Republic Day of India Today

India celebrates its Republic Day today. This holiday remembers the day the Constitution of India replaced the Government of India ct 1935 as the country’s governing document on January 26, 1950. The date was chosen to commemorate the promulgation of the Purna Swaraj Declaration of the Independence of India on January 26, 1930. To celebrate Republic Day, a grand parade is held in New... 

The Conversion of Saint Paul

MANILA, Philippines — We celebrate Wednesday the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. This event he often describes in his letters to the churches and is narrated three times in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 9:3-9, Acts 22:6-21, Acts 26:12-18). Before his conversion, Saul – his original name – was a “zealous” Pharisee going after those who, he believed, were deviating from... 

Department of Social Welfare and Development Celebrates its 61st Anniversary

MANILA, Philippines — For the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which celebrates its 61st Anniversary this year, 2011 was a year when the department showed its capacity to serve the poor with vigor. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman gave recognition to DSWD officials and staff for their dedication and passion for public service. The DSWD’s major accomplishments... 

Fatima Pilgrim Image Visits Philippines

Manila, Philippines – The revered pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima is in the Philippines for the whole month of January to bring the message of the Virgin Mary and propagate devotion to the Most Holy Rosary for world peace. It is visiting 18 churches in Central and Northern Luzon as part of a worldwide pilgrimage. Its last stop will be at the Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion... 

The World’s 8th Friendliest Country

MANILA, Philippines — The friendliness and hospitality of Filipinos were recognized in a global survey among expatriates who said the Philippines is the eighth friendliest country in the world and the first in Asia. The survey, released on December 11, 2011, was conducted by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation’s (HSBC) Expat Explorer Survey on the Top 15 Friendliest Countries. Surveyed... 

Veneration of a Sacred Relic

MANILA, Philippines — A sacred relic, part of the cross where Jesus Christ was crucified, is enshrined in the Parish of the Five Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ which was elevated into a Diocesan Shrine on January 14, 2012. Devotees continue to flock to the new shrine to pray and venerate the Savior’s relic. The miniature relic is contained in a giant cross, placed beside the tabernacle... 

Church observes ‘Year of Mission’

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) officially launched the “Year of Mission” or “Year of the Pontifical Mission Societies” on January 14, 2012, with a Mass at the National Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, the Patroness of Missions. The highlight of the celebration will be the Grand Mission Festival, a national event to... 

Planting trees, seedlings is fun

Manila, Philippines – Eighteen major river basins in the country get priority in the government’s National Greening Program (NGP) in the aftermath of typhoon “Sendong.” This year, the government in planting seedlings in 200,000 hectares of protected areas nationwide, double last year’s 100,000-hectare target. Of the more than 400 river basins in the country, 18 are considered... 

Providing quality, efficient health services

Manila, Philippines – The government is prioritizing the establishment and upgrading of district hospitals and rural health centers in many areas of the country, especially in Mindanao. In 2011, some 1,500 rural health centers were set up to cater to the needs of poor and marginalized rural folk. The government’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program has received additional funding... 

Anti-Bullying Act of 2012

MANILA, Philippines — After an Anti-bullying movement in the 2000s and 2010s gained popularity in the United States and United Kingdom, the Charity Act Against Bullying was formed in the United Kingdom in 2003, and National Bullying Prevention Month was declared in the United States in 2006. In the Philippines, the House of Representatives has approved a bill requiring all elementary...