Santosh Digal

The damage to agriculture amounts to 25 million. Energy supplies also at risk. Sister Hener Genie: Our fervent prayers will be rewarded if we continue to put our hope in the Lord.

According to a risk-consulting firm, Indonesia is the most corrupt country in South-East Asia along with Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The problem is pervasive in all sectors of the economy and society. Accusing adversaries of corruption has become a political tool of choice for many corrupt politicians to hang onto power. Catholic scholar in Manila says that if the common good were the priority, countries like Indonesia and the Philippines would be among the least corrupt countries in the region.

Over 47% of managers and executives are women and over 20% of female employees have successfully completed university studies, thanks to the initiatives promoted by the Church. Women are still subordinate to men especially in rural areas. Lily, a professor of nursing at a Catholic University of Manila talks about her experience.

A meeting between representatives of the Filipino government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front ends on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Next round of talks is set for after upcoming elections in May. Presidential peace advisor Annabelle T. Abaya says the respect MILF is showing for the peace process and the government’s proposal will move talks towards a long-term solution for the Mindanao problem.

Catholics and bishops condemn the Department of Health (DOH) initiative and accuse the government of using public taxes for campaigns that go against morality. Former director of the DOH: condoms do not prevent pregnancy or protect against infection.

More than 3,200 chickens died of dehydration in the single province of La Union (North). Around 10 tonnes of fish disappear in shrinking artificial Lake Magadat. Damage even in the capital yesterday morning, where energy is supplied for only for two hours a day. For experts the drought will last until July. At the risk of the presidential elections in May.

Aid amounts to 5 million euros. It will allow victims of the war between Islamic rebels and the army to return to their homes.

Health Department began handing out free condoms on 14 February, this despite a protest by Catholic bishops and church members. According to the director of the Department of Clinical Pathology at a Catholic Hospital, the rising rate of AIDS is not the hallmark of an epidemic and condoms cannot solve the problem.

On 24 February 1986, millions of Catholics took to the streets of Manila. Armed with rosaries and led by Cardinal Sin, they forced President Marcos to flee after almost 20 years in power. Susan Ong, who was present at that fateful moment, remembers the revolution. For her, “The spirit of democracy is still here; however, much more has to be done for the people and the country’s development”.

Since January, 2.5 million tonnes of rice and corn have been lost in the northern regions. Drought is affecting the rest of the country with power cuts and water rationing, including in the capital. Some people turn to shamans. The bishop of Urdeneta urges people to have faith in Providence, and to do all they can to counter the effects of climate change.

In the Islamic country there is no freedom of religion. In order to keep her faith alive the woman took refuge in her room to pray. Filipino bishops call on the faithful to pray and reflect on the plight of workers abroad.

Over 31 million for advertising in media and newspapers before the official start of the campaign. For analysts this is an example of the corruption that has always afflicted the country and costs more than 3 billion Euros each year. Fr. Timoner: Corruption is the main cause of chronic poverty experienced by the population.