The Mindanao Cross | May 27, 2023

11K ATHLETES, OFFICIALS IN TOWN FOR BARMMAA 2023

By Mark Anthony Tayco

THE Cotabato City is hosting at least 11,000 athletes, coaches and school sports officials who have gathered here for the 5-day Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Athletic Association Meet 2023 that started Thursday until Monday, May 29.

This year’s theme is "Sustaining the Gains of peace and Unity Through Sports."

“This 2023 BARMMAA is serving as the biggest stage for our school athletes to show what they’ve got in terms of sports and other competitions,” said Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao, who hosted a “Mayor’s night” for all delegations.

“This competition does not end with declaring who the winners are but it

NDU pride Mon Diansuy helps FEU win UAAP football championship

By Edwin O. Fernandez

will be an opportunity for everyone to use what they have learned here when they started competing in another level of competition elsewhere in the country,” Matabalao said even as he lauded BARMM Education Minister Mohaqher Iqbal for choosing Cotabato City as the Palaro venue.

BARMM Palaro took a leave for three years due to the pandemic.

City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Concepcion

THIS is something Cotabateños should be proud of as the city hosts Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association meet o BARMMAA 2023.

A graduate of Notre Dame University in Cotabato City has helped Far Eastern University football team secured

its 10th UAAP Men's Football championship after dethroning Ateneo de Manila University, 4-1, in the Season 85 Final on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

It ended eight years of title drought since The Tamaraws last won the men's football crown back in UAAP Season 77 (2014-

15).

Seeing a son play in the big league is more than just gratifying for a mother, and father too, of Montaño Allan Gecosala Diansuy, a native of Cotabato City and alumnus of Notre Dame University Training Department and NDU Junior-Senior High School.

Octogenarian glad 2016 case vs farmers dismissed

By Louige Allan Tutor

ARAKAN, North Cotabato – An 85-yearold protester, Valentina Berdin of Barangay Maria Caridad, Arakan, North Cotabato was glad the charges against protesting farmers in the now infamous 2016 protest dispersal in Kidapawan City that also claimed lives.

Berdin told Radyo BIDA Kidapawan she felt a "significant weight off her shoulders" and felt "vindicated" after seven years of waiting for the result of the charges against her and over 40 others.

concrete action to prevent famine at the height of the 2016 El Niño phenomenon. Valentina was one of those who appeared before the senate regarding the investigation on the protest that turned bloody when the police forcibly dispersed the crowd.

The protesters demanded the release of 15,000 sacks of rice that were promised after more than 300,000 hectares of agricultural lands were affected by drought or El Niño.

BACK ON

and officials are excited for the return of BARMMAA 2023 after missing it for threee years due to the pandemic.

MEMBERS of the 80-seat Bangsamoro parliament are in favor of a regional bill meant to provide the underserved and discriminated Badjaos with sustained socioeconomic and humanitarian interventions.

Adzfar Usman, a member of the parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, filed last week the proposed Badjao Development Project Act, confident that colleagues will approve of it sooner than expected.

A physician in the BARMM parliament, the eye specialist Kadil Sinolinding, Jr., said Tuesday he will vote for the approval of the measure.

“It’s about time. We must not forget that the Badjaos helped our leaders

She had no regret joining the protest where farmers called for government

BARMM outfit to serve Badjaos mulled

By John Felix Unson

fight the Spaniards that tried, but failed to colonize the Muslims in Southern Philippine islands. Now we can see Badjaos almost everywhere, in the streets, hungry, treated like second class citizens, begging for money to buy food,” Sinolinding said.

The Badjao community is one of the ethnic groups in BARMM that covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato.

“I will give that bill my two thumbs up once we deliberate on it,” said parliament member Paisalin Tago, concurrent transportation and communications minister of BARMM.

He said the Ministry of Transportation and Communications can embark on special projects that can complement the operation of the envisioned Badjao Development Project outfit that would look into the welfare of Badjaos, with the BARMM government as its main benefactor.

“There are foreign aid organizations involved in different humanitarian projects in the autonomous region. I’m certain these entities, such as the agencies of the United Nations, will also support our efforts to serve the Badjaos,” Tago said.

Usman, the proponent of the Badjao Development Project Act, is a Tausug from Sulu, representing the Moro National

In a report, the Philippine News Agency said that the

P10

Liberation Front in the 80-member BARMM parliament.

Usman said what he wants is a special service facet under the regional government that shall assist the Badjaos in developing their own villages where they can engage in income-generating projects and enjoy social welfare and health services.

“Badjaos in this city and in areas outside need our help now,” said Datu Jambo Matalam, a Maguindanaon member of the BARMM parliament.

Suharto Ambolodto, also a member of the regional parliament, said he is glad about Usman’s effort to help the Badjaos by via his proposed Badjao Development Project Act.

Rebuilding Marawi City a tough work

Lanao 4Ps beneficiary makes it to LET top 5

TRACK. AAthletes

Phtoto by Karl John Daniel

A

surfing saint?

Pope Francis recognizes the heroic virtue of Guido Schäffer

A POWERFUL KICK. Montaño Allan Gecosala Diansuy, one of FEU Tamaraws’ specialized player who is the last line of defense as goalkeeper, executes a spectacular kick during UAAP games. Here, Diansuy’s signature kick that helped FEU to capture the crown. BARMM Athletic Association athletes, now playing in Cotabato City, may look up Diansuy as their inspiration and model.

Photo courtesy of FEU

Rebuilding Marawi City, a tough work

By John Felix Unson

IT’S been six years since terrorists laid siege to Marawi City and ruined centuries-old Maranao villages whose residents are still struggling to rise from the devastation wrought by a bloody religious adventurism that shook the nation to its core.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal A. Adiong, Jr. said Wednesday while there have been noticeable accomplishments in their efforts to rebuild the barangays destroyed by the May 23 to October 16, 2017 conflict in Marawi City, it may still take time for the local communities to fully bounce back from its adverse effects.

Marawi City is the capital of Lanao del Sur that has 39 municipalities, one of which is Butig, the hometown of the slain siblings Omarkhayam Romato Maute and Abdullah Romato Maute, the founders of the Maute terror group.

Inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the duo and their followers tried to take over Marawi City as part of their plot to establish a puritan Islamic community in the area, one that

they had said was to liberate its barangays from non-Muslims.

Halima K. Mansur, a widow with three grade school children, said they have returned in late 2018 to Barangay Marinaut, one of the barangays that the Maute group occupied, but many of their relatives in other areas are still in different towns nearby since their barangays have not been fully rebuilt yet as promised by the national government while still under the now erstwhile President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

“We know that the new administration is focusing attention on the problem. The hostilities in Marawi City happened during the time of the past administration,” Ms. Mansur said in Filipino, in Maranao accent.

A fruit vendor, Muntas G. Saripada, said life for him and

BUTIG, Lanao del Sur—There was neither a functional nor a physical presence of governance particularly at village level, recalled Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG-BARMM).

Sinarimbo said the Office of BARMM Chief Minister Ebrahim has created the Bangsamoro Special Development Fund for Marawi Rehabilitation (BSDFMR) to sustainably address the socio-political and socioeconomic concerns that provided the platform for extremism and the recruitment of young men to the Marawi siege from neighboring areas in 2017.

The MILG chief said the implementation of the BSDFMR from the point of view of local governance should back-trace the socio-political and socio-economic issues that probably led to the formation of ISISfashioned young men and placed the city under siege six years ago.

Economically, BARMM supports the development of local economies at municipal level by helping local government units transform their inherent corporate powers into added functional economic component in local governance, pursuant to the 1991 Local Government Code. This, he said, allows local government units (LGUs) to establish and operationalize economic infrastructure support facilities like public market buildings.

Thus, the people’s socio-political wellbeing is served simultaneously, as the BARMM-MILG helps local government units build government centers at village and municipal levels.

For the residents’ socioeconomic welfare, the BARMM helps LGUs build modern marketplace building with a part in it that is potential for development of a storage section –in time for other aspects of development, like sufficient power supply, to set in.

Now, beyond the physical rehabilitation of Marawi City, the towns once occupied or were the pathways of terrorism, are slowly opening up to the public their showcase of

members of his family is back to normal after they have resettled in Barangay Daguduban, where many houses were damaged by explosives and artillery blasts, or burned down by terrorists at the height of the Marawi siege.

Mr. Adiong, also Sur provincial peace and order council chair, said they are fortunate that the agencies under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which was established via a plebiscite in early 2019, are helping them address the problems caused by the conflict instigated by the Maute group. He said he is thankful for the peace and security interventions and capacity-building programs of BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, being implemented in support of the peace and security efforts of local

government units in Lanao del Sur, which are essential to their Marawi City rehabilitation thrusts.

“These efforts by the MILGBARMM complements our initiative to rebuild Marawi City and helps strengthen peace and security outside which is necessary in putting an end to violent extremism. We are thankful too to the Islamic communities in Lanao del Sur for supporting these efforts,” Mr. Adiong said.

He said the MILG-BARMM had constructed more than a dozen municipal and barangay halls and public market buildings in different towns in Lanao del Sur, some in former bastions of local terrorists driven away via community peacebuilding programs and tactical maneuvers by the police and the military in recent years.

BEYOND MARAWI SIEGE

Poor village governance bred extremism

development, far from the situation in 2017— and the will to sustain good governance in order to keep extremism at bay.

The BARMM government is supporting sustainable programs in Pagayawan town including conflict management, the town being the passage way of the ISIS-fashioned extremists to the Marawi siege in May 2017.

It can be recalled that the Marawi City siege in 2017 had snowballed from the takeover of Butig town.

Butig was prominently reported to have been occupied by the ISIS-fashioned Maute extremists. Roads have since been paved here since then, and its new municipal hall building being constructed by the BARMM government through the MILG, will soon be completed

To date, at least 27 barangay halls have been or are being built in at least 23 of the 36 municipalities of Lanao del Sur. These have been funded under the region’s 2021 budget. More will be constructed from out of funds unspent in 2022 and from current 2023 budget programs of the Special Development Fund (SDF).

Sinarimbo said. The SDF is provided by the national government in addition to the region’s P 40 Billion Block Grant, and in a 10-year period from 2020.

A BARMM development team last May 19 literally walked through the escape routes taken by residents fleeing the siege towards Kapai and Tagoloan, both being on an ascending terrain on high ground northeastward.

To recall, the Philippine Army Scout Rangers later took that backdoor route in reinforcement of other government troops, including the Marines unit of the Philippine Navy on an offensive move toward the Banggolo Bridge on the third day of the siege.

Today, BARMM has built a stretch of concrete road directly connecting the towns and Marawi City to Cagayan de Oro City. This will enable the government to set up blocks of national and regional security forces to protect Marawi and the neighboring provinces from any semblance of the 2017

offensives.

Indeed, the BARMM effectively keeps security threats off the provincial boundaries in Lanao del Sur by constructing the standard Philippine National Police municipal police station (MPS) buildings designed to withstand heavy fire discharges during attacks.

According to General Allan Nobreza, director of the BARMM Police Regional Office, eight more MPS buildings were being constructed and soon to be turned over to the PRO.

Sinarimbo said the MPS buildings each worth P 6.5 million were constructed on modern PNP standard design with the hard concrete walling to effectively repel attacks, essentially from the rooftop at the first instance.

Engineer Abibazar Sali, chief of the Project Management Development Division

“These buildings are strong edifices of governance and when people see such icons of government, they will adhere to the rule of law,” Mr. Adiong said.

He said the MILG-BARMM had also provided some of their municipal police stations and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office with patrol vehicles that police personnel now use for patrolling in areas vulnerable to intrusion by lawless groups.

The Lanao del Sur provincial government and units of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade and the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region had secured the surrender in the past 12 months, via backchannel dialogues, of 93 members of the Dawlah Islamiya, also operating in the fashion of ISIS, from different towns in the province.

(PMDD) under Sinarimbo’s office, said similar projects under MILG’s Support to Local Moral Governance (SLMG) Program, have been funded since 2021. These include the construction of MPS buildings in Maimbung, Talipao, Northern Kabuntalan, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi and Hadji Mohammad Ajul Basilan. Seven more will be built under the 2022 SLMG funds.

Lt Dan Ducot COP Gen Allan Nobreza chief of police of Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur, said the town “has positioned itself as one of the most peaceful towns,” adding that the residents—among them, “followers of traditional religions and the indigenous people’s coexist peacefully.”

Sinarimbo said the construction of security infrastructure facilities were designed to keep leftist forces off the borders of Bukidnon, Cotabato and Lanao Sur provinces. Nash B. Maulana

PRO-BAR gets fighting equipment from Crame, BARMM

POLICE capabilities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has improved with the acquisition of mobility and firepower equipment, including four brand new police patrol cars from the BARMM interior ministry office.

Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, BARMM police regional director, has received the four patrol cars from Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM interior minister, during turn over rites at the BARMM compound on Thursday (May 18) morning.

"Rest assured that this

intervention will be used wisely and will surely improve the police capability in maintaining law and order,” Nobleza said after receiving the brand new patrol cars.

"We are dedicated to assisting the Bangsamoro government, led by the Chief Minister. We fully support the stability, peace, and order in the entire region," the police regional chief added.

With high hopes, the Senior Minister Maslamama expects a strong partnership between the PNP and the Bangsamoro Government, and that we will continue to be strong in the

implementation of programs and projects aimed at ensuring the region's peace and order.

The four police cars were funded under the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) of Member of Parliament Atty. Raissa Jajurie.

On Friday morning, Nobleza also turned over the patrol cars to respective recipients during ceremonies held at PRO-BARMM police regional office in Parang, Maguindanao.

He also handed over the keys for 86 units light Motorcycle 150cc, and 200 units of 5.56mm Basic

Assault Rifles. The firearms and mobility assets were distributed to the Police Provincial Offices of Maguindanao Del Sur, Maguindanao Del Norte, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City Police Office, and Regional Mobile Force Battalion RMFB 14.

“These resources will boost the move and shoot capabilities of the police force in BARMM,” Nobleza said.

Nobleza also expressed appreciation for the MILG's proposal to include the construction of a Provincial Police Headquarters

in Maguindanao del Norte next year.

"If there are resources that can be mobilized, we will mobilize them. Our proposal [for funding for FY 2024] includes the construction of the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Building,” Sinarimbo said.

“We anticipate that this equipment will contribute to maintaining peace and order in the area and we hope the good partnership between the Bangsamoro Government and the PNP will continue," Sinarimbo said. Edwin O. Fernandez

SAFETY FIRST. Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Bombit Alonto Adiong Jr. in huddle with security and local civilian officials to ensure public safety in the province. Photo by Nash B. Maulana

THE MAJESTIC MUNICIPALITY OF BARIRA

Municipality of Barira was created on August 29, 1977 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1188. It is classified as 4th class municipality by income, land area and population and is composed of 14 barangays, 13 of which are rural and one urban.

It is one of the 36 municipalities of Maguindanao, a mainland province of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. It has a total land area of 25,976 hectares (DENR-ARMM).

According to Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA), the population of the municipality for 2015 Census is 30, 004 with approximately 5, 026 households. Of the 14 barangays of the municipality, the most populated barangay is Barangay Barira Poblacion with a population of 5, 688 individuals with 953 households. Majority of the municipality’s citizens are of Iranun ethnic origin.

According to historians and old folks, Barira is a place rooted out from a legend. The place was then a beautiful kingdom, ruled by a Sultan and a Putri. There was a magnificent palace called “aras” which means Paradise. The palace was too big that it can accommodate a horse racing in its wings.

Happiness was everywhere and food was so abundant. Wines, beautiful women, buffoons, brave warriors, and servants were everywhere. The nobles were living in their grandeur as if nobody can alter their merry makings for years.

According to the legend, one day the sultan went out to play his usual diversion, hunting deer. He went out with his royal entourage, his “Urobarang” in full hunting gears and naturally his favorite hunting dog.

The hunting expedition was productive. All the ears of the deer caught were made into a garland and imposed in the neck of the dog and was sent home alone. When the dog arrived at the palace, he looked for the Putri. The princess was up in the “lamin”, an attic built for her and the sultan weaving a very fine and handmade cloth called “Sutra Mantang”. She was using the Barira or loom, a device used to weave cloth and tapestry.

Upon seeing the dog with garland made of ears of the deer, she asked the dog, “where is your master?” There was no response. Again and again, she asked the dog and still there was no response. Irritated, the Putri gave an order to the dog to pick up her little pocketknife. More furiously, she again asked the dog, “Where is your lord? Where is your master?”

Finally, it is God’s will (perhaps), that the dog wagged its tail, moved his ears, and shrugged its shoulder. And in a low, weird voice, it said, “My master, my lord sent me home to inform you of his victorious hunt!” All of a sudden, there were flashes, lightning, and thunder! Heavy rainfall poured; darkness seized the kingdom! Growling animals! Crying children! Screaming folks! The unthinkable just conquered the kingdom!

Subsequently, the kingdom re-claimed its beautiful landscape. Mountains and hills are covered with trees, yields, and flowers. The land gleamed, wild animals played gleefully, rivers

flowed freely, streams and ponds matched the greenish panorama beneath the blue sky. The land is magnificent. Happiness radiated to greet every new morning in the valleys and all mystical mountains.

Descendants of the survivors intermarried with nearby kingdoms inhabited the area. According to them, they saw (have seen) the “Barira” floating in the Ambal River.

And because of tragedy, they believed that seeing “Barira” is an omen that either a terrible thing will happen or a beautiful and an abundant harvest. Inhabitants witnessed this sporadic phenomenon, and thus, named their beautiful land (realm/kingdom) BARIRA. This is to remind all descendants that this place is a land of mystery (enigma) and uncertainty (suspense).

Believe it or not, before the all-out war year 2000, the downfall of the biggest camp of the MILF, one resident saw the “Barira” floating in the Ambal River.

The Municipality of Barira is situated in the northern portion of the province of Maguindanao. From Cotabato City, it can be reached through the Narciso Ramos National Highway going to Marawi and the through the provincial road from Barangay Langkong, Matanog, Maguindanao. It can also be reached through the provincial road from Parang, Maguindnao going to Barangay Marang, Barira, Maguindanao. Another route is through Barangay Nituan of Parang, Maguindanao.

It is situated 500 meters above sea level. Its boundary on the north is the Municipality of Butig, Lanao Del Sur, on the south is the Municipality of Parang, Maguindanao, on the west is the Municipality of Matanog, Maguindanao and on the east is the Municipality of Buldon, Maguindanao.

Currently, the total land area of Barira is 25,976.76 hectares, which make up an estimated 5.33% of the total land area of Maguindanao Province.

VISION

The People of the Municipality of Barira, Province of Maguindanao, envisions Barira as a road network gateway to blah blah, and a disaster resilient, selfsustaining gender-responsive and child-friendly Iranun community guided by the teaching of Islam; living in politically, and economically empowered community; observing, and practicing effective participatory governance; promotes safe, and secured conservation of environment; and sharing a culture of peace.

MISSION

Develop and uplift the livelihood of the people.

•Develop the capability of the Local Leader or Local Government.

•Peaceful resolution of conflicts.

•Promotion of tourism activities in a friendly environment.

•Adequate and sustainable infrastructure.

•Strengthen the ability of local government unit to achieve sustainable development challenged by climate change and natural hazards.

PHOTO COURTESY OF A. DAGS PHOTOGRAPHY

Bangsamoro Parliament introduces five bills in first reading to address key societal needs

COTABATO CITY – In today’s regular session of Bangsamoro Parliament, five significant bills were introduced in the first reading, showcasing the government’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens, the advancement of information and communications, and the protection of Lake Lanao.

Government agencies and LGUs in the Bangsamoro area are being urged to set up dedicated support desks for senior citizens and persons with disabilities as part of Parliament Bill No. 151.

It will serve as a desk where senior citizens and PWDs can make inquiries, ask for any form of assistance, and file any complaints. It will attend to, help with, and address their concerns or problems.

According to the principal author, MP Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, “as a Bangsamoro, we give our utmost respect to our families’ elderly members and those with disabilities. We give due recognition to their needs by taking all necessary measures that provide them ease and convenience.”

MP Ampatuan added that the government will prioritize the elderly and PWDs in the delivery of government services.

To better plan, promote, and aid in the development of the region’s ICT sector, Parliament Bill No. 152 calls for the establishment of the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology.

Once approved, the Ministry will consist of the Minister’s office, the offices of the Deputy Ministers and their immediate staff, as well as provincial

offices.

Free school lunches for all children are one of the nutrition-focused initiatives pushed for by PB No. 153.

Every public-school kindergarten and elementary student in Bangsamoro will be eligible for the free lunch program.

According to the authors of PB No. 153, 95 Filipino children die every day due to malnutrition, as reported by the United Nations Children’s Fund, and “despite continued economic progress, malnutrition persists in the Philippines.”

If PB No. 153 is approved, students will be provided with free lunch five days a week from the first day of school until the last day of classes.

The bill prioritizes those schools with reported severe malnutrition, those located in armed conflict, and those in highly congested areas.

The Bangsamoro Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth will provide intensive treatment for the rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law (CICL) who have been convicted by final judgment, according to BTA Bill No. 154, or the Bangsamoro Regional Rehabilitation Center Act of 2023.

The facility will serve as a nurturing out-of-home placement for children in need of institutional rehabilitation and

transformation.

The youth rehabilitation center will provide 24-hour group care, treatment, and rehabilitation services under the guidance of trained staff, where residents are cared for in a structured therapeutic environment with the end goal of reintegrating them into their families and communities as socially functioning individuals.

A Council for the Welfare of Children will also be established under the Office of the Chief Minister to coordinate the implementation and enforcement of all laws relative to the promotion of child and youth welfare within the Bangsamoro Region.

The last proposed measure, Parliament Bill No. 155, or the Lake Lanao Rehabilitation and Development Authority Act of 2023, aims to create the Lanao Rehabilitation and Development Authority, which will be responsible for the overall policymaking, planning, coordination, and management of the implementation of the Lake Lanao Rehabilitation and Development.

Among its powers and functions are: exercising regulatory and supervisory authority in the implementation of rehabilitation and development programs and projects within the Lake

Lanao Area; entering into contracts, memoranda, agreements, and other cooperative arrangements with public and private entities; accepting donations, contributions, grants, bequests, or gifts in cash or in kind from various sources, domestic or foreign, in consonance with existing laws and regulations; facilitating the preparation of a 30-year Lake Lana Rehabilitation and Development Plan; Development master plan with feasibility studies of the top 10 potential big-ticket projects; formulate a multi-year investment and budget proposal based on the 30-year master plan; among others. As these bills progress through the legislative process, the Parliament encourages stakeholders from various sectors to actively engage and provide their insights and feedback.

BTA bill to create Bangsamoro Plant, Animal Industries Office

COTABATO CITY ― An office dedicated to the promotion and maintenance of plant and animal industries in the Bangsamoro region is proposed in a measure filed by Bangsamoro legislators to improve the efficiency of the

planning and delivery of its programs.

Parliament Bill No. 150, or the Bangsamoro Plant and Animal Industries Act of 2023, calls for the establishment of an office that will serve

as the primary Bangsamoro government entity responsible for the comprehensive and integrated development of the plant and animal industries in BARMM.

According to Engr. Baintan Adil-Ampatuan, the main author of the proposed measure, agriculture is a crucial economic factor in the region.

She continued by highlighting that it is not spared from other potential threats or risks to animals, plants, the human population, or the environment.

“The agriculture industry in the region should be protected from biosecurity threats like attacks from invasive species,

pests, and diseases that can cause damage to agricultural production.”

The Bangsamoro Plant and Animal Industries Office (BPAIO) will coordinate the efforts of government bodies to ensure the success of plant and animal industries in the region.

For coordination plans and policies, the BPAIO will be an attached agency to the BARMM’s Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Ministry.

They are also required to submit an annual report to the BARMM’s Chief Minister, indicating, among other things, the list of programs being implemented, the stage of implementation, and the

financial position of the BPAIO.

MP Ampatuan further added that the Bangsamoro Government recognizes its duty and obligation to protect and promote the well-being of the people, plant and animal population, environment, and its respective ecosystems in order to meet the requirements of the growing populace and guarantee the nation’s survival.

PB No. 150 was co-authored by MPs Amilbahar Mawallil, Atty. Laisa Alamia, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Don Mustapha Loong, Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., Rasul Ismael, Khalid Ma-Amor Hadji Abdullah, Jaafar Apollo Mikhail Matalam, Bassir Utto, and Tawakal Midtimbang.

BARMM bill seeks to protect, promote rights of Badjao community

COTABATO CITY— To address the issues and concerns of the Badjao community, including poverty, unemployment, education, health, and housing, a measure has been filed in the Bangsamoro Parliament.

A sole Bangsamoro lawmaker has recently introduced a bill that seeks to advance and protect the fundamental political and human rights of the Badjao communities in the BARMM.

In introducing the BARMM Badjao Development Project Act, MP

Adzfar Usman cited the difficulties of Badjao communities, including “lack of access to basic social services, poverty, and discrimination.”

The bill notes that the Badjao community is considered to be one of the most marginalized and isolated ethnic groups in the region at individual, familial, and communal levels.

The BARMM Development Project will assist the Badjao in establishing, rehabilitating, and developing their own village in

order to support and safeguard their marine ecology and way of life against encroachment by commercial fisheries, high sea robbery, and other threats.

In order to oversee, implement, and mobilize resources for the BARMM Badjao Development Project, a Project Management Office (PMO) will be set up under the Office of the Chief Minister. Parliament Bill No. 148 is coauthored by MPs Eddie Alih and Romeo Sema.

BARMM lawmakers file bill to build, upgrade hospitals in Maguindanao, Sulu

COTABATO CITY – Recognizing the immediate need to improve health facilities in the Bangsamoro region, three proposed measures to upgrade and create hospitals in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sulu entered first reading.

The bills’ authors stressed that it is the responsibility of the Bangsamoro government to ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare.

Currently, the Datu Odin Sinsuat District Hospital in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, only has a 50-bed capacity.

BTA Bill No. 146, also known as Upgrading Datu Odin Sinsuat District Hospital 2023, aims to increase that number to 100 beds as well as improve the hospital’s infrastructure, quality of healthcare, and number of staff.

It is principally authored by MPs Susana Anayatin and Engr. Baintan Adil-Ampatuan.

“With the outnumbered professional medical staff and personnel, patients are deemed deprived of their right to proper medical attention and intervention for quick response to their recovery and recuperation,” they said.

Statistics indicate that the DOS District Hospital’s expansion was spurred by the surrounding Maguindanao municipality with the biggest population.

The hospital has evolved into a referring unit from the surrounding communities and has occasionally taken on a large volume of cases and patients from other neighboring municipalities.

Another bill, known as Establishment of Datu Piang Municipal Hospital, or BTA Bill No. 147, authored by the same women legislators and MP Arch. Eduardo Guerra, seeks to establish and construct a level 1 municipal hospital with a 50-bed capacity

in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur.

The lawmakers explained that government hospitals are “more ideal and well-encouraged than private hospitals in many aspects,” including access to more medical professionals, the efficiency of facilities, and the technology that only a government hospital can provide.

There are 28,380 people living in Datu Piang as of the 2020 census, yet the only government building there is the Datu Piang Rural Health Unit.

According to the bill, the Datu Piang Municipal Hospital will primarily serve patients of Datu Piang, but it will also supplement and support the care provided by hospitals in neighboring communities if and when the need arises.

Meanwhile, MPs Adzfar Usman and Amilbahar Mawallil

also proposed building a 50-bed, level 1 general hospital in Talipao, Sulu.

In the bill’s explanatory note, the main authors of PB No. 149 said that Talipao lacks a hospital, with only barangay health stations and rural health units now available to serve the municipality’s residents.

Patients “in need of emergency medical interventions” will have to travel to the municipality of Jolo to be attended to and admitted to a hospital, they said.

They added that the data present shows that there is a high mortality rate in Talipao, which can be attributed to the lack of available healthcare facilities.

With 52 barangays and 100,088 residents, Talipao is one of the largest municipalities in Sulu. However, getting there requires a combination of sea and air travel from Zamboanga City.

The Sulu Integrated Provincial Health Office will have direct administrative and technical oversight of the facility.

Once enacted, Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act will require three hospitals to integrate all the pertinent and relevant provisions into their systems of operations. The hospitals will be under the administrative supervision of the Minister of Health, who is authorized to determine and approve the appropriate organizational structure for the management and operations of the facility.

To date, the Bangsamoro Parliament has enacted bills that will construct and upgrade hospitals in the towns of Binidayan and Wao in Lanao del Sur, Buluan in Maguindanao del Sur, Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte, and Maimbung in Sulu.

BARMM approves P1-billion revolving fund for the timely payment of salaries of nationally funded employees

COTABATO CITY – Workers under nationally funded programs directly supervised by the BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies will no longer experience delayed payment of wages and other remunerations following the Bangsamoro Parliament’s approval of a bill that would allot a P1-billion revolving fund for the timely payment of their salaries.

Voting 49 affirmatives, no negatives, and no abstentions, members of the Bangsamoro Parliament approved on third and final reading BTA Bill No. 41, or the Bangsamoro Revolving Fund Act of 2023, on Wednesday evening, May 17, three days after they formally opened the second regular session.

The Parliament immediately approved the bill after BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim certified it as urgent.

The Bangsamoro Revolving Fund Act of 2023 is on the Chief Minister’s cabinet legislative agenda.

“We see the enactment of the law providing for a revolving fund for the salaries and wages of pertinent workers as a potential solution to this perennial problem,” said Chief Minister Ebrahim.

He cited a hadith that said to “pay workers their dues before their sweat have dried up.”

The revolving fund will ensure the timely payment of salaries and other remunerations of national-funded employees in case of a delay in the transfer or download of funds by concerned national government agencies.

Bangsamoro Parliament’s Finance, Budget, and Management Committee Chair Eduard Guerra described the delay in the payment of salaries as a ‘perennial problem,’ adding that the Bangsamoro government will hold a dialogue with the national government, through Intergovernmental Relations (IGR), to determine the cause of the delay.

The swift passage of the bill, according

to Deputy Speaker Atty. Nabil Tan, is for the workers in the region who work tirelessly to give services to the Bangsamoro people, emphasizing that the Bangsamoro Parliament has finally settled this issue through the said legislation.

The BARMM’s Finance, Budget, and Management Ministry will administer and manage the revolving fund in accordance with its cash management and disbursement system and procedures, subject to all existing government accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

The MFBM has also provided a certificate guaranteeing the availability of funds for the implementation of the proposed measure.

Under the approved bill, the revolving fund will not be automatically dissolved in

the event that national-funded programs are no longer implemented in the BARMM.

It will only be dissolved or reverted to the Bangsamoro Treasury when the MFBM authorizes the ministries, agencies, and offices to draw funds from it.

The MFBM will also submit an official quarterly report on the releases, obligations, and disbursements to the Parliament through the Bangsamoro Speaker.

BTA lawmakers push for the creation of a Bangsamoro Convention Center

COTABATO CITY – A Bangsamoro

Convention Center will be established in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, if Parliament Bill No. 144 is approved, to serve as a venue for local and international conventions, meetings, fairs, and social events in the region.

As stipulated in Member of Parliament Baileng Mantawil’s proposed bill, the center will be a government-owned and controlled corporation with a separate legal identity operating under the management and supervision of the

Bangsamoro Government.

A board of trustees, composed of the BARMM Chief Minister as the chair; the Ministers of Trade, Investments, and Tourism; Basic, Higher, and Technical Education; the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage; Maguindanao del Norte’s governor; and the private sector’s two representatives, will be created.

The board, as indicated in PB No. 144, is responsible for the overall management and direction of the

center. They can also formulate policies and guidelines for the operations of the center.

The financial and operational performance of the convention center will be audited on a regular basis by the Bangsamoro Government’s Commission on Audit.

MPs Atty. Mary Ann Arnado, Tawakal Midtimbang, Bassir Utto, Mudjib Abu, Mohammed Kelie Antao, Suwaib Oranon, Salik Ali, and Said Sheik are also co-authors of the proposed measure.

BTA bill seeks to create a resettlement, rehabilitation framework action plan for IDPs

COTABATO CITY— A bill was introduced in the second regular session and entered on first reading; it outlines the guiding principles for the Rehabilitation Action Plan and the Livelihood Restoration Plan.

To ensure that the assistance given to IDPs is consistent and effective, Parliament Bill No. 141 mandates that national and Bangsamoro government agencies expropriate and leverage on unused governmentproclaimed resettlement areas, as well as assets and other public lands. These areas will be converted into primary growth centers.

The growth center will serve as the regional hub for IDP rehabilitation and resettlement projects and activities.

Issues of social integration, livelihood rehabilitation, and economic empowerment, with a focus on the needs and capacities of conflict-affected and economically displaced communities, will be given special consideration.

“Our government has the primary responsibility to ensure that IDPs’ basic rights to food, water, shelter, dignity, and safety are met in addition to facilitating their access to all other rights,” said MP Ali Sangki, the main author of the proposed bill.

He clarified that if conditions for long-term solutions are not created, conditions for security, property restoration, and resettlement of internally displaced people cannot be

realized.

Data showed in his explanatory note that since 1969, there has been an ongoing conflict in Mindanao, which has resulted in significant infrastructure and housing destruction as well as massive displacement.

According to the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Parliament shall pass a law creating a housing and human settlements agency to address the lack of shelters, settlements, and livelihoods for the disadvantaged and homeless, especially those victims of conflict and atrocities.

The proposed bill will encourage rural development by providing IDPs and communities afflicted by conflict with new land.

Once passed, a Resettlement and Rehabilitation Development Council, attached to the Ministry of Human Settlement, will be established to conduct a full status assessment of all resettlement areas enumerated

in the bill and execute all possible legal remedies and procedures within its power and mandate to expropriate as far as it is necessary and repossess or reacquire all the subject settlement areas.

Bangsamoro legislators seek to strengthen Madaris education in the region

COTABATO CITY— “We, in the government, should take serious steps in considering madrasah education as an important part of education, not just a source of basic Islamic education but a source of inspiration for realworld advancements,” said Member of the Parliament Jaafar Apollo Mikhail Matalam when he introduced Parliament Bill No. 142.

The proposed bill would create a funding scheme for Madaris educational system in an effort to improve the quality of education available to Muslim students in the region.

The authors of the proposed bill, MPs Jaafar Apollo Mikhail Matalam, Rasul Ismael, and Eddie Alih, recognized the challenges faced by the Madaris in the region, noting that “up to date, many private Madaris are still located in poor communities and are woefully ill-equipped in terms of social facilities, books, teaching or learning devices, and some teachers are not afforded a consistent salary.”

Under the proposed measure, a fund system for Madaris will be established for the development of Madaris’ facilities, scholarship grants, teacher development programs, and accreditation of private madrasah. Subsidies and other incentives will be made available to deserving grantees, with a focus on the economically disadvantaged.

The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education will mandate a mechanism to boost madrasah standards and expand access to the system for more Muslim students.

Once approved, an amount of P10 million will be allotted and charged to the current appropriations of MBHTE’s Madaris Bureau.

Programs and assistance for teachers and students in Madaris include nutrition and feeding programs for young children; classroom facilities; textbook assistance funds; in-service training funds for teachers; scholarship grants for the teachers’ children; scholarship grants to qualified students; funding for trainings and seminars of Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) teachers; increases in ALIVE teachers’ salaries; funding for Madaris registration and accreditation; and madrasah infrastructure development.

The authors of PB No. 142 further stated that it is

important to reinforce all Madaris in the Bangsamoro region by giving additional educational funds, which will be a key element in the operational improvement of its educational quality.

MPs Michael Midtimbang, Denmartin Kahalan, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Dr. Susana Anayatin, Abdulazis Amenodin, Abdullah Macapaar, Diamila Disimban-Ramos, Akmad Abas, Dr. Hashemi Dilangalen, Mohammad Kelie Antao, Tawakal Midtimbang, Ali Sangki, Alimontaha Babao, Amroussi Macatanong, and Basit Abbas are also co-authors of the proposed measure.

A surfing saint? Pope Francis recognizes the heroic virtue of Guido Schäffer

VATICAN— The Catholic Church is one step closer to canonizing a surfing saint. Pope Francis recognized the heroic virtue of Brazil’s “Surfer Angel” Guido Schäffer in a decree issued by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on Saturday.

Schäffer was a seminarian, a doctor, and a surfer who drowned while surfing in 2009 off the coast of Rio de Janeiro at the age of 34 before he could fulfill his desire of being ordained to the priesthood.

The Brazilian seminarian, known locally as the “Anjo Surfista” or “Surfer Angel,” used to begin each of his surfing lessons with a prayer and was known for his work with the poor, providing medical care to Rio’s “favelas” (poor, working-class neighborhoods) alongside the Missionaries of Charity.

With the decree, Pope Francis declared Schäffer “venerable.” The Church will now need to approve a miracle attributed to his intercession before he can be beatified.

Born in Brazil on May 22, 1974, Schäffer grew up near the sandy beaches of Rio’s Copacabana neighborhood. His father was a physician and his mother was very active in a charismatic renewal movement in their Catholic parish, Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, and instilled in him a love of Scripture and prayer.

As a student, Schäffer was an active member of a charismatic prayer group called Canção Nova (New Song), founded by Father Jonas Abib. Schäffer later cofounded, together with his girlfriend and a priest known as Father Jorjão, the prayer

group “Fire of the Holy Spirit” at a parish in Ipanema the year he graduated from medical school.

During his medical residency from 1999 to 2001, Schäffer worked as a general practitioner at the Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia. He also began volunteering with a Catholic group that provided pastoral ministry to the sick at the hospital.

While on a retreat, Schäffer was moved by a line in the Bible: “Do not turn your face away from any of the poor, so that God’s face will not be turned away from you” (Tobit 4:7). He asked for God’s forgiveness and prayed: “Jesus, help me to care for the poor.”

One week later, he met Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity and soon began working with them to offer medical care in some of Rio’s poorest neighborhoods. He invited other doctors from his hospital to join him and also brought young people from his prayer group and hospital ministry to volunteer.

Sister Caritas with the Missionaries of Charity recalled how Schäffer talked to each of the people he served about Christ, taking care of “both their body and their soul.”

“He used to pray with and for each of them, always inviting them to receive the sacraments as a source of grace and

True faith must be shared, says papal nuncio

PAPAL nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown on Sunday exhorted the faithful to live as missionaries in their “own small way” in everyday life.

Speaking at a Mass on the feast of Mary Queen of Apostles at a parish in Parañaque City, the archbishop stressed that being disciples of Christ is not a private matter.

“Don’t keep the faith locked in your heart but spread it. Be contagious with the love of Jesus,” Brown said in his homily.

“Don’t keep your faith locked within the beautiful walls of your beautiful parish but go out and speak about the Lord. Be missionaries,” he said.

Hundreds of people packed the church for the 38th fiesta of the parish, administered

by missionaries of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME).

The nuncio was joined by Fr. UStefano Musca, Regional Superior of PIME South Pacific, and Fr. Simone Caelli, the parish priest, as concelebrants.

In his reflection, the nuncio also emphasized that being a missionary is not only for religious people, priests and nuns, “but all of us are missionaries”.

He further stressed that lay people play an important role in the “missionary transformation” of the Church.

“All of us need to radiate, we need to be contagious with the love of Jesus, pass the love of Jesus to those around you,” Brown said. CBCP News

ThisSunday is Pentecost Sunday. We commemorate the day when the Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples. This day is also traditionally referred to as the “birthday of the church” for on this day the disciples began to boldly proclaim the good news about Jesus. When the Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples, they were transformed (Acts 1:1-11). From being timid and cowardly, they became courageous. They left their hiding places and started preaching. Miracles happened such as the “gift of tongues.” They were understood by their listeners who came from different foreign places.

communion with God,” she said.

“His only concern was to save souls to God — guiding as many people as he could to a personal experience with Christ.”

While he was volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity, Schäffer read “Brother Francis of Assisi” by Ignacio Larrañaga, which became a great inspiration for him.

St. John Paul II’s visit to Rio de Janeiro in 1997 and Schäffer’s pilgrimage to Europe for the beatification of Brazil’s protomartyrs in 2000 also played a decisive role in his lifechanging decision to leave his profession as a doctor and leave his girlfriend to respond to a call to enter the priesthood.

Schäffer began studying philosophy at the São Bento Monastery in 2002. In between seminary classes, he volunteered at a local hospital. He moved to the Archdiocesan Seminary of São José in Rio de Janeiro in 2008, where he devoted himself to evangelization while continuing his medical volunteering and surfing.

Big wave surfer Rodrigo Resende was impressed by Schäffer’s love for the poor and inner peace. He told the Brazilian publication Veja Rio: “I have never seen someone treat the marginalized with such respect. The inner peace that he radiated was impressive.”

While surfing with friends off of Rio’s Recreio dos Bandeirantes beach on May 1, 2009, Schäffer hit his head on his surfboard and drowned.

In 2019, the beach where he suffered his fatal accident was officially renamed in his honor: Praia do Guido.

Father Jorjão, who has since written a book in Portuguese about his life, reflected: “I have never seen someone with so much faith and at the same time so normal. Anyone who knew him was sure they were dealing with someone from God.” Courtney Mares/Catholic News Agency

Photo courtesy of guidoschaffer.com via CNA

Pope Francis accepts resignation of Antipolo bishop, appoints successor

POPE Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Francisco De Leon from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Antipolo, and appointed Bishop Ruperto Santos of the Diocese of Balanga as his successor.

De Leon turned 75 in June 11 last year, the age when canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation to the pope. He had headed the diocese since 2016.

He first served the diocese as auxiliary bishop from 2007 until November 2015 when he was appointed as its coadjutor bishop.

In September 2016, he assumed the leadership of the diocese, succeeding retired Bishop Gabriel Reyes.

The changes were publicized in Manila on Wednesday, May 24, by Archbishop Charles Brown, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines.

Born in San Rafael, a town in Bulacan province, Santos was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Manila in 1983.

The 65-year-old also received a licentiate in history from the

The Spiritual Dimension

Reflections

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

Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1990.

Prior to becoming bishop of Balanga in April 2010, he had been serving as Rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome, Italy.

Within the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, he is the vice chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People

(ECMI), which he previously headed for many years.

At present, Santos is also the CBCP’s bishop-promoter of the Stella Maris-Philippines.

No date has yet been set for the installation of Santos as the fifth bishop of Antipolo, home of the newly declared International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. CBCP News

The Spirit is sent by the Father and Jesus as the “soul of the Church.” The Spirit is what makes the Church alive and animated, so much so that it survived the difficult times of persecutions, up to these times. The Spirit is not just the soul of the collective Church, but also the animator of each and every baptized believer as St. Paul proclaimed, “God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying ‘Abba, Father’ (Gal. 4:6).” We received the Holy Spirit during baptism, and at confirmation the flame of the Spirit is stirred up or activated in us. We are therefore to live according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Another dimension is opened up for us which is the spiritual dimension.

Talking about the spiritual dimension may seem strange in a materially-oriented world. Scientifically and culturally, matter is what matters. Scientists work on and accept only empirical (material) evidence. A growing secular culture sets aside the spiritual dimension. Remember the song, “I’m a material girl.” How then does a contemporary Christian disciple open oneself to the spiritual dimension and live according to its values?

Opening oneself to the spiritual dimension begins with faith and prayer. It is with faith that we accept the

reality of God, Jesus, and the Spirit into our hearts. It is with prayer that we communicate with this spiritual dimension. The seeker may not yet be a believer or is weak in the faith, that is why the first prayer of a seeker is, “Help my unbelief, give me the grace to believe.” Faith is God’s gift and it comes when we ask for it and we make what Kierkegaard calls “the leap of faith.” For those who are already baptized but seem to be lacking in faith we ask that the gift of the Spirit be stirred in us. Just like embers, there is a need for stirring them up into flame as St. Paul says, “walk by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16).

When we walk by the Spirit there are signs that we are doing so. Again according to St. Paul, “the fruit of the Spirt is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control” ( Gal. 5:22). Besides these personal fruits of the Spirit, there are the evangelical fruits of boldness in preaching, giving Christian testimony with our lives, and even miracles that accompany the work of disciples. However the Great Deceiver or Satan will also try to undermine the work of the Holy Spirit but the tail of the Devil shows itself in ”immorality, impurity , licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, anger, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, division, envy drunkenness and the like (Gal. 5:19). As the early Fathers of the Church found out, the Devil may even work wonders and miracles but one thing the Prince of darkness cannot imitate is humility. It is beyond the Devil’s ability to kneel before God.

On this Feast of Pentecost, let us open ourselves to the spiritual dimension, first by affirming our faith, and by praying to the Holy Spirit, so that we can give witness to God. “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in us the fire of your love … and you shall renew the face of the earth.”

Acts

Readings: RL, no. 1002, p. 824 or Lect., Wkday B: 1st Reading, no. 707(1), p. 1905: Gen 3.9-15, 20

Readings: Lect., Wkday B, no. 348, p. 960

1st Reading: Sirach 35.1-15

Gospel: Mark 10.28-31

Readings: Lect., Wkday B, no. 572, p. 1773; BG, p. 439

1st Reading: Zephaniah 3.14-18 or 1st Reading: Romans 12.9-16

Gospel: Luke 1.39-56

Readings: no. 356, p. 981

1st Reading: Tobit 4.20; 5.4; 6.10-11b; 7.1, 9-16; 8.1, 4-9++

Gospel: Mark 12.28-34

Readings: no. 357, p. 985

1st Reading: Tobit 11.5-15

Gospel: Mark 12.35-37

Readings: no. 358, p. 987

1st Reading: Tobit 12.1-20

Gospel: Mark 12.38-44

Bishop Ruperto Santos

Pope Francis recognized the heroic virtue of Brazil’s “Surfer Angel” Guido Schäffer in a decree issued by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on May 20, 2023.

EDITORIAL

Old Songs

Iwasfortunate to be growing up at a time when the radio (no TV then) played beautiful songs sung by artist performers who really have “the voice”. Songs of love… songs of victory…..songs of despair. These were the songs with which one can express the feelings that must be declared to the world. In a party recently, the guests were invited to join a game called guess the title or the singer of the song. Fortunately, most of the guests were in their senior years, and they tried to outdo each other guessing the song which were mostly from yesteryears. The younger guests tried their best, but even with the help of “google”, it was still difficult for them to win against the seniors.

Old songs really have a magic of their own. It enables the singer to express his or her feelings. No wonder, there were less incidence of suicides, since the younger ones have an additional venue for communication. In spite of the shouts of teenagers when the Beatles sang their memorable songs, the lyrics were still a reflection of the days when they were around. My favorite was “In my life”. A song which a group of professional musicians voted as the best song of the century.

It is fortunate for music lovers that the program “America…etc. got talent” took off and was accepted by many countries. It gave a boost to the young, giving them an alternative to the depressing conditions prevailing in their countries. Let’s say that the old may not have any use for songs anymore…but old contestants have a better handle of songs. Deep in their hearts, they know the circumstances leading to the composition and the singing of the songs. I really love the rendition of “Wind Beneath my Wings” by 88 year old Colin Thackery who won Britain Got Talent in 2019. He dedicated the song to his late wife.

I had some regrets that the Catholic hierarchy did away with the Latin songs and urged the religious and laymen to translate the Latin songs into English or the native tongue. However, the beauty of the melody in the Latin songs got lost in the translation. Hopefully, we can have more matured renditions of church songs but I do agree that singing the songs in the local dialect makes it more relevant to the singers.

One of the avid subscribers of Mindanao Cross- Moises Milanes- died yesterday and we joined his funeral in Dulawan. We best remember him for knowing the singers of the old songs that we played in a party. A week before, we had a talk at his home, and he expressed agreement to some issues that were brought up in this paper. Our condolence to his family. May he enjoy God’s blessings in the company of God. MC

Laudato

Si’ Week 2023 from May 21 to 28 marks the eighth anniversary of the landmark encyclical of Pope Francis on care for creation.

Dated 24 May 2015, the Roman Pontiff’s encyclical takes its title from St. Francis of Assisi’s medieval Italian prayer “Canticle of the Sun.” The Canticle, Pope Francis says in his encyclical, reminds us “that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. This sister, he says, “now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.”

“Each year hundreds of millions of tons of waste are generated, much of it non-biodegradable, highly toxic and radioactive, from homes and businesses, from construction and demolition sites, from clinical, electronic and industrial sources. The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth,” Pope Francis explains.

Weighing in on climate change, he writes, “A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system.”

While much may have been done to make changes to humanity’s wasteful and destructive ways in the eight years since the issuance of Laudato Si’, much definitely still needs to be done.

Only last month, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a scientific body that advises the United Nations on rising temperatures, released a report authored by nearly 300 scientists from 67 countries, a summary of research conducted over the past five years. Its key message: “the world is approaching irreversible levels of global warming, with catastrophic consequences becoming inevitable.” It said, “It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land.” In short, “the pace and scale of climate action are insufficient to tackle climate change.”

While much of what needs to be done to save the planet and reverse the effects of climate change rests in the hands and shoulders of governments, giant global conglomerates and business interests, as well as large financial institutions, it is undeniable that we ourselves as individuals and communities have our role to play.

The Philippines has recently been described in a Washington Post as a nation swallowed by plastic waste. Our population of 114 million people, the report said, produces over one-third of all oceanic plastic waste

BANGSAMORO

Fr. Rogelio Tabuada, OMI, Chief-Executive-Officer

Eva Kimpo - Tan, Editor-in-Chief

Edwin O. Fernandez, News Editor

Gemma A. Peñaflor, Administration and Marketing Executive

Julito P. Torres, Circulation Officer

Karl John B. Daniel, Graphic-Layout Artist

COTABATO CITY / ARMM CORRESPONDENTS

John M. Unson, Ferdinandh B. Cabrera, Nash B. Maulana, Mark Anthony Tayco & Drema Quitayen Bravo

NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS

Williamor Magbanua, Romer “Bong” Sarmiento & Louige Allan Tutor CARTOONIST

Lourd Jim Diazon

in the world. A staggering 2.7 million tons of plastic waste are generated in the Philippines each year, and an estimated 20 percent ends up in the ocean, according to a World Bank study.

Over and above that, our country’s current forest cover, according to independent think-tank Ibon Foundation, is only twenty-three percent of land area, below the fifty-four percent needed to sustain its ecosystem. Added to this, land and soil quality is severely degraded, 5.2 million hectares of agricultural lands have been eroded, water stress level ratio is at twenty-nine percent which is way above the thirteen percent global standard.

Being a country that is among those particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of the climate crisis for losses arising from droughts, floods, rising seas and other disasters that are attributed to climate change, we cannot remain indifferent and “be business as usual.”

We need to live Laudato Si’ by living simply, minimizing consumption and actively promoting ecological awareness and action through integral waste segregation and by minimizing the use of plastic and paper, by eliminating single-use plastics, polystyrene and the like, from our homes and institutions. We can also avoid use and consumption of genetically modified agricultural products propagated in plantations and monoculture production, which destroy biodiversity and threaten indigenous lands, as well as participate in efforts to protect and preserve our seas, oceans and fishery resources.

This year’s Laudato Si’ week carries the theme “Hope for the Earth, Hope for Humanity.” In his encyclical Pope Francis said: “Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home…. All is not lost. Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good and making a new start.”

Let us become part of that hope by living Laudato Si’.

Chief Minister Ahod Balawag

Ebrahim opened Thursday afternoon the weeklong 2023 BARMM Athletic Association (BARMAA) sports competition, the third the region has held since BARMM started to organize governance in 2019. However, we barely caught anything of what he had to say, as it was drizzling, and that the hosting Cotabato State University (CSU) would have better mounted a makeshift press box (small platform) where photographers could settle for the stage coverage and be able to catch sports actions first-hand in the event.

Speaking of Marawi City, a long-term rehabilitation should evolve from areas around the city on issues of security, stronger presence of governance, and infrastructure support to local trading economy, government officials have said.

On orders of Chief Minister Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the region brings development package to towns around the city to strengthen barangay governance and village-based economy where deemed strategic.

BARMM Interior and Local Governments Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said one of those that the region will soon give a standard municipal police station (MPS) building will be Pagayawan town, one of the routes taken by the ISIS-fashioned men of a group later identified as Dawlia Islamia (DI)

In social terms, the local government unit (LGU) of Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur, closely engages the local madaris (Arabic schools) with guidance to keep them off and protected from school lessons devised by extremists abroad for their recruitment purposes.

On May 25 2017, black-dressed and masked armed men passed by Pagayawan to Marawi which they place under siege for the succeeding six months along with others converged there from several areas.

BARMM has built roads for easy access to Pagayawan which has high potential for agricultural tourism development in long-term.

Lady Mayor Khalida Palao Sangila of Pagayawan said her constituents’ names and profiles are protected in a dedicated databank. Whenever residents would spot new faces in public place like a mosque, their identities are checked against the municipal databank files—if they had no municipal IDs to show to authorities.

If the identities don’t match with any of those in the databank, the local unit of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace monitor group (usually unarmed) would inform the mayor, and then she would certify to the police that such newcomers were not residents of the town.

The lady mayor said even mosques are protected from undue influence and convergence: the khutba or sermons were made uniform to keep teachings from some contaminated sources.

Mayor Sangila says Pagayawan does not have yet any private organizational partner to push such campaign to an institutional level.

She said the municipal databank confidentially contain the profiles of each of those age 18 years old and above among more than 6,000 residents.

Decreases by mortality are also monitored for databank updating and to keep the dead from being “risen” to “vote” on Election Day. Such are democratic and peace and security programs that may find match in the development intervention menu of the U.S. Aid for International Development and (USAID) with the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), an official said, but are not yet exposed to the public.

Tunko Mabang is a resident of Cotabato City.

What is Chickenpox?

•Haven’t been vaccinated for it

The Key to Life h e A lth c o R ne R

Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com

Eachday unexpected things happen and people from all walks of life wonder despite all the preparations, why the shortfall and misgiving? To serve as an eyeopener, what have they learned?

A case in point is ABS-CBN’s reported plan to close its tele-radyo by June 30 as it tries to cut huge revenue loses due to more than three years of operation without franchise that Congress denied its extension under the Duterte administration. Considered then as the PH’s largest radio and television network, House members uncovered salient violations for the network to lose that privilege. Not only was the Lopez-owned network controlling the airwaves before the declaration of Martial Law in 1972, but the print medium as well with the erstwhile Manila Chronicle. Thus, ABS-CBN reads: Alto Broadcasting System and the Chronicle Broadcasting Network. But its national daily, one of the most read newspapers then, was short-lived.

Communication to any problem is the key and a wise move to resolve ruffles under the new Marcos administration whose namesake father was the cause-and-effect of the network’s downfall. As the saying goes, there’s no harm in trying for God-fearing and law-abiding citizens knowing that change is the only permanent thing in life.

In whatever endeavor, an open-dialogue with sincere commitment to peaceful interaction ends well in hope and love devoid of conceitedness. Aware that government is of the people, by the people and for the people. And any plan to create havoc and overthrow government is anti-people and ungodly. For it’s written that all authorities that exists are God’s appointed (Romans 13). Thus, all God-fearing people are law-abiding citizens under one faith, hope and love of which love is the greatest. For love is the fulfillment of God’s law.

Death is inevitable for it is God’s appointed that young and old has to prepare. Sad to know this week that a lowly construction worker plunged to death while refurbishing the rooftop of the Grand Mosque at Barangay Kalanganan leaving behind his wife and three kids. The 39-year old fatality

Threat to life may be accidental and intentional as law enforcers are preparing tighter security plan as the nationwide Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election nears. Comelec Chair George Garcia has been assured of security measures in place especially in areas where political bickering and animosity are raging. He reminded would-be candidates that the ongoing filing of COCs will end on September 2.

Security forces are having a closer watch on the still unresolve political tugof-war between the camps of Khadafeh “Toy” Mangudadatu and Mohajeran “Odjie” Balayman of Maguindanao Sur. Both Mangudadatu and Balayman claimed to have been elected town mayor of Pandag during the May 2022 polls.

Mangudadatu was officially proclaimed winner by the Comelec but Balayman protested. Then both filed their separate appeal and counter-appeal before the court. But on May 15 this year Balayman took his oath of office as Mayor of Pandag before Municipal Trial Court Judge Angelito Razalan. With this development, Mangudadatu reacted swiftly saying the Comelec has not released its final verdict on the controversy as against the claim of his rival that the poll body did. The problem now lies in the hands of the DILG national whose recognized mayor is Mangudadatu while its local counterpart in the autonomous government of BARMM recognizes Balayman as of this column writing.

Let’s hope and pray that by now this political controversy has been settled once and for the sake of peace and harmonious coexistence.

Early this week, there were lowlying areas that had been submerged by floodwaters due to heavy downpour. And one of these happened in Mandaue City where a memorial chapel at Fortuna Street was engulfed at rooftop-level. No reported casualties, except damages to properties. As this developed, PAGASA warns of an emerging cyclone that is expected to intensify as a “super typhoon” when it enters the PH archipelago by weekend.

With all these threats and uncertainties in life stay safe by knowing God’s WORD in the Bible. It has all been prophesied with unwavering assurance not to leave nor forsake us even unto the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). MC

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Chickenpoxis a very contagious infection caused by the varicellazoster virus. It mainly affects kids, but adults can get it, too. The telltale sign of chickenpox is a super-itchy skin rash with red blisters. Over the course of several days, the blisters pop and start to leak. Then they crust and scab over before finally healing.

Symptoms appear within 10 to 21 days after you’ve been in contact with someone who has the virus. Most people recover in about 2 weeks.

The red rash is very itchy and usually has blisters that crust over after several days. Scratching the sores can cause scarring. Once infected, the varicellazoster virus stays in your body and can erupt later in life as shingles.

Chickenpox is generally mild, especially in children. But in severe cases, the blisters can spread to your nose, mouth, eyes, and even genitals.

Who Gets It?

Children under age 2 are most at risk for chickenpox. In fact, 90% of all cases occur in young children. But older kids and adults can get it, too.

You’re more at risk for chickenpox if you:

•Haven’t had the virus before

•Work in a school or child care facility

•Live with children

How Is It Spread?

Very easily. You can get the virus by breathing in particles that come from chickenpox blisters or by touching something on which the particles landed.

Chickenpox is most contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until all the blisters are dried and crusted.

The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to get the varicella vaccine. Children who’ve never had chickenpox should get two doses of the vaccine -- the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second between ages 4 and 6. People over age 13 who’ve never been vaccinated should get two doses of the vaccine at least 28 days apart.

Complications

Adults have a higher risk for developing complications from chickenpox than children. Those with weakened immune systems due to cancer, HIV, or another condition are also at risk.

Once you’ve had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus stays in your nerve cells for years. It can “wake up” and become active again years later. It can lead to shingles, a condition that causes painful blisters. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine for shingles. Doctors recommend it for adults over 60.

To live long enough to fulfil a commitment made half a century ago is a cause for major celebration. Not many couples are privileged to withstand the challenges of marital life, unions like these are worthy of emulation.

Fifty years ago, businessman Alex Tan and former NDU Professor, now MC Editor in chief Eva Kimpo tied the knot promising “ for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish”. In the presence of their family, their friends, classmates at ND for Girls, MC Staff and 4 priests including my favourite, Fr. Ben Torreto DCC , the couple renewed their vows (for the next 50 years.)

Their four admirable fair skinned

lovely daughters, made sure that May 20 2023 will be unforgettable for both Alex and Eva Kimpo Tan, a fitting crown for their parents who they admire, love and respect. Their planned surprise celebration could not be kept secret for long, not with the excitement each one wanting to put in their share of skills and talents. The eldest daughter is Sheila Acquiatan, the second is Anne Elizabeth-(still single), the third is Schenette Yu while the youngest is Valerie Jane Pabilona.

From the Immaculate Conception Cathedral guests proceeded to Glamour for the reception. A pair of royalty chairs was set for Alex and Eva to occupy while a program and games were taking place. The warmth of the camaraderie was all encompassing and felt deeply.

Photos speak louder than words

(1) The blushing bride, Eva and the handsome groom, Alex 50 years ago (2)

The Tan Family (3)NDU colleagues (4) officiating priests headed by Fr. Ben Torreto, DCC

Personal Initiative Training…

Previously we discussed the relationship between success and goals setting. Many of people who would affirm their desire to be successful in life would say that one of the best ways to get there is by having one’s own business. Thus, the stated goal could be stated as: “to have my own thriving business.”

Starting a business and being successful at it is not an easy task. One could lose all his or her life savings if he or she commits a mistake in selecting the business to start or fails to manage the business effectively once up and running.

Fortunately, there had been a lot of training designed and implemented to help those thinking of going into business select what type of business activity would be suitable for them and how to prepare a workable plan for its implementation.

One of the most popular business idea generation and development training is called the Personal Initiative Training (PIT). The PIT was developed by Dr. Michael Frese of the University of Leuphana more that a decade ago. The training helps participants gain knowledge and techniques for personal and business development.

The PIT had been successfully implemented in countries such as Togo, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, among others. It is most ideal for those that have actually started their business venture but needs further knowledge and skills for expanding their business. An evaluation of the impact of the training on participants showed that after two years from their attendance to the PIT, businesses of the beneficiaries of the training saw increase in their sales and profits.

Depending on the availability of the participants, the said training is

usually done over 5 weeks with the participants attending a three (3) hour session every week. Aside from the training sessions, participants are also given assignments that they could do at home and report in their next class meeting.

Each of the weekly session is designed to be an actionoriented exercise. Thus, each session starts with a lecture, followed by a related exercise, presentation, and giving of feedback.

The concept of “personal initiative” consists of three elements: being a self-starter, being future-oriented, and being persistent in overcoming barriers. Graduates of the training are expected to be imbibed with these elements.

In more concrete terms, a “selfstarter” is one who does not wait for direction from others but acts on his own volition, willing to do something different and not just copy others; and actively looks for ideas and information to improve knowledge and for action.

After the session on promoting self-start, participants will be provided lecture and exercises on the Entrepreneurship Process starting with identifying, evaluating, and pursuing business opportunities. The business idea that each participant pursue must be based on his/her personal strengths and weaknesses. Resources of the proponent and the conditions in the target market should also be considered when the business idea is evaluation as to its viability.

The evaluation of the business idea include testing it to determine how viable the proposal is and what adjustments need to be done to put it on the right track.

The next session involves goalsetting for the proposed business followed by planning (identifying needed resources, determining sources of financing, defining milestones and contingency plans, defining concrete actions, and monitoring progress). At the end, participants should be able to discuss their financial management and business plan.

Republic of the Philippines

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao TANGGAPAN NG SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD City of Cotabato

17th Sangguniang Panlungsod City of Cotabato

33rd Regular Session

EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD HELD AT THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD SESSION

HALL, PEOPLE'S PALACE, MALAGAPAS, ROSARY HEIGHTS 10, COTABATO CITY, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023, AT 9:30 IN THE MORNING.

Present:

Hon. Johari C. Abu

-City Vice Mayor & Presiding Chair

Hon. Florante L. Formento - Majority Floor Leader

Hon. Kusin S. Taha

Hon. Hunyn C. Abu

- Assistant Majority Floor Leader

-1 Assistant Majority Floor Leader

Hon. Abdulrakim O. Usman - Member

Hon. Marouf A. Pasawiran - Member

Hon. Japal G. Guiani III - Member

Hon. Guiadzuri A. Midtimbang II - Member

Hon. Henjie M. Ali - Member

Hon. Abdillah J. Lim - Member

Hon. Amy Lynn Moendeg-Dolores - Member, IP Representative

Hon. Anthony P. Ross - Member, ABC President

Absent:

Hon. Danda N. Juanday - Member

Hon. Talib M. Abo III - Member, SK Representative

ORDINANCE NO. 5079 Series of 2023

PRINCIPAL AUTHOR: HON. HUNYN C. ABU CO-AUTHOR: HON. FLORANTE L. FORMENTO

AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE USE OF A DOCUMENT SECURITY SEAL BY ALL FRONTLINE OFFICES/DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO IN THE ISSUANCE OF OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS SUCH AS PERMITS, CLEARANCES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS, RECEIPTS, AND SUCH OTHER OFFICIAL RECORDS TRANSACTING PARTIES, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF.

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, provides that every local government unit shall exercise the powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare of its people;

WHEREAS, frontline offices of the City Government of Cotabato issue official documents such as permits, clearances, certificates, registrations, receipts, and other official records as part of their mandated functions;

WHEREAS, there are individuals who falsify, tamper, or steal such documents to shorten the procedure or fast-track their release; thus, the imperative need to adopt preemptive measures to secure them from counterfeiting and forgery by adopting a document security seal;

WHEREAS, the document security seal will guarantee the legality and authenticity of the documents issued by the frontline offices of the City Government of Cotabato:

WHEREFORE by authority of Section 16 and 458 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Cotabato City in a regular session assembled, that:

SECTION 1. TITLE. This ordinance shall be known as the Document Security Seal Ordinance of Cotabato City.

SECTION 2. PURPOSE. This ordinance aims to guarantee the legality and authenticity of the official documents or records issued by the City Government of Cotabato by establishing a security threshold that will prevent the tampering, falsification, or stealing of documents or records that are issued by the different offices of the City Government of Cotabato

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS.

Customer- a person, organization, office, or any entity that acquires an official document with a document security seal from the City Government of Cotabato.

Document Security Seal - a silver, square type, and holographic look with a size of 1-inch height by 1-inch width and an exclusive personalized serialization code.

Procurement - this is the act of obtaining or purchasing the documentary security seal following necessary standard procedures and protocols.

Frontline Offices - City Government of Cotabato Offices directly dealing with clients or who are directly involved in preparing official documents required by law or requested by an individual, organization, or office.

Official Documents - these are documents issued by the City Government of Cotabato.

Official Receipts- these are receipts issued by the City Government of Cotabato clients as written evidence of the services and acknowledgment of the collection of cash payment for services rendered.

SECTION 4. The initial procurement of the document security seal shall not be less than 200,000 pieces. The procurement of the said document security seal shall pass through the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod upon the recommendation of the Committee on Finance and Appropriations.

SECTION 5. The document security seal shall be used by frontline offices of the City Government of Cotabato and shall be affixed to official documents such as permits, clearances, certificates, registrations, receipts, and other official records.

SECTION 6. The frontline offices of the City Government of Cotabato are enumerated as follows:

13. Office of the City Mayor-Office of the Senior Citizens

14. Office of the City Mayor - License Inspection Services

15. Office of the City Public Safety Officer City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center

16. Office of the City Social Welfare Development Officer

17. Office of the City Veterinarian

18. Office of the City Budget Officer

19. Office of the Cooperative Officer

20. All other offices that the Office of the City Mayor may identify.

SECTION 7. The frontline offices/departments herein enumerated are authorized to charge an additional fee of Fifty pesos (Php50.00) for each official document or record issued to any transacting party or entity on top of the existing fees collected for the issuances of such other documents as provided in this ordinance, provided that, no amount shall be collected by any city government employee, official, office, or department without issuing the corresponding official receipt.

Provided further, payments for such documents shall be immediately remitted to the Office of the City Treasurer on a weekly basis pursuant to government auditing rules, laws, and regulations.

The Office of the City Treasurer shall prepare and submit an annual report of the documentary security seals issued by the City Government of Cotabato to the Office of the City Mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

SECTION 8. PENALTIES. Any person found violating the provisions of this ordinance or those who tamper, alter, destroy, counterfeit, and falsify the documents covered by this ordinance shall be meted with the penalties herein provided:

First Offense - A fine of Php3,000.00 or imprisonment of 1 month or both at the discretion of the court

Second Offense - A fine of Php4,000.00 or imprisonment of 3 months or both at the discretion of the court

Third Offense and subsequent offenses - A fine of Php5,000.00 or imprisonment of at least 6 months or not more than 1 year or both at the discretion of the court

SECTION 9. REQUIREMENTS FOR SUPPLIER. The supplier of the document security seal must satisfy the basic requirements as provided by law and Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PHILGEPS) Certificate.

SECTION 10. APPROPRIATION CLAUSE. An initial funding in the amount of Eight Million Pesos (Php8,000,000.00) shall be allocated for this purpose which shall be taken from the General Funds of the City Government of Cotabato.

SECTION 11. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. Should any provision herein be declared invalid or unconstitutional, the provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 12. REPEALING CLAUSE. All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.

SECTION 13. EFFECTIVITY. This Ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days after its posting in conspicuous places in the City of Cotabato and a publication in a local newspaper of general circulation.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AND ENACTED, February 14, 2023.

I HEREBY CERTIFY the correctness of the above-quoted Ordinance.

JOHARI C. ABU

City Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

ATTESTED:

YEOFEMIA GO-LIZADA, M.D.A. Secretary to the Sanggunian

APPROVED:

NDU pride Mon Diansuy helps FEU win UAAP football...from P1

“It’s heartwarming, I cried seeing my son manning the enemy’s goal full of confidence during the finals,” Mrs. Jane Diansuy, LPT, AlHadja, said of her eldest son, more known as “MonMon,” making a name of his own in the big league.

“I never imagined, not even in my wildest dreams, that my son reach this far, it’s a blessing, rewarding and satisfying indeed,” Mrs. Diansuy, who works at Ministry of Public Works-Maguindanao del Sur office, said in the vernacular.

“All out support from us from the time he decided

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late CARLOS ww and PURIFICACION CAVAÑAS, who died on January 7, 1995 and January 25, 2000, respectively, left parcels of land Lot No. 4252-D-17, Psd-95277 with an area of 1,183 sq. mts., covered by TCT No. T-27637; Lot 4252-D-18, Psd-95277 with an area of 1,154 sq. mts., covered by TCT No. T-27638; Lot 4252-D-19, Psd-96277 with an area of 565 sq. mts., covered by TCT No. T-27638 and Lot No. 4252-G-2, Psd-12-003837 with an area of 600 sq. mts, more less, covered by TCT No. T-63137, all situated at Katingawan, Midsayap, Cotabato are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 1,024; Page No. 05; Book No. XCVIII; Series of 2023.

MC:

to fly to Manila to study in FEU,” Engr. Diansuy, retired survey chief of DENR, said of his son who is a second year full scholar of FEU taking Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (MedTech).

“That is his passion, so we parents and relatives support him,” the mother said, adding that “MonMon” is enjoying free tuition, free board and lodging with monthly allowances.

The 21-year-old MonMon, wearing jersey No. 3 of the FEU Tamaraws football team, has been playing his favorite sports starting at Grade 1 at NDU-ETD.

On many sports competitions in the city and in the region, he played for NDU football squad.

Now playing for FEU in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), MonMon credited his alma mater, the NDU, for providing him the basic training in the sports he loved most.

“I am what I am now because NDU provided me

the basic playing grounds plus the opportunity I had with Middle Easterners in Manila,” MonMon said. He also played against professional football teams in Metro Manila.

He also credited the Maguindanao Regional Football Association (MRFA), the Middle East and Malaya Football Clubs for helping him sharpen his skills.

“Probinsyano like MonMon can play at par with those from the national capital region, he and many others have proven that,” she said of her son who have teammates in FEU Tamaraws from various parts of the country.

FEU’s victory was also meaningful to football coach Vince Santos.

"It feels great, especially since we've missed football for the last few years," said Santos, who celebrated his first title as head coach of the Morayta school.

As MonMon journeys forward, his mother reminded him not to be blinded by the fame but to push with his studies.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Ang G-ROCE Pawnshop sa Cotabato City at G-ROCE Pawnshop Damosa, Davao City, ay magkakaroon ng “Subasta Sale” sa darating na Hunyo 30, 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 Enero 2023.

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

MC: May. 27, 2023

SULTAN KUDARAT STATE UNIVERSITY

ACCESS, EJC Montilla, Tacurong City

Notice of Search for SKSU Private Sector Representatives and Call for Application/Nomination

The Search Committee for the Private Sector Representatives (SCPSR) of the Board of Regents of Sultan Kudarat State University is now accepting applications/nominations for two (2) vacant slots for Private Sector Representatives.

The Following are the required minimum qualifications and documentary requirements: Applicants/Nominees must possess the following minimum qualifications:

1. Must be a Filipino citizen, and of legal age;

2. Be domiciled in or a resident of the Province of Sultan Kudarat (where the Sultan Kudarat State University is located) for at least 2 years;

3. Must be from an industry, business, or profession preferably related to the SKSU’s Charter or mandate;

4. Must have at least five (5) years of employment, business, or practice of profession in the private sector;

5. Not connected with the Sultan Kudarat State University or other government agencies and instrumentalities in any manner, for one (1) year immediately prior to his or her nomination to the PSR position;

6. Not currently employed or appointed to any position in the government (local, national, including government-owned and controlled corporations), be it full time or part time, at the time of nomination for the PSR position;

7. Not related to any member of the present Board or their duly-authorized representatives, within fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity; and

8. Not have been a candidate who lost in any national or local election, except for barangay elections, within one (1) year after such election.

Application/Nomination Requirements:

Applicants/Nominees for the position of Private Sector Representative should provide four (4) sets of all pertinent details, as follows:

1. Duly notarized application or nomination (with the conforme of the Nominee)

2. Duly accomplished, computerized and notarized (Personal Data Sheet (CSC Form 212);

3. Certificate of Employment stating Nominee’s present position in the private sector related to the industry, business or profession related to the University’s charter or mandate;

4. Service Records of Nominees who have been employed in the government at any point;

5. NBI Clearance;

6. Certification of no connection with SKSU the applicant/nominee is applying or nominated to (Issued by the SKSU HRMO);

7. Signed Commitment and Availability of the Nominee to serve as PSR;

8. Signed Conforme to the Conditions of PSR as provided in Section 14; and,

9. Other documents as may be required by the SKSU GB.

Application/Nomination Process

Applications/Nominations and all supporting documents shall be addressed to:

REV. FR. JESSIE P. PASQUIN, DCC

Chair, Search Committee for the Private Sector Representatives

Sultan Kudarat State University and shall be submitted not later than July 7, 2023 at 5:00 in the afternoon to:

MS. LYNETTE G. PENIERO

Secretariat, Search Committee for Private Sector Representatives

Sultan Kudarat State University

ACCESS, E.J.C. Montilla, Tacurong City

Contact No.: 0935-783-7160

Note: The Search Committee shall only consider nominations with complete documents Nomination Form shall be downloaded thru www.sksu.edu.ph

“Focus both on your studies and your passion,” she reminded her son who is celebrating his birthday on May 30.

She said her 6’2” eldest son, described by teammates in Cotabato City as "gentle giant with a heart of gold," has idolized world famous footballers Lionel Andrés Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mrs. Diansuy announced that FEU football coach will be coming to Cotabato City on June 3 and 4 for the football clinic for boys and girls, aged 6 to 18 years old.

FEU football instructor and coach/trainer Warner Gesulga will provide the training.

Octogenarian glad 2016...from P1

Kidapawan municipal trial court has cleared 43 individuals of assault in connection with a violent clash between police and demonstrators in 2016 as the prosecution failed to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The court granted the demurrer to evidence filed by the defense and dismissed the direct assault case against the accused, who were represented by lawyer Ester EscobidalVega of the Public Attorney’s Office.

“As the prosecution has clearly failed to discharge its burden of overcoming the presumption of innocence of the accused by proving their guilt beyond reasonable

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 Hunyo 30, 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 Enero 2023.

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: May. 27, 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 Hunyo 30, 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 Enero 2023.

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: May. 27, 2023

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 Deisyembre 2022. Ang Subasta ay sa Hunyo 01, 2023 sa ganap na ika 9:00 ng umaga hanggang 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: May. 27, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR Cotabato City

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Luzminda S. Mendavia-Pineda has filed with this Office a petition for change of Sex from Male to Female in the birth certificate of Luzminda Sorongon Mendavia who was born on 8 January 1985 at Katalicanan, Aleosan, Cotabato and whose parents are Maximo Mendavia and Lucia Sorongon Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 31 May 2023.

(Sgd.)MARILOU G. NANLABI

Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: May 27 & June 3, 2023

doubt, the Court holds that it finds the evidence insufficient for their conviction with no recourse other than to dismiss the case which is tantamount to a judgment of acquittal,” read the 21-page decision of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities dated May 18 and made public Tuesday. Farmers claimed two from their group were killed while the police said they have more than 100 personnel who were injured, including one officer with severe head injuries.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JOSE R. RABAGO, who died intestate on February 24, 2022 in Cotabato City, left certain properties: parcels of land Lot 14 Blk 1, PSD12-014942, under Title No. T-30212 with an area of 125 sq. mts.; A two (2) storey building on (Lot 14 Blk1, PSD12-014942) with an area of 172.15 sq. mts; Lot 3 Blk 1, PSD-12014942, under Title No. T-30211 with an area of 125 sq. mts., more or less and Bank accounts with Philippine National Bank (PNB)- Makakua Branch under Account Nos. 4051700001754 and 405160011381 are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Froebel Kan Balleque as per Doc. No. 263; Page No. 52; Book No. 45; Series of 2023.

MC: May 20 & 27 & June 3, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR Cotabato City

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172). Notice is hereby served to the public that NIZMA PAJA BERNAN has filed with this Office, a correction of entry in sex/gender from Male to FEMALE in the certificate of live birth of NIZMA PAJA BERNAN who was born on September 18, 1994 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Arthur K. Bernan and Welina R. Paja. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office

(Sgd.) EDRES A. SAMAMA Asst. City Civil Registrar OIC-City Civil Registrar MC: May 27 & June 3, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomus Region in Muslim Mindanao Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the Public that EVELYN G. LACAR has filed with this office a petition for Change of First Name from ALYSSA FARHANN to ALYSSA in the birth certificate of ALYSSA FARHANN UDAY AL SUHIEL who was born on June 26, 1997 and whose parents are Hamad G. Al Suhiel and Farhana G. Uday

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

(Sgd.)EDRES A. SAMAMA

Asst. City Civil Registrar OIC-City Civil Registrar

MC:

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that SARAH GUIOMLA KASAN has filed with this office a petition for Correction of Clerical Error in Sex from MALE to FEMALE in the birth certificate of SARAH GUIOMLA KASAN and whose parents are IBAD KASAN and BULON GUIOMLA. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than May 31, 2023

(Sgd.)JOHANADEE S. MIDTIMBANG

Local Civil Registrar

Republic of the Philippines Province of Cotabato Municipality of Aleosan

11K athletes, officials in town for BARMMAA 2023...from P1

Balawag said delegations from all divisions across the region are comfortably billeted at various schools in the city.

On Thursday

afternoon, after the early morning heavy down pour that hit the city, the opening ceremonies were held at the Cotabato State University Campus that

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 May 2-31, 2022 at 8:00

A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main 4J Bldg. Corner Jose Lim Sr., and Don Roman Vilo St. Cotabato City. Auction sale will be on May 31, 2023.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Main, Agencia de OroPawnshop Inc. Roman Vilo Branch, SK Pendatun

Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro

Pawnshop Inc. Branch I, II, III, IV sa Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit 1 and Pikit 2 Branch, Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Inc. Dalican 1, Dalican 2, Shariff Aguak Branch of Cotabato City, Parang North Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Shariff Aguak ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Mayo 2-31, 2022 sa alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:00 ng hapon sa Agencia de OroJose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City sa Mayo 31, 2023.

MC: May 20 & 27, 2023

NOTICE

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from November 1 to December 31, 2022 on June 6, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City

Be There, Management

SUBASTA

Ang VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH

II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Nobyembre 1 hangtud sa bulan sa Disyembre 31, 2022 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Hunyo 6, 2023 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

MC: May 20, 27 & June 3, 2023 Ang Nagdumala

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses SALILAGUIA K. MASABPI and PINDA B. MASABPI, who died on February 27, 1990 and November 4, 1992, respectively, both in Brgy. Poblacion VII, Cotabato City, left a parcel of land Lot 6990, Buluan Pls-73, covered by OCT No. (V-334) P-149, containing an area of 97,785 sq. mts., more or less is subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of estate with Special Power of Attorney before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 916; Page No. 9; Book No. XXIX; Series of 2023.

MC: May 27, Jun. 3 & 10, 2023

ADJUDICATION BY SOLE HEIR

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late ENCARNACION P. PANLASIGUI, who died on January 6, 2011 in Libungan, Cotabato, parcels of land Lot Nos. 4096-A, (LRC) PSD70909, and Lot 4096A (Lot 2968-B-1) Psd4976), LRC Cad, Rec. No. 599, both situated in Bo. Sinawingan, Libungan, Cotabato and covered by TCT No. T-44440, containing the total area of 1,000 sq.mts., more or less are subject of adjudication by sole heir before Notary Public Noel A. Gretare, CPA as per Doc. No. 3182; Page No. 70; Book No. LV, Series of 2018

brought together athletes, coaches, officials from around the region who are all eager to commence different thrilling competition. A parade of

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is h ereby given that the late VICENTE PATEÑO and FELOMENA DOMINGUEZ, who died intestate at Kapayawi, Libungan, Cotabato on August 27, 1982 and November 17, 1972, respectively, left parcel of land Lot 56, Pls-357, situated in Nica-an, Midsayap, (now Kapayawi, Libungan), Cotabato, covered by OCT No. V-3049 with an area of 38, 281 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Celestino R. Rapacon as per Doc. No. 321; Page No. 66; Book No. I; Series of 1984.

MC: May 20, 27 & June 3, 2023

DECLARATION OF HEIRSHIP

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SERINO P. TIRASOL and LUISA E. TIRASOL, who died on November 6, 1982 and June 10, 1975, respectively, a parcel of land Lot 2550 and Lot 2551, Ts-215, both situated in Parang, Cotabato, containing with a total area of 1,200 sq.mts., more or less is subject of declaration of heirship with waiver of rights before Notary Public Leonardo S. Santed as per Doc. No. 87; Page No. 19; Book No. 376, Series of 2017.

MC: May 13, 20 & 27, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late DATU AKMAD (ADTING) ALAMADA, who died on July 8, 2006 in Cotabato City, left a parcel of land Lot No. 73, GSS-367, covered by OCT No. P-52254, Homestead No. 153397, situated in Maluao (now Igbaras), Pigcawayan, Cotabato, containing an area of 68,120 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Armando U. Lauban as per Doc. No. 03; Page No. 01; Book No. 13; Series of 2023.

MC: May 27, Jun. 3 & 10, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late GUMBAY LUCAS MANTAWIL, who died on October 15, 2020 in Cotabato City, parcels of land Lot 33-B-1-B-2, Psd-12-028375, covered by TCT No. T-40846 with an area of 286 sq. mts., and Lot 33-B-1-B-7, Psd12-028375, covered by TCT No. T-40851 with an area of 10,866 sq. mts., more or less, all situated in Kalanganan, Cotabato City are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Abbyr A. Nul as per Doc. No. 359; Page No. 72; Book No. XLIII; Series of 2023. MC: May 13, 20 & 27, 2023

participants preceded the opening rites.

SDS Balawag also clarifies that learners who will not be joining the sports event will still continue their daily lesson through online learning modality.

Balawag also reminded everyone to promote healthy competition. "I would like to remind

everyone in every sports competition that this is a friendly competition." Balawag said in an interview by DXMS.

Meanwhile, City Police Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Carmelo Mungkas said that security personnel are stationed in every billeting quarter to ensure and maintain the peace and order.

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP MAIN CONLUCK DON RUFINO BRANCH

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP BRANCH 4 & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP PLAZA Cotabato City

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

MC: May 20 & 27, 2023

SULTAN PAWNSHOP

corner Bonifacio and Don Rufino Alonzo Sts., Cotabato City

Ang Sultan Pawnshop ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Oktubre 2022. Ang subasta ay sa Hunyo 1, 2023 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: May 20 & 27, 2023

RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III

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

Notice for Auction

All unredeemed articles pledged on October 2022 will be auctioned on June 1, 2023 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before June 1, 2023 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta

Lahat ng sangla noong Oktubre 2022 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Hunyo 1, 2023 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Hunyo 1, 2023 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: May 20 & 27, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses LAURO and AVELINA CONCHA, who died on January 30, 1997 and March 5, 2003, respectively, both in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, left a parcel of land Lot 1-A-2-(A)-2-1-5-A, Psd12-002882, coverd by TCT No. 17876, situated in Kakar, Cotabato City, containing an area of 173 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate (partial) with waiver of shares before Notary Public Antonio F. Diocera as per Doc. No. 92; Page No. 19; Book No. CV; Series of 2023.

MC: May 27, Jun. 3 & 10, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Cotabato Municipality of Midsayap

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that MARVIN DY CABALTICA FLAUTA has filed with this Office a petition for change of First Name from "MARVIN" to "MARVIN DY" in the certificate of Live Birth of MARVIN CABALTICA FLAUTA who was born on December 15, 1968 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are BENEDICTO F. FLAUTA and ERLITA C. CABALTICA. 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: May 20 & 27, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late TOMAS YU, who died intestate on May 11, 2017 in Cotabato City, left a parcel of land Lot 5, Block 62, Psd-32741, covered by TCT No. T-3492, situated in Bo. Kakar, Municipality of Cotabato, containing an area of 416 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with absolute deed of sale before Notary Public Atty. Ricardo R. Arce, Jr. as per Doc. No. 448; Page No. 90; Book No. I; Series of 2023.

MC: May 27, Jun. 3 & 10, 2023

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guideliness in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1. Series of 2012 (IRR on RA. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that RHINE CADIAO GALIT has filed with this Office, petition for correction of sex from MALE to FEMALE in the certificate of live birth of RHINE BOSTON CADIAO at Pigcawayan, Cotabato and whose parents are RUPERTO ALONSABE CADIAO and LUCITA CASTILLON BOSTON. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office with this office not later than JUNE 3, 2023

(Sgd.)EVELYN

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of MARIA SOLEDAD I. PRESBITERO, a parcel of land Lot 1-F-8, Psd12-005160, located at Bo. Presbitero, Pigcawayan, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-91413, containing an area of 2,651 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement and partition of estate with simultaneous confirmation of sale before Notary Public Atty. Romeo S. Subaldo as per Doc. No. 166; Page No. 35; Book No. LXXI; Series of 2021.

MC: May 27, Jun. 3 & 10, 2023

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Norey Relatado Mantiles has filed with this office, a petition for correction of child’s sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Norey Relatado Mantiles at Arakan, Cotabato and whose parents are Nilo C. Mantiles and Necitas E. Relatado. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

In securing the city, the police were backed by Marines and soldiers from the 6th Infantry Division in securing the city.

City Councilor Henjie Ali said he sponsored a resolution at the city council urging all Cotabateños to be hospitable and friendly and to give, whenever possible, discounts for athletes who go into shopping.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses DIONISIO L. ASETRE and ANDREA C. ASETRE, both died in Cotabato City on June 13, 1981 and September 8, 1997, respectively, left parcels of land Lot 8, Block 6, (LRC) Psd-28701, TCT No. T-22426, area of 418 sq. mts. with (1) unit residential house and machineries; Lot 1, Block 24 (LRC) Psd 6212, TCT No. T-6447, area of 383 sq. mts.; and Lot 11 Block 8, (LRC) Psd 11122, TCT No. (T-3160) T-1106, area of 405 sq. mts., all in Matampay, Cotabato City; Lot 26, Block 16, (LRC) Pcs 10718, TCT No. (T33227) T-1239, area of 354 sq. mts. and Lot 24, Block 16, (LRC) Pcs 10718, T-1238 (T33225), area of 300 sq. mts., both in Landasan, Parang, Maguindanao; Lot 1, Block 31, (LRC) Pcs 2091, TCT No. T-13884, area of 411 sq. mts. and Lot 12-A, Block 31, (LRC) Pcs-2091, TCT No. T-13885 area of 100 sq. mts., both in Domalangcog, Municipality of Nuling; and Agricultural land covered by TCT No. CT-1239 CLOA 00060649 with an area of 50,000 sq. mts., more or less, located at Bagolibas, Aleosan, Cotabato are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Felipe Vicente A. Velasco as per Doc No. 103; Page 21; Book No. IX; Series of 2023.

MC: May 20, 27 & June 3, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JOSE V. SANTOS, who died on November 21, 2010 in Davao City, a parcel of land Lot 8, Blk 31, Psd6212, situated in Bo. Matampay, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-21389, containing an area of 432 sq. mts., more or less is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver before Notary Public Ma. Lourdes Romelli D. Juliano as per Doc. No. 179; Page No. 37; Book No. IX; Series of 2018.

MC: May 27, Jun. 3 & 10, 2023

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 9048-10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that DANIEL R. FERENAL has filed with this office, a Petition for the CORRECTION in SEX from "FEMALE to "MALE" in the Certificate of Live Birth of GLANDIX REMOLADO FERENAL, who was born at Pikit, Cotabato on 29 DECEMBER 2006, and whose parents are DANIEL RIVERA FERENAL and CECILE SCINDO REMOLADO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with the Municipal Civil Registrar's Office, Pikit, Cotabato.

Civil Registrar

(Sgd.) RODRIGO L. FAJANELA, JR. Municipal Civil Registrar

MICHAEL C. TOBIAS, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: May 20 & 27, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Pigcawayan, Cotaabto Office of Local Civil Registrar

Lanao 4Ps beneficiary makes it to LET top 5

By Edwin Fernandez

A daughter of a Maranao family who had been recipient of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Malabang, Lanao del Sur did not only pass the licensure examination for teachers but also made to the top 5 board passers.

Nishrien Amatonding Barua, 22, was ranked No. 5 in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) elementary level with a passing rate of 91.40 percent.

In a statement, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said Ms. Barua has proven that poverty is not a hindrance to education especially with the help of the government through 4Ps.

“Exceptional accomplishment,” MSSD said in a statement.

“Even if I am still in college I already started self-reviewing by giving more time on reading,” Barua said in her social media post. “Board examinees should take the tests without self-doubt.”

A resident of Malabang, Lanao del Sur, Ms. Barua's family has received support from the 4Ps program as one of its household beneficiaries.

“She demonstrated exceptional academic performance throughout her college years and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree from Mindanao State Universitymain campus in Marawi City,” the MSSD-BARMM said, citing monitoring report of how 4Ps beneficiaries enjoy the government assistance.

“This outstanding achievement is another milestone in the success of the program which will inspire and motivate her fellow 4Ps household beneficiaries across BARMM,” the MSSD, headed by Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie, said.

“This also highlights the vital role of education in unlocking the full potential of children for a brighter future.”

“Your dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence have brought pride not only to your family but also to the Bangsamoro community,” the BARMM Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) said in a statement.

“May your success inspire other youth to strive for greatness. Well done, and may your future endeavors continue to illuminate young minds and shape a brighter tomorrow,” the BYC added.

Another Bangsamoro who made it to the Top 10 elementary level was Al-Zaheer Adil Abubakar of Notre Dame University in Cotabato City who landed at the TOP 10 with a passing rate of 90.40 percent.

Cops eye extortion in Husky terminal bombing attempt

POLICE authorities in Cotabato City believed the foiled bombing attempt at Husky Bus terminal on Thursday dawn was linked to extortion activities by lawless elements on the bus company.

Colonel Querubin Manalang, city police director, said this after police bomb experts safely deactivated two improvised bombs left near the main gate of Husky Bus terminal in Barangay Rosary Heights 10.

Manalang said the plastic bag suspected to have contained the IED and a secondary bomb in a plastic container were found at about 3:40 a.m. by the terminal security guard and alerted the police.

A police official said bomb experts found two improvised bombs fashioned from “high explosive ordnance” with mobile phones as detonating devices.

Manalang said one IED was made of flash powder and cut concrete nails as shrapnel with mobile phone

as blasting mechanism while the other IED was fashioned from rocket propelled grenade and mobile phone as triggering device.

In an interview, Colonel Manalang said the planting of IEDs could be part of the terrorists group’s extortion activities against Husky Bus.

Manalang lauded the alert civilians who first discovered the IED and alerted the security guard who in turn alerted the police.

In an addition, Manalang revealed that Gen. Santos City-based Husky Bus company operated by Biocrest Multi-purpose Cooperative based in General Santos City had received extortion demand via phone call prior to the bombing try.

“May regalo kami sa inyo, antayin niyo call,” the unknown caller said to the Husky company, according to Manalang.

For now, PNP is yet to determine if bomb components found in Isulan

bus bombing in integrated terminal on April 17 are similar to the bombs disrupted in Cotabato City Husky terminal.

Six passengers were injured when a powerful IED exploded inside a parked Husky double deck bus in Isulan.

Police have blamed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to be behind the attack and extortion was the primary motive.

Manalang said investigation is continuing.

Despite bombing attempt, Manalang has assured the police are on top of the situation safety of the BARMM Regional Athletic Meet participants.

The city is hosting about 11,000 athletes, coaches, and sports officials from across BARMM.

Police official calls for everyone’s cooperation in fighting spoilers of peace. Drema Quitayen- Bravo

DSWD-12 pays 13,300 cash for work recipients

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Soccsksargen region has distributed cash for work payment to more than 13,300 beneficiaries in two three towns in Region 12, officials said Friday.

In Magpet, North Cotabato, DSWD has conducted Thursday afternoon a daylong payout for cash for work program under the “Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI CIDSS) Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB),” program.

John Kevin Camariñas, DSWD-12 deputy regional program manager of KALAHI CIDSS, a total of 5,403 beneficiaries in 32 villages of Magpet have received PHP3,680 each in payment for their 10day community services in their respective villages.

“The services they rendered include road cleaning, clearing of drainage canals and gardening,” Camariñas said of the cash for work program.

He added that this

is part of the continuing services of DSWD for the indigent sector in the communities.

“We hope the spirit of bayanihan is developed among the beneficiaries,” he added.

In Midsayap, North Cotabato, about 200 beneficiaries from Barangay Kiwanan and 100 beneficiaries in Barangay Upper Bulanan.

Barangay Kiwanan cash for work beneficiaries got PHP5,376 for 16 days community services while those from Barangay Upper Bulanan received PHP3,680 for 10-day services.

In Banga, South Cotabato, Camariñas said, a total of 7,599 beneficiaries in 22 villages have received their cash for work payment

Daryl Doctolero, KALAHI CIDSS area coordinator for Banga, said DSWD officials are happy to provide this intervention to the needy residents.

“The amount may be small but it will help a lot for our countrymen, especially for medicine and other basic needs,” Doctolero said. Edwin O. Fernandez

“Tawas” downs Mlang schoolchildren

KIDAPAWAN CITY —

An alum powder, locally known as “tawas,” has downed at least 45 pupils of Palma Perez Elementary School in Barangay Palma Perez, Mlang, North Cotabato, officials said today.

Dr. Glecerio Sotea, municipal health officer, said the fried banana coated with flour mistakenly rolled over in “tawas” instead of white sugar.

Direct inspection showed that the white crystalline substance was obviously alum powder that used to cure mouth sores or underarm deodorizer, Sotea said.

He said no laboratory test was done because clearly alum powder was used.

After eating fried banana, the learners experienced headache, weakness of the body and vomited. They were rused to the hospital in Barangay Poblacion,

Firearms of local terrorists seized

three directions.

del Sur who scampered away when they noticed soldiers approaching their location from

Army Major Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, told reporters early this week that firearms were left by men who scampered away when they noticed the personnel of the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion

approaching their location in Barangay Galakit in Pagalungan from three directions.

They left an M14 rifle, an M16 rifle and two .45 caliber pistols as they fled in haste.

The soldiers were dispatched to Barangay Galakit after

villagers reported sightings in the area of members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, overheard planning to collect “protection money” from farmers in the area. Maguindanao del Sur’s adjoining Pagalungan and

about 14 kilometers away.

Some of the pupils were sent home after first aid while others, about 15, remained in the hospital and were expected to be discharged.

Sotea said the incident was unintentional based on the CCTV footage that showed the vendor took the alum power hastily from a display cabinet that she mistakenly used instead of white sugar.

“It was unintentional, she was in a hurry,” Sotea said of the vendor, citing CCTV footages.

Ma. Elna Jontongco, school principal, said the vendor, not identified in the report, was one of the most trusted in preparing snacks and food for the school.

Like Sotea, Jontongco, said it was unintentional.

“I am very sorry for the incident. We will make sure that this will never happen again,” Jontongco said.

A. Magbanua

Williamor

Montawal towns are near the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Delta, where there is presence of the allies BIFF, Dawlah Islamiya and Al-Khobar, together tagged in all deadly bombings in cities and provinces in central Mindanao since 2014. John Felix Unson

LIGHTS ON. The Cotabato City traffic management unit has started the dry-run as initial steps in the full operation of traffic lights in the city’s major thoroughfares.

Photo courtesy of Cotabato City LGU

SOLDIERS seized last weekend four firearms left by members of a local terrorist group spotted in a secluded village in Pagalungan, Maguindanao