MEMOIRS: REUNION FOR ALL FORMER SURIGAO PHILNABANKERS

by: Norberto Betita

When the realities of waning physical strength lead us down and closer into the borders of life’s ultimate destiny, the chronicles and recollections of those long and wonderful days gone by, enliven back the amazing memories of friendships and camaraderie and rekindle the grand moments of joyful acquaintances. Such memoirs resuscitate the seemingly deflated energy that dwells on the soul of the weary travelers, as to create enthusiasm to reconnect the links and reinvent those memorable fellowship and alliance.

For some real and varied reasons our employment bonds were broken by the upshots of our search for individual fate and fortune. As we are chauffeured into the different boundaries of life’s thoroughfare in search of opportunities for growth and development, we somehow momentarily forget the ties and closeness of long ago. Yet, as some of us now sit in comfortable couches of success and with others on the limiting rocking chairs of retirement---when feet seems hard to steady and hands hard to grasp---the sweet echoes of the jubilant past ring back anew into the ears of our memory those long treasured flashes of gladness.

In plans to physically regenerate and refresh those missed instants of warm employment associations, while time is still available for disposal, especially for those who are already in the twilight of life’s journey, a group of Philippines National Bank (PNB) retirees called for and organized a grand reunion for all former Surigao Philnabankers.

As of this writing the following are listed: 

 1. Nards Balagulan (bxu)

2. Ardon Rasonabe (bxu)
3. Fred Amadora (bxu)
4. Sioney Uygioco (bxu)
5. Dindin Sembrano (bxu)
6. Bal Melgar (bxu)
7. Yanyan Cayomo (bxu)
8. Pensoy Fernan (cdo)
9. Lorna Royo (cdo)
10. Sarah Carbonilla (cdo) 

11. Yvonne Ariar (cbu)
12. Bessie Villamor (cbu)
13. Sylvia Becina (mla)
14. Jennifer Poblete (mla)
15. Manny Llesol (mla)
16. Trif Col (cbu/usa)
17. Jaque Del Carmen (can)
18. Caroline Balaba (can)
19. Lito Fortun (can)
20. Alex Ungab (usa)

 21. Raymund Vissara (usa)
22. Inday Tandan (usa)
23. Annging Alas (usa)
24. Elvie Guazon (usa)
25. Ningning Sering
26. Cholo Bathan
27. Lito Daguipa
28. Nora Bermudo
29. Bersai Ledesma
30. Evelyn Cayasa

31. Ricardo Gonzaga

32. Aquiles Besinga
33. Joane Ferrer
34. Ced Tantoy
35. Levie Lisondra
36. Bert Betita
37. Marlo Nambatac
38. Zita Maquiling
39. Romy Maquiling
40. Ronil Salmayor 

 41. Candi Lanugon
42. Judith Pajo
43. Boy Coniate
44. Bon Estaño
45. Cesar Bagaipo
46. Gloria Rutaquio
47. Virgilio Mendoza
48. Romeo Kwan
49. Nanding Rutaquio
50. Malu Madelo Pilorin

 51. Antonette Roma
52. Floy Paler
53. Gloria Rocha
54. Ospar Ebol

Guests:

1. Romeo Orozco
2. Domingo Gordonas
3. Erlinda Morandante

The organizing committee and conveners of this grand event are therefore inviting all former Surigao Philnabankers to join our reunion scheduled on June 21-23, 2019 in Surigao City. Should you have been missed in the list, please be counted. 

It is unfortunate that some of those who had been a part of such wondrous days---Mario R. Hatague, Eduardo Ajero, Avelino “Jun” Tiu, Dodong Milana, Luis Gomez, Jingjing Felicio, Rey Carbonilla and several others---were already summoned to the other side of the veil and have made the grave their mansions. Yet the nostalgias of them will linger through our lifetime as we try to memorialize the friendships which we shared during the short times we were together as Surigao Philnabankers.

We may have been quiet sentimental and saddened by their passing, but as in the words of the Psalmist, “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5.)

Revisiting the chronicle of my journey into the perimeters of the PNB Surigao Branch, there shines the names of Domingo Gordonas, who was the guard who informed me about the competitive qualifying examinations; Mr. Mario R. Hatague, Chief L & D and Mr. Eduardo Ajero, Credit Investigator, who conducted the character investigation, as a pre-employment requirement, after I passed the test. Their favorable narrative of my character and personality eventually awarded for me a secured PNB seat which to me was like a conceptual beautiful rainbow that forms after a distressing storm, having been without employment for some time.

Personally, I cherished those humorous memories with former PNB Surigao Branch associates. The branch was then housed under the Vasquez athletic field grandstand. It was a small space, which turns like a smoke chamber after all clients are served. Most men are smokers. It seems to be their stress antidote while balancing voluminous transactions using mechanical machines. One of the first funny thing that I witnessed as a newly transferred personnel from Tandag Branch, was when Bessie eventually shouted, “Please stop smoking, my husband is already complaining about my undergarments already smelling cigarette.”

Bessie was the best singer in the group and during bankers programs and parties, she was always one best and applauded performer. I’m grateful that she finally transferred and the performer’s mantle was passed on to me. Nobody could argue with the pictures below as evidence. However, with the original title holder coming back for the reunion, I will be returning the crown. 

I neither drink alcoholic beverages and smoke. But during our parties, they try to gather empty bottles of beer and place it in front of me for a picture. I look like the real drunken master. 

As a current account bookkeeper, it was my charge to make sure that checks with stop-payment orders, which are common during my time, should not be posted. There was this woman supplier of DECS books, whose check for encashment in the amount of P500,000, which signatories acted like table tennis players and used the check as their pingpong ball. They serve stop payment orders and then encashment notices for several times in a row. Until I finally got hold of the encashment notice attached to the check and I immediately have it posted and approved by Chief Alex. The following day, we received a complaint why it was encashed when a hold payment order was submitted. Chief Alex immediately asked for the ledger from me and checked. He found that on top of the ledger was a stop payment order. He was kind of punctured by the sad reality. The amount of P500,000 was such a huge accountability for him as the approving officer and for me as the bookkeeper. But I assured him that there was attached to the check an encashment order and there was no payment order during the day issued for the same check. Concerned about our joint accountability, I carefully checked on the notices enclosed and stapled on the ledgers and arranged those by dates. I found that the latest notice was for encashment. I shouted “Yes,” we were both relieved. 

Indeed, there were many sad and funny experiences which are worth remembering together. Sad when we were short in our cash transactions, because we were required to pay, and even sadder when we are over for we are not allowed to get the excess cash, but are made to explain why.

Boss Ardon was lucky because Miyot did not immediately dispense the content of the trash box into the trash bag for final distribution to the garbage collector. He first checked on the box and found a bundle of P50,000 worth of late deposit wrapped in newspapers.

I am ungrateful should I fail to recognize my mentors by whose managerial authority I was under direct supervision. Of course, I am enthralled by the persistence and perseverance of Manager Bagaipo that I oftentimes found myself late in my central bank clearing waiting for deposits he has to bring from marketing with checks for clearing. I respect and honor the paternal type of leadership and diligence of Manager Kwan. I am fascinated by the wit and brilliance of Manager Madelo, who was also my boss while in Tandag Branch. I loved the strict but straightforward attribute and generosity of Manager Hatague, and I enjoyed the company and leadership of Manager Gomez, Manager Amadora, Manager Melgar and Boss Ardon and his humor, although I am no longer under them during their managerial stint at PNB Surigao, although we were working on the same roof.

But most of all, I treasured the motherly style of management that Ma'am Sylvia Becina---the only woman manager I was under supervision---which she introduced into our team. Her soft and tender voice even in bad mood mirrored a menu which broth is delightful to the taste despite heat and the content tender and soft to swallow. Her profound leadership techniques where like those bits of fatty bone marrow in the same menu which provides energy to the heart and brain as to motivate each to contribute towards attaining the overall goals of the branch. She is very concerned of the well-being of his subordinates. Her motherly leadership even at work, represented the kind of a mother which Victor Hugo wrote in his classic: “She broke the bread into two fragments and gave them to her children, who ate them with eagerness. ‘She hath kept none for herself,’ grumbled the sergeant. “Because she is not hungry,” said a soldier.” “No,” said the sergeant, “because she is a mother.” 

 
I conclude with some funny memories when two of our security guards held hands together like frightened newlyweds, because of bomb scare, and when Miyot revealed in a Christmas Party, with sincere apologies to the late Manager Mario R. Hatague for tasting his coffee by the teaspoon each time he prepares a cup for him. I don’t know if you have ever experienced using a lip gloss as perfume; Miyot had it and later complained to Cholo why her perfume is gluey.

For sure each has his or her own story to tell and it’s worthwhile to listen and enjoy together the wonderful reminiscences of those pleasurable and congenial yesteryears. Joseph B. Wirthlin said, “Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming.” As such it is said that, “No matter how much suffering you went through, you never wanted to let go of those memories.” (Haruki Murakami.)

We, therefore, most cordially invite all former PNB Surigao Philnabankers to come and join our grand reunion on June 21-23, 2019. BE COUNTED AND LET US ENJOY TOGETHER!

REMEMBERING AN HONORABLE MAN OF GOD: THE LATE REVEREND EFEGENIO HUELMA AZARCON

(Complete text of a memorial service message---December 30, 2018)

By: Norberto Betita 

In the bitter reality of the natural wear and tear of my mortal coil attendant to aging, I stand today fairly bereft of intellectual reflexes as to prompt me to write my message for this special memorial event in the life of the late Reverend Efegenio Huelma-Azarcon. I pray that the words I have to say today may merit and be worth King Solomon’s description when he wrote: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11).

As we memorialize the unfailing virtues of those loved and lost, who served in righteousness and in truth to the end, we rise from the deepest depths of our sorrows to the pinnacle of a joyful assurance of an eternal reward promised to the faithful and of a coming grand and glorious reunion with him in the hereafter.

When I received Effe’s invitation for this service in memoriam of the 19th death anniversary of her father---Reverend Azarcon---which to me is such a great honor and privilege, the first thing that came to my mind were the words of James M. Barrie, “God gave us memories that we may have June roses in the December of our lives.”

Indeed, the December of Pastor Azarcon, as we fondly called him when we were in college, was long since gone, but the June roses of each passing December remain fresh and immaculate as loved ones revisit and review the prints of his memorable journey from the tablet of their hearts. 

The speaker

Perhaps during this yearly commemoration of his death which coincidentally was only a day past the anniversary of the passing of our National Hero, we can best imagine their common feelings as they bade their sad goodbyes to their loved ones and slipped into the other side of the veil. Such poetic farewell was so beautifully written by Dr. Jose Rizal, in his Mi Ultimo Adios: “I go where there are no slaves, hangmen or oppressors;

“Where faith does not kill; where the one who reigns is God.”

I know Reverend Azarcon as an schoolmate at the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges sometime in the early 1970’s. I was then in my second year in college and he must have been on his third year. I was also seven years junior his age. Although our fellowship was not that close because we were taking different courses, yet such occasional engagements in the campus left imprints of wonderful memories that has long since stayed in my mind and heart. He was then taking up Bachelor of Arts and mine was leading to a degree in Commerce. I know him to be a pastor, because he was a classmate of my best friend Jose Fuertes who was also taking Bachelors of Arts.

One of my most memorable encounter with Reverend Azarcon was when we were both chosen as contestants in an oratorical contest for the NEMCO College Day celebration, which used to be one of the grandest celebrations we have in Surigao City at that time. He was representing Bachelor of Arts Department and I was representing the Commerce Department. I only knew he was the contestant when we were already sitting on the stand. His being chosen to be a contestant must have been the reason for our Department’s original contestant to backtrack, probably knowing the oratorical virtue and skill of him.

During the presidency of Jose O. Paloma of NEMCO, the college day is the most celebrated event and during such activities the quadrangle and the second floor foyer were always filled with people--- parents, students, friends, and guests. By the view alone of the audience, you’ve got your knees quaking, especially if you are not used to a large audience. Such condition was most favorable for Pastor Azarcon, because he had been regularly exposed to a large congregation being the preacher of the UCCP Central Church, while I was a neophyte-trying-hard oratorical contestant for the first time in my college life. 

With host, Ms. Effe Ping Barker (3rd from right) and other guests

As Reverend Azarcon started his piece, and his solid and penetrating voice thundered all around the open arena of the NEMCO quadrangle, I knew then that not one of the other contestants have the chance of winning the grand prize. His piece was well written, his delivery was exceptional, his presence of mind and memory was perfectly consistent and his voice bellowed with precision as to invite audience applause and heads up for the judges. He seemed to be like the Apostle Paul delivering his powerful testimony before King Agrippa and the accusing Jews, to which the king replied, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28). That made me shiver and wished that I would be allowed to use the podium to cover my quivering knees or just hold on the microphone stand at least. I was in such dilemma to the end that when it was my time I forgot part of my piece and immediately skipped to the last paragraph. The same must have been the predicament of other contestants that they also lost their power. Fortunately, I still placed second to Reverend Azarcon.

However, such was not the best memory that was planted in my mind and heart for Reverend Azarcon. I remembered him most during those silent moments and quiet encounters we have at the campus. He must not have known it himself, but I found him to be a very humble man of God. His gentle smile and soft tone, when not in an oratory, reflected kindness and meekness. His manly bearing and countenance invited honor and respect. Even his ever enduring style of a flat-top hair, when most men were sporting “tagalog” cut and I was even wearing a long hair and beard, to me manifested his moral consistency, bearing his integrity with conscious dignity.

He used to ride a semi-racer bicycle to school with his notebooks and a book, which I sensed to be his Holy Bible, fastened on the back carrier, while wearing his dignified ministerial outfit of polo-barong. I saw him on several occasions passed by our makeshift resting benches at the SNNHS cottages along Paradise Street, where I lived with my brother, towing by his side the same bicycle up the hill to the Surigao del Norte National High School, perhaps on his way to or from his ministerial duties for his flocks. I viewed this unpretentious straightforward display of his guileless circumstances to be an example of true discipleship; a classic and most admirable way of magnifying his pastoral election and calling.

His most noble attribute of humility reminds me of the words of Marlin K. Jensen: “...it should come as no surprise that, in the estimation of some, humility ranks quite low on the scale of desirable character traits. Popular books have been written in recent years on integrity, common sense, civility, and a host of other virtues, but apparently there is little market for humility. Obviously, in these coarsening times when we are taught the art of negotiating by intimidation, and assertiveness has become a byword of the business world, those seeking to become humble will be a small and overlooked but critically important minority.” (To Walk Humbly with Thy God, lds.org.) Yet, in his being a part of that critical minority, I placed Reverend Azarcon, with his humility and manliness, in high pedestal.

I am most confident that as a minister and student of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, he was most familiar with the account in Matthew when the Lord’s disciples asked Him the question, “...Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? In response of which, “...Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4.)

As revealed by my PNB colleague, a member of his congregation, who truly loved his sermons, whose marriage he administered and solemnized, Reverend Azarcon’s childlike humility also radiates the kind of ministerial leadership, which the Lord taught to His disciples as recorded in Matthew. “...Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” (Matthew 20:25-27.)

It is only occasional that we witness childlike humility from one who bears the mantle of authority to preside over a Christian congregation, dressed in dignity and honor in accord with his assignment and calling and then act implicitly as a servant. It is very uncommon for a leader to consciously show his humility. Reverend Azarcon might not even have recognized that he sent an undying message to me, during those times when we were yet schoolmates, for if beforehand or during those quiet moments he knew that he was humble, he might not have probably acted the way he did. For one to recognize himself as being humble, he is not.

His noble character, in unity with the exemplary motherhood of Mrs. Azarcon, must have been a great influence for good in the lives of their children as to motivate them to attain the highest possible education they could. The eldest, Reverend Dr. Azriel, is a Doctor of Theology, and dean of Asia Graduate School of Theology, Philippines; Atty. Casel, is educated in law and a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; and Ms. Effe, is a Master in Education, with further studies in journalism at the University of California, Los Angeles. Such achievements are grand parental endowments.

The way Effe described his father’s consecrated life in Christian ministry, voiced anew the legendary words of Dr. Jose Rizal: “It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted in the field without becoming part of an edifice.

“You must shatter the vase to spread its perfume, and smite the rock to get the spark.” (El Filibusterismo).

Indeed, the memorable story of Reverend Azarcon’s ministry will endure well forever as being part of that Christian edifice he pioneered in Surigao City---The Presbyterian Church. The pleasant scent of his exemplary life and the illuminating rays of the light demonstrated in his remarkable Christian life and ministry, warranted for him a state of peace and rest, where no tears should be shed and no sorrows remain. His lifetime of service to God and His people qualified and guaranteed for him an exalted sphere in the place, which John, the beloved apostle, described as a condition where, “…God shall wipe away all tears from [his] eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelation 21:4, 7)

As I now picture the present reality and the glorious state where Reverend Azarcon is right now, my thoughts are steered anew to the wondrous words of Lord Alfred Tennyson in his poem “In Memoriam”:

“Forgive my grief for one removed,
Thy creature, whom I found so fair.
I trust he lives in thee, and there
I find him worthier to be loved.”
(In Memoriam A.H.H., par. 10.)

In expressions of gratitude to God for him whose wonderful memories of long ago still lingers---even the late Reverend Efegenio Huelma-Azarcon, I quote these words most popular among Christian ministers, and perhaps also a favorite of him, the 23rd Psalm of David:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Thank you very much.

NEW YEAR’S WISHES: MY PERSONAL PUBLIC PRAYER FOR PRESIDENT DUTERTE

By: Norberto Betita

PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE

More than ever, our country today needs more participants than idle spectators in the affairs of government. We need to be evermore aware of our duties and responsibilities as citizens of this republic and therefore contribute in whatever way and how little we can towards progress and development, setting aside the contentious approach of partisanship.

We are a nation of genuine democracy where majority rule is permitted and recognized by the supreme law---The Philippine Constitution---which also articulate the protection of the rights of each individual citizen.

Among the many functions of majority rule in a democracy is to establish the mechanisms in deciding and choosing representatives of the people into the different branches of Government through the process of election. However, as it is when elections end and the voice of the majority are determined against our favor, we remain adamantly locked and immovable in our personal belief and partisan convictions in opposition to the principle of majority rule and thus critically wrestle with an established government. Consequently, we are divided, and such a reality is the very reason why for the last many years we have remained to be a nation documented and labelled as poor.

We are short of understanding the words of Dr. Jose Rizal, many years ago, when he wrote: “I can concede that the government has no knowledge of the people, but I believe the people know less of the government. There are useless officials, evil, if you like, but there are also good ones, and these are not able to accomplish anything because they encounter an inert mass, the population that takes little part in matters that concern them.” (Noli Me Tangere).

We are a free nation and a free people, but such freedom of navigation to the blissful economic shores are being subjugated by the selfishness of those who are in the minority---the economically rich and the socially and politically powerful---who, until now are hooked at using the weaknesses of the poor for their personal gains and pushed them hard down the deepest depths of poverty and woe.  

Now we have a leader who, from the start of his presidential journey, has always wanted to liberate our people from the mire of poverty by cleansing the government and changing the bureaucracy; dismantling the giants of corruption and drug cartels; fighting terrorism and insurgency; and suppressing the oligarchy. He is hated and criticized by his political rivals; mocked and despised by the skeptics; spurned by the unbelievers and doubters; and even considered an enemy to the church. But he is resolute in fighting his battle with faith and courage; he is honest in his convictions and unperturbed by the magnitude of opposition that is before him; and he has always expressed his willingness to die for the people he is elected to serve. His obstinate zeal to stand by his plans and programs of government for the benefit of the majority and the coming generations, brings to memory the words of Dr. Jose Rizal: “I don't see why I should bow my head when I could hold it high, or place it in the hands of my enemies when I can defeat them.” (Noli Me Tangere).

In his leadership I found the significance and the hope that come from the words of Dr. Jose Rizal when he wrote: “I do not mean to say that our liberty will be secured at the sword’s point…but that we must secure it by making ourselves worthy of it, by exalting the intelligence and the dignity of the individual, by loving justice, right, and greatness, even to the extent of dying for them,—and when a people reaches that height God will provide a weapon, the idols will be shattered, the tyranny will crumble like a house of cards and liberty will shine out like the first dawn. (El Filibusterismo).

The dawn of our common victory through President Duterte will not shine unless we remain united in supporting his presidency and his honest efforts to bring about the changes, we need so long a time. We could not attain liberty from the bondage of poverty if we continue to stand idly by as useless spectators and frustrated political pedestrians. We could not find the gate to a bountiful life until we become willing participants in our government’s cause.

Therefore, in this New Year of 2019, if only to give my diminutive personal support to his noble cause, I offer my personal public prayer for President Duterte.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte taking his oath of office

Heavenly Father,

In grateful acknowledgement of Thine intervention

In inspiring our people to vote for an unlikely President

Of our Republic, we raise our voices high unto Thee

In praises of thankfulness and adoration.

With devotion and reverence for the divine manifestation

Of the mantle of power through the people upon President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,

Notwithstanding his earlier reluctance to run for the Presidency,

We are marvelously grateful unto Thee. 

We thank Thee for President Rodrigo Duterte,

Our beloved president, for working so hard,

Together with his cabinet members, in fulfilling

His promises to bring about changes in our government.

We unitedly express our heartfelt gratitude

For the strength and physical health and vigor

Thou hast blessed him, despite natural deterioration

And corporal limitations attendant to aging.

Most profoundly, we thank Thee, O, Father

For the marvelous unsung accomplishments

His administration has introduced toward progress

And development in our nation in this so short a time.

We thank Thee for his sincere love and concern for the Filipino people,

Not only for the present, but for the coming generations,

And his ever sincere desire to build a nation worthy

To provide a peaceful haven for its populace.

In the hollow accusations and unwanted critical opposition,

Daily thrown against him to put down his name and presidency,

We thank Thee for the continued blessings of boldness, willpower

And courage to withstand, which Thou hast powerfully endowed upon him.

We thank Thee evermore for the divine influence

Thou hast laid into the hearts of the people and the Armed Forces

And the loyal cabinet members of his administration,

As to openly and honestly support him in his program of government.

We are profoundly grateful that until the end of the year 2018

The majority of our people have remained loyal to the president

And are ever confident of his leadership and governance

Towards our country’s becoming an economically progressive nation.   

Dear Heavenly Father, in this day of developing culture of hate

In our Philippine Society, we pray for Thy divine hands

To lift up our beloved President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

Towards attaining his dreams for the Filipino people.

We ask Thee, to bless him with the mantle of power and authority

To continually incapacitate the critical assaults from the opposition,

As regards his method of governance in implementing intended changes

Aimed at bringing our nation toward economic growth and development.

We ask for Thy blessings upon the members of his cabinet

That all may be united in a common perspective to work in harmony,

In carrying and eventually transforming our country

Into a haven of peace and progress and contented life for all.

We ask for Thy most powerful influence and reconciling spirit

To touch the hearts of those who are critical of the President

That they may embrace, once and for all, a culture of healing

For our common good, as a nation and as a people.

Let the bowels of Thy divine love flow into the hearts of every citizen

That all may render support to our beloved President

And that love, unity, harmony and peace may bind us together

In building a strong foundation of a great and glorious commonwealth with charity for all.

May Thou bless and protect the Military and the Police as they support the president

In the battle against Insurgency, terrorism, drug abuse and criminality,

That lives may be preserved and peace be once more established,

And provide healing to our long battered economic landscape.

Grant, O, Father, that the youth of our land may ever be mindful

Of their inherent role in the constant renewal of leadership in our national life,

As envisioned by the president, and infuse upon their vulnerable minds

Personal discipline and brighter optimism for a glorious future.

May the ever yearning desire of President Duterte to cleanse our government

From the lingering cancer of corruption, be accorded Thine rectifying power

That the government may be washed of corrupt stewards and officials

And the treasury be filled with resources in greater abundance after a long dry spell.

Rather than running counter and opposing the government’s honest efforts,

May Thou, O, Father inspire the religious advocates to instead look for the good things,

And join in prayer for the president to accomplish his wondrous programs and plans

To establish a strong government and solid economic foundations for future generations to benefit.  

As Thou didst protect Elisha’s soldiers from the threats of hundreds of thousands

Of the Assyrian Army who wanted Israel destroyed, may Thou likewise send Thy “horses

And chariots of fire round about” our country, and thus help us realize

That, “they that be with us are more than they that be” with the enemies of the state.

We pray that as the dawn of 2019 signals the coming of a brighter day, Thou mayest bless the president with the best of health and physical vigor to sustain him in his most persistent efforts

To make good his increasingly intense longings to open bolted doors of opportunities

Upon which the poor Filipino people may find their way to an abundant life.

Of these things we pray in humble submission to Thy will,

In the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.