   
3.    Celebrated mass Friday 28 Sept at the Kalunasan Elementary School in thanksgiving for countless blessings. Raddy, a middle-class businessman, together with his family and in partnership with individuals, has been instrumental in bringing water to the school
(it did not have one for more than two decades!), building a fence, improving the library (donation of books and computers, airconditioning, etc), establishing a daily feeding program, and even lobbying with local government to establish a high school to minimize drop outs who cannot afford transportation expenses to the nearest high school. Every Sunday he and his family even provides a Bible-study session to close to 70 youngsters, weaving the call to heroic Christian citizenship into stories from the Bible.

This is a testimony of how a faith-impelled individual and his family can be instrumental in being agents of very positive change in a locality.

4.    Left for Maasin with some Dilaab staff last Friday until Sunday morning. Celebrate first advocacy mass of Barug Maasin at Our Lady of the Assumption at the Montecueva shrine. The two archangels, Gabriel (“man of God” or “God is strong”) and Raphael (“the remedy or healing of God”), whose feast we celebrated, provides a most consoling presence for us. Had a
seminar/forum with potential volunteers in the graft and corruption effort in Maasin led by Fr. Garnet. They want to do something. Yet, we have to start with self awareness, before we can move on to ingenuity, love, and heroism (as the book, “Heroic Leadership,” tells us).

5.    Met with TESDA people in Manila on Monday 1 October, feast of St Therese of Lisieux. Many issues were threshed out between the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC), of which the Police National Training Institute (PNTI) headed by Gen. Samson Tucay is a part, and the TESDA. This is in regards to the ladderized education program of the latter that will target out-of-school youth with the help of police trainees from the PNTI during their field training
exercise (FTX).

Dilaab’s contribution to the promotion of “nurturing communities,” as the initiative is being called, is to provide values and spiritual formation, through and with its partner groups, to the beneficiaries in collaboration with local churches willing to collaborate. After all, too much money at the start is a curse if the hearts are not in the right place. Much work remains in this area. In addition, a nurturing community looks at details not covered by the scholarship (e.g. transport and living allowance) whose omission can lead a scholar to drop out.

6.    Other activities and events for the week included coming out with a list of possible  pool of lawyer volunters for Dilaab’s initiatives and outreach. Clear standards must be set place for such engagement. Sabsy Palanca dropped by to share on the ISQ (instututional spirituality quotient) for living one’s values in the workplace. it is something worthwhile exploring. Meanwhile the website of the friends of pedro outreach continues to work marvels in terms of creativity, recruitment of new volunteers, and bringing in visitors. At the rate we are going, a 1.5 million
visits for 2007 would not be impossible. Praise God.

Thank you very much. God bless us all.