IWAS PUSOY !

THE GUIDEBOOK (Gabay sa OFW’S)

Adopting Filipino children

Q. What are the requirements for the prospective adopting parent/s under the Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995?
R. We limit our discussion on the rules of adoption under this law as this Manual is intended for the information of overseas Filipinos and to citizens of foreign countries.

To be eligible, the Filipino citizen permanently residing abroad or the alien must possess the following:
1. The adopting parent must, at the time of application, be at least 27 years of age and at least 16 years older than the child to be adopted;
2. If married, the spouse must jointly file for the adoption;
3. Must be capable of acting and assuming all rights and responsibilities of parental authority under their national law and has undergone the appropriate counseling from an accredited counselor in their country;
4. Has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude;
5. Is eligible to adopt under their national law;
6. Must be able to provide for the proper care and support and to inculcate the necessary moral values and example to his/her children, including the child to be adopted;
7. Must agree to uphold the basic rights of the child as embodied under Philippine laws, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and to abide by the rules and regulations issued to implement the provisions of RA 8043;
8. Must come from a country with whom the Philippines has diplomatic relations and whose government maintains a similarly authorized and accredited agency and adoption is allowed under their national laws; and
9. Must possess all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications provided by applicable Philippine laws.

Q. Who may be adopted under this law?
R. To be qualified for adoption, the prospective Filipino child must be below 15 years of age and is committed (voluntarily or involuntarily) with the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD).

The prospective Filipino child can only be adopted under this law if the said child cannot be adopted by qualified Filipino citizens (this means that priority in adoption is given to qualified Filipino citizens, particularly immediate relatives of the child). Further, the following documents concerning the child must be submitted to the Inter-Country Adoption Board:

...To be continued

Schizophrenia (9)

(Continuation)

[99] For other patients who are unwilling or unable to take medication regularly, long-acting depot preparations of antipsychotics may be given every two weeks to achieve control. The United States of America and Australia are two countries with laws allowing the forced administration of this type of medication on those who refuse but are otherwise stable and living in the community. Some findings have found that in the longer-term some individuals may do better not taking antipsychotics.[100] Despite the promising results of early pilot trials,[101] omega-3 fatty acids failed to improve schizophrenic symptoms, according to the most recent meta-analysis.[102]

Psychological and social interventions Psychotherapy is also widely recommended and used in the treatment of schizophrenia, although services may often be confined to pharmacotherapy because of reimbursement problems or lack of training.[103]

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to reduce symptoms and improve related issues such as self-esteem, social functioning, and insight. Although the results of early trials were inconclusive,[104] more recent reviews suggest that CBT can be an effective treatment for the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia.[105] Another approach is cognitive remediation therapy, a technique aimed at remediating the neurocognitive deficits sometimes present in schizophrenia. Based on techniques of neuropsychological rehabilitation, early evidence has shown it to be cognitively effective, with some improvements related to measurable changes in brain activation as measured by fMRI.[106] A similar approach known as cognitive enhancement therapy, which focuses on social cognition as well as neurocognition, has shown efficacy.[107]

Family Therapy or Education, which addresses the whole family system of an individual with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, has been consistently found to be beneficial, at least if the duration of intervention is longer-term.[108][109][110] Aside from therapy, the impact of schizophrenia on families and the burden on carers has been recognized, with the increasing availability of self-help books on the subject.[111][112] There is also some evidence for benefits from social skills training, although there have also been significant negative findings.[113][114] Some studies have explored the possible benefits of music therapy and other creative therapies.[115][116][117]

The Soteria model is alternative to inpatient hospital treatment using a minimal medication approach. It is described as a milieu-therapeutic recovery method, characterized by its founder as "the 24 hour a day application of interpersonal phenomenologic interventions by a nonprofessional staff, usually without neuroleptic drug treatment, in the context of a small, homelike, quiet, supportive, protective, and tolerant social environment."[118] Although research evidence is limited, a 2008 systematic review found the programme equally as efffective as treatment with medication in people diagnosed with first and second episode schizophrenia.[119]

Other: Electroconvulsive therapy is not considered a first line treatment but may be prescribed in cases where other treatments have failed.

...To be continued

Mga Bugtong, Salawikain, at iba pa (3)

Ang Pag-Akyat at Pagluklok kay Kristo

Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pag-akyat ni Hesus sa Langit:

Bilang mga Katoliko ipinahahayag natin: ‘Sumasampalataya ako kay Hesu-Kristo, iisang Anak ng Diyos...umakyat sa langit, naluluklok sa kanan ng Diyos Amang makapangyarihan sa lahat.’ Ano nga ba ang ibig sabihin ng “pag-akyat” at “pagluklok”?

Pag-akyat: Ang pag-akyat sa langit ay ang pag-akyat ni Kristo sa kanyang kaluwalhatian. Ang kaluwalhatiang ito ay walang iba kundi ang pananahan sa piling ng Diyos Ama. Hindi matutumbasan ng anumang kagalakan o karangalan sa buong sanlibutan at sa panahon ito ang kaluwalhatiang ito. Umaasa tayo na sa wakas ng panahon makakamit din natin ang kaluwalhatiang ito na inilalaan ng Diyos sa ating sa ating pagdating; handa rin ba tayong humarap sa Kanya? Mauunawaan ang pag-akyat ni Kristo sa langit kung pagninilayan din natin ang kanyag naunang pagbaba sa lupa– ang kanyang pagkakatawang-tao. Tulad ito ng isang hagdan na hindi maaaring akyatin kundi muna papanaog. Nasusulat: “Bakit sinabing umakyat siya? Dahil bumaba muna siya sa dakong nasa ilalim ng lupa. Siya mismong bumaba ang siya ring umakyat sa ibabaw ng kalangitan upang punuin ang lahat” (Efe 4:9-10). Ayon kay San Bernardo, may tatlong baitang ng pagpanaog si Kristo: pagkakatawang-tao, pagpapako sa krus, at pagkamatay. May tatlong baitang din ng pagpanhik: muling pagkabuhay, pag-akyat sa langit, at pagluluklok sa kanan ng Ama. Lubos na nagpakababa si Kristo sa lupa kaya’t lubos din siyang itinaas sa kalangitan. Sadyang nakakagulat ang pagpapakumbaba ng Diyos kung ihahambing sa pagmamataas ng tao.

Subalit ang pag-akyat sa langit ni Hesus ay hindi tulad ng pangingibang bayan ng isang OFW o ng isang dayuhan o panauhin lang sa langit si Hesus. Ang langit ang tahanang kanyang pinagmulan. Samakatuwid, ang pag-akyat sa langit ay ang pagbalik o pag-uwi sa Ama na kanyang tunay na tahanan mula pa sa walang hanggan. Anong sarap umuwi sa tahanan ding iyon kung saan ang mga mahal natin sa buhay at ang Diyos mismo ang naghihintay.

Pagluklok: Ang Diyos Ama ang “muling bumuhay kay Kristo at nagluklok sa kanyang kanan sa langit” (Efe 1:20). Ang pagluluklok kay Kristo ay hindi tungkol sa pag-upo sa anumang silya kundi ang kanyang matagumpay na paghahari sa sanlibutan: Naghahari ang Diyos sa mga bansa, nakaluklok ang Diyos sa trono ng kanyang kabanalan” (Slm 47:9). Si Kristo ang “nakaupo” sa trono: makapangyarihan sa buong kalangitan at sangkalupaan.

Ngunit kahit na si Hesus ay nasa piling ng Ama, siya ay totoong nananatiling kapiling din natin sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Siya ang Emmanuel: Diyos na sumasaatin hanggang sa wakas ng panahon. Patuloy siyang namamagitan sa ating mga panalangin doon sa kanan ng Ama. Siya nga ang pinakadakilang Tagapamagitan natin sa Diyos at wala ng iba pa at walang makahihigit sa kanya sapagkat siya lang ang nag-iisang DIYOS-TAO.

Ang pag-akyat at pagluklok kay Hesus ay hamon upang tayo’y manalig, umasa at kumilos. Hindi sapat ang tumingala sa langit at maghintay. May utos ang Panginoon na dapat nating sundin: “Humayo kayo at gawing mga alagad ang lahat ng bansa…”(Mt 28:19). Tungkulin ito ng bawat Kristiyano hanggang sumapit ang araw ng ating sariling “pag-akyat” at “pagluklok” sa piling ng Diyos Ama, Anak at Espiritu Santo. Amen.

~ Khris Emmanuel L. Llacer, SSP ~

Is Apostolic Succession in the Bible? (Series LXXXVII)

St. Paul writes to St. Timothy: “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands” (2 Tm 1:6). Through this ancient rite, St. Paul ordained St. Timothy as a priest, and eventually consecrated him as a “bishop” (the Greek root word literally means “overseer”) — that is, one who would oversee God’s flock and share in the ministry divinely given to Paul and the other apostles (see “Why Does the Church Have Bishops?”).

The Church is built, St. Paul tells us, on “the foundation of the apostles” (Eph 2:20), whom Christ himself chose (see Jn 6:70-71; Acts 1:2, 13; for St. Peter’s special function in that foundation, see Mt 16:18). Who were these first apostles? In Mark 6:30, the twelve original disciples of Jesus are called by that name. (Note: The Latin word discipulus means literally “student” or “follower”; Jesus had many more disciples than just the Twelve appointed as apostles — including, for example, Mary Magdalene.) Matthew 10:2 and Revelation 21:14 also speak of the “twelve apostles.” (For a list of the Twelve, see Mt 10:2-4).

After Judas defected, the remaining eleven apostles appointed the disciple Matthias as his successor (see Acts 1:20-26). The term translated in this passage as “office” (1:20), and applied to Judas, is in Greek episkopen — literally, “episcopacy” or “bishopric.” If Judas, as an apostle, occupied the office of bishop, then by logical extension all the apostles can be considered to have occupied that office.

Given that the apostles were bishops, and one of them was replaced by another bishop after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, then we have here an explicit example of apostolic succession in the Bible. Clearly, apostolic succession is not a later invention of the Church, but a reality that existed and was recognized by the apostles within days after Christ returned to heaven.

The Catholic Church traces itself back historically, in an unbroken succession, to the apostles. Apostolic succession was in fact a strong theme in the writings of the early Church fathers, who themselves had received the faith directly from the apostles or their immediate successors. They insisted that such a succession was a sign of authenticity, necessary to identify which groups claiming to be Christian could legitimately be recognized as part of the Church Jesus had established.

RELATED SCRIPTURE — Texts cited: Mt 10:2-4; 16:18; Mk 6:30; Jn 6:70-71; Acts 1:2, 13, 20-26; Eph 2:20; 2 Tm 1:6; Rv 21:14. General: Jer 1 Tm 4:14; Heb 6:2. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH — 3; 77; 642; 815; 830; 833; 857-863; 935; 981; 1087; 1120; 1576.

TWILIGHT

By: Ed J. Titular
052508, Chasan-ri, SK

It’s a time where lizards go down
To kiss the ground and give thanks
A time for a chick to hide
On the wings of their mother for comfort
A time for petals to close
To bloom again for the next day
And a time for us to praise God
For the blessings we got at the end of day.

Twilight reminds me of my younger days
A time where I’m still walking
On my way back home
Passing on a stony road
Without even slipper to wear
And thinking my work is still waiting
In a place where cricket noise
Is the only music I hear?

Twilight a time where I still cut banana leaves
And bring it to market in exchange of fish
'Though I’m shy, but I need to do it
Or else my meal with be toppings of water and salt
Those were my twilight days, always full of tears
But, still I said that life is great
And GOD never sleeps until the next twilight comes.

Twilight always reminds me of my life
Almost at twilight time where I received all my rewards
At this time where I always said that GOD is amazing
Time where I must past all life's difficulties and hardships
A moment that push me to win all life's battle
A time where I think how could I share my blessings to others?
Twilight the moment of my life for another dimension
As twilight ends, I was carried by irresistible strength
....to face another dawn and sunshine that life could bring.

RIO-DIAZ COJUANGCO (A LIVING TESTIMONY)

Six months ago, my family was preparing for my funeral, but I stand here before you today by God's grace because He still has a purpose for my life. Let me share with you my story.. In April, l99l, I began to host Eat Bulaga!, a noontime show that brought me fame beyond my wildest dreams. I earned good money while I made people laugh. What a blessing! October of l993, I met Charlie. Single and good-looking, this guy has a terrific sense of humor, a man with a big heart. "Kung sa beauty contestant, beauty and brains." At a certain point in our relationship, we both knew God brought us to be together...for life. In August, l994, we were married. After four wonderful years of marriage, God blessed us with two children, Claudia and Jaime. Thirteen years earlier, I was blessed with a son, Ali, from a previous relationship. May of l998, Charlie became Congressman and I became Vice Mayor of Pontevedra ( Negros Occidental). November of the same year, during a routine check-up, they discovered some abnormalities in my stomach area which, the doctors said, could be solved by a minor procedure. A few days later, my supposedly one-hour surgery turned out to be a six-hour-and- a-half surgery. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Cancer?

No one had cancer in the family. My life flashed before me. My world suddenly caved in. The doctors were quite frank. They told us that I had only a couple of months to live. Stage 4 cancer is like a death sentence. As my doctor was speaking, I didn't understand a word he said because all I could think of was Charlie, my children, my family, my in-laws, would whisper, Lord, help me...help them, Lord! They're all suffering. I don't know how to comfort them. The day before my first chemotherapy, I said, Lord, just tell me you're in control. Tell me that no one made a mistake and I'll be fine no matter what, Lord. Somebody gave me a devotional book entitled Streams in the Desert which I read at 3 o'clock in the morning. It said, this is my doing. Your weakness needs my strength and your safety lies in letting me fight for you. You did not come to this place by accident. You are exactly where I meant you to be. You were so busy that I could not get your attention and I wanted to teach you some of my greatest truths. The pain will leave you as soon as you learn to see me; in all things. These words became the pillow on which I rested my weary head. I surrendered to God all my fears, all my burdens and my family as I began my journey of trials. I focused on His promises as Jesus said, Surely I am with you always.

By God's gracious mercy and beyond all medical explanation, after six months of chemotherapy went on remission. Eight months later, the cancer was back. More surgery, more chemo. And then again, God allowed healing for me. The best lesson I am learning from this is how God allows us to enjoy life with His moment by moment of grace. My third bout with cancer entailed three different chemotherapies infused at the same time. The Lord allowed me to learn to NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP...PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD. Three times, I was at the threshold of death. Medicines and state-of-the- art treatments were not working anymore. Not all the money in the world nor the best doctors on earth can make us live if God doesn't want us to. During those times, God comforted my heart with these verses: Why are you downcast o my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him my Savior and my Lord. But let me tell you about my latest brush with death. ...To be continued

IWAS PUSOY !

THE GUIDEBOOK (Gabay sa OFW’S)

Philippine Citizenship
2. Natural born citizens of the Philippines who after the effectivity of this Act, become citizens of a foreign country shall retain their Philippine citizenship upon taking the aforesaid oath; and
3. The unmarried child, whether legitimate, illegitimate or adopted, below eighteen (18) years of age, of those who re-acquired Philippine citizenship upon effectivity of this law shall be deemed citizens of the Philippines.

Consequently, those who re-acquire or retain Philippine citizenship under this law shall enjoy all civil and political rights and shall be subject to all liabilities and responsibilities of existing laws of the country.

Q. If a former Filipino who acquires the citizenship of another country reacquires Philippine citizenship under the Philippine dual nationality Act, how does this affect his/her foreign citizenship?
R. It depends on the law of the other country., which may or may not recognize dual nationality. Other countries that do not recognize dual nationality may impose strict citizenship laws for its citizens, such that there is a danger that those who acquire the citizenship of another country, such as a Filipino reacquiring Philippine citizenship, may lose his or her foreign citizenship. It is therefore important to seek legal assistance and information and information before making a decision to reacquire Philippine citizenship under the dual nationality Act.

Adopting Filipino children

Q. Who may adopt Filipino children?
R. There are two basic Philippine laws that govern the adoption of Filipino children.
1. The first law is Republic Act 8552 or more popularly known as the “Domestic Adoption Act of 1998”. It defines the rules for the adoption of Filipino children by a resident Filipino or by a non-Filipino national who has been continuously living in the Philippines for at least three (3) years prior to the filing of the application for adoption.
2. The other law is Republic Act 8043 or the “Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995” which lay-down the rules for adoption of Filipino children by a Filipino citizen permanently residing abroad or an by an alien.

...To be continued

Schizophrenia (8)

(Continuation)

The effectiveness of schizophrenia treatment is often assessed using standardized methods, one of the most common being the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS). Management of symptoms and improving function is thought to be more achievable than a cure. Treatment was revolutionized in the mid 1950s with the development and introduction of chlorpromazine.[87] A recovery model is increasingly adopted, emphasizing hope, empowerment and social inclusion.[88]

Hospitalization may occur with severe episodes of schizophrenia. This can be voluntary or (if mental health legislation allows it) involuntary (called civil or involuntary commitment). Long-term inpatient stays are now less common due to deinstitutionalization, although can still occur.[5] Following (or in lieu of) a hospital admission, support services available can include drop-in centers, visits from members of a community mental health team or Assertive Community Treatment team, supported employment[89] and patient-led support groups.
In many non-Western societies, schizophrenia may only be treated with more informal, community-led methods. The outcome for people diagnosed with schizophrenia in non-Western countries may actually be better than for people in the West.[90] The reasons for this effect are not clear, although cross-cultural studies are being conducted.

Medication: The mainstay of psychiatric treatment for schizophrenia is an antipsychotic medication.[91] These can reduce the "positive" symptoms of psychosis. Most antipsychotics take around 7–14 days to have their main effect. Risperidone (trade name Risperdal) is a common atypical antipsychotic medication. Though expensive, the newer atypical antipsychotic drugs are usually preferred for initial treatment over the older typical antipsychotics; they are often better tolerated and associated with lower rates of tardive dyskinesia, although they are more likely to induce weight gain and obesity-related diseases.[92] Prolactin elevations have been reported in women with schizophrenia taking atypical antipsychotics.[93]It remains unclear whether the newer antipsychotics reduce the chances of developing neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but serious and potentially fatal neurological disorder most often caused by an adverse reaction to neuroleptic or antipsychotic drugs.[94]

The two classes of antipsychotics are generally thought equally effective for the treatment of the positive symptoms. Some researchers have suggested that the atypicals offer additional benefit for the negative symptoms and cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia, although the clinical significance of these effects has yet to be established. Recent reviews have refuted the claim that atypical antipsychotics have fewer extrapyramidal side effects than typical antipsychotics, especially when the latter are used in low doses or when low potency antipsychotics are chosen.[95]

Response of symptoms to medication is variable; "Treatment-resistant schizophrenia" is a term used for the failure of symptoms to respond satisfactorily to at least two different antipsychotics.[96] Patients in this category may be prescribed clozapine,[97] a medication of superior effectiveness but several potentially lethal side effects including agranulocytosis and myocarditis.[98] Clozapine may have the additional benefit of reducing propensity for substance abuse in schizophrenic patients. [99] For other patients who are ... ...To be continued

Salawikain (2)