“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

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