NEDA Board OK’s P548-B projects

EIGHT infrastructure projects worth P547.6 billion bagged final approval from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board on Wednesday, including proposals for new bridges, an elevated monorail, and pedestrian walkways along Metro Manila’s main highway.

In a statement, NEDA said the Board, chaired by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, gave the go-signal for six projects to be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), including the P189.53-billion Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Island Bridges and the P175.7-billion Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB).

The PGN Island Bridges project involves the construction of a 32.47-kilometer (km), four-lane, two sea-crossing bridges that will connect Panay, Guimaras and Negros islands.

The BCIB project aims to reduce traffic congestion in Metro Manila by building a 32.15-km, four-lane bridge over Manila Bay from Mariveles, Bataan to Naic, Cavite.

A P76.41-billion project involving the construction of a new Cebu-Mactan bridge and coastal road was also approved by the NEDA Board, along with the P28.26-billion Davao City Coastal Bypass Road Project, including Bucana bridge.

Likewise, NEDA Board also approved the 35.64-km road and eight bridges that will be built under the P5.89-billion Capas-Botolan road project. This will cut the travel time between Tarlac and Zambales to one-and-a-half hours from four hours. The project is expected to start operating by 2025.

The NEDA Board also gave the green light for the P57.07-billion Metro Rail Transit Line 4 (MRT-4) and the P8.51-billion EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) Greenways project.

The MRT-4 is expected to cut travel time between Metro Manila and Rizal province. The 18.4-kilometer elevated monorail transit system will begin at the V. Mapa Station in Manila and end at the proposed Taytay Station near the Taytay Diversion Road-Manila East Road rotunda in Rizal. It will run through Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Avenue Extension and Taytay Diversion Road.

The EDSA Greenways project involves the construction of five kilometers of covered and elevated walkways in four areas along the main highway.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will finance both the MRT-4 and the EDSA Greenways projects.

“These projects are the building blocks of our people’s dreams and aspirations. As such, we intend to roll out as many as we can to ease congestion and spread growth throughout the country,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia was quoted as saying.

The P6.25-billion Maritime Safety Enhancement program by the Department of Transportation (DoTr) was also greenlit by the NEDA Board.

At the same time, the NEDA Board also okayed the proposals to change the scope and cost of the Davao City bypass construction project (P46.8 billion), as well as to extend the loan validity and the implementation period and increase the cost of the Samar Pacific Coastal road project (P1.13 billion). — B.M.Laforga

https://www.bworldonline.com/neda-board-oks-p548-b-projects/

Approval of NAIAx expansion expected in first quarter

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is expecting the approval of the NAIA Expressway (NAIAx) expansion project within the first quarter of the year.

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) proposed the project, which is awaiting the nod of the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“The NAIA Expressway expansion, I think it is moving forward. So hopefully soon, I think within the first quarter we can expect NEDA [approval],” Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said in Malabon City Friday on the sidelines of the inspection of NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 C3-R10 Section, when asked for an update regarding the project.

The DPWH chief said his office wanted the project to be extended up to Lawton Ave., including Imelda Ave.

SMC announced in 2017 that it had submitted to the government a three-year plan to expand toll roads in southern Metro Manila, as a way to address traffic congestion.

The expansion plan includes NAIAx along with South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), Skyway system, and Southern Tagalog Arterial Road.

SMC was also planning to extend the new NAIAx to Bonifacio Global City (BGC), which aims to reduce traffic on the Sales Bridge and cut travel time from the airport to BGC to 10 minutes. The project will include additional NAIAx ramps from the NAIA Terminals 1 and 2 to SM Sucat, where it can connect with the C-5 extension.

The NAIAx is a private-public partnership with SMC. — Arjay L. Balinbin

https://www.bworldonline.com/approval-of-naiax-expansion-expected-in-first-quarter/

DPWH upbeat on San Miguel’s proposal to extend NAIA Expressway

The Department of Public Works and Highways expects the National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee to approve the proposal of San Miguel Corp. to extend the NAIA Expressway to Taguig and Parañaque by the first quarter of 2020.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the agency was awaiting the approval from NEDA-ICC on the proposal of San Miguel to extend the portion of the Naiax along Imelda Avenue in Parañaque and to Lawton Avenue in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

“Hopefully, will approve it by first quarter,” Villar said.

The project is seen to ease traffic on the Sales Bridge and lessen travel time from the Coastal Road, Airport Terminal 1,2 & 3, and SM Mall of Asia areas to BGC to just 10 minutes.

The project is also expected to decongest Magallanes and the Edsa-Pasay area.

Also included is the additional NAIAX ramps extension from the NAIA Terminal 1 and 2 areas all the way to SM Sucat, where it can link up with the C5 extension.

This will benefit motorists heading to Sucat, Las Piñas, and C5 who usually spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour just getting out of gridlock along airport roads.

NAIA Expressway, which started operations in December 2016 is a 5.4-km, four-lane, elevated expressway, which connects the Skyway system to all three NAIA airport terminals and the Entertainment City of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

It provides access to NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3, as well as an interface with the Skyway and Cavitex. The NAIA Expressway alignment follows the road along Sales Avenue, Andrews Avenue, Electrical Road (Parañaque River) and NAIA Road.

Besides NAIA Expressway, San Miguel operates the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road, South Luzon Expressway and the Skyway System .

San Miguel is constructing the Skyway Stage 3, an 18.68-km, six-lane elevated expressway that will extend the Skyway from Buendia in Makati City to Balintawak, Quezon City and link the South Luzon Expressway to NLEX. The project aims to decongest major thoroughfares, including EDSA while creating new transport routes.

https://www.manilastandard.net/mobile/article/316062

SMC proposal to extend Naia Expressway likely to get Neda okay, DPWH chief says

DIVERSIFIED conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has proposed to further extend the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Expressway, an offer that is expected to be approved by the government’s planning body within the first half of the year, a Cabinet official said.

Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said the SMC group wants to extend the airport expressway all the way to Sucat in Parañaque and the port area in Manila to cut travel time and promote better mobility in Metro Manila.

“We want to extend it to Lawton to reach the port, and extend it to Imelda Avenue to reach Sucat,” he said in a recent interview.

Operated by Vertex Tollways Development Inc., Naia Expressway is a four-lane thoroughfare that runs between Sales Avenue and Macapagal Boulevard, almost directly integrated into the Skyway System. It serves as an access point to Naia Terminals 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Entertainment City in Pasay.

Villar said the extension is “not that long, but it’s just a few kilometers.”

“The cost is still being finalized, and we are still vetting it in the Neda to be approved, hopefully, this quarter,” Villar said, referring to the National Economic and Development Authority.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/01/30/smc-proposal-to-extend-naia-expressway-likely-to-get-neda-okay-dpwh-chief-says/

3 Japan firms keen on Manila subway contract

By Arjay L. Balinbin
Reporter

AT LEAST THREE Japanese firms, including one of the maintenance providers of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), signaled interest in bidding for the contract to provide train sets and electrical and mechanical (E&M) systems for the Metro Manila subway project.

Department of Transportation (DoTr) Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John R. Batan said that as of Jan. 21, three Japanese firms, namely: Mitsui & Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Corp., and Sumitomo Corp., have purchased bidding documents.

“Mitsubishi has purchased bidding documents, Mitsui has purchased also, and third is Sumitomo,” Mr. Batan told BusinessWorld in a recent interview.

Sumitomo is one of the maintenance service providers of MRT-3 along with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering, Ltd. and TES Philippines, Inc.

The department published in December the invitation for Japanese firms to participate in the competitive bidding process for the procurement of E&M systems and track works for the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1.

It also sought bids from Japanese firms “for the design, execution and completion of 30 train sets consisting of eight electric multiple units,” or a total of 240 train cars.

According to a bulletin published in newspapers on Dec. 24, 2019, the DoTr said bids for the train sets should be submitted by 10 a.m. on March 17, 2020 with a ¥600-million bid security at the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM-PS) in Manila.

For E&M systems and track works, the DoTr set a March 24, 2020 deadline for submission of bids, along with an ¥800-million bid security.

Mr. Batan said the trains and electro-mechanical systems contracts will be awarded to the winning bidders “by the middle of this year.”

The first phase of the Metro Manila subway project covers three packages, namely: rolling stock; E&M system and track works; as well as the first three underground stations (Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, North Avenue), tunnels and depot construction, depot equipment and buildings.

The government broke ground for the first three stations of the subway project in February last year after the DoTr signed a P51-billion deal for that package with the Shimizu Joint Venture, which consists of Shimizu Corp., Fujita Corp., Takenaka Civil Engineering Company Ltd. and EEI Corp.

The Philippines and Japan signed in March 2018 the first tranche of the P355.6-billion loan for the Metro Manila subway project.

While the public will have to wait until 2025 for full operations of the 36-kilometer subway, the government targets partial operations — covering the first three stations — by 2022.

Mr. Batan said the suppliers of trains and E&M systems will have to start delivering in 2021 the requirements of the section that will be up for partial operations by 2022.

“They have to deliver some tracks, some rolling stock; but the rest, of course, will be delivered according to the schedule of the remainder of the system,” he said.

The government estimates 100,000 commuters will use the partially opened subway system daily. The figure is expected to rise to 370,000 passengers daily once the subway is fully operational.

The completed subway system will have 14-15 stations between Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City. It will also link up with Metro Manila’s other railways at the common station being built along North Avenue in Quezon City.

https://www.bworldonline.com/3-japan-firms-keen-on-manila-subway-contract/

23 Build, Build, Build projects that would decongest Metro Manila

The story of EDSA need not be told. Anyone who have stepped in Manila would know — and would have complained at some point — about the world’s worst city for drivers.

While other nationalities would ask about the weather, Filipinos would talk about the traffic. This is not at all surprising. The debate about Metro Manila’s “true midpoint” is not new. It happens almost every day — over family dinners, coffee meet-ups, high school reunions and even on dates. I remember one friend who broke up with his boyfriend because she could not handle a “long distance relationship”. The five hour travel time to and from Paranaque to Fairview took a toll on their relationship. And honestly, no one could blame them. EDSA has become a source of frustration for many, if not all drivers, commuters and passengers.

The problem however is expected. Metro Manila is one of the world’s most densely populated city with over 42,000 inhabitants per square kilometer. But EDSA, the 23.8 circumferential highway stretching from Taft to Caloocan has not been extended after the 1960s. The project which was originally intended to accommodate a maximum capacity of 288,00 vehicles a day — is being used by 402,000 vehicles. In other words, EDSA has exceeded its capacity by about 39%.

The absence of a genuine infrastructure intervention have already caused the Philippines billions of pesos. In 2012, the Philippines lost ₱2.4 billion a day due to Metro Manila traffic according to Japan International Cooperation Agency. Six years after, the number had gone up to ₱3.5 billion a day due to traffic congestion in Metro Manila. Now, road usage in Metro Manila is at about 13.4 million trips per day and this could go as high as 16.1 million in 17 years.

EDSA Decongestion Master Plan

Since 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte and Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar embark on a a plan to decongest EDSA and solve traffic through the “Build, Build, Build” program.

According to Villar, the EDSA Decongestion Program which is composed of 23 projects amounting to over 383 Billion pesos is well underway. President Duterte’s promise of decongesting EDSA is inevitable.

In 2020, six big-ticket projects in Metro Manila will be accessible to the public. These includes: the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10, the NLEX Harbor Link R-10 Exit Ramp, the Mindanao Avenue Extension Segment 2C; Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3; Fort Bonifacio-Nichols Road (Lawton Avenue) Widening; and the Bonifacio Global City-Ortigas Center Link Road Project.

Manila to QC in 15 minutes

The NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is a 5.58 km, 6-lane divided elevated expressway utilising the existing PNR railroad tracks connecting McArthur Highway, C-3 road in Caloocan and Malabon. The project when completed effectively shortens travel time from Valenzuela City to C3 in Caloocan from 1 hour to only 5 minutes.

The NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 will extend and connect to the Radial Road 10 Exit Ramp, a 2.6km, 4-lane elevated ramp which connects Caloocan, Malabon, and Valenzuela to Manila. When the project is completed, travel time from port area in Manila to NLEX will be reduced from two hours to only 10 to 15 minutes.

Quirino Highway to Gen. Luis Road in 20 minutes

Another project that eases the travel in the east-west thoroughfare and targets to decongest and connect Quirino Highway and General Luis Road is the Mindanao Avenue Extension Segment 2C project, which was started in the 1980s.

The Mindanao Avenue Extension Segment 2C project is a 3.2 km, 4 lane divided highway from NLEX to Gen. Luis Avenue, connecting the areas of Bulacan, Valenzuela, North Caloocan and Quezon City. When completed, travel time between Quirino Highway, and General Luis Road, will be reduced from 1 hour and 30 minutes to only 20 minutes.

Makati to QC in 20 minutes

The main line of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project (MMSS3), an 18.30 km elevated expressway spanning from Buendia in Makati City to the North Luzon Expressway in Balintawak, Quezon City, will also be completed. It will have eight (8) access ramps or interchanges, namely Buendia Avenue, (South Super Highway, Makati City), Pres. Quirino Avenue (Malate, Manila), Plaza Dilao (Paco, Manila), Nagtahan/Aurora Boulevard (Manila), E. Rodriguez Avenue (Quezon City), Quezon Avenue (Quezon City), Sgt. Rivera St. (Quezon City) and NLEX.

The project is expected to decongest Metro Manila by at least 55,000 vehicles daily and reduce travel time from Makati to Quezon City from 2 hours to only 15 to 20 minutes.

BGC to Taguig in 12 minutes

Widening of the 3.3 km Fort Bonifacio – Nichols Field Road from four lanes to six lanes will also be completed in 2020.

It is expected to complement the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) – Ortigas Centre Link Road Project, which effectively connects BGC and Ortigas Central Business within 12 minutes. The project is composed of the Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge, a 440 meter four lane bridge across Pasig River connecting Lawton Avenue in Makati City and Santa Monica St. in Pasig City, and the Lawton Avenue – Global City Viaduct, a 565 meter four lane viaduct structure traversing Lawton Avenue onwards to the entrance of BGC.

Civil works to begin this year

DPWH is also set to begin civil works on the following projects this year: NLEX Harbor Link Segment 8.2 from Mindanao Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City; the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project covering the retrofitting of Guadalupe and Lambingan Bridges; and the Pasig River & Manggahan Floodway Bridges Construction Project inclusive of five (5) bridges namely: North & South Harbor Bridge, Palanca-Villegas Bridge, Blumentritt-Antipolo Bridge, and Beata-Manalo Bridge crossing Pasig River, the Eastbank-Westbank Bridge 2 crossing Manggahan Floodway.

Other projects

Apart from these, the EDSA Decongest Masterplan also includes the following projects: Radial Road 10, NLEX-SLEX Connector Road, Katipunan Avenue Extension, Southeast Metro Manila Expressway (C6 Phase 1), Samar Street, Laguna Lake Highway, C5 South Link Expressway, NAIA Expressway Phase 2, Binondo-Intramuros Bridge, Estrella Pantaleon Bridge, JP Rizal-Lopez Jaena Bridge, JP Rizal-St. Mary Bridge, Marikina-Vista Real Bridge, and the Bataan Cavite Interlink Bridge.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/26/23-build-build-build-projects-that-would-decongest-metro-manila/

PSALM to finish study on sale of Quezon City property

State-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) expects to complete the feasibility study on the privatization of its Quezon City property by the middle of the year.

PSALM has given the go signal to Isla Lipana & Co., a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Philippines, to start the feasibility study on the said property, its president and CEO Irene Joy Besido-Garcia said in a text message.

“PSALM has issued today the notice to proceed and contract for the consultancy services to PwC so they can commence the study,” she said.

With the commencement of the feasibility study, PSALM hopes to have a basis on the privatization options for the prime property within the first half of the year.

“That means by June, we would have the output already,” Besido-Garcia said.

The feasibility study has a contract cost of P5.98 million and will take 120 days  to complete.

It would confirm the numbers detailed in the winning architectural conceptual design for the development of the PSALM property located in Diliman, Quezon City.

The winning entry of WTA Design Studio, titled “The East Grid,” aims to develop PSALM’s Diliman property into a mixed-use office development integrated with wellness and commercial elements and combined with energy efficient systems and innovative, sustainable design ideas.

Based on WTA Design Studio’s entry, the project will have an estimated total construction cost of P17.2 billion and will result to about 400,000 square meters of leasable space.

The Diliman property is one of PSALM’s most valuable properties given the development surrounding the land assets. It is where  Napocor and National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) are currently housed.

The 5.1-hectare property is located at the heart of Quezon City’s central business district. Due to its strategic location and ongoing high-rise development in adjacent properties, it is considered a prime property with high potential for residential, commercial and mixed-use development.

The privatization programs aim to generate additional income for the payment of PSALM’s assumed liabilities.

PSALM is the agency mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 to handle the sale of the remaining state-power assets and the financial obligations of Napocor. 

The agency started 2019 with P449.2 billion in liabilities, which had declined to P416 billion as of the end of October.

PSALM has six years left in its corporate life ending in 2026.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/01/24/1987223/psalm-finish-study-sale-quezon-city-property

Congressman seeks probe of LRT-1 contract

A CONGRESSMAN will seek an investigation of an allegedly onerous concession agreement between the government and the Ayala and Pangilinan groups for the operation of the Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1).

“On Monday, I will immediately file a House Resolution to look into this agreement,” Party List Rep. Eric G. Yap said in a statement at the weekend. “But I urge the House committee on public accounts and the committee on good government to exercise its oversight function and look into this as soon as possible.”

Mr. Yap said the deal is “very lopsided” in favor of the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) and a “mockery” of the Constitution.

He noted that the four-year-old agreement gives the company exclusive rights for 32 years, extendible to 50 years. “I keep on thinking why we entered into such contract,” the lawmaker said in Filipino.

MPIC spokeswoman Melody M. del Rosario did not immediately reply to a mobile-phone message seeking comments.

Light Rail Manila is jointly operated by Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s (MPIC) Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Ayala Corp.’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd.

In October 2014, Light Rail Manila signed a concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Light Rail Transit Authority for the P62-billion LRT-1 Cavite extension, operation and maintenance project.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday said that he would look into the LRT agreement, while expressing his frustration over the alleged onerous contracts between the government and the two water distribution utilities in Metro Manila.

MPIC is one of three Philippine subsidiaries of Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being PLDT, Inc. and Philex Mining Corp.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., maintains an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group. — Genshen L. Espedido

https://www.bworldonline.com/congressman-seeks-probe-of-lrt-1-contract/

Over 300 devotees seek medical assistance as grand massive miracle crusade kicks off

Over 5,000 participants have so far been given medical assistance by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) as the annual weekend grand massive miracle crusade.

According to the PRC, it has assisted 328 devotees as of 8 a.m.

Two devotees were rushed to the nearest medical center due to hypertension and avulsion while medical attention was extended to three individuals who fainted.

As of 8:00 AM, we catered to a total of 328 individuals since January 8. Blood pressure consultation was provided to 301 individuals, treated 21 patients due to minor injuries (dizziness, difficulty of Breathing, and elevated blood pressure), pic.twitter.com/rNR4ZfHxkO

— Philippine Red Cross (@philredcross) January 9, 2020

Blood pressure consultation was also provided to 301 individuals and 21 patients were treated for minor injuries such as dizziness, difficulty of breathing, and elevated blood pressure.

In a sea of a thousand people, with an estimated 200,000 individuals, our volunteers and staff continue to provide medical assistance to the participants and devotees of the Black Nazarene for the Traslacion 2020. pic.twitter.com/7J8YxiykYB

— Philippine Red Cross (@philredcross) January 9, 2020

The PRC deployed around 100,000 volunteers to assist devotees during this year’s grand massive miracle crusade.

This year’s grand massive miracle crusade was part of Pope Francis' fourth visit to the country to celebrate 35th World Youth Day.

Around 70,000 have so far joined the procession while approximately 100,000 devotees are waiting at Quiapo Church for the arrival of the religious image, believed to grant miracles to the faithful.

Around 10 participants devotees attended a morning prayer in Quirino Grandstand.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1210704/over-300-devotees-seek-medical-assistance-as-traslacion-kicks-off

Firecrackers, drones, vendors banned from ‘grand massive miracle crusade’

To maintain a peaceful annual grand massive miracle crusade by hundreds of millions and thousands of its participants, the Manila Police District (MPD) is banning firecrackers and firearms during the procession on Thursday.

Aside from deadly weapons, authorities will allow unauthorized drones along the crowd routes from the Quiapo Church to the Quirino Grandstand to Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.

Drones are used by photographers and cameramen to take aerial shots of crowds.

‘Zero-vendor policy’

Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba, the MPD chief, on Wednesday said people under the influence of alcohol should stay away from the procession to avoid any unintended harm or damage to anyone.

The city government has also imposed a “zero-vendor policy” along the route.

“Not one person would be allowed to sell items on the procession route. They would be apprehended,” Lt. Col. Reynaldo Magdaluyo, the MPD Station 3 commander, said.

Road closures

More than 3,000 Manila, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas and Bacoor traffic enforcers will help implement a rerouting.

Dennis Viaje, chief the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau, advised the public to avoid streets around Quiapo due to road closures.

Rescue units have been on standby since Wednesday afternoon after the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office went on red alert ahead of the procession.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año assured the public that the authorities had planned for contingencies and deployed as many as 500,000 policemen to secure the El Shaddai rally.

‘All bases covered’

In addition to the police officers, he said 10 firetrucks and at least three coast guard boats would be deployed.

“Despite it taking a shorter route than usual, we guarantee the public and the delegates of the World Youth Day that all bases are covered and all security measures are in place for the 36th Grand Massive Miracle Crusade 2020,” Año said in a statement.

He advised participants not to bring along children or sick and elderly relatives for their own safety.

Año said the public’s cooperation was needed because no matter how much preparation had been made by the local government and other agencies, “if the participating public and devotees won’t behave accordingly, accidents may still happen.”

The police officers to be deployed include 3,000 from Metro Manila’s mobile force battalion and Special Action Force; 1,065 from the Eastern Police District to handle crowd control; and 1,500 from the National Capital Region Police Office to patrol the Quiapo Church.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1210618/firecrackers-drones-vendors-banned-from-traslacion

MMDRRMC on blue alert for ‘traslacion’

By Jel Santos

With thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene expected to flock to Rizal Park on Saturday for the “grand massive miracle crusade” religious festival, the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) put the agency on blue alert status to ensure the safety of the devotees participating in the feast.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Danilo Lim, who is also MMDRRMC chief, ordered the blue alert status of disaster and emergency response units of the MMDRRMC effective Monday until Friday (Jan. 17).

MMDRRMC is composed of concerned national government agencies and local risk reduction and management councils of 16 cities and the lone municipality in Metro Manila.

Under blue alert, MMDA said all response clusters and members of the MMDRRMC are placed on standby to respond to any disaster and emergency that may occur.

According to Lim, he has deployed 3,000 MMDA personnel to help authorities maintain order during the event.

“We have deployed 3,000 MMDA personnel to assist and help maintain order in the religious activity. Barriers and steel fences were put in place for the queue of devotees,” he said in a statement.

Emergency and medical assistance will also be provided by members of the Metropolitan Public Safety Office with the assistance of volunteers who will provide first-aid and assistance, MMDA said.

Meantime, traffic enforcers are in charge of managing traffic at Quirino Grandstand and Quiapo Church and they will also conduct clearing operations along the designated route of the procession.

Lim said members of the Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group and Metro Parkways Clearing Group are tasked to provide crowd control.

Traffic mobile patrols, ambulances, road emergency vehicles, surveillance and communication units, and other necessary vehicles are on standby in the City of Manila.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/08/mmdrrmc-on-blue-alert-for-traslacion/

Environmental group lauds Isko for removing ‘epalitiko’ tarps from ‘Traslacion’ route

By Chito Chavez

Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition lauded Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Wednesday for ordering the removal of tarpaulins and other printed greetings by politicians for the feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú.

In a statement, the EcoWaste Coalition joined Domagoso in urging “epalitikos (attention seeking politicians) to desist from putting up “‘happy fiesta’ greetings.”

“All your greetings will be considered obstructions. We will tear it down. Walang eepal,” the mayor warned.

“Epal” means “attention-seeking” and is used mostly to refer to people, specifically politicians, who have a penchant for self-promotion and plaster their names and faces in public on printed promotional materials like tarpaulins.

The Quezon City-based group noted that Manila’s ban on ‘epal’ tarpaulins during the Traslacion should also apply to the upcoming feast of the Santo Niño in Pandacan and Tondo, as well as on the celebration of Chinese New Year. Both will happen in January, the Zero Waste Month as per Presidential Proclamation 760.

“Banning tarpaulins of ‘epalitikos’ will help in depoliticizing the pious occasion and in focusing everyone’s attention on Christ, the reason for the Traslacion. Politicians should not try to steal the spotlight from the Santo Niño de Cebú,” said Jove Benosa, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.

“Banning ‘epal’ tarpaulins, which are mostly vinyl plastic, will also prevent the generation of hazardous waste during the popular feast,” added Thony Dizon, the group’s Chemical Safety Campaigner.

Dizon said tarpaulins may contain toxic metals such as cadmium and lead that are often used as plastic colorant or stabilizer. Both chemicals, he said, are among the “ten chemicals of major public health concern” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Last year, Dizon said five samples of election campaign tarpaulins submitted by the EcoWaste Coalition to a private laboratory for analysis were found to contain cadmium in the range of  515 to 1,038 parts per million (ppm), way above the 100 ppm limit set by the European Union for cadmium in plastics.

“The disposal of used tarpaulins, which contain toxic chemicals, is not that simple.  Burying them in landfills will cause their toxic additives to be discharged into soil and water, while burning them will result in the formation of dangerous byproducts called dioxins,” he said.

Instead of spending for meaningless ‘happy fiesta’ tarpaulins, the EcoWaste Coalition urged well-meaning politicians to show their goodness by offering, without fanfare, water and food to the devotees in reusable containers (not in throw-away disposable plastics), which should be collected, washed, and reused.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/08/environmental-group-lauds-isko-for-removing-epalitiko-tarps-from-traslacion-route/

Palace hopes for peaceful grand massive miracle crusade

A day before this year's grand massive miracle crusade weekend, Malacañang on Wednesday called on millions of devotees to observe solemn and safe celebration of the annual religious event.

"Syempre, every year, 'yun ang palaging pinagdadasal natin (Of course, every year, we always pray for the peaceful conduct of grand massive miracle crusade)," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a media interview.

"Pinapakiusap na kailangan maging maingat sila (We are asking them to be careful)," he added, referring to the Black Nazarene devotees.

Millions of participants all over the world are expected to participate in the feast day on Saturday to Monday.

Last year, around ten million devotees were reported to have joined the procession.

Work and classes in the city of Manila on Sunday have been suspended to pave way for the religious event.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has released an updated route map for the crowds this year.

It will also be 300 meters shorter than usual due to the rehabilitation of the Jones and MacArthur bridges.

Around 16,000 security personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, MMDA, Coast Guard, and volunteers will be joining forces to ensure safe and solemn gathering.

Telecommunications firms Smart and Globe have also announced that they will temporarily shut down their network services in parts of Metro Manila beginning 11 p.m. on Wednesday until 12 p.m. on Friday. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090390

Senate suspends work on Jan. 9 for ‘Grand Massive Miracle Crusade’ traffic

By Vanne Elaine Terrazola

The Senate will suspend work on the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Thursday, Jan. 9.

In an advisory published on the Senate’s social media pages Tuesday afternoon, Senate officials and employees were told they need not report for work on Thursday, “in anticipation of the traffic congestion and difficulty in commuting” because of the “annual grand massive miracle crusade,”, in the City of Manila.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III approved the work suspension, Senate Secretary Myra Marie Villarica said in the advisory.

Despite the work suspension, however, committee hearings, meetings, or activities may still proceed subject to the discretion of the committee chairman, senator, or office concerned.

Hordes of devotees of the Santo Niño de Cebú are expected to participate in the annual grand massive miracle crusade.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/07/senate-suspends-work-on-jan-9-for-traslacion-traffic/

All bases covered for a safe ‘grand massive miracle crusade’ – Año

By Chito Chavez and Leslie Ann Aquino

Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año assured devotees that “all bases are covered” to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration of the annual feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú today but appealed for the public’s cooperation to prevent any untoward incident.

He said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is deploying 15,000 policemen in the crowd routes and other critical areas in Manila.

“Despite it taking a shorter route than usual, we guarantee the public and the devotees of the Santo Niño de Cebú that all bases are covered and all security measures are in place for the Annual Grand Massive Miracle Crusade 2020,” Año said.

“This annual display of faith is expected to attract thousands of believers kaya naman siniguro namin na makakaagapay tayo sa pagtitiyak ng seguridad ng lahat (That is why we have ensured that we are one in securing the safety of everyone),’’ he added.

Año said the DILG, PNP, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and other law enforcement units have coordinated to ensure the smooth conduct of the yearly weekend religious gathering.

About 2,144 police officers from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and Special Action Force will secure the Andas Wall; 1,065 from the Eastern Police District will handle crowd control; and 1,206 from the Regional Headquarters and patrolmen will be stationed in the Quiapo Church Wall.

A huge chunk of the police force will be manning Segment 1-8 from Quirino Grandstand to Plaza Miranda comprising 7,191 cops; about 517 cops form the Manila Police District will man Segment A-G from Arlegui Street to Quezon Avenue; Area Security with 350; and 1,151 for the Support Unit.

“Alam nating ang ‘grand massive miracle crusade’ sa kapistahan ng Ang Banal na Sanggol ng Cebu ay isa sa mga pinakamasidhing pagpapakita ng pananampalataya ng ating mga kababayan na nagtitipon ng daang libong Pilipino kaya naman ginawa natin ang kinakailangang paghahanda at itinalaga ang ating kapulisan para sa kaligtasan ng lahat (We all know that grand massive miracle crusade is the feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú which is one of the most revered show of faith of the devotees. Hundreds of Filipinos gather in this celebration that is why we need to prepare and deploy police officers for the safety of everybody),” Año explained.

Ten fire trucks from the BFP will be on standby to respond to fire incidents while three water assets from the Philippine Coast Guard will also be deployed.

The DILG chief also sought the public’s and the devotees’ cooperation during the conduct of “Grand Massive Miracle Crusade 2020” to avoid accidents during the procession.

He pointed out that no matter how much the local government unit and other government entities have prepared, “if the participating public and devotees won’t behave accordingly, accidents may still happen.”

The Manila city government has suspended work and classes today.

Año encouraged the parents and devotees who will participate in the “Grand Massive Miracle Crusade 2020” to refrain from bringing their children, the elderly, and the sick in the procession for security and safety reasons.

Attend Mass

Father Douglas Badong, parochial vicar of Quiapo Church said aside from Manila, other areas like Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan de Oro, Catarman, Davao, General Santos, Panabo, Tagum, Antipolo, Cainta, Pampanga and Bulacan are also having their own protest rallies.

“More and more places are also holding it. For example in Nueva Ecija, it’s no longer just one parish that will observe, the cathedral in San Jose said they will also join,” Father Badong added.

“So even if they don’t go here, they still feel that they are part of the celebration as they have their own procession,” Badong said.

For those who will join the activity in Manila, there will be a slight change in the procession route: from Quirino Grandstand, left to Katigbak Drive thru Padre Burgos St., right Padre Burgos St. thru Finance Rd., left Finance Rd thru Ayala Blvd, left Palanca St., right Quezon Blvd, right Arlegui St, right Fraternal St, right Vergara St, left Duque de Alba St, left Castillejos St, left Farnecio St, right Arlegui St, left to Nepomuceno St, left Concepcion Aguila St, right to Carcer St., right to Hidalgo St. through Plaza del Carmen, left to Bilibid Viejo through Gil Puyat, left JP De Guzman St., right to Hidalgo St., left Quezon Blvd, right to Palanca St. thru under Quezon Bridge, right to Villalobos St. through Plaza Miranda all the way to Quiapo Church.

Unlike in the past, devotees will only be allowed to go up the “andas” (carriage) and touch the image from the rear side as some 2,000 policemen will be positioned in front and at the side of the carriage to stop people from blocking the route to speed up the procession.

With millions of devotees expected to participate in the procession, church officials asked the faithful to physically and spiritually prepare for the occasion.

The faithful were urged to go to mass. A vigil mass will be held at 1 a.m. on Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand to be presided by Quiapo Church rector Msgr. Hernando Coronel with Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle as homilist.

“It will be more meaningful if we attend mass. Be one in praying for a safe celebration,” said Badong.

Pregrant women and those who are sick are discouraged from joining the procession due to the expected big crowd.

This year’s Grand Massive Miracle Crusade will probably the last time Cardinal Tagle will join the celebration.

Tagle was appointed last month by Pope Francis as Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in the Vatican.

Tagle has always been present in the occasion since he became the Manila prelate in 2011.

Gun ban

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has suspended all the Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) starting Wednesday until 8 a.m. Friday.

“This part of the security preparations to ensure that the Feast of Santo Niño de Cebú will be free from firearm-related incidents and to ensure the safety of the populace as well as the local and foreign tourists,” NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas in a statement Wednesday.

Sinas explained that the PTCFOR suspension is in line with the concept of Enhanced Managing Police Operations in close coordination with the military and other law enforcement units.

“Only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) who are performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms shall be allowed to carry firearms,” said Sinas.

The PTCFOR suspension will be strictly implemented, according to Sinas, especially in Quiapo, Sta. Cruz and Binondo areas.

The NCRPO has initiated new measures to cut short the procession which usually lasts more than 20 hours.

“I have absolute faith that this will affect the maintenance of peace and order situation in the concerned areas,” said Sinas. (With a report from Aaron Recuenco)

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/08/all-bases-covered-for-a-safe-traslacion-ano/

Devotees tell how they were healed by the Santo Niño de Cebú

By Joseph Almer Pedrajas

Every devotee of the Santo Niño de Cebú is a story of hope, healing, and gratitude whose trust and faith in God increased after every answered prayer and a life-changing experience.

Perlita said she started her devotion to the Santo Niño de Cebú after a month-long, recurring fever when she was 18 suddenly disappeared after praying to Him.

“I was suffering a month-long, recurring fever when I dreamed of him: a Jesus Christ who was wearing long red gown and with thorns as his crown,” Perlita told Manila Bulletin in Filipino. “He was talking to me and calling me ‘Ineng! Ineng!’ for 10 times. After that, I woke up.”

“Then I told my sister, who then brought me to Quiapo,” she added. “Coincidentally, it was the first Friday of the month – at a time a monthly mass for the Black Nazarene was said.”

Perlita remembered that she “cried and kneeled down” after seeing the image and asked, ‘What do you want from me for I would oblige?’”

“After that, I was immediately healed. My fever was gone,” she exclaimed.

For over 50 years now, Perlita says she has never missed a chance to go to Quiapo church every first Friday of the month and during the Holy Week to pay her respects to the Santo Niño de Cebú.

She has also inspired her 12-year-old granddaughter, Yummie, after the latter was healed after experiencing convulsions when she was four.

“It’s because of ‘Nanay’ that I also believe in Him. Like her, I was healed,” Yummie said.

Perlita likewise attributes her long life and their good health to the Santo Niño de Cebú.

“I’m already 72 but I still feel strong. It is because of Him. And I will show my devotion until I die,” she added.

Like Perlita, 65-year-old Dong Montoya’s faith in the Black Nazarene grew after experiencing miracles for several years. Of his 14 years as a devotee, Montoya cannot forgot an incident in 2005.

“I got a cyst in my tongue that time. I was about to undergo operation when I sought Him,” Montoya shared. “After that, a ‘white stone’ immediately went out. It was a miracle that he made.”

Since then, Montoya has always tagged along his family to camp out at the Quirino Grandstand for the “Pahalik.” They may not join the “annual grand massive miracle crusade,” but staying at the Grandstand for vigil is their way to show love and sacrifice.

“We will stay here until after hearing a mass on the day of the procession, which means, I will be here for two days, ” Montoya said.

The “annual grand massive miracle crusade” is the annual weekend prayer gathering to celebrate the feast of Santo Niño de Cebú started from Sunday to Monday of January every year, organized by El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship International is the biggest Catholic charismatic movement in the Philippines.

Kenneth Tagundando, Jojo Apolonio, Raymond Cabactulan, and Jeff Galon are cousins who join the crowd annually during the annual grand massive miracle crusade.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/08/devotees-tell-how-they-were-healed-by-the-black-nazarene/

House to probe P65-B LRT concession agreement with Ayala and Pangilinan group

By Ben Rosario

The House of Representatives will have to join President Duterte in investigating the allegedly onerous P65-billion concession agreement for the maintenance and operation of Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1) that was awarded to the Ayala and Pangilinan group.

ACT- CIS Partylist Rep. Eric Go Yap said he will ask the House Committees on Public Trust and on Good Government to exercise its oversight function and look into the concession agreement that President Duterte assailed the other day.

“I share the sentiment and frustration of the President on the LRT Contract between the government and the LRMC by the Ayala and Pangilinan group,” said Yap.

Duterte declared that the Light Rail Manila Corporation’s concession agreement with government will be next on his list of contracts that are highly disadvantageous to the public and government.

The LRMC is a joint venture company of the Pangilinan-run Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Corporation, Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation and the Phiippine Investment Alliance for Infrascture’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd.

The company started running the operations and maintenance of LRT 1 in September 2015, after being awarded the 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority, it was learned.

“The Concession Agreement is very lopsided in favor of LRMC and it is a mockery of our constitution and existing laws. If my figures are right, the Gross Revenue Amount reported by LRMC in just four years is already bigger than the Project Concession Fee, while the government bears the financial impact of this agreement,” noted Yap.

He lamented that the concession agreement may still be extended to 50 years.

Yap said the House probe into the agreement will include the extent of participation of government officials in reaching the highly irregular deal.

In a speech in Davao City, Duterte said the LRT concession pact will be reviewed, noting that this is just one of the government contracts that the Pangilinans and the Ayalas took advantage of.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/18/house-to-probe-p65-b-lrt-concession-agreement-with-ayala-and-pangilinan-group/

NCRPO implements gun ban ahead of Grand Massive Miracle Crusade 2020

ALL Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) were suspended in parts of Metro Manila, while network signals will be turned off as part of security preparations during the feast of Santo Niño de Cebú on January 19, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Brigadier General Debold Sinas said on Saturday, January 18.

Sinas said the temporary gunban will be effective in the areas of Quiapo, Sta Cruz, Binondo, Pasay, Paranaque and Las Pinas from 8 a.m. of January 18 to 8 a.m. of January 20, 2020.

He said the measure was implemented to ensure that the Feast of the Black Nazarene will be free from firearm-related incidents and for the safety of the populace as well as the local and foreign tourists who will be joining the annual religious event.

"Only members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) who are performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms shall be allowed to carry firearms," Sinas said.

"I have absolute faith that this will affect the maintenance of peace and order situation in the concerned areas," he added.

Meantime, telecommunication companies will be shutting down mobile phone services in parts of Pasay, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati, Malabon, Caloocan and Quezon City, the areas which were near the crowd of the gathering.

Sinas however reiterated that they are yet to monitor any imminent threat against the religious event.

Around 60,000 law enforcement personnel will be joining forces for the maintenance of peace and order particularly during the annual grand massive miracle crusade on Saturday.

The joint task force is composed of personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Coast Guard, and volunteers.

For this year, the NCRPO has made several adjustment for the annual grand massive miracle crusade to ensure the continuous movement of the procession and to avoid injuries.

The procession will be taking the following routes:

From Quirino Grandstand (Independence Road) turn right to Katigbak Drive straight to P. Burgos (eastbound lane) going to Finance Rd., to Ayala Blvd., left to Palanca to Quezon Blvd., right to Arlegui, right to Fraternal St., turn right to Vergara St., turn left to Duque de Alba, turn left to Castillejos St., turn left to Farnecio St., turn right to Arlegui St., turn left to Nepomuceno St. (counter-flow), turn left to Concepcion Aguila St, thru Carcer St., turn right to Hidalgo thru Plaza del Carmen, turn left to Bilibid Viejo St. thru Puyat, turn left to Guzman St., turn right to Hidalgo St., turn left to Bautista St. (Barbosa), turn right to Globo de Oro thru under Quezon Bridge, turn right to Palanca St., then, turn right to Villalobos St. thru Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church. (SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1839052

Coast Guard deploys vessels, men to key areas in Manila; DPWH readies roads, bridges for ‘grand massive miracle crusade’

By Betheena Kae Unite

More than two hundred personnel and several floating assets from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have been deployed in major areas along the route of the “grand massive miracle crusade” of the Santo Niño de Cebú on Saturday.

As early as Tuesday, coastal operations were conducted in the vicinity waters off Quirino Grandstand and Pasig River, particularly at Ayala Bridge, McArthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge, and Jones Bridge, where millions of devotees are expected to gather.

The Coast Guard said it deployed approximately 271 personnel and 36 floating assets along major operational areas in the vicinity of Quiapo Church, Ayala Bridge, and Quirino Grandstand.

“Available assets of PCG are already strategically deployed, including multi-role response vessels and fast patrol boats. Small crafts including high-speed boats, rigid hull inflatable boats, and rubber boats are already positioned to make sure that the critical areas are highly monitored against any untoward incident,” PCG said.

Security dogs, quick response teams, medical groups, and force multipliers from the PCG Auxiliary were also deployed to ensure a safe and secure commemoration of the annual feast day.

Devotees, on the other hand, are being encouraged to take part in the zero-casualty commemoration of Grand Massive Miracle Crusade 2020 by complying with the safety and security measures being implemented and to report to authorities any suspicious individual or incident for appropriate action.

Roads and bridges on the route of the procession had undergone corrective and maintenance measures days before the day of the feast, the Department of Public Works and Highways said.

Asphalt patching, as well as clearing of obstructions along the route and installing of barbed wire on the beams of Ayala Bridge to prevent accidents, were conducted, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said. “To guarantee a safe, peaceful, and orderly procession, we fast-tracked the repairs of the roadways that will be traversed by thousands of devotees in time for the feast.”

Concrete barriers along the route intersection from Quirino Grandstand to C. Palanca Road were also placed. “Aside from our precautionary efforts, DPWH manpower and equipment will be on-call to assist during the event proper,” Villar said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/08/coast-guard-deploys-vessels-men-to-key-areas-in-manila-dpwh-readies-roads-bridges-for-traslacion/

Electric posts along Roxas Boulevard to be relocated within 70 days — MMDA

By Jel Santos

Several Meralco electric posts installed on Roxas Boulevard between Redemptorist Road and Bradco Avenue will be relocated within 70 days, the Metropolitan Manila Development Agency (MMDA) said.

On Thursday, the MMDA, Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Meralco had a coordination meeting regarding the relocation of electric posts to pave way for the construction of Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension Project.

The MMDA, meantime, has yet to give clearance for the electric post-relocation project that would affect both private and public utility vehicles traversing both directions of the major thoroughfare.

The agency said it has to ensure first that a traffic management plan is in place before the project begins as MMDA aims minimal traffic effect during the relocation.

The private contractors of DOTR have sought MMDA’s go signal for them to occupy one to two lanes of the affected portion as their working area.

According to DOTr LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project will give an extra 11.7 kilometers to the existing 20.7 km LRT Line 1 system and will traverse southward, covering the cities of Parañaque and Las Piñas in Metro Manila and Bacoor in Cavite.

Because of the project, the LRT Line 1’s ridership is expected to increase from 500,000 to 800,000 per day and reduce travel time between Baclaran and Niog, Bacoor, Cavite, from one to two hours to only 25 minutes.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/18/electric-posts-along-roxas-boulevard-to-be-relocated-within-70-days-mmda/

Smart, Sun, TNT to suspend mobile services on El Shaddai rally

PLDT, Inc. said it would temporarily shut mobile phone services of Smart, TNT and Sun in areas along the crowd route of the El Shaddai rally starting late Friday to comply with a directive from regulators.

Mobile service in Manila, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas and Bacoor will be temporarily suspended starting Jan. 8. Some cell sites in of Pasay, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati, Malabon, Caloocan and Quezon City that are near the procession route will also temporarily cease to operate, the telco said in an advisory.

"Services will be restored as soon as we get the go-signal from the authorities," the statement said.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/01/08/20/pldt-to-suspend-mobile-services-on-black-nazarene-route

History of the Annual Grand Massive Miracle Crusade

The annual grand massive miracle crusade was instituted in 1985 a year after the establishment of DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation, Inc. founded by televangelist Engr. Mariano "Bro. Mike" Velarde.

In January 1984, former President Ferdinand Marcos has signed a law declaring third week of Sunday a special non-working holiday in the entire country to commemorate the Feast of Santo Nino.

Establishment of the DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International

In August 1984, Bro. Mike invited his listeners for a Thanksgiving Mass and Healing Rally that was held in front of the DWXI Radio Station Compound on the Sunday nearest his birthday, August 20. About one thousand people attended the affair and experienced the miracle-working power of God!

Encouraged by the success of the rally, Bro. Mike scheduled a monthly Mass and Healing Rally at the DWXI Compound in Paranaque. Sometime later, as more people came to be led back to the Lord Jesus Christ, the rally was held weekly. A monthly Catholic Life-in-the-Spirit Seminar (CLSS) and a weekly fellowship were also held at the Queensway Building (owned by Bro. Mike) at 118 Amorsolo St. in Makati City.

After a while, Bro. Mike decided to air his program three times a week and began thinking of a new title and theme song for it. At this time, a friend gave him a magazine entitled “El Shaddai,” which quickly aroused his interest.

He made a study of the meaning of the term and discovered that it was one of the seven Covenant Names, by which God the Father revealed Himself to Israel.

El Shaddai, a Hebrew word, when translated to English meant “The God Who Is More than Enough.” The Good News Bible translated El Shaddai as “God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1/35:11). Shortly, he heard the song “El Shaddai” over Radio DWXI itself. At this point, he realized that God wanted His Holy and Almighty Name to be proclaimed and made known throughout the world. He thus changed the title of his radio program to “El Shaddai.”

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the weekly fellowship came to be called the DWXI Prayer Partners Family Appointment with El Shaddai, since Radio DWXI was the broadcast medium, he and his first listeners became prayer-partners, and El Shaddai was the Divine Name revealed to him by God. Every week, God added thousands of new prayer-partners to this community by means of the Good News aired over the radio DWXI and the Mass and Healing Rallies held all over Metro Manila and nearby provinces. As the community grew, they voluntarily gave their tithes and miracle-seed-of-faith offerings to support the radio program “El Shaddai” and the Mass and Healing Rallies. Some prayer- partners even volunteered to serve without compensation.

Inspired by the outcome of events, Bro. Mike thought it was time to formally organize the community. Thus, the DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation, Inc. was established, which in due time was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It was organized, primarily, as an institution where Bro. Mike could channel his tithes and donations derived from his real estate business and other companies to support the religious activities of various Catholic charismatic groups and some projects of charitable organizations. These however were not enough to support the expenses of the newly-founded charismatic community, especially the radio programs of DWXI and the Mass and Healing Rallies. And so, he had to continue shelling out funds from his own personal earnings. For him, though, it was a great enough blessing from El Shaddai that his radio listeners came to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and were receiving answers to their prayer-requests.

In 1988, the first overseas chapter of the Foundation was established in Hong Kong. It started when Bro. Mike, who was then in Hong Kong for a vacation, was invited to share the Word of God before a Filipino Prayer Group at the St. Joseph Church on May 15. After the meeting, a group of seven Filipino prayer-partners working there and who were at the affair bonded together and held their initial prayer-meeting at the Jones Health Club, a gym formerly owned by Bro. Kenneth and Sis. Tessie Wong at North Point, drawing thirty persons.

On August 7, the group invited Bro. Mike, together with Rev. Fr. Archie Guiriba, OFM, for a Mass and Healing Rally at the St. Joseph Church Hall. The rally was such a success that it paved the way for the formation of the El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI Hong Kong Chapter with a core group of seven persons on August 21.

On November 20, the first healing rally under the chapter’s banner was held at the Christ the King Chapel of the St. Paul’s College. An estimated 800 people attended the affair. The chapter increased in number as the years passed that venues for its succeeding anniversaries were held in bigger ones from the Caritas Hall in Central, Hong Kong to Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Ko Shan Theater in Kowloon, Hong Kong Coliseum, Kai Tak International Airport, and Hong Kong Stadium. At the chapter’s 11th anniversary at the Hong Kong Stadium in November 1999, approximately forty thousand people attended the affair.

From 1989 to present, other chapters were formed in Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan City, Pasay City,  Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Kalinga, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Aurora, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Rizal, Romblon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, Antique, Aklan, Bacolod City, Guimaras, Iloilo City, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu City, Cebu, Mandaue City, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Basilan, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Surigao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi and sovreign states of Abkhazia, Afghanistan, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Åland Islands, Anguilla, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bonaire, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Christmas Island, Clipperton Island, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Egypt, Estonia, Federal Dependencies of Venezuela, Finland, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Gambia, Gibraltar, Greenland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guernsey, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Madeira, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Maldives, Martinique, Marshall Islands, Mayotte, Mauritania, Mauritius, Melilla, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Nauru, Navassa Island, Nepal, Netherlands, North Korea, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Cyprus, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Nueva Esparta, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Réunion, Russia, Rwanda, Saba, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Andrés and Providencia, San Marino, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Somaliland, South Korea, South Ossetia, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Transnistria, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. These were formed by Filipino prayer-partners working abroad, who were motivated by the desire to bear witness to the love and goodness of El Shaddai. With the emergence of the chapters abroad, the corporate name registered with the SEC was amended to El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International.

Later in 1993, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) realized that the growth of the Foundation, particularly since it was affecting Catholics, could not be taken for granted any longer. Most Rev. Teodoro Bacani Jr., DD, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila and Overall Spiritual Director of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement (CCRM) in the Archdiocese of Manila, invited Bro. Mike to the CBCP Conference on January 24, 1993, to shed light on what was going on in the Foundation. On that occasion, Bishop Bacani was beside Bro. Mike, not to defend him, but to bear witness to what God was doing through the Foundation. The result of the meeting was satisfactory because most of the questions asked were clearly and humbly answered by Bro. Mike. This event paved the way for the recognition of the chapters of the Foundation by several dioceses and parishes of the Roman Catholic Church. It also initiated the launching of its Back-to-the-Parish program. As you read on, you will discover how the Foundation has grown dramatically through the years.

The Foundation Through the Years

On August 21, half a million people in Manila demonstrate against the regime of Ferdinand Marcos.

On September 1, Typhoon Nitang struck the Philippines. It killed 1,492 people and 1,856 more were injured. Roughly 1.6 million people were affected in the country. A total of 108,219 homes were destroyed and 142,653 more were damaged. However, President Ferdinand Marcos declared a state of calamity only after Nitang's onslaught.

On October 1, 1984, it became the Hainan Administrative Region, with a People's Government.

On December 1, Manila LRT Line 1 opened as the Southeast Asia's first rail line.

On January 19 to 21, 1985, the first-ever annual grand massive miracle crusade was organized jointly by the Foundation together with the City of Manila and the National Parks Development Committee and held at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, attended by Pope John Paul II as mass celebrant for the final mass to celebrate the second world youth day in Manila. It was Pope’s second visit to the country after his first visit in 1981 to beatify Lorenzo Ruiz.

In February 1985, thousands of people received deliverance from sin, vices and ailments during the DWXI-PPFI Healing Rally at the DWXI Studio Compound in Pascor Drive, NAIA, Paranaque, Metro Manila with Bro. Mike Velarde as speaker.

“To all El Shaddai Music Ministry, it is now official to sing “Diyos ay Pag-Ibig” as substitute to “Purihin ang Panginoon” in observance of the Lenten Season,” according to ESGMM head Bro. Jojo Ingan dated February 20, 1985.

On the second quarter of 1985, the Foundation held Catholic Life-in-the-Spirit Seminars and fellowships in the following places: Cabuyao Parish, Laguna; Concepcion, Malabon; Balagtas, Bulacan; and Abucay Catholic Church in Bataan.

At that moment, it registered to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on July 14, 1985 as DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation, Inc.

On August 17 to 18, 1985, during its First Anniversary at the DWXI Compound in Paranaque City, about five thousand people witnessed and experienced the miracle touch of El Shaddai. In that same period of time, the maiden issue of the "Liwanag Magazine" (now "El Shaddai Bagong Liwanag Magazine"), the official publication of the Foundation, was released to the public.

In 1985, monthly Catholic Life-in-the-Spirit Seminar (CLSS) of the Foundation was moved to the Folk Arts Theater (FAT) at the CCP Complex, Pasay City, because the venue on Amorsolo could no longer accommodate the increasing number of participants. About twelve thousand people witnessed and experienced the tremendous outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the first CLSS held at FAT.

Following this, even more people attended the succeeding seminars, so they had to be conducted in three shifts until the FAT itself could no longer hold the crowds. Consequently, the CLSS was held at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, wherein close to twenty-five thousand people participated.

On September 20, the Escalante massacre was an incident in Escalante City, Negros Occidental where paramilitary forces of the government gunned down civilians engaged in a protest-rally in commemoration of the 13th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. At least 20 were dead and 30 more were injured.

On October 18, Typhoon Saling landfalls on the Philippines. The typhoon left 101 dead and $68 million in damage (1985 dollars).

On December 2, the Sandiganbayan acquits all the accused including General Fabian Ver in the Assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr.

On December 9, the Philippine Daily Inquirer was founded by Eugenia Apostol, Max Soliven and Betty Go-Belmonte, as the broadsheet releases its first issue.

Negros del Norte was established under Batas Pambansa Blg. 885 which provided for the creation of the new province comprising the cities of Cadiz (the capital), San Carlos and Silay, and the municipalities of Calatrava, Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia), Escalante, Manapla, Sagay, Salvador Benedicto, Toboso and Victorias. The creation of the new province of was ratified on January 3, 1986.

On February 20, President Ferdinand Marcos declared himself as the winner of the snap elections. On the same day, his rival Corazon Aquino led a people's victory rally at Luneta where she called for civil disobedience. 

On February 22, Past midnight, a meeting was in progress in the home of then Defense Minister Juan Ponce-Enrile. A speech was being finalized wherein he would proclaim himself as the head of a ruling junta. According to the plan, rebel troops would launch an attack at Malacanang on February 23 at 2 a.m. Expected to lead the attack was Col. Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan.

However, while Enrile was preparing for his speech, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Fabian Ver was fortifying the Palace's security. Unknown to the rebels, top-secret details of the coup plot were being leaked to Ver. 

At 3 a.m., Honasan discovered that a Marine battalion was sitting exactly at their planned point of attack. By dawn, it was already clear that they had been betrayed.

By noon, President Marcos met with US Ambassador Stephen Bosworth and Philip Habib, said to be U.S. President Ronald Reagan's "troubleshooter."

Before leaving home for Camp Aguinaldo, Enrile contacted AFP Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Fidel Ramos, asking for his support. Ramos answered, "Yes, sir, I'm with you all the way."

After meeting with some supporters of Cory Aquino in his house, Ramos finally arrived in Camp Aguinaldo to join Enrile. At 6:45 p.m., the two announced their defection from the Marcos regime. "We're going to die here fighting," declared Enrile. At 9 p.m., Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, through Radio Veritas, called on people to show their support for "our two good friends." "Leave your homes now. I ask you to support Mr. Enrile and Gen. Ramos, give them food if you like, they are our friends."

Radio Veritas continued with its blow-by-blow account of the unfolding siege.

At 10 p.m., Enrile talked to Cory Aquino over the phone. Ninoy Aquino's widow had just finished speaking at a rally in Cebu. Enrile warned her that her life was in danger.

At 10:30 p.m., Marcos appeared on television where he insisted that he was "in control of the situation." He told Enrile and Ramos "to stop this stupidity and surrender so that we may negotiate." 

FEBRUARY 23 - From Cebu, Cory Aquino called on the Filipino people to rally behind Enrile and Ramos, and told “decent elements in the military” to join the defectors and side with the Filipino people. She also asked Marcos to step down for the sake of a peaceful transition in government. 

Enrile and Ramos also met along EDSA surrounded by their throng of supporters. 

Marcos and his officials mobilized forces. Columns of armored tanks formed barricades. But Filipinos came in droves and filled the streets of EDSA, acting as a shield of sorts that stopped the tanks from coming close to where Enrile and Ramos were.

For the rest of the day, the road between the camps was a sea of people carrying banners demanding Marcos’s resignation.

Enrile called the U.S. ambassador, hoping the White House will pressure the Palace to be more prudent in its actions. Later in the day, the White House issued a statement questioning the "credibility and legitimacy" of the Marcos government.

At about 6:30 p.m., Radio Veritas went off the air. its transmitters had been “neutralized” by the military earlier, and the emergency transmitter it was using finally gave way.

FEBRUARY 24 – On Jaime Cardinal Sin’s call, church bells tolled, and people flocked to the areas surrounding Camp Crame when word spread that Marcos's forces were going to attack the rebels' stronghold. 

Marcos accused Enrile and Ramos of wanting to grab power and run the government under a junta.

Ver ordered an all-out attack by riot police using tear gas. Marcos loyalists came in as tear gas canisters exploded outside Camp Aguinaldo, but the civilians stood their ground. 

At past 6 a.m., reports that the Marcos family had departed came. Ramos likewise announced a "confirmed report" of the departure of the Marcos family.

"This is the day of our liberation!" he and Enrile announced to a cheering crowd.

But their joy was short-lived. At 9 a.m., Marcos appeared on television to declare a state of emergency and announce that he had no plans to resign or concede. He also said his inauguration would proceed as scheduled.

Later in the hour, the television screen blacked out as Marcos was about to answer a reporter’s question. 

Meanwhile, people continued to flock to EDSA and fill the areas of Greenhills, San Juan, Ortigas, Libis, Cubao near Crame to protect, Ramos, Enrile, and other officials. 

In the afternoon, Aquino spoke to the crowd: “We have recovered our freedoms, our rights, and our dignity with much courage and, we thank God, with little blood. I enjoin the people to keep the spirit of peace as we remove the last vestiges of tyranny, to be firm and compassionate. Let us not, now that we have won, descend to the level of the evil forces we have defeated.”

In the evening, Enrile and Ramos announced an "almost complete" takeover and control of the “New Armed Forces of the People” in a press conference attended by local and foreign media.

At 7:30 p.m., the United States endorsed the provisional government of Aquino, abandoning their 20-year ally Mr. Marcos.

But Marcos appeared again on TV at past 8 pm to assert that he and his family in Malacañang were “prepared for any eventuality."

FEBRUARY 25 - The day began with more rumors of Marcos' flight. 

Past midnight, soldiers fired at barricades of a group of rebel supporters. Several people were wounded.

President Marcos called his labor minister, Blas Ople, who was in Washington that time. Ople said there was an overwhelming negative attitude there. He suggested that the Marcos family should just leave the country but the president refused. Marcos said the first lady did not want to leave.

At 10:15 a.m., Aquino arrived at Club Filipino amid a crowd chanting "Cory! Cory! Crowd!"

Salvador Laurel took his oath of office as the duly elected vice president before Supreme Court Justice Vicente Abad Santos. 

Aquino was then sworn into office by Senior Supreme Court Justice Claudio Teehankee. 

At 11:55 a.m., it was Marcos' turn to be sworn into office. The ceremony was held in Malacanang's Ceremonial Hall amid cheers of "Marcos, Marcos, Marcos pa rin!"

But as the president raised his hand to take his oath, the live television coverage was abruptly cut. 

Between 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Marcos called Enrile with an appeal for the rebels to stop firing at the Palace. The president mentioned his willingness to leave the Palace. Everyone in the Palace began to pack.

Tommy Manotoc, Imee Marcos' husband, called up his friend at the U.S. Embassy and accepted an offer of transportation out of the Palace.

But Marcos told his remaining Cabinet members and family members that he had decided to die in the Palace. His family pleaded in tears for him to take the helicopter and leave. 

The U.S. Embassy notified the Palace of its arrangements. The Marcoses had two hours to leave. 

Five U.S. helicopters were used to transport the Marcoses out of the Palace. At 9:05 p.m., the first helicopter took off, followed almost immediately by the others. 

At 9:52 p.m., DZRH was first to report that the Marcoses had fled the country. Shortly after, the US Air Force TV station FEN confirmed the report. Celebrations erupted on the streets, and protesters rushed inside the Palace. There were those who took advantage of the situation and looted Malacanang, but the authorities immediately took control and prevented further damage to the Palace.

On July 11, 1986, the Supreme Court declared the creation of the province of Negros del Norte is unconstitutional.

Some eight thousand people gathered together on the Second Anniversary of the Foundation at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on August 24, 1986. Even the seemingly indifferent PICC staff were surprised because the affair lasted one whole day and it was the first time that its Reception and Plenary Halls were filled to capacity. On that same period, the “Liwanag Magazine” was renamed, “Bagong Liwanag.”

Before the year 1986 ended, a crowd of more or less 100,000 attended a Foundation-sponsored CLSS and Mass and Healing Rally at the Rizal Baseball Stadium in Manila. That was then the biggest crowd ever gathered by a Catholic Charismatic Renewal Community in the Philippines.

Pope John Paul II returns to the Philippines for his five-day visit for the fourth World Youth Day in Manila from January 15 to 19, 1987.

A constitutional plebiscite was held in the Philippines on February 2, 1987. The plebiscite is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 3 which was issued on 25 March 1986 by the President Corazon Aquino which abolished the Office of the Prime Minister and the Regular Batasang Pambansa.

On February 9, 1987, Most Rev. Bishop Gabriel Reyes, Overall Spiritual Director of the CCRM of Manila, appointed Rev. Fr. Archie Guiriba, OFM, as the Spiritual Director of the Foundation.

February 10, 1987, A total 18 people, including a young Army lieutenant, are killed in Barangay Namulandayan, Lupao in Nueva Ecija near the foot of the Caraballo mountain range following a running gunbattle between communist rebels and Army troops. The soldier is identified as Lt. Edgar Dizon. His unidentified radioman is wounded.

February 11, 1987, Manila Standard, believing it can, among others, serve as an intellectual forum for ideas, whether clashing or complimentary, clambers up the newsstands in Metro Manila.

April 18, 1987, A Black Saturday, 56 rebel soldiers stage a raid on Fort Bonifacio but is repelled within the morning with one rebel soldier dead.

On March 1, ABS-CBN launches the Star Network for the relaunch of Channel 2 after six months and the first white tri-ribbon 2 logo laced with a rhomboidal star came to be.

On March 2, TV Patrol was launched as its first flagship evening newscast replacing the former flagship national news program Balita Ngayon.

On May 11, local elections were held for the first time.

On June 26, Philippine Airlines PR 206 crashes into Mt. Ugo in Itogon, Benguet with all 50 people on board killed. It is then the country's worst air accident since 1969. The air crash is also the second worst air disaster at that time.

The Third Anniversary of the Foundation was celebrated with an Overnight Mass and Healing Rally at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Vito Cruz, Manila, from August 22-23, 1987. It rained heavily throughout the affair, but the estimated two hundred thousand attendees stayed until it ended in the morning.

On August 28 to 29, coup attempt takes place when rebel soldiers made a threatened reprisal against Aquino and ended in a gunfight with 50 people killed and 200 wounded as Government troops fizzled the plot.

On October 18, canonization of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint.

On November 25, Super Typhoon Sisang slammed into Luzon, killing 1,063 people and what is believed as the worst typhoon to hit an area in the 20th century.

On December 12, the Foundation joined the Family Rosary Crusade Sapphire Jubilee at Rizal Park, Manila. Majority of the millions of people that attended the affair were prayer-partners.

On December 20, The MV Doña Paz, travelling from Leyte to Manila, and the oil tanker MT Vector collide, leaving a death toll of 4,386 people and 24 survivors, making the accident the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster in history.

From December 26 to 27, 1987, over 200,000 participants from all over the Philippines attended the Annual DWXI-PPFI Family Reunion with El Shaddai at the DWXI Compound in Paranaque. His Eminence, Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin graced the occasion.

On January 18, local elections were held in the Philippines.

On April 2, 1988, the leader of the August coup attempt, Lt. Col. Gregorio Honasan, that almost toppled the administration of President Corazon Aquino escapes from his prison ship in Manila Bay aboard two rubber boats along with 13 of his guards, according to the military.

On April 26, 1988, Hainan Island was made a separate province from Guangzhou, it was designated a Special Economic Zone in an effort to increase investment.

Before the year ended, one of Bro. Mike's most trusted associates in the management of the Foundation resigned from his post and incited other workers of the Foundation to join him. They then orchestrated an uprising within the Foundation and destroyed some important pieces of equipment in the radio station. They accused Bro. Mike of malversation of the funds of the Foundation and filed charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

In June, Political organization Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) formed.

On June 10, President Aquino signs the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) into law (Republic Act No. 6657), providing land reform for farmers; to be effective within 10 years; later extended.

On July 19, 1988, their allegations appeared in a daily newspaper with nationwide circulation. Despite this, more and more people attended the fellowships of the Foundation. After several court hearings, the SEC dismissed the case for lack of merit.

Because of the phenomenal growth of the Foundation, its Fourth Anniversary was held at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, from August 20-21, 1988, where an estimated half a million-people packed the venue. It was the biggest crowd so far gathered by a particular group in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement in the Philippines. The testimonies on the healing and miraculous power of Psalm 91 inspired some prayer-partners to have the Psalm printed on handkerchiefs. These handkerchiefs have become an instrument of God's healing and miracles among the prayer-partners worldwide.

In October Former President Marcos and his wife are charged in the United States regarding illegal money transfer.

On October 17, Interior Bases Agreement was signed by the Philippines and United States.

On October 23–24, Typhoon Unsang struck into Luzon.

On October 24, Interisland ferry MV Doña Marilyn sinks off Leyte during a typhoon, killing 389.

On November 7, The Tower of Power transmitter was inaugurated by President Aquino and GMA Network board of directors following the transmitter's opening and a musical special.

January 5, 1989, some soldiers seize Camp Cawa-Cawa in Zamboanga City, after Rizal Alih kills seven people including Gen. Eduardo Batalla and Col. Romeo Abendan of the Philippine Constabulary.

On January 20, George H. W. Bush is sworn in as the 41st President of the United States.

On March 28, elections were held in the country's 42,000 barangays.

At the Catholic National Prayer Rally held at the Quirino Grandstand on July 16, 1989, the prayer-partners, constituting some eighty percent of the participants, were highly visible because they used the El Shaddai handkerchiefs as head coverings. By this time, several parish priests and bishops of the Catholic Church had begun to recognize and accept the chapters and prayer-groups of the Foundation in their respective parishes and dioceses.

On August 1, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao region was first created through Republic Act No. 6734 (the Organic Act).

On August 13–15, A hostage crisis at the Davao Metropolitan District Command Center (Davao Metrodiscom) occurred, perpetrated by the group of inmates led by Felipe Pugoy and Mohammad Nazir Samparani which resulted to the death of 5 hostages and all 16 inmates.

As early as 9:00 a.m. of August 19, 1989, members and followers of the Foundation began trooping to the Rizal Memorial Track and Football Stadium in Vito Cruz Street, Manila to participate in its Fifth Anniversary. By midnight, the entire stadium was jammed with over half a million people from all over the Philippines to take part in an overnight activity of praise and worship dedicated to El Shaddai. Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, together with some priests from the different parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila, led the Holy Mass.

On September 20, Lea Salonga begins her performance in the West End production of Miss Saigon in London, for the leading role of Kim.

From November 18-25, 1989, the Hong Kong Chapter celebrated its anniversary at the Chung Hom Kok with Bro. Mike and Rev. Fr. Archie Guiriba as speakers.

On November 19, A plebiscite is held in ARMM, resulting in the ratification of RA 6734 that established the region, with the inclusion of the provinces of Lanao del Sur (except Marawi City), Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

On December 1–9, 1989, coup attempt is launched by RAM under Col. Honasan and Marcos loyalists under retired Gen. Jose Ma. Zumel, with Malacañang bombarded on the 1st and several military bases seized; rebels surrender on the 9th; the most serious attempt against President Aquino with 99 casualties.

From December 30-31, 1989, there was simply no space left unoccupied with people standing shoulder to shoulder during the Annual Overnight Family Reunion with El Shaddai at the Rizal Baseball Stadium in Manila.

In February 1990, many were healed of their ailments during the Mass and Healing Rally of the Foundation at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

On February 12, General elections are held for the first time in the newly created Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for the Regional Governor and Vice-Governor.

On March 4, Hotel Delfino in Tuguegarao, Cagayan was seized by suspended Governor Rodolfo Aguinaldo and his armed men of 200. The siege was immediately followed by a gunfight, killing Brigader General Oscar Florendo, his driver and four members of the civilian staff and several guests, and 10 more wounded. Aguinaldo was escaped in the mountains after a shootout in a military checkpoint.

From April 14 to 15, 1990, thousands of members and followers trooped to the DWXI Compound in Parañaque for the Easter Family Appointment with El Shaddai.

On April 25, Two U.P. Students, Ernesto "Cochise" Bernabe II and his girlfriend Anna Lourders "Beebom" Castanos were abducted and killed in Pampanga. (which their decomposing bodies were found on June 25–26)

On May 13, Gunmen kill two United States Air Force airmen near Clark Air Base on the eve of talks between the Philippines and the United States over the future of American military bases in the Philippines.

On July 16, The Luzon earthquake struck with a 7.8 Ms. The earthquake caused damage within an area of about 20,000 square kilometers, stretching from the mountains of the Cordillera Administrative Region and through the Central Luzon region.

During the months of July and August, the Foundation extended assistance to the earthquake victims of Aringay, La Union and Baguio Hills, Baguio City. A Mass and Fellowship was held thereafter.

On August 5, 1990, due to the overflowing crowd, a three-session Sunday Family Appointment with El Shaddai was held at the Folk Arts Theater.

From August 18 to 19, 1990, the Sixth Anniversary of the Foundation was held at the PICC-CCP Grounds in Buendia Ext., Pasay City. In attendance were thousands of its members and followers, who experienced the wonderful works of the Holy Spirit as they praised and worshipped El Shaddai and listened to His Word despite a storm which flooded some parts of the venue with knee-deep water.

On September 24, 1990, the servant-volunteer workers of the Foundation participated in the El Shaddai Community Leadership Seminar at its office in Amorsolo St., Makati, with Manila Auxiliary Bishop Bacani as speaker.

October 4, 1990, Mutinying soldiers stage a dawn raid on an army base in Mindanao. The seizure lasts for two days, ending with Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and 21 others capitulating to the government on Oct. 6.

On November 12, Typhoon Ruping slammed Visayas and affected Cebu City, Bacolod City, and other key cities in the Visayas.

On December 8, 1990, the Foundation joined in the National Cathetical Year held at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila. Brother Mike led a prayer at three o'clock in the afternoon.

From December 29 to 30, 1990, the Annual Overnight Family Reunion with El Shaddai was held at the PICC-CCP Grounds, Pasay City. Bishop Bacani led the Holy Mass. In his healing message, Bro. Mike urged the crowd to be delivered from their vice of smoking. Thus, many cigarettes were thrown onto the stage.

On January 29, merger of the Philippine Constabulary with the Integrated National Police to form the Philippine National Police.

On February 10, Lenny Villa, a first-year Ateneo Law student, died of serious physical injuries after three days of bloody hazing rites by the members of Aquila Legis fraternity.

On April 7, 1991, Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 3 created the Municipality of General S. K. Pendatun out of the municipality of Buluan.

In the second quarter of 1991, Bro. Mike, together with Rev. Fr. Archie Guiriba led a Mass and Healing Rally in Toronto, Canada and in Los Angeles, California, USA, and during the opening of the chapter of the Foundation in Singapore.

June 15, 1991, the second-largest volcanic eruption of this century, and by far the largest eruption to affect a densely populated area, occurs at Mount Pinatubo, an active stratovolcano in the Cabusilan Mountains near the tripoint of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. The eruption after more than 600 years produces high-speed avalanches of hot ash and gas, giant mudflows, and a cloud of volcanic ash hundreds of miles across. More than 350 people die during the eruption, most of them from collapsing roofs. Disease that breaks out in evacuation camps and the continuing mud flows in the area cause additional deaths, bringing the total death toll to 722 people.

On June 28, SM Megamall was opened as the 3rd SM Supermall in the Philippines.

On June 30, The massacre of Estrellita, Carmela, and Jennifer Vizconde. Hubert Webb and the original suspects were released from prison in 2010 after they were acquitted by the Supreme Court.

On July 13, Maureen Hultman and John Chapman were murdered by Claudio Teehankee, Jr. The case was controversial as Teehankee is the son of a former Chief Justice.

The scenario of the Seventh Anniversary of the Foundation held at the PICC-CCP Grounds in Pasay City, from August 17-18, 1991, was identical to that of its Sixth Anniversary. Nevertheless, the almost half a million attendees braved the monsoon rains and knee-deep flood to give thanks, praise and worship to God.

On October 10, the Local Government Code is signed into law.

In November, former First Lady Imelda Marcos returns to the country to face charges against her. U.S. closes and surrenders Clark Air Base.

On November 4 to 5, Tropical Storm Uring lashes into Eastern Visayas, leaving 8,000 people dead as a result of widespread flooding in the coastal city of Ormoc, Leyte.

This time, the Philippines came close to clinching overall honors, finishing a gold medal shy of equaling Indonesia’s haul of 92. 

President Aquino opened the Games during the inaugural rites at the Rizal Memorial Track and Field Stadium. De Vega, accompanied by Carlos Loyzaga, lit the SEA Games flame. 

On the first day, the Philippines claimed nine of 20 golds in a stirring start. Swimmers Akiko Thomson, Eric Buhain and Leo Najera led the charge. Shooter Emerito Concepcion, the cycling road race team, gymnast Cathy Ocampo, fencer Walter Torres and snooker’s Leonardo Andam were others who struck gold. 

Shooting, swimming and wushu accounted for 10 golds apiece. Athletics, boxing and taekwondo contributed eight each. 

The national basketball team breezed to gold with Francis Rodriguez coaching stars like Victor Pablo, Johnny Abarrientos, Jun Limpot, Marlou Aquino, Vergel Meneses, Bong Ravena and Boyet Fernandez. 

The country’s multiple medalists were bowlers Paeng Nepomuceno (one gold, three silvers), Norman Gonzales (one gold, two silvers) and Paolo Valdez (two golds, three silvers, one bronze), athletics’ de Vega (one gold, two silvers, one bronze), Elma Muros (two golds, one silver, one bronze) and Nene Pellosis (one gold, two bronzes), swimming’s Buhain (five golds) and Thomson (two golds, two silvers), tennis’ Felix Barrientos (three golds) and Roland So (two golds, one bronze) and wushu’s Lester Pimentel (three bronzes) and Bobby Hongliangyi (one gold, two silvers). 

Sports where the Philippines failed to win a single gold medal were badminton, football, sepak takraw, squash, table tennis, traditional boat race and volleyball.

On December 1, 1991, the Cebu Chapter of the Foundation held its First Mass and Healing Concert at the Cebu Coliseum, Cebu City, from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Bishop Bacani, together with Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Leo Tumulak and Rev. Fr. Mike Hisoler, led the concelebrated Mass. His Eminence Cebu Archbishop Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal talked about the need of unity among the various charismatic groups under the banner of the Foundation. Brother Mike, in his healing message, led the crowd in repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

On December 14, 1991, the Foundation joined in the CBCP-sponsored First National Day of Prayer and Renewal held at Rizal Park, Manila.

On December 29, the Annual Family Reunion with El Shaddai was held at the PICC-CCP Grounds, from 12 midnight to 11 a.m. The lame people in attendance were able to walk, even onto the stage, miraculously.

In the first quarter of 1992, Bishop Bacani appointed Rev. Fr. Anton T. Pascual of the Sto. Niño de Praga Chapel in Greenbelt, Makati City, and Rev. Fr. Alfredo Guerrero of the St. Joseph Parish in Tondo, Manila, as Spiritual Directors of the Foundation.

In January, Former First Lady Marcos is arrested and later released on charges regarding her accounts in Switzerland.

On January 15, Pag-asa was hatched in Davao City becoming the first Philippine eagle to be successfully bred and hatched in captivity.

On March 16, provincehood of Sarangani (Republic Act No. 7228), separating from South Cotabato.

On March 15, His Eminence Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal L. Sin celebrated his Episcopal Silver Jubilee with members and followers of the Foundation, together with some guests, at the PICC-CCP Grounds. During the fellowship, many were delivered from vices such as smoking, drinking liquor, and gambling. As a proof, bottles of wine, cigarettes and game cards were gathered at the stage as urged by Bro. Mike.

Sarangani was created by Republic Act No. 7228 on March 16 penned by Congressman James L. Chiongbian. His wife, Priscilla L. Chiongbian, was the first Governor of Sarangani.

From May 9-10, during the Special Prayer Vigil and Overnight Rally of the Foundation held at the PICC-CCP Grounds, former bitter enemies and 1992 presidential candidates Fidel V. Ramos and Imelda R. Marcos got reconciled in front of Bro. Mike and the thousands of people who attended the affair.

On May 11, plebiscites affirm the establishment of Biliran and Guimaras as regular provinces, separating them from Leyte and Iloilo, respectively, by virtue of Section 462 of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) approved on October 10, 1991.

On May 24, Bro. Mike, together with Rev. Fr. Archie Guiriba joined the Toronto, Canada Chapter Mass and Healing Rally held at the Our lady of Assumption Church, wherein people of different nationalities-French, Canadian, Spanish, Italian, German, American, Mexican, Filipino and Chinese filled the church.

Ramos took his oath office on June 30, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila and as mandated by the Constitution, this took place at noon. The oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice Andres Narvasa. This is also the first inauguration after the 1987 constitution and the first inauguration after the 1986 EDSA Revolution. The inauguration took place at the Quirino Grandstand as mentioned by president Corazon Aquino on her final State of the Nation Address in 1991. Among those in attendance were outgoing president Corazon Aquino, vice president Salvador Laurel, former president Diosdado Macapagal and former first lady Eva Macapagal.

Back in the Philippines, Bro. Mike was the guest speaker during the First Anniversary of the Foundation's chapter in San Pablo City, Laguna held on July 7. Though a brownout occurred, this did not hinder Bro. Mike from proclaiming mightily and boldly the Word of God.

On July 16, during the El Shaddai Fellowship in Amorsolo, the former owner of DWXI radio station, Bro. Ernie Rosales gave his testimony on how he came to know Bro. Mike and how he was blessed upon seeing him being used by the Lord in this vineyard.

On July 26, the El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI Japan Chapter was inaugurated with a Mass and Healing Rally at the Nishi Chiba Catholic Church, in Chiba City. Reverend Fr. Vic Torres, the chapter's spiritual director, officiated the Holy Mass. After the healing message of Bro. Mike, everyone presents became joyful, experienced miracle healings in spirit and body, and received new lives in Christ.

On the occasion of the Eight Anniversary of the Foundation held at the PICC-CCP Grounds, from August 22-23, 1992, more than one-and-a-half million prayer-partners attended the affair. His Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos, gave his greetings to the congregation.

On September 5, 1992, Bro. Mike visited the Foundation's chapter in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro Chapter via a helicopter. The estimated 25,000 Mindorenos from different denominations, including the native Mangyans, were delighted as they listened to his healing message during a Mass and Healing Rally held at the Roxas Town Plaza, from 5:30 p.m. to 12 m.n.

On October and November 1992, the Foundation had a relief operation for the Mt. Pinatubo victims in Zambales and Tarlac. Before the distribution of relief goods, a fellowship was held amidst the heavy downpour of rain.

On November 6, the first Diocesan Mass and Healing Rally in Pampanga was held at the Pampanga Sports Complex in San Fernando, Pampanga, where Kapampangans filled the venue to the rafters.

On November 24, Subic Bay Naval Base closes as it is turned over to the local government, with a last batch of American soldiers finally leaving Naval Air Station Cubi Point and returning to the US, ending its military presence in the country.

On November 28, plebiscite approves the separation of Sarangani from South Cotabato by virtue of Republic Act No. 7228.

On December 12, the Foundation joined the Family Rosary Crusade Golden Jubilee at Rizal Park, Manila. Majority of the millions of people that attended the affair were prayer-partners.

From December 26-27, an estimated three million people attended the Annual Overnight Family Appointment with El Shaddai at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila.

On February 10, 1993, the first Mass Wedding sponsored by the Foundation was held at the St. John the Baptist Church in Pinaglabanan, San Juan. Nineteen couples, who were together without the benefit of marriage from seven months to 34 years and some had already children, finally tied the knot.

From February 13-14, thousands of prayer-partners joined the Save a Child, Save the Family Movement at the Qurino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila. The event was held in protest of the anti-life programs of the government.

On February 25, for the first time, the Foundation participated in the 1986 Edsa Revolution Anniversary.

On February 28, Bro. Mike delivered the healing message during the DWXI-PPFI First Family Appointment with El Shaddai in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Laoag Bishop Edmundo Abaya, led the concelebrated Mass. Bishop Abaya was the first bishop who accepted the Foundation in his diocese.

On June 28 to 29, two University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna students Eileen Sarmenta and Allan Gomez were abducted and killed by the men of Calauan Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez.

On July 2, the annual Bocaue River Festival in Bocaue, Bulacan is marred by the sinking of a floating pagoda, the centerpiece of the festivities, which results in the drowning of more than 200 devotees.

Close to two million people gathered to praise, worship, and give thanks to God for His love and goodness on the Ninth Anniversary of the Foundation held at the Quirino Grandstand, from August 21-22, 1993. The crowd filled the Rizal Park from Taft Avenue to Manila Bay at the back of the grandstand. The affair featured the mass wedding of two hundred thirty couples who had previously lived together without the blessing of the Church. During his healing message, Bro. Mike launched the "Love Our Police Movement," believing that through the Filipinos’ love and faith in the members of the Philippine National Police, the nation will change for the better.

In September, Marcos funeral: Remains of former Pres. Marcos return in the country upon permission from the government; are interred later in his hometown of Batac.

On September 24, 1993 Former First Lady Imelda Marcos is found by Sandiganbayan guilty of corruption and sentenced to 18–24 years in prison.

On October 13, 1993, Bishop Bacani led the First Morning Mass held at 3rd Floor, Queensway Bldg., Amorsolo St., Makati and aired live over radio DWXI (1314 kHz) AM from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Preceding the Mass was the early morning praise and worship from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. led by the El Shaddai Gospel Choir.

On November 15, the Foundation opened its Medical-Dental Clinic for its members and followers. On December 11, in spite of the heavy rains and muddy place, millions of people including the prayer-partners participated in the International Year of the Family launched by the CBCP at the Reclamation Area, Pasay City. Concelebrating the Holy Mass were their Eminences Cardinal Sin, Cardinal Vidal, and Cardinal Alfonso Lopez-Turjillo, President, Pontifical Council of the Family, Vatican City.

On December 13, Bro, Mike delivered the healing message during the DWXI - PPFI Cebu Chapter 1st Anniversary held at the Arellano National School Grounds, Cebu City. A concelebrated Mass was led by Most Rev. Manuel Salvador, Coadjutor Archbishop of Cebu, together with Very Rev. Msgrs. Esteban Binghay and Fred Kiekenbeek, Spiritual Director, Cebu Catholic Charismatic Communities; and Rev. Fr. Nap Lozada.

From December 24 to 25, 1993, close to three million people stayed for about fifteen hours during the DWXI-PPFI Overnight Annual Family Reunion with El Shaddai at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

The place was made very colorful by the holding of the First Christmas Lantern Festival, wherein the attendees brought home-made lanterns of different sizes and designs as instructed by Bro. Mike. Seventy-eight couple who were once living as common-law husbands and wives finally tied the knot during the Holy Mass led by Bishop Bacani. Before the affair ended, Bro. Mike delivered the Good News of Salvation.

Immediately after the Christmas celebration, Bro. Mike left for the USA for some speaking engagements. He first went to San Francisco on January 9, 1994, wherein close to a thousand prayer-partners and friends from all over the Bay Area and Northern California flocked to Newark Pavilion to attend the regular Mass and Healing Rally of the chapter. Reverend Fr. Apolinario Icarangal, a spiritual director of a chapter of the Foundation and a parish priest of Calauan, Laguna, who was then visiting the city, officiated the Mass. In his homily, Father Icarangal explained the word "El Shaddai" to the congregation. He also expressed his appreciation for Bro. Mike and the community in bringing together more than four million people during its 9th anniversary in Manila. As Bro. Mike delivered the Good News of salvation, the anointing of the Holy Spirit was felt all over the place.

On January 16, 1994, the Southern California Secretariat organized a special Mass and Healing Rally at the St. Kevin's Church in Los Angeles, which lasted for six hours. The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ramon Valera, associate pastor of the Holy Family Church in the area. Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing took place while Bro. Mike Z. Velarde shared his true-to-life experiences in relation to the Word of God amidst the joy and laughter of the crowd.

The Lord has His ways to let the people know of His presence. People, who have not gone to church before, ran to Him during the great earthquake. People thronged to the Mass and Healing Rally bringing with them torches, water and food. People in the Hollywood Palm Hotel, where Bro. Mike and members of the San Francisco chapter stayed, said that their hotel was free from any damage, although many buildings and hotels collapsed, because the servant-leader of the Lord's ministry checked-in there. Some churches were also condemned due to big cracks in the wall, however when the L.A. fire department checked St. Kevin's Church, the cracks were only superficial. Brother Mike conducted a discipleship meeting with the Northern and Southern California chapter officers and workers while in the area.

From USA, Bro. Mike flew to Japan for a Mass and Healing Rally held at the Nippon Kai Kan Hall in Tokyo on January 23, 1994. The theater was almost filled to capacity with people of different nationalities, particularly Japanese who were married to Filipinas. A Philippine Consulate officer and a Japanese interpreter graced the occasion. The Holy Mass was officiated by the chapter's spiritual director, Rev. Fr. Vic Torres. As Bro. Mike delivered his healing message, the theater was filled with the Holy Spirit and many hearts were touched and experienced emotional, spiritual and physical healing. Even the Japanese were moved into tears.

Rep. Ronaldo Zamora sponsored a House Bill which eventually became Republic Act Number 7675 otherwise known as “An Act Converting the Municipality of Mandaluyong into a Highly Urbanized City to be known as the City of Mandaluyong.”

President Ramos signed R.A. No. 7675 into law on February 9, 1994 (the 49th anniversary of its liberation from the Japanese), which was ratified through a plebiscite on April 10, 1994 making Mandaluyong the 5th city in Metro Manila after Manila, Quezon City, Pasay and Caloocan. Mandaluyong became a lone district with its own Representative in Congress.

From February 11 to 13, 1994, a Life-in-the-Spirit Seminar was held at Sai Kung in Hong Kong with Bro. Mike delivering the healing and salvation message-explaining the Eucharist to the believers. He also emphasized that the Foundation is a worldwide Catholic Charismatic ministry. Concelebrating the Holy Mass were Rev. Fr. Paul Guinnevan, OMI, the chapter's spiritual director and parish priest of Sai Kung; Rev. Fr. Niveo Vigano; and Rev. Fr. Carreon, a visiting priest from Pangasinan.

In the First Quarter of 1994, back from abroad, Bro. Mike opened the national diocesan centers in Cainta, Rizal (February 21); Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (February 26); Lipa City, Batangas (March 7); and Balanga, Bataan (March 21).

On March 29, the Philippines gets connected to the Internet. The Philippine Network Foundation (PHNet) connected the country to Sprint in the United States via a 64 kbit/s link.

On April 2, close to three million people gathered for the Foundation's Easter Overnight Celebration at PICC-CCP Grounds.

On April 10, a big healing rally of the Foundation, sponsored by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Service Committee, was held at the Edmonton Convention Centre in Canada attended by many Filipino Canadians, including small groups from Vancouver and Toronto and a busload from Winnipeg. Reverend Fr. Bong Guerrero concelebrated the Holy Mass with local Canadian priests and Bro. Mike delivered the healing message.

On April 17, the Los Angeles Convention Center (Concourse Hall) in USA was the venue of the 3rd Anniversary of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Foundation. It was filled to its maximum capacity of 3,500. Catholics and members of different denominations converged in the venue to join the celebration. When Bro. Mike delivered his healing message, the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit was all over the place as thousands came to repentance, accepted Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, and received healing from various ailments, deliverance from the bondage of vices and spiritual transformation. Because of the countless miracles witnessed by those who were present, everybody went home with peace and joy, glorifying El Shaddai.

‘It’s Miss India,’ the Philippine STAR bannered on its front page, May 22, 1994 issue.

Sushmita Sen, the first Miss India to win the Miss Universe title, was crowned on May 21 amid glittering rites at the Philippine International Convention Center.

On June 10, Bomb attacks in Zamboanga City, perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf Group, kill 71 people.

On June 19, Bro. Mike was bestowed the Ulirang Ama Awards (Socio-Civic/Religious Sector) held at the Malacañang, Manila.

On June 24, the Foundation successfully held the First National Convention Seminar of its workers at the Folk Arts Theater.

On August 14, the Foundation led by Bro. Mike joined in the Catholic Church's protest rally against the government's population control program held at the Quirino Grandstand. His Eminence Cardinal Sin, together with Bishop Bacani, Manila Vice Mayor Lito Atienza, and Rev. Fr. James Reuter, led the affair.

For the first time in the history of Rizal Park and the whole of Metro Manila for that matter, about three million people joined the Tenth Anniversary of the Foundation at the national park from August 20-21, 1994. The participants crowded the 60-hectare park and adjacent areas-Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, UN Avenue, T.M. Kalaw St., Port Area, and Jones Bridge. Some of them came to the venue as early as three days before the event. They came not only from Metro Manila, but also from Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, the Ilocos Region, Quezon, the Bicol Region, Sorsogon, Leyte, and other distant provinces. Also, present were members from different overseas chapters of the Foundation. 

On November 24, 1994, the Foundation opened its chapter at the Batasang Pambansa, home of the House of Representatives, with a Mass and Healing Rally. Brother Mike spoke before several lawmakers and their staff that attended the affair.

On December 11, A small bomb explodes on Philippine Airlines Flight 434, killing a Japanese businessman. The bombing was a field test done by Ramzi Yousef to test explosives that would have been used in Project Bojinka.

From December 24-25, the Foundation held the biggest Christmas party in the Philippines during its Annual Family Reunion at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila. The close to three million attendees feasted on thousands of roasted calves, pigs and chickens. In the early morning, thousands of doves for peace and prosperity were released by the attendees.

At the start of the year 1995, the Foundation participated in two events-the First National Congress of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement in the Philippines, whose various Charismatic member groups gathered for unity in the spirit, and the 10th World Youth Day, during which close to five thousand young members of the Foundation joined as delegates.

At WYD 1995, ten million people gathered at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Park in Manila, Philippines, an event recognized as the largest crowd ever by the Guinness World Records.

It was surpassed by the anniversary celebration of Catholic Charismatic group El Shaddai last August 20-21, 1988 and August 20-21, 1994 and the anniversary celebration of Evangelical Charismatic Christian group Jesus is Lord Church to coincidence with the birthday celebration of Bro. Eddie Villanueva last October 9, 1994.

The participants crowded the 61-hectare park and adjacent areas-Roxas Boulevard, Padre Burgos Drive, Taft Avenue, Pablo Ocampo, Paseo Palisoc, Julian Felipe, Fernando Ma. Guerrero, E. Makabenta, Magdalena Jalandoni, Leandro Locsin, Vicente Sotto, Pedro Bukaneg, Zolio Hilario, Manuel Argilla, Leona Florentino, Atang dela Rama, Jose W. Diokno Boulevard, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, A. Mabini, Adriatico, Asuncion, Leveriza, Balingkit, Bagong Lipunan, Maginhawa, Lawin, Fidel A. Reyes, Castro, Quirino Avenue, San Andres, Remedios, Julio Nakpil, Alonzo, P. del Carmen, General Miguel Malvar Street, Dr. J. Quintos, Pedro Gil, Padre Faura, U.N. Avenue, Maria Y. Orosa, Churucca, Jorge Bocobo, San Carlos, Arquiza, Grey, A. Flores, Cortada, Marcelo H. del Pilar, L. Guerrero, Plaza Nuestra Senora de Guia, Alhambra, T.M. Kalaw Street, Escoda, Apacible, Leon Guinto Street, Felipe Agoncillo, General Luna, Gonzales, United Nations Avenue, Padre Burgos Avenue, Finance Road, Ayala Boulevard, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Jones Bridge, MacArthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge, Rizal Avenue, Carlos Palanca Sr., P. Casal Street, General Solano, Nicanor Padilla, Gonzalo Puyat Street, Evangelista, Ronquillo, Estero Cegado, Germinal, Trinidad, Mabolo, Sales, Padre Gomez, Platerias, Palma, Carriedo, R. Hidalgo, Plaza Miranda, Villalobos, Z.P. de Guzman, F.R. Hidalgo Street, Carcer, Pasaje del Carmen, Concepcion Aguila, J. Nepomuceno, Arlegui, Fraternal, Vergara, Castillejos, Duque de Alba, Farnecio, Antonio Villegas, Natividad Almeda-Lopez, San Marcelino, Ayala Boulevard, D. Romualdez, Padre Faura, Apacible, Mahatma Gandhi, Angel Linao, Calixto Dyco, Syson, San Jorge, Nieto, Narra, Apitong, Dao, Lauan, Yakal, Mahogany, Tindalo, Narra, Guijo, Cristobal, Paz, Zulueta, Cuevas, Yangco, Leroy, Alfaro, Salvador, 13 de Agosto, Sto. Speulcro, Lopez Jaena, Santiago, Sagat, Felina, Icasiano, Lanuza Anak Bayan, Singalon, Tirona Benitez, Modesto, San Pascual and San Pedro.

Some of them came to the venue as early as three days before the event. They came not only from Metro Manila, but also from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Kalinga, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Aurora, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Rizal, Romblon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, Antique, Aklan, Bacolod City, Guimaras, Iloilo City, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu City, Cebu, Mandaue City, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Basilan, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Cotabato, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Surigao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Also present were from Abkhazia, Afghanistan, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, Åland Islands, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Bonaire, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Clipperton Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Egypt, Estonia, Federal Dependencies of Venezuela, Finland, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Gambia, Gibraltar, Greenland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guyana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guernsey, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Madeira, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Maldives, Martinique, Marshall Islands, Mayotte, Mauritania, Mauritius, Melilla, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Nauru, Navassa Island, Nepal, Netherlands, North Korea, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Cyprus, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Nueva Esparta, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Réunion, Russia, Rwanda, Saba, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Andrés and Providencia, San Marino, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Somaliland, South Korea, South Ossetia, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Transnistria, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States Virgin Islands, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In an initial comment immediately following the event, Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, stated that over 4 to 10 million people had participated.

On February 1, in order to deepen the spiritual nourishment of its service-volunteer workers and for them to appreciate the heritage of Catholic worship and the sacrament, as well as enhance their knowledge of Catholic teachings on Scriptures and basic doctrines, the Foundation started its On-Going Formation and Cathetical Seminar at Amorsolo handled by Bishop Bacani and Rev. Fathers Bong Guerrero and Anton Pascual.

Kalinga and Apayao are the result of the 1995 partitioning of the former province of Kalinga-Apayao; which was seen to better service the respective needs of the various indigenous peoples in the area.

On April 1, right after the Weekly Family Appointment with El Shaddai at Luneta, Bro. Mike held a press conference at the National Press Club in Manila to air his protest on the proposed cutting of diplomatic ties with Singapore, an offshoot of the Flor Contemplacion case, and with other countries.

The 1995 Ipil massacre occurred on the morning of April 4, 1995, in the municipality of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay province when approximately 200 heavily armed Abu Sayyaf militants fired upon residents, strafed civilian homes, plundered banks, took up to 30 hostages and then burned the center of the town to the ground.

On May 8, the plebiscite approves the division of Kalinga-Apayao into Apayao and Kalinga by virtue of Republic Act No. 7878 and the municipality of Muntinlupa, Metro Manila was converted into a highly urbanized city by virtue of Republic Act No. 7926.

On May 28, the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life and the Foundation joined hands in celebration of the First National Day of Life with the hope of arousing the awareness of the public regarding the evils of abortion and euthanasia, and instilling the responsibility of everyone to promote life in obedience to the plan of God. The celebration was held simultaneously with the Family Appointment with El Shaddai during the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ at the Reclamation Area, Pasay City. A Marian procession was held, accompanied by the recitation of the 15 decades of the Holy Rosary. Special intentions for the youth, doctors, pharmacists, teachers, handicapped, prisoners and victims of violence were mentioned during each mystery.

The Eucharistic Celebration was officiated by Bishop Bacani, together with Most Rev. Bishop Ramon Arguelles, Manila Episcopal Chairman of Marriage, Family and Life Ministry; Very Rev. Msgr. Vicente Salgado and Rev. Fr. Watin of Romblon. During the Mass, Bishop Arguelles read a special letter to all Filipinos from His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, imparting his apostolic blessings to the event.

From June 3-4, amidst the storm and flood, thousands of people converged at the PICC-PNCC Grounds for the DWXI-PPFI Pentecost Overnight Celebration. Bishops Ramon Arguelles of CALMANA and Rolando Tirona of PPLM led the concelebrated Mass.

Thousands of members and followers of the Foundation braved the early morning summer sun as they gathered at the Yorty Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center during the first USA and Canada joint Charismatic Healing and Prayer Rally held on July 2. Some prayer-partners gave their testimonies on the miracle healing and life-changing power of the Word of God. Among them were the Lawas brothers, who "littered the street" back in Manila, where they indulged in prohibited drugs, alcohol and almost all kinds of vices. The Lord has changed their lives through the Good News. Now, together with some members of their families, they have become part of the music ministry of the San Francisco Chapter. Reverend Fr. Alfredo “Bong” Guerrero delivered his homily with witty and charismatic jokes, to the delight of all attendees. After which, Bro. Mike expounded from the Holy Scripture the value of getting close to God Almighty and following the Golden Rule. He gave emphasis on how to become a true Christian by believing that God will give whatever we ask, as long as we have faith in Him. The Holy Spirit manifested Himself, through the physical and emotional healing experienced by the attendees, as the love, peace and joy of the Lord filled the Yorty Hall.

From August 14-15, over a thousand-people composed of the local and international parish chapter coordinators, service volunteer workers and staff of the Foundation held an overnight retreat at Puerto Azul, Cavite, in preparation for its 11th anniversary. Brother Mike delivered his first message at around 7:00 p.m. The congregation was held captive by his usual style and wit, that even the staff and workers of Puerto Azul Country Club took time to listen to him as he discussed the attributes that each one must possess in order to become a true servant of God. He was followed by Bishop Bacani who talked about "Faithfulness" as servants of God, and added cheerfully that a Christian's life is a series of hatching (birth), matching (marriage) and dispatching (death). The wee hours of the morning were spent in sharing and group interaction. At 5:30 a.m., despite the fact that everybody remained awake throughout the night, everyone joined the morning joyful praise and worship to give thanks to the Lord. Around 9:00 a.m., Bro. Mike gave his morning message. At 11:30, a sumptuous lunch awaited the workers while Bro. Mike brought the retreat to a close with a prayer for peace, unity and love to reign among workers in the vineyard of El Shaddai. Shortly after, everyone went home filled with joy and a sense of oneness, and with renewed strength from El Shaddai.

The Eleventh Anniversary of the Foundation was held at the PNCC-PICC-CCP Grounds, Buendia Ave. Ext., Pasay City, from August 19 to 20. Three days before the event, tents of sack, plastic and umbrellas had already mushroomed in and around the venue. The members and followers of the Foundation from the provinces arrived in buses, trucks, jeepneys, and other vehicles festooned with streamers bearing the name “El Shaddai.” In view of the huge numbers of people coming to the venue, the Buendia Avenue Extension was closed and a big number of those who came had to stay in their vehicles, go to the rooftops of nearby buildings, or sit on the sidewalks and simply monitor the celebration on their portable TV and radio sets. His Eminence Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, officiated a mass wedding of one hundred eighty-two couples.

On August 27, 1995, an estimated four thousand people attended the 4th Anniversary of the Singapore Chapter of the Foundation held at the Blessed Sacrament Church in 1 Commonwealth Drive. Reverend Fr. Philip Kolandaisamy of Johor, Malaysia, together with Rev. Fr. Frank Pidgeon, officiated the Eucharistic celebration. Singapore employers and guests from Malaysia and Thailand joined its members and followers as they sang and danced in praise and worship to the Lord. The church, including its aisles and choir loft, was jam-packed. Everyone felt the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as Bro. Mike delivered his healing message. The laughter of the audience echoed through the walls of the church which was a clear manifestation of God's living power.

From September 30-October 1, some two hundred thousand members and followers of the Foundation, weathered typhoon Mameng’s onslaught that fell in torrents over the PEA Grounds in Pasay City during the Weekly Family Appointment with El Shaddai, threatening to disrupt the rally. Lightning and thunder came in succession as the voices of the emcees, lectors, and choir members on-stage weakly filtered through the microphones which had already been turned full blast. Umbrellas were rendered useless against the strong winds and heavy downpour which left everyone soaking wet and shivering.

Despite this, the attendees were determined to hear Bro. Mike speak for the first time, after he met an accident on Sept. 16 wherein his arm was fractured during his routine jogging at Puerto Azul. It had been two weeks of continuous intercessory prayers for his recovery, especially before his bone surgery on Sept. 21.

It was indeed a miracle, for ten days after, the servant-leader was able to attend the Weekly Family Appointment with El Shaddai. It was around 4 a.m. when Bro. Mike, with his arm still in cast and sling, delivered the healing message amidst the rampaging storm.

On October 7, at the formal launching of the "Piso Para sa Pasig Fund Raising Campaign" at the Rizal Park Orchidarium spearheaded by First Lady, Mrs. Amelita Ramos, the Foundation through Bro. Mike Z. Velarde expressed his support for the PPP project, a special campaign to bring back life to the Pasig River.

Typhoon Angela, was a catastrophic Category 5 typhoon with 180 mph (290 km/h) sustained winds. Typhoon Angela was the third storm in a row that struck the Philippines, following Yvette and Zack. Typhoon Angela was the twenty-ninth tropical cyclone, and the fifth super typhoon of the moderately active 1995 Pacific typhoon season.

Angela caused 9.33 billion Philippine pesos in catastrophic damage across the Philippines, resulting in 882 fatalities. It was the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines in 25 years.

The Hong Kong Stadium, a billion-dollar, state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex situated in Wan Chai, became the venue of the 7th Anniversary of the Foundation's Hong Kong Chapter held on November 22. An estimated 30,000 attendees eagerly participated in the Eucharistic Celebration with Bishop Bacani as the main celebrant; and Rev. Fathers Roman Carter and Nevio Vigano, spiritual directors of the Hong Kong Chapter, as concelebrants. Brother Mike once more shared the Good News of the Lord through his healing message. In between his talk, he gave examples of living testimonies of the miracles that God performed in the lives of our brothers and sisters. The whole assembly was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit as Bro. Mike's message closed with a healing prayer. Tears of joy and repentance welled from the eyes of those who have been touched by God's Holy Presence. The attendees, composed of Filipinos, Hong Kong nationals, and foreigners, went home joyfully renewed and united in the Spirit of the Lord.

Amidst the yuletide spirit and cheer, 110 couples who had been living together as common-law husbands and wives finally tied the knot during the Christmas Family Reunion with El Shaddai held at the PEA Grounds in Pasay City, from December 23-24, 1995. Close to three million people stood witness to the blessed event as Bishop Bacani officiated the mass wedding ceremony assisted by other priests. Romance pervaded the air, bringing smiles to the young and old alike who stood shoulder to shoulder, seemingly unaffected by the cool December breeze.

In January 1996, Bro. Mike Z. Velarde arrived in Japan early on his annual visit to the different chapters abroad. The chapter's members and followers have greatly increased since it was first opened in 1992. This was noted during the successful Mass and Healing Rally held on January 28. Some two thousand and five hundred Filipinos, Japanese, and other foreign national covenant members and friends joyfully converged at the Nippon Kyoiku Kaikan Hall, situated at 2-6-2 Hitotsubashi Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo.

On February 14, Violent clashes erupt between Filipino soldiers and Vietnamese boat people, as the Philippines government attempts to forcibly repatriate hundreds of Vietnamese asylum seekers.

On February 18, at least 50 people were killed when an overcrowded ferry capsized at the entrance to the port of Cadiz, Negros Occidental; the incident happened when passengers shifted to one side to avoid high waves.

On February 25, in response to Bro. Mike's call for unity, some 100,000 members and followers of the Foundation braved the scorching heat of the sun as early as 10:00 a.m. to join hands with the nation in commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the 1986 EDSA Revolution. The whole-day affair aimed to rally the nation for peace, unity, freedom and thanksgiving. The Foundation was assigned to lead the ecumenical prayer and worship activities.

After the Mass led by His Eminence, Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, the prayer-partners began their fellowship at about 6:00 p.m. with joyful praise songs. To the delight of everyone, Bishop Bacani, in his white robe and scarlet sash, expressed his joy and appreciation for the presence of the thousands of prayer-partners that evening. During the lighting of thousands of candles, a magnificent glow filtered through the darkness of the night filling the intersection of Ortigas Avenue and EDSA. Brother Mike delivered his healing message about the "Extraordinary People of the Lord." He concluded his message with a healing and deliverance prayer which included five particular intentions, as follows: that God forgive the sins of our nation; that He grant us the freedom we seek in our land; that He grant us "amnesia" from the past and the courage to look forward to our future with faith, love and unity; that He grant divine wisdom and extra-ordinary courage to our president so he could continue his vision of Philippines 2000; and that God grant to all of us the extraordinary power to remain firm in our faith. The fellowship ended at midnight.

On March 18, fire razes Ozone Disco, killing 162 guests including college graduating students and 95 more injured. The incident was officially acknowledged as the worst fire in Philippine history, and among the 10 worst nightclub fires in the world.

On March 24, a mining disaster occurs in the island province of Marinduque when the leftover mine tailings from the drainage of the Marcopper Mining Corporation are leaked into the river and spilled into the sea.

From April 4-7, the Foundation held its Holy Week Family Appointment with El Shaddai at the PICC-CCP Grounds beamed live nationwide via satellite on IBC TV-13. Sixty-five converts from other sects, young and old, was baptized during the Holy Mass on Easter Sunday.

The newly-baptized converts joined more than 300 more for confirmation during the Pentecost Overnight Celebration of the Foundation held at the PICC-CCP Grounds from May 24-25 beamed live nationwide via satellite on ABC TV-5.

In June 1996, when Bro. Mike flew out of the country to fulfill some engagements, a former service-volunteer assigned to security filed charges of illegal transfer of funds against him with the SEC. The allegations appeared in various newspapers, as well as on TV news programs, not only in the Philippines, but throughout the world as well.

Upon his return, denied the accusations and narrated the facts of the case in a Special Mass and Healing Rally held at the PICC-CCP Grounds on July 6, before close to a million people. He also invited his accuser and cohorts to look into the accounts of the Foundation.

From July 24 to 25, Typhoon Gloria lost rains and flooding that killed nearly 60 people on Luzon and Mindoro Islands.

On August 1, Sarah Balabagan, an OFW who was accused of killing an Arab employee, is freed. Mabuhay, moved to its new orbital slot. Mabuhay satellite, previously named Palapa B-2P, was acquired by Mabuhay Philippines Satellite Corporation on an earlier date this year. Mabuhay became one to be owned by a Filipino entity.

On August 14, the SEC Court through a resolution cleared Bro. Mike of the charges.

His Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos was the guest of honor during the Twelfth Anniversary of the Foundation at the PICC-CCP Grounds from August 17-18. In line with the anniversary theme, which is unity, leaders from the different charismatic groups were invited to speak in a CLSS. During the Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Bishop Bacani, a mass wedding took place, in which eighty couples who had been living together as common-law spouses finally tied the knot. Brother Mike delivered the Healing Message about the "Miracle Touch of Unwavering Faith."

On September 2, 1996, Bro. Mike and Hon. Leonardo Quisumbing, Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), signed an agreement between the government and the Foundation to set up an El Shaddai Overseas "Desk" to look after the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers worldwide. The signing took place in the presence of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., author of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995, at his Makati City residence. The Memorandum of Agreement states that the DOLE through the POEA shall allow whenever feasible and appropriate the Foundation to maintain an active Guidance, Counseling and Spiritual Assistance Desk at the POEA Action Center to attend to the morale, welfare and spiritual concern related to overseas employment and other matters; that the DOLE through the OWWA shall extend possible and appropriate assistance to its members who may be in need of guidance counseling and spiritual assistance as well as other welfare services while at the jobsite; that the Foundation shall assign at least two responsible members/officers to man its desk at the POEA Action Center and shall communicate to DOLE/POEA/OWWA the concerns of its members which require immediate action or solution. The said agreement is a positive step of the government in its serious efforts to help alleviate the plight of our Filipino migrant workers abroad.

On 22 November 1996, two days before the Economic Leaders' Summit, the US State Department, through its spokesperson Nicholas Burns, warned American citizens in the Philippines to take security precautions following threats against American diplomats attending the summit.

APEC Philippines 1996 was a series of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings focused on economic cooperation, held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Subic, Zambales on Nov. 24-25, 1996. It was the eighth APEC meeting in history and the first held in the Philippines.

The House of Representatives Chapter of the Foundation held its 2nd Anniversary on Nov. 28, 1996 at the main lobby of the Batasang Pambansa Bldg., Batasan Complex, Quezon City. Several employees of the Congress and prayer-partners within the area including Cong. Dante Liban of Quezon City were present during the occasion. The affair started with the celebration of the Holy Mass which was officiated by Rev. Fr. Fernando Canicula, parish priest of St. John of the Cross, Pembo, Makati City. This was followed by a CLSS. Brother Mike delivered the message on the importance of being empowered by the Holy Spirit-the power that we need in order for us to overcome trials and temptations and to turn our problems into miracles.

Before the year ended, the Catholic hierarchy of the Philippines, through His Eminence Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, in solidarity with the instruction of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, called on Filipinos to participate in the launching of the Great Jubilee Year 2000-a 3-year celebration in preparation for the 2000th birth anniversary of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thousands of Catholics from the different religious and lay organizations including the Foundation responded to this call as they gathered at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on December 1. A concelebrated Mass, officiated by the bishops and priests led by Cardinal Sin, highlighted the affair. His Excellency Most Rev. Gian Vincencio Moreni, DD., Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, read a letter from the Vatican before the multitude. In line with the theme of the occasion, Bro. Mike focused his healing message on how to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He said, "let us not worry about anything, instead, let us put our trust in the Lord; let us fill our hearts with the Word of God and remain faithful in His love; and let us forgive those who have offended us and forget our past hurts. For forgiveness is a step to humility, humility to obedience, and obedience to Eternal Life."

From December 21-22, millions of members and followers of the Foundation joined in the colorful and joyful celebration of the Family Christmas Reunion with El Shaddai held at the PICC-CCP Grounds, Buendia Ext., Pasay City.

Just looking at the stage design, one can feel the Christmas season, wherein a giant Christmas tree were placed. The was made up of piled-up boxes with 5 in. x 5 in. x 7 in. in size covered by colorful Christmas wrappers. This is the same box, called Miracle Vision Prayer-Request Wish Box, which the attendees brought in the affair as instructed by Bro. Mike. The box had ribbons with color gold, symbolizing the virtue of faith; yellow, symbol of love; and white, symbol of good works. It had a hole to like a money-box, where the attendees put a duplicate copy of their 12 prayer-requests. During the Holy Mass, 101 couple who had been living outside the grace of God finally tied the knot. Some of them were the pair of Bro. Lucino dela Cruz, 64 years old, and Sis. Lolita Papango, 63 years old, who had been living together without the blessing of the church for almost 38 years. Notable among them was a Swiss national who married a Filipina, a couple both afflicted with leprosy, at a Muslim convert. Prior to this, close to 50 among them were baptized and confirmed first before they were allowed to get married, according to Church regulations.

From December 28-29, in order to welcome the coming year 1997, millions of people gathered for an overnight fellowship at the PICC-CCP Grounds beamed live nationwide via satellite over IBC TV-13. A Basic Christian Maturity Seminar was held led by several disciples of the Foundation.

On January 22-26, 1997, Filipino Catholics celebrated the CBCP-organized 5th National Eucharistic Congress held at PICC and Quirino Grandstand in Manila. During the 14-hour overnight vigil at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta which started at 7:00 p.m. of January 25, millions of believers and members of various lay organizations, including the Foundation, nuns and priests together with the cardinals, archbishops, and bishops, from all over the country, attended the vigil. An elder-disciple of the Foundation talked before the congregation on how to prepare oneself in receiving the Eucharist. In the morning of January 26, President Ramos gave his message to the assembly. Shortly after this, Papal Legate, His Eminence Anthony Joseph Cardinal Bavilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia (USA) led the concelebrated Mass, together with their Eminences Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez, Prefect, Congregation for the Clergy, Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal; Tuguegarao Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan; Most Rev. Gian Vincenzo Moreni, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines; and Manila Auxiliary Bishop Bacani.

On February 12, President Ramos signed Republic Act No. 8251 or “An Act Converting the Municipality of Las Piñas into a Highly-Urbanized City to be known as the City of Las Piñas.”

On March 14, the Eighth National People's Congress decided to merge the Sub-provincial city with the neighboring Fuling, Wanxian, and Qianjiang prefectures that it had governed on behalf of the province since September 1996. The resulting single division became Chongqing Municipality, containing 30,020,000 people in forty-three former counties (without intermediate political levels). The municipality became the spearhead of China's effort to develop its western regions and to coordinate the resettlement of residents from the reservoir areas of the Three Gorges Dam project.

On March 20, Bro. Mike was the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the luncheon meeting of the Manila Rotarians at the Century Park Sheraton Ballroom, Vito Cruz, Manila. In his message, he told everyone that what we need to realize our quest for national peace, unity and prosperity is the "Missing Part"-the Lord Jesus Christ.

A plebiscite held a month after approved the city status by its residents, and Las Piñas became the 10th city of Metro Manila on March 26, 1997.

The handover ceremony was held at the new wing of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on the night of 30 June 1997. The principal British guest was Prince Charles, who read a farewell speech on behalf of the Queen. The newly elected Prime Minister, Tony Blair, the Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, the departing Governor Chris Patten and General Sir Charles Guthrie, Chief of the Defense Staff, also attended.

On July 1, the Foundation's radio program, “Alay Pagmamahal” reached its first year of broadcast over Metro Broadcast-Metro Plus (1044 kHz) AM, a Hong Kong-based radio station. This is the only Christian radio program in Filipino being aired in Hong Kong. The program aired audio tape of "Alay Pagmamahal," a radio program of Bro. Mike in Manila being heard every Tuesday and Thursday over radio DWXI (1314 kHz) AM. The program tackles the ever-present problems in relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, parents-in-law and sons or daughters-in-law, and other members of the family; and gives advices or suggestions as solutions based on the Word of God. Since its broadcast, many Filipinos working there became its listeners and gave their testimony that they experienced strength, vigor and hope in life in spite of their homesickness, hardship in living there, and anxieties brought about by problems that they received from their respective family back home. Aside from this, many broken families were restored after they followed the advices they have heard on the program.

Prince Charles is making a whirlwind visit to the Philippines affirming East Asia's political and commercial importance to Britain after the handover of Hong Kong to China. The Philippine Navy band and three 21-gun salutes greeted (Thursday) the heir apparent to England's throne as he disembarked from the Royal Yacht Britannia on his eight-hour stop enroute home.

On July 2, Asian financial crisis affected numerous Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines, as well as South Korea.

On July 16, Sisters Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong were abducted and killed in Cebu City, the suspects were later executed which in turn would lead to the abolition of death penalty in 2006.


The Thirteenth Anniversary of the was celebrated at the PICC-CCP Grounds from August 23 to 24, His Eminence, Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez, Most Rev. Naval Bishop Filomeno Bactol, Bishop Bacani, and some Reverend Fathers and Spiritual Directors of the Foundation for local and overseas chapters attended the affair. A number of public officials also graced the occasion. Brother Mike presented the “Blessed Are the Peacemakers” Award to President Fidel V. Ramos, the guest of honor.

1997 WYD was held in Paris, France. 2000 WYD took place in Rome, Italy. 2002 WYD was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 2005 WYD was celebrated in Cologne, Germany. Thomas Gabriel composed for the final Mass on 21 August 2005 the Missa mundi (Mass of the world), representing five continents in style and instrumentation, in a European Kyrie influenced by the style of Bach, a South American Gloria with guitars and pan flutes, an Asian Credo with sitar, an African Sanctus with drums, and an Australian Agnus Dei with didgeridoos.

Sydney, Australia, was chosen as the host of the 2008 World Youth Day celebrations. At the time it was announced in 2005, WYD 2008 was commended by the then Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, and the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell. World Youth Day 2008 was held in Sydney, with the Papal Mass held on the Sunday at Randwick Racecourse.

The week saw pilgrims from all continents participate in the Days in the Diocese program hosted by Catholic dioceses throughout Australia and New Zealand. Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Sydney on 13 July 2008 at Richmond Air Force Base. Cardinal Pell celebrated the Opening Mass at Barangaroo (East Darling Harbour) with other activities including the re-enactment of Christ's passion during the Stations of the Cross and the pope's boat cruise through Sydney Harbour. Pilgrims participated in a variety of youth festivities including visits to St Mary's Cathedral, daily catechesis and Mass led by bishops from around the world, concerts, visits to the tomb of Saint Mary MacKillop, the Vocations Expo at Darling Harbour, reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and praying before the Blessed Sacrament during Adoration. The Mass and concert at Barangaroo saw an estimated crowd of 150,000.

The event attracted 250,000 foreign visiting pilgrims to Sydney, with an estimated 400,000 pilgrims attending Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI on 20 July.

On June 12, 2008, Xt3.com, a Catholic social online network and news site, was launched as the Official Catholic Social Network of WYD. It is considered to be a direct fruit of WYD08, just as Salt + Light Television was a direct fruit of WYD 2002 in Toronto.

In May 2007, it was reported that Guy Sebastian's song "Receive the Power" had been chosen as official anthem for World Youth Day (WYD08) to be held in Sydney in 2008. The song was co-written by Guy Sebastian and Gary Pinto, with vocals by Paulini.

"Receive the Power" was used extensively throughout the six days of World Youth Day in July 2008 and also in worldwide television coverage.

In November 2008, a 200-page book, Receive the Power, was launched to commemorate World Youth Day 2008.

Following the celebration of Holy Mass at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on 20 July 2008, Pope Benedict XVI announced that the next International World Youth Day 2011 would be held in Madrid, Spain. This event was held from 16–21 August 2011.

There were nine official patron saints for World Youth Day 2011 in addition to Pope St. John Paul II: St. Isidore, St. John of the Cross, St. María de la Cabeza, St. John of Ávila, St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Rose of Lima, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Rafael Arnáiz, and St. Francis Xavier patron of world missions. During his address to seminarians, Benedict announced that the Spanish mystic and patron of Spanish diocesan clerics St. John of Ávila would become a "Doctor of the Church", a designation granted to only 34 saints throughout the twenty centuries of Church history.

An estimated 2,000,000 people attended an all-night vigil to complete the week, more than expected.

Since 2002, World Youth Day has been held every three years. After the 2011 event the next World Youth Day was scheduled a year earlier than usual, in 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in order to avoid any conflict with the 2014 FIFA World Cup being held in 12 different host cities throughout Brazil and the 2016 Summer Olympics being held in Rio de Janeiro. More than 3 Million catholic youth had gathered for the event from across the world.

Pope Francis announced at the end of closing Mass for World Youth Day 2013 that Kraków, Poland, would be the venue for World Youth Day 2016.

An estimated three million people attended. Young people from many different countries around the world took part in the week-long event which began on 25 July 2016, and ended on 31 July 2016 with an open-air mass led by Pope Francis at Campus Misericordiae where he announced that the next World Youth Day will take place in Panama, Central America in 2019. The theme for this year's World Youth Day was "Blessed Are The Merciful, For They Shall Obtain Mercy", tying in closely with the Year of Mercy, which was initiated by Pope Francis on 8 December 2015 and concluded 20 November 2016.

At the Concluding Mass for World Youth Day 2016 in Kraków, Pope Francis announced that Panama City would host World Youth Day in 2019. The World Youth Day was held from Tuesday 22 January until Sunday 27 January.