Day 13: Run-Walk Philippines

Amidst the darkness and rain I resumed my trek in Consolacion at 5 am. An hour later as the sun was up, I made my ascent towards Mahaplag. It was a long uphill trek followed by downhill runs with the rain continuing to pour. The pair of Merrel Vibram sandals was just comfortable in the rain - no need for my running shoes and socks to get wet.

I remember that over ten years ago I was also ascending this same road on a mountain bike on my way to Pagudpud, Northern Luzon. But doing this on foot today seems easier and more pleasant.

As I ran and walked alone in the rain, I didn't really feel alone. I was aware of the presence of Someone who I cannot see but who accompanies me and takes care of me on my journey. I am aware of the support and concern of others who constantly call me or send text messages. GMA Morning News Una ka bay, Superbalita and ABS-CBN regularly monitors me and asks for updates and live report.

After almost two weeks on the road I can feel my body adapting to the demands of 8-12 hours of daily run/walk equivalent to the marathon distance and beyond. The foot aches and blisters no longer bother me. No muscle soreness. I don't feel tired. I wake up at three every morning feeling refreshed. The whole journey is becoming a more pleasant experience rather that an ardous effort.

I reached Mahaplag before 2 pm after covering 33 km. I was originally planning to stay overnight in Abuyog - another 25 km away. But I decided to take it easy and spend the night in the Mahaplag parish rectory. The parish priest was in Ormoc for the presbyterium meeting so I just texted him and ask for hospitality. No problem. Most of the priest in the Archdiocese of Palo know me since I have given them a seminar on Basic Ecclesial Communities.

Thus, I have covered 498 km, almost 500 km. Another 1000 km before I reach Manila add another 500 km and I will be in Aparri. But I take this a kilometer at a time.

Day 12: Run-Walk Across d Philippines

I started the Eastern Visayas leg in Liloan, Southern Leyte at 7:30 this morning after a cup of coffee in the Liloan parish retory.. I wore the pair of sandals. My feet felt fine and the blisters fully healed. It was a very pleasant trek along the sea. By 10 am it was raining hard and I used my northface jacket and my umbrella to keep myself dry.

I reached the parish in Consolacion, Sogod at 4:30 pm after covering 32 km. The parish priest wasn't around and only the secretary was left. There was a problem in accomodating me since there were 50 parish catechists who were having a seminar and they were sleeping in the rectory.. I wasn't expected since I didn't write a letter to the parish priest beforehand. Providentially, the parish priest (Fr. Litoy) of a neighboring parish sent a message asking me to have dinner with him & stay in his rectory. We were in the seminary together and we haven't seen each other for over 27 years. So I was delivered to his parish rectory. This where I am now. Tomorrow I will be delivered back to the Consolacion and resume my journey on foot up to Mahaplag.

Day 11: Run-Walk Across d Philippines

April 11, 2011

At 3:15 am, as the rain continued to pour in the dark highway, I was on my way towards Lipata, Surigao. I wanted to make sure to catch the 4 pm ferry to Liloan, Leyte. The blister on my left foot continued to bother me but it was bearable.
I wore my sandals so that my running shoes & socks won't get wet. The gentle rain which I prefer to a hot & humid weather was most welcome. When the sun came out at 11 am, I wore my running shoes and some downhill running. Along the way I saw some signs which express the desire for peace and to support the peace process.
I reached Lipata at 3 pm, just enough time to get on the Ferry.

Day 10: Run-Walk Across d Philippines

April 10, 2011

I celebrated Mass in the parish church at 6 am. Being Sunday, the church was full. Once again I preached about my Pro-Life & Peace advocacy.
At 8 am I was finally on my way to Tubod (Surigao) 38 km from Santiago. I wore my sandals since it felt more comfortable with my blistered feet still recovering.
The sun was already very hot by 9 am. Two hours later as I was ascending the mountain overlooking Lake Mainit it started to rain. Of course I was so glad. I used my umbrella while walking gently and praying the rosary. During the descent several hours later I ran downhill while holding the umbrella. It continued to rain as it got dark. I arrived in the Tubod parish rectory. I was welcomed by Fr. Kenneth, MSC.

Day 9: Run-Walk Across d Philippines

April 9, 2011

The rest day yesterday really did wonders on my body. I woke up at 3 am feeling refreshed & ready to go. The blisters had healed quickly and I couldn't feel any pain as I set out at 4:15 towards Santiago, Agusan which is 47 km from Butuan.

As I walked in the dark towards Santiago I remembered fondly the last day of my pilgrim journey to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. What was missing was stars along the milky way in the Camino de Santiago. I only saw one star early this morning.

When I stopped in Ampayon for a cup of coffee, I saw a group of army soldiers in battle gear. I had a chat with them about my run/walk advocacy for peace & life. I then asked them to pose for a souvenir photo with me. Maybe next time I can also pose for a souvenir photo with some NPA units.

I am doing this run/walk for soldiers like them and also for the NPA & MILF guerrillas, and for the civilians caught in the cross-fire, for all of us who are fed up with the war & violence which been going on for too long. I long for the day when a peace agreement will finally be signed - and a just & lasting peace will reign in our land. Then armed men in full battle gear won't be a common sight and young people don't have to waste their time & life fighting it out in the countryside.

The first 30 km up to Cabadbaran seemed to be easy. I did more walking than running. But it got very hot and I had to use my umbrella again. I could feel new sets of blisters forming. I did more running the last 7 km. I reached Santiago by 5 pm and was welcomed by the parish priest - Fr. Dario Tudlasan.

Day 8: Solo Run-Walk Across d Philippines

At 3:00 in the morning I woke up and remembered that today is a day of rest and went back to sleep. My alarm woke me up at 6:30.
It is such a relief to just relax the whole and allow my body to recover. I have blisters in the soles of my feet and a black (dead) toenail. Without rest I won't be able to recover and I could easily breakdown, and I won't be able to continue and finish my journey. This is the law of the Sabbath and it applies also to everyone's life journey.
I also incorporate rests on those days that I am on the road. That is is why I take frequent breaks every hour and get a good night's sleep. 10-12 hrs on the road is enough.

I spent part of the morning washing my clothes.

At 5:15 pm, I concelebrated with Fr. Joesil and I preached about the Gospel of Life and peace and my specific pro-life advocacies: support the peace process, defend the environment, reject the RH bill.

Day 7: Solo Run-Walk Across d Philippines

I was awake at 3:00 am before my alarm sounded which I set at 3:30 am. By 4:15 am, I was on the road with my headlamp showing me the way. I walked very slowly listening to soft religious music as I prayed & meditated on my feet and witnessed the sun gradually rise on the horizon. This is rhythm I am following most morning during this journey.

I had decided that today I would do less running and more easy & slow walking. I disabled the GPS function of my Timex watch so that I don't have to monitor my pace and distance.

I strictly followed a 5 minutes break every hour to give my feet a rest & to cool off. But in spite of this my feet became more painful due to the blisters in both feet. Walking and running became very agonizing. I focused my mind in praying the rosary and meditating on the joyful, light, sorrowful & glorious mysteries.

The pain would dissapear and I would run the downhill portions but it would later come back forcing me to walk very slowly again.

Once again I experienced the kindness of a stranger when a car suddenly stopped beside me and the owner came out and gave me a bottle of cold water and some money. Twice I was invited by some group of friends who were having a drinking spree to have 'one for the road' but I just smiled & continued walking. Another car stopped and I thought the occupants would give me something but they just wanted to have their picture taken with me!

As I reached the PNP checkpoint near Butuan, the policemen asked me what I was doing and after explaining my advocacy, we had picture taking.

I reached Butuan at 4:15 pm after covering 43 km. I proceeded to the cathedral rectory and was given a room. During dinner I was welcomed by the rector - Msgr. Rowell.

So after 7 days I have covered 295 km. Tomorrow is rest day. I hope I can recover quickly so that I can continue my journey towards Surigao this Saturday.

Day 6: Solo Run/Walk Across the Philippines

As usual I was up by 3:30 am feeling refreshed. I was on the road by 4:45 am. After an hour, I was overtaken by a chubby young man who was running fast. He turned to me and said: "Good luck, Lolo." I was taken aback to hear me being addressed as Lolo (grandpa). Either I look too old, or I run/walk like an old man. And to think that I am not yet a senior citizen. Anyway, I consoled my self by the awareness that although many can run faster than me, they cannot run/walk as far as I can (over 2000+), solo, unsupported, carrying an 8 kilo backpack. There was a time when my average training pace was 5 km/hour which I can do for 30-40 km without taking a walking break. But that was 30 years ago. But I don't think that at that age, I can do what I am doing now. Because I am now slower, I take frequent breaks, I have a lot of patience and endurance, I can go on a long, long journey by foot across this country.

At 8 am, while passing Prosperidad, I drop by a roadside restaurant for coffee. I had a chat with Rosalina, the owner. When it was time to pay for the coffee, she told me that it was free. A few hours later, a van stopped and the owner came out and shook my hand. He introduced himself (Mr. Pajelo) his wife, daughter and son and had picture taken. He then gave me a thousand pesos for my expenses and then drove away. At one in the afternoon, an SUV stopped and a couple came out and introduced themselves (Henry & Cora) and they gave me empanada, siopao and mineral water. I have once gain experienced the kindness and generosity of people I met on the way and this started since day one. Most of them told me that they saw me on TV. They probably wanted to show their support.

I feel ambivalent about the media coverage which started a week before I even began my journey and which is continuing. I wanted to make this low-key and very private and yet because this is a run/walk for a cause, I have to accept it since this is the only way my message can reach a wide audience. I am just a small voice which the media can multiply a thousand times.

I've been having problem with the soles of my feet which become sore and painful after six hours on the road. I have made it a point to rest every hour - for 5-10 minutes to give my aching foot a break and to cool off. But this afternoon, it has becomes more agonizing. The continuous slow running provides relief, but I am also careful that I don't get a repititive stress injury that can result in shin splint or stress fracture.

I finally reached Bayugan City at 4 pm after covering 40 km. I was welcomed by Fr. Guy - the parish priest, and Fr. Danny - his assistant. I concelebrated at the 5:30 pm mass and talked for 12 minutes about my advocacy and the message of life and peace. As usual, I ate over-ate during dinner. This is my only meal of the day which should be enough to sustain my fast while I run/walk during the day.

So after six days, I have covered 252 km. That's an average of 42 km per day (a marathon for six successive days).

Day 4 & 5: Solo Run-Walk Across the Philippines

(I didn't have internet access yesterday so I will just fuse day 4 & 5 here. I left my netbook computer behind so that I can travel light. So I rely on my cellphone or a local internet shop. But there are times when there is no strong cell signal or no open internet shop)

Yesterday, before the sun was out I was already on the road with a headlamp making the road visible. I walked very slowly, aware of God's presence as the sun slowly appeared on the horizon. This is what is called praying and meditating on my feet and with my feet. This may sound unorthodox but I can feel God's presence while walking or running on the road than kneeling in a church or chapel. When it was already bright, I stopped for coffee on a roadside store. After 10 minutes I was back on the road. The road was mostly winding, with lots of ascents and descents. I walked the ascents and ran the descents. Going downhill I remember the prayer that Fr. Brendan used when he blessed me before I set out on my journey: "May the road rise us to meet you..."

While walking briskly, two young girls walked beside me and we chatted for a while.They were on their way to school. They asked me where I was going and why I was walking. I had to explain to them in simple terms. At least they knew that Aparri was very, very far away.

As the day wore on it became hotter and hotter. I applied sunblock lotion on my skin but it wasn't enough. So I took out my umbrella and have instant movable shade. I rested for 5-10 minutes every hour to give my aching feet some rest and to escape the heat of the sun. I took a longer break during noon-time and took a nap under a waiting shed. After an hour, I was back on the road again, with my my umbrella protecting me from the unbearable heat. Late in the afternoon, as my feet ached from walking most of the time, I decided to shift to slow continuous running for the last 12 km which I found more comfortable than walking briskly. I reached Bunawan by 6 pm after covering 48 km and was welcomed by Fr. Pi - a guest priest. The parish priest was in Cebu for an operation. I had a heavy dinner and was in bed by 9 pm.

I woke up at 3:30 in the morning and was on the road by 4:40 am. The first few hours was spent in a slow, meditative & prayerful walking. The day was pretty much like yesterday. Very hot and humid which again forced me to use my umbrella. I rested for an hour during noontime. I felt lazy to walk under the unbearable heat but I continued. Suddenly, it rained heavily - the umbrella came in handy. But it was brief and the torrid sun came back quickly. The umbrella stayed in my hand. It rained again when I reached San Francisco, Agusan at 3:34 pm after covering 43 km. I was met by Fr. Jonathan. He was surprised that I was alone, with not support crew or vehicle.

After 5 days, I have covered 211 km. 53 more days to go.

Day 3: Run-Walk Across d Philippines

The parish church in Mawab was already full of people when I celebrated the Sunday mass at 5:30 am. I preached about the gospel of life and peace and also talked about the concerns and issues that are the focus of my running/walking pilgrimage. After the mass I had a cup of coffee & fruit juice and I was ready to go. After picture taking with Fr. Chris, Karla & other members of the parish staff I was on the road by 7:30. I was expecting to have another short & easy day since according to the internet distance calculator Monkayo was only 35 km from Mawab. But Fr. Cris told me it would be longer.
I wore my sandals for the first 4 hours but changed to running shoes when I felt the hot spots in the soles of my feet. I stopped by in Nabunturan for hamburger and soft drinks. I was back on the road by 11:15. I was doing more walking than running. When I passed a barrio in Montevista a guy approached me and shook my hand. He told me that several years ago, he walked with some members of the SDA from Bukidnon to Manila in 48 days. I found out that he is Pastor Emata - one of the first Filipino to Climb Mt. Everest.
Late in the afternoon, I felt my feet becoming more painful I had to take frequent rest. As it became cooler later in the afternoon I did more running than walking which relieved the pain. I reached Monkayo at past seven after covering 49 km. I miscalculated the distance. I also didn't know about roundabout detour to the Poblacion. I was welcomed by Fr. Cabrera, the parochial vicar and was immediately served dinner.

Day 2: Run-Walk Across d Philippines

At six in the morning I was on the road. No breakfast as usual. I was thinking of buying a cup of coffee on the way. I was surprised that most of the people I passed on the road waved at me and greeted me: Good morning, Father! Some approached me and shook my hand. Others asked me to bless them. Many told me that they saw me on TV. But what surprised me more was the expression of hospitality and support. After an hour, a man called out from the veranda of his hut and hot coffee. I immediately stopped and accepted his invitation. I had a chat with Ramon and his wife Lina while drinking coffee. While continuing my journey several men on motorbikes approached me and gave me some cold bottled water. A motorist stopped his car and gave me orange juice. Another asked me to stopped by a her store and gave me soft drink and bread. I was just overwhelmed by all these.

I reached Tagum at around ten am and rested at a sari-sari store and bought siopao and cobra energy drink. I spent time in an internet shop. I was back on the road at noon. My feet felt sore and I was worried I could get blisters. I stopped many times to give my feet a chance to cool down. By 2 pm, as I was ascending the hills of Mawab it was cooler. I was running down the hills on the last 7 km to Mawab. After running and walking 37 km, I reached the parish rectory in Mawab by 5 pm. Fr. Chris was out in the barrio and welcomed me later in the evening.

So here I am in a place that has been considered a hot bed of insurgency. There has frequent armed clashes between the NPA and government troops in the hinterlands and neighboring barrios in Compostela Valley.

Run-walk across d Philippines: Day 1

April 1, 2011 I celebrated the Mass for Life & Peace at 6 am in our parish chuerch. Immediately after the Mass, I changed into my running gear. With my backpack on I stood infront of the church door and Fr. Brendan (my superior) gave the pilgrims blessing. By 7:00!Then I started walking and running along the highway to Carmen followed by some seminarians, Jason and 6 other youthful runners in the parish. Dominic, a little boy also ran a few a meters and jumped back to his grandmother's vehicle. After 10 km I was finally alone. The other runners went home A lot of people waved at me, some greeted me as Father, a guy on a motorbike came near and asked for my blessing. A chubby girl gave me some biscuits. Many motorists honked their horns and waved at me. Near Panabo a coconut milk vendor gave me free drinks. The afternoon was cooler and windy. I reached Carmen at 4 pm after covering 36 km and was welcomed by Fr. Roel - the assistant parish priest. I concelebrated in the 5 am mass where I talked about my advocacies. Later after the the mass I gave a talk to parish youth leaders.

Run/Walk for Life & Peace Across the Philippines: Itinerary

I only have 5 days before I start my solo, unsupported Run/Walk Pilgrimage for Life and Peace across the Philippines. I will start immediately after the 6 am send-off Mass for Life and Peace this Friday, April 1, 2011. It will take 57 days to cover 2000+ km. I am posting the purpose of this activity and my itinerary.

This pilgrimage has the following purpose:

1. To express my support for the peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, and between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. I pray that a peace agreement would finally be reached. I would also like to appeal for a ceasefire between the government armed forces and the New Peoples’ Army during the period of peace negotiations. I will also make an appeal to our people to support the peace process.

2. To express my opposition to the ongoing destruction of the environment caused by logging, mining and coal-fired power plants. I appeal for a total ban on mining and coal-fired power plants and the implementation of the total log ban.

3. To denounce the continuing extra-judicial killings perpetrated by death squads in Davao and other cities in the Philippines. I appeal to the Commission of Human Rights to continue the investigation and come up with a final report and hold accountable local government officials sponsoring these killings.

4. To express my opposition to the Reproductive Health Bill (HB 4244) which is based on a false assumption that there is a crisis of overpopulation in our country that is one of the causes of the continuing poverty of our people and a hindrance to sustainable development. To address this crisis it aggressively promotes population control - contraceptives (some of which may be abortifacient) and mandatory sex education - as the solution to poverty and underdevelopment.

During this pilgrimage, I would like to preach about the Gospel of Life and Peace. To be pro-life means to oppose the above-mentioned manifestations of the culture of death.

I will be delivering a letter to Malacanang for President Noynoy Aquino on May 10, 2011 as I continue my journey from Manila to Aparri. I don't expect to to meet him, I will just leave the letter at the guard house and go on my way.

This is the itinerary:

1. 4/1 Fri: Bajada, Davao City to Carmen (36 k)


2. 4/2 Sat: Carmen to Mawab (34 k)


3. 4/3 Sun: Mawab to Monkayo (35 k)


4. 4/4 Mon: Monkayo to Bunawan (49 k)


5. 4/5 Tue: Bunawan to San Francisco (51k)


6. 4/6 Wed: San Francisco to Bayugan (39 k)


7. 4/7 Thu: Bayugan to Butuan (40 k)


8. 4/8 Fri: rest


9. 4/9 Sat: Butuan to Santiago (44 k)


10. 4/10 Sun: Santiago to Tubod (41 k)


11. 4/11 Mon: Tubod to Lipata, Surigao (40 k), ferry crossing to Liloan, Leyte


12. 4/12 Tue: Liloan to Sogod (37)


13. 4/13 Wed: Sogod to Abuyog (58 k)


14. 4/14 Thu: Abuyog to Tolosa (45 k)


15. 4/15 Fri: Tolosa to Tacloban (25 k)


16. 4/16 Sat: rest


17. 4/17 Sun: Tacloban to Calbiga (59 k)


18. 4/18 Mon: Calbiga to Catbalogan (44k)


19. 4/19 Tue: Catbalogan to Gandara (44 k)


20. 4/20 Wed: Gandara to San Joaquin (46k)


21. 4/21 Thu: San Joaquin to San Isidro (40k) Cross to Matnog


22. 4/22 Good Fri:Matnog to Juban (44 k)


23. 4/23 Sat: Juban to Cumadcad, Castilla (42 k)


24. 4/24 Easter Sun: Cumadcad to Legazpi (35 k)


25. 4/25 Mon: rest


26. 4/26 Tue: Legazpi to Libon (49 )


27. 4/27 Wed: Libon to Naga (50)


28. 4/28 Thu: Naga to Lupi (43 k)


29. 4/29 Fri: Lupi to del Gallego (46 k)


30. 4/30 Sat: Del Gallego to Daet-Tagkawayan Junction (46k)


31. 5/1 Sun: Daet-Tagkawayan Junction to Lopez (32 k)


32. 5/2 Mon: Lopez to Gumaca (20 k)


33. 5/3 Tue: Gumaca to Atimonan (28 k)


34. 5/4 Wed: Atimonan to Lucena (43 k)


35. 5/5 Thu: Lucena to San Pablo (46k)


36. 5/6 Fri: San Pablo to Cabuyao (50 k)


37. 5/7 Sat: Cabuyao– Baclaran, MetroManila (40 k)


38. 5/8 Sun: Rest


39. 5/9 Mon: Rest


40. 5/10 Tue: Baclaran-Balagtas, Bulacan (43 k)


41. 5/11 Wed: Balagtas – San Fernando, Pampanga (37 k)


42. 5/12 Thu: San Fernando – Capas, Tarlac (41 k)


43. 5/13 Fri: Capas- Paniqui, Tarlac (40 k)


44. 5/14 Sat: Paniqui– Binalonan (43 k)


45. 5/15 Sun: Binalonan- Twin Peaks (32 k)


46. 5/16 Mon: Twin Peaks –Baguio (31 k)


47. 5/17 Tue: rest


48. 5/18 Wed: Baguio to Sayangan (50 k)


49. 5/19 Thu: Sayangan to Abatan (35 k)


50. 5/20 Fri: Abatan to Sabangan (48 k)


51. 5/21 Sat: Sabangan to Sadanga (32 k)


52. 5/22 Sun: Sadanga to Lubuagan (32 )


53. 5/23 Mon: Lubuagan to Tabuk (36 )


54. 5/24 Tue: Rest


55. 5/25 Wed: Tabuk to Tuao (43 k)


56. 5/26 Thu: Tuao to Piat (10k)


57. 5/27 Fri: Piat- Gattaran (43 k)


58. 5/28 Sat: Gattaran- Aparri (40 k)

.I will celebrate the Mass for Life and Peace in Aparri on May 29, 2011 Sunday and after that take the bus for Manila. I will be staying in Baclaran, my new home for the next four years and report for work to the CBCP-BEC office on June 1.

Valuing the Gift and Sanctity of Life: Campaigning Against the Reproductive Health (RH) bill

Very early this morning, I joined the "Walk for Life"- a Pro-Life/Anti-RH bill march from our parish to San Pedro Cathedral here in Davao City. There were thousands from other parishes in the city who also marched to the cathedral. The mass started at 6 am, presided by Bishop George Rimando, with Archbishop Capalla and some 50 priests concelebrating. Archbishop Capalla gave the homily.

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In other parts of the country, a similar rally was being held - with the biggest in Manila tonight, led by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales.

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There is a ongoing deliberation in Congress on House Bill 4244 - formerly called Reproductive Health bill and now renamed Responsible Parenthood Bill. The bill is supported by the present administration and many progressive and civil society groups. It is being opposed by the Catholic Church and other religious groups.

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After studying the bill thouroughly and read many of the arguments (for and against), I have made a personal stand against it. I am not in favor of this bill.

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It appears to me that the bill is based on a false assumption:

-that there is a crisis of population explosion in country,

- that the continuing poverty of our people can be traced to this overpopulation and that this is a hindrance to sustainable development.

- therefore it is necessary for the governmen to adopt an aggressive/draconian measures to impose population control such as providing reproductive health services (free contraceptives) and sex education starting at Grade Five.

- this will require a substantial budget taken from the taxes.

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The bill does not promote abortion, but requires hospitals to give preferential attention to women with post-abortion complication. There are contraceptives that induce abortion (abortifacient) such as the RUH pills. Thus, it may gives impression that while it explicitly denies promoting abortion, it condones and encourages it. The term "Reproductive Health" which is linked with "reproductive rights" in other parts of the world is often understood to include women's right to free choice (including termination of pregnancy or abortion). That is why the agenda of the IPPF all over the world is to promote legislation that will make abortion safe and legal. Thus, in many countries abortion is part of the means to control population growth. But the bill does not adopt that due to constitutional restraints - but it condones and even encourages it by adding the provision on post-abortion complications.

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This bill is based on a false assumption that there is a crisis of overpopulation. In fact, population growth in the Philippines has gone down to 2.02 (according to NSO figures) or 1.78 (according to CIA factbook). The total fertility rate has declined to 3.1 in 2008 (from average of 7 in 1960)and is projected to decline to 2.21 (near the ideal replacement level) by 2020. The population density of the Philippines (210/sq km) is much lower than highly developed countries like Hongkong, Singapore, Japan, Netherlands, Germany, etc.

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The crisis that the world (especially the West and highly industrialized society that have adopted aggressive population control programs) is facing is actually the coming "demographic winter" - an aging and shrinking population (more older people, less young people). This will mean a problem with human resources that will affect sustainable economic growth. Thus, there is a turn-around in these countries - they now promote reproduction and provide benefits to those who bear more children instead of penalizing them. Meanwhile, these societies are resorting to migrant labor to fill up their workforce requirements. The Philippines is one of the beneficiaries - that is why we have many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). But a time will come when the Philippines could also face the same problem - it may take longer (perhaps 50 years) or it could be hastened by an aggresive population control program.

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The RH bill is based on the false assumption that overpopulation is a contributing factor to the perpetuation of poverty and underdevelopment. To ensure sustainable economic development there is a need to control population growth by any means necessary (contraception, sex education, etc). Thus, what will the government provide to the majority of the people who are poor and hungry? Give them condoms, pills, tubal ligation, vasectomy and sex education and use our scarce funds from our taxes to fund this program. The main beneficiaries of this program will be the drug companies that provide the contraceptives.

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This is actually a rehash of the Mathusian theory that has long been debunked by economists. Poverty and underdevelopment continues due to graft and corruption, unequal distribution of wealth, unjust economic system that favors the local elite and foreign companies. What is needed is to stamped out graft and corruption, a comprehensive poverty alleviation program, improved education program, better health services, etc.

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The issue that we face is not about whether contraception should be allowed or not (it is already legal), or which is the better family planning method (natural or artificial). Rather, the state pursue an an aggressive and mandatory population control policy based on false assumptions that will use our limited resources, that will have negative repercussion in the future, that will create unnecessary tension between the Church and the State?

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We have to value new life in the mother's womb as a gift and a source of hope rather a burden, another mouth to feed. Human resource is the most important resource of every society. We have to avoid an anti-life attitude and policies.

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I make this position knowing that many of my friends in Civil Society groups are supporting the RH Bill (and some have already chided me for being not politically correct). It is in line with the Consistent Ethic of Life. As I run/walk across the Philippines starting next week, I will preach about the Gospel of life and peace. The RH bill will be one of the concerns I will talk about, besides mining & logging, the extrajudicial killings, and the armed conflict.

Final Preparation for Ultra-Run/Walk Across the Philippines

My classes are over and I only have to give the final exams for my students this week and after that a period of my life as a professor which lasted for 16 years will be over. Time to move on to my new assignment in Manila as executive secretary of the Committee on BEC of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. How do I get to Manila from Davao? Instead of flying, I will just run/walk to Manila and even farther - up to Aparri, the northern tip of the Philippines, then take the bus back to Manila (it will take 58 days to cover over 2000 km). This will symbolize my life as a continuing journey and pilgrimage.

I am making my final preparation for this journey of a lifetime. I have already finalized the itinerary. I have already sent the letter to the parish priests where I will stay overnight - requesting for hospitality and asking for a chance to preach about the Gospel of Life & Peace. I have all the necessary equipment that I will need - backpack, running shorts and quick-dry shirts, jacket, running shoes & sandals, headlight, hydration system, umbrella, etc.

My training continues. Yesterday, I went on a 50 km run/walk training along the Davao-Bukidnon highway which took 9 hours 17 minutes. I carried my back-pack and imagined that I was already on my pilgrimage. The night before, I had heavy dinner. Then before starting in the morning, I just took coffee and ate a banana. I didn't have any lunch. I just consumed 5 bananas and 2 pieces of cookies during the entire run. I drank water and energy drink (samurai, extra-joss) every hour. Part of the time I wore sandals, and part of the time I wore a pair of running shoes. I noticed that after 4 hours, I developed some hot spots on my feet while wearing sandals, so I decided to wear my running shoes up to the end of the run/walk. I think it is not a good idea to wear sandals on hot asphalt highway - it could cause blisters. I felt fine during the whole 9 hours - I didn't feel exhausted or hungry.

This morning when I woke up, I felt fine. No muscular pain or strain. I could do another 40-50 km if I wanted but I decided to give myself a break. The remaining days up to the start of my run/walk pilgrimage, I will just do shorter training - 2-3 hours.

Assisting in the Formation of Basic Ecclesial Communities: Working with the CBCP-BEC Committee

Archdiocesan BEC Assembly, Lipa

CBCP building/ BEC office on the 3rd floor

Last Friday I was in Manila for a meeting with Bishop George Rimando - the Chairman of the Committee on Basic Ecclesial Communities of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP-BEC Committee). He confirmed my appointment as the new executive secretary of the committee. I will be starting in June after my Run/Walk Pilgrimage Across the Philippines.

The following day, I went to Lipa to attend the archdiocesan BEC assembly. Over one thousand participants attended and the gathering started with a Mass presided by Archbishop Ramon Arguelles. I gave the keynote talk on the BECs as Expression of the PCP II Vision of A Renewed Church.

This morning I went to the office of the CBCP-BEC committee in Intramuros and met the outgoing executive secretary - Monsignor Elmer Abacahin. After four years of service he has been recalled by his archbishop and given a new assignment. So this was a sort of turn-over. So for the next four years, this office will be my base of operation. I will be residing at the Redemptorist Monastery in Baclaran.

When I report to my new assignment, I won't be taking the plane. I will run/walk all the way from Davao to Aparri covering over 2,000 km and then take the bus back to Manila. The first two days of my work in June will be a strategic planning with Bishop George and the BEC consultants.