Dams, DATA Center and prayers

RAIN OF FIRE
Cesar G. Bonilla

LAOAG CITY -- Dams can be useful in productivity like irrigation and providing abundant harvests for farmers. In the global setting, the first, widest and highest dam in the world is located in Russia, the Rogunsky dam (335 meters high).The next among the tallest is the 284 meters high Grande Dixene dam in Switzerland. The most enduring and the widest of them all now is in Canada with 540-million cubic meters volume of water -- the Syncrude Tailings dam.
Modern inventions and discoveries help human and industrial growth but the destruction of our environment can be a prelude to economic crisis since natural calamities are expected to occur in response to man's inhumanities to the natural endowment given by our Divine Creator.

The destructive nuclear waste materials, poisonous gasses, nonstop deposit of garbage in the bodies of water are contributory to the manipulation of our ecological wealth. The ozone layer has been destroyed. The perilous world wars are conducted using nuclear solution to eliminate the civilian populace and compel combatants into submission.

Air pollution affects our atmosphere and hazardous gasses exterminate the living. Modern industrial revolution can be a bane or a boon depending on the measures being used by our leaders. Global warming contributed a lot to climate change that has brought catastrophe to living creatures on earth.
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I see noble traits of people I encounter and meet everyday in my life. It is true that love is the key for us to become united. As mentor in humanities and political science, I believe respect for life and human values are rewarding if we are to promote peace in our lifetime.

I imparted the urgency to examine the context of one's life which our Divine Creator would like us to do while we are on earth. I have urged my students to respect religion or faith of other people the way they respect themselves for the root cause of wars and conflicts on earth could be traced on the diversity of faith and cultural orientation of different clans, tribes, and groups.

We are brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of our religious beliefs and affiliation. In my political science class, I inculcated the basic tenets of chivalry as a way for them to become assets to the community. I am very much thankful to the DATA Center College of the Philippines for the trust and confidence reposed on me by the administration especially the President, Mr.Joseph Sicco.

He is a kind and down-to-earth leader with a noble heart. Despite his position, Sir Joseph is just like a brother, a friend, and adviser to his subordinates. So with Dr.Vicente A.Bonoan, a veteran dean and outstanding educator. Being the vice-president for academic affairs, he shared his encyclopedic knowledge with this writer.

Madam Nenita Respicio, the deputy vice-president for academic aAffairs and Madam Arlene Coloma, administrator, are both prudent and benevolent. Data Center is among establishments which contributed relief goods to typhoon victims. My friends Dr.Ernesto Ma.Cadiz, professors.Leonardo Blas, Flory Asencion, Efren Valdez (director of student affairs), Ma'am Jocelyn(librarian), Sister Cathy, one of my sisters in the Alpha Phi Omega and allmembers of the faculty including my students are contributory to my perception of human greatness.

I will never forget you. You have accepted this humble writer as a part of your institution or family and this could gives me a lift in serving my community. My thanks to Integrated Bar of the Philippines President Richard Tumaneng and so with lawyer. Rainald Aquino and associates.

I would also like to greet the DATA Center’s Wilfredo Bactad, a happy, happy birthday. An engineer, he has built a lyceum of greatness wherein the youth can get quality education. With the combined talents and competence of the staff and faculty of this institution, the dreams of our beloved chairman, DATA Center will become a hallmark of excellence in the centuries to come. More Power to you, Sir.
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This column recognizes the kindness of Dianne Dy,a scion of a well-known family in Laoag City. Her father, Edison Dy, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mariano Dy, the owner of the Pacific Building where some public and private establishments are located. Dianne is a humble lady with a pleasant personality. She is connected to a popular TV station in the country.

I likewise convey my greetings to the Central Grocery employees: Nita, Lanie, Lyn, Linda, Sandra, Ricky, Caring, Santa and Jacky. So with Dienne, Hazel, Maricris, Madam Cherry (registrar of DATA) and Ellen.Gteetings also to bank employees Roda and Kaye. Their friendship us treasured in my heart.
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Our prayers to God can drive away calamities or disasters that threaten to destroy properties and lives of our poor countrymen. Faith in God can stop these even if our weather bureau cannot, sometimes make correct forecasts.
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