A Vaccine for All

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For almost a year in this pandemic, we are still hoping for a cure to the dreaded COVID-19. Death toll continues to rise. Before the end of this month, almost 2.5 million deaths worldwide have been recorded (as of February 19, 2021, approximately 2,448,188 deaths). And yet, the vaccine war is creating instability in the approach of addressing the pandemic—solutions can hardly be achieved in our global fight against the pandemic, global recovery is still elusive. During the UN Security Council Meeting last February 17, 2021, António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General said, “Yet progress on vaccinations has been wildly uneven and unfair… The world urgently needs a Global Vaccination Plan to bring together all those with the required power, scientific expertise and production and financial capacities.”

António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General

Solidarity call for equity

Who gets vaccinated first? The rich or the poor? It is from these questions that Pope Francis offered a powerful message aiming to address the emerging greed for vaccines: “Today, in this time of darkness and uncertainty regarding the pandemic, various lights of hope appear, such as the discovery of vaccines. But for these lights to illuminate and bring hope to all, they need to be available to all. We cannot allow the various forms of nationalism closed in on themselves to prevent us from living as the truly human family that we are. Nor can we allow the virus of radical individualism to get the better of us and make us indifferent to the suffering of other brothers and sisters.” (Urbi et Orbi, Christmas 2020 Message) 

Pope Francis gives his message for the 29th World Day of the Sick

As countries are now starting to purchase the available vaccines, richer countries are on top of the list. There should be an equitable distribution, sans ‘nationalism’ and ‘individualism,’ if there is none we will not be solving the pandemic. Thirty-six of these are high-income countries and six are middle-income countries, so there is a clear problem that low and most middle-income countries are not receiving the vaccine yet… vaccine nationalism hurts us all and is self-defeating,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

Likely so, business runs into this merchandise war for COVID-19 vaccines. That aside from looking for the most effective and safest, some countries are bargaining sovereignty and even taking billion-dollar loans laden with corruption and at the expense of the people’s money.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

Poor nations should not be forgotten, Vaccine nationalism is self-defeating and will only delay global recovery.  Together, we must keep our promise to leave no one behind,” a message from António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General (2021 session of the Special Committee on Decolonization, February 18, 2021).

The other pandemics

The COVID-19 pandemic rippled into more social diseases, disastrous ones. We have seen how governments addressed the economic side of the impact, by bailing-out corporate giants instead of rescuing small businesses and of providing sustainable support to families especially those belonging to the low and non-income. This has created havoc and more damaging impacts to societies and families. Currently, economic poverty is increasing, and during this pandemic, it becomes immeasurable!

The lockdown became opportunities of repressive political measures too: armed conflicts, political arrests, and killings continue to happen even in the midst of the pandemic. “Our island awaits the day when the blood from the pandemic of violence stops flowingWhen our priests in the diocese end burying victims of these orchestrated acts of terrorism,” said Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos, Philippines in protest of the killings in his diocese even in the midst of the pandemic. Similar experiences are happening in Latin American countries.

Finding the other vaccines

Our common enemy is not just COVID… We have created more dreaded social diseases. We need to find a better cure of our vulnerabilities, such as humane public health system; economic, social and psychological problems. As the pandemic provided us opportunities to see and admit not just the social fragilities, but more so, the brokenness of our health systems and the incapacities of our politically divided government structures are also brought into light.

The other vaccines can address the added social suffering resulting from the impacts of the continuing pandemic. Pope Francis, in his message for the 29th World Day of the Sick,   speaks of solidarity, as our efficient medicine of the pandemic, “… the pandemic has also highlighted the dedication and generosity of healthcare personnel, volunteers, support staff, priests, men and women religious, all of whom have helped, treated, comforted and served so many of the sick and their families with professionalism, self-giving, responsibility and love of neighbour. A silent multitude of men and women, they chose not to look the other way but to share the suffering of patients, whom they saw as neighbours and members of our one human family.” The UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: “The COVID-19 crisis has shown above all the urgent need for human solidarity.

Ending the pandemic rests on our commitment to care through solidarity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bro. Tagoy Jakosalem, OAR

Bro. Tagoy Jakosalem, OAR

Religious Brother of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

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< 2023 >
March
SMTuWThFS
   1
  • All day
    March 1, 2023

    CLOSING OF THE MEETING OF THE LOCAL PROCURATORS

    WITH THE PROVINCIAL PROCURATOR

    CELEBRATIONS OF THE 151ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST MASS OF ST. EZEKIEL MORENO IN PUERTO PRINCESA
    Inclusive Dates: March 1-10, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Constancia Buchan, AR
    Sr. Jamaikha Acle, AR
    Sis. Marissa Molina, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    Khia Queen Taiza (RAY-Calubang)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Teresa de Jesus, AR
    +Sis. Susan Bermil, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

2
  • All day
    March 2, 2023

    PROVINCE-WIDE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE on “Policies and Procedures on [Cases of] Sexual Abuse Against Minors and Vulnerable Adults” / 9:00 a.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Charina Mae Ogario, AR
    Sis. Merlinda Buada, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Karl Canaria (RAY-Talisay)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Bro. Luis Clauor Jr., SAR (Bacolod Chapter)
    +Bro. Gabino Jabutay, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

3
  • All day
    March 3, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Emeterio Buñao
    Fray Andrie Pugate
    Sr. Felisa Ampasin, AR
    Sr. Josephine Facinabao, AR
    Sis. Marina Yang, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Dolores Villas, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Sis. Amparo Ortega (Tondo Chapter / Trial)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Teodora de la Natividad, AR
    +Sis. Angelita Quero, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

4
  • All day
    March 4, 2023

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR VOCATIONS

    CLOSING OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PUERTO PRINCESA
    Mass Presider & Homilist: Fray Bernard Amparado, OAR
    Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Puerto Princesa City

    BIRTHDAY

    Br. Mark Evan Taliquig (aspirant)
    Sis. Rosita Viray, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Sis. Jasmin Reyes, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    Sis. Thelma Geroy, SAR (Tondo Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Celina Magcauas, AR
    +Sis. Josefina Cedeño, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Esperanza Bacus, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

     

5
  • All day
    March 5, 2023

    SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Nelly Marfil, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Teodorica de Natividad, AR
    +Ma. Alma Limotlimot, AR
    +Sis. Francisca Tamara, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

6
  • All day
    March 6, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Randolph Castulo Castillo, Jr.
    Sr. Rosalia Aparece, AR
    Sr. Ma. Corazon Caberte, AR
    Sr. Ridelia Tinga, AR
    Sis. Marybeth Publico, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Rosalina Toledo, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Josefina Rodriguez, AR
    +Sis. Rosemary Delapaz, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    +Mrs. Leonila Dosado (Sister General of the Order)

7
  • All day
    March 7, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Br. Dorin James Igsoc (aspirant)
    Bro. John Eduard Nebre, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Bro. Feliciano Nario Jr., SAR (Baguio Chapter)

8
  • All day
    March 8, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Bro. Marco Quimod, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)
    Sis. Beata Oida, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Roceline Bernal (RAY-Cavite)
    Paula Nicole Bautista (RAY-Cavite)
    James Ynnoh Molina (RAY-Miranila

    D
    EATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Rita de la Cruz, AR
    +Sr. Ma. Guadalupe Siroy, AR
    +Sr. Ma. Natalia Oliver, AR
    +Sr. Alfonsa Canon, AR

9
  • All day
    March 9, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Loreto Manigos, AR
    Sr. Merlyn Pelarion, AR

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Faustina Nirza, AR
    +Sis. Rufa Pepito, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

     

10
  • All day
    March 10, 2023

    CLOSING OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY (March 10, 1872) OF THE FIRST MASS OF ST. EZEKIEL MORENO IN PUERTO PRINCESA

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Keneth Pahamutang
    Fray Ifeanyichukwu Maximillian Omem
    Sis. Elenita Atienza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Sis. Ma. Theresa Aquino, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Sis. Ma. Lourdes Espinos, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    Sis. Lydia Escario, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Choleta Jalandra, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

11
  • All day
    March 11, 2023

    FORSOAR STAR WEEKEND
    March 11-12, 2022 / Talavera House of Prayer-Recoletos, Cebu City

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Briggitte Parba, AR
    Sr. Maria Jasmin Lumanog, AR

12
  • All day
    March 12, 2023

    THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Marisa Bernasor, AR
    Mo. Dionisia Talangapaz (Foundress of the AR Sisters)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Inocencia Beringuel, AR
    +Sis. Fe Zamora, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    +Sis. Valentina Talledo, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

     

13
  • All day
    March 13, 2023

    10TH ANNIVERSARY (2013-2023) OF THE ELECTION OF POPE FRANCIS

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Ma. Digna Araña, AR
    Sr. Ma. Nicelina Rodriguez, AR
    Bro. Romeo Estanislao, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Sis. Adelina Belandres, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Estrella Nuque, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    Sis. Patricia Tario, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Cyrine Julianne Singson (RAY-Cavite)
    Aaron Kristopher Lim (RAY-San Carlos)
    Kiarah Fatima Guillen (RAY-Provincialate)

14
  • All day
    March 14, 2023

    REAP: SHARING OF ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS (NEGROS CLUSTER GENERAL ASSEMBLY)

    BIRTHDAY

    Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, SDB, DD (Diocese of Bacolod)
    Br. Christopher Digal (postulant)
    Sr. Ma. Clara Flores, AR
    Sis. Teotila Torrefiel, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Lucia Ruiz, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Leonila Buhain, SAR (Cavite Chapter)

15
  • All day
    March 15, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Lauro Larlar
    Fray Giovanni Gil Magbojos
    Br. Juan Carlo Macalalag (aspirant)
    Sr. Rosielyn Hijastro, AR
    Sis. Marlyn Opu-an, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    Sis. Milagros Calipay, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Enrique Jerome Garcia (RAY-Cavite)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Visitacion B. Visitacion, AR
    +Sis. Lourdes Luna, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    +Sis. Ma. Carmeta Suiza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

16
  • All day
    March 16, 2023

    REAP: DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION OF STRUCTURES, PLANS, AND PROGRAMS

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Maria Carmeta Suiza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Hernane Francisco, SAR (Manila Chapter)

17
  • All day
    March 17, 2023

    REAP: LENTEN RECOLLECTION

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Jesus Lastimado, AR
    +Sis. Obdulia Torres, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

18
  • All day
    March 18, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Eduarda Reynes, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

19
  • All day
    March 19, 2023

    FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK

    10TH ANNIVERSARY (2013-2023) OF THE INSTALLATION OF POPE FRANCIS

    BIRTHDAY

    Archbp. Jose Palma, D.D. (Archbishop of Cebu)
    Sis. Eleanor Almenanza, SAR (Cavite Chapter)
    Sis. Jessica Bacaltos, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter)
    Sis. Beatriz Hermoso, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Marian Sigrid Escobar (RAY-Bacolod)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Trinidad de la Purisima Concepcion, AR
    +Sis. Enriquieta Oamilda, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Bro. Gonzalo Pañares, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Anunciacion Mendez, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

20
  • All day
    March 20, 2023

    FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH, PATRON OF THE ORDER

    USJ-R (Cebu & Balamban) PATRONAL FIESTA OF ST. JOSEPH

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Roweno Eugenio Hamo
    Sis. Josefina Guevarra, SAR (Cavite Chapter)
    Sis. Salvacion Manalon, SAR (Inagawan Chapter)
    Sis. Nenita Ursais, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Earl Vincent Blaza (RAY-Miranila)

21
  • All day
    March 21, 2023

    START OF GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING (Rome)
    Inclusive Dates: March 21-25

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Mark Rochelle Renacia
    Sis. Corazon Yanga, SAR (Tondo Chapter)

22
  • All day
    March 22, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Grace Katada, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter)
    Sis. Rose Mary Chua, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Felicitas Aquino, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Lina Ferrer, SAR

     

23
  • All day
    March 23, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Teodulo Hayahay
    Sis. Milagros Renes, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Sis. Fe Josefa Asuncion, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Sis. Ma. Luisa Salvador (San Carlos Chapter / Trial)
    Nichole Cabamo (RAY-Laray)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Cecilia Salgado, AR
    +Sr. Concepcion Reston, AR

24
  • All day
    March 24, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Christopher Gaspar
    Sis. Clemencia Luces, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Sis. Elpidia Abasolo, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Nelida Mendoza (Miranila Chapter / Trial)
    Sis. Hedelita Diaz, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Lydia Rivera, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    +Sis. Adela Jaca, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

25
  • All day
    March 25, 2023

    EARTH HOUR: 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Anunciacion Yballe, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Ann Marjorie Ricarte, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Lourdes Serrano, SAR (Manila Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Purificacion del Espiritu Santo, AR
    +Sr. Magdalena Salgado, AR

26
  • All day
    March 26, 2023

    FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Gloria Mempin, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Felicitas Calopez, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    +Sis. Alice Banares, SAR (Tondo Chapter)

27
  • All day
    March 27, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Bro. Edward de Silva, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Sis. Josefina Magalit, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Alberta Lastimado, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Bro. Samuel Celerino Favila (Puerto Princesa Chapter / Trial)
    Aira Joy Legaspi (RAY-Talisay)

28
  • All day
    March 28, 2023

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSIONS

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Agustina Santos, AR Sr. Dorothy Aguila, AR
    Sis. Virginia Lazaro, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Bro. Reynaldo Aparicio, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Lilibeth Fuertes, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)
    Sis. Brenda Villafuerte, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Gregoria de San Jose, AR
    + Sis. Rufina Jadraque, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

29
  • All day
    March 29, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Ma. Katrina Rodriguez (RAY-Miranila)

    PRESBYTERAL ANNIVERSARY

    (2008-2023)

    Fray William Cordero, Jr.
    Fray Roderick Deguit

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Bro. Crispin Balingit, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

30
  • All day
    March 30, 2023

    GENERALATE: ONLINE MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON THE PROTECTION OF MINORS & VULNERABLE ADULTS

    BIRTHDAY

    Mo. Maxima Pelaez, AR
    Sis. Juanita Pajarillaga, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Jelly Masongsong, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Roberta Panoncillo, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

31
  • All day
    March 31, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Br. John Reynan Rosie (aspirant)
    Sr. Anastacia Fangon, AR

 

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