'Puwedeng hindi, bakit oo?' | PhD student, @UTSEngage | Religion, media, journalism, gender
Articles by Robbin Dagle
Navigating religious conservatism and sexual and reproductive health and rights: faith-informed peacebuilding in the Philippines
ABSTRACT In response to religious conservatism in the Philippines, advocates of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) avoid religious conversations in their work. They frame SRHR through secular principles such as well-being and public health. This avoids confrontations with the religious sector, especially on issues related to the LGBTQ + community. But in a country where religion pervades public life, faith does matter, especially on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Commentary: Quiboloy’s arrest - when self-proclaimed ‘Son of God’ plays politics
MANILA: Apollo Quiboloy gave himself many titles: Senior pastor. Appointed son of God. Owner of the universe. But on Sep 8, the once-influential Filipino televangelist and spiritual adviser to former president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on more earthly charges: Human trafficking, and child and sexual abuse. His arrest underscores the power play between two duelling political dynasties in the Philippines.
Quiboloy’s Arrest: When Self-Proclaimed ‘Son of God’ Plays Politics
Apollo Quiboloy gave himself many titles: Senior Pastor. Appointed Son of God. Owner of the Universe. But on 8 September, the once-influential Filipino televangelist and spiritual adviser to former president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on more earthly charges: human trafficking, and child and sexual abuse. His arrest underscores the power play between two duelling political dynasties in the Philippines.
Bishop Pabillo warns against ‘politico-led’ people’s initiative
MANILA, Philippines – Bishop Broderick Pabillo, one of the Catholic Church’s most outspoken leaders in the Philippines, warned the public against moves to amend the 1987 Constitution through people’s initiative.
CBCP head: Vatican document on blessing of same-sex couples ‘speaks for itself’
MANILA, Philippines – Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), saw no need to elaborate on the Vatican document Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), which allowed priests to bless same-sex couples. David’s advisory took a different approach to guidance released separately earlier by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas and Tuguegarao Archbishop Ricardo Baccay, who both expounded on the Vatican’s pronouncement.
Archbishop Soc: Blessing same-sex couples for mercy, not sanctification
MANILA, Philippines – Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas released guidelines related to the recently-published Vatican document allowing priests to bless couples in “irregular situations and same-sex couples.” Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) from 2013-2017, is the first Filipino bishop to publicly release guidance on the landmark ruling Fiducia supplicans, published on Tuesday, December 18, by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith...
Archbishop Soc: Blessing same-sex couples for mercy, not sanctification
MANILA, Philippines – Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas released guidelines related to the recently-published Vatican document allowing priests to bless couples in “irregular situations and same-sex couples.” Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) from 2013-2017, is the first Filipino bishop to publicly release guidance on the landmark ruling Fiducia supplicans, published on Tuesday, December 18, by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith...
Cardinal Tagle, top Filipino churchman, leads Simbang Gabi at the Vatican
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino hymns rang out at Saint Peter’s Basilica, center of the Catholic Church built on the tomb of their first pope Peter, as Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle led the annual Simbang Gabi for Filipinos in Rome. Tagle, one of the most powerful Filipino bishops in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history – rivaled in prominence only by the late Cardinal Jaime Sin – celebrated this liturgy in the Filipino language.
Father Danny Pilario, anti-EJK priest, is new Adamson University president
MANILA, Philippines – Father Daniel Franklin “Danny” Pilario, a Cebuano theologian known for his fight against drug war killings, is the seventh president of the 91-year-old Adamson University. Pilario is a 62-year-old Catholic priest belonging to the Congregation of Mission (CM), also known as the Vincentians, that operates Adamson. He succeeds Father Marcelo Manimtim, who had led the Adamson since December 2015.
Filipino imams condemn Sunday Mass bombing in Marawi
ILIGAN CITY, Philippines – Filipino imams condemned the bombing of a gymnasium at Mindanao State University (MSU) Marawi during a Catholic Mass on Sunday, December 3, describing the incident as contrary to “all human and Islamic norms.” “In Islam, the only wars that are permitted are between armies, and they should engage on battlefields and engage nobly.
Reject Israel occupation of Palestine, churches tell Filipino Christians
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ biggest group of Christian churches urged their members to reject Israel’s “illegal occupation” of Palestine as they called for “peace based on justice.” “Churches must not condone Zionist rhetoric among Christians who legitimize as a right of ‘the chosen people’ the illegal occupation of Palestinian properties and other violations of human life and dignity.
'Scale up' action vs climate change
MANILA, Philippines – Faith leaders from various traditions gathered ahead of a major climate summit in Dubai to highlight faith’s “tremendous” and “untapped” potential in accelerating climate action. “People of faith have a most important, crucial role in combating the environmental crisis that we’re facing, and together we can do this,” said Archbishop Charles Brown, papal nuncio to the Philippines, at an interfaith dialogue held on Thursday, November 23.
Dumaguete Cathedral unveils newly-renovated altar
DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – Dumaguete Cathedral, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, just got a major upgrade in time for its fiesta on Saturday, November 25. Hidden from the public since October 2023, the St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral’s newly-renovated sanctuary was unveiled to the faithful in a ritual tracing back to Christianity’s earliest years.
Dumaguete mayor, officials face Ombudsman complaint over ‘illegal’ reclamation
DUMAGUETE CITY – Environmental groups and concerned citizens filed a verified complaint against Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo and seven other current and former city officials on Friday, September 29, over continuing reclamation activities, extending the seaside promenade on the south end of the city’s famed Rizal Boulevard.
Kapit kamay or imitation? The debate about holding hands during the 'Our Father'
MANILA, Philippines – For many Filipino Catholics, raising or holding hands while singing the “Our Father” or the Lord’s Prayer is among the more tender, heartfelt–at times, awkward–parts of the Mass. But did you know that a debate on the practice’s appropriateness has been ongoing among church insiders?
Brave children's book promotes proper hygiene, prevention of sex abuse " The FilAm
Posted: June 24th, 2023 ˑ Filled under: Books, Youth ˑ No Comments ByRobbin Charles Dagle Glenda Oris, who teaches in the Kagawaran ng Filipino (Department of Filipino), is known for her work in the area of children’s literature, specifically picture books and historical fiction for young adults. Oris has won acclaim for her books from the Philippines’ top literature prizes such as the Palanca Awards and the National Children’s Book Awards.
Historic, revolutionary: Iglesia Filipina Independiente ordains first trans woman clergy in PH
MANILA, Philippines – Hailed as a progressive move towards inclusivity, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) ordained its first trans woman clergy during an emotional three-hour service steeped in ritual on Friday, February 24, at the IFI National Cathedral. Reverend Wylard “Wowa” Ledama, 28, was consecrated as deacon by IFI Supreme Bishop Rhee Timbang before a diverse congregation composed of family, clergy, the laity, advocates, and representatives from other Christian churches.
Journalist's Numbers Guide
Journalism requires wrestling facts out of statistics β something journalists often aren't taught to do. We created this journalist's guide to help them unlock the true powers of numbers. πͺ How to check if there is a story contained within your data. Easy ways to check your calculations. The most common journalist calculations, with a few examples. The importance of proper data visualization and some software recommendations. How to accurately fact-check dubious claims with a step-by-step guide.
CBCP asks Catholics to attend Sunday Mass physically amid ‘weakened’ pandemic
MANILA, Philippines – Citing the relaxation of COVID-19 health protocols in the country, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) encouraged the faithful to return to the pews physically for Sunday Mass. “With gratitude to God, the pandemic has weakened, and our official health experts have placed the country into more relaxed health protocols.
[OPINION] Conditional acceptance and why it’s not good enough for the LGBTQ+
Without batting an eyelash, many Filipinos will say that they accept the LGBTQ+. But the reality is that this acceptance is conditional. It comes in different forms. In their families, queer people feel that they need to prove their worth before they are accepted. Many Filipinos know what this means. Usually, this has to do with their ability to provide for the family. Sociologist Ash Presto’s work in rural communities validates this point.
Burying the Dead
Princess*, a nursing school graduate and former healthcare worker, did not believe in the COVID-19 pandemic. For her and many in her community, this was just another money-making ploy by the government and the hospitals. Her disbelief in the health crisis changed, however, as she experienced the illness with her whole family. On their third day in isolation at the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) in September 2020, Princess watched her father being wheeled off to the intensive care unit (ICU).
Contesting Unfreedom: To be Queer and Christian in the Philippines
Abstract Queer Filipinos continue to experience different modes of discrimination, abuse, and coercion, mainly because of conservative religious worldviews. They encounter these experiences in their households, schools, workplaces, and churches, which we refer to as spaces of unfreedom. How do queer Filipinos navigate these spaces of unfreedom? We answer this based on interviews with queer young adult men who grew up Christian in various denominations.
Closer to sainthood: Cebuano archbishop Camomot named ‘venerable’
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Pope Francis bestowed the title of ‘Venerable’ to the late Archbishop Teofilo Camomot on May 21, a step closer to being formally recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church. The move—which also recognized Camomot as having lived a life of “heroic virtue”—is a major development in advancing his cause for sainthood.
Luistro elected first Filipino leader of La Sallian Brothers worldwide
Former education secretary Brother Armin Luistro was elected as the 28th Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, known as the La Sallian Brothers, on Wednesday, May 18. The bells of the Sanctuary of Saint John Baptist De La Salle, the congregation’s headquarters in Rome, rang to announce Luistro’s election at 10:25 am in Rome (4:25 pm in Manila).
UCCP bishops: Leni-Kiko tandem is ‘best choice’ for Filipinos
MANILA, Philippines – The Leni Robredo-Kiko Pangilinan ticket has received another rare religious endorsement just days before the May 9 polls – this time from one of the country’s largest Protestant churches.
Robredo seeks to repeat landslide wins in Negros Oriental, Siquijor
LENI IN NEGROS ORIENTAL. Presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo waves to her thousands of supporters who filled the RUSI Ballfield where the Sidlak: Negros Oriental People’s Rally was held on April 20, 2022.
Dumaguete residents on why they oppose the Smart City reclamation
NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines – Rappler went around the streets and seas of Dumaguete City to ask common folks about their thoughts on the controversial 174-hectare Smart City reclamation project being proposed by the local government. The joint venture between the local government and a private firm was supposed to be signed in July 2021, but due to protests, the city council retracted in September 2021 the authority it gave Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo to sign the agreement.
Sumilao farmers join ‘house-to-house’ campaign for Leni-Kiko in Dumaguete
FARMERS. The Sumilao farmers campaigning for the Leni-Kiko tandem arrive in Dumaguete City. Robbin M. Dagle/Rappler Dumaguete's Robredo People’s Council also aims to introduce the vice president as the 'people’s candidate' DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – Despite running on just two hours of sleep, the Sumilao farmers gamely conducted house-to-house campaigns for the Leni Robredo-Kiko Pangilinan ticket in two barangays in Dumaguete City on Wednesday, April 6.
More than 500 priests, nuns endorse Robredo for president
MANILA, Philippines – More than 500 Catholic priests, deacons, brothers, and religious sisters endorsed presidential bet Leni Robredo and running mate Kiko Pangilinan, breaking a long-held tradition that discourages Catholic leaders from supporting specific candidates. “All things considered, among the candidates who have laid out their political platforms and applied for the highest and the second highest posts of the land, we adjudge that it is Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ G.
Bishop David 'blesses' Robredo endorsement by local lay group
BLESSING. Religious leaders and fellow candidates pray over Vice President Leni Robredo and running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan as they visit supporters in Guinobatan, Albay on February 9, 2022.
Negros Oriental gubernatorial rivals square off on presidential bets
SQUARE OFF. Gubernatorial May 2022 bets bat for different presidential aspirants, which Governor Roel Degamo for Ferdinand Marcos, Jr and Vice Governor Mark Macias for Leni Robredo.
CEAP Board: Reject candidates running on ‘platform of lies, historical distortion’
The board of trustees of the country’s largest organization of Catholic private schools says the elections is an 'opportunity that will break the darkness' of 'lies, injustice, authoritarianism, and dysfunctional leadership' A day before the start of the national campaign period for the May 2022 elections, the national board of the country’s biggest organization of Catholic private schools urged the public to value truth, justice, democracy, and integrity in choosing their next set of leaders.
Negros Oriental COVID-19 cases more than triple in just 4 days
Photo from LupadDumaguete2016/Facebook LupadDumaguete2016's Facebook page The Central Visayas province returns to the stricter Alert Level 3 status starting January 16 NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines – In just four days, the number of active COVID-19 cases here increased to more than threefold, data from the provincial government showed. As of Friday, January 14, the provincial health office recorded a total of 196 active cases, up from the 63 tallied on Monday, January 10.
Negros Oriental thanks Duterte for aid, residents beg for construction materials
President Rodrigo Duterte talks to evacuees of Bais City, Negros Oriental.
Lights back in some parts of Bais City
Joint teams from the Bais City government and Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (NORECO I) repair damaged electric poles and wires.
In Negros Oriental, Odette leaves at least 51 dead, P600 million in infrastructure damage
DAMAGE. Several trees are toppled by strong winds brought by Typhoon Odette in Bais City, Negros Oriental. Renz Macion Much of northern Negros Oriental remains without power or phone signal DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – At least 51 people have died in Negros Oriental in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, according to an initial report from the province’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division (LDRRMD).
Bais City, northern towns hit hardest by Typhoon Odette in Negros Oriental
DAMAGE. Several trees are toppled by strong winds brought by Typhoon Odette in Bais City, Negros Oriental. Renz Macion Typhoon Odette (Rai) leaves at least 14 people dead and 19 others missing in Bais City alone NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines – Towns in northern Negros Oriental bore the brunt of Typhoon Odette (Rai) when it hit the province midnight on Friday, December 17.
Negros Oriental appeals Alert Level 4 status
Fearing more economic setbacks, the provincial government of Negros Oriental has appealed the national coronavirus task force's decision to place the province under Alert Level 4.
93% of COVID-19 deaths in Dumaguete since May were unvaccinated
Out of the 79 people who died in Dumaguete City due to COVID-19 from May 1 to October 21, 74 were unvaccinated, according to City Health Officer Maria Sarah Talla. This, as the city and the province of Negros Oriental continue to face challenges in vaccinating its population amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. More than five months since the vaccination rollout started in Dumaguete City on May 1, 35,448 residents have been fully vaccinated, or 26.4% of its total population of 134,103 as of October 22.
Negros Oriental Sanggunian overrides vetoed coastal protection ordinance
The Negros Oriental Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) unanimously overrode Governor Roel Degamo’s veto of an ordinance declaring the province’s marine protected areas (MPAs) as “reclamation-free zones.” The ordinance stood in defiance to the Dumaguete City local government’s plan to pursue the controversial 174-hectare “Smart City” reclamation project, which will affect 4 MPAs in the city.
New COVID-19 surge in Negros Oriental: 322 new cases in 3 days
Negros Oriental is experiencing a fresh surge of COVID-19 infections, as the province logged more than 300 cases in the last three days. A total of 322 cases were recorded in this period: 116 on September 8, 82 on September 9, and 124 on September 10, Dr. Liland Estacion, incident commander of the provincial COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force, said in a press briefing on Friday, September 10.
Dumaguete mayor, council halt contract signing with Smart City developer
The Dumaguete City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) granted Mayor Felipe Remollo's request to withdraw the authority to sign an agreement with developer E.M. Cuerpo, Inc. (EMCI) for the controversial 174-hectare Smart City reclamation project. In a special session on Friday, September 10, the SP moved to approve Remollo's request sent through a letter dated September 8.
Negros Oriental Sanggunian passes ordinance defending marine protected areas
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Oriental passed on third reading an ordinance declaring the province’s marine protected areas (MPA) as “reclamation-free zones.” The move could potentially block the controversial 174-hectare “Smart City” project in Dumaguete City. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan secretariat told Rappler the council passed the ordinance on August 23. SP presiding officer, Vice Governor Mark Macias needs to sign it after the minutes of the last session are approved.
Negros Oriental confirms first Delta variant cases
Four cases of the more transmissible Delta variant were identified in Negros Oriental, more than three weeks after the province sent samples to the Philippine Genome Center (PGC). Two cases were from Dumaguete City, one from Bayawan City, and one from Manjuyod, who was swabbed in neighboring Ayungon. All cases have already recovered.
‘Art not in a vacuum’: Dumaguete artists oppose ‘smart city’ project
Writers and artists who found home in Dumaguete City, an important cultural hub in the southern Philippines, registered their opposition to its controversial P23-billion ($459.36-million) “smart city” reclamation project. “Art does not exist in a vacuum – it is grounded and informed by the sociopolitical struggles of our time.
For third time, Dumaguete council lets mayor kickstart ‘smart city’ project
The Dumaguete City Council rejected a motion that would have withdrawn the authority they gave Mayor Felipe Remollo to sign a revised joint venture agreement (JVA) with developer E.M. Cuerpo, Inc. (EMCI) to kickstart the controversial "smart city" reclamation project. Councilors Arbas, Rosel Erames, Renz Macion, Agustin Miguel Perdices, and Bernice Elmaco, who followed the proceedings remotely, voted for the motion.
Despite opposition, Dumaguete councilors grant authority requests for reclamation
It took over five hours, but the Dumaguete City Council still granted all that Mayor Felipe Remollo requested to kickstart the controversial P23-billion "Smart City" reclamation project here. Councilors on Wednesday, July 14, voted 6-3 approving three separate motions. These were: granting Remollo the authority to sign an amended joint venture (JV) agreement with developer E.M. Cuerpo, Inc.
Despite opposition, Dumaguete City Council approves 'smart city' reclamation project
It took over five hours, but the Dumaguete City Council still granted all that Mayor Felipe Remollo requested to kickstart the controversial P23-billion ‘Smart City’ reclamation project here. Councilors on Wednesday, July 14, voted 6-3 approving three separate motions. These were: granting Remollo the authority to sign an amended joint venture (JV) agreement with developer E.M. Cuerpo, Inc.
Dumaguete diocese joins opposition vs ‘smart city’ reclamation project
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Dumaguete expressed its opposition to a planned 147-hectare “Smart City” island reclamation project, urging “transparency and dialogue” on the matter. The diocese made known its position in an open letter on Monday, July 12, to project developer E.M. Cuerpo Inc. (EMCI) president Celerino S. Cuerpo. Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes, Vicar General Monsignor Glenn Corsiga, Chancellor Father Gonzalo Omison II, and Episcopal Vicar Monsignor Robert Bongoyan signed the letter.
Environmental scientists, groups oppose Dumaguete ‘smart city’ reclamation project
Environmental scientists, youth groups, and residents are raising alarm over a proposed 174-hectare reclamation project in Dumaguete City. In a statement released on Saturday, July 10, eight prominent Dumaguete scientists and academics warned that the project will directly affect 4 Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the city, including the destruction of the habitat of “more than 200 species of fish” where local fisherfolk depend on for livelihood and subsistence.
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