IN the face of the massive flooding and devastation in Bulacan, where coastal towns are still submerged in neck-deep water, Gov. Daniel Fernando has appealed to Congress to pass legislation for a long-term solution to the decades-old problem in the province. The request indicates the dismal failure of the provincial government to effectively address the widespread and persistent flooding problems every time a typhoon strikes Central Luzon.
Celomar Dillaper of Bulacan Metro News posted on FB. “As the (former) vice-governor and presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Fernando had all the plenary powers to enact ordinances to solve the floodings that were worsening each year due to the unabated illegal mining, quarrying, and logging in the remaining tropical forests of Bulacan. Yet, nothing was done. The three biggest cement producers in the country — Holcim, Republic, and Eagle Cement — are holders of virtually unending mining permits to process all the limestone in the Sierra Madre ranges in Bulacan. The wanton destruction of our mountains and pristine forests can no longer be ignored. Our natural barriers are being exploited and ravaged by big business with complete disregard for the future of our children and generations to come.
‘The three biggest cement producers in the country — Holcim, Republic, and Eagle Cement — are holders of virtually unending mining permits to process all the limestone in the Sierra Madre ranges in Bulacan.’
“In the 2019 local elections, Gov. Alvarado and Vice-Gov. Fernando switched positions to perpetuate their stranglehold on the provincial Capitol. In almost 20 years, millions of pesos worth of allowances had been reportedly paid to and squandered by all sorts of ‘professional consultants’ on the environment, local government management, planners, technical advisers, and ‘experts,’ but not a single ordinance or a master plan or long-term solution to the huge flood problem had been passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.”
***
US Evangelist Blaine Cooke narrates an astonishing episode in Pakistan several years ago that again manifested the miraculous power of God for those who remain fearlessly faithful to His work. Pakistan has been known to be very hostile to Christians and Catholics. A brick plant with 4,000 Christian “slaves” in forced labor was to close down. Two businessmen and two pastors were negotiating for the release of the “slaves.”
The businessmen who strongly supported Christian evangelical crusades in the Middle East, along with the churches of the pastors, offered $96,0000 in exchange for the freedom of the captives, to which the owner of the plant initially agreed. But the Taliban intervened and the price was suddenly upped to $385,000.
The Taliban leader threatened to shoot one of the pastors in the head if the amount was not paid. One of the businessmen stood face-to-face with the plant owner who was a Taliban associate and rebuked him not too mildly. “For sure God will judge you. But the love of God will flow through you with the release of these people and His love will cover a multitude of your sins.” Cooke says that “in a miraculous turnaround” the plant owner promptly changed his mind and agreed to release the Christian “slaves” for $96,000. He also allowed the pastors and the businessmen to pray for the healing of his heart disease. The following day, one of the pastors received a call from the plant owner, who informed him that he was healed after he dreamt of Jesus doing surgery on his heart!
From Angel Nazareth de Jesus of Live in Victory Church at Ortigas Center: “On kindness, always be a little kinder than necessary. There are no unimportant jobs, no unimportant people, no unimportant acts of kindness. There is no experience better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. This is the final test of a gentleman: his respect for those who can be of no possible value to him. The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”
