Dumaguete Metropost, April 3-9, 2022 edition

Vol. XXIII

No. 1132

•

Dumaguete City,

BGen. Leonardo Peña (left) of the Philippine Army 302nd Brigade, Diocesan Electoral Board Convenor Msgr. Julius Heruela, Comelec Provincial Supervisor Atty. Marco Castillano, and PNP Provincial Director Col. Hermano Mallari sign the troop deployment plan of 1,829 uniformed personnel who will guard the May 9 elections, and ensure that everyone can freely cast their votes in Negros Oriental.

(Photo by Alex Pal)

Philippines

•

April 3 - April 9, 2022 • P15.00

POST Vaccines work. Wear a mask. Keep your distance.

Tone down the rhetoric -- Comelec

The Commission on Elections in Negros Oriental has appealed to candidates in the May 9 elections to tone down the rhetorics, and not to add fuel to the fire by insisting that the recent killings in the Third District are electionrelated.

Atty. Marco Castillano, acting provincial election supervisor for Negros Oriental, issued the appeal in a meeting of the Diocesan Electoral Board Friday after the Philippine National Police ruled out election-related killings in Negros Oriental.

Col. Germano Mallari, PNP provincial director for Negros Oriental, said there has not yet been a single documented case of election-related violence and recent killings in the last few months cannot be classified as such.

He cited a case that happened on March 12 in a coffee shop in barangay Kalumboyan, Bayawan City where two persons shot at three persons, alleged by a gubernatorial candidate as his supporters.

“What happened there was a misunderstanding,” Mallari said.

He said that two suspects were in a coffee shop when the three victims arrived. After a few minutes, one of the victims was heard to say, “Unsa man, magdungan ta’g bunot? Kay basi’g maunhan

ta’!” (What now? Shall we draw together?

Before someone beats us to it!)

“What they meant by the word bunot was that they would draw their wallets [together], and pay simultaneously. But one of the two suspects, for no apparent reason, shot all three victims in different parts of their bodies, and fled on a motorcycle,” explained Colonel Mallari.

The Police Provincial Director said that while politicians may claim that those shot or killed are their supporters, they do not fall under the guidelines.

“An incident is considered electionrelated when it could disrupt the electoral proceedings, targets a candidate, a COMELEC officer or a supporter of a political party and direct family members of a candidate,” he clarified.

Mallari said while Negros Oriental does not have any incident that can be considered ‘political killings’, the Province has incidences of Communist Terrorist Groups, political rivalries, and the history of the area which are the basis TO PAGE 2

CoViD-19 Cases in the Philippines as of April 2, 2022

#3 San Jose St., Dgte. City Tel. No. (035) 225-4440 0r 422-9482

Level 1 Robinson Place Dgte. City Tel. No. (035) 421-1524

3,678,598 3,565,090 59,298

Confirmed Recovered Deaths Active Cases

#1 San Jose Street, Dumaguete City Tel. No.: (035) 421-0338

Population

38,320

112,125,898

Source: Worldometers.info

Dgte under Alert Level 1

Dumaguete City and 48 other areas in the country are now under the most lenient Alert Level 1 until April 15, Malacañang announced on Thursday.

This, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases agreed to retain the Alert Level 1 classification in Metro Manila, acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Sec. Martin Andanar said in a press statement.

Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo and City Health Officer Dr. Maria Sarah Talla attributed the lowering of the Alert Level for Dumaguete to the declining number of COVID-19 active cases (two cases as of March 31), and high vaccination rate of 129 percent of the target population -- the highest rate in Central Visayas, or 139, 248 of its residents and workers.

However, the public is still advised to remain vigilant and strictly observe the minimum health standards to prevent COVID-19 infection.

Dumaguete is the only local government unit that was placed under Alert Level 1 among the 25 LGUs in the Province of Negros Oriental for now.

Other cities and towns, including the Province, will transition from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 if they meet the criteria for de-escalation, as TO PAGE 2

Gubernatorial candidate Bayawan City Mayor Pryde Henry Teves, Tanjay City Mayor Rey Concepcion, and 2nd District Cong. Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria applaud the crowd who welcomed them during the kick-off campaign of NPC in Tanjay. (Photo by Loii Patrocinio)

* Farm-fresh Eggs * Organic Vegetables * Fresh meat: Beef, Pork harvested daily

FORTUNE TREE Colon corner Sta. Catalina Sts., Dumaguete City Open 8am-5:30pm daily except Sunday

Your message to your customers/clients in these pages gets results.

Call us for your advertising needs: (35) 420-5015. Or send us a text: 0918-9400-731 Email: UnitownPublishing@gmail.com

Visit us at:

DGTE KWIKDEL TRADING Colon and Sta. Catalina Sts., Dumaguete City For home delivery, call us:

0917-717-6888 226-3888 / 422-6888 We DELIVER. Call us:

0925-489-8378 (035) 523-6040 (035) 225-5666

San Jose St., Dumaguete City. For delivery: 0925-489-8378 | Mabini St., Tanjay City. For delivery 522-1963 | Robinsons Place Foodcourt THE BEAN CONNECTION: Portal West, Silliman Ave, Dumaguete | SUMC Medical Specialty Bldg., Daro, Dumaguete | Robinsons Place Al Fresco

APRIL 3 - APRIL 9, 2022

2

MetroPost

NEWS and UPDATES

Dagyawan Comelec says: sa Barangay Huge posters allowed to go in private property nationwide The Commission on Elections in Negros Oriental on

Lourdes Nalam, head of the vendors association at the Dumaguete Public Market, receives pink aprons for her group that were specially made by supporters of Leni Robredo for President and Mark Macias for Governor: Diana Bugeya, Ellen Paralejas-Florendo, and Eddy Banogon. (Contributed photo)

DUMAGUETE....FROM P. 1 provided in Resolution No. 165 of the National IATFMEID. Based on the National IATF guidelines as of Feb. 28, under Alert Level 1, there are no restrictions in terms of indoor and outdoor capacities for business establishments and everyone can undertake intrazonal and interzonal travel without regard to age and even comorbidities.

On the other hand, faceto-face classes for primary education shall be subject to prior approval of the Office of the President.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force on Thursday, March 31 approved the April 1 to 15 Alert Level Classification of provinces, highly-urbanized cities, and independent component cities,” Andanar said.

The provinces of Albay, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, Bukidnon, and Surigao del Sur, as well as the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Iligan, and Surigao, have been included on the list of areas that will be under Alert Level 1 until April 15.

Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Baguio City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Dagupan City, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, City of Santiago, Quirino, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga,

Angeles City, Tarlac, Zambales, Olongapo City, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Lucena City, Marinduque, Romblon, Puerto Princesa City, Catanduanes, and Naga City will also remain under Alert Level 1 for the first half of April.

In the Visayas, Aklan, Guimaras, Capiz, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Siquijor, Cebu City, Biliran, Ormoc City, and Tacloban City will also stay under Alert Level 1.

The implementation of Alert Level 1 will also continue in Zamboanga City, Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, and Butuan City.

The rest of the provinces, HUCs, ICCs, component cities, and municipalities will be under Alert Level 2, Andanar said.

“All other component cities and municipalities not mentioned shall be classified under Alert Level 2,” he said.

Under Alert Level 1, movement of persons, regardless of age and comorbidities, is allowed, but with restrictions on Crowded and Closed spaces, and Close contact (the 3Cs) settings.

Private establishments and government agencies are allowed to operate at full on-site capacity, subject to minimum public health standards.

The IATF-EID is still mandating the public to wear well-fitted face masks, except when eating and drinking; participating in team and individual sports in venues where ventilation standards can be maintained; and practicing outdoor sports or exercise activities where physical distance can still be observed.

People aged 18 and above must present proof of full vaccination before participating in mass gatherings, or entry into indoor establishments like churches, restaurants, fitness studios and gyms, indoor cinemas, meetings and exhibition venues, wedding receptions, birthday parties, hotels and other accommodation establishments, and venues for election-related events.

Individuals who are at least 18 years old are also required to present proof of full vaccination before entry in confined spaces with poor ventilation; crowded places with no physical distancing; and close-contact settings with face-to-face interaction.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier said many areas of the country will likely stay under Alert Level 1 until the end of President Duterte’s term in June 2022. (PNA)

PRODUCT OF COLLECTIVE RESOLVE. Paciano Murro Jr. (center) of the National Conciliation & Mediation Board-Region 7 is flanked by main negotiators Atty. Richard Catacutan, representing the SU Admin, SUFA’s Asst. Prof. Meliton Gabas, Rodney Teves, Dr. Victor Aguilan, Asst. Prof. Jonathan Te, and NCMB’s Rosemarie Oxinio, after the signing of the new collective bargaining agreement at Silliman University.

Silliman President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann (center) witnesses the signing of the new CBA for the faculty by chief negotiators SUFA President Jonathan Te and Atty. Marie Cielo Ybio, representing the SU administration. Also witnessing the event on March 30 were NCMB conciliators-mediators Paciano Murro Jr. (leftmost) and Rosemarie Oxinio (rightmost) from the Department of Labor & Employment-Region 7.

The Dagyawan sa Barangay, a strategy toward ending communist armed conflict by bringing government services closer to the barrio folks, will now be implemented nationwide, the Department of the Interior & Local Government-Central Visayas said Thursday.

Lawyer Leocadio Trovela, DILG-7 regional director, said in a statement the strategy conceptualized in Central Visayas as a way to promote “togetherness” in advocating peace and development down to the village level has been recognized by the National Peace and Order Council during its 1st quarter meeting on March 21.

The NPOC issued Resolution No. 7 recognizing the works of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict chaired by Trovela, for being able to engage the people in barangays affected by insurgency.

He said the resolution endorses the adoption and nationwide implementation of a series of community town hall forums comparable to the Dagyawan sa Barangay.

The Dagyawan is the branding of the DILG7 projects under the Retooled Community Support Program with the primary goal of bringing government services right to the doorstep of villagers, especially in far-flung areas.

True to its promise to bring town hall meetings to the local level, Trovela collaborated with the officials of Negros Oriental to launch the first Dagwayan sa Barangay in Dumaguete in August 2019.

The activity was the localized version of Dagyaw 2019: Open Government and Participatory Governance Regional Townhall Meeting, a series of government dialogues with stakeholders at the grassroots level.

“This platform serves as a venue for an active engagement between the government and the people at the grassroots level. So we can bring the government closer to the minds and TO PAGE 5

TONE DOWN....FROM P. 1 for recommendations about “areas of concern”.

The PNP had earlier classified over 200 barangays in Negros Oriental as potential ‘areas of concern’.

The recommendation is being reviewed by the National Joint Security Control Center.

Mallari also admitted receiving reports of politicians employing goons but they have not been validated.

“Candidates tend to accuse other candidates of employing goons, but our intelligence units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP have not confirmed this,” he said.

Atty. Castillano said that at this time, it is difficult to find a person who is not supporting a candidate. As such, any incident will tend

Thursday said there are no more prohibitions on the size of posters, tarpaulins, and other campaign materials of poll candidates in private places.

Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, Negros Oriental election supervisor, said this was the guidance given by the Comelec to its various election offices nationwide, as it geared up for the start of the local campaign period on Friday.

“They can even put up life-size posters if they want to, and the Comelec will not take them down, provided they are in a private place,” he said in mixed English and Cebuano.

However, election propaganda materials that are placed in public places, specifically Comelec-designated common poster areas, must meet the standard sizes as prescribed by the poll body.

Meanwhile, Castillano said there will be a regionwide Oplan Baklas or the taking down of illegal posters, on April 7.

This came following a directive from Comelec Region 7 director lawyer Dennis Ausan, he said.

Castillano appealed to candidates to help the Comelec in taking down their respective campaign materials that are posted on electric poles, trees, and other similar public places that are not designated by the poll body as common poster areas. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)

Businesses may renew, register online

Registration and renewal of business permits will now be done online for thousands of entrepreneurs in the City of Dumaguete, with the recent launching and operation of the eBusiness Permit & Licensing System.

Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo has approved the implementation of eBPLS to streamline government transactions, reduce red tape, eliminate malfeasance, improve the ease of doing business, and attract more investments.

Dumaguete’s eBPLS is a web-based, paperless,

and simplified system with enough security features that will not require physical presence of the applicant or his representatives in processing the business permits but comprehensive, accurate, and accessible enough so that all deficiencies will be noted, and prompt correction of both the agency or applicant concerned will be facilitated.

The eBPLS is a joint project of the City Government of Dumaguete and Department of Information & Communications Technology. (PR)

CebPac flies 200 millionth pax

Cebu Pacific Airlines has announced it expects to restore over 100 percent of its pre-pandemic domestic capacity this month, after it ramped up its network with the easing of pandemic travel restrictions, marking a strong start for its 26th year.

As the summer peak approaches, the airline has noted a 200 percent increase in its average daily flights for both domestic and international combined – from about 100 flights per day in 2020, to about 300 at present.

Flights from Manila to key domestic destinations, such as Boracay and Cebu, have exceeded their 2019 flight frequencies.

This week, Cebu Pacific has also restarted its flights to and from the Cebu and Davao hubs. The Cebu-Puerto Princesa route

TO PAGE 8

to be viewed by the public as election-related.

But he appealed to the public to trust the findings of the police because they have the expertise to conduct investigations.

“It will not redound to your benefit if you would picture the towns and cities in Negros Oriental as ‘very intense’ because of these killings as people would not come out and vote.

We hope that because of this atmosphere of peace, we would have a high voter turnout,” the election official said.

For his part, Brigadier Gen. Leonardo Peña, commanding officer of the 302nd Army Brigade, said he has added another company from Negros Occidental to reinforce the uniformed personnel in Negros Oriental for the elections.

However, he said the

number of uniformed personnel, which is close to 2,000 from the Army and PNP, is not enough.

“We cannot cover the entire Province. That’s why we are trying to be visible by doing patrols and checkpoints.”

He also stressed the importance of community support, as he encouraged the public to report any unusual happenings to the police through the PNP hotlines, “not after the fact but before, and while something suspicious is happening.” “(Finding communist terrorists) is like looking for a needle in a haystack. But are we not doing something, or are the people of Negros Oriental trying to close their mouth and shut their eyes?

We need your support. We are doing our best,” General Peña said.

MetroPost

APRIL 3 - APRIL 9, 2022

NEWS and UPDATES

3

CAMPUS NEWS Union-SU sign 2021 CBA for faculty

Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo tours some members of the local media at the Pantawan People’s Park, now with an additional attraction following the light up of several designs shaped like endangered animals, like this whale that has been spotted in the past years cruising along the Dumaguete coast. The Mayor told the media his continued plans for development along Rizal Boulevard to provide Dumaguetnons the “best venue” for outdoor exercises, entertainment, sports, and dry picnics. (Photo by Alex Pal)

EDC, SU plant endangered trees

LGUs draw plans for devolution

A geothermal power firm and Silliman University on Wednesday planted 100 endangered native tree species to establish an arboretum in Negros Oriental.

The botanical collection dubbed Binhi is composed exclusively of a variety of tree species and is located at the Christian institution’s field laboratory grounds in barangay Palinpinon, Valencia town.

T h e E n e r g y Development Corp. said the project will provide a safe haven for the longterm survival of Philippine native trees.

Among the endangered Philippine tree species that were planted were banuyo, ipil, taba, baguilombang, yakal, lisoklisok, malakatmon, Basilan-yakal, quisumbing TO PAGE 7

Twenty-four of the 25 local government units in Negros Oriental have submitted their respective devolution transition plans, with the provincial government also awaiting approval of its own plan by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, a key official of the Department of the Interior & Local Government in the Province said Thursday.

Engr. Gemylene Espina, DILG-Negros Oriental focal person on full devolution, highlighted during a Kapihan sa PIA forum the role of the LGUs in the preparation and implementation of full devolution of functions in line with the MandanasGarcia ruling.

This is in line with Executive Order No. 138, series of 2021 signed by President Duterte, which orders the full devolution

The city government’s Central Materials Recovery Facility that converts trash into useful by-products has earned the approval of a key officer of the Department of Environment & Natural Resources who wanted the facility to be part of the National Ecological Center.

“I would like to ask Environment Sec. Jim Sampulna to give a commendation to Mayor Remollo and the City Council for a job well done. And not only that, but I would also like to recommend this place as part of the National Ecological Center to train the waste sorters how to improve their skills,” William Cuñado, director of the Environmental Management BureauDENR, said during

Thursday’s inauguration of the facility here.

Cuñado and Remollo led other DENR and City officials during the formal inauguration of the facility situated in barangay Candau-ay, a media release from the City Hall said midnight Thursday.

The DENR official lauded the Mayor and the Sangguniang Panglungsod for putting up the “first MRF in the Philippines” that generates a P500,000 monthly income, and provides a livelihood for waste-pickers through “proper and sustainable solid waste management.”

The City’s MRF is part of the eight-hectare Eco-Park Solid Waste Processing Facility, which is also a recipient of the plastic-tochair recycling equipment, TO PAGE 6

DENR lauds Dgte MRF

of facilities, services, and functions from the national government to the LGUs, Espina said.

“Starting 2022, LGUs are now primarily responsible for the delivery of devolved functions to their constituents until full assumption in 2024,” she said in mixed English and Cebuano.

LGUs from the provincial down to the barangay levels are therefore asked to prepare a devolution transition plan, with the role of the DILG “primarily responsible for guiding and monitoring the submission” of these plans, she added.

Espina noted there is nothing new with the devolved functions that are already in the Local Government Code, except for new laws such as those that require LGUs to craft a solid waste management

plan and implement the “Ease of Doing Business” Act. The deadline for the submission of these devolution transition plans was October 2021 for the barangays, November 2021 for the municipalities and cities, and December 2021 for the provinces.

Espina did not specify which LGU in Negros Oriental has yet to submit its devolution transition plan.

There are committees to assist LGUs in facilitating, preparing, and implementing these plans while at the provincial level, a DILG devolution core team comprising representatives from the Silliman University Government Affairs Center, Negros Oriental State University, and Foundation TO PAGE 5

The Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA) and the Silliman administration signed on March 30 a new collective bargaining agreement that grants the faculty across-the-board increases and other benefits for the school years from 2021 until 2026.

According to SUFA chief negotiator Jonathan Mark Te, the new benefits for teachers are negotiated terms, and a product of a protracted negotiation which started in May last year. ”We agreed in good faith and well-grounded reason,” said Professor Te. After the ratification this month by the SUFA, the Silliman teachers will begin receiving the improved benefits that include an Internet allowance for 2021, rice allowance for at least three years, salary increases of P600 for 2021, P1,400 in 2022, P900 in 2023 -- which will be open for re-negotiation in 2024.

Professor Te said the SUFA Panel and Board believes the 2021-2026 CBA will provide “immediate financial relief to its members in this difficult time”, as it continues to be “committed to the spiritual and economic well-being of the academic personnel.

“That we have come to this agreement [with the Administration] is a testament of our collective will and prayers to have a better Silliman,” said Professor Te, president of the 309-strong faculty union .

In his Facebook post, Divinity professor Dr. Karl James Villarmea said a CBA is a “product of a collective resolve”.

The terms reflected in the agreement with the University are “products of tears and countless hours of meetings and discussions, hurts and sacrifices, and all”.

“The signing [of the CBA] is not the conclusion.

It is rather a commencement of a relationship with management that ensures all agreements are respected and implemented religiously, to the letter, and in the spirit of how it came about,” Professor Villarmea said. “Being in this relationship, therefore, means active and proactive participation that this agreement bears the fruits of labor justice.” (PR)

Uphold truth, engage in politics -- McCann

The President of Silliman has advised the University community, including its thousands of alumni, to uphold the truth, and avoid participating in political campaigns that seek “to win voters through fraud, especially the deliberate spreading of disinformation or misinformation”.

SU President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann talked about our civic responsibility especially in the coming national and local elections, in her message during the virtual AllUniversity Academic Convocation.

Dr. McCann emphasized Silliman’s “commitment to “truth [and] its discovery, investigation, and dissemination.”

“Even as individuals, we must oppose lies, smear campaigns, and other ways of sowing confusion among voters,” she added.

Fighting disinformation She urged Sillimanians on social media to capitalize on their expertise in challenging disinformation, and work together to take down websites deliberately engaged in it.

“Members of the University community should use their expertise to promote fair and honest political journalism, consistent with our values,” Dr. McCann said.

She also encouraged Sillimanians to organize, or support, voter information events, at which the public can be given honest and reliable information on the candidates, their parties, and policies.

“Such information campaigns may be the best way to counter those who spread disinformation and misinformation,” said McCann.

Upholding values President McCann urged members of the SU community to uphold the values of civility, honesty, and service to the common good in all political activities.

“Civility is not just about being nice. It means to uphold basic standards of fairness, mutual respect, and human TO PAGE 6

Techno center to rise in Sibulan

SU President Dr. Betty McCann (rightmost) lowers the time capsule for the Technopreneur Center in Sibulan, as U-Bix Corp. President Atty. Edilberto Bravo looks on.

The Bert Bravo Technopreneur Center will soon rise in San Antonio, Sibulan, and house the SU Technology Business Incubation program.

In a kick-off ceremony for the construction of the facility, Silliman President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann led the time capsule ceremony together with Atty. Edilberto Bravo, U-Bix Corp. president, a team from A.C. Tajanlangit Construction Builders & Development Corp., and Gallego Architects.

McCann said the facility will be a hub of incubating science and technology start-ups not only from the Province but from other parts of the country.

In 2020, Silliman and U-Bix Corp. signed a Deed of Donation and Acceptance for the facility that will be used for the SU TBI program. U-Bix Corp. donated 15,000 square meters of land in San Antonio, Sibulan where the Technopreneur Center will be built. U-Bix will also donate P100 million for the Center’s construction.

Atty. Bravo, a self-made entrepreneur and business leader, partnered with Silliman to establish the Center as a response to the need for a facility in the Province that can help develop ideas of aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators.

The SU TBI, which currently operates at the main campus, was launched in 2019 to help students and professionals develop their early-stage technologies into market-ready products by providing them with a range of resources, services, and facilities.

MetroPost

APRIL 3 - APRIL 9, 2022

4

OPINION

EDITORIAL Not politicial

Last Friday’s revelation of the Philippine National Police was quite a surprise.

In a meeting of the Diocesan Electoral Board, PNP Provincial Director Col. Germano Mallari said there has not yet been a single documented case of election-related violence in Negros Oriental, and that the killings in the last few months cannot be classified as such.

Atty. Marco Castillano, acting provincial election supervisor for Negros Oriental, said that at this time, it is difficult to find a person who is not supporting a candidate.

As such, any incident will tend to be linked as election-related because it would involve the supporter of a particular candidate.

It also does not help that videos on social media from unnamed sources point the blame for violent incidents to the camps of two of the four gubernatorial candidates.

Who can credibly determine whether such incidents are electionrelated or not?

Atty. Castillano says only the Philippine National Police – not the politicians -- has the expertise for that.

So far, the police are blaming communist terrorists or personal grudges or misunderstandings for the killings in Negros Oriental.

The PNP says Negros Oriental is still safe for election-related activities, which is a necessity for the holding of safe, clean, and honest elections.

In the absence of positive findings classifying incidents as politicallymotivated, politicians should avoid jumping to conclusions, and playing victim, lest the public might be discouraged from exercising their right to vote.

The Comelec’s advice for the candidates rings true: Tone down the rhetoric.

BEN S. MALAYANG III

my take

F

oods tell stories of people. They say, “We are what we eat”, but foods are more than what they do to a person. They affect the progress of civilizations.

They shape human history.

Alimentary needs and culinary tastes have affected social and political dynamics. The quality and kind of foods being eaten by people have defined their placements in social ladders. Social laddering has bred tensions across societies.

Sourcing foods has created conflicts many times in many places.

The impact of foods in human history is explained in Nutzenadel and Trentmann (eds), Food and Globalization: Consumption, Markets, and Politics in the Modern World (Berg Publishers, 2008).

Linking foods and history is environment. William McNeil shows this in his classic The Rise of the West (University of Chicago Press, 1964). Europeans in the 16 th to 17 th century, having

ALEX REY V. PAL Publisher & Editor-in-Chief IRMA FAITH B. PAL Managing Editor JOEL V. PAL Online News/North America Editor RICHLI D. AVES Cartoonist 2018 National Awardee: Best in Photojournalism 2017 National Awardee: Best in Photojournalism 2017 Best in Visayas: Best in Photojournalism, Best Editorial Page, Best Edited Community Newspaper 2016 Best in Visayas: Best in Photojournalism, Best in Environment Reporting, Best Editorial Page, Best Edited Community Newspaper 2007 National Awardee: Best Editorial Page The MetroPost has business and editorial offices at Scoobys Bldg., Real St., Dumaguete City Tel: (035) 420-5015. Mobile: 0918-9400-731 Email: UnitownPublishing@gmail.com Website: www.metropost-online.com The MetroPost is published by the UniTown Publishing House. All rights reserved. Subject to the conditions provided by law, no article or photograph published by the MetroPost shall be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part without its prior written consent. The views expressed in the opinion pieces are those of the Columnists, and not necessarily of the Editors and the Publisher.

acquired a taste for spiced foods, fanned out into many parts of the world in search of condiments and exotic victuals in places where environmental conditions (soils, climates, biodiversity) allow them to grow and to thrive.

It led to their dominating places and people that had the foods or the sources of the ingredients they desired, like the Dutch in Indonesia, the English and French in Africa,

food, like water. Water is necessary to produce food, and fresh- and salt-water bodies contain many sources of food.

So, people fight over water.

There’s continuing tension between Sudan, Egypt, and other countries along the Nile over how much water each one draws from it for their farms.

In the Mekong, China’s intention to build dams in its upper streams has caused tensions in Laos, Thailand,

and the English in Sri Lanka and India.

These resulted to wars to suppress resistance and competition. It led to people being colonized, to traditional governance being mangled or dismantled, to trading regimes becoming arenas for vicious power play, and to learning and other political, social, economic and cultural institutions being changed and reshaped.

People fight over food and over what it takes to produce

Cambodia, and Vietnam because their agriculture and fisheries depend on this river.

Turkey, Iraq and Syria many times almost went to war over the Euphrates which irrigate their farms. So has India and Nepal over the Ganges.

It’s been said that Israel isn’t likely to give up the Golan Heights because it’s the largest watershed in the area, and a key environmental support system for its northern region agriculture.

Foods, environment, and history

JG UMBAC

THE WAY IT IS

A Member, Philippine Press Institute

beniiim@icloud.com

I’m not surprised by references to food being among Russia’s interests in Ukraine.

That it’s invading Ukraine because, among others, Ukraine has vast grain fields, and the country has the biggest area of arable lands in northern Europe.

The Dnieper River irrigates many parts of the country. It also irrigates Crimea which has been recently annexed by Russia. Crimea depends on the Dnieper for its agriculture, and Ukraine had threatened to control its flow to Crimea.

Ukraine was among Hitler’s interests in pushing eastward during World War II. It’s said that Hitler redirected large infantry and panzer units from pushing toward Moscow, to first secure the grain fields of Ukraine Competition for fisheries has led to conflicts like for cod in the northern Atlantic, for salmon and lobster in the Bering Sea, and elsewhere like in the Flores Sea, the Caribbean, and, of course, nearer home, in the South China Sea. Many human conflicts – in family tables, communities, and countries – seem to be about foods, or about having food, or about environments that produce food.

Many institutional and regulatory innovations have

bjplug@gmail.com

nd so my confidence in VaxCertPh was renewed when the Integrated Provincial Health Office helped with uploading my booster shot into the system. And it came at a time when travel restrictions had been dropped.

Vaccination cards are the only things required now to travel within the Philippines, but having a record online is the ultimate assurance, just in case.

I never imagined that a trip to Manila was long overdue for me but this time, it really was.

What with her having waited for me in Manila for a good two years and eight months because of the pandemic and some other things. Sadly, there was no way that I could have communicated with her, and even if I could have, she would have never known that I did.

I was excited about buying my ticket to Manila. I had that familiar feeling of gaiety, knowing that I could then start counting the days until I saw her again. I was already missing her something fierce, a

feeling hard to describe to just anyone. Only those who have experienced her, or another like her, would be receptive enough to understand. Just seeing her, her curves, the sheen on her skin, and oh, that front end, would make anyone drool.

I remember people’s gazes falling on us whenever we were together. I kind of

In 2019 when I left her in Manila, I had paid someone to run her documents so she could be cleared to be in the Philippines. The effort was interrupted because of the redundance of specific requirements that could only be fulfilled by them physically handling her, but they had no access to her, nor did I want them to have that access. So

Together again

relished the feeling I got from that. Oh, I miss her!

While I was full of anticipation and hope that I could make it back to Dumaguete within just a week with her in tow, I was also full of doubt that it would ever happen that way. I knew I was going there with a purpose, and my every move would be done to accomplish something each time, but, unfortunately, I would also be relying on other people’s services.

That itself shouldn’t present a problem, if not for the fact that I am talking about government people.

the effort came to a grinding halt. It could only resume once I returned to Manila.

After a few months, I returned on a flight from Los Angeles to Manila to Dumaguete. It was just as well because there were some things that I had to leave in Dumaguete before I could return and move freely in Manila.

Unfortunately, the pandemic happened, and the country was locked down. It really wouldn’t have mattered then if I was already in Manila because everything was suspended anyway.

TO PAGE 6

After that, when restrictions were eased up a little, quarantines and RTPCR tests were still in place, creating such unprecedented nuisance to travelers. Besides through all that, only a handful were authorized to travel, and I couldn’t have been, for my purpose.

Toughing it out all that time was the only thing I could do until recently, when restrictions were lifted. On the day of my flight, inside the terminal, it was almost like we never went through a pandemic, everything was just normal to me, except for the now-familiar masks.

As soon as the main landing gear was off the ground, visions of her came rushing in. I could feel the thumping in my chest.

It was only interrupted by thoughts of those government people who had time-delaying powers.

What if they said, “Your papers are not in order,” stamping the documents INCOMPLETE? Nah, that can’t be because my runner would have already told me that, I thought.

That gave me a little charge of confidence once more.

When I got to my cousin’s house (where I left her, I could now disclose), I was reluctant to take a look at her. Instead, I went inside, greeted my cousin and her two sisters who were visiting her. We talked, but I wasn’t all there because my

TO PAGE 8

MetroPost

M

irishauthormichaelcassidy@gmail.com

lujanaherrenauw7@gmail.com

Prelate halts reading of mass intentions of election bets Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete on Friday called on parish priests to stop the reading of mass intentions of political candidates in the May 9 elections to prevent the use of the church as a campaign advertising venue.

“It has come to my attention

that during this time when elections are fast approaching, local candidates offer mass intentions in the effect that their names are announced repeatedly,” he said in his letter to the clergy.

Cortes went on to say that this “apparently (is) a means of advertising and name recall”.

The prelate told the media that his decision comes following a meeting with the Diocese’s Circle of Discernment the past Wednesday.

Effective Saturday, April 2, mass commentators in all churches and chapels in the Diocese of Dumaguete will no longer be allowed to use

the public address systems in reading all mass intentions.

The reading of the mass intentions may be done privately in the sacristy, or semiprivately on the commentator’s ambo, but without using the microphones.

The Bishop also asked that intentions be edited “for brevity and propriety so as not to make their reading an occasion to disparage an opponent”.

H e a l s o reminded the priests and religious that as elections are drawing near, “Let us be more assiduous in teaching our faithful the Church’s moral principles regarding politics”.

The reminders to the people include not selling their votes, being guided by their conscience in voting, and choosing those who uphold the motto of MakaDiyos, Maka-tao, Makakalikasan, at Makabayan, which the Church adopted as guiding principles for the elections.

“Vote-selling may be enjoyed in three days, but may also mean three years of suffering from bad governance and corruption,” the 65-yearold Prelate said.

He told the clergy, “Starting with ourselves, let us urge our faithful to pray unceasingly in these times when evil manifests its many ugly faces, destroying individuals, families, and even nations”. (PNA Judy FloresPartlow)

5

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

HearHerNow And the prize? A lifechanging testimony, that is your own personal witness of the absolute truth.

Then our Living Prophet’s voice even Pres. Russell M. Nelson echoes the words in my ears, when he said, “Regardless of what others may say or do, no one can ever take away a witness borne to your heart and mind about what is true...”

Truly, there is clearly no need for us to wonder about what is true, for we are all bound to receive personal revelations as we prayerfully ask for one.

Last Year, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints celebrated faith as we commemorated our 60th year in the Philippines, and unveiling the First Vision statue in the most sacred way possible.

It was edifying and humbling. I will always be grateful for Joseph Smith’s humble prayer that led to revealing so many mysteries in the most simple and profound way that even a child can understand.

Jadon and I rejoice in each other’s realizations as we constantly and diligently search for the truth. Night and day, line upon line, precept upon precept.

And this is our powerful testimony: That more than being a God, He is our Father in Heaven. That even He, as God, was subject to pain when His only Begotten Son was to go through the perfect Atonement, and this was divinely-appointed because they love us.

OPINION

MICHAEL O’RIORDAN

LUJANA CIARRA ROMERO-HERRENAUW

y husband Jadon and I just had a wonderful exchange of thoughts and realizations about God. He shared that growing up, he had always thought God was strict, and did not tolerate even the slightest error. That if any of us transgressed, we were going to be punished extremely on our tiptoes.

On the other hand, I also shared that I had always thought and knew of God as a distant One, like having a huge gap between us and Him. My primitive relationship with God was comparable to that of Alladin and the genie in the bottle, merely recognizing God when I needed Him, and having no personal relationship nor any affection towards each other.

We also realized that these happened to be other people’s opinion as well. Opinions that they, too, just heard from other people. And was passed down from generation to generation.

Yet, robbed us from actually realizing for ourselves that more than anything else, God is Our Heavenly Father.

Yes, Our Father in Heaven who loves us, and who knows us dearly and individually by name. And what a great privilege that is for all of us to realize.

I was humbled when I first truly realized this sweet truth, as the Holy Ghost confirmed it to me when I sought to study the Scriptures.

I found a huge difference between knowing a truth that was passed down across generations versus actually knowing the truth as you choose to seek it for yourself.

APRIL 3 - APRIL 9, 2022

That when Jesus Christ was being crucified, Heavenly Father must have ran away to the farthest part of the Universe to hide himself from hearing the pain of His Son. That He condescended as a God because He willingly submitted Himself, and went through the sacrifices so as He can understand us, and know how to succor us, and ultimately, intercede for us.

All because He loves us.

Teardrops will always be present when I vicariously imagine how such divine event transpired.

We testify that we are never far away from Them. They live!

And are always in our midst.

They continue to heal broken hearts, and continue to redeem us from our infirmities.

And if we need to feel them extra closer, or especially want to hear Them open a scripture, read and ponder, then listen to the still, small voice that your heart will feel.

We bring Heaven extra closer to us as we prayerfully find time to do so.

It was a wonderful conversation between me and my husband. Moments we live for, and will forever treasure.

As a couple, our convictions are strongly influenced by the belief and principle that if we build our life on the Savior’s gospel, we will not fall.

For as our Savior said, ...yea upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.

(D&C33:13) Of these I humbly and gladly testify, in the name of Our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

LGUS....FROM P. 3 University, among others, has been established to help capacitate the LGUs, she said.

Members of the Association of Negros Oriental Public Information Officers attended the forum to help in the dissemination of the Mandanas ruling, and to raise public awareness and understanding of the full devolution of powers and resources to the LGUs. (Judy F. Partlow/ PNA) DAGYAWAN....FROM P. 2 hearts of the people in Region

7,” Trovela said.

Apart from dialogues and fora, officials from NTFELCAC also conducts the Serbisyo caravan that provides various services and assistance to village folks.

Since 2019, DILG-7 has spearheaded the conduct of Dagyawan sa Barangay in insurgency-affected villages through the Basic Services Cluster chaired by the agency, and with the active participation of the provincial government of Negros Oriental and the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict led by Gov. Roel Degamo, who is now the Regional Peace and Order chair.

Apart from Dagwayan activities, the town hall-type of listening tool of the government was also conducted in Bohol and Cebu.

Meanwhile, the DILG-7 reported that 515 ELCACrelated projects worth P5.4 billion were endorsed to the Regional Development Council, Regional Peace and Order Council, Regional Task Force 7-ELCAC, National Task Force-ELCAC, and Department of Budget & Management.

Dagyawan is coined from a Hiligyanon term which means bayanihan or togetherness. (John Rey Saavedra)

KILKEE, IRELAND -- Before leaving Dumaguete on March 18th, I decided this would be my final visit to Ireland. I jokingly called it my farewell tour.

After taking 31 hours to get here, I was more convinced than ever it would be my final visit. An inability to sleep for the following two weeks confirmed the wisdom of that decision.

I’d left from Sibulan airport at 11 am, and arrived in Manila, then waited many long hours for a Qatar Airlines flight to Doha airport. Eight hours of flight time saw us gently land in Qatar.

Doha has been named the best airport in the world.

With the upcoming soccer competition soon happening in Qatar, that claim will soon be well-tested. This airport has many conveniences including separate resting rooms for men and women. I lay on a couch and enjoyed a deep meditation.

A nine-hour flight saw the giant airplane fully loaded with passengers, effortlessly land at Heathrow Airport in London. I’ve nothing but compliments for Qatar airlines. It’s no wonder they’re consistently named the world’s best airline.

There was a wait of another eight hours before I got a connecting flight to Ireland. By now, thoroughly disorientated, I hired a car at Shannon Airport, and headed to Kilkee. It was a short drive to this seaside resort of my childhood summers, to a place of safe, innocent memories. ***** It was here where I met

Mick R. who is my closest life friend. It’s relevant we’ve known each other for over 60 years. I’d previously met Mick in 2018 during my roundthe-world trek. These brief encounters are precious to me, and also, I believe, for Mick.

Back in 2018, I’d noted Mick occasionally forgetting parts of our conversation, then repeating what he’d said only minutes before. Now it had become more pronounced.

Mick acknowledged dementia was becoming an increased problem for him.

On a positive note, he’s been given low-cost housing

A final visit which is necessary because of his modest pension. I asked him how he could possibly live on such a small amount. His answer humbled me. “Because I’ve no other option. But now, with this home, I’m fine.” His smiling response was classic Mick.

After a long day of reminisces and unrestrained laughter, next morning we said goodbye. It was painful to know I’d never again meet this unique person. I love Mick like he’s my brother. How does one adequately say goodbye to one’s closest friend in this life?

I slowly drove away, and watched him fading in my mirror. Soon, he disappeared from my view, and from my life. ***** My next meeting was with Ken and Pat. The three of us were very close when growing up. While I’d talked my way onto a Dutch fishing vessel

and disappeared from Ireland to work on fishing trawlers in the North Sea, Ken and Pat remained. They never left Ireland, or even our home town of Limerick.

When they walked into the restaurant, the clocks on our lives were effortlessly turned back. Ken and Pat had distinguished themselves in various ways.

Both are, allegedly, happily married to the same fine woman all their lives. Both had played rugby for Munster, while Pat also played many times for Ireland. He went on to become Irish rugby manager, and had, until recently, been a major force in world rugby management.

Pat’s building empire went bankrupt resulting in him owing the Irish taxpayers a quarter of a billion euros. Yes, that’s billion, not million. But now he’s again successful financially through new development projects after exiting bankruptcy in 2020. He borrowed a half million euros from a rugby friend, then paid that sum to the Irish revenue authorities, was discharged from bankruptcy, and became free to again conduct business.

Isn’t the capitalist system wonderful for some?

Ken owns one of the most successful car dealerships here in Ireland. He achieved that beginning with zero capital or social contacts, so I’ve immense respect for his achievements.

After dinner, when I returned from the comfort room, Ken suddenly asked, “What’s your greatest regret in life?” A strange question to

TO PAGE 6

DIANA BANOGON-BUGEYA

PEOPLE’S CORNER dianabugeya@gmail.com

M

y fascination with the current political arena has not abated. It’s hard to look away, so much going on. Every few hours, another item of political interest hits the airwaves, so I look and listen.

Two segments to an interview President Duterte gave in the month of March 2022 caught my eye. The second segment to the interview is what gave me the impetus to analyse the intent behind the interview, and what this then meant for the content of the first segment.

Duterte had an interview on March 12 with Sonshine Media Network International which Inquirer.net then picked up,

The President then enumerates three qualities needed: compassionate, decisive and knowledgeable, and a good judge of character.

On decisiveness and knowledge alone, one candidate definitely strikes out. The same candidate who would not subject himself to the rigour of debates – those that require in-depth knowledge of many subjects, debates that have a way of showcasing indecisiveness through answers that meander, and do not come to any real point. Or using deflection by attacking someone else’s position without making it really clear what one’s position is on an issue.

In a different interview,

climbing, white-water rafting, canoeing, skiing -- I was one of their designated drivers. I typically had six young boys and girls, all teenagers, in my van. When they were not asleep, they would talk about many of the issues that plagued them: over-strict parents, unfair teachers, bully in the school yard -- typical teenage-angst talk.

I never said a word unless asked for my opinion -- which was rare. I often would tell them of a person I knew, and what this person did to handle the situation. I never said, “This is what you should do.”

More often than not, after each trip, at the dinner table, I would bring up the subject or

Should we read between the lines?

and reported on. Mawalan ka ng stamina: Duterte calls those aspiring to be president as ‘foolish’.

He cited the challenges on the job, including late nights reading documents.

I doubt he believes he was foolish, but he’s certainly being realistic in letting everyone know what he has to do as President.

He said he tends to spend time reading documents before signing them, even if they have gone through an initial review.

I presume he means ‘by others’.

Certainly, the mark of a good statesman.

In the same March 12, interview, he gave broad hints about his preferred successor.

Although he has yet to endorse a candidate to replace him, he describes his ideal successor as a lawyer who is compassionate, one who is pro-people.

Only two of the current 10 Presidential candidates are lawyers: Vice-President Leni Robredo being one of the two.

Duterte suggested the choice of an Ilocano to be in Malacañang.

And only Marcos Jr. fits this bill.

But in November 2021, Duterte called Jr. a weak leader, a spoiled child.

Why the turnabout? Is he toying with the Ilocanos as if in a dare?

In the meantime, is Duterte trying to tell the rest of us something? Does he want us to read between the lines? My gut tells me yes.

Allow me to digress a little and, hopefully, you’ll understand why. My success as a Venturer leader, if I am to believe my children and their friends who were with the 132nd Toronto Scout group in Canada, was that I did not lecture them at any time they were with me.

Venturers are the teenage Scouts, age 15 - 17, typically the most rebellious age group amongst teenagers. Rebellious especially if lectured to.

On our many outdoor trips -- camping, hiking, rock

subjects discussed in our long van rides and, again, using the “this person handled it this way” technique, provided counsel to those Venturers through my boys.

The counsel was so much better received from my sons, than had it come from me directly.

One of the benefits to this technique is that my boys learned to be great communicators, and have a high degree of emotional intelligence.

So back to Duterte’s preelection day interviews. He insists he will not weigh in on any one candidate unless it is absolutely necessary. And yet in his interviews, he spells out his criteria for a good President, and also warns of the demands on a President.

Only one of the many Presidential candidates meets all his criteria -– Leni Robredo.

And when it comes to meeting the taxing demands

TO PAGE 8

MetroPost

APRIL 3 - APRIL 9, 2022

6 MY TAKE....FROM P. 4

been prompted by the need to reduce and retard conflicts over foods.

Laws, consumer standards, treaties, contracts, alliances, and all sort of local and international public and private agreements and policies have evolved because of the need to reduce or manage tensions arising from competition and conflicts over food and food sources.

Technologies and techniques have been developed to manage food production, distribution, and safety. Settled agriculture was a technical innovation from hunting-gathering. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are recent innovations to grow more food.

And there’ve been technologies like satellites to monitor weather to help farmers make good planting and harvest decisions. And, yes, technologies to better equip militaries to wage wars when necessary to secure national food supplies and sources.

It could be said that deep down, history is a story of people, and of their need for food, and of their preferences for certain foods.

The never-ending quest for food grown in different environmental conditions across the world is perhaps how food has shaped human history.

DENR....FROM P. 3 glass pulverizer, bioshredder, and biocomposters from DENR. Meanwhile, Paquito Melicor Jr., regional executive director of DENR Central Visayas, said he was inspired by how the City managed to close the open dumpsite in March last year, and was able to establish the MRF in a short time.

The DENR had repeatedly sent closure notices to the City government to shut down the open dumpsite in barangay Candauay, which had been operating for about 30 years, despite it being outlawed in the country, and to establish the mandated sanitary landfill instead.

While the City could not yet find a suitable place for the sanitary landfill, Remollo instead established the MRF to attend to Dumaguete’s garbage collection woes.

The facility not only segregates garbage but also treats them to prevent the emergence of infectious diseases.

The DENR officials toured around the facility to view the machines operating inside the City MRF, including a pyrolysis gasification equipment that turns solid wastes into construction materials like hollow blocks, bricks and pavers; plastic shredder and densifiers. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)

OUTSIDE....FROM P. 5

ask, I thought. My immediate reaction was, “I view regret as a form of self-pity, so don’t usually give it an audience.”

But after some deliberation, I told Ken my greatest regret.

His immediate response: “I don’t believe you!”

While the evening was enjoyable and pleasant overall, it lacked significant depth and intimacy, at least for me. Regardless, the lads enthusiastically insisted we must meet again. We won’t.

When we said goodbye, they nearly crushed my hand with their machismo handshakes. I was interested to observe our farewell had been significantly less difficult for me than the one with Mick R. ***** Next day, I stayed with my niece Ruth and her delightful family. During the night, only four blocks away in this usually quiet middleclass neighborhood, a man murdered his younger brother, then tried to kill his father by knifing him to death. Heavy alcohol use was involved. Yet another family was destroyed because of alcohol abuse, the curse of the Irish people. ***** I’m must now say I’m nervous being here in Ireland.

In earlier times, my concerns would have been political.

Today it’s CoViD-19. I’m concerned about the sudden reintroduction of a complete lockdown. If that happens, I could be struck here for another year or more. I’ve some business matters to take care of. Immediately that’s done, I’ll be gone. ***** Despite medical professionals begging the Irish community to always wear masks, few do it. Perhaps, after two years of restrictions, they’re simply exhausted.

At 8am one morning, I did something silly but felt compelled to do it. I stood outside the entrance to a busy store and gas station near my sister’s home. I offered a face mask to anyone who didn’t have one. The response was a mixture of thank you and quizzical looks. A few asked why I was doing it. “Why not?” was my answer.

It was a gesture as useless as throwing a drop of water onto a roaring forest fire. But at least I did something, regardless of its triviality. Eventually, 100 people had taken my face masks. Hopefully, some actually wore them. ***** My final visit was with my wonderful nephew Patrick and his accomplished artist wife

Tina. I drove over from Cork City to Baltimore, then waited for the ferry across to Sherkin Island (population 100). The brief trip would take only 20 minutes.

Apart from myself, there was only a woman with a baby in her arms, and three obnoxious children running around, shouting unrestrained.

I was annoyed at the level of noise the unsupervised children were making. Their mother seemed preoccupied.

She was also limping.

I was annoyed to discover this woman and her noisy children were staying at the same place I was. I hoped they’d quieten down from their hyperactive behavior.

Impatiently, I asked the owner who they were.

“She’s from the Ukraine, was injured in the Russian bombing.

She arrived here yesterday as a refugee after finally escaping with thousands of other civilians. She’s alone here on the island with her children. Her husband, who’s a civilian, is in the frontline in Kiev fighting against the Russian army.”

I retreated to my room and, in welcome darkness, lay fully clothed on my cosy bed, while repeatedly shaking my head.

Eventually, I drifted into an uncomfortable, temporary sleep.

70 Rizal Blvd., Dumaguete City Tels. 225-7725, 422-9209, 225-4488 UPHOLD TRUTH....FROM P. 3 dignity, even in our dealings with those with whom we disagree,” she said. “The erosion of civility is a sure sign of a weakening in democratic institutions.”

Participate in politics Dr. McCann encouraged the public to exercise the right to suffrage, saying: “You, registered voters, must go out, and vote on election day, and make your vote count.”

She also urged members of the academic community, especially the students, to participate in political activities, and be guided by the motto, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”. She said John 14:6 should be “key to how we exercise our civic responsibilities, and not just at election time.”

“The University is pledged to be non-partisan.

The administration, its officers, and anyone officially representing the University is not to be directly involved in political campaigning; however, as citizens of the Philippines, everyone should exercise our civic duties and responsibilities. Each is free to participate in political campaigns as individuals, not as representatives of the University -- which must remain neutral,” President McCann reminded. (SU OIP) NOTICE

NIGHT TIME BILL

EXPORT PAYMENT TO ME

The public is hereby informed that LUCENA ENOT-DAMASO and BERNALOU E. DAMASO, both of Tanjay City, have executed an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AND SALE over a motor vehicle registered in the name of deceased BERNARDINO JR. BALDEJERA DAMASO, particularly a Model 2018 NISSAN NAVARRA 2.5 EL Utility Vehicle Pickup with Engine No. YD25777033T, Chassis No. MNTCC2D23Z0041266 Color Savanna Orange with Plate No. FAE 4861 with MV File No. 0601-00000530010 and Reg. Cert. No. 326795490 and sold to TOTSHI E. INFANTE of Dumaguete City on March 21, 2022 in Dumaguete City, which is registered as Doc. No. 156, Page No. 33, Book No. VI Series of 2022 in the Notarial Register of Atty.

Louie A. Rastica.

My total bill for a month: Not P30,000 but only P1,325.

MetroPost 2022 March 27 • April 3 • April 10 NOTICE The public is hereby informed that REBECCA T. PORPIO, JONATHAN T. PORPIO and JULIUS T. PORPIO, all of Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, have executed an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF DONATION over the properties registered in the name of MANUEL A. PORPIO and REBECCA T. PORPIO particularly a parcel of land in Tanjay City described under Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-19906 on May 31, 2021 in Tanjay City, which is registered as Doc. No. 462, Page No. 94, Book No. IV Series of 2021 in the Notarial Register of Atty. Reynil C. Arcide.

MetroPost 2022 March 20 • March 27 • April 3

My electric bill would normally be P30,000 per month.

Because I sell electricity to NORECO all day, while powering my home, the Electric Co-op owes me enough kwarta to pay for my electric consumption at night!

NO BATTERIES

This is Net-Meter, Grid-Tied Solar Call for a free estimate.

Jeff Davis, CEO

VISAYAN SOLAR SERVICE Mobile: 0919-491-4041

fb.me/visayansolarservice thesolarguyjeffdavis@gmail.com visayansolarservice.com

Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court of the Philippines 7th Judicial Region Branch 35 Dumaguete City In re: Petition for the issuance of new Owner’s Duplicate Original Copy of Original Certificate of Title No. 16160, covering Lot No. 920, Sibulan cadastre

Cadastral Case No. 2022-5163

Pepito D. Fontelo, Petitioner x---------------------------------------------------/ ORDER A verified Petition was filed with this Court by Petitioner Pepito D. Fontelo through counsel Atty. Achilles Arturo S. Umbac Jr., praying that upon due notice and hearing, an Order be issued directing the Register of Deeds of Negros Oriental to issue an Owner’s Duplicate Copy of Original Certificate of Title No. 16160, covering Lot No. 920, Sibulan cadastre upon payment of the required fee.

The Petition shall be heard on June 28, 2022 at 10:00 in the morning at the Session Hall of this Court, at which place, date and time, any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, why the prayer in the Petition should not be granted.

At Petitioner’s expense, let this Order be published once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in this Province and its component cities.

Likewise, let this Order be posted by the Branch Sheriff at the bulletin boards of this Court, the Office of the Clerk of Court, the Provincial Capitol of Negros Oriental, the Municipal Hall of Sibulan in Negros Oriental, and at the Barangay Hall of Magatas, Sibulan in Negros Oriental where the parcel of land is situated.

So ordered. This 18th day of February, 2022 in Dumaguete City, Philippines.

Glenda J. Yee-Uymatiao Presiding Judge MetroPost 2022 March 20 • March 27 • April 3

R E S T A U R A N T

Rizal Blvd. cor. San Jose St., Dumaguete City For TAKE-OUT. We also DELIVER. Please call:

0928-776-7213 • (35) 225-4491 • (35) 522-1965

MetroPost

APRIL 3 - APRIL 9, 2022

7

AllToGetHer all-women exhibit until Apr. 8

In celebration of International Women’s Month in March, the Network of Artists in Negros Oriental is showcasing the creativity of Negrosanon women in the field of visual arts at Dakong Balay Art Gallery along the Rizal Boulevard.

Spearheaded by artist Jana Alano-Jumalon, AllToGetHer is an all-women art exhibit committed to creating an avenue for the amplification of the female voice in society.

Although it is an identity-centered event, it veers away from reducing the artwork’s value to its creator’s gender, separating it from broader histories of art. It seeks, rather, to create a convergence of creative exchange, and build a framework for productive networking among these 37 local women artists of Dumaguete.

The women artists said the conception and execution of the event is a “testament to our will and our vision”, of a City “gifted with a vibrant community of practicing women artists”.

“Coming together as a collective, sharing our experiences and our stories, and our art with one another, we have realized how we all are propelled by the same desire: to create and to expand our art’s reach in the locality, and in the larger scene,” the artists said in a statement.

“After all, there is no sweeter experience than to be acknowledged and celebrated.”

They said AllTogetHer offers “not only a demonstration of the celebratory feminine energy but also an opportunity to partake of a diverse collection of visual narrative created and told by women”.

The 37 Negrosanon women artists are: Alta Jia, Portia Nemeño, Bella Alano, Jonee Jibes, Amelia Divino, Lawra Iskra, Blaise Villahermosa, Sarah Ruales, Jo Camille, Karla Rosales, Madeline Roxanne Montaño, Gretchen VillanuevaHeras, Risa Tubio, Mariana Varela, Onna Quizo, Sandy Dupio, Trina Montenegro, Cil Flores, Gerabelle, Dolly Sordilla, Janice Garol, Susan Canoy, Isabel Gutang, Glory Abueva, Shaoi, Skye Benito, Kat Banay, Iris Tirambulo-Armogenia, Jessica Lupisan, Vanessa Gaston, Daisy Tirambulo-Manalili, Faye Mandi, Carmen Del Prado, Dyna Quilnet, Alma Alcoran, Wendy Basilio, and Jana Jumalon.

AllToGetHer runs until Friday, April 8 at Dakong Balay Art Gallery along Rizal Boulevard. (PR)

YATTA trains youth on resilience-building

The Youth Advocates through Theater Arts, with support from terre des hommes-Germany (Southeast Asia), recently conducted a Training of Youth/Peer Support Group Facilitators on Creative Resiliency-Building at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines-Bais City.

More than 20 youth from Dumaguete, Bais, Manjuyod and Tayasan plunged into three days of creative activities to equip them to facilitate workshops for psycho-social support of children, and to build resilience.

The youth participants will hold one-day workshops for children in Olympia in Bais, Manjuyod, and Bindoy. These are some of the most affected communities devastated by typhoon Odette in December 2021.

Facilitated by YATTA senior artist-teachers Earnest Hope Tinambacan and Onna Rhea Quizo, the training is a follow up to relief efforts undertaken by YATTA earlier in February.

As part of the organization’s commitment to serve the children and youth, YATTA distributed child-friendly relief and arts packs to more than 600 children in Bais, Manjuyod, and Bindoy. (YATTA PR)

Participants to a facilitators’ training demonstrate their strengths and capacities for Creative Resiliency-Building.

(Photo by Aldrian Baruc)

EDC....FROM P. 3 gisok, red lauan, kamagong ponce, bagtikan, duguan, narra, kamagong, and molave.

EDC-Negros Corporate Relations head Norreen Bautista and SU Vice President for Development Jane Annette Belarmino led other officials in the planting activity.

“Recognizing our calling to be stewards of creation, we, at Silliman, are committed to the prevention of environmental pollution and a conservation and enhancement of our natural resources and environmental sustainability,” VP Belarmino said.

The University appreciates its collaboration and partnership with EDC, “because of shared vision and goals”, she said.

EDC will provide SU with the native tree seedlings from its priority species, as well as technical assistance in monitoring and maintaining the planted trees.

Belarmino also said the Environmental Learning Resource Center intends to house a multidisciplinary collection of environmentally-relevant best practices, outputs, and programs of the university anchored on conservation awareness and environmental sustainability.

“We intend to put green architecture, demonstration areas, which includes the arboretum, information materials as well as programs that showcase their resource center.

Thus, the significance and relevance of the arboretum project with EDC that strengthens our program on forest diversity, biotechnology, conservation biology, for instruction, research, and extension,” she said.

Bautista, for her part, said the people should celebrate every day the International Day of Forests, which is annually observed on March 21.

“This year’s theme for the International Day of Forests is Forest and Sustainable Production and Consumption. Forests are not just a source of raw materials but as means of absorbing carbon and helping to sustain life on this planet,” Bautista said.

The Binhi Arboretum is just one of the many initiatives of Silliman University to protect the environment.

Recently, SU renewed its power supply contract with EDC for another two years.

PEOPLE’S CORNER

L

et us talk to our children about politics.

All the time. As early as possible. Let’s not wait for when they are 18. Let’s do this starting when they are in Kinder.

Let us teach our children that the quality of the life they live now is a consequence of the decisions made by the politicians whom their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents voted into power.

Ang buhay natin ngayon ay dahil sa mga pinatupad ng administrasyon nila Laurel, Quezon, Osmeña, Magsaysay, Marcos, Macapagal, Aquino, Ramos, etc. Mga ninuno natin bumoto but it is us descendants who either enjoy or suffer the consequences of their past decisions.

That is why let us not ever tell our children any of these: 1. “Bata ka pa. Hindi mo maiintindihan!”

2. “Don’t intrude. Politics is for adults only.”

3. You are not entitled to an opinion regarding politics!”

4. “Wala pa tayo sa panahon ng Martial Law. Wala tayong alam tungkol sa Martial Law, kaya wala tayong karapatan mag comment tungkol dyan!”

(Remember, neither were we around during the time of the founders of major religions but we profess a faith, ano po?)

Our children in these times are smarter than we think.

Also, our children will not become smart at all if we keep them politicallyignorant.

Let us teach our children on the roles of our country’s President, or Vice President, Senator and Congressman, Mayor, Councilors, etc.

Let us teach our children about the qualities and values that our elected officials should have.

Let us not make them blindly vote for who we are voting for — but let us engage them in meaningful conversations. Let us tell

our children our reasons for voting whomever we believe in, and ask for their opinion as well.

Let us engage with them.

Make them think. Make them do their research.

Make them defend their choices. Point out holes in their arguments, if any.

Let us teach our children to demand respect for their opinion, but we have to teach them to work harder to deserve that respect by making sure their opinions are the product of a sterling thought process.

And for heaven’s sake, let us teach our children how to tell fake news from facts!

Let us not teach them any corrupt ways (Kunin natin Ninang si Mayor para may advantage tayo sa contracts, etc.)Corruption, you see, starts at home.

Buti na lang, responsible citizenry can also start at home.

Yen Blanco-Delgado yenb@estmetro.com.ph

ONE WITH GREENING LEGACY. EDC partners and student volunteers from Silliman University take an active role in forest protection and conservation.

It is the only university on Negros Island, and one of the few in the country to be 100 percent-powered by renewable energy.

It is also a pioneer partner of EDC’s recently- launched Net Zero Carbon Alliance that aims to help companies and organizations that have committed to becoming carbon neutral.

The University is also a partner of the EDC-

initiated 10 Million Trees in 10 Years for a Greener Negros Movement that aims to plant, grow, and nurture at least 10 million trees to bring back the forests on Negros Island.

Bautista shared that through collaborative efforts with partners and stakeholders, EDC has completed planting 10 million trees in just six years.

The newly-launched EDC-SU Arboretum is an addition to the 22 arboreta and 163 tree parks that EDC has established to date, together with its almost-200 Binhi partners.

EDC, owned by First Gen Corp., operates the 222.5-megawatt geothermal power plants in Valencia, Negros Oriental. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)

APRIL 3 - APRIL 9, 2022

8

SPORTS and WELLNESS

CEBPAC....FROM P. 2

560 triathletes compete in Dgte on April 10

Five hundred sixty triathletes from around the country will see action here in Dumaguete on Sunday, April 10 when they compete during the 3rd Dumaguete Triathlon.

The Dumaguete Triathlon event is spearheaded by the local government of Dumaguete, through the City Tourism Office, in coordination with the local sports team Larga Biya.

Some of the 560 registered participants include foreigners and elite triathletes. All participants have to present their official fully-vaccinated cards.

According to Race Director Coach Niño Piñero, the swim-bike-run competition has four categories: Standard Distance, Age Group, MTB Open, and Standard-Team Relay Open where the endurance athletes will swim 1.5 kilometers then bike 40 kilometers then run 10 kilometers.

For the bike leg, the organizers have allowed the use of triathlon bikes, road bikes, and mountain bikes (in the MTB Open category).

The designated 40-kilometer bike route is northward to Flores Ave. upto the first turning point in Rovira Road in barangay Bantayan, then bike southward to Perdices St., all the way uphill to J. Romero Road (Valencia road), and left turn to the Dumaguete Circumferential Road in barangay Junob, upto the second turning point in barangay Bajumpandan at the Bacong boundary, and back down to the boulevard/Flores Ave. for a second loop.

“We are proud to have been given the opportunity by the City government to host this event,” said Coach Piñero.

He said preparations for this triathlon event took several months since last year, and was initially open only for 400 triathletes. “But there has been overwhelming support from the triathlon community in the country, so we had to open more slots, and of course, adjust our logistics and marshall support, and plans for security and safety of the athletes and spectators alike,” said Piñero.

He added that Team Larga Biya is also grateful for the Dumaguete-based endurance athletes who have volunteered their time and services to help marshal the event.

According to Recardo Cordova, president of TriONe, there are about 240 volunteers and marshals assigned to monitor the safe conduct of the event, including personnel from the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, the barangay tanods, the City Traffic Unit, and the Philippine National Police headed by City Chief of Police Joeson Parallag.

City Tourism Officer Jacqueline Veloso-Antonio said Emergency Response will be monitored by Incident Command System head Allen Cabaron, together with medics from the City Health Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Red Cross.

“Community effort is making this event possible,” Piñero said.

The Dumaguete Triathlon event was first organized in 2018, and like all other public events, was postponed during the pandemic in 2020.

Gunstart on April 10 for the 1.5K swim event is 6 am at the Pantawan 2 at the south end of Rizal Boulevard; bike route is at the Dumaguete-Bacong Diversion Road; finish line for the 10K run is on Burgos street. Cutoff time is 12 noon.

Republic of the Philippines Regional Trial Court of Negros Oriental Branch 13- Family Court 7th Judicial Region Dumaguete City In the matter of adoption of Niobe Shylle Rafales Abo and the change of his name from Niobe Shylle Rafales Abo to NIOBE SHYLLE CREDO

Special Proceeding No. 2021-5613

Spouses Lyman Capalao Looy and Jovelyn Credo, Petitioners x-----------------------------------------------/ ORDER Petitioners are spouses Lyman Capalao Looy and Jovelyn Credo, both Filipinos, of legal age, and residents of barangay Poblacion, District 3, Dauin, Negros Oriental, and claiming to have all the qualifications, and none of the disqualifications, to adopt. They both desire to adopt Niobe Shylle Rafales Abo. An Affidavit of Consent for Adoption is issued by spouses Ric Christopher T. Abo and Erlyn C. Rafales, biological parents of Niobe Shylle Rafales Abo. Petitioners further pray that upon the grant of this Petition, the name of the Adoptee be changed from Niobe Shylle Rafales Abo to NIOBE SHYLLE CREDO. The Petition is set for hearing on Aug. 25, 2022 at 8:30 in the morning at the session hall of this Court in the Hall of Justice, EJ Blanco Drive, Dumaguete City. Any interested person may appear on said date, time, and place, and show cause why the Petition should not be granted.

The proceedings shall be governed by the Judicial Affidavit Rule.

Petitioners are directed to be ready to present all their witnesses and documentary evidence, as presentation of Petitioners’ evidence should be completed on the scheduled hearing. Failure to do so shall be considered a waiver to present any and all evidence not adduced on the scheduled hearing.

Publish this Order once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Negros Oriental and its component cities. The last publication shall not be within four months before the date of the scheduled hearing. Likewise, let this Order be posted on the bulletin board of this Court at Petitioners’ expense for at least 30 days before the hearing.

Furnish copies of this Order to the Petitioners, the Solicitor General, and the Civil Registrars of Dauin, Negros Oriental and of Dumaguete City, at their given addresses.

SO ORDERED. Given this 3rd day of March 2022, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines.

LEAH P. VILLARUBIA Presiding Judge MetroPost 2022 March 27 • April 3 • April 10

operates thrice weekly while Cebu routes bound for Surigao, Legaspi, Calbayog fly twice weekly. The Davao hub has also restarted its Iloilo and Zamboanga flights thrice weekly.

The airline currently operates 96 percent of its pre-pandemic domestic capacity. The improvement has enabled Cebu Pacific to carry more passengers, and boost its cargo service, which means faster and more efficient movement of goods across its widest domestic network.

Cebu Pacific also celebrated another milestone as it flew its 200 millionth passenger on board one of its 18-times-daily Manila-Cebu flights. This route was the first ever flown by Cebu Pacific back in 1996.

“We are excited to safely fly everyJuan to their destinations so they could reunite with their families and loved ones, or pursue their business interests, or revisit tourist destinations. It is encouraging to see and feel travel confidence returning. We thank our passengers for their continued trust, and we will endeavor to live true to our promise of providing safe, affordable, and accessible air travel for every Juan,” said Lance Gokongwei, president and chief executive officer at Cebu Pacific.

Cebu Pacific continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to spur travel among Filipinos and foreigners alike. Its month-long #CEBSuperSeatFest is still ongoing as part of its anniversary month celebration.

It operates the widest domestic network in the Philippines covering 33 destinations, on top of its 14 international destinations.

Its 74-strong fleet, one of the youngest in the world, includes two dedicated ATR freighters.

It has achieved a seven-star safety rating from airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance. It continues to implement a multilayered approach to safety, while it operates with a 100 percent fully vaccinated crew – all to ensure its every Juan flies safely and conveniently. (PR)

Opthalmologist Dr. Frances Yap conducts a free check-up and reading glasses outreach at the Brgy Pulantubig. Some members of the Environment Coalition that supports the Noto174 Reclamation campaign embarked on a reading glasses outreach for about 30 residents, aged 38 to 65. The fitting of the reading glasses, donated by Dr. Yap and environment advocate Gary Rosales, included the reading of eye charts specially created by Dr. Yap, and the distribution of IEC materials on good governance. (Contributed photo)

THE WAY....FROM P. 4 mind was on Her, all shrouded, protected from dust.

Finally, this time I could not hold my anxiety anymore.

What did she look like after all this time? I had to go find out. I went to the garage, and there she was, all mysteriouslooking, and me feeling like that would be my first time to see her.

My cousin’s driver helped remove the nylon cloth cover.

As we pulled the last inch off her, I gasped in utter surprise— she was still so clean and ever so beautiful.

Then the driver said, “I’ve been cleaning her, sir.” Bless his heart for being so kind to her.

Then the moment of truth was to follow. Will she turn over? I was confident she would because she was hooked up to a battery tender. I turned the key, and pushed the button, and then my heart sank. She would not turn over, and there were no dash lights—the battery was dead. It must have died from old age because the tender was still working.

Being in Manila, it was easy to find the exact battery for her.

All they had to know was that she was a BMW R1200RT, and her age, of course.

I had two choices of stores, one in Caloocan, and one in Quezon City. The driver took me to the one in QC because it was closest to us. Getting back, I hooked up the battery, crossed my fingers, and pushed the start button.

To my amazement, she started right up, like she was never asleep for all that time.

She purred and then I gradually blipped the throttle to check for sluggishness. There was none. I give credit to Chevron with Techron gas, and Mobil 1 oil, what she had leaving the States. I know that here in the Philippines now, she would enjoy Shell V-Power gasoline.

The next thing was to take her to the Highway Patrol Group headquarters in Camp Crame to get cleared. There was someone there I knew.

We started out early from Las Piñas, me following the driver in a car as I don’t know my way in Manila.

Getting there too early, I waited an hour before the process could begin. I wish they had a map of the steps to take.

I mostly relied on information I could get from talking to the people there.

First step was to take a piece of paper, and go to Landbank on base to pay the fee. My friend had someone do that for me.

Once paid, the etching (stenciling) could be done. Of course, the stencil man was late, blurting out excuses as he

METROPOST EDITORIAL / ADVERTISING

approached us. Two stencils had to be taken from the chassis and engine.

The chassis number was partially covered by the tank bag bracket so it had to be removed. Surprisingly, it being a National HPG HQ garage, they had no tools whatsoever.

Luckily, I had the tool in the bike’s tool bag. To make a long story short, it was done, and the documents were ready for processing.

I had to wait for an hour and a half for the clearance.

They told me the bike had to be verified with InterPol as ‘not stolen’. When I got the clearance, that was one hell of an anxiety relief.

But another one started.

It was time to go to the main Land Transportation Office in QC for the registration. I feared I couldn’t get the registration done that day, or that week, and my fear was multiplied as soon as we entered the LTO compound.

Someone told me to follow the sign that says “Diliman,” and there was such a sign.

As I entered that little side street inside their compound, I thought that maybe I made a mistake. This place looked like it was on the edge the slums. There were vendors on the sides. And fixers, in total disregard of the posters warning people against them.

The LTO employees seemed not to mind. I can only say that it looked like a scary place.

Well, anyway, it turned out to be the wrong building. I was supposed to go to the East building.

I moved, and as soon as I got there to park, a security guard told me that a Marites was coming out to fetch me, and escort me inside. So strange, I thought, that she already knew I was there.

Then I faced the guard squarely, and told him that if ‘Marites’ was a fixer, he had better get lost. He left with nary a word.

Strangely, I didn’t have much of a problem at the LTO, except that I was annoyed at the number of people doing the same thing. It seemed to me like they could do with just half of them. But what the hell, the government is paying for that waste, right? We are paying for that waste!

What was surprising is that I got it done that day! The inspection was quick. The smog check was super quick at about one second. Really! I even had a license plate number issued, and the actual plate would come out end of June.

In contrast, the scooter I bought at Du Ek Sam in Dumaguete two years ago still

Tel. (35) 420-5015, 0918-9400-731

Cebu Pacific CEO Lance Gokongwei welcomes on board their 200 millionth passenger who was flying from Manila to Cebu, and rewarded him with unlimited domestic flights for a year. doesn’t have an assigned plate!

There was just a little bomb at the end of all that—the lady said their system was down, and if I could pick up the OR/ CR the next day. What other choice did I have?

I picked it up the next day, Friday. It still gave me a sigh of relief because, as I was prepared for the worst, it turned out relatively easy.

So I booked myself and the bike with 2Go Shipping. As I bought the ticket for myself, I was told to register online, and get an S-Pass, which I did.

When I left the bike at the pier on Saturday, to be prepped for loading on Monday, the scheduled departure, my S-Pass application was still pending. Other passengers from Zamboanga said theirs were approved in 10 minutes.

Negros Oriental, what’s going on?

Upon my return to Dumaguete, I went to the Governor’s office to find out who actually approves these applications for S-Pass. Then I learned that the Province does not require them anymore, and that everyone concerned were informed.

The question arises whether the Province has sent out official communiques to all regarding that. They said they did, but 2Go just hasn’t updated. But it’s strange that 2Go would inform passengers that Cebu does not require them. How do they know about Cebu, and not Negros Oriental?

With the way it is in our country, it is sad that I can only attribute smooth transactions to luck.

Why so? Because others tell of nightmarish experiences.

It’s hard to find out why it is that way.

All I can say is, there is no way I will do this again. I really don’t like government offices where customers wait where it’s hot, while employees unashamedly enjoy the taxpayer-paid air conditioning inside. They could not even provide electric fans!

My only consolation is that we’re together again, my RT and me, and she has her OR/ CR.

PEOPLE’S CORNER....FROM P. 5

on a president, one candidate -- the one supposedly leading in the polls -- strikes me as not being up to this.

Here’s why.

This candidate, Jr., could not complete his degree in Oxford University despite what he says, but was issued a special diploma instead. “The special diploma was not a full graduate diploma, according to Oxford University.” Universities respect confidentiality and privacy, and so will not officially talk about a student’s time with them. But it is public record who their graduates are. The records of two universities that were attended by Jr., -- Oxford University and Wharton School – do not show any Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in their lists of graduates.

By all indications, Jr. is a party animal, and loves the good unfettered life of the rich and famous.

I doubt one can switch from party-mode to read-dozens-ofbriefs-every-night mode in a few months.

Are we going to allow ourselves to be led by a man who, like US Past President Trump, likely only has the energy and attention-span for one-liners on a small presentation package?

What is the quality of the decisions when you do not have the detailed picture -- just short statements on a presentation page?

No such thing as reading 20-page documents just before going to bed.

What is the retention of vital information by such an individual, if forced to read lengthy documents, if all he’s been used to are one-liners?

If I were a betting person, I would bet that Duterte is sending us a message, and it is for us to read between the lines.

For all that President Duterte is, I believe he loves our country, the Philippines. And a good father will not discredit his daughter by outright saying her choice of a running mate is far from ideal.

So, resort to indirect messaging.

This method also works. But only if the undecided or those committed to others, not Leni Robredo, are reading between the lines.

Clever. Deniability intact with personal wish achieved.

Can I be right? My gut tells me yes.

Diana Bugeya dianabugeya@gmail.com

Email: UnitownPublishing@gmail.com