Christianity and Islam in the search for peace in the Southern Philippines

Journal articleThis study attempted to critically analyze the role that Christianity and Islam have played in the search for peace in Mindanao as represented by various Christian and Islamic religious organizations which have been deeply involved in the Mindanao peace process since post-colonial era up to the present. The identified common values and principles of peace and justice inherent to Christianity and Islam could be harnessed toward the establishment of a shared theological and political agenda, upon which, cooperation and collaborative works for peace and development in Mindanao should be anchored. Analysis of the socio-economic, political, religious, and cultural context reigning in Mindanao as well as the role that Christianity and Islam has played in the peace process was made from the perspective of a Christian and Islamic theology of liberation. The study employed a dialogical model of interpretation which took into account specific themes and texts that are central to the teachings of the Bible and the Qu’ran. Likewise, the novel was used in the understanding of Christian and Islamic concepts of peace and justice as well as in identifying common theological and political agenda for peace in Mindanao. The study identified at least five areas of theological and political convergence between Christianity and Islam. These areas can be harnessed toward the formulation and establishment of a peace project in Mindanao that is historically and contextually relevant. The study showed that the roots and causes of conflict in Mindanao are rather complex than simple. Thus, there is no single explanation or solution to the problem. Not discounting the significant contributions that the previous peace initiatives have made in the peace process, the study suggested three political programs for lasting and genuine peace in Mindanao, namely: Economic, Cultural, and Political restructuring and transformation

Leading the church beyond the pandemic

Book chapterMy primary purpose in this article is to discuss how the Church can respond to needs and engage meaningfully in the midst of this life-threatening pandemic that has swept the whole world. More precisely, my intention is to understand how the Church as the body of Christ should respond to crisis situations and lead communities to resilience. My response to this question is born out of our actual experience and encounter with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this way, I hope my presentation will be more practical and realistic than theoretical

A study on the church and ecology in the Philippine context

IntroductionThe problem of environmental degradation is not anymore an isolated issue. This is now a global concern. People all over the world are very much aware of the seriousness of this problem. Locally and worldwide people are becoming more conscious of the fact that we share the same predicament because we are all aboard in one spaceship called earth, and what happens to a certain part of the world will certainly affect all the rest No one can deny the fact that the environment of air, water and earth sustains and nurtures us, and as the environment deteriorates, life for all of us is endangered. Scientists have earlier warned us that environmental degradation has reached an alarming proportion that it will not take long when the planet earth would not be able to sustain life anymore. Not to do anything about environmental deterioration is tantamount to suicide. One disturbing fact that should confront every Filipino today is the reality of the brokenness of our society. Today, as never before, we are faced with all sorts of problem known to man— the horror of grinding poverty, the seemingly endless graft and corruption both in the lower and higher echelon of our government, the paralyzing effect of foreign domination both on the political and economic life of our nation, and of course, the terrifying reality of ecological degradation which has reached a very alarming proportion. In a DENR- sponsored seminar on ecology held in Iloilo City, an expert, Dr. Remegio Amador Jr. of the Development Academy of the Philippines gave the participants update on environment. He said that because of the extreme heat that we are experiencing now, the icebergs of the North Pole are starting to melt. This will cause a dramatic rise in the sea level. And this in turn will endanger islands and countries that are below sea level. He pointed out that these islands would gradually sink. He said that this could happen in the next 5 or 10 years. To make matters worse he remarked that Panay is one of these islands which are below sea level. This is no alarmist or joker who is talking. This is someone who has scientific knowledge about the trends and threats to our world. The situation is serious. Maybe we do not as yet feel its precariousness, but never before has the need for restoring the wholeness of creation been more urgent. The series of calamitous events that have plagued our country in the past five years are concrete manifestations of the seriousness of our problem— the devastating quake, the super typhoon, the scorching drought, the mudflows and the ashfalls from the vowels of Mt. Pinatubo and Mt. Mayon, the killer flood of Ormoc that swept some 8,000 people to their death. These are living legacies of our mindless and exploitative society today. Everett Mendoza, a professor of New Testament Theology at Siliman University observes that these horrifying events have evoked theological questions that cut deep through the heart of the Christian Gospel. “If the God that we see in Jesus is a loving God, why does He allow all these to happen?” Again, Mendoza points out that varied responses from the church people have been forwarded to answer this question. On the one hand, the more secularized ones would regard these calamitous events as just mere natural events. They say that volcanoes do erupt and flashfloods occur at certain points in time and therefore, there is no good reason for attaching any theological meaning to it. On the other hand, the more fanatical one say that it’s a sign of Christ’s second coming and the beginning of the millenium. These are superficial answers that do not at all consider the serious implication of the problem in relation to the actual experiences of the people and what the Bible says about it. In this time of crisis, the church is caught unprepared to give a clear theological stand on the issue of ecological degradation which has become massive and rampant in our country and the world today. The challenge of the contemporary ecological crisis in our country is the springboard for this study. I am convinced and I agree with Santmire, an American Christian environmentalist who asserts, "The roots of our ecological problem is not only political but to a large extent religious in nature.” He concludes, “The remedy must also be essentially religious whether we call that or not.” Ms. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz- Duremdes, regional coordinator of the Western Visayas Ecumenical Council shares the same thought when she said, “Today’s endangered environment reveals a spiritual crisis. Modern culture has come to understand the world apart from any reference to God and His original purpose in creation.” Along with this, Shinn, a professor of Applied Christianity at Union Theological Seminary, New York, remarks that when the psalmist of old lifts up his eyes unto the hills, it would always remind him of his Creator. But today, when man lifts up his eyes unto the hills, he cannot think of God any more. Instead, he thinks of the minerals and timber that he can plunder from it. Santmire strongly suggests “that today as never before we need an ecological theology that takes seriously the life of man in nature and the life of nature itself.” Indeed, our time of crisis requires the church to formulate a clear theological stand on the issue that would allow our people to realize the serious consequences of the damage that human beings have inflicted upon nature, to see the inherent value of nature, and ultimately, the restoration of life in the whole of God’s creation. This paper is intended towards that direction. However, this is to be regarded as the beginning of the journey, not the end of the journey itself For I know that no one can claim on this matter theological absoluteness. Yet, I believe that theology, like faith itself is a venture, a risk, and one must be willing to go into this quite difficult process in order to be able to make sense out of our chaotic situation. Essential to achieving this purpose is: First, for us to know the actual picture of our ecological dilemma in the Philippines today. I have purposedly given special attention to problems related to our forest ecosystem and marine ecosystem, [although I have also discussed very briefly some other issues related to the problem of environment like higher population expansion and environmental pollution] for they show the most glaring evidence of our ecological problem; Second, an assessment of the life and nature of the church amidst ecological problems in our country today; Third, we need to look at the problem from the Biblical perspective; and Fourth, we need to come up with a program of ministry by which the church could get involved in the work of restoring God’s creation.Includes bibliographical referencesMaster of Divinit

A biblical, theological and critical analysis of campus ministry in the context of Christian university in the Philippines: Towards developing a theology for campus ministry

Abstract onlyCampus ministry has been a part of the effort of Christian universities to promote Christianity and to instill Christian values and character among the constituents of the university. In the course of time, and in the present age of globalization, Christian universities in Asia and the Philippines in particular give more emphasis on academic excellence at the expense of the Christian vision for holistic and meaningful education, Thus, there seems to be a widening gap between faith and science as Christian universities are pressured by the standards of globalization. In this respect, this study aims at revisiting the nature and mission of the church and rediscover the church's varied ministries in relation to campus ministry and to recover the dynamic relations between the church and campus ministry. Looking at the nature and mission of the church in relation to campus ministry, an analysis is made to understand the role of campus ministry as it assists the Christian university in realizing its Christian vision and in balancing the focus on faith and science to ensure total development of the university's constituents. In line with the analysis and understanding on campus ministry in relation to the church, the community and the university, an attempt is made to formulate a relevant theology of campus ministry that would serve as a framework in campus ministry. This study uses the descriptive and analytical method taking into consideration the biblical- theological reflection based on Christian faith as testified in the Bible and on the history and situation in Asia and the Philippines. An assessment of Christian universities shows that the concept of universities, which was established in Europe during the medieval period, were brought by Western missionaries to Asia especially in the 18th century. The purpose of these universities were to train leaders based on the Christian faith. But this universities, patterned after American universities were not only training leaders but also converting local people to Christianity. There were many attempts to reorient the direction of the universities to serve their constituents better. However, the era of globalization has pressured most universities to shift gears to pave the way to science and information technology. The focus on science has lessen the formation of Christian values. Pluralism, multi-culture, multi-religious dimensions have been opened and the tendency for isolationist weakened. Yet, campus ministry has a great tendency to work on the usual business of targeting other religion for Christian conversion. This goes to say that Christianity is seen as superior than other religions. There is a need then for campus ministry to reinterpret gospel so that it will be more effective in supporting the Christian university in its mission of balancing faith and science for total development of persons not things, and service people rather than things and personal interests as goal. Campus ministry in Asian and Philippine context is by and large patterned after the local church. Campus ministry is managed by chaplains, usually representing the denomination to which the university belongs. Campus ministry activities are usually limited to religious, sacramental, and liturgical exercises. To some extent, these religious activities limits the horizons of total development of life. This study has attempted to revisit the nature and mission of the church. The church is a fellowship and organized band of Christians who seriously follow the mission of Jesus 一 to love God and to love neighbors as one's self. The nature of the church is more inclusive and hopes to relate to others in a loving way so that renewal and salvation for all may take place. It is expected that members of the Christian church should help each other in the work towards growth and maturity and in sharing their things and their lives to others. From this general understanding of the nature and mission of the church, the dynamics of campus ministry is situated. Campus ministry is making Christ alive and visible in campus through the proclamation of the Word, education, nurture, caring and sharing, that every individual and the whole community may become living witnesses of God's saving acts in history. Campus ministry should be a part of that visible sign of God's presence in celebrating and exploring the incarnation in thought, word and deed. It is different from the local church in context, methodologies and approaches, and in many other respects it has similarity with the church such as participating in the mission of making life meaningful and abundant. Campus ministry, however, assists in transforming and empowering persons but not inviting these persons to become members of a local church. Thus, campus ministry which adheres to the principles of 1) being and doing; 2) inclusive ministry; 3) social relevance; and, 4) participatory leadership is enabling the constituents of the university to become who and what they are and empowering them to become better members of their religions, communities and families. Taking into consideration the dynamics of the church and campus ministry, this study has attempted to formulate a relevant theology of campus ministry. This theology to be functional and relevant should pay particular attention to the three dimensional relations of God, man and nature. A meaningful and abundant life is anchored in 1) man's relations with the God, the higher being; 2) man's relation to others; and 3) man's relation to nature. A theology of campus ministry should develop a spirituality that would strengthen this three dimensions of life by opening venues towards participatory leadership, self-criticism, interfaith dialogue, wherein participants can share their faith resources and take others' faith resources, thereby enriching one another. This study recommends that campus ministry should 1) undertake a serious study on the context of the university where it operates. This context includes the socio-economic, religious, cultural, social, and political situation of its constituents. From this study, a comprehensive plan, say 10 to 20 years, can be based. 2) Open a venue for dialogue and interfaith discussions to be participated by students, churches, communities and other religions. This dialogue will certainly produce information and faith experiences which can be incorporated in the comprehensive plan of campus ministry.Includes bibliographical referencesMaster of Theolog

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF RASBORA PHILIPPINA AT LAKE WOOD FOR BASIS MANAGEMENT

Rasbora philippina is an endemic species in Mindanao Island, Philippines. Its reproductive biology remains unstudied despite its economic importance to the local inhabitants of the lake, the Subanen tribe. Due to its marketability, Rasbora faces local threats. Thus, the formulation of fishery management and conservation recommendations is highly recommended. A research-made survey was used to interview fishermen in the lake, and fish samples were collected using a seine net with a catch per unit effort of three or four from March to May 2019. Water samples were collected using a Niskin water sampler at 1 m and 15 m depths during the same period. The reproductive biology of the fish was determined using the following data: sex ratio, maturity stages, age and population structure, fecundity, gonadosomatic index, and length-weight relationship. During the study period, the water quality was highly variable, still in good condition, and could still support the population of R. philippina. There were 31 male and 403 female individuals with a mean fecundity of 2,645.67, suggesting that there were more females than males, compensating for the low fecundity of R. philippina. The species does not spawn continuously, as mature individuals were absent throughout the study. However, this species is continuously recruited due to the presence of juveniles in the entire sampling period. Peak spawning was in early and mid-March and mid-April. Based on the results, we suggest that the open fishing season should be in early April, late April, and the third week of March, while the closed season for fishing would be in early March and late March. Thus, the management and conservation of R. philippina should always include careful consideration of the facts presented in this present work

Consumer Awareness on Labeled Food Products in Digos City, Philippines

Food label information assists consumers to better understand the nutritional value of the food. This study was conducted to determine the consumer awareness on labeled food products. There were 115 respondents interviewed while shopping at various shopping stores in Digos City. An exploratory and descriptive design method was used and data was analyzed using a cross-tabulation method and chi-square test. Results show that the most frequently referred labeling information are the expiry date and list of ingredients. Consumers were motivated to read labeling information because they are health conscious and want to know characteristics of the food. High level of awareness on food labeling information was observed among female respondents. Furthermore, consumers’ awareness of the information on the food labels is not determined by age, level of education, type of occupation, and gender. The level of education, gender, and type of occupation affect the extent of consumers’ knowledge about the importance of food labeling. It was found that the high extent of knowledge was observed among respondents who had college education. On the other hand, respondents within the 31-to-40-year-old age bracket and those who attained college degree perceived food labeling as very important. Furthermore, the consumers’ perception on the importance of food labeling information is affected by age, level of education, and type of occupation. Steps should be taken to improve food labeling, especially the labeling style, to provide clear, readable information, as well as develop consumer guidelines on purchasing labeled food products

Severity of Depressive Symptoms and Accuracy of Dietary Reporting among Obese Women with Major Depressive Disorder Seeking Weight Loss Treatment

An elevation in symptoms of depression has previously been associated with greater accuracy of reported dietary intake, however this association has not been investigated among individuals with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The purpose of this study was to investigate reporting accuracy of dietary intake among a group of women with major depressive disorder in order to determine if reporting accuracy is similarly associated with depressive symptoms among depressed women. Reporting accuracy of dietary intake was calculated based on three 24-hour phone-delivered dietary recalls from the baseline phase of a randomized trial of weight loss treatment for 161 obese women with major depressive disorder. Regression models indicated that higher severity of depressive symptoms was associated with greater reporting accuracy, even when controlling for other factors traditionally associated with reporting accuracy (coefficient  =  0.01 95% CI = 0.01 – 0.02). Seventeen percent of the sample was classified as low energy reporters. Reporting accuracy of dietary intake increases along with depressive symptoms, even among individuals with major depressive disorder. These results suggest that any study investigating associations between diet quality and depression should also include an index of reporting accuracy of dietary intake as accuracy varies with the severity of depressive symptoms

Factors that influence visitors' choice to visit Iloilo City Plazas: A case study

Abstract onlyThis study identified the elements that impact visitors' decision to visit the seven plazas located in the seven districts of Iloilo City. This research work employed the case study approach to better examine and ascertain the aspects that impact visitors' decision-making. The researchers employed an incidental sampling method to select participants, adhering to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data has been collected via interviews to ascertain individuals' perspectives and experiences that impact their decision-making process, information analysis is a method employed to discern the patterns that arise from written or spoken language. It involves categorizing information into words, concepts, and themes. The researchers meticulously analyzed the data to discern reoccurring themes, ideas, and patterns. The results suggest that both External Motivation and Personal Motivation play a significant role in influencing participants' decision to visit plazas. To summarize, both external motivation and personal motivation had a substantial impact on individuals' decision to visit the plazas in Iloilo City. The results of this study indicate that individuals who visit plazas in Iloilo City examine the overall attractiveness of a place, taking into account many factors that influence their choice to explore and visit there. Visitors are attracted to the historical and cultural features of these areas, as well as the recreational activities and products available for enjoyment and purchase in the plazas. Finally, Reflection is a method that individuals use to do this, which is why it is one of the factors motivating these individuals to frequent these plazas. Millennials, motivated by their aspiration for personal development, contemplate their own influence on the environment and actively strive to make a positive contribution to the world through their travel decisions. Participants often find themselves in public squares, driven by their own personal motivations.Bachelor of Science in Tourism Managemen

The MagE Spectrograph

The Magellan Echellette (MagE) spectrograph is a single-object optical echellette spectrograph for the Magellan Clay telescope. MagE has been designed to have high throughput in the blue; the peak throughput is 22% at 5600 A including the telescope. The wavelength coverage includes the entire optical window (3100 A - 1 micron). The spectral resolution for a 1" slit is R~4100. MagE is a very simple spectrograph with only four moving parts, prism cross-dispersion, and a vacuum Schmidt camera. The instrument saw first light in November 2007 and is now routinely taking science observations.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figures. To appear in to appear in "Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II" SPIE conference Proc. 7014, Marseille, 23-28 June 200