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Guimaras - Mango Country Of The Visayas

Brief Description
Guimaras is considered one of the exotic islands in the Philippines. The original name was Himal-us but was changed to Guimaras after the folktale of the ill-fated lovers named Princess Guima and the slave Aras, who defied tradition for their romance. The island was once a sub-province of Iloilo but by virtue of R.A. 7160 it was proclaimed a regular province on May 22, 1992.

The province is basically agricultural, with palay, coconut, mango, vegetables, livestock, poultry, and fishing as major products. Likewise, the major industries in the island are tourism, fruit processing, coconut processing, handicrafts making, mining, and lime production.

Geography
Guimaras is located Southwest of Panay Island and Northwest of Negros Island in Western Visayas with a total land area of 60,465 hectares or 604.65 square kilometers.

Political Subdivision
The island province of Guimaras is composed of five towns: Buenavista (36 barangays), Nueva Valencia (22 barangays), Jordan (14 barangays), San Lorenzo (12 barangays), and Sibunag (12 barangays).

Climate
Guimaras has a tropical climate with dry season during the months of November to April and rainy or wet season on May to October.

Population
The population of Guimaras as of the year 2000 was 141, 450 with an average annual growth rate of 2.48%.

Language / Dialect
Hiligaynon is the main language of the natives although residents of some barangays in Jordan and Nueva Valencia also speak Kinaray-a. English and Tagalog are spoken and understood by the majority of the people in the island.

Major Industries
Tourism, handicraft, food processing, agriculture, and fishing are the major industries of Guimaras. It has scenic and magnificent white sand beaches and island coves. It has the best diving site with its splendid coral reefs and marine life, which are impressing to the sight. The island is also famous for handicrafts like woven “buri” bags, mats, hats, and baskets. It is also famous for its lime industry, mining industry, fruit processing industry, and coconut industry.

Guimaras is home of the famous and the best export-quality mangoes in the Philippines. Mango plantations bearing their golden fruits are scattered in the island. Aside from mangoes, kalamansi and cashew nuts are also abundant. Moreover, the seas of Guimaras teem with fresh fishes, shellfishes, and lobsters. Guimaras also produces a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, orchids, and root crops.

Negros Occidental - Sugar Bowl Of The Philippines

Brief Description
Often referred to as the land of genteel people and large sugar plantations, Negros Occidental is blessed with beautiful natural scenery, unexplored waterfalls and mountains, white sand beaches, and crystal springs.

Negros Occidental’s wealth has always been its land, its charm in its people, its pride in its cuisine. These elements make for a destination that is best when experienced.

Geography
Strategically located as part of the Western Visayas Region, the province of Occidental Negros occupies the western portion of Negros Island. It is bounded to the north by the Visayan Sea; to the east by the province of Oriental Negros and partly by Tañon Strait; to the west by the Strait of Guimaras; and to the south by Sulu Sea.

Political Subdivision
The province is composed of 13 cities and 19 municipalities.

Climate
Negros Occidental has two pronounced seasons, wet (June-November) and dry ( December - May).

Population
The most recent census on population conducted on May 2000 shows that Negros Occidental has a population count of 2,565,723.

Language / Dialect
"Hiligaynon – 78.81 % as of 1995
Cebuano – 21.01%"

Major Industries
Negros Occidental is the “Sugarbowl of the Philippines.” Sugar was introduced to the Negrense during the Spanish period and has been the main industry of the province since then. Other industries include aqua culture, agribusiness, steel fabrication, and beer breweries.

Iloilo - Heritage Haven Of Panay

Brief Description
Iloilo is set in a graceful repose between Iloilo and Batiano rivers forming an angle of a nose. Hence, its old name “Ilong-Ilong” which means “noselike”. Mountain ranges with peaks as high as almost 7,000 ft. provide natural boundaries between Iloilo and Antique on the west and Capiz on the north. The rest of mainland Iloilo is largely plain with interspersing upland portions.

Geography
Iloilo is located in the center of the Philippine archipelago. Strategically located 283 statute miles from Manila, it is the gateway to the flourishing region that is Western Visayas. The province comprises the southeastern part of Panay Island.

Political Subdivision
Iloilo is composed of two cities and 42 municipalities. It is divided into five (5) congressional districts. It has 1,720 barangays.

Climate
Iloilo’s climate is pleasantly tropical with 2 pronounced seasons – the rainy season from June to September, and the dry season from October to May.

Population
The National Statistics Office reported that Iloilo province has a population total of 1,925,002, and Iloilo City has 365,820 as of the 2000 survey.

Language / Dialect
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) is the main dialect spoken in Iloilo. English and Tagalog are also widely spoken and understood especially in urban areas.

Major Industries
Rice is the major crop in the province of Iloilo. Fish and marine products are considered the main source of livelihood in the first and fifth districts of Iloilo. There are also non-traditional products in the province which include processed food, fruits and vegetables, gifts, furniture, and others. Traditional products include sugar, coco oil, and lime products, among others.

There are 114 private and government banks all throughout the province and city of Iloilo, in addition to 40 rural banks found in most municipalities, at least 6 malls, and many department stores.

Capiz - Seafood Capital Of The Philippines

Brief Description
The Province of Capiz is known as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines.

Discover the Capiz mystic. Explore the rolling hills, mountain peaks and ranges. Enjoy daytime excursions at the province’s wide beaches and isolated coves. Have a fill of a variety of seafoods available all year round. Visit local gardens, historical sites, old Spanish churches, Southeast Asia’s largest bell at Pan-ay Church, and the birthplace of Manuel A. Roxas (first Philippine President).

Experience local festivals like Balintawakan and Sinadya sa Halaran. Go spelunking. A lot of caves are waiting to be explored. Or you can make special arrangements to witness the Mundo tribe dance in Tapaz.

Accommodations in cottages, hotels, and resorts are available in Roxas City and other municipalities outside the city.

Geography
The Province of Capiz occupies a land area of 2,633 square kilometers, representing 21% of the total land area of Panay. It is composed of 16 municipalities and a city with a total of 472 barangays.

Political Subdivisions
The province is composed of 16 municipalities comprising 473 barangays. It is divided into two political districts: 1st District covers the municipalities of Maayon, Panay, Panitan, Pilar, Pontevedra, Pres. Roxas, and Roxas City; while the 2nd District covers the municipalities of Cuartero, Dao, Dumalag, Dumarao, Ivisan, Jamindan, Sapi-an, Mambusao, Sigma, and Tapaz.

Population
As of the year 2000 survey, Capiz has a population of 654,156.

Language
Hiligaynon is the dominant dialect spoken in the province.

Climate
The province has a 3rd type of climate, seasonal changes are not pronounced. Relatively dry from November to April and wet from May to October.

Industries
The even distribution of rainfall throughout the year and the infrequent occurrence of typhoons make the province highly suitable for agriculture, aquaculture, and other related activities – which explains why these are major industries of the province.

Farms for orchids, various ornamental plants, and different varieties of heliconia supply a thriving cut-flower business that is carving a market niche in Southern Philippine provinces. The land has also proven to be good grazing ground for cattle and for raising swine, goats, and poultry. Its long coastal areas abound with “kapis” shells, which are used in the manufacture of exportable novelty items. Numerous home and cottage industries amply augment household incomes, among which are poultry, livestock raising, handicraft, shell-craft, ceramics, lime processing, garments, farm-tool fabrication, furniture and boat making.

Albay - Land Of The World's Most Perfect Cone

DESCRIPTION
IThe province of Albay is located between Camarines Sur on the north and Sorsogon on the south. It is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the northeast by the Lagonoy gulf, and on the west and southwest by the Burias Pass. The islands in the north under the jurisdiction of the province are Rapu-rapu, Bata, Cagraray, and San Miguel.

Albay has a land area of 2,552.6 square kilometers, consisting of 14 towns, and a population of 904,382. Its important products are hemp, coconut, sugar cane, pineapple, vegetable, and rice.

The mountains of the province are Mayon, Masaraga, and Malinao in the northeast and Catburaun in the west. Its forests are a source of timber, rattan, pili nuts, and gum elemi. There are also vast grasslands for pasturing horses, cattle, carabaos, goats, and sheep.

GEOGRAPHY
Located at the southern tip of Luzon Island and about 550 km. from Manila, Albay is approximately 13 to 13.5 degrees north latitude and 123.25 to 124.25 degrees east longitude. It is bounded by Lagonoy Gulf and the province of Camarines Sur on the northeast, the Pacific Ocean on the east, the province of Sorsogon on the south, and the Burias Pass on the southeast. It has a total land area of 2,552.6 km.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
Albay is composed of three cities (Legazpi, Tabaco, Ligao) and 15 municipalities grouped into three congressional districts. Legazpi has been officially designated as the site of the regional offices.

CLIMATE
Albay experiences no dry season, with a very pronounced maximum rain period from December to January. The western areas have more or less heavily distributed rainfall throughout the year and the central areas have no pronounced maximum rain period with a short dry season from November to January. The province averages 20 typhoons yearly, ranging from 60-180 kph. Average rainfall is 233 millimeters; average temperature is 33.15 Celsius high and 22.60 Celsius low.

POPULATION
As of May 1, 2000, the Census of Population shows that Albay had reached 1,090,907 million inhabitants. The urban population constitutes 19.6% of the entire population, proving that Albaynos are predominantly living in rural areas.

LANGUAGE/DIALECT
Bicol, the local dialect, constitutes a strange variety in words and in diction among the 17 municipalities. Most puzzling is the amazing variation among towns of many words having the same meaning for one object or concept.

Bicol is generally spoken in Legazpi. The people speak Tagalog fluently and can communicate in English with ease.

Major Industries
The province has continued to direct its efforts toward the development of its industries. Of the total 6,369 manufacturing establishments in the Bicol Region, half are located in Albay. 48.6% of the large scale lot are operating in Albay. Among them are the export-oriented Isarog Pulp & Paper Mills and Albay Industrial Development Corporation.

Agriculture, however, still accounts for the largest share in the total production and employment. Coconut, rice, abaca, and corn are the major crops.

Handicrafts are the main source of rural income.

Albay is a major supplier of geothermal energy to the Luzon Grid with its Tiwi Geothermal Plant in Tiwi.

Daily Reading & Meditation

Saturday (7/1): "Lord, I am not worthy, but only say the word and my servant will be healed"

Scripture: Matthew 8:5-17

5 As he entered Caper'naum, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching him 6 and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress." 7 And he said to him, "I will come and heal him." 8 But the centurion answered him, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, `Go,' and he goes, and to another, `Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, `Do this,' and he does it." 10 When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; be it done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very moment. 14 And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever; 15 he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and served him. 16 That evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. 17 This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases."

Meditation: In Jesus’ time the Jews hated the Romans because they represented everything they stood against -- including foreign domination and pagan beliefs and practices. Why did Jesus not only warmly receive a Roman centurion but praise him as a model of faith and confidence in God? In the Roman world the position of centurion was very important. He was an officer in charge of a hundred soldiers. In a certain sense, he was the backbone of the Roman army, the cement which held the army together. Polybius, an ancient write, describes what a centurion should be: "They must not be so much venturesome seekers after danger as men who can command, steady in action, and reliable; they ought not to be over-anxious to rush into the fight, but when hard pressed, they must be ready to hold their ground, and die at their posts."

The centurion who approached Jesus was not only courageous, but faith-filled as well. He risked the ridicule of his cronies by seeking help from an itinerant preacher from Galilee, and well as mockery from the Jews. Nonetheless, he approached Jesus with confidence and humility. He was an extraordinary man because he loved his slave. In the Roman world slaves were treated like animals rather than people. The centurion was also an extraordinary man of faith. He wanted Jesus to heal his beloved slave. Jesus commends him for his faith and immediately grants him his request. Are you willing to suffer ridicule in the practice of your faith? And when you need help, do you approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith?

“Heavenly Father, you sent us your Son that we might be freed from the tyranny of sin and death. Increase my faith in the power of your saving word and give me freedom to love and serve others with generosity and mercy as you have loved me.”

JULY 1
BLESSED JUNIPERO SERRA

Junipero Serra was born in Petra, Spain, on November 24, 1713. The boy became a student at the Franciscan school in Palma, twenty-five miles away. He joined the Franciscan order on September 14, 1730, a few months before his seventeenth birthday. During the novitiate, Junipero read a biography of Franciscan saints. The saint whose life captivated him most was St. Francis Solano, who had lived from 1549 until 1610. This missionary priest to South America had just been declared a saint in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. The young novice decided that, if it was God's will, he too would be a missionary.

Junipero was ordained a priest in 1736. He became a professor of philosophy. After he had been in the order twenty years, he was given a wonderful opportunity. Franciscan friars were asked to volunteer for the mission territories called "New Spain" (Mexico and California). Junipero and his close friend, Friar Francisco Palou, joined the missionary band at Cadiz, Spain, a seaport city. From there they sailed the Atlantic Ocean to Vera Cruz, Mexico. They landed on December 6, 1749. Junipero and another friar walked the next part of the journey from Vera Cruz to Mexico City, a distance of 240 miles. They began on December 15, 1749, and arrived on January 1, 1750. From Mexico City, Junipero and Friar Francisco Palou were sent to work among the Pame Indians at the Franciscan Mission of the Sierra Gorda.

Several of the friars were then assigned to missions in Lower California. Junipero, Francisco and a handful of other Franciscans were asked to bring the Gospel to the native peoples in Upper California. Junipero started Mission San Diego on July 16, 1769, when he was fifty-six years old. The mission was an open invitation to his beloved people to come and meet Jesus. Gradually, they trusted the friars. Some people were baptized and began to live the Christian faith. Father Serra and the friars loved and protected their people. The golden chain of new missions grew: Mission San Carlos in Monterey on June 1, 1770; Mission San Antonio de Padua on July 14, 1771; Mission San Gabriel Archangel, September 8, 1771; Mission San Luis Obispo, September 1, 1772; Mission San Francisco de Asis, October 9, 1776; Mission San Juan Capistrano, November 1, 1776; Mission Santa Clara de Asis, January 12, 1777; Mission San Buenaventura, March 31, 1782. Eventually, six thousand native peoples were baptized.

Blessed Junipero made his final tour of the missions in Upper California from the last part of 1783 until July of 1784. He died peacefully at Mission San Carlos on August 28, 1784, and is buried there.

In 1988, Pope John Paul II declared Father Junipero Serra "blessed."