Dumaguete Metropost, May 21, 2023 edition

Schools may decide summer learning mode

School principals have the discretion to decide the best learning mode for their learners during the summer months amid the hot and humid conditions, a key Department of Education (DepEd) official said on Friday.

Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, DepEd 7 (Central Visayas) director, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that “school principals have the discretion to decide what is the best arrangement for their students and each day is different, depending on the current weather conditions.”

He said schools have the option to adopt the Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM), where on some days and at certain hours, the learners come to school and on other days work on their modules from home.

Some schools have implemented such setup, as the heat index has risen to as high as 42 degrees Celsius, the highest heat index recorded on May 17 in Dumaguete City.

However, Jimenez said not all schools in Negros Oriental are undertaking the ADM, based on reports reaching his office and monitoring by the different DepEd district offices.

This is because some schools are situated on higher ground, surrounded by trees and with a cool environment, he added.

Also, some schools have electric fans, which Jimenez said are either procured internally or are donated by parent-teacher associations or kind-hearted individuals.

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Protection assured for victims, relatives

The commanding general of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has vowed protection not just for victims and families of atrocities but for next-of-kin of suspected assailants in the Degamo assassination and other Negros Oriental killings. Salag, Siaton town in Negros Oriental.

Sison said this is part of the continued efforts of the military and police to regain the trust and confidence of the people and restore peace and order in the province, which was shaken following the March 4 assassination of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others.

“We will not abandon Negros Oriental, especially now that we have a very challenging task ahead. We will continue with our operations, checkpoints, and the security of victims as well as the families of the assailants until such time that the situation here in the province normalizes,” Sison said.

Sison heads the Joint Task Force Negros, comprising the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, which was created soon after the Pamplona massacre. Following their surrender,

CoViD-19 Cases in the Philippines

as of May 20, 2023

Confirmed 4,123,636

Recovered 4,040,606

Deaths 66,453

Active Cases 16,577

Population 112,508,994

Source: Worldometers.info

some suspects in the Pamplona massacre had appealed to the military and the police for the safety of their families as they vowed to cooperate in the investigation.

Some families have already been secured by law enforcement agencies.

Sison reiterated that they would protect both the families of victims and suspects caught in the middle of the conflict.

Sison’s statement also comes as the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs has wrapped up its inquiry into the brazen attack against the late governor at his Pamplona residence where he was distributing government aid to beneficiaries.

The Senate hearings also looked into many other killings in Negros Oriental in previous years that are still unsolved to this day.

Meanwhile, the Army general

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Cong. Chiquiting Sagarbarria (4th from left) poses with Sec. Rex Gatchalian (in barong next to him) who was newly-confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Social Work & Development. With Sagarbarria in the Commission of Appointments are (from left): Cong. Abet Garcia, Cong. LRay Villafuerte, Cong. Greg Gasataya, Sen. Loren Legarda, Sen. Grace Poe, Sen. JV Ejercito, Sen. Nancy Binay, Cong. Johnny Pimentel, and PLLO Sec. Dong Mendoza. (Photo by Justinne Marie Real)

Dr. Henry Sojor (2nd from left) together with other officials of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines Negros Oriental and Siquijor Council, light the torch to signify the start of the three-day GSP encampment during its opening ceremonies held on May 12, 2023 at Camp Lily Gamo, Sibulan. (KAT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)

Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, gave the reassurance on Thursday afternoon during

the turnover of command of the Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion at its headquarters in Barangay

NEWS and UPDATES

NegOr negative for African swine fever

The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) has cleared Negros Oriental for African Swine Fever (ASF) after tests on dead pigs in Dauin town last week have tested negative for the dreaded swine disease.

Provincial Veterinarian Belinda Villahermosa presented the laboratory findings of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Central Office in Quezon City during a meeting with hog raisers and suppliers at the Negros Oriental Convention Center here.

The swine deaths in Barangay Maayong Tubig were reported last week from at least three households. Initial investigation showed that some of the pigs were fed with swill by their owners.

Although they were not ASF-related cases,

Army, PNP step up drive vs drugs, gambling

The 302nd Brigade of the Philippine Army and the Police Regional Office 7 on Friday afternoon jointly vowed to step up measures against illegal drugs and illegal gambling, with focus on e-sabong.

Col. Joey Escanillas, brigade commander, and PRO 7 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin held a closed-door meeting at the brigade headquarters in Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City in Negros Oriental, a day after a Senate committee wrapped up its investigation concerning the slaying of Governor Roel Degamo and other killings in the province.

The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs pointed to e-sabong and other illegal activities as the alleged reasons for some murder incidents and political rivalries in Negros Oriental.

Some policemen in Negros Oriental were also implicated in the e-sabong operations tagged as bagmen and were receiving protection money from the illegal activity.

The Philippine Army and PRO7 officials are expected to sign a formal statement condemning e-sabong operations.

They have reassured witnesses in the killings of their safety as they return to Negros Oriental after testifying in the Senate hearings this week. (PNA)

Villahermosa said that there are still some tests to be conducted to determine the cause of their deaths, which could have been triggered either by classical swine fever and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome -- a widespread viral disease that affects domestic pigs.

As this developed, the provincial government is expected to issue a new executive order regarding the regulation on the shipment of pork and byproducts outside of Negros Oriental as the existing pork ban expires on May 18.

Villahermosa also urged the general public and stakeholders “to observe strict biosafety and biosecurity measures” to ensure that the province will continue to remain ASF-free.

Meanwhile, Board Member Woodrow Maquiling, during the same meeting, told hog raisers, backyard farmers, suppliers and other stakeholders that the board will address concerns regarding the seven-day quarantine of transportation used for shipping these animals to the BAI here.

Maquiling said the sevenday period is prescribed for the disinfection of these vehicles to ensure that they are not carrying ASF or any other viruses that would affect pigs and other animals. Veterinary authorities in Negros Oriental are stepping up their surveillance and monitoring of hogs in the province following recent deaths in Dauin town. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)

Improved fishing practices noted

Southern Negros towns and cities have better practices in protecting marine key biodiversity areas than any other local government units in the Philippines.

This is because the saturation of marine protected areas in South Negros is much higher than any other places, explained Dr. Ben Malayang III, principal investigator of Fish Right program.

However, the only problem is the level of investments of the local government units’ (LGUs) capability or the budget to sustain the additional actions for expansion not just having protected areas, said Malayang.

The LGUs are expected to continuously support the Fish Right program after it turned over to local government partners, community organizations and academe working together in five years to protect and sustain the fishers and marine resources in South Negros in a South Negros Fish Right Program Sustainability Handover Event and Exhibit/ Fair at Silliman University here.

“The technologies, techniques, learnings, and innovations we have develop together in the last 5 years which we hope will be sustained for the benefit of our people,” said Malayang.

The program involved 11 coastal cities and municipalities that include Dumaguete City, Bacong, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Bayawan City, and Basay in Negros Oriental province and Hinobaan, Sipalay, and Cauayan in Negros Occidental.

“These LGUs belong to the “marine key biodiversity areas,” of high biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial,” Dr. Hilconida Calumpong, director of the SU Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS) said, adding that biodiversity is important for sustaining fisheries.

Within five years of implementation of the program, women’s groups have been mobilized to produce additional income, from value-adding of fisheries products or fish processing as alternative livelihood.

“There are now more efforts and consciousness to conserve juveniles like ‘atay-atay’ and ‘ngisi-ngisi’ which were not tackled 5 years ago, but now it’s a serious business and we can see the improvement of stock of juveniles in the coastal areas,” said Malayang.

While the commercial and municipal fishers are now have higher involvement in protecting marine resources, they are also trying to improve their livelihood without compromising other opportunities to also earn from fisheries.

In the same activity, Ryder Rogers, environment officer of USAID, noted the huge achievement of Fish Right with

Schoolchildren hold classes inside a Gabaldon-type classroom. (PNA photo)

EDITORIAL

Traffic woes

The City of Dumaguete is taking action on the causes of traffic congestion in Dumaguete City. Last Thursday, it gathered all the parking boys to remind them of their responsibility to keep the sidewalks traffic-free. The move was apparently in compliance with a circular of the Department of Interior and Local Government reminding LGUs of their duty to clean the streets of illegallyparked vehicles.

The DILG has issued several similar orders in the past. There is MC 2020 145, which orders the Local Government Units to remove obstructions or encroachments on the road. Obviously included in this Order are those barricades placed on the road near schools.

It is a welcome sight to see someone enforcing traffic rules. After all, if there is no cooperation from the LGU, the DILG could issue all the Memoranda it wants and nothing will come out of it.

We have enough laws to cover traffic in Dumaguete already but our achilles’ heel is in the matter of enforcement.

For instance, look at the mayhem along Hibbard Avenue when classes are dismissed. That has already been made into a one-way street at certain times, just to allow children to conveniently board their cars when they come out of the gate. At dismissal times at noon and in the late afternoon, cars are parked two aside on one side and parking is also tolerated on the other side. Why can’t the kids walk to the Carlos GoThong Avenue, which has been converted into a big parking facility?

Also, there are barricades on both ends of Burgos Street. It has been designated as a promenade by the City through an Ordinance authored by then Councilor Boloney Perdices. The Ordinance prohibits parking and traffic on that road but allows it at certain hours of the day. Still, the barricades ensure that the general public could not use that road as intended. Only special vehicles are allowed to pass and park there, which is not specified in the Ordinance.

And doesn’t Dumaguete have a truck ban at certain hours of the day?

So yes, any move to decongest our Dumaguete roads is much welcome! We just hope this momentum doesn’t get cold the next moment.

whelmayap@yahoo.com

Haveyou been watching on TV the recent investigation at the Philippine Senate on the murder of the late Gov. Roel Degamo, with collateral damage of nine other victims? Do you have a clear understanding of the process of inquiry being made?

Our democratic system of government has three branches: the executive (headed by the President), the legislative (composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives), and the judiciary (referring to the Supreme Court).

the House of Representatives or any of its respective committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published rules of procedure. The rights of persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected.

In relation to this function, the legislative body is imbued with the power of oversight of all activities undertaken,

regarding executive operations in a given administrative area; 2) scrutiny, primarily intended to determine economy and efficiency of the operation of government activities, exercised through budget hearings, the “question hour” and the power of confirmation; and 3) investigation, which is also known as the “inquiry in aid of legislation”.

power to legislate includes the process to enforce it, grounded on the necessity of information as basis for the legislative process.

Senate investigation primer

Our 1987 Constitution provides for a system of checks and balances to secure coordination in the workings of the various Departments of the government. The Constitution recognizes the power of inquiry of the Senate or of the House of Representatives, in Section 21 of Article VI in the 1987 Constitution : SECTION 21. The Senate or

to enhance its understanding of, and influence over the implementation of legislation it has enacted. The power of oversight has been held to be intrinsic in the grant of legislative power itself, and integral to the checks and balances inherent in a democratic system of government classified as: 1) supervision, which connotes a continuing and informed awareness on the part of a congressional committee

The legislative branch has the right to obtain information from any source -- even from officials of Departments and agencies in the executive branch, and other witnesses to shed light on particular issues, subject of the inquiry. That if a witness is not being truthful, or refuses to disclose facts known to him, he can be punished for contempt, and be held in custody.

Even without express Constitutional provision, the

As information possessed by executive officials on the operation of their offices is necessary for legislation, Congress has the right to that information, and the power to compel its disclosure for the purpose of monitoring bureaucratic compliance with program objectives, determining whether the government agencies are properly administered, eliminating executive waste and dishonesty, preventing executive usurpation of legislative authority, and assessing executive conformity with the congressional perception of public interest. However, this power to investigate is circumscribed by three limitations: a) it must be in aid of its legislative functions; b) it must be conducted in accordance with duly published rules of procedure; and c) the persons appearing there are afforded their constitutional rights, including the right to be represented by counsel, and the right against selfincrimination.

Now you know.

wea_129@yahoo.com

Justa few days ago, there was this hullaballoo on the internet (specifically Facebook) about a Ms. Philippines-Universe contestant who used the outfit of the Sto. Niño as her national costume.

According to her, its her expression of gratitude to the Sto. Niño and her way of demonstrating the intensity of her faith.

While I admire her demonstration of thankfulness and I respect her display and confirmation of faith, I still cannot understand why she has to “mimic” the Sto. Niño.

Recently, there has been a growing trend of incorporating religious imagery into national costumes. While some argue that this practice is a celebration of cultural heritage and artistic expression, it is essential to critically examine the implications of using outfit adorned with religious images as national costumes.

I am writing this article with the aim of presenting a critique of this trend, highlighting the inherent sacrilege involved and the

offense, leading to the erosion of cultural harmony and interfaith relations.

Cultural Appropriation.

The adoption of religious imagery as costumes can also be viewed as an act of cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of elements from a marginalized culture by a dominant culture, often without understanding or respecting their historical, religious, or cultural context. When religious symbols are

However, when religious symbols are incorporated, it can marginalize and alienate religious minorities, leading to feelings of exclusion and resentment . This can further polarize communities and hinder social cohesion, which is crucial for peaceful coexistence.

On creativity

Sacrilege, blasphemy; not creativity

One FB user expressing confusion commented, “lalaki man na si Sto. Niño, nya sya babaye man?…”

Another one said, “Nya after sa national costume, mag swimsuit pud si Sto. Niño?”

There were hundreds of comments in that post and many of them, in fact, I think, all of them were in disagreement with this lady contestant. They didn’t just disagree with her; they were tremendously annoyed. Many were furious.

My thoughts on the matter

negative consequences it can have on religious sentiments and cultural harmony.

Sacrilege and Insensitivity. Using religious images as costumes can be seen as a sacrilegious act. Religious symbols hold deep spiritual significance for millions of people around the world, and their use in a frivolous or superficial manner undermines their inviolability. By treating these symbols as mere fashion accessories, we risk trivializing and disrespecting the beliefs and values held by individuals who hold them dear. This insensitivity can cause profound hurt and

used as costumes, detached from their original religious practices, it diminishes their significance and commodifies a sacred heritage for commercial gain or aesthetic appeal. This commodification perpetuates a power dynamic that reinforces cultural inequality and disrespect.

Religious Tensions and Conflict. Using religious images in costumes has the potential to exacerbate religious tensions and ignite conflicts within multicultural societies. National costumes are meant to represent the collective identity of a nation and its diverse citizenry.

Creativity should not come at the expense of sacrilege or cultural insensitivity. Instead of resorting to the inappropriate use of religious images as national costumes, societies can encourage artistic expressions that draw inspiration from a broader range of cultural elements, such as traditional garments, historical events, or natural landscapes. By fostering creativity in a respectful and inclusive manner, we can celebrate cultural diversity without encroaching upon the sacred. Promoting mutual respect and understanding Respecting the boundaries of religious symbols and imagery is essential for fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. By refraining from using religious images as national costumes, societies can promote dialogue and encourage meaningful engagement between different religious and cultural groups. This approach not only acknowledges the sanctity of religious symbols but also helps build bridges of understanding, strengthening

ATTY. WHELMA SITON-YAP

Scouts

challenged to advocate peace, love

Girl scouts from Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces were urged to become advocates of peace, love, and charity as they embody the scout ideals and principles in their respective communities.

This was the message given by Dr. Henry Sojor, a renowned educator and a consultant to the provincial government here, to more than 1,500 girl scouts during the opening night of the three-day encampment of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) - Negros Oriental and Siquijor Council on May 12 at Camp Lily Gamo, this town.

“Peace, love, and charity. Those are the three important keywords not only to be memorized but to be practiced by all of you,” Sojor said.

He said Girl Scouts are also considered as leaders in the community and they have a role in promoting peace in their area and the three-day encampment is a venue to harness and develop their leadership potential.

“To be successful in the future, develop and start honing your leadership ability at this moment even if you that young. I am hopeful that the scouting movement in this world will contribute to make this world lovely. It is scouting, it is education that will develop each one of you,” he added.

The GSP encampment started on May 12 and culminated on May 15.

It bannered the theme “Girl Scouts: SHErvive as trailblazers and pathfinders in the new normal.”

Campers were divided into junior or elementary level, senior or high school level, and cadet or college level.

The girl scouts were engaged in various learning sessions and development activities.

Part of these is a training on disaster preparedness carried out by the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

There were also learning activities on basic survival like first aid administration, martial arts, campfire.

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Negros Oriental Information Center also participated in the activity by screening some of its advocacy videos that were featured in the weekly online show Maayong Balita Central Visayas of PIA7, PIA Negros Oriental’s

TO PAGE 7

DTI starts digitization program for farmers

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental province is initiating a digitization online application for farmers and producers in conflict-affected areas to connect them directly to a wider market.

DTI-Negros Oriental information officer

Krystle Jade Bato said in an interview Tuesday the provincial government has set aside an initial fund of PHP500,000 for the project.

“This is actually to be implemented through the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in Negros Oriental, although we are also looking at including Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs),” Bato said.

The business-tobusiness project is expected to encourage farmers and producers to organize into associations that will be directly selling to the endusers.

At the same time, the app will also provide them with fresh information and

inputs on agri-business to ramp up their current livelihood and sources of income, Bato said.

The system will contain data such as planting seasons for crops, new farming methods, and other agriculture-related information.

While there is still no official name for the B2B app for Negros Oriental, it is anchored on the DTI’s E4ALL, which stands for education, engagement, entrepreneurship, and e-commerce for areas with local armed conflict and limited access, Bato said.

She said DTI is partnering with Agro Digital PH for the use of their online platform to make it easier for the agency to jumpstart the project, which will be piloted in Barangay Dobdob in Valencia town, an ELCAC area, through the Dobdob Farmers’ Association.

Bato said the B2B app project will also be piloted with the Negros Oriental Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association as the first direct connection to the farmers and producers.

(PNA)

LGUs urged to fund anti-insurgency program

Local Government Units and congressional representatives in Negros Oriental have been urged to allocate funds for livelihood assistance to barangays affected by the communist insurgency.

DTI-Negros Oriental provincial director Nimfa Virtucio said that agency funds intended for the government’s whole-ofnation approach through the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) have already been fully exhausted.

“We already distributed last year some PHP1.8 million worth of livelihood projects to several former rebels (FRs) and organized groups in areas identified under the TF-ELCAC but unfortunately, we no longer have the money for this year,” Virtucio said during the Kapihan sa PIA forum.

“This is a reality. Government agencies were not given funds for this year,” she said. Virtucio added that they had to be innovative in using funds intended for DTI’s regular projects and other purposes to continuously accommodate displaced individuals in conflict-affected areas.

Her statement comes as 34 new barangays in Negros Oriental have been identified this year to be included in the TFELCAC list of areas already “cleared” of the insurgency and are set to benefit from the government’s various interventions.

Virtucio said the DTI cannot give cash to preidentified beneficiaries in conflict areas as it is prohibited hence, they distribute goat, cattle, and/ or sari-sari store livelihood packages that they procure themselves.

She admitted that with the new barangays identified in the ELCAC list, it is now a “dilemma” for them to find ways to be able to provide livelihood packages, especially for FRs who are promised a new life once they surrender to authorities.

The DTI official is hopeful that the National TF-ELCAC will allocate more funds this year to continue the programs and projects that were initiated during the time of thenPresident Rodrigo Duterte to end the communist insurgency. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)

GEMMA MINDA ISO

PATHWAYS

legis616821@gmail.com

Asix-year-old girl was taking a drawing lesson.

TEACHER: “What are you drawing?”

GIRL: “I’m drawing a picture of God.”

TEACHER: “But nobody knows what God looks like.”

GIRL: “They will in a minute.”

What was the little girl into? It means she’s taking a chance. She’s not afraid of being wrong.

I’m not saying of course that being wrong is the same thing as being creative. What I do know is, if you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.

As adults, many of us have lost that capacity. We have become so afraid of being wrong, of committing mistakes. Mistakes traumatize us.

Fallibility as the gateway to creativity

Originality requires exploration, experimentation, and a willingness to take risks. By embracing fallibility, we create an environment that nurtures creativity and encourages the generation of unique ideas.

When we acknowledge that being wrong is an integral part of the creative process, we open doors to possibilities and discover new perspectives that would have remained hidden otherwise.

Learning from mistakes

Growth mindset and originality

A world of perfection

In a world driven by the pursuit of perfection and an obsession with being right, the concept of embracing fallibility appears counterintuitive. Yet, history has shown that some of the greatest discoveries, inventions, and works of art have emerged from the willingness to be wrong.

I believe that embracing fallibility is a catalyst for originality, innovation, and personal growth.

Fear of being wrong

From an early age, society has conditioned us to avoid mistakes and seek validation of our correctness. Our education systems often reward those who provide correct answers and penalize those who make errors. As a result, many individuals develop a deeprooted fear of being wrong, stifling their creativity and limiting their potential for original thinking.

History is rife with examples of remarkable achievements that emerged from the ashes of failure. Inventors, scientists, and artists pushed the boundaries of knowledge and creativity and were unafraid of making mistakes. Thomas Edison, one of the greatest inventors in history, once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His willingness to embrace fallibility led to the invention of the practical electric light bulb and revolutionized modern lighting.

Breaking barriers/ challenging the status quo

Society progresses when individuals challenge existing norms and conventions. Such progress requires the audacity to question established beliefs, even at the risk of being proven wrong. Great thinkers and visionaries like Galileo Galilei and Albert Einstein defied societal norms and dogmas to reshape our understanding of the universe. They were unafraid of being wrong and pursued their ideas with unwavering determination, eventually reshaping the course of science and human knowledge.

Adopting a growth mindset, a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work is closely intertwined with embracing fallibility. When we cultivate a growth mindset, we view mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth rather than as indicators of personal inadequacy. This mindset fosters resilience, encourages exploration, and nurtures the courage to embrace originality in our pursuits. Inspiring others/encouraging collaboration By embracing fallibility, we not only empower ourselves but also inspire and encourage those around us. When leaders and innovators openly acknowledge their mistakes and share their journeys, they create an environment where others feel safe to experiment, take risks, and pursue original ideas. Collaboration flourishes when individuals are willing to be wrong together, fostering an atmosphere of shared learning and collective growth.

Embracing imperfection, unleashing creativity

In short, originality is born from the willingness to explore uncharted territories, challenge established notions, and embrace fallibility.

Only by accepting the inevitability of being wrong can we tap into the wellspring of creativity that resides within us.

Let us shed the fear of making mistakes and instead embrace fallibility as a stepping stone towards a more original, innovative, and fulfilling existence.

In doing so, we unlock the vast potential of our minds and contribute to the progress of humanity as a whole.

Winning taekwondo jins from Dumaguete pose with their coach, Master Joshua Kim (standing, rightmost), after bagging several medals during the Visayas Inter-School Taekwondo Championship held in Cebu City. Gold medalists for the Sparring category: Neriah Mei Ponce, Uliana Gaston, and Germaine Gale Villareal; silver medalists: Bernard John Alcoriza and Guillermo Villareal III; and bronze medalists: Maria Keren Teves, Jan Scarlette Nuico, and Aesobel Mondejar. Gold medalists for the Poomse (forms) category: Ameisha Mira Opleda, Yeco Hortelano, and Bernard John Alcoriza; silver medalists: Jan Scarlette Nuico, Kythe Ximon Ramos, Miles Francis Mondejar, and Uliana Gaston; bronze medalists: Neriah Mei Ponce, Aesobel Mondejar, Leila Amitiel Portal. Team category: Yeco Hortelano, Kythe Ximon Ramos, and Bernard John Alcoriza. The Dumaguete Team trained by Master Kim was composed of 14 players from Silliman University, Heartland Academy Dumaguete, Catherina Cittadini, Holy Cross High School, Homeschool Global, and North City Elementary School. (PR)

EYE OPENER....FROM P. 4

the fabric of multicultural societies.

My point

The use of religious images as national costumes is a practice fraught with sacrilege and insensitivity. It trivializes and commodifies sacred symbols, perpetuates cultural appropriation, and risks exacerbating religious tensions within communities. Instead, societies should prioritize

creativity that is respectful, inclusive, and celebrates the diversity of cultural heritage without compromising religious sentiments. By doing so, we can foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding, essential for harmonious coexistence in today’s pluralistic world. What she and her advisers did wasn’t creativity at all. It wasn’t even imagination.

IMPROVED FISHING....FROM P. 3

the collaboration among program partners to promote the right fishing and sustainable fishery governance to regulate juvenile catch for a long-term protection.

“It is great to know that Silliman University’s competitive advantage in coastal studies has been leveraged by USAID’s Fish Right Program to advance our sustainable and resilient fisheries in marine biodiversity conservation,” said Rogers.

Fish Right is a bilateral program and a cooperative endeavor between the Philippine Government and United States for International Development (USAD) to make sure that fisheries and seas remain healthy and productive.

It is implemented in three important marine fisheries, biodiversity sites in the country in Calamian group of Islands, Visayan Sea, and South Negros.

Meanwhile, residents of the world-renowned dive destination Apo Island in Dauin town, have enough fish to sustain their daily food requirements while boosting their income from fisheries and eco-tourism.

This developed as the country celebrates this May the Month of the Ocean with the theme, “Sustainably Feed the Global Population”, said Jeanette Orcullo, public information officer of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Negros Oriental, on Wednesday.

The PENRO, she said, spearheaded a multi-agency coastal clean-up and an information dissemination drive in Apo Island as part of its Month of the Ocean celebration.

“We reiterated to the community the interventions of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to sustain their livelihood and to also ensure their roles, responsibility, and participation in the protection of the island,” she told the Philippine News Agency.

Edmar Detecio, resident biologist of Apo Island and a member of its Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), in a separate interview, said fisheries are doing well as residents enjoy more than enough fish catch for their daily sustenance.

Detecio even noted that in recent years, many islanders have shifted to eco-tourism as their primary source of income with fishing for livelihood already becoming an “alternative.”

“Most of the island residents just go fishing for food although a number of them still fish for livelihood,” he said partly in Cebuano, as there is a lucrative business in eco-tourism.

Detecio said the DENR-PAMB interventions for the Apo Island community include regular coral habitat monitoring, fish monitoring, and water quality assessment where the environment is concerned.

Locals are employed as fish wardens, protected area rangers, and utility staff and others, he added.

The DENR-PAMB also continues to provide eco-tourism training such as food handling, “to enhance their skills and opportunities for their livelihood which is relevant to continue the cycle of sustainability.”

Eco-tourism livelihood sources include dive guides, snorkeling with the turtle guides, souvenirs, and food services, among others.

Participants in the Month of the Ocean celebration included the youth, residents, members of the Apo Island Women’s Association, Apo Island Scuba Equipment Rental and Guiding Association (AISERGA), Apo Island Environmental Stewards Association, and various government agencies and offices from Negros Oriental. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental and Judy F. Partlow/PNA)

NOTICE

The public is hereby informed that ELVIRA M. TORRES and ELMARK M. TORRES, heirs of the late MARIO ZERNA TORRES have executed an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY over the bank account in the name of MARIO ZERNA TORRES with the Land Bank of the Philippines Bais Branch; Bank of the Philippine Islands, Dumaguete Perdices St. Branch; Union Bank of the Philippines, Dumaguete Branch; and the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Kabankalan City Branch on May 2, 2023 in the Municipality of Mabinay and is registered as Document Number 439, Page No. 89, Book No. I, Series of 2023 in the Notarial Register of Atty. Anthlyn Eve I. Pelesmino. MetroPost 2023 May 14 • May 21 • May 28

Republic of the Philippines Regional Trial Court 7th Judicial Region Branch 63 Bayawan City, Negros Oriental Tel. (035)430-0281 Local 1097

Email: rtc2byn063@judiciary.gov.ph

In Re: Petition for Notarial Commission NA: 2023-003 for and in the City of Bayawan, and for the Municipalities of Santa Catalina and Basay, all of Negros Oriental Atty. Monique A. Recto, Petitioner X-------------------------------------------------/ ORDER

Before this Court is a Petition for Appointment as Notary Public of Atty. Monique A. Recto for the City of Bayawan and in the municipalities of Sta. Catalina and Basay, all in the province of Negros Oriental and within the jurisdiction of this Court.

As alleged in her Petition and as shown in the attached documentary evidence, Atty. Monique A. Recto appears to possess all of the qualifications and none of the disqualifications as a notary public.

Hence, notice is hereby given that a summary hearing on the petition for notarial commission of Atty. Monique A. Recto shall be held on May 29, 2023 at 8:30 in the morning at the Session Hall of Regional Trial Court Branch 63, Bayawan City. Any person who has any cause or reason to object to the grant of the petition may file a verified written opposition thereto received by the Executive Judge before the date of the summary hearing.

This notice of hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Negros Oriental, and posted on the bulletin board of RTC Br 63, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.

SO ORDERED. Given in chambers, Bayawan City, Philippines, 15 May 2023.

(Sgd.) Maria Myla Rae M. Santos-Orden Executive / Presiding Judge MetroPost 2023 May 21

7000 workers benefit from TUPAD program

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Negros Oriental province has released over PHP44.9 million in funding from January to May this year that assisted more than 7,000 workers under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

Bless De Padua, DOLENegros Oriental information officer, at a Kapihan sa PIA forum on Thursday, disclosed that the released TUPAD fund formed part of the PHP74,610,566 total allocation this year.

From Jan. 1 to May 10, a total of 7,730 emergency workers from different towns and cities of Negros Oriental benefited from the PHP44.9 million funding. TUPAD funds were coursed through the local government units (LGUs) and the barangays who are tasked to identify the recipients, she added.

Under the TUPAD program, a beneficiary receives PHP435 a day

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SCOUTS....FROM P. 5 InfoVids, and PIA-7’s another online show Laag ta Bai!

The advocacy videos highlighted the government’s interventions on medical rehabilitation, agriculture, food, and livelihood, environmental preservation and treeplanting, heritage conservation, and tourism recovery.

The GSP Encampment resumed this year after having a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic where gathering of large crowds are prohibited to prevent the transmission of the virus. (RAL/PIA7 Negros Oriental)

NOTICE

The public is hereby informed that ELISEO V. LIM and ANGELINA L. MANUEL of Dumaguete City and FE V. LIM of Guihulngan City have executed an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS over the estate of LILIA V. LIM of Dumaguete City, particularly the deposit with the PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK Guihulngan City Branch under Savings Account No. 308910002836 on April 18, 2023 in Dumaguete City which is recorded as Document Number 50, Page No. 8, Book No. II Series of 2023 in the Notarial Register of Atty. Rafael C. Orillana.

MetroPost 2023 May 14 • May 21 • May 28

NOTICE

The public is hereby informed that ELISEO V. LIM and ANGELINA L. MANUEL of Dumaguete City and FE V. LIM of Guihulngan City have executed an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS over the estate of LILIA V. LIM of Dumaguete City, particularly the deposit with the LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES Guihulngan City Branch under Savings Account Number 0911-0770-78 on April 18, 2023 in Dumaguete City which is recorded as Document Number 51, Page No. 12, Book II Series of 2023 in the Notarial Register of Atty. Rafael C. Orillana.

MetroPost 2023

Dgte Triathlon winners bared

Congratulations to the official winners of the 4th Dumaguete Triathlon:

Female Over-All: 1st Leyann Ramo (2:37:35), 2nd Sittie Aminah Dimaporo (2:43:58), 3 rd Khimberly Paquibot (2:49:14)

Age Group Female 18-24:

1st Alexa Torillo (3:18:36), 2nd Jean Marie Osorio (4:13:45), 3rd Katherine Anne Maquiling (4:57:38)

Age Group Female

25-29: 1st Valerie Marcos (3:51:14), 2nd Ica Gatuslao (4:28:15)

Age Group Female

30-34: 1st Tamila Roberta Tinsay (2:50:04), 2nd Rexel May Dalinog (2:54:42), 3rd Andrea Xayide Gaurana (3:00:02)

Age Group Female 35-

39: 1st Aisa Locsin (2:54:41), 2nd Diana Balungcas (3:04:17), 3rd Sarah Jervoso (3:12:53)

Age Group Female 40-

44: 1st Shiela D. Chavez (3:08:07), 2nd Sherlyn Anne Tagara (3:15:04), 3rd Glena Rose Alejado-Lim (3:21:31)

Age Group Female

45-49: 1st Mayo Kohno (3:11:37), 2nd Maricar Evero (3:29:04)

Age Group Female 50-

54: 1st Susan Lim (3:29:16), 2nd Grace E. Espiritu

PROTECTION....FROM P. 1

presided over the turnover of command of the 11th IB from outgoing commanding officer, Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, to his successor, Lt. Col. Michael Aquino.

Sison commended Salayo for the battalion’s accomplishments during his two-year stint, noting among other things the surrender of Communist insurgents who have already been reintegrated into mainstream society and

SCHOOLS....FROM P. 1

“We are undertaking the location-situation-based approach and so there is no definite pattern for every school each day, as we continue to monitor the daily heat index,” he said.

Because of this, it is difficult for DepEd to give even a ballpark figure on the number of public

(3:37:36), 3rd Kara David (3:46:15)

Age Group Female 55-

59: 1 st Geraldine Abuan (3:10:43)

Age Group Female

60-Above: 1st Jo Cudmore (3:48:57)

MTB Female Open: 1st Rhyca Albina (3:24:06), 2nd Charity Rose Orcena (4:09:08), 3rd Aya Monica Regalado (4:29:25) Male Over-All: 1st Franklin Ferdie Yee (2:08:23), 2nd John Alcala (2:09:20), 3rd Julian Sebastian Teves (2:11:47)

Age Group Male 18-24:

1st Arances Edgie (2:11:57), 2nd Zach Agolong (2:12:55), 3rd Renz Wynn Corbin (2:15:36)

Age Group Male 25-29:

1st Dennis Solon (2:35:16), 2nd Leonides Sollegue Jr. (2:37:11), 3rd Alab Adviento (2:37:58)

Age Group Male 30-34:

1st Nikko Ramirez (2:28:40), 2nd Israel Escalante (2:32:24), 3rd Rey Briones (2:33:58)

Age Group Male 35-39:

1st Kristiane Lim (2:20:21),

2nd Charles Alcala Jr. (2:23:16), 3rd Wilbert Laurecio (2:23:32)

Age Group Male 40-

44: 1st Arvy Bargamento

are enjoying the benefits of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

On the other hand, he challenged Aquino to continue the gains of his predecessor in running after the remaining New People’s Army rebels, especially in the dismantled Southeast Front operating in southern Negros. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)

schools implementing a hybrid learning mode.

Jimenez said there is no time frame for the hybrid or ADM learning methods for so long as the rising temperatures continue to ensure that no learner will suffer from heat stroke or similar conditions. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)

(2:30:50), 2nd Edmar Balandaca (2:37:23), 3rd Vick Bryan Gomez (2:40:58)

Age Group Male 45-

49: 1st Homer Pamorca (2:26:59), 2nd Roman Menz (2:33:19), 3rd Roldan Calda (2:36:01)

Age Group Male 50-

54: 1st Michael Magalso (2:45:05), 2nd Antonio Jay Pizarras (2:45:37), 3rd Jonathan Sunga (2:50:10)

Age Group Male5559: 1st John Villanueva (2:37:10), 2nd Don Geraldez (2:41:12), 3rd Leodigario San Jose (3:06:07)

Age Group Male 60 & ABOVE: 1st Nick Cudmore (3:00:10), 2nd Rodrigo Lara (3:20:43), 3rd Alejandro Nitollama (3:41:58)

MTB Male Open: 1st Michael Acas (2:24:04), 2nd Dirk Alparito (2:27:53), 3rd John Paul Maquiling (2:28:22)

Relay Open: 1st ERC Tri

(Team C) (Carron Cañas/ Clent Detalla /Cody Blake Renejane) (2:08:22), 2nd 6200 Shopfinds (Albren Jan Dayapdapan/Matt Allanic/Erl Peonila) (2:09:09), 3rd Team Baker’s Choice (Hywell Ramacho/ Richmond Calumpang/ Khylle Vilan) (2:23:21)

7000 WORKERS....FROM P. 7

for 10 days or even more, depending on the duration of the temporary employment given by the LGU or barangay.

TUPAD beneficiaries include streetworkers, canal cleaners, and communal gardeners, among others.

De Padua said some LGUs propose to hire these disadvantaged workers for 15, 20, or even 30 days, depending on the nature of the work.

TUPAD aims to provide emergency aid for individuals who are jobless, underpaid, displaced, or seasonal workers. (Judy F. Partlow/ PNA)

Parking boys warned vs improper parking

City Administrator Lani Ramon has reminded parking boys of their responsibility to help lessen traffic instead of adding to it.

In a meeting with parking boys at the Quezon Park Thursday, Ramon said the parking boys are supposed to arrange motorcycles away from the sidewalk and in a way where they will not cause further traffic.

This reminder resulted from the order of the Department of Interior and Local Government and Mayor Felipe Remollo to remove vehicles and other obstacles on the road so that the flow of traffic will be smooth and that the safety of motorists would be ensured.

Ramon led authorities last week in issuing citation tickets to wrongly parked vehicles that were blocking the roads and sidewalks.

Under DILG Memorandum Circular 2022-085, local government units, including the barangays, have been tasked to clean the streets of illegally parked vehicles, based on national and local laws.

70 Rizal Blvd., Dumaguete City Tels. 225-7725, 422-9209, 225-4488

Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court of the Philippines Regional Trial Court of Negros Oriental 7th Judicial Region Branch 35 Dumaguete City Hall of Justice, E.J. Blanco Drive, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental Tel. No. 035-422-7273/ Mobile No. 0997-330-1668 Email: rtc1dum035@judiciary.gov.ph

In the Matter of the Issuance of Lost Duplicate Original Certificate of Cad. Case No. 2023-5295

Title No. OCT No. OV- 9697 in lieu of the lost one; Hazel P. Amil, Petitioner x--------------------------------------/ ORDER

Before this Court is a verified petition for the issuance of a new duplicate Original Certificate of Title No. OV-9697 in lieu of the lost one, filed by petitioner Hazel P. Amil, through counsel, Atty. Froilan Joseph B. Pinili. The petitioner prays that after due proceedings, judgment be rendered ordering the Registry of Deeds of the Province of Negros Oriental to issue a new Owner’s Duplicate of Original Certificate of Title No. OV-9697.

The petition shall be heard on July 21, 2023 at 8:30 o’clock 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.

Pursuant to Sec. 109 of P.D. 1529, furnish the Register of Deeds for the Province of Negros Oriental with a copy of this Order. Likewise, let this Order be posted by the Branch Sheriff at the Bulletin Board of this Court, the Office of the Clerk of Court, the Provincial Capitol of Negros Oriental, the Municipal Hall of Bacong, and in the Barangay Hall of Barangay Banilad, Bacong, Negros Oriental where the subject parcel of land is situated.

SO ORDERED. February 28, 2023, Dumaguete City, Philippines.

GLENDA J. YEE-UYMATIAO

Presiding Judge

MetroPost 2023 May 14 • May 21 • May 28

Republic of the Philippines Regional Trial Court 7th Judicial Region Branch 63 Bayawan City, Negros Oriental Tel. (035)430-0281 Local 1097

Email: rtc2byn063@judiciary.gov.ph

In Re: Petition for the Correction of Entry in Spec. Proc. No. 552

The Certificate of Live Birth of Hinechie Jabel Lucio by Correcting her Date of Birth from For: Correction of Entry January 15, 2005 to January 15, 2000. in the Civil Registry Hinechie Jabel Lucio, Petitioner -versusThe Local Civil Registrar of Basay, Negros Oriental, Philippines, PSA Dumaguete City, Spouses Arthuro R. Lucio Sr., Crisel M. Jabel, Arthuro J. Lucio Jr., Hyro J. Lucio, and Hinechie Therese J. Lucio, Respondents.

X-----------------------------------------------------/ ORDER

Filed with this Court is an Amended Petition for correction of entry in the year of birth of Petitioner Hinechie Jabel Lucio. Petitioner was born on January 15, 2000 at Maglinao, Basay, Negros Oriental to parents Arthuro Robles Lucio and Crisel Entino Jabel. The fact of her birth was registered before the Local Civil Registrar of Basay, Negros Oriental, Philippines. However, by mistake, in the Certificate of Live Birth of herein Petitioner, her date of birth was wrongly entered as January 15, 2005 instead of the correct one which is January 15, 2000. In her pertinent documents like school records issued by Maglinao Elementary School and Maglinao National High School and in her Certificate of Baptism, her date of birth was correctly entered as January 15, 2000.

Given the foregoing, there is a need to correct the birth year entry in the Certificate of Live Birth of the Petitioner, i.e., from January 15, 2005 to January 15, 2000.

Finding the Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on June 14, 2023 at 8:30 o’ clock in the morning.

Petitioner is directed to cause the publication of this Order once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Negros Oriental. Petitioner is further directed to post a copy of this Order at (a) the bulletin board of the Municipal Hall of Basay, Negros Oriental; (b) the bulletin board of RTC, Branch 63, Bayawan City and (c) the bulletin board of the Provincial Capitol of Negros Oriental. The scheduled hearing shall not be within four (4) months after the last publication of this Order.

Any interested party may appear during the above scheduled hearing to oppose the instant Petition.

Furnish the Solicitor General with a copy of this Order and the Amended Petition and its annexes. SO ORDERED. Given in Chambers, Bayawan City, Philippines, 23 January 2023.

The Dumaguete Triathlon 2023 starting line. (Photo by James Solamillo)

The triathlon winners, along with some of the organizers. ((Edmar Balandaca photo))