MikeLigalig.com

Makabibihag gyud seguro ang asawa kay selosan man. O di ba kaha kusog mokidhat ang asawa sa lain. Unsa gyud kahay lintunganay ani nga pagselos.

Published by PNA

Medals from international math and science competitions keep on pouring for the Philippines as the country’s contingent in the 52nd International Mathematical Olympiad reaped three bronze medals, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Saturday.

Henry Jefferson Morco of Chiang Kai Shek College and Vance Eldric Go and Carmela Antoinette Lao, both from St. Jude Catholic School, cornered three bronze medals, the highest medal haul of the Philippines since it joined the hardest mathematics competition in the world in 1988.

The team was headed by Dr. Julius Basilla and Glen Mackenzie Ong of the Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP).

The most number of medals that the Philippines got was in 1991 when Wyant Chan, Wilbin Chan and Jose Ernie Lope, who headed this year’s Philippine Mathematical Olympiad, netted two bronze medals and one honorable mention.

The team’s medal sweep also improved the Philippines’ standing in the IMO, jacking it up to 54 from 74 last year out of 101 countries which joined the competition.

Morco, who was also part of last year’s Philippine team to the IMO, obtained the highest score among the team members at 20, while Go and Lao got 19 and 17, respectively. Morco ranked 171st, Go at 186 and Lao at 222nd from the total 564 participants.

Kenneth Co from the Philippine Science High School Main Campus mustered 12 points and ranked 321st but was not given the honorable mentioned certificate as the IMO requires that one must have a perfect score of seven on any one question.

This is the third time that Lao joined the IMO. She got a bronze medal in 2009 and a silver medal in 2010, making history as the first Filipina to achieve both awards.

It is Morco’s second IMO where he got an honorable mention in the 2010 competition in Germany.

The Philippine contingent was picked from the 12th PMO, organized by the DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) and the MSP.

By BBC News

US President Barack Obama has held an emergency meeting with congressional leaders in a last-ditch bid to avert an economically catastrophic debt default.

Mr Obama called the meeting after talks with Republican House Speaker John Boehner broke down on Friday.

Both Democrats and Republicans are divided on how to control future spending.

Congress must approve a plan to raise America's debt ceiling before the 2 August default deadline.

If the US fails to meet the deadline to raise the $14.3tn limit on US borrowing, the Treasury could run out of money to pay all of its bills - which could lead to interest rate rises, threaten the US economic recovery and in turn the global recovery.

Mr Obama was joined at the negotiating table on Saturday by his Vice-President Joe Biden, Mr Boehner, House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Senate Majority leader Harry Reid and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.

The Associated Press reported that they were unsmiling as the meeting began and most of them avoided reporters when they left the White House.

The White House afterwards urged Congress to "refrain from playing reckless political games with our economy... and do its job, avoiding default and cutting the deficit".

By Connie E. Fernandez
Inquirer Visayas

CEBU CITYâ€"Two Chinese nationals were detained after one of them grabbed the husband of President Aquino’s eldest sister by the collar on board a Cebu Pacific flight to this city Saturday morning.

Han Yang, 33, and Xxx Mailiyasi, 31, were held at the Police Center for Aviation Security (PCAS) office at Mactan Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City for at least seven hours. Authorities later decided to transport them to Manila for deportation proceedings for unruly conduct in the aircraft.

The President’s sister, Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, and her husband, Eldon Cruz, did not file a formal complaint against the two men, said Senior Superintendent Arturo Evangelista, PCAS deputy director for administration.

Evangelista said Yang and Mailiyasi were among 12 online travel writers from Beijing who flew to Cebu on the invitation of the Department of Tourism to help promote the city in China.

Their 10 companions were allowed to proceed with the tour because the report filed by the airline concerned only the two.

Wedding guests

The Chinese travel writers took Cebu Pacific Flight 5J563, which was scheduled to land at 9:15 a.m. Saturday. Among the passengers were the Cruz couple, who were to attend a wedding.

Ballsy Cruz told the Inquirer that she and her husband were seated at Row 2 of the aircraft.

This was how she recounted the turn of events:

Yang and Mailiyasi kept walking on the aisle to take photos of the two flight attendants who were then conducting the airline’s in-flight games.

The Cruz couple noticed that the two men appeared not to mind hitting anyone.

Eldon Cruz was prompted to tell the two to be careful not to hit anyone. He also said their camera might fall.

One of the two grabbed him by the collar and said: “Why?” And then: “Sh-t.”

Eldon Cruz instinctively elbowed the man.

No security detail

Ballsy Cruz said she was initially afraid that her husband and the Chinese might come to blows.

The Cruz couple had no security detail and were traveling with a friend who was also invited to the wedding.

Ballsy Cruz said her husband decided not to make a fuss and kept quiet because he didn’t want to cause a commotion in the aircraft.

It was the other Filipinos on board who expressed outrage at what they witnessed.

One man sitting behind the couple said in a loud voice that the Chinese were so arrogant and should be arrested.

“There was a Filipino-Canadian on my right who said, ‘Oh, my God. Grabe siya. Why did he do that?’” Ballsy Cruz said.

A flight attendant went to the couple to ask what had happened.

Eldon Cruz told her that he had merely reminded the Chinese to be careful, but was grabbed by the collar.

Quote from: hubag bohol on July 22, 2011, 12:23:26 PM

Bwahaha! Mosugot ko basta ang island ni Islander iyang pabuhatan og waterways spelling H U B A G...

Ang HAMAD, basin ma-misspelled ug "SAMAD" nga naay HUBAG.

from Cebu Pacific Newsletter

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) named the world’s 5th most profitable leading value airline according to the July 2011 issue of Air Transport World (ATW), gives back with P99 all-domestic sale!

Because of every Juan’s continued support, we give back to our passengers with an all-domestic P99 seat sale! The seat sale is on July 22, 2011 only or until seats last, for travel from October 1 to November 30, 2011.

Only P99 to Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Busuanga (Coron), Butuan, Calbayog, Cagayan de Oro, Catarman, Cauayan (Isabela), Cebu, Clark, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Laoag, Manila, Naga, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, San Jose (Mindoro), Siargao, Surigao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tawi-Tawi, Tuguegarao, Virac and Zamboanga.

By DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Thirty fake widows were rounded up Thursday at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Quezon City for trying to claim pensions for dependents of posthumously retired police officers.

Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr., chief of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said the women were arrested at the annex building of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) in Camp Crame after their racket was discovered.
Their modus operandi involved falsifying PNP documents and impersonating the widows of retired policemen so they could collect pensions, the PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration Service (RBAS) and DPRM said.

According to the PNP, it loses an estimated P1.5 million a month due to fake claims.

Anti-Organized Crime Division chief Senior Superintendent Ronald Estilles said they learned of the con job after a woman who had introduced herself as Nenita Guevarra Parazo, the widow of Senior Police Officer 4 Nicanor Parazo, was arrested for using a fictitious personal identification card while claiming a pension check.

Subsequent investigation revealed that her real name was Corazon Daguman Galicia. Her arrest led to the apprehension of 29 more women.

They were identified as Evelyn Digo Pataueg, Zenaida Cruz, Irene Beronilla, Anita Vela del Rosario, Candelaria Ogate Tibang, Gloria Castillo Cajalne, Gloria Laysa Vicente, Evangeline Oriarte, Teresita de Guzman, Ma. Melinda Valena, Estelita Wahing Aljecera, Aurelia Pecones, Araceli Garcia Lopez, Angelita Bautista Marquez, Eden Gusad, Jessica Rebeses Alipin, Nena Neron Yahot, Maxima Ando Repuela, Perlita Arellano Aquino, Jacque Arroyo Oronan, Alicia Narca Ponce, Lucena Bocabal Gerarcas, Evangeline Cabatu Gadian, Lydia Castro Manabat, Necitas Escalante Manalo, Corazon Mallari Aguilar, Joselina Ligon Aranas, Rosena Toledo Sanchez and Milagros Batinga Echon.

200 cars? Kita diri bisag kariton, wa!

Quote from: hubag bohol on June 25, 2011, 07:26:04 AM
Di ra ba kuno mahumpay ang kakatol kon hapuhap lang, kinahanglang bag-id jud...

Mahaplos ang mga dawo ug sige ug bag-id.

Yao Ming and Shaquel Oneil

Hapit na mosangko sa ring si Yao Ming.

Yao Ming's height. See the difference.

The Coca-Cola Japan Reconstruction Fund has decided to contribute 1.5 billion yen to the rebuilding of public elementary and junior high schools, with the funds being extracted from the 2.5 billion yen collected for reconstruction of the affected areas in the Great East Japan Earthquake. With an eye towards expanding renewable energy in Japan, the Fund supports cleaner energy in the reconstruction of the affected schools by providing funding for the solar panel installation, an operation also promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. By installing new solar panels during the reconstruction work at the public schools in the regions affected by the Earthquake, the Fund hopes to support the future of the children in the disaster regions through providing a teaching tool on clean energy that can educate about the environment. Details such as the soliciting of eligible schools and timing for the contributions will be examined in consultation with the Ministry, local governments, and other organizational bodies.

The Coca-Cola Japan Reconstruction Fund was established under the Coca-Cola Educational & Environmental Foundation by The Coca-Cola Company (headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer: Muhtar Kent), the parent company of Coca-Cola (Japan) Co., Ltd. (head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; representative director and president: Daniel H. Sayre). The aim of the Fund is to assist in the reconstruction of the disaster areas suffering from the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake. In accordance with the principles for activities of the Coca-Cola Educational & Environmental Foundation, the funds will be put to use mainly in the construction of educational and other public facilities needed for rebuilding the lives of children affected by the disaster. This contribution will be the first specific proposed aid of the Fund. - source: PNA

By Angeline Valencia
PNA

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will highlight success stories of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during the Central Visayas Region SME Summit this Friday, July 22, at the Metrocentre Hotel, this city.

During the event, DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo is expected to give a keynote speech on the “Spurring MSME Development” which will focus on harnessing technologies for SME development.

DTI-Bohol provincial director Maria Elena Arbon will lead the launching of the Bohol Products Website.

DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte said the summit is aimed at disseminating the strategies on improving the competitiveness of the priority sectors in the Central Visayas Region.

The summit will also showcase the success stories of entrepreneurs who implemented strategies which led to the growth of their companies.

“The strategies to be adopted in the implementation of the MSME development plans have been designed to improve access to markets, access to finance, productivity and efficiency, and the business environment,” according to Caberte.

The summit will be anchored on the theme, “Greening and Winning Business Strategies,” in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

by Angeline Valencia
Philippine News Agency

A reinforcement from the national headquarters of the Special Forces of the Philippine Army arrived in Bohol Tuesday morning to brace against the possible recurrence of insurgency following recent reports about the threats of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front).

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., battalion commander of the 2nd Special Forces of the Philippine Army, said the troop will augment the various CAFGU detachments, the Quick Response Teams and the military’s combat reconnaissance teams.

The additional forces comprising 70 soldiers (one company) arrived here Tuesday morning on board a C-130 plane from the national headquarters of the Special Forces based at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.

“We are adding forces here to make sure that insurgents from other provinces will not be able to come back anymore. So we put a premium on our peace and security here in Bohol, especially now that we are achieving a high level, high degree of development, especially on the area of tourism. This is one of the reasons why we are buffing up or augmenting, our forces here in Bohol,” according to Brawner.

This is also in connection to the earlier implementation of the memorandum of agreement on the Provincial Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center that the armed forces and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bohol.

Under the MOA, the military and the police will combine forces in going after criminal elements or lawless elements, especially on the PNP’s campaign against drug abuse and loose firearms.

“We still maintain that Bohol is insurgent-free. The armed group of the communists already fled the province. What we are now saying is that there are threats of the armed group coming back. We want to prevent the recurrence of insurgence or the coming back of the armed groups,” Brawner said.

There are reports that these communist armed groups are from Negros Oriental and the military in Bohol want to prevent them from entering Bohol again, Brawner added.

To maintain the status of Bohol as an insurgent-free province, “the AFP and PNP are working closely together with the Local government executives and the provincial government of Bohol to make sure that the province remains peaceful and developing”, he added.

The military and the PNP also plan to conduct another joint anti-terrorism exercise, this time, the scenario would be a sea battle with terrorists who kidnap tourists.

“Our next scenario would involve a tourist attraction, probably Panglao wherein the abductors would escape to the sea. It will test how the PNP and the military efficiently handle the situation to eradicate this, including the LGU, and the quick response team of the province called Tarsier 117,” according to Brawner.

Brawner confirmed that they received several reports from the hinterlands about armed men which they immediately verify, with the support of the PNP.

“We found out that some of these reports are about common criminalsâ€"robbers or mga akyat bahay. We are happy that we receive reports, constantly. It only means to say that Boholanos are really vigilant and that they do not want to accept anymore these NPA. Based on the statistics of PNP, they have already recovered a lot of unlicensed firearms.

from 8countnews.com
by Brad Cooney

excerpt:

The Koncz story in my opinion shouldn't be quickly dismissed.  Has he been fired by Manny Pacquiao?  This part is still unclear, but I will say that there are some big black storm clouds that are building.  Why is it that Michael Koncz is not in the Philippines right now?  My sources informed me that Koncz has been told not to come to the Philippines for 5 months.  My sources also informed me that money is indeed missing from Manny Pacquiao's piggy bank, and the pound for pound king is demanding answers as to where that money is.  Questions have also been raised concerning PPV money that allegedly never showed up in the Pacquiao piggy bank.

pagkangilngig pud ani. whatever was the reason of killing, this is pure work of the devil.

Disaster officials and workers in Northern and Central Mindanao have been placed on alert after floods and landslides were reported in Bukidnon, leaving four persons wounded and some roads temporarily impassable.

In Cagayan de Oro City, which is part of Northern Mindanao region, a five-year-old girl was reported missing in the wake of flash floods that hit a village over the weekend.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region-12 also alerted its field personnel because the Pulangui River emanates from Bukidnon and its water finds its way to the Maguindanao marshland.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), in its report, identified the missing girl as Angel Inzo.

Local disaster risk reduction and management council, in its report to RDRRMC, said the girl was accidentally swept away by heavy water current while passing through a wooden brigade with her mother. The mother survived but her child remained missing.

The flash floods was triggered by continuous heavy downpour over the weekend.

The Coast Guard also helped in the search efforts believing the child may have been carried away into the sea.

In the town of Kitaotao, Bukidnon, at least four persons were wounded in a landslide in Barangay Rawari, Kitaotao on Saturday. Two families were affected by the flash floods.

There was an overnight moderate to heavy downpour which may have weakened the soil and resulted in a landslide.

The wounded farmers, whose identity were not immediately available, were rushed to Kibawi provincial hospital.

Traffic along portions of the Davao-Bukidnon highway was temporarily stopped for four hours until public works office cleared the road from debris.

forwarded email

He claimed 80 percent of Americans support what he called "a balanced approach" to the problem and it is time Republicans on the Hill listened.

President Barack Obama tried to go over the heads of GOP Congressional leaders on Friday, pleading with Republican voters to back his plans for revenue-raising measures to be included alongside spending cuts in a debt ceiling deal.

He claimed 80 percent of Americans support what he called "a balanced approach" to the problem and it is time Republicans on the Hill listened.

Taking repeated potshots at the GOP leadership, Obama said, "The American people do not want to see a bunch of posturing. What they want is for us to solve problems.

The Tea Party Needs Your Help To Stop Obama

ONE TIME DONATION

"The clear majority of Republican voters think that any deficit reduction package should have a balanced approach and should include some revenues," Obama said. "That's not just Democrats. That's the majority of Republicans.

"At what point do (Republicans in Congress) start looking to the people who put them in office?

"I don't expect politicians to not think about politics. But every so often there are issues that are urgent, that have to be attended to that require us to do things that we don't like to do.

"The problem is that members of Congress have dug in ideologically... They have boxed themselves in with their previous statements."

Despite saying repeatedly that the country is running out of time with less than three weeks to the Treasury's Aug. 2 deadline, the president seemed to downplay the problem. "We don't have to do anything radical to solve this problem. We aren't Greece, we aren't Portugal," he said.

"Our problem is we cut taxes without paying for them for the last decade. We ended up instituting programs like the prescription drug program for seniors that was not paid for. We fought two wars, we didn't pay for them. We had a bad recession that required a recovery act and stimulus spending and helping states. All that accumulated and there's interest on top of that.

"To unwind that, what's required is to roll back those tax cuts on the wealthiest individuals."

Obama was giving his third press conference in two weeks on the debt ceiling. The Treasury says the country will run out of money and will have to default on its debts in early August unless the $14.3 trillion limit is lifted.

He said he is still hopeful of a "big deal," where the debt ceiling is dealt with at the same time as the "general underlying problem" of debt and deficits........Click -> You Have Got To Keep Reading This Article!

So the fondest Washington hopes for a grand debt-limit deal have broken down over taxes. House Speaker John Boehner said late Saturday that he couldn't move ahead with a $4 trillion deal because President Obama was insisting on a $1 trillion tax increase, and the White House quickly denounced House Republicans for scuttling debt reduction and preventing "the very wealthiest and special interests from paying their fair share."

How dare Republicans not agree to break their campaign promises and raise taxes when the jobless rate is 9.2% and President Obama's economic recovery is in jeopardy? ...KEEP READING THE STORY

The days of knocking on doors, walking precincts and direct mail campaigning to efficiently gather voters may soon be dwarfed if the vision of a handful of Patriots comes to fruition.

An army of Conservative Smart Phone users are gathering across America. Many of them yet to discover the power they possess and how they may determine the outcome of the next Presidential election.

The days of knocking on doors, walking precincts and direct mail campaigning to efficiently gather voters may soon be dwarfed if the vision of a handful of Patriots come to fruition. While pollsters, election gurus and campaign managers are number crunching and pouring over the latest candidates' statistics, the raw power of technology is emerging very quietly and silently right under their noses and nobody is catching the scent of the greatest technological advance in the election process in U.S. history. ... MUST READ MORE

Patriots are joining the Tea Party Guard because they want to restore America and just don't know what to do next! Good hearted Citizens can't travel to Washington, or go to rallies every weekend, but they can donate .99 cents per day!

!cid_6E0ECA29E5B74F69950A8C63C0F468B7@SteveHP
Your .99 cents will power the Tea Party making it possible for teams to travel to Washington, meet with high-power decision makers and do that job that millions of Tea Partiers can't do. .99 cents per day is less than 30.00 per month. We can it the 29.11 program.

For less than the price of a Pizza and six pack, you can support the Tea Party in a continual and meaningful way. Do it now. Tomorrow may be too late for America!

Tea Party Fax Blast Project?    Tea Party Command Center?    Tea Party Vets?
Tea Party E-mail Newsletters?    UniTEAMobile

It is your turn to save America. The Tea Party needs your help.  Give today, because tomorrow may be the day after we lost America.

Support the continued work of the Tea Party on behalf of our beloved nation.

SAM PENASO: the Homecoming, An Art Exhibit for a Cause
July 22 (FRI) @ 6PM - Opening Cocktails at Prawn Farm, ICM, Tagbilaran City; Ticket - P450
July 23-24 - Public Viewing @ Upper Ground Entrance 3, ICM (near National Bookstore)

B.) Dagan para sa Pamilacan, A Trail Run for a Cause
July 24 (SUN), Baluarte Reclamation Area, Baclayon
430AM - Assembly
5AM - Opening Program
530AM - Gun Start for 10K
540AM - Gun Start for 5K
7AM - Closing Program, Awarding and Turnover Ceremonies

Registration - P250 with Singlet

*** Proceeds will be for the school facilities of Pamilacan High School ***

Please help us promote to your family and friends in Bohol. . .

Sam Penaso Homecoming Exhibit
Island City Mall, Tagbilaran, Bohol
23-24 July 2011

Opens on 22 July 2011 at 6pm Prawn Farm Restaurant

There are countless homecoming programs being held for the country’s actors, filmmakers, and sportsmen. Few such programs, however, are noted for artists in the fine arts, as they are overshadowed by the popular show business. This homecoming exhibit by Guindulman visual and performance artist Sam Penaso hopes to challenge the young and up-and-coming artists of Bohol to hone their craft.

The  paintings displayed here build up as a retrospective exhibit of his works of figure, abstraction, conceptualization and performance art.

Images of old people attract Sam. Contrary to the polished looks of faces of the young, the elderly displays weary flesh, making them all the more human. Roughness and lines embody how they have worked out their lives and therefore demonstrate their passing in time. These faces of old people â€" “Aling Basyang,” “Mando,” and “Worker” â€" could be our kin and neighbors and acquaintances; they are individual and yet general.

Painting age puts on view how the old and weary are memorialized. These faces are beautiful. They inscribe the material living world in their very flesh and aspire to inscribe their owners’ lives in the world they inhabit.

Most of the paintings are what many call abstract and conceptual paintings. They are experimentations in lines and colors. According to the artist, the embossed letters and numbers indicate the work of technology. The increasing textualization of the world has become the very matter imprinted on his artworks. When they are stamped on the faces of old people, they signify wisdom developed through the ages. The artist’s fondness for texture becomes literal verbal text in this regard.

Sam does not want to be a prophet who, unfailingly, is not recognized in his own land. He does not prophesize but challenges young Boholano artists to offer what they have in Bohol â€" to universalize their individual, particular experiences.

This homecoming exhibit by Sam Penaso hopes to contribute in making the Bohol art scene active and aggressive.

- JPaul Manzanilla
University of the Philippines, Manila
Art Critique and Exhibit Curator

forwarded email

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem, almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class
and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students, if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively
filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - family,
children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions â€"
Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else --The small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,
there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So...

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play With your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

'Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked'.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

islander, i think the worst helmet would be an "arinola". Labi ni ug arinola ni Lola. Labihang bahoa segurong anso.

pwede na ang balde himuong helmet

another kind of helmet.

from email newsletter

The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), responsible for the delivery of one of the largest aid program in the Philippines - Australia's Development Cooperation Program, is looking for highly motivated persons to fill the following Overseas-based employee positions:

Program Officer (PO)

The Program Officer (PO) will be responsible for managing the delivery of specific initiatives, and providing technical and administrative support in the oversight of a program portfolio.   The PO is expected to contribute to the development, formulation and review of strategies, programs and initiatives of a program portfolio.  The PO will work under the direction of, and reports to the Portfolio Manager.

Program Support Officer (PSO)

The Program Support Officer (PSO) will contribute to the efficient, responsive and effective delivery of AusAID’s Philippines Program by providing administrative and logistical support in the management of programs and initiatives. The Human Resource Manager is responsible for allocating the workload assigned by the program teams.

Eligibility/ Other requirements

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons, with local nationals being encouraged to apply.  Please note that these are not Australian Public Service positions.    Further details on Job Descriptions and selection criteria for the positions can be accessed under job vacancies at the website:  http://www.philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/aboutus.html.

Conditions of Contract

The Positions will be full-time, with ongoing employment contracts and based in the AusAID’s Manila office.  The successful candidates are expected to commence as soon as possible.  The commencing monthly salaries of Php58,054 for PO and Php39,278 for PSO are negotiable depending upon qualifications and experience, with entitlements to leave, comprehensive health insurance and other conditions.

Expressions of Interest

Interested applicants must address the selection criteria (maximum 2 pages), and detail suitability to perform the duties of the position including personal qualities, experience, skills and knowledge. All applications should be forwarded to: The PCCO, 9th Floor, Salcedo Towers, 169 H.V. dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227 Philippines,  or at ipe_careers@pcco.org.ph on or before Monday COB, 25 July 2011.  Please include in your application a curriculum vitae of no more than 3 pages.  Written referee reports are not required to be submitted at the time of application, although applicants should ensure that the names and contact details of two (2) work-related referees are supplied. Do not send copies of academic transcripts, awards, degrees, or published papers. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Envelopes should be clearly marked "PO/PSO - AUSAID".  Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will have their applications acknowledged.

AusAID is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a smoke-free working environment.

beautiful smiles of our Filipino brethren in Dublin...

Rosas Pandan (92成發).avi
Mga Intsek Nikanta ug Rosas Pandan

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Cholecystitis = acute or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, in most instances associated with the presence of gallstones. Disease-causing bacteria such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Leptospira are usually found in cases of acute inflammation, and they are also found in about 30 percent of the cases of chronic disease. Acute cholecystitis is often found in people who have had an earlier infection of the gallbladder that led to bile retention. In these cases the organ is swollen, tense, and reddened; there may be areas of dead tissue, and pus may be present. A person with acute cholecystitis is feverish and usually feels pain in the right upper abdomen. The patient also experiences nausea, vomiting, and chills. In chronic cholecystitis the gallbladder often is contracted rather than swollen; its wall is grayish white, tough, and thickened. There is discomfort after eating and difficulty in digesting fatty foods; there may be episodes of colic, pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Diagnosis is established by physical examination and by ultrasound, X-ray, and other imaging techniques. Surgical removal of the gallbladder is the usual treatment, particularly when gallstones are present or when there is evidence of gangrene or perforation. Medical management includes administration of pain-alleviating drugs, drugs to inhibit contractions of the gallbladder muscles, and antibiotics to control infection.

source: Britannica Encyclopedia 2011

By PIA

More and more people are now health conscious and have reduced their consumption of meat. In its place, people have enriched their diet with a wide variety of plant-based food.

Numerous studies and researches show that a plant-based diet is associated to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lesser risk of heart disease, lower risk of cancer and decreased weight.

The Eastern Visayas Conference has been conducting seminars to government employees and other groups in order to promote healthy lifestyle.

In the brief seminar held at the Philippine Information Agency 8, Mr. Gerry Idio said that his group is manufacturing Vege Meat as meat substitute and by-products from soy beans, grains like whole wheat and high fibered vegetables.

Their products include whole wheat bread, cinnamon bread, Vege gluten, Vege- tocino, vege-tapa, vege-burger, soy milk, tofu, tokwa and special taho.

Vege food is the answer to malnutrition especially in the depressed areas. Aside from being much cheaper than meat, it is low in purine and uric acid and easier to digest.

Luoy pud intawon. Giestorya nalang unta pud to para makapahungaw sa iyang gibati. Ang sumbohan sa pistola ang mihungaw hinuon.

Amigo (Official Trailer)
Amigo Movie Filmed in Bohol, Philippines

By Celest Flores
PDI

Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar Kobe Bryant and New Orleans Hornets’ star playmaker Chris Paul will lead a group of NBA players who will parade their wares in Manila for a series of exhibition games on July 23 and 24 at the Araneta Coliseum.

This was announced by Talk N’ Text head coach Chot Reyes, one of the people behind the negotiations of the hoops event, on his Twitter account Friday morning.

Also on Reyes’ Twitter post, Sacramento Kings’ Tyreke Evans, LA Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan, Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Derrick Williams and two others will also be joining in what has been dubbed as the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend.

The NBA All-Stars will take on Smart Gilas Pilipinas, the national basketball team, and a PBA-select squad.

According to Ticketnet, ticket sales for the event, organized by the MVP Sports Foundation, are still on hold although the prices are available.

Patron seats are pegged at P5500, Lower Box at P3800, Upper A at P1500, Upper B at P800 and General Admission at P350.

“Buy your tickets now for a chance to watch KB and CP3 Live,” also tweeted Reyes.

Speculations had reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose and Fiba World Championship MVP Kevin Durant participating in the exhibition games.

Kobe Bryant Plays for FEU Manila (Far Eastern University)

What If They Listened to Entrepreneurs? by Henry R. Nothhaft

“Before any significant and sustained increase in the creation of good middle-class jobs can take place, the voice of the entrepreneur who is the source of all breakthrough innovation and job growth must be heard.

Sadly, however, entrepreneurs are just about the only Americans without a voice in Washington”

TouchPoints: Why the Interruptions That Drive Us Crazy Just Might Be the Most Productive Opportunities We Have Every Day by Douglas Conant & Mette Norgaard

“Some days it feels like the information age has morphed into the interruption age. But what if those interruptions turned out to be our best opportunity to make a difference in our workplaces?”

Brains, Bones, and Nerves: The Only Three Things an Enterprise Leader Should Focus On by Rajeev Peshawaria

“Just as the human body needs all three systemsâ€"the brain, bones, and nervesâ€"functioning in perfect harmony to maximize longevity and performance, a business needs its strategy, architecture, and culture to work in harmony in order to maximize results.”

It’s All About Them: Marketing to the Digitally Empowered Buyer by Rebel Brown

“Thanks to the digital age, today’s buyers can research, select and purchase their products without getting you involved in the decision. You won’t even know they were buying. Everything shifted. Your choices: shift, tooâ€"or get left in the past.”

Your CQ: Why It Might Be the Most Important Number You Don’t Know! by David Livermore

“How do we move beyond mantras about cultural sensitivity and global awareness to successfully adapting to various cultures while simultaneously remaining true to ourselves? Both sides of the equation are essentialâ€"being true to ourselves and adapting to different cultures.”

We First: How Consumers and Brands Can Partner to Build a Better World by Simon Mainwaring

“We First capitalism posits that we can no longer accept the myopic, short-term, profit-for-profit’s sake practice of capitalism we invite corporations and consumers to engage in today.”

by Rey Anthony H. Chiu

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, July 13 (PIA) -- About seven towns in Bohol have recently renewed their sisterhood agreements with the City of Makati through the visit of the PHL Vice-President Jejomar Binay.

The towns of Danao, Bien Unido, Getafe, Baclayon, Loay, San Miguel and Tagbilaran City have forged sisterhood agreements with Makati in 2008, Binay’s turf then as its Mayor.

“We are benefiting greatly from the exchanges and we want to continue,” said Danao Mayor Thomas Louis Gonzaga, in a chance interview at the MetroCenter Hotel with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here.

DANAO and Bien Unido mayors admitted that Vice President Jejomar Binay has been an inspiration to young Boholano mayors.

“We did the sisterhood agreement in 2008, firmly believing that we have a lot to learn from the management system of Makati as an inspiration to bring in a similar economic emancipation template in our 5th class towns,” mayors Gonzaga and Boniel admitted.

According to mayor Gonzaga the sisterhood agreement has exposed the local government officials to study Makati’s systems in its project implementation.

Danao mayor who ventured into an untested extreme eco-adventure for his town said, the sisterhood with Makati has opened his mind to entrepreneurial activities and management of resources.

Binay’s political officer Erwin Maceda said Makati had been so blessed with excess wealth that it shared with other towns and cities in the country that they call “sister cities.”

Specifically, Gonzaga shared that the health care benefits program of Danao and other towns in Bohol had been lifted from the Makati templates of experience.

Makati City offers 90 percent free health care services to its residents when they get to the Ospital ng Makati. It also gives full PhilHealth coverage to all its residents.

When Binay assumed the top post in Makati, the city had a P40 million economic deficit. Three terms later, Makati’s financial assets increased from P300 million to P11 billion, Maceda shared to this writer.

Now seated at the country’s second top seat and with an office budget lower than a senator’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), the office could still respond to rescue and relief operations using its meager funds, Maceda added.

Vice President Jejomar Binay has been invited to a marathon of events in at least two towns in Bohol and in Tagbilaran City including a visit to Cogon and Dao Central Public Market and dinner interaction with the mayors at the Peacock Garden.

from Cebu Pacific Newsletter

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) slashes fares to Singapore and Hong Kong from now until July 14, 2011 or until seats last.

For travel from September 1 to October 31, 2011, buy discounted seats from Clark to Hong Kong or Singapore at PHP555. Reduced fares from Manila or Cebu to Hong Kong or Singapore are available for only PHP888.  September and October 2011 are perfect months to discover the many leisure events, art festivals and shopping attractions that two of our most popular destinations can offer!

CEB’s new Philippine routes are also on sale. Reduced fares from Cagayan de Oro to Iloilo and Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi, are available for only PHP8 for travel from October 14 to December 15, 2011. Discounted seats from Cebu to Ozamiz, Pagadian or Surigao are available for the Lite Fare of PHP 588; while seats from Manila to the same destinations are available for only PHP888.

Scandalous Landscaping

murag si Bugsay ra ang makatubag ani nga pangutana, Hubs.

by PNA

Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo did not show up for the third time on Monday in the preliminary investigation of the plunder charges filed against her in connection with the alleged misuse of welfare funds which was intended for migrant workers during her administration.

Mrs. Arroyo failed to appear before the Department of Justice (DOJ) panel of prosecutors’ hearing wherein she is supposed to swear and subscribe to the authenticity of her counter-affidavit.

According to her lawyer, Benjamin Santos, the Pampanga lawmaker is still abroad.

“She was supposed to have returned in the middle of last week, but she had other matters to attend to. It is not our intention to delay the proceedings," Santos told the DOJ panel.

“We would like to assure the honorable hearing panel that she’ll be coming within this week and therefore, as soon as she arrives, we are going to have her sign before the panel or a representative that a panel will be designating, that she will swear to her counter-affidavit," Santos said.

At the same time, Santos said that the plunder charges against Mrs. Arroyo should be junked for being baseless.

On the other hand, the lawyer of complainant former Solicitor General Francisco Chavez, Atty. Andre de Jesus, objected to Santos’ request for an extension in the filing of Arroyo’s counter-affidavit.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo Jr.

"We do not need him," Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila De Lima on Tuesday said of accused former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Zaldy Ampatuan, who was offering himself to testify against his father and siblings on the Maguindanao massacre trial.

The massacre claimed the lives of 57 civilians, including 15 women and 30 media practitioners in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao on Nov. 23, 2009.

Aside from Zaldy, also charged as principal accused were his father, former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr.; his brothers Datu Unsay, Maguindanao Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr.; former Maguindanao Acting Gov. Sajid Ampatuan; Akmad Ampatuan; Anwar Ampatuan; and 190 others.

They are now all locked up at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Detention Center in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.

Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 221 Presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes hears the 57 counts of murder against the Ampatuans and the 190 others.

De Lima said, in a press conference, that "to become a state witness, one has to have some participation to the crime and to be discharged as an accused and become state witness, he must not appear to be the most guilty."

She also said that the offer of testimony could be supported by other evidence.

"Here, he (Zaldy) is not admitting participation. Malayo yan, especially he is saying that he is not part of the planning," De Lima said.

"What he is saying is contrary to our witnesses. Contrary yan sa mga witnesses who are saying otherwise," De Lima said.

"We are already in the thick of things. As things now stand, no, not possible, it’s really a rejection," De Lima said.

The suspended ARMM governor on Monday said that he was willing to testify against his family in connection with the 57 counts of murder charges.

By Lilybeth G. Ison

MANILA, July 12 (PNA) -- Former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo faces her fourth plunder case filed by two of her colleagues at the House of Representatives for the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds during her term as chief executive.

Bayan Muna party-list Reps. Teodoro Casino and Neri Colmenares filed the case on Tuesday morning before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Acting Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro personally received the 10-page complaints filed by the Bayan Muna party-list lawmakers.

"This does not just involve stealing money. This involves stealing money from the poor," said Casino after filing the case.

Former PCSO general manager Rosario Uriarte, who admitted to requesting a total of P325 million in intelligence funds for the agency from 2008 to 2010, was also charged along with Arroyo.

Uriarte, at the Senate hearing last Wednesday, said that the former president personally allowed the release of the funds, which she claimed to have been used for the agency’s nationwide small town lottery project and as blood money for Filipinos who were in death row in Saudi Arabia.

The Bayan Muna party-list lawmakers accused Arroyo and Uriarte for allegedly violating Articles 217 and 220 of the Revised Penal Code, and Section 3 (e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Republic Act 7080 or the Plunder Law.

"We come now to accuse former President Arroyo and former PCSO general manager Uriarte of graft, malversation and plunder involving at least P325 million in PCSO funds that should have went to the poor but instead were illegally used for other purposes," said Casino and Colmenares in their complaint.

"Part of these funds may have been used for political largesse, part to retain the loyalty of public officers to the President. Some were most likely used for partisan electoral purposes, and some were amassed as ill-gotten wealth. These disbursements came from illegally diverted and malversed intelligence funds," it said.

The party-list lawmakers specifically cited the P150-million PCSO public relations fund last year, which was realigned as intelligence funds without an appropriate board resolution authorizing the change in the budget.

"Diverting funds from the operational expense, which is subject to regular auditing, to intelligence fund which is not subject to regular auditing, clearly exposes the intention of both Arroyo and Uriarte to disburse said funds without the benefit of regular auditing scrutiny, in violation of our laws," the complaint read.

Casino and Colmenares also said the amount "most likely used for partisan electoral purposes" because 2010 was an election year.

Casimiro vowed to give priority to the case filed by the lawmakers.

Arroyo is facing three more plunder charges in connection with her alleged involvement in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam; the transfer of multi-million funds of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to Philhealth to allegedly boost her presidential campaign in 2004; and the alleged use of the P1.6-billion fertilizer funds (distinct from the P728 million) again for her presidential bid in 2004.

Under Republic Act 7080, a public official can be charged with plunder if he or she "accumulates or acquires ill-gotten wealth through a combination or series of overt or criminal acts" amounting to at least P75 million.

"gibanlas sa mga luha" - pagkanindot sa maong mga pulong.

basin kulang sa height, Hubs.

Garcia loses RPOC-7 chairmanship to Chatto
By Gregg M. Rubio/FPL

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia loses her chairmanship of the Regional Peace and Order Council to Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto.

Chatto was appointed new RPOC-7 chairman on May 3 by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

The appointment of Chatto was signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa and approved by President Benigno Aquino III on May 30.

The RPOC is composed of the governors, mayors of the highly urbanized cities, presidents of the Leagues of Municipalities of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Chatto’s appointment will give him the authority to head the peace-keeping body that provides a forum for dialogue and deliberation of major issues and problems affecting peace and order, including insurgency in Central Visayas.

Chatto replaced Garcia who got reappointed to the position towards the fourth quarter last year through mass motion following the reconstitution of RPOC nationwide based on the DILG memorandum dated August 11, 2010.

Garcia immediately extended her congratulations to Chatto and assured her full support and cooperation to the new leadership.

“He can expect the same support from me in our efforts to keep this region peace,” Garcia said.

Garcia was chairperson of RPOC for three consecutive terms. She was first appointed to the position in 2004.

Aside from Chatto, three private sector representatives were also chosen to be part of RPOC. They are lawyer Tereso Balangkig as civic sector representative; Msgr. Roberto Alesna as religious sector representative; and Teodoro Locson representing business. (FREEMAN)

nagkinahanglan ug salompas

At least on paper.

But traydor ra ba ning China. Dugay na kaayo na sila nagconstruct ug mga military facilities diha sa mga Philippine-claimed territories.

child abuse naman ni. na-trauma intawon ang bata.

Para dili makasabsab.

Return the 'Pajeros' to P-Noy, CBCP tells bishops
By Janice M. Cave

An official of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has suggested that the sports utility vehicles donated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to several bishops should be returned.

“Dapat lang na mag-cooperate ang mga kapwa obispo natin na sangkot sa usapin na 'yan. At dapat ring ibalik o isauli na yang mga sasakyan na yan sa pamahalaan para matapos na ang usapin. Pag hindi kasi, lalala lang yan at kung anu pang mga haka-haka ang lalabas dyan [Bishops involved should cooperate. They should return the vehicles to government to put a stop to this controversy. If not, it will aggravate and speculations will arise]," Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez said in a radio interview over Church-run Radyo Veritas.

Iniguez, CBCP-Episcopal Commission on public affairs chairman, said the issue is getting worse and is being used by politicians for grandstanding.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes agreed with Iniguez's proposal to return the SUVs to the government so that the Catholic Church will no longer be dragged into the PCSO controversy.

"That’s a good suggestion. Ibalik lahat ng mga sasakyan na 'yan kay PNoy. As I have said, these investigations are overkill... Bago pa man nagkaroon ng Senate inquiry, sabi ko kakaladkarin talaga pangalan ng mga bishops dyan. Kahit hindi naman ginamit na personal ng mga bishops ang sasakyan palalabasin nila na personal na ginamit [They should return the vehicles to PNoy... Even before the Senate inquiry, I said they will drag the bishops into the controversy, even if they did not use the vehicles for personal purposes, they will still insist they did]," he said.

"Kung mayroon dapat imbestigahan, ito ang mga tiwaling pulitiko na nagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan. Huwag nilang pag-initan ang mga obispo na tunay at totoong naglilingkod sa mga mahihirap [If there's someone who should be investigated, it should be the corrupt politicians and not the bishops who truly help the poor]," he added. (PNA)

Nice work of Art.

Mura man ug nalansang ang tinutokan aning usa ka bata.
Kinsa kaha ni?

In the setting we learned to make contact. What should we learn from the encounter? John 3:16 is a very familiar verse: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." Jesus is living out that principle in this passage. He is modeling for us how to reach out in love. He doesn't first try to change her living situation, her background, or her lifestyle. His compassion causes him to see her desperate loneliness and personal despair. He understands the death she is experiencing and he cares. "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). He wants her to have that gift.

At times I am fearful that we forget that people are lost, that though they are putting on a good front, they are in desperate need. We have the gift of God, don't we? He has made us part of the process of demonstrating that love to others, hasn't he?.

We need exactly what this woman experienced: to encounter Jesus again, face-to-face, and understand his love once again. That's what I'm personally praying for. We need the fresh breath of the Spirit blowing in our face the way a cold morning sea breeze hits you in the face, makes you catch your breath, and wakes you up. I'm convicted at this point. John introduced this book with these words (1:14): "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." We need to behold him. We need to look in his face and understand his essence. We need to

    "...Look full in his wonderful face,
    And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
    In the light of his glory and grace."

BRING OTHERS TO JESUS

What do we learn from the responses in verses 27-42?

    And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He had been speaking with a woman; yet no one said, "What do You seek?" or, "Why do You speak with her?" So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city, and said to the men, "Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?" They went out of the city, and were coming to Him. In the meanwhile the disciples were requesting Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." But He said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." The disciples therefore were saying to one another, "No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?" Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already he who reaps is receiving wages, and is gathering fruit for life eternal; that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this case the saying is true, 'One sows, and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."

    And from that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all the things that I have done." So when the Samaritans came to Him, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His word; and they were saying to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world."

There are three responses in this section: the disciples', the woman's, and the Samaritans'. Let's look at the woman's response first (verses 28-29). Notice her actions: she leaves something, she goes, and she says something. Verse 28 is interesting. What does she leave? Not Jesus, but her waterpot. She has every intention of coming back for her waterpot. But the importance of the physical has been superseded by the importance of the spiritual. She needs to go and tell somebody. To whom does she go? Only to those who will listen; the text tells us the men listen. That makes sense, doesn't it? And did you notice all the theological training and Bible study courses and equipping that she is able to gain between the well and the city? What does she say? Simply, "Come and see a man who told me all the things that I have done. This is not the Christ, is it?" It's a wonderful response.

Observe how the Samaritans respond (verse 39): "And from that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all the things that I have done." And then what happens? They ask him to stay two more days. "And many more believed because of His word; and they were saying to the woman, 'It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.'" See what happens? They themselves personally encounter Jesus face-to-face. They recognize him as the Savior of the world and they individually respond to him.

But for our purposes the response of the disciples is even more telling (verse 27): "...His disciples came, and they marveled that He had been speaking with a woman...." They think to themselves, Why is he doing that, in public? This is a Samaritan woman. What's going on? We just went to the city and got him food, didn't we? Why would he be speaking with her? But they're beginning to get the point that he is a little different, because they don't have the courage to confront him directly. In verse 31 they tell him they have gotten the food, and they ask him to eat. But he is evidently preoccupied with something else.

As the woman was, and as we are sometimes, the disciples are earthbound here. They are seeing life only on the surface. They mistakenly thought that the purpose of this was to get to Galilee in three days instead of six. And all of a sudden they're finding out that they're going to spend two more days right where they are. They think life is presently about eating and drinking. They think Jesus is standing there because he needs to drink. But he says, "I have food that you don't know about." Verse 33 confirms that they are completely missing the point: "No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?" They are still earthbound, unlike the woman who has now departed.

So in verses 34-38 Jesus tries to explain his perspective. He says, "My food [in other words, what really nourishes me, what really keeps me going] is doing the will of the Father." What is the will of the Father? In John 6:40 he says what the Father's will is: "For this is the will of My Father, that every one who beholds the Son, and believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." He is telling the disciples, "What I am focused on is doing the will of my Father. That's the whole reason I exist on earth. I don't want to lose one of his precious flock. I want them to behold the Son. I want them to look at me, see me face-to-face, consider me, discover whom I am, and trust me for eternal life. And I'm looking forward to raising them up on the last day and presenting them to the Father. That's what my life is about, disciples. How about you?"

They are standing in a place that is known for its corn crops. They had a saying: "Four months and then you will harvest." What Jesus is saying is, "Don't miss the point. The physical is really demonstrating the spiritual." Verse 39 confirms what happens. The Samaritans are coming out from the village. They have responded to a woman who said, "Come and see." They're coming out in twos and threes, men and women, in their off-white robes, walking across the field. What does Jesus say? "Look into the fields-they're white for harvest. It's not about corn, it's about people. It's not about traveling, it's about making contact, and reaching out in love. That's what life is about, that's why I've come." He's telling them to get ready. In verses 36-38 he further explains: "Look, some have been sowing...." For both the Samaritans and the Jews there is a lot of history in this place. A lot of seeds have been planted here. They have been told that Messiah is coming. Some of those prophets who have gone before have watered. Now the Samaritans discover that Jesus is here, so he's saying to his disciples, "Please participate with me in the harvest, and let the sowers and the reapers rejoice together. Wake up! Don't miss the opportunity."

Jesus is saying the same thing to us today. "Please look into the fields. They're white for harvest. And be careful where you look. The ones you're looking for may be those you would never suspect: the rejected ones, the outcasts, the ones who have no hope, the ones you thought would never come, the ones you thought you would never approach. They are thirsty for answers, they are hurting and bleeding, looking for salvation in all the wrong places." Some of us are asked to sow seeds. Some of us are asked to water. But some of us are asked to reap those men and women for whom Jesus died. Jesus is saying to us, "Please love them the same way I do."

What do we have to do? The same thing the woman of Samaria did after she met Jesus. "Come and see-isn't this the Christ?" she said. The model directs us to bring others. Look at John 1:40: "One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He found first his own brother Simon, and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which translated means Christ). He brought him to Jesus." Make contact, reach out in love, and bring others. That is the model of Jesus. That's the normal pattern. That's why the Billy Graham Association calls the encouragement for us to do the same Operation Andrew.

I've been quite convicted that I have spent so much of my time ministering, both here and overseas, that I've forgotten about the folks in my own neighborhood, even folks across the street. My wife and I have been convicted to pray. All of a sudden the woman across the street wants to walk with my wife in the morning. And all of a sudden her daughter came to me and said, "Rich, would you help me with my mathematics this summer? I'm not doing well." All of a sudden I've had a chance to share the name of our plumber with them. We're still praying.

If you have been thinking of someone in particular, write their name down. Then take the names that come to mind and pray about these people. Pray about how you can make contact with them, reach out to them in love, and bring them to Jesus. Let's remind each other to pray, and support each other in prayer. And then let's rejoice together when people start coming to Jesus and meeting him face-to-face.


The Scripture quotations in this message are all taken from New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Catalog No. 8151
John 4:1-42
Single Message
Rich Carlson
June 22, 1997

REACHING OUT
by Rich Carlson

Let us look at a model Jesus gave us that we are to emulate. John 4:1-6 gives the setting:

   When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), He left Judea, and departed again into Galilee. And He had to pass through Samaria. So He came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; and Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

Jesus and his disciples have been ministering in Judea, and the word is getting out to the Pharisees that in fact his disciples are baptizing more people than John the Baptist is. That is of concern to the Pharisees. Jesus realizes that, and he doesn't want to have a confrontation over this issue now, so he decides to go back to Galilee.

MAKE CONTACT WITH THE LOST

In verse 4 it says, "And He had to pass through Samaria." Now we can see by looking at a map that if you were in Judea, you would naturally go through Samaria to get to Galilee. Yet if you were a Jew in those days, what you would do if you wanted to make this trip was go to the east, cross the Jordan River, then go north until you were opposite Galilee, then cross the river and go back. Thus you would completely avoid Samaria. To me, if you're walking, short is good. Why would you turn a three-day trip into a six-day trip if you didn't have to?

The hatred between the Jews and the Samaritans had grown over a long period of time. The Assyrians had captured the northern kingdom, and some of the conquered Israelites had remained there. But they had intermarried with the incoming foreigners, and therefore, as far as the rest of the Jews were concerned, they had committed an unforgivable crime. That represented the very epitome of compromise. The Jews saw the resulting race, the Samaritans, as unclean. In fact the Samaritans had even built their own temple on Mount Gerizim, which is just south of Jacob's well, and therefore they were worshiping in the wrong place. To the Jews the Samaritans were despicable and to be avoided at all cost. And because of the way the Jews treated the Samaritans, even attacking them at times, the Samaritans hated the Jews as well.

Yet Jesus, as a rabbi (a teacher of the law), decides that he needs to go through Samaria. He decides to go against the social norm and the devout religious traditions of his day, and to purposefully make contact with sinners. So he leaves Judea and takes the short route through the city of Sychar with his disciples. A three-day walk with Jesus-I wish I'd been there.

In verse 6 we see a wonderful picture of Jesus' humanity. It says it's the sixth hour. In Jewish time that means noon. In Roman time it means six o'clock in the evening. I really think it's probably six o'clock in the evening, and Jesus is tired and thirsty. So he sits down by the well. The disciples have gone into the city to get food.

I believe that Jesus needed to go through Samaria in order to teach something to his disciples, and we have something to learn from this picture as well. The first principle is very clear: Make contact. If we're going to introduce people to Jesus Christ, we need to get to know them. We must spend time with non-Christians. This might well mean breaking the traditions of the religious establishment. This might mean breaking with some prejudice that you and I might have. This might mean stepping out of our comfort zone. What's the best way to catch a cold? Contact with people. What's the best way to spread a rumor? Contact. What's the best way to make friends? Contact. What's the best way to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of him in every place? You have to make contact with people, to befriend and get to know non-Christians.

But quite frankly, as I look at the body of Christ, at times I'm very fearful. I think we may be going in the opposite direction. We have Christian yellow pages, Christian radio, Christian television, Christian clubs, and Christian colleges. In this valley alone, we have over one hundred Christian schools. I'm not saying that these things in themselves are bad, but what I fear is that we'll do something just like what we did with the inner city: leave the community and avoid opportunities to meet people who need to know Jesus. But here Jesus is making specific provision to come face-to-face with people who don't know him.

In John 17:15,18 Jesus prays, "I do not ask Thee to take them [the disciples] out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one...As Thou didst send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." The Lord understands the tension. We are to be in the world, yet not of it. But in our efforts to keep ourselves from being of the world, we are forgetting to be in it.

Jesus says in Mark 1:17, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." The first topic you discuss when you're going to go fishing is where the fish are. I like to talk to fishermen, because they always have the inside track about that topic. Sometimes you have to travel some distance, and when you get there the fish may be in very inconvenient places. You might even be in danger of falling in trying to fish for them, particularly if you're a fly fisherman.

When I was in high school the church I went to taught me to fish in the rain barrel. That is, you brought the people to church, and then they gave an invitation every week inviting people to come to know Jesus. There's nothing wrong with that. But I soon found that it was very hard to talk people into coming to church. And when they were there, they weren't very comfortable. So if I was successful in getting the fish into the rain barrel, they never bit in there. We need to be stepping out, reaching out, because we catch fish someplace else, not at church.

Let's look at the preceding events in this book. In chapter 1 John the Baptist announces that the coming of the Messiah is imminent. Then he announces that he is there. In chapter 2 Jesus goes to a wedding, and his mother tells him there is no more wine. He has some water jars filled up with water, and the head waiter says, "This is better wine than what we started with." In chapter 3 a ruler of the Jews sneaks in at night and Jesus talks to him. Now in chapter 4 Jesus is going to talk to a Samaritan woman in public as a rabbi.

In Matthew 9:13 he says, "'I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Did you ever consider that Jesus was probably invited to parties because people liked him? He was good with people. He loved them, he never put them down, he never showed them disdain, and he could engage them in the most interesting conversations. Matthew himself knew that. This tax collector got Jesus into trouble right away. Jesus went to Matthew's party, and the word got out that he was talking with publicans and sinners. Jesus says that's whom he came to save. So the first principle we see is to make contact.

REACH OUT IN LOVE

Now let's see what we learn from verses 7-26. This encounter that surprises everyone else doesn't surprise Jesus at all. He had it in mind the entire time.

   There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman therefore said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." She said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?" Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty, nor come all the way here to draw." He said to her, "Go, call you husband, and come here." The woman answered and said, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You have well said, 'I have no husband'; for you have had five husbands; and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly." The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped in this mountain; and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall you worship the Father. You worship that which you do not know; we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit; and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He."

It's evening, time to draw water. Why isn't there anyone else there? Evidently this well is south of the city between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal in the valley. There is another well in the city, and most people go there. But this woman is not welcome at that well. She probably is of notorious character, scoffed at by her neighbors, ridiculed by other women in the village, and avoided by any decent man who wants to retain his reputation. But now in verse 7 Jesus shows he cares deeply. In spite of the facts that she is a Samaritan and a woman, he is a Jewish rabbi and a man, and they are in public, his heart goes out to her. "Give me a drink," he says. Just those few words leap over all the boundaries that are there, and start a conversation that leads to life. Can you imagine the woman's shock? In verse 9 she evidently recognizes him as a Jew, probably from his accent, perhaps from his dress. She asks him, "What on earth are you doing speaking to me, a Samaritan, a woman, in public? What do you want?"

Jesus answers, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." He uses the metaphor of living water, trying to get the woman to understand, but she misses it. He's trying to bring the conversation around to the spiritual, but she's focused on the physical. Even down in verse 15 she's still thinking it would be nice not to have to go out there and draw water all the time. She demonstrates her spiritual condition-dead. She doesn't understand what he is talking about. Jesus knows her problem, which is our problem and everyone's problem: She needs God, the source of living water, and she has been looking in all the wrong places. She has been looking for a relationship with a man that will solve everything. Somehow Jesus knows that, and he also knows it isn't working.

What does he mean by living water? Look at John 7:37-39: "'If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, "From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water."' But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive...." Jesus wants to give this woman life. He wants her to experience his Spirit's taking residence in her heart and making her a new creation. He wants her to be born again.

In verse 16 he says to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here." Jesus now jumps the values barrier. He's getting a little bolder. He desires to confront her choices.

Then in verses 17-18 he confronts her with the facts, and she begins to see that maybe she is talking to someone special. They are standing in a valley between two mountains where the forefathers of both the Samaritans and the Jews taught and worshiped. Now she immediately turns the conversation, and our interpretive options are either that she is trying to get a conversation started about religious differences to deflect him, or she is trying to get clarity. From his response, it appears she is doing the latter. Seeing her concern now about worship, in verses 21-24 he teaches her the truth. He says, "Trust me. Yes, salvation is from the Jews, and I'm Jewish. But in reality, it is not at all important where one worships. Let me tell you what the Father is seeking: He wants men and women to worship him on the inside, in their innermost being. He wants them to worship him in truth, in the new reality of a changed life."

In verse 25 she says, "I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us." You see, she has some knowledge. She has remembered something she has been taught, but it hasn't affected her lifestyle. And then in verse 26 Jesus says this to her: "I who speak to you am He." Can you hear her breath stop? She is face-to-face with the Messiah, Jesus.

Jesus expected a disciple to be a follower; someone that put him first, obviously had made him Lord. In John 8:31 he says, "If you abide in my word then you are truly my disciples." So he expects a disciple to be looking in, getting his sustenance daily from his word. In John 13:35 he says, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for the other." And then he gives the world permission to decide whether he's come in the flesh or not by whether we love one another. In John 15:8 he says, "By this is my Father glorified that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." So as his disciple we're expected to glorify him, to be growing up, to be developing the fruit of his character and having a growth that reproduces. In Luke 6:40 the word disciple is not used, but the word is pupil. "A pupil is not above his teacher but everyone after he has been fully trained will be like his teacher." That's the goal of the process, to be like him, so when someone looks at us they'll see him.

Now if, like the apostles, we are to be followers of Jesus and we are trying to follow his command, what is to be our main activity? If the command is to make disciples, and going, baptizing and teaching are the participles, then those are to be the major activities.

So as we go it says to baptize. Now I think that water baptism is in view here. Yet the word "baptizo" was used of putting a cloth into a vat of dye. So I think the meaning of the word really has two aspects to it. It has the aspect of being placed into something, and it has the aspect of being identified with something. Because as the cloth was put into a red dye, there was the picture of putting in, but secondly, as I pull the cloth out it is now red. It is permanently changed. It would now be known as a red cloth.

So I think one of our major activities should be identifying people. It says to baptize in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. We are to help people understand that water baptism is merely a picture of what has happened in the Spirit: The Spirit, we are told, places us into the body of Christ so we are identified with each other. Secondly, we are now permanently identified with him; with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; with the triune God and what he has done for us and wants to do in us. Chosen by the Father. Redeemed, forgiven by the Son. Sealed by the Spirit -- all of the blessings that we are to have, to appropriate, to spend a lifetime unwrapping, seeing what God has done. So we have a new identity, and we have a new family. So we are to spend our time as disciples unfolding, understanding, and appropriating all that has been done for us; grasping everything that we now are in Christ. I just love that little phrase, "in Christ." If you ever want to do a study of just two words, do a study of that. That little phrase happens 164 times, mostly in the Pauline epistles, and it shows us who we are in Christ.

Notice in 20a that he says, "teaching them to observe all that I command you." The next activity is teaching. Teaching who? Those from all the nations who want to be disciples. Teaching them what? "All that I have commanded them." We need to be teaching the whole counsel of God. That involves knowledge, skill, training, and practice. If we are going to know him through his word and make disciples by sharing with others his word, we've go to know his word, how to feed ourselves, and how to feed others the word of God. If we are to grow we need the continuing sustenance of the bread of life. We find his words and his life in the Scripture. You know, as long as I cannot feed myself, I will never grow up. And if I do not know how to feed myself I will never be able to pass that skill along to someone else. And if I don't pass it on to others, I am not discipling. And if I am not discipling, I am being disobedient, and that is sin. That is where we are not healthy, growing like we should be. That is why we are anemic. It is interesting to me that we are so conscious of physical diet, and yet so unconscious when it comes to spiritual nourishment. I think at many times we think we can live on a spiritual fast food diet. We get a quick, microwave-oven 45 minutes on Sunday morning. Then we pop a few diet pills of Christian radio during the week, and wonder why we don't grow and why life is not very exciting. If the command is to make disciples, the principle is that my time will be spent identifying people with Jesus and teaching them. Those will be my major activities

In verse 20 Jesus finishes up. Notice he comes full circle.

    ...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

In verse 20 he ends where he started: with himself. What does he say? This person, Jesus the Lord, with all the authority... Where is he? With you. When? Always. Even to the end of the age. The wonderful principle that he modeled for us is that he remained faithful to those disciples, and will remain faithful. That is what I think he requires of us: That we pick out a few men and women, focus on them, identify them with Jesus, teach them and be faithful to them. He wants us to do the same. He remains faithful to us. Why? For the same reason: He's in us, we're in him. Without him we cannot do anything. But he is in us and he has the right to act, and he is the only one that can act. He is the only one who can create a new disciple, can motivate a faithful disciple, can work through an available disciple, can teach a teachable disciple. Did you catch those adjectives? Faithful, available, teachable. So look for "FAT" people: Faithful, available, teachable. And he, with that kind of authority is with us, even to the end of the age.

You might ask, "Carlson, why are you so stirred up?" As I reflect on this passage at times I think it ought to be named The Great Omission, instead of The Great Commission. Because as I have traveled around and looked around, I am amazed how few pastors, few teachers, few missionaries, few Christians are making disciples. Why is this? First of all I think we want fast solutions. But you see we can only disciple a few at a time, because it takes relationship and it takes time. And it does not lent itself very well to quantification. It's not efficient, but it's the only thing that is effective. At times we would rather be fast and say we're efficient. Also, discipleship is hard work, and additionally we can't predict the results. Have you noticed that people grow and respond to truth at their own pace? We do and so do they. And we don't know how long it will take. Next discipleship is based on long term relationships, deep relationships. And although we are starved for them we are taking less and less time to nurture such relationships. Also I've noticed that we are even afraid to say that we have a discipleship group. You see, that's kind of a technical term, a religious term, so we'll call it "mentoring" or something else.

Now when you graduates go off and step from high school into your first Calculus class, you're going to be immediately confronted with some new terms. You're going to have to talk about sequences, series, limits, re? sums, differentiation, and integration. They expect you to learn these things. As your professor there is writing with his right hand and erasing with his left to conserve board space, and you're desperately trying to take notes, do you think you can raise your hand and say, "Pardon me, sir, would you define all these terms you're using?" No! The name of the game is he expects you to learn the terms. I think it's the same with us. We've got to learn the terms. When we're new in Jesus there are a few terms that go along with things, right? Sin, faith, righteousness, justification, sanctification, discipleship. They are all some of the terms we need to learn at the beginning of the course. We have the responsibility to teach them because the inspired text we have from the teacher uses them. And do you know what, graduates? No matter what level you're at you're pretty sophisticated, because when you get that new book, what do you do? You start underlining it, highlighting it. As you study the Calculus book, you think, " Well, first , let me see, I guess I believe this is true." Then there's a proof that it's correct. Then you learn its arguments and why its true. And you underline the postulates and the theorems and you memorize them. Why? Because they are going to be necessary to learn the concepts and to pass the test. Well you learn the Bible in the same way. So get out your highlighter, your pen, and your ruler, and start underlining and get with it. That's how it goes.

I also realized that I have an expansive view of discipleship. Why? At times I think we have forgotten our role in making disciples. First of all, we don't make disciples. Jesus makes disciples through us, and we're to follow his model. We are not the shepherd. He's the Shepherd. We are under shepherds, each uniquely gifted to do our part, yes. But we're much more like sheep dogs. What does a sheep dog do? Just barks. Why? So the sheep will look at the Shepherd and learn to hear his voice and follow his command and do what he says. The sheep don't follow the sheep dog around. Have you noticed that? It's the sheep dog that is scrambling all around. So we are sheep dogs, barking at people so they will know his voice, follow his command.

Now also I think we are afraid of this word because we think it is some hierarchical arrangement where one person is telling the other person what to do. That's not correct. We are all in submission to the Lord Jesus and his authority. I think at times we are so afraid of impinging on someone else's rights that we forget how life works. I'm sure that many of you on Friday night were watching the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz go to it. Now can you imagine a recent high school graduate walking up to Michael Jordan in the middle of the floor and saying, "Pardon me, Michael, I've got a better idea." That's funny. We laugh at that. On the other hand, we would be wonderfully encouraged to see Michael go over to a young graduate and say, "Let me tell you how it works." Why? Why doesn't it work the first way? Well, that's a novice talking to a veteran. The veteran knows how to function under pressure. He knows how to do it when time is running out. He knows how to play the game. Well, that's how discipleship works, right? All of us are getting to know Jesus. We are in very different places. Some of us are just getting introduced. You may not have even made him Lord, yet, though you're considering it. Some of you are new babes in Christ. Some of you are enjoying milk. Some of you are starting to eat meat. Some of you are learning to feed yourselves. Some are starting to feed others. Some are learning to sit, others to walk, some to stand, and others how to rest.

Now, my understanding of discipleship is this. In this season, find another person who is a little bit farther along than you are. Then find somebody -- pray about this -- find somebody that is not quite as far along as you are. Then go to the first person and find out how to help the second. You see, we don't disciple for a lifetime like Jesus did. We only come along for a short season of time.

When I was at West Point teaching math, my wife and I worked with a group of some 40 cadets. We didn't know much about what we were doing, but we were starting, just starting. We met with them once a week for Bible study, answered their questions if we could, had them over and fed them more spaghetti than we could ever keep track of, and talked to them. One of those guys' name was Rob. He came to the study, but he was very, very quiet -- rarely said a thing. When he was a senior he married his high school sweetheart. I think she was only 18. He got commissioned and went to join the army as a Second Lieutenant. Then I started hearing about Rob. I found out that he started teaching a Bible study on his very first assignment in Airborne School. Do you know what he was teaching? What I taught him, the same book. And everywhere he went he was the same. He just kept going. He has three children now. He's retired from the Army. He works full time for a mission organization who help train leaders to work with kids overseas with military families. You see, I was not there for very long. I only came in for a very short season to add a little bit. It was Jesus that was discipling him all along.

If you noticed during these three weeks that I'm teaching, encouraging us to look out. Last week we looked on a perspective on success. This week we're looking at the command to make disciples. Next week we're going to be talking about how to reach out to our neighbors -- something the Billy Graham Organization is calling Operation Andrew. I believe we have a unique opportunity as a church, as the body of Christ, this fall to participate in the Billy Graham Crusade. I think it may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for us. I would like the ushers to come forward now, and as we've announced for about a month, we'd like to take a special offering to help financially support in this area. I would like you to give liberally and with great joy. These funds will be used as they look at the different venues in three different cities and all the cost involved. But the real secret of the crusade is when we befriend people, reach out to them and invite them to come along with us. Most people that make a personal commitment during a crusade are ones that have been befriended and brought by someone else. So this week I want us to understand the command and the model that Jesus gave to all of us. He takes us by the shoulder, looks straight into our eyes and gives us his last words on earth: Make disciples. Focus on a few men and women. As a lifestyle, model my life in your life. Make passing on the words I have given to you your major activity. Remain faithful. Remember I am faithful to do it, for I am in you and you are in me, and I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

    Let us pray.

    Father we thank you so much that you are our Father. Lord, thank you so much that you sent your Son and he is the perfect model that we need for life. Lord, he didn't do, speak, or decide anything without checking in with you. He passed that model on to us and you ask us, Lord, through your Son to pass it on to others. Lord, we pray that we would be responsive and obedient, that we would fall in love with you, your word, and with the people around us who need you. Now, Lord, we pray that we would present ourselves to you as available, and that we would now in our first act of worship, give to a special opportunity that we have, not forgetting the next step of inviting others to join us in the crusade. Lord, I really have a burden that we would understand the golden opportunity we have in our community at our work, in our home, to tell others about you and make disciples. We thank you, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Catalog No. 8150
Matthew 28:16-20
Single Message
Rich Carlson
June 15, 1997

LAST WORD ON WHAT'S IMPORTANT
By Rich Carlson

I'm sure that some of you graduates that are graduating from high school probably think that I don't remember my graduation from high school at all. But you're wrong. I remember it quite well. I'm actually wearing the watch that I go for a gift. It was June, 1958, Willow Glen High School on the football field. It was late afternoon, and it was a big day. I remember the sun coming right over the bleachers and coming into the eyes of all of us that were sitting up on the platform. I was graduating and was chosen to make one of the speeches. As that late after noon sun came right over the top of the bleachers and right into my eyes I couldn't see the audience. That was fine for me because I was pretty nervous. On the other hand I was also a bit too proud. I had received an appointment to West Point that had been announced and I thought I was pretty big stuff. In fact, you graduates need to remember one of Carlson's corollaries: At 18 you are as smart as you are ever going to get. So enjoy it. The season will soon change.

There were a couple of things that happened to me that changed things right away also. On the last day of June I had to fly to New York City, take a taxi to a hotel, stay overnight. The next day I had to take a bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal up to West Point and check in. I had never flown before. I was to leave at 1:00 in the afternoon, and I told my dad, "Gee, I'd really like to take my girlfriend to San Francisco before I left."

And he said, "Fine, but Rich, be on time because the flight's at 1:00." The problem was that I had never flown before, and I didn't really know what being on time meant. So, as my dad requested, I showed up 20 minutes early. Well you can imagine how mad my father was. I didn't know there was going to be 50 people there to see me off. I didn't know you're suppose to be there an hour before the flight. So he rushed to get my bags checked in, and I rushed to reach the boarding call. As I walked up there, he took me by the shoulders, looked me right in the eyes , and gave me his last words of instruction, "Rich, do me proud. And if you flunk out, don't come home."

Well, the next afternoon I found myself standing in a line in front of the First Sergeant of Sixth New Cadet Company. I'd lost most of my hair. I had this foreign new uniform on, and I was trying to report: "Sir, Cadet Carlson reports to the Sixth Company First Sergeant for the first time as ordered, sir!" And it took me about six times to get it right. That afternoon there was a song that I heard. It was coming from one of the rooms of the upperclassmen. In the college I went to, underclassmen didn't get radios. It was a song and I remember its title very well: "You Were A Big Man Yesterday, But Boy You Ought To See You Now!" So for the next four years my dad's last words rang in my ears: "Do me proud, but if you flunk, don't come home."

Today, whether you are a graduate or whether you're a dad, we all need to be reminded of the Lord's last words of instruction to us. We have those last words, those last words that are very important. So, turn with me to Matthew, chapter 28 verses 16 to 20.

James Montgomery Boyce in his preface to his book Here We Stand says this.

   So what is wrong with evangelicals. The answer is that we have become worldly. We have abandoned the truths of the Bible and the historic theology of the church which expresses those truths, and we are trying to do the work of God by means of the world's theology, the world's methods, agenda instead.

Why are we trying to use the world's method? Well, it seems to me that these world's methods bring some promise. They say they are efficient and fast. I think in the church, wanting to do things right, wanting to get things done, we're tempted to follow their advice. Second, I think when the pressure's on we tend to panic. We see the population growing. We see the people around us not very influenced by the church. We're feeling we're lacking any impact and therefore we want to try anything that works. And so we try our own programs, our own techniques, and our own methods. We give them our own authority and we take things into our own hands. But what is the last word on what's important?

We're going to look right now at the last words that Jesus gave: good in the first century and, I believe, very pertinent to us as we enter the 21st century. Let's look at the setting in verses 16 and 17.

   But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some were doubtful.

Who was present on the mountain? Well, it was the disciples. How many were there? Eleven. At the last moment, just before Jesus ascends to the Father, He chose to give His men a few last words. These were the men that he had chosen to carry on the work of the Father which had been given to him. And there were 11. Can't you just imagine the scene in heaven when the Lord gets back to heaven and he checks in and the angles say, "How did it go?"

And he says, "Ah, great!"

"Well, how many do you have?"

"Eleven."

"Eleven thousand?"

"No."

"Eleven hundred?"

"No. Eleven."

"Wait a minute. Thirty-three years and eleven?"

"Eleven."

Where were they meeting? Well, we're not quite sure, but in verse seven of the same chapter the angel said that he was going before them into Galilee and there they would see him. "Behold, I have told you." So they in obedience were at the designated mountain in Galilee.

Look at the text now, and when they saw him what did they do? Well, some worshipped and some doubted. Why the difference? I really believe that some saw who he was and what he had done and therefore what he could do. And they bent their knee and their hearts, acknowledged his lordship and presented themselves to him as available. That's worship. Others lost focus on him. They started looking around, saw only a few frightened men, remembered what he expected them to do and said to themselves, "How can we do this?" and they were doubtful; completely unconvinced that they could do what he expected. Of course, in reality they couldn't. The question was: Were they available to allow him to do through them what he required and only they could do?

So what do we discover? What do we observe? What is the principle we can see from this first section? First of all, his method was man, and that he focused on a few.

Let me read now the directions that he gives us in verse 18.

   And Jesus came up and spoke to them saying, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth."

Now what do shaky, doubtful disciples need? They need the authority of the person they are following. Notice the authority that is available. He says, "All authority ... in heaven and on earth." It seems to me that "in heaven and on earth" are both inclusive and exclusive. The possessor of this authority is Jesus. It was given to him by his Father, and there is no place in which it is not supreme. Therefore, there is no power in any place that is any greater. That is who they are following. This is the authority in which he speaks to us, and the authority from which he gives us these instructions; because he has the authority from his Father, the Creator, who is the personal covenant keeping God, our God. And we need to be listening.

I'd like us to turn, for a moment, to John chapter 12 and look at a few verses that show us how Jesus operated; because this was a particular type of authority demonstrated in a particular way. John, chapter 12, verses 49 and 50. Jesus is speaking. He says,

For I did not speak on my own initiative, but the Father himself who sent me has given me commandment what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. Therefore, the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me.

John chapter five, verses 19 and 20 also gives us an insight.

   Jesus, therefore, answered and was saying to them, "Truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of himself unless it is something he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all things that he himself is doing; and greater works than these will he show him, that you may marvel.

Then in verse 30 he says this. Now this is Jesus, our Lord, speaking. He says,

   I can do nothing on my own initiative; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of him who sent me.

So Jesus, our Messiah, the Anointed One, received his words from the mouth of God, and spoke with the unique authority of the Son who alone knows perfectly the Father, and who alone can adequately and accurately reveal him. So if these are words that also are to us, if we've chosen to make Jesus Lord, and therefore we are his follower and therefore a disciple of his, notice how we are to act. The principle is that he modeled a delegated power. He wasn't acting on his own, he was acting exactly as his Father wanted him to act. He didn't even say any words unless the Father gave them to him. He came to make manifest another person's life in his own. He had confidence, and direction, and purpose because he relied on the authority of his Father. He did not say or do anything unless he knew the Father approved. Therefore, we see him spending time, checking in with the Father. Isn't that the life that he calls us to also? Making manifest another person's life in our own? So he modeled a delegated power.

You see, we do not have to invent a method or a strategy. We don't have to panic. We must merely follow his example. The life Jesus modeled is exactly what we're called to do. The Father through the obedience of the Son gives life to us through the Spirit. He wants us to get to know him, his words, his character, his wisdom, and to understand all he can do. And he takes that new creation in us and clothes it with our humanity, and then walks us around and gives people permission to look at us.

So how are we to go about looking at this? What are to do? Look in verse 19.

   Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Now it's important for us to realize what the command is in the text, because when we read it, even in the New American Standard version, it is not quite clear. In the original language, the command is to "make disciples." That command is clarified by three participles: (1) going, (2) baptizing, and (3) teaching. The participle "go" could be better translated as, "as you go" or "in the going." In other words, in the natural course of life during its normal activity we are to make disciples. Did you notice that characteristic of Jesus' life? As he went he included his disciples in his normal activity. So he discipled as a lifestyle.

So this is the principle we need to grasp and this is the command that we need to obey. He says, "Make disciples of all the nations." That is his call to us. If you are a business man or maybe an engineer, you could say the work product of the church is to make disciples anywhere, everywhere. That is what we are to produce individually and collectively. If we are not spending our time with people focusing on a few to bring them closer to the Shepherd, equipping them to follow him, then I think we're just spending time.

What is a disciple? That word means a pupil or a learner. In the singular it appears 27 times in the New Testament. Let me just quickly read to you a few verses that help us get a handle on what Jesus' picture is of a disciple. In Luke 14:26 he says,

   If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

by Bill Crowder
Our Daily Bread

We live in an age dominated by all kinds of public opinion polls. Decisions are being driven by the crowd, and some of that is good. Surveys can inform us about people’s experiences with products, helping us make wiser purchases. Opinion polls can give government officials a sense of how their policy initiatives will be received. While information gleaned is a matter of personal opinion, it can be helpful in shaping decision-making on a variety of levels.

But when it comes to the most important question for all eternity, a public opinion poll cannot give us the answer. We must answer for ourselves. In Matthew 16, Jesus took His disciples to Caesarea Philippi and asked a question about public opinion: “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” (v.13). The answers were varied, and all were complimentaryâ€"but none was adequate. That’s why Jesus then asked His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” (v.15). Peter got the answer right: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v.16).

Public opinion can help answer certain questions, but not the one question that will determine your eternity: Who do you say that Jesus is? If you agree with Scripture, and place your trust in Christ, you will have eternal life.

by Anne Cetas
Our Daily Bread

My friend Dan, who was soon to graduate from high school, was required to make a senior presentation. He had 15 minutes to share how he had made it to the point of graduation and to thank those who had helped him along the way.

I gazed around the room before he started to talk. All kinds of peopleâ€"young families, teachers, friends, church leaders, and coachesâ€"were in attendance. He began to talk about the ways each person had touched his life. One woman had “been like an aunt and had always been there” for him. A 30-something man “shared Scriptures often and gave counsel.” Another man had “taught him discipline and hard work.” A church friend had “taken him to football practice every day” because his mom couldn’t. A couple had “treated him like he was their own son.” One commonalityâ€"they were all just ordinary Christians who had reached out to make a difference in his life.

Paul called it doing “good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). We can help shape another person’s life by showing an interest and taking action. And, as happened with Dan, we can reap a harvest (v.9).

Look around. Is there someone whose life needs your touch?

by Bill Crowder
Our Daily Bread

Yves Rossy accomplished something people have dreamed of since the ancient myth of Icarus. He has flown. Known as the “Fusion Man,” Rossy built a set of wings with an engine pack that uses his body as the fuselage of the aircraft, with the wings fused to the back of his heat-resistant suit. His first flight took place near Geneva, Switzerland, in 2004, and he has since had numerous successful flights.

The psalmist David longed to have wings so he could fly away. In a time when he was being pursued by enemies who were seeking to take his life, Israel’s king cried, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest” (Ps. 55:6).

Like David, when we’re facing pressure, mistreatment, hardship, or grief, we might wish we could sprout wings and fly away. But Jesus offers a better way. Rather than fleeing our struggles, He invites us to flee to Him. He said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, . . . and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29). Rather than wishing we could fly away and escape life’s problems, we can bring them to Him.

Escape cannot give us rest, but Jesus can.

islander, hapit ko mabiktima ani sa Malaysia. Dihay miduol nako nga Pinay nga ipadala daw niya nako ang iyang teddy bear. Nibalibad ko. Wala siyay gibitbit nga bag ug ngano akoy padad-on sa iyang teddy bear?

By Katherine Evangelista
INQUIRER.net

A bishop had requested for a brand new 4×4 SUV (sports utility vehicle) for his birthday from former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2009, a board member of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office told the Senate Wednesday.

In a hearing aired over 990AM by the blue ribbon committee investigating alleged anomalies in the disbursement of PCSO funds, Francisco Joaquin III read from a letter by Butuan Bishop Juan De Dios Pueblos to the former president requesting that he be given a “brand new 4×4” for his 66th birthday.
Quoting the letter, Joaquin said that Bishop Pueblos needed the vehicle for him to be able to go to the far-flung areas in his province.

Pueblos also said in his letter, which was shown before the blue ribbon committee, that he was using a seven year-old car that was no longer in good running condition.

In the same hearing, PCSO Chairperson Margarita Juico confirmed that the check issued for the purchase of the vehicle was paid to the diocese of Butuan and not to Pueblos.

For his part, PCSO General Manager Francisco Joaquin III said that the Commission on Audit was still awaiting the report for the liquidation of the check. He added that it was not specified what brand or specific model was bought with the PCSO donation.
The Senate is conducting an inquiry after the Commission on Audit disclosed allegedly several anomalous transactions by the PCSO during the term of Arroyo.

“I developed the Disciplined Dreaming system to give creativity its own place and practice, to provide everyone in the organization a structure for developing their own creative ideas, and to bring creativity back to the heart of businessâ€"where it belongs."

source: Disciplined Dreaming: How to Build Your Organization’s Creativity Mojo by Josh Linkner

"To understand the changes that are afoot in the world of business you are better off understanding Human 1.0, which took tens of thousands of years to develop, rather than Web 2.0, which took merely a decade.”

source: The Seven Myths of Hyper-Social Organizations: Why Human 1.0 is Key by Francois Gossieaux

"Underperformers suck. They suck the productivity out of a team or organization. They suck the morale out of your high performers. […] That begs a question that is central to this manifesto: What are underperformers costing you?"

source: How to Turn around Problem Performance in Five Questions or Less by Jim Bolton

"It would be so easy to draw your blood and see the entrepreneurial DNA floating about and qualitatively state, “Yes, he is an entrepreneur!” But what good would this do? There still would be so much lacking outside the control of simple DNA to activate the entrepreneur within you.”

source: Activating the Entrepreneur Within by Jeffrey Weber

"As one. Five letters that make all the difference between a group of individuals and a unified team. Two words that transform individual action into collective power. One idea that can help you realize the full power of your people."

source: As One: A Manifesto for Individual Action and Collective Power by James Quigley & Mehrdad Baghai

“Get out of your chairs and into the streets, kidsâ€"the Internet has come to town. Literally. The IT revolution started by moving data around. Now mobile devices have spread the revolution to physical thingsâ€"to the street."

source: Six Reasons Why the Sharing Society (aka the Mesh) Will Trump the Ownership Society by Lisa Gansky

by Rey Anthony Chiu

WATCH OUT for that package.

Narcotics and travel authorities now issue a warning for Filipinos who may be unwittingly becoming
drug mules by innocently bringing packages containing drugs and illegal substances through
international airports and border crossings.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General and undersecretary General Jose Gutierrez
bared this during a recent launching of the government’s Anti-Drug Courier Program in Ilo-ilo City.

The modus operandi is simple, explains Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Director Gladys
Rosales during a briefing at Sarabia Manor and Convention Center February 3, 2011.

Because we are friendly and can easily be talked into helping others, many people use this nature to
conveniently slip a package through borders by asking people to get bring “packages” which contain
illegal substances.

According to Rosales, there are about 79 persons currently facing death penalty in China as a result
of having been found to carry drugs and illegal substances.

Of the 79 facing death penalty cases, 6 are facing death without reprieve, the remaining 73 have two
years reprieve, she added.

It would be unfair for innocent Filipinos to get the death penalty or life sentence in other countries
if found to trafficked drugs; willingly or unwittingly, implied Philippine Information Agency Director
General Atty. Jose Fabia.

Gutierrez also admitted that apart from unwitting couriers, there are recruitments ongoing, which
offer very tempting packages including plane fares, accommodation, 1000 to $2000 per successful
delivery.

Drugs, including heroin, shabu or meth-ampithamine hydrochloride, cocaine and marijuana have
been trafficked, PDEA said based on their records.

by Rey anthony Chiu

GOVERNOR Edgar Chatto blows the whistle at politicians using commemorative plates in vehicles and
asks the media to expose those who abuse the authority of the plates.

That way, it would be easier for law enforcement to carry out their mandates, Chatto stressed amid
LTO agents and the provincial peace and order council.

The call may also be cast upon persons who use unauthorized vehicle plate numbers to easily slip
through checkpoints.

Land Transportation Office Tagbilaran City Registrar Joel Maloloy-on said these commemorative
plates are illegal and are not sanctioned by the agency.

Vehicles marked Mayor, Councilor, Lawyer, or any other fancy plates still ply Bohol streets that many
traffic enforcement agents and deputies are placed in a tough position on how to deal with them,
admits Maloloy-on.

We do not want these situations happening in the streets, implied Governor Chatto who hinted that
traffic deputies may simply turn their faces away when they see these plates on vehicles rather than
messing with the people who use them, even if these are illegal.

The easiest way to address the problem of officials not keeping up with the standards of good
behavior, is to ask the media to help us expose who they are, Chatto said.

The governor also assured he will not lift a finger to protect anybody who is named abusing the
authority of using illegal plate numbers.

by Rey Anthony Chiu

THE Provincial Government of Bohol opens up a fund window for assistance for culture and
arts development for its towns, one that may go for the records as innovation in local funding
prioritization programming.

Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Chairman and academician-historian Marianito Luspo
revealed this during the opening of the arts month celebration, February 1, in Tubigon town, some
53 kilometers north of Tagbilaran, said town information officer Raymond Delgado.

Bohol dreamed of becoming a strong eco-cultural tourism destination and has embarked on an arts
and culture program making it as a tool for poverty alleviation, one that reaped for the province its
cultural Galing Pook award.

This has also pushed for the prioritization of appropriating funds for local arts and culture
development programs, Bohol cultural consultant Lutgardo Labad said.

To fan out the flames of enthusiasm sparked the interest in culture and arts, Bohol also hammered
the innovation in cultural empowerment through the BACH, a consultative and advisory council,
which maps out the province’s culture and arts development and policy directions through the years,
arts and culture workers recall.

The council has also recommended for the looking back and reaching deep into the local culture to
provide the people the wells of their artistic creativity, one that would also put in a common source of
national pride, they shared.

The rationale is that people who own a common sense of pride would be more predisposed to
creativity, one that would push them to work for their own empowerment. A whole lot of good things
can happen with this, explains Labad.

On this, local communities start to organize and streamline their arts, culture and heritage
development, conservation and preservation programs funded by their town’s sources. The available
local funds however prove to be too meager to start off the aimed cultural revolutions, culture
workers shared.

The opening up of the financial assistance window is a new development that puts up more hope to
ease up the momentum for development, Labad added.

During the opening of the celebration in Tubigon, Mayor William Jao reiterated his position on the
critical role of arts and culture in development and nation building.

PERSPECTIVE ON SUCCESS
by Rich Carlson

The year is 56 or 57 AD, and the apostle Paul is under attack. Since he wrote to the church at Corinth, some men have stirred up the people against Paul. They claim he is not a man of his word. He is being forced to defend his decisions about not visiting Corinth. They say he is proud. They say they aren't impressed with his speaking ability or his appearance. They challenge his apostleship. They even question his ministry: Is it real? Is it what should be expected of a real apostle? Is it worthwhile? This is the part of the attack that really bothers Paul, and stirs his emotions. Is what he has been doing worthwhile? Is it successful?

How would you respond to a similar attack? Is what you are doing worthwhile? Are you succeeding? The dictionary defines success this way: "The degree or measure of succeeding. A favorable termination of a venture." It adds, "Specifically, the attainment of wealth, position, or reputation." I find the latter very interesting. In fact, the world around us thinks that success begins with the letter "p": profession, position, performance, possessions, prestige, power. But the question I want to address is not what the world thinks. It is what you think. What is your definition of success? What is the favorable outcome you are seeking?

LIVING IN TRIUMPH

Let's look at how the apostle Paul answers this question. As a master teacher he chooses an illustration that his audience already understands. He uses it to describe to them the spiritual concept of triumph. Let's read 2 Corinthians 2:14-16:

    But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?

As an old soldier, I love Paul's choice-a military parade. Everyone enjoys a parade, and the Romans were no exception. A "triumph" was a Roman parade for a returning conquering general. The standard operating procedure (SOP), as described by William Barclay , was as follows:

    ·He had to be the supreme commander.
    ·He had to have finished the campaign, pacified the people, and brought the troops home.
    ·At least five thousand of the enemy had to have fallen in one battle.
    ·The victory had to be over a foreign power.

Of course, all military processions have a prescribed order, called the order of march. Again, William Barclay enlightens us:

    1. The standard-bearer carrying the unit's flags.

    2. A carried platform holding the statue of Jupiter, the supreme god of Rome.

    3. Several platforms holding the spoils of war.

    4. Pictures, models, and material from the conquered land.

    5. The pipers.

    6. Several white bulls to be sacrificed in thanks to the gods.

    7. Prisoners of war in chains, marching to servitude, possibly to death.

    8. Horn-blowers.

    9. Priests swinging censers with sweet-smelling incense burning in them.

    10. Kings and chieftains in carts drawn by oxen.

    11. Another group of prisoners.

    12. The victorious general riding in a golden chariot drawn by four white horses. He was dressed in a purple tunic embroidered with golden palm leaves, and over it he wore a purple toga marked out with golden stars. In his hand he held an ivory scepter with the Roman eagle at the top. Over his head a slave held the crown of Jupiter.

    13. The general's family.

    14. The victorious army in full dress shouting, "Lo, triumph!"

    15. The Roman hierarchy, from senators to magistrates.

What a magnificent picture! There is something about being in a parade for someone important that moves you.

During my years at West Point, we had parades for Generals of the Army Bradley and MacArthur and for presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Nixon. The beat of the drums, the music, being part of a unit, being in uniform, trying to keep in step with everyone else, the sounds, the sights, the smells, the atmosphere, and the crowd motivated you. They challenged you. Being in that type of parade reminded you who you were, what you believed in, and what commitments you had made.

That is what Paul is trying to show us. Don't miss the symbolism of Paul's description and how it fits his purposes:

Who is leading the parade and who is the conquering general? God's Messiah, the Christ.

Are we in the parade? Yes, in Christ we are part of God's family. We may also be seen as part of the victorious army in full dress, which is his robe of righteousness, freely given to us when we placed our trust in him and chose to make him our Lord.

What is our part? Manifesting; that is, showing, demonstrating or making something real and apparent.

Why? Because this is who we are as a result of his being in us. We cannot help ourselves.

What is the fragrance? The sweet aroma of us? No, the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

Where? Every place he leads us!

To whom are we a fragrance? God first! Then, to the prisoners who are being led to a life of bondage and to death, we are a stench. But to the family, soldiers, and fellow citizens watching, we are the fragrance of continued freedom, access to spoils of the battle, and all of the possibilities offered by the conquered lands.

Look at Paul's perspective: First triumph and thankfulness! He sees God always leading us into something consistently worth celebrating. Paul is gratefully convinced that Christ is leading in his current circumstances.

How do you see your life? When I asked, "Is what you are doing worthwhile?" did you immediately think of your job or vocation? When someone asks you what you do, do you answer, "I work for Intel"? Do you really work for Intel?

We need to see life as God's triumphant parade. His idea of success is not making us look good. Success from God's perspective doesn't depend on where we work, how much money we make, the rank we attain, or the price of the toys we can afford. It is his triumphant procession, not ours. Yet we are in it.

Paul is telling us that God leads us. You don't really think that you showed up at Intel by accident do you? He called you. He placed you right in the middle of Intel! Isn't that exciting? And they have agreed to pay you to support your ministry and to feed your family. How ingenious of God! Should you work hard and be the best you can be? Absolutely!

But why does he have you there? Look at Paul's perspective again. God has you there in Christ for penetrating impact, demonstrating something consistently worthwhile. What a great illustration Paul has used. There is nothing more penetrating, nothing that makes a more lasting impression, than a smell. To those around us we are either White Shoulders or burnt toast. White Shoulders was the perfume I bought for my wife when we were first married. If you walk past me wearing that scent, the image of my wife in all her glory, all she is and means to me, comes to my mind immediately. The penetrating smell of something burning brings an immediate but entirely different reaction. It motivates me to move quickly. It speaks of danger, destruction, and death. Both smells penetrate with a lasting impression, and the type of impression depends on whether those around are running toward or away from Jesus, toward life and all of its prospects or toward slavery and death.

What is the fragrance that we are to wear? It is the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. We must know him. It is his aroma, not ours, that we are manifesting, yet we are involved because he is in us.

THE IMPACT INTEGRITY MAKES

But how are we to go about penetrating the environment where God has placed us? Look at Paul's perspective once again in verse 17:

    For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.

We are not trying to sell a product, but notice how we act: We see ourselves sent by God. When we speak, we speak in the power of Christ as if our Father were watching. We represent Christ in a way that pleases him. In other words, we are sincere. What you see is what you get. Our lives are known for their integrity, for their reality.

Now that is how the apostle Paul characterizes success-triumphant impact with integrity. He sees us being led in triumph as we unforgettably impact those around by our authentic lifestyle.

THE MEASURE OF CHANGED LIVES

In verses 2:14-17 we saw the character of success. Now in verses 3:1-3 we see the measure of success:

    Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you? You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.

Paul now asks those who are challenging him if they thought that he was bragging. He asks if they would like him to submit letters of recommendation to them. Then he startles them by saying, "You are our letter."

Paul uses the word "manifested" again in verse 3. He used it previously in 2:14. If I manifest something, I display it for what it really is. Here is a picture of reality breaking forth. Note how he describes this reality: It isn't something that humans could write with a pen on a physical surface like a parchment. It is written on human hearts. Paul is describing the work of the Spirit of God as foretold in Jeremiah 31:33: "'But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,' declares the LORD, 'I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.'"

Here is the principle: The accurate measure of success for the Christian is the reality of changed lives. As a boat leaves a wake in the water as it proceeds, so a successful life can be measured by its wake of changed lives. The triumphant procession in which Christ leads us leaves behind it men and women who will never be the same.

THE SECRET OF LIVING IN THE SPIRIT

The character of success is triumph, impact, and integrity. The measure of success is the reality of changed lives. Now what is the secret of having such a life, a life characterized by thankfulness because we know that God's Son is leading us in a victory celebration that impacts people in such a real and authentic way that they will never be the same? Paul gives us the secret of success in 3:4-6:

    And such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

We are not adequate to live such a life. We cannot consider such triumph, such impact, such integrity, such authentic life change as coming from us. Yet we have confidence in Christ toward God. In 3:12 Paul will say, "...We use great boldness in our speech...." and in 4:1, "...We do not lose heart...." How can this be?

Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5.) The source of life is the vine. The objective of the Vine-dresser is to produce fruit. The branches merely connect the vine to the fruit. We're channels, a part of the process. He is manifesting fragrance through us. We can't produce fruit. That takes the Spirit of God working in hearts.

I was talking to one of our missionaries who was returning home, and she said, "I'm so fearful people will think we did that translation. God did it!" "...Our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant...." That's good news! Within us there is a new creation that takes place. His Spirit has implanted his very seed in our hearts. We are something new; we've been made alive. And he has put together our spiritual gifts, talents and personality in just the right way to equip us for our task. Yet, it's his Spirit working in us making us into the people he wants us to be, conforming us to his image. And he says he has made us adequate servants of this new arrangement.

Notice that it concerns not the letter of the law, but the Spirit-"...For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." Do you ever notice how the letter kills, how it doesn't in fact motivate us or empower us? It does the opposite. If you're walking down the street and you come across a sign that says, "Don't spit on the lawn," you probably hadn't even thought about spitting, but all of a sudden that saliva just starts getting ready, and you think, "I have a tremendous desire to spit on the lawn!" The letter of the law just brings out our rebelliousness.

But the Spirit gives life. When I realize I'm not adequate for something and it's going to take the Lord to do it, then I say, "Lord, I'm, not adequate. He says, "You 're right, but I can work through you." Now, that is the law of life in the Spirit of Christ. It sets us free from the law of sin and death. It's not our adequacy, but he has declared us adequate servants of a new arrangement for living that is dependent on his life-giving Spirit within us. It was in fact the Spirit of the living God doing the writing on human hearts. It is not our adequacy, because meeting the demands of God's righteous requirements cannot be done in the flesh. Only the activity of God's Spirit brings life.

Paul has admitted that already in 2:16: "And who is adequate for these things?" His implied answer is, "No one." As Paul looks at this perspective on success, he understands he cannot live this way by his own effort. Nor can he change a life. Only God can do that through Christ as he captures us with his love, showers us with his grace, and writes on our hearts with the indelible imprint of a new creation in us accomplished by the power of the Spirit. But he has made us part of the process, precious because of the price paid to redeem us and because of the Person who resides in us. We are not selling pots, but we are displaying a Treasure, Jesus Christ himself, for all to see.

WHAT IS THAT FRAGRANCE?

I asked you, Do you work for Intel? Since returning from Europe, Marti and I have been disturbed to see how important the work-place has become. In the book No God But God: Breaking with the Idols of This Age, the editors call the work-place one of the idols of our time. The company name and position title determine who people are. Their performance and upward mobility satisfy their search for significance, and their medical benefits and retirement plan meet their demand for security. Now, don't get me wrong-the Scriptures teach that work is a good thing, and that we are to be good workers, working as unto the Lord. Our performance and integrity on the job will give us a right to speak in that setting. Yet the work place is not to be all things, completely dominating our mind and time, thus becoming our god. Do you work for Intel, or are you being led to do work for Someone and something else at Intel?

During my last tour of duty, I taught Defense Economics at the Navy War College. I taught a wonderful group of men. Of the one hundred officers who start out in any service, only one makes it to a war college, which is the last rung of military education. These men were the winners, the cream of the officer corps. They had competed, passed all of the hurdles, made all of the promotions, many of them early, and had arrived at the desired destination. But some had destination sickness. They had arrived at the exact spot for which they had aimed, and it was hollow. Very few of them would ever be promoted again. They had loved competing for the next promotion, and it was over. For most, there would be no more promotions. What was the measure of their success? If it was just about position and power and prestige, these men had it all, and it meant very little. But the real question is, What impact had they had on those they led?

How about you? For what are you aiming? Are you in danger of having destination sickness? Whatever you do, whether you work in the home or outside it, why do you do it?

My two years of command of an artillery battalion in Germany in 1977-79 were not easy ones. We had 450 troops and 32 officers. We had a race problem and a drug problem. In the midst of these challenges, we were responsible for the delivery of nuclear weapons and for training people to assemble them. We had to be ready to move to our war-time positions at any time night or day and able to leave the compound within an hour and a half.

In the midst of this situation my executive officer (second in command), a man by the name of John, stuck with me through thick and thin. Although he showed up a few times at a Bible study, clearly heard the gospel in the sermon I preached on Thanksgiving Day, and with his Catholic background occasionally discussed the Lord with me, I never knew where he stood with Jesus. I knew he had watched closely and had seen that I was very human. He had seen me struggle in the midst of several technical nuclear inspections, an accident that took the life of two German civilians, and a married officer's involvement with another officer's wife. He had seen me relieve several commanders, lose my temper at staff call, and struggle to maintain my loyalty to my superiors.

But in spite of this, several years after serving with him, he called and asked us to visit him and his family. He was about to take over a command of his own, and he wanted me to help him design a training program for his first six months. As walked into his living room and sat down, he asked a question I will never forget. I was startled. The question had to do with training, but it was not what I expected. He said, "Rich, what kind of a study Bible should I buy?" I said, "John, why do you want to know?" He said, "I want you to know that I now understand what it means to make Jesus Lord." I was so moved, I couldn't answer. Some would have said that my time as a battalion commander was not very successful. In many respects I would agree. Yet when it came to what God did, I am very grateful!

Now that is what Paul is-grateful. Thankful. Please grasp Paul's perspective on success. It is characterized by triumph, impact, and integrity. It is measured by the reality of changed lives. Its secret is the power of the life-giving Spirit of God himself who lives and works within us.

How does he want you to see yourself? He wants you to be thankful because you are doing something worth celebrating, something consistently worthwhile, something marvelously real. The result is that lives around you are being changed in ways people would never expect as they come face-to-face with a person whose adequacy is based on the Spirit of God, something they will never be able to explain.

Friend, the fields around us are white unto harvest. And you are in exactly the right spot to let God in you manifest to all around who you are because of who he is in you. You really don't have to say a word except to answer the question, "What is that fragrance?"

The Scripture quotations in this message are all taken from New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

What can I do when my feelings go from discouraged to hopeless?
by In Touch Ministries

Habakkuk 3:17â€"19

If you feel hopeless, helpless, or powerlessâ€"unable to deal with people or problems and on the verge of exhaustionâ€"take heart in the prophet Habakkuk’s stirring conclusion to his short book.

Knowing that a savage army of Babylonians would soon plunder his homeland, Habakkuk was discouraged. Surely, the coming destruction would be absolutely unbearable. Yet despite the disheartening scenario, Habakkuk penned an amazing response: “I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places” (3:18, 19). Even if the crops all failed, the livestock died, and everything he had learned to depend on was ruined, Habakkuk would still trust the Lord (3:17).

Where did the prophet find such hope in the face of such terrible calamity? For one thing, he had been strengthened by God’s Word. His expression of faith closely echoes the words of David, uttered centuries before: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies” (Ps. 18:2, 3).

Also, Habakkuk had spent a great deal of time alone with the Lord. In fact, the book that bears his name is a record of his extended conversation with God concerning His ways and plans. While Habakkuk did not understand (or particularly like) what he heard from God, he acknowledged the fact that His ways are best. He trusted the Lord for the future of Israel and for his own life. Regardless of the circumstances, the prophet knew that the Lord was at work and would bring good out of what seemed to be horrendous circumstances. That is God’s promise to us. He is always at work in our lives to bring good out of the darkest of situations (Rom. 8:28).

When the outlook looks grim, Christ is your strength. When the circumstances seem volatile, Christ is your stability. When the future appears foreboding, Christ remains your hope. The strength of Christ is both inexhaustible and immeasurableâ€"and it is yours to receive.

God delights in upholding the weary and reviving the fainthearted (Is. 40:29â€"31). Your reservoir of emotional and physical energy may feel nearly drained, but God’s supply of spiritual stamina never runs out. Come to Him and His Word for the strength to carry on, and He will supply the power you need to traverse the rough terrain ahead. That’s His promise, and God always keeps His promises.

Copyright 2011 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only.

Praying with Authority
By Charles F. Stanley

Think about all the scriptural promises God has given about answered prayer. How many do we claim on a daily basis? Too often, we choose instead to complain about our needs and problems. We tiptoe around the throne room of God, afraid to ask for what is really on our heart.

God doesn’t want us to go through life with fear and doubt, wondering if He’ll respond to our requests. He has given us a spirit of power, not one of timidity (2 Tim. 1:7). Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Because we belong to Christ, we can pray with authority and trust that the Father will answer our prayers. We will never accomplish what God wants us to doâ€"â€"such as live holy lives or spread the gospelâ€"â€"until we put our confidence in Him.

Our authority as children of God doesn’t give us license to make demands of Him. We must approach the throne of grace boldly, but with a deep sense of humility. A humble person knows that he or she cannot tell the Lord what to do. We can simply cry out for Him to intervene, knowing that He has given us the privilege to do so.

If we are to participate with God in accomplishing His purposes on earth, praying with authority is essential. There are five prerequisites for approaching the Lord in this manner:

1) Salvation. We must have a genuine personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus. Since our authority is based on our adoption into His family, we must be born again (John 3:5).

2) The mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:11-12). The Bible shows us divine thoughts expressed in human vocabulary. The more we saturate our minds with Scripture, the more God’s mind will become ours. In His Word, we can find basic principles for handling any circumstance we face.

As a result, it becomes easier for us to know His will and have confidence that He is on our side. If we are praying in agreement with God about something, we also know it is just a matter of time until He answers.

It’s also a good idea to look for a prayer recorded in Scripture that is appropriate for your particular situation. Notice how the Lord answered that prayer in the life of the one who prayed it. Now, put it in your own words, and remember that the same God who met needs in Bible times is able to meet your needs too.

3) Pure hearts. This means we must confess and repent of any known sin. God will not trust His power to anyone who isn’t submitted to His purpose. Sin will render our prayers ineffective.

Often, Satan will try to use sin against us when we pray. He wants us to feel guilty and unworthy. But it’s the righteousness of Christ that allows us access to the Fatherâ€"a gift of God on the basis of faith (Phil. 3:9). So once sin has been properly dealt with, we should stop dwelling on it.

4) Pure motives. We must know in our hearts that we’re praying according to God’s willâ€"not merely justifying our own selfish desires by an inappropriate use of Scripture.

However, not every personal request is selfish. The key is committing our lives to God before we start praying. When the Father knows we desire His will more than the object of our request, He can trust us with His power.

5) Persistent confidence. Many times we pray fervently for a while but then lose interest and say, “Well, I guess it wasn’t God’s will.” But if we’re called to petition the Father with authority, we must lay aside excuses and continue until we see victory.

Praying with confidence is a matter of claiming that which Jesus has already bought and paid for at Calvary. When we intercede with God-given authority, we will see our prayers become the powerful tools they were meant to be. Our lives and the lives of those around us will be changed. His authority has been promised. Now it’s up to us to take hold of what’s already been given. What will you do?

Adapted from “Handle with Prayer” (1992).

Copyright 2011 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only.

by Dave Branon
Our Daily Bread

While staying at our house for a while, my granddaughter Addie began asking, “Whatcha doin’ Grandpa?” over and over. Whether I was working at my computer, putting on my shoes to go outside, sitting down to read, or helping in the kitchen, she sidled up to me and asked what I was doing.
After answering her a few dozen times with, “Paying bills,” “Going to the store,” “Reading the paper,” “Helping Grandma,” I came to the conclusion that she was asking a key question.

Answering to a curious little girl about everything we do is one thing, but answering to God about our actions is infinitely more important. Wouldn’t it be helpful to think of God coming alongside us at any time to ask, “What are you doing?” Imagine how often our answers would seem meaningless or empty.
“I’m spending the entire evening watching TV.” “I’m eating more food than I should.” “I’m going another day without talking to You.” “I’m arguing with my spouse.” The list could go onâ€"to our embarrassment.

We are told to use our time carefullyâ€"with God’s glory in sight (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:23). Paul said, “Be very careful, then, how you live” (Eph. 5:15 NIV). So, it’s a good question. God wants to know: “Whatcha doin’?”

by Dennis Fisher
Our Daily Bread

Early in the spring, my wife and I watched a fascinating bird show outside our kitchen window. A couple of blackbirds with straw in their beaks entered a small vent in the house next door. A couple of weeks later, to our delight, we saw four baby birds stick their heads out of the vent. Mom and Dad took turns feeding their hungry babies.

Seeing the babies’ wide-open mouths reminded me of how important it is for followers of Christ to eagerly desire spiritual food. In 1 Peter 2:2, the apostle Peter uses the analogy of babies longing to be fed: “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby.” The Greek word translated “desire” speaks of an intense yearning. It is a compound word meaning to “earnestly desire” or to “long after.”

It might seem strange to be commanded to earnestly long for something. But unlike hungry birds and babies, we need to be reminded of our need for spiritual nourishment. Even though we may have fed on the Word in the past (v.3), we need to realize that our need is ongoing and that without more nourishment we will grow spiritually weak. God is eager to feed His dear children. So, open wide!

by David C. McCasland
Our Daily Bread

A case before the US Supreme Court focused on whether a religious symbol, specifically a cross, should be allowed on public land. Mark Sherman, writing for the Associated Press, said that although the cross in question was erected in 1934 as a memorial to soldiers who died in World War I, one veteran’s group that opposed it called the cross “a powerful Christian symbol” and “not a symbol of any other religion.”

The cross has always been controversial. In the first century, the apostle Paul said that Christ had sent him “to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:17-18). As followers of Christ, we see the cross as more than a powerful Christian symbol. It is the evidence of God’s power to free us from the tyranny of our sin.

In a diverse and pluralistic society, the controversy over religious symbols will continue. Whether a cross can be displayed on public property will likely be determined by the courts. But displaying the power of the cross through our lives will be decided in our hearts.

by Julie Ackerman Link
Our Daily Bread

Someone has defined friendship as “knowing the heart of another and sharing one’s heart with another.” We share our hearts with those we trust, and trust those who care about us. We confide in our friends because we have confidence that they will use the information to help us, not harm us. They in turn confide in us for the same reason.

We often refer to Jesus as our friend because we know that He wants what is best for us. We confide in Him because we trust Him. But have you ever considered that Jesus confides in His people?

Jesus began calling His disciples friends rather than servants because He had entrusted them with everything He had heard from His Father (John 15:15). Jesus trusted the disciples to use the information for the good of His Father’s kingdom.

Although we know that Jesus is our friend, can we say that we are His friends? Do we listen to Him? Or do we only want Him to listen to us? Do we want to know what’s on His heart? Or do we only want to tell Him what’s on ours? To be a friend of Jesus, we need to listen to what He wants us to know and then use the information to bring others into friendship with Him.

Contentment sometimes represents the easy way out
Sometimes people deliberately deceive themselves by feigning contentment in order to avoid working harder and taking more risks to go for what they really want. Dont try to fake being contented when youre not. If you want to dream, dream big. If you need to create goals for yourself, make them big enough to incorporate what you want in life. It is okay to start with small steps, but plan goals out far enough to incorporate really big dreams, too, if they are what you want.

read the continuation at http://www.inform.websiteuniversity.org/Article/Self-Improvement-Tips-for-Wealth-Creation--Getting-Rich-Starts-from-Within/58766

Written by Rey Anthony Chiu

IMPECCABLE hand and foot-tamping routines performed in perfect unison pushed Immaculate Mary Academy (IMA) Katigbawan dancers to bag this year’s championship trophy at the recent street dancing and exhibition competitions in time for the 62nd Foundation Day celebration of the town Friday.

After the throb of the improvised bass drums from oversized empty oil drums, cracking snares and a cacophony of percussion instruments, the announcement from panel of judges chair Nila Ytac signaled shrieks and jubilation from the dancers, especially from the winning dance contingent.

IMA romped with the Katigbawan Festival’s Streetdancing competition and the exhibition categories for high schools while Catigbian Central west Elementary School bagged the elementary street-dancing awards. There were not exhibition categories for elementary contingents.

With the feat performed in a town whose dancing contingent has conquered the more prestigious annual Sandugo streetdancing competition in the province, IMA’s victory over her clearly hard to beat contenders which have shown skills at par with Bohol’s best mass dance contingents is no small feat.

IMA is just one of the two private high schools in Catigbian, the other one being Holy Infant Academy in Baang.

IMA staked her claim from five serious contenders like the powerhouse Catigbian National High School, Mantacida High School, Holy Infant High School, Haguilanan High School and Hagbuaya High School, where most of the town’s Sandugo dance contingent is picked.

IMA’s victory came slim, the judges bared later.

Theme for the dance competition revolves around the life of Catigbianons: sturdy people who have tamed nature and the environment in a largely agricultural landscape.

Most common to all the dancing contingents is carabao dance steps, the unmistakable swaying of the heads, arms folded sidewards in imitation of a bull’s horn, the back kick and the stamp of feet.

And nothing can be more challenging that having dancers performing in the rains, on muddied oval with a packed audience of Catigbianons and well-wishers who were standing, oblivious to the rains.

Most of the town’s 22 barangays with elementary schools and even those with only primary schools merged to complete a dancing contingent, another rare show of leadership which town mayor Roberto Salinas is fast claiming.

Written by Rey Anthony Chiu
published by The Bohol Standard

ALLEGATIONS that the suspected drug personality nabbed in Mansasa recently squealed about a police officer supplying him drugs still needs to be ascribed to somebody.

This surfaced as subsequent police authorities investigating the truth behind allegations of Lennox Bas which accordingly implicated a police officer as supplier in his drug trade had been vehemently denied by Bas himself.

Police reports furnished to Camp Dagohoy from City Police Chief Arcadio Jamora said that Bas has denied implicating any Philippine National Police (PNP) member involved in the illegal activity.

Bas also went on to aver that he did not give any statement to the media and to the police authorities when he was interviewed.

A local media outlet aired the suspect’s divulged information, which had Camp Dagohoy leadership immediately concerned.

Bohol Police Provincial Director Constantino Barot immediately instructed police authorities to conduct separate investigations to ferret out the truth of the matter and possibly pinpoint the implicated police officer, if the allegations were true.

The succeeding truth seeking however revealed that police that had Bas in custody had not put the suspect under tactical interrogation, which could have juiced the alleged information.

PSupt. Arcadio Jamora told Director Barot in a memorandum sent to Camp Dagohoy dated June 14, that they never heard from suspect Lyn [Lennox] Bas during his arrest any such claims.

Jamora went on to say, that as far as the office is concern[ed], no police officer has released a statement to any media practioner regarding the alleged divulgement of suspect Lyn Bas considering that no statement of allegation has been obtained from the suspect.

It may also be recalled that radio reporter of a local radio station, Willie Maestrado interviewed City police Chief Jamora and asked him to comment on the alleged claim.

In succeeding police investigations, Maestrado could only say that he heard it from another radio reporter in an early morning broadcast on June 13.

The media reporter which Maestrado mentioned could not be available for comment to date.

Even then, in a radio interview, Jamora himself admitted that he heard of similar allegations in the early 1990s but also denied knowing any in his term.

A lady informant in the same radio interview revealed that once, she personally confronted a small time pusher who divulged that her source was a police from a different service.

To this, PSSupt Barot said he has instructed mandatory random drug tests for police officers, clearly considering the alleged reports could also be true.

The provincial director has assured that he would continue investigations in case a similar case in the early 1990s could have recurred. (Rey Anthony Chiu)

Press Release

The National Youth Commission is proud to announce the opening of the ninth Search for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations.

The TAYO Awards is hailed as the country’s leading search for outstanding organizations of young Filipinos that are instrumental in the development of the country through simple, worthwhile and notable projects implemented in their communities. It is open to interested youth groups, organizations, clubs and societies whose membership and leadership are composed of at least 15 members who are 15-30 years old.

At stake is a cash grant of P50,000.00 which will be given to ten youth organizations nationwide.

TAYO 9 was launched in ceremonies coinciding with the release of the book entitled “[R]evolutionaries”. This book commemorates the first six years of the TAYO search, and contains the inspiring stories of some of the TAYO awardees.

This year, TAYO aims to be more accessible online, with a newly-updated website, www.tayoawards.net. Interested youth organizations can not only access information about TAYO and the search on the site, but they can also submit their entry forms there. In the interest of having a paperless search, the TAYO secretariat will be accepting entries sent online. This also opens the search to more organizations from a wider area and cuts down on mailing or transportation costs.

You may also download the entry forms at www.nyc.gov.ph. You can also text 0917 TXT-TAYO (898-8296) or e-mail tayo.secretariat@gmail.com for information about the TAYO search. Deadline for submission of entries is July 31, 2011.

TAYO is presented by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc., organized by the National Youth Commission, the TAYO Awards Foundation and the Office of Senator Kiko Pangilinan. It is being supported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Information Agency, Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, and the Philippine Center for Young Leaders in Governance

by Ric V Obedencio

FARMERS belonging to the Hugpong sa Mag-uuman Bol-anon (HUMABOL), an affiliate with the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), is troubled over the children of farmers, who are not interested to go on farming.

The situation also worsens since their parents are aging, said the HUMABOL statement in time of its annual conference held on June 16-17, 2011 at Cogon Cultural Center in this city in coordination and participation of ceoncerned non-government organizations and the Farmer’s Development Center, Inc (FARDEC) and attended by hundreds of its leaders from different municipal chapters and fisherfolk organizations.

The activity was held to tackle the economic and agriculture production in the province, said the statement dated signed by secretary-general Danilo Olayvar.

It said in vernacular that there are a lot of farmer’s children who are not inclined nor motivated to go on farming because of sad state of farming and an economic situation of old farmers, and worse, the land they toil are not theirs.

The number of youthtaking up agriculture or related courses has been diminishing in recent years, the Department of Agriculture noted. This prompted the new administration to woo them by offering scholarships and subsidies to study agriculture.

HUMABOL bats for what they called a progressive piece of legislation, the House Bill 3105 or Rice Industry Development Act House Bill 3105 or Rice Industry Development Act strongly indorsed by party-list Anakpawis, the statement said.

It said HUmabol also believes that pushing for the enactment of a law or House Bill No. 374, or the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill, is the answer to the genuine land reform so that the country can move forward for genuine development. (RVO)

published by the Bohol Standard

Seeing that existing laws are lenient against the offense of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or other substances, Boholano First District Congressman Rene Lopez Relampagos is pushing for a stronger and more comprehensive law against it.

If approved, House Bill 4799 would be known as the Driving Under the Influence of Alcoholic Beverages and/or Drugs Act of 2011 and seeks to address the problem of DUI in the Philippines and remedy the deficiencies of RA 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, as amended, with respect to DUI.

Under RA 4136, being apprehended for driving under the influence of liquor or a narcotic drug carries only the penalty of P1,000 or imprisonment for not less than three months but not more than six months, or both penalties, at the discretion of the court.

The neophyte solon feels that the existing law does not address the serious consequences of the offense.

While the Boholano solon acknowledges that DUI may be one of the most widespread traffic violations in the country, far graver are the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not only for the intoxicated driver, but also for those sharing the road with him, in that it is the cause of many vehicular accidents resulting in damage to property, serious injuries, and loss of lives.

Relampagos adds that RA 4136 does not provide for what constitutes DUI of alcohol or drugs, DUI of alcohol or drugs causing injury, chemical test procedures for determining alcoholic content in the blood, breath, or urine of the person apprehended, or penalty for repeat offenders.

The proposed bill categorizes and defines penalties for driving under the influence (DUI), driving under intense influence (DUII), driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating while intoxicated (OWI), operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OMVI), driving under the combined influence of alcohol and/or other drugs, driving under the influence per se or drunk in charge of a vehicle, operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI), and driving while ability-impaired (DWAI), of alcoholic beverages and similar intoxicating substances and/or drugs that endanger lives and property.

House Bill 4799 incorporates and adopts extensively from two bills against DUI filed in the Senate and House of Representatives in the past Congresses but which were not passed into law. These are Senate Bill No. 1398, sponsored by then Senator Richard Gordon in the 13th Congress and House Bill No. 7083, jointly sponsored by Representatives Monico Puentevella and Felix Alfelor Jr. in the 14th Congress.

Published by the Bohol Standard

With the school-year just beginning and the urgent need for classrooms being felt all around the country, the provincial government, under the leadership of Governor Edgar Chatto and Vice Governor Concepcion Lim, has given top priority to the construction of school buildings among its infrastructure projects.

Last week, the governor and Dr. Lorna Rances, schools division superintendent of Bohol, rounded the province to hold and attend groundbreaking ceremonies to kickstart the construction of new school buildings and to inaugurate and turn over to the Department of Education (DepEd) newly completed ones, under the Bohol Long-Term Partnership Program.

The program is an offshoot of the Bayanihan sa Barangay program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which is itself a private-public partnership (PPP) initiative of the AFP, as implemented by its infrastructure and development arm, the National Development Support Command (NADESCOM), which is commanded by Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, a Boholano.

The Bohol Long-Term Partnership Program (BLTPP) was instituted in light of the unique participation of the Bohol Provincial Government, the AFP-NADESCOM, and Boholano private sector donors in the implementation of the project.

Under the program, the provincial government, through Governor Chatto and Vice Governor Lim, provides the capital outlay for the infrastructure projects, the AFP-NADESCOM provides the manpower and executes the construction work, and the private sector donors put in add-on facilities and items for the school.

Through this PPP initiative, the provincial government is able to finish a two-classroom school building worth about P 1.4 million with an outlay of only P 780,000. With its manpower, the NADESCOM is able to complete construction and furnish the facility just a few weeks after the groundbreaking.

The end result of the partnership led by Gov. Chatto and Gen. Holganza is a fully equipped two-classroom school building with toilets, electrical connections, electric fans, blackboards, bulletin boards, monobloc arm chairs, a computer set, and school supplies, among others.

Depending on need and capacity to maintain and safeguard such equipment, some schools even get cooking equipment, gas stoves, sewing machines, or welding equipment from the private sector donors.

The BLTPP has also calendared rehabilitation and improvement projects for roads and bridges in the province, along with other infrastructure, since the Chatto-Lim Administration also eyes the rehabilitation and improvement of vital provincial road networks.

By Ric V. Obedencio

Multi-sectoral support and advocacy for transparency and accountability in government transactions poured in for Bohol Transparency Network for Transformation (Bohol TNT) during its launching on June 15, 2011 at JJs Seafoods Village Restaurant here.

Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II, who represented Gov. Edgar Chatto, told Bohol TNT to count the provincial government part of the group’s advocacy in advancing transparency and accountability in local governance. He said the province expressed commendation to the group’s cause and as friendly watchdog in good governance, which Gov. Chatto’s is strongly espousing.

Businessman Ku Beng Sun, who represented the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), hastened to say, “we highly support and we give our 100% to transparency” advocacy of Bohol TNT. He, however, reminded everybody, “we should not be indifferent and complacent” with what Bohol has become.

Also, statements of solidarity and commitment were heard from the Philippine National Police, the youth and the non-government organizations and the media with Mr. Leo Odtohan of the National Union if Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Bohol chapter during the same activity.

The Church represented by Rev. Fr. WArli Salise of the Social Action Center also expressed support to the cause but he stressed that the Church is batting, time and again, for clean and responsible voting despite the fact that sometime it becomes “almost hopeless” to correct the ills of electoral exercises. But the church will not stop, he said.

Atty. Raul Barbarona, president of Bohol Alliance of NGOs, said that this advocacy in making the government in all levels to spend public funds in right direction and development is a challenge to everybody. This is a tall order for everyone, he added.

Mr. Alan Davis of the Philippine Public Transparency Reporting Project and director of Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) said that the advocacy is “about people power” even as he expressed gratitude to the participants for the launching of Bohol TNT.

He said that Bohol TNT, being a watchdog on governance, is not anti-government but “we need to be vigilant in corruption” where and when government agencies failed.

Ms. Linda Paredes, one of the prime movers in organizing Bohol TNT, said that being a friendly watchdog is to help government to be transparent in all its transactions because it’s the people’s money it spends and development at stake.

She said the group is “not fault-finder,” and “not an investigator” but to help the government do their job and “walk towards righteousness” according to the Bible. (RIC V. OBEDENCIO)

published by the Bohol Standard

The Catigbian eco-adventure is the latest addition to Bohol’s eco-cultural tourism concept offering a whole new experience to the regular destinations in the province.

Mayor Roberto Salinas’ latest brainchild offers breathtaking scenes of the Dagook Falls and Sampilangon River, which are tributaries upstream of the Abatan River, and the unique showcase of Catigbian culture.

Far from posing as a competition to the eco-tours of other towns in the province, the outdoor adventure of Catigbian aims to complement the tour packages of Bohol, while it introduces young people to be sensitive to the environment.

DAGOOK ADVENTURE

Dagook Adventure is for those who are ready to meet a different kind of challenge as most of the activities of the Abatan Upstream Eco-Tour are designed to test your courage especially in finishing the entire course.

The challenges are ideal for building courage and an experience of the thrills of a true outdoor adventure.

The Dagook Adventure has the facilities, trained guides and high end equipment (cables, harnesses and ropes) to ensure the safety of guests.

The first course you will encounter is the canopy walk which will kick in your adrenaline by walking through 60-meters of swaying footbridge in the midst of thick vegetation and rare plant and tree species of Dagook Falls.

The second course of the adventure is the 40-meter monkey bridge suspended by about 100-meters above the rushing waters of the river.

Even with a double harness to a safety cable overhead, the moment you take your first step on the cable, the bridge shifts with your every movement giving you the thrill and excitement. But as you move along the line, the distraction of the view below you (the cascading waterfalls) will take away your fears.

After the monkey walk, you will have to trek about a hundred meters going to the mountain slide. Catigbiana’s own version of the zip line.

A 200-meter cable is mounted on an incline where you will be riding through a pulley suspended on a cable.

While riding the slide, you can view water rapids of Abatan River.

The whole idea of the entire course is to provide a “wholesome activity” for those who love the outdoors.

Written by EdCom and VGO Staff

Following the public outcry on the collection of a higher water rate to start this month, the provincial board took the cudgels of appealing, at least, on the mode of payment to ease the financial burden of consumers.

In last Friday’s regular session, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan presided by Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim, approved in mass motion, a resolution: “strongly recommending to the Board of Directors, Bohol Water Utilities, Inc. (BWUI) a sixty (60) equal monthly installment rate without interest as the term of payment in the new implementation of the retroactive water rates.”

The resolution was authored by board member Romulo G. Cepedoza, committee chairman on public utilities and franchises.

BWUI has announced it will start collecting this month the water rate adjustments as approved by the National Water Resources Board in its order dated September 2006. The adjusted rates had remained uncollected due to the pendency of a case filed by the City Government of Tagbilaran.

The Regional Trial Court, Branch 47, based in Tagbilaran City had earlier issued a restraining order and eventually a preliminary injunction against the implementation of the higher adjusted rates. BWUI elevated the case to the Court of Appeals, wherein on January 5, 2010 it declared that the NWRB approved rates are final and executory since October 28, 2006.

The appellate court also nullified the writ of injunction declaring that the regional trial court has no jurisdiction over the case.

The collection will cover a period of eighteen (18) months adding into the consumer’s regular monthly bill the difference between the NWRB-approved new rates (effective October 28, 2006) and the old water rates corresponding to the period November 2006 up to June 2010.

The water billing is seen to increase about 56% and will affect 70% of water consumers who are mostly marginal earners.

BWUI had maintained that Boholanos still enjoy the lowest water rates, compared to other similar utilities throughout the country. The Metro-Cebu Water District collects P136 on the first 10 cu.m. of consumption while BWUI collects only P80; and only 10.75 per cu.m. for those consuming 11-20 cu.m.

Cepedoza said the public opposition of the implementation is generally understandable, considered as a new financial burden with the invariable increase also of the prices of other basic commodities.

“With this impending increase, the burden of the people will continue to surge. This scheme must be adopted in order to ease the consumers’ burden of paying the said increase,” the board member from the second district added.

The Provincial Governor, on its letter dated June 10, 2011 addressed to the Board of Directors, BWUI, also asked that “if this retroactive rate needs to be implemented’ and being a part-owner of the company, we strongly recommend for the modification of the term of payment from 18 equal monthly installment to 60 equal monthly installment without interest”.

BWUI is a subsidiary of the Salcon Group of Companies which entered into a Joint-Venture Agreement (JVA) with the Provincial Government of Bohol signed in December 2000 under then governor Rene Relampagos.

Under the joint-agreement, the province retains 30% ownership while Salcon owns the bulk of 70%. The same is the agreement with the power utility, Bohol Electric Company Inc (BLCI). Both BWUI and BLCI were the former public utilities operated by the provincial government through the defunct Provincial Public Utilities Department (PPUD).

By Ric V. Obedencio

A “win-win” solution to the beachfront row between island residents/officials and a developer of island barangay Pandanon of Getafe town is the key to settle the dispute, said an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The official, whose identity is withheld since his proposal is unofficial yet, said that the developer should give in to the barangay folks since the family has already developed a portion of the island with white sand beaches now being frequented by visitors direct from Cebu.

As tourism booms, islanders and their officials and the Ouano family of this six-hectare island barangay of Pandanon, Getafe, locked horns to possess a certain portion of the white sand beach that is now attracting foreign visitors from Cebu and other places.

Earlier, the officials questioned the approval of Getafe Municipal Resolution No 82, series of 2009, endorsing the application for foreshore lease of a certain Mr. Antonio Ouano, Sr.

In their petition dated April 26, 2009 signed by 707 residents, the islanders asked the Talibon based Community Environment Natural Resources Office headed by Officer-in-charge CENRO Alejandro Estopa to look into Ouano’s application for foreshore lease.

This in effect prompted Pandanon officials to pass on April 11, 2009 a Resolution “opposing the foreshore lease application (FLA) of Mary M. Ouano adjacent to approved FLA (VII-2) 615 of Ernesto C. Ouano Sr. at barangay Pandanon, Getafe, Bohol and any other application involving the same family.”

The petition was addressed to the DENR, Department of Tourism, tourism committee chairs of the House and Senate, including former Mayor Theresa P. M. Camacho.

But he said that the said endorsement dated April 27, 2009 was received by Sangguniang Bayan office on May 5, 2009 since SB Resolution 82, series of 2009 was already passed. The SB was then chaired by then Vice-Mayor and now incumbent Mayor Cary Camacho, son of the former mayor.

The barangay officials raised the concern whether or not the barangay folks must be consulted prior to the approval of the SB Resolution No. 82, series of 2009.

The Ouano family represented by municipal councilor Antonio Ouano asked the DENR to give priority in approving their FLA because the Ouanos has been there on the island applying for FLA since 1980s.

The Ouanos who operate a beach resort here said that with the tourism becoming a boom in the area they are able to provide job opportunities to the local residents. The case is now pending at the DENR office. (RVO)

By Rey Anthony Chiu

Much of the Reproductive Health (RH) Bills’ opposition is posed by people who may have not read the proposed bill outright.

Most of those who attended the policy forum on the Responsible Parenthood-Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011, or HB 4244 held at the MetroCenter Hotel last week agree.

“Many have been intentionally misled, others have been deprived of the correct information while those who were injected with small doses, misinformation came as an ingredient,” shared a forum participant who admitted being a catholic but asks her name be withheld.

“Read it first and know that many of the fears sowed have been crafted by people who may have not read the bill in its entirety,” she urged.

“At this state of our development, we must have a reliable law that correctly implements reproductive health services, supplies and make information on safe, accessible, effective and quality for our women, children and other sectors desperately needing such available,” she said.

“The RH Bill shares the belief that people have the right to choose, a right which the government must guarantee,” she stressed.

“In fact, we have the right to be given correct information on reproductive health and family planning, which is supposedly a shared responsibility among national down to the barangay local governments,” she pointed out.

“We were told that the RH Bill supports abortion,” she pointed out. “I used to believe that before I read the bill,”

HB 4244 is a digest of some six other proposals filed at the House of Representatives, Gabriella Representative Emmi Ammaya de Jesus during the forum attended mostly by women advocates.

Randomly picking up pages of the HB 4244 primer which she took from inside a purple bag she carried, the woman in her early 40s continued, “I was thinking, how can the government allow killing to happen?”

All I read is that the RH Bill does not leave a bleeding woman who has had complications from abortion because that is what the government must do.

“We can not just put a woman who has just an abortion in front of a camera and post it for the whole nation to see,” isn’t that unchristian, she asks.

In fact, the bill seeks to raise partnerships from all sectors to facilitate the handing out of reproductive health services especially for the country’s poor and underprivileged who would have wanted to responsibly plan for their families, she shared while occasionally twisting a handkerchief.

The bill is nothing more that putting up a mechanism and systems to facilitate providing people the apt service that responds to the issues on maternal, infant and children’s health, family planning through responsible parenthood, she summed waving a primer her forum kit provides. (Rey Anthony Chiu)

Cebu Pacific Newsletter

With fares to China, Macau and Hong Kong as low as P888

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) promotes our newest routes Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi and Iloilo to Cagayan de Oro with a P1 seat sale from now until July 7, 2011 or until seats last. This is for travel from October 14 to December 15, 2011.

The P1 seats are available on CEB’s new daily Airbus A319 service from Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi, as well as its new thrice weekly Airbus A319 service from Iloilo to Cagayan de Oro. It is exclusive of government taxes and surcharges. Both flights will be launched on October 14, 2011.

You can also buy CEB’s trademark low fares to some of our more popular international destinations, for travel from August 1 to September 30, 2011.

P888 seats are available from Manila or Clark to Macau, and from Cebu to Hong Kong including P1,888 seats from Manila to Beijing or Shanghai. This fare is 52% off the lowest year-round fare for Beijing and Shanghai which is P4,999.

Other destinations up for sale are P488 seats from Manila to Naga, for travel from July 16 to September 30, 2011. As well as P688 seats from Manila to Dumaguete, Tacloban or Zamboanga, and P888 seats from Manila to Cagayan de Oro or Davao. This is for travel from August 1 to September 30, 2011.

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published by the Bohol Standard

In the wake of the continued increase in water and electricity rates, a member of the provincial board had asked: “is there money available (budget) for the reported buy-back option of the provincial government to retake the formerly-owned water and electric utilities?”

Senior board member Dionisio D. Balite asked his colleagues during last Friday’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan session if there is a budget for such plan of the provincial government.

The lawyer-board member’s question prompted presiding officer Vice Gov Conching Lim to call for a 3-minute recess as most present SP members were not even aware of the issue vouched during the time of then governor Erico Aumentado.

The plan was to buy-back the twin utilities now owned by the Salcon Group of Companies; registered under the names: Bohol Light Company Incorporated (BLCI) for light and the Bohol Water Utilities Inc., (BWUI) for water. These utilities were formerly operated by the Provincial Public Utilities Department (PPUD).

The two public utilities were turned over to Salcon under the Joint-Venture Agreement (JVA) signed in December 2000 between the company and the provincial government represented by then governor Rene Relampagos.

Under the agreement, the provincial government retains 30% ownership of the company while Salcon controls the bulk of 70%.

Conflict in policy making, dividends and the alleged questionable terms of the joint- venture agreement prompted the Aumentado administration to tap other remedies to repossess the twin utilities.

SP Secretary Bonifacio Quirog, during the recess, volunteered an information that as to his recollection, the question on whether the province has available money for the ‘buy-back’ option became a contention between then governor Aumentado and his vice governor Julius Herrera.

Then governor Aumentado claimed that there is a surplus fund amounting to P108M in the Land Bank of the Philippines -Tagbilaran Branch and this will be utilized for the buy-back plan to retake the water and power utilities.

Herrera maintained that there is no such P108M “surplus”. The conflict in interpretation of availability of funds caused the vice governor to relinquish his post as committee chairman on appropriations. The buy-back plan did not materialized until Aumentado completed his third and last term as governor in 2010.

First district board member Yul Lopez, who was board member during the two terms (2004-07/ 2007-10) of governor Aumentado also confirmed that there was no appropriation for such plan to buy-back the formerly government-owned utilities.

by Bohol Chronicle

Fire stations in the province need more personnel and firefighting apparatus and equipment.

This was confirmed by Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) â€" Region 7 director, Senior Supt. Ma. Luisa Hadjula during her two-day visit here on Thursday and Friday to conduct inspections of schools, boarding houses and local business establishments.

Hadjula said the lack of personnel and equipment are the most common problems raised by fire stations in the entire region.

The lady fire chief personally conducted the inspections of schools as part of the convergence initiative of the regional Department of Education (DepEd) on its OPLAN Balik Eskwela program.

Aside from the inspections, Hadjula said also wanted to check on current problems and concerns of the BFP personnel and the provincial and city fire marshals.

She said most fire stations raised concern on their lack of personnel and insufficient firefighting apparatus.

Based on BFP standards, a fire station should have one fire truck to be manned by at least seven personnel per shift. She admitted most fire stations here do not meet the requirement.

Hadjula however assured she is trying to address the problems of the fire stations by coordinating with local government units and the private sector to build a solid partnership needed to support fire stations.

The BFP regional head likewise called on the support and cooperation of local officials in the implementation of the Fire Code of the Philippines, as she also appealed to business owners to secure business permits before they operate so that BFP personnel can check fire safety compliance of their buildings.

Hadjula conduct simultaneous inspections of schools here together with Bohol fire marshal Pepe Rebusa and city fire chief Insp. Manases Bautista to ensure the safety of the students and abate fire hazards and other related emergencies.

published by the Bohol Standard

A long-wanted drug dealer captured by police last week claimed that there are several policemen, allegedly, involved in the drug trade â€" either as a protector or supplier.

Officials of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the province vehemently denied the accusation, saying they have no knowledge of fellow law enforcers engaged in the illegal drug trade.

Days after his arrest, suspected big-time drug dealer Lynn Bas, alias Lennox Bas, 31, accused police officers of cuddling drug dealers which is why the drug menace in the province continues to proliferate despite a number of arrests.

Bas fell into a police dragnet in barangay Mansasa, this city, with a sizable volume of suspected ‘shabu’ (methamphetamine hydrochloride).

The disclosure gained steam after retired policewoman, now barangay Dampas Kagawad Aida Barafon also said in an interview over dyRD “Inyong Alagad” that another arrested drug pusher confided to her that a policeman is pressuring him to sell shabu despite his intent to quit.

The shabu being allegedly supplied by the policeman to the said pusher came from seized drugs of arrested pushers. According to Barafon, the said policeman purportedly belonged to a special unit of the PNP based here in the city.

Barafon indicated a “recycling” of confiscated illegal substances could be possible as arrested drug pushers try to enter into secret deals with arresting officers â€" by not declaring the entire volume of the seized substance and consequently settling for a lower offense and penalty.