The Mindanao Cross | September 4, 2021 by The Mindanao Cross

Maguindanao new PNP chief vows to maintain peace

CHURCH / P4

Pope Francis: Complaining is ‘poison’ for the heart

BARMM inks scholarship MOA with medical school

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

RUBBER RIDGE. A picturesque Nordic-inspired cabin in Sitio Barugkot, Barangay Kimarayag, Pigcawayan, Cotabato is the newest and popular tourist destination for those who want to reconnect with nature, healing, and bond with family, friends and significant other. The cabin is available for rent and is well-equipped with bedrooms, Karl John Daniel kitchen, shower and toilet.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED TO BARMM FARMERS

Business opportunities were presented to highland farmers in BARMM as they attended an investments forum on Tuesday, spearheaded by the regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI).

Reset to 2025 of BARMM polls imminent

DA 12 trains ‘Agri Pulis’ as food producers

FORTY five Agri Pulis recently received one set of garden tools each from the Department of Agriculture 12. DA-12 Regional Executive Director Arlan Mangelen led the distribution of the garden tools during the Command Visit of PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar at the

Police Regional Office 12 Grand Stand in Gen. Santos City. This initiative is part of the agency’s partnership program with the Police Regional Office 12 headed by Brigadier General John Michael Dubria. The official said that this program aims to tap other sectors, aside from our

farmers, for food security. “We want you to be our partners in securing food for every Filipino, most especially during this time of pandemic,” Mangelen said. Mangelen added that the agency acknowledged during this time of COVID-19 crisis its role to ensure

IPHO North Cotabato detects delta variant

By Edwin Fernandez K I D A P A W A N C I T Y — H e a l t h have closed contacts with the patient authorities in North Cotabato have urged have been identified, quarantined and the public to intensify self-restriction repeatedly swab to ensure they are safe moves to contain the spread of COVID-19 from the virus. “We are still determining where the after a delta variant was detected in the delta virus was acquired by the patients province. Dr. Eva Rabaya, North Cotabato since he was reported to have travelled to provincial health chief, said the patient, Cagayan de Oro City last July,” Rabaya a male senior citizen from Aleosan, North said in a radio interview over DXND Cotabato, has already recovered from Radyo Bida Kidapawan. “The patient has been infected with the disease. Rabaya said while the patient has Covid-19 in July this year but it was recovered he agreed to remain in isolation only on Tuesday (Sept. 1) that DOH-12 facility to complete the healing process. informed us that it was of the delta She said all the 25 persons who variant,” Rabaya said.

DID YOU KNOW? Obesity Prevention Awareness Week

By John Felix Unson THE postponement of next year’s elections Muslims, Christians and the in the Bangsamoro region is imminent. indigenous non-Moro communities in Bangsamoro officials and sectoral the Bangsamoro region wants the 2022 leaders, in fact, already assured to repay electoral exercise reset to enable a full with “good governance” the efforts of transition from the defunct Autonomous Senate to reset to 2025 next year’s supposed Region in Muslim Mindanao to the still regional elections. 29-month BARMM. The Senate approved last August 25 Gerry Salapuddin, administrator of on second reading the Bill 2214, which is the Southern Philippines Development the enabling measure for the deferment to Authority, said he was elated with Senate’s 2025 of next year’s first ever elections in approval on second reading of Senate Bill the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in 2214. Muslim Mindanao. “That is good for the Mindanao

IATF wants voters’ listing in Malabang suspended By John Felix Unson THE local Inter-agency Task Force COVID-19 in Malabang, Lanao del Sur has urged municipal election officer Samirah Omar to suspend the listing of new voters to avert the rise of coronavirus infections in the area. In a letter to Omar

dated August 31, Malabang Mayor Mohamad Yahyah Macapodi, who is at the helm of the task force, said there are seven new COVID-19 cases now in the municipality. Six other residents are now being monitored for possibly having contracted the disease, he said.

The mayor said Malabang’s having new COVID-19 cases necessitates the suspension of reckless gatherings by people who do not follow containment regulations. Photos of the overly crowded voters’ registration sites,

Obesity Prevention Awareness Week is observed every first week of September by virtue of Proclamation No. 162 signed on Aug. 21, 1999, by former President Joseph Estrada. The proclamation noted that obesity was one of the country’s serious health problems due to the growing addiction to the Western type of lifestyle and diet which affects national socio-economic development

DANGEROUS. Malabang residents are worried of this overly glaring disregard of anti-COVID-19 protocols in a voters’ registration site in Malabang, lanao del Sur. The local government unit and its constituent-communities wants this activity suspended to avert a rise in COVID-19 cases in the municipality. Photo courtesy of Malabang LGU

September 4, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Maguindanao new PNP chief vows to maintain peace

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao - A newly designated police provincial director for Maguindanao has vowed to maintain law and order in the province amid the pandemic.

At the same time, Police Colonel Jibin Bongcayao, who assumed as new provincial director for Maguindanao, also appealed to all police officers in the province to continue supporting peace and development programs for all Maguindanaons. Bongcayao replaced Colonel Donald Madamba as provincial director for Maguindanao covering 36 municipalities. "I am wholeheartedly accepting these tasks entrusted to me,” Colonel Bongcayao said after Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, police regional director for the Bangsamoro region, guest of honor and speaker, installed him as the new head

of Maguindanao PNP. Maguindanao Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu attended the turnover ceremonies. Her marching orders for Colonel Bongcayao is to maintain peace in the province and make every resident of the province safe. On Monday, on his first working day in office, Colonel Bongcayao directed all town police chiefs “to work and cooperate with me in serving the people of Maguindanao and make this province a peaceful and prosperous area in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.” Edwin

O. Fernandez

550 PH students at EducationUSA Fair

SOME 550 aspiring Filipino graduate students participated in EducationUSA Philippines’ annual graduate school fair on August 27, the U.S. Embassy Office of the Press Attaché has said. A free virtual event featured 30 U.S. graduate schools, as well as Fulbright Philippines, the oldest continuing Fulbright Commission in the world, which administers the flagship foreign exchange scholarship program between the United States and the Philippines. Representatives from test organizations such as the British CouncilIELTS, Educational Testing Service, and the Graduate Management Admission Council were also at the event and provided answers to questions about common graduate school exams including the IELTS, GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL. During the fair, participants visited U.S.

schools’ virtual booths to share their academic goals and career plans, and other thoughts of studying in the United States. U.S. graduate school representatives provided advice, information, and guidance to all aspiring graduate students throughout the event on Friday night, an Embassy statement said. “This event was really helpful because I can communicate with the school representatives without having to travel, especially during this pandemic,” said one participant. The statement said after the fair, several participants scheduled advising sessions with U.S. Embassy-based EducationUSA advisors, for guidance on their college applications. EducationUSA in the Philippines provides free advising on all aspects of applying to and preparing for study in the United States. Since 2019,

EducationUSA advisees have received Php115 million worth of financial aid from U.S. universities. EducationUSA provides free advising services to prospective international students in more than 170 countries and offers students resources and tools to help navigate the five steps to U.S. study: researching schools, identifying financial aid opportunities, completing the application, obtaining a student visa, and preparing for departure. More than 4,700 accredited higher education institutions in the United States and an EducationUSA adviser can help students narrow their options, define their priorities, and plan their college careers. EducationUSA does not offer scholarships, but it can assist students in identifying scholarship and financial assistance opportunities, the statement said. Nash B.

Maulana

Soldier slain in Basilan IED, gun attacks

OFFICIALS condemned Thursday the bombing of an Army outpost in Lamitan City Basilan Tuesday that left a soldier dead and hurt another. The fatality, Cpl. Cyrus Bunda, belonged to the Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion under the 101st Brigade that covers Basilan and islands around. Gunmen on motorcycles set off a bomb near Army detachment in Campo Uno in Lamitan City, shot Bunda and companion Pvt. Arny Bemver Basco, before they escaped. One of the suspects carted away the M203 rifle of one of the two victims. “We condemn this attack. The Police is now trying to identify them for immediate prosecution,” Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman said Thursday. He said the city government of Lamitan and its peace and order council, chaired by Mayor Rose Furigay, and the police are now cooperating in putting closure to the incident. Bunda and Basco were guarding

a roadside detachment in Campo Uno in Lamitan City when the suspects set off the improvised explosive device just meters away and, subsequently, attacked them with pistols. Both soldiers sustained bullet wounds in different parts of their bodies. Bunda died later in a hospital in Zamboanga City. He was born and raised in Surallah, South Cotabato and his remains are to be brought there for burial, according to relatives. One of the three suspects took the M203 rifle of Bunda before they hurriedly escaped on board motorcycles. In a statement Wednesday, Gerry Salapuddin, administrator of the Southern Philippines Development Authority, tagged as "pure terrorism" the bombing of the roadside Army outpost in Campo Uno. "That was absolutely dastard. I condemn that atrocity," Salapuddin, who is from Tuburan town in Basilan, told reporters Thursday. John Felix Unson

13 rescued, human trafficker nabbed

THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Maguindanao shall prosecute suspected human trafficker Maalidin Salasal who was arrested Tuesday in a police operation that also led to the rescue of 13 victims he had promised to help work abroad with hefty salaries. Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of the Police Ugale said the CIDGBAR shall prosecute the now detained Salasal for violation of Republic Act 9208, more known as the Anti Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. "We are happy with this accomplishment of the CIDG-BAR," Ugale said.

CIDG-BAR agents rescued Tuesday the 13 recruits of Salasal, cramped in a den here owned by human traffickers led by him, who promised them foreign employment with hefty salaries. The 13 human trafficking victims have allowed to return home after undergoing tactical debriefing by agents of he CIDG-BAR Salasal was arrested by CIDG-BAR agents, backed by the Cotabato City police, who searched the house in Barangay Mother Bagua here where he and his cohorts confined the victims for weeks. Salasal’s main accomplice, Aisha

Statutory rape suspect nabbed

KORONADAL CITY — The police arrested an elusive rape suspect Sunday in Polomolok, South Cotabato after six weeks of surveillance. Dioscoro Getalada, 35, voluntarily turned himself in when he sensed that a police team had surrounded his hideout in Barangay Poblacion, Polomolok, ready to neutralize him should he resist arrest. Police Lt. Col. Alex Joe Orcajada, Polomolok police chief, said Monday Getalada is now clamped down in their

South Cotabato provincial police office Thursday, Major Rafael Banggay, Tupi municipal police chief, said the suspects turned themselves in one after another when they learned that the Regional Trial Court Branch 63 in the province had a warrant for their arrest. The warrant, dated August 20, 2021, was signed by Judge Adelbert Santillan. The RTC Branch

63 has recommended a P120,000 bail each for the temporary liberty of the Canahaps. The duo were charged with arson before the RTC Branch 63, located in Polomolok town in South Cotabato, in connection with their having allegedly burned down a house in Tupi, less than 20 kilometers away from Koronadal City, the provincial capital. John

Felix Unson

detention facility. Getalada, one of the 10 most wanted persons in Polomolok, is wanted for two counts of rape. The warrant for his arrest, dated February 24, 2021, was signed by Judge Allan Edwin Boncavil of the Regional Trial Court Branch 62 in Polomolok. Orcajada said the RTC Branch 62 has not recommended a bail for Getalada’s temporary liberty. John Felix

Unson

12 BIFF bandits starts life anew

THE Army’s 6th Infantry Division is now reintroducing to society the 12 former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who renounced their membership with the group Monday. Twelve more followers of wanted terrorist Kagui Karialan, leader of one of three BIFF factions, surrendered to the military and pledged allegiance to the government in the presence of local officials. “Documentation has been started. We shall help them return to the local communities where they can thrive again as peace-loving people,” Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Thursday. The 12 BIFF men

yielded through the efforts of the 6th Infantry Battalion and the 1st Mechanized Brigade that had jointly secured the surrender of more than 30 other members of the outlawed group. Their leader, the religious extremist Karialan, who is facing more than 30 criminal cases in different courts, is known for fomenting animosity towards nonMuslims. The 12 BIFF members, three of them confessed bomb-makers, turned in 10 assorted firearms, 40 millimeter grenade launchers, B40 antitank rocket launchers and improvised explosive devices during a simple rite at the headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Brigade in Ampatuan,

2 arson suspects surrender

KORONADAL CITY — Two arson suspects yielded to the police in Tupi, South Cotabato Wednesday after learning that a court has ordered their arrest, setting P120,000 worth for each. Analyn Rafael Canahap, 41, and her alleged accomplice, the 47-year-old Aladino Hong Canahap, are now both clamped down in the detention facility of the Tupi municipal police. In a report to the

Albalawi, had escaped before the CIDG-BAR agents could surround the house where the victims stayed, in squalid condition. Ugale said the CIDG operation was premised on tips from informants privy to the illegal recruitment activities of Salasal and Albalawi. Seven of the 13 rescued human trafficking victims are from the adjoining Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte provinces. They told reporters Salasal and Albalawi promised them good paying jobs abroad with corresponding placement fees. John Felix Unson

Photo courtesy of Six Cmo Battalion

Maguindanao. “They have realized it is not too late yet to reform for good. We will reintroduce them to mainstream society with the help of different government agencies,” Uy said. More than 200 BIFF members have surrendered to units of the 6th ID since Uy, also commander of the antiterror Joint Task Force Central, got to the helm of the division in September 2020, replacing then the now retired Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon. Uy said the 12 BIFF members were operating in the adjoining Mamapasapano and Shariff Saydona Mustapha towns in Maguindanao. John Felix

Unson

September 4, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Maguindanao farmers get CLOA from...from P8 “If you are only given money, perhaps you will consume it in few days now. However, land given to you will never perish and it could be the source of your continuous income that might improve your current living upheavals,” Minister Ebrahim said. Fifty Maguindanao farmer who are Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) have benefited from the program. Minister Ebrahim sent his appeal to farmer-beneficiaries via Zoom teleconference Friday afternoon. The agricultural lands, covering an area of 60.1058 hectares are situated in Barangay Tanuel, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. Beneficiaries of the program were mostly former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants

who turned into farming after the singing of the peace deals. The CLOA dispersal coincided with the MAFAR first foundation anniversary and 33rd National Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) month celebrations. “MAFAR is steadfastly committed in ensuring that all lands awarded are for you to cultivate and develop. It serves as commencement of strong partnership for flourishing agriculture guild towards attaining economic growth,” MAFAR Minister Mohammad S. Yacob said. “The Bangsamoro Government recognizes the role of farmers as true heroes of the region and of the country. Without them, there will be no food on every Bangsamoro’s or Filipino’s table,” Minister Yacob said. Edwin O.

IPHO North Cotabato detects delta variant ...from P1 “We continue our investigation, we have the data,” Rabaya said as she reiterated calls for the public to maintain the observance of health protocols. “Unless necessary, the public is advised to stay at home than move around, especially in public places,” she said.

Dr. Philbert Malaluan, a member of the North Cotabato provincial board and a medical doctor, said to date the province had 1,244 active cases with 5,436 recoveries. Since March 17, 2020, North Cotabato has a total of 7,008 confirmed cases. Death toll was at 324.

Fernandez

IATF wants voters’ listing in Malabang...from P1 with registrants so close to each other in total disregard of antiCOVID-19 physical distancing regulations, went viral on social media, causing alarm among Malabang residents and

officials of the Bangsamoro regional government. Omar has reportedly responded to the mayor’s appeal via a letter saying they can conduct the listing of voters despite Lanao del Sur’s being under modified

general community quarantine, or MGCQ. Malabang is a seaside town in the first district of Lanao del Sur, a component province of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Leukemia awareness

What is Leukemia? Leukemia is a blood cancer caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in your body. Those white blood cells crowd out the red blood cells and platelets that your body needs to be healthy. The extra white blood cells don’t work right. Leukemia Symptoms Different types of leukemia can cause different problems. You might not notice any signs in the early stages of some forms. When you do have symptoms, they may include: •Weakness or fatigue •Bruising or bleeding easily •Fever or chills •Infections that are severe or keep coming back •Pain in your bones or joints •Headaches •Vomiting •Seizures •Weight loss •Night sweats •Shortness of breath •Swollen lymph nodes or organs like your spleen Leukemia Causes and Risk Factors No one knows exactly what causes leukemia. People who have it have certain unusual chromosomes, but the chromosomes don’t cause leukemia. You can’t prevent leukemia, but certain things may trigger it. You might have a higher risk if you: •Smoke •Are exposed to a lot of radiation or certain chemicals •Had radiation therapy or chemotherapy to treat cancer •Have a family history of leukemia •Have a genetic disorder like Down syndrome How does leukemia happen? •Blood has three types of cells: white blood cells that fight infection, red blood cells that carry oxygen, and platelets that help blood clot. •Every day, your bone marrow makes billions of new blood cells, and most of them are red cells. When you have leukemia, your body makes more white cells than it needs. •These leukemia cells can’t fight infection the way normal white blood cells do. And because there are so many of them, they start to affect the way your organs work. Over time, you may not have enough red blood cells to supply oxygen, enough platelets to clot your blood, or enough normal white blood cells to fight infection. Leukemia classifications Leukemia is grouped by how fast it develops and gets worse, and by which type of blood cell is involved. The first group, how fast it develops, is divided into acute and chronic leukemia. •Acute leukemia happens when most of the abnormal blood cells don’t mature and can’t carry out normal functions. It can get bad very fast. •Chronic leukemia happens when there are some immature cells, but others are normal and can work the way they should. It gets bad more slowly than acute forms do. The second group, what type of cell is

involved, is dividedinto lymphocytic and myelogenous leukemia. •Lymphocytic (or lymphoblastic) leukemia involves bone marrow cells that become lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell. •Myelogenous (or myeloid) leukemia involves the marrow cells that create red blood cells, platelets, and other kinds of white blood cells. Types of leukemia The four main types of leukemia are: •Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). This is the most common form of childhood leukemia. It can spread to your lymph nodes and central nervous system. •Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). This is the second most common form of childhood leukemia and one of the most common forms for adults. •Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This is the other most common form of adult leukemia. Some kinds of CLL will be stable for years and won’t need treatment. But with others, your body isn’t able to create normal blood cells, and you’ll need treatment. •Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). With this form, you might not have noticeable symptoms. You might not be diagnosed with it until you have a routine blood test. People 65 and older have a higher risk of this type. Leukemia Diagnosis Your doctor will need to check for signs of leukemia in your blood or bone marrow. They might do tests including: •Blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) looks at the number and maturity of different types of blood cells. A blood smear looks for unusual or immature cells. •Bone marrow biopsy. This test involves marrow taken from your pelvic bone with a long needle. It can tell your doctor what kind of leukemia you have and how severe it is. •Spinal tap. This involves fluid from your spinal cord. It can tell your doctor whether the leukemia has spread. •Imaging tests. Things like CT, MRI, and PET scans can spot signs of leukemia. Leukemia Treatments The treatment you get depends on the type of leukemia you have, how far it’s spread, and how healthy you are. The main options are: •Chemotherapy •Radiation •Biologic therapy •Targeted therapy •Stem cell transplant •Surgery Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells in your blood and bone marrow. You can get the medicine: •Through a shot into a vein or muscle •As a pill •Into the fluid around your spinal cord Radiation uses high-energy X-rays to kill leukemia cells or keep them from growing. You can get it all over or in only one part of your body where there are a lot of cancer cells. Biologic therapy, also called immunotherapy, helps your immune system find and attack cancer cells. Drugs like interleukins and interferon can help boost your body's natural defenses against leukemia.

BARMM inks scholarship MOA with medical...from P8 Dr. Latiph said in his message sent via online. “This in turn shall be another milestone in the continued realization of our efforts in pursuit of

attaining optimum health and wellness for our people in the Bangsamoro,” he added. MOH-BARMM has this slogan “Malusog

na Bangsamoro, para sayo at para sa lahat!” as it pushes for better health services across the Bangsamoro region. Edwin

O. Fernandez

BARMM brings library aid learners in remote...from P8 to the children aged 5-9 years old, who are currently out of school and those who were undergoing Online Educational Learning due to the pandemic. The children were also entertained in a storytelling segment where they were asked a couple of questions with prizes. Chief Librarian Ms. Kamilah Unda and her staff delighted the children with library orientation and provided an overview of the BARMM library. “I am really thankful to those who

came and participated. We appreciate all of you for showing interest in our activities,” the Chief Librarian said. Meanwhile, Parang Mayor Cahar Ibay extended his thanks to the Office of the Chief Minister. “I am very glad that we have been chosen by the Office of the Chief Minister as one of their beneficiaries for today’s event. I would like to thank the honorable Chief Minister, first and foremost, for the support that he’s given to us," Ibay said.

BIO-BARMM

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

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the application of Eight Z’s PROPERTIES BUILDING RENTAL with address at Governor Gutierrez Avenue, RH-VII, Cotabato City for registration with the regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments under Book 1 of Omnibus Investment Code otherwise known as Executive Order 226 as amended by CREATE law (R.A. 11534), as Old Barter-Tourism Complex, has been officially accepted on August 27, 2021 and currently being processed. Any person with valid objection or pertinent comments on the above mentioned application may file his/her in writing and under oath with RBOI-BARMM within one (1) week from the date of application.

ATTY. ISHAK V. MASTURA Chairman

MC: Sept. 4, 2021

Targeted therapy uses drugs to block specific genes or proteins that cancer cells need to grow. This treatment can stop the signals that leukemia cells use to grow and divide, cut off their blood supply, or kill them directly. A stem cell transplant replaces the leukemia cells in your bone marrow with new ones that make blood. Your doctor can get the new stem cells from your own body

or from a donor. First, you'll have high doses of chemotherapy to destroy the cancer cells in your bone marrow. Then, you'll get the new stem cells through an infusion into one of your veins. They will grow into new, healthy blood cells. Surgery. Your doctor can remove your spleen if it’s filled with cancer cells and is pressing on nearby organs. This procedure is called a splenectomy.

THE MINDANAO CROSS

September 4, 2021

Pope Francis: Complaining is ‘poison’ for the heart

VATICAN— Complaining and blaming others is a waste of time; the way to defeat evil is to conquer it first within our own hearts, Pope Francis said Sunday. “If we look inside, we will find almost all that we despise outside. And if, sincerely, we ask God to purify our heart, that is when we will start making the world cleaner,” the pope said in his weekly Sunday Angelus message. “Because there is an infallible way to defeat evil: by starting to conquer it within yourself.” From a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis spoke Aug. 29 about the need to stop blaming others for everything wrong in the world and in our lives. “We often think that evil comes mainly from the outside: from other people’s conduct, from those who think badly of us, from society,” he said. “How often we blame others, society, the world, for everything that happens to us! It is always the fault of ‘others’:

it is the fault of people, of those who govern, of misfortune, and so on.” According to Pope Francis, it is easy to spend time assigning blame, “but spending time blaming others is wasting time.” “We become angry, bitter and keep God away from our heart,” he explained, pointing to the Pharisees, as described in the day’s Gospel from St. Mark, who are scandalized that Jesus and his disciples “eat without purifying themselves.” “Complaining poisons, it leads you to anger, to resentment and to sadness, that of the heart, which closes the door to God,” the pope stressed. “Let us ask in prayer for the grace not to waste time polluting the world with complaints,” he said, “because this is not Christian. Jesus instead invites

us to look at life and the world starting from our heart.” He urged people to ask the Lord to free them from blaming others today and he recalled a message of the Fathers of the Church, who said the first step on the path to holiness is to “blame yourself.” “How many of us, during the day, in a moment during the day or a moment during the week, area able to blame ourselves within?” Francis said. “Try to do it, it will do you good. It does me good, when I manage to do so, but it is good for us, it is good for everyone.” “May the Virgin Mary, who changed history through the purity of her heart, help us to purify our own, by overcoming first and foremost the vice of blaming others and complaining about everything,” he concluded. Hannah Brockhaus/Catholic News Agency

No one should have monopoly of God’s creation, says Cardinal Advincula The head of Manila’s Roman Catholic Church challenged the faithful to protect God’s creation not as a monopoly, but as “gifts” that must be shared to all. Speaking during Mass to open the Season of Creation on Wednesday, Cardinal Jose Advincula said that being grateful for the gifts is not enough. “What we received as a gift, we must give

as a gift. Here, the missionary dimension of our Season of Creation comes in,” Advincula said in his homily at the Manila Cathedral. He stressed that when people do not recognize the gifts that they have received, “we fail to be responsible stewards”. And once this happens, people will never share God’s gifts to others.

“We may even use the gifts to take advantage of others,” Advincula said. “Jesus teaches us that gifts must not be monopolized only by the few. Gifts must flow. Gifts must be shared. Gifts must benefit all,” he added. The Season of Creation spans 34 days of prayerful observance that calls on Christians to pray and care for God’s creation.

Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila

It begins September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. In the Philippines, the celebration extends until the second Sunday of October, the Indigenous People’s Sunday. “Let us join Pope Francis in his prayer intention for this month of September that we all make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle,” the cardinal said. “And with the inspiration of St. Francis of Assisi, let us embark on this Season of Creation with gratitude for the gifts we received and with the firm resolve to share and be responsible stewards of God’s gifts,” he added. Mariel Celine

L. Serquiña/CBCP News

n today’s gospel story, She attended Radcliffe some people in the College of Harvard audience brought a man University and became to Jesus for healing. The the first deafblind person man was deaf and could to earn a Bachelor of Arts hardly speak. Jesus healed degree. She worked for him by using an action the American Foundation that was familiar to his for the Blind (AFB) from Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC audience. He touched the 1924 until 1968, during tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com man’s ears and his tongue which time she toured with spittle and looking up the United States and to heaven said, “Be opened” or “ephphata” and the traveled to 35 countries around the globe advocating man was able to hear and speak clearly. for those with vision loss. Keller was a prolific Notice in this story that some people accompanied author, writing 14 books and hundreds of speeches. the man to Jesus. They interceded for him . He was Keller campaigned for those with disabilities, for voiceless and so they spoke for him. They must women’s suffrage, labor rights, and world peace (cf. be his friends or relatives because they wanted to Wikipedia). restore him to full health and physical well-being. Helen Keller’s achievements in overcoming her They took the cause of the man with disability and disabilities were legendary. And behind all these became his advocates and sponsors. Jesus responded was a teacher named Anne Sullivan. Although by healing the man. The arrival of the Messiah is she herself was partly blind, she graduated as also a time of restoration of and liberation, as the valedictorian of the school for the blind. Her first reading from the prophet Isaiah says, “Then valedictory spoke of her own mission and vision, “ will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of Fellow-graduates: Duty bids us go forth into active the deaf unsealed” (Isaiah 35: 6). life. Let us go cheerfully, hopefully, and earnestly, Let us recall the story of Helen Keller. Helen and set ourselves to find our especial part. When Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was an we have found it, willingly and faithfully perform American author, disability rights advocate, political it; for every obstacle we overcome, every success we activist and lecturer. She lost her sight and hearing achieve tends to bring man closer to God and make after a bout of illness at the age of nineteen months. life more as He would have it.” She was a strong-willed child and at the age of seven The story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan is a she met her first teacher and life-long companion story of accompaniment and friendship for more than Anne Sullivan, who taught her language, including forty years. From teacher and tutor, Anne became reading and writing. Sullivan’s first lessons involved a friend, companion, and co-worker. This is also spelling words on Keller’s hand to show her the the challenge for all disciples of Jesus. Times come names of objects around her. One day, Anne Sullivan when we are called to be the voice of the voiceless, spelled “WATER” on Keller’s hand while she touched especially the more disadvantaged sectors of society. water. This was a moment of enlightenment. The We are called to be the friends of the friendless and written word relates to things. She also learned how the enabler of the deaf and the blind. These too are to speak and to understand other people’s speech. a proclamation of the joy of the gospel. MC

The Voiceless

REFLECTIONS

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

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings:

Isaiah 35.4-7; James 2.1-5; Mark 7.31-37 Often, our eyes are shut, closed – blinded by the sickening realities of our own miseries. We succumb to hopelessness, to the hurts that the world has inflicted us, and to the scarred emotions people have thrown on us. But let us not be discouraged. There is hope that awaits us. To the troubles and pains that visit us - one day, they will all disappear in which God has promised us. And yes, let us open our eyes and see what God has blessed us with. Though not easy, but life is beautiful. Let us not forget that. Prayer: Lord, open our eyes and let us see all the blessings in our lives. Amen.

Fr. Peter

THE MINDANAO CROSS

September 4, 2021 EDITORIAL

That never ending story

s the Election of 2022 is fast approaching, so is the intramurals among those aspiring for positions in this next election. At the center is the current president who is looking for ways to stay in power. It may sound disheartening when a president is running for a position lower than the one he is currently occupying. Filipinos are known for holding high the value of “delicadeza”, and this action of the president runs counter to this value. This is now considered a controversy because for the first time in the history of the Philippines, those interested to run for the highest position in the land have a president to contend with. The often mentioned issue is whether this is allowed in the Philippine constitution. But even in this respect, experts in constitutional law have opposing interpretations on whether this is allowed in our constitution or not. Section 4, Article VII of the Constitution says: “The President and the Vice-President shall be elected by direct vote of the people for a term of six years which shall begin at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following the day of the election and shall end at noon of the same date six years thereafter. The President shall not be eligible for any reelection.” The word “any” in the last sentence should refer to both reelection as president and vice president, since the two positions were mentioned in the preceding sentences, said Far Eastern University Law Dean Mel Sta.Maria. Regardless of “delicadeza” or any other reason, it is important that the intent of the constitution should be the guiding principle. Every Filipino should be given the chance to “lead” and “provide service” to fellow Filipinos; and the 6 year term is adequate or more than enough for the framers of the constitution. Presidents should use the 6 years given to complete the implementation of his/her program for development, and when the time is not enough, the succeeding administration should be conscious in analyzing why the time allowed was not enough. This should be a guide for presidential candidates to evaluate the feasibility of the programs that they present to the electorate during the campaign period. Every 6 years, the election story is repeated and only the personalities change. In 2022, there may be some variation because the country is facing another problem – the Covid 19 Pandemic. Implementing a program for the Pandemic was not part of Duterte’s campaign promise, but as the president, he has to face the problem squarely. The process has been causing a lot of conflict, and the story sees no end. With an enemy that one doesn’t see, and the preparations to face it was almost nil at the start, this story will still be there or even be part of the coming election. Good luck Pinoys! MC +

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ope Francis has, since 2015, established September 1 as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, encouraging the Catholic community around the world to pray for our common home. The day is inspired by the Pontiff’s encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls on “every person living on this planet” to care for our shared earth. It has since marked the beginning of the Season of Creation, which concludes on the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi on October 4. “The annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation offers to individual believers and to the community a precious opportunity to renew our personal participation in this vocation as custodians of creation, raising to God our thanks for the marvelous works that He has entrusted to our care, invoking his help for the protection of creation and his mercy for the sins committed against the world in which we live,” the Catholic pontiff said of the celebration. In his prayer petition for September released on Wednesday, the Pope called on Catholics around the world to pray this month that the world makes courageous choices to protect the environment. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines reminded us in a pastoral letter in 2019 of our Christian duty and responsibility, our moral imperative, to care for the environment. In the same pastoral letter, the Church leaders identified actions that we could take. Live simply, minimize consumption and actively promote ecological awareness and action through integral waste segregation and by minimizing the use of plastic and paper, by eliminating single-use plastics, polystyrene and the like, from our homes and institutions. Prevent and reduce biodiversity loss by growing indigenous plants and trees, expanding forests through rain forestation, resisting destructive mining, dirty energy, the unbridled construction of roads and dams, as well as projects that cut into forested and protected areas. Implement programs that will allow the growth and recovery of forests, ecosystems and biodiversity. Promote diversified and sustainable agriculture. Avoid the genetically modified agricultural products propagated in plantations and monoculture production, which destroy biodiversity and threaten indigenous lands. Participate in efforts to protect and preserve our seas, oceans and fishery resources. Protect our watersheds while at the same time using fresh water wisely, promoting and establishing massive

ROF. Edmund Tayao barely relates acts of the young Pangalian Balindong in early life to a situation obtaining back home that timely connects his learning of law and experience in and out of the classroom. Malabang, the hometown of the Balindongs, has been a host to industrial plantations, notably, the 5,000 hectare Matling Industries then owned by the Spencers, an American couple, as well as the vast coconut plantations in Balabagan, an old agricultural colony, which used to be part of Malabang. The Spencer couple came in 1914, shortly after the creation of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu by the American Administration of Moroland. Speaker Balindong describes the relationship between his old man Sultan Amer Balindong and Mr. Spencer as: “They never saw eye-to-eye in their lifetime.” Malabang’s population is made up of diverse tribes and of various religious affiliations that have been well led by the Balindongs. The relation between the local government unit of Malabang and the industrial plantations went severed by the day, and even came to a point that the Mayor Sultan Balindong would ostensibly ban recruitment of his constituents, be they Muslims or Christians, to work as laborers of these vast plantations—lest they would experience labor grievances and their voices would not be heard from walled corporate territories. During martial law, the Matling plantation had to make its labor package “attractive” to Maguindanao Moro workers seeking employment by resettlement on intercession of some cooperating datus. (Currently, there is a massive retrenchment that leads to displacement of old Maguindanaon working families inside the plantation, now under a succeeding Filipino management). To paraphrase Joshua Karliner, author of the book “Corporate Planet” Speaker Balindong says, “It (the industrial plantation) is there, like a state within a state. It has its own everything, including water and power lines. CJ Abad Santos Execution Abad Santos, who was designated acting President by exiled President Manuel L. Quezon, was taken to Parang, Cotabato (now Maguindanao), along with his namesake son, from his arrest by Japs in San Nicolas, Cebu, after his arrest there. Like Dr. Jose Rizal to the

Lofty price of caring for creation

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

rainwater collection, and putting a stop to infrastructures that can be detrimental to the preservation of ecological balance and biodiversity. Push for an immediate transition to safe, clean, and affordable energy. Ensure just and fair transition to renewable energy sources and reject false solutions; support the use of solar power in our homes and institutions (dioceses, churches, schools, seminaries); promote, advocate and invest in renewable energy (solar, hydro, wind and geothermal power); join the campaign to immediately phase out coal-fired power plants and all other plants dependent on fossil-fuel, including coal mining. Many clergy and religious have heeded the call to stand up for the environment, at times paying a lofty price in doing so. According to Mark Saludes of LiCas, a Catholic news service based in Bangkok, a growing number of priests, and other church people, in the Philippines have been under attack or are being threatened for standing for the cause of the environment and human rights. Saludes cites cases from Laoag in the North to Surigao del Sur in the South. And the threats are faced not only by Catholic clergy and religious but by ministers of other denominations as well. In 2018 and 2019, the Philippines was ranked first and second in the world’s most dangerous place for environmental activists by London-based watchdog Global Witness. From 2016 to 2020, human rights and environmental groups have documented at least 186 killings among environmental defenders, and thousands of human rights violations related to the defense of the environment and human rights. As we pray this month “that the world makes courageous choices to protect the environment,” let us also pray for continued courage, perseverance, and protection for those who stand in defense of creation. Let us also pray that we may have the courage to stand with them. MC

CJ Jose Abad Santos Execution — and others Penlight Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

Spaniards, it was probably Abad Santos’ choice to be brought to an “exile” to Mindanao for some “sanctuary” which his captors granted perchance he might reconsider his decision against signing a commitment to cooperate with the government set up by the invading foreign forces. Otherwise his captors could have just carried out his execution covertly anywhere in Cebu. One such probable “sanctuary” was a coconut plantation in Bugasan, Parang, Cotabato (where he was initially brought to). The American plantation owner had apparently escaped the invasion persecution—and later sold the estate to a native Iranun trustee, Hadji Datu Usman Mampen. The second potential place of “exile” was the Matling Plantation run by the American Spencer couple in Malabang to which he was brought next (apparently in a hope that he would in “last-minute” change his position against cooperating with the Japan-sponsored Philippine administration once in exile). Indeed, many of the POWs (prisoners of war) who had lain low during the War were brought to Malaybalay, Bukidnon (including Manuel Roxas) and were liberated from there by a combined strength of Christian-Muslim Guerrillas of the Cotabato-Bukidnon Force under Col. Salipada Pendatun (Col Uldarico Baclagon in Moslem-Christian Guerrillas of Mindanao). Then Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos acknowledged the military triumphs of the mixed Muslim and Christian guerrillas under Pendatun, fighting as one force “against a common enemy” in his foreword of Col Baclagon’s book. Such was the essence of Pangalian Balindong’s articulation he particularly expressed in his first privilege speech at the Constitutional Convention of 1971— that the Muslims needed “no further proof to show that they can love this country as much as their Christian brothers do.” (To be continued) MC

Crisis One-Too-Many

them to be held in contempt for the President to take the cudgel. This came about when the Commission on Audit exposed the Department of Health’s alleged blatant misused of public funds in Charlie Señase csenase@yahoo.com its anti-pandemic campaign. Senate Blue Ribbon nd most of us are facing a blank wall Committee Chair Richard Gordon and as some, who are into old familiar other senators unearthed irregularities tunes ponder-on to pause: “Do You and questionable transactions in the Know Where You’re Going to?” procurement of drugs that calls for the With the still raging pandemic from resignation of Health Secretary Francisco COVID-19 to its more deadly variants Duque that Senator Cristopher “Bong” Go adversely affecting socio-economic was amenable. activities for nearly two years now, The President said he will only accept people are in a quandary about survival, Duque’s “voluntary resignation” to give-in especially the down-trodden or those who to public clamor. In its absence, he wants thrive in the so-called hand-to-mouth the controversial DOH chief intact. existence. When the President re-appointed And despite belt-tightening realities, Duque as DOH secretary after the muchthreats and uncertainties that we are talked PhilHealth anomaly, a responsible experiencing, still many would wish to official with delicadeza could have bowedbe elected national or local officials in out instead and said Thank you Mr. government. Why? President for your trust and confidence. It’s all about money, political clout It could have been an honorable gesture and super power to appear untouchable as what former OPAPP Secretary Jesus for anyone with immunity from law Dureza did in tendering his irrevocable suits. Beware of deceptions in political resignation when his undersecretaries rhetoric that if elected there will be peace, were at a mess. Dureza was peace prosperity, coexistence and end to graft secretary from the time of President and corruption. Ramos all the way down that paved the To minimize all these yearnings is way for the establishment of Muslim reality but to completely eradicate would Mindanao which is now the Bangsamoro be impossible. How can we totally rid-out Autonomous Region. poverty when God said “Blessed are the And so with Emmanuel Pinol’s poor” and added that “It is easier for a voluntary departure as agriculture camel to go through the eye of a needle secretary due to complaints by vested than for a rich man to enter the kingdom interest groups only to be appointed as head of God” (Matthew 5:3; 19:24). of the Mindanao Development Authority The National Commission on Muslim that MinDa is currently generating praises Filipinos was at the forefront of COA’s and support from here and abroad. 2020 flagged-in report that NCMF So, what’s life all about when all Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan refuted visible things have to end in oblivion? Let’s showing documentary evidences on the fear God and keep His commandments disbursement of P397 million during the for this is the ultimate duty of man. For 2019 annual hajj participated in by some when we die, God will bring every work 7,243 Filipino pilgrims. into judgment, including secrets, whether As a public official, Pangarungan, who good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). espouses transparency and accountability With all of life threats lurking to in running NCMF, has shown openness to devour us, keep God in our hearts who any fact-finding inquiry. said: “Whoever listens to Me will dwell President Duterte, however, has safely and will be secured without fear of warned that if Cabinet members and evil” (Proverbs 1:33). For God so loved the men in uniform appearing before a world that He gave His only begotten Son Congressional inquiry are willfully that whoever believes in Him should not shammed and ridiculed, it’s better for perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). MC

True to Form

Rags to Riches

# 7 His victory from his fight with Argentine boxer Lucas Matthysse enables him to buy an spacious mansion located near his other property in Forbes Park. Construction is on for another house this time Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy in San Pablo. For appearing at the franco1573victoria@gmail.com boxing arena Jinkee., a head turner, in an all pink outfit, p in the North, a free entrance zoo is a must see if you were anywhere at Net-a-Porter.com costing PHP 43k+, a in that vicinity. It is owned by Gov. Limited edition Christian Dior Mini Lady Chavit Singson, one of the big supporters Dior pink alligator bag, about PHP 558K+, of Manny Pacquiao. Visitors can view lions, the entire cost of the outfit goes somewhere bengal tigers, peacocks, civet cats, iguanas, upwards to PHP 2.26 million, jewelries pythons and other reptiles and birds. The included. The show of ostentatious display Philippine cloud cat , a nocturnal animal did not sit well with those who viewed her, endemic to the Philippine Region and particularly movie commentator Christy stuffed animals, collected from the various Fermin, saying that with what the country safari joined by the Governor were also on is suffering from -Covid, joblessness, no food, display. There is no specific data on the net no medicines, to pay for frontliners, Jinkee is worth of the Governor but he is a busy and unfeeling, inconsiderate and inappropriate. astute businessman. This resort is named What do you say? Manny Pacquiao was set to make $5 Baluarte , which means a stronghold into which people could go for shelter during a million as guarantee purse for the Errol battle. Amidst the live animal collections is Spence Jr. fight, according to a report by an imposing 5 Storey building which houses Business Mirror, and would be receiving a expensive jars, real looking artificial flowers share of the pay per view revenue. He could . It is said that these was built after a big be getting less as Yodenis Ugas is less stellar win of Pacquiao .For the past several fights than Spence. The crux of the matter is, the managers of Manny, he was a permanent supporter, until lately they had a falling out, he had and promoters allowed this last fight to not been in attendance. Super rich he is, he continue with a very limited time to observe mentored and partnered with the Champ in the opponent, change strategies; Manny was preparing to fight a left handed boxer, many business investments. Hence, Manny is not going to be he got a right handed one. They knew the impoverished nor his children will be like height of both contenders, the arms’ reach, him prior to his achievements, sleeping the body build and the age difference. The on pavements. On the other hand, all managers’ salaries are about 70,000 to these investments will match the family’s 80,000 .They take a percentage of the boxers’ lifestyles, the staff, coaches, the trainers, the income. Boxers’ promoters , as their name cheerers, his drivers and bodyguards and the implies are focused solely on promoting the largess he intends to throw away for his bid boxers. They take 20-25% of the boxers’ for the presidency. He has two residences in income. To my mind, it was a question of the US, a Beverly Hills Mansion worth $12.5 going ahead, regardless of other issues. Million; a two storey home in Los Angeles. After all they were not the ones being beaten # 3 His house in Gen. Santos is his biggest up black and blue, (it is said that Jimmy’s real state investment that houses his luxury wife could not touch any part of his body cars, covered court, swimming pool, and without aching, he lost his sight for 2 days many other amenities. #4 Prior to this, there and was spoon-fed as well ). They are not is the original white house located in Lagao the ones who will suffer the loss from the Village, Gensan. #5 Then, there’s the14 fight; whatever the outcome, they get the bedroom beach house built on a seaside lot bag for the fight. Manny for his part, other in Tula Beach, Sarangani Province. #6 In than cramps (on both legs at the same time?) Forbes Park, this house served as his peace miscalculated his capacity to overcome this offering to his wife after they overcame a boxing opponent. Manny is not done yet rough patch in their marriage. According with boxing, it seems, neither with politics. to him, this house symbolizes his new life. Abangan. MC

The Stuff of Life

September 4, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

travel if possible. Variants of COVID-19 international • Being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 can

protect you from the delta variant, but breakthrough infections sometimes occur. o All three of the Excerpts from a publication of Johns Hopkins Medicine F.D.A.-authorized COVID-19 vaccines can protect you from n December 2020, news media reported the delta variant. For Pfizer a new variant of the coronavirus that and Moderna vaccines, you need both doses causes COVID-19, and since then, for maximum protection. People should other variants have been identified and are know that vaccines are very effective under investigation. The new variants raise at preventing the most severe forms of questions: Are people more at risk for getting COVID-19, but breakthrough infections can sick? Will the COVID-19 vaccines still work? occur and caution is still warranted after Are there new or different things you should becoming vaccinated. do now to keep your family safe? o While the authorized COVID-19 Stuart Ray, M.D., vice chair of medicine vaccines are not perfect, they are highly for data integrity and analytics, and Robert effective against serious coronavirus disease Bollinger, M.D., M.P.H., Raj and Kamla and reduce the risk of hospitalization and Gupta professor of infectious diseases, are death. experts in SARS-CoV-2, the virus that o Other vaccines available in causes COVID-19. They talk about what other countries may not be as effective in is known about these new variants, and protecting you from the delta variant and answer questions and concerns. other mutations of the coronavirus. What is the delta variant? • Although vaccines afford very high Since the beginning of the COVID-19 protection, infection with the delta and other pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that variants remain possible. Fortunately, causes COVID-19 has mutated (changed), vaccination, even among those who acquire resulting in different variants of the virus. infections, appears to prevent serious illness, One of these is called the delta variant. The hospitalization and death from COVID-19. delta coronavirus is considered a “variant of Will the COVID-19 vaccines work on concern” by the CDC because it appears to be the new variants? more easily transmitted from one person to Ray says, “There is evidence from another. As of July 2021, delta is regarded as laboratory studies that some immune the most contagious form of the SARS-CoV-2 responses driven by current vaccines could coronavirus so far. be less effective against some of these Here is what you should know: variants. The immune response involves The CDC recommends that everyone many components, including B cells that wait until they are fully vaccinated for make antibodies and T cells that can react COVID-19 before traveling internationally. to infected cells, and a reduction in one does Traveling internationally if you are not not mean that the vaccines will not offer fully vaccinated for COVID-19 is not protection. recommended, because it puts you at risk “People who have received the vaccines for coronavirus infection, including the should watch for changes in guidance from SARS-CoV-2 delta variant. This includes the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and unvaccinated children. Prevention], and continue with coronavirus • Delta is rapidly becoming the safety precautions to reduce the risk of dominant variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, such as mask wearing, physical in the U.S. this year. distancing and hand hygiene.” • Delta variant SARS-CoV-2, the “We deal with mutations every year virus that causes COVID-19, is now in for flu virus, and will keep an eye on this many countries and people traveling coronavirus and track it,” says Bollinger. internationally are likely to encounter it. “If there would ever be a major mutation, • Unvaccinated adults and children the vaccine development process can should strictly follow mask, distancing accommodate changes, if necessary,” he and hygiene safety precautions and avoid explains. MC

HEALTH CORNER

comfort of their home or a remote location even. Video conferencing or conducting online meetings was already practiced by larger organizations prior to the onset of the current Danny Buenbrazo pandemic, however, their danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com popularity soared within ore than one and a half year a few months after COVID-19. The has passed since the onset of emergence of online meeting platforms the COVID-19 pandemic and like Zoom and WebEx helped online almost all aspects of human activities meetings become more popular though remain in an abnormal state. With the internet speed and stability made it aim of preventing the spread of infection difficult for some people to effectively and avoiding more deaths, governments participate. around the world-imposed restrictions on The combination of work-from home the movement of people, gatherings, and arrangement and online meetings have instituted other measures. not only allowed organizations to continue In order to cope with the restrictions performing their services and dept their on movement and interaction among employees safe from the virus and its people, business establishments and variants, Government organizations other organizations adopted ways and and private companies had been able means to be able to carry on their to cut operating costs as they save on operations without violating government electricity and other expenses like rental regulations or compromising the health (if they opt to lessen the size of their security of their personnel. These workplace). Holding online meetings help organizations were left with no choice, organizations become more productive either they innovate and/or adopt new as people don’t need to move from one ways in carrying out their affairs as they meeting venue to another and also cuts face bankruptcy or irrelevance. expenses for food and rental of meeting W h a t h a v e b u s i n e s s f i r m s , rooms in hotels or restaurants. government organizations, and nonAside from the above-mentioned government institutions done to continue work adjustments, many government serving customers and clients? agencies and private enterprises have Adjustment in working days, introduced systems and processes that working outside the office premises, and conform with government regulations conducting meetings without the physical and promote safety of personnel and presence of most (if not all participants) customers. For example, inquiries can are the most popular measures adopted now be made by email and similar means. by government agencies, development People can submit applications for agencies, other non-profit organizations, various purposes online and pay through and business firms. online banking, payment centers, and Organizations tinkered with working similar platforms. days (and may include hours) to minimize To avoid people crowding in offices the number of people at the office or or store premises to claim documents or business premises at a given period of make purchases, organizations turned time. Related to that measure is allowing to increased use of couriers and delivery people to work-from-home instead of services. Online buying had become more physically reporting to the office. In some palatable to consumers though some may organizations, employees doing their have lied it more than they should. work outside the premises of the office Will these innovations still be around is not entirely new such as publishing after the world gets rid of the pandemic? firms, software development companies, Yes, as long as organizations and and other types of companies where it their customers continue to benefit from is possible to produce output from the these adjustments and innovations. MC

Innovations and the Pandemic….

Market Driven

Reset to 2025 of BARMM polls imminent...from P1

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

was thankful to the convenor in providing the said “rare” forum to the highland farmers, which demonstrated the commitment of the regional government on the principles of “inclusivity” as well as “there should be no left behind in BARMM”. “I am encouraging our fellow highland farmers to consider the idea of planting Cardava banana in our farmlands aside from our routine corn crops because it might give us the opportunity to increase our farm income since we learned that it is a lifetime investments with low maintenance cost,” Samar said. Likewise, farmer Manuel Lalison of Barangay Labungan, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Guiamel Campong of North Upi encouraged their fellow farmers to avail of the opportunities to shift their current less harvest farmlands into new promising technology of Cardava banana plantation. "We tilled our farmlands for so long now in our traditional ways of cropping but our income still remain mysterious, less progressive,” farmer Lalison said. DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

Notice is hereby given that the late Spouses PACIFICO DELA CERNA a n d L U C I L A TA B A R , who died on July 4, 1986 and December 9, 2002 in Libungan, Cotabato, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot 14, Block 15, Psd-165446 situated in Poblacion, Libungan, Cotabato with an area of 298 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-43266 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 267; Page No. 54; Book No. CCXLVII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late ARTHUR B. UY and ELENENA V. UY, who died intestate on April 26, 2021 and November 17, 1988 in Libungan, Cotabato, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot 2758-B-9G-4-D, Psd-12-002991 situated in Poblacion, Libungan, Cotabato with an area of 458 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-65476 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Napoleon F. Sango as per Doc. No. 356; Page No. 73; Book No. 93; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given t h a t R O D I LY N C . A R I S TO S A , o f l e g a l age, widow, Filipino and resident of Brgy. Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato is the vendee of a parcel of land Lot 3114-B-3, Psd12-008204, situated in Bo. Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato with an area of 22,000 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-71810 is the subject of Deed of Absolute Sale of Real Property before Notary Public Renie Jay Abad Soriano as per Doc. No. 315; Page No. 64; Book No. XIII; Series of 2019.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late EVELYN S. WEE, who died on February 24, 2021, left a Savings Account with Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (METROBANK)-Cotabato Main Branch under Account No. 3-074-238050 is the subject of deed of extrajudicial settlement before Notary Public Renato M. Eugenio, as per Doc. No. 494; Page No. 101; Book No. 210; Series of 2021.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late SANTOS T. GUTIERREZ, who died on October 12, 1985, left a parcel of land Lot 1, Block 13, (LRC) Psd-7123 in Awang, Dinaig, Cotabato (now Maguindanao), covered by TCT No. T-4549 with an area of 803 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De CastroJagunap, as per Doc. No. 4624; Page No. 4624; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late MOHAMMADNOR GUIALAL KADIL, who died on February 9, 2021 in Ungap, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, left an ATM Savings Account with BPICotabato City Branch under Account No. 2169-2017-25, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous Special Power of Attorney before Notary Public Atty. Abbyr Ahmad Nul as per Doc. No. 165; Page No. 33; Book No. XXVI; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late PEDRO S. CAPOCAO, JR. and ROSALINDA E. CAPOCAO, who died on December 25, 2015 and June 29, 2020, respectively, left a parcel of land and its improvements in Matampay, Cotabato City with an area of 227 sq, mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-41659 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Ruben T.M. Ramirez as per Doc. No. 422; Page No. 86; Book No. 43; Series of 2020.

MC: Sept. 4, 11 & 18, 2021

multi-sector clamor for the postponement to 2025 of next year’s elections in the Bangsamoro region. BARMM Labor Minister Romeo Sema said Senate’s final nod on Bill 2214 will boost Malacañang’s southern Mindanao peace process aiming to put a diplomatic closure to the now sixdecade Moro issue. “BARMM is a product of tedious peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Resetting to 2025 the BARMM elections shall make that peace process get stronger,” Sema said. BARMM, created via a plebiscite in February 2019, covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato. Resetting BARMM’s

first ever elections next year to 2025 can only be possible with full imprimatur from the legislature. “We are grateful to the Senate for having approved on second reading the Bill 2214 last August 25,” Sema said. He said allowing a three-year extension of the ARMM-to-BARMM transition will give them enough time to approve a pending regional election code tailored-fit to the unique parliamentary configuration of the newlycreated Bangsamoro. Sinarimbo said the postponement of next year’s first regional polls will give the BARMM and the national government enough time to reintroduce to mainstream society thousands of Moro guerrillas who are now key stakeholders to the Mindanao peace process.

survival and recovery of the country. “You are now our heroes, not just in maintaining peace and order, but as well in food production,” he said. The 45 policemen will use the garden tools for personal production of vegetables and other agrirelated activities, but more importantly they will also implement their learning to their area of responsibilities. Experts from the agency trained the men in uniform at Tupi Research and Experiment Station for urban gardening, free range chicken and small ruminant production. Expectedly, they will train and help people in their adopt-a-community initiatives in their AOR to expand the reach for food production. Last year, Director Mangelen started the initiative to tap other institutions of the government to help the agency promote intensified production.

Aside from the trained 45 agri-pulis, the DA 12 already trained personnel from other police stations and offices the previous months and dished out garden tools and vegetable seeds. Police Staff Sergeant Godfrey Zerna said that he is honored as one of the agripulis since DA 12 helped them widened

their perspective in agriculture. “I learned how to take good care of small ruminants like goat… I will also share this to my community,” Zerna added.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

AFFIDAVIT OF SELFADJUDICATION

Notice is hereby given that the late PEDRO CASTILLO DOLORES and REGINA PANGCOG DOLORES, who died intestate on June 15, 1963 and August 1, 2009, respectively, left a parcel of land Lot 1516, CSD7406, situated in Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao with an area of 1,391.97 sq. mts., more or less, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 4904; Page No. 4904; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late NENA C. GUERRERO, who passed away on August 14, 2015 in Cotabato City, left a parcel of property Lot 14, Pcs-11-000558, situated in Ma-a, Davao City, with an area of 227 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-389197 is the subject of affidavit of selfadjudication before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 4904; Page No. 4904; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021. MC: Sept. 4, 11 & 18, 2021

DA 12 trains ‘Agri Pulis’ as food producers...from P1

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS Notice is hereby given that JOHN KEVIN S. BRILLANTES, of legal age, and holder of Visayas Ram Cycle Inc. Collection Receipts Echo series # 07700 color white and green; that the said receipts could not be found and were declared lost and the subject of affidavit of loss before Notary Public Atty. Mohammad Jameel A. Singh as per Doc. No. 258; Page No. 52; Book No. 12; Series of 2021. MC: Sept. 4, 2021

Investment opportunities presented to...from P1

In collaboration with Member of Parliament Suharto M. Ambolodto, the forum aimed to look for fair and inclusive investment opportunities to all farmers regardless of religion, groups, or tribes in the region. Mostly, Teduray farmers from trimunicipalities of South Upi, North Upi and Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, attended the forum. BBOI Board of Governor Mohammad Pasigan said, "our target this time are farmers residing in the upland of the region in order to guide them in finding markets for their crops and to link them on the programs and services of both government and non-government agencies to decide on either start-up their new farm investments or to level-up their routine farming crops to generate more income.” Highland farmers rely mainly on corn, upland rice and vegetable plantation as well as fruit bearing plants including durian, coffee, coconut trees, etc. Mr. Felino V. Samar, executive secretary of Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affair (MIPA), EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

peace process. Anything good for the peace process we shall support always. That will give the people in BARMM enough time to facilitate full transition,” Salapuddin said. The transition process, which started in March 2019, was stymied by the COVID-19 pandemic. BARMM officials are optimistic that Senate will approve on third reading in next deliberations soon the bill. “We are thankful to the members of the Senate for having approved on second reading the Senate Bill 2214,” BARMM Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo told reporters Saturday. Members of the interim 80-seat Bangsamoro Transition Authority, have also expressed gratitude to members of the Senate for responding positively to

MC: Sept. 4, 11 & 18, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

September 4, 2021

Carl Aguillon/DA-12

MC: Sept. 4, 11 & 18, 2021

MC: Aug. 21, 28 & Sept. 4, 2021

MC: Sept. 4, 11 & 18, 2021

MC: Aug. 21, 28 & Sept. 4, 2021

MC: Aug. 28, Sept. 4 & 11, 2021

To address this, Atty. Ishak Mastura, BBOI chairman, reiterated their full cooperation with MP Ambolodto as partner in sharing the investment opportunities in the localities in an effort to meet regional economic growth and development. Meanwhile, the Harnessing Agribusiness opportunities through Robust and Vibrant Entrepreneurship Supportive of peaceful Transformation (HARVEST) Program of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with LandBank of the Philippines (LBP), provided capital loan assistance to farm and business ventures at very low interest rate in BARMM. HARVEST Program is a five-year relending facility that will give private enterprises access to a credit line with LandBank for their capital investments, operations, expansion initiatives and agriculturerelated projects that support agri-related economic activities in the region. BIO-

BARMM

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late ELPIDIO ABIL, who died on October 26, 2010 at Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao, left parcels of land Lot 11, Block 6, (LRA) Pcs10918 and Lot 54-Q-5, portion of Lot 51-Q-5, Psd-12-002288, covered by TCT Nos. T-488 and T-3914, respectively, both situated in Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao with the total area of 495 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with deed of donation before Notary Public Denise Alexandra P. Olaguer, as per Doc. No. 33; Page No. 8; Book No. I; Series of 2021.

MC: Aug. 21, 28 & Sept. 4, 2021

DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given t h a t R O D I LY N C . A R I S TO S A , o f l e g a l age, widow, Filipino and resident of Brgy. Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato is the vendee of a parcel of land Lot 3113-A-1, Psd12-002419, situated in Bo. Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato with an area of 10,000 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-60348 is the subject of Deed of Absolute Sale of Real Property before Notary Public Renie Jay Abad Soriano as per Doc. No. 378; Page No. 77; Book No. XIV; Series of 2019.

Notice is hereby given that JANRY CALUBIRAN A R I S TO S A , o f l e g a l age, single, Filipino and resident of Brgy. Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato is the vendee of a parcel of land Lot 3113-A-3, Psd12-002419, situated in Bo. Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato with an area of 10,001 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-60350 is the subject of Deed of Absolute Sale of Real Property before Notary Public Renie Jay A. Soriano as per Doc. No. 25; Page No. 5; Book No. VI; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that JANRY CALUBIRAN A R I S TO S A , o f l e g a l age, single, Filipino and resident of Brgy. Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato is the vendee of a parcel of land Lot 3113-A-4, Psd12-002412, situated in Bo. Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato with an area of 10,001 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-60351 is the subject of Deed of Absolute Sale of Real Property before Notary Public Renie Jay A. Soriano as per Doc. No. 175; Page No. 35; Book No. V; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that JANRY CALUBIRAN A R I S TO S A , o f l e g a l age, single, Filipino and resident of Brgy. Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato is the vendee of a parcel of land Lot 3113-A-2, Psd12-002419, situated in Bo. Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato with an area of 10,000 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-60349 is the subject of Deed of Absolute Sale of Real Property before Notary Public Renie Jay A. Soriano as per Doc. No. 390; Page No. 80; Book No. VII; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MALANO P. GUGO and ZANGKALA ACOB who died on May 4, 2014 and May 20, 2010 in Datu Hofer, Ampatuan, Maguindanao, respectively left a parcel of land Lot No. 321-A, Psd(ARMM) 001422, situated at Labu-labu, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, with an area of 33,392 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-29539 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary P u b l i c A t t y. A g n e s P. Paracha-Balleque as per Doc. No. 462; Page No. 93; Book No. 06; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the late FORTUNATO CALUNSAG, who died on May 29, 2017 in Libungan, North Cotabato, left a parcel of land Lot G-1-B, Psd -12024932 situated in Bario Sadaan, Midsayap, Cotabato covered by T C T N o . T- 9 0 4 9 6 , containing an area of 22,302 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap, as per Doc. No. 4613; Page No. 4613; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

MC: Aug. 28, Sept. 4 & 11, 2021

MC: Aug. 21, 28 & Sept. 4, 2021

September 4, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

BARMM inks scholarship MOA with medical school

TO address scarcity of medical professionals in the coming years in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Ministry of Health (MOH) sealed a Memorandum of Agreement with a medical school in Davao City for its scholarship program. On Friday, Ms. Noraina Kamid, RN, Nurse Coordinator for BARMM Scholarship, represented BARMM Health Minister Dr. Bashary Latiph in the MOA signing with Rev. Oliver Paraiso of the Brokenshire College of Medicine-

Davao on Friday at the school main building in Davao City. The MOA covers financial assistance to the current six medical students from the Bangsamoro Region. Each student will have a 100

free tuition and other espenses while studying medicine at Brokenshire College. “We acknowledge that this MOA is the first step towards the increase of healthcare professionals for the Bangsamoro region,”

40 Bangsamoro students complete TESDA course

FORTY indigent students in Marawi City and Lanao Del Sur who are yet to rise from the effects of Marawi siege four years ago are now seeking employment. And the Bangsamoro government is helping them find one or start their self-manage livelihood project. This after the scholars are now equipped with technical skills that will qualify them to highpaying jobs. They all completed vocation courses through the Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) of the Ministry

of Basic, Higher and Technical Education - Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD) in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Composed of 20 graduates for carpentry and 20 masonry, they received their certificates during graduation rites in Marawi City Wednesday. Minister Mohaqher Iqbal of MBHTE-BARMM, said the graduates have undergone more than 30 days of training and subsequently passing two qualifications under the

nationally funded Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP). As part of their scholarship package, a training support fund worth Php4,360.00 and Php6,280.00 were also given to graduates of carpentry and masonry, respectively. Aleida Mangata, provincial director of MBHTE-TESD Lanao del Sur, lauded the graduates for their endurance and determination to earn certificates of completion. “This day is our recognition of your endurance to complete

the course,” Mangata said, adding that TESDA-Lanao del Sur will facilitate their employment to government or private firms. “You are lucky since not all Bangsamoro have the the opportunity to study and earn a degree due to various reasons,” she added. Meanwhile, in a video message, TESDA National Secretary Isidro Lapeña also encouraged the graduates to make use of the skills they acquired in the training to earn decent income. Edwin O.

Fernandez

Lanao Sur schools get aid from BTA member

LANAO del Sur’s district supervisors can now produce educational materials faster and quicker after a Member of Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Member of Parliament (MP) Atty. Maisara Cudia Dandamun-Latiph said she thought of providing district schools with what are needed and most important equipment for education during the pandemic. “I came up with an idea to procure Risograph Marines funded by my Transitional Development Fund,” she said. “I hope it will make your work a lot easier, and faster, for the education of every Bangsamoro,” MP Latiph said. She said the pandemic has affected not only the livelihood sources of the people but also the access to education among the

learners in the Bangsamoro and nation-wide. It has changed the students’ learning method from face to face into online and modular type. This has caused education harder to access especially poor students. MP Latiph recognized that teachers have difficulty adjusting to the new learning and teaching method. “It’s not easy to produce modules for thousands of students,” MP Latiph admitted, saying she empathized with the teachers’ difficulties. On Friday, MP Latiph along with representatives of BARMM Education Minister Mohaqher Iqbal turned over 28 Multi-Purpose Printing Machines turned-over to 28 District Supervisors in Lanao del Sur. “Thank you so much for all these things that you have given us like the Risograph machines which are very timely…Because

in the new setting, we do not have face-to-face classes,” said by Dr. Zenaida Unte, the Schools Division Superintendent of Marawi City “We have enough bond papers but we do not have machines. What you did is a legacy and a pure manifestation of your fervent desire in elevating the quality of education, especially in this time of pandemic,” said Dr. Sahanee Sumagayan, the schools division superintendent of Lanao del Sur I. Dr. Rubina Macabunar, the schools division superintendent of Lanao del Sur II, lauded MP Latiph for the donations even as she vowed to come up with quality modules for the Bangamoro students. “We will see to it that no ink and papers will go to waste so that these Risograph Machines will serve their purpose for every Bangsamoro learners,” Macabunar said. Edwin O. Fernandez

Maguindanao farmers get CLOA from BARMM FARMERS in Maguindanao who are recipients of beneficiaries of agrarian reform program in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BRMM) were reminded not to sell their lands given them by the regional government.

The reminder was issued Saturday by no less than BARMM chief Minister Ahod Murad Ebrahim. “You should take good care of it and develop it for it is a way to attaining better lives in the

future,” Minister Ebrahim told the recipients of Emancipation Patent (EP) or Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) Title distribution by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR).

NEWSBRIEFS

Cops arrest mother-daughter tandem linked to illegal drugs

PARANG, Maguindanao — Police arrested here Sunday a mother-daughter tandem who were wanted for possession and use of prohibited drugs. Police Major Christopher Cabugwang, Parang town police chief, led the police personnel in serving the warrant of arrest against Bai Ungal Mariga, 29 and her mother Malayda Mariga, 51, both residents of Barangay Gadungan. The raiding team was armed with an arrest warrant issued by Judge Kasan Abdulrakman of

RTC-Branch 27. Maj. Cabugwang said the police have launched manhunt against the primary suspect, Ibrahim Mariga, 30, who managed to escape after seeing lawmen approaching his home at 4 p.m. Sunday. Seized from the suspects were two sachets of suspected shabu, marked money and shabu paraphernalia. Maj. Cabugwang said the mother-daughter tandem are now detained at Parang police station lock-up cell. Edwin O.

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato — Police here have launched manhunt against two men who shot dead a couple Sunday afternoon for still unknown reason. Lt. Colonel Rolly Oranza, Midsayap town police chief, identified the victims as Lakmudin Sugador, 79, and his wife Farida, both residents of Barangay Malingao. Investigation showed that the victims were

on board a tricycle from Barangay Poblacion heading to their home village when the suspects arrived on motorcycle and opened fire on them. Responding residents rushed them to the hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival. Oranza said police probers are looking deeper into the case to determine the perpetrators and the motive. Edwin O. Fernandez

Aspiring young agripreneurs from Region 12 are now ready to kickstart their proposed business ventures with profitability potential in Department of Agriculture's Young Farmers Challenge: Kabataang Agribiz Competitive Grant Assistance Program. The DA 12 headed by Regional Executive Director Arlan Mangelen awarded to each participants the checks worth P50,000 as their capital for the planned innovative agri-based micro-enterprises.

A total of 85 individuals from the region will be joining the said competition. "You will be our torch bearers in the coming days of food production... Kayo ang magtra-transform ng ating agri-fishery sector sa ating rehiyon," the director said. These young agripreneurs will seek to successfully implement their business models to be selected as well to compete in the national level with bigger amount for capital set to be given by DA. Carl

Fernandez

Couple slain in North Cotabato gun attack

Eighty five young agripreneurs in Region 12, receives grant from DA 12

Aguillon/DA-12

Conflict-infested barangay in Palimbang gets livelihood support from DA 12 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Barangay Domolol, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat received livelihood assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12. Through the Barangay Extension Service Operation (BESO) Outreach Program initiated by DA 12 Regional Executive Director Arlan Mangelen, over P1.2-Million worth of agricultural projects was turned over by the agency to the IP-beneficiaries. The said activity was the 6th BESO program held

across SOCCSKSARGEN Region. He also urged them to avail the projects and assistance from the “Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran Para sa Kababayang Katutubo” or 4Ks Program, a comprehensive program of DA intended to help in the development of tribal communities. "Katulad ng BESO program, ang 4Ks ay nakatutok din sa pagpapaunlad ng kabuhayan ng ating mga minamahal na IPs," the director said. Justin Aquino/

DA-12

BARMM brings library aid learners in remote areas TOILING THE FIELD. Farmers in Barangay Kolongulo in Surallah, South Cotabato prepare their lands for corn propagation, a major agricultural activity in the municipality, where Muslims, Christians and indigenous T’boli people co-exist peacefully. Surallah is in the upper valley of South Cotabato.

John Felix Unson

The Bangsamoro Government, through the Bangsamoro Library and Archives (BLA), conducted a series of educational outreach program for Bangsamoro learners, on July 22, 26, and 27, 2021 in the Municipalities of Parang, Talayan, and North Kabuntalan, Maguindanao. The BLA team distributed learning materials with hygiene kits, snacks, and toys