The Mindanao Cross | December 10, 2022

PBBM WANTS MORE ECOZONES IN BARMM: PEZA

Mindanao (BARMM), a Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) official said.

PEZA deputy director general Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal told the Philippine News Agency that Marcos sees ecozone development as a catalyst for growth in the BARMM.

“(There is a) vast land here, and there are proposed ecozones from Cotabato City, Lamitan, Isabela City and TawiTawi,” Guiapal said in a Viber message.

The region currently has one economic zone, which is the Polloc Freeport and Economic Zone (PFEZ) in Maguindanao.

Guiapal said among the economic activities viable in BARMM include manufacturing, agro-industry and halal hub.

He said developing the agro-industry in BARMM could help in achieving food security in the country.

Guiapal graced the first multisectoral forum for the development

MPs treat Tawi-Tawi eye patients

By John Felix Unson

A big group of eye patients, among them senior citizens, benefitted from a joint medical mission Monday in Tawi-Tawi of three members of the Bangsamoro parliament.

From a hundred patients examined Monday, 63 underwent cataract and pterygium surgery during the outreach activity of the three members of the Bangsamoro parliament --- the eye surgeon Kadil Sinolinding, Jr., Amir Mawallil, and Eddie Alih.

Mawallil had served as director of the Bureau of Public Information of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that got replaced with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in early 2019 as a result of the 22-year peace overture between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Sinolinding, former health secretary of the now defunct ARMM and an eye specialist trained in India, had treated no fewer than 20,000 poor eye patients from Muslim, Christian and the indigenous communities in the autonomous region.

15 Days to Christmas

MP Mastura says BSP study shows BARMM on higher economic growth path

A member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) is optimistic that economic growth in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is on an upward trend.

Member of Parliament (MP) Lawyer Ishak Mastura said in a statement that his was based on the research paper

By Edwin O. Fernandez

on BARMM of University of the Philippines School of Economics Professor Renato Reside on the “Determinants of Finance and Economic Growth within the Bangsamoro Region.”

Mastura, former chair of BARMM’s board of investment, has served as the Discussant regarding the research paper of BSP-UP Centennial

in Money and Banking Renato Reside, which was presented on the occasion of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – University of the Philippines Professorial Chair Lectures (BSP-UP Lectures) last month at the Bangko Sentral main office.

During his lecture, Prof.

DID YOU KNOW?

December 10 is Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document, which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world.

- UN.gov

On

In his message, he asked the Catholic faithful to take inspiration from the Blessed Mother’s charitable and selfless love for others.

“Like Mary, may we also strive to resign from our individualistic tendencies and aspire to generously give ourselves without expecting anything in return,” he said. “In the end, what we can bring into

our everlasting home are those we cherish deep in our hearts, not the possessions we can only hold in our hands.”

The President reminded Filipino Catholics to revisit their “reason for being” and search for their vocation “in the spirit of unconditional obedience and abiding love.”

“I trust that no matter how uncertain the days ahead remain, we will soon understand the will of God and the purpose behind the journeys that we have only walked in faith,” he said. “During periods of both adversity and triumph, we humbly implore divine providence, especially as we overcome our

Professorial Chair

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday encouraged Filipino Catholics to put their faith in God and in each other as the country celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

BAMBOO FRIDAY. Every Friday, the municipal environment office in Banga, South Cotabato is planting bamboo trees along riverbanks with the help of everyone who cares for the environment.

Photo courtesy of DENR Soccsksargen

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants to develop more economic zones in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim

Immaculate Concepcion Day Marcos urges Pinoys put trust in God, each other

KORONADAL’S PRIDE. The P2 million worth, 100 feet tall giant Christmas tree in front of the city hall is now drawing people from all walks of life, including those who do not celebrate Christmas, because of its irresistible color and dancing lights. Photo courtesy of SPORTSKorner

Justice sought for 3 slain students in SulKud

TWO former members of House of Representatives have demanded justice for the killing of three criminology students in

Former House Deputy Speaker Ali Pangalian Balindong and exLanao del Sur Rep. Mauyag Balt Papandayan Jr. both called on high police authorities to order a thorough investigation of the incident.

Balindong said one of the three slain students, Samanoden Mustapha Ali, 19, was raised by a family of Maranao traders who settled in Lambayong. The victim was a grandson of his former aide.

Meanwhile, lawyer Ronald Halid Dimacisil Torres said his group of Muslim lawyers will collaborate with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for a parallel inquiry, Torres said the NBI agents will be assisted by Atty. Badrodin Mangindra.

Balindong, Speaker of the Bangsamoro Parliament, urged authorities for a deeper investigation

of the crime as there appeared to be procedural lapses in the local police’s report of the killings.

The two Maranao leaders urged Philippine National Police (PNP) higher commands to help check earlier reports by the Lambayong police station that a shootout took place between the policemen and the victims who were first-year criminology students.

According to the Lambayong police report, the policemen chased the students Samanoden Mustapha Ali, 19, and his schoolmates, Horton Ansa Jr. and Anshad Ansa, 20, who were riding a motorcycle, until the boys stumbled and bumped on a tree along a dimly lit interior road.

Balindong, himself a lawyer, said the probers should scrutinize the police report, and as to why it did not involve a scene of the crime operatives’ (SOCO) participation,

as alleged by the policeman-father of one of the victims.

Papandayan and Balindong were political rivals in Lanao del Sur’s second congressional district. But this time, they both stand for the cause of the victims’ families in seeking justice.

Papandayan urged locals to help protect the Maranaos who, he said, have sought refuge there in pursuit of their livelihood activities as traders.

Lambayong police chief Maj. Jenahmeel Toñacao said policemen manning in Purok 4, Barangay Didtaras in Lambayong, flagged down the three boys early dawn on December 2.

In an interview by several media outlets, Toñacao said the three students traded shots with the pursuing policemen after ignoring the checkpoint. NBM

DAR chief to distribute CLOAs to NorCot ARBs

AGRARIAN Reform

Secretary Conrado

Estrella III is coming to North Cotabato to personally let farmers the Marcos government is determined to improve their lives by giving land titles so they will legally claim the land they have been tilling.

Estrella is set to distribute 3,524 certificates of landownership award (CLOAs) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) of Kidapawan City North Cotabato on Saturday, December 10.

An aggregate area of 6,103 hectares of land will be distributed to 3,273 farmer-beneficiaries in the area.

“I will personally deliver these land titles to give them hope, to

let them feel that the government is here ready to give them help and support,” Estrella said in a statement.

While in Kidapawan, Sec. Estrella will also turn over a hauling vehicle worth PHP195,000 to farmer members of the Kisandal Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association.

The vehicle, provided under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP), will surely help ARBs members because the transport cost of their produce in bringing them to the market will be reduced.

To help farmers recover from disasters like rat infestation and floods, Sec. Estrella will also turn over indemnity checks

worth PHP815,666.00 to 53 ARBs of Carmen municipality and 108 ARBs from Alamada.

The compensation is being provided by the DAR and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

In Alamada, North Cotabato, Sec. Estrella will also turn over to the local government 10 government-owned public lots located in Kitacubong, Mirasol, and Guiling.

The 13.7 hectares will be used by the local government unit (LGU) of Alamada to build or improve the municipal plaza, government center, cemetery, health center, public market, barangay plaza, and barangay hall.

Estrella said that the public lots are under the DAR’s administered

Lanao Sur voters’ listing anomalies revealed

THE provincial government of Lanao del Sur and its constituent communities want the poll body to prevent possible anomalies during the December 12 registration of voters in the province.

Lanao del Sur province in the Bangsamoro region is a traditional election hotspot and, like other provinces around, nonresidents and underage registrants can conveniently maneuver - via manipulations by shrewd politicians - their way through listing sites for inclusion in the list of voters.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. last weekend appealed to the Commission on Elections to focus attention on “machinations” meant to

increase the number of voters in barangays in the province and elsewhere to suit the vested interest of manipulators.

The Comelec had set a nationwide registration of voters on December 12 in preparation for the forthcoming 2023 barangay elections.

Adiong said poll officials who are to oversee the listing process must see to it that registrants are of voting ages and are from barangays where they are to register as qualified voters.

“In case of doubts, registrants must be asked to present valid birth certificates and certification attesting to their residency from barangay officials,” Adiong said.

He said there is always

a glaring influx to Lanao del Sur municipalities of outsiders wanting to have themselves listed each time the Comelec conducts registration of voters.

Lanao del Sur covers 39 towns and more than 90 barangays in its capital, Marawi City.

Senior members of the Lanao del Sur Ulama Council, a big, influential peace advocacy bloc of Islamic missionaries, among them graduates of religious schools in the Middle East and North Africa, told reporters Saturday they support their governor’s appeal to the Comelec.

“There are people smuggling non-qualified prospective registrants into their municipalities just to increase the number of voters who are to vote for them during the actual polling day,” one of the preachers, who asked not to be identified, said.

Adiong said preventing registration irregularities can help ensure clean and peaceful barangay elections in 2023 and, subsequently, during the 2025 local and Bangsamoro regional elections. JMU

landed estates acquired under Commonwealth Act No. 539, Republic Act Nos. 1160, 1266, and 1400, and Settlement Projects and lands acquired under Executive Order No. 448.

Under DAR Administrative Order no. 4, series of 2006, these lots shall be turned over to the government agencies concerned upon official request through the execution of a Deed of Transfer by the DAR Secretary and the head or any duly authorized representative of the LGU.

“These public lots will be developed by the LGU of Alamada. With creative planning, these infrastructures will surely promote economic development in Alamada,” Estrella said. EOF

Probe on Lambayong “shootout” begins

TACURONG CITY —

The police officers involved in an alleged shootout in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat late Friday, December 2, that left three teens dead have been relieved from their posts pending results of an investigation, a senior police official said this week.

Various peace advocacy groups have pledged support for the investigation meant to put closure on the incident.

Police Col. Christopher Bermudez, director of the Sultan Kudarat provincial police, said the members of the Lambayong Municipal Police Station blamed for the deaths of the three victims had been stripped of their functions to pave the way for an impartial probe on the incident.

Three adolescents — Samanudin Ali, Horton Ansa, Jr. and Arsad Ansa — died in the alleged shootout.

Bermudez did not identify the police officers implicated in the teens' deaths.

Sources from the Police Regional Office-12 in General Santos City told reporters Wednesday this week that the chief of the Lambayong Municipal Police Office, Police Maj. Jenahmeel Toñacao, had been replaced and is now on floating status.

Toñacao earlier said Ali and the Ansas were killed in a shootout with police in Barangay Didtaras in Lambayong around midnight Friday,

December 2.

Relatives of the victims had told reporters they have witnesses who refuted the police narrative of the incident.

Toñacao said they also found a sachet of shabu in the pants pocket of one of the teens.

Ali had gunshot wounds in both palms. Witnesses said these show that he raised his hands as police shot him with assault rifles.

Horton Ansa, Sr., father of one of the victims, is a police patrolman assigned in one of the towns in nearby Maguindanao province.

He told reporters there were indications that his son and his two companions were shot at close range.

Relatives told reporters that police first strangled Arsad, who is a cousin of Horton, Jr., using his shirt before they shot him dead.

Ronald Hallid Dimacisil Torres, a human rights lawyer in Cotabato City, has offered to help the families of the three adolescents if they intend to prosecute the police officers tagged in the death of the victims.

Torres met with the families of the slain teens this week in Lambayong and discussed with them how he can help in their quest for justice.

Torres is a practicing lawyer based in Cotabato City and is, presently, the chairman of the Bangsamoro Business Council. JMU

Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat last Friday.

EYE TREATMENT MISSION. A hundred patients, 63 of them afflicted with cataract and pyterigium, benefitted from a medical outreach activity in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi of Bangsamoro parliament members, the eye doctor Kadil Sinolinding, Jr., Amir Mawallil and Eddie Alih.

Photo courtesy of MP Amir Mawallil

Republic of the Philippines

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MINISTER

Bangsamoro Government Center, Governor Gutierrez Avenue, Rosary Heights VII, Cotabato City 9600

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO: 0008 Series of 2022

CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE PEACE, SECURITY, AND RECONCILIATION OFFICE (PSRO) UNDER THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MINISTER, AND DEFINING ITS SCOPE OF AUTHORITY

WHEREAS , the Bangsamoro Government is mandated to promote unity, peace, justice, and goodwill among all peoples, as well as encourage a just and peaceful settlement of disputes.

WHEREAS, in support of the national policy framework on peace, unity, and reconciliation under Executive Order No. 158 Series of 2021, the BARMM needs to closely work and coordinate efforts for the attainment of a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace within the autonomous region and in partnership with law enforcement and national agencies.

WHEREAS, during the extended transition period, while the decommissioning process of the MILF combatants is yet to be fully implemented and completed, there is a need to constantly monitor the strict observance of the ceasefire agreement and proper coordination with law enforcement agencies in the interdiction of lawless elements and wanted criminals to avoid mis-encounters, effect unhampered law enforcement operations and prevent conflict within MILF communities.

WHEREAS, there is a need for a parallel structure in the BARMM dedicated to the operationalization of safeguarding the gains of the peace process and effectively responding to the special needs and concerns of transitioning combatants.

WHEREAS, the peace process mechanisms, such as the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), and their local monitoring teams and monitoring outposts play a crucial role in peacebuilding and settlement of feuds ("rido") within MILF areas.

WHEREAS , a series of consultations on community peacebuilding and a Regional Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention were conducted with the residents of conflict-affected communities, civil society organizations, MILF combatants, BARMM agencies, and other key stakeholders with the support of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. These consultations yielded a very strong recommendation to strengthen and institutionalize support for the existing peace mechanisms.

WHEREAS, all public officers and employees of the Bangsamoro Government are committed by sacred oath to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all people in the region, strongly fight the proliferation of all evils of society, and endeavor to promote and sustain peace and security at all times in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region territory and the entire country.

WHEREAS , the Enhanced 12 Point Priority Agenda of BARMM seeks to implement special prograAms for transitioning combatants and their families apart from regular programs of the national government like 4Ps and PhilHealth, among others, 'to ensure that these programs are tailored to fit their needs so that they will become productive members of the society."

WHEREAS, in the exercise of executive authority, the Chief Minister, under the Bangsamoro Administrative Code, is vested with continuing authority to reorganize executive offices. As head of the Bangsamoro Government, the Honorable Chief Minister shall exercise all powers expressly granted by the Bangsamoro Organic Law, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for the efficient and effective governance of BARMM and those which are essential to the promotion of general welfare. He shall have control and supervision of all ministries, agencies, offices, bureaus, commissions, boards, and instrumentalities of the Bangsamoro Government. He shall ensure that laws are faithfully executed.

WHEREAS pursuant to the above, there shall be created a Peace, Security and Reconciliation Office (PSRO) to provide administrative, capacity building, legal assistance, and technical support to the peace mechanisms and attend to transitioning combatants.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, AHOD B. EBRAHIM, Chief Minister

of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Peace, Security and Reconciliation Office. There is hereby created the Peace, Security, and Reconciliation Office, which shall act as the primary agency to support and serve transitioning combatants and existing peace mechanisms, such as the MILF Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) and their respective monitoring outposts and local monitoring teams, special committees and task force, to enable these to successfully carry out their mutually agreed peace and security mandates during the extended transition period.

Section 2. Powers and Responsibilities of The Office. - The Office shall perform the following functions and responsibilities:

a. Provide technical, logistical, personnel, and administrative support for the efficient operations of the peace mechanisms; b. Coordinate and attend to the needs and concerns of transitioning combatants;

c. Conduct regular dialogues with community-based organizations, peace partners, local government units, and civil society organizations;

d. Promulgate guidelines, rules, and regulations in the prevention and resolution of “ridos” involving the MILF in coordination with the Ministry of Peace, Order and Safety (MPOS), local government units, the security sector, and other stakeholders;

e. Train and accredit community peace mediators and conciliators;

f. Conduct Information, Education, and Campaigns; g. Submit periodic security assessment and report to the Office of the Chief Minister; h. Coordinate with other ministries, agencies, and offices of the Bangsamoro Government to actively assist in the effective implementation of its mandate; and

i. Perform such other function as may be directed by the Chief Minister.

Section 3. Composition and Term. - The Office shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed or designated by the Chief Minister. He shall be assisted by Deputy Directors, Project Coordinators, Legal Consultants, as well as Technical and Administrative staff.

Section 4. Highly-confidential employees. - Considering the sensitive nature of their function, the Director and all personnel under this Office shall be treated as highly confidential personnel and shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Section 5. Fund. The funds necessary for the initial operational and administrative expenses to carry out this Order shall be sourced from the funded Contingent Fund of the Office of the Chief Minister in the amount of Fifteen Million Pesos (PhP 15,000,000.00). The funding requirement for the succeeding years shall be included in the Bangsamoro Annual Appropriations Act, subject to the usual budgeting process.

Section 6. Repealing Clause. All other orders, issuances, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 7. Effectivity. - This Executive Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the completion of its publication in the Bangsamoro Gazette and newspaper of regional circulation.

OND Jubilee 2022 “Jubilee, a time of gratitude and celebration.”

His Eminence Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD, former archbishop of Cotabato, was the main presider and homilist of the Eucharistic celebration at Our Lady of Hope Chapel, OND Compound in Tamontaka with the theme “Give thanks to the Lord, His love is everlasting.” 1 Chronicles 16:34.

Gratitude filled the celebration.

The Jubilarians rejoiced for having been called to the religious life. Sr. Leticia gratefully lived with delight for 60 years her motto “Your will is my heritage, the joy of my heart.”

She is currently a resident at the St. Therese Care Home in Tamontaka together with the OND elderly sisters.

Sr. Ritaflor looked back and unraveled the many experiences of life as a missionary. “The 50 years is not just a string of days and years but it was intertwined with memorable experiences and my intimacy with Christ. Every day of my life was a constant striving for the quest for God in the small and great things, facing the ups and downs in life as I worked with God’s people,” she recalled.

Sr. Anna acknowledged that her vocation is a mystery. “Looking back as a religious missionary, I was filled with awe that now I am a Golden Jubilarian and so grateful for God’s abiding love and grace bestowed on me.”

Sr. Victoria recognized her “being a religious missionary Oblate of Notre Dame for 50 years rejoicing with gratitude for the grace-filled, holy, sacred and happy years of encounters with the Triune God.”

Sr. Ofelia shared her memories “for 25 years as a religious, God did not let me down amidst the experiences of challenges and joys in the mission and in my community, His abiding presence is with me along the way of my journey.”

The jubilarians’ participation in God’s Missio Dei brought them in solidarity with God’s people and creation as they crossed barriers, bridged divides in the education, pastoral, social ministries, mission exchange and care for creation, keeping ablaze the charism of “pleasing God always by following Jesus the poor in the disposition of Mary, the disciple.”

Pope Francis blesses nativity scene made by craftsmen in Guatemala

VATICAN— Pope Francis blessed a nativity scene on Saturday that was handmade by artisan craftsmen in Guatemala.

Guatemala’s Minister

of Foreign Affairs Mario Búcaro led a delegation that traveled from the Latin American country to be present for the nativity scene’s inauguration in

Vatican City’s Paul VI Hall on Dec. 3. “It is the first time in history that our country presents a nativity scene in the

Pope Francis decrees better control of Vatican funds and foundations

POPE Francis issued a decree on Tuesday aimed at improving the financial accountability of funds, foundations, and other legal entities inside the Vatican.

In the future, these entities — also known as juridical persons — will be controlled by the bodies such as the Secretariat for the Economy and not just supervised by their respective institutions.

The motu proprio is complemented by a law covering entities in the Vatican City State. Both were published Dec. 6 and come into force on Dec. 8.

Pope Francis noted in his apostolic letter that foundations and other affected entities “are instrumental in the realization of the ends proper to the curial institutions at the service of the ministry of the Successor of Peter.”

It was therefore necessary, he added, “that they be subject not only to the supervision of the curial institutions from which they depend, but also to the control and surveillance of the economic bodies of the Roman Curia.”

Already existing instrumental

juridical persons will have to comply with the provisions of the motu proprio within three months.

The scope of the law is limited, according to Vatican News: It does not extend to “curial institutions and offices of the Roman Curia, institutions connected with the Holy See, the Governorate of Vatican City State, and entities professionally engaged in activities of a financial nature.”

The news follows the announcement on Nov. 30 that Pope Francis has appointed Maximino Caballero Ledo, 62, to lead the Secretariat for the Economy following the resignation of Jesuit Father Juan Antonio Guerrero. The Spanish layman has been secretary general, the second-ranking position, in the economy office since August 2020.

Pope Francis established the Secretariat for Economy in 2014 as part of his financial reform of the Vatican. It oversees the financial aspects of both the Roman Curia and the Vatican City State administration, including a review of financial reports.

AC Wimmer/Catholic News Agency

The 3rd Sunday of Advent is designated as Gaudete Sunday or rejoicing Sunday. The cause for rejoicing is the approaching celebration of Christmas. As a sign of rejoicing, the color of this week’s Advent candle as well as the priestly vestments is rose or pink. Of course, around us are already signs of the joy of Christmas such as Christmas decors, songs, lights, and festivities in offices, schools, and homes. Many all over the country have experienced calamities and disastrous events, but despite all these, “tuloy pa rin ang Pasko,” Christmas goes on. One thing about Filipinos is a sense of resiliency, the capacity to rise up despite trials and tribulations.

Reflections

Some would say that we have a Pollyanna attitude towards life, an overly optimistic attitude such that foreigners who look at photos of disastrous events such as earthquakes cannot understand why the people in the pictures are smiling and laughing. In one scene of a big flood, some people took to their surf boards and had fun. Even in group pictures around coffins, the photographer would say, “Smile,” no matter how incongruous it is.

With regards life, I think it’s best to face it with a spirit of hope and joy. We do the best we can to make life easier and convenient for ourselves and our family but we do not have to be too serious about it that we forget to laugh and smile. When a group of visitors asked Mother Teresa of Calcutta for some serious advice she just said, “Smile.” A smile makes other people happy. It takes us out of our preoccupation with ourselves and our troubles, so “Don’t worry, be happy.”

Of course we can go deeper philosophically into the secret of happiness. Men and women throughout the ages experimented with different ways to find

joy and lasting happiness. Some tried to find it in amassing wealth, power, and prestige but without contentment they cannot be happy. There is this story of a wealthy person who because of stress was told by his doctor to take a vacation in a beach resort. While walking along the shore he saw a fisherman relaxing and trying to sleep in his boat. He asked the man, “Why are you doing nothing?” The man said, “I finished fishing and I’m resting.” “Why don’t you fish some more?”asked the rich man. “For what?” said the fisherman. “So you can catch more fish, and get rich,” said the wealthy man. “For what?” the fisherman asked. “ The rich man said, “So you can take life easy, and relax.” The fisherman said, “That’s what I was doing until you disturbed me.” And he went back to sleep.

From the viewpoint of Jesus, happiness is found in the service of the kingdom, “Seek first the kingdom of heaven and all the rest will be given you” (Mt. 6:33). Happiness is a consequence of bringing God’s blessings to others. In this Sunday’s gospel the disciples of John asked Jesus if He was indeed the Messiah. Jesus answered simply, “ Tell John, the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, and the dead are brought to life” (Mt. 11:2-3). The time of the Messiah is the time of God’s blessings.

When Pope Francis took over the office of St. Peter, one of his first acts was to write an encyclical, “The Joy of the Gospel.” It’s opening sentence says, “ The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew.”

So, relax, don’t worry, be happy.

Daily Scripture Readings

3rd Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 35.1-6a, 10; James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11

Mon Tue Wed

Readings: 1st Reading no. 707(11), p. 731: Zec 2.10-13 or no. 708(2), p. 733: Rev 11.19a; 12.1, 3-6a, 10ab Gospel no. 712(5), p. 745; Luke 1.39-47 BG, p. 809

Readings: no. 188, p. 31 or no. 692, p. 611

1st Reading: Zephaniah 3.1-2, 9-13 Gospel: Matthew 21.28-32

Readings: no. 189, p. 33 or no. 693, p. 611

1st Reading: Isaiah 45.6b-8, 18, 21b-25 Gospel: Luke 7.19-23

Readings: no. 190, p. 36

1st Reading: Isaiah 54.1-10 Gospel: Luke 7.24-30

Readings: no. 191, p. 39

1st Reading: Isaiah 56.1-3a, 6-8 Gospel: John 5.16-17, 33-36++

Readings: no. 193, p. 42

1st Reading: Genesis 49.2, 8-10 Gospel: Matthew 1.1-17

ON December 8, 2022, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Congregation of the Oblates of Notre Dame celebrated the 60th year of first profession to the religious life of OND sisters namely Sr. Bernadette de las Peñas, OND and Sr. Leticia Tarroza, OND, 50 years of first profession to the religious life of Sr. Ritaflor Servidad, OND, Sr. Anna Kho, OND and Sr. Maria Victoria del Rosario, OND and 25 years of first profession to the religious life of Sr. Ofelia Rosales, OND.

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

Pope Francis spent time in silent prayer in front of a nativity scene handmade by artisan craftsmen in Guatemala on Dec. 3, 2022. Photo courtesy of Vatican Media

The Jubilarians with His Eminence Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD Photo courtesy of OND

EDITORIAL

While writing the editorial for this week, I chanced upon my editorial on the same week last year (12-11-21) which was also about the Immaculate Conception. Nothing has changed on our devotion to the Virgin Mary, which made me adopt what I have previously written. It gave me the satisfaction of writing about a woman who became our (womens) beacon even when gender equality was not yet pushed worldwide.

For someone who was born and lived in Cotabato City her whole life, this writer tried to recall and document the progress of Christianity in this mixed tribal and religious area in the central-southern part of Mindanao. This week, we celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. But a look at the history of our Catholicism in the city shows that it was not this way at the start.

The older Cotabatenos had a different feast to celebrate before, which is honoring St. Hermenegildo, a Catholic martyr who was the son of King Liuvigild of the Visigothic Kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. After imprisonment at the tower of Seville, he was beheaded when he refused to accept the Eucharist from an Arian bishop. He was the Patron Saint of Cotabato until the coming of more missionaries – originally Jesuits and later the Oblates of the Mary Immaculate who came in 1939.

Today, the city no longer celebrates the feast of San Herminigildo. Instead, it focuses on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, an important feast for Cotabato City celebrated every December 8th. This is in honor of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.

The feast of the Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of the Virgin Mary. It does not refer to Jesus conception by the Virgin Mary. Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, “full of grace” through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854:

The Virgin is the daughter of St. Anne and St. Joachim. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that “to become the mother of the Saviour, Mary “was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role.” The angel Gabriel at the moment of the annunciation salutes her as “full of grace”. In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God’s grace.”

The feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated in the Cathedral found in the center of the city. The OMI missionaries has turned over the cathedral as the seat of the Cotabato Archdiocese. The first church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception can be found in Tamontaka. which was built by the Jesuit priests in1872. The original structure, which was Spanish inspired, was destroyed during the 1976 earthquake but was rebuilt and opened again in 1978. It also survived the destruction of the Second World War. The church is found along the highway to the airport, beside the Tamontaka River. We can thus say that the church of the Immaculate Conception has survived the ravages of time.

We pray that in this trying times, the Virgin Mary will be there to guide and protect us, as we Cotabatenos give our unwavering devotion to her and her Son. MC

In December 2017, religious and community leaders, farmers, women, indigenous people, civil society groups and members of the academe from all over the Diocese of Kidapawan gathered at the Notre Dame of Kidapawan College gymnasium in Kidapawan City in celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace. It was then the 20th year of the annual celebration.

Starting in 1997 in Zamboanga, it became a Mindanao-wide event from the last week of November to the first week of December and was proclaimed an annual nationwide celebration in 2001 through Presidential Proclamation No. 127 of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to “recognize the common aspirations of Mindanaoans to live in peace, unity, and harmony with each other regardless of status in life, religion or culture.” Since then, the celebration has served as an opportunity to bring people together to promote a peaceful atmosphere not only in Mindanao but throughout the country.

On that 20th year of the Mindanao Week of Peace in 2017, those who gathered at the Notre Dame of Kidapawan College gymnasium came up with a People’s Agenda for Peace, spurred by incidents of violence that rocked communities under the jurisdiction of the Diocese. They emphasized collectively their dream of peace, an end to armed conflict through dialogue and negotiation , as well as social justice. They expressed their belief that peace is not only the government’s responsibility, that while government has the mandate to create an environment of peace, it is everyone’s responsibility as well and committed themselves to helping create that environment.

Gathering once more for the culmination of this year’s Mindanao Week of Peace at the Guadalupe Convention Hall in Balindog, Kidapawan City, they manifested anew their willingness and commitment to unifying engagements among each other that would lead to the attainment of peace based on Justice, even as they affirmed the People’s Peace Agenda. Spearheaded by the People’s Peace Network of Cotabato Province, the gathering was also attended by representatives from the government, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Army.

In a collective voice, they again expressed their wish to live in peace with everyone as well as in harmony with nature. They lamented that conflict and violence has continued to affect the poorest in the

WEcongratulate all 16 local government units cited by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management (NDRRM) through the Office of Civil Defense-BARMM during the 22nd Gawad KALASAG Seals Awards this month.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. feted the honorees’ significant efforts, as he put emphasis on actions taken before, during and after a disaster.

Bangsamoro Civil Defense Regional Director Hamid Bayao underscores OCD-BARMM role and mandates in providing responsive, “efficient and effective services related to research, planning, programming, project development and policy formulation of DRRM’s projects and activities.”

Recognized with the KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Seals Awards were the Municipal LGUs of Parang (Maguindanao Norte), South Upi, Paglat, Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, and Sultan Sa Barongis in Maguindanao del Sur; Bubong, Piagapo, and Wao in Lanao del Sur; Lamitan City and Tuburan in Basilan; and Talipao in Sulu were awarded as “Fully Compliant” LGUs on disaster response and preparedness. My warmest felicitations to our former high school classmate, Mayor Datu Allandatu M. Angas of Sultan Sa Barongis, among several other officials representing their respective public and privately-run organizations involved in disaster preparedness and rescue operations.

The highest KALASAG Seals Award category that is “Beyond Compliant” went to Upi, Maguindanao del Norte.

The Jolo Emergency Rescue Network (JERN) Inc. was also awarded as Regional Best Government Emergency Management and Response Teams (GEMs). Curiously, however, the BARMM Rapid Emergency

countryside “and the young people who are recruited as soldiers on both side and are trained to kill and destroy.” Saying that all are losers in war, they once again urged all sides engaged in conflict to stop the killings. They expressed once more their firm belief that conflicts can be resolved through dialogue.

Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, who is also director of the Catholic Church’s social action and humanitarian arm NASSA-Caritas, in sharing his thoughts during the event said that among the victories of years working for peace in Mindanao, one that proves that dialogue and negotiations do work, is the peace agreement reached by the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which has paved the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. He added however that he hopes similar focus and effort would be given by the government through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity on achieving a similar peaceful resolution to the armed conflict with the CPP-NPA-NDF which continues to affect many hinterland communities not only in Mindanao but the rest of the country as well.

To be able to effectively sit down and talk to achieve peace, Bishop Bagaforo said sensitivity and respect are needed, sensitivity and respect for each other, each other’s beliefs and principles, and each other’s human dignity. He cited three elements needed to achieve peace: friendship (“peace is relational and not theoretical, we cannot work for peace if we are not friends”), fear of God, and commitment for peace.

Fr. Hipolito Paracha, DCK, who sits as cochairperson of the People’s Peace Network, said that there have been numerous victories in the collective work for peace, but many challenges still remain. And because of these the gathering for this year’s Mindanao Week of Peace is both a celebration and a recommitment to peace.

Action on Disaster Incident (READi), a well-equipped local DRRM unit and a platform of some of the besttrained emergency workers and trainers on disaster response, has not been nominated for any category and may have been overlooked. Well, we do not know for sure.

On the other hand, I should have known this, having had a homemade design of a utility model craft of a work table with a rectangular floater vessel. Off-seasons, the model is used as a table (worktable, a dining table, or a learners table). The abstract and technical descriptions of which have been sent for a UM patent to the IPOPHL. In times of disaster, it floats with a theoretical buoyant force (weight) of 589 kilograms, per Archimedes Law of Buoyancy. It has two seat-boards doubly serving for a pair of counterbalance with identical sizes and weights to accommodate eight persons and a clinging-capacity for 10 more persons. It is designed as a platform of safe refuge for school children during floods, particularly in real-time transitions before the arrival of rescue teams or lifeboats. It has a built-in floodlight for a distress signal, and an inverter for emergency phone charging.

Plaques of appreciation were given to the Bangsamoro DRRM Council member-agencies as well as DRRM Partners from both the Public and the Private Sectors during theKALASAG event.

COTABATO CITY / ARMM CORRESPONDENTS

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

NORTH / SOUTH COTABATO CORRESPONDENTS

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

Never-ending endurance

Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com

Amid all these trials and difficulties in life, don’t give up by doing what’s good and pleasing to God and fellow men, instead of being suicidal by killing one another through illegal drugs, gun-for-hire, monetary scam digital or otherwise.

Life’s threats and uncertainties continue to haunt us that apart from the still raging health menace comes the PH economic inflation rate of eight percent which is the highest in the span of four years.

It’s unfortunate for the Marcos administration’s first 100 days to confront unprecedented soaring prices of goods and services. Based from latest PSA report, the huge contributory factors were rising prices of food commodities, tobacco and alcoholic beverages, including jackup rates in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel needs.

Critical experts opined that unless resolve with dispatch the economic woe will surely undermine the administration’s credibility and eventual popularity to make the PH great. Especially, with its controversial proposal to utilize GSIS and SSS contributions in the government’s investment project known as “Maharlika Wealth Fund.”

What will happen if the proposal is approved only to collapse and fail to meet the needs of pensioners in the future? In any project such as this, there must be “Plan A, B or C” to compensate, instead of plain and simple “Leche Plan.”

Joking aside, why can’t we have a moratorium in our lawmaking body? That the government’s huge budgetary allocation in both Houses could be used in good investment projects. Anyway, our existing laws are more than enough that some were enacted to divert vested interest from hidden agenda like the Oil Deregulation and Rice Tariffication

Laws among others. Lately, we hear people in the know demanding for an “independent probe” on the reported shootout with lawmen in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat that left three motorcycle riders dead. Authorities said the victims allegedly refused to stop at a police outpost by firing their guns instead. Victims’ kin can’t believe they were armed and with possession of illegal drugs. True or not they insist for an impartial investigation as they cried for justice.

Earthly justice is not always congruent with the justice in the hereafter. For God who judges humanity is impartial anchored on individual’s heart and deeds as inscribed in The Book of Life.

What is “real success” all about, that even stumbling blocks or failures cannot deter its overwhelming presence in a successful man whatever career, profession, or status in life he is into. And the key is always seek God first before anything else and pray like what Moses and the prophets of old did, saying, “Lord God, please give me success this day as I remain humble and kind to others” (Genesis 24).

The apostle Paul wrote: “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. For I know how to be abased and I know to abound. And in all things, I have learned both, to be full and to be hungry, to abound and to suffer need. For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4).

Some Info on diabetes

h e A lth c o R ne R

Whogets diabetes? What are the risk factors?

Factors that increase your risk differ depending on the type of diabetes you ultimately develop.

Risk factors

Risk factors for Type 1 diabetes include:

• Having a family history (parent or sibling) of Type 1 diabetes. Injury to the pancreas (such as by infection, tumor, surgery or accident).

• Presence of autoantibodies (antibodies that mistakenly attack your own body’s tissues or organs).

• Physical stress (such as surgery or illness).

Exposure to illnesses caused by viruses.

Risk factors for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes include:

Family history (parent or sibling) of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.

• Being Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American race or Pacific Islander.

• Having overweight/obesity.

• Having high blood pressure. Having low HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and high triglyceride level.

• Being physically inactive.

• Being age 45 or older. Having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

Having polycystic ovary syndrome. Having a history of heart disease or stroke.

• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.

• Slow-healing sores or cuts.

• Unplanned weight loss. Frequent urination.

• Frequent unexplained infections.

• Dry mouth.

Other symptoms

• In women: Dry and itchy skin, and frequent yeast infections or urinary tract infections.

In men: Decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle strength.

What are the complications of diabetes?

If your blood glucose level remains high over a long period of time, your body’s tissues and organs can be seriously damaged. Some complications can be lifethreatening over time.

Complications include:

• Cardiovascular issues including coronary artery disease, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries).

Nerve damage (neuropathy) that causes numbing and tingling that starts at toes or fingers then spreads.

Kidney damage (nephropathy) that can lead to kidney failure or the need for dialysis or transplant.

• Eye damage (retinopathy) that can lead to blindness; cataracts, glaucoma.

• Foot damage including nerve damage, poor blood flow and poor healing of cuts and sores.

Skin infections.

• Erectile dysfunction.

• Hearing loss.

• Being a smoker.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:

• Family history (parent or sibling) of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Being African-American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian-American.

• Having overweight/obesity before your pregnancy.

• Being over 25 years of age.

• What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Symptoms of diabetes include: Increased thirst.

• Weak, tired feeling.

• Blurred vision.

Undaunted, Resilient

Theoldest professional organization in the city is definitely the Cotabato Pharmaceutical Association. We proudly claim this, because it is the truth. Founded in 1957, the 65 year old professional organization has grown in membership, such that clustering necessitated in other towns and municipalities.

Every person, should have in his lifetime, an affiliation of sorts; preferably a professional group, a religious group, and a social group. These form a core of support when you are happy, or in trouble. Among ourselves, we share secrets such as : who is the doctor with the most legible penmanship? Or the doctor who cannot match the generic name to the brand name? or even incompatibilities in their RX. It happens you know.

I was immediately invited to be a member as soon as I got my license, though the license was not a requirement for membership. Warmly welcomed, inducted, which augur well to be one of the “moving” spirits of the organization to this day. The old guards were Mrs. Benita Chio, Mrs. Ocsio, ( our first awardee of the Bowl of Hygeia Award) Mrs. Amelita Manubag, Mrs. Constancia Luzano, Mrs. Josefa Valencia, Mrs. Enerita Ocampo, and Mrs. Mary Tison, owner of the largest drugstore in those days, predates Mercury chain. It seems pharmacists were paired with doctors. , I nearly would have been one of them, except that my “doctor” ditched me for a nurse.

My membership all these years was richly rewarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award accorded me by the Philippine Pharmacists’ Association, enhancing the prestige of our organization ,The local chapter is affiliated with the Philippine Pharmacists Association Inc. through who we derive the many continuing education, webinars, and updates to advance our knowledge in our profession. This year, we join the mother chapter in the celebration of the National Pharmacy Week with the theme : Upholding the

Corrolary reflection of PH pride in the hands of a humble Mindanaoan tennister, Tennielle Bedua Madis who went home with two tennis crowns in the 16-and-under girls singles and doubles matches held in Malaysia recently. Madis, a native of Mlang, North Cotabato defeated Asia’s top-seed Singaporean Chang Kai Ning, 6-2; 6-1. And with Madis’s doubles partner from the PH, Dane Basijan trounced their opponents 6-4; 6-4. Indeed, apart from our God-giving talent, being the least matters most. For God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). MC MC

Culture of Excellence in Pharmacy practice.

The resurgence of interest in the association is fuelled by the eagerness of the current members of the Board, composed of Belinda Dulay, Cecilia Tan, Zenaida Zim, myself and Dely UY, the petite, dependable interim President. Members of the Board met over and over to thresh out kinks in the outdated club procedures and bringing it to the current modes and best practices . We are getting there, with the cooperation of all members how can we not succeed? Pharmacists are resilient, able to face challenges in any form.

Locally, the entry of large chain drugstores changed the way we conducted our business. They set the bar on how to do our business, testing our resilience and flexibility. The government support for generic medicines once again, changed the drugstore landscape. Moving out of Region XII, crisis after crisis, we were steadfast in our commitment to deliver our particular health services.

Then came Covid-19, we were the most neglected and unrecognized frontliners, but we went on with our jobs to make medicines available at all times of the day. We were also volunteers vaccine administrators. Only lately did the DOH and other agencies thought of our own contributions to the Covid19 program

The practice of our profession is not confined nor limited to community pharmacy. The pharmacist are entrepreneurs too, formulate personal care products, herbal medicines. We are, like myself, in education, in sensitive government offices, in private institutions, in hospitals and health care centers, in banks and other endeavors, not necessarily practicing our profession, demonstrating versatility, and resilience and succeeding with aplomb.

Our personal journey and that of our organization have passed the tests of time and circumstances. We will continue to rise above mediocrity as long as we have members who are supportive of our initiatives and our goals. Belinda, Zeny, Celia, Zoraine and Dely, kudos, keep the home fires burning, we are with you always.

Depression.

• Dementia.

• Dental problems.

Complications of gestational diabetes:

In the mother: Preeclampsia (high blood pressure, excess protein in urine, leg/ feet swelling), risk of gestational diabetes during future pregnancies and risk of diabetes later in life.

In the newborn: Higher-thannormal birth weight, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes over time and death shortly after birth.

On the Maharlika Wealth Fund….

Themost talked about topic these days, outside of the goings-in in the movie and television industries, is the proposed Maharlika Wealth Fund that the current administration is seeking to create. According to the six primary authors of House Bill No. 6397 (includes Speaker Martin Romualdez, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, and Senior Deputy Speaker Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, and the Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF) shall be established to help in “achieving singledigit poverty levels and upper middleincome status for Filipinos,” More specifically, the proposed MWF is supposed to:

Generate consistent and stable investment returns with appropriate risk limits to preserve and enhance long-term value of the Fund

• Obtain the best absolute return and achievable financial gains on its investment

• Satisfy the requirements of liquidity, safety/security, and yield in order to ensure profitability

Based on the initial version of the MWF, the government seeks to have a sovereign fund of at least P275 billion that will be contributed by: Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) – P125 billion, Social Security System (SSS) –P25 billion, Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) – P50 billion, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) – P25 billion, and the National Government – P25 billion.

But before we move any further on the proposed MWF, let us first understand what a sovereign wealth fund is and the purpose for its establishment.

According to Investopedia, a sovereign wealth fund is “ state-owned pool of money that is invested in various financial assets.” The money for creating the SWF typically comes from a nation’s budgetary surplus.

The primary functions of a sovereign

wealth fund are to stabilize the country’s economy through diversification and to generate wealth for future generations.

Sovereign wealth funds were first created in the 1950s, the Kuwait Investment Authority was established in 1953 to protect the excess revenues from oil export from value erosion. Subsequently, other SWFs such as Abu Dhabi Investment Authority 1976), Singapore Government Investment Corporation (1981), and Norway’s Pension Fund (1990) came into operation.

Currently, the largest SWF’s are: China Investment Corporation (CIC) with assets of $1.35 trillion, Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund with $1.33 trillion, and Norway’s Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) with $1.15 trillion. Norway’s SWF is said to be the model for countries seeking to establish their own sovereign fund.

Why is there so much fuss with the proposal to establish the Maharlika Wealth Fund?

Setting aside the hidden wealth and inheritance tax liability issues of the current president and his family, the opposition to the creation of the Philippine version of a SWF stem from:

1.Using funds of SSS and GSIS can endanger the stability of the institutions and their ability to pay the pension of Filipino retirees;

2.Using funds of the two pension systems and the state-owned banks could be violative of their respective charters);

3.Funds of some SWF’s, such as the 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), ended up in the pockets of politicians (about $700 million went into the personal account of then Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, according to documents leaked to the Wall Street Journal and other papers in 2015);

4. Funding does not come from excess funds (Singapore and Hong Kong) or from profits from natural resources (Norway, Kuwait, and other exporters of oil and natural gas).

Yesterday, the idea of using GSIS and SSS funds had been set aside, let’s see what happens next.

A reprint from the Cleveland Clinic

AR ket d R iven

Danny Buenbrazo danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com

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

MPs treat Tawi-Tawi eye patients...from P1 PBBM wants more ecozones in BARMM:...from

The eye treatment mission in Bongao, TawiTawi was facilitated by members of parliament (MPs) Sinolinding, Mawalil and Alih at the sideline of the consultations on BARMM’s proposed election and local government codes that the

three of them helped preside over.

Sinolinding, Mawallil and Alih are members of the 80-seat Bangsamoro Transition Authority, also known as BARMM’s interim parliament.

Their medical outreach

mission at the Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital in Tawi-Tawi’s capital town Bongao, dubbed "Oplan Pangalawang Paningin," was supported by the TawTawi Integrated Provincial Health Office and the office of Gov. Esmael Sali.

of PFEZ in Cotabato City on Tuesday.

For the past 27 years, PEZA has been contributing to the economic growth of the country.

Investments in PEZA zones already amounted to PHP4.076 trillion, creating 1.8 million jobs across the country.

PEZA ecozones grew to 421 composed of 300 information technology (IT) parks

MP Mastura says BSP study shows BARMM on higher economic growth

Reside said that “economic intuition” suggests that several factors would lead to higher growth within BARMM due to the following factors:

(1) The provision of systemic fund transfers from the national government to the BARMM, to fund operations of the regional government that can stimulate aggregate demand with the region, as well as productivity over a

longer period;

(2) The recent inclusion of more economically productive areas into BARMM, such as Cotabato City.”

Mastura validated the findings of Prof. Reside during his response as Discussant.

“The BARMM has been enjoying a positive growth trend since last year with the second highest regional growth rate in the country

in 2021 at 7.5 percent growth rate,” he said.

“This is possibly due to the block grant transfers beginning in 2020 to the autonomous region averaging P70 billion yearly,” Mastura said, adding this is also “possibly due to the block grant, the BARMM capital of Cotabato City has the third highest deposit base in Mindanao with P113 billion in bank deposits

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT(MOA), approved and reiterated by an Order of the Court on November 9, 1987, entered by and between PERFECTO P. DE CASTRO,JR. and JUAN B. GUTIERREZ, both of Cotabato City, providing among others, to wit:

“ Paragraph No. 6 That as to Lot 5-K of the project of partition which contains 30,000 sq. m. the supposed Share of the heirs of Gliceria Goco Papa(deceased) and Remedios Goco(deceased) 1/10 or3,000 sq. m. shall go to Perfecto de Castro and ANGELI DE CASTRO YAP heirs of Cresenciana Goco Papa while the other 3,000 sq. m. shall go to Roderico Roque or his heirs who are the Only heirs of Remedios Goco. “

Any sale/transaction made and executed by ANGELI DE CASTRO YAP which may be more than her Share and Pefecto de Castro of 3,000 sq. m. of Lot 5-K is in violation of the aforementioned MOA and therefore NULL AND VOID.

Heirs of FERNANDA VDA GUTIERREZ

NOTICE

MC: Dec. 10, 17 & 24, 2022

after the cities of Davao and Cagayan de Oro, as of December 2021.”

He also cited the data showing that BARMM had the highest fisheries production in the whole country in the second quarter of this year.

Presenting the region’s economic indicators, Mastura said BARMM has total fisheries production of 346.42 MT or 28.6 percent, making it the biggest contributor for fisheries production in the Philippines.

He added that

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Spouses TEOFILO RUSIANA and ESTANISLAWA BELONOAC RUSIANA, a parcel of land Lot 638, Pls-134, H-V-20084, situated in Bulanan, Midsayap, Cotabato, containing an area of 65,686 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-72589 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 124; Page No. 25; Book No. CCCVI; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

and centers, 78 manufacturing ecozones, 23 agro-industrial parks, 17 tourism ecozones and three medical tourism zones.

In 2021 alone, PEZA shared 16 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) while 80 percent of total exports last year were from PEZA zones. PNA

path

...from P1

BARMM was followed by the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) with 153.38 MT (12.6%); Central Luzon (Region III) with 130.79 MT (10.8 %); Western Visayas (Region VI) with 96.66 MT (8.0%); and SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII) with 89.41 MT (7.4%).

Most of the fisheries productions in BARMM, which are mainly aquaculture, were produced in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and TawiTawi, known as BaSulTa. The remaining were from Maguindanao, Basilan,

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PABLO B. BALONTONG, SR., a parcel of land Lot 3308B, Csd-11-002209, situated in Manuangan, Pigcawayan, Cotabato, containing an area of 63,696 sq. mts., more or less, covered by OCT No. P-51901 is subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Nasiff Brian O. Meditar as per Doc. No. 331; Page No. 67; Book No. XVIII; Series of 2022.

MC: Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

and Lanao del Sur.

However, Mastura cautioned that while its economic growth is on a positive trend, the BARMM needs to grow much faster in order to catch up with the rest of the country in terms of economic development.

“The 7.5 percent economic growth rate last year coming from our low base rate is more of the base effect in economics, or in layman’s term it is a post-conflict economic rebound or bounce after years of being a conflictaffected region,” Mastura said.

“Other post-conflict areas enjoyed similar rebounds with double-digit economic growth rates, such as South Sudan, which had the highest growth rate in the world ranging from 25 percent to 30 percent after their independence vote,” said Mastura.

Mastura was the longest serving Department of Trade and Industry Regional Secretary and Regional Board of Investments Chair in the defunct ARMM, the predecessor of BARMM.

He became parliament member after Pres. Marcos agreed to extend the transition of the Bangsamoro government until 2025.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

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 Lyssa Jumarie Sausal Olivo has filed with this office, a petition for correction of entry in sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Lyssa Jumarie Sausal Olivo who was born on July 24, 1994 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Ricky C. Olivo and Christy T. Sausal.

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

(Sgd.)

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 Elmer H. Bastatas has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Elmer J. Bastatas who was born on 10/11/1980 at Magpet, Cotabato and whose parents are Laurencio Bastatas and Enoria Jeruela Bastatas.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than December 28, 2022.

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 Arley Mandigal Palmes has filed with this office, a petition for correction of child’s sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of Arley Mandigal Palmes at Arakan, Cotabato and whose parents are Arnelfo P. Palmes and Sherly C. Mandigal.

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

EDRES A. SAMAMA

Asst. City Civil Registrar

OIC-City Civil Registrar

MC: Dec. 10 & 17, 2022

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048/R.A. 10172, notice is hereby served to the public that Noraisa K. Lampay has filed with this office a petition for change of date of birth from 12 August 1977 to 06 November 1977 in the birth certificate of Noraisa Kanakan Lampay who was born on August 12, 1977 at Poblacion, Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Esmael K. Lampay and Zubaida A. Kanakan.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than December 14, 2022.

(Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 3 & 10, 2022

(Sgd.) CHONA M. PROVIDA, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Dec. 10 & 17, 2022

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, notice is hereby served to the public that Marites T. Fernandez has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from Maria Teresita to Marites in the birth certificate of Maria Teresita Nuñez Tablazon who was born on August 12, 1959 at VLGH, Quezon City and whose parents are Alejandro Tablazon and Serenidad Nuñez.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than December 13, 2022.

(Sgd.) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 3 & 10, 2022

(Sgd.) RODRIGO L. FAJANELA, JR. Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 10 & 17, 2022

Notice is hereby given that the late CRESENCIO ANDRES, died on November 19, 2022 at Prk. Bañas, Ramon Rabago St., MBRH, Cotabato City, left parcels of land Lot No. 61-A, Psd-12-069627and Lot No. 61-A, Psd-12069627, covered by TCT No. 152-2015000598 and TCT No. 152-2015000599, respectively, both situated at Brgy. Katipunan, Kidapawan, Cotabato with the total area of 101,444 sq. mts., more or less are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro Jagunap as per Doc. No. 5436; Page No. 5436; Book No. XXVIII; Series of 2022.

MC: Nov. 26, Dec. 3 & 10, 2022

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses NORIYA MANDARAGON ALI and ABAS A. ALI, died on July 23, 2015 and December 15, 2010, respectively, in Cotabato City, left parcels of land Lot 23, Blk. 3, Pcs-11-001563, situated in Ma-a, Davao City and Lot 6, Block 2, Psd62555, situated in Cotabato City, covered by TCT No. T-324103 and TCT No. T-14856, respectively, with the total area of 550 sq. mts., more or less are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Hanan A. RomandaKahalan, CPA as per Doc. No. 409; Page No. 83; Book No. XI; Series of 2022.

MC: Nov. 26, Dec. 3 & 10, 2022

Notice is hereby given that the late ESTRELLITA C. JULIANO, who died on October 18, 2020 at New Jersey, USA, left parcels of land Lot 4-A, Block 11, Psd-123804019856 and Lot 4- B, Block 11, Psd-123804-019856, both situated in Cotabato City, covered by TCT No. T-32058 and TCT No. T-32059, respectively, containing the total area of 500 sq. mts., more or less are subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Atty. Abbyr Ahmad Nul as per Doc. No. 173; Page No. 35; Book No. XXXVII; Series of 2022.

MC: Nov. 26, Dec. 3 & 10, 2022

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirements 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 Kenneth Baran Caparas has filed with this office a correction of entry in sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth bearing registry No. 99-3835 of Kenneth B. Caparas who was born on October 28, 1999 at Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and whose parents are Benigno U. Caparas and Rosalia H. Baran.

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

(Sgd.) PRINCESS ESNAIRA M. NUR Municipal Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 3 & 10, 2022

In compliance with the publication requirements 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 Ubaldo Balansag Ortado has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of Ubaldo Balansag Hurtado who was born on May 16, 1951 at Midsayap, Cotabato and whose parents are Enrique Hurtado and Faustina Balansag.

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: Dec. 3 & 10, 2022

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that Consorcio O. Bungaos has filed with this office a petition for correction of child’s sex from Female to Male and change of first name from Conchita to Consorcio in the birth certificate of Consorcio O. Bungaos who was born on March 20, 1963 at Kidapawan, Cotabato and whose parents are Pamfilo Bungaos and Isabel Oclarit.

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

(Sgd.) MERCEDES P. TOLENTINO Acting City Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 3 & 10, 2022

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Flordeliza E. Semillano has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from Male to Female and change of first name from Flordeliz to Flordeliza in the birth certificate of Flordeliza Bantolo Ellaga who was born on May 1, 1966 at Cotabato, Cotabato (now Cotabato City) and whose parents are Felipe S. Ellaga and Esperanza Bantolo. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office.

(Sgd.) MERCEDES P. TOLENTINO Acting City Civil Registrar MC: Dec. 3 & 10, 2022

Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parang, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parang, Maguindanao OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

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

Republic of the Philippines Midsayap, Cotabato LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE

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

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

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

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

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

4 more bolt from outlawed BIFF

FOUR more members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, two of them experts in fabrication of home-made bombs, pledged allegiance to the government Tuesday.

Major Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Thursday the four BIFF members, whose names he withheld for their safety, are now in the custody of the 1st Mechanized Brigade sa Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

The BIFF has a reputation for harassing members who have returned to the fold of law and their relatives.

The four BIFF members surrendered through the intercession of Brig. Gen. Pedro Balisi of the 1st Mechanized Brigade and his subordinate-officers in the 1st Mechanized Battalion.

They turned in a US 1911 60 millimeter mortar, a Colt M16 Rifle, a 9 millimeter machine pistol and a .50 caliber Barrett sniper rifle before they renounced their membership with the BIFF during a simple surrender rite in the Army’s Camp Leono in Barangay Kalandagan in Tacurong City.

The event was witnessed by Lambayong Mayor Ferdinand Agduma and other local officials

who helped secure their surrender via backchannel dialogues.

The four men, two of them trained in producing improvised explosive devices, are from a group operating at the marshy border of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat and Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Norte.

No fewer than 200 BIFF members have surrendered in batches to different units of the 6th ID in central Mindanao since January 2022.

Many of them have been reintroduced to mainstream society by the 6th ID and different agencies of the government. JMU

Basilan folks hope .. .from P12

thoroughly debated in the committee.

The BLGC, which aims to provide a clear direction between the local government units and the Bangsamoro government, was first filed in the Parliament in July 2020 and remained pending at the Committee on Local Government.

Before the first parliament adjourned, the committee had started public consultations with local governments, academe, religious sector, indigenous peoples (IPs), non-Moro settlers, and other stakeholders in Lanao del Sur and the cities of Marawi and Cotabato. BTA Media

NoCot POs get P6.6-M financial aid from

DSWD-12

KIDAPAWAN – Twenty-two peoples’ organizations (POs) composed of former New People’s Army (NPA) members and supporters received some P6.6 million financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Soccsksargen (DWSD-12) on Wednesday.

DSWD-12 chief Loreto Cabaya said the fund was allocated through the E.O 70 of the Whole-of-theNation Approach in Ending of Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) signed by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte to help ex-communist rebels and conflictaffected communities attain peace and development.

“Our salute and gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos for allowing this program to continue, thus we assure you that our agency will enjoin all efforts to achieve the intent of ELCAC,” Cabaya said. PNA

On Immaculate Concepcion

limitations, weakness, and flaws.”

He also urged the Filipino faithful to have confidence and faith in God and each other as the nation moves toward progress.

“As we allow our shared experiences to shape our history and lead us in achieving our nation’s aspirations, let us place our confidence in the Almighty and put our trust in one another. In the intersection of these things, we will certainly learn where to hold on and gain greater courage,” he said.

.. .from P1

Marcos told Filipino Catholics to anticipate the promises of “a brighter and more comfortable future” as they continue to work hard and pray for guidance.

Republic Act 10966, signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2017, declares December 8 as a special non-working holiday in commemoration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Principal Patroness of the Philippines.

December 8 is also declared a special nonworking holiday under Proclamation 1236. PNA

EMBRACING PEACE. The four members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who surrendered to the Army in Tacurong City also yielded firearms and a 60 millimeter mortar. Photo courtesy of 6th Infantry Division

Pope Francis blesses .. .from P6

Vatican, a beautiful work of sacred art, personally delivered to Pope Francis and, therefore, also a gift from the people of Guatemala in anticipation of Christmas,” Búcaro said.

The nativity scene was made by the combined effort of more than 30 artisans. It features the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, wearing large golden crowns, in a manger surrounded by angels.

At the nativity’s inauguration, Pope Francis explained that the nativity scene tells of “the birth of the Son of God who became man to be close to each of us.”

“In its genuine poverty, the nativity scene helps us to rediscover the true richness of Christmas,” the pope said.

“Simple and familiar, the nativity scene recalls a different Christmas from the consumerist and commercial one. … It reminds us how good it is for us to cherish moments of silence and prayer in

our days, which are often overwhelmed by frenzy.”

In St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican has also displayed an outdoor wooden nativity scene hand carved from alpine cedar trees from Italy’s northeasternmost region, Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Pope Francis recommended silent prayer and contemplation of the Christ child in a nativity scene as an intimate experience of God’s humility and tenderness.

“And if we really want to celebrate Christmas, let us rediscover through the nativity scene the surprise and wonder of littleness, the littleness of God, who made himself small, who was not born in the splendor of appearance, but in the poverty of a stable,” Pope Francis said.The Guatemalan nativity scene will remain on display in Paul VI Hall until January 8, when the Church celebrates the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Vatican Media

Jubilee, a time of gratitude and celebration

After the Jubilarians’ Renewal of Commitment to God, Sr. Erlinda C. Hisug, the OND Superior General expressed her joy-filled congratulations with an invitation for the jubilarians to witness anew, with gratitude and joy, God’s faithfulness, to inspire hope in our midst and

wherever they are sent to purposely live.

Sr. Bernadette de las Peñas, OND highlighted her 60th Year as an OND in a Eucharistic Celebration at the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Chapel, Brgy. Lamac, Consolacion, Cebu with the theme "I have found

the ONE whom my soul loves" (Song of Solomon 3:4) together with the sisters of Cebu and Leyte District, San Fernando teachers, lay mission partners, and benefactors. Their presider & homilist, was Fr. Alejandro Gobrin, CMF. Sr. Maria Luz P. Fernandez, OND

DILG chief awards BARMM 16 LGUs

SIXTEEN local government units in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) received Friday the Gawad KALASAG (GK) Seal and Special Awards for Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Councils and Offices from Interior Sec. Benjamin “Benjur” Abalos Jr.

These LGUs have generally adhered to and exceeded the standards set forth by the DILG, according to Office of Civil Defense (OCD-BARMM) Regional Director Hamid Bayao.

The 22nd National Awarding of the Gawad KALASAG (GK) Seal and Special Awards for Local DRRM Councils and Offices in BARMM was held at Grand Pagana Convention Hall, Cotabato City.

Director Bayao said has admired and appreciated the diverse number of participants as well as the presence of Sec. Abalos despite his hectic schedule.

“Next time around we expect to double the number of Gawad KALASAG awardees in BARMM,” Bayao said.

BARMM Ministry of Interior Local Government Director General Khalid Dumagay represented the BARMM government during the program.

Sec. Abalos awarded National and Regional Gawad KALASAG Plaques 16 LGUs that have exceeded and generally adhered to the standards and one regional awardee for the Government Emergency Management and Response Teams (GEMs) category.

The recipients Upi, Maguindanao Del Norte (Beyond Compliant) while the rests were fully compliant that included Maguindanao province, Ampatuan, Datu Abduilla Sangki, Guindulungan, South Upi, Sultan sa Barongis, Paglat in Maguindanao del Sur; Parang in Maguindanao del Norte.

Also awarded were Bubong, Lanao Del Sur, Piagapo, Lanao Del Sur, Wao, Lanao Del Sur, Basilan Province, Lamitan City, Basilan, Tuburan, Basilan and Talipao, Sulu.

The Regional Awardee for Best Government Emergency Management and Response Teams (GEMs) was Jolo Emergency Rescue Network (JERN) Inc.

Plaques of Appreciation were also given to the Bangsamoro DRRM Council member agencies as well as DRRM Partners from both the Public and the Private Sectors.

“There’s a spirit of Bayanihan that is important in all of us and that is what you’ve done. You have acted far beyond the call of duty, even risking your own lives. You helped each other, the LGUs, NGOs, civil society groups, government and all,” Sec. Abalos said.

“It’s beyond the call of duty, everybody helping one another and I congratulate you and thank you. Your sense of responsibility and vigilance before and during all of these crises will always be known, will always be reported, and always be inscribed in our history,” he added. EOF

Sr. Bernadette de las Peñas, OND together with the sisters of Cebu and Leyte District and Fr. Alejandro Gobrin, CMF. Photo courtesy of OND

Congress-Bangsamoro forum to bring dev’t in BARMM

On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously adopted Concurrent Resolution No 5 seeking to establish the PCBPF, an intergovernmental body that will help achieve and maintain genuine peace and progress for the Bangsamoro Region and properly implement the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

With the approval, BARMM which is still in its transition stage must pass its priority legislations like Electoral Code and the Local Governance Code.These codes will form the foundation of the

Bangsamoro government, he said.

Once the forum is established, Congress will have better coordination with the Bangsamoro Parliament so they can easily discuss and tackle legislative concerns.

Under Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 5, Congress shall be represented by a five-member panel each from the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives as designated by the Speaker of the House and the Senate President.

“As the author and sponsor of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, and as a Mindanaoan myself, I am very proud of the achievements of the interim Bangsamoro Government, which has made great progress towards lasting peace for the Bangsamoro Region,” Zubiri said.

He added that the Bangsamoro Region had proven that it could stand on its own and was fully capable of exercising autonomy even during difficult times like the pandemic and natural disasters. PNA

2 Dawlah men face multiple murder raps

TWO bomb-makers in the Dawlah Islamiya terror group, long wanted for multiple murder, arrested Wednesday last week in Polomolok, South Cotabato, are now awaiting prosecution.

The Police Regional Office-12 in General Santos City announced early this week that the duo is now tightly guarded while locked in a detention facility.

Suspects Jerry Pandian, 44, and his 18-year-old henchman, Yeb Salila, belong to the Khatiba group in the Dawlah Islamiya, tagged in deadly bombings in central Mindanao in recent years.

They were nabbed before dawn Wednesday, November 30, in Purok 2 in Barangay Glamang in Polomolok, South Cotabato by combined personnel of units under the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the Police Regional Office-12.

Army and police intelligence officials confirmed Thursday that Pandian and Salila are experts in fabrication of improvised explosive devices using components easy to obtain, such as ammonium nitrate and potassium chlorate, which can be used as blasting powders for home-made bombs.

They did not resist arrest when members of the

The

DAVAO CITY—To provide the best learning journey for the Bangsamoro learners, the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) launched here Monday, Dec. 5, the Bangsamoro Education Reform and Development Plan (BERDP) 2035.

BERDP 2035 serves as the leading document in formulating education plans and policies in the Bangsamoro region until 2035. It is anchored on the seven principles of inclusivity, equity, rights-based, rooted in context, integrated, balanced, and moral governance.

The launching of the education plan was one of the highlights of MBHTE's first ever education summit held Monday.

Education Summit Focal Alfadhar Pajiji underscored during the launching that the policy document is part of the quest to further improve the education system in the region. BIO-BARMM

ISABELA CITY, BASILAN — Sharing all of their recommendations on the proposed Bangsamoro Local Governance Code, Basilan stakeholders hope that the Bangsamoro Parliament will include their legislative input on the proposed code, which they believe will reflect the voice of the Bangsamoro people, especially the people of Basilan.

Deputy Speaker Atty. Laisa Alamia

emphasized the importance of consulting all constituencies on their comments, suggestions, and criticisms in order to improve the proposed measure, adding that the BLGC "will be the law that governs local governance in the Bangsamoro region."

Alamia also said that all inputs gathered during the consultation, including those from Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, will be presented and P10

This 2022, the

medications.

As of the 3rd Quarter of this Year, we have registered 3,104,472 members and dependents. The accredited HCIs significantly increased to 250 facilities. Likewise, the accredited professionals rose to 635 professionals. Further, a total of 59,156 claims amounting to Php 536,189,456.00 were paid as healthcare subsidy.

Our Local Health Insurances Offices in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Buluan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Cotabato City, and Marawi City, and our Business and Express Offices in

We are grateful to our partner agencies in BARMM, the Ministry of Health, the Provincial and City Health Offices, the Local Governments, the Employers, and our Accredited Government and Private Healthcare Institutions for their collaboration, trust, and support. In the coming year, we hope to continue our harmonious partnership in promoting the health and welfare of the Bangsamoro people. We believe that this partnership is the key factor in realizing our aspiration and our vision of progress for BARMM and its people.

As always, it is our honor and privilege to have served you, the people of BARMM, during a year of beginnings and a slow but sure return, not only to a new, but to a better normal.

In behalf of the men and women of PhilHealth Regional Office BARMM, we wish you peace, strength, and joy in the coming year.

Polomolok Municipal Police Station, agents from the South Cotabato Provincial Police and PRO-12 and soldiers arrived at their hideout in Barangay Glamang and showed them an arrest warrant for murder cases against them.

warrant for their arrest was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 in Polomolok, South Cotabato. JMU

SENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday said the approved Philippine CongressBangsamoro Parliament Forum (PCBPF) will pave the way for the economic development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

PhilHealth Regional Office BARMM extends its warmest greetings to the people of BARMM as we approach the closing of another remarkable year.

implementation of the Universal Healthcare (UHC) was on its full swing. As of the 3rd Quarter of 2022, forty-eight (48) facilities have been accredited as KonSulTa Providers. The KonSulTa Package is the flagship program of PhilHealth and our answer to UHC's call to provide comprehensive health care to all Filipinos. The KonsulTa Package revolutionizes the landscape of healthcare in the Philippines by ensuring access to complete and quality health care beginning at the primary level. This includes diagnostic and professional services, health assessments, laboratory tests, and

Malabang and Wao, Lanao del Sur, continue to be at the frontline of our services with the aim of continuously providing quality health care services. The challenges brought by the COVID-19 allowed us to practice our resilience and innovation. As the entire nation opens its doors to more activities, our resolve is stronger than ever in improving our services even more.