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CHURCH / P4

NoCot F2F classes smooth, Church’s non-partisan policy doesn’t mean indifference to social justice — Caritas PH DepEd exec says

P10

Sanduguan Are we ready for the May elections?

The Mindanao Cross issuu.com/mindanaocross mindanao.cross@gmail.com

BEST HIDEAWAY. Balut Island, a beautiful, stunning island of white unblemished sands and peaceful seas located west of Barangay Paril, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, emerging as favorite local destination to unwind and replace the stresses of urban living. Photo courtesy of Hero Dimalen Salik

LIST OF NEW BTA MEMBERS NOW IN MALACANANG By Edwin O. Fernandez

CHIEF Minister Ahod Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has already completed the list of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) new members to serve for the next three years. He hinted that some of the Members of Parliament were re-appointed subject to President Duterte’s discretion. As the peace deal says, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will have 41 names (recommendees) submitted to President Duterte to become BTA members while the government has 39 slots. “Actually, sa ngayon is nakalatag na yong reappointment ng mga miyembro ng parliament sa opisina po ng Presidente for

his signature kasi po mag-i-end sa 2022 iyong aming appointment as members of the parliament. So, iyong 80 members ay kailangang mai-reappoint or magkaroon ng new appointment sa 80 members na miyembro ng parliament,” Chief Minister Ebrahim told #LagingHandaPH program of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) hosted by Usec. Rocky Ignacio Wednesday. He also announced that some cabinet

Rodents attack farms in N. Cotabato KIDAPAWAN CITY — Rat infestation has added burden to rice and corn farmers in the hinterlands of Matalam in North Cotabato who are yet to rise from the effects of the pandemic. Rodents have been feasting on rice and corn fields since December last year, according to local officials. In the villages of Minmaing and Sta. Maria, more than 400 hectares of palay and corn fields have been damaged. Minamaing Village Councilor Melvin Padagas farmers in his village

By Williamor A. Magbanua have been complaining of huge losses and expect the municipal and provincial government to come to their rescue. Normally, a one hectare palay fields could yield an average of 90 sacks but due to rat attacks, farmers only take about 20 sacks per hectare. Pagadas estimated the losses to reach P2 million. "We do not recover our expenses, in fact we (already) incurred losses during last cropping and perhaps even this first quarter," Padagas said, adding that village assistance wasn’t enough.

A "rat campaign" was launched to get rid of rodents. On Saturdays and Sundays, villagers harvested some 500 heads of rodents. As reward, Pagadas said, 10 tails presented to Matalam Agriculture Office means 10 kilos of commercial rice. Meantime, Dr. Wilfredo Joloyo, Jr. the municipal agriculturist, said his office has been giving rodenticide to reduce the effects of rat infestation in in Matalam. At least 15 of the town's 32 villages are infested with rodents.

BARMM vax hesitancy diminishing, says chief minister

members have already been replaced while others were reappointed. Ebrahim refused to give other details as to who were replaced and who were removed from his official cabinet. He said he is still in the process of reorganizing his official family after the national government extended the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) until 2025. Ebrahim has asked all 15 ministers

and 15 deputy ministers to tender courtesy resignation so he will have free hand in choosing his official family as part of cabinet revamp. “We are still processing it, I have accepted the resignation of two ministers, five have been reappointed,” he said. “Our assessment and evaluation of their performance is going on,” he added without revealing who will go and who will stay in his official cabinet.

Murad: “BARMM no anointed bet for president yet”

By Edwin O. Fernandez THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region known as “Kagi Murad,” said. in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Since the BARMM transition period Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has been extended by the national have not endorsed anyt presidential government until 2025, there will be no candidate as of yet. elections for regional officials. BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “BARMM as a parliamentary form of Ebrahim issued the statement during government is not included in this year’s the #LagingHandaPH program of the election because the transition period is Presidential Communications Operations extended until 2025,” he said. Office (PCCO) hosted by Usec. Rocky However, he said, BARMM will be Ignacio Wednesday morning. participating actively in the local elections “As of today, BARMM has no officially through its political party – the United anointed presidential candidate,” said Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP). Minister Ebrahim, also MILF chairman. “So we have candidates for local “We have not decided as of yet who positions from provincial down to among the presidential aspirants we are municipal levels,” he said. going to endorse but we are inviting all all Ebrahim told #LagingHandPH the presidential candidates to come and program that the peace and order visit us so they can present their platform situation in the region remained of government before us,” Ebrahim, also stable although there were some

DID YOU KNOW?

By Edwin O. Fernandez THE vaccination hesitancy rate in effects of vaccines),” Chief Minister Ahod the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Ebrahim told #LagingHandaPH program i n M u s l i m M i n d a n a o ( B A R M M ) of the Presidential Communications is diminishing as the vaccination Operations Office (PCOO) hosted by Usec. campaign intensifies in all provinces and Rocky Ignacio Wednesday. municipalities. “The hesitancy is decreasing here in “At least nagtulungan na iyong BARMM,” Ebrahim, more known as “Kagi mga religious group, iyong mga leaders, Murad,” said. political leaders para makumbinsi iyong Peoples’ lack of trust on the vaccines as mga tao. Saka naman kasi nakikita naman a result of the dengvaxia controversy has nila na wala namang negative effect made BARMM health frontliners worked iyong vaccine (The religious groups [and] hard to inoculate as many residents as political leaders are helping convince our possible. constituents, and people see no negative “Elders normally refused to

The last week of February is National Rare Desease Week

National Arts Month is observed every last week of February by virtue of Republic Act No. 1989, 2010, by then President Gloria Macapagal -Arroyo. It aims to develop and establish a national system for early identification, screening, surveillance of early childhood disabilities, developmental problems and giftedness.

February 26, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

NoCot F2F classes smooth, DepEd exec says

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Face-to-face (F2F) classes in at least 96 public schools in North Cotabato division went on smoothly without any obstacle, an education official said. Dr. Isagani Dela Cruz, schools division superintendent, said excited students and teachers showed up early morning in school for the first F2F session since March 2020. The pilot classes came as the national IATF has lowered the restrictions classification of North Cotabato from level 3 to level 2. Dr. Dela Cruz said the division adopted the blended learning by allowing at least 20 learners to the classrooms while the rest still use modular. "These schools have accomplished the requirements on health protocol management," Dr. Dela Cruz narrated. Across the province, 197 have applied

for F2F classes but many have not fully complied with the pre-requisites. They are expected to have the F2F by March 1. By March 1, Dela Cruz said, the division will have 101 schools having F2F classes with all students and teachers fully vaccinated. In Kidapawan division, classes resume on March 1 with 15 public schools participating in the F2F program, according to city schools superintendent Dr. Natividad Ocon. The city government has recently donated some P5 million aid for the purchase of face masks, alcohol and other school expenses during the "pandemic school year."

3 alleged MILF men fall in shabu sting

STATE agents confiscated P680,000 worth of shabu and an M-14 rifle from three peddlers bearing identification cards of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front entrapped in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao Monday. The office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement AgencyBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim

Bangsamoro Government through the MILG. Sinarimbo said the leadership principle of the regional government holds that prosperity in Bangsamoro begins with a secure Bangsamoro Government. The Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PROBAR) is currently under its new regional director, . The PRO-BAR headquarters is soon to rise as a landmark edifice of emotional healing between two former parties of a long-standing armed conflict, officials said, referring to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Armed Forces and the Philippine Government’s state security forces. The site on which the new headquarters building will be constructed had been the

firing-pad ground for the mortal shelling “batterypositioning” of several 105 and 155 canons, mounted southeast to the then Camp Abubakar in the months-long siege of the all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) in 2000. “Who would have thought that here to rise is an edifice of state security force headquarters from collaboration between two former enemies bound in today’s continuing peace process,” quipped a government official during the ceremonies. Most of BARMM’s 118 towns do not have municipal police station (MPS) buildings compliant with Philippine National Police (PNP) standards. PGen Cabalona succeeded Brig Gen Eden Ugale, who once described the region’s state of MPS as one of

Murad: “BARMM no anointed bet...from P1 “noises” that may affect the conduct of the balloting. But Ebrahim said there is no strong evidence as of yet that the isolated violence happening in the region are election

related. “We are in close coordination with the PNP in the BARMM as far as preparation for the elections are concerned,” Ebrahim said.

List of new BTA members now in ...from P1 “We are already three years in this transition, we are extended for another three years so we need to revamp to effectively function as autonomous government for the Bangsamoro,” he added. In a Facebook post, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC-BARMM),

announced that Chief Minister Ebrahim has decided to keep Dickson P. Hermoso as Minister and Abunawas L. Maslamama as Deputy Minister for a second term. “This move signals the continuity of their duties and responsibilities in the ministry,” the MOTC announcement said.

Hermoso and Maslamama tendered their courtesy resignation in response to CM’S order for all ministers and deputy ministers to file the same in preparation for the reorganization of his cabinet. They were notified later that their resignations were denied and they must stay.

Republic of the Philippines BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO REGIONAL BANGSAMORO BOARD OF INVESTMENTS Cotabato City

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the application of USMAN BANANA FARM with official address at Campo IV, Bugasan Sur, Matanog, Maguindanao for registration with the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM under Book I of the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987, otherwise known as Executive Order No. 226 as amended by R.A. 11534 (CREATE Act), as producer of Cardava Banana with capacity of 525,000 per annum is officially accepted on February 18, 2022, and is currently being processed. Any person with valid objections to or pertinent comments on the abovementioned application may file his/her objection, in writing and under oath, with the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application.

MC: Feb. 26, 2022

after selling their illegal merchandise to nonuniformed PDEA-BARMM agents during a sting. PDEA-BARMM agents also seized MILF identification cards from the three suspects. Saliguidan is Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat while Omra and Kedtag are both from Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. John Felix

Unson

Williamor A. Magbanua

BARMM to build new building for PRO-BAR

P A R A N G , Maguindanao – The Bangsamoro Government is constructing its regional police headquarters here, that is designed to be compliant with the development standards of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Together, PNP Chief PGen Dionardo Carlos and Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ibrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Wednesday led the groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction a modern and resilient police headquarters in the old Camp Brig Gen Salipada K Pendatun in this town. Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government said the project worth 40 million is fully funded by the

Mindanao said Teng Panayam Saliguidan, Omra Abdullah Usop and Guiadzali Quituar Kedtag are now clamped down in its detention facility in Cotabato City. They are to be prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, according to PDEABARMM. The suspects were arrested immediately

ATTY. ISHAK V. MASTURA Chairman

Motorcycle thief shot dead

FULLY VACCINATED. BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim had made his booster jab vaccination public to convince other Bagnsamoro people it is safe and effective. In this photo, Dr. Elizabeth Samama, Maguindanao health chief, administered his booster shot in his residence in Maguindanao. Photo courtesy of IPHO-Maguindanao

BARMM vax hesitancy diminishing...from P1 get jabs, but now they are coming forward,” said Dr. Bashary Latiph, BARMM health minister. “We have designed programs like providing incentives and ayuda for seniors who remain reluctant to get the vaccines, and it was effective,” Health Minister Latiph added. The 67-year-old BARMM chief minister has made public his vaccination administered by Dr. Elizabeth Samama, Maguindanao health chief, to prove to other Bangsamoro people the vaccine is safe and effective. In BARMM which is comprised of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Cotabato, Marawi and Lamitan, the number of infections has steadily decreasing. As of February 22, BARMM has only seven new infections and a cumulative number of 19,644 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Ebrahim said of these cases, 125 are active which are mostly asymptomatic to mild cases; 18,839 have already recovered and we have reported 680 deaths due to COVID-19 since the pandemic has started in 2020. All of BARMM provinces and cities is currently in Alert Level 2 classification. As of yesterday, the following are our coverage: 246,061 or 7 percent are partially vaccinated; 880,821 or 18 percent are fully vaccinated; 62,272 have received their booster doses already. “BARMM is doing its best to reach out (to) our target and soon reach the herd immunity. We are always calling on our constituents to go out and be vaccinated and that it is the safest way to achieve herd immunity and that we are doing this to protect ourselves or family and our community in general,” Ebrahim said.

RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III Don Rufino Alonzo & Don Tomas Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on July 2021 will be auctioned on March 1, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before March 1, 2022 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta Lahat ng sangla noong Hulyo 2021 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Marso 1, 2022 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Marso 1, 2022 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: Feb 19 & 26, 2022

BARMM’s active cases as of Feb. 22 was 125 persons and the recovery rate is 95.9 percent or 18,839 and then there are 680 fatalities or percentage of death of 3.5 percent. Ebrahim said long before the national government came up with a “house-to-house” campaign and mobile vaccination program, BARMM health frontliners are already doing it. “We have started it but our problem is cold storage facilities, hopefully we can procure more so we can continue the program in more rural areas,” Ebrahim added. AFFIDAVIT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses JAIME MORIDO and FEMA FERNANDEZ, who died on December 3, 1990 and August 22, 2015, in Manila and Libungan, Cotabato, respectively, a parcel of land Lot 3, Psd12-010508, situated in Sinauigan (now Ulamian) Midsayap (now Libungan), Cotabato with an area of 3,154 sq. mts., more or less covered by TCT No. T-75678 is the subject of affidavit of self-adjudication by sole heir with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Roland D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 440; Page No. 89; Book No. 119; Series of 2021. MC: Feb. 19, 26 & Mar. 5, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

February 26, 2022

Church’s non-partisan policy doesn’t mean indifference to social justice — Caritas PH

THE Catholic Church remains non-partisan but it doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to social justice, Caritas Philippines said. Its national director Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said the Church “can and will never be neutral” in the face of social and moral issues. “We will proclaim what is true, just, and right. That is our moral obligation,” Bagaforo said. “That is why we will speak and act in favor of human rights, the sacredness of life, ecology, and the truth, among others,” he explained. As the Church’s social advocacy arm, Caritas maintains its stance as a non-partisan organization

and urged all diocesan social action centers to remain the same. This means, the bishop said, the Church “is giving our lay leaders and the faithful our full support and even the resources of the Church when they form the circles of discernment.” Through the LASER (lifestyle, action, supporters, election conduct, and reputation) Test, “we are hoping that our lay faithful will be able to choose their candidates,” he said. “It is our sacred duty to know our candidates well, Bagaforo added.

“Let our choices be a reflection of our life-earned values. Let us choose who among them will help us be better, not the one who only promises instant gratification,” the Kidapawan bishop also said. The national Caritas and the 85 diocesan social action centers have already mobilized thousands of volunteers in partnership with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Halalang Marangal 2022, I Vote God, and other networks for the election.

CBCP News

Bishop Renato Mayugba of Laoag with Fr. Joel Reynold Castillo, Rector of the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. Photo courtesy of CBCP News

Badoc Basilica Rector receives ‘mozzetta’

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, national director of Caritas Philippines Photo courtesy of THE DIOCESE OF KIDAPAWAN

BISHOP Renato Mayugba of Laoag on Tuesday invested Fr. Joel Reynold Castillo, parish priest of St. John the Baptist Parish of Badoc in Ilocos Norte with the “mozetta” as sign of his other office as Rector of the Badoc Basilica, Shrine of “La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc,” Patroness of Northern Ilocos. Castillo was assigned to both posts by Mayugba in June 2021. The priest’s reception of the vestment was witnessed by the faithful in a solemn ceremony integrated in the Mass to mark the feast of the Chair of St. Peter. The “mozzetta,” the Italian term for the cape that covers the shoulders and is buttoned over the frontal breast area, is proper to popes, cardinals, bishops and other ecclesiastics like a Basilica Rector. The norms for the Granting of the Title of Minor Basilica set on November 9, 1989 by the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, says that among the privileges conceded to a basilica is for its rector “to wear in the exercise of his office — over the cassock or the religious habit and the surplice — a black mozzetta with red piping, buttons, and button holes”.

n the course of our journey another advice from an through life we may have old priest who was our held on to some words of professor in catechetics. wisdom imparted by some “Be careful with your models. These wisdom figures words. They have the could be our parents, teachers, power to bless and to eflections religious leaders, or friends. curse and you cannot One of my models was the bring them back when Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC grand old man himself, the you release them. Speak tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com first Archbishop of Cotabato, words of blessing and do Gerard Miongeau. I cannot forget his description not curse anyone.” of a priest every time he gave us a conference in There are times when we get angry and feel the seminary, “ A priest brings people to God and disappointed at some people. The advice of wise brings God to people.” As a high school student, my persons is to pause and consider our words before impressionable mind absorbed those words of wisdom speaking them. Also, when we have to correct anyone and they guide me until now. Our teacher it is best to call him or her and do the in homiletics constantly reminded us, correction in private. It is well to be “You are the bearer of God’s message. If reminded by today’s gospel that when we what you have to say is important then attempt to correct or criticize somebody say it loud and clear. If not, shut up. let us first look at ourselves. Jesus said Know when to stop. By the way, invest that we have to remove the log from our in a good sound system for your church.” own eye to see the splinter in somebody’s How many times did I hear parishioners eye (LK. 6: 39ff). Otherwise, we become complain that the homily was very long hypocrites. A hypocrite is a pretender, one and did not make sense to them because whose words and actions do not coincide. the preacher was whispering or mumbling They say one thing and do another. As a and the sound system was erratic. What wise figure said, “ I cannot hear what you a waste of God’s Word. are saying because your actions speak This Sunday’s readings give us a series of words louder than your words.” of wisdom. The book of Sirach, also called the Book of Words can also be twisted to fit some agenda. the Church or Ecclesiasticus because of many wise Not all we read in the social media is true. There are sayings gleaned from it says, “ A man is tested by his people who are paid to provide wrong information. conversation….praise no one before he has spoken , Even history can be twisted and revised. As Hitler’s since this is the acid test” (cf. Sir. 27:4ff.) Jesus also propagandist Joseph Goebbels said, if you say a big lie tells us in the gospel, “The mouth speaks from the strong enough and keep repeating it then people will fullness of the heart, “ or in Latin “Ex abundancia believe it is the truth. In this world of the internet cordis os loquitur” (Luke 6:45). Words have power. and instant communication lies can be shown as true, They can build up or tear down. Words of love and and truth can be shown as lies. appreciation are like water that make the tender plants The lesson for us: Let our words build up rather grow. When dealing with children and young people than tear down. Let us seek the truth and be critical it is best for us to speak mostly words of caring and with what we hear and read. Most of all, let our let us be careful with words of criticism. I remember actions be in agreement with our words. MC

Words of Wisdom

“Speak words of blessing and do not curse anyone.”

In connection with this garment of honor, Mayugba, in his homily, stressed that “authority is based on love, but it has a fruit of service for the sheep, for the flock”. “You are placed…not to glory in your title or honor but to glory in the call for service,” the bishop said. He added that “substantial for your fund-raising is for the good of the poor, for works of charity.” Castillo was installed as Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Parish of Badoc and Rector of the Basilica on June 29, 2021; however, it was only on Feb. 22 that he formally received the mozzetta. Before assuming his new post, he was the rector of St. Mary’s Minor Seminary in Laoag. As a seminarian, he finished his Theological Studies at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome and was ordained for the Diocese of Laoag in 1997. Castillo also served in various diocesan ministries including Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Parish Priest of Divine Mercy Parish in Laoag City, and St. Anne Parish in Piddig town. Buena Luz/CBCP News

Meditation Fr. Rock Saniel, OMI rocksaniel@gmail.com

8 thSunday in Ordinary Time Readings:

Sirach 27.4-7; 1 Corinthians 15.54-58; Luke 6.39-45 Anger, being rude and immoral on a regular basis, you can be assured that this is what he/she is like “on the inside.” But if a person is consistently kind, compassionate, understanding, and polite, then you can be assured that is what he/she is like “on the outside.” Of course, it is possible that someone might put up for a façade to deceive others regarding his character, but eventually what is inside will come out. For the mouth speaks out of the abundance – the overflow of the heart. We are all responsible for our actions and words. May we begin to change our evil hearts to demonstrate goodness and kindness to others. Prayer: Lord, help us change our evil ways and learn to be good to others. Amen.

February 26, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS EDITORIAL

A question of moral turpitude

ilipinos were awakened to a new word (which has not been used frequently in day to day issues) - Moral Turpitude. This was used in the discussion of whether or not a presidential candidate – Ferdinand Marcos Jr. - will be disqualified in the coming election due to not filing his income tax return. The issue, which gathered the opinions of three outspoken women, filled the airwaves and other news media last weekend. What is Moral Turpitude? According to Google, it is a phrase that describes wicked, deviant behavior constituting an immoral, unethical, or unjust departure from ordinary social standards such that it would shock a community. In criminal law, the law sorts criminal activity into categories of crime either involving or not involving moral turpitude. Retired COMELEC Commissioner Guanzon was the first to bring up the matter of moral turpitude after the COMELEC officials dismissed the disqualification case against Marcos. The COMELEC officials who issued the decision was headed by another woman – Commissioner Ferolino. Because of the sensitive matter involving the payment of income taxes, another woman came out of retirement to support the contention of Atty. Guanzon – the former chair of the BIR in the person of Atty. Henares. She dared supporters of Marcos to test the case by not paying their income tax. In Apr 28, 2009, LawPhil explained that Moral turpitude has been defined as everything which is done contrary to justice, modesty, or good morals. It is therefore society based, and the yardstick of measuring moral turpitude is how majority of our countrymen reacts to these accusations. If society has very poor justice system, questionable modesty and morality, we know what to expect when questions of moral turpitude are brought up. Many of us can just say “I told you so”. The attempts to fast track the country’s development or solve the problem of poverty had put aside the campaign for improved justice and morality in recent years. This has even penetrated our political system, and many are content to see that there are improvements in our GDP and national income, even if we are criticized for stooping so low in our international image. Looking at the brighter side of life, for feminists in this country, the quick thinking of how a question of moral turpitude can affect the result of an election is already a victory on how women’s opinions matter. We need more women to become champions like Guanzon and Henares to bring forward an improved morality of Filipinos. Let us have more guardians like them who cannot be swayed by promises of better lives so long as morality pervades. MC +

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NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS Williamor Magbanua, Romer “Bong” Sarmiento, Roel Osano & Drema Quitayen Bravo CARTOONIST Lourd Jim Diazon

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Entered as Second Class Mail at Cotabato City Post Office under Permit No. 91-01 Dated August 15, 1991.

he Catholic Church is non-partisan , but that nonpartisanship does not mean turning a blind eye to social justice. “We will proclaim what is true, just, and right. That is our moral obligation,” said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, national director of Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, and Bishop of the Diocese of Kidapawan. “We will speak and act in favor of human rights, the sacredness of life, ecology, and the truth, among others,” he said. Bishop Bagaforo’s statement comes in the midst, again, of questions why members of the Philippine clergy are openly supporting particular candidates in the coming national election in May 2022. As they have always done when such is noted, critics are mouthing the principle of separation of Church and State enshrined in the Philippine Constitution, and call on the clergy and religious not to meddle in politics. In contrast, no such calls are made when powerful non-Catholic Christian religious organizations endorse candidates and issue mandates to its faithful to vote for those candidates. Candidates are known to in fact write to the heads of these groups to make sure their names are included in the endorsement list it issues to its members every election. Fine for one but not for the other, which is apparently not fine at all. Catholic Church leaders have earlier directed dioceses across the country to form “circles of discernment” or groups engaged in forums or activities that will help parishioners as they decide who to vote for on May 9. Bishop Bagaforo said the Church is giving its lay leaders and the faithful full support and even the resources of the Church when they form these circles of discernment where parishioners can listen to different speakers who are experts in different fields discuss issues of the forthcoming election. It is hoped that through such “circles of discernment,” the faithful will be able to know and choose their candidates well. It is a sacred duty, according to Bishop Bagaforo, who said the public needs to examine the lifestyle, action, supporters, election conduct and reputation of the candidate they want to support. According to Fr. Jerome Sacillano, executive secretary of the CBCP’s committee on public affairs, the role of clerics in the socio-political sphere is merely to guide voters by educating and forming their consciences. This is clear in the teachings of the popes and the Church. The Church impresses on the people NOT the candidates but the values and platforms that are in accord with church teachings, specifically, the Catholic

HE White House declassifies information disclosing five core objectives of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy, namely: 1) advance a free and open Indo-Pacific; 2) build connections within and beyond the region; 3) drive regional prosperity; 4) bolster Indo-Pacific security; and 5) build regional resilience to transnational threats. The fact sheet underscores such historic strides by the Biden-Harris Administration “to restore American leadership in the Indo-Pacific, as the U.S. adapts to its role in the region in the 21st Century.” Modernizing long-standing alliances, the U.S. has, since last year, strengthened emerging partnerships, and has forged innovative links— among them, to meet urgent challenges, from competition with China, to the Climate Change, to the pandemic. The U.S. has adjusted to such factors as her allies around the world have increasingly enhanced their own engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and at a time that broad bipartisan agreement is emerging at home front in the U.S. Congress. Such a convergence, a commitment to the region across oceans and across political party-lines, “reflects the reality that the Indo-Pacific is the most dynamic region in the world, and its future affects peoples everywhere.” That “reality” is the basis of the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States, even as the White House stated that: “Its central focus is sustained on creative collaboration with allies, partners, and institutions, within the region and beyond it.” The primary requisite for the U.S.’ and her close allies’ vital interests is having a free and open Indo-Pacific (IP) which “requires governments to make their choices to be assuring that shared domains are governed lawfully,” according to the facts sheet on U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy declassified by the White House, this month. The U.S. strategy begins with strengthening resilience within individual countries among allies to advance a free and open region, even as it underscores to roles of: 1) democratic institutions, a free press, and

Non-partisan, but never neutral Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

Social Teachings and Gospel values, Fr. Sacillano said. As such, Fr. Sacillano says people of the Church are morally obliged to denounce evil, lies and oppression in politics! “We cannot renege on that duty even if it means being pilloried publicly. We would rather risk being criticized for doing what we believe is right than be fence-sitters earning the praise of a few,” he adds. Members of the National Board of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, a national network of private Catholic schools in all regions of our country, have chosen not to be fence-sitters relative to the coming elections which they see as an opportunity to exercise their Catholic Christian call to social responsibility and love of country. In recent statement, they said they believe that Christian values should be proclaimed vigorously in these elections. “These values are at the core of our mission of teaching, research, community engagement, and spiritual formation,” they said citing truth, justice, democracy, integrity, and the work of educating the youth among those they value. They deplored “the massive disinformation that is deceiving our people, especially our youth” adding they “vehemently reject the candidates who run under this platform of lies and historical distortion.” They similarly “reject candidates who have supported the unjust acts of the current administration“ citing in particular its drug war, its policy toward China’s aggression inside Philippine territory, its rejection of the Hague ruling, and the lack of protection of Filipino fisherfolk. They said they support candidates who uphold democracy and the rule of law in our land, rejecting candidates who undermine democracy through intolerance of critique and opposition, perpetuation of a culture of impunity, traditional and patronage politics, and rampant human rights violations. “We support leaders who wield power as social responsibility and not selfentitlement, and who can connect to the spiritual in their lives, through their conscience, discernment, and faith in God.” They did not name names, but we surmise that Filipinos can easily discern who they mean. MC

Free Press, Vibrant civil society Roles- Allies’ resilience key to free and open Indo-Pacific (Part II)

Penlight

Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

a vibrant civil society; as well as 2) improved fiscal transparency in the Indo-Pacific and having to expose corruption and drive reform; 3) the International Law to govern the region’s seas and skies; and 4) Advancing common approaches to critical and emerging technologies, the internet, and cyber space. The declassified document says the U.S. takes the lead to a “free and open Indo-Pacific” that is built among allies on a “collective capacity for a new age.” IndoPacific nations shall be adoptive of alliances, as well as the organizations and the rules that they together have helped build. The international and institutional alliances ought to build a collective capacity within and beyond the region, by: 1) Deepening the U.S. five regional treaty alliances with Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Philippines, and Thailand; 2) Strengthening relationships with leading regional partners, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands; 3) Contributing to an empowered and unified ASEAN; 4) Strengthening the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue between the U.S., India, Japan and Australia) and delivering on its commitments; 5) Supporting India’s continued rise and regional leadership; 6) Partnering to build resilience in the Pacific Islands; 7) Forging connections between the Indo-Pacific and the Euro-Atlantic; and 8) Expanding U.S. diplomatic presence in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. MC

used by advanced countries in the world.They also questioned the sale of government-owned National Steel Corporation in Iligan City and the Mindanao Textile Industry in Maguindanao; the abolition of the state-owned Manila Transit Corporation and the sell-out of the government’s 60 percent share in the Petron Corporation. And many other questionable deals that the public appeared to have been shortchanged. And it also goes true to other questionable deals by the longest Marcos dictatorial reign that allegedly amassed gold and other illgotten wealth. And now, ambitious aspirants aiming to replace Duterte are sounding sweet music in a romantic serenade-of-sort to provide electorate a better life. Finger-pointing as in non-stopped blame and complain would persist whoever wins from top-to-bottom, for as the saying goes, it’s impossible to please everybody unless we are all birds of the same feather. Let’s hope and pray that the sudden departure of the unknown and the more familiar faces like veteran journalist Ricardo “Dong” Puno of ABS-CBN and Malaybalay Mayor Florencio Flores, Jr. of Bukidnon could have prepared eternity with the Author of Life. Mercy and repentance are essential preparatory ingredients before man’s appointed time with the LORD that could be one of the reasons retired Army officer and DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu tendered his resignation apart from lingering health predicament. With this development, a native of Cotabato City and Maguindanao DENR Undersecretary Jim Sampulna has been appointed last week as Department OIC-Secretary in concurrent capacity. Congratulations and make the most for others’ sake. For life is like a spinning wheel, that what goes up must come down, as in the trouble with hello is goodbye. Amid tough challenges to confront life’s reality, let’s focus our attention in obedience to God’s precepts on His dos and don’ts by doing what’s right and just. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). A heavenly reward of eternal life awaits those who will endure unto the end (Matthew 24:13). For Christ the Savior of the human race has assured that with Him, there is peace but the world has tribulation. But be of good cheer, he said, because “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). MC

Human desires vary True to Form Charlie Señase

csenase@yahoo.com

EMINDS us of Barry Manilow, the popular crooner with his mellow soothing voice of the 70s that carries with it peace and love amid heartbreaks. This is the same political persuasion shown by poll aspirants that despite socioeconomic woes and security threats, citizens are assured of peace and prosperity if elected. Similar assurances raised by past elected Presidents from Emilio Aguinaldo to the outgoing Rodrigo Duterte that the living may look back and gauge the veracity of those political intents. The world wants to enjoy life to the fullest, but along the way are hindrances due to differences; that the Light has come into the world, but many prefer darkness because of their evil deeds (John 3:19). And because of this stumbling block, sobriety and coexistence are mere temporal in nature. Unless we rid ourselves of pride, envy and greed, and instead nurture humility, love and mercy, our long-sought yearning for unity in diversity will remain but a dream. For how can we merge Light and darkness or Truth and falsehood in the world of make-believe? Let’s not love worldly things for these are lusts of the flesh and of the eyes because the love of God is not in us but of the world (1 John 2:15-17). This week’s headline dampen enthusiasm. There are moves to raise taxes meant to service the country’s huge foreign debts incurred by past and present administrations that ballooned to the trillion-mark during the pandemic stage. Another, is the COLIGHT advisory that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines has scheduled a rehabmaintenance work of its facilities in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Sunday (Feb 27) has been reset on March 6 instead that will result to an 11-hour power interruption (7AM to 6PM) affecting the entire franchised area of COLIGHT. At the political scene some analysts question why some people-oriented projects of the maligned Marcos rule were set-aside or sold-out by the Aquino administration? Like the total abolition of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, the cheapest source of energy,

What is Considered “Healthy Food”? Health Corner

misinterpret or have a hard time comprehending nutrition labels. One of the most critical parts of reading your food labels is to look at the serving size; 160 calories may not seem like much, but that could A reprint from a Moreland Blog be for only two little cookies. hile eating fads come and go, there Continue reading for other are a few key elements to healthy factors to keep in mind when grocery eating that remain unchanged. shopping for your healthy foods. Here is what we know: Saying “zero trans fat”, “all natural”, or “Healthy Food” Defined “contains whole wheat” can trick you into Healthy foods are those that provide you thinking the product is healthy, even when with the nutrients you need to sustain your its nutritional value has been stripped away body’s well-being and retain energy. Water, after being processed. carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals are the key nutrients that make Alternatively, many packaged products up a healthy, balanced diet. are packed with salt, sugar, and saturated Facts You Should Know: fat. In other words, these claims make you • Only 1 in 10 adults meet the daily forget about the added calories. Here is a recommendation for fruit and vegetable list of what you should know before you read intake your food’s nutritional facts: • Fruits and Vegetable Serving Sizes • Sugar: Women should try to limit their This information tells us we need to sugar intake to 25 g / day or 6 teaspoons focus on eating fresh foods that provide us • Fat: There are about 9 calories per gram with the nutrients our bodies need. of fat - stick to about 50 g / day Unfortunately, the food industry doesn’t • Sodium: Women should not consume make as much of a profit on fresh foods; more than 1,500 mg or 3.8 g of salt / day processed foods are where the money’s • Protein: Women exercising less than at. Even big food companies have lobbied 30 min / day should eat about 46 g of aggressively against public health plans protein / day such as a campaign ordering the removal of • Vitamins: Naturally occurring vitamins junk food from schools. are ideal, but added vitamins can be These junk food items, processed from helpful too crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans, • Calories: The average amount for are high in calories (fillers) and lack the women is 2,000 / day and 1,500 / day to nutritional value your body needs. However, lose weight based on a 150 lb. woman because they are derived from crops, it can As women between the ages of 35 and be difficult to know if they are healthy or not, 50, not knowing what is good or bad for and misleading claims on labels only make your body can create unwarranted stress. things worse. Use the above as a resource to ease the How to Read Food Labels worries that come along with taking the According to a recent Nielsen right steps to strengthen your future report, almost 60-percent of consumers health. MC

Meet the new CHR Chairman, Atty. Leah T. Armamento

on Agrarian Justice as well as the guidelines on how to handle criminal complaints related to agrarian disputes. As assistant chief state prosecutor at the DOJ in he tuff of ife 2003, she led the legal panel of the Philippine Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy government during the franco1573victoria@gmail.com review implementation of ith barely 3 months from the May 9 the final peace agreement elections, Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte with the Moro National Liberation Front. is rushing appointments to vacated By 2010, she was appointed as DOJ positions either by retirements as in the undersecretary .. case of Commissioner Rowena Guanzon She oversaw the drafting of or the demise of Chito Gascon, Ateneo de implementing rules and implementation of Manila University graduate Atty. Leah Republic Act 10353 or the Anti-Enforced T. Armamento was recently appointed or Involuntary Disappearance Act. This to fill the chair of former Commission sought to make the crime punishable by of Human Rights Chair Jose Luis life imprisonment . This is the first of its Martin “Chito”Gascon kind in Asia and sees who succumbed to enforced disappearance COVID-19.. “as a special separate Amidst the offense” from unrelenting attacks kidnapping, serious against the institution, a illegal detention and\ familiar face,Atty. Leah or murder. Tanodra-Armamento is I n 2 0 1 1 , set to serve until May Armamento was 5, 2022, the unexpired one of the four term of her predecessor names shortlisted Chairman Gascon. for the position of Atty. Leah is the Ombudsman following wife of Atty. Santiago the resignation of “Boy”Armamento, Jr., Merceditas Gutierrez. only son of the late The post eventually Dr. Santiago and Dra. went to the-Supreme Milagrosa Armamento, the popular couple Court associate justice Conchita Carpioin the early 60’s through 90’s here in Morales. Cotabato City.. She is also the sister-in-law Upon her appointment to the CHR by of my favorite “igsu” Celerina Armamento. the late Pres. Aquino in 2015, she handled Commissioner Leah is a long time efforts and policies against torture and prosecutor and has been in government ensured proper and dignified treatment of service for almost four decades. She was persons deprived of liberties through the also a fellow of Harvard University’s John Interim National Preventive Mechanism. F.. Kennedy School of Government. She, and her fellow Commissioners According to Rappler, Atty. Leah face the biggest challenge since being T. Armamento joined the Office of the established post-Martial Law. CHR, Solicitor General in 1986 and took on as well as the concept of human rights the role of associate solicitor, where was demonized by President Duterte she worked on cases involving habeas himself, as the commission called out the corpus. In 1991, she began her 24-year government for its repressive policies. career at the Department of Justice Pres. Duterte’s staunchest allies in the (DOJ) first as state prosecutor and later House of Representatives even tried to cut as a senior state prosecutor. During this the commission’s annual budget for 2018 period, she established the Task Force to only P1,000. MC

THE MINDANAO CROSS

February 26, 2022

Post-Election Economic Landscape…

Market Driven

“She handled efforts and policies against torture and ensured proper and dignified treatment of persons deprived of liberties”

Danny Buenbrazo

danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

arely four (4) months to go and Filipinos will again witness a changing of the guards at the national and local levels of political power. The incoming President, VicePresident, and twelve (12) members of the Senate will serve for a period of six (6) years. The elected members of the House of Representatives from congressional districts or selected through the Party-List System will have a shorter term of three (3) years, the same with elected local officials (provincial, city, and municipal officials). These new set of elected officials, national and local, will all be facing challenges that their predecessors have not exactly encountered when they went into their respective offices. The challenge though would not be entirely the same, the ones at the national level are likely to be more complicated with a lot of external factors impinging on domestic concerns. Let us consider the challenges of governance at the local levels. There are two major concerns that will affect local government units as the new set of officials take office on 30 June 2022. The first challenge is how to return the operations of business establishments and the LGU itself, at least, to the preCOVID 19 status. Would each local government have the capacity to provide financial, technical, and/or policies that could help business enterprises recover from a weakened state? An LGU must be able to must internal resources or tap external organizations to help it revive business activities. A second, and perhaps more serious, challenge to LGUs is that the benefits of larger Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) are accompanied with broader responsibility for health and other social

and economic services. With the National Government having lesser share of taxes and other national revenues, it delegated more responsibilities to LGUs, arguing that they now have more funds with higher IRA shares. At the national government level, rough roads ahead are expected as a result of domestic and international developments. Just like the local government units, the national government would also need to address the travails of the business firms and private sector workers (and potential workers) badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The economy has to go back to 100% operation but measures must be in place to manage possible COVID-19 resurgence. In relation to government expenditures to address the pandemic in the last two years, the Philippine external and domestic debts have risen significantly and the government needs to raise funds to pay its obligations. As Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez said, the government is programming to enact broader tax laws and higher tax rates to be able to meet its debt repayment obligations. The rising rates of Treasury Bills and Bonds (and lending rates) would mean that it will be costlier for both the government and the private sector to avail of loans from within the country and from external sources. Should the current frontrunner be elected in May 2022, how would Philippine foreign diplomatic, trade, and financial relations be affected? Would foreign investors be coming in or will they be prevented by their home countries from doing so? Will foreign creditors not change their current favorable treatment of the country? The looming conflict in Ukraine that has led to the surge in the prices of oil products in the past weeks could also affect trade and other economic activities. Pray that whoever wins will be equipped to meet these challenges. MC

February 26, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Province of Maguindanao MUNICIPALITY OF UPI email add: sb_upi@yahoo.com Office of the Sangguniang Bayan

EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE FORTY FOURTH (44TH) REGULAR SESSION OF THE 17TH SANGGUNIANG BAYAN OF UPI, MAGUINDANAO HELD AT THE SB SESSION HALL ON DECEMBER 15, 2021 AT 9:30 A.M. Present:

Hon. Wilfredo T. Ibañez Hon. Geraldine G. Bacas Hon. Alex A. Peñaloza, Sr. Hon. Saidie O. Lidasan Hon. Janito M. Rabelo, Sr. Hon. Maria Elena II T. Castro Hon. Rodolyn P. Andres

Presiding Officer PO Pro Temporé SB Member SB Member SB Member SB Member SB Member

EXPLANATORY NOTE WHEREAS, the paramount concern of the present society is to effect social, economic and political reforms through discipline and order;

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Local Government to effectively implement the Ecological Solid Waste Management Program; WHEREAS, there is a need to practice waste segregation to facilitate reuse and recycling, and reduce the cost of collection and disposal of garbage; WHEREFORE, on motion of Hon. Maria Elena II T. Castro, Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, duly seconded by the majority, it was; RESOLVED as it is hereby RESOLVED to enact and promulgate the following ordinance. ORDINANCE NO. 2007-003 “A COMPREHENSIVE ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF UPI “. (Updated December 2021) ARTICLE 1 Title Section 1. Title. This shall be known as the Comprehensive Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance of the Municipality of Upi.

SM Member SB Member (LnB President) SB Member (IP Mandatory Rep.) SB Member (SK Fed. President)

Hon. Datu Michael C. Sinsuat I

SB Member

streets, public places, and open spaces; d.

WHEREAS, to attain these reforms, we need to have a healthy citizenry and provide special protection for them s well as to visitors; WHEREAS, to make these objectives realistic, it should be the duty of every citizen and resident of this municipality to keep the environment or surrounding clean and wholesome;

Absent:

Hon. Neil Christopher Platon Hon. Ariel M. Layson Hon. Jay V. Olubalang Hon. Arbe A. Olvido

Section 7. Technical Terms. The technical terms used in this ordinance are defined as follows: Compost refers to decayed organic materials for use as soil conditioner of fertilizer.

Composting refers to biological degradation under controlled condition; the process of making degradable such as food waste, garden waste, human waste into compost by mixing them with soil, domestic COVID waste materials, water, biological additives/ activators (optional) and air.

Clinics refer to facility for diagnosis and treatment of usually walk-in or outpatients, includes among others veterinary, dentist and other related services.

Non-Recyclable any waste materials that have no other use anymore and considered as residual waste which shall be collected and dump at the prescribed disposal facility.

Department/Grocery Stores refers to store selling wide variety of goods and products.

Domestic COVID-19 Health Care Wastes refers to infectious, hazardous, and/or contaminated healthcare wastes including, but not limited to, used face masks, cottons, tissue papers, and other similar items, generated at the households.

Special Waste any waste materials that are toxic and hazardous such as busted lamps/bulbs, batteries, chemical containers, used syringes, pathological wastes, COVID waste materials, etc.

Domestic Waste refers to the refuse from households as distinguished from industrial waste, agricultural waste, hospital waste, etc., which may be classified as biodegradable(compostable) or non-biodegradable (noncompostable).

a. b. c.

Factories/Plants refer to establishments for manufacturing and production such as canneries and other related establishments.

Factory Refumables/Recyclables refer to all nonbiodegradable, non-compostable such as tin cans/metals; bottles/glass including broken pieces; plastic Styrofoam, rubber, dry paper, dry cardboard, dry cloth, fibers, leather, hard shells, hard bones, etc. which are segregated in separate containers or place in one sack (cans, bottles, containers already rinsed) and are sold/given away to collectors.

e. f. g. h.

ARTICLE 3 Authority and Purpose/Goals Section 3. Authority. This ordinance is enacted to supplement the provisions of existing laws and ordinances related to solid waste management (SWM). Section 4. Purpose. This ordinance is enacted for the following purpose: General: a)

To guide, control and regulate the generation at source, storage, collection, transportation and disposal of solid wastes within the locality and promote an orderly and sanitary system for the same. To enhance the rehabilitation of the locality through the necessary control and mitigation of negative environmental impacts attributed by solid wastes.

Specific: a)

To minimize generation of solid waste and maximize possible resource recovery/recycling and utilization by: • Maximizing the use and consumption of goods; • Encouraging the recovery of possible recyclables from solid waste in every backyard through composting and biogas production process; • Encouraging the recycling and resource recovery of solid wastes in every backyard through composting and biogas production; • Providing assistance and cooperation in the recycling of solid wastes.

Section 5. The primary goal of this ordinance is to help enhance ecological balance in the community through sustainable ecological solid waste management. Section 6. Objectives. The objectives of this ordinance are the following: a.

To ensure round the clock cleanliness through orderly waste management;

To cease and desist from utilization of open garbage dumps which serve as breeding places of disease-causing organisms, foul odors, harmful fumes, “greenhouse gases” contributing to global warming and thinning of the ozone layer. The same also generate “ leachate” which pollutes soil and water resources and create unhealthy scavenging activities in the vicinity;

To eradicate , uncovered and overflowing waste receptacles in

Recyclables refer to i. metals such as tincans, aluminum cans, iron, copper, etc.; ii. glass/bottles including broken pieces; iii. plastics such as polyethylene (bags), propylene (straws, jute sacks), polyurethane (foam mattresses), polystyrene(Styrofoam), polyvinyl (tubes, pipes, linoleum); iv. polyacetate such as fibers, cloth, rayon, etc.; v. rubber natural and synthetic such as cloth, twine, etc.; vi. dry leathers such as skin, feathers, etc.; vii. hard shells and bones.

Section 2. This ordinance shall apply to:

ARTICLE 4 Definition of Terms

Eateries/Carenderias refer to small eating places that serve light meals usually without so much amenities (no air conditioner) accommodate fewer people.

All individuals in the Municipality of Upi; Residential houses; Commercial establishments such as markets, sari-sari stores, eateries, grocery stores, department stores, lodge and boarding houses and other commercial establishments; Institutions like hospitals, clinics, health centers, schools, mosques, churches, banks, public and private offices; Industrial establishment like factories, plants, slaughterhouses, livestock facilities, mills and dryers; Transportation facilities such as buses, jeepneys, tricycle, trisikads, hauler trucks and other mode of transportation; Parks, open spaces and thoroughfares; Agricultural areas.

Compostable/biodegradable refers to: i. food/kitchen waste such as peelings, leftovers vegetables trims, fish/fowl/meat animal entrails/innards/cleanings, soft shells, seeds. ii. garden/agricultural wastes such as leaves/flowers, twigs, branches, stems, roots, trimmings, weeds, seeds/edible fruits, etc. iii. human/animal wastes such as excreta, manure/urine, carcasses, etc.

To maximize pollution arising from harmful gases, smoke, particulates produced by needless burning/dumping; polluted run-offs into water sources/supply and hazardous substances.

ARTICLE 2 Coverage

10. Feed Materials refer to all food waste peelings, vegetable trims, fish entrails, fowl innards, spoiled fruits, leftovers, egg shells, rice/ fish/meat washing, etc. that should be collected and kept in covered containers as hog/chicken/duck/pets/fish feeds. 11. Fermentable refers to fruit peelings, spoiled or over-ripe fruits juices e.g. buko juice, etc., are made into vinegar, wine or “nata-de-pina”. 12. Fertilizer Materials refer to all compostable or biodegradable such as garden waste (leaves, twigs, and weeds), animal waste (manure, carcasses), human waste (feces, urine, blood, and all excreta), soiled wipes such as tissue papers, pads, diapers (removed plastic portions) are made into compost for organic gardening. 13. Fine crafts refer to many of the non-biodegradables could be used as materials for handicrafts, cottage industries, art works, toys and other livelihood projects such as paper Mache, paper basketry, tin craft, plastic twine or rope braids, feather crafts, wooden crafts, etc. Styrofoam melted in small amount of gasoline solvents provides cheap glue of “binder” for many of the projects. 14. Hospital refers to an institution where the sick and injured are given medical cure which includes both private and public.

22. Solid Waste Management refers to the purposeful, systematic control of the generation, storage, collection, transport, separation, processing, recycling, recovery, and final disposal of solid waste. 23. Sorting at Source refers to the segregation or separation of waste at the point of generation or at the very place where they are produced into biodegradable and non-biodegradable. ARTICLE 5 Solid Waste Management System Section 8. Establishment of Sanitary Landfill Section 8.1. Legal Basis a. R.A 9003. Pursuant of the provisions of Section 5 of RA No. 9003 otherwise known as the “Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2003 “ provides that LGUs are required to maintain a sanitary landfill. b. Environmental Compliance Certificate. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have issued a certification that the Municipality have passed the final validation/ inspection for the site of Sanitary Landfill containing an area of 52,000 sq. m more or less located at Barangay Kibleg, Upi, Maguindanao. Section 8.2. Scope and Coverage This covers the proposed construction and development of Sanitary Landfill Facility (SLF) within 5.2890 hectares located in Barangay Kibleg, Upi, Maguindanao that will accommodated a total segregated residual waste of three hundred Fifty (350) tons per year. Section 8.3. General Conditions Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan The LGU - Upi shall strictly implement the following guidelines and requirements: 1.

The implementation of the solid waste management shall be in accordance with Republic Act No. 9003 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. No toxic, hazardous, hospital and industrial waste shall be allowed to be disposed of in the Sanitary Landfill Facility.

That any use of chemicals shall be properly controlled and regulated pursuant to the provisions of RA 6969, otherwise known as “Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Act of 1990”.

That Wastewater Discharge shall be secured from this Office prior to operation of the SLF Facility pursuant to RA 9275.

That a 3”x4” Billboard Containing This Message “Notice to the Public. This Construction and Development of Sanitary Landfill Facility of Upi, Maguindanao was issued an Environmental Compliance Certificate with Ref. Code No. ECCARMM 20192013-09-120 by the DENR-ARMM on February 13, 2019”. This message must be installed at the entrance of the project to inform the public within thirty (30) days from receipt of this Certificate. Picture verification of compliance to the posting of notice shall be submitted to EMB, this Office, within ninety (90) days from receipt of this ECC.

15. Individual refers to any person who is within the vicinity of the Municipality that includes both residents and transients. 16. Livestocks are domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce labor and commodities such as meat, eggs, fur, leather and wool. It includes poultries, large cattles, piggeries, and other related activities. 17. Mills/Dryers refer to facilities handling agricultural products such as rice, corn, and other related farm produce for milling. 18. Open Dumpsites refer to any area or space (public or private) utilized as dumping ground of unsegregated waste. 19. Recycling refers to the reuse, retrieval, recommission of element/matter for any and all purposes necessary to healthful and productive living; the process by which waste materials are transformed into new products in such a manner that the original product may lose their identity. 20. Resource Recovery refer to the extraction of material or energy from wastes. 21. Solid Waste refers to any discarded materials thrown away such as garbage, rubbish, trash, litters, junk and refuse from any source (homes, businesses, farms, industries, or institutions). These are discarded materials with insufficient liquid content to flow. Examples are those non-liquid wastes resulting from the domestic, commercial, agricultural and industrial activities which can be divided into four categories/kinds;

Section 8.4. Specific Conditions: Further administrative conditions shall be strictly complied with. 5.

That approved plans and specifications of submitted drainage system and Leachate Treatment Facility for the effluents shall be strictly observed and implemented. All liquid wastes shall be properly treated and shall not exceed the DENR Effluent Standards;

That establishment of green buffer zone and planting of appropriate tree species within and along the periphery of the project shall be undertaken to help attenuate noise levels, abate

THE MINDANAO CROSS

February 26, 2022 ORDINANCE NO. 2007-003 heat and absorb some pollutant emissions; 7.

That peripheral canals or ditches shall be constructed around the site to divert run-off;

That fence shall be constructed around the sanitary landfill facility to prevent unauthorized entry of waste pickers and stray animals.

The base of the landfill call per properly provided with clay liner of at least 60 centimeters thick or synthetic lines with at least 1.5 mm thick High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) membrane cover at least 60 cm thickness of compacted clay materials;

10. That a leachate collection and treatment system with installed pipes at the low areas of the liner shall be provided to collect the leachate for storage, treatment and discharge; 11. That exposed residual wastes at the landfill cell should be covered with soil of at least six (6) inches thick at the end of each working days to prevent emission of foul odor or methane gas. Sufficient soil cover materials shall be readily available in the stock place area of the facility for ready use. 12. That monitoring wells shall be constructed and maintained within the project site and identified impact areas which shall include the following; a) b)

A semi-annual groundwater qualify sampling shall be conducted and the results of the same shall be submitted to this Office; and Cisterns/holding tanks shall be installed to minimize the extraction of groundwater for domestic purposes.

13. That the proponent shall orient workers in the facility to observe proper health and sanitation practices and that annual medical check-up shall be done to monitor their health conditions;

Report to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) or other concerned office such the Office of the Barangay Chairperson, the PNP or the Office of the Municipal Mayor for any uncollected solid waste in the vicinity;

Maintain and keep clean the thoroughfares (frontage of the house to the street gutter) and grounds fronting their residences;

Section 14. Collection and Transportation

Avoid indiscriminate burning, littering, dumping and throwing of solid waste in public places including canals, streets, vacant lots, rivers, creeks, etc.

The LGU including the barangays, private owners and operators of collection vehicles for solid waste collection shall undertake the following system:

a. b. c. d. e. f.

Monitoring requirements as defined under the EMP Monitor actual project impact vis-à-vis predicted impacts and management measures in the EMP; Make recommendations for the revision of the EMP if necessary; Ensure that post-assessment permits are in place; Ensure and monitoring and reporting are undertaken; and Ensure compliance of all conditions and restriction of the approved ECC.

16. That the Environment Management Plan (EMP) incorporated in the IEE Report shall be strictly observed and implemented by the proponent to address all possible negative impacts perceived during the conduct of environmental impact assessment. 17. The DENR-ARMM reserves the right to cancel or withdraw this Certificate for misrepresentation of facts vital to the insurance of this ECC and for any violation of the conditions stipulated hereof. 18. That On-the-spot monitoring and inspection of the project can be initiated by the EMB, DENR-ARMM anytime without prior notice to ensure compliance of the proponent. 19. That in case of abandonment, the proponent shall notify the DENR-ARMM Regional Office within three (3) months prior to the abandonment and submit its abandonment mitigation plan. 20. That the proponent shall submit quarterly Self-Monitoring Report (SMR) to the EMB, DERN-ARMM using the standard format. Section 8.5. Restrictions 21. That no other activities shall be undertaken other than what are stipulated in the IEE Report. Should there be expansion of the approved areas beyond the project description, construction of other structures beyond those stated in the IEE Report or any change in the activity shall be subject to a new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirement; 22. This Certificate shall be automatically revoked if the project will not be implemented within five (5) years from the date of its issuance or if the project is suspended of stopped for a period of more than two (2) years such that significant changes in land and resource use have accrued in the project areas and immediate vicinities; 23. That relevant permits from other concerned agencies must be secured first prior to project implementation; and 24. That in case of transfer of ownership of this project, the same conditions and restrictions shall apply. The transferee shall be required to notify this office within fifteen (15) days from the date of such transfer.

Use baskets such as those made from nito, bamboo or rattan or other reusable bags during marketing and avoid use of sando bags and other disposable cellophane-based materials;

Maximize purchase of products packaged in biodegradable, reusable or recyclable packaging materials and maximize avoidance of using disposable materials/products to reduce volume of waste generated;

Segregate properly their generated solid waste into 4 types: (1) compostable; (2) recyclable; (3) non-recyclable; and (4) special waste, by using separate and properly labeled receptacles/containers with cover for sanitary and efficient handling. Unsegregated solid waste shall not be collected by the appropriate agency/ies;

Reuse materials that are reusable or recyclable such as cans, bottles, plastics, papers, cartons, etc. or recycle these materials into other products or sell to junk dealers/buyers;

Put-up backyard composting facility such as drums, tires, or other composting methods for compostable waste materials;

Bring out segregated solid waste in front of the gate or door or along the route of collection vehicle or cart during collection period or when the collection truck has already arrived. The specific collection scheduled shall be determined and properly disseminated by the concerned agency;

Toxic and hazardous wastes such as empty chemical containers shall not be thrown or dumped anywhere but must be kept in sealed containers (e.g. drums) or containment facility (e.g. septic tank/vault.)

Unsegregated solid wastes shall not be collected.

All commercial, market and industrial establishments shall undertake the following solid waste management system.

Segregated solid wastes shall be collected separately and must not be mixed in one collection vehicle unless the vehicle has separate compartments for segregated solid wastes.

Establish properly disseminated collection schedule for various segregated solid wastes.

If collection vehicle is a dump truck, cover shall be provided during transit to the processing center or disposal facility to avoid scattering and spilling of solid waste.

Collection drivers and crew members shall be properly trained on the collection system and must be provided with personal protective equipment such as overalls, gloves, boots and masks.

Minimize volume of waste;

Maximize purchase of products that are packaged in biodegradable, reusable or recyclable packaging materials and avoid using disposable materials/products to reduce volume of waste generated;

Segregate properly their generated solid waste into four (4) types 1) compostable; (2) recyclable; (3) non-recyclable; and (4) special waste, by using separate and properly labeled receptacles/containers with cover for sanitary and efficient handling. Unsegregated solid waste shall not be collected by the appropriate agency/ies;

If area is available, put-up backyard composting for composting for compostable waste materials;

Bring out segregated solid waste in front of the gate or door or along the route of collection vehicle or cart during collection period or when the collection truck has already arrived. The specific collection schedule shall be determined and properly disseminated by the concerned agency;

Maintain and keep clean the fronting sidewalks, canals and immediate grounds/areas of the establishment;

Avoid indiscriminate burning, littering, and dumping/throwing of solid waste in public places including canals, streets, vacant lots, rivers, creeks, etc.;

Industrial toxic and hazardous waste shall be disposed of in accordance to the provisions of RA 6969 by the concerned industries.

Section 15. Materials Recovery Facility a)

There shall be establishment of Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in every barangay as required by RA 9003 for temporary storage of recyclables and composting of compostable materials. The area and size of the MRF shall depend on the volume of recyclables and compostables to be collected by the barangay.

The barangay shall allocate specific budget for the establishment of MRF in their barangay.

The barangay shall operate the MRF in partnership with nongovernment organization, people’s organizations, or the private sector.

The Municipal Government shall establish its own MRF to complement the barangays that can not afford to put up its own MRF.

Section 16. Disposal The LGU shall prohibit the use of open dumpsite and establish controlled dumpsite as its disposal facility. The operation of the controlled dumpsite shall be in the following manner: a)

Establish an appropriate permanent site as controlled dumpsite

Section 11. Institutions (Schools, Offices, Churches, Hospitals, etc)

Provide a well-maintained all-weather access roads.

All institution shall undertake the following solid waste management system:

Ensure security fencing of the facility for environmental reasons as well as elimination of access of human and animal scavengers.

To reduce volume of solid waste generation, minimize the use and purchase of disposable materials and patronize products that are packaged in reusable /recycles/materials;

Keep basic records of waste received daily and other related incidents.

Segregate properly their generated solid waste containers with cover for sanitary and efficient handling. Unsegregated solid wastes shall not be collected by both appropriate agency and organization;

Cover daily all solid wastes with inert materials or soil at least 6 inches in thickness. This shall apply at the end of working day.

Provide aerobic and anaerobic decomposition to control odor.

Provide septic vault for the disposal of special and residual waste.

Provide at least 0.60 meters final soil cover at closure, and postclosure maintenance of cover, drainage and vegetation.

Reuse materials that are reusable or recyclable such as cans, bottles, plastics, papers, cartoons, etc., or recycle these materials into other products or sell to junk dealers/buyers;

If area is available, put-up backyard composting for compostable waste materials;

Bring out segregated solid waste in front of the gate or door or along the route of collection vehicle or cart during collection period or when the collection truck has already arrived. The specific collection schedule shall be determined and properly disseminated by the concerned agency;

Section 17. The collection pattern will start at Poblacion covering all Puroks, municipal streets and national highway, public market, business district, institution and offices and health related sources with established common collection points. Far-flung barangay will be covered. Section 18. An Ordinance Adopting the Interim Guidelines on the Management of COVID-19 Related Health Care Waste in the Municipality of Upi, Province of Maguindanao A. Policy Content and Guidelines Section 18.1. On Generated Wastes

Maintain and keep clean the fronting sidewalks, canals and immediate grounds/areas of the institution;

LGUs shall consider all COVID-19 related wastes as potentially infectious and contaminated health care wastes.

Avoid indiscriminate burning, littering, dumping and throwing of solid waste in public places including canals, streets, vacant lots, rivers, creeks, etc.;

Section 18.2. On Segregation and Storage at Source

Section 9. Household /Residential All residents shall undertake the following solid waste management system:

Section 10. Commercial Establishments, Markets & Industries:

14. That the open dumping and burning of wastes anywhere is strictly prohibited. 15. The proponent shall employ or designate a Pollution control Officer (PCO) in accordance with DENR Administrative Order 2014-02, who shall handle the environmental aspects of the project, which shall have the following responsibilities;

but properly composted.

Funeral, hospital, pharmaceutical, waste must be stored, collected, transported and disposed of in accordance with the guidelines, rules and regulations of the Department of Health (Refer to the Manual on Hospital Waste Management, PD 856 known as the Sanitation Code of the Philippines).

Section 12. Public Transportation Vehicle (PUV’s, etc.) & Facilities (Terminals, etc.) All public transportation vehicles and facilities shall undertake the following solid waste management system: a)

Buses, jeepneys, tricycles, and trisikads must provide waste receptacles/containers for its passengers.

Operators of transport terminals must provide separate receptacles for compostable, recyclable and non-recyclable materials placed strategically around the terminal premises conveniently accessible to passengers.

Bring out segregable solid waste along the route of collection vehicle or cart during collection period or when the collection truck has already arrived. The specific collection schedule shall be determined and properly disseminated by the concerned agency.

The driver/conductor/operator of the public transport vehicles must ensure that the passengers are properly informed to throw their solid waste into the receptacles.

Section 13. Agricultural Areas All farm owners or operators shall undertake the following solid waste management system: a)

Agricultural wastes such as rice straws, corncobs, animal manure and other biodegradable materials shall not be burned

The Local Government of Upi shall strictly implement proper waste segregation at source, and shall ensure that COVID-19 related wastes are not mixed with other domestic solid wastes but are rather stored in yellow bags, container, bins properly labeled.

The Municipality shall ensure that all Barangays within their jurisdiction shall enforce proper segregation at the household level so that COVID -19 related wastes are not mixed with biodegradables/compostable, recyclable and residual wastes.

The Municipality shall make available proper storage bags and container bins following the national standard to store infectious wastes.

The Barangays shall ensure that all households have container bags/bins which shall be used as storage for COVID-19 related wastes.

The Barangays shall, as much as practicable, provide households with adequately labeled storage bags or bins where the same could temporarily store their COVID-19 related wastes.

The BESW Team shall collect the COVID-related waste in every household in their barangay once a month. COVID-related waste shall be immediately stored in the septic vault.

The Municipality and the Barangays shall strictly monitor and ensure that waste collection personnel abide to the following guidelines:

The Municipality shall ensure that all waste collection personnel, whether LGU-managed or contracted, are oriented on the proper handling of COVID-19 related wastes, and the hazards associated with it.

The Municipality shall ensure that all personnel directly engaged in the collection, transport, and storage, and treatment and disposal of COVID-19 related wastes must be and/or goggles, gloves, and

February 26, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

ORDINANCE NO. 2007-003 closed shoes/industrial boots, which shall be used at all times.

officials. Failure of the LCE and the Sanggunian Members to comply with this provision, as deemed necessary by existing facts and circumstances, shall be tantamount to violation of the provisions of these guidelines.

Section 18.3. Treatment and Disposal The LGU shall: 1.

Ensure that COVID-19 related wastes are properly treated with available technologies (i.e. sterilization, thermal processing like pyrolysis and gasification, incineration, etc.) approved by DENR, DOH and other concerned regulatory agencies. The microbial laboratory test results shall be submitted to DOH and DENR for validation as prescribed. In case of contracted waste service providers, the LGU shall require the provider to give the LGU a copy of any document issued by the DOH or the DENR, either approving the technology used or a copy of the test results duly received by the DOH and DENR. Ensure that its waste disposal facilities, whether own facility or contracted, follow the guidelines provided hereunder. The LGU is encouraged to conduct regular inspection to strictly monitor its operations:

Treated infectious and contaminated health care wastes and/or residues shall have a dedicated separate cell within the approved sanitary landfills where such shall be disposed of;

Waste disposal personnel must be informed and aware of the classification of wastes being delivered to take precautionary measures, and to maintain a safe distance from, and avoid direct contact with the wastes;

A manifest system shall be implemented to ensure that the collected infectious waste are properly recorded, treated and disposed;

Collect the records generated in its designated disposal facilities for monitoring purposes.

The DILG Regional Offices, through their legal departments, shall submit to the Legal and Legislative Liaison Service, copy furnished the offices of the Undersecretary for Local Government, the Undersecretary for operations and the Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs, all reports relative to monitored, and/or confirmed violations of local government units of any provisions of these guidelines.

Section 20. Functions of the Municipal Ecological Solid Waste Management Board (MESWMB).

The Local Government Unit of Upi shall secure the compliance of their waste service providers to the following:

Periodically assess and monitor the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management in the Municipality of Upi.

•

Development and formulation of own occupational health and safety (OHS) plan for the strict implementation and guidance of their personnel, consistent to the OHS Plan of the LGU;

Monitor and evaluate range of compliance with respect to reduction and segregation at source, to include backyard composting per barangay.

Adherence to enhanced hygiene norms, including frequent change and cleaning and disinfection of PPEs (including, but not limited to, reusable coveralls, face masks and/or goggles, gloves and closed shoes/industrial boots);

Review and refinement of procedures for SWM operations and enforcement.

Review and refinement of incentives command and control system to reinforce the proper practice of solid waste management.

Regularly meet at least quarterly to assess the implementation performance of the MESWM Office.

The fees shall be collected according to the following levels:

c.2. Municipal Level – the municipal SWM Board shall define the manner of collection of fees consistent with the accounting and auditing system of the local government.

The Municipal Ecological Solid Waste Management Board (MESWM) shall be composed of the following: Chairman: Municipal Mayor Vice Chairman: MENRO Members: Law Enforcement Agencies (PNP, AFP, BPAT) District Supervisors Head of Schools Women Sector CSOs Religious Organizations Barangay Chairmen

According to SW general type; Cost of management; Cost of construction; Type of technology.

c.1. Barangay Level - the Barangay may impose fees for collection and segregation of compostable and reusable wastes from households, commence, other sources of domestic waste, and for the use of Barangay MTFs. The computation of the fees is based upon the user fees established by the municipal SWM Board. The manner of collection of the fees shall dependent on the style of administration of respective Barangay Councils. However, all transactions shall follow the Commission on Audit rules on collection of fees.

Section 19. Composition of the Municipal Ecological Solid Waste Management Board (MESWMB).

Formulate policies for the implementation of ESWM for adoption of Sangguniang Bayan.

•

ARTICLE 6 Creation of the Municipal Ecological Solid Waste Management Board

Section 18.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

b.3. b.4. b.5. b.6.

c.3. Private Sector/civil society group – on the basis of the stipulation of contract or Memorandum of Agreement, the private sector or civil society group shall impose fees for collection and transport of segregated solid waste as established by the Municipal SWM board. Receipts and invoices shall be issued to the paying public or to the government. d)

Collection & Retention of Fines – the collection of fines under the penal provisions of the act and this ordinance shall be conducted by the Municipal SWM Board or any authorized body. The collection shall be given receipts. The Municipal SWM Board shall determine the retention & remittance rate.

Special SWM Account – the Municipal SWM Board shall establish appropriate special accounts for the fines, fees, donations and other monies collected or generated under this ordinance. ARTICLE 8 Education & Advocacy

Section 24. Integration of ESWM in School Curricula and Various Programs of Local and National Government a)

Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) shall be integrated in the elementary and high school curricula, and shall be a special program for the college (both public and private) through the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education and Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Non formal education.

ESWM shall be integrated in the pre-marriage counseling and in seminar and training programs of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA) and other agencies.

ESWM shall be integrated in the community outreach programs of the schools, civic Organizations, religious groups, NGOs, POs, GSP, BSP, Red Cross, and other relevant Organizations. Free ESWM training shall form part of the requirements in procuring business license/permits to operate.

•

Ensuring the availability of disinfectants, and hand sanitizers in every collection vehicles;

•

Conduct of orientation to train workers on the proper usage, and maintenance of PPEs;

•

Conduct of trainings on OHS, including description of the hazards in the workplace, environmental and administrative controls, properties of PPEs, etc.;

Section 21. Financing

•

Observance of basic hygiene practices (i.e. wash hands with soap and water, avoid touching face, mouth, eyes, nose or open sores and cuts while handling infectious or special waste, etc.) of waste workers to reduce risks, and protect them from illness due to exposure to COVID-19 related wastes; and

There shall be an allocation of specific budget for SWM from Annual Investment Plan of the local government:

There shall be creation of a Local Solid Waste Management Fund, also known as The FUND which shall be a special account in the local treasury and administered by the municipal ESWM Board.

The MSWMB shall source out the fund from the following:

Section 25. Information Dissemination. There shall be information dissemination of ESWM through communications systems like broadcast media (TV, radio, films) and print (handouts, brochures, billboards, streamers, signboards, news features, strikers, t-shirts).

•

Make available handwashing stations in the garage and motorpool, nd waste treatment and disposal facilities to ensure hand hygiene practices.

ARTICLE 7 Financing, Incentives & Cost Recovery

c.1. Loans, grants, donation & contributions from local & foreign sources; c.2. Collection from garbage fee; c.3. Collection from fines & penalties; c.4. Sales from recyclable & reusable waste; c.5. 10% to be taken from 20% Local Development Fund; c.6. National Solid Waste Management Fund; c.7. Rentals from post-closed controlled dumpsite.

Section 18.5. Institutional Mechanism The Local Government of Upi shall: •

Establish a composite team in their Local Solid Waste Management Board that shall include, among others, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer of his/her designate, the Municipal Health Officer, a representative from the Sanggunian and the president of the Liga ng mga Barangay of the municipality or its equivalent position, to develop necessary programs, and to cause the implementation of the provisions of these guidelines;

•

Empower the Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management Committees (BESWMC) to support the strategies and measures of the municipality on proper management of COVID-19 related wastes.

•

Develop a COVID-19 waste management plan consistent with all existing and relevant guidelines, and shall strictly implement the same. The COVID -19 waste management plan shall be incorporated as an addendum and submitted as part of the updating of the LGU in its 10-year Solid Waste Management (SWM) Plan. Barangays, through their BESWMC, shall prepare their compliance plans to the measures as incorporated in the municipal COVID-19 waste management plans.

•

Together with their component barangays, allocate or realign a portion of their funds to adequately support the proper implementation of their COVID-19 waste management plan, and

•

Together with their component barangays, conduct orientations and other information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategies to all concerned stakeholders on proper management of COVID-19 related wastes.

•

Provide each barangay storage bins which shall serve as septic vaults, colored yellow (rubberized drums) which shall be properly in the MRF for safety. It shall be properly sealed and be taken-cared of by the BESW Team since it contains toxic waste materials.

Section 18.6. Reporting and Monitoring. The DILG Regional Offices shall facilitate the monitoring of LGUs compliance through the prescribed template. The DILG Regional Offices shall submit a consolidated report to the Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS) every end of the quarter, to be submitted on the 10th day of the succeeding month. Section 18.7. Dissemination. All DILG Regional Directors and the BARMM Minister of Local Government are herby directed to cause the widest dissemination of this Memorandum within their respective area of jurisdiction.

2. 3.

The Municipality shall exercise its power of supervision over barangays, and shall, through its Sanggunian, at the instance of the local chief executive, hear violations, misconduct, and/or dereliction of duty of barangay officials and impose sanctions as maybe allowed by existing laws against such erring barangay

The criteria for BLGU and private sector to avail fund shall be focused on the SWM plan of the proponent from which the project/activity was designed and approved by the MSW Board. Only one project/activity shall be eligible for support. Proponent may avail the SWM fund once in every 3 year but not the same project/activity.

Section 22. Incentives Incentives shall be provided to encourage BLGU and private sectors to participate in developing socially accepted, effective and efficient SWM program. The incentives shall include: a) Rewards - shall be provided to BLGUs, individuals, private organizations, NGOs, CSOs, that have undertaken outstanding innovative projects, technologies, processes and techniques or activities in the reduction, reuse, and recycling. The reward shall be appropriately sourced from the local ESWM Fund or other external sources.

Promote Solid Waste Management through plugging in all cinemas, radio and TV stations.

Stickers, posters or signboards shall be placed in all public utilities, transportation (buses, jeepneys, taxis, tricycles, trisikads, skylab - single motorcycle for hire).

Local Manufacturers shall place symbols or instructions on Solid Waste Management on all product labels and advertisements.

Garbage trucks/compactor shall be equipped with public address system and make use jingles or music while collecting.

Slogans, instruction and ordinances must be placed in strategic places (public markets, terminals and parks) through billboards, signboards and sound system as regular reminders.

Primers, flyers and brochures shall be furnished to all households.

Section 26. Seminars and Trainings. There shall be scheduled seminars and trainings to be conducted to all sectors including government employees, teachers, students, commercial and industrial establishment, religious organizations, civil society organizations (NGO’s, PO’s) media sector, PNP, and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Grants - the BLGU SWM Committee and private sectors with SWM plans shall be eligible to receive project/activity grants.

Section 27. Upi Ecosavers Program. The Upi Ecosavers Program is an innovative recycling scheme conceptualized by one of the members of the Philippine Youth Leadership Program (PYLP). This program is implemented by PYLP in coordination with LGU of Upi and the different schools in order to promote a culture of discipline among the youth through ecological solid waste management. At the LGU level this program is being lodge in the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO). In order to encourage greater participation among the youth and students, a points and incentives systems were highlighted and achievers were awarded with corresponding cash incentives and recognition such as Best Eco-Savers Student and Best Eco-Savers Class.

Technical assistance - provide technical assistance to qualified prospective SWM project proponents.

ARTICLE 9 Enforcement Mechanics

Knowledge and skill enhancement - the SWM board shall arrange cross study visits to areas in and outside the region in order to model SWM projects. The travel cost requirements shall be in consonance with existing rules and regulations.

Section 28. Enforcement Mechanics – the following shall be the enforcement mechanism to effectively implement this ordinance.

1. 2. 3.

The SWM board shall formulate standards of innovativeness, pro-activity, exemplary and outstanding SWM endeavors. The ESWM Board shall determine the amount of the rewards. There shall also be recognition of exemplary performance, criteria of which shall be determined likewise by the ESWM Board.

The SWM Board shall impose user fees on the services provided by the LGU or its authorized organization or unit. It shall determine the amount of user fees only when it is based on a study and with proper consultation with various sectors. A supplemental ordinance shall be passed in support of this provision.

There shall be recruitments, screening, and training of volunteers to be deputized as SWM enforcers. The volunteers shall be identified and endorsed by the MSWMB through a Board Resolution to the Local Chief Executive. The Mayor shall issue an appointment and issue identification cards to the volunteers who will be deputized.

There shall be issuance of charge sheet or citation tickets to all violators who will be caught violating the provisions of this ordinance.

The SWM service fees shall be computed based on but not limited to the following minimum factors.

There shall be provisions of incentives to the enforcers which the SWM Board shall determine accordingly.

b.1. Volume of waste; b.2. Distance covered in the transport;

There shall be establishment of hotlines for coordination and monitoring.

Section 23. Cost Recovery a)

Section 18.8. Penalties. LGU officials who fail to comply with the provision of this Memorandum Circular may be penalized in accordance with existing laws and policies. 1.

Criteria for the availment of Local SWM Fund

ORDINANCE NO. 2007-003 e) There shall be a conduct of contest/search to recognize best implementations of exemplary practices and initiatives of the SWM program. The Local Government through the MSWMB shall take the lead in the conduct of the contest/search. f)

The MSWMB or the appropriate agency shall conduct visits as the need arises to households, commercial and industrial establishments, schools, hospitals, offices, etc.

The local government shall provide legal assistance to enforcers/volunteers when cases are filed against them for the reason of enforcing this ordinance. ARTICLE 10 Cultural, Religious, and Gender Provisions

Failure to properly dispose industrial, toxic and hazardous waste in accordance to the provisions of RA 6969.

1st Offense – ₱ 200.00 fine and seminar on ESWM or 1 hr. community service and seminar on ESWM

Failure to properly dispose funeral, pharmaceutical, hospital waste in accordance with the guidelines, rules and regulations of the Department of Health, Hospital Waste Management and PD 856 known as the Sanitation Code of the Philippines.

2nd Offense – ₱ 1,000.00 fine and seminar on ESWM or 4 hours community service and a seminar on Solid Waste management

Failure of buses, jeepneys, tricycles, and trisikads drivers and conductors to provide waste receptacles/ containers for its passengers.

Failure of operators of transport terminal to provide separate receptacles for compostable, recyclable and non-recyclable materials placed strategically around the terminal premises conveniently accessible to passengers.

Failure of the driver/conductor of the public transport vehicles to ensure that the passengers are properly informed to throw their solid waste into the receptacles.

Burning of agricultural wastes such as rice straws, corncobs, animal manure and other biodegradable materials but should be properly composted.

Failure to properly dispose toxic and hazardous wastes such as empty chemical containers.

Section 29. Cultural Provisions a)

SWM Facilities shall be situated far from mosque, churches, cemeteries and cultural landmarks.

Collection shall not be done during prayer time/hour (12:00nn-1:00pm, 3:00pm – 3:30, and 6:00 PM - 7:00PM) and on special occasion.

Section 30. Religious Provisions a)

Religious leaders shall be encouraged to help in SWM advocacy.

SWM shall be integrated in religious practices/advocacy.

Section 31. Gender Provisions a)

Women shall be given priority for recycling and related livelihood programs.

Women shall also be prioritized for SWM employment opportunities (e.g. street sweeping, enforcers). ARTICLE 11 Punishable Acts

Section 32. Punishable Acts. The following shall constitute acts punishable according to this Ordinance: a.

Non segregation of solid waste according to compostable. recyclable, non-recyclable and special wastes with the use of properly labeled receptacle/container. Failure for residential to put-up backyard composting facilities such as drums, tires, or other composting methods for compostable waste materials.

Bringing out of segregated solid waste in front of the gate or door or along the route of collection vehicle when the collection truck has not yet arrived.

Failure to maintain and keep clean the (frontage of the house to the street gutter), sidewalks canals, and grounds fronting their residences and business establishment.

Indiscriminate burning, littering, and dumping/throwing of solid waste in public places including canals, streets, vacant lots, rivers, creeks, etc.

ARTICLE 11 Fines and Penalties Section 33. Any act done in violation of this ordinance shall subject the offender(s) to the following penalties:

1. For the individuals, vendors, rolling store, markets stalls, sari-sari stores, flowers shops, mosques, churches and residential houses; trisikads, tricycles, and the like 2. For eateries/carenderias, barbers/massage shops, dress/tailoring shops, shoe shops, parlor/ beauty shops, bake shops, boutique, coffee shops, schools, farmers: PU jeepneys, private vehicles and the like 3. For banks, offices (either public or private) printing shops, bookstores, drugstores/ pharmacies, pawnshops, lending institution; PU buses, and the like. 4. For recreational centers, entertainment spots, transport terminal/garage (private or public), clinics, inns/pension houses, hotels, grocery stores, restaurants, machines shops, warehouses, mills/dryers, appliance centers, hardware, haulers and vans and the like 5. For resorts (beach, spring, or mountain), hotels, (either public or private) airport, hotels, laboratories and the like. 6. For local government, barangays, solid waste collectors (public and private) factories/ plants, livestock, slaughterhouses, department stores/ malls, hospitals (public or private) funeral parlors, hotels and the like.

BARMM to build new building for PRO-BAR...from P2 “institutional challenges” that have existed long before the creation of BARMM. Thankful for the collaboration, Cabalona acknowledged the gesture of support in that BARMM is one of very few local

governments that work along the line of the PNP modernization through infrastructure program. This camp’s regional directors, thus far, have similarly stated that with very short period of office terms, PNP chiefs could

PMARK PAWNSHOP MAIN, PMARK PAWNSHOP - BRANCH I & PMARK PAWNSHOP BRANCH II Patalastas ng Subasta PMARK Pawnshop Main Branch ng S.K. Pendatun Avenue, Cotabato City, PMARK Branch I - Parang, Maguindanao, at PMARK Branch II Supermarket Site, Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay yaon pang isinangla magmula pa noong Setyembre. 2021. Ang Subasta ay sa Marso 01, 2022 sa ganap na ika 9:00 ng umaga hanggang 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar. MC: Feb. 26, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late FELISA BOSE BARRIOS and CONRADO BARRIOS, SR. who died on January 25, 2001 and August 13, 1982, respectively in Cotabato City, left a parcel of land situated at Brgy. Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato, containing an area of 3.1410 hectares, more or less, covered by TCT No. T-39383 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with Special Power of Attorney before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 3224; Page No. 3224; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

MC: Feb. 12, 19 & 26, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

February 26, 2022

only do as much unless Congress will be able to

pass a PNP Modernization Act. Nash B. Maulana

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP MAIN CONLUCK DON RUFINO BRANCH & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP BRANCH 4 ng Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Eero 2021 hanggang Pebrero 2021. Ang Subasta ay sa Pebrero 28, 2022 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar. MC: Feb. 19 & 26, 2022

SULTAN PAWNSHOP

corner Bonifacio and Don Rufino Alonzo Sts., Cotabato City

Ang Sultan Pawnshop ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Hulyo 2021. Ang subasta ay sa Marso 01, 2022 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Feb 19 & 26, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given to the public that the estate of the late M A M A S A PA N O M . PA N G I L A M A N , w h o died intestate on August 16, 2021 at Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, a parcel of land Lot No. 838, Pls 463, containing an area of 5.5876 hectares, more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of real estate before N o t a r y P u b l i c A t t y. Mohammad Jameel A. Singh as per Doc. No. 343; Page No. 69; Book No. 16, Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the late PATERNA L. SUANO who died on October 14, 2019 in Kidapawan City, left a parcel of land Lot No. 3113, Ts-268, situated at Bo. Poblacion, Mlang, Cotabato, containing an area of 657 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-114510 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with Special Power of Attorney before Notary Public Regerick L. Benito as per Doc. No. 141; Page No. 29; Book No. CXLVII; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the late MAXIMIANO R. GARCIA who died on October 13, 2013 in Midsayap, Cotabato, left a parcel of land Lot No. 2186-B-10, Psd-043202, situated in Bo. Lower Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 300 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 124; Page No. 23; Book No. CCLXXIV; Series of 2022.

MC: Feb. 26, Mar. 5 & 12, 2022

MC: Feb. 12, 19 & 26, 2022

Subsequent violations - ₱2,500.00 fine and seminar on ESWM or 1 day community service fine and seminar on ESWM and revocation of business permit for establishment. Or by imprisonment of not less than one (1) day nor more than one (1) year, or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court without prejudice to the imposition of a higher penalty under any other law or decree such as indicated in Section 3 of Part V Rule 18 of the IRR of RA 9003 which also states “if offense is committed by a corporation, partnership or other judicial entity duly organized in accordance with law, the chief executive officer, president, general manager, managing partner or such other officer-in-charge shall be liable for the commission of the offense penalized under this Ordinance. Failure to comply with the herein provisions shall result to the cancellation of business permits. ARTICLE 12 Final provisions Section 34. Repealing Clause. All provisions of the municipal ordinance, orders or regulations inconsistent herewith are hereby amended, modified and repealed accordingly. Section 35. Effectivity Clause. This ordinance shall take effect 15 days after publication of three (3) consecutive issues on a newspapers of general circulation and shall be remain in force until it shall revoked. Enacted by the Sangguniang Bayan of Upi, Province of Maguindanao in its 44th Regular Session held at the SB Session Hall on December 15, 2021. I HEREBY CERTIFY to the correctness of the afore-stated ordinance. WILFREDO T. IBAÑEZ

Presiding Officer

ATTESTED:

MERCEDES A. SUENAN Administrative Officer V

APPROVED:

RAMON A. PIANG, SR. Municipal Mayor

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses CANDIDA CAGATIN and VICENTE VALDEZ, who died on August 28, 1986 and March 22, 1987, respectively, a parcel of land Lot No. B-17. (LRC) Psd-62511, situated in Poblacion, Upi, Cotabato (now Maguindanao), containing an area of 1,198 sq. mts., more or less covered by TCT No. T-23091 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public John Haye C. Deluvio as per Doc. No. 361; Page No. 73; Book No. XCII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late KASID SAGAN SANGGUYOD who died intestate on September 21, 2021 in Cotabato City, left a parcel of land Lot 4, Block 7 of subdivision plan LRCO 122761, situated in Bo. Kakar, Cotabato City, containing an area of 526 square meters, more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of real property with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Sandy Balucan Sendad as per Doc. No. 412; Page No. 41; Book No. II; Series of 2022.

MC: Feb 12, 19 & 26, 2022

MC: Feb. 19, 26 & Mar. 5, 2022

MC: Feb. 12, 19 & 26, 2022

Republic of the Philippines Magpet, North Cotabato OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parang, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with the publication requirement of OCRG Memorandum Circular 2 0 1 3 N o . 1 Gu i d e l i n e s i n the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that July Tabaque Llera has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of July Tabaque Llera who was born on July 29, 1989 at Magpet, Cotabato and whose parents are Jerry R. Llera and Gloria U. Tabaque. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than March 7, 2022.

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Ma. Cecilia AbuevaSadia has file with this office a petition for change of first name from Charlo to Ma. Cecilia in the birth certificate of Charlo Santander Abueva who was born on October 3, 1971 at Parang, Cotabato and whose parents are Manuel Cabusog Abueva and Isabel Torilla Santander. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than March 2, 2022. (Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar

(Sgd.) CHONA M. PROVIDA, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Feb. 19 & 26, 2022

MC: Feb. 19 & 26, 2022

February 26, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Sanduguan Mindanaw is the public journalism page of The Mindanao Cross. It comes out every last Saturday of the month. The stories covered in Sanduguan are selected by the staff based on the criteria that these are the issues that matter most to the communities in the ARMM and Central Mindanao; that these stories educate, explain, empower, and help readers understand what is happening around them; and at the same time enabling them to be advocates for change. The name of the section connotes ONE BLOOD for peace.

SANDUGUAN Sanduguan Mindanao MINDANAW MINDANAW

ARE WE READY FOR THE MAY ELECTIONS? The country is presently busy with the preparations of candidates (presidentiables and senatoriables) for the May 22 elections. Groups known to be opinion leaders (influencers) have sponsored their own debates presumably for the electorate to see through the campaign promises and personalities of these candidates. The candidates themselves have gone through campaign sorties to every major centers in the country to expose voters so that they can make better choices for the May elections. In Cotabato City, these campaign sorties have been arranged to get voters to make permanent choices, and hopefully, help in spreading the electoral platforms to those who were unreached by the media. Below are questions which we hope will give the Mindanao Cross the pulse of the electorate: 1.

Have you already made up your mind whom to vote for in the May elections? If not, whatprevents you from making your choice? In general, what do you expect from the candidate you will vote for? What do you want them to do for you?

•

for the president/ vice president, for the senators, for governor/ vice governor, for board members, for your area representatives, for mayor/ vice mayor, for councilors.

What kind of person will you not consider in your list?

Do you feel there are too many choices to make in the May elections?

Will you willingly endorse a personality so that others will vote for him/her?

What recommendations do you have to improve the conduct of the May elections.

Rachel | Cotabato City Question #1 Wala pa, di ko pa kasi nakikita lahat ng mga mga plataporma ng mga tatakbo Question #2 Kung sino man ang mananalo, sana maging tapat at may paninidigan. at wag abusuhin ang kapangyarihan na ibibigay sa kanya. No

Question #3

Eddie | Maguindanao

Question #4 Yung taong hindi klaro ang mga plano para sa bansa. At kulang pa ang kaalaman tungkol sa pagiging lider. Question #5 Oo, 10 para sa presidente tapos 60+ para sa senator. Question #6 Wala, kasi kahit anong gawin nandyan parin ang dayaan, hindi mawala yan kada eleksyon.

Kolet | Cotabato City Question #1 Undecided pa ako, wala pa akong nakikitang candidate na suitable sa position bilang presendente ng pilipinas. Question #2 Dapat yung strict, at may panindigan. tulad ni President Duterte na halos lahat ng pinangako nya natupad niya. At dapat yung war on drugs ituloy pa rin ng susunod na uupo. Question #3 Yung gagamitin lang ang position para sa pang personal na interest.

Question #4 Oo, lalo na sa senators. Question #5 Siguro mas hihigpitan nalang ang pag babantay , dahil every election meron talaga yang mandadaya. Question #6 At dahil first time nating mag karoon ng election na may pandemic. Dapat may mga bagong protocols while nagaganap ang botohan, para di na dumami ang COVID cases.

Question #2 Provide equal to services to career & other programs for the president/ vice president: I’m looking forward for a powerful, & very firm in his/her decision, for the senators: Can provide the right law to protect the poor, for governor/ vice governor: No dynasty & family included, for board members: A leader, not because of self interest, for your area representatives: Not a follower of a propaganda / they must not be owned by any politician, for mayor/

Yes

Question #4 Weak and arrogant for decision making Question #5 There are many choices, but this generation of leaders are not really convincing Question #6

-Transparency -Effectivity of security -Organize program details for voting.

Question #3

Question #4 Honest, sincere at handang tumulong sa mga nangangailangan. Question #5 Yes Question #6 Gawin ng COMELEC ng tama ang kanilang responsibilidad.

Nigel | Pigcawayan Question #1

Question #2 for the president/ vice president: Improve the lives of every farmer instead of relying on importation, for senators: be more competent. Naghihirap ang bansa dahil sa incompetent leaders. Tutukan ang korupsyon, for governor/ vice governor: Prioritize the needs of the grassroots in the society, wag unahin ang bulsa, for board members: Develop rules and regulations based on society’s needs; wag yung gusto lang ng iilan or gusto ng Gobernador mo; wag bias, for your area representatives: Do your job! karamihan ngayun nanalo because of influence. Wala namang alam paanu gumawa ng batas, for mayor/ vice mayor: Know your priority! Karamihan ngayun self-centered, palaging iniisip papaanu

mapalakas ang impluwensya, for councilors: Magpatupad o gumawa ng guidelines na timely and relevant naman; sana yung according to the needs of their contituents. No

Question #3

Question #4 Yung intellectually poor. Question #5 Wala masyado, lahat mukhang pera. Question #6 Comelec must ‘walk the talk’ ; kahit ngayun wala silang nasasampulang kandidato na lumalabag sa ipinatutupad nilang guidelines.

Argie | Cotabato City

vice mayor: Expecting for “equal rights of service”, for councillors: Expecting for “year plan activities and outputs” Question #3 Not BIAS, but I do not. Let the crowd speaks

Question #1

Question #2 Ibaba ang presyo ng bilihin. Gawan ng kalsada ang mga malalayong lugar.

Yes.

Mike | Cotabato City Question #1 I’m not, because I didn’t see the effectiveness of the upcoming election, lalo na ang manner of voting.

Yes.

Question #1

partisan political activity.

Question #2 for the president/ vice president : To establish clean government, good leadership and shall not abuse his/her power as a leader of our country, for senators: The perspective is clear, must have respect for life and family, for mayor/ vice mayor: Good leadership and must be a good example to his/her constituents Question #3 As a media practicioner we are not encourage to endorse a politician or any

Question #4 A person who is only thinking of his personal interest. Question #5 Yes imagine that we have 8 presidential candidate. Question #6 As for me COMELEC must consider a certain number or limit the number of candidates who will run for a political position.

Raff | Cotabato City Yes

Question #1

Question #2 for the president/ vice president: Work together to bring back the glory of our nation, for senators: Do/pass more Laws to uplift the lives of Filipinos especially the poor, for governor/ vice governor: Do what they promise during campaign. Always NO SHOW after Election, for your area

representatives: More alternative roads, jobs, improve peace and order (additional police precinct), for mayor/ vice mayor: 100% support to the City Mayor. No

Question #3

Question #4 Always giving promises but not doing it.

Yes

Question #5

Question #6 Early payment of the BEIs. Delayed payment of BEI’s honorarium is one of the reasons why they don’t want to serve.