Bahay Pag-asa (Bacolod) residents join with their families to celebate Christmas

Club Pag-asa USA recognized at Bahay Pag-asa, Bacolod Christmas Family Day

Yesterday, by Skype, we joined the Christmas Family Day celebration at Bahay Pag-asa, Bacolod. Ms. Jensan Lazarito, Director, sends this message to all Club Pag-asa members (at Cathedral High School, Los Angeles, CA and at San Miguel High School, Tucson, Arizona) and supporters: "We also recognized Club Pag-asa in the ceremony. We will send via mail, the certificate we made . Tomorrow, the boys will have their caroling at Granada Ecopark, then take a free splash on the pool as their reward. I and 2 other boys will accompany our visitor from Hong Kong to 2 other institutions to distribute the things he brought for infants and the elderly. As for the list of scholarship needs, we will have it mailed, hopefully first week of January. Happy Family Day to you Br. Dan and Club Pag-asa! Happy New year too! God bless!"

"Lord of heaven and earth, look upon our planet, frequently exploited by human greed and rapacity. Help and protect all the victims of natural disasters, especially the beloved people of the Philippines, gravely affected by the recent typhoon."    - Pope Francis I, Christmas Message

"On this night, let us share the joy of the Gospel. God loves us. He so loves us that he gave us his son to be our brother, to be light in our darkness. To us the Lord repeats, 'Do not be afraid,' ... And I, too, repeat, do not be afraid,'"  - Pope Francis I

We wish our friends, the staff and residents of Bahay Pag-asa a blessed and joyous Christmas!

Philippines Schools Provide Protection From Bullying

DepEd issues implementing rules on Anti-Bullying Act

By: Aerol B. Patena, Philippine News Agency
December 14, 2013 4:11 AM

MANILA, Philippines - “Every Filipino child must be protected,” Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro stressed following the signing Friday by DepEd of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act No. 10627, otherwise known as the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.
“The Anti-Bullying Act is part of our child protection policy,” Luistro said in his address during the signing ceremony on Dec. 13 at Bulwagan ng Katarungan DepEd Complex on Meralco Ave., Pasig City.
Secretary Luistro said anti-bullying acts include cyber-bullying aside from inflicting physical harm to the child and utterance of slanderous statements or accusations which causes the victim undue emotional distress such as the use of profanities, name-calling and commenting negatively on the victims’ looks, clothes and body.
Bullying would also include social bullying which refers to any deliberate, repetitive and aggressive social behavior intended to hurt others or belittle any individual or group and gender-based bullying that humiliates a person on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
The education secretary also noted that the Philippines is one of the first countries to implement an anti-bullying act in the world.
All public and private kindergarten, primary and secondary schools as well as alternative learning centers are mandated to adopt anti-bullying policies and establish intervention programs which include counseling, life skills training and other activities that will enhance the psychological, emotional and the psycho-social well-being of both the victim and the bully with the inclusion of all concerned parties such as bullies, victims, witnesses, parents, school officials as well as other persons that may be affected by the bullying incident, he said.
Schools must also impose disciplinary measures as part of their child protection policy against the perpetrators depending on the gravity and nature of the cases.
They may also refer the victims and bully to trained professionals outside the school such as social workers, guidance counselors, psychologists or child protection specialists for further assessment and appropriate intervention measures if necessary, Luistro said.
The law also states that the provisions of Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, will apply in case bullying incidents result in serious physical injuries or death.
Private schools shall be given 30 days to comply with the policy and the DepEd may suspend or revoke the permit of a school in cases of noncompliance.
On the other hand, school personnel of public kindergarten, elementary or secondary schools who fail to conform to the act will be imposed sanctions in accordance with the Civil Service Rules and relevant issuances of the department, he said.

All About Heart...

Christmas Approaches at Bahay Pag-asa

    Every year our volunteers, after just a few days, say the same thing.  "They're just kids."  It's the truth about almost every "child in conflict with the law."  Change the equation and a perfectly good kid can become an "offender" or a "criminal."  Bahay Pag-asa is working to change the equation in the other direction.  Provide a troubled kid with a place to sleep, nutritious meals, the opportunity to get an education and some hope that in the future they will find employment and a way to help their family...provide this and you have won heart and mind.  The "boys of Pag-asa" wish you a Merry Christmas and pray that you will consider journeying with them through your prayers, your support and your friendship.  Blessings!

The Indomitable Spirit of the Filipino People

We've seen it in the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.  I see it every summer in the boys at Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center.  And in this very interesting BBC documentary we see it again in stories of ordinary people with big dreams for themselves and for their families.  There's much to ponder here, from issues of family size to issues of more recent attention such as free enterprise and consumerism.  It's complicated, and yet we are called to ask this one most important question.  How can we ensure that global economic growth will bring us to the day when no family need live in poverty?  Education is key - and that is what Bahay Pag-asa is all about - but education must be met by opportunity.  Whatever economic growth is realized, anywhere in the world, it must not leave the most vulnerable citizens of this planet behind.

A Challenge Worthy of a Big Church

In my experiences with the young people of the Bahay Pag-asa Youth Centers, I have come to realize that there is no part of the problem of juvenile crime in the Philippines that is not linked to the larger problem of poverty.  To visit the home of one of the "boys of Pag-asa" renders one forever uncomfortable with the material overindulgence that has become the measure of success here in the US.  I am grateful that Pope Francis is able to express the problem better than I. 

"The great danger in today’s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. This is a very real danger for believers too. Many fall prey to it, and end up resentful, angry and listless. That is no way to live a dignified and fulfilled life; it is not God’s will for us, nor is it the life in the Spirit which has its source in the heart of the risen Christ."

Black Friday Memo to Self

Most of the people I'm shopping for have everything they need.  $7 can buy a pair of new shoes for a Bahay Pag-asa kid whose only pair have been sewn back together several times already.  Or maybe even shoes for a new resident who has never owned a pair at all.  Set a little aside.  Visit Room 702 at Cathedral High School next week.  Help hope happen.

New shoes - two years ago. Help us do this again.

Christmas for Pag-asa - Pants Sale!

What are they asking for for Christmas at Bahay Pag-asa this year?  You won't find any video games, designer clothing or iPhones on their list.  They simply want what they will need to get through this next year and continue their education and livelihood training. Is there still room on your Christmas shopping list?  As you can see, we still need quite a few pairs of black pants - suitable for school.  We can buy these in Bacolod for $6 each.

Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, Bacolod - Hope Has a Home on Negros Island!

 See update information about Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center at...
Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, Bacolod Information Page

Club Pag-asa, San Miguel High School Keeps the Spirit Alive!

We just received this message from our Tucson Chapter of Club Pag-asa:

"Hello Br Dan! Here's what's been going on with Club Pag-asa at San Miguel! Thank you again for all your help!
As things have been chilling down in Tucson, Arizona, San Miguel High's Club Pag-asa has been working towards fun ways to raise funds for the Pag-asa kids. On October 18th, Club Pag-asa hosted a movie night for the Halloween spirit. The monster movie Van Helsing and horror-thriller Insidious were shown to provide scary-fun entertainment and a snack bar was available to create an authentic theater experience for the students and to earn funds for the Pag-asa kids. Right now through December, Club Pag-asa Tucson is also participating in Christmas for Pag-asa to help the kids get supplies for the season. Thanks to all the members both in Tucson and in Los Angeles to making the season a reason to care!"

Thanks to Club Pag-asa, San Miguel, the kids at Bahay Pag-asa are going to have a brighter 2014!

It Is Sometimes As Important to Understand as to Help

In light of some critical CNN reporting of the Typhoon Yolanda disaster in the Philippines, this explanatory note (author unknown to me, as of yet) has been making the rounds online.  It appears to address many of the concerns that the world has regarding the difficulties in responding to the needs of the victims of the typhoon, but more importantly it is a reminder that we must always strive to understand the challenges faced by any community before making any pronouncements:

"Dear Sirs:

I just wanted to make some comments on the reporting of the CNN International crew here in Manila, regarding the relief efforts for the victims of super-typhoon Haiyan (which we locally call typhoon Yolanda).

First, full disclosure: I am a retired Filipino executive and computer person. I was born in the Philippines and spent all my life here (save for some very short overseas stints connected with my career). I have worked with a large local Philippine utility, started up several entrepreneurial offshore software service companies (when outsourcing was not yet in vogue), and also served as the Philippine country head for a multi-billion dollar Japanese computer company. This diverse work background allows me to always see both the local and global point of view, and to see things from the very different standpoints of a third-world citizen, and a person familiar with first-world mindsets and lifestyles.

I appreciate CNN’s reporting, as it brings this sad news to all corners of the world, and in turn, that helps bring in much needed charity and aid. The tenor and tone of CNN’s reporting has not been very palatable for a local person like me (the focus seems to be on the country’s incompetence). But I shrug that aside, as there is probably some truth to that angle. And in reality, what counts now is that help arrives for the people who need them most; recriminations and blame can come later. Last night, I listened to a CNN reporter wondering about the absence of night flights in Tacloban, in the context of the government not doing enough to bring in relief goods. It was like listening to newbie executives from Tokyo, London or the USA with no real international experience, yet assuming that their country’s rules and circumstances applied equally to the rest of the world. That was the proverbial last straw: I knew I had to react and call your attention to a few things (with some risk, since these topics are not my area of competence):

1. The airport in Tacloban is a small provincial airport: when you get two commercial Airbus flights arriving simultaneously, you are already close to straining that airport’s capacity. Even under normal operations, the last flights arrive in Tacloban at around 6pm, partly because of daylight limitations. Considering that the typhoon wiped out the airport and the air traffic gear, and killed most of the airport staff, you basically have nothing but an unlit runway which can handle only smaller turbo-prop planes. You can only do so much with that. I would assume that our Air Force pilots are already taking risks by doing landings at dusk. Take note that in the absence of any working infrastructure, the cargo will have to be off-loaded from the plane manually, while it sits in the tarmac. If you do the math, I wonder how aircraft turn-around’s can be done in a day? How many tons of supplies could theoretically be handled in one day?

2. The Philippine air force has only three C130 cargo planes (I am not sure if there is a fourth one). This is supposedly the best locally-available plane that is suited for this mission: large enough to carry major cargo load, but not too large to exceed the runway limitations. We do not have any large helicopters that can effectively move substantial cargo. I am happy to read in the newspapers that the USA is lending another eight C130 planes. I am not the expert, but I would suspect that even with more planes, the bottleneck would be in capacity of the airport to allow more planes to land and be offloaded, as discussed above.

3. A major portion of the road from the Airport to Tacloban City is a narrow cement road of one lane in each direction. With debris, fallen trees, toppled electric poles, and even corpses littering the road, it took time to clear the airport itself, so that they could airlift heavy equipment needed to clear the roads. Then it took even more time to make the roads passable. Listening to our Interior Secretary on CNN, he disclosed that the Army was able to bring in 20 military trucks to Leyte. Half of them were allocated to transport relief goods to the different villages in the city, and the rest were assigned for clearing, rescue and other tasks. With very little local cargo trucks surviving the typhoon, I guess this would be another bottleneck. Again, I assume that if I do the math, there is only so much volume that can be moved daily from the airport to the city.

4. The Philippines is an archipelago. Tacloban City is in Leyte island, which has no road link with the other major cities/islands. The only external land link (the San Juanico bridge) is with the neighboring island of Samar, which was equally hard hit by the typhoon, and which is just like Leyte (in terms of limited transportation infrastructure). The logistics of getting relief, supplies and equipment to Tacloban is daunting. Not too long ago, my company put up a large chunk of the communication backbone infrastructure in Leyte province. It was already a challenge to get equipment onto the ground then. This has always been the challenge of our geography and topography. What more now, when the transportation/communication systems are effectively wiped out in Tacloban?

5. There is an alternate land/sea route from Manila to Leyte: down 600 kilometers through the Pan-Philippine highway to the small southern province of Sorsogon, taking a ferry to the island of Samar, and then 200+ kilometers of bad roads to Tacloban City. I was told that some private (non-government) donations are being transported by large trucks through this route. So many trucks are now idle in Matnog town down in Sorsogon, waiting for the lone ferry which can carry them across the very rough San Bernardino Straits to the town of Allen in Samar island. The sheer volume probably is over-whelming. Again I do not have the exact numbers, but my educated guess is that the low-volume Matnog ferry needs to transport in a few days what they would normally do over one or two months.

6. The government administrative organization in Tacloban is gone. Most local government employees are victims themselves. This adds to the problems of organizing relief efforts locally. Even if augmented with external staff, the local knowledge and the local relationships are hard to replace. In some other smaller towns (where the death toll and/or damage has not been as bad), local governments are still somehow functioning and coping. They are able to bury their dead, set up temporary makeshift shelters, organize and police themselves. Short term, they need food, water and medical supplies to arrive; medium term, they need assistance in clean-up, reconstruction and rebuilding. But Tacloban is in a really bad condition. What can you expect from a city that has lost practically everything?


I am told of the comparison with the Fukushima earthquake/tsunami, where relief supplies arrived promptly, efficiently, and in volume. I think there is one major backgrounder that CNN staff fail to mention: that Tacloban is not Fukushima, that it is not Atlanta. And the Philippines is not Japan, and certainly not the USA. Even before the typhoon, this region was one of the less developed in the country, with limited infrastructure. There was only a small airport, limited trucking capacity, a limited road system, and a small seaport servicing limited inter-island shipping. And with the damage from the typhoon, that limited infrastructure has been severely downgraded. It is easy to blame the typhoon. But the truth is: Tacloban is a small city in a third-world country. If you had to bring in that volume of cargo in that short window of time in pre-typhoon Tacloban, it would already have been a challenge. It is easy for a first-world person to take everything for granted. The reality (or sometimes, the advantage?) of growing up in a third-world country is that you do not assume anything, you take nothing for granted, you are grateful for what little you have (and you do not cry over what you do not have).

I understand and sympathize with the desperate needs of the victims. Every little bit counts. The smallest food or water package can make the difference between life and death. I think every Filipino knows that. And that is why I am very happy with the national display of compassion and civic duty. Everyone, even the poorest, even the prison inmates, is donating food and money. People are volunteering their time. All the local corporations are helping. In the Philippines, Christmas is the most important holiday, and the annual company Christmas Party is probably the most important company event for most employees. Yet in very many companies in Manila, employees have decided to forego their Christmas party, and instead divert the party budget to relief/aid.

From what I see on TV, the situation on the ground is not pretty. I do accept that efficiency needs to be improved, that service levels have to go up. I do acknowledge that our country’s resources are limited, that our internal delivery capabilities may not be world-class. I do understand that there may be ineffective policies/processes and even wrong decisions made by government. But what I cannot understand is the negative tenor of CNN reporting. I suspect that CNN reporters are viewing this through the eyes of a first-world citizen, with an assumed framework of infrastructure and an expectation of certain service levels. I suspect these are expectations that we would have never met, even in the pre-typhoon days.

Or perhaps it is a question of attitude: a half-empty glass rather than a half-full glass. At my age, I have experienced and lived through earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and at least twenty really bad typhoons (but admittedly, none as bad as Yolanda). From my experience, what we have now is not just a half-filled glass, I personally view it as probably at least 75% full (meaning, I think this is a big improvement over past efforts in past calamities). But please do not fault us for being a third-world country. Please do not explicitly or implicitly attribute everything to our incompetence, what might be due to other factors (such as those that result from limited resources or infrastructure, or those conditions that God or nature seems to have chosen for us). Our people are doing what they can, so let’s give them a break. More so in these difficult times, when suffering is high, emotions are feverish, and tempers are frayed.

It breaks my heart to see my countrymen suffering so much. I will do my share, whatever I can do to help. I will bear insults and harsh words, if this is the price for my people to receive the aid we need. I make no excuses for my country’s shortcomings, but I just wish that some positive slant (the many small tales of heroism, the hard work of our soldiers, the volunteerism and compassion of the typical citizen, etc) would also be mentioned equally. I just needed to let you know how this particular Filipino reacts to your reporting, and I suspect there are many, many other folks who feel the same way that I do.

For whatever the limitations, I still sincerely thank you for your coverage, and the benefits that it will bring my countrymen."

 

Music Education at Bahay Pag-asa

Rehabilitation of youthful offenders happens when they discover, finally, who they are.  Part of who they are involves a realization that they are capable of creative expression and that they are even capable of inspiring others.  The boys at Bahay Pag-asa Youth Centers arrive having never played piano and yet in less than a year they are able to perform in front of an audience.  There is no effort expended by the staff trying to get the boys to practice.  They practice all the time - not because they are required but because they like the persons they have become.  And, of course, they want to make a good impression at the recital.  Practice often sounds like this...

Bahay Pag-asa Director Thanks Participants of "Christmas for Pag-asa"

Our "Christmas for Pag-asa" drive has just started, but we already have received a gracious message from Ms. Jensan Lazarito, Director of Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, Bacolod:

"Thank you all for the thoughtful hearts who showed love for our boys in Bahay Pag-asa. By helping, may the blessings return to you in many folds, not only in your personal and family life but also the happiness of knowing that you have become an example for them to live with the growing love and kindness in their hearts. From the boys, the administration and staff of Bahay Pag-asa, we are sending our gratitude and prayer for a Merry Christmas to you and your love ones too. God bless!"

Christmas, thankfully, is still weeks away so we have time to continue our "Christmas for Pag-asa" fundraising.  If any individual, group, or school would like to help, please contact Br. Dan Fenton at brdan@chsla.org - there is so much to do and we need all the Lasallian help we can muster.

     Ms. Jensan Lazarito and JB (former resident, current college student, future math teacher!)

The Lasallian World Reponds to the Needs of the Victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)

The Lasallian world often responds to issues of international need through SECOLI which was established by the General Chapter of 1966. The purpose of SECOLI is to be a coordination entity, whereby those Districts that are able, can aid those most in need. It is indeed a way of ‘sharing’ the resources of our Institute. The principal objectives of SECOLI involve three main concepts: education, Interdependence and responsibility,  and Interdependence and self-sufficiency.

SECOLI released this appeal today from its website in Rome:

SECOLI Appeal for Victims of Typhoon Haiyan

The Telegraph

Typhoon Damage Extends to Negros Island

When we said the Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) spared Bacolod, we meant that lives were not lost there (at least as far as we know).  But there was damage and lots of people have been displaced.   Here's the latest news on Bacolod and the typhoon.http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2013/11/13/yolanda-destroys-22-houses-damages-392-others-bacolod-313538

Continuing Education is Key to the Mission of Bahay Pag-asa

Ran is a former resident of Bahay Pag-asa who spent months in a jail before coming to Bahay Pag-asa.  During his time in jail, a friend who was in the same cell died because the warden refused to summon medical help for the boy.  Ran has a keen intellect and is a fast learner.  Recently he asked me for a copy of the Iliad and the Odyssey as well as a book on baking, since he is looking at the possibility of working as a cook, a driver or an auto repair man.  Ran has taken advantage of funds that have been donated to the Bahay Pag-asa Scholarship Fund, at BPYC Bacolod. 

I recieved a message from Ran today: "Bro. I got your books today  Thank you for sending it.  Thank you for taking an effort and the time you spent just to send it over to me.  I am already through with my training in TESDA Bro. and I am planning to pursue a course in automotive. Will you help me Bro?"

I replied, " You're welcome Ran. Present the staff at BPYC with evidence of completion of your TESDA course. Talk to them about your plans. If they do not have funds available to assist you in the next step, they can let me know what is needed and I will work on it. I just need to work through BPYC. Good luck with all of this."

Ran sometimes helps with projects at Bahay Pag-asa like these new cabinets.  We are committed to working with Ran to make sure that he has the chance to find a career that can help him support himself and assist his family as well. 

Department of Social Welfare and Development Welcomes Changes in Juvenile Justice Law in Philippines

DSWD welcomes new law on juvenile justice

By Rainier Allan Ronda (The Philippine Star) | Updated October 13, 2013 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman welcomed the recent signing of the law that strengthens the country’s juvenile justice system.
Soliman thanked Congress and President Aquino for the passage and enactment of Republic Act 10630 or the Act Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System in the Philippines, which amends RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.

“This is a clear manifestation of the Aquino government’s unwavering commitment to provide a protective and enabling environment for Filipino children to grow safely and become useful citizens of the country,” said Soliman, who is also the chair of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council.  She said that the biggest achievement of the amended law is the provision of a comprehensive and effective intervention program aimed at curbing the involvement of children in crimes.  She explained that RA 9344 was amended to ensure a more focused intervention for children involved in serious crimes, especially those who are below the minimum age of criminal responsibility.

“An effective intervention for serious crimes had always been the bone of contention and the amendment has clarified the process,” Soliman said.  It became clear during deliberations at the House of Representatives and Senate that crimes among the young could be linked to poverty. Poor children who are in conflict with the law are more vulnerable to abuses, so they need a more effective intervention to change their behavior.   Soliman also said that bulk of the funding for the law was earmarked for the establishment of reformation centers for children in conflict with the law.

Natural Disasters and Environmental Stewardship

Though not the primary topic of this blog, the issue of climate change and its possible relationship to storms such as Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) are worth noting.  During the last ten years of visits to the Philippines I have heard many voice the concern that global warming is a matter of life or death in this part of the world.  This typhoon may or may not have been more violent due to increases in temperature of atmosphere and ocean, but the issue is certainly worth our attention.  Here is a brief BBC discussion of the storm, what made it so violent, and whether climate change is possibly and/or partly responsible.

What Made Typhoon Haiyan So Violent?

Lasallian Schools and Typhoon Yolanda

Here is some additional information from General Councilor, Br. Bob Schieler:

Thanks to all who sent their messages of concern and prayers for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (locally named in the Philippines as typhoon “Yolanda”). This Category 5 Typhoon is already dubbed as one of the strongest storms observed in world history and has killed more than a hundred. As of 9 November, the Philippine Red Cross estimates that about 1,200 died in just two provinces. Affecting 40 provinces in several islands of central Philippines, the preventive evacuation of 800,000 residents was supposed to diminish the number of casualties in a country that is all too familiar with typhoons.

Since power and communication lines are down in the affected areas, we have yet to grasp the full extent of the damage and casualties brought about by Typhoon “Haiyan”. None of our schools were in the direct path of the typhoon, although some schools have reported minor damages to their infrastructure. According to the Philippine’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, a total of 944,597 families or 4,282,636 individuals in 40 provinces were affected by Super Typhoon “Haiyan”.

The Sector of the Philippines has organized a disaster response and relief operations called “One La Salle Relief Drive: Yolanda”. We will provide further updates as we receive news from the different islands of the Philippines. Let us also keep Vietnam in prayers as they prepare for Typhoon Haiyan. Information on the relief efforts can be found in the De La Salle Philippines website: http://delasalle.ph/news/2013/11/10/one-la-salle-relief-drive-Yolanda.

More Rough Weather Ahead for the Central Philippines

We heard from Ms. Jensan Lazarito, director of Bahay Pag-asa, Bacolod.  She reports that all at Bahay Pag-asa, Bacolod are safe and she sends this message:

"We shed tears for all the victims of typhoon Yolanda.  Another typhoon is said to strike again on Wednesday. May we rest our worries to You and graciously hear our prayers for the weather to calm down and spare the earth from further destruction..."

We will continue to pray for the safety of all of our brothers and sisters in the Philippines, promote the relief efforts for the many victims, and continue our efforts on behalf of the young people of Bahay Pag-asa Youth Centers.

A Message from Bahay Pag-asa, Bacolod

We received word from Ms. Gloria Rodriguez, volunteer and "foster parent" at Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, Bacolod that they are okay.   

"Good morning Bro..haven't seen you for quite awhile...hope you are getting updates from Jensan...sorry haven't communicated much...but boys are ok as of last week..since I was in Manila for a week and was not here during the storm...pls help us ray for the poor people of Tacloban and the other provinces...so sad to see the devastation and loss of lives...La Salle has a fundraising campaign..and we hope we can help in any way...take care Bro...see you in 7 months!"

We continue to pray for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) especially in the hard-hit city of Tacloban and its surrounding areas.

Devastation from Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City

Lasallians Mobilize to Help Typhoon Victims

The Lasallian universities and schools of the Philippines are responding quickly to send aid to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.  http://delasalle.ph/news/2013/11/10/one-la-salle-relief-drive-yolanda

Super Typhoon Yolanda Spares Bacolod but Damage is Widespread in the Philippines

We have not heard from Bahay Pag-asa yet, but the news looks like the worst of Typhoon Yolanda has passed to the north of Bacolod, sparing the city some of the worst damage. However the north end of Negros Island (including the cities of Cadiz and Escalante) experienced very rough weather. Some of the families of the boys at Bahay Pag-asa live in these areas. We did receive a message from a former resident who lives and works near Manila:
"My friend, help us to pray to be strong and guide us day by day.keep safe and warm,for what we are facing and happened and to our country today,this is another disaster that we have.its been cold and heavy rainfall ,a strong wind blew. because of super typoon,”yolanda”thats its name,and here is raised to signal 3 for all over luzon, and hits the signal 4 to my province negros,(visayas and mindanao).but,thanks God, that we are safe here.and my family and love ones.please pray for us and thanks.GOD BLESS us."

Super-typhoon Heads Toward Bahay Pag-asa, Bacolod

The projected path of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) over the next week.

Super-typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) is expected to make landfall in the Philippines by Friday and could affect a wide section of the central Philippines (the Visayas) - where Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, Bacolod is located. Let's keep Bahay Pag-asa and the families of the boys in our prayers this week.  

MANILA, Philippines - Storm Haiyan intensified yesterday into a Category 4 “monster typhoon” as it roared toward the Philippines.  The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that Haiyan was poised to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this morning.  The super storm will be locally named Yolanda.  As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the eye of Haiyan was spotted at 1,221 kilometers east of Mindanao with maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 210 kph. It was forecast to move west-northwest at 30 kph.  The most powerful typhoon of the year, with winds possibly reaching over 250 kph, could cause “severe damage” as it moves toward eastern Visayas, PAGASA weather forecasting chief Rene Paciente said.  Source: PhilSTAR.com (http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/11/07/1253896/monster-typhoon-roars-toward-visayas).

Self-Transformation for Children in Conflict with the Law

Any attempt to help young people escape destructive patterns in their lives must address the whole person.  Bahay Pag-asa Youth Centers bring in teachers and counselors who can guide this process.  Here the boys at Bahay Pag-asa Bacolod participate in a seminar called "HeART for Self-Transformation."

The Most Important Natural Resource

"The Filipino youths are considered as the most valuable resource of the country. The

'Youth in Nation-Building Act' (RA 8044) which was enacted in 1995 established the

National Youth Commission and the National Comprehensive and Coordinated Program

on Youth Development. This act defined the Filipino youth as those with ages 15-30.

Currently, the Philippines have a projected 85.2 million population. The youth comprises more than 40 percent of the total population. Of this, 21% are enrolled in high school, tertiary and vocational schools, 22% are young peasants, 21% are contractual young workers in the urban areas, 36% are unemployed and out of school and 4% are working students." 

Review of the World Program of Action for Youth Implementation in the Philippines

By Cordillera Peoples Alliance Youth Centerand Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network 

http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/documents/wpaysubmissions/philippines.pdf

Since this review was published, less than 10 years ago, the population has climbed (by estimate of the government of the Philippines) to over 98 million.  The percentage of young people who are unemployed and out of school is still quite large.  Situations are very much the same in many developing nations.  This scenario for young people is one that can only increase the numbers of youth involved in crime.  Every young person must be seen as an invaluable natural resource - one who, if provide opportunity, can contribute to society, care for the aging, and provide a better path for those even younger than themselves.  Incarceration is a dead-end solution and harms families as well as the young person directly involved.  The only option that provides hope for youth and for the community is rehabilitation, education and restoration.   For those many young people who have not been involved in crime, education and opportunity are of the greatest importance.  Those who have been "in conflict with the law" need that same, but also to have the chance to help repair any harm they may have done - restorative justice. 

Juvenile Justice - an International Concern

The important issues surrounding juvenile justice are not peculiar to the Philippines.  In fact, the law regarding juvenile justice in the Philippines is far more progressive that those found in some other nations.  International efforts to recognize and promote the rights of children have provided avenues to address and highlight some of the most serious problems associated with juvenile justice.  This short documentary focuses on the juvenile justice system in Yemen and illustrates both the complexity of social responses to juvenile crime and also the ways in which young people are finding a voice in the process of juvenile justice.

Family at Bahay Pag-asa

Recent reforms in juvenile justice in the Philippines have recognized the importance of family relationships for young people, especially those who have found themselves in conflict with the law.  RA9344 emphasized the importance of returning a child or teenager to his/her family as soon as possible noting that incarceration was an experience that was almost always more destructive than constructive.  However, one sad reality is that many families are plagued by problems such as substance abuse, domestic violence and involvement in criminal activity and, as such, do not provide an environment conducive to rehabilitation for young people.  Bahay Pag-asa Youth Centers recognize the importance of family and look for opportunities to reunite children and teenagers in conflict with the law with members of their family, especially those who have had a positive influence on their lives.  Some of the funds raised by Club Pag-asa and other support groups have gone to help finance home visits for residents whose families live some distance from the youth center.  These reunions, even when brief, help reinforce positive family values and encourage residents to continue their education know that their family members will someday look to them for support and leadership in the family.  Programs that hope to intervene in the lives of children in conflict with the law must, of necessity, begin to address the needs and concerns of the families of the residents.  There is no more powerful motivation that I have seen in a resident of Bahay Pag-asa than that they might be able to provide for their parents, grandparents or siblings.  Family visits are an essential part of any program of rehabilitation.

Children in Conflict

Wherever political and military conflict happen, children are caught in the crossfire.  Years ago, I spoke to a teenaged boy who had been involved with communist insurgents in the mountains on Negros Island.  I asked him why he had joined the group, knowing that it would be dangerous.  He said, "I had nothing to eat, and I could see that they were eating."  Often it's that simple.  Throughout the world, minors are apprehended by military forces during anti-terrorist campaigns and are labeled as insurgents, rebels and enemy combatants.  What follows is usually an abrogation of their basic human and civil rights.  This has certainly taken place during the military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan and it happens wherever conflict occurs.  In the Philippines, this is most likely to happen on the southern islands where insurgencies are most prevalent.  Programs to provide guidance and rehabilitation for children in conflict with the law will also need to make efforts to help young people caught up in military conflicts as well.http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/09/20/dispatches-war-children-philippines

Developments in Juvenile Justice in the Philippines

Child in jail, before RA9344 was passed.  Photo by Br. James Joost

Prior to 2005, there was little in Philippines law to provide for specialized treatment of youthful offenders.  Very young children could be found in jail cells, often living in crowded cells with 30 or more adult inmates.  Many of these young people became victims of abusive treatment while incarcerated and most waited months before their cases were considered by the courts.  Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, Bacolod was opened (under the direction of Br. Gus Boquer, President of the University of Saint La Salle) while these conditions still existed.  The first residents of Bahay Pag-asa emerged from the jails traumatized, tattooed by inmates, and in poor health.  There were instances in which juveniles died in the jails before they could be relocated to other programs.

In 2005, after human rights organizations highlighted the deplorable conditions under which juvenile offenders were being incarcerated, the government of the Philippines passed Republic Act 9344 which became known as the Juvenile Justice Reform Act (http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2006/ra_9344_2006.html).  This legislation raised the age of criminal liability to 18 (or 15 in cases where it was determined by the court that the young person had acted with "discernment") and it mandated that juvenile offenders should not be detained in police lockups or jails for any extended period of time but should be returned to their families as soon as possible.  The law also directed that a system of intervention services should be set up to steer juveniles away from criminal activity.

As is often the case, the portions of the law which did not require funding (the discharge of youthful offenders from jails) happened rather quickly, and the parts of the law requiring allocation of resources (intervention services and guidance) often did not take place.  Bahay Pag-asa, Bacolod continued to operate through the subsequent years, during which there was considerable confusion and disagreement as to what RA 9344 really required and how it should be implemented.  Brothers Vince Fernandez and Arian Lopez were directors during these challenging years, and they continued to provide a safe home, guidance and education to youthful offenders while dealing with confusing issues involving the courts and social services (DSWD).

Crime syndicates soon began to take advantage of children and teens from the poorest of homes, telling them that they could assist the adult criminals without having to worry about arrest or prosecution.  Incidences of juvenile crime increased.  Some frustrated police officers gave up even apprehending juveniles involved in crime because they would be released almost immediately and be committing the same crimes within days.  In other places, death squads (known locally as "salvage teams") carried out extrajudicial killings of teenagers who were repeat offenders.  Many citizens began calling for the repeal or amendment of RA 9344.

Most recently, RA 10630 (titled "An Act Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System in the Philippines") was passed by the legislature and signed into law by President Aquino on October 3, 2013.  This law (http://www.gov.ph/2013/10/03/republic-act-no-10630/) maintained the age of criminal liability at 18 (or 15 for those who have acted with discernment), but mandated that juveniles as young as 12 years of age may be involuntarily committed to a "Bahay Pag-asa" for rehabilitation and education.  By this time, a second Lasallian Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center was operating at the campus of De La Salle University, Dasmariñas (where Br. Gus Boquer is currently president).  Directors Ms. Jennysan Lazarito (at Bacolod) and Dr. Alrien Dausan (at Dasmariñas) have been working to plan how the centers would assist in the implementation of this law.  Local governments are required by law to open their own "Bahay Pag-asa" facilities, but it is still unclear how soon or how extensively, this will occur.

In the midst of all these changes, the Lasallian Brothers, partners and educators in the Philippines remain committed to providing a healthy, academic, formative and faith-filled home for those young people who are "in conflict with the law."  It is a very big task, but one that fits perfectly the mission of the Brothers (and, by extension, all who work with them): to provide a human and Christian education for the young, especially the poor.

Make Hope Happen This Christmas

We have just been in contact with Bahay Pag-asa, Bacolod.  The dedicated staff there is struggling to meet the basic needs of the residents.  Just providing the daily meals for the residents has become a great challenge this year.  There are no funds for clothes, cleaning supplies or recreation.  Club Pag-asa hopes to meet that need again this year.  Throughout November and December 2013, we will attempt to raise the funds to meet those needs.  We will do what we can to make hope happen!

Outreach Programs at Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, Bacolod

Part of the Outreach Programs at Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center is getting the residents involved in programs that promote the education and empowerment of youth.  Here are the residents preparing to host the Inter-Center Children's Congress.

Pag-asa Kids in Phantom Shirts go to Cooking School!

Proudly wearing their Cathedral High School Volleyball Championship shirts, Bahay Pag-asa Bacolod residents take cooking classes under the guidance of Chef Richard and the Institute of Culinary Arts at the University of Saint La Salle, Bacolod.  Bon appetit!

How does the law treat juvenile offenders in the Philippines today?

This recent (10/9/2013) article from Inquirer News in the Philippines describes the recent amendments to RA 9344, the Juvenile Justice Reform Act.

President Aquino has signed into law a measure delineating the treatment of minors involved in crimes.  Aquino signed Republic Act No. 10630, “An Act Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System in the Philippines, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 9344, otherwise known as The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.”

“There have been some changes in the composition of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council but, for the most part, the minimum age of criminal responsibility stands at 15 years of age,” said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte in a briefing at Malacañang.
Aquino signed the new law on Oct. 3 but this was made public only Tuesday.

Bahay Pag-asa
The old law, RA 9344, mandated authorities to commit youth offenders to a “Youth Detention Center” managed by accredited local government units (LGUs) and nongovernment organizations (NGOs).

The new law, RA 10630, renames the temporary housing “Bahay Pag-asa” and mandates the creation of a multidisciplinary team for the protection of children composed of a social worker, psychologist or mental health professional, medical doctor, educational-guidance counselor, and barangay council representative.

There had been a huge public outcry over the use of minors by criminals, which prompted some sectors to call for a lowering of the age of criminal responsibility.

Intervention
The new law does not lower the age of criminal responsibility (15 years), but it provides for some exemptions and for more intervention measures.
States RA 10630: “A child 15 years but below 18 years of age shall likewise be exempt from criminal liability and be subjected to an intervention program, unless he or she has acted with discernment, in which case, such child shall be subjected to the appropriate proceedings in accordance with this act.”
The new law also makes it clear that the exemption from criminal liability of minors “does not include exemption from civil liability, which shall be enforced in accordance with existing laws.”
The law says only offenders who are 12 years old can be committed to a youth facility.
—Michael Lim Ubac

You should note that all youth centers for children in conflict with the law are now being called "Bahay Pag-asa."  The two such centers operated under the supervision of Lasallian educational programs are Bahay Pag-asa, Bacolod and Bahay Pag-asa, Dasmariñas.

Living the Gospel at Bahay Pag-asa

Yesterday was the feast day of Saint Luke, the Evangelist.  A rich source of inspiration especially for those who work for social justice, Luke's gospel highlights the saving mission of Christ extended first to those most marginalized by society.  At Bahay Pag-asa Youth Centers, this gospel is uniquely lived out.  The young people served by the center are among the most marginalized of kids and come from some of the most economically distressed families I have ever met.  And yet, they have no desire to seek sympathy or to make excuses for wrongdoing.  Instead, they join with the staff each year to extend their own mission and services to the community - as volunteer gardeners, mentors to neglected youth, and even as musicians.  When I ask them what they want to do with their lives, the most common answer is, "I want to help children who have problems like I had." 

Bahay Pag-asa Dasmariñas: A Lasallian Reponse to an Urgent Need

A former resident speaks about his experiences of jail.

How does a child come to be in conflict with the law?

This short documentary, by Rappler, shows the reality of children living on the streets in Manila.  Their stories are strikingly similar to those of other kids throughout the Philippines.  Listen carefully as the need for "a Bahay Pag-asa" is discussed...that's exactly what the Bahay Pag-asa Youth Centers are designed to do.

"Christmas for Pag-asa" needs you!

Each year, Lasallian students, teachers and staff help to make Christmas a little bit brighter by raising money for educational supplies, clothes and special events for the residents of Bahay Pag-asa.  This is what "Christmas for Pag-asa" looks like at San Miguel High School in Tucson, Arizona.

We will be showing you how you can get involved.  Stay tuned!

What is a CICL?

CICL is a term that you will hear if you begin to look into the situation of juveniles who have been arrested - the acronym stands for "children in conflict with the law."  UNICEF describes CICLs as follows:  "The term ‘children in conflict with the law’ refers to anyone under 18 who comes into contact with the justice system as a result of being suspected or accused of committing an offence. Most children in conflict with the law have committed petty crimes or such minor offences as vagrancy, truancy, begging or alcohol use. Some of these are known as ‘status offences’ and are not considered criminal when committed by adults.  In addition, some children who engage in criminal behaviour have been used or coerced by adults. Too often, prejudice related to race, ethnicity or social and economic status may bring a child into conflict with the law even when no crime has been committed, or result in harsh treatment by law enforcement officials." http://www.unicef.org/chinese/protection/files/Conflict_with_the_Law.pdf  

At Bahay Pag-asa, they are officially called residents, since the youth center is where they live.  But when we gather together to learn, pray or work, we call them "sons of God."  That's a good place to start.

Video: Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, Dasmarinas.

 

"Pag-asa" is hope.  Lasallian Pag-asa is our message to you - a message about a very special project to bring hope into the lives of children in conflict with the law in the Philippines.  We want you to join us as we share the lives, experiences, challenges and triumphs of some extraordinary young people.  As you will learn, they have seen far too much for their years and many have had every reason to abandon hope.  But a group of dedicated Lasallian teachers and mentors have made it their mission - their daily commitment - to see that hope does not die.  They are accompanying these young people as they rediscover what it means to hope and what it means to know that they are sons of God.  The Lasallian Bahay Pag-asa Youth Centers of the Philippines have created a place called "hope" for young people lost in a world of poverty, crime and violence.  At Bahay Pag-asa, the good news is that hope is alive, life can be good and meaningful and there are companions for the journey.  We want to bring the story to you and, even more, we want you to become part of the story.  Are you ready?