Kabankalan, Negros Occidental (April 1) – public and private, no classes in all levels.
E.B. Magalonsa, Negros Occidental (April 1 to 2) – public and private, no in-person classes at all levels.
Roxas, Capiz (April 1) – public and private, no in-person classes from preschool to senior high school.
Tantangan, South Cotabato – public and private, half-day classes from April 1 to 15 levels.
Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental (April 1 to 2) – public and private, no in-person classes for all levels; shift to modular mode of instruction.
The Department of Education’s memorandum released on April 20 last year allowed heads of public and private schools to cancel face-to-face classes due to extreme heat.
In the latest heat index bulletin of state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), four areas in the Philippines are currently under “danger” classification where temperatures may range from 42 to 51 degrees Celcius.
POLICE Major General Rommel Francisco Marbil is the new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Marbil is taking helm of PNP after General Benjamin Acorda retired from service. Acorda was supposed to retire in December 2023, but Marcos extended his term until March 31, 2024.
The 30th PNP chief said his leadership will focus on enhancing knowledge and professionalism of PNP personnel, expanding their ability to maintain order and fight crimes, and increasing public trust in the police force.
Prior to his appointment as country’s top cop, Marbil served as head of PNP’s Directorate for Comptrollership. He also led Eastern Visayas regional police and PNP Highway Patrol Group.
Marbil was member of Philippine Military Academy’s Class of 1991 like Acorda.
Malacañang announced Marcos had designated Police Lieutenant General Emmanuel Peralta as officer-in-charge of PNP.
Peralta’s appointment is effective only until “replacement is appointed.”
Washing of feet maintains faithful’s connection to Jesus-Advincula
By J.Lo
“Kaya naman, sa taong ito nang panalangin, ang mga kapatid nating huhugasan ang paa, ay kumakatawan sa kahalagahan ng panalangin…sa kanilang iba’t-iba at natatanging paraan, sila ay tumutulong, nagtuturo at naging gabay sa panalangin ng kanilang mga pinaglilingkuran,” Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said. connection and relationship with Jesus is being strengthened by prayer as “He” reminds us during washing of feet.
In his homily at the Manila Cathedral, Advincula stressed importance of washing of feet, not merely as hygienic act but as sign of one’s relationship with Jesus.
Advincula also highlighted significance of Eucharist as highest form of prayer, where Jesus offers himself and is offered.
He also said Eucharist is powerful prayer where faithful thank God for all blessings we receive and ask for strength to face life’s challenges.
“Sa gabing ito na itinatag ni Hesus ang pinaka mataas ng anyo ng panalangin ng simbahan, ang eukaristiya, makita nawa nating muli ang halaga ng panalangin sa ating buhay…k ung paanong, hindi mabubuhay ang isda, kung wala ito sa tubig, hindi rin tayo mabubuhay bilang Kristyano, kung hindi tayo magdarasal,” he said.
During Maundy Thursday, Catholics commemorate both the washing of the feet and the Last Supper which believed are the events before Jesus Christ was arrested leading to his death.
It is the day before Good Friday, or the day on which Jesus Christ is believed to be crucified and died.
Some churches recreate washing of feet with priest washing feet of certain individuals.
The evening of Maundy Thursday also is the start of “Pascal Triduum” or days passion, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ are commemorated.
“We are calling on governments, civil societies, young people and all stakeholders to take concrete steps around globe to help prepare countries and communities for extreme heat,” International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.secretary general Jagan Chapagain extreme heat is one of the most deadly problems from climate change even though it receives less attention than other knock-on effects like hurricanes and flooding.
Year 2023 was hottest on record, with rising temperatures affecting most vulnerable populations in particular the elderly, outdoor workers and those without access to cooling systems such as air conditioners.
Red Cross and US Agency for International Development delivered their warnings against “invisible killer” of extreme heat at virtual summit, on heels of United States exiting its warmest-ever winter on record.
USAID chief Samantha Power warned in United States, “heat is already deadlier than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined.”
“We are calling on development agencies, philanthropies and other donors to recognize threat extreme heat poses to humanity, and to put resources towards helping communities withstand that threat,” she said.
Highlighting ongoing efforts addressing extreme temperatures, Power said USAID was supporting program to build “heat resilient schools” in Jordan, using “passive heating and cooling systems, thermal insulation, double glazed windows and air conditioning.”
Climate change’s effects aren’t limited to already hot places like Middle East: in Europe, fastest-warming continent in the world, more than 60,000 people were estimated to have died in heat waves in 2022, noted US climate envoy John Podesta.
“Climate information and services including early warnings can save lives and assets, but one-third of world’s population doesn’t have access to this life-saving information ” he added.
Other efforts include those in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, where nearly million trees have been planted since 2020.
“But we mustn’t allow this conversation to let anyone off hook when it comes to reducing emissions,” Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
“As per marriage certificate, wedding was solemnized by female preacher but in a wedding picture she presented that solemnizing officer appears to be man,” Bureau of Immigration (BI) immigration protection and border enforcement section said in its report rescued suspected victim of mail-order bride syndicate, targeting Filipinas sent to China under false pretenses.
BI’s officers intercepted woman at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on March 15, just before boarding China Southern Airlines flight to Guangzhou, China.
Woman claimed to be joining her supposed spouse in China, presenting marriage certificate from purported civil wedding in Pasig City last January.
Discrepancies emerged in her documents, such as officiator’s gender in the wedding photo, differing from marriage certificate.
Confronted with inconsistencies, victim confessed marriage was arranged by recruiter, who promised her half a million pesos upon arrival in China.
Recruiter is also in the business of recruiting Filipinas who are willing to become brides to Chinese nationals, according to the woman.
Victim also admitted she had never met her “husband” before his vacation to the Philippines and that they had never been into long-distance relationship
Mail -order bride scheme victimizes Filipinas often end up working as domestic helpers and be subjected to unfair labor practices by their employer-spouse, according to Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco.
He emphasized that scam has already harmed Filipinas, who were drawn into it by extravagant money promises that turn out to be unfulfilled when they travel abroad.
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.ranted executive clemency to 22 inmates.
Executive clemency refers to “commutation of sentence, conditional pardon or absolute pardon” granted by the President upon recommendation.
Twenty inmates were granted commutation of sentence, while two others were given conditional pardon, according to BuCor director Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr.
Inmates who were granted commutation of sentence are Evelyn Palarca, Dioscoro Talapian, Venancio Abanes, Avelino Tadina, Fernando San Jose, Quirino de Torres, Bonifacio Besana, Bernabe Cabrales, Anselmo delas Alas and Pablito Alvaran Jr.
List also includes Arcadio Venzon, Danilo Cabase, Beverly Tibo-Tan, Aurora Ambrocio, Felipe Galarion, Armando Dante, Leopoldo Conlu, Alex Valencerina, Alfredo Toral and Roberto Gaut.
Meanwhile, Catapang said bureau will process release of Alfredo and Leopoldo Bongcawel, who were granted conditional pardon.
Boncawel brothers were previously convicted of murder and sentenced to reclusion perpetua.
Catapang said both inmates have served almost 30 years of their sentence.
“Orders issued by House against Pastor Quiboloy subsist as these relate not only to repeal of SMNI’s franchise grant,” Committee chairman and Parañaque City 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting said in text message despite revocation of franchise of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), arrest warrant issued against pastor Apollo Quiboloy by House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises still stands.
Tambunting said recent decision of House to revoke franchise of Swara Sug Media Corp., which operates SMNI, does not mean contempt citation and arrest order against Quiboloy are already invalidated.
He added that there are still House resolutions concerning SMNI that are pending with the commitee.
Last March 15, committee issued contempt citation and arrest warrant against Quiboloy for failing to attend hearing on SMNI’s franchise violations.
Committee conducted six hearings since November last year, but none of them was attended by Quiboloy, who founded television network.
earlier House approved House Bill (HB) 9710 on third and final reading to revoke SMNI’s franchise.
House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said approval of HB 9710 does not automatically invalidate arrest warrant.
“Arrest warrant has to be rescinded officially by an act of the committee or by the leadership of the House… formal step that has to be undertaken,” Acidre added.
He emphasized, however, that “serious considerations” concerning the two orders may still be taken.
“Mr. Quiboloy has actually disrespected House by not appearing despite many invitations to attend such hearings or investigations,” Acidre said.
Chamber could not just let it pass if person does not want to appear at hearings despite repeated invitations, according to the lawmaker.
“We cannot allow that to be precedent for future investigations that just because you don’t like to show up, you won’t show up,” he said.
He stressed that this would “significantly hamper the job” of Congress.
“We have to act decisively, and I’m confident that the leadership of committee as well as the House is also looking into these considerations,” Acidre said.
deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili
deepest sympathy to family of the late Mario Cruz
deepest sympathy to family of the late Elyn Ocampo
supports Women Month March
joins Christian nations in observance of Lenten season
welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay
Fanatics observes Good Friday with crucifixions and whippings
By J.Lo
“This is for my son, an epileptic,” Nida has his 13-year-old son’s name tattooed across his chest, re-enacting the last moments of Jesus Christ were nailed to wooden cross way back 2024 years ago , others whipped themselves bloody in extreme displays of religious devotion on Good Friday.
While most Filipinos went to church or spent holiday with family, thousands gathered in villages around San Fernando city, north of Manila, to watch men punish themselves in bid to atone for their sins or seek miracles from God.
Dozens of bare-chested flagellants wearing black shrouds and crowns made of vines walked barefoot through dusty, narrow streets, rhythmically flogging their backs with strips of bamboo tied to ropes, their blood soaking top of their trousers and spattering onlookers.
Some lay face down on the ground to be whipped and beaten by others, razor blades sometimes used to draw blood.
Nida, 31, said his son had not had seizures in the eight years since he began taking part in Good Friday floggings.
Whippings are opening act of street plays performed by devout residents.
In San Juan village, a short, wiry man with wild, white hair playing role of Jesus Christ and two others were dragged by neighbors dressed as Roman centurions to a raised mound where wooden crosses lay on the ground.
As spectators filmed on their mobile phones, three-inch nails were driven into men’s palms and crosses were hoisted upright.
Several minutes later crosses were lowered to the ground and nails pulled out.
“I will keep doing this while I’m alive, for as long as my body is able to do it… my vow,” said Alfredo Salvador, 67, who began playing role of Jesus Christ in mock crucifixions 16 years ago following mental breakdown, seems yet to recover.
“This is nothing. Sometimes it heals after a day and I am able to wash dishes and bathe,” Salvador said of his wounds.
San Juan resident Cynthia , 41, watches gruesome re-enactment every year to “learn about suffering of Christ”.
“If you were to merely read it in the Bible you would not really understand. In action it is clearer for us to see how he suffered for us,” mother-of-four said.
Ten people were nailed or strung up on crosses at three crucifixion sites, San Fernando city councillor Reginaldo David told reporters.
At the biggest event, veteran performer Ruben Enaje, 63, had his hands and feet nailed to cross for the 35th time in his role as Jesus Christ.
Enaje remained nailed up for more than 10 minutes as storm clouds gathered overhead. It began to rain as he was carried on a stretcher to medical tent where his wounds were bandaged.
“I feel no pain in my hands but my body as whole feels sore, Passion Play was longer this year because we lengthened script…maybe that was why my body feels sore, I can’t say if I will still be able to do it again next year because my body feels like it is about to give in, ” Enaje said.
Enaje said this year might be his last appearance as Jesus.
Extreme acts are frowned upon by Catholic Church in the Philippines and health experts.
Philippine health department urged public to “avoid acts or rites that lead to physical wounds and injuries”.
“We join pastoral guidance of our faith leaders, guiding all towards religious practices that are safe and healthy,” it said in statement.
But for devotees like 23-year-old Ian Bautista, who has been taking part in the floggings since he was 15 and is one of four flagellants in his family, suffering was for good cause.
“It’s for my mother, painful but I will do this until my body gives up ,” Bautista said, explaining that she had surgery for an ovarian cyst on Monday and that he believed taking part would help her recovery.
ISKUP! 