Aftershocks and afterthoughts

There has been “a lot of shakin’ going on” these days after the most memorable Ides of October in years, when that magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Central Visayas. In the past, Cebu and Bohol, the historical birthplace and flowering places of Christianity in the Philippines, had been so thankful for having been spared by God so far from the disasters of storms, floods, and violent unrest in the country – until that earthquake hit and shook down in ruins many of our historic sacred places of worship to awaken us to the realization of what God is trying to tell us. Can it be that in our complacent pride, we have overlooked or forgotten His God-given lesson in humility?

So in these aftermath days of still continuing tremors and aftershocks, we remember His lesson in the overwhelming local, national and even international outpouring of generosity and love for us, bless them who unselfishly and generously gave and aided, and thank God for reminding us!

So through these, this Bystander tries to keep up with and react to so many fast-changing events of these days, what with the nearing of the festival of God’s Love at Christmas.

Now, for the Oct. 12th “Womens’ Kapihan” which I previewed in my Oct. 11th column in the weekend before the Ides of October Grand Tremor that mainly rocked Bohol and Cebu. It was a very lively discussion by a dozen of our Cebu Women’s Network members with guests Ma. Teresa Casiño, a member of the Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (RIACAT), and Rosemarie Salazar of the Social Welfare and Development Office of Central Visayas. The subject was “Human Trafficking in the Visayas and Cebu Province: a Situationer on the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 (RA 10364).”

Pinpointed as among the root causes of human trafficking are ignorance of its consequences and poverty, with victims and their parents believing they can help their families financially, particularly in the new industry of cyberpornography. In this there is the tempting prospect of easy money, currently available with sex tourism offering opportunities in so-called “modelling” and “posing,” taking advantage of young people through the weakness of women and older people. In this, pimps and recruiters, including foreigners, take advantage of children preferably of the ages 9 to 12.

To combat human trafficking and its stigma of shame, guest lawyer Casiño raised the need for barangay groups advocating preventive measures against trafficking to acquaint and warn their people, especially their youth, who are the natural prey, regarding the modes of human trafficking, the convincing power of recruiters with attractive monetary offers, and even of work abroad. And when such attempts are made, to report these to the authorities through the Children’s Legal Bureau (CLB) to the barangays. The CLB encourages network formation advocating “Cebu Against Sex Tourism.”

Our second guest Salazar of the Social Welfare Office (SWO) said the office has a program for the recovery and reintegration of rescued victims through skills training and financial assistance of P10,000 (though not 100-percent successful), rehabilitation programs and counseling.

While RIACAT chairperson Casiño revealed the organization’s activity in rescue operations, and efforts in prevention, protection and rehabilitation to minimize human trafficking and its stigma through quarterly regional meetings.

Civil society and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) can contribute more effectively in the training of police and prosecutors with the help of government agencies. These include immigration officials, especially at the airport, piers at the Port Area and even in Mandaue.

The panelists agreed that family responsibility should start with responsible childbearing, followed through lovingly with informal training and education in the home from childhood’s early years until they are old enough to go to school.

That was one of the most spirited Women’s Kapihan programs we’ve held, thanks to our Cebu Women’s Network panelists and guests!

Moving on, there was also much women power, participation and concern for others in our Zonta Club of Cebu 1 General Membership Meeting last Oct. 17th. On Oct. 29, we are launching Zonta Month of November at the Ayala Activity Center at 2 p.m. Gov. Hilario Davide III and Mayor Michael Rama are invited to give messages. Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and Councilor Nestor Archival will read their resolutions declaring November Zonta Month for the Province and City.

November is especially significant for us of Zonta Club of Cebu 1 because it will be our 45th charter anniversary since we were established in 1968 as a socio-civic organization undertaking meaningful projects for women and children.We are currently undertaking a fundraising campaign and soliciting sponsors for our projects. More of these in detail nin next week’s Bystander.

Moving on, this time to the hereafter, were a couple of people I have known and associated with from years way back. Maria “Mary” Paulin, educator and long-time Cebu Council Girl Scout (GSP) colleague, passed away at the age of 82 last Oct. 13th. Last Monday afternoon, a number of us her, GSP colleagues, drove over the scenic Transcentral Highway to her hometown in Balamban to attend her vigil wake. The next day, Tuesday, I attended the funeral Mass at the Redemptorist Church, of a long-time neighbor in Banawa, Rafael “Ralph” Ferreros. Interment followed at the Queen City Memorial Gardens where he was laid to rest beside the grave of his late wife Lily Ferreros, society columnist, volunteer in social and civic and community activities, a good friend and long-time neighbor since my family started residing in Banawa.

Picking up from last week’s Bystander-ing of feast days of familiar saints in October, last Saturday, Oct. 12th was the Feast of Spain’s venerated Lady of the Pilar; Sunday, the 13th, was Marian Day, marking the 96th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima apparitions. After the following feasts of saints which I had already mentioned last week, last Friday, the 18th was the Feast of St. Luke, the Evangelist; Tuesday, the 22nd this week of Blessed John Paul II; and Wednesday the 23rd of St. John Capistrano.

In closing, do remember in your prayers the late Maria “Mary” Paulin and Rafael “Ralph” Ferreros that their souls may rest in peace.

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