Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
NCCP on the Announcement to Withdraw Charges Against the Morong 43
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) welcomes the announcement of President Benigno C. Aquino III ordering the Department of Justice (DOJ) to withdraw the charges against the 43 health workers, also known as the Morong 43. The health workers were arrested in February 6, 2010 without warrants and detained illegally, by a composite team of the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police. News of the President’s announcement was greeted with applause at an ecumenical gathering timed to mark Human Rights Day. Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno who was featured the resource speakers at this gathering was also happy at this development.
The illegal arrest and detention of the health workers was loudly criticized by human rights groups and church advocates in the Philippines. The campaign for their immediate and unconditional release reached the international level with the ecumenical community lending its voice. The last group to call for their release was the Living Letters Delegation organized by the World Council of Churches and the Christian Conference of Asia who visited the Philippines in December 1-5, 2010. The clamor for the President for their release was also boosted by his previous statement that the arrest had legal infirmities and was a product of the “fruit of the poisoned tree” that is “evidence wrongly gotten cannot be used”.
We hope that the Morong 43 will be released from detention at the soonest possible time so they can be home and re-united with their families and friends. We are glad for the families and relatives who never gave up and stood on principled grounds in maintaining the wrong done to their loved ones.
We would also like to express our most profound thanks to the solidarity and unwavering support of the international community, especially our partners led by the World Council of Churches, the Christian Conference of Asia, the National Council of Churches in Australia and the United Church of Canada. We thank the Filipinos overseas who, individually and in groups added their voices to the call. We also note with constructive pride the member churches of the NCCP who prayed and supported the campaign for the release of the health workers in various ways. We thank the print and broadcast media outfits here and abroad for their help in highlighting this issue since their arrest.
Even as we express elation over this development, we continue to urge that our President look with favor on the plight of the 369 other political detainees, 13 of them arrested since he assumed office. We pray that the Department of Justice under the leadership of Secretary Leila de Lima will persevere in rendering speedy justice to all victims of human rights.
Finally, vigilance with hope is the primary message of the Advent season. The release of these health workers is the result of this vigilance with hope where Christians work hard to turn the hope into reality. After all the greatest hope of all was made real when God sent Jesus Christ to be with us on that first Christmas
Rev. Fr. REX RB Reyes, JR.
General Secretary
Human Rights Day, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Statement by Living Letters delegation to the Philippines
(A team of church representatives from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America made this statement at the end of a solidarity visit to churches, ecumenical organizations and civil society organizations in the Philippines. - www.oikoumene.org)
“Living letters” (2 Corinthians 3:3) is a symbol of the living Church which we represent by coming together under the auspices of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and at the kind invitation of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP).
When asked by the disciples where He lived, Jesus answered, “Come and see” (John 1:39), then He commanded John, “write down what you see and send a letter to the churches” (Revelations 1:12). Every visit is a revelation when the knower and the known become one.
This visit has been an opportunity for us to come and see: to see a culture, to see a people, to see a church, to see concerns, turmoil and hopes. First we were warmly welcomed by the general secretary of the NCCP, Rev. Rex Reyes. With hospitality and assistance from him and his colleagues:
We saw and heard the heart-breaking stories of victims of human rights abuses and their family members. We saw and felt the pain of those who have lost loved ones by extra-judicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture and enforced disappearances.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
An appeal to free the 43 Health Workers (Morong 43)
An appeal from our General Secretary
October 29, 2010
To Our Friends and Partners Around the World:
Please Sign the Paid Ad to
Free the 43 Health Workers (Morong 43)
May I appeal you to please sign the paid ad below. It is calling for the immediate release of the forty three health workers, known collectivley as the Morong 43 from continued detention. This issue is very close to us not only because it involves human rights and social justice but also because one of those detained include Dr. Alexis Montes, a member and former national health program coordinator of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. Dr. Montes was also a member of the NCCP’s Commission on Faith, Witness and Service at one time.
To indicate your support, just send your name, position and name of church/organization and send it to pcprnatl@gmail.com on or before November 10, 2010.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our struggle for human rights.
Sincerely,
(sgd) REV. REX RB REYES, JR.
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in the Philippines
President Benigno Aquino III should act now and release the Morong 43.
Nine months ago in February 6, 43 health workers including 26 women – two of whom have already given birth while in prison – were illegally arrested, searched, detained and tortured. Their rights continue to be violated and their families tormented.
The Department of Justice has submitted its recommendations regarding the case of the 43 health workers. The President himself has commented on the defect of the search warrant and that evidence against the Morong 43 are the “fruit of the poisonous tree.” Various local and international organizations have called for the health workers’ release.
When Malacanang granted amnesty to rebel soldiers, many asked why the Morong 43 remained in prison.
We call on the Aquino government to withdraw the charges against the Morong 43 and see to their immediate and unconditional release!
Statement on the recent ACT Alliance General Assembly
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"Poverty is wrong: we must make our voices heard,” says ACT Alliance
ACT Alliance pledges to speak out on global injustice
The head of one of the world’s largest faith-based humanitarian and development alliances has vowed to take a bolder and more vocal stance on the worst inequalities of our age.
"We have a duty to be brave in standing up against oppression,” ACT Alliance General Secretary John Nduna said on the final day of ACT Alliance’s four-yearly assembly in Arusha , Tanzania
ACT Alliance’s 105 church and church-related members employ 33,000 staff and volunteers in 140 countries and have an income of US $1.6 billion a year. With decades of experience, most ACT Alliance members are from globally poor countries, working at grass roots level and immersed in the culture of the places they are based.
Nduna promised that the alliance would be outspoken on injustice and poverty as never before, hinting at the kinds of campaigns the world could expect to see from ACT Alliance. "In today’s world, a billion people are going to bed hungry, only 30% of children in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa have access to anti-malarial drugs and climate change is devastating the world poorest people. We know this is wrong. We know we must make our voices heard against all these gross injustices.
“We are powerful, we are committed, and we mean business. We are fired up and motivated to challenge political figures, big business and the vested interests of the world's richest nations,” Nduna said.
The assembly affirmed that ending poverty and inequality was not just a goal but an obligation.
Leaders of the alliance’s organisations set the alliance’s strategy for the next four years, emphasising the importance of improving the lives of the world's poor. Even as the assembly was meeting, ACT Alliance staff were responding to the floods in Pakistan and the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, healthcare in Palestine , education in India , land rights in Brazil and HIV prevention in southern Africa .
In other agreements made at the assembly, ACT Alliance committed itself to improving the speed and strength of co-ordination between member organisations so as to respond more effectively to support communities in crisis. It also pledged to prioritise preventative measures in all its work and ensure continuity of care and recovery after an emergency.
The meeting ensured that ACT Alliance's uniquely democratic 'forum' structure - in which major decisions on strategy, financial resources and campaigns are taken at a country level rather than at the Alliance's headquarters in Geneva - was strengthened. The alliance acknowledged the importance of its national members, with delegates agreeing to make these country-level forums stronger and better resourced.
About ACT Alliance
ACT Alliance is second only to Caritas in size as a faith-based humanitarian, development and advocacy alliance. Member organisations operate from an egalitarian belief in treating all people with dignity, and an absolute commitment to serving people of all faiths and none. ACT Alliance is a signatory to The Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief which stipulates, among others, that aid will not be used to further political or religious standpoints.
ACT Alliance's website is at www.actalliance.org
For general enquiries about the ACT Alliance and interviews with John Nduna, ACT Alliance General Secretary, please contact:
Sandra Cox, Communications Officer on +41 22 791 6711 or +41 79 681 1868
Friday, October 29, 2010
Basic Ecumenical Course (BEC) 2010
Congratulations to the participants, and staff of the Basic Ecumenical Course (BEC) 2010!
the participants
the participants with the NCCP General Secretary, Rev. Rex RB Reyes, Jr. (left)
For more info on the Basic Ecumenical Course and the life and work of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, please check out our website at www.nccphilippines.org
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
ECLOF Philippines Job Vacancy for Executive Director
VACANCY
ECLOF INC., PHILIPPINES
ECLOF (Ecumenical Church Foundation) INC., Philippines is a microfinance non-government institution under ECLOF International based in Geneva, Switzerland. ECLOF Philippines is the only MFI which has strong linkages with the Protestant Churches with strategic partnership with 11 churches and church related organizations and 12 NGOs/POs/Cooperatives. ECLOF has a mission of providing financial assistance reaching to the marginalized entrepreneurs.
At present ECLOF Phil. has three (3) branch offices in Greater Manila, Benguet and Palawan and expanding to service other areas in the Philippines.
Currently we are in need of the following:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (1) IMMEDIATE
Job Summary: Under the consultative direction of ECLOF Board of Trustees, develops, recommends and oversees implementation of the short and long-term objectives, policies, budget and operating plans of the foundation. Gives direction and leadership toward the achievement of the foundation’s philosophy, mission, strategies and objectives.
Requirement/Qualifications:
Ø Bachelor’s degree in any course relevant to ECLOFs operation is required and Masters degree in Business Administration/Management is preferred.
Ø Has 15 years of work experience in the area of specialization, 10 years of which are in the micro-finance, NGO or the same field and at least 5 years in managerial position.
Ø Manifests evidence of Christian faith and values.
Ø Strong management and leadership skills and experience.
Ø Demonstrate ability to lead in strategizing and coalition building.
Ø Demonstrate effectiveness and lead experience in fund development.
Ø Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ø Has proven track record in building and maintaining partnerships and associates.
Interested applicant may send resume with photo and application letter via email at hr.eclofphil@gmail.com or you may personally visit our main office at Rm. 200 NCCP Ecumenical Church Center, 879 EDSA, Q.C. You may also contact us at 02-925-1763.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
NCCP Advisory on Super Typhoon Megi (Juan)
General Advisory
To: Our Member Churches, Associates, Friends, Partners and to All Concerned
Re: Super Typhoon “Juan”
Once more disaster struck our sisters and brothers in Northern Luzon. The super typhoon cut through from Isabela along the Pacific Coast to the Cordilleras and on to the Ilocos region in the west. Some of these provinces hardly recovered from the fury of Ondoy last year.
Enclosed is the initial Alert for your information.
I now issue the following calls:
a) For the people in the affected provinces to hold on and remain strong
b) For our churches to mobilize and collect whatever congregations can give towards the initial relief. The Alert attached contains some of these needs. The NCCP office will be most happy to receive these for packing and delivery.
c) To the Filipino Communities overseas, you have demonstrated your love and concern in the past for your loved ones left behind in this disaster-prone country. Please do so once more and send those expressions of your continuing solidarity over. What you did last year is not unknown to many affected communities.
d) To our other partners overseas, I appeal for assistance for the relief period and the rehabilitation especially for farm lands and other sources of livelihood.
e) We are in touch with the Bishops, Conference Ministers and other church leaders in the regions. Our relief and rehabilitation coordinating committee is in place. In Metro Manila we will again be turning to our Christian organizations for volunteers from time to time.
f) We are informed that this period will bring in more rains and typhoons to the Philippines. Please visit our website <www.nccphilippines.org> for updates. Our fax number is (+632) 926-70-76 and our telephone number is (+632) 9293745 and (+632) 9228141.
g) Above all, we invite one and all to prayer, individually and collectively. May our intention be that God will receive those who have perished and comfort all the victims; that Jesus Christ will keep all who serve them in good health and that the Holy Spirit will help us continue to trust God and affirm the peace in all communities. May our united prayer rise as the incense and be acceptable to God who loves us all.
REV. FR. REX RB REYES, JR
General Secretary
20 October 2010
ALERT
Local Name: Super Typhoon “Juan” International Name: Typhoon “Megi”
I. Brief Description of the EmergencyOn Sunday, October 17, Typhoon “Juan” (international code name: “Megi”) gathered strength as it barreled towards northern Philippines. Meanwhile, government authorities began evacuating about three thousand people/villagers to safer ground hours before it was predicted to hit land.
PAGASA said the cyclone was so powerful that it reached typhoon category “super typhoon” while still in the open area. Meteorologists also stated that “Juan” slammed into the extreme northern Philippines on Monday and then cut westwards towards the South China Sea.
The storm packed maximum winds of 195 kilometers per hour near the centre and gusts of up to 230 kilometers per hour, making it a super typhoon. It slowed down slightly to 19 kph from Sunday night’s 20 kph.
On Monday, it was packing sustained winds of 225 kilometers per hour and gusts of 260 kph. Weather bureau officials said “Juan” is the world’s strongest typhoon this year. It is also the strongest storm to hit the Philippines since super-typhoon “Reming” struck Bicol region in 2006. Typhoon “Reming’s 250 kph winds set off mudslides that buried entire villages and killed about 1,000 people in Bicol area.
Typhoon “Juan” made landfall in Sierra Madre’s Estagno Point in Isabela at 11:25 am of October 18. About six hours after it made landfall, it weakened as it made its way across northern Luzon. As of 11:00 p.m., “Juan” was 90 kilometers west northwest of Baguio City, with sustained winds of 160 kph and gusts of 195 kph. Forecasters expect the storm to further weaken while on land. The typhoon is expected to leave via Ilocos Sur and La Union areas at midnight. The rainfall rate is 50 to 65 millimeters of rain per hour. Tuesday morning, “Juan” continued to move away from the Philippines towards the South China Sea.
According to a CNN report, meteorogists called typhoon Juan (Megi) a “monster storm” and warned that it could damage thousands of hectares of agricultural land along its path.
The storm could trigger landslides and floods as wide areas of northern Luzon will see 300 mm of rain, while more isolated pockets may see up to 500 mm.
The eye of the storm is getting smaller. This will have a frictional effect because it is moving closer to the terrain of Northern Luzon, the Sierra Madre mountain. It is expected to weaken as it nears the land mass of Northern Luzon. When it hits the South China sea, it is expected to gain intensity.
Meanwhile the rainfall is not enough to fill Magat Dam, a large rock-fill dam located on Magat River, a major tributary of Cagayan River. It was expected that Magat Dam will be filled after the storm hits. According to authorities, it will be ideal if the dam is filled, but not overflow. Unless water overflows, water from the dam will not be released. Should there be need arises to release the water from the dam, authorities say that it will be released at a graduated pace.
On Crops & Properties
On Monday, as of four in the afternoon, about 15,000 sacks of rice in two NFA warehouses in Isabela were destroyed by the typhoon. Estimated cost damages is about P15 million.
Provinces of Isabela and Cagayan; Kalinga, Ifugao and Mountain Province was placed under Storm Signal No. 4 and were the first provinces to feel the fury of Typhoon “Juan”.
Local Government officials placed Isabela under “State of Calamity” after super-typhoon Juan made landfall Monday morning. The province of Isabela is under a state of calamity being the first province hit by “Juan”. There is power outage in the area as electrical posts were toppled down. Moreover, communication has already been interrupted in Isabela and Cagayan. The powerful winds of Juan have also uprooted trees and roofs blown away, especially in Santiago City, Isabela. Baguio City experienced moderate to heavy rains.
Landslides were reported in various sections of Apayao and Benguet.
The Benguet-Dalupirip Itogon and Nueva Vizcaya-Benguet roads were closed due to landslides. As early as noon time of Monday, Itogon communities reported landslides in Km 271 of the Baguio-Nueva Vizcaya Road and Km 271 of the Itogon-Dalupirip Road.
The Claver-Calanasan Road (Mabanong section) was also closed to traffic due to landslides. Only one lane of the Manila North Road in Barangay Sagayaden in Cabugao is passable. One lane of the Mt. Province-Calanan Boundary-Calaan Road (Bannagao section and the Dalimono section) was also closed due to landslides.
Another erosion destroyed a road leading to Conner Town in Apayao.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on its initial report stated that at least 946 families or 4,614 people in 30 villages in 16 towns in six provinces were directly affected by Typhoon “Juan”. Of these, 866 families or 4,161 people are staying inside evacuation centers.
Office of Civil Defense was tasked to facilitate the needed evacuation of people living in risky areas. In fact, the government did not rule out forced evacuation for those who refused to leave their homes despite being told to do so. Forced evacuations according to them will be done for the safety of the residents/responders/community.
In Cagayan Valley, residents from low-lying areas were evacuated to higher ground.
In Manila, prior to the Typhoon hitting land, disaster officials prepared food packs, medicines and rescue equipment including rubber boats in areas expected to be hit by the typhoon.
Philippine National Police are on full alert nationwide and equipment are pre-positioned in Northern Luzon. They tapped additional search and rescue teams from Manila to North areas. Armed Forces and Navy as well are continuously monitoring events. Its rescue teams are prepared to help residents and local government units.
Department of Social Welfare and Development has stored food and non-food items for the possible typhoon victims in the regions that will be likely hit by Juan.
IV. Planned Response
The extent of damage cannot be ascertained at this time because most communication lines are still down and many roads and bridges are also closed. NCCP has received partial reports from its member churches in the affected areas and waiting for a more comprehensive report. Once roads are cleared, NCCP will send a team to assist the churches and partners in the conduct of damage and needs assessment. For the immediate response, NCCP requested member churches in the regions not affected by the disaster for emergency relief assistance which would include the following:
Food Items
Rice
Canned Goods
Dried Fish
Mongo Beans
Vegetables
Root Crops
Bottled Water
Non-Food Items
Sleeping Matls.
Kitchen Wares
Cooking Wares
Water Container
School Kit
Candle & Match
Flashlight/Battery
Kerosene Lamp
Rescue Tools
Raincoat & Boots
Clothing
Women’s Clothes
Men’s Clothes
Children’s Wear
Infant’s Wear
Underwear
Diaper
Socks
Foot Wear
Hygiene Kit
Toothpaste/brush
Face/Hand Towel
Bath Soap
Sanitary Napkin
Laundry Bar Soap
Shampoo
Mosquito Repellant
Medicines
Paracetamol
Salbutamol
Mucolytic
Immodium
Decongestant
Analgesic
Antiseptic
Alcohol
Betadine
First Aid Kit
Friday, August 20, 2010
NCCP Statement on the Hacienda Luisita Inc., Compromise Deal
August 17, 2010
Farmers Deserve the Land They Till
(A Statement on the HLI Compromise Deal)
“The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with me.” (Leviticus 25:23)
The earth is the Lord's and we are but stewards. Those who toil the land must be recognized and given their due as responsible stewards. They ensure that the land produces the fruits that sustain life for all. Land is life. It is a gift desecrated when the control of the land is left in the hands of the few. This desecration of God's gift has been a decades-old problem in the country as landlords continue to own large tracts of land confining the vast majority of peasants and farm workers in perpetual bondage and misery.
With this in mind, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), in solidarity with the workers of Hacienda Luisita, denounces the so-called compromise deal between the workers and the Cojuangcos, the family of President Benigno Aquino III, over the 6,500-hectare Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI). For one, the said deal was pushed before an upcoming decision of the Supreme Court on the legality of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) decision to revoke the controversial stock distribution option (SDO). The SDO circumvented the outright distribution of land as mandated by the 1988 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) by making the farmworkers as HLI stockholders.
Secondly, to say that the SDO scheme failed to uplift the lives of the HLI workers is a gross understatement. In effect, the Cojuangco-Aquinos used the SDO scheme to perpetuate slavery. Before the infamous massacre in November 16, 2004, newspaper reports stated that the average income of a worker in Hacienda Luisita was P9.50 per working day! Could that ensure survival? With the compromise agreement, the SDO is retained with only a portion of the vast land or only one third of the remaining 4,102 hectares of agricultural land to be distributed to the farmers.
The NCCP maintains that there should be an effective distribution of land to maximize its blessings for the good of all God's creation. This should not be compromised. Thus, we join the petition in praying that the Supreme Court rule in favor of the 10,000 farmer-beneficiaries. They have rightfully earned the claim after toiling the soil for many years. Let this be a noble precedent for all other landholdings similarly situated. A decision in the farmers' favor will not only be a victory for other farmers experiencing the same but also for social justice. We remind President Benigno Aquino III that to take a stand on the issue and declare his “hands on” support to farmers instead of taking a “hands-off” policy befits a President who boldly declared in his inaugural address that the Filipino masses are his “boss”.
REV. FR. REX RB. REYES, JR.
General Secretary
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Job Vacancy at ECLOF INC., Philippines
VACANCY
ECLOF INC., PHILIPPINES
ECLOF (Ecumenical Church Foundation) INC., Philippines is a microfinance non-government institution under ECLOF International based in Geneva, Switzerland. ECLOF Philippines is the only MFI which has strong linkages with the Protestant Churches with strategic partnership with 11 churches and church related organizations and 12 NGOs/POs/Cooperatives. ECLOF has a mission of providing financial assistance reaching to the marginalized entrepreneurs.
At present ECLOF Phil. has three (3) branch offices in Greater Manila, Benguet and Palawan and expanding to service other areas in the Philippines.
Currently we are in need of the following:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (1) IMMEDIATE
Job Summary: Under the consultative direction of ECLOF Board of Trustees, develops, recommends and oversees implementation of the short and long-term objectives, policies, budget and operating plans of the foundation. Gives direction and leadership toward the achievement of the foundation’s philosophy, mission, strategies and objectives.
Requirement/Qualifications:
Ø Bachelor’s degree in any course relevant to ECLOFs operation is required and Masters degree in Business Administration/Management is preferred.
Ø Has 15 years of work experience in the area of specialization, 10 years of which are in the micro-finance, NGO or the same field and at least 5 years in managerial position.
Ø Manifests evidence of Christian faith and values.
Ø Strong management and leadership skills and experience.
Ø Demonstrate ability to lead in strategizing and coalition building.
Ø Demonstrate effectiveness and lead experience in fund development.
Ø Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ø Has proven track record in building and maintaining partnerships and associates.
Interested applicant may send resume with photo and application letter via email at hr.eclofphil@gmail.com or you may personally visit our main office at Rm. 200 NCCP Ecumenical Church Center, 879 EDSA, Q.C. You may also contact us at 02-925-1763.
Application deadline: September 15, 2010.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Mrs. Alegria Hembrador Toquero, wife of Bishop Solito Toquero passed away
Our deepest condolences to the Toquero family.
Update as of 2:57 pm: third paragraph of the above document should have read...their children Mervin and Armen Ria and all their relatives... our apologies for the error.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Ecumenical Welcome Reception
Participants and Guests of the Philippine International Observers Mission for the May 2010 election at a photo-op after the Ecumenical Welcome Reception held May 7, 2010 at the Shalom Center in Malate, Manila.
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