September newsbreaks

So much has happened and changed since last week. Sept. 11th, marked the 12th anniversary of the incredible toppling of the Twin Towers in New York City by a couple of purpose-driven planes. I was visiting a daughter in Texas when the news broke. I tuned in to TV and spent the next 24 hours following reports of the attack, the aftermath, and world-wide reactions and commentaries.

Well, 12 years later, media reported just a quiet observance of the event in New York City. In the Philippines, the big news last Wednesday, Sept. 11th, was the outbreak of hostilities between the Moro National Liberation Front and the Philippine Army. It escalated through the week. As I write this, there were signs of their coming to peaceful terms of agreement. But the way things change so quickly these days, developments remain in a wait-and-see situation.

Meanwhile, the pork barrel scam has broken out after long years of tacit tolerance, and even acceptance, of this “10-percent practice” as “normal” in the Philippine culture. Except now, it appears that the amount has ballooned from thousands to millions, and even billions of pesos. And it now involves government officials in high places, whom we had elected into office for their responsibility, strength of character and, not to forget, honesty with our finances. Sobra na! Tama na!

So now, a suffering civil society has broken out in street protests, with righteous support, but thankfully tempered, from the pulpit. In this connection, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has enjoined the archdiocese to join the March Against the Pork Barrel on Sunday, Sept. 29th. Unfortunately, last Tuesday Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal was rushed to the hospital after suffering a mild stroke. Let us pray for him.

Speaking of which, we understand that now, the Vatican is ready to hold the 2016 International Eucharistic Congress in the Philippines, Thank God.

Another religious observance I mention here for sentimental reasons, was the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, patroness of Naga City in Camarines Sur, Friday last week. My late mother, a Bicolana, used to talk about Her, and her participation in the traditional procession and festivities in Naga in the Lady’s honor. When I finally had the opportunity to go to Naga City, I visited Her shrine at the Cathedral there, and prayed for the soul of my late mother.

Back here in Cebu City, Cebu Press Freedom Week started last week, the 14th, to last until tomorrow, the 21st. The opening parade involved hundreds of journalists and media workers. Congratulations to Cebu Daily News (CDN) for having been awarded as the “Earliest and Biggest Delegation” Cebu’s three community dailies, including CDN, initiated Cebu Press Freedom Week 19 years ago. In this year’s celebration, they were joined by the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters ng Pilipinas (KBP), which includes local radio and TV stations and giant TV networks. I used to participate in these activities as an anchor in radio station dyLA, until my retirement as a fulltime broadcaster after Sept. 11, 2001, yes, the Twin Towers 9/11/01!

However, I still handle one radio program over dyLA, the “Women’s Kapihan” every second Saturday of the month. Last week, the 14th, our timely topic was about child cyberpornography with Heddah Largo, consultant of the Provincial Women’s Commission. She used to be actively involved with us in the Cebu Women’s Network (CWN), which together with the Legal Alternatives for Women Center, Inc is behind our Women’s Kapihan. Regular panelists of the program are CWN officers, board and members.

Child cyberpornography came into being with the advancement of the Internet and primarily victimizes children as participating victims and viewers. In the most lively roundtable discussion among guests, Heddah and CWN panelist, lawyer Noemi Abarrientos of the Children’s Legal Bureau, said that some visiting foreigners befriend young children and their parents in their homes then “victimize” them by involving them in the trade. Noemi advises parents to be wary of this. Heddah advises parents to call the hotline of PWC for help if the situation warrants.

Prof. Madrilena “Madz” dela Cerna advises students to report to authorities any information about abused children. She urged teachers and guidance counselors to conduct home visits to check on children, and involve the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) and church groups in gender lessons, and the Department of Social and Welfare Development and the Lawyers’ League, among others. In rehabilitating child victims, auditor Fe Cabatingan says it is important that social workers prepare these children before their return to the community.

And Heddah says it is important for government institutions to help rehabilitate the families and relatives before the children return to society. Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale is deeply involved in this effort from her long-time and current involvement as head of the PWC.

Also involved in the welfare of our young girls is the Cebu Council of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. The discussion of the executive committee meeting today will be in our Bystander report next week, together with a report on the newly elected officials of the Cebu Garden Club.

Until then, as always, may God continue to bless us, one and all!