The Mindanao Cross | November 21, 2020

SECOND PAGE

Sema back as MNLF top leader/P2

Vol. LXXII| No. 41 | Cotabato City | Saturday, November 21, 2020 |8 Pages | P10.00

CHURCH BACK Pope Francis prays for Filipinos hit by typhoons/P4

Catamco backs AFP’s diplomatic/P8

BTA WANTS TRANSITION UNTIL 2025 The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has adopted proposed Resolution No. 332 urging the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Philippines to extend the Bangsamoro transition period from year 2022 to 2025.

ROAD CLEARING. The city government of Cotabato on Monday, Nov. 16, resumes the removal of all obstructions on national and barangay roads to heed an order by the Department of Interior and Local Government. In a Memorandum Circular No. 2020-145 issued by DILG, all local government units is given 60 days, or from Nov. 16 to Jan. 15, 2021, to comply with a presidential directive to clear all roads of illegal structures and obstructions.

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Photo from City Government of Cotabato

Masked couples exchange “I do’s” in NoCot mass wedding

FORTY-NINE couples exchanged “I do’s” during “face-mask wedding” ceremonies in Tulunan, North Cotabato as the town celebrates 59th founding anniversary Thursday.

Tulunan Mayor Pip Limbungan administered the mass wedding at the town gymnasium which he said was an annual event.

The eldest among the brides was a 52-year-old differently able person who married a 44-yearold farmer. They have been living as husband and wife for the past 10 years without civil or Church wedding.

“Minimum health

protocols were properly observed, that is why it was called face-mask wedding,” Mayor Libungan said.

A photo of couple Carlo and Angelica Magluyan on board a “Payong-payong” (tricycle) as their bridal car went viral in the social media.

It was decorated using indigenous materials and marked “We’re getting married.”

At the back of the “bridal trike” was a banana tree with two banana blossoms symbolizing two hearts to be united in matrimony. Edwin O. Fernandez

Couple Carlo and Angelica Magluyan in their bridal car and with Mayor Pip Limbungan of Tulunan, North Cotabato after the wedding rites.

Photos courtesy of DXND Radyo Bida Kidapawan

Journos grieve over Manar’s demise

REMEMBERED. The Mindanao Cross Correspondent Malu Cadeliña Manar dies at 52.

Valerie Ann P. Lambo

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Radio and print reporters in southern Mindanao are mourning the untimely demise of a multi-awarded

colleague, a renowned peace and conflict-sensitive broadcast journalist.

Malu CadelinaManar, 52, a leader of different media blocs in central Mindanao, died on Sunday due to cardiac arrest.

She was station manager of the Ronda FM station in Kidapawan City.

In a statement Tuesday, the Kampilan Press Corps, a group of reporters covering the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Manar’s death was a big loss to the group.

She was popular for her pro-poor advocacies and production of special broadcast segments promoting human rights, empowerment

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CSC-BARMM hails outstanding civil servants THREE elected Moro executives topped in this year’s regional search for outstanding government workers by the Civil Service Commission-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Dominador Gonzales, Jr., officer-in-charge of the CSC-BARMM, confirmed Wednesday that Mayors Hanie Bud and Nashiba Gandamra Sumagayan of Maluso, Basilan and Taraka, Lanao del Sur, respectively, and Vice Mayor Ali Lawi Sumandar of Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, have won in the search for outstanding government workers in the region.

Gonzales said they were chosen as outstanding public servants based on their performance as

municipal officials.

Bud, now in his second term as mayor of Maluso, one of the 11 towns in Basilan, and Sumagayan both bagged the CSC’s Pag-asa Awards for their efficient management of their respective local government units.

The LGU of Maluso twice received in the past two years the vaunted Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The grant of SGLG to deserving LGUs is a yearly nationwide activity of DILG, premised on “best practices” of recipients, sound fiscal management and active peace and security initiatives.

Sumandar is

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Oblates risk own health in ministry

TWO Oblate priests have been regularly visiting the “sick and the dying” in hospitals in Cotabato City amidst the threat of COVID-19.

Fr. Ben Gomez, OMI, 82, and Fr. Joel Canonizado, OMI are the hospital chaplains of Cotabato Regional Medical Center (CRMC) and Notre Dame Hospital (NDH),

respectively.

While the hospitals are the most risky places at this time, they are the haven for work and ministry for these two OMI priests in Cotabato City.

CRMC and NDH are the busiest places when it comes to hospitals.

Patients coming from North and South

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November 21,2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

SEMA BACK AS MNLF TOP LEADER

Leaders of the one of the factions of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) reinstalled Muslimin Sema as chairman of its central committee, replacing Yusop Jikiri, who died of cancer last month.

SWAB SAMPLING. A frontline health worker of the Bangsamoro government collects swab sample from a staff of an agency directly under the Office of the President that has an office and Cotabato City and whose local personnel have been suspected of having contracted COVID-19 after a companion tested positive for the disease.

John Felix Unson

IN A STATEMENT, the MNLF’s central committee said Sema, a Maguindanaon who had served as mayor of Cotabato City, was unanimously chosen by top front members to replace Jikiri, a Tausug.

The other MNLF faction is led by its founding chair Nur Prof.

Misuari.

The election of Sema was confirmed to reporters on Sunday by Labor Minister Romeo Sema of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, who

Gov. Catamco welcomes MinDA’s river basin project KIDAPAWAN CITY– North Cotabato Gov. Nancy A. Catamco has welcomed the proposed Mindanao River Basin Project (MRBP) by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to address the recurring flooding in the province and in Liguasan marsh.

MinDA Policy Planning and Project Development Officer Joey E. Remicilla met with Catamco at the latter’s office in Barangay Amas here.

Mindanao River Basin Project covers 21 sub-basins in the island of Mindanao, including Pulangi River that was seen by experts as the cause of flooding of

Mindanao’s lowlands and marshlands.

Catamco has ordered the creation of a technical working group to study how the province can actively participate in the project ang save its people and government infrastructures from the destruction the flooding brings.

“I strongly support this comprehensive project and local government units must be involved from planning to actual implementation and its possible impact to the agriculture sector,” Catamco said in a statement.

Catamco will host the Mindanao River Basin

Management Council meeting on Nov. 27, to be led by MinDA chair Sec. Emmanuel Piñol, at the provincial capitol in Barangay Amas here.

A huge part of North Cotabato is covered by the 220,000 hectares Liguasan marshland that regularly submerged by flood when Pulangi River overflows.

Sec. Piñol has been batting for a more comprehensive anti-flood program through massive tree planting in the balding forests of Mindanao as longterm program and dredging of heavily silted rivers and waterways inmany parts of the island. Edwin O.

Fernandez

Police, military braces for Dawlah retaliations

POLICE and military authorities in Soccsksargen region are on heightened alert for possible attacks by terrorists to avenge the deaths of six members of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) in a brief clash in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

“We are not taking chances. The group lost a key member in the encounter in Polomolok last Friday,” Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander told reporters via online messenger.

One of fatalities, Arafat Pataron Bulacon, is a senior leader of the Ansar al-Khilafa Philippines, (AKP), a group under the outlawed Dawlah Islamiya.

The group was linked to ISIS. Police Special Action

Force members and soldiers from 5th Special Forces Battalion were to serve warrants of arrest for murder against Bulacon in Barangay Koronadal Proper in Polomolok when he started firing at lawmen.

A brief firefight erupted and ended with six suspected terrorists killed and two police officers slightly injured.

Bulacon was also wanted for deadly bomb attacks in General Santos City in 2018 and murder of three police officers in Polomolok.

Uy and Police Brig.

Gen. Michael John Dubria, PRO-12 regional director, separately announced early this week that intelligence units have been mobilized to monitor possible retaliations by the

DI for the death of Bulacon and cohorts.

The DI has a reputation for bombing public places, buses and jeepneys to avenge the deaths of members in clashes with the police and the military.

Also killed along with Bulacon were his followers Rushdy Sadalao, simblings Norman, Arsad, Abdulbayan and Mananding, all surnamed Marot.

Dubria said police found beside the cadavers of the slain terrorists assorted firearms, an improvised explosive device and an ISIS flag.

“There is now a joint police-Army effort to locate their companions in Polomolok with the help of local officials and vigilant residents,” Uy said. John

Felix Unson

OFFICIALLY EMPLOYED. About 163 midwives in Maguindanao have received and signed their appointments as barangay health frontliners. Some have been serving for about as contractual or job order midwives. In this photo, they listen instructions prior to the signing.

Ferdinandh Cabrera

is also MNLF’s vice chairman for political affairs.

Sema was named successor of Jikiri during a meeting of MNLF leaders from across Mindanao last November 11 in a function facility in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Sema was a key negotiator during the crafting of the September 2, 1996 governmentMNLF peace agreement.

He was also part of the MNLF bloc that initiated, along with Malacañang and the

Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) of the contentious provisions of the group’s final peace pact with the government that both sides have had misunderstandings over compliance lapses.

The final peace pact between the government and the MNLF was brokered by OIC, a group of more than 50 Muslim nations, including wealthy petroleum exporting states in the Middle East and North Africa.

The MNLF Sema

MUSLIMIN SEMA

group have committed again to support Malacañang’s Mindanao peace process and assured to continue patronizing its final peace accord with the government.

“We also assure of our dedication to

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Mangudadatu is new reservists’ batcom The Army’s 6th Infantry Division has installed Maguindanao Gov. Bai Mariam SangkiMangudadatu as a new battalion commander of 1203rd Regional Community Defense Group.

The change of command ceremony was held at 6th ID gymnasium in Camp Siongco, Awang, Maguindanao.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, 6th ID chief, administered the change of command ceremonies where Reservist Lt. Colonel Datu Guiadzali Midtimbang relinquished his post to Reservist Lt. Colonel Mangudadatu, who calls herself “Agila ng Maguindanao.”

“Lt. Col. Midtimbang was instrumental in the

successful conduct of numerous trainings and exercises within the battalion which paved way for the improvement of essential knowledge and skills of our personnel in 1203rd reserve unit,” Uy said.

Uy, also chief of Joint Task Force Central, has commended Midtimbang for initiating various activities that benefitted its members and the communities they serve.

“You have efficiently performed the tasks given to you. I commend you for bringing 1203rd RRIBN into a greater heights and accomplishing gains for this unit. It is a job well done,” he told Midtimbang.

Uy described the new reservist official as “a truly empowered

woman, brave and a mere example of successful implementation of Republic Act 7192, which recognizes the women in leadership and provides women rights and opportunities equal to that of men.”

Expressing his pleasure to officiate the change of command, he told Gov. Mangudadatu: “As your superior in military service, I assure you my support for whatever the division might help you. Let us work hand in hand in our efforts to bring peace and development to our people.”

Mangudadatu vowed to push for peace, security and progress of her constituents in Maguindanao. Rhoderick

Beñez/DPAO-6ID

Cotabato Light upgrades power substation

THE Aboitiz Power distribution unit, Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light) is currently undergoing a major upgrade of its Malagapas substation in the city.

This upgrade provides the company with an increased energy capacity, ensuring better reliability of power across its franchise area, firm officials said in a statement.

The project involves the installation of new electrical equipment, including the addition of a 15-MVA transformer - a new device that is used to control and protect the equipment at the site.

Regarding the new upgrades, Cotabato Light President and COO Valentin S. Saludes III has emphasized the firm’s commitment to better serve customers in the following statement: “The completion of the Malagapas Substation additional capacity will better serve future electric demand while providing more reliable and continuous power to the Cotabato Light franchise area.”

“The new equipment includes state-of-the-art remote monitoring and

operating capabilities and protective devices, which will mean fewer power outages and faster restoration times for customers.

This is Cotabato Light’s commitment to Advance Business and Communities,” he said.

This enhancement project will address the growing power demand for business and residential customers throughout Cotabato Light’s franchise area.

The project began in June 2020 and is expected to be completed and energized by the end of this year.

AboitizPower is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. It advances business and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities.

The company is one of the largest power producers in the Philippines with a balanced portfolio of assets located across the

country. It is a major producer of Cleanergy, its brand for clean and renewable energy with several hydroelectric, geothermal, and solar power generation facilities. It also has thermal power plants in its generation portfolio to support the base load and peak energy demands of the country.

The company also owns distribution utilities that operate in high-growth areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including the second and third largest private utilities in the country.

In the next 10 years, AboitizPower looks to significantly expand its Cleanergy portfolio, in support of the government's efforts to promote renewable energy in the country and as the company's contribution to the global renewable energy targets.

Sixty-five percent of AboitizPower's new capacities will be sourced from renewables, resulting in an almost 50:50 Cleanergy and thermal capacity mix by 2030. Maria Leene Camo/

Aboitiz Corp. Corporate Communication officer

November 21,2020

Sema back as MNLF top leader...From page 1

work, along with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, in the spirit of convergence and collaboration, in establishing a genuine, lasting peace in the Bangsamoro homeland,” the statement said.

The MNLF said it is steadfast in its conviction that only by peaceful efforts can the Mindanao EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late spouses Sancho Arapoc and Gabriela Omotong, who died intestate on August 7, 2008 and February 8, 2002 at Sinawingan, Libungan, Cotabato, respectively left a parcel of land situated in Bo. of Sinawingan, Midasayap(now Libungan),Cotabato covered

by OCT No. P-51658, Lot No. 468, Pls-134 with an area of 57,440 sq. mts. is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous waiver of rights with before Notary Public Atty. Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 318; Page No. 64; Book No.CC; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 21,28 & Dec. 5, 2020

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 12th Judicial Region BRANCH 14 Cotabato City -oOo-

SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2020-1488 I N T H E M AT T E R O F CANCELLATION/ CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF MOHAMMAD SAED PANANGGULON MALASIGAN, MOHAMMAD SAED P. MALASIGAN, Petitioner. versus

CIVIL REGISTRAR OF KABUNTALAN, MAGUINDANAO, AND ALL PERSONS/ENTITIES WHO/WHICH MAY BE AFFECTED THEREBY, Respondents. x– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –x ORDER

A verified petition was filed by petitioner assisted by counsel praying that after due notice and hearing, an Order be issued directing the herein respondent Civil Registrar to CANCEL and CORRECT the following information supplied in the Certificate of Live Birth under Civil Registry No. 20072993: 1. “Entry No. 1” as to the spelling of the first name of the Petitioner from “MOHAMAD SAED” to “MOHAMMAD SAED”; 2. “ENTRY No. 3a” as to the date of birth of the Petitioner from “15” to “14”; and 3. “Entry No. 3b” as to the year of the birth of the Petitioner from “1993” to “1995” FINDING the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let this case be set for hearing on December 17, 2020 at 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon, at which place, date and time, any person who may have interest, if any, may show cause why the petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published in a newspaper edited and of general circulation in the City of Cotabato and Province of Maguindanao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing, at the expense of the petitioner.

SO ORDERED. GIVEN this 28th day of October, 2020 at Cotabato City, Philippines.

(SGD.) KASAN K. ABDULRAKMAN Acting Presiding Judge

3

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Moro issue hounding the Philippines since the late 1960s be solved to the benefit of all sectors in ADJUDICATION OF SOLE HEIR WITH UNDERTAKING

Notice is hereby given that the late Servando Delima Obenza who died on September 29, 2020 at Davao City, left a Savings Account with Bank of the Philippine Islands, Midsayap Cotabato, with Account No. 000133000-76 is the subject of adjudication of sole heir with undertaking before Notary Public Atty. Teresita Carreon Llaban as per Doc. No. 190; Page No. 38; Book No.LVII; Series of 2020.

Mindanao.

Unson

John Feli x

AFFIDAVIT OF SELFADJUDICATION Notice is hereby given that the late Rosalinda M. Dillera who died intestate on November 7, 2020 at Brgy. Midpapan, Pigcawayan, Cotabato, left a Bank Account at BDO Network Bank, Pigcawayan Branch under Account No. 041220037964, is the subject of Affidavit of self-adjudication before Notary Public Atty. Renie Jay A. Soriano as per Doc. No. 433; Page No. 87; Book No.VII; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 21, 28 & Dec. 5, 2020

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

SDC SPL. PROC. CASE NO. 2020-498 -ForCANCELLATION OF THE FIRST CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH WITH LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY NO. 162-701 AND THE AUTHENTICATION OF THE SECOND CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH WITH LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY NO. 2003-5150.

IN RE: PETITION FOR CANCELLATION OF THE FIRST CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH WITH LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY NO. 162-701 AND THE AUTHENTICATION/VALIDATION OF THE SECOND CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH WITH LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY NO. 2003-5150, EFRAIM PASIGAN EBRAHIM, Petitioner, -versusLOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DATU ODIN SINSUAT MAGUINDANAO Respondent. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x ORDER Before this Court is a petition for cancellation of a Certificate of Live Birth with Registry No. 162-701 and authentication/validation of the second Certificate of Live Birth under Registry No. 2003-5150 alleging inter alia: That petitioner is of age, Muslim Filipino and resident of Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao; That petitioner is the second son of the spouses Ahmad Bayao Ebrahim and Norsiya Guiamad Pasigan who was born on June 1, 1981 at Dimapatoy, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao; That his school records showed that his name is Efraim Pasigan Ebrahim as appering on his second Certificate of Live Birth and other allied documents sush as his Certificate of Appearance, Diploma, Certificate of Training, Medical Certificate for land based overseas workers, Certificate of Attendance, Certificate of Employment, Philippine Passport, NBI Clearance, Resident Permit at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Driving License etc. is his true and correct complete name; That lately he unearthed that he has another Certificate of Live Birth issued by the Local Civil Registrar of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao under Registry No. 162-701, containing erroneous entries such as his name, Ifbrain Pasigan Ibrahim; That he is asking for the cancellation of his first Certificate of Live and for the retention of his second Certificate of Live Birth to avoid confusion and straighten his records, and not to conceal his identities or evade criminal, civil and administrative charges.

Finding the petition sufficient in form and substance, let it be heard on January 12, 2021, at 8:30 in the morning.

The petitioner is directed to cause the publication of this Order once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation at his own expense before the said hearing. Anybody whi may be prejudiced therefrom may file his opposition thereto or appear on the hearing and show cause why the petition not be granted.

SO ORDERED

Cotabato City, Phlippines.

Nov 17, 2020 (Sgd)Hon. Rasad S. Laguindab Acting Presiding Judge

MC: Nov 7, 14 & 21, 2020

MC: Nov. 21, 28 & Dec. 5, 2020

RANEN PAWNSHOP MAIN, BRANCH I, II & III Don Rufino Alonzo & Don Tomas Martinez Sts, Cot. City

Notice for Auction All unredeemed articles pledged on April 2020 will be auctioned on December 1, 2020 at 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please come before December 1, 2020 for renewal or redemption.

Patalastas ng Subasta Lahat ng sangla noong Abril 2020 ay ipagbibili ng Subasta sa Disyembre 1, 2020 sa ganap na ika-8:30 ng umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon. Kung maari ay pumunta bago ang Disyembre 1, 2020 para sa pagbayad ng tubo o pagtubos.

MC: November 14 & 21, 2020

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A 9048/10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that Noel S. Faustino has filed with this office a petition for change of sex from female to male in the birth certificate of Cyrus James Duce Faustino who was born on May 3, 2006 at Lower Gumagandong, Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Noel Sim Faustino and Ma. Zeny Albeso Duce.

Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than December 4, 2020.

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 , Series of 2012 (IRR in R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that, Rochelle Amor O. Llemit has filed with this office, a petition for the Change of First Name from “Rochelle” to “Rochelle Amor in the Certificate of Live Birth of “Rochelle Amor C. Olaer ” at Pikit, Cotabato and whose parents are Ruben Olaer and Nelly Cajutol.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than 21 November 2020.

(Sgd) Editha l. Monterde, MaEd Municipal Civil Registrar

Karim O. Omar, MPA

MC: Nov. 14, 21 & 28, 2020

Republic of the Philippines Supreme Court 5th SHARI’A DISTRICT COURT Cotabato City -o0o-

Republic of the Philippines Pikit, Cotabato Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar

Municipal Civil Registrar

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Marcelino Rafaela who died on July 14, 1997 at Midsayap, Cotabato, left a parcel of land, Lot No. 329-A, Pls-134 situated at Grebona, Libungan, Cotabato, with an area of 17,024 square meters more or less, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with simultaneous deed of absolute sale of portion only before Notary Public Atty. Jose Emilio S. Valentin as per Doc. No. 491; Page No. 99; Book No.CVI; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 21 & 28, 2020

MC: Nov. 14 & 21, 2020

SULTAN PAWNSHOP

corner Bonifacio and Don Rufino Alonzo Sts., Cotabato City

Ang Sultan Pawnshop ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Abril 2020. Ang subasta ay sa Disyembre 01, 2020 sa ganap na ika-8:00 ng mga umaga hanggang ika-4:30 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: Nov. 14, 21 & 28, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late Mr. Wilfredo D. Gerodias & Mrs. Cesaria D. Gerodias who died intestate, left a parcel of land situated in Barangay Arizona, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by OCT No. V-19868, Lot 705, Pls620 with an area of 62,690 sq. mts. is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate with absolute sale before Notary Public Atty.

Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 279; Page No. 56; Book No.CXCVII; Series of 2020.

MC: November 14 & 21, 2020

Notice for Auction

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Main, Agencia de Oro - SK Pendatun Branch, Jose Lim Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Branch I, II, III, IV in Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit Branch, Pendatun Branch of Cotabato City, Parang, Maguindanao and North Cotabato announce the Auction Sale of all unredeemed pledges contracted in November 4 - 29, 2019 at 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Agencia de Oro - Jose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City. Auction Sale will be on November 25, 2020

Patalastas ng Subasta

Agencia de Oro Pawnshop Main, Agencia de Oro - SK Pendatun Branch, Jose Lim Branch, Mabini Branch, ORC Branch, Agencia de Oro Branch I, II, III, IV in Parang, Parang Branch, Carmen Branch, Pikit Branch, Pendatun Branch ng Cotabato City, Parang, Maguindanao at North Cotabato ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sangla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla noong Nobyembre 4 - 29, 2019 sa alas 8:00 ng umaga hanggang alas 4:00 ng hapon sa Agencia de Oro - Jose Lim Branch, corner Jose Lim Sr, and Don Roman Vilo St., Cotabato City sa Nobyembre 25,2020 MC: November 14 & 21 2020

MC: Nov. 7, 14 & 21, 2020

FARM LOTS FOR SALE

- With clean Titles located at Brgy. Cusiong, Dinaig, Maguindanao -Available Lots: -9 lots with areas of 1 hectare -1 lot with 2,625 square meters -1 lot with 1,161 square meters For inquiries call Dolly at 09778448005 or 09209281610

MC: Nov. 21, 2020

VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I AND BRANCH II will hold a public auction sale of all unredeemed and unrenewed items pawned from May 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 on December 10, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., and VGM PAWNSHOP INC. II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City

SUBASTA

Be There, Management

Ang VGM PAWNSOP INC. BRANCH I ug BRANCH II magsubasta sa tanan nga wala lukata ug wala tubui gikan sa bulan sa Mayo 01, 2020 hangtud sa bulan sa Hunyo 30, 2020 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag karung Disyembre 10, 2020 sa VGM PAWNSHOP INC. BRANCH I, Dayao St., ug sa VGM PAWNSHOP BRANCH II, Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City.

MC: November 14, 21 & 28, 2020

Ang Nagdumala

Notice is hereby given that the late Iskak Limba Dianal who died intestate on 19 October, 2020 at Cotabato City, left a Bank Account at Metropolitan Bank Cotabato City Branch with Account No. 406-34-060888-0 and Amanah Islamic Bank Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City Branch with Account No. 003-05-07122-4 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Mark Esmael R. Nor, CPA as per Doc. No. 324; Page No. 65; Book No.II; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 14, 21 & 28, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late Bjunaid Tajo Abid who died on February 14, 2018 at Koronadal City, left a Bank Account with Land Bank of the Philippines with Account No. 00003236100781 and Mitsubishi Montero Sports GLX 2015 Vihicle with Engine No. 4D56UCFL5391, C h a s s i s N o .

MMBGNKG40EF020067 are the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro - Jagunap as per Doc. No. 3903; Page No. 3903; Book No.XXV; Series of 2020.

MC: Nov. 14, 21 & 28, 2020

Republic of the Philippines

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

12th Judicial Region BRANCH 15 Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao (Holding Office at Cotabato City)

SPL. PROC. 20-1472 -forPETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY DUNNE MARTIN T. SANTOS, Petitioner.

versus THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF COTABATO CITY, MR. MARTIN A. SANTOS AND MRS. MA. FILIPINAS T. SANTOS , Respondent, x– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –x ORDER

A verified petition has been filed by the petitioner praying to this Court that after due notice and hearing an order issued directing the Local Civil Registrar of Cotabato City to annotate the correction in the surname of the Petitioner, from Dunne Martin Tanghal to Dunne Martin Tanghal Santos.

WHEREFORE, finding the petition sufficient in form and substance, it is hereby given due course. Petition is set for hearing in November 23, 2020 at 8:30 o’clock in the moring at the session Hall of this court located at the Hall of Justice, Cotabato City. All interested person/s are required to appear and show cause, if there be any, why this petition shall not be granted.

Let a copy of this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation accredited by this Court in the Province of Maguindanao, Philippines, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

SO ORDERED.

Near the beach.

NOTICE

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

GIVEN, this 30th day September 2020, at Cotabato City, Philippines (SGD.) Annabelle D.P. Piang

Presiding Judge

MC: Oct 17, Nov. 14 & 21, 2020

CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - SK PENDATUN CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - BONIFACIO & CONLUCK PAWNSHOP - ORC BRANCH COTABATO CITY

ay nagpapatalastas na mayroon silang Subasta ng mga hindi natutubos na mga sanla. Ang mga ito ay isinangla magmula Abril, 2016 hanggang Mayo, 2016. Ang Subasta ay sa Mayo 31, 2017 sa ganap na ika 8:00 ng umaga hanggang ika 4:00 ng hapon sa nasabing lugar.

MC: November 14 & 21 2020

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November 21, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Pope Francis prays for Filipinos hit by typhoons

Pope Francis offered his prayers to Filipinos affected by disasters that hit the Philippines in recent weeks.

The pope spoke off the cuff during his Angelus address at the Vatican’s St. Peter Square on Sunday to express his solidarity with the southeast Asian nation.

Speaking in Italian, he said: “I express my solidarity to the poorest families and those who are doing all they can to help them.”

The death toll from Typhoon Ulysses has climbed to 67, with dozens more injured or missing.

The storm also forced tens of thousands to seek shelter in evacuation centers as massive flooding inundated several parts of the country.

Five cyclones struck

the Philippines in a span of around two weeks, including Super Typhoon Rolly, the world’s most powerful this year.

Pope Francis also offered his support to all those working to help the victims.

On Nov. 13, the pontiff received in private audience Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

The cardinal is also the president of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of Catholic charities around the world.

The Holy See Press Office announced the

meeting in its daily bulletin and gave no further details.

Caritas Philippines has earlier launched a global appeal to aid those affected by the calamities.

The Church’s social action arm also called on the government to seek international aid, saying that the country cannot do it alone.

“The nation is in quandary,” said Fr. Antonio Labiao, executive director of Caritas Philippines. “It is clear that we cannot do this alone.”

The pope visited the Philippines, Asia’s only Catholic country, in 2015.

Roy Lagarde/CBCP

Caritas Manila warns against fake typhoon donation drive CARITAS Manila is warning against scammers using its name to raise money supposedly for victims of recent calamities.

Its executive director Fr. Anton Pascual said some people are posing as Caritas workers asking for donations.

“Beware of fake donation drives,” Pascual said. “Let’s help our fellow Filipinos and not take advantage of the calamity. Keep spreading the charity virus.”

The charitable agency is currently gathering aid for the victims of typhoons Rolly and Ulysses that devastated several parts of the country.

Caritas Manila also announced that its Covid-19 charity response in partnership with “Project Ugnayan” has reached P1.7 billion.

E

Project Ugnayan is a fund raising initiative led by the country’s leading corporations and business families in cooperation with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation.

It is headed by Ayala Corporation President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala.

The project tapped the vast network of parishes and volunteers under Caritas Manila to distribute gift vouchers that can be redeemed in nearby groceries to challenged communities in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

As of September, over P1.3 billion worth of gift certificates has been given out to 1.3 million poor households in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna. This benefitted 1,909,153 families or 9,611,835

individuals.

Caritas Manila also gave out an additional P318 million worth of food and non-food items to vulnerable groups and service frontliners.

To support Caritas Manila, you can donate to Account Name: Caritas Manila, Inc. to the following peso savings accounts: BDO 000-560045905; BPI 3063-535701; and Metrobank 1753-17506954-3.

For dollar deposits, BPI savings account 3064-0033-55 or USHARE Unionbank savings account 30640033. Donations are also accepted via Paypal and all Cebuana Lhuillier branches.

Pascual said their official fundraising partners are also using the same bank details, “and not their personal accounts”. CBCP

REBUILDING HOMES. A family in the village of Agban the town of Catanduanes rebuild their house, which was devastated by strong winds brought by super typhoon “Rolly” that swept through the Philippines’ Bicol region early in November.

Photo courtesy of Vincent Go/LiCAS.news

Pope Francis: Stretch out your hand to the poor

VATICAN CITY — Jesus is telling us today to stretch out our hand to the poor, Pope Francis said in his Angelus address Sunday.

Speaking from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square Nov. 15, the fourth World Day of the Poor, the pope urged Christians to discover Jesus in the needy.

He said: “At times, we think that to be Christian means not to do harm.

And not doing harm is good. But not doing good is not good. We must do good, to come out of ourselves and look, look at those who have more need.”

“There is so much hunger, even in the heart of our cities; and many times we enter into that logic of indifference: the poor person is there, and we look the other way.

Reach out your hand to the poor person: it is Christ.”

The pope noted that priests and bishops who

very time we and to be obeyed. Rulers come to mass accumulated wealth and we recite this territories. Kings were acclamation right after protected by bodyguards the Our Father, “For the and armies. Even then, as kingdom, the power, and one writer said, “Uneasy the glory are yours now is the head that wears the and forever.” By this crown.” Power is such that response we affirm the others desire to grab it.

Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC kingship of Jesus the Jesus’ kingship is tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com different as we can see in Lord over all creation, both seen and unseen. his various sayings, “I come To Jesus belongs all power and authority on earth that they may have life. I come to serve, not to be and in the heavens. This is what we celebrate as we served. The first among you must be the last and the close the liturgical calendar and begin a new one with last be first. I come to bring good news to the poor the coming season of Advent. Rightly so, all times and and to search out the lost.” Not only did he preach. seasons belong to Christ the King.

He showed what service is by washing the feet of his The second reading from the letter of St. Paul to disciples. Finally, he showed what sacrificial love is the Corinthians describes the reign of Christ, “then by his self-offering on the cross. Jesus is a different comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to kind of King. His throne is the cross, and his crown is His God and Father, when he has destroyed every made of thorns. The Kingdom he comes to establish sovereignty and every authority and power. For he is an anti-thesis to what the world glorifies – power, must reign until he has put all his enemies under his wealth, and honor. Henceforth, the powerless will be feet....so that God may be all in all” (cf. 1 Cor. 15:20ff.) recognized, the poor will be served, and those in the The first reading and the holy gospel describes the margins of society will be given priority. kind of kingship that Christ exercises. The first We will see another aspect of the Lord’s kingship reading from the prophet Ezekiel describes God as the when He comes again as Judge of the earth. True to good shepherd, “the lost I will seek out, the strayed I our Lord’s model of the kingdom, the power, and the will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I glory the criterion of judgement is not the amount of will heal” (cf. Ez. 34:11ff.) The gospel tells the coming power, wealth, and honor that we have accumulated of Jesus to judge the nations. Jesus uses one criterion here on earth but our active service of the least, the for judgement. Did you do good to your neighbor? Did last and the lost. you care for those in need of food, drink, clothes? Did This year we have experienced all kinds of you comfort the stranger and the prisoner? Jesus disasters. We have been through wars, earthquakes, identified Himself with those who are in need care the pandemic, and lately, typhoons and floods. If we and the unfortunate of society. (cf. Mt. 25:31ff). We are citizens of the New Kingdom of Jesus, then these will be judged according to our active responses. unfortunate events can become our opportunities to The idea of the kingdom, the power, and the serve. We may be experiencing “donor fatigue” due glory is reversed by Jesus. His exercise of kingship to these series of events, but there is still something is not the usual way the world understands power that we can contribute. Unfortunately, the past and glory. From a conventional perspective, kings days, even helping out in the calamities have become are rulers whose authority is unquestioned, “Ang politicalized. Forget politics, go out and help. In the utos ng hari ay di mababali.” There were times when Kingdom of Jesus, our passports identify us with the kings had absolute authority over their subjects, even motto, “I serve a King who serves.” AMARE EST over life and death. Rulers expected to be served SERVIRE. MC

The kingdom, the power, and the glory

REFLECTIONS

preach about the poor are sometimes reproached by those who say that they should be speaking about eternal life instead.

“Look, brother and sister, the poor are at the center of the Gospel,” he said, “it is Jesus who taught us to speak to the poor, it is Jesus who came for the poor. Reach out your hand to the poor.

You have received many things, and you let your brother, your sister, die of hunger?”

The pope urged pilgrims present in St. Peter’s Square, as well as those following the Angelus through the media, to repeat the theme of this year’s World Day of the Poor in their hearts: “Stretch out your hand to the poor.”

“And Jesus tells us something else: ‘You know, I am the poor person. I am the poor,’” the pope reflected.

In his address, the pope meditated on Sunday’s Gospel reading,

Matthew 25:14-30, known as the Parable of the Talents, in which a master entrusts wealth to his servants according to their abilities. He said that the Lord also entrusts us with his gifts according to our capacities.

The pope noted that the first two servants presented the master with a profit, but the third hid his talent. He then tried to justify his risk-averse behavior to his master.

Pope Francis said: “He defends his laziness by accusing his master of being ‘hard.’ This is an attitude that we have too: we defend ourselves, many times, by accusing others. But they are not at fault: the fault is ours; the flaw is ours.”

The pope suggested that the parable applied to every human being, but especially to Christians.

“We have all received from God a ‘patrimony’ as human

P7

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection on the Solemnity of Christ the King (A) Readings:

Ezekiel 14: 11-12; 15-17; 1 Corinthians 15: 20-26; Matthew 25: 31-46The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30)

Gospel Passage: “Lord, when did we see you hungry and fee you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you stranger and welcome you or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? And

Meditation:

In the end, the real test of discipleship is ‘believing and attending to the needs of the people I need, that is, caring for and ministering to people, especially the least of our brothers and sisters. The real fellowship at the table of the Lord is when we are able to break bread with the poor. The true image of Christ the King is NOT Jesus with Crown and scepter and sitting on his throne! That is the Constantinian King! The true image of Christ the King is Jesus with a crown of thorns before Pilate or Jesus Crucified with INRI label – the sentence for his claim!

DHIKR SIMPLE METHOD Dhikr is an Arabic word which means REMEMBRANCE. 1st step: Write the text in your heart.

2nd step: Let the text remain always in on your lips and mind - RECITING the text silently as often as possible...

3rd step: Be attentive to the disclosure of the meaning/s of the text in your life.

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

November 21,2020

EDITORIAL

I

Why are we prone to natural disasters?

n the first half of November, the Philippines was battered by three strong typhoons – codenamed Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses.

There was one after Rolly, codenamed Siony which fortunately did not grow into a big one.

As of this writing, the destruction inflicted

by Rolly and Ulysses are still felt by that part of the country where they passed – the Bicol Region and Cagayan Valley in particular.

The Philippines is located in an area of the Pacific Ocean called the Ring of Fire and the Typhoon Belt. Being located in the Ring of Fire makes the country prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. As part of the Typhoon Belt, it is visited by typhoons all year round.

A cursory survey of these events by Wikipedia shows that the following have been observed during the past years and may get worse due to climate change: • Typhoons. Every year, 19 typhoons enter the Philippine region and about 7 or 8 make landfall. In the past, some have been extraordinarily powerful and caused casualties and the collapse of infrastructures in the affected areas • Volcanic eruptions. There are currently 23 active volcanoes in the Philippines. Although they provide an extraordinary spectacle and tourists consider them a unique opportunity for photography, hiking, and other outdoor activities, active volcanoes are extremely dangerous. They can erupt without warning and produce sudden steam and ash explosions • Earthquakes. The Philippines is considered an earthquake zone, where more than 30 earthquakes can take place in just one year. The strongest earthquakes in the Philippines was registered in 1976 with a 7.9 magnitude • Secondary effects. The high frequency of earthquakes and typhoons also results in a number of secondary events to watch out for like floodings and landslides The news is now full of the disastrous effects of this secondary events with the victims calling for help. Many have lost their homes and properties, and have to contend with the mud that mixed with the flood.

However, with the country still battling the Covid 19 Pandemic, very few have been reached in the Bicol Area and Cagayan Valley which are heavily hit by the typhoons.

Recently, Mindanao which was spared by the Typhoons, experienced Magnitude 6 earthquakes. This is a warning because there is a fault line running through Surigao extending to Sarangani where Mt.Matutum is, which may spell danger. Hopefully, it does not indicate that the volcanoes are heating up.

The year 2020 is now coming to an end. Will the year 2021 be a better year for us? Let us hope that all these trials sent to mankind by God be temporary ones, and we will be back to our routine lives. +

is published every Saturday by the Mindanao Cross Publishers, Inc., Sinsuat cor Quezon Avenues, Cotabato City. Tel Nos. (064) 4217161 and E-mail Address: mindanao.cross@gmail.com | mincross101@yahoo.com.ph Fr. Rogelio Tabuada, OMI, Chief-Executive-Officer Eva Kimpo - Tan, Editor-in-Chief Edwin O. Fernandez, News Editor Gemma A. Peñaflor, Administration and Marketing Executive Valérie Ann P. Lambo, Reporter Julito P. Torres, Circulation Officer Karl John B. Daniel, Graphic-Layout Artist 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 Orlando Dinoy CARTOONIST Lourd Jim Diazon

Member: PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Entered as Second Class Mail at Cotabato City Post Office under Permit No. 91-01 Dated August 15, 1991.

O

ne after the other, the typhoons came and battered the Philippines.

On November 1, Super Typhoon Goni, locally named as Rolly, made its first landfall in the vicinity of Bato, Catanduanes with maximum sustained winds of 225 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 280 kilometers per hour. It made a total of four landfalls, and resulted in direct wind damage, storm surge hazard, flooding, landslide, lahar, mudflow, and rockslides along its path. It is the strongest typhoon in the world so far for 2020 according to the national weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

In its situation update dated November 16, ReliefWeb, a humanitarian information service provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said Rolly’s Impact to population in the regions of Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, CAR, and NCR are as follows: a total of 546,155 families or 2,127,408 persons were affected; 296,271 families or 1,156,322 persons displaced; there are 25 dead, 399 injured, and 6 missing persons.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported on November 5 that over P11 billion worth of infrastructure and agricultural products and facilities were destroyed

by Typhoon Rolly.

Still reeling from the devastation caused by Rolly, the country was again battered by Typhoon Ulysses, international codename Vamco, from November 11 to 12. The typhoon unleashed powerful winds and torrential rain that killed dozens of people, destroyed thousands of homes, and left vast areas of Luzon flooded. Based on the latest reports, Typhoon Ulysses has already incurred nearly P4 billion worth of damage to the country’s agriculture sector.

As the Philippines was suffering from the brunt of climate change with the onslaught of Ulysses, President Rodrigo Duterte urged developed nations to cut their carbon emissions in a bid to combat the effects of climate change. In a plenary session of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations recently, Duterte said climate justice must be demanded from those most responsible. Developed countries must lead in deep and drastic cuts in carbon emissions, Duterte said, and they must act now, or it would be too late. “This is their moral responsibility from which there should be no escape,” he said.

Lest it be forgotten, the Philippine government is not totally blameless. Over the years skewered economic development priorities have wreaked havoc on Philippine environment: massive deforestation due

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Demanding climate justice

Thinking Aloud Caloy Bautista

caloyb@gmail.com

to logging, siltation of rivers, extreme drought, among others. There have been countless reminders that the government needs to act to arrest the effects of climate change. This column has featured some.

On Earth Day 2015 the Mindanao People’s Peace Movement came out with a statement calling attention to the issue of the country’s development strategies and how these impact on the environment.

“The environment is continuously threatened by the construction of infrastructures (dams, coal plants), mining, logging, agri-business plantations, oil and natural gas explorations,” MPPM said as it called on the government “to prioritize alternative sustainable development policies versus its present intensification of extractive policies that are detrimental to human welfare and more so to the dignity of the whole creation.”

Early last year, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines raised an alarm regarding the future of the country’s environment. They noted how “Our remaining forests and biodiversity are continually being threatened by extractive mining operations and the building of dams.” They similarly noted “our country’s growing dependence on fossil fuel-based energy, such as coal.”

The recent typhoons and its impact on the Filipinos remind many of the late Ms. Gina Lopez, environmentalist and staunch anti-mining advocate, once ad interim Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. We remember her words: “It is the constitutional right of every Filipino to a clean and healthy environment. It is our right in the Constitution, and that is premier above all, it is the duty of [the] government to grant our people this right, and when people make choices, influence based on interest, transgressing the rights of every Filipino to what God has given them, it is wrong.”

Climate justice must be demanded, from developed countries, and from the national government as well.

Echoing President Duterte’s words, we say it is the government’s moral responsibility from which there should be no escape. MC

HILIPPINE ARMY Chief Lt Gen Cirilito Sobejana is visibly saddened by the floods that hit his home province of Cagayan up North.

Sobejana was born and raised in Alcala, Cagayan.

Initial assessments, Sobejana says, reveals that areas slashed-and-burned or logged over have been planted to corn, a shift that has effectively weakened the hold of upland soil stability that naturally develops from diverse botanical roots.

Cagayan has been placed under state of Nash B. Maulana calamity, due to current deep floods caused by heavy nash.penlight@gmail.com rainfall triggered by Typhoon Ulysses, which has affected a total of 336 barangays, reports say. of water.

Sobejana calls on environmental groups and He says he is glad to learn from its representatives individuals from all sectors to come up with a that the Society of Philippine Foresters, Inc. is common visioning to take off from a no-nonsense planning to push for a representation in Congress assessment of the status of all rivers in the country. via its evolution into a Party-List.

The medalled Philippine Army Chief members The group tells Sobejana that a strong apolitical and officers of the Society of Philippine Foresters push for appropriate policies in Congress can help who he has known from previous places assignment: address the problem of flooding in many parts of Hadji Kahal Kedtag, former secretary of the ARMM the country.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources For Sobejana, the group can help in educating (DENR), and Ishak Dipatuan of the DENR Region the public on the propriety of cropping for specific 12. The two had met Undersecretary Jim Sampulna types of land and on the appropriate use and and former Assistant Secretary Tommy Valdez at the development of our land and other natural the DENR Central Office in Quezon City Thursday resources. last week.

Kedtag, a Forester by profession who represented Sobejana says the challenge is to come up the group along with Dipatuan, says the PA Chief’s with assessment and studies on the status of all call came very timely to the group’s current Philippine rivers. For this, the expertise of the foresights in elevating such shared advocacy to the foresters should be enlisted in all efforts at coming level of the government’s highest Policymaking up with studies on the status of our inland bodies Body—the Congress, that is. MC

Philippine Army Chief laments Cagayan flooding

PENLIGHT

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Those in government or in private life, learn to value things that money can’t buy, that indeed living is survival but neither is it all about money and Charlie Señase worldly possessions.

A timely reminder csenase@yahoo.com from the Author of Life IFE may be long or short but one in these trying times thing certain, it has to end. A reads: “What does it profit a man if topical reminder that all visible he gains the whole world but loses his things are temporal but the unseen soul?” things are eternal which has scientific Life in the hereafter is forever with and biblical basis. caution though that we don’t end up The death toll from prevailing in the lake of fire which is the “second natural calamities and health-related death” but instead in paradise where causes keep mounting that survivors there’s no more hunger and thirst. mourn their untimely demise, espeNational and local leaders must cially the good and the innocent. attend to their respective mandates Notably this week two respectable as “public servants” not just mouthing print-broadcast colleagues in the pro- it during election period as hypocrites fession signed-off or simply wrote 30 do, but to be truly the “servant of all in reference to Malu Cadelina-Manar servants” that can only be had among of North Cotabato and scribe-turned God-fearing rulers and state authoriCebu Rep. Raul del Mar. ties.

Mourners may wonder to ask why Before the year ends, the Supreme the sudden loss of good people that God Court is expected to decide with finality said: “The righteous perishes and no the fate of Cotabato City which for deman takes it to heart. Merciful men are cades since its inception has long been taken away while no one considers that part of the erstwhile Cotabato Empire the righteous are taken away from evil. known as South Cotabato prior to its He shall enter into peace; they shall subdivision creating North Cotabato, rest in their beds, each one walking in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat his uprightness” (Isaiah 57:1-2). provinces.

For it is appointed for men to die Cotabato City used to be the proonce, but after which the judgment that vincial capital of the defunct empire our LORD Jesus Christ was offered province and had been the permanent once to bear our sins and we eagerly seat of government for Central Minwait for His reappearance a second danao (Region XII) and the defunct time, apart from sin but for salvation ARMM’s provisional seat.

(Hebrews 9:27-28).

Despite several plebiscites conDon’t be dismayed of life’s van- ducted by the Commission on Elections ity that despite one’s uprightness or since the evolution of Muslim autonomy wickedness, death is inevitable to all in Mindanao from RAG, LTP, ARMM to that the corrupt and violent are given BARMM the city electorate preferred a remorseful chance to attain spiritual to remain part of Region-12 until the mercy and redemption. questionable plebiscite on May 13, 2019 While still up and about, it’s God’s that incumbent city officials alleged delight that we return; for the LORD to have been manipulated through is not slack concerning His promise evidences of threat and intimidation. as some count slackness. But His long Peace and sobriety could only be suffering toward us is steadfast, not had through our fear of the LORD who willing that any should perish, but commanded us to subject ourselves to that all should come to repentance (2 governing authorities. For God’s peace Peter 3:9). surpasses all understanding. MC

We only live twice

TRUE TO FORM

L

was passing by, so the sick unhappy bird asked the dove and inquires “where are you going? “ The dove replied, “I am going to heaven”. So the sick bird said, “Please find out for me, when my sufferings will continue to end.” The dove replied, “sure I will and bid Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy a goodbye to the sick bird.

The dove reached heaven and franco1573victoria@gmail.com shared the message of the sick any of my friends who have lived bird with the angel in charge at in the United States have adopted the entrance gate.

American traditions and added these The angel said “For the next seven to our very own unique Christmas rituals and years of its life, the bird has to suffer like traditions. Thus, their holiday preparations this , no happiness till then.” The dove said, begin sometime soon, when Thanksgiving “ when the sick bird hears this he will get Day comes on the 26th of November this year, very disheartened, could you suggest any or the last Thursday of November (this could solution to this? “ The angel replied, Tell be another long story, dating back 1621). him to recite this verse “THANK YOU GOD Americans generally believe that their FOR EVERYTHING “. The dove on meeting Thanksgiving is modeled on the 1621 the sick bird again, delivered the message of harvest feast shared by the English colonists the angel to it. (pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag After seven days the dove again was people. The ever present turkey on their passing by and saw that bird was very happy, tables is the symbol of the celebration of the feathers had grown on his body, a small plant feast. Thanksgiving Day in America is often grew in the desert area, a small pond of water as grand as their Christmas Day. was also there, the bird was singing and For most people though, every day is a dancing cheerfully. thanksgiving day. Just open your FB, most The dove put forth his query to the angel. everyone expresses thanks for “waking up this The Angel replied, “Yes it is true, there was day”, have learned to say the words “thank no happiness for the bird for seven years, but you”, send thank you cards, reciprocate gifts. because the bird was reciting “Thank you We offer Thanksgiving masses for birthdays, God for everything” in every situation, his anniversaries and for any reason we choose. life changed.

We show our appreciation by saying “thank When the bird fell down on the hot sand you”. How does thanksgiving differ from it said “Thank you God for everything”. gratitude?!

When it could not fly, he said “THANK Thankfulness is conscious act from the YOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING”. When person who received the benefit. It can be an it was thirsty and there was no water automatic response most of time, just like a around, it said, THANK YOU GOD FOR habit, while gratitude is a sense of feeling that EVERYTHING” happens at a deeper level, that comes from Whatever the situation, the bird within your heart. The act of gratefulness is kept repeating “THANK YOU GOD FOR memorable and can live for a long time. The EVERYTHING”. Whatever the situation, the way to live an enriching and fulfilling life is bird kept repeating THANK YOU GOD FOR to live with gratefulness. Being thankful is EVERYTHING”, and therefore the seven great and being grateful is even better. You years got dissolved in seven days. want to live a life with feeling that you are When I heard this story, I felt a always blessed with people and things around tremendous shift in my way of feeling, you. And you can only achieve this state of thinking and accepting and viewing life. It being through gratefulness. (culled from The helped me to shift my view from what I did Wisdom Post) not have, to what I have in life.

In this regard, I found this story in FB The purpose of sharing this message is and wish to share it with our readers. to make all of us aware of how, powerful the There was a bird who lived in the desert, attitude of gratitude is. It can reshape our very sick, no feathers, nothing to eat and lives. Let’s say this verse continuously to drink, no shelter to live in. One day, a dove experience the shift in our lives. MC

Thankfulness and gratitude THE STUFF OF LIFE

M

November 21, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

learning achievement than direct learning. Students with high self-efficacy category have better mathematics learning achievement than those who have moderate and low self-efficacy category.

Students with moderate self-efficacy are having the same mathematics learning achievement with those having low self-efficacy category. There is an interaction between discovery learning model with a scientific approach and selfefficacy toward student’s mathematics learning achievement.

Therefore, DL with scientific approach can improve student learning achievement.

Mathematics is a science that has an important role in education because mathematics equips students analytical knowledge needed in learning.

Explanation: Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.

Self-efficacy reflects confidence in the ability to exert control over one’s own motivation, behavior, and social environment. These cognitive selfevaluations influence all manner of human experience, including the goals for which people strive, the amount of energy expended toward goal achievement, and likelihood of attaining particular levels of behavioral performance. Unlike traditional psychological constructs, self-efficacy beliefs are hypothesized to vary depending on the domain of functioning and circumstances surrounding the occurrence of behavior. MC

Making module in mathematics

MATH &SCIENCE

L

Prof. Marino Ridao

ridaomarino@yahoo.com.sg

ast issue of this Column I suggested to students in the Graduate Level to conduct a study in making a good Module in their thesis or dissertation requirements.

I found two studies in Google making modules: one Module in Geometry and the other, Algebra Geometry is one of the branches of mathematics that has an important role in the study of mathematics. This justifies conducting the research on Discovery Learning (DL) toward learning achievement. This is also the aim of the Modules given by the Department of Education (DepEd) to our students in our country. Hence it is also worth spending our time helping our students improve their learning achievement in mathematics.

The data in the Research were obtained through the test and questionnaire in the high school and were analyzed by using two-way ANOVA in statistics.

Conclusion: The result of the research shows that DL with scientific approach has positive effect towards mathematics learning achievement.

It says that DL with scientific approach gives better mathematics

Resilience and agri-based enterprises…

market driven and have sufficient capital and/ or access to reasonably priced loans when necessary. A farmer or a process than can only plant or manufacture when granted subsidy will never become a true Danny Buenbrazo enterprise. It will sink danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com or swim, depending on the availability of free The pandemic sweeping the world money and inputs. is now on its tenth month and its effect Those sole-proprietor selling on the economy and the lives of people chicken barbecue or pastil do not rely had been severe, catastrophic for some. on government subsidy, The fortune of For business firms, the best that their business depends on their ability most are striving for is to just remain to raise capital, make products that afloat and hopefully regain their old suit the people in their market, and to level of activity prior t COVID-19. The cope with other business requirements economic meltdown does not affect the and challenges. If they make wrong micro or small enterprises only. Airlines, business decisions, they will end up big hotels, manufacturing firms, and losing their enterprises or even the shirt other types of businesses are either at their back. Why should agricultural losing heavily or had closed shop. enterprises be treated differently?

However, despite the raging One company that proved that there pandemic, there are still enterprises is a reward for those who engaged in that continue not only to survive but agriculture-based enterprises is the continue to grow and poised to really fly Malibacao Agricultural Cooperative when things are back to the old normal. of South Upi, Maguindanao led by I wrote a column or two on the Estanislao Gepte, Jr. or June Gepte. winners and losers, referring to business Their processed coffee brand North sectors, during this period of health Star won the Argent Prize for the emergency. Those that provide essential Puissant Doux category of the 6th goods and/or services are doing much International Locally roasted Coffees better than enterprises in other lines Contest organized by the French Agency of business. On top of the list are food for the Valorization of Agricultural manufacturers and distributors, medical Products in Paris, France last 16 supplies and medicines, financial related November 2020. businesses like money transfer or The North Star brand bested entries remittance companies. from Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Indonesia, A person or firm carrying out an Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Togo, Ethiopia, activity or a formal business producing Haiti, Gabon, and Vietnam (one of the basic goods or services still need to leading coffee producers of ASEAN). think strategically and execute his or If follows in the footstep of previous its plans correctly if a positive outcome Philippine winners: Baras Coffee of is to be expected. Those in agricultural Sagada, Mirabueno Coffee of Bukidnon, production and manufacturing or and SGD Coffee of Northern Sagada. processing activities using agricultural With their recognition, the company produce as inputs could thrive better and its brand are expected to have higher if they abandon their dependency on volumes of business in the future and subsidies and dole-outs. The business perhaps become a regular exporter of will never achieve stability of operation locally processed coffee products. if it continues to rely on assistances and May we continue to see intrepid a market with artificial price structure. entrepreneurs that would bring their brands An agriculture-based firm must be to national and foreign markets. MC

MARKET DRIVEN

7

THE MINDANAO CROSS

November 21,2020

BTA wants transition until 2025 ... From page 1 Journos grieve over Manar’s...From page 1 Member of the Parliament (MP) Jose Lorena, one of the principal authors of the resolution, said this is to provide the BTA with sufficient time to continue in performing its powers and functions, and complete its mandate.

Lorena also said that his basis for passing the resolution is Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s position that he is in favor of extending the transition period.

“I stand by our chief minister, when he declared that in the normalization, there are much to be sought off,” he said.

Ebrahim said he supports the recommendation of the Mindanao Peoples’ Caucus (MPC) on extending the transition period for another three years.

MPC, a peace advocacy group, has conducted a rapid midterm review on the Bangsamoro transition period through record reviews, key informant interviews, and focused group discussion with various stakeholders.

“Ang challenge kasi dito is we have two tracks in the peace process – the governance track and the normalization track,” Ebrahim said.

“The first track will be the governance aspect, ito na yung pagpapatayo ng Bangsamoro, pag-organize ng BARMM. There is that other track na more comprehensive, itong normalization track,” he explained.

“Sa normalization, dyan yung decommissioning ng BIAF (Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces), dismantling of private armies,

pagpapatayo ng police force for the region. Nandiyan yung rehabilitation ng combatants after they are decommissioned, pati yung amnesty. Maraming naka tie-up dun sa normalization,” he added.

“Sa tingin namin talagang kapag nagkaroon ng election (sa 2022 sa BARMM), ang mangyari ma-sideline na yung normalization at hindi ma-implement. Yun ang magiging problema natin,” Ebrahim explained.

According to Ebrahim, the initially decommissioned 12,000 BIAF combatants are yet to receive the P1-million each economic package the national government has promised in exchange for them returning to civilian life.

“Hanggang ngayon ay di pa naibibigay. So ‘yun ang challenge, paano i-convince yun mga susunod na combatants. Sasabihin nila ‘wala namang nagyari dun sa nauna, bakit mag-decommission pa tayo?’” he said, noting that the MILF has target 40,000 combatants for decommissioning.

“So sana matapos yung term ng transition, maimplement na rin lahat nung sa normalization process para mag-coincide […]

Kailangan i-push namin na before the election talagang yung normalization track ay ma complete natin,” Ebrahim said.

Also cited in Resolution No. 332 are the calls to extend the transition period from the League of Municipalities of the Philippines’ (LMP) chapter in Tawi-Tawi, Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Tawi-

Tawi, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Maguindanao.

Lorena was asking for the extension of the transition period and not his extension as a parliament member. This was backed

by MP Mohagher Iqbal.

beings, a human richness, whatever it may be. And as disciples of Christ we have also received the faith, the Gospel, the Holy Spirit, the Sacraments, and so many other things,” he said.

“These gifts need to be used to do good, to do good in this life, in service to God and to our brothers and sisters. And today the Church tells you, she tells us: ‘Use what God has given you and look at the poor. Look: there are so many of them; even in our cities, in the center of our city, there are many.

Do good!’”

He said that Christians should learn how to reach out to the poor from the Virgin Mary, who received the gift of Jesus himself and gave Him to the world.

After reciting the Angelus, the pope said that he was praying for the people of the Philippines, struck last week by a devastating

typhoon. Typhoon Vamco killed dozens of people and forced tens of thousands to seek shelter in evacuation centers. It was the 21st powerful storm to strike the country in 2020.

“I express my solidarity to the poorest families who have been subjected to these calamities, and my support to those who are trying to aid them,” he said.

Pope Francis also expressed his solidarity with Ivory Coast, which has been engulfed by protests following a disputed presidential election. An estimated 50 people have died as a result of political violence in the West African nation since August.

“I join in prayer to obtain the gift of national harmony from the Lord, and I exhort all sons and daughters of that dear country to cooperate responsibly for reconciliation and

peaceful coexistence,” he said.

“I encourage in particular the different political actors to reestablish a climate of mutual trust and dialogue, in the quest for just solutions that protect and promote the common good.”

The pope also appealed for prayers for the victims of a fire at a hospital treating coronavirus patients in Romania. Ten people died and seven were critically injured in the blaze in intensive care ward at Piatra Neamt county hospital on Saturday.

Finally, the pope acknowledged the presence in the square below of a children’s choir from the town of Hösel in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

“Thank you for your songs,” he said. “I wish everyone a happy Sunday.

Please, do not forget to pray for me.” CNA

“I beg to disagree, yung ibang mga observation, that this is self-serving for our part. Because first of all hindi naman natin alam na tomorrow, next year or any other day (maaring) wala na tayo. This is for our people,” Iqbal stressed.

“Just imagine, 17 long years of negotiation, can we implement what has been in the law for just 3 years?” Iqbal said, adding that three-year transition is too short, and that the MILF was originally pushing for a six-year transition.

“Pag hindi ho tayo ma-extend, hilaw po ang implementation ng normalization process,” he said.

“Of course this is not a blaming game. Hindi natin bine-blame ang gobyerno, neither are we blaming the MILF. Because we are already partners, not just in the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law but even in the implementation of the agreement between the government and the MILF,” he emphasized.

“Nararapat lang po na itong resolution na ito ipasa natin not as a self-serving exercise but it is for our people. It is part of our assertion na kailangan talaga kung anong naumpisahan natin dapat po matapos nating mabuti,” Iqbal said. BPI-

BARMM

of women and MuslimChristian solidarity.

Garry Fuerzas, a Bombo Radyo reporter based in Midsayap North Cotabato, said Manar was a mentor to companions and was “motherly” in dealing with companions in the print and broadcast communities.

Manar started as beat reporter of the popularly influential station dxMS, a now seven-decade outfit in Cotabato City

of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) that pioneered “peace reporting” in southern Philippines.

The OMIs has six radio stations in the south and has also been publishing since 1948 the Mindanao Cross weekly newspaper where Manar used to write.

“We are saddened by her demise. We lost a crusading colleague, one who has penchant for defending the poor and helpless,” said Williamor

Magbanua, reporter/ anchor of DXND Radyo Bida in Kidapawan City and Manar’s broadcasting partner for years.

North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco said Tuesday she, too, is grieving over Manar’s death.

Manar is survived by husband, Rey, an employee of Kidapawan City, and two daughters, Carel and Rae Mari e. John Felix

Unson

MAFARLENGKE SA BGC. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform launches ‘MAFAR Local Exchange and Network of Goods in any Kind of Emergency (MAFARLENGKE),’ a convenient market place for the Bangsamoro farmers and fisherfolk, at the Bangsamoro Government Center on Thursday, Nov. 19.

Photo courtesy of MAFAR-BARMM

Pope Francis: Stretch out your...From page 4 Oblates risk own health...From page 1

CSC-BARMM hails outstanding...From page 1 recipient of the CSC’s Dangal ng Bayan award for 2020, according to Gonzales.

Gonzales said a bloc of employees in the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, the Gandingan Group, helping push MSU’s operation as Mindanao’s largest staterun academic institution

forward, was also named “Pag-asa awardee under the group category of the search.

“These awardees qualified for the awards based on criteria set by the Civil Service Commission,” Gonzales said.

An employee of the Social Social Security System in Sulu, Sitti

Alhada Abayan, was also chosen to receive the Dangal ng Bayan award.

“We in CSC-BARMM are thankful to all those who helped us facilitate the commission’s search for outstanding government workers in the Bangsamoro region for this year,” Gonzales said. John Felix

Unson

Cotabato come here since they have the most advanced facilities in the area.

CRMC is a government hospital which caters mostly the indigents and the poor who can’t afford medical health services in private hospitals.

NDH, on the other hand, is a private hospital managed by Dominican Sisters. It is the biggest private hospital in Cotabato City with more advanced health facilities and with competent doctors and nurses.

The two had been in this ministry and as hospital chaplains for several years now. But Fr. Gomez served in this ministry almost all his entire priestly vocation.

Ministry to the sick is a call to all priests. It is more than a duty as some would say. It is a commitment to one’s vocation to seek those who are in need, especially those who are poor and marginalized.

“It is not about us (priests) bringing Christ to the people. Visiting the sick in the hospitals is not entirely about healing.

Rather, our presence is an avenue for sick people to feel and deeply experience God in their lives, especially in their sufferings. It is God who decides and acts on miracles and healing, not the priest,” Fr. Gomez

said.

A very simple man of God, Fr. Gomez experienced different moments of healing, miracles and deaths to those he met in the hospitals, either, by chance in the hospital corridors or by his regular visits.

And not only spiritual healing and personal conversations, Fr. Gomez also wanted to ensure those who are in the hospitals will have some food to eat or money to buy for medicines.

Some people and friends would show their generosity by helping Fr. Gomez in his ministry to the sick, financially, to be used for the needs of the sick and their families.

“Sometimes, you have to wake up in the wee hours and go to the hospital because someone is in need of a priest. And for 24-hours, your cellphone must be ready for any calls or texts. Whether you have eaten or not, have taken a bath or just woke up, when someone is in need, then you must go,” Fr. Gomez said.

At NDH, Fr. Canonizado also had his regular visits to the sick aside from his regular morning mass at the NDH chapel.

Like Fr. Gomez, he also administers the anointing of the sick and converse

with the families staying in the hospital.

With the advent of COVID-19, many would think that they are at risk of contracting the disease. They underwent some tests, and they were virus-free.

When Fr. Ben was asked about what he thinks of not getting infected with COVID-19, he said that the doctor told him that he has a strong immune system.

But he still feels that most of his health conditions are by the grace of God who protects him every day.

The ministry to the sick caters to all people regardless of one’s faith, race or religion. For these two priests, they believe that some people in the hospitals simply need someone to talk to, someone who will listen to them, someone who can comfort them in times of their sickness.

The OMIs, in the presence of Fr. Gomez and Fr. Canonizado, is a great reminder for all of us to always trust the Lord especially in this time of uncertainty and to search and serve those who are in need.

It may not be easy, but it is a call to live a life worth-living. Fr.

Rockmoore Saniel,OMI

8

CATAMCO BACKS AFP’S DIPLOMATIC CAMPAIGN

North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco has pledged to give her all-out support for the military’s diplomatic campaign against the New People’s Army (NPA) in the province.

At the same time, Catamco pushed for a more government presence and services to communities previously influenced by communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) on top of military program that will end communism in the province.

“We are bringing basic government services to the people in communities formerly influenced by communist rebels, and we are happy serving them,” Catamco said in a statement adding that many villagers claimed it was their first time to feel government presence in their communities.

Catamco led the “Serbisyo caravan,”

November 21, 2020

THE MINDANAO CROSS

a convergence of government agencies to serve the people, including health, agriculture and services of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

“Many applied for birth certificates and other government issued documents through the PSA,” Catamco added.

Part of the “caravan” was the presentation of Army programs that will help bring former rebels to the mainstream.

Catamco received security briefing from the Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade, led by brigade commander Colonel Potenciano Camba.

The Army has

been implementing Community Focus Program (CFP), an outreach program where the soldiers peacefully convince the populace that it is best to support the military and the government than continue fighting it.

"Insurgency has destroyed many lives, many children and families and it must end,” Colonel Camba said, asking Gov. Catamco’s support to end this nonsense armed struggle of the rebels.

“Through your help for the AFP, I believe we will succeed and win this war without firing a gun,” he said.

“We are in your team, we will be beneath your wings,” Camba told Catamco who responded by saying the provincial government will support all programs the Army will undertake in the province.

“We will make this ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) effective,” she said. “We do not one a repeate of old strategy of taking ‘one step forward and five steps backward.”

“We are doing these programs not for us but for our next generation,” Catamco, the first IP governor of North Cotabato said. Edwin O.

Fernandez

NURTURING THE FORESTS. Environment workers and former Moro rebels turned forest rangers plant trees across the denuded forests of Maguindanao from Oct. 22 to Nov. 14. For three weeks, the ‘palaws’, together with volunteers and employees of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources– B a n g s a m o r o Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, managed to plant some 30,000 mahogany seedlings during a series of tree planting activities.

Photo courtesy of MENRE-BARMM

More medical facilities up in Maguindanao HEALTH authorities in the Bangsamoro Region on Wednesday inaugurated yet another modern health facility as the region continue to prioritize health services to its constituents.

In pursuit of the determination to provide quality health services for the Bangsamoro, officials of the Ministry of Health (MOH) have officially opened the newly-constructed operating and delivery building, 15-bed capacity medical ward under the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP), and a motorpool building to Datu Odin Sinsuat District Hospital in Maguindanao.

Dr. Amirel Usman, M O H - B A R M M minister, along with Dr. Elizabeth Samama, acting chief of hospital, and Maguindanao Provincial Health officer Mohammad Ariff Baguindali, led the ceremonial turnover and ribbon cutting.

Dr. Usman said the ministry's main goal is to provide a comfortable living condition to every Bangsamoro through health services whether preventive approach or curative.

Speakign during the program, Dr. Usman commended all the Bangsamoro “health warriors” for their steadfastness, altruism and commitment to serve

the people.

"Today, as we are turning over the object of this event, in this health facility, let us all help one another. Let us all focus on a greater goal for all the Bangsamoro," Usman said.

Dr. Samama emphasized that the modern facilities will become integral part of the district hospital.

"To the Bangsamoro regional government, we are really optimistic that you will touch the lives of each and every Bangsamoro constituents all throughout the region," she said.

MOH also provided 30 transport boxes dedicated for Covid-19 specimen and 39 boxes of maternity kits to IPHOMaguindanao.

The Parang Rural Health Unit (RHU) in Parang, Maguindanao will also receive health facilities today.

Also early this week, the Bangsamoro government, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP), and Department of Health (DOH) Manila had forged an agreement for the construction of PHP57 million worth of rural health clinics intended for the health needs of decommissioned members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Edwin O. Fernandez