The Mindanao Cross | March 25, 2023

“Let’s make life easy, gratifying for our seniors”

Pope Francis: The differences of others are an occasion to love better

MP’s eye care services continue amid Ramadan

MUSLIMS WISH FOR PEACEFUL RAMADAN MUSLIMS WISH FOR PEACEFUL RAMADAN

By John Felix Unson

MUSLIMS are expecting this year’s Ramadan, which started Thursday, to be peaceful and “spiritually fruitful” for all the faithful.

The Darul Iftah (House of Opinions) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao declared March 23 as the start of the Ramadan, a holy month in Islam where Muslims fast from dawn to dusk for one lunar cycle, lasting 28 to 29 days, as a religious obligation and reparation for wrongdoings.

Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and Army Major Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, had separately extended their Ramadan greetings to Muslims

in central Mindanao and in all areas in BARMM's core territory.

“We shall do our best to keep the peace we have in our surroundings during the Ramadan,” Rillera said on Wednesday afternoon.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the “five pillars” of Islam, which include belief in Allah, praying five times a day facing west, giving of alms to the poor and, for those who can afford the cost of travel, performing the hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia at least once in a lifetime.

Extend “iftar” to needy, Murad to Bangsamoro

CHIEF Minister Ahod

“Al Haj Murad” Balawag Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has urged all Muslims in the region to extend “iftar” to the needy during the season of Ramadan.

He also announced adjusted work hours for all BARMM offices to allow Muslim employees to prepare for breaking of the fast and to have more time for prayers, Quran reading, among others.

By Edwin O. Fernandez

In consideration of the observance of fasting month of Ramadan, Chief Minister Ebrahim has modified the working schedule of officials and employees in regional offices starting Thursday, March 23.

In a memorandum circular issued Tuesday, Ebrahim said the flexible working hours is from 7:30 a.m. up to 3:30 p.m. with no noon break for the duration of Ramadhan shall be allowed for fasting

US helps improve quality of BARMM education

THE US government has launched new activities to help improve the quality of education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) held the activities on March 14 and 15 to also strengthen the region’s adaptation to the effects of

By Nash B. Maulana

Climate Change.

USAID Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks joined BARMM officials— led by Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun and Deputy Minister Haron Meling of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE)—to launch a P15-million ($273,000) technology-based education

program in pilot areas in the Bangsamoro region. Under the USAID Beginning Reading Program, tablets are used to deliver reading instruction to students in Kindergarten through Grade 3.

A statement sent by the US Embassy said the tablets contain early grade reading

employees during the period of Ramadhan.

This is in accordance with Presidential Decree (PD) No. 322 and Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 81-1277 dated 13 November 1981.

Regular working schedule in BARMM shall return to regular working hours (8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) after the celebration of Eid’l Fitr marking the end of Ramadan.

Ebrahim also

Kidapawan priest briefly held over “salvage victim”

By Edwin O. Fernandez

A Catholic priest has claimed that a police officer suspected him of transporting a salvage victim while driving from Digos City to Kidapawan City on Monday.

In his social media post, Fr. Jonel Peroy of the Diocesan Clery of Kidapawan said he was driving home from Digos City where he picked up a statue of the dead body of Jesus Christ.

“Funny experience this morning,” the diocesan priest said. He picked up in Digos City a humansized statue of the dead Christ (Santo Entierro) for the Holy Week celebration in President Roxas parish.

At one police checkpoint, a police officer asked him to disembark from his pick-up vehicle so they can conduct plain view inspection.

Fr. Peroy shared the conversation between him and a police officer in one of the checkpoints along the Digos-Kidapawan highway:

Cop: “It appeared you are transporting a dead person! It looks like a wrapped dead body of a person.”

Fr. Peroy: “Sir, I am bringing with me the dead body of Christ.”

The cop appeared to be suspicious and in disbelief.

EDUCATION FOR ALL. At the launch of the Beginning Reading Program, USAID Deputy Mission Director (DMD) Rebekah Eubanks (second from left) is joined by BARMM Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun (second from Photo courtesy of USAID

RAMADAN NIGHT ATTRACTION. Sans rains, Muslims and Christians alike troop to the Bangsamoro government center to enjoy jaw-dropping light show put up at the executive building and its surroundings in observance of the holy month of Ramadan. Photos courtesy of Abuhalil Sambutuan

“Let’s make life easy, gratifying for our seniors”

A Bangsamoro lawmaker has filed a bill in the regional legislative body for the establishment an office recognizing the rights and privileges of senior citizens across the Bangsamoro region.

On Monday (March 20), Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr had filed Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Bill No. 121, also known as the Bangsamoro Commission for Senior Citizen Act of 2022.

In a press statement, Sinolinding, an eye doctor who have been treating elders and seniors’ eyesight problems for free, said his bill seeks to create an office responsible to ensured that the rights and privileges of senior citizens are respected and fully implemented across all government laws, policies, and programs.

Republic Act 9994 or an Act granting additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens, clearly states that, everyone who resides in the Philippines and is at least sixty years old is considered a senior citizen or an elderly person.

"This bill seeks to establish a mechanism for our beloved senior citizens, since all of us will turn 60 years old and become one," MP Sinolinding said.

He said his bill also seeks to provide full support for their overall well-being and full participation in society.

“Let us make life easy and gratifying for our seniors as time will come we will also become like them,” Sinolinding said.

Once enacted into law, it will not only make seniors think of the benefits they get from the government but “will motivate and encourage them to contribute to nation-building.”

He added that it will also encourage their families and the communities in which they live to reaffirm the valued Filipino tradition of caring for senior citizens and provide a comprehensive health care and rehabilitation system for disabled senior citizens.

Sinolinding said his bill shall reinforce the important roles of the private sectors in the improvement of senior citizens' welfare.

Under the proposed measure, the core programs of the commission include social pensions, centenarian

benefits, and social safety nets.

It will also provide a monthly stipend of at least P1,000 to lowincome seniors under the social pension program to help with basic living expenses and medical care.

Centenarian benefits will also be provided to senior citizens who reach the age of 100, including a letter of felicitation signed by the President and a P100,000 centenarian gift in recognition of their longevity.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) national office is providing P100,000 cash gift to anyone who reached 100 years old. In the case of BARMM, it is being dispersed by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD).

Sinolinding said the commission for seniors will also provide social security assistance intended to cushion the effects of economic shocks, disasters, and calamities. This includes food, medicine, and financial assistance for home repairs.

Edwin O. Fernandez

DENR-12: “Plant trees, preserve environment, preserve life”

IN observance of the International Day of Forests (IDF), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 12 and its partner local government units, government agencies, and other stakeholders have planted over 4,000 tree seedlings across the region

on Tuesday.

Atty. Atty. Felix S. Alicer, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-12), the event was part of the activities to mark this year’s celebration of the IDF which carries the theme “Healthy Forests for Healthy People.”

He said the day-long simultaneous massive greening activity resulted to the planting of numerous species of seedlings like bamboo, fruits, narra, mangrove, and other indigenous trees in several planting sites throughout the Soccsksargen Region by more than 700 participants.

Data from DENR-12 field offices showed that 1,200 seedlings were planted in North Cotabato; 1,645 in South Cotabato; 710 in Sarangani Province; and 600 in Sultan Kudarat with a total of 4,115 seedlings in entire Region 12. Alicer said the activity is being held

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has distributed Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) to 296 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, a move that made many beneficiaries teary-eyed.

Evangeline Bueno, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO II) Said that DAR has distributed 272 CLOAs covering 696.306 hectares to the ARBs of Barangay Payong-Payong, an upland farming community in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.

"We are doing our best to fast track the distribution of lands as mandated by Secretary Conrado Estrella III and provide them with support services as a way of bringing the government closer to the people," Bueno said during the distribution of CLOA program witnessed by Pigcawayan Mayor Juanito Agustin and other local officials.

Bueno said that support services will be intensified in this area to capacitate the ARBs and provide them with enterprise development and economic support interventions to make their

THE U.S. Government has supported projects to boost women’s participation in energy resilience, innovation, and security in the Philippines.

The U.S. Embassy said two new projects have been granted Php 37.9 million ($690,000) in funding support through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on International Women’s Day March 8, a press statement of the Embassy belatedly disclosed on March 15.

USAID Philippines

lands productive, increase income and improve quality of life.

One of the beneficiaries, Pakir Pasawiran, said he and other recipients were excited to receive their individual land titles that they consider as treasures and a valuable property.

"The land title is very important to us because it is a proof that we can tell anyone that we are the absolute owner of the land,” the teary-eyed Pasawiran said in the vernacular. “This is a land we call really ours.”

“It is now our valuable property that we can freely develop to make it productive for our family," he added.

Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARPO) Maricel Bona also reminded the beneficiaries of their responsibilities such as paying of taxes, and land amortization, and above all, not to sell or lease their lands.

"It’s a blessing that you have been given an opportunity to own a piece of land. So value it, make it productive and profitable to make your lives better," Bona told the beneficiaries.

Edwin O. Fernandez

shocks and stresses.”

Diwata-Women in Resource Development, Inc. received P29 million ($528,000) to expand “Tanging Tanglaw: Turning IP Women into Solar Engineers,” a program that trains elderly women from indigenous communities to build and maintain solarpowered pump systems to electrify their neighborhoods.

Extend “iftar” to needy, Murad to Bangsamoro...from P1

urged the Bangsamoro community to perform fasting with pure intentions, discipline, and kindness.

“Let us deeply dedicate ourselves to purifying our intentions, fostering the highest level of discipline, and emanating generosity and mercy in observance of this significant spiritual journey,” he said in a statement.

“It is my fervent hope that as a community, we will collectively grow and prosper as we continue to strive to nourish our faith and translate the true message of this sacrifice into righteousness, peace, and mercy for the vulnerable members of our society,” he added.

A highly religious person, Chief Minister Ebrahim also urged the Bangsamoro to help fellow Bangsamoro and hold religious activities like prayers and Quran reading during the sacred month.

“May we, my fellow brothers and sisters, be reminded to serve the less fortunate, extend iftar meals to the needy, and conduct religious activities such as reading the Qur'an and Islamic preaching—all of which remind us to unite together as one Bangsamoro family,” Ebrahim said.

The observance of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It

lasts 29 to 30 days from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

The BARMM Darul Ifta said fasting from dawn to nightfall is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are not sick. Exemptions apply to elderly, breastfeeding mothers and women who are menstruating. Fasting from dawn to sunset is fard (obligatory) for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly, breastfeeding, diabetic, or menstruating.

Children 15 years old and below are encouraged to practice fasting whenever possible. If not, they are exempted from fasting but encouraged to engaged in charity works, prayers and helping fellow Muslims.

During Ramadan, fasting Muslims refrain not only from food and drink, but also refrain from smoking, sexual relations, and sinful behavior and devout more time to prayers and study of Quran verses.

Trade fair for unity

On Tuesday night, BARMM also opened the month-long Ramadan Trade Fair at the Bangsamoro government center aimed at promoting the spirit of unity and bringing people together during the fasting month.

Minister Minister Abuamri Taddik of the Minister Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism (MTIT) said the event serves as an avenue to continue finding opportunities for business sustainability and growth with the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

This year’s trade fair theme is: "Ramadhan brings people together towards love, peace, and unity," the program focuses on sustaining the strong faith and the prosperous life of the Bangsamoro people.

“This Ramadhan fair will be our chance to help our local producers and entrepreneurs by providing them a venue for showcasing, promoting, and selling their respective halal food products and services,” Taddik said.

Joined by local entrepreneurs, the trade fair features 50 exhibitors, displaying both traditional halal food and non-food items in the Bangsamoro region.

Part of the trade fair is “MAFARamadan,” a program of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR). It is a venue for the local producers to showcase their agricultural products, fruits and vegetables that are sold at reasonable and affordable prices.

Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks formally awarded the Women in Energy Leadership, Innovation, and Resilience grant to the Diwata-Women in Resource Development, Inc. and to the Women Engineers Network of the Philippine Technological Council, Inc. (PTC) during the forum of the Women Champions in Sustainable Climate Solutions on March 8 and 9, the statement said.

More than 100 women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators attended the event to exchange ideas and propose solutions to address climate risks.

“Women empowerment and climate change are two pressing issues of our time. They are inextricably intertwined,” USAID

Philippines Deputy Mission Director Eubanks said.

“Climate change exacerbates gender inequalities and developmental gaps. Women have a unique perspective on these issues as they often bear the brunt of climate

PTC received P8.9 million ($162,000) to implement the "Women Engineers as Instruments for Sustainable Engineering in Renewable Energies (WISER) Project” which will increase the enrolment of girls in renewable energy engineering programs through mentoring, technical seminars, competitions, and renewable energy campaigns in eight cities under the USAID Cities Development Initiative.

“When we talk about sustainable operations, it is not just about transitioning to cleaner energy. It also means opening management positions to women and giving them a voice in the energy transition,” ENGIE Services Philippines General Manager Louella Caridad said during the Women Champions in Sustainable Climate Solutions panel discussion.

Through the Energy Secure Philippines Activity, USAID positions women at the forefront of climate action and sustainable energy development, through its 2022 - 2030 Climate Strategy, the Embassy statement said. Nash B. Maulana

“This is a land we call really ours”

US backs women’s contribution in energy resilience, innovation

PLANTING IS EXERCISE TOO. Volunteers, environmentalists and stakeholders plant more than 4,000 trees across the region during the celebration of the “International Day of Forests” which carries the theme “Healthy Forests for Healthy People.” Photos courtesy of DENR Soccsksargen

US helps improve quality of BARMM education ...from P1

materials including videobased beginning-reading instructional modules in Hiligaynon, Central Bikol, and Magindanawn.

“USAID works with national and local government partners to introduce innovations that will ensure learning continuity and improve literacy, including reading proficiency of early grade learners,” Director Eubanks said.

“As a friend, partner, and ally, the United States will continue to support BARMM in providing learners with quality education and the competencies that will enable them to thrive and have successful futures,” she said.

MBHTE Deputy Minister Meling described USAID’s interventions as “valuable tools to

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late WILFREDO A. ADALIN, who died intestate in Davao City on February 13, 2020, left a real estate property, covered by TCT No. T-30475, situated at Bo. Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, with an area of 662 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with settlement, adjudication, partition waiver, relinquishment, and renunciation of rights before Notary Public Atty. Eula Maye Celaine P. Arias as per Doc. No. 448; Page No. 91; Book No. II; Series of 2023.

MC: Mar. 25, Apr. 1 & 15, 2023

improve the learning of the Bangsamoro children.”

“We welcome the Beginning Reading Program as it will ensure the learning of children through portable video devices that can work even without the internet,” Meling said, adding that: “We will work together to ensure that no Bangsamoro child will be left behind by providing inclusive and sustainable education.”

Cabinet Secretary Pendatun said: “We want to express gratitude to USAID for their support to the whole Bangsamoro region. We will continue to serve with pure hearts and sincere intention to give Bangsamoro children a brighter future.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Mission Director Eubanks launched the Education Sector Mechanism with Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali Dela Cruz Matabalao on March 15.

The Embassy statement said the mechanism will allow education stakeholders in the government and private sector to identify challenges and areas of collaboration to improve the city’s quality of education.

Through its ABC+ Project, the USAID provides early grade reading materials for students and supports teacher development to improve basic education outcomes in literacy and social and emotional learning for all Bangsamoro children, the statement said.

The USAID Deputy Mission Director also handed over Automated Weather Station (AWS) equipment

to Mayor Matabalao for the city government to collect weather and climate data and provide real-time weather monitoring and assessment.

Mayor Matabalao said the equipment will help enhance the city’s disaster management and mapping capabilities which will contribute to the region’s climate resilience.

“Building a resilient city requires sharing of experience within and among our communities,” Matabalao said.

Matabalao said he looked forward “to

ANNOUNCEMENT

more joint cooperation and positive progress in mainstreaming climate adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction actions in our respective local land-use plans, local development plans, and zoning ordinances.”

Through its Climate Resilient Cities project, USAID is improving the resilience of six cities in the Philippines, namely, Batangas, Borongan, Cotabato, Iloilo, Legazpi, and Zamboanga, to adapt to, mitigate, and manage the impacts of climate change and other disasters.

Kidapawan priest...from P1

The priest said he perspired while trying to explain to every checkpoint that what he was transporting was a statue and not a real dead man wrapped in plastics.

Peroy said he was forced to unwrap the plastic cover to show the statue and he introduced himself that he was a priest “so there will be no more questions.”

“Father, our apologies, we thought you have salvaged a man (extra-judicial killing),” the police officer said.

As the priest drove toward Kidapawan, he posted on his FB page his experience and captioned: “Murag kriminal na diay ko'g dagway (Do I look like a criminal?”

He also shared the images of “Santo Entierro.”

“The police are just doing their job,” he said.

PMARK PAWNSHOP MAIN & PMARK PAWNSHOP ALNOR BRANCH

Patalastas ng Subasta

PMARK Pawnshop Main Branch ng S.K. Pendatun Avenue, Cotabato City, PMARK Pawnshop Alnor Branch, Mall of Alnor, Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City ay nagpatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula noong Nobyembre 2022. Ang Subasta ay sa Abril 3, 2023 sa ganap na ika 9:00 ng umaga hanggang 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

Ang G-ROCE Pawnshop sa Cotabato City at G-ROCE Pawnshop Damosa, Davao City, ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Mayo 31, 2023 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Disyembre 2022.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

MC: Mar. 25, 2023

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ang Feroce Pawnshop & Money Changer-Main at Branches I, II, S.K. Pendatun, Sinsuat Avenue, sa Cotabato City, Branch III sa Midsayap, Kidapawan Branch, Isulan Branch at San Pedro Branch sa Davao City ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Mayo 31, 2023 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Disyembre 2022.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

“Sa Feroce Pawnshop na tayo kumpleto na ang serbisyo”

MC: Mar. 25, 2023

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ang Feroce Pawnshop & Money Changer Inc.- Main Duterte, Davao City, at Branches I, II, III, IV, V, VI sa Cotabato City, Branch VII sa Parang, Maguindanao, Pigcawayan Branch, Midsayap Branch, Pikit Branch at Kabacan Branch sa North Cotabato, ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Mayo 31, 2023 sa ganap na alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:30 ng hapon para sa mga hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng Disyembre 2022.

Upang hindi maremate ang inyong mga alahas magbigay ng interest bago dumating ang araw ng subasta.

“Sa Feroce Pawnshop na tayo kumpleto na ang serbisyo”

MC: Mar. 25, 2023

NIA PUSHES P2.1-BILLION IRRIGATION PROJECT IN MINDANAO

KORONADAL CITY — The National Irrigation Administration, under the leadership of Acting Administrator Engr. Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen, fasttracks the completion of the MalitubogMaridagao Irrigation Project – Stage II (MMIP-II) in Pikit, North Cotabato.

Despite numerous challenges on peace and order, security, and natural calamities, the project is expected to be completed by December 2023.

Originally, MMIP was a P3.1-billion irrigation covering 13 barangays in North Cotabato and four barangays in Maguindanao with a target area of 10,840 hectares to benefit 4,549 farmer-beneficiaries.

The project was intended as a peacebuilding measure and as a catalyst to improve the lives of the farmers and other stakeholders.

With the completion of the MMIP Phase I, a total of 5,562 hectares in Maridagao service area and 1,611 hectares in Upper Malitubog service area have been provided with irrigation service.

With its significant socioeconomic benefits and opportunities through job generation from project implementation stage to agricultural production stage, the project was instrumental in transforming the previously war zone

area to an economic zone.

Furthermore, the P5.133-billion MMIP-II which covers an area of 10,541 hectares is envisioned for the completion of the mega project including its missionary purpose of providing livelihood income to MILF combatants and generating peace and order in the Lower Malitubog area. Scheduled for completion in 2018, various challenges slowed down the project implementation for several years.

With the goal to complete this ‘peace project’ in 2022, MMIP-II was reinforced by NIA Region XII, spearheaded by Regional Manager Engr. Diosdado A. Rosales, with the support of the Local Government Units (LGUs), other line agencies, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Administrator Guillen supported the desire to complete the project as he visited MMIP-II project site and personally talked to the residents about the positive impacts and benefits of the project completion.

At present, residents cannot even plant corn because of the area’s susceptibility to flooding. Witnessing first-hand the plight of the people in the area, Administrator Guillen believes that investing more irrigation

projects in the area will surely impact the lives of more MILF combatants and families as what happened to MMIP Phase I areas.

In consonance with the 5-Point Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Agenda of the President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. towards healing and reconciliation in the Bangsamoro, the NIA, headed by Administrator Guillen, aims to implement another P2.1-billion worth of irrigation project in the Lower Malitubog area to irrigate about 800 hectares of additional agricultural land.

This coincides to the directive to prioritize, intensify, and accelerate the implementation of development initiatives such as irrigation facilities for the improvement of BARMM.

With the objective of promoting peace and the spirit of “Bayanihan,” the NIA continues its irrigation development thrust on war zone areas.

Once this project is realized, it will further boost the agricultural productivity in the area that would redound to achieving peace and order and socioeconomic development and ultimately improve the lives of our farmers in this part of Central Mindanao. National Irrigation Administration

MP Sangki’s bill to incentivize halal-oriented enterprises in the Bangsamoro region

COTABATO CITY ― Member of the Parliament Ali Sangki has introduced a bill that seeks to provide halal-oriented enterprises in the Bangsamoro region with a special regional investment and incentive code.

By creating a special halal tax regime with incentives over capital gains or personal income taxes, exemptions from corporate taxes as well as port duties and taxes, and adjustments of capital allowances and losses, Parliament Bill No. 183, also known as the “Bangsamoro Halal Investment and Incentive Code Act of 2022,” hopes to entice more investments into the Bangsamoro region.

According to MP Sangki, a halal-friendly investment policy “could boost BARMM’s bid for a share of the world halal market, which is estimated to be worth more than $4 trillion.”

He added that only the Bangsamoro region, through the Bangsamoro Board of Investment (BBOI), is able to provide incentives to interested firms looking to invest in new projects related to the halal industry, Islamic banking, and finance.

Once PB No. 183 is enacted into law, qualified enterprises may avail themselves of the halal investment and incentive scheme, which includes pioneer status and investment tax exemption.

Pioneer status is a form of tax exemption that is granted to companies that participate in or produce halal-promoted activities or services for a period of

five to ten years, while the investment tax allowance is an incentive granted based on the capital expenditure incurred on industrial buildings, plants, and machinery used for halal-promoted activities or the production of halal-oriented commodities and services for a period of five to ten years.

PB No. 183 also specifies the specific activities that are eligible for the incentives, which include high-tech activity in the Halal manufacturing and services sectors, as well as other activities that directly benefit the region’s economy; halal industrial parks or free zones; halal economic corridors and value chain facilities; halal banking and finance; a halal educational and technological hub; agricultural and fishery industry sectors; halal-accredited hotels; and the tourism sector.

New companies in Halal food production, existing companies doing diversification projects in Halal food production, as well as existing companies upgrading and expanding their existing plans, are also eligible to receive the tax incentives.

The Special Investment and Incentive Code will be administered by the BBOI, which is an investment promotion agency of the Bangsamoro government with

the authority to grant tax incentive packages to local and foreign businesses operating in the region.

“As for the 11 million Filipino Muslims in the country, the surge in halal-producing industries in the region will provide a steady source of supply of essential halal commodities, giving Muslims opportunities to fulfill their religious obligations related to the stringent requirements for food consumption,” said MP Sangki.

BTA proposes to create Ligawasan Development Authority

COTABATO CITY — In an effort to regulate and manage the exploration and development of the natural resources of the Ligawasan, a measure establishing the Ligawasan Development Authority (LDA) was introduced on first reading.

The LDA will rationalize, develop, utilize, restore, and conserve the natural resources of Ligawasan within the areas of responsibility of BARMM.

In his explanatory note for BTA Bill No. 137, also known as the Ligawasan Development Authority Act of 2022,

principal author Mohammad Kelie Antao highlighted the historical significance of Ligawasan to the residents of Maguindanao.

He stressed that it has been an integral part of their lives for their social and economic survival and that it has been one of their significant havens, particularly at the height of the modern Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination.

MP Antao threat to the maintenance of the dwellers’ historical life in the area and its ecology is posed by the constant exploitation and usage of the natural resources by the dwellers without alternative acts to preserve their historical existence.

In addition to its historical and environmental significance, “there is a need to urgently address the problem so that these resources would give sustainable economic advantages to the constituents, the region, and the country,” Antao said.

The Liguasan Marsh, the biggest wetland in the Philippines, is spread across the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, covering

a total area of 288,000 hectares and housing about 100,000 families. It makes up about 10% of the Mindanao River Basin.

The LDA shall cover all the provinces and municipalities of the Bangsamoro region that hold parts of the Ligawasan enclave as their respective areas of responsibility, including Maguindanao del Sur and the municipalities of Ampatuan, Datu Piang, Talitay, Pagalungan, Datu Montawal, Buluan, Pandag, Mangudadatu, Datu Paglas, Paglat, and SK Pendatun; Maguindanao del Norte and the municipalities of Mother Kabuntalan, Northern Kabuntalan, and Southern Kabuntalan; and the 47 barangays of the Special Geographic Area (SGA) from the municipalities of Pikit, Midsayap, and Pigcawayan.

The bill also aims to generate long-term revenue while protecting the environment for the benefit of Ligawasan communities, the region, and the country.

The proposed measure is also coauthored by MPs Mudjib Abu, Tawakal Midtimbang, Suwaib Oranon, and Bassir Utto.

BTA bill seeks college scholarship program

COTABATO CITY – The proposed bill to provide financially disadvantaged but academically capable and highly motivated students in the region with access to college scholarship grants was introduced in first reading.

Also known as the Bangsamoro Scholarship Act of 2022, the proposed measure authored by Members of the Parliament, Diamila Ramos, Abdulazis Amenoden, Suharto Ambolodto, Mohammad Kelie Antao, Eddie Alih, and Nabila Pangandaman, aims to make tertiary education accessible to all.

A Bangsamoro Scholarship Program will be established under Parliament Bill No. 140 for Filipino residents of the region who have graduated from recognized private or public schools in BARMM and whose family income is insufficient to support their bachelor’s degree.

Scholars in the program are guaranteed admission to any state university or college in the region identified by the Education Ministry.

Free tuition and other school fees, financial assistance for research projects and internships, allowances for necessary books, supplies, equipment, clothing, or uniforms, monthly living, transportation, and other miscellaneous educationrelated costs are also provided to students.

After graduating and acquiring a bachelor’s degree, scholars are required to complete three years of return service in any private or public institution in the BARMM.

The MBHTE will be in charge of implementing, evaluating, awarding,

entering into scholarship contracts with scholars, and monitoring the program. It will also ensure the timely release of benefits and entitlements for the scholars.

As the implementing agency, it will also be responsible for ensuring that no scholarships are duplicated and that those who are underserved by national government financial assistance programs are prioritized.

It will also provide access to equal opportunities and special privileges to those involved in the peace process,

including former combatants, their families, and the MILF and MNLF communities.

MBHTE will provide a web-based portal and information system for the scholarship program in order to manage the application and submission of requirements, as well as the database and profiles of scholars and applicants.

In the proposed measure, a Bangsamoro Scholarship Coordinating Council headed by MBHTE will be created to coordinate and consult with ministries and other agencies and

offices of the Bangsamoro government in implementing said scholarship program.

The BSCC will be composed of the region’s Science and Technology, Health, Agriculture and Fisheries, Trade and Investment, Environment, Labor, Indigenous Peoples ministries; youth and women’s commissions; and other agencies and offices.

MPs Michael Midtimbang, Susana Anayatin, Basit Abbas, Ali Solaiman, Ali Sangki, Abdulwahab Pak, and Hamid Malik are the co-authors of the proposed measure.

BARMM legislators bat for creation of parliamentary districts in Special Geographic Area

COTABATO CITY — A measure that seeks to divide the Bangsamoro Region’s Special Geographic Area into two parliamentary districts has been filed by Bangsamoro lawmakers on the last day of session before its mandatory adjournment.

Member of the Parliament Mohammad Kelie Antao, the principal author of Parliament Bill No. 122, has proposed splitting the SGA into two districts, with separate representatives for each.

The SGA is composed of the 63 barangays in North Cotabato that voted yes in the 2019 plebiscite to become part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

MP Antao explained that the creation of two parliamentary districts in the SGA is essential as it will provide constituents with representatives who will advocate for them before the legislative body.

Parliamentary district seats are defined in the recently approved Bangsamoro Electoral Code as seats in the Parliament for those elected under a registered regional political party or coalition using a proportional representation system.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law states that the Parliament may undertake new redistricting by law to ensure more equitable representation of constituencies in the Parliament.

Redistricting, merging, or creating parliamentary districts will be based on the number of inhabitants and additional provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas that will become part of the Bangsamoro territorial jurisdiction.

Under PB No. 122, the first parliamentary district will be composed of 33 barangays with a cumulative population of 103,233 and an annual income of P120.66 million.

The 33 barangays are Balacayon, Buricain, Datu Binasing, Datu Mantil, Kadingilan, Lower Pangangkalan, Libungan Torreta, Matilac, Patot, Upper Pangangkalan, Lower Baguer, Simsiman, Central Labas, Kapinpilan, Malingao, Mudseng,

Sambulawan, Tugal, Tumbras, Damatulan, Kadigasan, Kadingilan, Kudarangan, Nabalawag, Olandang, Macasandeg, Dungguan, Bagoinged, Barungis, Bulol, Buliok, Gli-Gli, Kabasalan, and Rajamuda.

Meanwhile, the barangays of Bualan, Lagunde, Panicupan, Manaulanan, Balong, Pamalian, Makabual, Tapodoc, Balongis, Batulawan, Fort Pikit, Gukotan, Nabundas, Nunguan, Nalapaan, Kibayao, Kitulaan, Langogan, Manarapan, Nasapian, Pebpoloan, Tupig, Buluan, Nangaan, Pedtad, Sanggadong, Simone, Simbuhay, and Tamped will comprise the 29 barangays in the SGA second parliamentary district.

The second parliamentary district has a total land area of 515 square kilometers, a combined population of 112,210, and an annual income of P125.17 million.

Antao said that the proposed bill’s passage would hasten the region’s social and economic growth.

According to the Bangsamoro electoral code, parliamentary districts are apportioned based on population and geographical area for redistricting purposes, provided that each district

includes, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact, and adjacent territorial jurisdiction and has a population of at least 100,000 people. Along with Antao, the proposed bill is introduced by MPs Mohagher Iqbal, Atty. Lanang Ali, Jr., and Engr. Aida Silongan.

MP Sema calls for a registry of skilled workers in BARMM

COTABATO CITY — A measure seeking to establish a system of a registry of all skilled workers in the Bangsamoro region that will serve as a database containing information that can be used to effectively match their skills to employment opportunities entered on first reading.

A labor rights advocate, Member of the Parliament

Romeo Sema, principally authored BTA Bill No. 124, or the Bangsamoro Skilled Workers Registry Act, noting that the region’s growing economy entails an increase in job opportunities and a higher demand for skilled workers.

The system of registry will connect skilled workers with employers in need of their services.

Sema said the bill aims to address unemployment by matching the demand of employers with the pool of skilled workers.

He described the registry as a useful tool for identifying available human resources across all BARMM political units.

He added that the registration will help the BARMM government identify the capabilities it needs in order to expand further and create appropriate policies.

Each barangay in BARMM will be responsible for physically or digitally registering the skilled workers in their respective areas under the proposed measure. It will develop plans and guidelines for compiling the necessary information to take advantage of the skilled work force.

Barangays are responsible for keeping records of the information they collect and submitting them to the relevant municipal and provincial Public Employment Service Offices (PESO).

Each provincial office’s PESO is responsible for collecting data from its constituent municipalities, maintaining its own data records, and compiling the consolidated data for submission to the Bureau of Employment, Promotions, and Welfare within the BARMM’s Ministry of Labor and Employment.

The registry will compile a database of data, including, but not limited to, names, ethnicities, addresses, contact information, skills, training, and professional certifications, and employment experience, among others.

Sema emphasized that no fees will be charged to skilled workers for registration.

Once approved, the repository will be open to the public, including employers, recruitment agencies, government offices, other PESO offices, and private individuals seeking the services of skilled workers, subject to the provisions of the Data Privacy Act.

Bangsamoro lawmakers push for hospital construction, protection of Dimapatoy watershed in Maguindanao del Norte

COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro lawmakers are pushing for the establishment of hospitals in Maguindanao del Norte and declaring the Dimapatoy watershed as a “protected area” in the BARMM.

Two proposed measures entered on first reading, seeking to construct hospitals in the municipalities of Datu Blah Sinsuat and Northern Kabuntalan to serve the Bangsamoro constituencies with highly accessible, affordable, comprehensive health care, and hospital services.

Filed by Engr. Baintan AdilAmpatuan, Parliament Bill No. 123 calls for the construction of a municipal hospital in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

In October 2022, severe tropical storm Nalgae, locally known as ‘Bagyong Paeng,’ wreaked havoc in the Bangsamoro region.

Barangay Pura in Maguindanao was one of the villages severely impacted by the tropical storm.

“The tragedy left the situation impenetrable. Worse, the local government of the municipality and its health response units did all they could but could not effectively respond to those who were badly affected and injured because they had no local hospital,” Ampatuan explained.

The proposed Pura Municipal Hospital will begin as an infirmary with a capacity of at least 10–15 beds.

The said hospital may be upgraded into a higher facility with a larger capacity based on the Ministry of Health’s evaluation and recommendation.

Another Bangsamoro legislator, MP Hashemi Dilangalen, a medical doctor, is also advocating for the establishment of a hospital in Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte.

The Northern Kabuntalan Municipal Hospital (NKMH), a level I general hospital with fifty beds, will be under the direct administrative and technical supervision of the Integrated Maguindanao Provincial Health Office.

Northern Kabuntalan is home to 26,000 people, and according to MP Dilangalen, they rely solely on a rural health unit for their medical needs.

Cases that exceed the RHU’s capabilities are referred to hospitals located outside of the municipality.

“The lack of a local hospital adds logistical and financial burdens for the patients, especially the less fortunate,” said Dilangalen, noting that the situation presents an immediate need to provide residents with an accessible hospital service.

Once PB No. 139 is passed,

the IMPHO will prepare a hospital development plan in consultation with the BARMM’s Ministry of Health, in accordance with sound hospital administration principles.

The BARMM’s MOH will consult with the local government units of Maguindanao del Sur and the municipality of Northern Kabuntalan, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to determine the location of the hospital.

PB No. 139 was also coauthored by MPs Eddie Alih, Suharto Esmael, Amilbahar Mawallil, Nabila Margarita Pangandaman, and Abdulraof

Macacua.

Meanwhile, other Bangsamoro lawmakers are also eyeing to declare the Dimapatoy Watershed in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, as a protected area in BARMM.

The Metro Cotabato Water District, which serves the cities of Cotabato and Maguindanao, also suffered severe damage from Tropical Storm Paeng.

“This is attributed to the lack of trees that could hold the heavy rains around the area,” said Ampatuan, the main author of BTA Bill No. 126.

Among the proposed bill’s

protection and preservation measures for the Dimapatoy Watershed are annual tree planting inside the watershed and within its adjacent areas, as well as the deployment of forest guards in stations at the watershed’s entry and exit points.

PB Nos. 123 and 126 were cosponsored by MPs Romeo Sema, Suwaib Oranon, Amilbahar Mawallil, Atty. Laisa Alamia, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., Rasul Ismael, Khalid Hadji Abdullah, Jaafar Apollo Mikhail Matalam, and Bassir Utto

Pope Francis: The differences of others are an occasion to love better

VATICAN— We should treat the physical and social differences of others as a chance to love, not as an inconvenience, Pope Francis said in his Angelus address on Sunday.

The pope’s weekly message focused on the day’s Gospel reading, which recounts Jesus’ miraculous healing of the blind man.

Francis pointed out the reactions of the different characters in the story and invited people to reflect on how they might respond in a similar situation.

“How do we welcome the difficulties and differences of others? How do we welcome the people who have many limitations in life, either physical like this blind man or social like the beggars we find on the street?” he asked. “And do we welcome these people as inconveniences or as occasions to draw near to them with love?”

Pope Francis addressed approximately 25,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square on March 19. He also led everyone in praying the Angelus, a traditional Marian prayer, in Latin.

He encouraged everyone to read chapter 9 of the Gospel of John.

“Read about this miracle” of the healing of the blind man, he said. “It’s beautiful the way John recounts it.”

“You can read it in two minutes. But it shows how Jesus proceeds and how the human heart proceeds. The good human heart, the lukewarm human heart, the fearful human heart, the courageous human heart,” he continued.

The pope said the Gospel passage shows how each of the different characters react to Jesus’ healing of the man born blind. Some are skeptics and some find it unacceptable, he said.

“In all these reactions, for various reasons, there emerge hearts closed in front of the sign of Jesus,” he said, “because they seek a culprit, because they do not know how to be surprised, because they do not want to change, because they are blocked by fear.”

This is similar to many situations today, he added. “When faced with something that is really a message of a person’s testimony, a message from Jesus, we fall into this: we look for another explanation, we don’t want to change, we look for a more elegant way out than accepting the truth.”

The blind man, instead, is the only person who accepts Jesus’ gift well, the pope

AN association of Catholic schools has voiced concerns about a measure that prohibits any school policy that bars students from taking examinations due to unpaid tuition.

The Catholic Educational Association in the Philippines (CEAP) said the measure may place the financial viability of private schools at risk.

Pope Francis invites Catholics to renew consecration to Immaculate Heart of Mary

explained. “Happy to see, [he] testifies what happened to him in the simplest way: ‘I was blind, now I see.'”

Pope Francis said the Gospel is asking us to imagine ourselves in the same scene, so that we might ask what our own reaction would be.

“What would we have said then? And above all, what would we do today? Like the blind man, do we know how to see the good and to be grateful for the gifts we receive?” he said.

He added: “Do we bear witness to Jesus, or do we spread criticism and suspicion instead? Are we free when faced with prejudices or do we associate ourselves with those who spread negativity and gossip? Are we happy to say that Jesus loves us and saves us, or, like the parents of the man born blind, do we allow ourselves to be caged in by the fear of what others will think?”

Or are we, he continued, “the lukewarm of heart who do not accept reality, and do not have the courage to say: ‘No, this is how it is.'”

After praying the Angelus, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Ecuador, who were hit by a 6.4-magnitude earthquake on Saturday.

Hundreds of people were hurt and at least 15 people killed in the quake, which mainly affected southern Ecuador and northern Peru, BBC News reported.

“I am close to the Ecuadorian people and I assure of my prayers for the deceased and all those who are suffering,” the pope said.

He also wished a happy Father’s Day to all the fathers.

In countries such as Italy, Portugal, Spain, Bolivia, Honduras, and several others, Father’s Day is celebrated on March 19, the Catholic feast of St. Joseph.

“Today we wish all fathers well. May they find in St. Joseph the model, the support, the comfort to live their fatherhood well,” Pope Francis said, inviting everyone to pray the Our Father for fathers.

In 2023, due to March 19 falling on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, the liturgical feast of St. Joseph is moved to Monday, March 20. Hannah Brockhaus/Catholic News Agency

CEAP Executive Director Jose Allan Arellano said that private schools have no other fund source, unlike their public counterparts, which are funded by the government.

“We hope they will understand why we do it in the Catholic education and the private education, where we really need

“Icome that they might have life, and have it to the full” (Jn. 10:10). This bible quotation summarizes the mission of Jesus. Jesus is the life giver. All that He did and said had one purpose, to give life. This means enhancing the quality of life of the people of his time by healing the sick, by freeing those under the influence of demons, by lifting the burden of sin and guilt through his forgiving ministry. He also multiplied bread for those who were hungry and he turned water into wine in a wedding feast. He told stories to show that there is something more in life to hope for. He called this the “Kingdom of God,” It is not just a future in this world but a promise beyond this earthly existence, |”In my Father’s house there are many rooms and I go ahead to prepare a place for you so that where I am you also may be.” We call this eternal life or salvation, details of which cannot be fully comprehended or described. Jesus’ promise of life encompasses both this world and the next.

Reflections

Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com

This Sunday, the gospel narrates the story of Jesus resurrecting His friend Lazarus. There were other instances when Jesus raised the dead to life such as the son of the widow of Naim and the daughter of Jairus. The raising of Lazarus was more spectacular because he had been dead for four days. Even Martha the sister of Lazarus, raised the issue that there would be a stench by now. Still. Jesus proceeded and Lazarus left the tomb still wrapped in his burial shrouds. I had the privilege of visiting Lazarus’ tomb in Bethany and one has to go down a narrow underground passage to see the tomb. I cannot imagine the people’s reaction to Lazarus leaving the tomb. His sisters and relatives certainly were glad for his return. Eventually he would die again, perhaps of old age but this incident is a sign of Jesus conquering death. Of course, the greatest sign would be His own

VATICAN— Pope Francis has invited Catholics to annually renew an act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25. The solemnity of the Annunciation on Saturday marks one year since Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Blessed Virgin Mary in St. Peter’s Basilica with a prayer asking for peace in the world.

At the end of his general audience on March 22, the pope recalled his historic act of consecration and called on parish communities and prayer groups to annually renew the Marian consecration. “Saturday will mark the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, and our thoughts turn to March 25 last year when, in union with all the bishops of the world, we consecrated the Church and humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” Pope Francis said. “Let us not tire of entrusting the cause of peace to the Queen of Peace,” he said. “Therefore, I would like to invite each believer and community, especially prayer groups, to renew every March 25 the act of consecration to Our Lady, so that she, who is Mother, may guard us all in unity and peace.” Pope Francis also urged

people not to forget to pray for “martyred Ukraine, which is suffering so much.”

Last year, Pope Francis asked all the bishops of the world to join him in consecrating Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, one month after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

From the tip of Florida to Seattle, every U.S. diocese participated in the consecration in one form or another. The bishop of Fairbanks prayed the consecration on the shores of the Bering Sea, facing Russia, his diocese’s neighbor just a few hundred miles to the west. The act of consecration was also read simultaneously by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal.

In Moscow, Catholics tuned in and prayed along with a live broadcast of the pope’s consecration from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The Virgin Mary specifically asked that Russia be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart in the 1917 apparitions at Fatima.

The Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship defines consecration to Mary as an overt recognition of the “singular role of Mary

to require payments of the tuition from parents,” Arellano said over Radio Veritas.

CEAP is composed of some 1,500 Catholic schools and universities across the country.

All 22 senators on Monday voted for the passage of Senate Bill 1359, otherwise known as the “No Permit, No Exam

resurrection.

As we approach the Holy Week, we will be involved in some traditional and liturgical activities but let us not forget what Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection is all about. He came to bring life through his own death. He brought salvation by his own sacrifice on the Cross. By His wounds we are healed and by His death we were given life. Theologians say that the pattern of the life, passion, death, and resurrection Jesus should also serve as a pattern of our own life. Just like a candle that gives light while slowly dying, so Christian living is about giving light and life as long as we are on this earth. We honor heroes, martyrs, and saints because through their own life they manifested for us what life is all about.

It is not just heroes and martyrs who are able to do this. Even ordinary folks show this everyday. Mothers risk their lives giving birth to their children. Fathers brave risky conditions to support their families. Overseas workers go to unfamiliar lands to make life much more comfortable for their families. Same with missionaries who face a different culture just to bring the gospel of Christ. There are many people around us who make sacrifices just to give others life. As Jesus said, “No greater love is there than for a man to lay down his life for his friends.” Once I read a true story of a father who literally bled to death to earn some money for his family. He sold his own blood every week. Don’t ask me why he was allowed to do this by the medical facilities, but he did. He died from loss of blood. These are extreme measures, perhaps even considered foolish, but when one truly loves he gives his life for the beloved. “We adore you O Christ and we bless you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

in the mystery of Christ and of the Church, of the universal and exemplary importance of her witness to the Gospel, of trust in her intercession, and of the efficacy of her patronage.”

In the past, several popes have consecrated the Church and world to Mary. Pope Pius XII consecrated the entire world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Oct. 31, 1942.

St. John Paul II — who consecrated the entire Church and world to Mary three times during his pontificate — taught that by consecrating oneself to Mary, we accept her help in offering ourselves fully to Christ. Before praying the consecration last year, Pope Francis explained that it is “an act of complete trust on the part of children who, amid the tribulation of this cruel and senseless war that threatens our world, turn to their Mother, reposing all their fears and pain in her heart and abandoning themselves to her.”

“It means placing in that pure and undefiled heart, where God is mirrored, the inestimable goods of fraternity and peace, all that we have and are, so that she, the Mother whom the Lord has given us, may protect us and watch over us.” Courtney Mares/Catholic News Agency

Prohibition Act”.

In December last year, the House of Representatives also approved HB 6483 that aims to allow college students with unpaid and other school fees to take periodic and final exams on “good cause and justifiable grounds” such as force majeure and emergencies. CBCP News

Readings: no. 251, p. 463

1st Reading: Daniel 13.1-9, 15-17,19-30, 33-64++ (longer) or Daniel 13.2, 4-6, 8, 15-16, 19-23, 28, 41-46, 48-64++ (shorter)

Gospel (Years A and B): John 8.1-11

Readings: no. 252, p. 472

1st Reading: Numbers 21.4-9

Gospel: John 8.21-30

Readings: no. 253, p. 474

1st Reading: Daniel 3.13-20, 24,49-50, 91-95++

Gospel: John 8.31-42

Readings: no. 254, p. 478

1st Reading: Genesis 17.3-9

Gospel: John 8.51-59

Readings: no. 255, p. 480

1st Reading: Jeremiah 20.7, 10-13++

Gospel: John 10.31-42

Readings: no. 256, p. 483

1st Reading: Ezekiel 37.21-28

Gospel: John 11.45-57

EDITORIAL

ThePhilippines as an island is best described as a cozy tropical country; usually described in Tourism brochures as dotted with Coconut Palm Trees, especially along the beach or coast. These coconut trees are the source of income to many Filipinos since almost all parts of the coconut tree have uses –the stalks provide wood for housing, the liquid are sources of vinegar and the native “tuba”, the nuts provide “copras” and the flesh of nuts provide the favorite food which is converted into candy and other food supplements such as “gata”. Not the least is the use of the leaves (fronds) which is used for house roofing/ side walls and a lot of others.

But the most distinct use of the palm is during the recreation of Christians of Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem during the Lenten Season. Thus, every Lent, the palm takes on an importance which Christians love to commemorate.

Every Lenten Season, (semana santa in the local dialect) the week always starts with Palm Sunday. The Holy City of Jerusalem as described in the bible is full of pilgrims who flock to the city for the annual Passover celebration. As they came near Jerusalem, Jesus told two of His disciples to go into a nearby village and bring a donkey that would be waiting there. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey. Crowds of people spread their coats on the ground in front of Him. Some waved branches of palm trees, a sign of victory.

We now see the importance that the religious ritual which palms play in the start of Lent. It is therefore an important factor in the religious festivities, since it symbolizes the victory that carried Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

However, as we look at the situation that the Palm trees are now found in the country, there seem to be a lack of attention given to this important agricultural crop. The present crop of coconut are too old, and needed upgrading. It now competes with African Palm Oil which command a higher price in the market. But considering the role that coconut trees have in our history, it is about time to come up with a modernization program that will put the coconut tree among our top income earners.

I still long to sleep on the beach under the waving leaves of the coconut tree. It brings back memories of the non-stressful time when Filipinos enjoy the beach and the sea- which makes us uniquely Filipinos. Shouldn’t we take this seriously – giving attention to the coconut fronds that gives our Lord the royalty He deserves? MC

OnTuesday, March 21, the Philippine weather bureau, PAGASA, officially declared the end of the northeast monsoon season and the start of the dry season.

The national weather agency said warmer temperatures are expected in the coming months and rainfall across the country will be influenced mostly by easterlies and localized thunderstorms. It cautioned about the “increased likelihood of a transition to El Niño” which increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions and could lead to dry spells and droughts in some areas of the Philippines. The weather phenomenon, PAGASA said, could start in July, with its effects felt by August or September.

Filipinos are no strangers to the effects on El Niño on their lives. This is especially true for the people of Central Mindanao – in the four provinces of Region XII and the then Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – considered to be among the worst-hit by the 2015-2016 El Niño, said to be one of the strongest on record. In these four provinces alone, 101,000 hectares of farm land were affected by El Niño, resulting in USD 17.9 million worth of production losses between February 2015 to July 2016.

Within the six months that the El Niño lasted photographs of dried-up rice paddies became a common fixture in both local and national papers as well as in social media posts. Rants about the impact of the weather phenomenon on water and even food supply were all too common.

Most impactful perhaps was the tragic event of April 1, 2016 in Kidapawan City where a dispersal of barricading farmers left 2 farmers dead and hundreds of combined police and protesters injured. The protesters demanding rice from the government in the face of the devastating impact of the long-drawn dry spell brought by the prevailing El Niño on their farms and livelihood were met with bullets after they fought with police trying to dismantle their ranks. According to authorities, the protesting farmers, mostly from the Arakan Valley Complex municipalities of Arakan, Antipas, President Roxas and Magpet, with support from a number of farmers from Makilala and Kidapawan City, had a rally permit good only for a day. The rally however morphed into a blockade of the Cotabato-Davao national highway by the second day, disrupting traffic flow, until the April 1 dispersal. The rally had been peaceful until then.

In a statement on the tragic incident, International Alert, one of the world’s leading peacebuilding organizations helping people find peaceful solutions to conflict, urged the government to immediately (1) put in place a targeted emergency assistance in the form of additional cash transfers and soft loans coupled with

PROPOSALS to amend the 1987 Constitution are long-overdue, according to two Muslim members of the 1971 Constitutional Convention.

Lawyer Michael O. Mastura of Maguindanao and Maranao lawyer Ali Pangalian M. Balindong, both delegates to the 1971-1973 Constitutional Convention, are very much into active service, respectively, in the academe and in the Bangsamoro Legislature.

hinking A loud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

the distribution of drought-resistant seeds and the propagation of mulching technology before hunger leads to further starvation and consequently to more violent conflict; (2) ring-fence a significant portion of national and international funding for climate-change relief and target this towards the building of village-level stockpiles in critical areas; and (3) national and local government officials must immediately revise the rules governing access and distribution of food stocks to ensure their swift, equitable, and efficient transfer to households and communities during complex emergencies.

It said “the threat of violence (during instances of severe El Niño) will not subside unless immediate actions are taken.”

With the likelihood of another El Niño looming on the horizon, we hope for two things: that it would not be as extreme as it was in 2015-2016, and that the government has indeed in the years that have transpired since then put into place the necessary mechanisms proposed by organizations like International Alert as well as agencies like the World Health Organization and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

Governor Emmylou Taliño Mendoza was at the helm of Cotabato province at the time the tragic dispersal of the farmers’ blockade happened in Kidapawan City. She is back as provincial chief executive and only last week gave her State of the Province Address at the Cotabato Provincial Capitol before an audience of thousands from various groups, sectors, and communities in the province. Among the good news she announced was the availability of a stand-by Quick Response Fund of P67,475,950.63 to be used during natural and man-made calamities. She also said Cotabato has been ranked number 1 in Region XII, number 3 in Mindanao and number 10 in the whole country in rice production. The province has registered a yield volume of 510,973 metric tons of rice and is 134% rice sufficient, she said.

With all these, we hope another El Niño, if ever it does happen, does not have the same devastating and tragic impact it had on Cotabateños in 2015-2016 especially on the farmers in the countryside.

Two Moro constitutionalists join calls for Charter Change

An El Niño remembered MC P enlight Nash B. Maulana nash.penlight@gmail.com

every Saturday by the Mindanao Cross Publishers,

Address: mindanao.cross@gmail.com | mincross101@yahoo.com.ph

Eva Kimpo - Tan, Editor-in-Chief

Edwin O. Fernandez, News Editor

Gemma A. Peñaflor, Administration and Marketing Executive

is Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUT E The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Julito P. Torres, Circulation Officer

Karl John B. Daniel, Graphic-Layout Artist

COTABATO CITY / ARMM CORRESPONDENTS

John M. Unson, Ferdinandh B. Cabrera, Charlie C. Señase

Nash B. Maulana NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS

Williamor Magbanua, Romer “Bong” Sarmiento, Roel Osano & Drema Quitayen Bravo CARTOONIST

Balindong, incumbent Speaker of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, said he had pushed for an expanded, more specific anti-dynasty provision, at the Commission created in 2016 by then President Rodrigo Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution.

Mastura said the autonomous regions on Article X of the 1987 Constitution should instead be on a distinct status or level of government structure, and should neither be a mere part of the local government level nor treated only as an LGU.

He also sees the need for expanded amendment, beyond the economic provisions. Mastura said as economic frameworks modernize and expand, the national government also needs to devolve more autonomous powers and functions to the regions and better yet to transform a unitary presidential government to federalism.

Balindong, a key figure in a ruling family of elected leaders, was lauded by his peers in the 2016 Constitutional Commission, when he stood to push for a more specific anti-dynasty Constitutional provision, by which there would be no need for Congress to pass an enabling law.

In a recent lunch hosted for a bon appetit coffee table book project of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mastura specifically pointed to Article X (The Local Government) of the 1987 Constitution as one provision that has to be changed.

Meanwhile, Maguindanao Board Member Datu Sharifudin Tucao P. Mastura, CPA said the book of his uncle Datu Michael Ong Mastura is forthcoming, and is “now available for pre-order at a 15% discount.” The Rulers of Maguindanao in Modern History 1515-1903:

Continuity and Change in a Traditional Realm in the Southern Philippines will be off the bed from the Ateneo de Manila University Press on March 30.

The two Muslim constitutionalists were separately commenting on renewed moves in Congress to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution in the mode of a Constitutional Convention whose delegate-members are elected by district, similar to the 1971 Constitutional Convention. Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez sponsored the House Resolution, passed by the Chamber last week, calling for a sectional constitutional reform by updating its economic provisions.

Both Balindong and Mastura were elected members of the 1971 Constitutional Convention—which ended its tenure in 1973. Three others were elected ConCon delegates from the then Cotabato Mother Province— Sandiganbayan Justice Anacleto Badoy Jr., Governor Sandiale Sambolawan, who was also a lawyer (deceased), and Linda Untal Ampatuan (deceased)

It took the government 11 years of transition (19731984) to complete the changes in the government set up from the Presidential, Bicameral Legislature under the 1935 Charter to the Parliamentary Unicameral Batasan Pambansa (National Assembly)

Mastura said it is timely to set the 1987 Charter for major amendments including a shift to federalism—or it will remain out-dated from the demands of time.

The world economic policy frameworks change fast, just as the world is changing fast. Even the Divine Law somehow went through changes in ages, he noted.

MC

THIS brings to mind mentors and tormentors to realize with prudence that indeed “Truth hurts but truth we must to live in peace.” That though the coiner is long gone with the wind the journalistic slogan remains true to form that the world seems to be unfazed with the elusive peace as nations and alliances strengthened to prepare eventual global armed confrontation with its rumors spreading like wild fire.

To unearth genuine truth from veiled or half truth in governance is to employ the value of responsibility, transparency and accountability. That government executives must be role models to walk their talk for the rank and file to emulate and for the governed to adhere to duly constituted authorities without fear or favor.

How can we expect constituents to follow wicked leaders as in lawbreakers among our lawmakers to cite a few? In the case of a House member allegedly tagged as brain in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and five close aides and wounding 19 others must act with dispatch to clear his name. DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said a Special Task Force Degamo has four suspects in their custody pointing at Rep. Arnulfo Teves, Jr. as mastermind.

Teves, who is abroad for unknown reason, has been summoned to appear before his colleagues so he can square-off allegations but failed to comply, Abalos said.

Is there a need to kill or avenge one another knowing that we are originally one? For it is written that Adam’s wife Eve was the mother of all the living (Genesis 3:20). Indeed true when God cited this as condemnation that the Light has come into the world but men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil (John 3:19).

To Congressman Teves and the like, the LORD reminding us that nothing hidden that will not be exposed or nothing covered

that will not be unearth in due time. He also affirms bravery in nobility not to fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear God who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:26-28).

Proof enough is the recent bloody incident in Sultan sa Barongis town of Maguindanao Sur when a husband and wife were shot dead inside their residence by still unknown suspect. Authorities said the Angas-Sedik couple succumbed to several gunshot wounds.

How can there by bloodshed in lawlessness and profess that we believe in God through faith, hope and love? It would be hypocrisy and against the gospel of Christ that says love not only friends but foes which is contrary to the law of Moses that commanded us to love our neighbors but hate our enemies. If the world adheres to the teachings of Christ and His disciples as inscribed in the New Testament there will be true peace and coexistence to reckon with.

For the LORD Himself said in Matthew 5:43-48 to bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute you. For if you love those who love you, what greater reward will you have?

There’s no substitute to holiness in righteousness to think that the Holy Month of Ramadan officially begins on March 23 based on BARMM moon-sighting committee’s verdict while the Catholic’s Holy Week calendar starts on April 3 and ends on Easter Sunday. With these twin religious events, let’s hope and pray that spiritually we live up to these traditional practices by heart not just for a week or month but for as long as we live. For it would be hypocrisy to be good, honest, truthful, peaceable and God-fearing during these traditional feasts.

For what really is life all about? When Christ in Matthew 16:25 said whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whosever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? And the conclusion of the whole matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). MC

the pursuit of peace, and the basics for the forthcoming conference in Mindanao come May.

Alcohol and drug use

Drinking alcohol among adolescents is a major concern in many countries. It can reduce selfcontrol and increase risky behaviours, such as unsafe sex or dangerous driving. It is an underlying cause of injuries (including those due to road traffic accidents), violence and premature deaths. It can also lead to health problems in later life and affects life expectancy. Worldwide, more than a quarter of all people aged 15–19 years are current drinkers, amounting to 155 million adolescents. Prevalence of heavy episodic drinking among adolescents aged 15¬–19 years was 13.6% in 2016, with males most at risk.

Cannabis is the most widely used psychoactive drug among young people with about 4.7% of people aged 15–16 years using it at least once in 2018. Alcohol and drug use in children and adolescents is associated with neurocognitive alterations which can lead to behavioural, emotional, social and academic problems in later life.

Prevention of alcohol and drug use are important areas of public health actions and may include populationbased strategies and interventions, activities in school, community, family and on the individual level. Setting a minimum age for buying and consuming alcohol and eliminate marketing and advertising to minors are among the key strategies for reducing drinking among adolescents.

Tobacco use

The vast majority of people using tobacco today began doing so when they were adolescents. Prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors (under 18 years) and increasing the price of tobacco products through higher taxes, banning tobacco advertising and ensuring smoke-free environments are crucial. Globally, at least 1 in 10 adolescents

aged 13–15 years uses tobacco, although there are areas where this figure is much higher.

HIV/AIDS

An estimated 1.7 million adolescents (age 10–19 years) were living with HIV in 2019 with around 90% in the WHO African Region (3). While there have been substantial declines in new infections amongst adolescents from a peak in 1994, adolescents still account for about 10% of new adult HIV infections, with three-quarters amongst adolescent girls (4). Additionally, while new infections may have fallen in many of the most severely affected countries, recent testing coverage remains low suggesting that many adolescents and young people living with HIV may not know their status (5).

Adolescents living with HIV have worse access to antiretroviral treatment, adherence to treatment, retention in care and viral suppression. A key factor contributing to these is limited provision of adolescent-friendly services including psychosocial interventions and support. Adolescents and young people need to know how to protect themselves from HIV infection and must also have the means to do so. This includes being able to obtain access HIV prevention interventions including voluntary medical male circumcision, condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis, better access to HIV testing and counselling, and stronger links to HIV treatment services for those who test HIV positive.

Other infectious diseases

Thanks to improved childhood vaccination, adolescent deaths and disability from measles have fallen markedly. For example, adolescent mortality from measles fell by 90% in the African Region between 2000 and 2012. Diarrhoea and lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia) are estimated to be among the top 10 causes of death for adolescents 10–14 years. These two diseases, along with meningitis, are all among the top 5 causes of adolescent death in African low- and middle-income countries.

We wish you good health, more blessings to achieve your goals for the city and your constituents.

We appreciate also the special recognition you rendered our special child, Divine of Saint Benedict College of Cotabato Inc. We were informed she performed her song beautifully. She performed too, at our Family Day at school. It’s a big thing from a big heart. Thank you, Many happy returns of the day!and thank you for the brand new tennis court, from Parida Chio.

Good to see two of my favourite colleagues from Notre Dame University, former Congressman Atty. Mike and his lady, Salma Mastura, affectionately called by us as Dingdong or Lourdes. Both Mike and Lourdes were favourites of the Oblate fathers. The couple hosted the executive secretary of Asian Conference of Religions for Peace, also known as Religions for peace (ACRP)Their discussions were on matters related to how faith communities can interrelate with other religions in

We had a special guest last week, the Relic of St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as St. Therese of the Child Jesus, or the little flower of Jesus. I did not get to venerate the relic, but my family had the privilege of visiting her that which is called The Holy Body at a chapel in the Basilica Shrine at Liseux, France. The little flower was completely decomposed except for her bones. In photographs, we see Therese asleep in death. The statue is called the Holy Body. Inside this statue are some of the bones of the saint. The remaining bones are underneath the statue, inside the tomb to which workers have access from the rear when it is necessary to remove the relics. http.// www.thereseoflisieux.org.

Relics are objects surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest; more often, it is a part of a deceased holy person’s body or belongings kept as an object of reverence Strictly, in religion, relic is the mortal remains of a saint. Among the major religions, Christianity, almost exclusively in Roman Catholicism and Buddhism have emphasized the veneration of relics.

“An expert is one who knows some of the worst mistakes, which can be made in a very narrow field. ”—Niels Bohr

“An expert is a person who has few new ideas, a beginner is a person with many .”—Albert Einstein

“The expert in anything was once a beginner.”—Hon Kayos

“Never become so much of an expert that you stop gaining expertise. View life as a continuous learning experience.”—Denis Waitley

Every national government or local government development plan commits to promote and develop Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This had been the case for decades.

The question is: how successful had the national government agencies (including government-owned and controlled financial institutions and local government units been in doing their promotional and developmental programs and projects for MSMEs (especially for providing or facilitating financing) ?

The mere facts that these preferential policy, programs, and projects that are intended to assist MSMEs remain in the national and local development plans, and members of the sector continue to lobby for assistance, is a good indicator that significant success have not yet been achieved

What could be the reasons why assistance programs, specifically for business financing, had not encountered much success ? There are several reasons for this seeming failure.

First, the MSME sector has a very wide range of coverage of firms, in terms of their capitalization or asset. Micro enterprises have capitalization of up to P3.0 million, Small enterprises have capital of more than P3.0 million to P15.0 million, and Medium-sized enterprises

can have capital ranging from more than P15.0 million to P100.0 million. Based in 2010 survey of business establishments conducted by the National Statistics Office, there were almost 780,000 firms classified as MSMEs. A policy, program, or project should not lump these MSMEs but should be geared towards a specific segment of the sector, considering their needs, stability, current access to financing, and capacity to provide collateral, among others. Without segregation, those mandated to lend to MSMEs can lessen their risks by just catering to the biggest firms.

Second, loan programs intended for the micro and small enterprises (provided through government owned banks, without need for hard collateral) were abolished during the Estrada Administration.

Third, aside from the MSMEs being lumped as one (that lessens the chances of the smaller firms to avail of financing), there are was for mandated financial institutions to “evade” directly lending to MSMEs. Their purchase of government securities and other instruments can be considered as compliance to their obligation to lend to MSMEs.

If a local government unit would like to have a serious program or project to address the financing needs of smaller enterprises within jurisdiction, the following could be considered in designing the intervention:

1. Determine which portion of the MSME sector it wants to assist (the scope would be affected by the resources that the LGU can provide);

2. Assess and decide if financing support would be in the form of goods, cash, or a combination of the two;

3. Decide on how much to provide as financing assistance. Need to balance between the number of firms that would benefit and the resources available.

4. Declare the condition for repayment: how much to be paid back; interest rate (if any), period for paying back; When this is done well, better results could be obtained.

AR ket d R iven Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

he s tuff of l ife Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy franco1573victoria@gmail.com

Birthday wishes to Mayor Bruce, Mayor Para sa Lahat

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses LAURIANA DE PIO and NICOLAS DE PIO, who died on March 01, 2012 and May 21, 1994, respectively in Cabaruyan, Libungan, Cotabato, left a parcel of land Lot 114-D, Psd-12-003504, containing an area of 376 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-68688 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Noel

A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 952; Page No. 96; Book No. XCVII; Series of 2023.

MC: Mar. 25, Apr. 1 & 15, 2023

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MA. SUZETTE N. LAO, who died on December 26, 2022 in Cotabato City, a Savings Deposit Account with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)- Cotabato is subject of Affidavit of Self-Adjudication with Waiver and Special Power of Attorney before Notary Public Atty. Edwin P. Matura as per Doc. No. 323; Page No. 64; Book No. II; Series of 2023.

MC: Mar. 25, Apr. 1 & 15, 2023

Notice for Auction

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de Oro

Pawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro

Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV in Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak

Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu

Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak announce the Auction Sale of all unredeemed pledges contracted March 1-31, 2022 at 8:00

A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main 4J Bldg. Corner Jose Lim Sr., and Don Roman Vilo St. Cotabato City. Auction sale will be on March 29, 2023.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de OroPawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV sa Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu

Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Marso 1-31, 2022 sa alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:00 ng hapon sa Agencia de OroJose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City sa Marso 29, 2023.

MC: Mar. 18 & 25, 2023

WAIVER OF

RIGHTS AND INTEREST

Notice is hereby given that the late REMIE BASAL BALDO, who died on April 15, 2022 at San Pedro Hospital, Davao City, left a personal property, a Bank Deposit at Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) is subject of waiver of rights and interest before Notary Public Renie Jay Abad Soriano as per Doc. No. 115; Page No. 23; Book No. XXXXI; Series of 2023.

MC: Mar. 25, Apr. 1 & 15, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT (ADDENDUM)

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PRAXEDES A. NADELA, consisting two parcels of land Lot. No. 10951-C, Csd-12001207, situated in Central Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by OCT No. P-48059 with an area of 31, 503 sq. mts., more or less and Lot. No. 2189-D, Psd226039, situated in Lower Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-45145 with an area of 18,329 sq. mts., more or less are subject of addendum to the deed of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous sale executed in Midsayap, Cotabato on December 20, 2022, before Notary Public Rolando D. Jungco as per Doc. No. 282; Page No. 57; Book No. XXIII; Series of 2023.

MC: Mar. 25, Apr. 1 & 15, 2023

Muslims wish for peaceful Ramadan...from P1

BARMM’s local government minister, the lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, said he is wishing for a peaceful 2023 Ramadan for Muslims in the autonomous region to solemnly observe the season that they eagerly await yearly.

The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government-BARMM is working closely with local government units, the police and the military in ensuring peace and calm during the fasting season.

Sinarimbo, who is also managing the regional government's Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence, most known as the READi, assured that personnel of the rapid emergency response outfit shall continue its

round-the-clock operation during the Ramadhan.

The rescuers in READi will remain on standby for emergency response missions even if majority of them are fasting at daytime.

Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman and Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay are to embark on special programs to complement the religious activities of their Islamic communities during the Ramadan.

“We shall extend support to all Imams managing mosques in Lamitan City to boost their Ramadan activities. Religious solidarity among Muslims and non-Muslims is a major concern for us in the city government," Furigay said Wednesday. Islamic missionaries in

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - SK PENDATUN

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - BONIFACIO & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - ORC BRANCH

COTABATO CITY

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Pebrero 2022 hanggang Marso 2022 . Ang Subasta ay sa Marso 31, 2023 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Mar. 18 & 25, 2023

NOTICE

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from September to October 2022 on April 10, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City Be There, Management

SUBASTA

Ang VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Setyembre hangtud sa bulan sa Oktubre , 2022 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Pebrero 10, 2023 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

MC: Mar. 18, 25 & Apr. 1, 2023 Ang Nagdumala

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses VIRGINCITA S. BENITO and GENARO P. BENITO, who died on May 11, 2005 and December 28, 2000 in Quezon City and Pangasinan, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot No. 115-A, Csd-12-004138-D situated in Rangayen, Alamada, Cotabato with an area of 41,557 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. CO-10931 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale of a portion before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. 1,415; Page No. 83; Book No. XCVIII; Series of 2023

MC: Mar. 11, 18 & 25, 2023

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Charleth S. Montenegro has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Jasleth Sayon Montenegro who was born on 10 October 2005 at City of Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Jason P. Montenegro and Charleth V. Sayon.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) MERCEDES P. TOLENTINO Acting City Civil Registrar MC: Mar. 25 & Apr. 1, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses FORTUNATO BUENAFLOR and SINFROSA OTOCBUENAFLOR, who died on October 7, 2002 and October 7, 1994 in Cotabato City and Libungan, Cotabato, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot No. 327-B, Psd-12033162, situated in Nicaan, Midsayap (now Grebona, Libungan), Cotabato with an area of 49,224 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-5927 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Nasiff Brian O. Meditar as per Doc. 43; Page No. 09; Book No. XXII; Series of 2023

MC: Mar. 11, 18 & 25, 2023

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 9048/10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Tohamie Bogawan Omar has filed with this office a petition for the correction in sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Tohamie Bogawan Omar, who was born at Pikit, Cotabato on 8 July 2003 and whose parents are Thong Banansawan Omar and Entan Bogawan. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with the Municipal Civil Registrar’s Office, Pikit, Cotabato.

(Sgd.) MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Mar. 25 & Apr. 1, 2023

Lamitan City gets regular monthly stipends from their local government unit.

The Moro National Liberation Front had also assured to help keep the peace during the Ramadan in areas where it has members.

BARMM’s labor minister, Muslimin Sema, who is chairman of the MNLF, said Thursday he wishes all fasting residents of the Bangsamoro region a peaceful and solemn Ramadan.

“Ramadan is a very important month for us, Muslims. It is the time where we rebuild ties with people around us regardless of religions and tribal identities. It is the time where we reach out to those whom we may have offended and do reparation to rebuild relationships,” Sema said.

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Jowersky V. Moires has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in the child’s sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth bearing Registry No. 2015-1666 of KJ Tacpan Moires duly registered at the Local Civil Registry Office of Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are JHowersky V. Moires and Jonalyn M. Tacpan. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than April 12, 2023.

(Sgd.) JEAN P. BACAS Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Mar. 25 & Apr. 1, 2023

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 Agosto 2022. Ang subasta ay sa Abril 3, 2023 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Mar. 18 & 25, 2023

RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III

Don Rufino Alonzo & Don Tomas Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on August 2022 will be auctioned on April 3, 2023 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before April 3, 2023 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Lahat ng sangla noong Agosto 2022 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Abril 3, 2023 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Abril 3, 2023 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: Mar. 18 & 25, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PENALA JULIA who died intestate on July 1, 1982 at Nuro Upi, Maguindanao del Norte, a parcel of land Lot 1425, Pls-519 (CSD 7406) with an area of 601.14 sq. mts., more or less located in Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao is subject of extrajudicial partition of real estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Mohammad Jameel A. Singh as per Doc. No. 365; Page No. 73; Book No. 25; Series of 2023.

MC: Mar. 18, 25 & Apr. 1, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato City of Kidapawan LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Marcellin Jay C. Panes has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of Marcellin Jay C. Panes who was born on 22 March 1979 at Kidapawan, North Cotabato and whose parents are Marcelino A. Panes and Nilda M. Cipriano. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) MERCEDES P. TOLENTINO Acting City Civil Registrar MC: Mar. 18 & 25, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late SAMSHI U. BENITO who died intestate on June 22, 2021, left certain personal property, a Savings Account Deposit at Bank of the Philippine Islands under Bank Account No. 2163-0162-25 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Mohammad Nour Seddiq A. Pangilamen, CPA as per Doc. No. 491; Page No. 99; Book No. VIII; Series 2023.

MC: Mar. 18, 25 & Apr. 1, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Upi, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Romeo G. Osano has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in the child’s sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth bearing Registry No. 2014-1103 of Joylene Datuwata Osano, duly registered at the Local Civil Registry Office of Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are Romeo G. Osano and Jocelyn R. Datuwata. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than April 9, 2023.

(Sgd.) JEAN P. BACAS Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Mar. 18 & 25, 2023

RUSH

SALE

HOUSE & LOT 759 Square meters Corner 6th Street Beside ABS-CBN Don E. Sero Street Cotabato City

Contact: 09177267406 MC: Mar. 11, 18 & 25, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late ELISEO R. MERCADO JR., who died intestate on May 23, 2021 in Cotabato City, left Savings Accounts with the following banks: BDO under Account No. 111 8800 2417, METROBANK under Account No. 074 7074 5152 20, BPI under Account No. 216 504 4188, METROBANK JOINT DOLLAR SAVINGS ACCOUNT with Account No. 074 2074 2904 12 and BPI

DOLLAR SAVINGS ACCOUNT with Account No. 216 400 2007 are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Paula J. Kaneshiro, First Judicial Circuit, State of Hawaii.

MC: Mar. 11, 18 & 25, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato City of Kidapawan LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

MP’s eye care services continue amid Ramadan

THE doctor in the Bangsamoro parliament assured Thursday to continue with his medical outreach projects for the poor during the Islamic Ramadan season that started Thursday.

Residents in Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte and in the 63 barangays in different towns in Cotabato province under the Bangsamoro government had told reporters they are apprehensive that their appointments with eye specialist Kadil Sinolinding, Jr. could be stalled, meantime, due to the Ramadhan season.

“Our medical outreach missions will continue even if we are observing the Ramadhan,” Sinolinding, a member of the 80-seat Bangsamoro parliament, said Thursday.

Muslims abstain from food and drinks at daytime, as a religious obligation, during the month of Ramadhan, for them a holy month where they also focus on reparation for wrongdoings.

Sinolinding, most known as the “doctor sa parliamento,” started as health officer in the towns of Pagalungan and Montawal in Maguindanao del Sur and had served as regional health secretary

of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, replaced in 2019 with a more politically empowered Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Sinolinding, appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. as member of the BARMM parliament in August 2022, and his staff had treated almost 300 poor eye patients from Luuk, Jolo and Panglima Estino towns in Sulu last week.

The outreach mission in Jolo, Sulu was jointly facilitated by Sinolinding and two other members of the BARMM parliament, Adzdar Usman and Matarul Estino.

The two Tausug parliament members were the main proponents and benefactors of the activity.

Records provided by Usman and Estino showed that a total of 99 patients, 66 of them from different barangays in Jolo and the rest from Luuk, underwent caratact surgery during the three-day outreach medical mission.

Sinolinding had also done pterygium operation for 49 other eye patients from Jolo and Luuk. He said a total of 145 patients underwent eye operations during their medical missions in the Sulu Provincial Hospital in Jolo and in the Luuk District Hospital in the town proper of Luuk.

Sinolinding said he is thankful to the management of both hospitals in Sulu and to BARMM’s health minister, the physician Rizaldy Piang, for supporting their activity in the island province.

In separate statements Thursday, Usman and Estino expressed gratitude for the non-government Doctor Shahid Deseret Ambulatory Referral DeAR Center Foundation for helping push their outreach mission forward.

The foundation, involved in charitable works benefiting poor eye patients, was established together by Sinolinding and benefactors in the country and abroad. John Felix Unson

Wanted pregnant NPA yields in SK

A pregnant member of the New People’s Army wanted for attempted murder yielded to authorities in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat last weekend.

Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade, said the woman peacefully turned herself in when policemen under units of the Police Regional Office 12 and personnel of the 37th Infantry Battalion arrived at her hideout in Barangay Napnapon and showed her a warrant for her arrest.

The eight-month pregnant NPA, whose name was withheld for her safety, was charged with frustrated murder in a local court.

“I had long planned to come out and surrender to the 37th IB after learning that all of my companions who surrendered to

that unit early on were treated nicely and had been reintroduced to the barangays from where they have come from,” the surrenderee, who asked to be identified only as dayang, said.

The NPA has a reputation for attacking members who have surrendered to the government and their relatives.

Santos said soldiers and members of the Palimbang Municipal Police Station and other units of PRO 12 searched for Dayang after learning that she wanted to surrender but could not proceed to the headquarters of the 37th IB, or to any command post of a unit of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, due to her delicate condition.

More than 200 NPAs had surrendered to units of 6th ID in central Mindanao since 2022.

John Felix Unson

Mayor offers P500K cash for info on aide’s attackers

MAYOR Bernie “Jojo”

Palencia of Polomolok, South Cotabato on Monday offered P500,000 reward money for anyone who can provide information that will help identify and arrest of the suspects in the shooting of his executive assistant on Friday.

worth shabu seized in Cotabato town

KIDAPAWAN CITY — A police team seized P510,000 worth of shabu from a dealer who fell in a sting in Carmen town in Cotabato province early this week.

Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, director of the Police Regional Office 12, told reporters Tuesday the suspect, Alfie Camsa Madaliday, is now detained, to be prosecuted

for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Madaliday was entrapped by combined personnel of the Carmen Municipal Police Station and antinarcotics agents from other units of PRO-12 in Purok 14 in Barangay Poblacion in Carmen in the first district of Cotabato.

Macaraeg said non-uniformed

policemen and tipsters together laid the sting that resulted in Madaliday’s arrest and confiscation from him of 75 grams of shabu, amounting to P510,000.

Macaraeg said he is grateful to the local officials in Carmen who helped entrap Madaliday, who also peddled shabu to buyers in nearby towns.

John Felix Unson

1 dead, 2 hurt in separate gun attacks

A motorist was killed while two others, one of them a police sergeant, were wounded in separate gun attacks in Cotabato City and in nearby Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte early this week.

Major Amil Andungan, commander of the Cotabato City Police Precinct 2, said Monday gunmen killed the motorcycleriding Abdulazis Butukan, 28, and wounded his companion, the 19-year-

old Not Tayuan, while motoring through a thoroughfare in Barangay Rosary Heights 4 here early Sunday.

Relatives of the victims told reporters they both have shady personas and have enemies in the village here where they reside.

The duo's motorcycle was bereft of a license plate, according to investigators.

The attack that resulted in the death of

Butukan and left Tayuan wounded preceded Sunday’s shootout in the town center of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte between Sukarno Guiaber and two policemen who tried to frisk him when they noticed a pistol tucked in his waist.

Instead of cooperating, Guiaber opened fire, hitting Police Staff Sgt. Michael Lacsasa in both hands and his jaw.

Major Regie Albellera,

chief of the Datu Odin Sinsuat municipal police, said Lacsasa and his companion managed to return fire and wounded Guiaber in the exchange of gunfire.

Albellera said the wounded suspect even ran away but was eventually cornered and arrested by pursuing policemen and barangay tanods. Guiaber and Lacsasa are now confined in a hospital. John Felix Unson

DENR-12: “Plant trees, preserve environment

annually to increase the consciousness on the importance of forests and their significant role to human survival.

“Our President said in one of his pronouncements that the preservation of the environment is preservation of life. Our survival depends so much on forests which include the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water

we drink. Forests provide habitats for animals and offer protection to our watersheds,” he said.

RED Alicer added that several measures were already made by the government to emphasize the importance of the forests and reforestation due to competing land use.

...from P2

In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as the International Day of Forests to celebrate and increase consciousness on the significance of all types of forest. The global organization also encourage countries to organize activities concerning forests and trees.

Edwin O. Fernandez

Speaking to a group of media persons, Mayor Palencia said he believed he could be the target of the two gunmen who shot at close range his aide Rhyolite Agregado Balili, 49, Palencia’s executive secretary.

Balili was driving his car and was about to enter the town hall premises when shot by two motorcycle riding gunmen at about 11 a.m.

He sustained gunshot wounds in various parts of his body, according to Polomolok Chief of Police Lt. Col. Joseph Forro III. He said the victim remained in an undisclosed hospital in Gen. Santos City.

“I believed I was the target,” Palencia told

reporters Monday. The mayor said the shooting of Balili, a former town councilor, could be politically motivated.

“My political enemies are sending a message,” he said in the vernacular. He did not name names.

Palencia said he was told that two men selling roasted peanuts were seen taking videos of him during the opening program of Women’s Month celebration.

Del Forro said no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

He added that security measures are in place to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Starting Wednesday, the “no helmet, no travel” policy has been suspended within the town proper.

Three members of the Civil Security Unit of the Polomolok local government unit, including a former police major who served as chief civil security, were separate killed in January this year. Edwin O. Fernandez

Dealer in P1.7-M shabu sting charged

KORONADAL CITY

— The police had filed a criminal case against a drug dealer from whom P1.7 million worth of shabu was confiscated Monday in an entrapment in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

This was confirmed Thursday by Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, director of the Police Regional Office 12.

The suspect, the 36-year-old Rey Demihillo Caspillo fell in a sting in Barangay Glamang in Polomolok, laid with the

help of local officials.

Macaraeg said Caspillo peacefully turned himself in when he noticed that he had sold 260 grams of shabu, worth P1.7 million, to non-uniformed antinarcotics agents from PRO 12 and the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office.

Macaraeg said police intelligence units are now trying to identify the supplier of shabu that the now detained Caspillo had peddled in Polomolok and nearby towns in South Cotabato. John Felix Unson

EYE CARE MISSION. Bangsamoro Member of Parliament Kadil Sinolinding, Jr., a practicing doctor of medicine, checks an eye patient during their outreach mission last week in Sulu.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Pilas

P510K