UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION | one mission, one voice UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION | one mission, one voice

UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

UNION VOICE

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NOVEMBER 2018

COLMENARES OFFERS KEYNOTE ON DAY 2

Atty. Neri Colmenares will offer the keynote address during the 111th Foundation Anniversary of Union Theological Seminary. He will speak on November 14, 2018, at 9 in the morning at the Salakot Chapel. His lecture will also serve as the centerpiece of the Innovative Theological Education Program offering for November. Atty. Colmenares, BAYAN Muna Partylist Representative for the 14th, 15th and 16th Congress, long-time human rights lawyer, constitutionalist, and expert on international humanitarian law, will be one of the three main speakers during the foundation celebration. Bishop Ligaya San Francisco of the UCCP will speak during the opening worship on the 13th, while Bishop Ciriaco Francisco of the UMC will speak during the closing worship on the 15th. The theme for the foundation anniversary is SULONG, for Salubungin ang Umagang Likhang- Obra na Ganap, based on John 10.10. [sbk]

SEMINARIANS LAUNCH “SANDAAN@LABING[ISA]” AS GIFT TO UTS’s 111th The UTS Student Government and The Union Voice, the official publication of the seminarians, will launch “sandaan@labing[isa]” on November 13, 2018. The collection, composed of 110 poems and an awit, is a gift of the students to UTS on its 111th birthday. The collection, edited by Carleen Nomorosa, AK Tadiosa, Mara Molina, Marchilla Garbin, Sandra Khemlani, and Hazel Salatan, will be available for sale at Php 333 each. Proceeds from the sale will be shared equally among the UTS SG, Union Voice, and the Lupang Ramos community.

UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

WHO THEN CAN PREACH?

The children of Lupang Ramos welcome us with their resounding voices "Andyan na

sila pastor!" It is a moment we do not want to miss every Sunday at 4 in the

afternoon. Members of Kapatiran ng Simbahan para sa Bayan (KASIMBAYAN) are com-

mitted to serve a community-based worship service because they are inspired by

the people of Lupang Ramos. People of the LR are the ones preparing the commun-

ion elements every Sunday using their own harvests and products.

Lupang Ramos (LR) is a farming community on a disputed 372-hectare agricultural

area in Cavite. The farmers are fighting for their right to till agricultural

land against parties who propose a "development plan" to convert the land into

a commercial one. Nanay Mirriam, the General Secretary of KASAMA-LR, approached

us requesting us to officiate Sunday worship. In the midst of their fight

against intimidation, harassment, and violence is the hope that they will win

this battle. One factor which fuels this hope is their belief that the church

can help them. They acknowledge the role of church people in our society. They

put their faith in us. They trust us that we will journey with them. They be-

lieve us, knowing that we will never leave them hanging. Are we going to fail

them? Are we failing them?

Immersion helps us learn to live with different communities. We were told that

we should never preach or assert our belief in places we are assigned to stay.

And many times, I am convinced that God is already there in each place we go.

God is in Lupang Ramos! During our Sunday Worship services, we are the ones

preaching the gospel but we should always ask, ”Do we have the authority to

preach in front of them knowing that they are really the ones bringing us the

good news?” Preaching in front of the farmers means confronting reality. And

this reality is a reality filled with courage and love. Definitely, a one-of-a-

kind preaching moment.

We always use them as examples in our sermons through Jesus parables, but have

we actually tried talking with them about their real conditions? We symphatize

with them, but have we decided to try living with them, even for a short while,

to help us understand why we should always take their side?

We fight for them and with them, but do we really know what fighting means to

them? Our theology, theory, and ideology will be mere words without putting it

into action. While, action without an objective guiding principle is nothing.

Our encounter with people in the community allows us to practice the things we

learn in the classroom. Our presence boosts their morale to continue fighting

for their life. Land. The community also ordains us with their acceptance and

love. An ordination which we hardly get from our churches.

Does our much sought-after church ordination, with all its pomp and circum-

stance, give us the authority to preach? Or it is the reason we have stopped

preaching to the marginalized and the oppressed because it offers us the com-

forts provided by the boxed structures we call church, the four corners of our

official assignment?

Who then can preach the gospel? [HJDS]

THE UNION VOICE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE STUDENTS OF UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Hazel Joyce D. Salatan, Editor in Chief

Marchilla R. Garbin, Managing Editor : Sandra Blanca Khemlani, News Editor : Kyle Michael Valdez, Pilipino Editor

Rovelyn P. America, Features Editor : Maria Antonette Montoya-Luciano, Literary Editor : Vicky Joy G. Cam-ani, OpEd Editor

Field Correspondents: Jochebed Joyce Flores Lovendino, Ricky A. Acob, and Erickson S. Aldovino

Revelation E. Velunta, Adviser

UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION | one mission, one voice UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION | one mission, one voice

UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

BISHOP SAN FRANCISCO OPENS CELEBRATION

Ericson Aldovino

Bishop Ligaya Flores-San Francisco will be delivering the homily during the Opening Worship of Union Theological Seminary’s 111th Founding Anniversary. The celebration’s theme is, “Sulong: Salubungin Ang Umagang Likhang Obra Na Ganap,” based on John 10:10.

Bishop “Ling” is one of the four women who have been elected to the episcopacy of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. She is assigned as bishop of the Northwest Mindanao Jurisdiction and was elected last May, during the 11th General Assembly of the UCCP held at Maisie Van Vactor Hall, Pilgrim Christian College Auditorium, Cagayan De Oro City.

She has a Bachelor of Theology degree from the Divinity School, Siliman University (1991).

BISHOP FRANCISCO CLOSES CELEBRATION

Ricky Acob

Bishop Ciriaco Francisco, the current bishop of The United Methodist Church, Manila Episcopal Area (MEA), will be delivering the sermon during the closing worship of the Union Theological Seminary’s 111th Founding Anniversary. He is an alumnus of UTS, graduating in 1985 with his contemporary, Bishop Rodolfo Juan, who is the incumbent bishop of the Davao Episcopal Area (DEA). Bishop Fran-cisco was re-elected during the last Central Conference that shows his good leadership amongst UMC Conferences. He is well-known for his good, phenomenal, and chal-lenging sermons and one thing that makes peoples adore him is his firm dedication in serving the church and his stand for social justice. He is a good example of a graduate of the “School of the Prophets.”

UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

UTS REMEMBERS…

UTS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT: FOR WHOM AND FOR WHAT?

The UTS community will celebrate and honor the life of the martyrs of the faith

on November 13, 2018 as one of the major features of the 111th UTS Foundation

Anniversary and Convocation. Expected to join are the leaders and seminarians

from Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol, a Roman Catholic

seminary, who were invited to the occasion. The activity is slated at 4:00 to

5:00 pm which forms part of the inter-seminary fellowship.

The event, “Remembering and Reliving the Martyrs of the Faith,” will show video

clips and pictures together with brief narratives about martyrs from the last

few decades.

Martyrs of the faith are those who offered their lives in proclaiming the gospel

for the liberation of the oppressed. They are church people who, in the course

of their pastoral and prophetic tasks and in their

solidarity with the people, were persecuted by the powers that be. They are

those who despite of obvious threats to their lives continued to fight abuses

and injustices and worked tirelessly to attain genuine peace.

The said event aims to challenge and inspire present generations of Christians

to do the same in the midst of massive injustice and suffering. It is providing

Christians of today with a model of how to be authentic followers of Jesus and a

way of being a church in our present context. Remembering must impel the

churches and every Christian today to relive the lives and witness of the

martyrs. [revc2]

After a century and more than a decade, UTS finally open the sanctuary of the prophets for commercial

development. This plan was formulated to ensure the continuity of theological education in the seminary. The profit

which will gain in this development will surely preserve the economic stability of UTS. Scholarships for the

seminarians, salary for faculty and staff, and fund for repair and maintenance of facilities will be given enough budgets.

This plan is also saying that ten years from now, UTS will not be the same as it is today. Commercial

buildings and facilities will replace the semi Sierra Madre appearance of the land. And physical identity of UTS, which

also highlighted her own spirituality, will never be regained again.

UTS decided that it is more advisable to develop her land into commercial than to develop it into agricultural. Instead of

giving it to the farmers or tilling it by herself, UTS preferred to give it to the hands of the capitalist for lease.

As it opens her door for the capitalist to occupy her, and to develop her into a world of bureaucrats where prophets are

not heard, and principles and ideology of UTS are not reflected. Then why is it that prophets are quiet about this matter?

Is it because they are not well informed about this? What does this development plan really about?

Students and other members of UTS community, probably, doesn’t know the overall “whats and hows” of this plan. Yes,

they know a little tip side of this plan but not the overall plan. Do members of the UTS community, especially the stu-

dents, have no right to be informed about this matter?

With this plan for UTS, who will be more benefitted, UTS or the Entrepreneurs? Will this, really, ensure the stability of

the seminary or give way for UTS to cessation? Lastly, will this plan still embody or reflect the UTS core values?

UTS aims to become financially stable and self-sustaining and she holds the words of Bishop Guansing that this land is

intended for theological education support. But, instead of commercial development, why can’t agriculture not a choice?

Why can’t we give UTS land into the hands of the farmers for its development? Can agriculture not able to support

theological education? or Can’t we not develop or till our own land by our self? [VJGC]

UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION | one mission, one voice UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION | one mission, one voice

DAY ONE BEGINS WITH

OPEN HOUSE Jochebed Joyce F. Lovendino

Union’s celebration of its founding

anniversary always begins with an Open

House.

The seminary community, by opening the

dormitories and McLennan

cottages, expresses its hospitality and

warm welcome to everyone who comes

for the celebration.

The Open House is also the best time for

alumni to experience anew their “home

away from home.” Special prizes will be

awarded to the best rooms and cottages.

UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

ANDRES BONIFACIO CHOIR AND

UTS CHOIR IN CONCERT Vicky Joy G. Cam- Ani

The Andres Bonifacio Choir with the Union

Theological Seminary Choir will hold a

concert at the Salakot Chapel on Tuesday,

November 13, 2018, at 6pm.

The Andres Bonifacio Choir, under the baton of Jerry

Dadap, will sing with the Union Theological Seminary

Choir during the first part of the concert. The UTS

Choir, under the baton of Dr. Deborrah Reyes, will

offer three music pieces, a capella, in the second part

of the presentation. Dadap’s “Pag-ibig sa Inang

Bayan,” “Alleluyah,” “Bayan Ko,” and “Ama Namin,”

will be offered by the Andres Bonifacio Choir in the

final third of the concert.

UTS HONORS JUAN FLAVIER, ET AL

Union Theological Seminary, on the occasion of its 111th

Foundation Anniversary, will honor 4 partners whose love for and

commitment to Union resonate with generosity and diakonia.

The four who will be recognized as honorary alumni are the late

Senator Dr. Juan Martin Flavier, the late Mr. Rafael Gregorio

Garcia Fernando, Dr. Afrie Songco Joye, and Mr. Danny Hernaez.

The awarding will be held on November 14th, 6pm, at the Bahay

Alumnay.

Bishop Solito Toquero will present the posthumous award to the

Flaviers while Dr. Romeo del Rosario will do the

honors for the Fernandos. [HJDS]

"Si Malakas, si matatag at si magka-

kasama"

Joshua Policarpio

Taglay ang pambiharang lakas

Tamo ang panghihina ngunit higit ang

gilas.

Animoy isang madirigma na sandata'y

oras

Balot ng inspirasyon at pag-ibig, Sya

si Malakas.

Kumot na lumulukob saking siphayong ta-

glay

Alam nya kung paanong pawiin ang lum-

bay.

Pakikibaka sa bawat dusa, pait, bagabag

Kalong ang bigat, Sya si Matatag

Isang pamilya animoy mga guyam

Handa sa init at tag-ulan

Walang mabigat dahil magkaakbay

Bawat ministeryo hawak kamay, Kami ay

si Magkakasama.

KAIBIGAN, KABIYAK, KASANAYAN

Ni: Arturo G. Tañag

Sa aking pag-aaral sa Union

Theological Seminary, tatlong

mahahalagang bagay ang aking

nakamtan.

Una, mga KAIBIGAN - kahit saang

panig ng bansa ako mapunta, mayroon

akong mga kaibigan na pwedeng

matuluyan. Mga kaibigan na nakilala

ko sa UTS.

Ikalawa, KABIYAK - sa UTS ko

nakilala ang aking naging katuwang

sa buhay, Si Raquel H. Camantigue

ng UCCP, at sa UTS din kami

ikinasal.

Ikatlo, KASANAYAN - sa UTS ako

nahasa na mangaral ng Salita ng

Diyos, magturo, mamahala ng

iglesya, mangalaga ng miembro at

iba pang kasanayan na nagagamit ko

ngayon bilang pastor at guro.

UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION | one mission, one voice UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION | one mission, one voice

UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION UNION VOICE: UTS 111TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

BARLOSO AND BOLOCON

BISHOPS’S CHESS TOURNAMENT Rovelyn P. America

The Bishops’ Chess tournament will serve as one of

the highlights of the celebration of the 111th Founda-

tion Anniversary of UTS. According to organizers,

the tournament will be held to honor the late Bishop

Ben

Barloso and Bishop Elmer Bolocon, both excellent

chess players, and will be staged at the Salakot

Chapel.

The tournament, first held in the early 2000s, has

been a much-requested activity from alumni. UTS’s

111th birthday seemed the best time to hold it again.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni will participate as

chess pieces wearing creative costumes. The Junior

Class is assigned to oversee the entire event.

UTS will be represented by Prof. Luisito Saliendra in

the tourney. Atty. Neri Colmenares, Vice President of

the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, will

also play.

FROM THE SG PRESIDENT’S DESK:

How is it to be in UTS?

Marchilla R. Garbin

How is it to be in UTS?

Look in the mirror and you will know.

Look into your eyes and tell me.

You have lost some of the people you love.

Most of the things you like.

You left the kind of life that you have

worked hard for.

And then here you are in this seminary try-

ing to keep the pace,

Struggling and trying hard to survive on a

daily basis.

This is the place where many find life diffi-

cult

A place where cowards do not last long.

At this moment in time you might already

have realized that you’re not one of them

You who sacrificed a lot to fulfil your calling

Some may think you are a loser or might be

a fool but you’re not.

This is UTS

You believe in being called. You believe in

offering yourself.

When others thought that this was a place

for them and yet quit so early

Whatever kind of life you had before

Whoever you are

You did not choose to be here, it choose you

Look into the mirror to see who you truly

are

And what you are called for

You are a Prophet, you belong here

This is your seminary. This is UTS.

Welcome home.

Kasaysayan, Sanktwaryo, Ministeryo June Suyom

Isang daan at labing isang taon ng iyong

pagkakatatag; Mga seminarista, pastor at obispo'y hi-

nubog mo at pinatatag. Iyong sinag ay namamarak;

Gintong aral ang iyong inululuwal na lubhang busilak.

Mabuhay ka O aking Inang Seminaryo;

Dakila ka sa Pilipinas at maging sa buong

mundo. Baluktot at pihong kaisipan ay pinatitino

mo; Liban nalang talaga sa mga taong suwail

at palalo.

Kasaysayan na pinanday ay di mata-tawaran;

Nagsilbi kang kanlungan, daluyan at li-long sa mga nangangailangan.

Magsasaka at Mangyan ng Mindoro, maging sa Kapdula, Lupang Ramos at

karatig bayan nito; Pinatahan, sinamahan, at tinulungan mo

at sila'y inangkin mong iyo.

Aking dalangin sa maykapal; Iyong pag-iral sa Pilipinas at sa buong

mundo ay lalo pang magtagal. Upang sa iba'y magsilbing halimbawa at

magbigay ng aral; Tulad ni Kristong buhay at kasama natin sa paghayo, pagmumulat, pag-oorganisa,

pakikibaka at pangangaral.

LITURHIYA, LIPUNAN AT LIBRO Hinivuu Pecaat

Isang-daan at labing isang taon ng paghuhubog, Paghuhubog sa mga seminaristang sa iglesia at

lipuna’y maglilingkod, Maglilingkod ng buong husay, katapatan at mala-

sakit, Malasakit na bunga ng paglubog sa lipunang

naghihikahos.

Napakaraming bagay at instrumento ang iyong ginamit,

Ginamit upang hubugin at imulat kami sa katoto-hanan,

Katotohanang tunay na nagpapalaya sa amin mula sa pagkaalipin,

Pagkaalipin sa sariling pananaw at paniniwalang minana mula sa

banyaga.

Una, Liturhiya.. Liturhiya na nagsasalamin sa paghubog ng

aming espirituwal na pagkatao, Liturhiya na ipinahayag sa pamamagitan ng da-

sal, pagsamba at debosyo, Liturhiya na nagbalik sa amin sa diwa ng isang

pagiging katutubo, Liturhiya na pangungunahan bilang pastor sa ig-

lesia paglabas sa seminaryong ito.

Pangalawa, Lipunan..

Lipunan na ginagalawan sa loob at labas ng seminaryo,

Lipunang nagturo ng pagkakaisa, pagmamalasa-kitan at totoong paghayo,

Lipunang nagmulat sa tulog na diwa sa pakikiba-ka,

Lipunang babalikan upang gampanan ang isang pagiging propeta.

Pangatlo,Libro..

Libro na naglalarawan sa paghubog ng aming intelektwal na pagkatao,

Libro ang mga ginagamit upang matapos ang gampanin na bigay ng mga guro,

Libro na humulma kung paano magsaliksik at umunawa,

Libro na patuloy na aaralin upang lalong umunlad ang paglilingkod sa kapwa.

Tatlong instrumento ngunit buhay, pananaw at

prinsipyo ay binago, Salamat sayo, mahal naming Seminaryo

Magkasama tayo sa paghayo ng ebanghelyo!