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 Recently, two precious souls marked a significant milestone as they publicly professed their love for each other, capping off an eleven-year journey. Their story began in sorrow. The loss of a beloved family member brought them together, forcing them to navigate deep grief at a young age when they could have used a pillar of support. Yet, in the midst of heartbreak, they found solace in each other’s friendship. Beyond their emotional bond, they became each other's anchor through rigorous academic pursuits. As scholars at two of the country's most prestigious institutions, they weathered intense pressure to graduate with highest honors—a Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines-Diliman and a Cum Laude from Ateneo de Manila University. Distance and time only tested their resolve. First came the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a long-distance relationship when one left to pursue graduate studies on a scholarship in the US. Connected by digital ...

On January 27, 1951, Capiz was separated from the Archdiocese of Jaro and established as a diocese by Pope Pius XII through the Bull of Erection Ex Supremi Apostolatus. Twenty-five years later, on January 17, 1976, Pope Paul VI elevated the Diocese of Capiz to the rank of an archdiocese, making it the Metropolitan See of the Ecclesiastical Province of Capiz, with Romblon and Kalibo as its suffragan dioceses. The celebration of a Jubilee in the life of the Church is far more than the commemoration of years gone by. It is a sacred occasion of thanksgiving, reflection, and renewal. For the local Church of Capiz, the Diamond Jubilee of its establishment as a Diocese and the Golden Jubilee of its elevation as an Archdiocese celebrate not only God's unfailing providence throughout history but also the faithful response of His people—especially the laity—whose dedication and service have shaped the life and mission of the Church. The Second Vatican Council reminds us that the mission of t...

  Every Independence Day, I find myself asking: Where does freedom truly lie in the midst of our daily realities? Where is freedom when a person has to settle for underemployment just to bring food to a hungry family? Where is freedom when one must surrender personal dignity for a few pesos to survive? Where is freedom when someone is forced to endure degrading circumstances simply to send children to school and secure their future? Where is freedom when one has to swallow pride and compromise self-worth merely to obtain a job? Where is freedom when countless individuals spend hours lining up to avail themselves of free goods because their meager income can no longer sustain their basic needs? And where is freedom when people gradually become accustomed to the persistent news of corruption, injustice, and the seeming indifference of those entrusted to serve the nation? I am but an ordinary Filipino whose voice is often drowned out by the louder cries against injustice, neglect,...

  The Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) finds its deepest inspiration and model in the mystery of the Holy Trinity—the communion of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity reveals a perfect community of love, unity, participation, and mission. Before His Ascension, Jesus entrusted His disciples with the mission of evangelization, saying: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19). Rooted in this Trinitarian communion and missionary mandate, the BEC is called to be a living community of disciples who share faith, nurture one another, and work together in proclaiming the Gospel. Recognizing the vital role of BECs in the life and mission of the Church, the Archdiocese of Capiz has continuously pursued initiatives aimed at strengthening and revitalizing these communities. Through pastoral formation programs, leadership training, faith-sharing gatherings, and evangelization eff...

“Public office is a public trust” is not only a constitutional principle but also a profound moral and spiritual responsibility. In the context of the present situation in the Philippines, this statement becomes even more relevant as the nation continues to face challenges brought about by corruption, poverty, injustice, political division, and the misuse of power. It reminds every public servant that leadership is not a privilege for self-interest but a sacred duty entrusted by both the people and God. In a country, like ours, often tainted by corruption, many persons holding public office unfortunately carry the stigma of dishonesty and self-interest. For a nation considered predominantly Christian, it is painful and disappointing to witness leaders who seem to live by double standards—professing faith in God while engaging in practices contrary to the values of justice, integrity, and compassion. Because of this, many Filipinos are led to ask: What has happened to our Christian valu...

The Philippines, historically recognized as the oldest republic in Asia through the establishment of the Malolos Republic in 1899, takes pride in its long-standing democratic traditions. As the first constitutional democracy in the region, it symbolizes the nation’s early aspiration for self-governance, justice, and equality. Yet despite this legacy, the country continues to struggle with a persistent question: why does corruption remain deeply embedded in its political and social systems, and why does it repeatedly lead to instability? Throughout modern Philippine history, moments of democratic triumph have often been followed by cycles of unrest and political upheaval. The 1986 People Power Revolution restored democracy after years of authoritarian rule, while EDSA II in 2001 led to the removal of another president amid allegations of corruption. These events reveal a recurring pattern in which public outrage against the abuse of power sparks mass mobilization and political change....