This week, we Bystander on the significant events that crowded the last days of the eventful month of March as we move on to the quieter but equally significant Lenten month of April.
My Bystander-ing involves not only events in which I participate, but also those reported on by friends and colleagues. One of them, Cebu Daily News (CDN) fellow columnist Sofia Aliño Logarta, also a member of our Cebu Women’s League, reported last Sunday on the Magna Carta for Women discussion she was invited to by the Bureau Fisheries and Natural Resources; and the St. Theresa’s College celebration with the documentary film showing of “Saving Face” on abused Pakistani women and the discussion that follow ed.
Then Friday last week, March 28th, at the monthly Executive Committee Meeting of our Cebu Girl Scouts Council, we heard reports about our recently concluded Council Encampment, Star Holiday and Twinklers Playday 2014.
Business taken up for deliberation and action involved first, our forthcoming 2014 Annual Council Meeting and Awards Ceremony at the Cebu Grand Hotel on April 23rd. Invited guest speaker will be Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale who has always been active in women’s and children’s welfare and rights.
Also discussed were nominees for our Annual Service Awards and the Award Scheme of Medals and Medallions to be given. Also taken up were our forthcoming Golden Jubilee Senior and Cadet Encampment on May 13 – 18, 2014 at our Marina Yulo Vargas Regional Program & Training Center at Camp Marina on Capitol Hills.. The theme will be “Camp Marina at 50 and Beyond”.
In the ending days of March, achievements were announced of the various Board topnotchers and graduates in universities and colleges of Cebu, including the University of San Carlos, Southwestern University, University of the Visayas and the University of Cebu. Congratulations all!
Important cultural and historical events in the last days of March, include: on the 24th, the 44th death anniversary of writer, labor leader, & National Artist for Literature Amado Hernandez, who was born on September 13, 1903; on the 25th, Sergio “Serging” Osmena, Jr.’s birth anniversary; on the 26th, the 69th anniversary of the historical landing of the Americans in Talisay leading to the Japanese Imperial Forces to surrender Cebu on August 28th, 1945. The 26th was also the 89th death anniversary of Trinidad Pardo de Tavera; on the 28th, the 109th birth anniversary of Dona Anunciacion Aznar of the Southwestern University; and on the 31st, the 495th anniversary of the 1st Mass at Limasawa in Leyte.
On March 27th was the memorable signing in Malacañang of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on the Bangsamoro between peace panel chairs Miriam Coronel-Ferrer of the Philippines and Mohagher Iqbal of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and exchanging of copies. It sought to bring peace between Muslim Filipinos and Christian Filipinos, and witnessed by President Aquino and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and other officials of the two countries.
On the 29th, we joined the worldwide observation of Earth Hour by switching off electric lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Also significantly, last March 29th President Aquino graced the 60th Anniversary and the Diamond Anniversary Gala Night in Manila of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., which is the largest organization of Filipino businessmen of Chinese Heritage, and is a moving force in the growth of business in the country. Hopefully, they might help ease the tension from current Chinese encroachment into the Spratlys.
Meanwhile, the still missing Malaysian Airlines Flight reminds us of our claim on Sabah against Malaysia’s some years ago.
The event-filled week-and-a-half is the busiest I can remember since I started writing years ago for Cebu Daily News, that I am currently constrained to resort to brief reports on recent and current happenings.
Last April 1st, April Fool’s Day, were you the subject of any pranks that day? Seriously and at some length, April 2nd was observed by Catholic devotees as the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of St. Pedro Calungsod, a Visayan native. Together with Fr. Diego Luis San Victores, they were martyred for their works for the Catholic Faith on April 2,1672. Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal presided over two Pontifical Masses attended by devotees. And yesterday, April 3rd, was observed as Cebu’s historic “Tres de Abril”.
More on all other current happening in next week’s Bytander-ing. So until then, as always, may God continue to bless us, one and all!
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At the University of San Carlos (USC) “Education with a Mission”, congratulations to Board Topnotchers Carla Mae Sumalinog, 10th Placer in the Board Licensure Examinations for Professional Teachers – Secondary Level; and Engr. Dexter Nuevo, 4th placer in the Electronics Engineers Licensure Examinations. Also to the USC successful Board Licensure Examinations for Professional Teachers on the Elementary and Secondary Level; and Electrical Engineers Licensure Examinations.
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