Opinion-Editorial NEWS

On this feast of St. Andrew the apostle, the Gospel narrates the call of the first four disciples. Note that the call is a personal invitation by Jesus. Also, they are called amidst their daily activities: they were “casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.” This invitation to Peter, Andrew, James, and John has two dimensions: “Come after me” (become my disciples) and you will be “fishers of men” (sent out as apostles on a mission to preach the Gospel).

No distance can separate a family, and it was true for the Suntrust Properties family when it celebrated its 23rd Anniversary. On November 18, the company’s employees, contractors and salespeople (collectively calling themselves Suntrustees) got together virtually over their private Facebook group. Using technology, the Suntrust family enjoyed a fun-filled anniversary celebration, quarantine style. It was a day filled with positivity, encouragement, music and a fun virtual experience for all.

MARK 13:33-37

The COVID-19 pandemic is still with us and in the rest of the world and it is surging in a new wave of infections and deaths in the United States and Europe.

A commitment to resilience and sustainability is key to building a nation of homeowners. Creating communities where homes are not just houses, but places where homeowners live their best lives.

In the wake of the widespread floods in Cagayan and Isabela caused by rains from a series of storms and typhoons¸ a number of projects have been proposed by various sectors, including dredging of the Cagayan River, construction of a temporary embankment, and reforestation of the surrounding forests.

Pope Francis points out that “Jesus, many times in his preaching, cautions us to be vigilant, to hold vigil, and keep watch.” The Pope adds that on one occasion, “Jesus advised watchfulness, ‘for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’ Indeed, ‘vigilance’ should be practiced ‘in relation to the coming of the Lord.’ On other occasions Jesus makes this same recommendation emphasizing the importance of ‘being prepared,’ for example, in the case of the ten maidens—both the prudent ones and those who were imprudent or unprepared.’ The former ‘had everything prepared, even the oil for the lamps’; the latter, however, were complaisant, ‘without a thought to being prepared.’ ”

Pilipinas Shell has opened another import facility in Subic to strengthen its supply chain to the northern parts of the nation and in support of Government’s efforts to jumpstart the economyamidstthe COVID-19 pandemic.

The Asia Leaders Awards, a prestigious annual award-giving body that recognizes different individual leaders in their respective fields with emphasis on giving importance to the country as an emerging business hub, has recognized JC as the Multi-Level Marketing Company of the Year.

The Lord Jesus, in the Gospel, “teaches the disciples by simple examples to understand what is happening.” As Pope Francis explains, Jesus invites them to look at “the fig tree and all the trees” and notice that when they sprout leaves, summer is coming. “Jesus encourages us in simple words to think and understand… not only with our heads,” but also “with heart and spirit,” with our whole selves. That is precisely what “thinking as Christians” means, so that we can “understand the signs of the times.”

President Duterte has received from Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner Greco Belgica a list of lawmakers believed involved in corruption in the implementation of public works projects by private contractors. He said he will send the list to the Ombudsman, saying it is ”the only investigating agency that has jurisdiction over congressmen.”

The Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) announced on November 9 a downward adjustment of power rates, as the overall rate for a typical household decreased by P0.0395 per kWh, from last month’s P8.5500 per kWh to P8.5105 per kWh this November. This is equivalent to a decrease of around P8 in the total bill of residential customers consuming 200 kWh.

After more than eight months of pandemic-induced lockdowns and more recently, a clutch of deadly typhoons, many Filipinos have understandably been hard-pressed finding reasons to celebrate Christmas this year.

Jesus said to His disciples: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the Scriptures are fulfilled. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

When William Dar took over as secretary of the Department of Agriculture in August, 2019, he proposed a new strategy for agriculture built around eight programs – modernization of agriculture, industrialization of agriculture, promotion of exports, farm consolidation, roadmap development, infrastructure development, higher budget and investments in agriculture, and legislative support.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III asked the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) to guarantee that the guidelines for vape and heated tobacco products (HTPs) are faithful to their enabling law, noting that regulations for these better nicotine alternatives should not be more difficult for them to compete against cigarettes.

Christmas just wouldn’t be complete without those touching seasonal advertisements that truly
tug at one's heartstrings.