ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2021, I had the privilege of guesting Commissioner Rachel Sibugan Herrera of the Climate Change Commission under the Office of the President of the Philippines, as resource person of my radio talk show, Woman Talk with Belinda Sales Canlas.
Commissioner Rachel is married with one daughter, a graduate of the UP College of Law in Diliman, Quezon City – a lady lawyer, who completed her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at Ateneo de Manila University, and a graduate of an Executive Program – Program Management for Development at Asian Institute of Management. Her advocacies include Environment, Single-Use Plastics Regulation, and Climate Change Action.
The interview and exchange were engaging especially considering her wide knowledge of the subject matter. The discussion focused on the status of the Philippines in climate change management where the commissioner also gave illustrations; the impact of climate change on our industries and how climate-change resilient they are; how the government communicates the message on climate proofing; the platforms or channels to advocate these messages; the benefits of single-use plastics; the whole-of-government approach; and most importantly, people’s involvement in the advocacy.
Catch the interview via https://www.facebook.com/belindabebettsales.womantalk/videos/565252324669354.
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I would like to pay tribute to an uncle whom I treated as a cousin since our ages are not far apart. This is my eulogy for Joshua Sales Namoc.
Farewell, Joshua
I remember in Senior High School while I attended a National Girl Scouts Jamboree in Novaliches, Quezon City, Joshua fetched me from the location and brought me to the home of my grandfather, the late Isabelo Balagot Sales, and my step grandmother Naomi Sales at NDC Compound in Sta. Mesa, Manila to visit them. Thereafter, he brought me to Tio Pitong Sales’ house in Maganda St., also in Sta. Mesa, Manila, likewise for a visit.
Fast forward to the future. After college, I remember him working for a bank in Tagbilaran City located nearly adjacent my father’s law office. He would pass by the law office, and we would talk. I remember borrowing money from him because I wanted to work outside of Bohol.
I remember in 2012 while I was going through a rough spot, I chanced upon him at the Tagbilaran City Port (I studied law in Bohol during this period). I disclosed the details to him, and he uttered something comforting. It was good for the heart.
I remember meeting him again in 2017 at the wake and burial of Uncle Jesse M. Sales. During our conversation, he said something comforting as well.
After that meeting, the next thing I knew, he was on medical management for a health issue. We conversed from time to time via text messages and then on Messenger.
Today (September 14, 2021), I learned that Joshua has joined his Creator.
Thank you, Joshua.
I will always remember your kindness.
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I am also writing this for my brother-in-law, Dewayne Johnson, husband of my sister, Charmaine L. Sales.
Message of Love
Dewayne often said: “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” This is lifted from the book of Job in the Old Testament.
With this, we sadly announce the passing of Dewayne Johnson on Sept. 14, 2021, son, brother, comrade, friend, and husband to my sister, Charmaine Sales.
He was on ventilator and respirator for almost 4 weeks. He fought and finally rested.
We express our gratitude to every prayer warrior in the US, the Philippines, and all over the world who prayed with us for Dewayne’s recovery. In the end, he joined his Creator.
Dewayne served the United States Marine Corps and then at the California Institution for Women as Custody Officer for 25 years. He retired from his last post for about three years now. He was loyal to his country. He was a faithful child of God.
Dewayne contracted COVID-19. With this message, we also enjoin everyone to have yourself vaccinated. It will protect you and your family.
For those who sent condolences, we thank you for your expression of solidarity and harmony.
May we all be comforted and find solace in a loving and compassionate God.
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Food for Thought
Where grief, sadness, and loss stare us in the face, we are afforded the time to rethink our priorities and revisit our behavior and attitude. Now is the time to value loving, caring, giving, and forgiving.
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
