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Surallah school has tension cracks

CHURCH / P6

CBCP head to voters: ‘Don’t gamble the country’s future’

P10

Tapatan: Atty. Cynthia Guiani Sayadi & Mr. Bruce Matabalao

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

CONTINUING THE TRADITION. The Ramadhan fair bears the theme “Sustaining Economic Resiliency through Faith and Tradition” where 45 local producers, entrepreneurs showcase, promote, and sell their respective halal food products and services inside BARMM compound. Karl John Daniel

CATHOLICS JOIN MUSLIMS IN RAMADHAN OBSERVANCE By Edwin O. Fernandez

THE Archdiocese of Cotabato is one with the Muslim world during the fasting month of Ramadhan as Catholic faithful prepare for the Holy Week commemoration.

Ramadan season is on

TO OUR VALUED READERS:

By John Felix Unson “FAST once you see the Sheik Abu Huraira new moon, break your Udasan, the mufti, or fast once you see the new grand preacher of the moon.” Darul Iftah in the Islam’s progenitor, Bangsamoro Autonomous Mohammad, had said R e g i o n i n M u s l i m a b o u t t h e R a m a d a n Mindanao, announced fasting season, a holy on Friday night that the month among Muslims. Ramadan fasting season Ramadan started shall commence on Sunday, the month in the Sunday, April 3. Islamic Hijrah calendar The Darul Iftah is where Muslims fast from also known as BARMM’s dawn to dusk during House of Opinions, a the period as a religious bloc of senior Islamic obligation and a reparation theologians, among for wrongdoings. them graduates of

UNDP, MOLE-BARMM tie-up takes off THE United Nations Development Programme and the Bangsamoro labor ministry agreed Wednesday to cooperate in setting up a data management information system to boost services to the labor sector in five southern provinces. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Bangsamoro Labor Minister Muslimin Sema and a senior staff of the UNDP in the country, Winston Aylmer Camariñas, have signed a memorandum

By John Felix Unson of agreement (MOA) detailing how the entities they each represent shall forge ahead together with the creation of a data management information system essential to the empowerment of workers and employers in the autonomous region. “This support from a foreign benefactor is a tacit indication that there is confidence from foreign donors on the BARMM government. We are happy with this,” Sema said. Camariñas also turned over to the Ministry of Labor and Employment –BARMM Wednesday, to cap off the crafting of the MOA,

eight units of laptop computers and 13 tablets for the project. In a meeting just two weeks ago, two British dignitaries and Sema also reached a consensus to work together for the welfare of decommissioned Moro guerillas covered by the Mindanao peace process. Lord Jack McConnell of the House of Lords, United Kingdom, Matthew Hedges of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and Sema talked about interventions meant to strengthen democracy in the regional government and its constituentcommunities.

Reduced work hours for fasting Muslims

By Edwin O. Fernandez CIVIL servants in the employees during the Bangsamoro Autonomous Holy Month of Ramadhan. Region in Muslim Fasting from sunrise Mindanao (BARMM) are to dusk by Muslims now allowed to go home s t a r t e d o n A p r i l 3 , at 3:30 p.m. from Monday Sunday and will end on to Friday. May 2. This is the directive “Muslim officials M o n d a y o f B A R M M and employees who shall Chief Minister Ahod observe fasting during the “Kagi Murad” Ebrahim, holy month are allowed to in a memorandum, that observe flexible working modified the working hours from 7:30 hours of officials and a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,”

Air Force lady pilot inspires town mates

By Edwin O. Fernandez THE people of Tulunan town in North her birth place, the town government will Cotabato are honored with the achievement give her a red carpet welcome,” Abraham of a beauty queen wannabe who is now Contayoso, secretary of Tulunan Mayor the country’s first female Air Force fighter Pip Limbungan, said on Tuesday about 1Lt plane pilot. Julaiza Mae Camposano-Beran, PAF. “If she decides to return home or visit The “Tulunenses” (people of

FLYING INSPIRATION. People of Tulunan, North Cotabato are inspired by the feat of the country’s first female fighter plane pilot and some have daydreamed of becoming another 1Lt. Jul Laiza Mae B. Camposano-Beran PAF. Photo courtesy of KidapawanPhoto City Pilot Elementary courtesy ofSchool PAF

April 9, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Surallah school has tension cracks

HEAVY rains last month caused an unusual “tension crack” on the ground in a school campus in Barangay Upper Sepaka in Surallah, South Cotabato. Rolly Doane Aquino, officer-in-charge of the South Cotabato Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said early this week the tension crack straddles through an open field in the campus of the Kiantay Elementary School in Sitio Kiantay in Barangay Upper Sepaka. The meter-wide crack, only about two hundred meters long, with a depth of half a meter, damaged a concrete pathway by the side of a school building. Geologists from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-12 who investigated in the area last week on the behest of South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. stated in a written report that there

was “localized slumping” on the ground of poorly compacted filling loosened by last month’s heavy downpours. The report from the MGB-12 was signed by Eloise Ivy Garcia, Geologist II, and Eduardo Tan and Engineer Roger Tamayo, chiefs of the Geosciences Division and the Mine Safety and Social Development Division of MGB-12, respectively. Surallah Mayor Antonio Bendita said Saturday that they have started initiating engineering interventions, with guidance from the MGB and engineers from the office of the provincial governor, to fill the tension crack inside the campus of the Kiantay Elementary School. John Felix

Unson

60 lawbreakers fall in BARMM

POLICE authorities in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) announced it arrested 60 law violators, including wanted persons. Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, BARMM police regional director, also said the PRO-BARMM double barrel campaign led to the arrest of 13 individuals engaged in illegal drugs. More than P200,000 worth of illegal drugs were also seized during the week-long drive. A total of 36 wanted

233 cops undergo BISOC training A big group of Police Regional Office-12 personnel have just studied an internal security course via PRO12’s Regional Special Training Unit. The 233 policemen and policewomen were declared graduates of the Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC) during a symbolic rite on March 30, 2022, Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum director of the Police Regional

Office-12, said Monday. The graduation rite, officiated by PRO-12 officials led by Tagum, was held at the parade ground of PRO-12 in Tambler, General Santos City. The BISOC Class 50-2022-R12 is composed of 199 male and 34 female members of units under PRO-12, Tagum said. The BISOC training that the 233 police personnel underwent was

facilitated by PRO-12’s Regional Special Training Unit, meant to impart on them awareness on the serious intricacies of internal security operations. The 233 now BISOC graduates were also mentored on proper attitude and police values essential to efficient peacekeeping and lawenforcement missions. John Felix

Unson

persons were arrested, including Lanao del Sur’s most wanted person and a village councilman in Lamitan City wanted for arson charges. On the campaign against loose firearms, police confiscated 53 firearms, including 15 high-powered firearms. In the campaign against illegal gambling, 10 persons were arrested and charged while more than 1,560 board feet of illegally cut lumbers. Cabalona said

130 cases of smuggled cigarettes worth PHP4.3 million were seized in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. He also announced that 13 members of extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have surrendered through the efforts of police and local government officials. Cabalona lauded all operating units for the successful arrest of wanted persons and other accomplishments in law enforcement operations.

Edwin O. Fernandez

PDEA-12 destroys drug den, seize MJ in Sox

ANTI-NARCOTICS operatives seized P81,600 worth of shabu from a clandestine drug den operator and his three accomplices who fell in an entrapment operation in Kidapawan City. Nestor Aposaga Mapili, 53, Edwin Pacino Genota, 26, Angelito Agusto Gariles, 45, and Jeremy Dublico Patriceo, 40, were nabbed for selling illegal drugs. Naravy Duquiatan, PDEA-12 regional director, said the four have been charged for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Mapili and his companions were arrested after they sold illegal merchandize to an undercover operative in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City. Mapili owned a vulcanizing shop that he also used as a small den for drug dependents.

In Malungon, Sarangani, a criminal case had been filed against marijuana planter Reynante Ozano Buan whose farm in Sarangani was destroyed by antinarcotics agents. Duquiatan said the marijuana propagator Buan was arrested in the operation and is now detained at the Malungon Municipal Police Station. Marijuana plants were seized and 125 plants were burned on site. Agents estimated the seized MJ was worth P25,000. Buan was charged with violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Duquiatan said the raid was premised on reports by vigilant barangay residents privy to the propagation by Buan of marijuana in his farm. John Felix Unson

PUBLIC school teachers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are expected to be equipped with the needed technical know-how to effectively perform as Electoral Board Members (EBM) in the coming elections. A total of 9,132 teachers in BARMM are undergoing Electoral Board Certification Program under the program of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOSTBARMM), according to MOST BARMM Minister Aida Silongan. The month-long training is jointly conducted by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and MOST-BARMM aimed at ensuring EBMs are capacitated to perfectly administer the balloting. “This is very helpful for us teachers, I for one is now gaining confident and capable of administering the digital election,” teacher Mashod Sulayman said. Together with 17 regional offices nationwide, DOST is solely mandated by law to implement the Certification Program for EBMs. It stated that Automated Election System (AES) should be adopted; at least one member of the Board of Election Inspectors shall be

an information technologycapable person trained or certified by the DOST to use the AES. Minister Silongan said in partnership with the Commission on Elections and the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, her office OST has conducted the electoral board practical or hands-on examinations to capacitate the teachers. There are 27 MOST certifiers deployed in Maguindanao, Cotabato City, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi to administer the certification process. Each batch of teachers or EBMs in the provinces have undergone training conducted by COMELEC and followed by the DOST EB Certification Program.

BARMM teachers trained on poll management

GRADUATES. Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum of the Police Regional Office-12 led last week’s graduation rite for the internal security training that 233 members of PRO-12 underwent in General Santos City.

Photo courtesy of PRO-12

6 NPAs yield to PRO-12

BRIG. Gen. Alexander Tagum of the Police Regional Office-12 said he is expecting the surrender of more New People’s Army rebels after the April 1 surrender of six from the group. Three of those who surrendered to PRO-12 last April 1 were collectors of “protection money” from hapless farmers, according to local officials who helped convince them to yield. Tagum, director of PRO-12, said the six NPAs have pledged allegiance to the government during

a simple rite in Tampakan town in South Cotabato. The group belonged to the NPA’s self-styled Guerilla Front 73Far South Mindanao Region, whose leaders are facing high-profile criminal cases in different courts. Tagum said the six NPAs agreed to return to the fold of law through the joint intercession of local leaders in Tampakan, the municipal police force and officials of the 1205th Mobile Company and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-12.

The six men, whose names were withheld pending their relocation to areas far from reach of their hardcore former comrades, have promised to reform for good as their renounced their membership with the NPA. The NPA has a reputation for attacking members who have surrendered to the government and their relatives. No fewer than a hundred NPAs have surrendered in batches to police units under PRO-12 since 2020. John Felix Unson

HEALTH authorities in Cotabato City have urged the public to help contain rising dengue cases in the city by practicing the “4S strategy.” From January to March 30, the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) recorded 105 dengue cases with one fatality. This is 37 percent higher as compared to the same period last year where the city health office recorded only 22 cases. To date, 98 of the patients have been admitted to various hospitals

in the city. The frequent rain the past days has increased the possibility of esteros and drainage canals turned into breeding sites of dengue carrying mosquitoes. In a statement, the city health services shared how to go about the 4S strategy: “1S” is Search and destroy mosquito breeding places like stagnant waterways, old and unused tires, flower pots and others where water remain.

“2S” Seek early consultation. Everyone is advised to see a doctor if symptoms are noticed like high fever, skin rashes, among others. “3S” Self-protection needed. The use of pajamas and long sleeves, mosquito nets and socks are highly recommended. Use of repellant, too. “4S” Support fogging and spraying. The local government unit may conduct fogging operations only in areas with high number of dengue cases. Edwin O. Fernandez

Dengue cases up in Cotabato City

Silongan said there are three electoral board members per precinct, and DOST would at least certify one to two members. The Chairman and Poll Clerk have taken the examination process in the BARMM provinces. She assured that health protocols against the COVID-19 pandemic are being observed during the whole period of the certification program. Started on March 13, the training will end on April 12. Edwin O.

Fernandez

April 9, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 9, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

RE-ELECT

MULING IHALAL

DR. EDDIE

RABAGO COUNCILOR

Sa pagharap ng aking sarili sa sambayanang botante, ang aking kwalipikasyon at karanasan ay umiikot sa mga naitaguyod kong: gawaing pang komunidad bilang aktibong myiembro nang mga samahang propesyonal, negosyo, sibiko, relihiyon, pagkakapatiran, at isports, at ang dalawangpotlimang (25) taon na karanasang serbisyo publiko: a) dalawangpot-dalawang (22) taon paglilingkod sa Sangguniang Panlungsod; b) at tatlong (3) taon na Assistant Secretary ng ating yumaong Punong Lungsod Jojo Guiani, Jr. Bilang tugon sa inyong pagtitiwala noong mga taong 1988, 1992, 1995 at 2004, 2007, 2010, 2016 at 2019, ako ay lubos na nagsumikap magampanan ang aking tungkulin bilang kinatawan ninyo sa Sangguniang Panlunsod. Ito ay aking naisakatuparan sa pamamagitan ng mga Ordinansa at Resolusyon na aking inakda, na nagpatungkol sa mga isyu ng Edukasyon, Ekonomiya, Transportasyon at Trapiko, Infrastrucktura, Kalusugan at Sanitasyon. Sa kalawakan at kalaliman ng aking mga karanasan at mga naitaguyod na gawaing pang komunidad at pang publiko nakasalaysay ang aking kumpanya sa halalang ito. Asahan po ninyo na masigasig kong ipagpatuloy ang pagtataguyod ng mga kabutihan at kaunlaran para sa taong bayan at sa mahal nating lungsod.

Team Guiani 1 ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA GUIANI-SAYADI

City Mayor

2 GRAHAM NAZER G. DUMAMA

City Vice Mayor

Paid for by: MAURA DAWANG, GenSan City

Councilors: 2 AL HAASHIR ALA

14 ROMEO LIDASAN

5 HASSAN BIRUAR

15 ABDILLAH LIM

8 MICHAEL DATUMANONG

21 DR. EDDIE RABAGO

10 JAPAL GUIANI III

22 REYNALDO RIDAO

11 DR. DANDA JUANDAY

24 SUKARNO SEMA

DR. EDDIE

RABAGO COUNCILOR

In presenting myself to the electorate, my qualifications for public service revolved around my experiences in community work as an active member of professional, business, civic, fraternal, religious and sports organizations; and twenty-five (25) years of public service experiences: a) twenty-two (22) years (eight times elected city councilor) as your representative to the Sangguniang Panlungsod; b) and three (3) years as Assistant Secretary to the late City Mayor Jojo Guiani, Jr. In keeping with those mandates (1988, 1992, 1995; 2004, 2007, 2010; 2016, 2019), I can say with all humility that I have translated the expectations of our constituents into meaningful and relevant pieces of legislations now found and manifested in the various Regulatory Ordinances and Resolutions that I have authored. These ordinances and resolutions touched a wide range of issues: Infrastructure, Economics, Education, Transportation, Traffic, Social Services, Public Order and Safety, Health and Sanitation. It is on the basis of my experiences and performances in community work, and twenty-five (25) years of public service that I rely on my campaign for re-election. I commend myself to your kind care, love and protection!

Team Guiani 1 ATTY. FRANCES CYNTHIA GUIANI-SAYADI

City Mayor

2 GRAHAM NAZER G. DUMAMA

City Vice Mayor

Paid for by: MAURA DAWANG, GenSan City

Councilors: 2 AL HAASHIR ALA

14 ROMEO LIDASAN

5 HASSAN BIRUAR

15 ABDILLAH LIM

8 MICHAEL DATUMANONG

21 DR. EDDIE RABAGO

10 JAPAL GUIANI III

22 REYNALDO RIDAO

11 DR. DANDA JUANDAY

24 SUKARNO SEMA

Catholics join Muslims in Ramadhan...from P1

“The archdiocese of Cotabato, headed by Archbishop Angelito Lampon, OMI, DD, joins the Muslim world as they perform fasting this Ramadhan,” Catholic priest Benjamin Ariel Torreto, DCC, parish priest of Cotabato Cathedral and archdiocesan vicar general, said on Wednesday. “This is meaningful since the two major religions in the archdiocese and Bangsamoro region are jointly holding important religious events – fasting and season of Lent,” Fr. Torreto of the Diocesan Clergy of Cotabato (DCC) said. The Muslims began fasting from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, April 3, about a week before the Catholics commence the weeklong observance of Holy Week, beginning Palm Sunday, April 10. Fr. Torreto said Christian and Muslim religious leaders have been in constant communication how the two huge religious

organizations work together for peace. “The bottom line is we only have one God,” Fr. Torreto said in the vernacular. The Catholics will commemorate the Last Supper, Seven Last Words on Maundy Thursday on April 14 and Good Friday on April 15. The Catholics described it as Paschal Triduum or the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The commemoration will culminate on Easter Sunday on April 17, the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after His crucifixion. For Muslims, the end of Ramadhan is marked by Eid’l-Fitr - the celebration of breaking fast. On Eid’l Ftr which may come on May 2 or May 3, the activity starts with a morning prayer at a Mosque and then followed by family and friends coming together to eat.

Air Force lady pilot inspires town mates...from P1 Tulunan) are very proud for achievement of this daughter of Tulunan, said a resident, Alma Sioson, in a phone interview. Sioson said the young girl then, while still studying in elementary and high school, in Tulunan was very talented yet humble. Mayor Pip Limbungan said the local government and its officials are very proud for this feat. He added the mother of Julaiza Mae was a former town

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 9, 2022

government employee. He said with the achievement of Ms. Julaiza, many young women Tulunenses are now interested to join the Philippine Military Academy and follow the footsteps of the lady airline pilot. “She is our role model, the young girls and boys are looking up to her as their inspiration too,” Mayor Limbungan said. Julaiza belonged to PMA SINAGLAHI Class of

2015 and is now a member of 5th Fighter Wing stationed in Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga. During her teen years in Tulunan, Ms. Julaiza joined beauty and talent contests in town but her desire in the beauty pageant world was left behind when she joined the PMA. “Hero’s welcome await her in Tulunan,” Mayor Limbungan told DXND Radyo Bida Kidapawan Tuesday.

Pope Francis: We are witnessing the...from P6

of secularism, of a globalized pseudo culture based on consumerism, neocapitalism and relativism, blows there as well. Therefore, it is time for the new evangelization there too,” he added. The pope described his time of prayer in Malta’s Grotto of Saint Paul as like “drawing from the spring so that the Gospel might flow through Malta with the freshness of its origins and revive its great heritage of popular religiosity.”

He added that when he visited the country’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, he heard “the heart of the Maltese people beat.” “Mary helps us to revive the flame of faith by drawing from the Holy Spirit’s flame that attracts generation after generation to the joyful proclamation of the Gospel, for the joy of the Church is to evangelize,” Pope Francis said. Courtney

Mares/Catholic News Agency

Reduced work hours for fasting Muslims...from P1 Chief Minister Ebrahim said in his Memorandum Circular No. 0051. “After the end of Ramadhan, all officials and employees shall revert to their respective regular working hours from 8:00 am. to 5:00 p.m.,” Chief Minister Ebrahim added. Ahead of the commencement of the 30-fasting month, Chief Minister Ebrahim urged all BAngsamoro to spread love. He also urged the

public to continue observing physical distancing since the threat of COVID-19 still exists and “is still around us.” “We hurdled the pandemic, I believe time will come that this pandemic will end,” he said in the vernacular. While the fasting month is the most holy month among Muslims worldwide, it came at a time when the country is in the peak of election

campaign for national and local elections. “I hope peace will prevail during and after the local and national elections, I hope patience and understanding about our political stance will prevail,” he said. “Let us not allow the political season disrupt our fasting and religious activities, let us not allow our differences in choices to affect our fasting,” he said.

UNDP, MOLE-BARMM tie-up takes off...from P1 They met at the office of the Bangsamoro labor ministry in Cotabato City. The WFD works with parliaments, political parties and civil society groups as part of an effort to enhance political systems in other countries and to help

ensure transparency and accountability in governments. The British government is a longtime supporter of the Mindanao peace process - aiming to put a diplomatic closure to the southern Moro problem hounding the country since the 1970s

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

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the application of NAMA CONCRETE PHILIPPINES CORP. with official address at Crossing Pinaring, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, BARMM for registration with the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM under Title III of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) as amended by CREATE Act, as Manufacturer of Pre-Cast Concrete Products/Batching is officially accepted on April 4, 2022 and is currently being processed. Any person with valid objections to or pertinent comments on the above-mentioned application may file his/her objection, in writing and under oath, with the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application.

ATTY. ISHAK V. MASTURA CHAIRMAN MC: Apr. 9, 2022

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS AN AIR PASSENGER The Ministry of Transportation and Communications-BARMM, through the Civil Aeronautics Board of the Bangsamoro (CABB-BARMM), presents this summary of the Major Air Passenger Bill of Rights for your guidance and information. Can I do anything if the airline refuses to provide me with any amenity or service I am entitled to? YES! Passengers may forward their complaints to or ask for assistance from the Civil Aeronautics Board of the Bangsamoro personnel at certain airports in BARMM. Passengers may also send an email to cab.motc@bangsamoro.gov.ph or visit its website cabb.bangsamoro.gov.ph. CABB is one of the seven sectors of the MOTC-BARMM mandated to regulate the economic aspect of air transportation in BARMM. Also, it advocates passenger’s rights for convenient, reliable, and safe air travel.

April 9, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

CBCP head to voters: ‘Don’t gamble the country’s future’

THE head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines called on voters not to gamble the country’s future by being indifferent to the plight of others.

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, CBCP President, urged Filipinos to actively engage in politics by supporting candidates who have the necessary skills and experience to perform well their office. Speaking during the “Solidarity Mass for the Moral Choice” at Baclaran Church on

Wednesday, he said that now is not the time to be complacent about the country’s situation. “Our low regard and inaction to politics will not bring development. Let us not gamble the future of our country,” David said. “Let us fight indifference. Let us be concerned for the welfare of others,” he said. “We

are all interconnected. What’s bad for them is bad for us.” Dozens of bishops, priests, and religious men and women in the Metropolitan See of Manila attended the Mass presided over by Cardinal Jose Advincula. The liturgy was in response to the CBCP’s call for prayer for a credible and peaceful election

on May 9. The top church official also urged voters not to be swayed by disinformation, especially on social media. “We can be blinded by lies and deception. It can put the conscience to sleep and can harden us like rocks,” David said. The bishop then asked them

to always side with the truth even if it is unpopular and “even if it hurts”. Christians, David added, are called to vote rightly and according to their conscience. “Don’t just rely on others. We need to be involved. Let us work to change our political culture, even if little by little,” he said. CBCP News

Sorsogon bishop suspends priest for election run

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, CBCP President, delivers his homily during the “Solidarity Mass for Vote” at the Baclaran Church on Wednesday, April 6. Photo courtesy of CBCP News

BISHOP Jose Alan Dialogo of Sorsogon suspended a priest who has decided to run for public office. Fr. Emmanuel Alparce pursued his candidacy to become a councilor of Bacacay town in Albay province in the May 9 elections. “The Rev. Alparce is suspended indefinitely from every priestly ministry,” Dialogo said in a circular issued on April 4. “All his faculties which were granted by my predecessor are hereby withdrawn as of this date until further notice,” he said. According to the bishop, the suspension is a “censure”, which prohibits the priest from the “power of order” such as the celebration of all sacraments and “the power of governance”.

At present, Alparce holds no office and is not connected to any parish or institution in the Sorsogon diocese. “He remains a priest incardinated to this diocese, not yet dispensed from his vows, especially celibacy, but without the faculty to celebrate the sacraments,” Dialogo added. The priest was given time until March 25, the start of the local campaign period, to withdraw his candidacy. “He has been warned that if he does not reform and continues to give scandal, because of his participation in the local elections, he can be progressively punished by deprivations, or even by dismissal from the clerical state,” Dialogo said. CBCP

News

Pope Francis: We are witnessing the ‘impotence’ of UN in Ukraine war

VATICAN— Pope Francis lamented the “impotence” of the United Nations in the face of the Ukraine war in comments made during his general audience on Wednesday. “Today we often hear about ‘geopolitics.’ But unfortunately, the dominant logic is the strategies of the most powerful countries to affirm their own interests, extending their area of economic influence, or ideological influence, and/or military influence. We are seeing this with the war,” the pope said on April 6. “After World War II, the attempt was made to lay the foundations of a new era of peace. But, unfortunately – we never learn, right? – the old story of competition between the greater powers went on,” Francis said in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. “And, in the current war in Ukraine, we are witnessing the

impotence of the Organizations of the United Nations.” The pope’s comments came one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the UN via a video link and accused the Russian military of war crimes. The Ukrainian president also expressed frustration at the UN Security Council, of which Russia is a permanent member with veto-power. “Where is the security that the Security Council needs to guarantee? It’s not there,” Zelenskyy said, speaking via a translator. “It is obvious that the key institution of the world — which must ensure the coercion of any aggressor to peace — simply cannot work effectively,” the Ukrainian president said on April 5. Pope Francis spoke about the UN during a reflection on his

recent trip to Malta April 2-3 at his weekly Wednesday audience, where he also met with Ukrainian refugee children. The pope added that he views Malta as representing “the rights and power of the ‘small’ nations.” “Small but rich in history and civilization that should lead toward another logic – that of respect and freedom – the logic of respect and also the logic of freedom, of the coexistence of differences, opposed to the colonization of the most powerful,” he said. The pope explained that he chose a quote from the Acts of the Apostles as the motto for his papal trip to Malta, “They showed us unusual kindness,” because of both the migrant crisis and also “so that the world might become more fraternal, more livable.” Pope Francis highlighted the migration issue during his trip to the Mediterranean island by

visiting an immigration reception center founded by a Franciscan priest called the John XIII Peace Lab. “I met numerous migrants who landed on the island after terrible journeys,” the pope recalled. “We must never tire of listening to their testimonies because only this way can we emerge from a distorted vision that is often circulated in the mass media, and the faces, the stories, the wounds, the dreams and the hopes of these migrants can emerge.” The pope underlined that every migrant should not be viewed as “a number” but as a person. “Each is unique just like each one of us. Every migrant is a person with dignity, with roots, with a culture. Each of them is the bearer of a wealth infinitely

e are entering a spread throughout the world, solemn season persecutions also accompanied in the liturgical it. Our own Filipino saints, calendar of the Church, the San Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro celebration of the Holy Week Calungsod died as martyrs in commemorating the passion, foreign lands. Suffering comes death and resurrection of about not just due to external eflections Jesus the Lord. The Lord factors but also due to tensions Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC Himself issued the challenge within the community, There tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com to his followers, “If anyone are sufferings that we undergo wants to be my disciple, let him take up his cross and follow just by being part of a community of disciples. There are petty me” (Mt. 16:24). He also said, “I am the Way, the Truth, quarrels in the community and there are misunderstandings and the Life” (Jn. 14:6). Walking in the way of Jesus also that make a member think of leaving the community or not means experiencing the Cross. It is in this vein that the participating. No community is perfect. There is the story apostles having suffered beatings for proclaiming the Jesus of a man who was church hopping. He was shopping for the story, rejoiced that they were made worthy to suffer in the best church and denomination and none was satisfactory. name of Jesus (Acts 5:41). By following Jesus we also follow As he saw it, all these churches were filled with sinners. In the pattern of His passion, death, and resurrection. the last church he visited he told the pastor that he could Suffering is part of life. As we journey through life we not find a church to join. The pastor told him, “You are most undergo the sufferings brought about by just being human. welcome to our community. We can accept another sinner.” We suffer disappointments and frustration when our dreams Death is also part of life. No one leaves this world alive. are shattered. We suffer physical and psychological illness. Even the Lord Jesus suffered death and an ignominious We suffer due to broken relationships. We suffer due to one at that, a shameful death on the cross. Along the external factors not of our own choosing such as accidents, journey of life we also suffer smaller deaths. We die to some natural calamities, and violence. In the light of these attachments and habits. We experience the death of some sufferings we can either take the attitude of being victims or relationships. As we age, our bodies experience the slow the attitude of being survivors. The victim mentality makes death of our faculties. We are not as strong as before and us passive and we tend to blame others for our miseries. On our intellect is not as sharp. We become forgetful. When I the other hand, one who has the survivor mentality is pro- was pursuing graduate studies as a middle-ager, I joined a active and able to rise above suffering. There are many stories class of young people for a course on Statistics. I was always of people who having undergone unimaginable sufferings the last one to solve problems and I wondered what was consider these as source of their strength and resilience. happening to me. It used to be easy. That’s the reality of Beside the suffering that we undergo just because we aging. Growing up is dying to the old self. Spiritual guides are human, there are also the sufferings of discipleship. also say that the growth in the spiritual life necessitates The apostles and martyrs of the early church underwent dying to sin. so much pains just because they were proclaiming Jesus, The good news is that death is not the end. By dying so much so that the first three centuries of the Church are to the old self we become new beings. As St. Paul exhorted, called the Age of Martyrs. From time to time, a Roman ruler “Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation, the old would issue orders to arrest and kill Christians for some has passed away, behold the new has come“ (2Cor. 5:17). By reason. Christians were the scapegoats of this period. In following the passion and death of Jesus we also undergo the two thousand years of Christianity, even as the faith the Resurrection. Have a Blessed Week. MC

Passion, Death, and Resurrection R

greater than the problems they bring,” he said. “Certainly, welcoming them must be organized – this is true – and supervised; and first, long before, it must be planned together, at an international level,” Pope Francis added. He said that migration is “a sign of our times” and it “should be read and interpreted as such.” Reflecting on his first apostolic journey of 2022, the pope said that he made the trip to Malta “above all” as an act of gratitude to God and to confirm the Maltese people in the faith. “Malta is the key-place from the perspective of evangelization,” he said. “From Malta and from Gozo, the country’s two dioceses, many priests and religious, but even lay faithful, left to bring their Christian witness all over the world.” “Nevertheless, the wind

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

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Readings:

Is 50.4-7; Phil 2.6-11; Lk 22.14 – 23.56 (longer), or 23.1-49 (shorter); BG, p. 155 or 168 (in parts). This Palm Sunday, we are reminded that it is about what God has done for us; it is about out salvation and our life. In a sense, we are not just onlookers or expectators. All that we recall on Palm Sunday is about what God has done for us and does for us right now. This is such a wonderful message as we continue to try our best in the strange and difficult situation that we face each moment in life. That following Jesus’ footsteps, we are made by his grace partakers for our salvation and so share in his resurrection and in his life. Amen. Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to be constantly fix my heart and love for you. Amen.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 9, 2022 EDITORIAL

Turncoats and Political Dynasties

wo of the most debatable issues during the COMELEC sponsored debate (the second one) was the subject of turncoatism and political dynasties. Each of the candidates gave their 2 cents on these two important topics. It was fortunate for the nation to have these two election issues focused on because these are not only controversial issues at the national level; these are heard in the local level as well. In Mindanao, the issue of political dynasties has been taken lightly in the political arena, mainly because unlike the rest of the country, the local personalities are “expected” to carry the mantle of the family, especially in politics. Why else do we have family feuds or “Rido” which has a thin line separating it with political dynasties. It has something to do with the monarchial set-up during the colonial era, which the colonizer used for their own benefit. They pitted cousins against each other and even brothers against brothers. As a result, even the institution of marriage has been used by some families to strengthen the bloodlines for political purposes. So we have whole municipalities and provinces with unopposed candidates, with many bearing the same family name. In the COMELEC debate, the candidates who opposed political dynasties mentioned the power these dynasties hold which often makes the fight against corruption difficult. Presidentiable Isko Moreno said “political dynasties hinder the progress of the nation because power is concentrated on a handful of influential clans.” But Ping Lacson said it will be difficult to pass an anti-dynasty law because many political families run local government units and there are also lawmakers who come from generations of politicians. Lacson said the Constitution clearly prohibits dynasties. “Kaya lang kailangan ng (but we just need an) enabling law.” Manny Paquiao agrees that political dynasties are against democracy. Every one must be given a chance to run for public office, he said. (Manila Times). The other issue that we thank COMELEC for bringing up during the debate is “turncoatism”. People are more familiar with the monicker “political butterfly”. This became an important issue during the start of the election period due to the rise of so many political parties, and the transfer of candidates from one party to another. In the local level, there are few turncoats who can be identified, probably because political parties are not that important in the political landscape. Labor leader and presidential candidate Leodegario “Ka Leody” de Guzman raised the need to strengthen the foundation of the political party system to prevent turncoatism. Very few among the electorate can identify the platform of a local political party, except perhaps that of Leni Robredo, who carries her platform as vivid as the color pink. Funny, but it would be difficult to give her example to discuss turncoatism because a political party dropped their official candidate and turned to her instead. Since the political party system is not as strong at the local level compared to the national, it would be good to include in the local educational system the need for a serious and strong political party system. This may be the answer to the chaos we always experience during elections. MC +

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overnment officials presented a rosy picture of Philippine economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as is expected of them, saying the Duterte administration “shaped a better future for Filipinos and the economy.” At the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) held early this week, with the theme “Six Years of Institutionalizing Game Changing Reforms and Shaping the New Economy,” Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said reforms implemented by the Duterte government helped pursue inclusive economic growth in the Philippines, growth that Medialdea said is “not only measured by statistics, but can be seen, touched, and felt by the Filipino people.” Medialdea said President Duterte, in accordance with a 10-point socioeconomic agenda he announced even before the start of his administration: increased the net take-home pay of workers, lowered the taxes of corporations, rationalized the fiscal incentive system, increased the Philippines’ competitiveness, promoted financial inclusion and digitalization, and improved the ease of doing business in the country. Independent development institution IBON Foundation, Inc. however sees and presents a different state of Philippine economy. In a communique emailed to media a day prior to the PEB, IBON said the country’s social and economic development have actually been set back by the Duterte administration. Despite recent hyped economic growth, IBON says: 1. The Philippines has the third worst performing economy during the pandemic in Southeast Asia. The Philippine economy, measured by real gross domestic product (GDP), is still 4.5% smaller than before the pandemic in 2019 behind only Thailand (4.6% smaller) and Myanmar (15.8% smaller). 2. The Philippines has the highest unemployment rate (7.4% in Q4 2021) compared to Indonesia (6.5% in Q3 2021), Malaysia (4.3% in Q4 2021), Vietnam (3.6% in Q4 2021), Thailand (2.3% in Q2 2021), and Singapore (2% in Q4 2021). 3. The Philippines has the highest inflation rate (3.9% in 2021) compared to Malaysia (2.5%), Singapore (2.3%), Indonesia (1.6%), Thailand (-0.1%) and Vietnam (-5.1%). 4. The Philippines has the biggest trade deficit (11% of GDP in 2021) compared to Thailand (0.7% surplus),

HERE’S this anecdotal exchange Carlos P. Romulo had with an American said to be teasing on his inferior Filipino height in Liberation ceremonies prominently attended by taller gentlemen of the U.S. Army. Or, so was the story told by Fr. Bernard Brekel OMI, our World History mentor in high school. Fr. Brekel was an American World War II veteran in Europe, before he embraced the vocation of priesthood which took him to Notre Dame of Dulawan in Datu Piang, Maguindanao during the martial law years. “Like a dime in a pile of nickels” was how purportedly Romulo, a veteran of the World War II fought in Philippine shores, replied to his twitter, after he playfully slighted the presence of foreign forces at the Philippine Liberation:. He declaimed that in the years prior to the event they’d have to acquiesce to superior command’s overall directive (under extreme compulsion) to yield to the invading forces, following the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942. I’d love to reverse that line for next-of-kin who, apart from overt favoritism in their choice or “bet” among us three siblings, would often underrate the youngest, that is, obviously me. But of us three, I would pay attention to details of my father’s trade—water transportation that was. Once, we (father, mother, the eldest son, and me) were on his motor launch, evading a much bigger vessel that was about to ship-in at a cargo wharf it was designated to occupy every time it arrived from Cebu. Having settled at the small wharf that day, my old man’s crew was out for the leisure of the town’s movie screen. My father grabbed the steering wheel, me the engine starter to help him evade the pinning maneuver of the ship captain. Guess what! The eldest son had to hesitantly roll the string, apparently not knowing where to throw it—as I was focused on the engine receiving commands from my father by the bronze bell. Indeed, I would volunteer them the phrase “nickel in a pile of dimes”—if only to cushion those hurting comments that I’d never get tired of receiving from kindred who’d tirelessly compare me (at a young age) with my siblings’ (when we were students) in more aspects like looks and performance in school. IBut , too, have had my poetry to ward-off forces of disguised attacks meant even to hide

The real state of PH economy Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

Vietnam (1.4% surplus), Indonesia (3% surplus), Singapore (12.8% surplus), and Malaysia (16.3% surplus). 5. The Philippines has the biggest fiscal deficit (8.6% of GDP in 2021) compared to Malaysia (6.1%), Thailand (around 6.1% as of the first three quarters of 2021), Indonesia (4.6% in 2021), Singapore (1.5% surplus), and Vietnam (2.0% surplus). 6. This is set to be the only administration under which real wages declined in the last six (6) administrations and 36 years – the real wage in the National Capital Region (NCR) has fallen by 8.2% since the start of the Duterte administration, as of February 2022. 7. The Duterte administration did not prioritize COVID-19 response. Only Php616 billion was spent on COVID-19 response in 2020 and 2021 versus Php1.9 trillion for Build, Build, Build infrastructure and Php2.3 trillion for debt servicing (interest and principal). 8. The economy is at its weakest in 70 years – manufacturing has fallen to its smallest share of GDP (18.6% in 2020 and 19.2% in 2021) in 70 years and agriculture to its smallest (9.2% in 2019 and 9.6% in 2021) in history. But as Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said in his speech at the PEB, we should go beyond the statistics and look at the reality of things as seen, touched, and felt by the Filipinos in their daily lives. That brings us back to a survey conducted by Social Weather Station in the last quarter of 2021 , asking adult Filipinos how they compare their present quality of life to that of twelve months ago. Close to half of adult Filipinos asked said their quality-of-life was worse than twelve months before – 40% of the respondents said their quality of life was worse than a year ago, 24% said life got better, while 36% said it remained unchanged. How do you see the current state of Philippine economy? MC

‘Nickel in a pile of Dimes’ Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

another’s (usually the commenters’) academic shortfall in terms of authenticity of their college credentials. And as usual, Revelation Day came on the Day of Reckoning when things were reviewed and double checked by an Executive Department and by a Constitutional Commission for government payments of retirement benefits. One rarest moment came last Tuesday (April 5) when I no longer had to quote my favorite proverbial phrase in vain of irony—but rather in truth deep within me, with sheer delight instead of disappointment: Listen: Learning and yearning Under full ‘probe’ Unlearning journalism Unleashing the forces electromagnetism To the torques of electromechanical revolutions From the Physics of the vanishing Trad-Tech Then, who else wants to be a happy fool With people wise around, It’s proverbially nice to be one... I am referring to a meeting last Tuesday with gentlemen and ladies of the Faculty of the Mindanao State University School of Engineering, and the Director of the Department of Science and Technology ROCIEERD. One of them from the MSU Engineering Faculty is doing her doctoral dissertation for a field of specialization in Electrical Engineering, at University of the Philippines - Diliman. Indeed, I happily felt like being the worthy nickel in a pile of dimes. I am thankful and profoundly grateful to DoST PCIERRD that is building the needed partnership and collaboration. MC

Shocking yet calm

True to Form

Charlie Señase

csenase@yahoo.com

n the world of threats and uncertainties, be still, not to be carried away, instead be brave and steadfast to trust God hook-line-and-sinker. Don’t envy people who become filthy rich but instead be content of God’s provision, for when death comes, they shall carry nothing away. Good health alone with sound mind and body is more than wealth. What boggles the imagination are this week’s news headlines while sacred traditional feasts for both Christians and Muslims have been scheduled in the month of April. A Reuters news dispatch reads: An Indonesian Court handed down a death sentence to an Islamic school teacher guilty of raping 13 school children. The court verdict on alleged sexual violence shocked religious conservatives after recent involvement of a prominent ChristianFilipino pastor whom US authorities accused of cases on child-abuse and illegal recruitment. A trustee of the pastor’s US-based church came out this week confirming allegations of victims. With the global deceptions abounding liken to the health pandemic, only Truth shall be able to set us free that no amount of face-covering mask as in legal machination or manipulation can before God’s own verdict. Another pestering woe hovering us in the Philippines are neighboring countries’ provocation over sovereign rights that may lead to nuclear war. God forbids! Just this week, China warns the PH to avoid disturbances that upsets China’s foreign policy with the latter. In a news dispatch by the South China Morning Post, Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged PH government to “clear out disturbances” to prevent tension arising over the unresolved South China Sea dispute affecting bilateral ties while PH presidential polls nears. Minister Wang’s statement was issued during a meeting with his PH counterpart Teodoro Locsin saying, President Duterte

is expected to have a virtual talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping anytime this week while the PH is engrossed in its ongoing joint military exercise with US forces. This security issue of concern has been tackled in many presidential debates among aspirants who will soon replace President Duterte who is expected to step down in June. China’s encroachment toward the West PH Sea as still part of South China Sea is currently the bone-of-contention, thus the ongoing tug-of-war. Let’s pray and hope that such provocation will just remain as in a mouthto-mouth confrontation. There’s hope in faith amid prophetic sorrow and tribulation that we may hear of wars and rumors of war. For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And along with this threat, comes pestilences (pandemic), starvation, frequent earthquakes in various places. People will betray and hate one another because the love of many will grow cold. But whoever endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:6-13). Let us not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by renewing our mind that we may prove what is good, acceptable and perfect will of God. In the Holy Month of Ramadan and the coming Holy Week, let our love be without hypocrisy by having to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good instead. As brothers and sisters, since Adam’s wife Eve is the mother of all the living, we ought to love one another instead of nurturing hate, killing each other as in “rido” or vendetta killing. God is telling us not to avenge ourselves, for God Himself vowed saying “Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,” adding: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if thirsty give him a drink. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12). Amid life threats and uncertainties, Christ the Messiah has commanded us to cast-off works of darkness by putting-on the armor of light and getting rid of self-revelry, drunkenness, lewdness, lust, envy and strife (Romans 13:11-14). And let it be true not only for a day, a week or a month of holiness, but for the rest of our lives. MC

intend to win this race.” “Ipakukulong ko lahat ng magnanakaw sa gubyerno.” Manny Pacquio Javy Ejercito’s tv ad: “the good one..” who is the bad one referred to? “The glory of saving a Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy country cannot be given to franco1573victoria@gmail.com one who has contributed to its ruin.” Prophetic words from hirty Two days to go before voting day. All camps are stepping up their our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal “ Sabi ni Atoy, the fault of the father is the campaigns. More fake news coming up. What distinguishes this election are fault of the son.” – Rowena Guanzon On why over 500 Catholic priests, nuns, the many creative innovative ways for reaching the voters. Despite the threat of endorsed Robredo-Pangilinan Tandem: “The heavy rains, heat waves in other parts of the real scare is that BBM might become our country, floods, landslides, traffic, coercion and next president. That is a real earth-shaking intimidation, the pandemic still very much possibility that the church is very much around, volunteers brave them all. I wonder afraid because it’s based on kasinungalingan.. where all of them came from, where they get Niloloko na tayo, ginogoyo na…tatahimik their inspiration to come up with ideas to boost na lang ba ang simbahan at magdadasal na the cause of their respective candidates. That lang tayo? “ Brother Armin Luistro, Religious Ramadan and the Holy Week comes on the Superior Wit is a sharper weapon than sword. heels of the election hampers the movement of both Muslim and Christian candidates as “Madam Leni, bakit sa milyong-milyong tao, konti lang ang NANONOOD sa Biserbisyong well as their supporters. The streets are blooming with red, red and Leni?- Mocha Uson “Alam mo kung bakit walang nanonood? green, green only and predominantly pink. After the voting, who takes down the posters? Kasi radio show siya” Ogie Rosa “ Uulitin ko: Hindi ako makikipag-alyado I think one week after the voting, fines should be imposed on those who did not take down sa kahit sinong gumagamit ng dahas para magsulong ng anumang agenda.” – VP Leni their posters. There are a number of interesting quotable Robredo Ayon sa Simbahang Katolika, dapat iboto quotes I would like to share. These are direct sa Halalan 2022 ay kandidatong itataguyod quotations appearing in my Facebook page. If you’re making your enemies angry, ang demokrasya, itutuwid ang korupsyon, igagalang ang kababaihan, at ipaglalaban you’re doing a great job! -Bongbong Marcos I’m doing a great job! -Rowena Guanzon ang teritoryo ng bansa” From Bishop Pablo Virgilio David: “History is not there to like or dislike. And WORTH DYING FOR? If this is how if it offends you, even better. Because you are less likely to repeat it. History is not yours to we treat the memory of a man whose death helped save our country from the long dark change or destroy.” “I am so New York.” – wife of Presidential years of tyranny and dictatorship, and whose Candidate Bongbong Marcos, Jr. Asked blood watered the seeds of aspiration for the whether she would work for the government, restoration of our freedom and democracy, her reply “government can’t afford me.” Not then it must be said that he was wrong in yet there, snobbish already, coming from the believing that “The Filipino is worth dying non-affluent Araneta family, following in the for.” A nation that treats its villains like heroes footsteps of her mother-in-law. The Reluctant Activist replied: To the and its heroes like villains has nowhere to go Marcos Family, “ You can’t afford us. Because but down the drain. It will be treated with our principles and values are priceless. And contempt by the community of nations that you are cheap. You are poor in all things that used to be inspired by the fabled nobility of matter. You are morally bankrupt. All you its citizens now gone. Photo shows the statue of Ninoy Aquino excluded from view in a rally have is money that you stole from us.” “I will appoint Ping Lacson to my cabinet in his own province, for BBM-Sara event at – Isko Moreno; and the answer of Ping – “I the town plaza. MC

10 Herbal Medicines (Part 2)

Health Corner

A reprint by DOH

.) Bawang (Alium sativum L.) This herb is one of the most widely used herbal medicines in the Philippines and can also be found commonly in the kitchen of Filipino households as it is used to spice up food preparations. The Philippines bawang or garlic variety is more pungent than the imported ones. Its medicinal properties have been known for a long time and have been especially proven during World War II when it was used to treat wounds and infections of soldiers.Garlic antibacterial compound known as allicin, saved many lives of the soldiers as this property prevented the wounds from being infected and developing into gangrene at a later stage by extracting the juice of bawang or garlic and applying to the wounds. Common names: Ajos (Bisaya); garlic Indications: Fresh cloves, capsules for lowering blood cholesterol levels; antiseptic. Found in: cultivated all over the world. Probably originated from Central Asia Parts used: Leaves and bulbs (cloves) Special precautions: Avoid taking with medicines for lowering blood sugar, and medicines for thinning blood. Dosage must not exceed 6-8 cooked cloves a day. Stomach ulcer may develop if garlic is eaten raw Uses & Preparation: Hypertension - Maybe fried, roasted, soaked in vinegar for 30 minutes, or blanched in boiled water for 15 minutes. Take 2 pieces 3 times a day after meals. Toothache - Pound a small piece and apply to affected area 5.) Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) Yerba Buena has been consumed for centuries as tea and herbal medicine as a pain reliever(analgesic). Native American Indians used it even before the “white men” colonized the Americas. Today, this folk medicine’s efficacy has been validated by scientific research. In the Philippines, Yerba Buena is one of the 10 herbs endorsed by the Department of Health(DOH) as an effective alternative medicine for aches and pains. Common name: Peppermint Indications and preparations: for pain, cough, colds, nausea, dizziness, and pruritus Parts utilized: leaves, sap of plant Uses & Preparation: Pain (headache, stomachache) - Boil chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for

Countdown to Election Day The Stuff of Life

April 9, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

15 minutes. Divide decoction into 2 parts, drink one part every 3 hours. Rheumatism, arthritis and headache - Crush the fresh leaves and squeeze sap. Massage sap on painful parts with eucalyptus Cough & Cold - Soak 10 fresh leaves in a glass of hot water, drink as tea. (expectorant) Swollen gums - Steep 6 g. of fresh plant in a glass of boiling water for 30 minutes. Use as a gargle solution Toothache - Cut fresh plant and squeeze sap. Soak a piece of cotton in the sap and insert this in aching tooth cavity Gas pain - Soak a handful of leaves in a lass of boiling water. Drink infusion. Nausea & Fainting - Crush leaves and apply at nostrils of patients Insect bites - Crush leaves and apply juice on affected area or pound leaves until like a paste, rub on affected area Pruritis -Boil plant alone or with eucalyptus in water. Use decoction as a wash on affected area. 6.) Sambong (Blumea balsamifera L. DC) Sabong is an amazing medical plant. Coming from the family of Compositae, it goes by several names locally. It is known in the Visayas as bukadkad and as subsud in ilocos. This plant possesses a multitude of properties that make it worthy of the DOH approval. Common names: Sambong (Tagalog); lakadbulan (Bikol); Ngai camphor (English) Indications: Diuretic in hypertension; dissolves kidney stones Found in: In roadsides, fields, lowland and mountainous regions Parts used: Leaves and flowering tops Special precautions: Avoid using with other diuretics. When taking diuretics, eat at least one banana a day. 7.) Akapulko (Cassia alata L.) Akapulko is a shrub found throughout the Philippines. It is known under various names in different regions in the country. Common names: Katanda (Tagalog); andadasi (Ilokano);palochina (Bisaya); ringworm bush,seven golden candlesticks, bayabas-bayabasan Found in: Abundantly naturalized in South East Asia, and occasionally planted throughout the region for medicinal and ornamental purposes Parts used: Leaves MC

4. Increased Productivity and Performance Since an employee is not required to report physically to the office, he/she does not have to leave early for work nor have to take long trips. Working-From-Home also gives more time to an individual to bond with family members and attend to their needs while serving the requirements of the organization. Definitely there would be additional money available as expenses for fare and eating out are substantially reduced. Assuming an employee is responsible, he/she could provide more and higher quality of service to the employer as there is flexibility on how to accomplish things and what time of the day to do which tasks. There are also benefits to having a WFH policy or system in place from the point of view of an organization and from a societal perspective, to include: 1.Lower operating expenses for a company 2. Opportunity to employ people who are not in the firm’s immediate environment 3. Positive environmental impact for a community with less pollution With a WFH policy is adopted, an organization can save on operating costs with a small office space, lower bills for utilities (electricity, water, and internet services). Having less people going to physical offices reduces production of solid wastes and air pollution. Travel time is generally reduced with less vehicles needed to transport people from home to office and vice versa. Many public and private organizations adopted a WFH arrangement when COVID-19 affected the country and many have warmed up to the idea as they experienced the benefits of such a system. The improvement in internet services and the introduction of various platforms for conducting meetings and trainings virtually has made WFH more acceptable and popular. Would the WFH arrangements be abandoned when COVID-19 ends or will it stay? MC

Prospects for WorkFrom-Home…

Market Driven

Danny Buenbrazo

danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

ost Filipinos who had not traveled abroad or watched television programs or movies on the subject of people earning a living by doing jobs not from the usual worksites have heard of Work-From-Home (WFH) arrangements. A WFH refers to a situation where an employee is working from their house, apartment, or place of residence, rather than working from the office. Although the arrangement is generally referred to as WFH, it is possible that a person could render services or perform his/ her assigned tasks from elsewhere other than literally being at home. The Work-From-Home policy or system was mostly seen in the United States and other very developed countries or involved very high-caliber professionals doing pieces of work (e.g. policy formulation or writing of manuals) or providing training, consultancy or advisory services to clients in different parts of the world. These people need to perform services from their homes or from remote sites due to distance, travel time, and conflict of schedule situations. To be in a Work-From-Home situation is aspirational to many who are employed and reports to their work place on a daily basis. Flexjobs.com a website that advertises work-from-home job opportunities list ten (10) advantages of such arrangement. The appeal or even absolute necessity of having a WFH policy was accentuated by the onset of COVID-19 wherein physical contact has become hazardous due to possible transmission and contracting of the deadly virus. From the perspective of working individualls, the most important benefits of being in a work-from-home situation include the following: 1. Less stress from commuting to work 2. Better Work-Life balance 3. Improved Money Saving

Ramadan season is on...from P1 religious schools in the Middle East and North Africa. In separate statements, Governors Jim Salliman of Basilan and Mamintal Adiong, Jr. of Lanao del Sur greeted early this week their Muslim constituents “Ramadan mubarak,” meaning a blessed Ramadhan in Arabic. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during the Ramadan, lasting for one lunar cycle, or about 28 to 30 days, both as a religious obligation and to inculcate among them the value of self-restraint and spiritual resilience. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the so-called five foundations of Islam, which include absolute belief in Allah, praying five times a day facing the direction of the Middle East, giving of alms to the poor, and, for those who can afford, pilgrimage,

or hajj, to Makkah, Saudi Arabia even just once in a lifetime. Salliman, now secondtermer governor of Basilan, said he is certain political campaign activities amid the Ramadhan will catalyze peace among rival quarters. "Muslims focus on good deeds and camaraderie with people in the surroundings during the Ramadan," said the reelectionist Salliman. Adiong, aspiring for

AFFIDAVIT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LUCIBAR P. PAMOCOL, who died on November 15, 2018, a parcel of land Lot 11A-1, Psd-12-056633 AR, situated in New Panay, Pigcawayan, Cotabato, containing an area of 14,672 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. CT-27401 is subject of Affidavit of Adjudication by sole heir with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 436; Page No. 48; Book No. CCLXXXVI; Series of 2022.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PALAO M. UNAS, who died intestate on September 10, 1994 at Macasampen, Guindulungan, Maguindanao, an untitled parcel of land Lot 448, Pls-586, situated at Bagan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao, with an area of 33,279 sq. mts., more less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of untitled estate before Notary Public Atty. Gapor G. Quituar as per Doc. No. 228; Page No. 46; Book No. LXVIII; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses PEDRO CEDEÑO and VICTORIA S. CEDEÑO, who died on September 10, 1992 in Cotabato City and November 19, 2015 in Midsayap, Cotabato,respectively, left a parcel of land covered by OCT No. V-11575, situated in Sadaan, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 55,000 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 398; Page No. 73; Book No. CCLXXXII; Series of 2022.

MC: Apr. 9, 23 & 30, 2022

a second term as Lanao del Sur governor, said he will ask the ulama, or Islamic missionaries in the province, to preach more about good politics as espoused by Islam, during the holy month. Lamitan City Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay, now in his third and last term, said his office shall sponsor religious activities complementing the observance of Ramadan by his constituents.

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP MAIN CONLUCK DON RUFINO BRANCH & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP BRANCH 4 ng Cotabato City ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Marso 2021 hanggang Abril 2021. Ang Subasta ay sa Abril 30, 2022 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar. MC: Apr. 9 & 23, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato Municipality of Midsayap LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses GUIALEL ALAMADA and ZUBAIKA H. MOKAMAD and co-owner DODONG ALAMADA, who died on August 1, 2007, November 25, 2017 & January 12, 1986 in Cotabato City, respectively, a parcel of land Lot 246-B-6-B, Psd12-003763, situated in B o . K a k a r, C o t a b a t o City, covered by TCT No. T-23272, containing an area of 9,083 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 824; Page No. 824; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2022.

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

MC: Apr. 9, 23 & 30, 2022

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 Regin Oton Ostique has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male and the child’s first name from Regine to Regin in the certificate of live birth of Regine Oton Ostique who was born on July 2, 2003 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Noel E. Ostique and Ma. Christina B. Oton. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato. (Sgd.)NORAH B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Apr. 9 & 23, 2022

MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

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

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

MC: Apr. 9 & 23, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late DR. ROBERT CADULONG, who died intestate on July 23, 2021 at Poblacion, Pikit, Cotabato, left bank Savings Deposits with Land Bank of the Philippines under Account Nos. 1006126967, 2731107923 and 5116539383, are the subject of extrajudicial settlement and partition of estate before Notary Public Emmanuel G. Ferenal as per Doc. No. 371; Page No. 27; Book No. XCIX; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late DR. RAMON H. RABAGO, JR. who died on December 29, 2021 in Cotabato City, parcels of land situated in Cotabato City, covered by TCT Nos. T-21489 and T-13169, containing an area of 338 sq. mts., more or less and 350 sq. mts., more or less, respectively are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 843; Page No. 843; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2022.

Notice is hereby given that the late ESMAEL TAHA KANAPIA, who died on September 26, 2021 in Cotabato C i t y, l e f t a S a v i n g s Account Deposit with Philippine National Bank, Cotabato CityDoroteo Branch under Passbook No. 405210036939 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver before N o t a r y P u b l i c A t t y. Asmira S. Diego as per Doc. No. 111; Page No. 23; Page No. VIII; Series of 2022.

MC: Mar. 26, Apr. 2 & 9, 2022

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

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the application of AUSTRIAN TRADE AND INVESTMENTS GROUP ASIA INC. with official address at De Mazenod Avenue, Pinsin Sero Street, Rosary Heights, Cotabato City, BARMM for registration with the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM under Title III of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) as amended by CREATE Act, as Assembly line that assembles parts and components, servicing and maintenance of coffee vending machines, producer of Halal Coffee and other Food products, with capacity of Php32,850,000/annum is officially accepted on April 4, 2022 and is currently being processed. Any person with valid objections to or pertinent comments on the above-mentioned application may file his/her objection, in writing and under oath, with the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application. ATTY. ISHAK V. MASTURA CHAIRMAN MC: Apr. 9, 2022

DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE Notice is hereby given that the estate of GEORGE O. YAP married to Pilar Ortuoste Yap, parcels of land Lot C-7-H-9-E-2-F-9F-3-A, Psd-12-004086 and Lot C-7-H-9-E2-F-9-F-3-B, Psd-12004086, both situated in Bo. Kakar, Cotabato City, covered by TCT N o s . T- 1 8 9 7 1 a n d T-19047, respectively, containing the total area of 430 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of Deed of Absolute Sale before Notary Public Melquiades E. Cedeño as per Doc. No. 6; Page No. 2; Book No. CCCXX; Series of 2022. MC: Mar. 26, Apr. 2 & 9, 2022

Republic of the Philippines Region XII City Government of Cotabato OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Annerill Ramos Lorio has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Jose to Julius Jose in the birth certificate of Jose Ramos Lorio, Jr. who was born on July 25, 2001 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Jose M. Lorio and Annerill R. Ramos. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office.

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 Chrisvy B. Castillon 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 of Chrisvy Binas Castillon duly registered at the Local Civil Registry Office of Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are Quirico Genodia Castillon and Imelda Bayotas Binas. (Sgd.) TOHAMY M. LAUBAN Any person adversely City Civil Registrar affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than April 29, 2022. MC: Apr. 2 & 9, 2022 (Sgd.) JEAN P. BACAS Municipal Civil Registrar

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 9, 2022

MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirements and pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines with the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), a notice is hereby served to the public that Juliet D. Fernandez has filed with this office a petition for correction of clerical error in sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Rey Zashkie Dela Peña Fernandez, who born 02 July 2011 at Gli-gli, Pikit, Cotabato to parents Raymund E. Fernandez and Juliet F. Dela Peña. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than March 29, 2022.

(Sgd.) MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Apr. 2 & 9, 2022

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 April 1-30, 2021 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 April 27, 2022.

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 Abril 1-30, 2021 sa alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:00 ng hapon sa Agencia de Oro Jose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City sa Abril 27, 2022.

MC: Apr. 9 & 23, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late MIDPANTAO L. ADIL, who died on August 13, 2012 in Davao City, left a parcel of land Lot No. 825-E-56, (LRC), Psd-43383, covered by TCT No. 152-T-92135, situated in Poblacion, Kabacan, Cotabato with an area of 301 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 471; Page No. 95; Book No. CCLXVII; Series of 2021. MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

AFFIDAVIT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LEOCADIA SANCHES L ATA D A , w h o d i e d on April 10, 1990, a parcel of land Lot 5-B (LRC) Psd-12-002003, covered by TCT No. T-27275, situated at Bo. Crossing-Pinaring, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, containing an area of 4,821 sq. mts., more or less, is the subject o f a ff i d a v i t o f S o l e adjudication before N o t a r y P u b l i c A t t y. Mohajiroe M. Lauban as per Doc. No. 170; Page No. 34; Book No. 51; Series of 2021.

MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

AFFIDAVIT Notice is hereby given that the late ROMEO J. CALAR, who died on July 27, 2021, in Koronadal City, left a Honda motorcycle with side car with Engine No. KYY00E031284; C h a s s i s N o . KYY00031259; Series CGX125SHMD; Temp. Plate No. 1201312497; MV File Bo. 1201-00000312497 is the subject of affidavit of adjudication of sole heir with deed of sale before Notary Public Atty. Agustin T. Sardido as per Doc. No. 221; Page No. 45; Book No. III; Series of 2022.

MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

ADDENDUM OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CASTOR SOLISA and CONSUELO TRIUMPANTE, a parcel of land Lot No. 6926, PR-148, covered by OCT No. V-156, located at Poblacion, Midsayap Cotabato, containing an area of 1,091 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of addendum of extrajudicial settlement of estate with confirmation of the deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 123; Page No. 25; Book No. CCLXI; Series of 2021. MC: Apr. 2, 9 & 23, 2022

THE MINDANAO CROSS

April 9, 2022

SA OBLATE MEDIA WHAT CANDIDATES HAVE TO SAY

As The Mindanao Cross’ contribution to a more discerning and judicious selection of candidates for the May 9 elections, we are presenting the answers of a number of candidates to a group of questions designed to see their ability to perform when elected to office. We are starting with the mayoralty candidates, followed next issue by those running for vice mayors. Below are the answers of two candidates for mayor of Cotabato City – the incumbent Mayor Cynthia Guiani Sayadi, and Mr. Bruce Matabalao of the opposition.

Mr. Bruce Matabalao

Atty. Cynthia Guiani Sayadi

What is the central focus of your administration if you win the election? Sa panahon ng ating kampanya, marami na akong taong nakilala na magkakaiba man ang kwento, may iisa namang hangarin – maginhawang buhay para sa kanilang pamilya. Sa kabila ng ipinagmamalaking pag-unlad ng ating lungsod, umasenso ang iilan, ngunit marami pa ring mga Cotabateño ang naiwanan at naiiwan. Ang puso ng ating gobyerno: tutukuyin natin ang totoong nangangailangan at mamumuhunan tayo sa pinakamahalaga nating yaman: ang taumbayan. Katulad ng sinabi ko sa Proclamation Rally noong April 25, sa panahon ng panunungkulan ng Team UBJP sa Cotabato City, makakaasa ang mga Cotabateños na mula sa pagpaplano hanggang implementasyon, kasama kayo. Participatory Governance ang magiging sentro ng aming administrasyon. Isang gobyernong handang makinig sa mga hinaing ng Cotabateños at gagamitin ang inyong karanasan at hinaing bilang batayan ng mga hakbang. Sisiguraduhin naming bawat sentemo ng kaban ng bayan ay gagamitin para sa ikabubuti ng bawat isa. Sa ating pamamahala, laylayan ang magiging bagong sentro - bida ang masa.

Since the beginning of the Guiani administration, the priority programs of the local government of Cotabato have been dubbed as LIFE for every Cotabateño. LIFE stands for Livelihood, Food, Education and Employment. I believe in a government that provides for these basic needs of the people, first, before anything else and this is the kind of government that I want the people to remember me with—a performing and reliable one. Since the beginning of my term, we have been implementing programs and projects that give “LIFE” to our people. When I win this election, not only will the Cotabateños experience life, but it will also be a BETTER LIFE. We have already started this by improving our peace and order situation and inviting more investors to come to our city. In the years to come, expect for more because the city government is focusing only in one direction and that is going up. I intend to take Cotabato City to greater heights and to brighter tomorrows.

Which of the continuing programs of the current administration would you like to continue? Isa ang Cotabato City sa “most business-friendly” LGU sa ating bansa. Gaya ng nagawa ng current administration, itutuloy natin ang pagpasok ng mga investors sa ating lungsod. Kung mapalad man na tayo ay mahalal, inshaallah, iuugnay natin ang maliliit na negosyo sa mas malawak na merkado. Itulay ang mga MSMEs sa mga local na industriya upang mailahok sila sa value chain.

All of them. From the implementation of the discipline hours, to offering scholarship and medical assistance to our indigent students and constituents, to building more useful infrastructure, to providing ease in doing business, and to empowering our women and youth, we will not only be continuing all of these but we will also be improving them. Also, I would want my fellow Cotabateños to continue feeling proud of their government and of themselves. To do that, we will strive even harder for us to be consistently recognized by award-giving bodies, both from the government and from the private sector.

Do you have plans for raising money to subsidize your favorite program? Bilang kawani ng ng gobyerno, dapat nating laging alalahanin kung paano natin mapakikinabangan ang mga mapagkukunan. Bagama't pantay-pantay ang lahat ng isyu sa mata ng serbisyo publiko, may isa o dalawa na mas malapit sa ating puso. Para sa akin, tiyak na magbubukas ako communication channels sa mga pribadong sektor upang makatulong na palakasin ang mga programang pang-iskolar sa buong Cotabato City; kung saan lahat ng Barangay ay may mga karapat-dapat na puwang anuman ang kanilang kinabibilangan, relihiyon o pagkakakilanlan.

No. The city government has enough budget to finance all its programs. Also, I do not think that it is ideal for a government to raise money as this will make it prone and vulnerable to corruption. I do not want my kind of governance to be tainted with such wrongdoing and so it is much better to just properly manage our funds so that we can allot them equitably to our programs.

What help would you need from SP in support of your coming administration? Ang gobyerno po natin ay para sa lahat. Ang agenda: ayuda, kaalaman, kasanayan, at kalusugan para walang maiiwan. Kung kaya, ang una na kakailanganin ko mula sa SP ay koordinasyon at kooperasyon. Pagkatapos ng eleksyon, isantabi ang “political color coding” sa pamamahala. Ang gobyerno natin ay para sa lahat. Seryoso tayo sa pagbabago at patas ang laban dito. Kasama ang SP, titiyakin po natin na ang dating sistema kung saan nakikinabang ang iilan ay magiging bukal ng oportunidad para sa lahat. Marami po tayong gagawin sa ating pamamahala. Ilalatag ko sa SP ang ilan sa mga batas na magpapaigting sa pagtupad ng ating mga panata sa bayan upang makamit ang moral governance. Malaki ang maiiaambag ng isang SP na determinadong maging katuwang sa pagsusulong ng pagbabago.

I would need a Sangguniang Panlungsod that will look at the same direction as I am. The legislative branch of the government must always be in coordination and cooperation with the executive for the appropriate, consistent, and prompt delivery of services to the people of Cotabato City.