Senate leader lauds 2007 Bayaning Pilipino awardees

Senate President Manuel "Manny" B. Villar Jr. filed Senate Resolution 234 commending the 2007 Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino awardees.

The awardees are Daryl Famisaran, Editha Canete Miguel, Monica Sison, Rolly Melendrez Sr., Eloida David, Dynamic Teen Company of Cavite City, and San Lorenzo Ruiz Spiritual Center.

"Motivated by the virtue of selfless love and driven by a desire to uplift the condition of their neighbors, these Filipinos have managed to rise above their own difficulties and limitations to excel in their respective fields, placing the needs of others above their own and making them worthy of emulation," said Villar, president of the Nacionalista Party (NP).

"In honoring the outstanding contributions of these Pinoy individuals and organizations, other Filipinos throughout the country and all over the world may be inspired to always strive to do their best in extending kindness to their fellowmen," said the Senate President.

Famisaran initiated the Socio-Economic Uplift Literacy Anthropological Studies or SULAD, educating Lumads in the mountains of Bukidnon. Miguel founded the Agape Rural Health Program, sharing her knowledge of health care in Palawan.

Sison opted to teach in Valencia, Negros Oriental, formerly called "no man’s island," constructing a high school in the area. Melendrez actively encouraged the youth of Pagadian City to be involved in livelihood programs and the preservation of their culture.

David, the "Super Sister" of Tacloban, was involved in the construction of a public hospital, housing project for employees, and skills development for farmers.

Dynamic Teen Co., made up of former drug users who have become counselors to the youth of Cavite, are engaged in uplifting the lives of children living in cemeteries and squatters’ area. San Lorenzo Ruiz Spiritual Center has provided shelter and comfort to Filipino immigrants in Tidewater, Virginia, United States.

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Church marks feast day of St. John the Evangelist

Christina I. Hermoso

Today is the feast day of St. John the Evangelist, the youngest of the 12 apostles of Jesus, and author of the fourth Gospel of the Holy Bible, the Book of Revelation, and three epistles.

Known as the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23), and the patron of love and faith in Jesus, St. John was the only apostle who did not forsake Jesus in His hour of Passion. He stood at the foot of the cross where he received the sublime mission to care for the Blessed Mother.

The brother of another apostle, St. James the Great, St. John was present in many important events in Jesus’ life, the Transfiguration, the Agony in the Garden, and the Last Supper. He helped spread the faith and founded many churches in Asia Minor.

The Church said St. John was an apostle of charity by word and example. As the only apostle who was not martyred for his faith, God gave him four special gifts: Christ’s special love for John by the grace of God, John’s freedom from fleshly corruption, the revelation of secrets, and the mission of caring for the Virgin Mary.

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Lim transferred to Tanay

Aris R. Ilagan

Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim was transferred from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City to Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal on orders of the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC), PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said yesterday.

In a press conference in Camp Crame, Pagdilao said that elements of the PNP Rizal and the PNP National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) escorted Lim from Camp Crame to Camp Capinpin at 9 a.m. yesterday.

"Personnel of the Headquarters Support Service (HSS) were tasked to ensure his security and safety, as well as to negate the opportunity for him to escape and breakout of captivity," Senior Supt. Rodrigo de Gradia, acting HSS director, said.

Judge Elmo Almeda of the Makati RTC Branch 150 approved the transfer of Lim to the AFP Custodial Detention Center in Tanay, Rizal last Dec. 21.