Opinion

What’s in store in Year 2018

FROM THE STANDS - Domini M. Torrevillas - The Philippine Star

January 2, 2018 | 12:00am

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), as the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, appealed for humanitarian aid to help hundreds of thousands affected by Typhoons Urduja and Vinta which hit scores of provinces in the Philippines.

The PRC through the support of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Qatar Red Crescent Society responded to PRC’s appeal and donated millions of pesos for the provision of additional food items, non-food items, water, sanitation, and emergency shelters. Manila Bulletin also donated P1 million to support PRC’s ongoing emergency and relief operations.

Amidst all the challenges, PRC volunteers and staff have been active on the ground providing round-the-clock humanitarian assistance even before the storms made landfall during the holidays.

“When the world no longer watches, the Philippine Red Cross stays to do what must be done. We are one in helping the most vulnerable, banking on our fundamental principle of humanity,” PRC chair and CEO Richard Gordon said.

To those who are interested to extend a humanitarian hand through the Philippine Red Cross, cash donations may be deposited in any of the following Philippine Red Cross bank accounts: Account name: Philippine Red Cross, BDO Peso Account – 00-453-0190938; BDO Dollar Account – 10-453-0039482;Metrobank Peso Account – 151-7-15152434-2;Metrobank Dollar Account – 151-2-15100218-2, and BPI Account – 4991003652

Donations may also be dropped off at the PRC Tower, 37 EDSA corner Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City. Donors may also call telephone numbers 790-2410 and 0917-834- 8378, or email at [email protected].

Be part of PRC’s mission to alleviate suffering and restore the dignity of the most vulnerable by giving generously. Donate now and help save lives.

The Philippine Red Cross, as the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, has 103 chapters with two million volunteers nationwide that is always first, always ready and always there to provide round-the-clock humanitarian assistance, especially to the most vulnerable.

PRC services include disaster management, health, welfare, safety, blood, volunteer service, and Red Cross youth.

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As has been our and our forefathers’ practice, as a new year sets in, we make resolutions to change our ways, to walk harder towards personal goals, hope and pray that things will be better in our country.

I asked friends what they would like to happen in 2018.

Judge Tom Danguilan, Regional Trial Court, Malolos, Bulacan, said. For 2018, his hope is that “the judiciary will not succumb to outside interference, its independence and the rule of law preserved and defended.”

Saeed A. Daof, Governor, Philippine Red Cross and Vice-President for Mindanao and Chair, Peace and Development Committee, Philippine Constitution Association: “I strongly support the early passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). President Duterte is right. Let us move fast on this matter. Let there be a law that would serve as strong legal basis for negotiation in securing foreign assistance and cooperation for the rehabilitation of ravaged areas and implementation of economic development projects that would require billions and billions of dollars based on sound and feasible post-war socio-economic development plans and programs. Last but not least for now, let the BBL assert and develop the need for the furtherance of a culture of peace among Filipinos regardless of ideology, creed, ethnicity, political persuasion and religion, and to encourage and motivate the nation to move on and reap the “would-be” beneficial windfall and dividends of peace to a people under one nation, the Republic of the Philippines.”

Lawyer Ed Tarriela: “Apart from my law practice I am actively involved in agriculture with Eds Farm/Learning Center in Antipolo and with the Agri Go Negosyo Mentor Me. At Eds Farm we have fruit trees, vegetables and herbs, all organic, no use of chemicals for healthy living. My goal is to provide farmers not only training skills and knowledge but also a change in mindset, that they become productive agripreneurs. We hope to see more farmers avail of the DA Agri Go Negosyo Mentorship and the Agri Training Institute (ATI) programs for a more progressive Philippines. Angat Lahat in 2018.”

Flor Tarriela, chair, Philippine National Bank, said “No one knows the future but I’m hopeful for 2018. Why? The Philippines was one of the best performing Asean economies in 2017 and with the implementation of the Tax Reform (TRAIN) Act and the President’s BUILD BUILD BUILD program, it can be better in 2018. However it is not without challenges. As Rick Warren says, everyday there are blessings to be thankful for, and everyday there are challenges to pray for. My prayer for 2018 is for a great economic performance for the Philippines, for Philippine National Bank (PNB) to mean PiNakaBest Bank for its customers and stakeholders.

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Dr. Joey Gunzon, part- time faculty at NCBA Graduate School, former associate dean, PCU graduate school, submitted this prayer to God Almighty: “To help achieve our dreams, I pray that we all heed what 1 Peter 3:15-16 says, our country is now in a sad state. It is beset with many problems – even our government officials are quarrelling among themselves, trying to outsmart each other, instead of working together to achieve a common goal – that of solving the ills of the times and making us live better lives. Help them to interpret and practice our laws wisely and honestly. Help them to put aside their own prejudices and seek the original intent of our constitution. Give them clarity of mind and a heart that senses its accountability to a higher law – Your law, Your providence, Your justice.”

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Flor Braid, outstanding educator: “This is from a collective – three relatives, all women from three generations: My 84-year old sister wants more inner glow but with a lifetime charger to power the glow; my 52-year-old niece would like to have her 25-year old/25-inch waistline back; my 21-year old grandniece wants money that can buy the mom her 25-inch waistline and her lola a power charger to preserve her inner glow; and for ageless me, to have better hearing, and a more discerning mind amidst all the confusing signals. But all four of us would like to see indications of the narrowing of the wide social gaps.

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Dr. Miriam Calaguas, radiation oncologist: “Let us have a peaceful, healthy year ahead. May Jesus reign in the hearts of all men.”

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Rev. Mediador Jumawan, pastor, Church of the Risen Lord, UP, Diliman, Quezon City:

The New Year’s Eve Service at CRL had this Hymn of Praise – “Another Year is Dawning”, with text by Frances Ridley Havergal, and music by Samuel S. Wesley.

“Another year is dawning: Dear Father, let it be

In working or in waiting, another year with Thee;

Another year of progress, another year of praise,

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

“Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace;

Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting of quiet, happy rest.

“Another year of service, of witness for Thy love;

Another year of training for holier work above.

Another year is dawning: Dear Father, let it be,

On earth or else in heaven, another year for Thee.”