Dr. Falla Participates Training of Cambodians on Postharvest Technology Extension

As the 2009 (3rd) batch of training for Cambodian officials and researchers is forthcoming, this blogger is arranging his schedule for his participation to the said bilateral course.

On September 30, he will join the Opening Ceremony of the Training Program to be held at Bayview Park Hotel (Luneta Function Rm) in Manila, where JICA Philippines representative, the Ambassador of Cambodia, and Agriculture Secretary, among others, will grace the occasion.

On October 5, he will join the BPRE family in welcoming the Cambodian trainees in a Dinner-Cocktail at the BPRE Training Center in Munoz, Nueva Ecija.

On October 16, he will give lecture to this batch on "Indicators for the Adoption/Non-Adoption of Rice Postharvest Technology", the topic assigned to him since Batch 1 of this bilateral Training Program.

This "Third Country Training Program (TCTP) on Rice Postharvest Technology and Extension Methodologies" is a collaborative undertaking of the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aimed at developing the Cambodian manpower on rice postharvest science, the country being one of the major producer of grain in this region. (JSF blogs)

Relief for the Bible College, Anyone?

The Antipolo City-based International Christian College of Manila (ICCM) was not spared from the wrath of typhoon "Ondoy" which wreak havoc in metropolitan Manila yesterday, September 26, 2009. Its campus went under water despite of its elevated location in Brgy. San Jose along the provincial circumferential road.

Above are some photos after the heavy rains.

Here's reiterating our call for support from our generous readers for cash or kind donations. Its present 90 Theology students who are now in their final week of this semester, definitely needs assistance amidst this unexpected calamity. Any donations for this Christian education ministry shall be greatly appreciated. Cash donation may be deposited at:

ICCM Account at Chinabank-Antipolo Branch with Account No. 291-000121-0

or may be money-transferred via major transfer outfits like Western Union, LBC, Lhuillier, etc., addressed to:

The Filipino Fund, c/o Pres. Arthur M. Santiago

International Christian College of Manila

Provincial Rd. cor. Genesis St

Brgy. San Jose 1870 Antipolo City (Rizal)

Tel. No. (02) 696-3964

Mobilephone: 920-20670-11

Donations in kind (like rice and other food items) may be arranged for pick-up, using the telephones indicated above. All for God's glory! (JSF blogs - 09209128702)

Session III of Saturday Seminar Series on Bible Teaching and Leading

26 September 2009, San Francisco Church of Christ - This blogger joins (as backstaff of) the 3rd session of the Saturday seminar series on Bible Teaching and Leading as organized by the Cluster 5 Churches in Nueva Ecija under the tuteleage of senior evangelist Bro. Melchor Gervacio of this local church.

In this session, Bro. Gervacio differentiated the Thematic approach to message development from that of the Topical approach. Each student prepared a lesson (outline) using the thematic approach and the teacher evaluated them one by one, wherein he commended one of them for getting the right answer/approach. Others have to repeat their assignment. Meanwhile, as he introduce the lesson on Topical approach, he outlined 3 important steps in doing so such as (1) Select a topic, (2) Locate the verse/s in the Bible that support that topic, and (3) Group all related verses. For example :

Paksa: Kagalakan (Lukas 24:52)

I. Ang Tunay na Kagalakan

A. Dapat nakasentro sa Diyos (Awit 32:11)

B. Kahit sa Panahon ng Paghihirap (Roma 5:3)

II. Mga Dahilan ng Kagalakan

A. Dahil sa Kapatawarn (Awit 51:7-8)

B. Dahil sa Kasaganaan (I Corinto 12:40)

III. Kagalakang Hindi Dapat Magwakas (Filipos 4:4, I Tesalonika 5:16)

Pangwakas (Conclusion): Lagumin ang mga puntos sa I, II, at III at gumawa ng pangwakas na magbibigay inspirasyon sa tagapakining.

Finally, Bro. Gervacio gave the students some practical tips on effective speaking which he also written in one of the early issues of SUNBEAM Christian Newsmagazine some time ago.

The next session is set on October 10, 2009, which will be open to interested Bible teachers or potential teachers outside the Cluster 5 churches of San Jose, Sto. Tomas, Maligaya, Malayantoc, Bakal II and San Francisco. (30)

PhilSCAT Chief Promo Officer Returns to Postharvest Bureau

Dr. Josue S. Falla, chief promotion officer of the Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT) is set to return soon to his mother unit under the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE). In his exit memo to the heads of both agencies, Dr. Falla wrote :

Without pre-empting the top management (of both BPRE and PhilSCAT), this is to formally express my intension to just finish my current detail to PhilSCAT (Sept. 30, 2009 as per SO No.2009-07 dated July 8, 2009), and return to my mother unit the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension.

With the extent and magnitude of PhilSCAT’s current activities (this transition year 2009) which seems quite minimal to warrant my full-time detail, and with the impending Rationalization Program of the government, the undersigned arrived at this personal decision, subject to top management approval.

Please be informed too, that I shall be more than willing to be detailed again to PhilSCAT comes the Phase II of this bilateral Cooperation program (presuming that I am still in the government service then if Rationalization will not be pushed-through).

By this, may I thank with sincere gratitudes my PhilSCAT family for over 5 years including our Chinese counterparts. Wishing PhilSCAT more success in whatever the Philippine and Chinese governments will mandate it to do in the future.

Meanwhile, PhilSCAT director Dr. R. Gavino favorably endorsed Dr. Falla’s (career) plan as he thanked BPRE for its assistance thru the detail of its expert throughout Phase I implementation (2003-2008). In his Indorsement memo, PhilSCAT director concluded, “…Dr. Falla had performed very well and delivered the necessary outputs expected from an expert. The undersigned (RBG) through this Indorsement officially thank Dr. Falla for his excellent participation and dedication that contributed to the smooth implementation of PhilSCAT-I. The PhilSCAT family wishes Dr. Falla the best of luck and more success in his future undertakings”.

The Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT) is a special R and D agency under the Department of Agriculture. It implements the collaborative program in agriculture and related fields between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China, with Central Luzon State University (CLSU) as the lead implementor and the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as partners. PhilSCAT’s current technology scope under Phase I (2003-2008) is Hybrid Rice and Agri-mechanization. (30)

Remembering Mom's 88th Birthday Today

21 September 2009 is a non-working holiday here in the Philippines as the nation observes at least 2 events - Martial Law Day and the Muslim's Ramadan Completion Day. But for this blogger, today is memorable as his mother, Eufemia Union Santiago-Falla, was born 88 years ago.

Aling Femia (others pronounced it as Pinya, associated with pineapple which she then loved to produce in our farms) was a bonafide resident of Masaguisi, Bongabong, Or. Mindoro. Her parents were Juan Santiago and Felipa Union, both of Masaguisi too, but their roots can be traced back in Romblon islands. She was married to Teofilo Falla of Romblon and Mindoro with whom she has 11 children, and this blogger is the 7th in the brood.

Eufemia got married at 17 and raised all (except one, Rebecca, who died at age 12) her children as professionals (teachers, nurse, food technologist and agriculturists). She died at 76.

The 2 photographs posted here were taken during this blogger's graduation at UP Los Banos in March 1976, showing his parents and some brothers and sisters. (JSF Blogs)

Silver for Child Taekwondo Player in the Qualifying Games in Tarlac City

20 September 2009, Tarlac City (Philippines) - It was a silver medal harvest for Kyle Daniel F. Taruc today as he played in the qualifying games for Region III (Central Luzon) in preparation for Palarong Pambansa soon. Kyle played under Meycauayan Team with Sir Moben Angeles as his coach.

Some participating Taekwondo teams sighted were Mariveles (Bataan) Team, Tarlac State University (TSU), Meycauayan (Bulacan) and Pampanga Team, among others. It was held at the gym of Tarlac State University, Tarlac City. (30)

Introducing 2 of Our Hosts in Oct.-Nov. Sojourn to California

We are pleased to introduce to our circle of friends 2 of the 3 couples who will play hosts to our family tour to California in October and November this year.

Ron and Dory Graham are family friends in San Diego, California. Ron, a retired USN, came for the first time to the Philippines last year through wife Dory. Dory was a former colleague at the BPRE (Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension), who served as my daughter Jonna's surrogate mother in San Diego when she first tried her luck in America few years back. Jonna, my daughter, who now resides in San Diego too, married a USN where Ron also served during his younger days.

These pictures were taken here in the Philippines (Bataan) during last year's observance of Bataan Day.

Our second host is a fraternity brother Bro. Jerry Corrales whom we met in UP Los Banos in mid-70's. Actually, Bro. Jerico (as we fondly called him now) Corrales' batchmate was my sister (in blood and in soro) Pining Falla-Foja, but I was still in UPLB when he (Jerico) served as Grand Archon. Bro. Jerico migrated to America shortly after graduation, and now, together with wife Candy (is this her right name, Bro?) is running a Carehome Facility in Riverside, California.

The first photo here, which Bro. Jack labelled "The Partnership" (lol) was taken in one of our Fraternity's induction ceremony in 1976 or 77(?) showing GE/GLE lovers then like Bro. Eloy-Sis Elah, me (Josh) and sweetheart then now wife Rose, Bro. Jerico - Sis. (sorry, forgot the name of that beauteous bedimpled Lambdan from Batangas?), and Bro. Diding Vergara, now a Davao millionaire and Sis. Beth Dayro-Velasquez (?).

Our 3rd host, our former Churchmates in Munoz Church of Christ, are Bro. Willy and Sis. Ana Logan who migrated to Newark, California in the 1990's. I still have to review old files for their photos as we lost communication recently.

Bro. Willy, an engineer by profession, has been working as OFW first in the Middle East on to America. Sis. Ana was former Math professor here in Central Luzon State University before their family settled in California. The Logans used to be our neighbor in CLSU campus where our children grew together. (Josh & Rose blog)

Announcing the 80th Annual Convention of Nueva Ecija Churches of Christ

The 8oth annual convention of the churches of Christ in Nueva Ecija shall be held on December 30, 2009 at Bucot Elementary School, Aliaga. Its theme is "Redeeming the Time" (Ephesians 5:16).

Just like previous conventions, this grand fellowship of believers shall be highlighted by God-glorifying activities like Praise and Worship, listening to the Words of God, choir presentation, prayers, offerings, recognition, business meeting of Church leaders and lunch fellowship. Expected to speak during this convention are Aliaga mayor Marcial Vargas, Bro. Juan Bautista and Bro. Roger Miguel, among others.

On the administrative side, the Convention shall be "pot-luck style" where packed lunch shall be brought by the conventionists themselves. The host church however, shall prepare both morning and afternoon snacks.

On financial matter, the day-long Convention requires a budget of approximately P50K for 800 target attendees. This will come from Church contribution of at least P1K per local Church, delegates' registration fee of P25 per head, offerrings and donations (cash or kind). Aliaga Church of Christ will play host with Bro. Junior Bernardo as Convention president. (Bro. Josue blogs)

Welcome Bro. Migs ! New Minister of MCC and STCC

The local Church of Christ at Sto. Tomas/CLSU (STCC) welcome this Sunday, 13 September 2009, to the fold a new minister to serve here. He is Bro. Miguel Nad, Jr. (last row in red long-sleeved) of Odiongan, Romblon.

Bro. Migs, as he is fondly called, will serve 2 local churches here in northern Nueva Ecija; the other one is the Maligaya church of Christ, a neighbor to CLSU community.

Sto. Tomas Church is one the centennial churches established in 2001 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Churches of Christ/Christian Churches in the Philippines, with current weekly attendance of 30 - 50, while Maligaya Church is one of the older Church in Nueva Ecija with hundreds of membership.

Bro. Migs shall be with the Maligaya community from Thursday to Sunday and with Sto. Tomas from Sunday to Wednesday. He prepared a workprogram that will address the needs of both Churches. Bro. Migs is one of the 20 first graduates of the International Christian College of Manila (ICCM) with CHED-accredited degree on Theology, major in Ministry. God bless your ministry, Bro. Migs! (JSF blogs)

Child Taekwondo Player Joins NCR Regional Championship Games

12 September 2009, Rizal Stadium, Manila. As one of the representatives of the Ateneo (Grade School) Taekwondo Team, bemedalled child player Kyle Daniel F. Taruc participated in the National Capital Region (NCR) Taekwondo Championship games held today in this coliseum. This elimination games was sponsored by Milo, a commercial company known for its energy drink Milo.

While Kyle played very well in this sports event, this grade I pupil did not make it the championship rounds.

Kyle is the first of the 2 grandsons of this blogger, and is currently managed by his dad Louie Mark Taruc. (30)

Payatas Pupils Receive Books from Ateneo Grade School

Blogger's Note: The following article "My Reflections on Books Distribution in Payatas Elementary School" is written by Mrs. Rose B. Falla as guardian of Ateneo Grade I pupil Kyle Daniel F. Taruc. She joined the mother's group which volunteered the distribution sometime in August 2009. Payatas is one of the most distressed area in the metropolis which deserves assistance of all forms. (JFS)

My Reflections on Book Distribution in Payatas

It was a great day for selected parents/grandparents of Ateneo Grade 1 School, who volunteered to visit Payatas Elementary School to distribute books in English and Mathematics, as the project of the Ateneo Grades School. It aims at sharing and helping the needy students from the public schools like Payatas.

Ms. Rivera, the Project in-charge from Ateneo oriented us on the mechanics of the activity and on how to get through Payatas Elementary School because all of us volunteers were new to this place. It was encouraging for all of us mothers/grandmothers to be part of the hardwork as CPO's CPR's of the organization.

The Project's deep concerns and willingness to help the needy in its own special way, are something worthwhile and commendable. I admire the cooperation and camaraderie among the (Atenean) parents who came from the different walks of life as they use their energy showing their beauty, grace and sense of humor while working.They were all proud of their daily performance as mothers. I can clearly see how much they love and care for their boys.

Mei Pederal and I represented the Grade 1 Yakal afternoon class. We got and served two (2) sections assignment, and were even lucky to say that our room (assignment) is on the second floor where we enjoyed carrying the books on to the classroom. We then introduced ourselves to the teacher and students.

I noticed one student writing with her 3-inch long pencil with no eraser at all. I feel sad and sorry about what I saw, and realized how much these students need assistance in their quest for education.

With this brief experience I gained, I hope and pray that the Ateneo Grade School will continue to support this kind of charitable activities.By so-doing, our boys (in Ateneo) will also learn and instill the values of caring for the needy and for sharing what they have. Truly, the Ateneans as a big family cares and is blessed, as the Bible puts it, "it is more blessed to give than to receive". (Rose B. Falla)

National Para-Church Men's Organization Appoints Dr. J. Falla as VP for Nueva Ecija

Despite of his begging-off to spare him from another responsibility, the Samahang Pangkalahatang Kapisanan ng Kalalakihang Kristiano ng mga Iglesia ni Kristo (KKK-National) appointed Dr. Josue S. Falla as its Vice-President for Nueva Ecija starting immediately.

The appointment was announced last Sept. 5, 2009 by its president Dr. Jeremias Felipe, during a seminar on Church History in Cabanatuan City Church of Christ. As VP for this province, Dr. Falla shall serve as the coordinator of all activities of KKK-National in Nueva Ecija including a re-echoe seminar on the same module among the 6 clusters of NE Churches of Christ. The para-Church organization shall provide resource persons for succeeding re-echoe seminar as well as printed materials of the subjects/topics to be discussed.

KKK-National is the men's sectoral group of the Churches of Christ/Christian Churches in the Philippines as compared to the Samahang Pangkalahatang Kabataang Kristiano ng mga Iglesia ni Kristo (SPKKabataan-National) of the youth sector, and the Samahang Pangkalahatang Kababaihang Kristiano (SPKKababaihan-National) of the women's sector.

And for the first time, these 3 national sectoral groups shall have simultaneous national convention/camp/grand fellowship on November 30, 2009 in Tagaytay City (Cavite). It can be remembered that it was also in Tagaytay when the 3rd National Church Leaders' Convention was held last April 22-23 this year. (JSF Blogs)

Malls: Microcosm of Modern Society

It's Sunday afternoon, our date with grandsons Kyle and Jami at SM Clark Field, a nice rendezvous for those coming from Bulacan where Kyle is and those from Rizal, Nueva Ecija, Jami's hometown. Thanks to modern Expressways (NLEX and SCTEX), in less than an hour we can meet each other after texting one another. See how technology works!

Nowadays, people love to go malling for rest and recreation rather than going out in a resort or park. But like other public places, it's in the malls where you can see people from all walks of life, from the most destitute to the most extravagant; couples or lovers of all forms - those who are too young and too old couples, those who are in May-December affair so to speak, same sex relationship in public display, and what have you. In SM Clark Field, it's too common to see an old Caucasian and a young native girl as I saw one six-footer whiteman and 3-footer native exotic beauty! I don't exaggerate, folks, that is really what I saw, which I was tempted to catch them with my digicam, but I did not for social propriety.

Kids like my 2 boys are fond of malling. Why? It's a perfect children's paradise where you can play your favorite games be it real or contrive (like computer games), eat their favorite foods and watch the latest movies.

I seem to be dating my grandsons too often these days, especially Kyle. Perhaps, I am trying to consciously or unconsciously, compensate for the absence of his mom who is working in the United States. I started to feel the life of modern people as frequently seen in the malls. And it seems enjoyable huh!

Next Saturday, Kyle will play Taekwondo at Rizal Stadium in Manila, another weekend destination I never did before. At 55, I guess I need to experience these things, and enjoy life in this new millennium with 2 grandsons. (JSF Blogs)

STCC Youth Win in Cooking Contest

San Francisco Church of Christ (Nueva Ecija) 5 Sept. 2009 - The team of Sto. Tomas Church of Christ youth composed of Ruby, Monica, Gladys, Janine and Glichelle (1st photo above) won in the Cooking Contest (Snacks Category) held in this Church today. The team coaches were Sis. Rose Falla and Sis. Norma Sagun, STCC deaconesses. They prepared a delicacy made of ground sticky rice with coco-derivatives called latik. The team's prize was a set of kitchen utensils which will be added to Church's properties.

The Cookfest was a part of Cluster 5 Churches joint youth fellowship every quarter. Bro. Arnold Juliano and Bro. Melchor Gervacio led the organizing committee for this kind of special fellowships of Christian youth. Cluster 5 is composed of the local church of San Francisco, Bakal 2, Maligaya, Malayantoc, Sto. Tomas/CLSU and San Jose City. (JSF blogs)

Aliaga Church of Christ To Host Nueva Ecija Churches Convention 2009

This early, the local Church in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija is all set for this year's provincial convention of the Churches of Christ in this province. Yes, this relatively new established Church (may be 5 years only) will play host to the grand fellowship of over 30 local Churches in this rice granary as clustered into 6 for ease of coordination.

To be held on Dec. 30, 2009, that is a non-working Wednesday, this year's theme of the Provincial Convention is "Redeeming the Time" (Ephesians 5:16)with Bro. Juan Bautista (Pembo Church) and Bro. Roger Miguel (Munoz Church) as the main speakers. The 80th grand gathering of faithfuls in the province shall be held in Bucot Elementary School in Aliaga where 800 conventionists are targetted to attend. Each Cluster church shall give at least one special number.

On administrative side, the following were agreed today : It will be a packed lunch, but the host will serve both morning and afternoon snacks; registration fee is P25 and each local Church will share at least P1k to cover the total budget requirement of around P50,000.

Aliaga Church was established through the pioneering efforts of Nueva Ecija Church workers led by Bro. Bartolome Bernardo, Jr. who is serving as its current pastor. All for God's glory! (Bro. Josue blogs)

Para-Church Organization Conducts Seminar on Church History

The "Samahang Pangkalahatang Kapisanang Kalalakihang Kristiano ng mga Iglesia ni Kristo" (KKK-National) conducted today, September 2, 2009, a day-long seminar on Church history as this relates to the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement. The topics discussed were Ecclesiasticism, The Great Apostacy, Restoration, New Testament Restored, and Church Administration and Management. A team of 5 experienced speakers led by Dr. Jerry Felipe of Christ Terraces Mission served as resource speakers with the following as members: Bro. Carding Moldogo, M.Th and retired school principal, Bro. Ruben Grande (Minister of Morong Church), Bro. Rizalde Franco and Dr. Leonides Chavarria (Elder, Cruzada Church).

Some 36 leaders of the Churches of Christ, representing the 32 local Churches in the province participated in this seminar hosted by Cabanatuan City Church of Christ.

The seminar was sponsored by CLEAN (Church Leaders' Asso. of Nueva Ecija) as facilitated by its Training Committee chair Dr. Josue S. Falla.

Here are some photo-documents for this KKK-National seminar.(JSF Blogs)