Issuu

MinDA chair seeks senatorial post

CHURCH / P4

Pope Francis discusses education with faith leaders on World Teachers’ Day

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

Strong roots for the cooperative future

COLLECTIVE DECISION. Manobo Dulangan tribal leaders in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao gather and perform the traditional way of collective decision making on major tribal policies and programs. Photo courtesy of Jazz Cuaresma

PNP SEEKS POLITICIANS’ SUPPORT FOR PEACEFUL POLLS

Edwin O. Fernandez Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao have called on all political leaders in particular and the public in general to help make the 2022 elections in the region peaceful and orderly.

MBHTE, MIPA ink MOA for IP skills training

THE Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education - Technical Education Skills Development (MBHTETESD) and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) entered into

an agreement to provide free skills training for indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro region. MBHTE-TESD Maguindanao Provincial Director Salehk Mangelen and MIPA Minister

Who filed for what posts?

Melanio Ulama signed the memorandum of agreement on Monday, Oct. 4, during the opening ceremony of the IP Month celebration in the region. MIPA will identify and screen

BARMM, MILF support’s Duterte’s anointed candidates

READ who filed for what provincial positions in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato. (List before deadline of filing of COCs-ed)

North Cotabato provincial/ congressional candidates PDP Laban For Governor: Reelectionist Gov. Nancy

A. Catamco Vice Governor: Administrator Efren Piñol For Representative (1st District) Reelectionist Rep. Joselito S. Sacdalan For Representative (3rd District) Nelda Octavo Tejada Nacionalista Party For Governor: Vice Gov. Emmylou

Bangsamoro’s 161 new peacekeepers Edwin O. Fernandez

John Felix Unson THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim of whose chairman is at the helm of the the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Bangsamoro regional government, in Muslim Mindanao said their stand shall campaign for administration is tacit reciprocation with the role of presidential and vice presidential President Rodrigo Duterte in the creation candidates in recognition of President of BARMM in 2019 that Moro people had, Rodrigo Duterte’s contributions to the for some 50 years, longed to have. Mindanao peace process. “We cherish the role of

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao — Peace and security in remote areas in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao are expected to improve with the deployment, starting today, of additional Joint Peace and Security Teams

(JPST) as peacekeepers in conflict affected communities. The 161 members of the JPST have completed the 3rd JPST training inside this Camp Salipada K. Pendatun. Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, police regional

DID YOU KNOW? October is the National Indigenous Peoples Month National Indigenous Peoples Month is observed every October by virtue of Proclamation No. 1906 signed on Oct. 5, 2009, by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

SAVING MOTHER EARTH. Environment workers and volunteers in the Bangsamoro Region gathered to contain marine pollution through a massive clean-up drive along the coastal areas of Barangay Badak, Datu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Photo courtesy of MENRE BARMM

According to the proclamation, the celebration highlights Philippine indigenous peoples’ rights and the preservation of indigenous cultural communities as part of the life of the nation.

director for BARMM, hosted the closing ceremonies attended by Minister Mohaqher Iqbal, the region’s education minister and former chief peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The 161 JPST

October 9, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

MinDA chair seeks senatorial post

Govt., US Embassy fete U.S. Peace Corps at 60

KIDAPAWAN CITY - Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Sec. Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol today announced his desire to serve the country by seeking an elective post in the Senate.

Effective October 5, Piñol has resigned as head of MinDA. He filed his candidacy Friday, October 8. He personally submitted his resignation to Pres. Duterte and thanked him for the trust to serve the Filipino people as agriculture secretary and MinDA chair. “I thanked him for the opportunity to serve the country as his Agriculture Secretary from June 30, 2016 to Aug. 5, 2019 and as Chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority from Aug. 5, 2019 to Oct. 5, 2021,” he said, clarifying his decision to resign and run for the Senate does not mean he was parting ways with the President. “No, never, I am not turning my back on him,” he said, adding that “my relation with the President is deep” and dates back to the days when he was the city mayor of Davao and he as governor of North Cotabato.

Pres. Duterte is the godparent of Piñol’s youngest son and his physicianboard member daughter Dr. Ma. Krista Piñol-Solis. Piñol, who once served at the Philippine News Agency and various national broadsheets, has rejoined his old political party – the National People’s Coalition (NPC) He reiterated his alliance with Pres. Duterte will remain. “I cannot turn my back on the President …If not for him, I will not be known in the country as agriculture advocate and people will not understand my advocacy),” he said. “In the resignation letter I sent the President last week, I assured him that our friendship will remain steadfast and will never be affected by politics,” he said. He is running under NPC with Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto as presidential and vice Presidential standard bearers. “In my COC, I indicated my

profession as Farmer and I am proud to dedicate this to my grandfathers, Jose Cordero Piñol, a “Sacada” from Dingle, Iloilo, and Venancio Pantin, a farmer from Abuyog, Leyte. I also dedicate this quest to my Tatay, Bernardo Magbanua Piñol, a farmer-teacher, and all other farmers, fishermen and agri-fisheries workers who produce food for the country,” he said. Piñol said he does not have the resources to wage a national campaign but many friends have pledged to support him all the way, including the 200,000-member Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) of the Philippines. He said former Agriculture Secretary and FFF Board Chairman Leonardo Montemayor had phoned him to pledge the support of one of the country’s biggest aggrupation of farmers’ cooperatives, associations and federations. “That is the right decision. Everybody is excited,” Sec.

THE Philippine government and the U.S. Embassy in Manila have jointly feted the U.S. Peace Corps community volunteers’ 60th Anniversary of service. Other partners joined the virtual event on October 6, celebrating some 9,300 American Peace Corps volunteers who have served alongside Filipino host communities across the country since October 1961, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said. The Embassy statement recognized hundreds of former volunteers, host organizations, Peace Corps staff, and youth and other beneficiaries gathered online to recognize the contributions of American volunteers and local partners they have worked with in diverse

fields of education, fisheries, coastal resource management, youth development, and other sectors over the decades. The Peace Corps is the U.S. government’s premier volunteer service organization and was founded by former U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Since then, over 240,000 Americans have served in 141 countries and committed themselves to achieving Peace Corps’ mission of world friendship and peace. Participants also reflected on the unique ability of Peace Corps volunteers to meaningfully impact and integrate into their host communities by learning local Filipino languages and living with Filipino host families. U.S. Embassy

Big agri project launched in Lanao Sur

RESIDENTS of Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur stand to benefit from a joint corn and soya production venture of the Southern Philippines Development Authority and a bloc of local and foreign benefactors. Gerry Salapuddin, SPDA administrator, said representatives from his office, from the Asia Pacific Precision Agriculture Group, or ASPC AG, and community leaders converged in Barangay Bandara Ingud, Amai Manabilang last month for the project’s introduction to the local communities. The project also aims to expand in nearby Wao town, also in Lanao del Sur. SPDA has 26,000-hectares of contiguous parcels of lands in both municipalities. The mobilization of the project last month involved senior ASPC AG representatives Wilson De Vera and a companion, the American Johnny Brown, and officials of the Lanao del Sur Corn Development Corporation. SPDA’s deputy administrator, Munap Pacio, and operations manager, Cris Dagala, were also present in the engagement. Salapuddin said the large-scale corn and soya production project in Amai Manabilang can employ local residents and boost the town’s economy. “It is the residents of Amai Manabilang, in particular, and

Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava CAPACITATED FISHERFOLKS. About 80 fishersmen and women in Barangay Polloc, Parang, Maguindanao have undergone training on Coastal Resource Management to extend a continuous effort on capacitating fisherfolks within the region’s coastal communities. Photo courtesy of MAFAR BARMM

`Mindanao One for Peace’ dialogue in Maguindanao

PEACE advocates agreed to foster together unity among Muslim, Christian and non-Moro indigenous sectors in Maguindanao and in Cotabato City during a forum on Wednesday. The event, dubbed “Mindanao One for Peace,” was led by Cathleya Diocolano, area chairperson of the Junior Chamber International (JCI). Diocolano is also involved in humanitarian outreach programs for Muslim and non-Muslims. The JCI is a transnational causeoriented organization. The Mindanao One for Peace forum was held at the campus of the Mindanao State University in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao.

It involved former members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, government peace negotiators and representatives from the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police. Diocolano said representatives from the academe, from the civil society organizations and non-Moro indigenous communities also participated in the forum. Diocolano said forum participants committed during the gathering cooperate on peace programs meant to strengthen religious and cultural solidarity among central Mindanao’s multi-faith and culturally pluralistic communities.

John Felix Unson

CDCHP asks DOH to clarify on use of Ivermectin

THE Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines (CDC Ph) is asking the Department of Health (DOH) to make publicly available the criteria used by the government agency to determine which studies and experts are credible. This request comes after DOH Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire recently announced that the agency has rejected the recommendation of the British Ivermectin Research Development (BIRD) Group for the Philippine government to adopt the use of Ivermectin in early treatment against COVID-19. The BIRD Group is an international non-profit organization campaigning for the approval and use of safe medicines such

as Ivermectin to prevent and cure COVID-19 around the world. Its membership includes 35 doctors and medical researchers from the UK; three each from Canada, the US, and Australia; and medical practitioners from Argentina, South Africa, Belgium, France, Hungary, India, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, and The Philippines. “There must be a system of accountability and transparency to publicly explain which studies and experts are deemed ‘credible’ by the DOH,” said Homer Lim, M.D., president of CDC Ph. “Only then can the Filipino people be assured that the health advisories of the DOH are not swayed by unconscious or conscious bias.”

BARMM, BDA launches SUBATRA-ECSO with EU, Spanish agency

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA Inc.) launched the Support to Bangsamoro Transition Justice and Society: Enhancing CSO Capacities for Inclusive Development in BARMM or SUBATRA Justice and Society ECSO Project The launched on September 30 was via zoom. Together with the European Union (EU) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the project aims to contribute to a peaceful, cohesive, secure and inclusively developed Bangsamoro. In a message, BARMM Chief Minsiter

Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, expressed delight to the event and recognized the important role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in advancing the peace process and in achieving peace and development in Bangsamoro Region. His Excellency Jorge Moragas, Spanish ambassador to the Philippines, highlighted the significance of international cooperation complementing national efforts on peace building. Mr. Christoph Wagner, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines, believed partners in peace and development should not look in the side approach or one project or another but need to see what can be done together, how to partner from all

October 9, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

PNP seeks politicians’ support for peaceful...from P1 MBHTE, MIPA ink MOA for IP skills...from P1 While the Commission on Elections and its deputies are yet to publicly identify areas where intense political rivalries and violence are likely to occur ahead of the next years’ elections, BARMM has been traditionally “area of concern” for the security sector every election. Brig. Gen. Eden T Ugale, BARMM police director, believed peaceful election is still very feasible in the region. With that in mind, Ugale led the launching Monday of a campaign to reduce if not totally eradicate the proliferation of loose firearms in the region. He called for an end to violence caused by Private Armed Groups (PAGs) in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. It was in Maguindanao that the country’s worst election related violence

occurred in 2009 where 31 people have died, mostly local journalists, who were to accompany the filing of COC of then gubernatorial aspirant Esmael Mangudadatu. Police provincial and municipal offices, including all units under it, are to display tarpaulin in public places about the campaign. It will contain the following text: "Wakasan ang karahasan dulot ng Private Armed Groups. Sumuko at makisi-isa sa mapayapang halalan tunog sa maunlad na bayan." Both reelectionist Maguindanao Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu and Rep. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu who is running for governor, have separately vowed to support the PNP’s call for diplomatic dismantling of PAGs in the province.

Who filed for what posts?...from P1

Mendoza For Vice Governor: Board Member Shirlyn Macasarte For Representative (3rd District) Samantha Taliño Santos Maguindanao provincial/ congressional candidates Nacionalista Party/UMP: For Governor: Reelectionist Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu For Vice Governor Bai Ainee LimbonaSinsuat For Representative (1st District) MP Sittie Shahara "Bai Dimple" Mastura (PDP-Laban) For Representative (2nd District) Mayor Datu Mohammad "Tong" Paglas United Bangsamoro Justice Party For Governor: Rep. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu.

For Vice Governor: Former Rep. Bai Sandra Sema For Representative (1st District) reelectionist Rep. Datu Roonie Q. Sinsuat. For Representative (2nd District) Former Rep. Zajid G. Mangudadatu Sultan Kudarat provincial candidates Nacionalista Party/UMP For Governor: Mayor Pax Ali Mangudadatu Aksyon Demokratiko For Governor: Sharifa AkeelMangudadatu Cotabato City For Mayor: Reelectionist Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi For Vice Mayor: Reelectionist Graham Nazer Dumama

CDCHP asks DOH to clarify on use...from P2

Randomized controlled trials show Ivermectin is effective as prophylaxis and early treatment. Lim questioned Vergeire’s assertion that medical consensus and randomized controlled trials both indicate that Ivermectin is ineffective in treating COVID-19. According to Lim, as of mid-September, a meta-analysis of 32 studies conducted by 387 doctors and medical researchers, involving 6,648 patients showed that Ivermectin was 84 percent effective as prophylaxis and 63 percent effective as early treatment in reducing mortality rates and severe

symptoms associated with COVID-19. Lim cited https:// ivmmeta.com/, the website where results of clinical trials on Ivermectin is freely available for review to the general public, as the source of the meta-analysis. Importance of transparency According to Lim, the Hippocratic Oath requires all medical practitioners to provide the highest level of healthcare to all patients, and the only way to succeed at this is if regulatory bodies like the DOH makes available to the general public affordable, life-saving options like Ivermectin.

“In the face of mounting scientific evidence on the effectiveness of Ivermectin against COVID-19, the DOH has chosen to dismiss the advice from an international organization, without providing an official reasoned response,” Lim said. “Only a transparent statement detailing the medical criteria of the DOH in determining what is and is not credible will allow professionals from the Philippine medical community to independently verify whether or not the gency is indeed working in the best interests of the Filipino people,” Lim said.

BARMM, BDA launches SUBATRA-ECSO...from P2 different levels in the government of Bangsamoro with the local government units, with civil society, with business sector, with development partner and the national government. The SUBATRA-ECSO project will work with the BARMM ministries and offices who also graced the event: •Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority •Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform •Ministry of Health •Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism •Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs •Bangsamoro Women Commission •Office of the Chief Minister - TMS Other ministries and offices will be coordinated like the Ministry of Interior

and Local Government (MILG), Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS), Development Academy of the Bangsamoro (DAB) and the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO). BDA Inc. will lead various CSOs in the Bangsamoro based on their experience and field of expertise related to peacebuilding for the project implementation. These CSOs will help in implementing projects that shall respond to the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in the region. BDA Inc. believes that the SUBATRAECSO Project will be helpful in sending the message of peace in BARMM and of the history and gains of the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

lalong-lalo na para sa mga IP youth na magkaroon ng proyekto at matulungan sila na makapag-aral,” said Minister Ulama. Director Mangelen, on the other hand, said “Itong MOA o kahit wala pa ito ay naumpisahan na ang aming partnership sa MIPA, at simula last year ay marami na tayong nabigyan ng skills training sa mga kapatid nating IPs both in North Upi and South Upi, kasama na doon yung mga affected ng kaguluhan sa Barangay Itaw.” 2021 IP month celebration IP Mandatory Representatives and Tribal Leaders from Cotabato City, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, and from BARMM’s 63 barangays in

North Cotabato were present during Monday’s opening ceremony. This year’s IP month celebration in the region carries the theme: “Kulturang Katutubo Kilalanin, Pahalagahan, Pagyamanin, at Ipagmalaki sa Bangsamoro.” In his message, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said, “Napagtanto natin noong panahon ng usaping pangkapayapaan na bigyan ng lugar o espasyo sa Pamahalaang Bangsamoro ang iba pang tribong kinukunsidera bilang NonMoro Indigenous People - at dito nabuo ang probisyon sa pagkakabuo ng MIPA.” “Ngayong buwan, ating ipagmalaki ang ating mga katutubong pinagmulan,” he added. BIO

Govt., US Embassy fete U.S. Peace Corps at 60...from P2

Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim Heather Variava, in her opening remarks, said: “Peace Corps volunteers have significantly advanced our shared diplomatic and human development objectives with the Philippine government and will continue to embody the best in our partnership and friendship with the Filipino people for many more years to come.” Acting Peace Corps Agency Director Carol Spahn, meanwhile, recognized Peace Corps Philippines partners and staff for recent COVID response efforts, saying “these are unprecedented times, and I commend you all for creatively working together to support students and communities across the Philippines in recovering from this pandemic.” Executive Director James Donald Gawe of the Philippines National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency also called the contributions of Peace

Corps Philippines staff and volunteers in education as well as in social and economic development “exceptional,” adding: that “your dedication to service has been an inspiration to all of us, and we look forward to many more years of partnership, coordination, and advocating for national volunteerism.” The virtual event also featured anniversary greetings from senior leadership at the Departments of Education and Social Welfare and Development, as well as a speakers’ panel composed of prominent Filipino leaders and national public service award winners whose lives have been touched and shaped by Peace Corps Philippines. Peace Corps Philippines is the agency’s second-oldest program and looks forward to many more years of volunteer service and partnership with the Filipino people. Nash B. Maulana

Lanao Sur unlicensed gun owners charged...from P8 and explosives from armed men in a series of operations here last week. The cache -- comprised of a .50 caliber Barrett sniper’s rifle, five M16 assault rifles, an M79 grenade launcher, two .45 caliber pistols, a .38 caliber revolver, a fragmentation grenade and five 40 millimeter grenade projectiles --- is now in the custody of the Malabang municipal police. "The confiscated firearms are to be used as evidence against them," Ugale said. Brig. Gen. Jonas Lumawag, commander of

the 1st Marine Brigade, said Thursday the firearms and explosives were confiscated by combined personnel of the 5th Marine Battalion and the municipal police from gunmen holed out in the border of Barangays Curahab and Bunk House in Malabang. There are Maranao families in both barangays locked in bloody “rido,” a generic term for clan wars in most southern languages. The joint police-Marine operations that resulted in the seizure of the firearms and explosives were premised on tips by vigilant Malabang

residents who noticed the presence of the armed men in their neighborhood. Lumawag said he is grateful to the Malabang municipal peace and order council, led by Mayor Tomas Macapodi, for helping carry out the raids that resulted in the confiscation of the firearms and the arrest of owners. “The Malabang municipal police and the Marines alone cannot function efficiently without the support of the Malabang local government unit,” Lumawag said, John Felix

Unson

Big agri project launched in Lanao Sur...from P2

Lanao del Sur, in general, who will benefit from this undertaking,” Salapuddin said. He said he wants the developers of the project to employ local residents. BARMM Labor Minister Romeo Sema said Saturday his office will support the joint initiative of the SPDA, the ASPC AG and its local counterparts. “The local labor sector shall gain from

this apparently,” Sema said. Sema said the Ministry of Labor and Employment-BARMM is ready to provide interventions needed to hasten the corn and soya production project. “These are the kind of development ventures we need in the Bangsamoro region to improve the local economy,” Sema said. John Felix Unson

Hana Kabagani/BDA

W. Visayas bishops add...from P4 Bacolod, Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, Louie Galbines of Kabankalan, Narciso Abellana of Romblon, and Msgr. Cyril Villareal,

160 qualified applicants for the scholarship program. Trainings that will be offered to them include Agriculture Crops Production (ACP), Organic Agriculture Production (OAP), Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Plants Crops Leading to ACP, Procedure Organic Concoctions and Extracts Leading to OAP, and Procedure Organic Fertilizer leading to OAP. MBHTE-TESD will also provide the scholars with transportation allowances. Upon passing the competency assessment, the scholars will be granted a National Certificate II. “Yung paglagda ng MOA ay isang kasunduan na magkaroon ng joint effort sa pag-implementa ng programs under TESD,

administrator of Capiz. “As Church, we are not against development but it should be a development that is both sustainable and

integral, a development that is authentically just and for the common good,” they added. Patricia Julianne M.

Escaño/CBCPNews

DBS candidates are UBJP bets...from P8 posts in Datu Blah Sinsuat are grateful to the MILF-led BARMM government for having provided the municipality with

projects needed to boost local governance and hasten the socio-economic advancement of their constituents. John Felix Unson

MinDA chair seeks senatorial post...from P2

Montemayor said. He said he has no enough resources for this journey but he is proud to declare his vision of helping the sector that have been

providing food on every Filipino table. “Pagkain at Trabaho, iyan po ang ating adhikain para sa mga Pilipino,” he said.

Edwin O. Fernandez

DRIFTWOOD. Moro residents in the riverside Barangay Layog at the border of Montawal and Pagalungan towns in Maguindanao are earning money from collecting driftwood washed downstream by flashfloods, spawned by recurring heavy rains, from upland areas in the adjoining North Cotabato and Bukidnon provinces.

John Felix Unson

October 9, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope Francis discusses education with faith leaders on World Teachers’ Day

VATICAN— Religious leaders from different faiths met at the Vatican on Tuesday to discuss education on World Teachers’ Day. The interreligious meeting on Oct. 5 included Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Calvinist, Quaker, and evangelical representatives who gathered together with Pope Francis. The group released a joint statement following the meeting urging teachers to commit to “researching new ways of understanding the economy and politics, as instruments at the service of people and the entire human family, and with a view to a holistic ecology, by teaching lifestyles that are more respectful of the environment.” The meeting was part of the Global Compact on Education launched by Pope Francis in October 2020. The religious representatives also called for forms of education that put “the human person at the center of every educational process” and respect “women’s dignity so as to build with them a future of justice and peace.” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople and Ahmed alTayyeb, the grand imam of al-Azhar in Cairo, Egypt, were among the participants, along with Ayatollah Seyed Mostafa Mohaghegh Damad from Tehran, Iran, and a representative of Venerable Master Hsin-Tao, the founding abbot of Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society. Pope Francis addressed the religious leaders in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace. “Religions have always had a close relationship with education, accompanying religious activities with educational, scholastic and academic ones. As in the past, so also in our day, with the wisdom and humanity of our religious traditions, we want to be a

stimulus for a renewed educational activity that can advance universal fraternity in our world,” the pope said. “If in the past, our differences set us at odds, nowadays we see in them the richness of different ways of coming to God and of educating young people for peaceful coexistence in mutual respect.” UNESCO established Oct. 5 as World Teachers’ Day in 1994. The pope said that the key to a more fraternal world was the education of young people to appreciate one another “regardless of where he or she was born or lives.” “If in the past, the rights of women, children and the most vulnerable were not always respected, today we are committed firmly to defend those rights and to teach young people to be a voice for the voiceless,” he said. Pope Francis also stressed the need for educators to train future generations in “more sober and ecologically sustainable lifestyle.” “Education commits us to love our mother Earth, to avoid the waste of food and resources, and to share more generously the goods that God has given us for the life of everyone. I think of what one thinker, not a Catholic, used to say: ‘God always forgives, we occasionally forgive. Nature never forgives,’” he said. At the end of his speech, the pope asked each religious leader to spend a “brief moment of silence, asking God to enlighten our minds so that our dialogue will bear fruit and help us courageously to pursue the paths of new educational horizons.” Courtney

Mares/Catholic News Agency

Pope Francis with participants in the meeting “Religions and Education: Towards a Global Compact on Education” at the Vatican, Oct. 5, 2021.

Photo courtesy of Vatican Media

2 Bohol churches get affinity bond with papal basilica

THE Vatican has established a “bond of spiritual affinity” between the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome and two parish churches in Bohol province. This means that Catholics can make a pilgrimage to the Assumption of Our Lady Shrine Parish-Dauis and the Our Lady of Light Parish-Loon and enjoy all the spiritual benefits as if they were able to pray at the papal basilica. The special bond also means that special indulgences attached to the

basilica can be obtained, under the same conditions, at the two churches under the Diocese of Tagbilaran. The information was posted by the Dauis Church on its Facebook page on Sunday, October 3. The diocese has yet to announce the official declaration of this affiliation. In April this year, the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Extremadura in Loboc town was also granted the same spiritual relationship with the Basilica of St. Mary Major.CBCP News

The Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, Italy Photo courtesy of Roy Lagarde

W. Visayas bishops add voices against Boracay casino

WESTERN Visayas’ Catholic leaders on Monday have joined the growing criticism of the plan to operate casino in Boracay Island. In a statement, the region’s seven bishops and a diocesan administrator warned that the social costs of gambling outweigh the potential benefits. “While we understand the urgent need of the government to raise its revenue especially during

t was King Solomon who “How hard it is to enter the succeeded his father David kingdom of God! It is easier and he asked God for for a camel to through the eye the wisdom to rule his vast of a needle than for one who domain. God granted his is rich to enter the kingdom request, “Because you asked of God” (Mk. 10:24-25). Such for this – you did not ask for an extremist challenge was a long life for yourself, nor for answered literally by St. Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC riches, nor for the life of your Anthony of the Desert and tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com enemies …I give you a heart so St. Francis of Assisi. More wise and discerning that there has never anyone like you often, the extremist position is moderately interpretated until now, or after you will there be anyone to equal you” as Christian stewardship over the earth’s resources and (Kings 3:11-12). The words in the book of Wisdom (first wealth. reading) , written by an unknown author is often ascribed Who are the sources of true wisdom? In the Christian to King Solomon, “I loved her (wisdom) more than wealth tradition our source of Wisdom is Jesus Himself – his and beauty and even preferred her to light , because her actions, his words, his stories, and his passion, death, radiance never dies” (Wisdom 7:10). and resurrection. We also gain wisdom from the stories God’s wisdom is expressed in God’s Word (second and wisdom literature of the Hebrew scriptures. We gain reading). Described as “living and effective, sharper than wisdom from the lives of the saints, our ancestors in the any two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12). It is a two-edged sword faith. We get wise guidance from the teaching authorities because the Word reveals us to our true nature, “It pierces of the church, our bishops and the Holy Father. We may to the division of soul and spirit …and judges the intentions also gain wisdom outside of the Christian tradition because and thoughts of the heart.” The Word of God also reveals we believe that God’s Spirit hovers over all creation and the us to God, “All creation is transparent to Him; everything Spirit inspires other wisdom figures. For example, some is uncovered and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we values and principles of living that come from Buddhist, render account” (v.13). Hindu, Islamic, and Indigenous religions are sources of The gospel story about the Rich Young Man reveals wisdom. to us a paradox, that the wisdom of discipleship seems to We dedicate this Sunday to the Indigenous Peoples. be foolish versus the wisdom of the world and the Law. Their tradition is a source of wisdom when it comes to Jesus demanded a radical decision from the rich young man proper relationship with the earth and its peoples. There which goes beyond his spiritual tradition and his social is a story of a group of seminarians and nuns who went standing. The rich young man wanted more in terms of to assist and be immersed among some Indigenous tribes gaining eternal life. He was an earnest and pious young after a volcanic eruption. As they were making their man in terms of his observance of the Jewish law. So surveys and assessments for the purpose of relief and much so that Jesus looked at him intently with love. It rehabilitation they passed a guava tree which survived is not often that one meets such an idealistic young man. the eruption. It was full of fruits and they started to gather And Jesus gave the challenge of discipleship, “For you one so much that their guide, a native of the place said, “Let thing is lacking. Go, sell what you have and give the money us not take all the fruits. Let us leave some for those who to the poor…Then come and follow me” (Mk. 10:21). The will come after us. They may also be hungry.” Isn’t that young man’s face fell and he went away sorrowful for he wisdom? Wisdom can come from many sources. Seek was a man of great wealth. Later, Jesus told his disciples, true wisdom. MC

this pandemic, the harm and risk factors far outweigh the expected benefits,” they said. The church officials particularly raised concern on the impact of casinos on the affected communities, particularly the indigenous peoples on the island. They said that having casinos in Boracay will not only “distract” visitors from the true beauty of the island “but will also pave the way for destructive lifestyles and

habits that will significantly alter and destroy the treasured values, culture and life of the community”. The collegial statement came two weeks after Bishop Jose Corazon Talaoc of Kalibo rallied his flock to oppose casinos “that will destroy our cherished land”. Aside from Tala-oc, other signatories of the statement are Archbishop Jose Lazo of Jaro, bishops Marvyn Maceda of Antique, Patricio Buzon of

True Wisdom

Meditation

REFLECTIONS

rocksaniel@gmail.com

Fr. Rock Saniel, OMI

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings:

Wisdom 7.7-11; Hebrews 4.12-13; Mark 10.17-30 What possessions do you have? Do you see them as your ultimate treasure in life? The world often dictates us that we should have all the wealth of the world. It encourages us to buy and acquire and that sort becomes the basis of our worth and existence. But we know that what the world can offer us are all passing and temporary. And so Jesus reminds us today to focus rather on the treasures of heaven. That we should desire the things not of this world but that which God can only give useternal life. Prayer: Lord, help us to seek for the wealth which you can only give us. Amen.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

October 9, 2021 EDITORIAL

What political parties?

he country has started the chain of events that would lead to the Elections of 2022. The filing of Certificates of Candidacy has commenced and will end on Friday October 8, 2021. Meanwhile, all those involved (or are very interested) in the coming elections have positioned themselves, either as candidates themselves, or king makers (actually persons close to the candidates who will benefit a lot when his or her candidates win). It is not a question of who will serve the country better. It is still the question of “What’s in it for me?”. So the party which stand to benefit its members more get to be the “favorite” of politicians who flock to these parties, which at present is the PDP-Laban. See how they have to split the party into two because it is the party of the administration, and Manny Paquiao has the gall to challenge the personalities that makes it move. Filipinos are never known for party loyalties. Before, political parties are patterned after that of the United States which has only 2 dominant parties – the Democrats and the Republicans. There was a time when the known political parties are “Nationalistas” or “Liberals”. At present, The Philippines has a multi-party system with numerous political parties (some candidates choose to call themselves “independents” since none may want to accept them). Because of the many political parties, no one party often has a chance of gaining power alone, and parties must work with each other to form coalition governments for political expediency and convenience. A drawback of this practice is that since political parties cannot sustain their membership, the major purpose of political parties which is to develop party leaders and give character to the party cannot be pursued. Most of the political parties have temporary character. Our political parties cannot be identified as “conservative” (for US Republicans) - or “liberal” (for US Democrats). Even Sen. Kiko Pimental had a hard time convincing party mates that PDP-Laban was formed by his father to counteract the Marcos legacy. Now, the son of Pres. Marcos is joining the PDP-Laban if he is offered the presidential slot. Political parties are still formed like social organizations, mainly to support personalities. “Parang barkadahan lang”. Do we see this at the regional level? The Bangsamoro is a microcosm of the national, where you don’t see a definite political party in place. Maybe, we are all wrapped up in patronage politics that if a politician does not ally himself to a national group, he loses the chance to participate in the “perks”. Hopefully, our local politicians will be able to develop a political system different from the national. But then again, if you have no hold on the finances, how can you establish an independent system? MC +

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ctober is National Indigenous People’s month in the Philippines by virtue of Proclamation 1906, s. 2009 issued by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Six years prior, on October 13, 2003, Arroyo also issued Proclamation No. 486, declaring October 29 of every year as National Indigenous Peoples Thanksgiving Day to mark the passage of Republic Act No. 8371, known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, or IPRA, on October 29, 1997. This year will mark the 24th anniversary of IPRA, considered a significant milestone in the Philippine indigenous peoples’ quest for recognition and respect of their rights to ancestral domain and self-determination, rights for which many among their ranks have shed blood for decades. Among the many leaders and members of the tribal communities that shed blood for their rights to ancestral domain and self-determination, was a leader of the Butbut tribe of Kalinga, Macliing Dulag, who led the tribe in opposing the Chico River Dam Project of the Marcos regime. The project would have put many barangays under water, including Macliing’s barangay of Bugnay, causing as many as 100,000 people living along the river to lose their homes. It would also have inundated an area of around 1,400 square kilometers of rice terraces, orchards, and tribal graveyards. Macliing was assassinated by armed forces under the command of then-President Ferdinand Marcos. Yet, even with the IPRA in place, the IP struggle for the right to their ancestral domain continues; sadly, so does the bloodletting. According to the latest annual report of the UK-based international human rights and environmental group Global Witness, the Philippines remains the worst place for land and environmental defenders in Asia, ranking third overall worldwide behind Colombia and Mexico. Indigenous communities remain to be among the targets of such attacks, with over a third of all fatal attacks targeting indigenous people in a number of countries including the Philippines. The worst massacre of land rights defenders on record, according to the report, occurred in the Philippines when nine indigenous Tumandok tribe leaders and members were massacred last Dec. 30, 2020. The incident also led to the arrest of 17 other indigenous people, all of whom have been vocal against the Jalaur mega-dam project in Panay Island. In Mindanao, no less than seventy leaders who stood against incursions into their ancestral domain have reportedly been killed by paramilitary groups which, in most cases, are linked to big mining and agri-business interests. OWER corporate tax rates, partner with the private sector in implementing programs and projects of the government, instead of seeking foreign loans to fund infrastructure projects. These are the fiscal policies that Sen. Manny Pacquiao says he would push through, if elected President. Pacman’s confident answers in a recent multimedia interview may have been inspired by the real success of the Department of Transportation (DoTr)) under the persuasive leadership of Secretary Art Tugade in implementing public-private partnership (PPP) schemes on gargantuan government infrastructure projects. True, there can be no better proof to a successful PPP endeavor than the commitment of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) to build the Skyway Extension Project along the near-Alabang-Muntinlupa Section of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) “at no cost to the government,” asserts Tugade. But the PPP that Pacman and many other Filipinos now see bearing fruit is not the result of a softer stance on corporate taxes or of compromising lawful imposition of taxes on big corporations. In fact, the current friendly atmosphere of cooperation along the path of the PPP concept is an offshoot of the Duterte administration’s coherent campaign, not only on tax collection, but of running after tax evaders—with corporate entities and personalities as its main target. The business community commends the brilliant Tugade and San Miguel President Ramon Ang for the fruitful cooperation that now provides a “long-term solution to years of worsening traffic on (the SLEX Section) approaching Alabang, Muntinlupa—brought about by rapid growth in Southern Luzon.” For his part, Pacman apparently thought the government just decides on seeking loans for every project that it wants to implement in each fiscal year. I don’t know if he understands or just wants his audience to skip on the programmatic character of implementing projects of roads and bridges in some long-term foreignfunded infrastructure programs. One example of this is the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Mindanao Road Project I, II, II and IV which spans a period of decades,

Bloodletting for IP lands: until when?

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

In the Bangsamoro region, while leaders of the nonMoro indigenous people have expressed no knowledge of any ongoing mining or agri-business operations, attacks and killings have similarly occurred in ancestral domain areas. Recurring cases of forced land occupation by nonIPs, attack and killings perpetrated by armed groups against the NMIPs, and the destruction of properties, robberies, harassments and movements of armed groups in different parts of the ancestral domain have prompted the Baglalan or tribal title holders of the Teduray and Lambangian last year to declare the “fusaka inged” or ancestral domains as being in a state of “guboten” or under siege. Close to 24 years post IPRA and three years after the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region by virtue of Republic Act 11054, which they overwhelmingly supported, the struggle for the recognition and protection of their human rights and the implementation of their customary laws and practices continue for the non-Moro indigenous people in the BARMM. There have been gains: the creation of the BARMM Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, two members of the NMIPs sit in the Bangsamoro Parliament ensuring representation therein, and local government units have put in place Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representatives. The two NMIP representatives in the Bangsamoro Parliament have jointly introduced the “Indigenous Peoples Rights Act in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region” which seeks to uplift the lives of the indigenous people in the Bangsamoro region and recognize, protect, and promote IP rights in the Bangsamoro. It is hoped that this will help end the armed attacks and the displacement of non-Moro IPs in the BARMM, ensure peaceful existence that could bring a more prosperous future, and the continuation of the delineation process for the issuance of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title for the “fusaka inged” in Maguindanao. MC

Pacman on taxes, foreign loans and debt-servicing

Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

beyond the constitutional term of office of an elected President. Another is the Philippine-Japan Highway Loan (PJHL) Program. Both have established their Project Management Offices, among several other PMOs, side-by-side with those of the DPWH national offices. Doing away with infrastructure loans programs is easier said than done even for a President, because the undertakings under such long-term programs are covered by agreements, after agreements with international institutions like Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and even the World Bank-subsidized International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) which also has its own PMO at the DPWH Central Office on Bonifacio Drive-Port Area, Manila. All such PMOs have now been placed under the able leadership of a Taosug Muslim career DPWH official, Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain. May be, Pacman also knows that every new policy on taxes emanates from Congress, particularly the House of Representatives, and matters of debt servicing are not decided by the President alone. Creditors follow IMF policies that even dictate on ways of government revenue generation from taxes, and on tax rates-increases they deem appropriate in state fiscal assessments jointly by bank creditor-representatives and the NEDA DirectorGeneral and the Department of Finance Secretary on the side of the government. In case of conflict between Philippine Laws and the corporate policies of the creditor banks, the latter will prevail. He can learn his lessons well from Joshua Karliner, author of “Corporate Planet” --that TNCs (Transnational Corporations) exist like nation-states. MC

October 9, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

politician of Muslim Mindanao is so blessed to have rested in peace with the LORD in his early 80s. He was the first Moro leader to steer the navigational course of Muslim self-rule from “RAG to riches.” A jest cliché Charlie Señase from the defunct Regional csenase@yahoo.com Autonomous Government whose meager budget against T’S tough to vie for world unity and coexistence which is ideally a the now BARMM is beyond compared. As it evolved to become Lupong laudable move but reality is elusive to merge corruption with incorruption, Tagapagpaganap ng Pook (LTP), the troublesome with the peacemakers as Datumanong remained at the helm impossible with light to mix with darkness. then relinquished the post to so many The cliché that, “Your business is others that included the late top MNLF our business” is a clear manifestation of commander Ronnie or LTP Chair Amelil concern while others would rather say, Malaguiok. Foreign trained combatants of the once “Your business is none of our business” for fear of being misunderstood as interference. united Moro National Liberation Front had This brings us to the much-talked emerged from so-called “MNLF Top 90” about move of the International Criminal and other foreign trained batches of the Court to probe the Duterte administration Moro front that confronted government of alleged drug-related “extra-judicial in decades of armed struggle for self-rule. killings” even before he became President And with the successful mediation of the Organization of Islamic Countries, the in 2016. But that allegation when the President GRP-MNLF Final Peace Accord came was then mayor of Davao has transformed about in 1996, a decade after some MNLF it to be the most peaceful and drug-free members mostly from Maguindanao broke city in the country. His stewardship had away to form the MILF or Moro Islamic also nipped the bud of communism and Liberation Front that successfully led in the lawless violence through “Alsa Masa,” a creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous government-initiated and community- Region in Muslim Mindanao courtesy of backed peace campaign that was led by the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic now retired Police General Franco Calida. Law. It’s good that former MILF Vice Chair Despite it all, time has changed with life’s reality that indeed it’s impossible to for Military Affairs Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, please all, that whoever will be elected who has become the first interim chief in the national and local posts by 2022 minister of BARMM, is enjoying national there will always be blame and complain, and local support to continue its transitory contentment and discontentment, moral governance for another three years bitterness and rejoicing that suit individual devoid of the scheduled 2022 scheduled polls. political interest. And his administration’s inclusive The President has earlier appealed for a clean, honest and orderly polls as he governance to educate, train and provide announced his retirement from politics by livelihood to former Moro rebels and their age 77 in 2022 with his would-be successor families, including so-called indigenous inhabitants and non-Moro with their installed. This makes Duterte the fourth “has respective families must continue. BARMM officials and all others ought been President” of the Republic with Fidel Ramos the oldest at 92 followed by Joseph to know this by heart that “Blessed Estrada, 84 and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is the man who fears the LORD, who 74. Blessed to have reached this far for it’s delights greatly in His commandments. written that our lives may be 70 years and His descendants will be mighty on earth beyond due to endurance but it will soon be because the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in cut-off (Psalm 90:10). The late lawyer Simeon Datumanong his house. And his righteousness endures of Maguindanao, considered a seasoned forever” (Psalm 112:1-3). MC

Carry-On Reach-Out

True to Form

to Cotabato with her husband Albert. They, and the Laos opened a mixed use store which grew to be the first Mall in the city. They chose our Dad, Dr. Ramon Rabago,Sr. as their Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy family physician, like many other Chinese families in franco1573victoria@gmail.com the City . Our ties date back to the 1950s, we are witness rippled we all are, there is a sense of great loss with the sudden demise to the industry and perseverance of the of the most influential woman in owners of South Seas Mall. Our Dad our midst. She gently ruled it over the sponsored him to be a member of the religious groups like the Mary Mediatrix Rotary Club, mother club, where Tito Ladies’ Circle here and nationwide; very Albert was a very active member and Tita much like her popularity influence in Lily was the vibrant, generous mover of both Soroptimists of Cotabato and the the Anns. In a way, I inherited Tita Lily from Philippine Region; the Rotary Anns of Cotabato. They say, “whatever Lily wants, my mother as they were close friends; Lily gets”. The reality of it all is that, she my mother being a few years older than has a way of inspiring anyone, friends or her while I am 10 years younger. The age gap was not a hindrance to building detractors alike. Definitely, many things will not be the the bond between the two of us. She can same as before, the death of one person say anything to me, or call me down, the diminishes us all. Tita Lily was also way my mother does. Though she has called “ Mother Lily” for her legendary her own close in group, everyone gets her charitable and compassionate actions. It equal share of attention. She was really is therefore heart breaking to know her fun to be with, except that, she loves to sufferings in her struggle to recover and eat and stops at every place where food regrettable that she should leave amidst is served. We would stop for marang, or the pandemic when ICU is fully booked. durian or any fruit along the way, so much It is a bad time to die. People whose lives so that our service car is overwhelmed she had touched are unable to be with with foodstuff that we bring home as her and her family at the hour of their “pasalubong”. In one Soroptimist Convention, none bereavement. Tita Lily was a young bride who came of our members could accompany me as club president, she volunteered, and went with me to Bacolod. It so happened that it was her birthday, the attendees stood up to sing for her the birthday song. I shall not forget that gesture Tita Lily. I served all Soroptimist presidents with dedication, I made them win for the programs and reports I made, but when it was my time to lead, only Tita Lily was there to share the awards our club received. But thats all under the bridge. We are blessed to have a Lily Uy in our lifetime, she is beyond compare, unique. It will be difficult if not impossible to find someone like her, no one can take her place reserved in our hearts. Selfless, generous and kind-hearted. Farewell , one and only Tita Lily. Thank you Lord, she made many lives better in many ways. MC

Estrella, the Superstar

The Stuff of Life

Lily Uy

This resulted in the largest “online movement” in the history of education with approximately 730,000, or 81% of K-12 students, attending classes via the Tencent K-12 Online School in Wuhan. Other companies are bolstering capabilities to provide a onestop shop for teachers and students. For example, Lark, a Singapore-based collaboration suite initially developed by ByteDance as an internal tool to meet its own exponential growth, began offering teachers and students unlimited video conferencing time, auto-translation capabilities, real-time co-editing of project work, and smart calendar scheduling, amongst other features. To do so quickly and in a time of crisis, Lark ramped up its global server infrastructure and engineering capabilities to ensure reliable connectivity. A l i b a b a ’ s distance learning solution, DingTalk, had to prepare for a similar influx: “To support large-scale remote work, the platform tapped Alibaba Cloud to deploy more than 100,000 new cloud servers in just two hours last month – setting a new record for rapid capacity expansion,” according to DingTalk CEO, Chen Hang. Some school districts are forming unique partnerships, like the one between The Los Angeles Unified School District and PBS SoCal/KCET to offer local educational broadcasts, with separate channels focused on different ages, and a range of digital options. Media organizations such as the BBC are also powering virtual learning; Bitesize Daily, launched on 20 April, is offering 14 weeks of curriculumbased learning for kids across the UK with celebrities like Manchester City footballer Sergio Aguero teaching some of the content. MC

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed education forever.

HEALTH CORNER

World Economic Forum: A REPRINT

hile countries are at different points in their COVID-19 infection rates, worldwide there are currently more than 1.2 billion children in 186 countries affected by school closures due to the pandemic. In Denmark, children up to the age of 11 are returning to nurseries and schools after initially closing on 12 March, but in South Korea students are responding to roll calls from their teachers online. With this sudden shift away from the classroom in many parts of the globe, some are wondering whether the adoption of online learning will continue to persist post-pandemic, and how such a shift would impact the worldwide education market. How is the education sector responding to COVID-19? In response to significant demand, many online learning platforms are offering free access to their services, including platforms like BYJU’S, a Bangalore-based educational technology and online tutoring firm founded in 2011, which is now the world’s most highly valued edtech company. Since announcing free live classes on its Think and Learn app, BYJU’s has seen a 200% increase in the number of new students using its product, according to Mrinal Mohit, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Tencent classroom, meanwhile, has been used extensively since mid-February after the Chinese government instructed a quarter of a billion full-time students to resume their studies through online platforms.

There are currently more than 1.2 billion children in 186 countries affected by school closures due to the pandemic

business has significantly gone down with periodic lockdowns and restrictions on all modes of public transport. The pandemic is also causing financial strain on government as Danny Buenbrazo demand for health services danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com and the needs subsidies for poor families and displaced rganizations, regardless of size and nature, do not operate in a workers continue to expand. Just for the first 7 months of 2021, vacuum. T h e p r e v a i l i n g a n d f u t u r e the country’s total debt has risen by 18.5 macroeconomic conditions impact the % to reach P11.6 trillion. The government ease (or difficulty) of the operation of has risen by P1.8 trillion from end 2020 institutions and firms as well as their to end July 2021 and it is expected that ability to come up with good performance. total borrowing for the year would reach A c c o r d i n g t o t h e m a r k e t i n g P3.07 trillion. The borrowing binge is dictionary of the Monash Business School caused by the increased demand for at Monash University (Melbourne, health services and subsidies that could Australia), macroeconomic environment not be adequately be funded by taxes refers to “the major uncontrollable, and other income that has declined with external forces (economic, demographic, lower business activities. How would the massive government technological, natural, social and cultural, legal and political) which foreign and domestic borrowing affect the influence a firm’s decision making and business sector ? A huge government debt will have have an impact upon its performance.” While the above definition specifically impacts on the availability of credit, refers to business firms, these forces the cost of credit, foreign exchange rate, that constitute the macroeconomic and possibly cause an increase in the environment also impacts on government coverage and rate of taxes. Aggressive government borrowing will mean that organizations and non-profits. For this week’s discussion, we they would rival business firms in will focus on just one of the eight (8) accessing domestic funds as well as drive components of the macroeconomic interest rates upward. As government will be paying its debt obligations in the environment: the economic factor. Awareness of the critical economic future, the value of the peso could go indicators is crucial to understanding the down as dollars and other currencies will environment for organizations, especially be siphoned of by government thereby business firms as they make major increasing the cost of raw materials and decisions involving commitment of funds. other imported items (including fuel) to The crucial economic indicators include business firms and the general public. In response to the need for servicing prospect for economic growth, inflation rate, interest rate, foreign exchange rate, domestic and foreign debts, government could expand the goods and transactions and employment situation. that would be subject to tax and/or The near future economic outlook for increase rates of existing taxes. The result of the upcoming national the country will be affected by several factors, primarily the resolution of the and local elections would also impact COVID-19 problem (when it will finally on the economic climate. If the next be ended and its financial cost to the administration is more “business government) and the results of the May friendly” and foster harmonious relations with traditional trade and investment 2022 elections. COVID-19 is not only hindering partners, the business sector may see the operations of business enterprises faster recovery and more opportunities and other sectors that the volume of to do business here and overseas. MC

Emerging Economic Environment…

Market Driven

Bangsamoro’s 161 new peacekeepers ...from P1 members are composed of Army, police and former MILF fighters who were trained to become peacekeepers in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The graduates will now form the 6,000-strong JPST contingent that will be composed of 3,000 MILF, 1,600 police officers and 1,400 Army troopers. The JPST will be divided into several teams whose main task is to maintain peace and security in the MILF communities that will undergo the normalization process within and outside the BARMM. The Normalization Track is part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which the government and the MILF signed in 2014. At the heart of the Normalization Track is the decommissioning of 40,000 MILF combatants wherein their weapons will be put beyond use. The MILF camps will also be transformed into peaceful, progressive, and resilient communities. The entire process is expected to be completed within a three-year period, starting this year until 2022 in time for the signing of the Exit Agreement

between the government and the MILF. The normalization trace is expected to be extended along with the extension of the transition period from 2022 to 2025. Aside from peacekeeping job, the JPST who will be deployed in the areas mutually agreed between the GPH and the MILF are also tasked to track and document private armed groups, and help in the reduction and control of weapons; support the observance of the existing ceasefire agreement to address and prevent hostilities. The will also work on security arrangements for activities and personalities involved in the peace process and support dispute resolution initiatives on the ground. Minister Iqbal urged the JPST members to maintain discipline and prioritize the interest of the Bangsamoro above all by working for peace with utmost dedication and love. “Your role is very vital in sustaining the gains of the GPH-MILF peace agreement,” Iqbal told the JPST members. Brig. Gen. Ugale said more training are already scheduled until the 6,000 strong JPST members are reached.

BARMM, MILF support’s Duterte’s anointed...from P1 President Duterte in creating the BARMM. We shall reciprocate wholeheartedly. We will support his candidates for president and vice president during the 2022 elections,” Ebrahim said. Ebrahim chairs MILF central committee that has two peace compacts with the national government --- the 2012 Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and the 2014 Comprehensive A g r e e m e n t o n Bangsamoro. He is also figurehead of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, or UBJP, whose members include a number of local

NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is given to the public that Rural Bank of Midsayap, Inc. Stock Certificate No. 327 for 47 common shares, Stock Certificate No. 407 for 22 common shares, and Stock Certificate No. 427 for 17 common shares issued in favor of Pio D. Domingo were declared lost in the Joint Affidavit of Loss executed by the heirs of Jose Pio D. Domingo, namely: Fe D. Domingo, Vincent Anthony D. Domingo, Catherine Irene D. Uy, Geraldine Elaine D. Luqui, and Marvin Anthony D. Domingo, and recorded in the notarial register of Atty. Alberto T. Eramis on 6 September 2021 as Doc. No. 395; Page No. 79; Book No. CCXLVIII; Series of 2021. If no adverse claim regarding the above Certificates of Stock are presented to the Corporate Secretary of the Rural Bank of Midsayap, Inc. at Quezon Avenue, Poblacion 4, Midsayap, North Cotabato, within (1) year from the last publication of this notice, the right to make such claim shall be forever barred and the Corporation shall cancel in its books the above Certificates of Stock and issue new certificates in lieu thereof. MC: Sept. 25, Oct. 2 & 9, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

October 9, 2021

government executives in the autonomous region, field commanders and no fewer than 200,000 MILF members and sympathizers in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. In a text message to reporters Tuesday, Ebrahim said the UBJP has informed Malacañang about the party’s commitment to campaign for its anointed candidates for president and vice EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late MARIA LEA L. LEAL, who died on September 14, 2021 in Cotabato City, left a Savings Account at Banco de Oro (BDO) bearing Account No. 003340151207 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De CastroJagunap as per Doc. No. 702; Page No. 702; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

MC: Oct. 2, 9 & 16, 2021

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 1ST SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURT 5th Shari’a Judicial District Cotabato City

SCC Civil Case No. 2021-1878 -forCONFIRMATION OF TALAQ LAILA MAE ALI NANDING, Petitioner, versusABDULLAH ALI S. ALGHASHAM Respondent. x-------------------------------------x SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION TO: ABDULLAH ALI S. ALGHASHAM Pursuant to the September 10, 2021 Order of this Court authorizing service of summons by publication, you are hereby required within sixty (60) days from the publication of the summons and petition to file this court and serve on the petitioner your answer to the petition or any such responsive pleading. If you fail to appear and answer within the time aforesaid, this Court will motu propio hear the case ex-parte, upon which judgment may be rendered. WITNESS THE HONORABLE CASIM S. BAILAN, SR., Alhaj, Acting Presiding Judge of this Court, this 13th day of September 2 0 2 1 , a t C o t a b a t o C i t y, Philippines (Sgd.) MOHAMMAD A. ABDULRAHMAN Clerk of Court II

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president. “President Duterte was instrumental to the creation of BARMM and the deferment to 2025 of the supposed 2022 elections for the Bangsamoro regional parliament,” Ebrahim said. The Muslim, Christian and non-Moro indigenous tribal communities in the Bangsamoro region clamored for the postponement of the pioneering Bangsamoro parliament elections to enable a complete transition from the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to BARMM. The transition process was stymied by the COVID-19 pandemic. The BARMM was created only last February 2019 via a plebiscite that resulted in the ratification of its charter, the Republic Act 11054, a product of 22 years of peace talks between the government and the MILF.

BARMM body convenes youth for...from P8 different faiths to unite for a similar cause of magnifying their voice on the stance of “moral governance,” a model governance strategy envisioned by BARMM chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim in running the affairs of the fledgling political entity. “This dialogue will help foster understanding and solicit support from the youth sector in the BARMM,” Commissioner Nunding said. For his part, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim said: “As many of you know, the Government of the Day’s advocacy on Moral Governance is inspired by our shared beliefs in Islamic faith. However, this concept is not exclusive to our creed alone. In fact, providing good leadership and competent governance are universal in nature; and true, even with the tenets of Christianity and our Indigenous communities.” “I hope that this

dialogue highlights this commonalities and help us further appreciate that the work on making the lives of our people better—is shared responsibility with the shared understanding,” Ebrahim said. In the dialogue, youth religious youth leaders discussed their roles in enhancing social cohesion among the youth in the region, arrived at a consensus definition about Moral Governance in the context of Bangsamoro, and drawn initial recommendations and suggestions for policy development primarily in the context of youth of different faith. Christian Youth representative Adolfo Crisver Nimes from Cotabato City said, “This gathering of young minds from various faiths show unity in diversity is very active in the region,” Christian Youth representative Adolfo Crisver Nimes from

Assistance for Indigents in Response to Emergency Situations (B-CARES) Program. “Our senior citizens

are important. They deserve to be protected and loved,” Minister Jajurie said. Edwin O.

BARMM honors seniors...from P8

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

Fernandez

Cotabato City said. “Though this the misinformation about the BARMM and the misconception about moral governance concept will be corrected,” he said. The speakers came from various leaders from different faith working as one. Edwin O. Fernandez Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Talayan, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Jun A. Macungan has filed with this office a petition for correction of clerical error in the certificate of live birth of his child Jurhaimin Usman Macungan particularly the sex from Female to Male, he was born on October 21, 2001 at Macasampen, Talayan, Maguindanao and whose parents are Mimbai M. Usman and Jun A. Macungan. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later October 20, 2021. (Sgd.) ILO L. NOR Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Oct. 9 & 16, 2021

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

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Datu Paglas, Maguindanao LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

In compliance with Section 5 of RA 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Rafael Carbonel Eduarte has filed with this office a petition for correction for change of first name Rafael Edgar to Rafael in the certificate of live birth of Rafael Edgar Carbonel Eduarte who was born on October 24, 1958 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Wendelin M. Eduarte and Constancia C. Carbonel. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office of Municipal Civil Registrar, Midsayap, Cotabato.

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that Marriot Mobantan Pia has filed with this office a petition for correction of entry in the child’s sex/gender from Female to Male in the Certificate of Live Birth bearing registry number 2006-379 of Marriot Mobantan Pia duly registered at the Local Civil Registry Office of Upi, Maguindanao and whose parents are Antonio Moanggot Pia and Lydia Mobantan. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than October 9, 2021.

In compliance with Section 5 of RA 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Mohammad Raiz G. Baguadatu has filed with this office a petition for correction of child’s first name from Raees to Mohammad Raiz in his certificate of live birth who was born on November 1,1997 at Wilada Hospital, Madinah, K.S.A., whose parents are Saeeda G. Baguadatu and Resundo C. Baguadatu. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than ten days after the last publication.

(Sgd.) NORA B. CABUGWASON Municipal Civil Registrar

(Sgd) JEAN P. BACAS Municipal Civil Registrar

(Sgd.) MARY GRACE JESSICA M. TAAL Municipal Civil Registrar

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

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MC: Oct. 2 & 9, 2021

MC: Oct. 9 & 16, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses KAGUI GAYAK KASAN AKMAD and AISA DIMACUTAC who both died intestate at Kapinpilan, Midsayap, Cotabato on May 14, 2020 and January 15, 2020, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot 674, Pls-134, in Bulanan (now Sadaan), Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by OCT No. V-12462 with an area of 66,368 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with partition and simultaneous waiver of portions before Notary Public Atty. Mohammad Jameel A. Singh as per Doc. No. 124; Page No. 24; Book No. 13; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late CRESENCIO CARILLO, who died at San Bonifacio, San Miguel, Pangasinan, left a parcel of land Lot No. 2885, B.L. Cad-107, covered by OCT No. V-1089 with an area of 61,849 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Atty. Romeo T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 326; Page No. 68; Book No. CXCII; Series of 2017.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late GABRIEL ESTRADA and CARMENCITA CATADA ESTRADA, who died intestate on October 11, 2019 and February 8, 2017 at Kabacan, Cotabato, respectively, a parcel of land Lot C-9B-13-A, Psd-12-001645 at Poblacion, Kabacan, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-77512 is the subject of affidavit of self-adjudication before Notary Public Atty. Froilan R. Melendrez as per Doc. No. 146; Page No. 31; Book No. I; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JOSE PIO D. DOMINGO, who died intestate on 22 June 2021, has been extrajudicially settled by and among his heirs as per Extrajudicial Settlement of the Estate of Jose Pio D. Domingo dated 23 August 2021 and known as Doc. No. 2; Page No. 1; Book No. C C X LV I I ; S e r i e s o f 2021 of Notary Public Atty. Alberto T. Eramis of the Province of Cotabato.

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MC: Sept. 25, Oct. 2 & 9, 2021

NOTICE FOR AUCTION CROWN PAWNSHOP will hold a public auction sale for all unredeemed, not auctioned or not renewed items that were pledged, renewed, or pawned January 2, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Auction will be on November 27, 2021 at its office from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Don Rufino Alonzo St. Cotabato City.

NOTICE FOR AUCTION TRIUNE PAWNSHOP will hold a public auction sale for all unredeemed, not auctioned or not renewed items that were pledged, renewed, or pawned from January 2, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Auction will be on November 27, 2021 at its office from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Jaycee Avenue, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

PATALASTAS NG SUBASTA CROWN PAWNSHOP ay magkakaroon ng subasta ng lahat ng sangla na hindi natutubos. Ito ay ang mga nasangla noog Enero 2, 2020 hanggang Disyembre 31, 2020. Ang subasta ay gagawin sa ganap na 10:00 A.M. hanggang 3:00 P.M. sa Nobyembre 27, 2021 sa opisina sa don Rufino Alonzo St. Cotabato City.

PATALASTAS NG SUBASTA

MC: Oct. 9, 16 & 23, 2021

TRIUNE PAWNSHOP ay magkakaroon ng subasta ng lahat ng sangla na hindi natutubos. Ito ay ang mga nasangla noon Enero 2, 2020 hanggang Disyembre 31, 2020. Ang subasta ay gagawin sa ganap na 10:00 A.M. hanggang 3:00 P.M. sa Nobyembre 27, 2021 sa opisina sa Jaycee Avenue, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

MC: Oct. 9, 16 & 23, 2021

October 9, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Strong roots for the cooperative future

THE COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected every sector in the country, and the cooperative movement was among those that were hard hit. But despite such obstacles, there is no reason for the movement to fret. Even against all odds, the movement is ready to regain strength and move forward. Prodded by such gallant spirit, the United Cooperative Movement of the Philippines (UCMP), together with the cooperative sector, celebrates the National Month of Cooperatives. October has traditionally been the month of cooperative recognition and celebration in the country. We, as a movement, have been organizing events, seminars and related activities every October during which we showcase the role of cooperatives in national development and as partners of government in delivering services and programs,” UCMP said in a statement. Sen. Migz Zubiri, in his privilege speech for the National Cooperative Month last 29th of September, explains the holistic impact of cooperatives: “Sa

kooperatiba,‘di lang iilan ang nakikinabang kundi lahat ng miyembro, pati non-members, and even the community.” To reiterate, this is where the cooperative principle of Cooperation among Cooperatives comes to fore. The said principle readily extends to the partnership between the government and the cooperative sector. While the pandemic may have changed our ways of celebrating the National Cooperative Month, on, the purpose for celebrating it remains the same. UCMP Events on the Month of Cooperatives For the month of October, the United Cooperative Movement Philippines (UCMP) has prepared events and webinars for our fellow cooperators and movement allies.

NEWSBRIEFS Civilian surrenders gun to Maguindanao village exec

RESPONDING to the call of a police official in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a man in Maguindanao who possessed an unlicensed gun showed up at a village hall and turned over his firearms to local officials. A certain man who introduced himself as “Toto,” showed up at the office of Barangay Chairperson Abdullah Mangadad of Barangay Pagagawan, Datu Montawl, Maguindanaon Tuesday morning.

“He was carrying a foreign made machine pistol,” Chairman Mangadad said. “He politely handed over the gun with bullets to me.” Mangadad then brought the Europeanmade 9mm Uzi machine pistol to Lt. Nurjhasier Sali, police chief of Datu Montawal municipal police station, for custody and safekeeping. “This is in support to the PNP intensified and strict campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms,” Chairman Mangadad said.

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Dr. Isagani dela Cruz, North Cotabato schools division superintendent has said that the contract of 55 provisional senior high school teachers have ended. “They were not in removed from service or terminated, their appointments have expired,” dela Cruz said in a radio interview. “Their appointment have ended at the closing of school year 2020.” He said the guidelines set for by the Department of

Education (DepEd) and the teachers-appointee clearly stated that their services may be terminated once qualified and eligible teachers are available. D e l a C r u z said the Teachers’ Professionalization Act stated that priority will be given to eligible and board passer teachers in selecting teachers. Dela Cruz also assured that affected teachers that the schools division and the local school board are doing everything to come up with “win-win” solution.

LOCAL Moro leaders have mourned the passing of a town mayor and a former provincial board member who both died due to illness even before they could file their certificates of candidacy. Maguindanao Cong. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu and former Rep. Bai Sandra Sema have confirmed that Mayor Mohammad “Kits” Guro of Matanog, Maguindanao has died over the weekend. “We mourn his untimely demise, we lost a good leader,”

said Sema who is now running for vice governor of Maguindanao. Sema said the mayor was a dedicated, passionate leader and loved his place very much. Rep. Mangudadatu said Mayor Guro as envisioned to improve Matanog, an upland town that has survived armed conflict in the past, to become economic hub in northern part of Maguindanao. Another leader, former Maguindanao board member Datuwata Adzis has died on Sunday.

55 provisional teachers in NoCot ends contract

Maguindanao lost two political leaders

PREPAREDNESS.The Cotabato City government and Department of Health 12 has completed and inaugurated the city’s Second Ligtas COVID-19 Center put up to save lives. Photo courtesy of City Government of Cotabato

BARMM honors seniors during Elderly Filipino Week

THE Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), on Tuesday paid tribute to the region’s senior citizens and recognized their roles in the development of the region as well as nationbuilding. “Without them, we won’t be able to enjoy the things that we have today, such as freedom, democracy, and the society that we live in. Those are the fruits of their love and sacrifices and we owe it all to them,” said Minister Atty. Raisa Jajurie in a statement as the region celebrates the October 1-7 “Elderly Filipino Week.” She said MSSD recognizes the high importance of the protection of the wellbeing of the senior citizens specially those who belonged to the most vulnerable sectors in this time of pandemic. From these words formed, we must give importance, love, and care

to our senior citizens and their vital role in making the Bangsamoro region and the country as a whole more productive and secure for every family. She said this year’s celebration is centered on the word “Mahalaga” which primarily means importance. “From this word, we can also derived other terms such as ‘Mahal’ or love and ‘Alaga’ or care,” she added. Jajurie assured that her office ensures to address the welfare of the indigent senior citizens across the Bangsamoro region through its various social protection programs and services such as financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries. These include the Social Pension (SocPen) Program, assistive devices through the Older Persons and Persons With Disability (OPPWD) Program, and free hospitalization and medicine assistance through the Bangsamoro Critical

BARMM body convenes youth for inter-faith dialogue

AIMED at empowering the youth in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) convened the region’s younger generation to an inter-faith dialogue entitled “Common Understanding on Moral Governance.” On Thursday, BYC Commissioner Nasserudin Dunding for Maguindanao said the BYC organized the activity in partnership with the Hay Ato Al-Ulama El Muslimina Bil Filibbin, Inc., Philippine Council of

Evangelical Churches, and the Union of Muslim Youth Organizations (UMYO). In attendance for the two-day dialogue that started Wednesday is being participated by 80 members of religious youth organizations who were Indigenous Peoples, Moros, and Christians from Cotabato City, Maguindanao province, and BARMM's Special Geographic Area (SGA). Dunding said the dialogue provided space for the youth of

Lanao Sur unlicensed gun owners charged

MALABANG, Lanao del Sur - The police have filed cases of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against seven suspects in a series of raids last week in one of the barangays here. This was confirmed

to Mindanao Cross this week by Police Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region (BARMM) Authorities seized 10 firearms

DBS candidates are UBJP bets

THE administration candidates for positions in the peaceful Datu Blah Sinsuat (DBS) town filed their certificates of candidacy Tuesday under the banner of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party. The slate is led by reelectionist Datu Blah Sinsuat Mayor Marshall Sinsuat and spouse, Raida TomawisSinsuat, who is seeking a second term as vice mayor. The UBJP, founded by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front whose chairman is now the appointed chief minister of the Bangsamoro

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, is promoting religious and cultural solidarity, via good governance, in BARMM’s five provinces and three cities. The eight administration candidates for a seat each in the Datu Blah Sinsuat Sangguniang Bayan --- Mikhaela Marsha Sinsuat, Allan Sinsuat, Datudido Mama, Saidin Kuga, Gamassy Mustapha, Aldrin Empal, Bilhit Sinsuat and Mentingan Talib – also filed their COCs, along with their reelectionists mayor and vice mayor, at the office Municipal

Election Officer Abdulhamid Hadji Omar. The leadership of the incumbent mayor of Datu Blah Sinsuat is being patronized by all 13 barangay chairpersons in the seaside municipality, also known as the fishing capital of Maguindanao. Sinsuat said their campaign pitch shall partly focus on their commitment to protect the gains of the peace process between Malacañang and the southern Moro communities. He said he and their administration slate for elective