esteE A S T E R N S A M A R N E W S S E R V I C E VOL 5 NO 6AUGUST 2017

“COMMUNICATING HOPE AND TRUST IN OUR TIME.” - POPE FRANCIS

Duterte calls for return of Balangiga bellsBy Medora NB Quirante

BORONGAN CITY –President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the United States to return the bells of Balangiga, which were taken by American troops as war booty during the Philippine-American War more than a century ago.

In his second State of the Nation address, the president described the bells as “part of our national heritage.”

“That’s why I say today--give us back those Balangiga bells. They belong to the Philippines. They are part of our national heritage. Isauli naman niyo, masakit iyon sa amin (Return them to us, that is painful for us),” Duterte said.

The bells are symbols of Filipino resistance against colonizers. “Those bells are reminders of the gallantry and heroism of our forebears who resisted the American colonizers and sacrificed their lives in the process,” Duterte added.

History tells that on September 28, 1901, Filipino militants ambushed Company C of the 9th U.S. Infantry Regiment early in the morning, killing about 48 and wounding 22 of the 78 men of the unit, with only 4 escaping unhurt. One of the bells was reportedly used to signal the attack.

In reprisal, General Jacob Smith ordered that Samar be turned into a “howling wilderness” and that any Filipino male above ten years of age capable of bearing arms be shot. Smith and his primary subordinate, Major Littleton Waller of the United States Marine Corps were court-martialed for engaging vengeance against the civilian population of Samar.

After the retaliation, the

These are two of the three bells of Balangiga taken as war booty by American troops in 1901; enshrined at the former base of the 11th Infantry Regiment at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S.A. The third is with the 5th Infantry Regiment in Camp Red Cloud at the U.S. military base in South Korea. The inscription between the bells reads: “THE BELLS OF BALANGIGA. THESE BELLS CAME FROM A CHURCH IN BALANGIGA, SAMAR, LOCATED IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. THE RINGING OF THE BELLS SIGNALLED THE ATTACK BY BOLO TRIBESMEN ON SUNDAY MORNING, THE 28TH OF SEPTEMBER, 1901, IN WHICH THE COMPANY “C” OF THE NINTH INFANTRY WAS MASSACRED.”

American soldiers looted three bells from the Catholic Church of Balangiga and brought them as war trophies.

For 116 years now, one of the bells is still in the possession of the 9th Infantry Regiment at Camp Red Cloud at the U.S. base in South Korea, while the two are in the former base of the 11th Infantry Regiment at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S.A.

The Diocese of Borongan, through Bishop Leonardo Medroso

has been lobbying since 2003 for the return of the Balangiga bells that rightfully belong to the Diocese.

“It is my belief that a religious article should never be made as an instrument of war nor does it become a trophy of the victors. Religion transcends war; in fact, it always pleads for peace and reconciliation,” Medroso said.

Borongan Diocese has created a diocesan committee to continue the lobby for the return of these religious artifacts.

Ombudsman fires 4 East Samar gov’t officialsBORONGAN CITY –Four ranking of-ficials of Eastern Samar provincial government were dismissed by the Ombudsman after they were found “administratively liable for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudi-cial to the Best Interest of the Ser-vice” in connection with the ferti-lizer scam.

Ordered dismissed from the ser-vice are Vener Dulfo, Provincial Accountant, Vilma Bormate, Gen-eral Services Officer, Necitas Pon-ferrada, Budget Officer and Sam-

son Nervez, Provincial Planning Officer. Mr. Nervez has retired from the service in May, 2017.

The Ombudsman also meted the respondents with “accessory pen-alties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and barred from taking civil service examina-tions.

If the respondent has been sepa-rated from the government service,

Ombudsman/7

East Samar gets P218 M for 2017 upgrade of provincial roadsBORONGAN CITY, August 16, 2017–More than P60 M was spent for the improvement of 3 provincial roads in 2016, funded by the DILG under the Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan, and Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran or KALSADA.

The fund was used for the concreting of the Tabunan-Balacdas, Calingatngan-San Mateo and Borongan-San Gabriel provincial roads, all in Borongan City.

This is a partnership between the DILG and the Department of Budget and Management which focuses on the repair and rehabilitation of provincial roads.

It aims to partly address the poor state of provincial roads across the country, and to improve the capacity of provinces in Local

Road Management.For 2017, the program was renamed the

Conditional Matching Grant for Provinces.The roads were chosen and prioritized

based on its rating in the core road network selection criteria, including access to commercial centers, reduced travel time, access to education and health institutions, connectivity to other barangays and to the national highway and access to remote areas for emergency evacuation.

This year, the Eastern Samar provincial government received P218M from the CMGP.

According to Helen Cadalin of the Provincial Planning Office, roads to be rehabilitated are the Campidhan-Putong in San Julian, Cabay-

Roads /7

este VOL 5 NO 6 AUGUST 20172 WORLD AND NATIONAL NEWS

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Bishop welcomes House approval of ‘Magna Carta of the Poor’

MANILA, August 14, 2017— Church officials welcomed the approval by the House of Representatives of a proposed bill that seeks to uplift the lives of the poor and marginalized.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the “Magna Carta of the Poor” is a necessary measure to “give attention to the plight of the poor”.

“I really hope that it becomes a law,” Pabillo said.

The lower House passed the bill last week, giving it another chance at becoming a law after it was vetoed in the previous administration.

Under the measure, the government is mandated to prioritize programs for the poor that are concerned with the provision of food, shelter, livelihood, education and healthcare.

Fr. Edwin Gariguez of the CBCP’s

National Secretariat for Social Action, said the bill will also provide the needed policy support for the Church’s programs for the poor. “But it will not lessen the work,” he said.

“This is long overdue and the government should go beyond legislative approval. It should be implemented to really make a dent in alleviating dismal poverty in the country,” Gariguez said. (CBCPNews)

A woman passes by piles of garbage in Tondo, Manila. CBCPNews

Bishop lauds free tuition lawMANILA, August 7, 2017— A Catholic bishop said the law granting universal access to college education is a “blessing”, especially to poor families and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, head of the CBCP’s migrants ministry, said many OFWs go abroad to support their children’s education and other needs of their families.

He said Filipino workers abroad endure separation from their families, hardships, and unfair treatments just for the betterment of their loved ones.

“This free tertiary education to

state colleges and universities is great help to our OFWs,” said the prelate.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday signed a law that will provide free tuition for all students in state universities and colleges in the country.

“We appreciate the kind gestures of our president,” said Santos.

He also lauded the President for increasing the validity of Philippine passports to 10 years.

“It is very helpful and useful for all, especially for our OFWs as they will save much time and money to renew their passports,” he said. (CBCPNews)

Church assures no cover-up of priest in trafficking case MANILA, August 1, 2017— Church authori-ties assured there would be no cover-up in the case of a priest arrested and detained for allegedly trafficking a 13 year old girl.

Aside from the police investigation, the Catholic Diocese of Antipolo said it’s taking all necessary actions provided in canon law in respect to Msgr. Arnel Lagarejos’ case.

“The diocese makes it clear that it will not in any way condone or abet the trafficking or persons, nor protect the offenders from pros-ecution, and subsequent trial and punish-ment when the evidence so warrants,” it said.

Local Church officials said they are fully co-operating with civil authorities and will not condone and protect abusive clerics.

Even if Lagarejos’ guilt remains to be prov-en, they said that the diocese has taken nec-essary steps to hold him answerable for the charges brought against him.

The priest is also barred from having con-tact with all except for his lawyer, his brother-priests, and church authorities.

“The conclusions of the processes of the Church are independent of whatever conclu-sions may be reached by the authorities of

the State,” it stressed.Immediately after the priest’s arrest, Bish-

op Francis de Leon relieved him of his duties as parish priest of Saint John the Baptist Par-ish in Taytay, Rizal and as president of Cainta Catholic College.

The 55-year-old monsignor was caught in an entrapment operation conducted to ap-prehend minors involved in prostitution.

The priest was nabbed last Friday even-ing when he arrived at the Blue Wave Mall in Marikina City.

The priest is now detained at the Marikina City jail and facing charges for violation of the Anti-Child Abuse Law and Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act.

The diocese, on the other hand, said it is also prepared to offer spiritual and psycho-logical assistance to the alleged victim.

“Whatever counseling and psychological services may be available in the diocese, we offer in sincere love, affection and compas-sion to the child, who, it is our understand-ing, has been in the keeping of traffickers in the past,” it said. (Roy Lagarde / CBCP-News)

Bishop Francis de Leon celebrates Mass at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City. ANGEL MEMORANDO

esteVOL 5 NO 6AUGUST 2017 3NEWS FEATURE

Yolanda victims get aid four years afterBORONGAN CITY, August 17, 2017–After almost four years, victims of super typhoon Yolanda from three towns and one city in Eastern Samar will finally get the assistance they have been waiting for.

Joshua Kempis, Social Marketing Officer for Disaster Response and Management of DSWD 8 said that they will start the distribution of the P5,000 Presidential Assistance Fund (5KPFA) to qualified beneficiaries in Eastern Samar.

There are more than 6,000 validated household beneficiaries from Maslog, Arteche, Jipapad and Borongan City. The assistance will initially be distributed in Maslog on August 18, through their MSWDOs.

While there is no schedule yet for the other LGU’s, Kempis gave the assurance that they will receive theirs very soon, probably within this month.

The department said that the financial assistance for Arteche, Jipapad and Borongan City is now being processed.

Yolanda victims from the 4 LGUs in the province were able to access the 5KPFA through the initiative of People Surge, that asked the President to look into the plight of the victims who have not received any help either from the government or from NGOs.

Other provinces that were given the P5K financial assistance are Leyte, Biliran and Samar. (Eden Cidro/Este News)Residents of a Barangay in Hernani, Eastern Samar lining up for food few days after super typhoon Yolanda. CBCPNews

Vice Gov seeks collection of mining taxes

BORONGAN CITY, July 27, 2017–Eastern Samar vice governor Marcelo Ferdinand Picardal has called on the province’s finance committee to start a stronger initiative in collecting the excise tax shares from mining operations due to the provincial government.

In an interview, Picardal said the local government has

East Samar PNP sends relief goods to MarawiBORONGAN CITY, August 4, 2017–Boxes of relief goods were collected by the personnel of the Eastern Samar PNP for the victims of the conflict in Marawi City.

ESPPO spokesman Michael Jude Dotingco said the relief goods are mostly food items like milk, noodles, canned goods, coffee, and also soap, diapers and other basic necessities. They made sure that the food items are Halal.

The goods were turned over to the Provincial Social Welfare Officer Josephine Paligutan.

According to Dotingco, more than implementing the laws and

ensuring the peace and order in the community, they also want to show that they have a heart for those who are in need.

This initiative was supported by the police force in the province as a way of giving back and reaching out to people who are suffering because of the war in Marawi. “after all, we were the recipients of help from individuals and organizations after typhoon Yolanda,” Dotingco said.

Aside from the goods, they were also able to collect cash from the 25 line stations of the ESPPO. (Eden Cidro/Este News

yet to collect its share of the excise tax paid by mining companies.

According to the Bureau of Internal Revenue website, all mineral and mineral products are imposed a two percent excise tax based on the actual market value of the products extracted.

“For a single shipment of minerals pegged at around $2M, government gets $40,000,” Picardal said.

Excise taxes collected by BIR is then divided into two: 60% goes to the national government and 40% goes to local governments (20% to the provincial government, 15% for the city or municipality and 5% to the barangay).

The vice governor stressed that the uncollected excise taxes imposed on mining companies can contribute to development projects being undertaken in the province.

“These date back to the 80s when mining companies started operating, so if we can collect these, we can implement more development projects,” Picardal said. (Medora NB Quirante / Este News)

A makeshift wharf such as this in one of the towns of Eastern Samar is the loading area of extracted minerals from mining explorations. ALREN BERONIO

Parish music ministers get training on liturgical music

MSGR. Lope Robredillo, Vicar General and head of the diocesan Commission on Lit-urgy conducted a seminar on liturgical music for music ministers of the parishes in the central region of the diocese; held on July 29, 2017 at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Sabang, Borongan. (Alren Beronio / Este News)

este VOL 5 NO 6 AUGUST 20174 EDITORIAL

Editorial

Will the US return the Balangiga Bells?AT his second State of the Nation Address on July 24, President Rodrigo Duterte demanded from the U.S. government the return of the Balangiga bells. “That’s why I say today—give us back those Balangiga bells. They belong to the Philippines. They are part of our national heritage. Isauli naman ninyo, masakit yon sa amin…. Those bells are reminders of the gallantry and heroism of our forebears who resisted the American colonizers and sacrificed their lives in the process,” he said.

Whatever the political ends of Duterte, mentioning the Balangiga bells in his SONA gave a ray of hope to advocates and stakeholders that have been clamoring for the return of the historic bells for several decades now. Now, will the American government be politically pressured to return the three Balangiga bells?

After the Spanish-American War in 1898, the US decided to retain possession of the Philippines instead of giving it independence. This provoked an insurrection that lasted three years and the death of 4,200 US soldiers and some 20,000 Filipino combatants. Balangiga figures in history when in the morning of September 28, 1901, Filipino insurgents attacked the American

soldiers—Company C of the 9th U.S. Infantry Regiment—garrisoned at the town of Balangiga. This left 48 dead, 22 wounded and 4 escaping unhurt among the Americans.

Of course, several Filipino combatants died too during the attack. But the biggest blow was during the retaliation. General Jacob Smith ordered that Samar be turned into a “howling wilderness” and that any Filipino male above ten years of age capable of carrying arms be shot. Several towns and villages were burned during the reprisal and the three bells of Balangiga were confiscated as trophies of war by the American soldiers. Reportedly, one of the bells was used to signal the attack. For 116 years now, the bells are still in the possession of the U.S. military. One of the bells is with the 5th Infantry Regiment in Camp Red Cloud at the U.S. military base in South Korea, while the other two are enshrined in the former base of the 11th Infantry Regiment at F. E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S.A.

The earliest efforts of Filipinos to ask for the return of the Balangiga bells date back to 1957 when Fr. Horacio de la Costa, SJ, wrote twice Mr. Chip Wards, the Command Historian of the 13th Air Force in San Francisco, California. This

was followed a year after by another letter to Mr. Wards from American Franciscans stationed in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, claiming that the two bells were of Franciscan origin.

The new wave of initiatives clamoring for the return of the bells came in the 80s from various Filipino groups here and abroad. There had been initiatives, too, from government officials, the more substantive being that of President Fidel Ramos who negotiated for the bells’ return as the country was about to celebrate the Centennial of the Proclamation on Philippine Independence in 1998. While he could not bring home the bells despite relentless diplomatic negotiations with then US President Clinton, he was able to bring back to the country the 18-inch ivory statue of the Madonna and Child Jesus which was reportedly rescued by an American soldier from a fire that razed Borongan during the Spanish-American war and ended up, like the bells, also in Wyoming. The ivory statue of the Madonna is presently enshrined at the Cathedral grounds in Borongan City.

No doubt, there is a very strong resistance from some sectors of the US military and American Veterans for the return of the bells. An amendment to the National Defense Authorization

Act prohibits “the return of veteran’s memorial objects to foreign nations without specific authorization in law.” Capt. Kathleen Cook of the Warren AFB public information office puts it this way: “The Catholic Church has no say in the matter. The bells are property of the US government. Only Congress can change the disposition of those bells.” A legislation from the US Congress is obviously needed for the return of the Balangiga bells.

The Diocese of Borongan, since the time of Bishop Leonardo Medroso, has been lobbying for such legislation. He has visited several offices of congressmen and senators in Washington D.C in 2005. He has also taken the support of the Bishop of Wyoming, the US Bishops’ Conference, the Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S. and the CBCP. Bishop Medroso says, “It is my belief that a religious article should never be made as an instrument of war nor does it become a trophy of the victors. Religion transcends war; in fact, it always pleads for peace and reconciliation.”

In 2016, the US Military Academy at West Point sent back a bell also taken in 1901 to the Saints Peter and Paul Church in Bauang, La Union. Is this any sign that the Balangiga bells may follow suit?

Simple and humble thoughts

Bishop Crispin B. Varquez, D.D.

On simplicity of lifeWHEN you live a simple life, you will have less problems, less expenses, less complications, less enemies, less headaches. When you live a simple life, it will be easy for you to avoid paying interest, easy to encounter God, easy to make friends, easy to smile and easy to be happy.

When you appreciate the value of simplicity and live by it, you counter the culture of materialism, secularism, and even, relativism.

*** The problem on religious extremism is a global challenge. People who refuse to convert to the extremists’ religion are promised with material and monetary benefits. If they still resist, they are threatened and even killed.

Poverty and ignorance are the basic reasons why many Catholic Christians are being converted. It is a mortal sin on the part of the Church if we allow our faithful to remain ignorant of our Catholic faith. We must reach out, teach and evangelize people.

The government has the moral and civil responsibility to liberate our people from poverty to protect them from being victims of religious extremism. The issues here are not only religion and poverty but also peace and order.

We have to help one another fight against religious extremism.

AntigoMsgr. Lope C. Robredillo, VG

Estehanon Vs Estehanon during the Philippine-American War

esteE A S T E R N S A M A R N E W S S E R V I C E

Editor: Pepe QuitorioAssociate Editor: Neil TenefranciaManaging Editor : Anna Luz Castaños, LGC

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ESTE is published monthly by the Diocesan Commission on Mass Media and Social Communications, with editorial and business offices at the 2nd floor, Bishop’s Residence, Borongan City.

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IN history books, American soldiers are sometimes portrayed as merciless to Estehanons, especially in the aftermath of the Balangiga Massacre of September 28, 1901, following the infamous order of Gen Jacob Smith. What is often glossed over, however, is that the Estehanon could also be equally, if not more, cruel to his fellow Estehanon during that period.

As frequently happens in war, some people would take sides with the enemy; and the Philippine-American war on Samar is not an exception. Not all Estehanons were pro-Aguinaldo; not every

Estehanon welcomed the presence of Gen Vicente Lukban whom Emilio Aguinaldo appointed to rule the entire island of Samar. Others looked to the United States for political salvation. Understandably enough, Lukban was said to have planted spies in almost every town of the province, to stave off collaboration with the Americanos. Unfortunately, even mere suspicion of sleeping with the enemy could result in tragedy.

In the early part of 1901, before the Balangiga Massacre occurred, some of Lukban’s followers in the intelligence determined that

the police chief of Quinapondan, Eastern Samar was a traitor for spying FOR the Americans. Both as a lesson and as a warning to future Quislings, they bound the poor police chief in a stake at the town plaza, and after wrapping his head with an American flag that was soaked in kerosene, they set the flag on fire, burning the head of the suspect. One could only imagine how the Quinapondananons, who were gathered at the plaza to watch the macabre, could have stoically stomached the horrorific barbarism, even as they heard his gruesome cries!

esteVOL 5 NO 6AUGUST 2017 5OPINION

Eastern Samar ignored?A NEWS item has been going viral to the effect that a new bill approved at the House of Representatives declares every 8th of November as a holiday in Region 8. It aims at commemorating the catastrophic day in which Super Typhoon Haiyan or locally known as Yolanda caused countless deaths and untold destruction on vast areas of Samar and Leyte as well as other parts of Eastern and Western Visayas. It also prays tribute to the resiliency of the peoples who went through the indescribably harrowing ordeal, with emphasis on Tacloban City and Leyte. Unfortunately any mention of Eastern Samar in the areas covered by the bill is nil. It is a surprising oversight, if it were not intended.

First off, this news item has to be verified. If it is not fake news, the author(s) of the bill should revisit their geography and rediscover the truth that, hey, Eastern Samar is still part and parcel of Region 8. I also suggest that she or they should check with the DSWD, DENR, NDRRMC, the national and

international media coverage of the cataclysm (there should be files or clips or footages in huge storage bins by now) to see if Yolanda indeed decided Eastern Samar grossly undeserving of her visitation. This should be a good place to start.

Second, if the omission was unintended, there should be a public acknowledgment and apology for the error. After all, Yolanda, however horrific and media-hyped their experience of her, was not exclusive to Tacloban City or Leyte. Eastern Samar towns also had their own tragic share of the dead, the wounded, the traumatized and property devastation.

Third, chances are, Eastern Samar ignored comes from a bit of narcissism that sometimes visits victims of calamities. Having taught for many years at St John the Evangelist School of Theology at Palo, Leyte, I had encountered wonderful friends among the Leyte clergy and laity. But I had also sensed an attitude in some that tended to look down on Samar or Samarnons, not just Eastern Samarnons, for one reason

of another. If this lies at the bottom of the bill, it needs to be identified as such, condemned and stamped out. Poverty and underdevelopment may be worse in Eastern Samar compared to Leyte but they are not enough to make our human dignity inferior in any way.

Fourth, Eastern Samarnons should be forgiving of people who ignore or slight them for being Samarnon or Estehanon. After all, everyone has his prejudices and biases, not excluding our own. The best way to deal with biases and prejudices is to calmly point out the truth in justice and charity.

Finally, to those who willfully entertain biases against anyone, this does not give them an iota of superiority. The contrary is true; making a bias or prejudice a basis for decisions and laws affecting not only a select few but also an ignored many is an arrant display of real inferiority and gross ignorance. We must help them correct themselves; then extend to them the best Christian response: mercy and compassion.

Balik-balaySarah Mabansag Puno

Language of love!COMMUNICATION builds relationship! Communication builds a home!

The gift of language be verbal or non-verbal in our communication nourishes, strengthens and fortifies the home, but it can also weaken and destroy, if its be-ing a gift is not valued.

Man is honed knowingly and unknow-ingly by his family from his babbling, cute utterances to the full development of his communication skill. He is greatly influenced by what he hears, sees and feels in his environment. What he im-bibed is manifested, seen and heard from him.

His true nature, the product of his formation is seen and heard most in his trying time.” Ang bunga ay nalalasahan pagpinipiga.”

I witnessed a dying cancer patient that instead of praying for healing and God’s mercy, she was shouting with an-ger and bitterest words calling the name of the king of hell.

Language is a gift of God to man so he can commune with Him, his Creator to be guided how to live with strength, to be guided how to love in order to live with peace and joy even in trials and tribulations.

Language as a gift is a medium that gives light not darkness. It gives hope not despair. It lifts up and inspires not condemns. Language of condemnation is a life sentence that pulls down and may result to destruction.

Language used in correcting our loved ones must be with kindness not harsh and cruel for what remains in the mind is not the message of correction but the cruelty and harshness of the words and actions.

“Lessons from Life” by Ronald Russell tells us that, “A child that lives with ridi-cule learns to be timid. A child that lives with criticism learns to condemn.”

Let us be inspired by the theme of our Buwan ng Wika 2017, Filipino: Wikang Mapagbago. Let our language especially

Voice of the Voiceless

Fr. Andiy Navidad Egargo

Raising the Quality of Education in the Philippines

(Accreditation and Quality Assurance, Part 2)(Note: As part of the series on raising quality education in the Philippines, I’m giving way to an excerpt of an article titled Accreditation and Quality Assurance written by my sister Dr. Veronica N. Egargo, Ed.D.)

ACADEMIC self-governance entails both privilege and accountability. Privilege in that it acknowledges a certain level of autonomy for the educational institution. The principle of subsidiarity, in general, demands that in any institution (government, church, academe, etc.) that envisions an active and responsible participation of its members should respect some degrees of autonomy. This autonomy, of course, is not understood as a license to act in any irresponsible manner. In this context, therefore, the privilege of autonomy is coupled with an utmost sense of accountability. Privileges always go hand-in-hand with accountability.

In the world of the academe, autonomy is expressed in many ways, one of which is the privilege of self-governance. Academic self-governance is not a license for those in authority to do things as they please. Rather, it provides people in authority the opportunity of implementing measures that would promote and accomplish established standards of quality and integrity. One of these measures is the process of accreditation.

Before an educational institution earns a permit to

operate, or before it can confer degrees, there is a prior process of evaluating the institution’s capacity to deliver its services. What is generally evaluated is the institutions fulfillment of the minimum requirements pertaining to quality and performance. However, meeting the minimum requirements is not enough. A reputable institution of learning aims for something higher, something that would place the institution within the circle of the “who is who” in the world of the academe. The better the quality, the higher is its ranking in a competitive world. Besides, the more reputable the institution, the greater the possibility of funds and resources flowing in. So what would institutions do? The answer is simple: accreditation.

The bigger question, of course, is this: Does the process of accreditation, in fact, promote quality assurance? Accreditation is such a complex process that there are so many factors and so many players involved.

One side of the argument claims that the academe is a victim, in some ways, of academic frauds. Even such measures like accreditation is sometimes hijacked by corruption. The internet, for example, has created a phenomenon in education where students earns degrees online. Unfortunately, some of these universities are fake and the accrediting bodies employed by these universities are just as fake.

Accreditation is this rigorous

process that an educational institution goes through in order to create an environment of a constant self-examination. This self-examination is performed in relations to an established set of standards thus providing the impetus for intensified performance.

Quality is not something that is achieved once and for all. It is a result of a continuous process of implementing interventions that would both promote excellence and arrest deterioration. In other words, once an institution receives the “seal of accreditation”, it does not mean that it has already achieved its perfection. On the contrary, an accreditation is a challenge to be even more creative in further enhancing the performance of all the stakeholders of the institution and in improving the facilities and services that encourage quality performance.

Selling a product is one thing. Selling a product of exceptional quality is another. Education can also be categorized under the heading of “selling products”. According to a 2011 data from CHED, the Philippines boasts of 1,604 private institutions and 6,437 state-run colleges and universities, a total of 2,247. I’m sure more schools had been added since then. For the same product (i.e. tertiary education), it is a long list to choose from. What are the options of the “vendors”, therefore? Simple--make the product attractive to the consumer by raising its quality.

A Thought For A Thought

Rev. Eutiquio   B. Belizar, Jr., SThD

Points to Ponder

Atty. Ceferino Baquilod, Jr.

in our homes, our foundation whatever our language be, Bisaya, Tagalog, Eng-lish, etc be a key towards change for the better. Again from Ronald Russell, “A child that lives in encouragement learns confidence. A child that lives with truth learns justice. A child that lives with praise learns to appreciate. A child that lives with knowledge learns wisdom. A child that lives with happiness will find love and beauty.”

Our families must be abreast with the changing of time, with modern vo-cabulary but must be able to filter what should be in the home. The moderni-zation of vocabulary should not affect what is positively prevailing in the home that builds everyone and fortifies it. Our ‘po’, ‘ho’and ‘opo’ must not be erased but should forever be with us likewise our endearment for our parents and el-ders while others in the modern world are just calling their parents and elders by their names. May the golden words of ‘Thank you’, or ‘salamat po’, ‘sorry’, ‘please’, ‘excuse me’ be freely used and heard in our daily interactions for the wellbeing of everyone.

Modernization of communication through the advancement of technology using modern gadgets can be a villain in fortifying our homes.

Let us take a look at this scenario: Tatay and Nanay and their three kids are all in the living room. Each one has its own. They are near to each other yet so far. Tatay is busy with his favorite TV program, or busy texting with a textmate, Nanay is busy updating her facebook, the kids are busy with their own individ-ual favorite games or with plugged ears with favorite music. No more sharing, no more bonding , creating walls and bor-ders that weakens the home.

May our families be creative to make full use of these modern gadgets to build bridges that will unite everyone and

BALIK-BALAY - 7

Too much corruptionIN the light of the all the corruption be-ing unearthed by our legislators through their series of investigations, in aid of legislation, we cannot help but ask if it is still possible to rid our government of corruption. We know corruption is not a monopoly of our government. It happens everywhere, in governments all over the globe. Locally, we also have our fair share of corruption. Too many to mention here. Because corruption is too rampant and we hear it too often, at times we become indifferent and we opt not to care anymore, specially if those involved are not personally close or known to us. We have our own problems to worry about, is the general attitude and this we hear often from friends. A lot of us watch legislative hearings for entertainment mostly. We have seen a lot of inconsistencies and lies in the tes-timonies. They are funny and frustrating. We also wonder if appropriate charges are actually filed against these people. Some say there is selective justice.

The investigation of the smuggled shabu from China, worth P6.4 Billion presents a clear case of corruption at the Bureau of Customs. One comment from a netizen caught my attention. He said ‘so what else is new?’ Truly, BOC has always been known as among the most corrupt government offices. A lot of people desire to work there because it is the place for easy money. Anyone who works there gets rich quickly. Of course this may sound unfair and too sweeping

to the very few employees there who may have remained honest and incor-ruptible.

Corruption among our uniformed men and women is also too rampant. From the lowly traffic enforcers to the high-est of the generals, we have seen them as extortionists, drug dealers, pushers, coddlers, and drug lords and protectors. It is both sad and scary to think that the people who are supposed to protect us are the very ones violating us. In the var-ious government bureaus, agencies and departments, we also observe that cor-ruption is so widespread and embedded in the system. The DPWH, DepEd, DoH, NFA, etc. are among the favorite ‘milking cows’ of corrupt government officials in cahoots with dishonest politicians and unscrupulous businessmen.

So, how corrupt is our country? It seems not surprising that Philippines still ranks among the most corrupt countries. In 2015, Philippines was re-ported as the most corrupt in Asia. The following year, according to Transpar-ency International, the Philippines was getting more corrupt under President Duterte. It dropped six notches in the 2016 Corruption Index country ranking. Economics Professor P. Mourdoukoutas of Columbia University, says ‘President Rodrigo Duterte’s death squads didn’t kill corruption in the Philippines last year. But they killed freedom and de-mocracy, and will kill the country’s eco-nomic growth and equity market.’

EASTERN SAMAR ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.(ESAMELCO)

Borongan, Eastern Samar

Installed Substation Capacity and Present Demand

MAIN OFFICEBrgy. Cabong, Borongan CityCapacity - 15.0 MVADemand - 6.479 MWArea Service - 6 Municipalities

NORTH AREA OFFICEBrgy Polangi, TaftCapacity - 5/6.25 MVADemand - 5.028 MWArea Service - 9 Municipalities

SOUTH AREA OFFICEBrgy. Buenavista, QuinapondanCapacity - 5/6.25 MVADemand - 5.372 MWArea Service - 8 Municipalities

Safety Tips on how to Minimize Power Interruption

Don’t plant trees under the power distribution line.

Don’t build/create fire under the power distribution line.

Don’t fly kite near the power distribution line.

Don’t bring long bamboo or branch of trees under the power distribution line.

Don’t put TV antenna near/under the power distribution line.

Don’t dump your truck under the power distribution line.

Don’t cut bantings on pole, to prevent from leaning or tilting.

The Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ESAMELCO) will be holding its 35th Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) on

August 26, 2017 from 7:00AM to 5:00PM with a theme “HUL-OS NGA SERBISYO.”

Venue:Capitol Gym, Alang-alang, Borongan Salcedo Municipal Gym,

Dolores Multi-Purpose Gym

esteVOL 5 NO 6AUGUST 2017 7

T h a n k s t o o u r D o n o r s / B e n e f a c t o r s f o r t h i s i s s u eBORONGANDonors: Adelaida UyAdorers of the Blessed Sacrament of the Nativity of Our Lady Allan - CleofeBaquilodAngel DulfoAnonymousBea & Joyce AmpongBenito Alfeo B. Cabato, Jr.Celma & FaustoYarasChona D. BaquilodCorazon LuposDr. & Mrs. Rolando C. SolidonDuanie Paperprint Gen. MerchandiseEd de GuzmanEdgar C. AndarElsie L. CargandoEmieLaurestaErlinda A. LangomesEvelyn L. HallwayEvelyn Norma PadrilanFloria MontesGabriel Luois & Isabella Louise Buna PeraltaJesse EscotoJudith A. EljiraLea L. CardonaLeoncia FuentesLilia V. PeviarLydia D. AmoyoMano Lando & Ate Flor AquinoMarifeBencitoMark Christian M. SalamidaMarlon AragoMother Gemma A. Silvero, MSHMr. & Mrs. Alfredo BasadaMr. & Mrs. Bernardo Corsiga & FamilyMr. & Mrs. Edilberto CardonaMr. & Mrs. Iñigo A. Evardone& FamilyNoel C. Discar

Patricio BalsacaoRowena PantaleonRuby Ann C. BalbinRuth StrakaVianney& Earl AgnesWater Avenue c/o Ms. BelmaMabaoWHEELERS APARTELLEWilma CaspeTaveraZyril B. Picardal, Shyrlita& Nicole

Benefactors: Aileen SingsonAngela N. VillasinAntonieta C. AnaAntonio & Becky CampomanesArnulfo / Doris CajegasArtsy Mo Printshop( c/0 Nick Tabao)Celma&FaustoYarasChristian Wixar Ty LimCorazon Rubio Dela RosaEastern Polymedic Ellen Grace S. AbudeGina P. DelgadoHarold P. LabroJonie- Allan & Elena &FlorenzDulfoJosephine Rivera- dela RosaKris Ann DalaLuisa J. PayuyaoLuisa M. DuzonMarilou G. CastilloMary Jane G. GapudMatildeLacdaoMr. & Mrs. Alfredo Cabato, Jr.Myrna P. Guasis- KAHLUCZI Convenient StoreOscar- NoralizaTañadaRebecca A. PicardalRonnil Jim A. LadiaoSarah C. GeroyTeresa L. AbelgasWilma CaspeTavera

GUIUANDonors: Anastacia BustilloBec Lucy DistinguidoMarcelos RestotelMr. & Dra. Reynaldo Miflores & Children

Benefactors: AnonymousAnonymousEdgardo JuabanMa. Melvic P. AlbasinMr. & Mrs. Aurelio Magalona& FamilyMr. & Mrs. Carlos CunananMr. & Mrs. CesarioMagalona& FamilyMr. & Mrs. Dante BadarMr. & Mrs. Renato GaytosMr. & Mrs. Rey SabidoMr. & Mrs. RonquilloSalvediaMr. & Mrs. RufinoGaradoMr. NiloNaingMrs, Angeline de PazMrs. Alma MabansagMrs. Beatriz EgargoMrs. Carmelita Quesada CelisMrs. Concordia Luma-inMrs. CristitaAblayMrs. Dolores DellevaMrs. Epifania de VeraMrs. Eva DiazMrs. GregoriaCalumpianoMrs. Juana MacawileMrs. Luz Perez TabernillaMrs. Mary Grace Soraya DuranMrs. Mila ObiasMrs. PrincillaBadocMrs. ResalinaAbogadieMrs. RizaLozadaMrs. Rosemarie AmistosoMrs. Sharon AbreraMrs. Veronica MifloresOrocay FamilyPastor Jr. & MarialynDagale

GENERAL MACARTHUR

Donors: Vice Mayor Joel Baldo & Children

Benefactors: Alexius & RenzyAbellaAlyson StoreFelisaMalindog & FamilyIsabel Ariaso, Novy Navare s& children; Abelyn, Vincent & KeithKier Andrei Gloria Mr. & Mrs. Joaquin Lumagbas, Jr. & ChildrenMr. & Mrs. Randy Castillo & daughter Unah MaeMr. & Mrs. Raul Romanca & BrielleMrs. Myrna Isaig & familyPatrocenia CanitesWilliam Kessler Algo

SULATDonors: LeonardaPadriquelaMa. Nida L. Baldado& children Rex Peter & Roselle MarviMr. & Mrs. Renanty G. Madolid

Benefactors: Benilda A. OresteBlesila G. ParacaleCatalina J. OperarioClarisa P. DesolidadDr. Gerry P. PalileoEdel A. Aboga-aElizabeth Aclo- BalitaEvelyn A. OpimoHon. Jun M. GecomoIda M. EvardoneJosephine C. LimboMa. Bibian C. YaputMa. Niña M. PunaMatilde C. PalileoMr. & Mrs. Dante R. SumbillaMr. & Mrs. Teodulfo M. Lucana& ChildrenPacita A. AseritRebecca C. PitogoRoxanne D. SumbillaTeresita B. LusicoWinefreda C. AcongZita D. Acampado

SABANGDonors: Aida AnasariasElena LobederioEmmanuel & Ella Kristine CeladaGemma G. ApitaMarvin RosalesMega LinkPerlaBalagapoRaymond RosalesTracy Lou Obon

Benefactors: Brent Gaillian M. DagandanGlenda AvizoGlenda CasillanoJeric Paul AfableJosefina RavilasKit Edgar BaleinMelchoraBocoMr. & Mrs. ArnaldoAmosco, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Dario Wilmer PenarandaMr. & Mrs. Michael AmbilMr. & Mrs. Renato Wong & son Harold ChristianMr. Mrs. Leo Esquierdo& FamilyPrincess Lexi P. AcalaTita BeatoYolanda MorteMr. & Mrs. Fernando Cantilang

HERNANIDonors: Coach Wilmar S. CandidoMr. & Mrs. Custodio A. Macabare, Jr.

Benefactors:Mr. & Mrs. Samuel D. Candido & Sons

SALCEDOBenefactors: Marina CayosaMarsha C. AldeMasmar D. Delista

SAN JULIANBenefactors: Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Lisaca& Family

ORASBenefactors: Aida S. IsaigCorazon N. SenofaJudge Margie Mutia PalañaTeresita L. SiosanaVirginia Mutia Raagas

strengthen the home.As we enrich our language, knowing more

of it and teaching more of it in our homes by opening it to modern terminologies ,to other languages, making use of modern gadgets, we create more understanding with each other , regardless of interest and age that fos-ters unity in diversity, peace and tranquility.

But this is only possible if we value language as a gift of love.

Language is a gift of love from God to man, to learn to love and to love more, to change for the better, to become the best for himself, for his family and for others, for him to be with the Lord forever.

For it is only love that is compatible with God.

BALIK-BALAY / 5

FEATURE

The Bells of BalangigaMy Visit to Cheyenne, Wyoming

(This article was written by the former bishop of Borongan, Most Rev. Leonardo Medroso, in 2006--Ed)

By Bishop Leonardo Y. Medroso

FIRST OF ALL I would like to express my sin-cerest thanks and appreciation to the great hospitality of Bishop Joseph Hart, the bishop of Cheyenne. He afforded me this opportu-nity to visit his area of jurisdiction and to see for myself the bells of Balangiga Church.

a) The Bells of Balangiga is Church’s prop-erty; the rightful owner is the Diocese of Borongan, of which Balangiga is a parish. I am the Bishop of Borongan. I am here for a double purpose: 1) to see its status; 2) to appeal to the concerned to plead for the re-turn of the Bells to the rightful owner, to the Diocese of Borongan; to the parish Church of Balangiga.

As the accepted adage has it, “res clamat dominum” that is, a piece of property that is not in the hands of the rightful owner is ever clamoring that it be returned to the original owner.

b) I am aware that there are some indi-viduals or group of individuals who would insist on keeping the bells in F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. It is argued that it is a war trophy, a booty. Hence, the right of the victor is invoked. I am also aware that they were used to signal the fateful attack a hundred years ago, that caused lives and so much tragedy.

However, it is my belief that a religious article should never be made as an instru-ment of war nor does it become a trophy of the victors. Religion transcends war; in fact, it always pleads for peace and reconciliation.

The use of a religious article, as the Bells of Balangiga was alleged to be used, to signal an attack does not, by that very act, fault the owner and deprive thereby that owner of his property.

The parish priest of Balangiga during the time of the attack, I believe, is innocent. In

fact, he was not there during the actual en-counter. Granting, but never conceding, that he was part of the plan of the encounter, the parish priest is never the owner of that piece of property. The Roman Catholic Bishop of the diocese is the owner; the parish priest is just an administrator of parish properties. His imprudent act in the use of such prop-erty will not deprive the Bishop from his right to the property. As Major Gen. James Franklin Bell, U.S. Army Chief of Staff 1906-1910, rightly commented: “In this connec-tion it may be appropriate to question the propriety of taking (even as a souvenir) a bell belonging to the Catholic Church simply because a recreant native priest either used it or permitted it to be used to sound a signal of attack on American soldiers. The bell be-longed to the church and not to the priest. It was not the fault of the church but that of the priest that it was misused.”

c) Besides, and this is what I would like to stress, time is a great healer. Its pas-sage gives all of us opportunities and enough space to look back into the past with a bet-ter and mature perspective. A tragedy had happened; lives had been lost; pains and suf-ferings had been inflicted. But they all are in the past. Let us do something about them to right the wrong. But let us be reconciled. To insist to keep on bearing these grudges with-in our own system is to condemn ourselves to the past. Let us be freed from that past by extracting out of ourselves those things that remind us of the past.

The bells of Balangiga, if they re-main there, will always be a reminder of that fateful encounter and therefore fuels grudg-es and hatred. Let us do away with grudges and hatred. Return the bells to Balangiga. We will use them to call people to prayer.

the penalty is converted into a fine in the amount equivalent to the respondents’ sala-ries for one year, payable to the Ombudsman.

The case stemmed from the implemen-tation of the Farm Inputs and Farm Imple-ments Program (FIFIP) of the Department of Agriculture in 2004.

In the complaint, the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Office represented by Graft In-vestigator Gerhard Basco said that the pro-vincial Government received two separate fund allocations of P5 million each for the program.

The first was received through former Cong Marcelino Libanan in March 2004, and the second from the DA Regional field unit 8 in April 2004.

The money was used to purchase NBEM-21 Microbial Soil Activator (fertilizer) from AKAME Marketing International.

But the respondents entered into transac-tions with AKAME for the purchase of the fertilizers without the benefit of public bid-ding.

In its decision, the Special Panel on the Fertilizer Fund Scam said that the respond-ents “committed Grave Misconduct when they repeatedly and blatantly violated Sec 10 of RA 9184 when they issued BAC resolu-tion 6A and 16A, recommending the resort to direct contracting and without conducting any public bidding for the procurement of NBEM fertilizer. Moreover, they allowed the procurement of a non registered fertilizer from a non-licensed company”.

Respondents were members of the Pro-vincial Government’s Bids and Awards Com-mittee (BAC).

“The complaint against Jesus Agda, Rey-naldo Dorado and Manuel Japson was dis-missed for lack of jurisdiction and the com-plaint against Thomas Campomanes and Manuel Nicart was dismissed for lack of merit and by reason of death respectively”.

Libanan and Salazar were not included in the administrative case since their terms of office ended in June 2004. (Eden Cidro/Este News)

Ombudsman / 1

Caisawan-Balogo in Balangkayan, Bugas-Can-aga in Borongan and the continuing upgrade of the Borongan-San Gabriel provincial road. Work will commence after the bids are awarded.

Meanwhile submission of proposed

projects for 2018 CMGP funding will end on October 30.

The CMGP is a performance-based incentive, and provinces are selected based on their compliance with the DILG’s good governance requirements. (Eden Cidro/Este News)

Roads / 1

One of the two Balangiga bells hoisted at the former base of the 11th Infantry Regiment at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S.A. ESTE NEWS

este VOL 5 NO 6AUGUST 20178

Dolores inaugurates 2 mid-rise buildings for senior highDOLORES, Eastern Samar, July 30, 2017–After over a year of holding classes in the school gymnasium, senior high school students of Dolores National High School will now report to what school administrators have described as classrooms that are “conducive for learning.”

July 28, 2017, Department of Education officials led by Schools Division Superintendent Judith Boco and lone district representative Ben P. Evardone led the turn-over of two mid-rise buildings to DNHS administrators and teaching staff.

The four-story buildings, first of its kind in the province, each house 12 classrooms that will cater to almost 2,000 students.

“We will no longer hold classes in

the gymnasium, use junior high school classrooms or implement shifting of classes,” DNHS principal Elisa Campomanes said.

Boco then reminded school officials to “maintain the buildings and ensure their maximum use.”

In his message, Evardone said the lack of classrooms and facilities are not the biggest challenges to educators.

“Our biggest challenge is how we can produce quality graduates,” he said.

The congressman said that he will support the continued training of high school teachers to help prepare children for the tertiary level.

According to Evardone, the government spent P44M for the school buildings. (Medora NB Quirante / Este News)

MacArthur town cleared of illegal drugsMACARTHUR, Eastern Samar, Au-gust 7, 2017–The town of Gen. Mac-Arthur has been declared the first drug-cleared municipality in East-ern Samar and the whole of region 8.

According to the Provincial Over-sight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing the town was able to com-ply with the parameters set by the Dangerous Drugs Board.

The certification was presented to Mayor Flora Ty during a consul-tation-dialogue on clearing the ba-rangays as illegal drugs free, held in Gen. MacArthur last Saturday.

Chief of Police, C/Insp. Don Ar-chie Suspene, attributed this to the cooperation of the people especial-ly in the barangays.

Of the 30 barangays, 13 were con-sidered drug affected while the rest

were drug free. But for Police Chief Suspene, the bigger challenge now is to sustain the drug cleared status.

Since the implementation of Project Double Barrel, 46 people engaged in illegal drug activities surrendered, 2 were arrested and there is one case of death under in-vestigation.

Those who surrendered are now undergoing the community based rehabilitation program.

There are now 45 barangays in Eastern Samar, including the 13 from Gen MacArthur that are drug cleared.

Meanwhile, Congressman Ben Evardone said that a drug free soci-ety is important to ensure a bright future for our children.

To encourage barangay officials to be more aggressive in the cam-

paign, the congressman will give P10,000 each to the first 100 baran-gays in the province to be declared drug-free by September 30, this year.

PDEA Regional Director Edgar Jubay reminded the barangay offi-cials that they should always be on the watch for illegal drug activities. “Drugs always end up in the ba-rangays, and so they must remain watchful”, he said.

Director Jubay believes that other LGUs can do what Gen Macarthur was able to achieve, not only be-cause of the incentives they will get.

“We have not yet won the war against illegal drugs, but we now have the advantage. Eventually, we will win this war but it will only happen if we work together”, he said. (Eden Cidro/Este News)

BISHOP Crispin Varquez blesses the Marie Rivier Spirituality Center located at Barangay Camada, Maydolong, Eastern Samar that was inaugurated on July 28, 2017. Administered by the Presentation of Mary Sisters (PM), the facility is the first and the only formal retreat house in the diocese of Borongan.

One of the two new school buildings for Senior High that werew recently inaugurated at the Dolores National High School. ESTE NEWS